Mushroom Lane

Changing rooms

2012-02-24T00:27:00.000-08:00

I had a little shift around yesterday. Imogen & i have shared the front room as baby/ sewing room for around 1 year, but the other night I had a wee apifphinie, that Anya could have the front room (still my sewing 'corner') Which would allow me to sew more while Ginny is asleep, and sew in the evenings...bonus. Fleur and Ginny are now sharing which is great as Anya is getting to the age where she needs her own space (seriously limited in our little house!) Ginny & Fleur love each other to bits & the fighting between Anya & Fleur will 'hopefully' minimize now that they actually have time 'out' from each other!

I had lots of fun setting up Anya's wee space, a great opportunity to have another clean out (it never ceases to amaze me how many paper 'creations' come from their room!)

I was going to get her a lamp for her dresser & this morning spotted this cutie at the Salvo's, it had no shade, but I re-covered one from another lamp with this seer sucker fabric.....now to clean up the mess on my side!

Mushroom Lane on FELT

2012-02-17T01:26:00.000-08:00

Feeling pretty spesh right now.....

New acquisition

2012-02-12T00:04:00.000-08:00

The first time in my life I've spent more than $10 on nail polish....OPI 'suzi takes the wheel'.

An up-grade from old box brownie

The lion, the witch & the .........

I've had a few very special wee things enter my house lately, the first is our new camera, I've been without a camera for ages (I may have dropped ours on the road). So I borrowed a friends, which according to Fleur 'fell off the piano from the wind' (hehe) So both LCD's were broken & photo's were a bit of hit & miss, just like the good old days! I'm learning to use this piece of hi-tech brilliance, just not so keen on the monthly HP invoice!!

The next very exciting thing is my new (old) wardrobe I scored on trade me for $103 smackers. I seriously had to reduce my clothes by about 1/3 to fit them in here, but we had a garage sale and broke even which was awesome! The reason I needed a new wardrobe is because my lovely has smashed out the two large wardrobes that were side by side between our room & the girls room, to make way for a new toilet, the first step toward turning our scary cold old laundry (where the loo currently is) into a new kitchen (when I say 'new' it will be predominately made from recycled materials). Exciting things I tell you.....exciting in deed.

xxx

Little red riding hood?

2012-02-08T23:49:00.000-08:00

Random pic I know, but the wind blowing sheer white curtains is one of my favourite things.

I have been really excited about sewing THIS little number for quite a few weeks now,

I used a mossy green wool I bought at 'fabric'-a-brac' with a cotton lining from spot light.

I'm looking forward to making some more, perhaps with a peter pan collar like the caplets I've made for my felt shop, or summer capes made from cotton alone.

My little model was not so willing today, therefor no posy shots!...... Well only spag bog ones, she seems to be her happiest when completely nude, absolutely NO socks at all thank you, definitely no capes!

Hmmmmm what else?...

Stuffed potatoes for tea tonight which were bloody nice, made with my giant home grown spuds.

I really enjoyed THIS DVD, also THIS one too.

And I've been grooving to THESE TWO songs while cooking tea.

Have a great weekend, if your around Kapiti this Saturday, check out the medieval fair in Levin.

xoxoxox

Printing on fabric

2012-02-05T00:28:00.000-08:00

I recently bought a book, a craft book, a...nuther...craft book, but this one I justified for Anya's B-day pressie in Aug. It has a few cool ideas I thought I could take full advantage of between then and now. One of these 'ideas' is printing onto fabric using your home printer, something I've always wanted to try, but was kinda dubious about blowing my printer up.

What you need:

freezer paper (you can get this from spotlight)

white cotton (quilter's weight type thing)

1 piece of A4 printers paper (as a size guide)

Iron your freezer paper to your fabric without any steam, then using double sided tape, stick your piece of A4 paper to the back of the freezer paper, then trim any excess off your fabric/ freezer paper piece. Find you image, print it on your printer and voi la!

Not too sure on the colour fast situation, but watch this space peeps..
P.S: SHOP update

Dancing light

2012-01-29T23:55:00.000-08:00

The light was doing pretty things in my kitchen this evening,

so I thought I'd share them with you.....

hotchi-witchi

2012-01-26T00:07:00.000-08:00

I have a love of many things, one of which is hedgehogs. When I lived in the country we had a pair of resident hedgehogs aptly named 'big fat Daddy one' & 'Mummy one', but I have never had the luxury of seeing a baby one up close,...well until today when I pulled up the dive & saw this wee poppet running down the road, potentially becoming a road kill statistic.

Alex was very concerned about me taking him inside to snap a few shots before we popped him safely in the garden with a plate of jelly meat

Hedgehogs are probably our most familiar garden mammals, common in city parks and gardens as well as the countryside. They are very useful to the gardener, as they eat many garden pests.

HEDGEHOG FEATURES
Hedgehogs have short, sharp, stiff spines over the back and sides, short legs and a pointed snout. The underside is covered with dense fur and the animal will roll into a ball when alarmed. This presents the spines towards danger, but is the main reason why so many become road casualties.

FOOD
Hedgehogs mainly eat beetles, caterpillars, earthworms and slugs. Many people put out a saucer of bread and milk for them, but this can be harmful as their stomach cannot digest bread, and cow's milk is a breeding ground for germs and can cause stomach upsets. A better diet would consist of tinned dog or cat food (but not fish-based varieties), minced meat, chopped liver, or scrambled egg. Dog biscuits, bran and peanuts can be used to supplement the diet and to provide roughage but sweet foods such as chocolate and fruit should be avoided, as they are bad for their teeth. It is very important to ensure that a supply of fresh water is always available.

HIBERNATION
Hedgehogs spend the winter in hibernation, as they are unable to find sufficient food outside in the cold weather. Younger animals may be at risk if they have been unable to build up sufficient reserves to keep them alive. Those over 1lb.in weight will probably survive, and should be left alone, but those weighing less are unlikely to live unless taken indoors, given plenty to eat (see section on food), and kept warm. A suitable place could be a large box lined with hay, crumpled paper or dried leaves. If the hedgehog is very young, place a hot water bottle wrapped in a blanket at the bottom of the box. Once they have reached a weight of 1-1.5lbs., hedgehogs can be released into the wild during a spell of mild, dry weather.

Adult hedgehogs hibernate for short periods during the coldest weather. They may not enter hibernation until June and become active again in September or October.

Individuals may be seen during this time as they briefly emerge in a spell of warmer weather.

BREEDING
The female makes a nest of grass, well hidden in the undergrowth. She has 2 - 4 babies that are born naked, with closed eyes. She suckles them and they grow quickly. They leave the nest after about 3 weeks and become independent.

INTERESTING FACTS
Hedgehogs visit several gardens within an area - and as many as 10 different individuals may visit the same garden over a period of several nights, so the hedgehog you see in the garden may not be the same every time. Most wild hedgehogs have fleas, but these only live on hedgehogs, and cannot be transferred to cats, dogs, or humans.

The hedgehog is a very noisy animal and can be heard crashing through the undergrowth or snuffling in ditches on quiet nights. To encourage hedgehogs (and other wildlife), leave some wild areas in the garden, and avoid 'tidying up' too much. Leave plenty of dead leaves in which they can hibernate - and always check before starting bonfires, in case a hedgehog is sheltering there.

Don't use slug pellets. These are poisonous to hedgehogs and many other animals. Injured hedgehogs should be taken to the nearest R.S.P.C.A centre or vet. It is quite safe to pick up a hedgehog - but be sure to wear gloves!

Feeling Blue

2012-01-22T00:23:00.000-08:00

The School Hols seem to be zapping by at light speed. Good as I'm looking forward to returning to 'some kind of normal', not so good as I feel I haven't 'done' a lot of 'things' with the kids...get my drift?

We were very fortunate, however, to spend some time with my one of my faves and hang out for the day in Pohangina valley. There is a blueberry farm not too far from our place, and the kids and I had a total blast picking blueberries, Alex managed to fit 32 in his mouth at once...later complaining of a sore tummy!!! ( he rather fancied the sour ones!) My beautiful friend Tink, who came a picking with us (Twas her idea, bless her!) has just started her own blog 'milkface' So please pop over and say hello, she has a beautifully honest way of writing and I always enjoy reading what she has to say.

I was extremely lucky to go to her Mama's & snap some pics of her totally amazing house, it truly was like something Bilbo Baggins could live in. I had a very healing day breathing in the fresh country air, sharing delicious whole foods and sharing the company of like minded souls.

Here are some pics of their amazing whare......

And now to (finally) acknowledge the 'new year'

Like many of you amazing bloggers, I have attempted to set some 'new year' goals as opposed to resolutions.

Things that have been in the back of my mind for some time, and perhaps need the 'new year' excuse to be kicked into action?!

1: Sit my full license (I've had my restricted for 11 years would you believe?)

