Saturday, November 6

today I'm grateful for.....




1. fresh sheets - I just love re-doing the bed with fresh sheets and my hubby laughs when I get excited when there is "fresh sheet night".  Slipping in between those crisp sheets is just heaven!


2. lazy days -  with the silly season fast approaching weekends and nights fill up quickly with festive celebrations.  This morning we enjoyed just chillin' at home.  I baked a cake and friends dropped by to share (and watch the house next do go to auction).  We have a little girls birthday party this afternoon and then those same friends are dropping back in for dinner (and wine).

3. Our house - in six years we've worked hard at making this house a home.  I've come to realise that it is an evolving process on a never ending continuum and a journey i'm loving and grateful for.

Thanks Maxabella, i love this link and grateful for it too!

Thursday, November 4

my creative space...

I started a much needed clean out of my actual creative space last night.  I'm fortunate enough to have an entire room dedicated to my crafty world and even if that room is more like a cupboard, this teeny tiny room, just behind the front door is my little haven where I go to create, be inspired and very practically where I store all my crafty belongings!




Our house is old, and I often wonder what this room would have been back in the 30's or 40's when this house would have been built.  I like to think it was a fancy cloak room, one where the ladies would de-robe from their fur coats (tut tut!) and the men would leave their waist-coats and hats.  

During my clean up, I came across some beautiful deep purple coloured silk dupion fabric. Only it wasn't fabric, it was a dress that I had made myself some 10 years ago, that I actually forgot about.



This morning, I tried it on.  It still fits!  Yep - 10 years and two babies later, this little beauty fits.  I remember buying this fabric whilst a uni student (and working at Lincraft) so I must have got it at staff discount price.  I admire that I was courageous enough to cut into such beautiful fabric and make a dress of it.  I do remember it was my 'good dress' back then!   I wonder what made me banish it to the back of my fabric cupboard???  Anyone else done that?



I'm wondering if I can still get away with wearing it...It needs to be re-hemmed though - anyone know how best to hem silk??

Delve deep into the cupboard of more creativity here!

Wednesday, November 3

not just any pizza recipe

It's Monday-itis here.... although I suspect it is in a lot of other households too after the Melbourne Cup long weekend. So even though it's Wednesday I feel really unmotivated, it's miserable weather (still!) and the kid have had quite a feral morning.  nice!



But when I remembered this lovely meal we had last night, a smile re-appeared and I thought I must share it!  It is in essence a recipe for Pizza, but still so much more! It is not the quickest meal to prepare, involves a few steps, but please, if you love your pizza, and love making your own - give this a go - you will not be disappointed!


What you'll need;

pizza dough

3 large potatoes
approx 3 cups of plain flour
1 teaspoon yeast
1 cup warm water
pinch salt
pinch sugar
dash of olive oil

sauce;

1 small brown onion or half large onion, finely chopped
2-3 garlic cloves, finely chopped or crushed
1 tin of tomatoes
pinch salt
olive oil

topping;
choose any few toppings you like, but keep it simple and fresh if you can.  We choose to put prosciutto, mozzarella and large green olives on one and shaved ham and mozzarella on the other.

Method.
Ok,  to make the dough first place the potatoes in a pot covered with cold water and boil until nice and soft. allow to cool slightly before peeling the skin and then putting through a ricer or mashing with a fork.

mix dried yeast with warm water and pinch of sugar. stir.

Place the potatoes in a large bowl (you can use your kitchen aid if you have one for this step with the dough hook attachment) and mix together with half the flour and half the water mixture.  Add the pinch of salt to the dough and a good dash of olive oil.  Keep mixing the dough and adding small parts flour and water until you reach a lovely, elastic, and bit sticky dough.  place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with glad wrap and set aside for a few hours to rise.

To make the sauce,   place a small saucepan on medium heat and add oil.  Then add garlic and onions and stir until translucent and fragrant.  Add tin of crushed tomatoes and pinch of salt and simmer for about 20 minutes.


Preheat your oven to about 200 degrees when you are about to begin making the pizza.

To make the pizza, turn your dough onto a well floured bench and knead for a few minutes.  Break the dough in half and place on section on a standard baking tray (that has been lightly oiled) and begin to stretch it out with your fingers.  It does not have to be even and if it breaks just use your fingertips to massage the dough back together.  repeat for the other half of dough.


Then the fun part - liberally add the sauce with a spoon using the back of it to spread it around.  Add the topping of your choice and bake in the oven for around 25 minutes or when you can lift the dough up off the tray and check that it's done.



Cut into square size pieces and enjoy
xx

Sunday, October 31

I'm grateful for.....

Joining in a bit late with Maxabella Loves grateful link....






1. The simple joy of learning something new (or watching a little one learn something new!).  The other day I showed my son that orange juice really really does come from oranges (as opposed to the supermarket!).



