Start of summer vacations - 2015

Oh my god, end of another academic year!! I know, each year it's the same reaction, very cliche.. but it really feels like I just got the new books and uniforms for last year

I always feel as excited as V does when it's vacation time for many reasons:

1. I get to re-live my own vacation through hers
2. I get to sleep for a little longer in the morning (if only for an hour more)
3. The air is generally very relaxed during vacations - no early morning rush

CBSE board have been following this crazy system the past 2 years - close school for 10 days after the final examination, then re-open school to kick start the next academic year and close again for the whole of May, which is the actual vacation. School then re-opens in the 1st week of June. I have been trying to understand the logic behind this crazy system ever since, but have not been able to understand. Anyway, V is done with class 5 and is on vacation for 2 weeks. Then there's school again all of April!! We are enjoying the brief 2-week vacation now before she starts off her next academic year

Summer is synonymous with beaches and cold desserts and all things fun. That's precisely what we have been doing the past week. We kick-started the vacation with a visit to the beach with cousins

V bought a new bi-cycle for herself. Yes, for herself, because she bought this with her own pocket money that she's been saving up for over a year.

I took a ride on it.. rode a bi-cycle after years.

What a wonderful feeling.. one of freedom and liberation.. I have always loved to ride a bi-cycle.

We kick started the vacation with this cheese cake

It's a dulche-de-leche cheese cake topped with carrot halwa, home-made caramel sauce and butterscotch.

I do not have a stitchy picture today to share. Will share my progress next week

Till next time.. Take care.. Be happy.. Keep stitching.. Au Revoir

Feb Tusal

Yeah yeah I know it's March and the subject says Feb.. but in my defense, new moon was in Feb ;)

So here goes the TUSAL

 For those who are wondering what a TUSAL is, you can find the details here

And here's my progress on seashells

Doesn't she look pretty.. Love the chubby little arms

I have been trying to bake healthy. So, using jaggery instead of sugar in most of my bakes. Here's a Feta cheese and apple muffin I baked

This is a little low on sweet, so tastes absolutely yum with a li'l bit of cheese spread. The mildness of the muffins and the slightly salty cheese spread compliment each other beautifully.
Here's the recipe:
1.5cup flour - I used 50-50 whole wheat and plain flour, 1/4cup oats, 2tbsp sugar - I used jaggery instead, 1 large Apple, 2tsp bkng pwdr, 1/2tsp bkng soda, 1/2tsp salt, 3/4cup milk, 2 eggs - used flaxseed substitute, 1/4cup butter- used oil here, 3/4 cup cheese. 
Method is the same as for any cake

V has been quilling away. She made a pair of jhumkas, which I simply love

Love the colors she has used

That's all from me today friends. Till next time.. Take care.. Be happy.. Craft away to glory.. Au Revoir