Dec 27, 2012
did you know....
Dec 18, 2012
cranberry and almond (virgin) balls
of cranberries and almonds the other day which gave me inspiration for this twist on the traditional Christmas recipe. You can see my regular Rum Ball recipe here.
I substituted 2 of the weet bix/ vita brits for 2 handfuls of almonds, just regular almonds, they don't have to be blanched or roasted or anything. I gave them a blitz until they were in chunks but before they turned into almond powder.
I replaced the dried fruit/ sultanas with dried cranberries. I also increased the cocoa content slightly from 1 tablespoon to 2. I also removed the Rum (hence the term 'virgin' balls). You could leave it in but he doesn't really like it.
The rest of the method and ingredients are the same. Guy thinks when I make the next batch that I should coat them in grated chocolate instead of coconut! I tried to convince him otherwise but no dice.
Let me know if you make them and what you think.
I'm off to find my grater......
beautiful birthday cakes
Judging by the reaction we got from the little Guy I think we did ok. And the rainbow cake was the better tasting.
I had such fun gathering all the party supplies and decorating the deck. Everyone had a great time and they even ventured out into the yard onto the swings and to play with the dogs.
Dec 8, 2012
pretty snowflake garlands
They are not really rigid but are just holding their shape. However I think humidity will be my enemy in the weeks to come. Mum says that there is a way to starch crochet with egg whites but I'm yet to find the recipe.
So far with our Christmas decorating we have really focussed on hanging decorations. We have the crochet garlands, paper chains and the bunting I made a few years ago. The beauty of these decorations - all up high and baby proof!
Our tree is still looking a tad naked but we're working on it. Fortunately we have high ceilings so even though we had to put the tree on a table to keep it away from destructo baby, it only just hits the roof.
Dec 2, 2012
fur kid Christmas presents
I also stumbled upon some very easy recipes for dog treats, this is the one I made yesterday. The verdict from the pooches was yummy. One of our dogs is allergic to beef protein so we have to be very careful of the food and treats we give them. Most dog foods even if they say chicken on the packet will still contain some beef. You have to read the ingredients carefully.
Dec 1, 2012
personalised Christmas sacks
Nov 30, 2012
number peg game
There you have it, a simple and educational toy you can make yourself.
Nov 29, 2012
first crochet doily
And after just a few rounds I was hooked so to speak. I stayed up late trying to finish it in one go. In the end I went to bed just before the end but finished it off first thing the next morning. I really love the orange twine for this too - gives it a really modern look. I gave this one to my mum but I can see myself making more for here and maybe some as place mats or coasters. I did a half size one in black but am not quite as in love with it.
Nov 27, 2012
another Christmas blanket
On another matter if you'd like to see the daily nonsense that I post on instagram and don't have access to it you can now access via the web by using the link to the left. Be prepared for a lot of photos of cups of coffee!
Nov 21, 2012
recycled magazine Christmas tree
Cue the recycled magazine Christmas tree. My Dad has heaps of promotional magazines for his work. As with most businesses which have this kind of thing there is heaps of surplus. So I decided to try and re purpose some of the old ones. Just fold the page down to the centre and then either fold the cover back on itself or attach two together at the covers. They make a quirky decoration or you could hang them up too with some fishing line.
Nov 16, 2012
am I a twine-hard?
Todays idea is to make friendship bracelets. I had a little practice last night. I think I need more practice but the twine is the perfect thickness. For a great tutorial head here.
You can also use the bracelets for other things. Tie them around jars or use them as napkin rings.
So are you a twine-hard?
Nov 15, 2012
handmade Christmas cards
Nov 13, 2012
1001 uses for twine
So far I have wrapped a vase in twine
Wrapped a little jar (for a birthday and Christmas decoration)
Crocheted many little star/snowflakes for a garland for Christmas
Packaged a present
Crocheted a present
And I have plans to give a couple as presents. Who knows where this twine-foolery will end? Maybe I should start that book..... :)
Nov 12, 2012
gingerbread babies
I purchased this cute gingerbread fabric at Spotlight the other week knowing that it would come in handy for Christmas. And of course my twine had to make an appearance. I also got to bust out some cute labels that I picked up at Typo the other day. I'm planning on making a lot of food gifts this Christmas so the twine and labels will be getting repeated runs.
Nov 11, 2012
Remembrance Day
So as I sip some lovely Champagne and eat ham and salad with my family for lunch today and cuddle my two adorable bubbas (oh and my hubby I suppose) I will think of all the Diggers past and present who serve our country to protect our way of life.
Thank you.
(Image from here)
Nov 5, 2012
two crochet Christmas blankets finished
The other night I did the last row on the second of my Christmas gift blankets. One for my mum and one for dad. I hope they like them cause I did let them choose he colours!
I'm also knee deep in planning a double birthday party. We always make sure we do something special for the little Guy's birthday to distinguish it from Christmas. This year with Amelie celebrating her 1st birthday I was faced with the prospect of organising 2 parties in the space of 2 weeks with Christmas in the middle. So I cunningly sold the idea of a joint party to the little Guy. So now I'm organising an Iron Man/ Ladybug party complete with two sets of decorations and two cakes
It is a lot of fun though. I can see how some parents do go completely overboard. I'll share some of my ideas in the coming weeks for decorations and food.
Nov 4, 2012
twine on my hands
(Title stolen from my friend Shona)
Since I do now have a healthy twine collection I have been thinking of tons of ways to use it. My collection of little snowflake/ stars is growing and this morning I grabbed the super glue for another project. I purchased this little milk bottle yesterday and thought it would look cute with twine wound around. In betwen chasing the kids around this morning and nearly gluing myself to the bottle, the twine and myself, I managed to get it finished.
I gave it to my Mother in Law today to put a little sunshine in her day. Im going to make a couple more for Christmas table decorations.