2: Start piano lessons (two of our children have been blessed with the opportunity to take music lessons, only to grow prematurely tired of them. I have ALWAYS wanted to be able to learn the piano, so I have decided to take it upon myself that I shall ignore the feelings of being selfish, & grasp this opportunity as an adult, with the passion I had 20 years ago, and dive on in....watch this space)

3: Go back to work....! Yes working, and NO not that full time work that some Mother's do, along with juggling everything else (I am not one of those!) But prior to having Ginny, I did part time work massaging some of the local IHC. I loved this...have missed it so much, and now that Gunny is not quite so demanding on the breast, I feel like the time is right to return.

4: Make my vege garden the mecca of green goodness! Yep my garden has suffered some neglect over the past 18 or so months, 2012 is going to be an opportunity to learn more self sufficient techniques, eat A LOT more from our garden/ local produce etc, all in the face of the current 'food bill bullocks'!

So....any good blueberry recipe's?

swimmy

2012-01-17T23:00:00.000-08:00

Gotta love those impromptu summer baths....

Birthday girl

2012-01-16T00:19:00.000-08:00

My baby turned 1 today! 1...can you believe it?

Who's in here then aye?......

Happy Holidays

2011-12-26T13:26:00.000-08:00

Snuggles with my baby

Happy Holidays ever one.

Hope you all had a fantastic Christmas with family.

We are off to the beach for a week...whoop whoop

Have a safe & happy break

See you again in the next year

xxxxx

Chrissy Crafting part:2

2011-12-23T02:35:00.000-08:00

I'm loving Fleur's style at the moment...head band over hat! hehe

The kids almost always spend some time time during December making Christmas goodies. Something I think they possibly thought every one did up until a few days ago when we had a visitor who joined in making bickies & informed us she had never done anything like this before. We have loads of fun doing all sorts of madness, and as much as I'd hate to admit it, there are times when my stress levels are at a 10 & I question my sanity?!

Most of us craft Mums are all trying install in our children the love of giving, making, creating, thought fullness & kindness. Not always easy when they're bombarded with commercial nonsense & as they get older the horrid peer pressure. It's interesting listening to what others hold as values regarding the festive season, my lovely had an interesting discussion with some friends & family today, one brother had mentioned that they had a limit of $1000 for their Children's pressies (3 kids) & they had gone over that! Is this just me or does that sound mental?? Another said 'that's what Christmas should be about...your kids getting heaps of presents!' Ged piped up ( not a regular occurrence for him to do so) & said 'hang on, that's not what Christmas is about & it's not what Christmas should be about'. Don't get me wrong here, I don't want to sound like a moaning old hag, & I love to see my kids faces light up with delight on Christmas morning, but I also love to see their faces light up when they share gifts of love to each other, home made or what ever. I'm not a particularly 'Christian' person, but I do believe in goodness, weather you're celebrating the birth of Jesus or the Solstice this week, I wish good health, good food, good memories & plenty of jolly good times (hopefully involving some grooving to the beats!)

Blessed be

xox

Honey Soy Nuts.

1 Cup each unsalted cashews, natural almonds & pecans

1/3 Cup pumpkin seeds & sun flower seeds

1 Tbsp sesame seeds & nigella seeds (black cumin)

1 tsp chopped rosemary

1 tsp cayenne pepper

1 tsp ground black pepper

1/4 honey

2 Tbsp sun flower oil

1 Tbsp soy sauce

Pre-heat oven to 180 C. Line a roasting pan with baking paper. Mix seeds, herbs & spices in a large bowl. Place honey, soy & oil in a pan and melt over a low heat. Once melted pour over seeds, mix to cover & place in a flat layer in you roasting pan. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until seeds are golden brown, stirring occasionally. Allow to cool completely, stirring occasionally again to prevent clumping. Bag up or be a piggy & eat them all yourself...nom nom

Crafty Pressies

2011-12-17T17:05:00.000-08:00

Pencil holders

Little note books

Bed time bags, to be filled with a home made pair of jammies & a pre loved book.

Purse for Ash,.

This year we made a little contract with ourselves, that Christmas gifts would be either be homemade, handmade, kiwi made or second hand. With the exception of few little things we found at markets, I'm happy to say we managed to stick to it.

I usually make something for the girls anyway, but I think giving yourself the 'rules' at the start has made it the most fun I think I've ever had when it comes to gift hunting. & I haven't had the bother of last minute 'rubbish purchases' from the likes of the warehouse etc to blow my budget or my conscious.

There stocking fillers are coming along, I've saved a few things to my pinterest board 'crissey ideas' if anyone wants a bit of inspiration.

Hope the making & baking of Christmas is rocking along nicely for you all too!

xxxx

perfect size for a sleep!

High Tea

2011-12-08T19:25:00.001-08:00

I made strawberry jam today, mmmmm

Then my baby brother popped in for a wee visit,

so we donned our pinny's & whipped up some lemonade scones

Doesn't he look lovely in that floral?

The winner is....

2011-12-05T01:15:00.001-08:00

....Mel from 5 in a bed

Soon to be 6 in a bed! Yay!

I hope you like my surprise goodie bag.

xxxxxxx

100th post & a little suprise

2011-11-30T01:13:00.001-08:00

We made a little hut today...the sun was shining, the lawns were mowed & to be completely honest it's the first time in ages that I've sat down with the kids at their level & played 'with them' rather than them 'playing' with me (eg: helping me cook, sew, domestic stuff ra ra ra ra.....)

I had lots of fun peeping at the sun through the sheets & listening to the garden. For Imogen it was mostly about the food...!

Now, for a little treat to celebrate my 100th post I'm going to give away a little parcel of surprises. Yes if you're into a complete mystery envelope then enter below.....just leave a comment, any old comment, no conditions. Feel free to leave a book or film recommendation, perhaps a song your enjoying at the moment? maybe an inspirational blog or web site??

Happy days!!! whoop whoop

xxxxxxxxxx

Wedding bells

2011-11-28T00:33:00.001-08:00

My baby sister was married in the weekend, I had the lovely honor of being her bridesmaid (that's moi on the right) Twas a beautiful day with fantastic weather, a miracle considering the week we had had! The sun Gods sure shone for her garden ceremony amongst the roses.

Two very proud little flower girls were Anya & Fleur..xx

Hope your weekend was just as lovely.

xxxx

Little doings

2011-11-20T23:49:00.001-08:00

I have had a little SHOP update (at long last)

Please feel free to pop on over for a little look.

I'm on the prowl for Kiwi made & second hand pressies for the kids for Christmas.

Any suggestions/ sites/ DIY ideas welcome!

Hope you're all enjoying the week...despite the hectic weather!

xxx

Old Sew & Sew...& So....

2011-11-10T01:04:00.000-08:00

New slippers & top for Ginny

Feeling rather a little more productive round here this week (quietly says whoop whoop to one's self)

Lots of little pairs of bidibids. An obsession with cotton lawn that I've been channeling through baby knickers & summer tops. I'm still panicking as I only have two weeks left, but fingers crossed I'll have enough.

I'm hoping to have some more birdy mobiles made, as well as some more soap & baby bottom balm......I need one of those time machine's off Harry Potter....

Productive-ness!

Mrs Bunny rattles.

I've been whipping up some smaller goodies to sell as stocking fillers

embroidering their little faces was lots of fun.

Actually my mind is in total over load with ideas flowing left & right.

I find myself thinking away at night, which inevitably turns into weird dreams & even weirder sleep talking. last night I was ranting about someone from Taihapi stealing all our wood for making spoons......Hmmmm

Lots of little baby knickers.

Lots of little tops.

I've also had a little fun making new labels for 'stuff'

A little gift from my lovely xxx

Now for a bit of random ranting:

*I really like THIS song at the mo...

*I'm finally on PINTREST...more distractions,

only inspirational ones which I can justify...somehow?

*I found a COMPLETELY rotten banana & mandarin in Alex's bag when I put his lunch box in there yesterday.

I don't get why this doesn't bother him?

*Fleur managed to get a peppermint stuck up her nose the other morning on our way to Kindy. Why do you always seem to have one child that tends towards these type of situations?

I can add this to the list which includes her head being stuck in the news paper stand at the post shop and getting a toffee pop stuck vertically in her mouth!

Yes it looks like two alcoholics on the couch! All being entertained by Imogen's new facials...halarious!

thrifty

2011-11-02T22:13:00.000-07:00

Haul of luscious fabric

pillow slips & tea towels

retro glasses.....Churr

Vintage slip

miss smocky

Tops & bottoms, sweet

'New' old curtains

Little shoes xx

Home Birth Babies

2011-11-01T20:21:00.000-07:00

Last week was Home Birth Awareness Week. Imogen was my first home birth, it's funny how sometimes I forget she was born in the lounge, just behind where I'm sitting right now.

