Blog Archives - Heelan' Homestead Ltd

A Wee Update ... Sloths and Spiders.

30/5/2020

Good morning ... hope you’re all well and the sun is shining, it certainly is here and we’re enjoying every moment of it. As promised, I’m happy to share our first update, this weeks been a busy one.
There’s lots of projects underway in the garden and there never seems to be enough hours in the day ... we’re levelling some land for a small orchard and next week we’re hoping to make a start on our greenhouse. I’m so impatient to get started ... 😅 We eventually found some great plans online, that we think will work well for our site. As we’re quite exposed and often get high winds, whatever goes up needs to be strong. But more on that later ...

In the shop, I’ve been busy making cards and listing some new designs.
I’m so excited to share them with you, but would love to hear suggestions for more designs you’d like to see ... any ideas welcome ... ??? 🙏
I’ve also made a start on photographing my winter knitting. Sunny days outside, mean that I can show the colours in a better light ... pictures never look quite the same indoors. So that being said, I’ll be listing loads of new hats over the next few weeks on our website shop and Folksy. Some old favourites, but I’ve also tried out some new ideas with alpaca mixed yarn ... beautiful colours and extremely soft. Stay tuned ...

Anyway, hope you have a lovely weekend and can kick back and relax.

Stay safe, stay positive, smile ... 😃

Oh, nearly forgot ... I’ve popped a new recipe page on our website. If you’d like to take a peek, I’ll be adding to it regularly ... so any questions, please feel free to ask. I could talk about baking all day ... 😋🥰

Hand Stitched Cards

Some Anniversay Baking ...

27/5/2020

A little something for my husband who works so hard and does so much for us all.
We weren’t able to go out to celebrate, but that’s ok ... we have each other and that’s the most important thing. Something I never take for granted and appreciate more now, than ever before.
So, I got creative in the kitchen making one of his favourite cakes. It’s just a vanilla sponge, but packed full of fresh cream and summer berries. I also popped a layer of strawberry jam on the bottom sponge and dusted the top with icing sugar. It tastes so good, a real treat and I know how much he loves it and I loved seeing the smile on his face ... Happy Anniversary ... 🥰 Xxx

Berkey Water Filter ...

26/5/2020

Such an exciting day ... our Royal Berkey water filter final arrived. 🥳😃🥰
I’m overjoyed with it, no more seasonal issues with Cryptosporidium and it filters really quickly. The water tastes amazing too, such a difference ... so, so happy and such peace of mind. 👍
https://berkey-waterfilters.co.uk/

Shop Updates ...

23/5/2020

Happy Saturday everyone ... hope you’re all having a good weekend so far.
We’ve got rain here today and boy is the wind blowing ... really rattling the roof 😯... hope you’re staying safe.
So, as we’re stuck inside for a while, thought I’d share a quick update with you.
From now on I’ve decided to only pop shop updates on social media once a week ... probably Saturday. These will include all of our newly listed handmade / vintage items, both on Folksy and from our website shop and any offers / giveaways that we may be running.
For the rest of the time, I’m hoping to share more recipes (I love baking) and homesteading fun in general.
Anyway, here are some of the items we’ve been working on this week ... hope you like ... 🤞
Stay safe, stay positive ... 😃👋
Hand Stitched Cards ...
All of our cards are sewn by hand and are left blank inside for your own message. Each one comes with an envelope to match and a free gift tag.

Summer Sunsets ...

21/5/2020

There was an urgent squeal from my daughter to look out of the window. After a brief moment of panic, thinking there was a problem with the horses ... this is what I saw.
Wow 😮 ... I’d forgotten how truly beautiful the sunsets are at this time of year ... 😌

Happy Ducks ...

20/5/2020

With the fencing replaced around our property, we decided to let our ducks free range during the day.
And so far so good ... They waddle out in the morning, always with plenty to say, have loads of fun exploring and swimming, then graciously pop themselves in at night. I love watching them potter around the place, so much fun and such quirky personalities. Great to see them living the good life ... and beautiful eggs for my baking.
Next project is to increase the size of their pond ... 🦆🤞

Busy Little Bee ...

18/5/2020

We had a wee visitor in the garden today and she was enjoying our apple blossoms just as much as me.
Along with some sunshine and a gentle breeze, it’s definitely been a good day ... ☀️🐝

Some Sunday Baking ...

10/5/2020

Some Sunday baking and my favourite thing to make on a sunny day ... sundried tomato and basil quiche. 🥰
It’s so quick to make and easily serves 6 to 8 people.
Here’s my recipe if you’d like to have a go ...

Filling :
5 eggs (beaten), 200g cheddar cheese (grated), 1 small onion (finely chopped), 1 tablespoon of dried chopped chives (you can use fresh if you have them), 285g jar of sundried tomatoes (drained and chopped), 450ml of cream (single or double), season with ground black pepper. Small bunch of fresh basil (chopped).

Pastry:
225g of plain flour, 150g of margarine, water to make a firm dough about 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons.

To make:
Make your pastry first, by rubbing the flour and margarine together to form breadcrumbs. Add the water slowly until you have a firm dough. Pop in a freezer bag or wrap in kitchen film and place in the fridge whilst you prepare the filling.

Beat the eggs together in a deep bowl and season with black pepper. Mix in the chives and onion. Add the cheese and cream and beat the ingredients together. Put to one side.

Grease and flour a flan case (mine is about 30cm across). Roll out your pastry and line the case. Blind bake for about 15 minutes.

Remove from the oven and fill with your egg / cheese mixture, spreading it out evenly. Now pop your tomatoes on top, evenly spacing them and sprinkle on your chopped basil. Then gently press down the tomatoes and basil with a fork, to partially cover with the egg mixture.
Bake in the oven for about 30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Serve with a fresh salad or lovely steamed vegetables.

That’s it ... so yummy, hope you enjoy ... 😋 Time to call the men in for lunch ...
Sorry I can’t give you temperatures, but as I cook on a range ... most of my baking is done by eye. 😅X
https://www.lakeland.co.uk/…/Perfobake-Loose-Based-25cm-Per…

Peace At Last ...

5/5/2020

Sitting under the silver birch and taking a moment to kick back. Just listening to the birds sing and watching the clouds drift gently by ... 😌

Our First Mushroom Of The Year ...

2/5/2020

Good morning ...☀️ and a happy Saturday to you all. 👋
As it’s pouring with rain today, I’m contemplating some indoor projects.
But first, I had to check on my Aerogardens and spray my mushrooms.
I keep my mushroom trays in a cupboard, with the door cracked open (away from direct sunlight) and I’m always excited to see how they’re coming along.
As I opened the door, I was over the moon to discover this monster ... I have to say, it has some weight to it. One very happy son, was quick to suggest a creamy mushroom pasta for supper tonight. So I guess we have a plan ... 😃😋
If you’re in the Uk ... ‘Suttons’ do some wonderful mushroom kits if you want to have a go ...