Happy Dacks

Maroondah Reservoir Park, or Maroondah Dam

2012-01-19T00:00:00.000+11:00

Little Spaces

2012-01-11T22:22:00.000+11:00

We have been in living in a 2 bedroom cottage for 3 months now.
It is surrounded by a small neighboring orchard /permaculture garden with bee hives, a small number of fruit/nut trees and small garden. It is really beautiful.
Our block, however is minuscule, it has a hills hoist, some herb and flower gardens and less than an hours worth of lawn mowing. This is a plus with me...at the moment, it is not too much to get ahead of me but, the kids can feel a little hemmed in. Lucky we have the Warburton bike track near by and an oval down the lane to keep us from feeling too enclosed. Our cottage has big windows, one of its best features, and even though it's small, it is sweet, simple and neat. Even though we are close to one of the most built up areas in the Yarra Valley it does not feel like suburbia. The noises we hear most are; peacocks, horses, sheep, tawny frog mouths, ducks and frogs. We love it.

Our Space saving Christmas tree this year was made from whole punched snow flake shapes, old swap cards, collected images from favorite old tv shows like Dr Katz, Eveongelion Neon Genisis, a sneaky little snipits of a cute little Loobylu illustration, various buttons, a tassel, sparkley shapes, wishing stones, felt flowers, anzac poppies and what ever we wanted to blu tac on. Great for a small space!

Little Steps

2012-01-10T23:13:00.000+11:00

Let it be full of warm smiles

Happy

New

Year

7 Acre Rock and some Fancy Pumpkins

2011-04-22T10:42:00.001+10:00

The kids and I went to 7 acre rock recently. First we drove way past the car park and got to see some extraordinary landscapes. The amount of fire-affected forest was amazing, alongside these scenes are totally flattened and 'trashed' tracts of land where the logging methods have left nothing except smoldering scrapped wood and exposed top soil. It was quite eerie - the destruction from both fire and logging was awesome. We pulled the car over to let a logging truck overtake us, only once thankfully and did not feel too relaxed about stopping anywhere to take photos! This photo is a view from our walk, Fiann was feeling poorly, and we got caught in the rain, so we did not quite make it to the end, even though it's only 1km. I am so glad I packed a thermos of milo, it was just the thing we needed!

We have some wonderful Heirloom Pumpkins from Willa at work at the moment, they look so gorgeous I had to take photos before they are all gone. The old varieties of fruit and vegetables are just so beautiful - we have had the nicest platters full of heirloom tomatoes over Summer supplied by a local Healesville lady. Saddly, I never did get a photo organised.

Monsters in the Garden

2011-03-07T17:55:00.000+11:00

Our garden is producing a great amount of zucchinis at the moment, so we have been coming up with new and interesting recipes or finding ways of making our standard (but wonderful) Zucchini slice into something irresistible. With kids back at school/kinder, I sure could do with more options for school lunches, some healthy home made foods that, preferably, can be frozen for convenience!

I did not know how these decorated Zucchini Slice/muffins would cook up so here is a before photo.

And some photos after they were finished

We think the one on the top right looks like 'Precious Lilywhite' from the 'Mighty Boosh'

We used the recipe in Stephanie Alexander's 'Kitchen Garden Companion'. It can be found in her 'Cook's Companion' recipe book as well.

And here is another very cute drawing by Fiann of
'Mummy Whale and Baby'

Assorted fun

2011-02-28T18:49:00.001+11:00

We have been out hunting blackberries!

We were very well rewarded for our efforts!!

I have been rewarding myself for working like a fool to whip this house of ours into shape with some cheap and cheery Dahlias.

Thanks to all the sorting going on around here I found these cards again, so I could share this card with Jim! I am interested to hear some interesting history of the deck.

I got out bike riding 3 times last week...I did get absolutely soaked one day but didn't care! I love to ride and love the Warburton Trail!

Its great fun when Maeve rides with me.

We had a great time at the Berwick Show again this year, all the animals were looking beautiful - I wonder if the cattle had had dye used on their coats - the colours seemed outrageously deep and bright!
Maeve and I went on a couple of the crazy rides...I still have bruises from the Bad Boys II - the mad, dangerous, fun but potentially uninventive way of joining the Darwin awards! Needless to say, I will not be going on that one again.

I am really enjoying Fiann's drawings.

Really missing spending hours checking out the inspirational blogs out there, there seems so much to do here! I have not even been sewing. Prioritys sure are a drag.
Thanks for dropping by, I will dedicate some time soon xxx
Michele

Happy (not so new), New Year

2011-01-19T18:14:00.000+11:00

Here's cheers to a year full of work, great fun, better organisation around the home (ha) and maybe even a move to a bigger house! The kids are having a terrific break but are eager for school/kinder to start - not long now!!!
I hope everyone is looking forward to a great year! xxx chele

P.S. Let there be lots of climbing, swinging, paddling,

fishing and swimming. Also the obsessive collecting of still more cicadas to add to our
enormous collection.

I am loving working here - come and say hi!

We feel spoilt this Christmas and are enjoying many lovely gifts from our good friends (Fiann's apron from Shona)

Mr Aldo Vini = The best, most lovely dog ever!
Be back soon xx

A weekend away!

2010-12-20T15:58:00.000+11:00

We went away last weekend to georgous Daylesford - first time we have been away without any kids, together, in way too many years...We stayed at a great little place in Musk Creek.
The special occasion was my brother Michael's wedding, he and his beautiful partner Jess have been together for a good 13 years, just a little test run first! The wedding was absolutely enchanting, they make such a beautiful couple, their ceremony was intimite and relaxed, it was wonderful to be part of their day. Congratulations Michael and Jess! I caught up with some of my favorite people in the world, made some new friends and enjoyed the picturesque venue!
As updates came in from our great babysitters however, relaxing was a little tricky, for at Nana Belle's it was not so relaxed! The first night we were away my son thew up, and my daughter had a big temperature so no one slept well. The next morning Fiann vomited again, in between Nana's visitors no less...then Maeve started to develop spots, very quickly there was no doubt...chicken pox! Oh for Gods sake, this was truly crap luck and way beyond the call of duty. I offered to come back but mum was so reassuring and wonderful to insist that there was nothing more we could do and we had better "just relax and enjoy our break"! What a Super Nana Belle, thank you so much! also big thanks to (Alan) Pop, too!!!
Here are some photos of the lovely couple!

P.S. I wanted to go to Daylesford Organics and The Lark and other great places but some how our energy was not up for it!

Next time!
We did get to Cliffy's twice which was inspirational!!!
Chele xx

Trying to get into the spirit!