There is a wonderful wee group of like minded Mama's in the mighty Manawatu who organized all sorts of stuff during the week, me being rather a slack home body only made it to the film 'the first cry' at our local boutique cinema. It was a very enlightening movie. Amazing how we often don't realize how birth is so incredibly different for various cultures.

whip on over to this Face Book page for an awesome non-profit group of woman sharing all sorts of useful info about babes, birth, & loads of great other 'stuff'.

xxx

Trying new things

2011-10-29T00:04:00.000-07:00

I should be making Christmas pressies, instead my mind is flooding with new things to try. Fleur's kindy kindly lent me one of their screens for the weekend & Fleur happily 'showed' me how to use it!

I'm addicted

today in my garden

2011-10-27T20:48:00.000-07:00

It's been a funny old week. I've been relishing in the peace that the first week of school going back brings, but I've been shattered so not much else has taken place other than boring domestic stuff!

The garden however has taken off. Things are happening in the glass house, my lovely put some stones down the middle as a path and plumbed a tap in there which is connected to a rain water tank off the studio. I'd usually be a lot more organized on the vege front by now, a reminder of how a new babe can disrupt the 'routine' for a lot longer than you always anticipate!

I'm trying a few new tomatoes including one called German red strawberry. Last year I grew 'Black from Tula' It was a total winner & I'd strongly recommend it. Cherokee purple is another good cropper with large fruit. When it comes to greens you can't beat Cavelo nero (A kale member, bottom pic) It just grows & grows even when every thing else has been eaten by the snails or caterpillars. You feel healthy just looking at it!

So....whats growing in your neck of the woods?

2011-10-22T15:49:00.000-07:00

Pop on over to the above link & sign up for Rie's fantastic universal craft blog directory...

then enjoy the rest of your Sunday surfing other wonderfully like minded craft goddess's alike.

xxx

What's for tea?

2011-10-16T23:29:00.000-07:00

I recently found an amazing recipe for a 'yum as' dip.

It went quite nicely with my little lamb pies, so I thought I'd share it with you.

Little lamby pies

300gms (ish) minced lamb

1 onion diced

2-3 cloves of garlic crushed

1 tsp cumin

1 chopped chili

2 tsp paprika

2 Tbsp tomato paste

1 hand full of fresh mint chopped

2 Tbsp of pine nuts or sunflower seeds

Vege of your choice I used a big bunch of chopped kale but you can do what ever you fancy, or none at all!

2 sheets of puff pastry

Oven to 180C

Cut the pastry into 1/4's and pop into 'monstor muffin' pans or something equivalent.

Brown mince, drain fat, add onion, garlic & spices, then T-paste, vege, mint & seeds. simmer, adding more liquid if needed ( this mix is dryer than your normal Spag bog mix) Set aside.

Bake some kind of wedges. I made kumera wedges. Bung your little pies in the oven until the pastry puffs nicely.

Yummy dip

Caramelize an onion in 1 Tbsp of butter for around 20min. Pop in your blender/mixer with 1 Tbsp of wine or cider vinegar, 1 Tbsp of whole grain mustard & 3/4 Cup mayonnaise.

serve it all up with fresh green salad type thingy. Yum!

P.S: I often make this mince mix and pop it in a free form gallet shape with home made short pastry, making a layer of grated cheese on the bottom first in super nice.

Enjoy! xx

And the winner is........

2011-10-15T21:18:00.000-07:00

And the winner is:
Number 6
Amy from Amy seven stitches

Please e-mail me: mushroomlane at hotmail dot com with you address etc & I'll post your goodies this week. Thanks to everyone who enetered. I'll be popping some of my aromatherapy range into my FELT shop before Christmas if anyone is interested.
Now....... I've come up with an idea for a swap. How does a vintage fabric swap sound? I'm apprehensive about the whole organisation swappy thing, but if anyone is keen to take the bull by the horns.....(Stella for example (said under the murmer of a cough) who did such a wounderful job with the vintage kitchen swap , or anyone else...anyone????
Let me know what you all think? If I can't bully anyone into it, I guess I could (hopefully) figure it all out? HA ha
Well that's all from me for now...glass of red with my name on it...Over & out

Up -cycling

2011-10-14T21:59:00.000-07:00

A few months ago I bought a GAP merino turtle neck jumper from the oppy for $3.50. I'm not a turtle neck girl but the colour & quality were too good to pass up so I thought I'd whip up something for Anya. Initially I just intended to shorten the sleeves & cut the neck off, as well as turning it into a cardy, however the more I played around the more I realised I could be a bit more creative. We both loved the buttons on the cuffs so I cut the sleeves & re-attached the cuffs making it a 3/4 length. I used strips cut from the neck to bind the new neck & attached satin ribbon instead of heaps of button down the front, which I reckon gives it a more feminine/ vintage feel.

Yes I'm a little bit chuffed with myself! Ha.........

Now for that over flowing bottom shelf in my sewing room of 'other' potential up-cycle buys!!!

How's your weekend going?

Square Eggs

2011-10-14T14:38:00.000-07:00

What's for breakfast in your house this weekend?

Jamming

2011-10-13T23:19:00.001-07:00

Oh you pretty things

2011-10-13T00:10:00.000-07:00

Thanks for my cool retro awesome-ness Gran xxx

Ooowh don't forget about my giveaway below. I'm drawing it on Sunday 14th xx

A Giveaway

2011-10-08T00:25:00.000-07:00

Back in August I had the best intentions of having a little giveaway....here we are in October & I've finally got here!

So you ask...whats up for offer???

Well Summer is on her way, so I have popped together a little bundle of smelly goodness, including:

Sun burn lotion

Mozzy repellent

Hyper Cal anti-septic gel

Lemon, Lavender & T-Tree soap.

All vegetable based & made by moi

To go into the draw leave a little comment below & as a bonus if you pop a link on your own blog I will give you another chance to win, just pop me a message to let me know if you've done so.

Yay for giveaways!!!

I think that's all............?

Oh...I will post any where in Nz & Oz...sorry peep's living elsewhere xox

Making & Reading

2011-10-04T01:55:00.000-07:00

A few goodies I've been making over the past week. I am determined to have a decent amount made for cross hills market in November. I recently tried out a new baby shoe pattern, a free pattern off the web for reversible slippers. I wasn't all together happy with it as I found the hole for babies feet too small, so I have gone back to my own one I've adjusted over the years. I am however looking forward to trying out THIS pattern over the next few days.

Now for some seriously beautiful knitting..I found this book at the library the other day. It is divine! All the patterns in THIS book are classic well made styles with beautiful detailing.

Vintage knits for modern babies

Hadley Fierlinger

ISBN:978-1-58008-960-9

Well I hope you're all enjoying the obvious changes in the weather. I know I am. Serious gardening has begun at our whare. I was lucky enough to score 5 bare rooted fruit trees from the Hort department at Massey in the weekend for $50. Our fence is now displaying 2 apple varieties (including one called 'peasgood nonsuch' what a name!) a quince, elephant heart plum & a dual peach. Its the first time we've tried 'espalier' growing, so I hope we don't kill them!

How is your garden growing?

xxx

Pretty Carrot Muff's

2011-10-03T00:46:00.000-07:00

Best carrot muffins ever

2 Cups Flour

3/4 Cups white sugar (raw or brown would be fine)

2 tspn Baking powder

1/2 tspn Baking soda

pinch of Salt

2 tspns Cinnamon

1 tspn mixed spice

1 Egg

1 Cup of Milk

1/2 Cup of Oil

2 grated Carrots

1/2 Cup Sultanas

1/2 Cup Walnuts (or sunflower seeds)

Sift dry ingredients, mix wet ingredients & add to dry stuff. Fold in carrot, sultanas & nuts. Spoon into muff pans & bake at 180 C- 200C depending on how mental your oven is.

Ice with cream cheese icing:

1/4 Cup cream cheese

1 Cup Icing sugar

2 Tbsp melted butter

zest of 1/2 a lemon

Beat all togeather.

Nom Nom

xxxxxx

The Red Racer

2011-09-30T19:28:00.000-07:00

A few years ago I scored this baby for $10 bucks at a local oppy...no not that hot man in the background...he was free.....I'm talking about my Red Racer baby!

Well the old girl has been chilling the shed for a while, I did take her for a spin when I was about 7 months preggies...it wasn't pretty.

So yesterday I popped into the local bike shop for some new brake pads & found myself at the counter with the tinniest bike helmet I've ever seen.

Imogen hates hats so this will take a little getting used to for her (hence the pics) but after a few laps round the house she was quite happy & chatting away. Initially I thought she was still a bit young, but she fits quite snug in her little seat so I'll take her for a few short laps round the block until we both get used to riding together.

It was quite cute as the chair made her hair all fuzzy with static & she looked like some mad old man.

Hope you're all getting some sun this weekend, & maybe your first BBQ of the season...whoop whoop!

Thrifty

2011-09-26T01:48:00.000-07:00

Last week was a good one for opp shopping, the salvos had a 'vintage week' which was very exciting. Ged & I spent Sunday afternoon licking the windows & drooling over all the bootee awaiting new homes & eager collectors.

