Thanksgiving

So with the US elections dominating the news over the last few weeks, we will all be forgiven for thinking that we were actually in the US... Which got me thinking that it's Thanksgiving over there next week... 

Now although we don't celebrate Thanksgiving in South Africa (even though I really think we should because even though we have our issues -- & which country doesn't -- we still have plenty to be thankful for... 

So, we've decided to celebrate our own version of Thanksgiving this year! 

I've managed to get an authentic Pumpkin Pie recipe from a US friend of mine which I'd like to share with you incase you're also keen to give a little thanks the American way this year: 

PUMPKIN PIE

1 unbaked 9-inch (4 cup volume) deep dish pie shell

¾ cup sugar

½ tsp salt

1 tsp ground cinnamon

½ tsp ground ginger

¼ tsp ground cloves (or substitute nutmeg if you prefer)

1 can (15oz) 100% pure pumpkin

1 can (12 fl oz.) evaporated milk

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Mix the sugar, salt, cinnamon, ginger and cloves in a small bowl. Beat eggs in a large bowl. Stir in pumpkin and spice mixture. Gradually stir in evaporated milk.

Pour into pie shell.

Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350 degrees. Bake 40 – 50 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack for 2 hours. Serve immediately or refrigerate.

***

Incase you're into crafts and are looking for some creative inspiration, have a look at this blog for free templates to get you going...

We'd love to hear your thoughts on giving thanks and creating an event out of it.

In the meantime, be thankful each and every day for all that we have.

Love 

Leigh

xoxo

November special

With just 6 weeks to go before the start of the "silly season", we've decided to run a special during the month of November so that people can recharge their batteries! This is perfect for people who end up having to work through December and January.

- 1 week (Saturday - Saturday)
- 2 bedrooms
- max 4 people
- self catering (full kitchen, DSTV, braai area)
- R4,000 for the week

Please email us leighscottage@gmail.com if you're interested (oh, and feel free to share this with anyone who might need a much needed 'break' before the start of the holiday season). 

In the meantime, start working on those Christmas shopping lists -- it'll be here before you know it!

Love
Leigh
xoxo

The patio is complete...

Hooray! The patio awning is up! And what a difference it has made.

Here are the BEFORE and AFTER shots:

BEFORE                           AFTER

So now all we need is the boundary wall to go up (currently there's just a fence), the grass to grow and the plants to flower. I've been contemplating adding more plants to the area to brighten it up a bit.

But in the meantime, the guests that are currently staying in the cottage are enjoying the shaded outside area.

So once again, watch this space as Leigh's Cottage continues to be nipped and tucked to truly become your "home away from home".

Leigh
xoxo