2010-10-30T18:22:00.000+11:00

This is Not Free Range Chicken Mum!

2010-10-30T17:51:00.001+11:00

I just have to say that this picture drawn by my son, Fiann, could be a good advertisement against bad poultry farming. I mean, look at it...sorry Fi, I know you were not meaning to portray a sick chook but, it does look pretty damn scary. I know most people are pretty savvy so I will spare you guys a tirade against buying "cheap" meat and a description of how one of these battery hens lives it's life but, do check this link if you feel game.
I would rather eat salad and lentils than to buy cheap/nasty poultry.
May this sort of farming disappear forever!!!
Happy Halloween!
xxx

Thinking about

2010-10-19T13:19:00.000+11:00

I have found a personal blog is just perfect for collecting inspiration, a place for space free filing, not to mention it extends my memory.
A couple of my favorites are:

Lisa Roet I saw this artist on Artscape ages ago and was transfixed, I love her respect for our closest relatives and anything that reminds us of our own evolution in this age of Mass extinction is good.
Lisa's compassion shows in her art and displays such a deep respect of primates.
Her conversation with 'Pansy' the talking Ape is deeply touching and there is also footage of the space chimp, ' Ham '. The look on this chimps face when he arrives safely back to our planet is really telling.

Maggie Taylor is another I would like to remember, her work is beautifully dream like. The Girl in a Bee dress is especially lovely.

And for inspiration on responsible sustainable farming:
The Real Dirt on Farmer John

I hope you are having a good day and are finding lots of inspiration, thanks for dropping by!

Birthday, bass guitar and the flux in time!

2010-10-14T09:27:00.001+11:00

It has been wonderfully hectic here lately, I love being on the go, especially with this wonderful warm sunny weather we have had lately - it really helps energy levels!

Some of our favourite people stayed with us for a little holiday and we had great fun, late nights, early mornings and fantastic food. We visited Healesville Sanctuary, again, I love our FOTZ membership. It means we can pop in whenever we feel like it and all without feeling you have to drag tired kids around all day to get your full value!
That is perfect for both kids and adults!

We had beautiful days to enjoy the Sanctuary, and all the animals were all out enjoying the sun too!
Here is one of the beautiful Brolgas.

Also my daughter, Maeve, celebrated her 8th birthday...several times...I braved the city traffic alone with a car full of young, over-excited screechy girls and did NOT get lost in a very new part of Melbourne - this is totally amazing!!!

We went here for most of the day and although it was much smaller and less impressive than it's website, the girls had a really great time.

Our birthday girl is really enjoying her guitar lessons and has shown a really strong interest in bass lines for a while now so...we went shopping for a bass guitar. I have to say we all feel spoilt to have this wonderful instrument in our home! If Fiann and I learn instruments too maybe we could become
the next Partridge family...did I say that out loud?
I loathed the Partridge family!

Also I have finished my Health and Safety training too - hooray! I spent too long reading the manual, trying to grasp it's 'hip' lingo just so I wouldn't look like too big an idiot in front of work mates. Boy, oh boy the language gets quite mind boggling in these manuals although I can see its value. It did offer a clear system to analyse critical points in any processes that need control.
After 8 years with my kids at home and never working in hospitality/produce before, I did manage not to feel like the proverbial fish out of water in this last training session...I kept up well. Which was a great boost!

However...remember when the clocks went forward... recently...I was the very clever woman who turned up at work an hour later than I believed it was...for a while that is...until my manager came in on his day off to tell me I should have opened 10 mins earlier! Just great! I am still blushing.

Can I just say that I find this daylight savings clock changing time always a little disorientating!

My dear husband is still saying things like 'it's only 7.30 real time'.

I can't work like this - I need to know only 1 time at a time! Big sigh!

Thanks for stopping by, take care!

Michele xxx

Say Cheese

2010-08-28T20:24:00.002+10:00

I have found myself surrounded at work by some of the best cheeses available today in Australia - as you might imagine it has been sheer Hell!
Pure, tasty, delicious, Hell!
My lovely place of employment sell many other tempting foods that I am sure I won't be able to help but wax lyrical about some other time.
For now I am off on a Cheese ramble...
My introduction to artisan cheese has been a true revelation for me. I previously had only really tasted supermarket cheese, which pales in comparison to the 'real McCoy'. So to improve my knowledge and appease my rumbling tummy I have been treating myself to our delicious cheese. I have been so dedicated (greedy) tasting our products, I have pondered if maybe I should ask if I could get paid in food...and I do wonder if I can claim any purchases on tax next year...I am not completely serious you know...back to cheese -
While Australia is only "allowed to sell" cheese made with pasteurised milk, (there are exceptions) it is a law that we hope will change and soon. I imagine that the countries with unpasteurised milk cheese look down at pasteurised milk cheese like we might see our supermarket cheese here. I must tell you that until recently Supermarket cheese was the sum total of my experience. Supermarket products are a world away once you start to taste the real McCoy, there is no comparison between flavours. The bland plastic, waxy, fat they call cheese with its worrying and 'unnatural extended life' leaves me cold these days. I am more satisfied by buying a little piece of something utterly delicious than getting a slab of something mass produced that is lacking quality, and it is healthier that way. There are some exceptions here but mostly what you find in a supermarket is a sad reflection of what we have led our food producers to do to our food. We have encouraged a lack of respect and love for/of our produce and created a society which is so detatched from nature that 'the how we make it cheap' question does not even rate as an issue. I am biased, obviously, and I am not a fan of our supermarket culture...I will be kind for now though and I will spare you my "Not so 'Super' market" ramble for now...back to Cheese...again
If you are new to cheese and curious to know what the fuss is about, do yourself a big favour - when you find a good cheese seller, do feel comfortable enough to ask them for a taste! Unless it is 'outrageously busy', I am always encouraging people to try something, regardless of whether they are standing staring at our delicious range of cheeses or showing no interest in it whatsoever. I hate to push a sale and think I am lucky that our products are so good...I know damn well that after people experience quality cheese, once you take that step - you can never go back!!! Insert villians laugh here *

If you would like a good reference book on cheese, "Cheese" is a great choice. It is written by Patricia Michelson and is an inspirational reference book. Jamie Oliver wrote the foreword, describing it as like a "cheese encyclopedia". It is full of beautiful cheeses and written with contagious enthusiasm. She has such reverence for the land, animals and special, passionate people who create these cheeses. It makes me dream of getting a small herd of animals and becoming a cheese maker. Patricia also has some recipes and suggests the most suitable style of wine to accompany the different tastes of cheese. I Love this book!!!