I arrived outside at 2 minutes to 10 on Monday morning & joined the cue, many of whom (to my disgruntlement...is that word?) were antique dealers looking for a bargain.

It was probably the most intense opp shopping I have ever done, swift whips & enamel tea pots were being waved about left right & centre.

There were definitely some beautiful items to be had, sadly I missed out on a stunning oak bed side cabinet which was only $30, but I really can't complain at all the other little treasures I've acquired...& yes I've blown my budget big time!

I love this little vase. It has some interesting stamps on the bottom, but I can't make any of them out sadly.

Retro whistling kettle $3.00

Coffee perk $4.00

Awesome enamel ladle...essential for soup on the coal range

Vintage can opener

Do you remember these!!!! They're getting as rare as milk bottle crates!

Mini sewing machine. I've had one of these on my wish list for a while. Both Anya & Alex are fascinated by it.

A collection of fabulous Plunket patterns. The owner of these has kept the originals in mint condition, tracing each one & filing them into individual brown envelopes.

I also scored a handful of beaded milk jug covers & an old lace up boned girdle with matching brassier. It's a little worse for wear & possibly a size 20 something, but I'm looking forward to mending it & hanging it on the wall.

Now I HAVE to get into the garden.

xxxx

Blossoms in the sun

2011-09-22T19:43:00.000-07:00

Lots of grass was eaten today

Mrs Bunny hops & hops

2011-09-20T17:40:00.000-07:00

I've been away from bloggy land for a few weeks. I decided to change phone companies & resulted in no phone...no Internet...then phone..then no phone again. In the end I lost my rag & said F*#K... F@#K Sake & a few more choice words, well would you believe there was a technician on my door step the next morning! I don't like to abuse call centre staff as I used to massage the Telecom's 018 centre staff, but this situation brought out the best of my potty mouth!!

So...being away from blog land has made me realise how important my little blog has become to me. It's funny that most of you I have never met, but your inspiration and daily events become much like a close friendship. I guess many of us are Mothers, potentially 'socially isolated' by the demands of family/ mother hood etc (I know this sounds like some 50's mental health phenomena by the way I've written it, but I know you all know what I mean!) So I'd like to say a little thank you to all the wonderful Woman who inspire me...too many to name, but rest assured that sharing little glimpses of your creative endeavours often makes my day! xxx

Now to some sewing missions... I scored this little pillow case from a new oppy in town the other day & decided it needed to be made into something for Imogen to cuddle. The sewing up part ended up being a pain in the proverbial, but all turned out in the end! I'm hoping to sew one of the THESE with the rest.

Now for any of you who are inspired by totally beautiful vintage children's clothes go HERE for a serious drool session!

xxxxx

Fathers Day

2011-09-04T01:58:00.000-07:00

Happy Fathers day Dad

25.09.57-17.03.2001

Miss you like mad.

Hope your having a cold one & watching the rugby up there somewhere?

xxxx

Sewing therapy

2011-09-02T22:25:00.000-07:00

It has been nice to do some therapeutic sewing over the last few days.

Our house has had some major shifting around, including my beautiful studio becoming a teenagers sleep out! I know...insane, but a necessary decision. The front sun room ( the only room we've done up so far) is now Imogen's little nest & my sewing area. Mad as it seems I am actually getting some sewing done now! I remember reading one of Dee's post where she said the reality is sewing has to be done in the heart of the home. She was very right!

The bunting has been on my 'to do' list for a long time now. I've made it to tie to my gazebo for markets etc. I just need to cut out all the letters for my 'mushroom lane' to go on the flags.

I also have a little giveaway plan going over in my head, I turned 30 last month & intended to do a birthday giveaway...time has rolled on obviously, but watch this space as I'm feeling positively organized at the moment!

Hope your catching some Vitamin D rays this weekend

xxxx

Before & After

2011-09-01T01:10:00.000-07:00

I've been doing a little bit of spring clean house pimping lately. It's so nice to have the windows open & the smells of fresh cut grass & flowers wafting in.

Our house is a 'work in progress!' The laundry & bathroom in most need of some DIY, so until the serious stuff happens I thought I'd do a bit of feminine fabric re-decorating, the kind women loved to do in the 70's!

Before...

After.....

It probably doesn't seen like much on here, but the difference is actually quite surprising at my end. Even walking past the bathroom is a nicer experience! Just call me Laura Ashley!

Now to wait till the kids decide drying their hands on my curtain is way more convenient than the hand towel?

The thrifty Fairy

2011-08-30T22:53:00.000-07:00

I had a magic Salvo's day yesterday. I obvioulsy go in too much as we have a new lady at our local Salvo's. I went up to the counter, & she said 'have you seen the old belts down the back?, I was thinking of you today when I put these out'....Holy sweety Mother I NEVER see old tooled belts in any Oppy. They're so rare most of the time I don't bother looking, but this was my lucky day. The brown one's were $1, & the black one $2.50...SCORE...& in my size whipeeee

We also spotted these awesome puppets, with frocks like that who could resist?

Speaking of frocks, I think this pinny is way to cool to hide away in the kitchen?

I also scored an old woolen Scouts blankt with all the badges on it! $4.00. I'm going to make my sweets a man bag for Father's day out of it I think?

Knitting & A View

2011-08-26T16:14:00.000-07:00

I finally managed to finish Imogen's knitted leggings last night, & phew they fit!

I used the softest wool I could find on the day at our local wool shop, it's lovely, but I kinda wish I had used Alpaca as this doesn't scratch babies skin due to the fact that the fibre has no barbs. I am however knitting THIS pattern now in a beautiful cream alpaca 8 ply which is awesome to knit with.

Spring is in the air around me. I'm feeling the spring cleaning urge which is always nice.

I took this pic from my laundry window, we have two huge magnolia tress in flower in the back yard. I posted THIS post when we first moved here 1 year ago, it's amazing how much the back yard has changed in that time. Eventually...like when we win the lotto or something....this will be the view from my kitchen. I can't wait as I currently look upon my neighbours shed, it will be nice to see the kids playing while I'm fluffing about.

Hope you have a lovely weekend, especially those of you lucky enough to get to the wearable arts last night.

xxx

BUBBLES BUBBLES BUBBLES POP

2011-08-23T18:05:00.000-07:00

Imogen had her first bubble bath last night...

she kinda freaked out on them!

surprises

2011-08-22T01:41:00.000-07:00

Today was a very exciting day for me...the courier arrived with my vintage kitchen swap goodies & boy was I spoilt. My lovely swap Buddie was Gabrielle, check out her awesome blog with goat loads of clothes to die for on her 'Vintage Wednesday' posts.

My goodies came wrapped up in funky retro wall paper with AWESOME typed (yes on a real type writer) labels & cards. My Bootee included very cool stainless steel S&P shakers, A stunning Irish linen tea towel, happily added to my collection! The purple pinny happily modeled by Alex, 4 white napkins, 2 friggen awesome durawear cups with saucers!!!!.......And..DA DA DAAAHHHH

the coolest, prettiest & down right most beautiful picnic blanket made with re-purposed linens. I can't wait to use it!

Man I feel totally spoilt Gabrielle! I'm in awe of your gratitude & creativity!

xoxooxoxoxoxox

Hope you are all having a fantastic week

Boob madness

2011-08-16T03:07:00.000-07:00

I'm sure you're all aware of the cold winter madness that has swept the country. We have had snow 3 nights in a row which is NEVER heard of here in the Manawatu. The kids have had a blast (big 40 year olds included) We live in a small town approx 16,000 but the kids go to a country school about 10 minutes drive from home. I used to live in the country & when I moved to town, the kids didn't adapt too well to the bigger schools with 'street wise' kids (heaven help me if I ever moved to Welly or Auck!) so I took them back & they are quite happy about that! Alex & Anya were lucky enough to go on a ski/ snowboarding camp up Ruapehu at the beginning of the month, so it's quite ironic that the snow had followed them home!

On a completely different note, I've been having on going breast feeding problems with Imogen. When it came to the other kids, I was guaranteed mastitis several times with all of them, so I counted myself very lucky with Ginny that for some reason I didn't get it with her. However I am now on my second bout of thrush which is making feeding very painful. I also have cracked nipples again as she is a complete nosey fidget when she feeds, pulling her self off if she hears a new voice in the room. She also likes to hold on to/ pinch/ knead my poor boobs which have little red scratches and blood blisters over them.

I am a huge breast feeding enthusiast, however I never judge anyone who chooses not to. Circumstances are different for all of us. I am at the point now where I'm finding myself thinking about weaning her, only to be battling pangs of guilt at not sticking in there, being selfish, feeling like a hopeless Mother? Its really starting to get me down, both physically & emotionally.

Boo hoo?

I'd love to hear from any of you who have had similar experiences & might have some advice?

Hope you are all having a better week & enjoying the beautiful wintry sunshine in between the snow & rain!

xxxxx

Cooking & Baking.....

