Read, reading, next

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Whilst reading one of my lasted books, I realised, that even when I wasn't reading it, I was thinking about it....the topics were real, it wasn't fantasy...it could happen in real life, to me or anyone I know.  I wonder, does this happen to you?  Do you read a book and find yourself transported to that place, that moment, and think "what would I do" - "how would I react"? Or mulling over the end after you've finished?  It's probably one of the biggest compliments to an author who writes novels like this.  The power to infiltrate our minds after the book has been put back on the shelf. Perhaps that the motivation they write in the first place....I don't know...but it is the sign of a good read.

So what's been on my reading list.

I've read Me Before You- Jojo Moyes - A love story with tragedy, heartache, gut wrenching "what would I do" scenarios and characters that you love, and some you love to hate. 

Reading...The Lucky One - Nicholas Sparks.  I picked this one up for $3 at a country community book shop.  I knew the movie was coming out soon and thought it would be good to read the book first.  Logan is an interesting character and its quite easy to be drawn into this book and see what unfolds on his discovery to find the woman in a photograph he found whilst on his tour of duty in the marines.  A photo that he believes kept him alive.  After reading many of Sparks' books I'm preempting some twists, turns and romance.

Next - All that I am -Anna Funder.  Set in war torn Germany when Hitler reined, this story is about survival, love, betrayal and friendship. 


What's on your reading list?  Do immerse yourself in a book??

xx

I'm grateful for {days together}

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Gee I haven't blogged since last grateful day.

The holidays have captivated most of my time, and quite honestly....It's been lovely.  I've put my gear in neutral...I'm idling along and we all got away from the city for a few days as a family to breathe in some country winter air and it was....delightful.

So this week I'm grateful for....

Days together... Family days spent together, not doing much or doing heaps. Going out for dinner, trying new cuisines,  staying up past "bed time" and the general chit chat that somehow comes with owning a six and nearly four year old.  The endless games, requests for entertainment (our first visit to the movies was a success!) and of course being with the three people I love the most.  We've spent time doing the same things and time just doing our own thing in the company of each other.

Tell me what you love doing with your family?

And remember to join in here at Kidspot with Bron from Maxabella Loves 



xx

I'm grateful for {simple pleasures}

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First week of the holidays almost over and I have to say...It's been pleasurable.  No getting to school on time, no lunches and bags to pack and library books or notes to remember.  Lazy mornings rule, and days are spent with friends, or playing at home or out and about.

This week I'm grateful for....

Simple pleasures...the joy of catching up with friends...sharing a meal...a bunch of flowers, a board game with the kids, no routine, baking, impromptu singing session, a good belly laugh, winter sunshine on your face or a good book.

All of the above plus more....something simple that brings pleasure.

Join Maxabella over at Kidspot and join in the Grateful Linky!

xx

holiday baking {hedgehog}

Nothing screams "day to bake" more than a rainy morning plus school holidays.

So whilst the kids were finishing their breaky...I decided that it was a great moment to whip up a hedgehog slice.  It's just the bomb....totally decadent, and there is no "reduced fat/healthy" option, and it's just great fun when there are biscuits to smash up.  You could easily pulse these in a food processor, but were's the fun in that!  Nah...give the kids a meat mallet and those bickies will be pulverised in no time (and a few extra bits on the floor too!).

Here's what you need.

250g of biscuits (I use half Marie biscuits and half Malt O Milk) - it just gives the slice another wow factor!
90g walnuts chopped up
250g butter (hmmm...yes lets ignore just how much butter goes into this!)
2/3 cup caster sugar
1/2 cup cocoa
2 eggs


1.  Start by smashing up your biscuits in a large bowl.  You don't want fine crumbs, as some chunky bits are great for texture.  Add the walnuts.

2. Melt butter in the stove and then add the sugar and cocoa until all mixed and gooey.  Put aside to cool before adding the eggs.  Whisk.

3.  Add the butter mixture to the biscuit mixture in a large bowl.  Line a lamington tin with baking paper.  Pour out the gooey biscuit mixture and smooth out to all edges and press the the back of a wooden spoon so its nice and firm.

Refrigerate until set.  Slice this baby up into whatever size you like and devour all its delicious-ness.  This is a great recipe for the kids to get involved in!

Do you plan to do some baking or cooking with your kids over the holidays?

I'm grateful for {....feeling spirited}

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I love being part of the Grateful Reunion Party.  I joined Bron in being grateful two years ago when she first started and I loved how the followers grew and grew and I got to share and be inspired by so many other gratefuls.  Lately I've been a slack grateful-er (sorry Bron, I'll pick up my game I promise!)....so I'm grateful that this reunion prompted my much needed kick up the backside to start taking a moment in my day to stop and be grateful...even for small things.  Because sometimes it's the small things that make up the bigger picture and make it all worthwhile. 

This week I'm Grateful for....

...feeling spirited....

After a week of pain, and finally getting myself and the family back to normal, I'm feeling the only way is up.  My spirit is increasing, the school holidays officially start tonight and our little family is making plans to make sure we pack a lot of fun into the next few weeks.  There will be catch ups with friends and family, road trips,  and just hanging out having fun. 

Is the best part of recovery the energy it brings, the feeling that it made you stronger, more determined and resolved to use that spirit for the better?  I do. 