La Luna Holy Goat is a beautiful soft goats cheese. It has a cute wrinkly soft white rind and its taste is quite complex for goats cheese and has a beautiful tang. It is undeniably goaty - so this might not be a great place to start if new to cheese. This cheese is made in Victoria (Australia) by Sutton Grange Organic Farm, and has won many awards. Fantastic!

Gruyere is one of my favorites at the moment, Patricia describes the flavour as savoury and almost toasty. I love the tiny little crunchy salt crystals that you get through this cheese. This is way too easy to like!!!

Yummy Blue cheese!!! We have strong 'assertive' blues, creamy, subtle blues, some are made of cows milk, some goat, and some lovely sheep blue too. The Fourme d'Amert, (cow) although it appears to look strong flavored because of the amount of blue bits...it is actually a subdued buttery blue.

The work and love that goes into the world's artisan cheeses is awe inspiring. Look at these pretty cheeses - it seems a shame to cut into some of them...almost.

Things to try if you are just starting-

A good cheddar like Montgomery Cheddar - you can't beat a good cheddar!
A washed rind such as Artavaggio or Taleggio - the centre has a fudgy texture, with mushroom nuances. The rinds have an earthy flavour and gritty texture.
A brie style such as Fromage de Meaux (when young the taste is creamy, as it matures the flavours get stronger)
Delice de Bourgogne is the most decadently silky triple cream cheese that melts in your mouth instantly, its soft white rind when ripe has a strong taste that reminds me of blue cheese.
Membrillo Paste 'aka' Quince paste is a favourite in our house, I have to hide this deep in the fridge if I want to keep any for me. I love this with almost all blues and creamy soft cheese - I have no idea if this is 'correct' but, each to their own.

When you do have a nice selection of cheese, remember to get it out earlier. 1-3 hours before you want to eat it...even earlier in cold weather. Cover with a slightly damp tea towel, this will stop any edges drying out. The flavours and textures are more apparent when it is left to come to room temperature. Psssst - don't forget some nice wine!
It is very important to remember that people can have very different taste to your own and your Cheese seller/fromager can help you choose the safe options or a more daring selection for your cheese platter - you should feel comfortable when in a good fromagerie to taste new cheeses - we want you to enjoy. I like to be a bad influence on people (getting them to indulge) I think Australians are put off by American style sales pitches and I think our products are so good I do not need to push - I just stand back, smile and relate to that look of bliss on a customers face.
Warning - to the uninitiated, the strong and stinky cheeses might put some people off for life. I have had and enjoyed some fairly smelly ones but there are some that I find way too much, they are repulsive to me but, they have fans that would wriggle over hot coals for a crumb...vive la difference! It is worth considering that if you are in a small room, like I was recently, and you have a slightly whiffy cheese out, it can become a little overwhelming. I will maybe save that choice for an outdoor 'do' next time.

Have a Happy Saturday night!
I hope your weekend is full of...tasty cheese...beautiful wine...and a good laugh!
Michele x

Just popped back to say hi!

2010-08-06T21:07:00.001+10:00

Hi!
I have been a bit scarce around the blog sphere lately, there is no great reason, just shifting priorities and a slump in my creative side. I have barely visited any ones blog for ages - I miss it - I miss that wonderful creative inspiration. For the moment though, I guess I have swapped my creative sewing/crafty side - for my creative cooking/foodie side.
I have been working a couple of days a week now and am hoping that my hours are going to increase even more... I have some training coming up and have my fingers crossed. It is way too much of a good time trying and learning about our lovely produce and our super cheese fridge is seriously delicious trouble and it takes much restraint not to spend all my earnings at work! (I hope to post some pretty pictures of some of our lovely food soon)
Another reason for not much activity here is that I seem to have mixed up a bag with my camera recharger with a bag that was heading for the opp shop...Oh Dear!!! I have not investigated how much this would cost to replace...I am Still hoping it will miraculously turn up - it does not look good though! Shit!
Thank goodness for a close friend has the same recharger!!!
I will sign off and leave you with some photos. Back some time soon!
Thanks for your concern and comments guys - your alright!!! xxx

Spanner - a young male emu at Healesville Sanctuary

O'Shannassey's Aqueduct

Some top class acting!

Michele x

Good luck and kind wishes for Australia!

2010-06-19T23:06:00.001+10:00

I don't usually enjoy watching sport on TV but, I do love the world cup!!! I look forward to it every time, it is such fun to see the best part of the world enthusiastic about the same thing - this might work better to unite us than any religion ever could!
I love how Mexico can beat a country like France, it is such a great result, it is so exciting to see!
I am hoping Australia (the footballroos) I mean the "Socceroos" can make it through tonight...and well beyond this group - best of luck to them!!! I would love to see them do it - or hear about it the next morming!
Our fingers are crossed.
Now to get nice and comfy on the couch and definitely NOT close my eyes! xxx........zzzzzzz

Make your own (butt kicking) Delicious Panir Cheese

2010-06-10T22:56:00.002+10:00

Forgive me but I am letting the food freak inside run rampant tonight, I get a bit over enthusiastic about these things!
The first time I made this cheese I was hooked - it amazed me how easy it was to make and how yummy it was! Once you have your few ingredients and utensils organised it is really as quick as waiting for the milk to come to the boil! I am hoping that I inspire some of you make some, or at least this post makes your tummy rumble.
Panir is a fantastic thing to make at home, its is firmish fresh Cheese and has a lovely creamy flavour - it carries stronger flavours through a meal very well. The only ingredients used are milk and yoghurt so it is suitable for most vegetarians too. It is used a lot in Indian curries and also sweets, Kurma Dasa uses it in a lot of recipes and I have based my description/method on his great advice. It is very easy and quick to make, healthy and delicious. You can fry in cubes and mix through a saffron rice with some nuts and fruit or it is a lovely addition when crumbled in a beautiful salad. You can also use it in more contemporary ways to, fried (like haloumi cheese) and served with a olive oil, balsamic vinegar or a caper and lime combination, even a maple syrup...my kids go nuts for this!!!