2011-08-13T20:53:00.000-07:00

Lemon Tart

My new favourite food

Roast vege salad

A staple for sure

Owwww...

Thrifty finds here

A wool granny square blanket

perfect size for Imogen's pram

Yep....the smurfs!

This little beauty is a cot quilt with the foldy flap things
$2.50...cha ching

CAKE...cake...& more cake
August is a Birthday time for us

There are 7 Family Birthdays!

My Mum & I share the same day

This year I turn 30 & she turns 50

My Anya has just turned 8

hence the rainbow cake...

lots of fun to make

stuck together with white choc ganache

I ate way too much

so much I got a tummy ache

so much I had bright green diarrhea

I'm not kidding

& on that note

I will say

have a great week

xox

Cabin Fever

2011-07-21T22:09:00.000-07:00

I've been pretty slack on the school holiday activity front. Every one is scratchy from being stuck inside, & now we seem to have the flu in the house NEAT!

We were, however pretty spoilt with 3 whole days of awesome sunshine & NO wind! The kids got some well needed vitamin D making huts & bouncing on the tramp, its amazing how good you feel in sun when we haven't had it for a while.

Yes short lived it was, so yesterday we were back to grey & gloom so the needles are out & the girls had a go at doing some embroidery. They firstly drew a picture that they would like to stitch, Anya chose to draw a fantail (piwakawaka) & Fleur chose a self portrait, very cute. I was surprised at how well Fleur took instructions and listened to what I said, like holding onto the thread & the needle! (Fleur called it the 'knitting thingie'!) Anya was off with very little help which shows me how much shes growing...eek! She is knitting on her own now too, once again, I'm amazed at how much their fine motor skills develop so fast. It was a lot of fun for me & the girls, but short lived thanks to the smallest one who must have 'boobies' & touch everything on the table!! Even though there's only 2.5 years between all the kids I still manage to forget the demands of breast feeding & how it effects the amount of one -on -one you get with the others.

She who must have boobies is currently clogged up with boogies so the boobies are a frustrating experience for the both of us, poor little peanut : (

Today however she had a little nap & Fleur & I escaped into the studio where I whipped up some vintage floral bidibids for her with lamb skin soles...nice & warm with her green merino leggings I made last week xx

Hope you are all keeping warm, & surviving the holidays for those with babes at home...unless of course you're a home schooling goddess who does it every day...bless!

xoxoxox

Stuff that been doing

2011-07-18T01:27:00.000-07:00

I recently scored some very special 'little bugs'

Kefir to be exact. I had heard this name popping up more & more, in particular in Kay Baxter's book 'a change of heart' which I would recommend to anyone who is interested in the Weston A Price principles of eating & lifestyle. This is all quite new to me, but I feel the fundamentals sit right in my gut. I purchased both water & dairy kefir grains from HERE.

They come with detailed instructions, & are easily Incorporated into your daily routine.

I've made two batches of soft kefir cheese, which is delish on crackers. In this batch pictured I've added sweet Thai chili sauce, crushed garlic & chopped herbs. All the kids devoured it which was refreshing! Dairy kefir is cool as you can make 'yoghurt' (I think it's just called kefir, but slightly runnier than your average yogurt?) without having to heat the milk, insulate or anything else you would usually do when making normal dairy yoghurt. With kefir you just add the little granules (they look like tiny squishy bits of cauliflower) to milk in a jar and wait. The waiting depends on the weather. At the moment it's taking 3 days for approx 3 cups to ferment. I read in Kay's book that she had a friend who left their kefir in milk on the bench for 4 months and they were still thriving!!

Water kefir looks like crystal rain ( the stuff you put with water to keep your plants hydrated)

They live on sugar and can be added to fruit juices to make natural fizzy drinks. Its a lot of fun

Kefir draining in muslin to become kefir cheese

The other 'things' I've br=een uo to is restoring some old towels. These towels had gone all weird at the bottom. Kind of gathered where the...'thing bit?' is. So I cut it off and hemmed them with some homemade binding turning them into spunky new hand towels. I haven't managed to get handmade home to myself yet, but from what I sneak when I visit my girlfriend Tink, I'm pretty sure she has something similar in her book

old towel with 'weird syndrome'

sexy new towel!

It's funny as my blog posting (& I'm sure to many other Mums as well) seems to coincide with breast feeding time. tonight Imogen was so knackered after her 'before bath snack' she simple went back to sleep sitting up! Would you believe that now it's bed time & shes wide awake 'DadadadaDADADADADING'! Sigh

flying high

2011-07-11T02:48:00.000-07:00

I made this mobile for a special wee man's 1st Birthday.

I used THIS pattern which you have probably seen floating around the net

It's funny when you craft things and have a clear picture of what your going to make, only it takes on a form of it's own, creating itself...I have a very talented FRIEND of mine who makes the most beautiful cloth dolls & I remember Debs telling me about her experience's where the 'dolls' are almost making themselves...you are just holding the tools.

I'm hoping to make Ginny one next ( her current mobile is half broken & periodically falls on her while she sleeps...great Mothering)

Anyway....Hope you are all keeping warm...& nourished!

I have been enjoying THIS blog....& THIS one too.

& I've been chilling to THESE guys...

& grooving to THIS fulla.

Have a great week

xxxx

P.S Sorry for not replying to any of my comments lately. One of the many problems I seem to have with blogger at the moment is that I can't post comments on my own blog...and many others too...
boo hoo!

P.P.S Can some lovely soul please tell me how to add the 'you might also like' gadget at the bottom of my posts, linking them to other posts?' It doesn't seem to be on my gadget list???

Domesticity

2011-07-03T18:03:00.000-07:00

I've been an absent blogger lately.

Fleur was home with a tummy bug & Ash all week with tonsillitis

Imogen has had a very sore thrushy bottom & thrushy mouth...which became sad thrushy boobs!

Boo hoo! And now she has decided that her maximum sleep during the day will be 15 min & waking 3-4 times a night...Bliss....NOT

And to top it all off, the house my lovely thought he'd be building in 2 weeks time, which was going to be our saving grace, has fallen through...Grrrrr

So now there are all sorts of crazy ideas being thrown back & forth. A friend of ours has suggested he try out for work with him, great money but away 10 days & home for 4! Whilst myself at home with the 5 babes. I'm not too keen.....super woman I am not!

On a brighter note, I have actually been doing a little bit of 'stuff''.

In the name of thrifty-ness I have made some rather styley dish cloths out of some old towels and over locked some nice cotton fabric onto one side. They work great, were FREE & look fab hanging over my taps!

Inspired by old towels I made Imogen some super styley bibs using the same principles.

Ta daa

I have also made a merino blanket for bubs which looks rather crap in the pic, but is cool I assure you (blowing my own horn she says) Its green on the other side with a green birdie. We are lucky to have a very neat factory shop down the Kapiti coast way,about 45 min drive, which is a merino knitwear shop. End of line & factory seconds, you get top quality merino for between $5 & $15 a metre. I have just got some neat mustard, sage, charcoal & black to make the kids some leggings...which leads me to another exciting thing...I have just discovered PDF patterns on Etsy. I know..I can hear the words slow & retarded being thrown at me, but this was rather exciting for me, I'm looking forward to making some winter coats for the girls.

One last thing before I become domestic goddess again & return to my mountain of washing,

I wanted to share with you a very cool & extremely cheap recipe I found here for making your own laundry liquid, & with Rhonda's permission I am sharing it with you:

Laundry liquid:

1/2 cup washing soda

1/2 cup borax

1 cup grated soap (i used a cake of sard wonder soap but you can use anything really)

1.5 Litres of water

Essential oils ( I used 1 Tbsp of Lavender & 1 Tbsp of eucalyptus)

you don't need to add these if you're after an unscented product.

8 litres of cold water

Put the first 4 ingredients into a pot and bring to the boil, then gently simmer until the soap is dissolved.

Put this into a plastic 10 litre bucket and add cold water making the total up to approx 9.5 litres. Add your essential oils & give a good stir. Then pop into containers leaving enough room for it to be shaken as it will turn to a gel consistency. I kept mine in a lidded bucket, & refill an old eco store laundry liquid bottle as the cap measure is around 1/4 cup, what I use for each load.

This stuff is fantastic, very cheap to make. Safe for front loader machines. Smells fab & lasts our house of 7 for 3 months.

Happy brewing.

Quack Quack

2011-06-29T21:34:00.000-07:00

Nice

2011-06-28T02:38:00.000-07:00

Thrift

2011-06-23T19:08:00.000-07:00

The purse strings are rather tight at the moment, well tighter than our normal tight anyway.

No opp shopping for me..

Well not until I finally cleaned my dresser of clothes the other day & found a little white envelope with $15 bucks, (soap I had sold a while back & completely forgotten about!) So with money burning a hole in my pocket, we loaded Ginny into the pram and wandered off to the Feilding farmers market in the sun...yes THE SUN!!!