Join in and be grateful and that BIG reunion party over at Village Voices!  Happy 2nd Grateful Birthday Bron! 

xx

my creative space {baby Samina}

A few weeks ago our dear friends welcomed their second daughter, Samina into the world.  We knew in advance that they were having a girl so I started working on a baby quilt for her. 

And a bunting.

There's no pattern.  I just made it up as I went...using scraps for the top part - all little random panels sewn together. A vibrant pattern for the middle section and then a plan block colour for the third section. Backed with some Amy Butler dot fabric and edged in a cute floral geometric print. 

I haven't been to see Samina yet...but I've seen photos and of course is adorable! 

There is nothing quite as precious as a newborn in the family and it's lovely to be able to make something handmade as her first gift from us. 

Do you love making things for newborns?  If so, do you have something special you tend to make?  I love the idea of babes using this quilt to lay on, roll around, carry around the house or snuggle up with a book.

It's been a while since I joined in with Creative Spaces, so I can't wait to see what you all have been up to....and if you're new...join in here at Village Voices. 

Snap it {ground}

It's always nice to focus the camera on the ground every now and again.  You can be surprised by the results.  For this weeks Snap It...I couldn't resist but include a photo from our trip last year to Italy and a great snap of the kitchen floor during a renovation....dust, footprints and little feet add to the character. 

Join in with snap it here. 

these days...

The last few days...

I've been

On the couch - researching new couches (and resting of course!)

Spending time with my girl - who is very considerate of a recovering mumma

Finished the 50 Shades Series 

Spending on Etsy - a gorgeous infinity bracelet for my man

A concert - Booked tickets for 1927 concert - another gift for my husband

And posting off orders - of course when out of action, you have a spike in sales.  

How do you best recover after you've been unwell?  

xx

a week of {labour} pain

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What a week it's been, and quite frankly, I'd rather not have a week like that again.  Ever.

It all started last weekend, when I was excitedly looking forward to having friends over for dinner.  I ignored a slight little pangs of pain that was lurking all day thinking "I'll be fine".

Famous last words.

As I served up entree, I looked at my homemade gnocchi and turned to my friends and made some apologies and spent the rest of the night on the couch.  Pain increased and what can I say....It felt like I was having a baby.    I thought after a good lie down and I'd be fine.   Wrong again.

Hours past and I could see the worry on my husbands face.

He called the ambulance.  The rest of the week has been spent in a blur of tests, scans, morphine (oh bless that morphine), a discharge, a re-addmition, more tests, anaesthetic and finally I'm home.  And it seems I'm not the only one who's had some medical emergency! 

I won't bore you with the gory details, but it seems my women's bits and my digestive bits were having issues which was causing excruciating labour-like pains.

But one thing I was grateful for, was the rally of support.  Family, friends and school mums, phoned, emailed and dropped by cooked dinners all week.  Girlfriends ensured my magazine and toiletries supplies were up to date.  It meant this stay-at-home mumma could rest (drugged up on morphine reading the last two Fifty Shades books) and indulge in getting better.  

snap it {alphabet}

Ohh a little tricky this week.  I had to look in the archives.

A while back we I did some renovations to a cute little country apartment.  I loved this process, so took many pictures along the way.  We had a lovely old building circa 1880 to work with but was in need of a lot of TLC.    This was mid-renovation....

The ladder a classic capital A!

Join in with Sarah! 

xx

Boys Zone

My son is about to turn 6.

Six!

So, we are doing up his bedroom, well because quite frankly he got the raw end of the deal and has put up with some odds and ends and hand-me-downs that his room is feeling a little lack lustre and dis-jointed.  Don't get me wrong...there's nothing wrong with second hand and re-furbished....why when I decided on getting him a new desk...I started searching ebay for a "new" second hand one.  See....

The inspiration is in full swing.  The Pinterest Board is mulled over at length.  I'm loving the use of pops of colour with vintage bits and bobs.  Having some toys and books at easy reach is essential and a little place for him to sit, draw, read and write is important too. The new bed has been ordered so I'm slowly getting some idea's about how to pull together a great boys room.

What aspects of a kids room do you consider essential?
xx

Ricotta Cannoli

It seems I have a penchant for sweet treats that can be whipped up in no time.  These ricotta cannoli I am proud to say are my own tried and tested version, and so far I have not come across a recipient that has not enjoyed them.  Now, at my local italian patisserie a ricotta cannoli might set you back four or five dollars a pop...but doing them yourself makes for a great dessert and the best bit is the shell doesn't get soggy!

Here is what you need...

Cannoli shells (easy to find at any italian grocers)
500g ricotta (please try and get the good stuff at your deli)
some icing sugar
nuts or grated chocolate of your choice (I used some flaked up flake!)

Spoon the ricotta into a bowl and then, adding a tablespoon at a time mix in some icing sugar, tasting regularly until you reach the required sweetness.  using a teaspoon, fill the cannoli shells with the ricotta mixture.

Crush up your nuts or grate the chocolate onto a shallow dish and then sprinkle or dip the ends of the cannoli in it.

There you have it!  These cannoli served perfect with an expresso,  even your afternoon cuppa!  And don't be scared to add other things into the mix.  The southern italian's love adding glace fruits to the mixture and some crushed pistachio's would be a great nut to dip the ends into!

Have fun
xx

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