The ingredients;
4 litres of full fat organic milk (no point going for the low fat as you will get less cheese)
3-4 cups of Greek (full fat) yoghurt

Equipment;
You don't need much here but read the specifics - it will make the process easier. (I am trying to encourage you to do as I say...not as I do...I am crap at reading through a pattern/recipe!!!)
a very large saucepan - the idea is to have the liquid level not fuller than 2/3 -when the milk comes to the boil it froths up very quick and could spill over if you are not careful.
a damp clean large doubled over piece of cheesecloth placed in -
a colander I use my IKEA pasta cooker with the drainer insert
a sieve to scoop out the curds
a heavy weight to press the cheese while draining - I use a large mortar
wooden spoon w long handle

Just before you start - put a 1/4 cup of water in the bottom of saucepan and bring to the boil - then add 4 ltrs of milk. The boiling water will help the milk not catch on the bottom of pot. (hint c/o Kurma)
Bring the milk to a boil over medium high heat - this is the hardest part of the process, stir often to prevent it sticking. The pot has to be large, because the moment the milk comes to a boil, it will rise quickly and, with a small pot, the milk might froth over the top. Bring the milk to a full boil then, reduce heat to low, and before the foam subsides, spoon in the yogurt.
Move your spoon through very gently in one direction and then remove from heat. You are waiting to see the yellow clearish whey separate from the white curds. If this does not happen in around 1 minute, heat again momentarily and, if necessary, add a little more yoguhrt.

As soon as the cheese has formed, remove the pan from the heat, cover it and set it aside for 10 minutes. If you want a very soft cheese, gently pour in 1 or 2 cups of hot water. When the cheese has settled under the surface of the whey, it is ready to drain. Now comes the fun bit - using a sieve, gently scoop out the curds and place into the cheese cloth that is draped fully over the colander.

Keep the whey for cooking or if storing the cheese.

When the curds are in the cloth, gather the top of cloth and twist to leave in your colander. Place a flat plate on top and then a heavy weight on top. After 20 - 30 minutes unwrap the cheese and use as directed, or wrap in paper-towel-lined plastic wrap, zip-lock bags or plastic containers with covering of whey and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

After the pressing of 20-30 minutes the Panir is ready to go.

To cut into pieces to fry

Mix up panir with fruit nuts and spices to make koftas

Deep frying Koftas almost ready to add to the lightly spiced tomatoe sauce

I hope this makes you Hungry!
Have you got a recipe you would like to share, I would love to hear it?
Michele x

Beautiful cooking inspiration for rice dish w panir cheese from Great Vegetarian Dishes - Kurma Dasa

Eight answers

2010-06-08T21:07:00.004+10:00

I am joining in with Kate's Eight answers...a little late but as they say in the classics "better get in now or forget it"! Have you been over to Foxes lane lately, there is some inspirational up cycling going on and I am so excited about what Kate and Bren at Daylesford organics have created.
How fantastic to have Joel Salatin (polyface farm) come and visit, and to have Maggie Beer and Stephanie Alexander rock into the market...what a buzz!
Pop over to see what other people answered here.

1. Favourite meal to eat? A bowl of tarka dhal, yellow rice,a spinach curry, riata and papadams is hard to beat here - or if I am feeling decadent - Mali kofta - deep fried koftas made from panir cheese mixed with things like almonds, coriander, green chili, sultanas served swimming in a lightly spiced creamy tomato sauce w yellow rice and papadams!!! I cook to eat well, we don't spend much on going out...sadly we can not justify this, so when I see something delicious on TV, in a cook book or on a menu and, I feel driven to make it...or attempt to make it!
Yep, I am a bit of a food nut…if I have the time, I love to cook up a storm. I should be 2,039 kg!

2. Do you have a quirky eccentricity?

I have an off beat/dark sence of humor and a geographical tongue.

3. My middle name

me Jayne (my husband's middle name is 'Tarsan')

4. I am passionate about

I am passionate about Food and feeding my family foods that are not processed, not packaged, that are local when possible, that are diverse in tastes and that encourage an adventurous, even multi cultural outlook.
I call it real food, for me it is food that has had care and respect in every process – tilling, growing, tending, feeding, harvesting, storing, transporting and selling. I hate supermarkets (as they are today) - they encourage our society's dangerous disconnection to our food and to the planet Earth. I am conscious these days of the terrible farming practices, lack of social/environmental care taken and the ridiculous costs to ship something that is not in season around the globe! I say it again...I hate supermarkets!

5. Thongs or Birkenstocks?

Thongs or boots – no heals please! Being a tallish lanky girl I don’t need the extra height - I like worker/kicker boots teamed with a pretty op shop dress.

6. Who was I before I had kids?

Looking from this vantage point and being blunt - I have to say I was a little self obsessed and had no real direction. I was a hairdresser in a previous life!? Then a picture framer for years and while I loved the creativity of the work I worried that it was hardly a sustainable industry that I could throw my soul into!

7. Have I ever been arrested?

No, I must say I am little disappointed too!!! I should have been more involved in my younger years!

8. This weekend I will I will be
I will be working but, happily! I am still finding it great fun and the money helps too, so this is all good!
I work at a gourmet food shop that sells, beautiful ingredients, condiments and sauces, we are also an exceptional quality butcher and Fromagerie with world class cheese. We also stock organic/local fruit and veggies and artesian breads.
I am also hoping to catch up with some friends, to do something fun with my kids and finish off a sewing project (one of many)!

Thanks for popping in!
Michele x

Mali Kofta recipe here also
Home made panir cheese recipe and step by step photos here soon!!!
Michele - again xx

Tarka Dahl and Yellow rice

2010-06-08T20:14:00.002+10:00

Tarka Dahl is one of our stock standard meals, it has been for one that we make in huge batches, have often and freeze many containers of. It is really healthy and so easy to make not to forget nice and cheap.
We usually serve with a 'yellow rice' and add a dry spinach curry, or maybe a meat curry and spoonfuls of Greek yogurt (or make a fennel seed and spinach Rita)
It is always served with heaps of pappadams in our house.

Tarka Dhal
(Red Lentils with spicy topping)
Dhal
225g Red split lentils
1 small Onion
50g Ghee or Cooking Oil
1 clove Garlic
1 tsp Ground Turmeric
1 Green Chili (optional)
600ml water (I usually guesstimate and just cover)
1 tsp Salt
Rinse lentils several times, drain and put aside. Finely chop onion, heat ghee or oil and fry onion gently till soft. Add ½ chopped garlic cloves add and fry this for a couple of minutes. Time to stir in the turmeric, (my favorite part, smells heavenly) add the lentils. Turn heat down, stir for a minute and make sure lentils are coated with ghee/oil. Throw in the green chili stir and add water.
You can now turn heat up, add salt and bring to the boil, then simmer until nice and mushy. Serve on Basmati rice.
Tarka
1 tbls Sesame Seed Oil
1 tsp Cumin Seeds
1 clove Garlic – sliced thin
In a little pan heat sesame oil until it is smoking, add garlic and cumin seeds and fry very quickly, you want the garlic to color deep brown! Remove from heat and pour over your served dhal. This recipe comes from "the Encylopedia of Indian Cooking" by Khalid Aziz

My kids love this and it usually sparks loads of 'very good' impersonations of Neil from the Young Ones! "Oh WOW! This is really really hot man, I think I just have to - whooa! - splat!!! Just once- - - - just once I'd like to keep the lentils off the floor!