Nov 1, 2012
crochet with twine
I wanted the twine (because everyone else has it) to not only use in wrapping and decorating but also to try crocheting with it. I'm pleased to report that it has been a raging sucess. Im using Attic 24's snowflake pattern and a 2.5mm hook with awesome results. I just need to get some spray starch to stiffen up the finished product. You can find Whimsy Farm Twine here.
Oct 30, 2012
pearl barley risotto
The recipe was very simple (serves 2):
150grams of pork mince
2-3 handfuls of dry pearl barley
1 litre of stock (I used salt reduced chicken stock but you can use vege stock)
1 onion
olive oil
parmesan cheese
Dice the onion (they used a small brown onion, I used half a red) and sweat off in some oil. Add in the mince, breaking it up and cook, do not brown the mince though. Throw in your pearl barley and stir the mix as the bottom of your saucepan starts to go a bit toasty. Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine or stock. Here your risotto goes along as a normal rice risotto would - adding your stock a cup at a time until your barley is cooked. I added a little crack of black pepper towards the end.
At the end stir in a little olive oil to give it a creamy/emulsified feel. Serve with a little parmesan on top.
The verdict here was great, we ate the whole lot just between the two of us! I think we may try with some mushrooms next time or maybe some peas.
Oct 26, 2012
special memories

Oct 25, 2012
fridge art
I've been having so many ideas lately for little craft projects. A lot involving magnets, washi tape, pegs and twine. After my adventures on the weekend at the Craft Show I lashed out and bought a few rolls of washi tape. It was a total 'everyone else is doing it' purchase. Sad I know. And then I bought some twine off the internet yesterday too, for almost the same reason. But that's another post.
I had a little play with my new supplies this morning and came up with this idea. It needs a little refining but I think it's cute. Fridge art!

Oct 23, 2012
a mother's thoughts
In years to come they will get hard, dry, squeezed into wildly impractical and uncomfortable footwear, countless blisters and generally mistreated.
Hopefully though they will serve her well, take her on some interesting journeys and maybe enjoy a pedicure or two.
Oct 22, 2012
my European loot
beautiful handiwork from Croatia |
a great book on Gaudi from Barcelona - and look what was on the first random page I flicked to! |
a gorgeous bag from the Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam - totes jealous (haha get it?) |
a couple of little cross stitch kits from Belgium |
and the piece-de-resistance - a Vulcan Minor (to go with the Vulcan Major I already have) from an antiques fair in Scotland |
Oct 21, 2012
quilt show
Cat 7 Amateur - Anne Meikle "Christine's Tiny 9 Patch" |
The Challenge Quilts - I swear one year I will enter! |
the chicks enjoying the show |
My favourite part by far this year was the Red and White quilts which came from the Mt Isa Quilters. They decided after seeing the Red and White quilt exhibition that took part in the USA that they would like to emulate it. I love red and white and the beautiful quilts that were on display did not disappoint. Great credit is due to the Mt Isa Quilters for their wonderful quilts.
I also like these little ones from the Bundaberg Quilters which were made to celebrate their 25th anniversary.
Here are a few more snippets.
Cat 4 Amateur - Trish Parker 'Gatton Stars' |