Whilst wandering around I could not resist a little peep in the salvos. Lucky for me it was one of those little magic opp shop days.....

Some nice cooking apples...free from Pop

Vintage linen baby sheets

I can NEVER resist these old Agee jars.

Some good old Crown Lynn bowls and the coolest tiny potty I've ever seen

Snakes & ladders anyone?

$1 reserves on trade me! Yep $1

Cosy

2011-06-18T02:24:00.000-07:00

I was reading through Rosemary McLeod's book 'thrift to fantasy'

Drooling over the beautiful images when I came across a huge crochet granny blanket. Suddenly I remembered a beautiful blanket that was given to me 'yonks ago'. It had needed mending & I had lent it to a girlfriend to fix as I'm hopeless at crochet...2 years ago! To cut to the point we both forgot about it until Rosemary brought it all back! I love this blanket as it is huge, woollen & it fits over our queen bed just right.

So...yes..mending is a priority seeing as we have just had the first heavy frost of the year

mmmmmm woolly blankets, pikelets and big pots of tea xx

Hope your all hibernating in comfort

Teeth?

2011-06-15T01:39:00.000-07:00

Teeth? Well I hope my new found cracked nipples aren't suffering for nothing!!!

Goodies

2011-06-07T23:46:00.000-07:00

I scored two of these beswick babies from the salvos the other day. $2.00 thank you! They are my new favourites. I have never come across a coffee cup size with a saucer, friendly bloggers please educate me on the history of these???

P.S: Can one of my ever helpful & all amazing bloggy readers please help me with a computer literacy query......How do I 'glue' several pics together to make a new header for my blog? Yes I know it must be super simple, but well....you know?

Weekend inspiration

2011-06-03T02:49:00.000-07:00

A handful of stuff to inspire some weekend creative endeavours.

Entrepreneur

2011-06-01T03:52:00.000-07:00

Today was a gardening day. A beautiful Autumnal day, no wind, the light doing that thing it does at this time of year when the greens of nature are 'really really' green.

Imogen had her first nuddy grass bum time, followed by a pooey explosion in my studio which began on the cloth nappy, moved to the blanket & ended up on the carpet, yes my new carpet in the studio!

It has been officially 'christened'.

Any how, gardening away & Fleur (4) asked if she can take a photo, her new favourite thing to do. I say 'ok' just one picture, her reply '4 please'....'alright 4, no more or you'll run the batteries out'. Time passes & I realise she's gone wondering with the camera. 'Fleur put the camera back now'...'but my 4 minutes isn't finished!' (minutes?) Classic! So I go through the camera & discover about...hhmmm...40,000 photos of the garden, bless her, a blogger in the making. I had to post some of them as they are so bloody good, I was pleasantly surprised as our camera is an el-cheapo-of the borrowed kind. It was quite cute actually as lots of the pics had her little Shadow in them. I threw the last two in for a giggle, Fleur's self portrait followed by Mum wrestling the camera from Fleur.

Look at those eyelashes!

We even cleaned out the glass house.

because...

my lovely lost his job yesterday.

gulp.

Self sufficient-el-budget-recipes welcome

Some things I like from..........

2011-05-26T16:47:00.000-07:00

My Kitchen

I like to make a cuppa here

I like my old school beater. They go for $45 bucks in the opp shops now! Who would have thought?

I like my matroyshka measuring cups

I like this lemon juicer & jug

And this cute crown lynn bowl

I like these purple wine glasses I scored at the salvos yesterday. 2 for 50c!

I like my lovelies chip maker. It was his Nana's xx

I really like this cup

And I love this tin

especially when it's full of this

or this

What do you like in your kitchen?

Think I need a cuppa now, wish I hadn't eaten all the slice yesterday.

2011-05-19T15:08:00.000-07:00

Today I am going to sew. I am going to sew like my life depends on it. Right after I load myself up on coffee & sugar. Yes indeed

completion

2011-05-15T20:52:00.000-07:00

I have finally finished Imogen's bumper (what a funny word?)

What was supposed to be a quick 2 hour job, ended up being 2 1/2 weeks!

A rotten inside day allowed me to sneak into the studio in between sleeps (Ginny's no mine!)

Alex home today sick & Ged home as it's too wet to work.

Home made sausage rolls and cream potato bake for dinner

Yum.

Proper mental feijoa cake

2011-05-10T14:26:00.001-07:00

Feijoa & orange cake

1/2 C Sugar
100gms butter
1 egg
1 Tbsp of golden syrup
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp baking powder
1 3/4 C flour
1 C feijoa pulp (I used warm stewed feijoas)

Beat butter & sugar, add egg & golden syrup. Mix boiling water & baking soda & add to the mixture with the flour & baking powder & feijoas. Pour into a greased tin and bake at 160 C for 45 min. Remove from the oven and top with a mixture of 4 Tbps of raw or demerara sugar & the juice of 1 orange. Return to the oven for another 15 min. Serve warm with cream of cold as you would a cake.

Thrift, knitting & a bit of a mish mash?

2011-05-09T02:26:00.000-07:00

A trip to the salvos scored me these little babies, $15 for the lot chuurrrr. I also got some cool tab top linen curtains for the dining room & some more glass bottles for our vintage soda stream.

So how was Mothers day for you all? Ged the Gedi opp shop master & myself went for a Woodville mission to scout the second hand goodness, found loads but managed to restrain ourselves & bought some natives for the garden from a very cool country nursery. I was pooped when we got home and KOed in bed for 2 whole hours! The biggest afternoon sleep since Ginny hatched, wait it gets better....I woke to the most amazing aroma of Ged's marvelous meatballs cooking...nom nom. Well the cooler weather is starting to keep me indoors so I have picked up the needles for the first time in a long time & started knitting some leggings for my Ginny who seems to be doing what babies do best & grow at an excessive rate!

Ummm well these photos I thought I'd chuck in for a giggle, I was in a ...? 'weird somewhat hyper' mood last night, combine that with a somewhat weird BF & a camera = well you get my drift

The serious 'Posh & Becks' pic...followed by the funky tongue shot...WTF!

LOL hope you all have a daft and hilarious week!

xoxoxox

Chicken & Leek Pie

2011-05-02T02:21:00.000-07:00

Chicken & Leek Pie:

2 Chicken breasts, 1 large or 2 small leeks, 3 cloves of garlic, 2 heaped tsps of seeded mustard, 1 chilli, 1/4 cup of white wine & cream, 2 good dollops of sour cream, S&P

Pastry:

2 C flour, 1/2 tsp salt, 175 grams of butter, enough cold water to bind.

Chop chicken & leeks, saute in a dash of olive oil with your garlic, cooking the chicken first. Add the wine and reduce, then the cream's & mustard and spoon into a pastry lined pie dish such as the gorgeous one in the pic below which I scored today for $4.50.

Pop a pastry lid on top, brush with milk and sprinkle with poppy seeds. Bake 180 C until golden on top Approx 40 min

My lovely seduced me with this when we first met. It was the first thing he cooked me on my 'first sleepover' xox

Farie days

2011-04-26T15:47:00.000-07:00

My Baby turned 4 last week.

Time flys

2011-04-18T20:41:00.000-07:00

I must have been suffering from 3.30 itis as I just went to type and looked under my computer desk for the foot pedal?? WT!...............Anyhow....Today is a little bit exciting as I received my first 'professional' labels. Not that I don't love my hand written ones, but it's very very cool to be 'playing shops' for real now hehe. I ordered them from THIS shop, as I couldn't seem to find anyone here?
So it's the start of the school holidays, I feel like I'm repeating myself constantly already!Whipping up goodies for the Easter market in Foxton this weekend, Fleur turns 4 on Thursday and then roll on Mr Easter bunny. Hmmmmm............... tomorrow I will wake with tonnes of energy, motivation & enthusiasm.... Make B-day cake, organize crafty kiddy Easter things....yeah...I am ...honest!

Wish me luck on any of the above....All I really want is a hotty, feather duvet, pikelets with cream and a cuppa xox Or maybe some of this yummy banana & carrot cake? I'll post he recipe tomorrow.

P.S: Best movie EVER! -The hedgehogA must must see for lovers of French film & all round arty goodness

inspiration

2011-04-05T19:00:00.000-07:00

A visit to the library found me this book

It's a crafty book but not so much a 'project' book

which I like as it inspires and allows you be more creative.

The pics are beautiful.

Even though, obviously my camera is bung

hence the half/cropped shots!

The post fairy

2011-04-03T15:22:00.000-07:00

The postie came today

In my letter box I found...My rates (sigh)......

.....Imogen's IRD number.......

a mysterious envelope containing seeds from the lovely Cindy

(whoop whoop)

A lovely parcel of fabric delights

From the all inspiring Mel at tiny happy

My debit card is becoming dangerous

It wants me to buy lots of things from Etsy

Now for a little excitement in my weekend...

We all love our favourite blogs

We visit them often...sometimes more often than our own family (!!!)

