St Dwynwen's Day / Dydd Santes Dwynwen

Although barely known outside Wales, every year on 25 January we celebrate St Dwynwen’s Day, the Welsh patron saint of lovers.

The story of Dwynwen dates back to the 5th century, when Dwynwen fell in love with a Prince called Maelon Dafodrill. Her father, King Brychan Brycheiniog, was determined that she would marry another man.

Dwynwen was devastated that she couldn’t marry her true love and begged God to make her forget Maelon. An angel visited Dwynwen and gave her a potion. The potion was supposed to make her have no memory of Maelon and turned him into a block of ice.

Dwynwen was then granted three wishes. Firstly she wished for Maelon to be thawed (I would have personally left him as a block of ice, but that's why Dwynwen is a saint and I'm not!), secondly that God meet the hopes and dreams of true lovers and thirdly she wished that she would never marry.

Dwynwen devoted the rest of life to God’s service, founding a convent on the island of Llanddwyn. You can still see the remains of the church on the island today.

On the island, there is a well where, according to legend, a sacred fish swims. It is said that the fish can predict the happiness of relationships. Visitors still go to the well today, hoping that the water will boil, meaning that love and good luck will follow them.

We are a romantic country – we also celebrate St Valentine’s day on 14 February!

This 'n' That

Linking up with Katie and Jena

This weather is so so pretty but is causing chaos. Thank goodness after six days the schools are now open and I can get into work. Not that I've minded being at home in the warm, with yummy food and pj days, or playing in the snow with my favourite people, but my bank balance has!

That this weekend sees the start of three weeks of gigs! Starting Saturday with my favourite band Anberlin :) I'm so excited, although of course pretending (not very well) that I'm a grown up and can control myself.... yeh, failing miserably!

This cat has made me laugh so much over the last week or so.  He hates the snow and has often been found sulking like this....

Have a good one....
A xx

Winter food - Chicken Cacciatore

Although I'm more of a fan of warmer days, the one thing I love about winter is eating hearty, warming foods and cuddling up with a blanket and by candlelight with those I love.

The icy weather over the last week has led to even more of these meals and I made this slow cooker chicken which lasted us two nights.  It was perfect to warm us up after coming in from the snow and ice and cost under £10 for both days :) 

I served it with vegetables the first night and then with rice for Megan and I the second.

Chicken Cacciatore

Serves 4

Preparation: 20 minutes

Cooking: 5 hours

 3 tbsp olive oil

4 chicken portions (or 8 thighs), skinned if desired

2 onions, sliced

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

400g / 14 oz organic chopped tomatoes

1 tbsp tomato puree

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

2 tsp fresh thyme

150 ml / 5 fl oz red wine

salt and pepper

• Heat the oil in a heavy - based frying pan.  Add the chicken portions and cook over a medium heat, turning occasionally for 10 mins until golden all over.  Using a slotted spoon, transfer the chicken to the slow cooker.
• Add the onions to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 mins until softened and just turning golden.  Add the garlic, tomatoes and their can juices, tomato puree, parsley, thyme and wine.  Season with salt and pepper and bring to the boil.  
• Pour the tomato mixture over the chicken pieces.  Cover and cook on low for 5 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through. Taste, adjust the seasoning if necessary and serve.

Enjoy!

A xx

This 'n' That Thursday...Snow days

This is my first post in almost a week.  I have been completely rubbish.  I'm not sure why. But I am back! That it is snowing here! Actually mixed feelings about this.  It is only light at the moment but due to get heavier through today and very heavy tomorrow.  The landscape around here is beautiful when it snows but it causes chaos - schools close, roads close etc. The UK cannot cope with snow and although a snow day at home is most tempting at the moment, my man works and lives about an hour away (across the English border) and I need him to be able to get here for the weekend tomorrow! Plus my parents are on holiday and due back tomorrow so I'm hoping it doesn't get too deep before they get here tomorrow. After six pm tomorrow it can snow all it likes! For now though Megan and I (she is off school unwell today) are cuddled up on the sofa, enjoying the view in the warm :)

 Our local scenery today c/o my friend Jenna

This is the perfect day to be sat in and looking through the new Spring / Summer collection from Next.  I love this store, the clothes collection, both adult and children's and home collection is particularly beautiful.  I'm thinking this outfit may be my new weekend / at home outfit.  I love how comfy it looks and the stripes.

I'm also loving the outfit below in both combinations! I'm thinking this day could prove expensive! 

That I have the most amazing boyfriend who has put up with me having 'one of those weeks' and still managing to make me smile.  We have finally narrowed down a couple of holidays for May and will hopefully decide this weekend and book one! I can't wait for some sun with two of my favourite people :)

I hope you have a lovely day, whatever you are doing.

Keep warm!

A xx