Yellow Rice
(This is an absorption recipe)
1 cup Basmati rice
2 cups water
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp turmeric
2 tbls ghee or oil (I use olive oil)
You are meant to wash and drain the uncooked rice (you should but we don't always do this)
Get water boiling and add salt and turmeric
Heat oil/ghee and fry uncooked rice for 1 min
Add boiling water mix, bring to boil, reduce heat to simmer gentle and cover. Cook for 15 - 20 mins
This recipe is based on recipe from Cooking with Kurma (Kurma Dasa - The Vegetarian Legend)
Separate the rice with a fork, it should be light and fluffy and ready to serve! Every stove top is a little different and the time might need a little quirking but do preserve, it is so much nicer than boiled and drained rice!
Michele x

P.S. Easy - Step by step photo by photo directions/recipe for making your own home made panir cheese - I will be posting soon!!!

Birthday Celebrations for Elsie and Fiann with a Sugar rush on top!

2010-06-07T10:14:00.001+10:00

Happy 96th Birthday Nan (Elsie) We love you dearly!!!

We have been celebrating Fiann's birthday for well over a week now, we started with a combined family do for my nan, who just turned 96! She was going to miss Fi's birthday party so we had a celebration for both of them together a week ago.

Then this week we had his party at a lovely local bakery, everyone got to decorate some biscuits with 'tons' of icing sugar in every color of the rainbow and truck loads of lollies and sprinkles!

It was great fun and there were sticky fingers everywhere! We are only just calming down after the 'sugar rush'...we do not have much sugary food normally and it was pretty obvious the effect that too many lollies has on kids, there has been some pretty tense times around here. My two kids have been melting down at the drop of a hat!

I hope you are all well, I am looking forward to catch up on what everyone else has been up to!

Michele x

Meat Loafing around!!!

2010-05-19T18:16:00.002+10:00

It was 0.5 degrees here this morning and the fire had gone out overnight - brrrrr! I am still feeling crappy -the doctors bills piling up - I was definitely not feeling too "thrilled" with things this morning!
I believe it is the perfect time to win some tattslotto and get some kick ass ducted heating!
Unfortunately this did not happen today...so I opted for some very serious comfort food!
The following recipe has been a family favorite forever, warning though, it is 'almost too nice' served hot with green veggies and a heap of scalloped potatoes (like it needs any added decadence)

OR it works well in a picnic lunch cold with steamed potatoes, green salad and some bubbly!
This one has been a family favorite forever! It also can also be frozen!
This recipe is really, really easy and my kids love it!

*The Loaf
1kg of fresh minced steak - no preservative etc (get from a good butcher not a supermarket)
½ finely chopped onion
1 'good' egg
½ cup milk
1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon curry powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
lots of chopped parsley
Mix well together and shape into a loaf with slightly flat top in a baking dish.
Cook in moderate oven (180oC) for ½ hour before adding glaze below.

*The Glaze
¼ cup water
½ cup tomato sauce
¼ cup Worcestershire Sauce
1 rounded tablespoon butter
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon instant coffee powder
1 tbls of corn flour blended with a little water
Simmer for 5 minutes, then add, gradually, 1 tbls of corn flour blended with a little water.
Cover meat loaf with 1/3 of the glaze mixture cook for 15mins repeat and repeat again.
Cook for 1 hour.
If you make it I would love to know!!
Michele x

A day to regroup!

2010-05-14T20:41:00.002+10:00

The kid's clothing challenge has been such an enjoyable experience, it is just the right sort of encouragment and it is going strong here!
It's been good medicine - even with health still dodgy, it has sent my motivation sky high!
I have slowed sewing productivity today though and am taking a big breath...the material was stacking up all over the place here and threatened all sorts of dire consequences. It takes precious time to sort but, it is well worth it because I am thrilled with what lost treasure I have found during this totally shit chore!
A few more ideas come back to the floor. I should make a list before I mess things right up again!

I started a couple of things today -
I tried to get my mind around making a vest from an old blankie - as I was totally inspired recently by this very clever dress made by Foxes Lane. Working with a blanket is so fun, when it is felted, it does not fray and you can leave edges raw, need I say more, what exciting possibilities! Ultimately, I am not sure if I can pull this blankie vest off, but I will enjoy trying, and use what I learn in future projects!
My main aim for tomorrow is to get on with the Little House on the Prairie style night gown...everything is cut out and ready for when my brain comes back online. I love these nighties, I would make one for myself but I fear that Melbourne day trippers might try and set up camp.
Now for a hot water bottle and some deliciously wicked comfort food!
Back into it all fresh tomorrow! Fingers crossed!
Michele x

Towel Pants = Happydacks!! ?

2010-05-13T17:17:00.001+10:00

Today I decided to work on a strange idea I have had for some time now. With our weather in Australia getting colder now, everyone seems to be, either, getting over or are right on the verge of some cold.
We love going to the swimming pool for lessons and we are lucky - its a great indoor/heated pool but, their 'warm water' is no way warm enough for a comfortable shower.
So today I made a pair of Pool Day - 'Towel Pants' I am hopful this makes the dash from pool to car to home easier. Just need a towel wrap top now!
Its quite a look I am forcing on my boy there but he seems to think its pretty normal. Nice!
If my kids don't end up as circus performers I will eat my boots!
I do love a happy pair of dacks!
Michele x

Whether or not you are in this challenge, don't forget to have a peek at the wonderful innovative creations in the 'Kid's Clothing Challenge' - flickr pool.

Chef's Hat

2010-05-12T18:32:00.001+10:00

Inspired by the Kid's Clothing Challenge again today (day 3) I made this spiffy 'white?' Chef's hat, especially for my little food freak's upcoming Birthday. It came together really well considering, typical of me - I read the pattern well into process, athough it is sensibly advised by the author to "read first". Der!
I do this with recipes too, it adds a surprise, like "oh god you are meant to have this ingredient" or in my case today, bias binding! So I used narrow bias instead - I still love it! Should I say that?

I have looked at a few tutorials for these 'adjustable chef's hats' that look really good - I used Curly Pops well photographed tutorial here - hers are really jazzy with some lovely fabrics and trim.
Thank you to Cam for sharing this with people...I am sure these will be a real hit for other people's presents around here too! I also 'free hand - machine styled' Fiann's name on the band - twas fun! I also drew/made an invitation to the aforementioned Birthday party out of paper and felt - now I've just to photograph and run off enough on card to send friends. I am very happy with today's work. Next week might be different...I couldn't possibly keep this up - maybe this is still influencing me?