So when we went for a little road trip to the french country fair this weekend

I got to meet the gorgeous Janelle from heart felt I love her blog to bits so I was a little 'star stuck' that I was talking away in person

Their stall was full of vintage lovelies...I could have curled up and gone to sleep amongst the paisley xo

I bought this little beauty hat for Ginny to grow into...

& this stunning ceramic broach made by Stephanie Cahorel

(drool drool)

Now no more spending....I'm off to sell a kidney & pay the rates.

2011-04-03T00:50:00.000-07:00

And the winner is.......................................

Widge!

Congratulations

E-mail me on: mushroomlane@hotmail.com with your address and I will post your goodies off this week xox

Sorry Dee, but.....seeing as you were so enthusiastic....would you consider a swap for some soapy goodness??? I love swaps?

xoxoxo

Hope the weekend was good for all of you.

Goodness Gracious a Girly Giveaway!

2011-03-31T18:13:00.000-07:00

As promised here is my soapy giveaway,

the winner will receive a yummy bath bomb with lavender, orange & ylang ylang

and a bar of Aphrodite soap with oatmeal & pettitgrain essential oil.

Simply leave a comment below & I will draw the winner from a hat on Sunday night.

perhaps you might like to share a link to a favourite site, or something to inspire Autumn creativity? If you are in the Wiararapa this weekend check out the french country fair My lovely friend Lou is taking my soap over there, & we will go over for a look on Sunday

Enjoy your weekend everyone

xoxo

The great reveal

2011-03-27T15:21:00.001-07:00

I have finally taken some shots of the studio to share with you all, It was such a beautiful morning....

You have to excuse my dodgy pics, I 'may have' dropped the camera on Friday and broken the LCD, hence I have no idea what my pics look like till I've downloaded them...a bit like the good old days really!

alas hope you enjoy a little glimpse into my new favourite place....

FELT.....like playing shops?

2011-03-26T02:14:00.000-07:00

I have finally put my first listing on FELT

Hopefully the first of many listings, it has only taken me since November to get one thing on!

Check me out

Any advice for selling on-line would be much appreciated (lol) I'm more of a 'hands on' seller, bit like a Gypsy really hehehe

Now time for bed....night night oxox

Vintage Love

2011-03-23T15:20:00.000-07:00

Check out this beautiful jewllery, yes I know I should be doing house work, NOT window shopping on the net!!

Vintage Love - About Vintage Love

Making soap

2011-03-20T22:07:00.000-07:00

I've had a huge passion for Aromatherapy, pretty much my whole life...strange that I don't often post about it in my blog.

As well as using aromatherapy to compliment my massage therapy, my biggest love is being in the kitchen & experimenting!

I have made my own soap and skin care for years now, not only to aid in the prevention of contact dermatitis, but the benefit of our children's skin, not to mention the environment.

So I thought I'd share what I got up to yesterday...

*********

*****

The NaOH ( caustic soda) added to cold water. This solution reached 85 deg C!

Hence the importance of safety gear.

Both oils and lye mix at 40 deg C. No higher!

Adding the lye to the oils, you can clearly see the two solutions not yet emulsified.

"trace" note the drops sitting on the top like custard.

Now's the fun part adding your goodies.

This batch is called Fleur: Pink clay, elderflowers, lavender, rose geranium & ylang ylang essential oil.

Don't over mix here, see how quickly it has thickened just by adding

the essential oils and re-blending.

Strawberry smoothie?

Chopped and ready to dry. I'll post a pic when they're all labelled.
Wish you could smell it...perhaps I'll have to have a giveaway????

Giggle

2011-03-19T21:18:00.000-07:00

I have just read the most hilarious blog post in ages.

I literally nearly wet my pants laughing!

Thanks for your Fabulous honest parenting advice..

Hehehe

2011-03-16T22:35:00.000-07:00

My bidibids stash has been quite low since Imogen was born, so last week I finally got a few spare hours between feeds & made some more. I used to list some of the things I made on trade me & had a query about weather I would make adult sizes? Well today I did. The pattern will need some adjustments but first attempt isn't to bad...if I do say so myself?
Rather than a cotton or linen inner/outer I used grey wool (the type they make coats out of) for the outer, a cotton inner and some beautiful bamboo wadding to give it some structure in-between.

I used a felted mohair cardy to make a thick inner sole as plain leather was quite thin for adult weight.

And Ta Daa!

Some more irresistible pics of My sweets and a little peek of my sewing studio. I'm beginning to think it will never be at photo quality cleanness, so I should probably just take some snaps anyway LOL. After all, were all messy creative types aint we?

Ooowww and P.S check out handmade for Christchurch, its a whole bunch of gorgeousness donated to help with the relief of the quake.

Alex's photos

2011-03-01T23:19:00.000-08:00

M.I.L.F Barbie

2011-02-23T23:06:00.000-08:00

You got it, milf barbie has arrived hehehhe

well in my world she has!

My beautiful friend Tink has passed this beauty on to lucky me!

Hidden behind that bump is a baby with a strange

resemblance to pre-historic ape man!

And ta-daa, instant flat tummy afterwards!

& on the home front...

Perhaps
some sewing....

with yum yums from Etsy

if I find a spare 30 seconds between breast feeding & washing...sigh

& if there happens to be surplus to 30 seconds....

making some more roast tomato sauce.

Garden faries

2011-02-21T22:34:00.000-08:00

Its clean up time in the garden, with the help of the chooks & the girls.

Still cooking up tomatoes like mad.

A huge batch of roasted tomato pasta sauce made today.

Any suggestions for some interesting winter vege crops to get started?

How to Make Baby Pants from T-shirt

2011-02-19T19:12:00.000-08:00

Fleurs pumpkin

2011-02-15T17:47:00.000-08:00

We went to check on fleur's giant pumpkin after the rain the other day...

and it has grown 'gimantis'. How cute is that?

I've been seriously neglecting the garden lately. Every thing is being taken over by morning glory. The glass house was bursting with tomatoes and before they went to ruin we picked them all and cooked them up for the freezer. This massive basin full made 6 bags, roughly 500ml of pulp per bag, I think that seriously puts into perspective how much food you need to grow if you want to be self sufficient. Don't get me wrong, we certainly grow to keep our food costs down and because we like to know how our food has been grown...not to mention that we love to garden too! But a big high five to the greenies out there who can really live totally un-dependant of the supermarket...power co.....should I go on??

Last but not least, a Birthday kiss for my Baby. Alex turned 11 the other day.
Having Imogen brought back cool memories of Alex when he was a little boy.
I can't believe he'll be at high school in 2 years!
It certainly doesn't feel like that long ago, and I'm so proud of the beautiful, kind, sensative young man he is becoming. A wonderful big brother for all his baby sisters oxox
I think the first child is always a little bit of the Guinea pig. I wish in many ways I knew even some of the things I know now...poor Alex!
Yes babies...cripes!...My brain is totally suffering at the moment! Lucky there's a spell check on here aye!

Right-o
I'm off to my 'studio now' Oh yeah you heard...'my STUDIO!' yep all finished and moved in...WHOOPEE, but not quite ready for bloggy pics yet as I'm still unpacking, or rather wish I was unpacking but seem to be only breast feeding in there!
Stay tuned though, my next post will be gorgeous pics of inspiration....now I'm ranting ain't I?

2011-02-01T00:11:00.000-08:00

The glass house is bursting with tomatoes at the moment.

Tonight for tea we had 'all from the garden' tomato soup'

Recipe

2 Tbsp olive oil

8-10 good sized tomatoes

1 onion

1 zucchini

3 cloves of garlic

2 cups of chicken or vege stock

garden herbs: basil..marjoram...parsley......

1/4 cup tomato paste

1/2 tsp each of salt & pepper

1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar

2 Tbsp sugar

pinch of chilli or cayenne pepper

Saute onion garlic and zucchini till soft

add everything else & bring to the boil

then simmer for 20 minutes &

puree in blender.

Serve with sour cream and homemade bread.

mmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Last but absolutely not least...an update of my little Ginny...Awwwwwww

free thundies

2011-01-24T15:01:00.000-08:00

For all of you wanting some free....yes thats free....

well a chance to win free anyway!

Thunder pants for your kids...

hop on over to Janelle's blog at heart felt to get in draw....

quick it's drawn on Wed night oxo

precious hatching

2011-01-21T20:52:00.000-08:00

Imogen Fern

16.01.2011

11.55pm

7lb 6oz

ten fingers & toes

xox

2011-01-01T14:09:00.000-08:00

I have excitedly received my first on-line fabric purchase

from stitch bird the other day.

They have a beautiful selection of gorgeous goodies that are often

hard to source in smaller locations. It only took 2 days to get here!

Which is amazing as it's holiday season, and I received

free-bee scraps of other scrummy fabrics as a bonus!

Awwwwww

I hope the holiday season is treating you all well.

I'm in hibernation mode with 3 weeks left before I

hatch (I hope!) so Anya has been hanging with Mum

and yesterday she learnt to sew with the sewing machine.