2.  And sometimes it is just better to laugh...


...because it all comes out in the wash - eventually!!

To join in go here!

Thursday, October 28

my creative space...

It's my nieces 5th birthday today!  It feels like such a cliche to say that it feels like yesterday that she was born - but really I cannot believe how the years have flown by. We are catching up on the weekend to celebrate...



Kind of last minute after lots of market preparation, I decided to make her a little outfit...



Next year my little niece will join the club of 'preppies' and will adorn a school uniform five days a week, so when it's time for play, a fun little floaty skirt adorned with vintage buttons and a matching t-shirt is just the ticket!


And these hair clips I bought from my talented friend (whom does not yet sell her items online) match perfectly (pure coincidence!)



Happy Birthday my sweet niece!  Hip hip hooray to you!
And for more creativity to sing about head over here!

Wednesday, October 27

wardrobe wednesday {the dress}

Yep - bought me a new dress!  I had vouchers collecting dust (as they were from my birthday way back in July) so it was time to merge them together and buy something fancy.  I know as a mother its hard to spoil yourself with something pretty (and perhaps somethings that you might now wear all that often)



But with birthday vouchers in hand, and clear directions from hubby that I was to get something for a fancy black tie gala ball we had last Saturday I was a woman on a mission.



Mind you I found this dress straight away and made my decision. Comfy and floaty and needn't worry about hosiery!    We went to the Crown Palladium for the Classic Cars Gala Dinner which raised money for My Room Charity.   So there were lots of classic cars which I must say the men loved looking at and drooling over.  Me - I couldn't quite grasp their enthusiasm but like Maxabella discovered recently, sometimes it's nice to get out of one's comfort zone and I got that some people are just really into cars!  I thought the little old classic Alfa was the best.  I was later informed that was the most valuable at 1.5 million! huh - good taste i have!



And this little gorgoues Fiat 500 was auctioned off and bought for $16k - sorry folks I would've bid but I forgot my purse at home ;-)




Got to wear my fancy yellow heels with it too - although as soon as I got home I flung them off and couldn't be bothered putting them back on for the photos - but I'm sure you get the drift!  We have a few Christmas functions coming up, so I'm sure this dress will be getting a lot more wear!



Dress - Wish from Myer
Shoes - Sirens from local shoe shop
Bag - Olga berg
Bracelet - Diva

Tuesday, October 26

smoked chicken salad

Joining in with Emma's Easy Peasy Dinner ideas....

This is the perfect dinner now that we are having beautiful warmer weather!  I love salads for dinner, and this fits all the categories of being delicious, cheap and so so easy! It's definitely on my repeat list...

Here is what you need;

- smoked chicken breast (available at safeway in the meat section) - already smoked, vacuum packed and very reasonably priced!
- Salad ingredients that take your fancy.  I made a salad with this meal using baby spinach, rocket and mixed leaves, half and avocado, cherry tomatoes and baby boconcini.  Really you can make any salad you like!
- whip up an easy dressing - mix 1 part red wine vinegar with 2 parts olive oil and a tea spoon of seeded mustard. stir.

Make up the salad and mix with the dressing.  Slice each chicken breast or what you will require and arrange on the plate!

That's it - no cooking required!  Pour yourself a glass of wine and congratulate yourself on a stunning dinner prepared by you!   Want more ideas...head over this way!

Monday, October 25

at my house .....

It's been a big weekend, so trying to find some time to just chill out and take it all in....and get on with some chores!

{yummy treats from Cathy}

On Saturday I got to visit a market that I have been meaning to check out for some time.  I meet some familiar faces (blog host Lou of course) and finally was able to meet Cathy and taste her delectable goodies!  The Made in Thornbury market is a cute handmade market, so be sure to check it out next time it rolls around!  I was able to purchase some lovely goodies for the official beginning of my Christmas Shopping!  I'll post more about them later!

And today is my mum's birthday, and seeing as she lives a bit far away me and the kids skyped this morning and sang Happy Birthday and there was plenty of screen kisses and clapping.  Happy Birthday Mum/Grandma (or dam-ma as the little one would say!).  I wont show you what I made her yet, as it hasn't been posted because I'm yet to do some final touches!  So more will be revealed later in the week.

Hoping to enjoy some lovely sunshine this afternoon! What is happening at yours today??  Join Lou and check out what others are up to!

Friday, October 22

Friday loves {the man and some lemons}

A few loves that I'm having at the moment!


1.  Lemons - perfect time for lemons right about now, and when I go for walks around my neighbourhood I see lemon trees filled to the brim with gorgeous plump lemons.  Luckily I have a few friends and relatives with such delightful trees and take as many as I can grab!  They are my favourite colour and I love the taste I've been known to slice and eat!  Yum yum yum!