I hope everyone else is still going strong!
Kids Clothing Challenge group photos here and the inspiration her!
Michele x

A Curtain Skirt (with matching re-fashion top + pants)

2010-05-11T18:44:00.001+10:00

As promised here is a 'groovy a skirt', using only part of some old lined curtains and a few odd bits...I resisted the chocolate bar! I liked the print on this curtain and the idea of taking something so (I think) obviously not skirt material. I can just see the rattan couches that were in everyone’s houses when this fabric was 'In'. All I have done really is thread the elastic through the existing top band, added some ribbon and ruffle around the bottom of skirt and also a little pocket. Then appliqued a few lace flowers from...yep...another old curtain! I might add some lace flowers to a denim jacket now to complete the ensemble!

Whether or not you are in this challenge, don't forget to check out the Kid's Clothing Challenge" flickr pool.
Thanks very much to Meg, the "not so LazyMarley' of Elsie Marley for organising this fun group!
Michele x

A Bow Tie or two for starters!

2010-05-10T16:40:00.000+10:00

Elsie Marley has started a group of us here for the a "Kid's Clothing Week Challenge" So for the next week we will spend 1 hour (or more) sewing things for kids. I am looking forward to seeing whats going on!

I have been researching the basic shape of a bow tie and making up a couple of patterns to fit a 4 year old boy, they were going really well...apart having to chase my model around and bribe him to keep still...It is not so easy to tigh a bow tie! After a couple of trys I didtched that idea and went for a pattern with a velcro back! Found at A Lemon Squeezy Home and it goes on in 2 seconds! Brilliant! Easy! 2 Done!

For my next trick I will be attempting to make a 'groovy a skirt' for my 7 year old, using only part of some old lined curtains, a few odd bits and a chocolate bar!

Are you up-cycling? Let me know, I would love to visit?
Now lets see what others are up to in the flickr photo pool - here!
Michele x

P.S. If anyone is looking for a whole heap of resources and inspiration - Liesl of Hoppo Bumpo has an amalgamation of some links to her favourite sewing websites...all in the one spot! It must have taken ages to compile! There is endless advice and inspiration, not just for the serious sewer, its for people like me too - wanting some simple ideas and clever short cuts - Makes it easier to maximise your time!

Happy Mothers Day to All the Mums

2010-05-09T09:57:00.002+10:00

Especially to my own mum (Fay - Nana Belle) my Nan (Elsie - Great Gran)

and to Maree (Gran Maree - my lovely mother in law and friend)

You are all so special, thank you for all your love, patients, humour and encouragement.

I hope you all have a lovely day!

With love from Michele, Geoffrey, Maeve and Fiann xxxxx

1. Baby Maeve and her Great Gran, 2. Me and Mum 68-69?, 3. Great Gran, Nana Belle and Maeve, 4. Gran Maree and Fiann, 5. In the Hospital, 6. My lovely Nan, 7. Maeve and I, 8. Mr Aldo Vini and Nana Belle, 9. Nana Belle and Randi

Sweet and Sour Masoor Dal Soup with Pumkin (and curry leaves)

2010-05-08T19:40:00.000+10:00

Sweet and Sour Masoor Dal Soup with Pumkin (and curry leaves)

Love this soup...

This creamy, smooth dal soup with its pleasant lemony taste and chunks of butter-soft pumpkin is ideal as a tasty accompaniment to either a simple or elaborate menu. Masoor dal is also known as red or pink lentils. Serves 5 or 6
* This is one of the recipes we made with Kurma Dasa on our fantastic cooking afternoon with him!

1 cup dried masoor dal (red lentils)

6½ cups water

1½ teaspoons minced fresh ginger

2 teaspoons hot green chili, minced

1 bay leaf

½ teaspoon turmeric

2 tablespoons ghee or oil

1 cup or about 250g pumpkin, peeled, seeded and diced (I add more)

1 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons fresh lemon or lime juice

1 teaspoon black mustard seeds

1 teaspoon cumin seeds

¼ teaspoon fenugreek seeds

¼ teaspoon yellow asafoetida powder

Handful of resh curry leaves if you can get them or 6 small dried curry leaves (I add more)

1 tablespoon brown sugar (depending on the pumkin - I add less)

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or coriander (more...!)

Wash and drain the dal.

Bring to the boil the dal, water, ginger, chili, bay leaf, turmeric, and 2 teaspoons ghee or oil in a heavy 3-litre/quart saucepan over high heat, stirring frequently. Reduce the heat to moderately low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and boil for ½-1 hour, or until the dal become soft.

Add the pumpkin and cook for another 10 minutes or until the pumpkin becomes soft. Add the salt and lemon juice.

Heat the remaining ghee or oil in a small pan over moderately high heat. Saute the mustard seeds in the hot oil until they crackle. Add the cumin seeds and toast until they turn dark golden brown. Add the fenugreek seeds. When they darken, add the asafoetida and curry leaves, stir once, and empty the contents of the pan into the cooked dal.

Stir in the brown sugar and stir well. Let the dal sit for 1 or 2 minutes; then add the chopped herbs. Serve hot.

SOOO GOOOD! xx

This recipe is from Kurma Dasa - the Vegetarian Guru

Sunshiny feeling and Op Shopping, my favorites

2010-05-08T00:03:00.001+10:00

The lovely Miss Prudence has awarded me a Sunshine Blogging Award. I am so flattered that I was one of the bloggers she chose to give this to, thank you for your lovely encouragement and thoughtful comments Miss Prudence, you are very sweet.

As part of accepting the award, I need to pass it on to 12 bloggers I find inspiration from...

Now I know I am kind of cheating a little here inasmuch as I am only nominating 1 single blog...but with nearly 100 contributors...

I award the Sunshine award to -

‘I Op Therefore I Am’

With posts about Op shopping around Melbourne, lists of addresses and even maps showing where the op shops are, I really love what a great resource they are creating. Their enthusiasm is contagious and I just think they are really nice to take the time and share.

With nearly 100 contributors, I do not expect that all these people can reciprocate but just want them (and any readers) to know why this is a great blog and get behind it!

Here are 12 very good reasons why Op shopping in general is inspirational
to me, and why 'I Op Therefore I Am' inspires me (and hopefully you) to buy 2nd hand when we can. We might not always appreciate/agree with just what other people see in their own purchases; but that is not the point, therein begins the honing of 'your own' individuality. Viva la Difference!

1. Assisting charitable organisations - they give a lot of support to people who are experiencing tough times.

2. Recycling is very important. Our self-centered western culture is ‘renowned for its waste’- it is much more than embarrassing.
Using and reusing what we can is one of the basic steps to becoming a responsible culture that is aware it is 'spoilt' and works hard to be innovative and really value things, rather than just throwing stuff out!

