passata

This long weekend we made passata.  Enough to last us the year.  It's a wonderful tradition and whilst probably not done in order to save costs, the taste of it is purely like nothing you can buy in the shops.  We've been making passata with my in-laws for a while now, but next year we're planning on being equipped with our own set up.  My father-in-law (bless him) uses the same manual tomato miller he has had for many many years (and added his own additions and modifications).  I'm eyeing off an electric model which can also be used as a meat mincer and is much more efficient.    We are looking forward to setting up our own preserving kitchen, keeping the tradition going.

Passata making was followed by an afternoon of making fresh pasta with the kids and a wonderful meal shared amoungst three families.

xx

this week

Did someone forget to tell Melbourne that it's Autumn?  Hmmm I think so.  It been hot and humid, and did I mention hot?  Well, we even escaped the city for some glorious time away in the country but alas, it's hot here too.  Oh well...lest not complain and be joyful for the last dash before the leaves turn amber gold and red...and bring with it a crispness to the air.

1. Fun from last week at the races...photobooth pics up on the fridge
2. She couldn't quite push down hard enough, so she coaxed her brother into helping her
3. Progress - more bricks
4. Loving my new yellow chevron duvet cover*.  Even got the thumbs up from darling husband, so all is well in the matrimonial decorating bedroom world
5. Tomatoes in preparation for Passata making day
6. Sunrise in this quaint historic town is rather special

Hope your week has been filled with fabulous moments.  Joining in with Em @ The Shack! 

*From Urban Outfitters. 

10/52

10/52 - Portrait Challenge - A portrait of my children, once a week, every week for a year 

J - Happiest outdoors

M - Such independence, always eager to go off an explore this wonderful world 

Linking up with Jodi @ Che and Fidel 

xx

something beautiful

Amongst the daily grind of routine, schedules, to-do lists and washing - stoping to make or enjoy something beautiful is so worthwhile.  It helps invigorate the soul, to cheer us up when the chips are down and gives us that giddy feeling like we are five again and not a trouble in the world.  A few projects are always on the go...a birthday gift, a crochet cardi, the late anniversary present still "in progress" and plans I have for the kids for Easter....but time can wait for another day.

Today...just something beautiful....for no reason whatsoever...

A re-cycled tonic glass, a tulip and some snippets from the garden...a touch of twine and hung on the branches of the glorious fig tree...enjoying the dappled light...perhaps I'll make more xx 

Linking in with the lovely Kirsty over at Village Voices  

xx

reflecting

I'm not sad to see the end of February.  It's been a tough month...although looking back at the snaps I took, clearly I like to capture moments that make me happy.  Lucky, coz I sure needed it to bring some cheer when the going gets tough.  Do you believe life throws challenges to test your strength or make you stronger?  Either way, we've been tested and I'd like to hope we are stronger and better for it.   However, this week I am pausing to reflect on some wonderful moments captured too...

1. The brickies have started on the new house.  We're standing on the garage and that brickwork will be  covered in the most beautiful stone I've ever laid my eyes one.  Can. Not. Wait.
2. My bottles finally twinkling and shining after a dust off and a rearrangement of the dresser
3. A self portrait of my daughter, by my daughter and oh so proud to show it off.
4. Taking a dip in the lake
5. A corner of my pantry I like to look at...getting full of lovely little preserves I've been trying over summer.  I have jams, peanut butter, pickled cucumbers and beetroot, pears and figs.  The joys of homemade extending to my pantry is endless.  Next weekend we make passatta...boxes and boxes of tomatoes make into sauce to last the year.
6.  A project started on a whim after receiving the wonderful Simply Crochet from a delightful blogger (who is extremely talented in the hooking department). I've wondered many times if I've bitten off more than I can chew and am preparing myself for utter self-distruction, however, so far so good.
7.  Country Races at it's best.  This is me and my dear sister-in-law enjoying frocking up and having a littler flutter...

I hope your first weekend of March got off to a wonderful start!

Joining in with Em @ The Shack 
xx

9/52

9/52 - Portrait Challenge 

 A Portrait of my children once a week, every week for the whole year

J - Checking out the progress at 13 acres

M - Those deep dark brown eyes, how you melt my heart with them 

Linking in with Jodi @ Che & Fidel 

this week

I've realised this week that I'm awfully forgetful at taking snapshots of my crafty projects.  Looking back at my weekly import of snaps, and lo and behold they are chock full of the kids and food.  Hmmmmm, perhaps due to the fact that the camera does a lot of sitting on the kitchen bench at my house.   Rest assured there are crafty projects happening in Casa MiraNarnie...they just aren't recorded here...perhaps next week.

1. making a pickle...and straining all those wonderful herbs and spices that make it so good
2. Oh my very dearest friend, her beautiful daughter and the son she is growing in her belly
3. Pancakes + weekends = match made in heaven and the best way to celebrate a Saturday morning
4. My newest purchase - a veggie cleaner.  It works so well you get all the dirt off and you needed even peel your carrots or potatoes!
5.  Those carrots...yum!  They were sliced straight after cleaning and devoured with hommus.
6.  Lazy weekends call for staying in your pj's all day and not brushing your hair.
7.  Wanting to take pictures and so much better than me at navigating her way through technology.

What did you get up to this week?  Joining in with Em @ The Shack 

xx

8/52

8/52 - Portrait Challenge- A photo of my children once a week, every week for a year

J - Cooling off during these hot days 

M -Such a dreamer and full of imagination, you don't need much to entertain you

Joining in with Jodi @ Che & Fidel 

xx

pictures of you...

You know one art that we are all apart of?  Portraiture.
If you've ever held a camera or phone at someone and taken a snap then you are a portrait photographer. This week I've taken the liberty of friendship to those close to me and asked a few to let me take some portraits of them.  In all sorts of light, in many different ways.
Oh and lets not forget the prop holders, those two wonderful girls were such fun 'on location' so they get an honourary mention.

I'm usually just a happy-go-lucky snap when I can kinda girl, so it was a challenge yet fun having some planning, thought and visualising going on for these images.  Whilst some were disasters, there were a few I really like.

Do you have willing friends to assist you with your crazy projects?
And can I ask, which image is your favourite?



xx