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

Prepping for the next six weeks...

It has been a busy six weeks, with an even busier six weeks ahead of us and we wouldn't want it any other way.

The Cottage is coming along nicely with the grass growing in all the right places. The garden has certainly been in favour of all the wonderful rain we've been blessed with lately.

We have had the good fortune of meeting some amazing people who have stayed in Leigh's Place over the last six weeks and we look forward to meeting many many more. 

Our special for January: book and pay in full for any 2013 booking and you'll receive a 15% discount off your total accommodation bill... 

So from all of us at Leigh's Cottage, all the best as you start preparing for the silly season. Remember to keep calm, shop local and don't loose sight of what this Season is really all about.

Lots of love,
Leigh
xoxo

Garden

It's been a relatively busy week here at Leigh's Cottage. Our first guests came and went (and thankfully, left rave reviews) so we're feeling pretty chuffed! :) 

In preparation for our next lot of guests (who arrive tonight!) we've been very busy getting the back garden sorted. As you saw from a previous post, I've been trawling through Pinterest for inspiration and have managed to get some really nice ideas without having to break the bank... 

I must just add that I'm blessed with THE most handy, capable and clever husband who is half way through building a rustic gazebo over the Cottage patio. This will not only protect the front door from inclement weather but also provide some much needed shade should guests want to sit outside while taking in the sights of the (soon to be flourishing) garden :) :)

There is still plenty to do but I must say that I'm quite satisfied with Phase I of "Operation Garden Clean-up"! Below are some BEFORE & AFTER shots:

The awful BEFORE photo.

The very talented hubby getting ready to build the gazebo.

Getting there...The AFTER phase 1 (roof of
gazebo will be added this weekend).

Added some pots and plants...

So slowly but surely we are making progress... I'll be sure to upload pics as the garden improves!

Love,
Leigh
xoxo

Online presence

While investigating online where and with whom we should upload links to Leigh's Cottage, we've been really surprised by the variety of holiday letting sites available.

The most impressive has got to be AirBNB!!! If you're looking for accommodation anywhere in the world, from a chalet or flat, to a single room or tipi (I kid you not), you will literally find it on AirBNB.

This is also where I heard about Glamping for the first time. What is that you ask? Apparently it's glamourous camping {for those of us who battle to "rough it"...} :) But seriously, you name it, you'll find it on their site. Oh and by the way, here's a link to our cottage on AirBNB: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/699900 

Two other great resources for South African's looking for affordable accommodation are www.travelclips.co.za or www.travelfreedom.co.za . 

So besides the standard sites (www.wheretostay.co.za and www.sa-venues.com), it's often worth casting your net a little further and frequenting other sites to see what's on offer.

So, if you haven't planned anything for the end of the year, get cracking! Be adventurous, go glamping or stay in a tipi or hire someone's caravan! Be bold, be different, get adventurous! Just do it!  

Love
Leigh
xoxo