{lemon slice}

2. Lemon recipes...

Ok so some of my favourite things to do with lemons;
 * Drink lemon cordial with a slice of lemon
 * Drink tonic water (and maybe some gin) with several slices of lemon

 * Make this awesome lemon slice
 * Eat these amazing pancake lemon muffins (believe me - they taste exactly like pancakes with sugar and lemon!!)








3.  The man.... My man to be exact - He's very special of course but this week his business website went live.  Two years ago (when our second child was all of 3 months old) my husband quit his job to start his own business.  He worked from home for the first six months, at times things got tough, then he found a great office space (3 minutes from home *bliss*) and now works with his business partner and bestie Steve and they've employed two others.  Proud of you my love and saying it loud!!

happy friday
xx

ps - linking this with the always inspiring Maxabella and her grateful link

Thursday, October 21

my creative space...


Some new dresses that I'm making for the North Melbourne Market this weekend.  It is so nice to make summery floaty dresses just as the weather is finally warming up.






It's so hard to not keep some for my daughter, but I promised myself there would definitely be some new additions to her wardrobe for summer to.  I love the style of these dresses and I got to use my new labels!



So if your free this Sunday - The North Melbourne Market have joined forces with the Spring Fling Festival which will see Errol Street closed and heaps of stall and entertainment lining the streets.  We'll  be there at the Lithuanian Hall.


For more creative types head over here....

Wednesday, October 20

and the loser is ME.....




I should be celebrating, but I am not.

I should be dancing around feeling all euphoric, but I am not.

The problem is.  I won.

And then lost.  Bummer.  double bummer.

It all started last week on Ebay (did you guess) and whilst searching for a new (old) retro piece of furniture I stumbled upon the most amazing leather jacket.

Awesome colour, beautiful detail, mint condition, item in Australia and MY SIZE!  I've never bought clothes from ebay.  I'm a clothes buying ebay virgin.  I have had many successes with ebay, furniture, wireless headphones, breast pump, old plates, vases, my art decor dining room table and the list goes on by never clothes...anyhow....i digress.

So back to the jacket.  No bid and no reserve.  This little baby was starting at .99cents!  So I thought, what the hell, i really like it, I'll put in my maximum amount and let it be in the Gods of Ebay.  Well i forgot about said little auction ending on Sunday gone, and whilst siting in Church watching a dear little baby being Christening I remembered about my bid!

I got home - I had WON!  I always wonder why you are called the winner?  You didn't really win the item.  You are still paying for it...you won the auction, but not the item!   AND I was the only bidder and won that gorgeous jacket for the stella price of .99cents.  Whoooo hooo!

WRONG!

subsequent email from seller followed "I can't sell you the jacket anymore, really sorry, it's not for sale, i changed my mind, sorry to mess you around!' 


ARGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH


I gently responded, asking seller to reconsider and that I understood the item went for a bargin price but that i suspected she was going to try to re-sell it with a higher reserve.

she responded and pleaded to my human kindness to forgive her.

so i did.

no jacket.  I was the winner, but now the loser.

Ever happen to you.  Did you win and then lose?

Tuesday, October 19

another EAT moment {passionfruit ice-cream}

After my post yesterday, it spurred on a conversation between my husband and I about that said holiday and moments we remember and fondly hold close to our heart.  Not surprisingly we spoke about other meals that were amazing and delighted in enjoying.



We arrived in Italy in the middle of summer of '05.  It was hot and I mean scorching hot and we were staying with my husbands Aunt and Uncle (Zia and Zio) who live in Rome, around the corner from Vatican City.  Right on our door step were the most amazing shops, including places to buy una bella gelato.  We were in Rome for two weeks.  In that time I consumed 53 gelato's with a record of 6 in one day! I know!  How greedy is that... so it figures that 6kgs of extra weight followed me around for the rest of the holiday!!!

Ok, so it's not gelato from Rome, but i never thought I'd have a go at making ice-cream, and the fact that you can make this creamy delicious without an ice-cream maker makes it easy and it is really really good....go on...try it!

Passionfruit Ice-cream
1 cup caster sugar
4 cups of thickened cream
3 tsp vanilla extract
6 passionfruits, halved, pulp removed (or just use a tin of passionfruit pulp)





1. Place sugar and half of the cream in a saucepan and stir with wooden spoon over low heat for 5 minutes or until sugar dissolves.   Remove from heat and stir in remaining cream and vanilla.
2. Line base and sides of loaf dish with cling film allowing it to overhang.  Pour in mixture, fold over cling wrap and freeze for 3-4 hours.
3.  Use a spoon to break up the mixture if it has started to set and tip in a food processor.  process until smooth
4. pour mixture back into the dish (no cling wrap needed this time).  Stir in passionfruit.  Cover top with cling film and freeze for a further 2-3 hours or until set.
5.  Serve in scoops or slices.

This is so easy and pretty impressive if you have dinner guests (or just the kids) that I'll link this up with Emma's weekly easy meal ideas (ok, it's not a meal, but i just have to share!)

xx