A Little Aqua Happiness

 I got absolutely no housework done today, but focussed instead on whipping up these little goodies.  They are for a friend coming over tomorrow. 

She's having a bit of a rough trot, so I hope they make her day a little brighter.

Now, getting back to the housework....


For more cupcake creations click here .

xSam

One Quilted Journal Cover

Today I am linking up with our creative spaces for the first time, what a lovely place to visit!

There is nothing like a little deadline to get me moving. Remember those gorgeous aqua fabrics ? Well here is my completed project - ta da, one quilted journal cover! 

Thanks to this great tutorial here even a beginner sewer like me can whip up something special.  I decided to go with squares rather than the scrappy look (although it's still a little scrappy).

I know it seems a waste to use some of these lovely fabrics on what is supposed to be a scrap project, but I only used a smidgen (still plenty left), and have just been trying small projects to get my confidence up before tackling a real quilt.   Just through this little project I learned so much about sewing and patchwork. 

Here's what it looks like on the inside...

It's in no way perfect, with a little puckering, and I am not the most patient when it comes to cutting fabric, but overall I'm actually pretty happy with it.

I think this would make a lovely gift for someone, and could be personalised by adding their name or some thoughtful words on the front cover.  It could even be used for a recipe book or photo album cover, the possibilities are endless!

The great thing is it can be customised to any sized book and it's removable, so it can be used and cherished forever. 

Now my son wants one, and has requested blue and black fabrics, so I'm off to dig around in the cupboard and hopefully find some scraps in those colours. 

Did you get creative this week?

xSam

A Little Nudge on Tuesday

I have said before that I am easily distracted, however I do usually finish a book from front to back when it has a message and inspires me.  

Just wanted to share with you a quote from a book I just finished reading, Tuesdays With Morrie, by Mitch Albom.  Have you ever read it?   I know I am so behind the times, but I have wanted to read this book for a long time, and when I came across it on a treasure hunt recently, I thought it was about time that I read it. 

Lovely book, with some great life lessons, too many to mention, so if you haven't already read it, it's worth a read!  Here is a quote from the book I felt I had to share...

"So many people walk around with a meaningless life. They seem half-asleep, even when they're busy doing things they think are important. This is because they're chasing the wrong things. The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning." (43) –Morrie

I won't dwell on the negative, but like many of you, my family and I have suffered terrible grief in our lives, and I have struggled with "the big questions" for a long time, even  from an early age. 

For me, after reading this book, I realise that through my life experiences (especially the heart-breaking ones), I have been given a gift.  That gift is the knowledge that I cannot take life for granted, I appreciate the simple things and value love over material possessions, money, power and status.  Those last four things are just a distraction from what is really important. 

A few things I have learned so far from my own life experiences ... 

You never know how long you have,  so every day is a blessing. 

Amidst the hustle and bustle, the routine and mundane, 
I try to remember to find time to do something I enjoy, 
 take time to listen to those around me, and "smell the roses". 

 I know this is what those who have passed would want,
and can almost hear them whispering (sometimes shouting)
it in my ear at times when I get off track.

In reading Tuesdays With Morrie, I have been reminded of what I have always known instinctively... to live a fulfilling and meaningful life, and so I will do my best to make the most of it.  

Sometimes we just need a little nudge, don't we?

Have you been given any "nudges" lately? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

xSam

Things I'm Loving - Confessions Of An Aqua Lover

I don't know when it started but I love aqua, have for ages.  In fact not just aqua, but all pale blues and blue-greens.  At times the colours remind me of the ocean and holidays, then other times I am captivated by their fun, nostalgic, vintage edge.

Well, as a result of my little colour therapy, I have this pretty pile of fabrics beckoning me, and I don't know what to do with them.  I would love to learn patchwork quilting, so with a few squares I thought I would try making a little quilted journal cover, which looked easy..but then I realised the job would have been so much easier with a rotary cutter.  So at the moment, my cat, Monty is keeping it warm...

Thanks Monty, atleast it's being put to good use!  It's not a difficult project, problem is, I have since become distracted with learning how to crochet..

Ok, I know what you're thinking, this girl really needs to focus, so with a little dedication I promise to get back to that journal cover and have it finished by next week.  Nothing like a deadline!