It was a neat time together

(after she got used to the pedal and stopped nearly running

over her Mothers fingers!)

She is over the moon, and today she has made her own softy pattern

which we have sewn up and is being stuffed as we speak!

We've also had fun making these neat little birds

from a pattern I found on spool which you can download in PDF.

Yes that is the mess which is my sewing room!

currently in total disarray waiting for

the big move into my garden sanctuary.

xoxoxo

2010-12-20T17:09:00.000-08:00

Ged and I were children-less the other night, and after a crazy muggy day, we decided to do some thunderstorm gardening. It was so nice to be outside with rain starting to come down and the thunder & lightening. We dug up our rather sad garlic ( we planted late as we moved in to this house in July, so the poor things never got a decent chance, but hey, some is better than none!) Planted heaps of beetroot and sunflowers, new lettuces, cucumbers & some more tomatoes.

Eating from the garden has been SO bloody nice. You just can't beat that flavour!

Time to plant some more carrots, 'someone' has been sneaking baby ones while they water the garden???

P.S: Please feel free to admire the progress on my little sewing studio in the background!

2010-12-18T16:33:00.000-08:00

Ashleigh came home from a sleep over

the other day with a little surprise.

There have been here for 3 days and are still alive!

Finger crossed.

They're camped out in the hot water cupboard.

2010-12-09T22:54:00.000-08:00

Today I posted off my decorations for the

Christmas decoration swap organized by sew funky

The top 3 pics are ornaments I've received in the post already

and the reindeer at the bottom are my contribution to the swap.

I love partaking in these swaps as the the kids get just as much

of a thrill as I do finding goodies in the mail box!

2010-12-09T01:42:00.000-08:00

A few pics of the weekend bash.

Ged and his beautiful niece Chimere

cutting some cake.

The whanau below. Gosh were a motley bunch!

And that's not even half of us!

2010-12-03T00:19:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is my partner Ged's 40th & he is having a joint party with his neice Chimere who is turning 20. Were having a fancy dress G & C theme and I cant wait to see what people come up with. Chimere's fav colour is yellow so I've made her floral purse with some vintage button earings and chunky ring to match.

Hopefully I'll get some good pics to post. Ged & I are going as cave Man
& Woman! The only costume that will fit over my bump I think!

2010-12-01T20:43:00.000-08:00

The 1st of Christmas has been, and with it two little girls bursting with excitement over opening their Advent calenders. Alex and Ashleigh are away on camp so they have to wait until Friday fro theirs, I am tempted to sample on behalf!

I've had a few good thrift finds lately, but keep forgetting to take pics! I scored some mint condition white leather retro roller-skate's in the brown vinyl carry bag for Ash for Christmas from the salvo's for $20!

And today I got this stunning bread bin which the girls think is awesome. There's nothing like retro floral to brighten your day!

I'm working on my Christmas deco swap at the Moment, and I'll post about that soon.

Hope you have all
enjoyed the sunny weather!

xoxo

2010-11-19T00:16:00.000-08:00

A couple of nice things to share with you this week

My 'new' rose 'Lavender Pinocchio' which I've planted

next to my 'new' studio, so that I can look out of my lovely french

doors and be inspired by its beauty.

My inspiration wall next to my sewing desk..xo

Hope your all having a nice week.

If your in the Manawatu this weekend, pop into the crosshills

country fair in Kimbolton.

2010-11-14T23:44:00.000-08:00

My girlfriend Debs popped in last weeekend.

A fleeting visit full of inspiration, drooling and cups of tea.

It was lovely.

Debs is an amazing artist, and for the past few years has been producing

the most amazing mixed media....altered....cool......stuff!

You can check out her blog here http://mistressdebrina.blogspot.com/

happy blogging

2010-11-01T21:42:00.000-07:00

I was 'blog cruising' the other day and came across this lady

using this very nifty tool

I can't remember the blog now but I went on the prowl the

next day for the nifty tool!

It is a bias binding thingy. You feed the fabric through and press it

with the iron as it comes out the other side and

it's all folded and ready to go! So today as I started doing

some sewing, an order for one of my pinny tops, and I didn't have the right coloured tape, I suddenly remembered my 'nifty tool thingy'

and went 'yay'!

Here is my beautiful binding. I love bias binding but anything other than plain coloures costs you a fortune. My nifty tool was $17 (not exactly 'cheap') BUT...it shall get loads of use.

The brand is clover and I got it down at the local patch work shop.
Sewing my dolly

sideways picture....for some reason??

And the lovely model Fleur...my baby looks so grown up. ..

When did that happen?

Kitchen busy

2010-10-20T14:55:00.000-07:00

The weather today is total crap, I've lit the coal range for the first time in ages,

time to get some sewing jobs ticked off the list I think.However......

I discovered hiding in the hedgerows on Sunday...some Elderflower in bloom...

This gave me a little hope for hot summer days sipping elderflower cordial,

So I subtly pushed Ged out of the car with a bag....

and well the rest you can see for yourself xox

The other goodies getting create din the kitchen this week were a batch of home made muesli bars.

I was lying in bed when I realised that the daily lunches consumed 5 bars a day! seeing as you usually only get 6 in box, I thought....that's an average of $3 (approx) per week day....$15 a week. Enough of this frivolous spending, which we really don''t have anyway. Out came the cook book and......

Oatie slice:

1/2 C Sunflower seeds

3 C rolled oats (the porridge kind)

1 C sesame seeds

1 C wheat germ (I forgot the wheatgerm and sesame seeds and it still turned out fine)

2 1/2 C Sultanas (or your choice of dried fruit)

1 1/2 C wholemeal flour

1 1/2 tsp Baking powder

1 1/2 C Coconut

1-1/2 C Raw sugar

11 oz Butter

6 Tbsp Honey ( I can't eat honey so I made a blend of 2 Tbsp malt 4 Tbsp golden syrup)

Melt butter and honey mix pour over dry ingredients, press into 2x sponge roll tins and bake until golden...15-20min. Cut into bars when warm. xox Makes 32 bars. This recipe can easily be halved.

2010-10-14T18:11:00.000-07:00

Swap....Swap.....Swap

Is anyone out there in blogville interested in doing a goodies swap with me?

Spring has come and I have cleaned out my stash piles and would love to share some of it with someone, and get a little new inspiration at the same time!

I'm thinking I'll fill an A4 envelope with goodies...

...fabric scraps, ribbon, lace, paper, fibre......

you fill one too and we get exciting presents in the mail..ya!

If your keen leave a comment xoxoxo

2010-10-08T16:47:00.001-07:00

Thursday was a beautiful day here, so I seized the moment and took the girls off for an adventure to the Herb Farm which is a few K's out of Feilding. We had a great time doing our Elf quiz's and munching on homemade marshmallows and tasty goodies. We were all elfy inspired when we got home so we hauled out the fibre and made some woolly dolls with fleece and pip cleaners...pop's one had a very vigorous felting experience and is now a caterpillar!

2010-08-26T19:42:00.000-07:00

I popped into raid a friends garden for cuttings the other

day and she gave me this beautiful bunch of Daphne.

It has to be the best smell ever and makes

the cold winter months worth it!

All three of the kiddies are home today with

the nasty flu which is doing the rounds.

Poor Alex had a temp of 39.4 C last night.

Perked up today with some sunshine and home baking though.

Anya and I sat drawing some 'still life' Daphne on

the table with water colour pencils.

Hope the weekend has some sun for us all.

xoxox

2010-08-23T01:16:00.000-07:00

I've been meaning to post about our new house since...well....we shifted in! But the madness and chaos has interrupted any kind of photo opp and decent bloggy endeavours. So on that note a very quick peek of our new chooks (rescued from the local commercial outlet) new vege patch which I'm desperate for growing action, supermarket vege is driving me mad...I can't wait to be picking salad greens again and a batch of Geds kale meatballs. Hopefully in the next few weeks there will be my raspberry canes behind the garden along the fence, our glass house put up between the chooks and vege and another two plots built for spuds and summer goodies.

A little peek of this stunner. These magnolias were 'dormant' when we shifted in and it's an inspiring site to peek out the laundry window in the morning (in the pic) and see this. there is a red one closer to the house by the wood shed which has come into flower since, port wine magnolia I think it is, as well as about 4-5 young plants scatted about in the garden. Exciting action will be taking place soon...(hopefully) beneath this wounderful tree...the love of my life is building me an out door sewing studio on top of a concrete pad which is already here(remnant from an old garden shed) Were using an old set of french doors and building a veranda out from them so this will be my view form them. I'm soooo excited (and suspecting a hidden agenda? perhaps to distract me from his beer garden/shed/man cave??? But right now I don't care hehehe. Will keep you posted with progress

Hopefully get some indoor pics up this week. hope Everyone is keeping healthy...xoox

jessica chambers_pieces of love

2010-08-16T01:45:00.000-07:00