3. Treasure from Trash - trash can definitely be another’s treasure. The things I see thrown out for rubbish collection makes me feel quite ill, if it can't go to the op shop surely it must be useful at a recycling depot.

4. Saving money is great. I love the feeling when you can get something for $1 when it sells brand spanking new for an arm and a leg more!

5. Shopping buzz - I am not out shopping much and although I feel I am quite controlled/acceptedly limited when it comes to purchasing, you can get that ‘let's splurge’ type of buzz at the op shop. How many items can you buy for $5 feels a little wrong sometimes!

6. Memories - I love the retro/kitsch gear. The memories that some of the items can bring back to you can touch you deeply...to see something that you had when you were a youngster is like stepping back into your childhood.

7. Upcycling - is something that can transform a crappy piece of furniture, clothing, “anything”, into something more-than-acceptable and looking as good as something you might pay a lot of money for. See some of the 'before and after' at Design Sponge for inspiration!

8. Truly Fair/Fair trade - Buying second hand helps avoid supporting the world's greedy, dishonest clothing and footwear companies that turn to poor countries to supply them for next to nothing while they turn high profits.

9. Cheap experimentation - Being free to take something you paid very little for and attempting to refashion it, and making something that turns out to be a real flop!

10. Saving money - Did I mention how much we save at op shops?! I think I did, but it is worth mentioning again. Kids clothing is a great example of how fickle it is to spend big money on something that your fast growing child might wear 3 -10 times top before they have grown out of it. One of my most loved op shop buys to date is a pair of what I call ‘kicker boots’. They looked like little red Doc Martins and I bought them a tiny bit scuffed (semi punked). My daughter wore them when she was 3-4...my son, at 2-3 (bigger feet). I paid $1. I will keep these forever now...I love them so much.

11. The enthusiasm - the people who post their finds on “I Op Therefore I am” is contagious...I love hearing about bargains and seeing photos of their goodies! If you like that sort of thing there is a group of bloggers at Her Library Adventures posting their amasing finds once a week, I have to admit, it does give me a thrill...did I say that out loud?

12. Sustainable lifestyle - If you need anything...chances are you will find it and for very little indeed with the satisfaction that you are not adding to our already oversized carbon footprint.

* An Extra Bonus Reason!

13. Individualism - This can be a rare quality in the shopping mall mainstream, people are encouraged to forget how to be creative fashion wise and they give up their very own imagination to the constant suggestions of the popular culture...Boring! It is fun to find your own style without being manipulated and clone like. Have confidence with your own choices!

So I hope all the contributors feel nice and really Sunshiny about what they are doing over at 'I Op Therefore I am'...because I think it is a great site!
There are op shop tours being organised and don't forget the maps...I promised a long while ago I would contribute some information to the site and am going to make an effort to get my area into their system, maybe you could too?

Michele x
Happy Bargain Hunting!
P.S. Thanks again Miss Prudence, have a great weekend!

Artificial Enhancement

2010-05-07T18:11:00.002+10:00

I am not a super house keeper nor do I feel I need to be but some things pile up so high around here I feel like running away or sticking my head in the sand!! I just like to feel like time is my friend and I can achieve things...
After being put on antibiotics for bronchitis, and not really feeling any better, I have been put on a course of Steroids and although they don't make me feel too well either – yet – they are certainly pepping me up! I have been buzzing around being ridiculously obsessive and productive! Good stuff! Not that I am suggesting this seriously but, it had crossed my mind that maybe I need these more often. I know that would be pretty wrong!
Looking at the initial effect without care of repercussions though, it has been pretty darn good so far. Firstly I have been crafting my heart out and getting more projects organised and I have got right on top of heaps of shitty niggling domestic jobs and been multi-skilling my arse off really. I am literally speeding through my house work...so far, but, while I am riding this rush of medication induced adrenaline and going like hell, I know that there is a crunch coming. I have not been able to shut down for a couple of days and this cannot be healthy...by the end of this course of medication I should feel a lot better I hope, even so I will be absolutely exhausted!

Kids Clothes Week Challenge

2010-05-01T13:58:00.000+10:00

I have joined in Elsie Marley's Kids Clothes Week Challenge...It starts the second week in May and involves sewing kids clothing (or accessories) for 1 hour every day in the second week of May.
I am a little nervous I will be up for this...but I am keen and have lots of projects that fit the criteria!
Pop over and see the rules (they are pretty easy going) If you decide to join the challenge - add one of the cute buttons to your blog...and I will see you there!

Catching up on some couch craft!!!

2010-04-30T13:38:00.001+10:00

Maeve and I are all snuggled up on the couch today, watching movies, doing our knitting/embroidery and keeping nice and warm. I have been throwing together all the wool from my stash that in are shades of grey and black, to make a scarf. It is all mostly 8 ply but, some are thicker and some are even fluffy, I am using it all regardless.
Maeve is working on an embroidery pattern by Andrea Zuill, it is a cute little Gnome, it is a free pattern and is found over here. Andrea's blog is Badbirds, I really love her DOOM GIRLS, go check them out.
I wondered why I have been feeling SO incredibly tired and generally crap from time to time lately...after I finally went to the doctor and stopped just talking about going to the doctor...it seems I have bronchitis.
Oh wow! I had no idea. I guess, in comparison, I will feel much better soon!
Michele x
P.S. Geoff took Maeve to the doctor this morning for a visit and thankfully she only has a cold...not bronchitis...phew! We missed school photos today though...SAD!

On a crafting roll

2010-04-25T10:09:00.000+10:00

I am determined that I will NOT buy any presents ever again, that I will hand make something for everyone...I am doing well so far!
The trick, I find, is to have a stash of things finished so I can not use the old “I did not have time to make something” excuse!
For our young friends recieving shower caps I have added a mini shower cap, especialy for their dolls with a tag with describing what it is...just in case they didn't guess they were shower caps. Here is a pile of little ones awaiting the elastic bit!
I followed Liesl's tutorial - it's in my side bar or -
http://hoppobumpo.blogspot.com/2008/09/tutorial-make-shower-cap.html
Liesl, aka Hoppo Bumpo, is also running a class making her shower caps inclusive of all materials, including a gorgeous piece of limited-edition, hand screenprinted Pippijoe fabric. Don't they look really swisho!!