Do you have a favourite colour that you are drawn to?  

xSam

One Pot Weeknight Winter Warmer

Beef Balls and White Bean Soup

Ok, I admit, I am no photographer, so this photo may not do it justice, but let me say, this meal is warm, full of flavour, healthy and it’s cheap to make!  It’s from one of the few cookbooks I refer to regularly, "Home Food", because I know I will always find something in there that’s simple and tasty.  I had to add a can of mixed beans because I only had one can of cannelini beans in the pantry.

What you need:

600g minced beef

2 garlic cloves crushed

1 tablespoon parsley, finely chopped

Pinch ground cinnamon

Pinch finely ground nutmeg

1 large egg, lightly beaten

1.5 litres beef stock

2 carrots, thinly sliced

2 x 400g cans white beans (or cannelini beans), drained

½ savoy cabbage, finely shredded

Parmesan cheese, grated

What to do:

1. Place beef in a bowl with garlic, parsley, spices, and egg.

2. Mix together and season with salt and pepper.  If too dry, add more egg.

3. Roll mixture into small balls (small enough to scoop up onto a spoon).

4. Place beef stock in saucepan with carrot and bring to the boil.

5. Add meatballs, then turn heat down to simmer.

6. After 3-4 minutes, add beans and cabbage and cook for another 4-5 minutes.

7. Season broth to taste.

Sprinkle parmesan over each serving and serve with a little bread on the side if desired (for dunking).  Trust me, its a winner, and we had leftovers for the following night!

Adapted from Home Food

xSam

Easy Chocolate Hedgehog Slice

I have always wanted to have a go at making this slice, it's a melt and mix slice so there is no baking required!  You might have seen many different versions of this slice, some with nuts, sultanas and coconut... well I couldn't find one I really liked so I just came up with my own simple version, and was amazed by how easy and yummy it was.  When left in the fridge for a few hours, it goes all fudgy and melt in your mouthy, even better the next day. WARNING though, it's very hard to stop at one!

All you need is:

250g packet of biscuits (I used milk arrowroots, but you can also use Marie or Scotch Fingers)

125g caster sugar

125g butter

2 tablespoons cocoa

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 egg

For the icing:

11/2  cups icing sugar

2 tablespoons butter

3 tablespoons cocoa

1 tablespoon milk

And all you do is:

1.Crush biscuits in food processor or plastic bag using mallett or rolling pin. Make sure you leave mixture a bit lumpy.

2.Add cocoa and mix together.

3.Melt butter on stove.

4.Add sugar to butter and stir until sugar dissolved.

5.Add biscuit mixture, then one egg and mix thoroughly.

6.Press mixture into a slice tin lined with baking paper.

7.Prepare icing by creaming butter.  Add icing sugar, cocoa and milk and mix until smooth.

8.Spread chocolate icing over top of slice.
9. Refridgerate, preferably overnight (if you can wait that long).

10.Slice into small squares.

We enjoyed ours out on the patio with a pot of tea!

Have a sweet day!

xSam

Holiday Happenings

It's amazing what boredom can do to kids, it just brings out a level of craziness you thought they had grown out of years ago. I must admit, the first week of school holidays has flown by, and we have survived so far... well maybe I have gone just a little nuts, but atleast we kept busy and had some fun inbetween the craziness. 

 There was baking, painting, nature collage, plenty of jumping on the trampoline ...

and just for my own sanity, a little adults only craft time..

 my first granny square, woohoo (look out crochet world, here I come)!

And a little something for a my niece.. 

Now as for this week I have etched a few ideas on my brain .. a long walk with scooter and pram (oh and kids too), clay craft out on the patio (thinking pinch pots, shapes for a hanging mobile, maybe diy fossils), more baking, drawing, obstacle coarse, puzzles, drawing, balloon tennis, tea party outside or inside if raining, paper mosaic, make a pom pom monster, visit nanna and/or cousins, playdate with a friend and that should fill in a day (just kidding)!

Now I just need to say to myself "It's going to be a great week, it's going to be a great week, it's going to be..."    

Are you surviving the school holidays so far?  Any ideas on what to do with the kids?  PLEASE??

xSam
*This post has been edited to remove a photo of my daughter, for internet security purposes.