I am also vamping up a plain white t-shirt for Maeve, with a scrap of black fabric with a little bit of that double sided iron on 'stuff'
(I forget its name but it IS MAGIC - spotlight have it)
I sketched and cut out the silhouettes, ironed them on and now they are about to be stitched.
I think I had better change my machine's needle so it is nice and sharp, so hopefully I keep that neat sharp edge...bit worried about it messing up! Also have been toying with the idea of putting the black daisy trim around the sleeves. Is that overkill?
Maybe then I might make one for myself too, I think I'd wear that!!

We were hoping to go to the Anzac Day march in the city today to show our respect but alas we will be lucky just to leave the house!

I hope you have a warm weekend all you Melbourne people!
Michele xx

Lavender Hearts are lovely...especially Beck's

2010-04-24T21:09:00.001+10:00

I must have seen Dandelion's beautiful lavender hearts quite a while ago now, and I had made a mental note to myself to make some for my dear nan.
By the time I actually made some for my Nan (and some friends) last Xmas I had completely forgotten where I had originally seen the idea.
It was a weird feeling, I felt like I was stealing, even though I was not selling them but this is my post at that time.
When I came Beck's Dandelion blog again, I realized it must have been here that I had seen the hearts, and I contacted Beck to apologize. She, of course, was very gracious about it! It made me feel much better! Since contacting Beck, I feel fine about running them off for gifts now, but, personaly I would choose not to sell them myself.(and mine are not half as nice either)
But, I hope people will respect my honesty here, and that you do not mind me saying, the lavender heart idea is similar I think to something like bunting...I wonder if the first person to make bunting is still feeling ripped off by us all for rattling some off ourselves.

With much respect to Beck at Dandelion and also to you all
Michele xx (aka Happydacks)

P.S. I did suggest to Beck that she should seriously go after anyone trying to emulate her sweet bunnies though!!!

Hello, hat weather where are you?

2010-04-23T19:38:00.000+10:00

I made this warm hat for a good friend's little girl. It's made from a jumper I felted and have had tucked away forever. I have not done much with felted jumpers so far but, I am totally inspired by the fantastic ways people find to utilise unwanted woollen garments...not so pleased with the fact that 100% wool jumpers at op shops do not seem so cheap these days!
I am now in the process of making a pair of warm slippers for Fiann.
There are so many great ideas out there in Blogland about how to reconstruct with felted jumpers, this book is awesome.
Modeling today is my lovely old doll, Dolly, ok, not such an original name. She used to have one of those strings you pulled to make her speak, I still love her so much...I really must get her fixed!

More of the home made

2010-04-21T15:22:00.000+10:00

I have been on a bit of a roll with these guys...Every kid needing a present these days is getting one...just about!
It was really good heat bag weather here of late but has warmed up again in the last week... but we will be needing a warm friend soon enough.
I need to come up with something for the boys 5+, me thinks this might be thought a little young.
These is based on a pattern from Loobylu and was found in Meet me at mikes 1st book and in Frankie magazine 28

Easter in Echuca

2010-04-11T10:24:00.001+10:00

Our family had a great holiday with some fantastic friends in Echuca this Easter...we did not want to leave! Holidays always go too fast!

We went for a ride on the Pride of the Murray and saw some amazing old paddle boats that are being brought back to their former glory.

The scenery was both beautiful and environmentally telling.

The Easter Bunny's chocolate was found and almost consumed before breakfast...that afternoon was a little touch and go.

Sandy Camp, the place we stayed was most comfortable and we had everything we needed and the sunsets were truly gorgeous.
I hope you all had a wonderful break too.

Wilfred is back

2010-03-28T10:49:00.000+11:00

I love this show, so glad to see its second series...but be warned it is not for the faint hearted!

Crafting frenzy

2010-03-24T17:02:00.008+11:00

I made Loobylu's sweet wheat bag for Maeve's friends birthday tommorow and then found I liked it so much I did not want to give it away...so I made another one. Of course, I had too.
The back is the same fabric as the arms (an op shop find) and is modified to have a similar opening to a pillow case for a seperate loose wheat bag. The pattern is in Pip's Meet Me at Mikes book.

I have also been busy making some Easter presents using a "myrtle and Eunice" pattern. Tania's pattern is free to use but do not sell these softies! Here is a link to the Chickummyjig

Now, just because he is so cute, here is another photo of the lovely Aldo, freshly bathed...Awwwe!
Have you ever thought of getting a Lagotto?

How to make a Cute Bunny Easter Egg Cosy

2010-03-24T16:20:00.003+11:00

How to make a Cute Quick Bunny Easter Egg Cosy

Cut 1 x face, 2 x head/body, 4 x ears and 1 nose

Firstly, either iron on and/or sew on face
Sew on nose and free style a cute bunny face…don’t
forget the twitchy whiskers!
Sew ears right sides together then turn right
way and iron (eeew) I folded the ears in half
and stitched a little to encourage them to stand up!
Sew a crumpled up bit of lace on
the back piece for a cheeky little tail.
Place ears on face in roughly the positions shown
in diagram. Then put the back on top right
sides facing together. Sew around the curved line
keeping the ears in position.
I also zig zag to give it extra strength.
To save time I have also gone for the easy
zig zag around finish around the open end.
You could always cut body pieces a little longer
and hem for a neater look.

I used an old wool jumper for the body (mine was not felted but that would work well) a bit of felt for the nose, 1 inch bunched up bit of lace for the tail and an op shop table cloth for the ears.
Now I just need to get some little egg cups before Easter.
Let me know if you make some...
xx Michele

The Great Shave

2010-03-13T20:57:00.000+11:00

We went to support some lovely people raising money for Leukemia foundation today at our local shops. There were shaved heads a plenty, hair sprayed all sorts of great colors and some great face painting.
Also, of course the integral sausage in bread and a lovely rally of community support!
I really hope the ‘Dougzilla’ team raised a wonderful amount of money.

Crazy

2010-03-12T15:12:00.002+11:00

My youngest is loving his kindergarten, here is Fi at Kinder's Crazy hair Day.

I've been bike ride along the O'Shannasy Aqueduct again - too good!
Although... my friend Cath talked me into riding...ah...walking up from main street Warburton. I am pretty unfit and it was quite tough!
Crazy!
But, it was dead easy once we got there and so beautiful it was well worth it.
Here is me nearly passing out! I'm Serious!!

And here is Cath - aka "Dick Dastardly socks" with the speed stripes.
You won't talk me into that hill again in a hurry Cath!!

Well...maybe...it was really fun!
Lets go again!!
xx chele

A fun and easy card

2010-03-05T08:22:00.000+11:00

I love to use this little character, it works well for last minute gift cards and is great fun as a craft activity for the kids, using up all those lovely scraps.
Sarah aka "the Small Object" has them free to down load over here.

Recycling and Refashioning

2010-02-08T19:15:00.034+11:00

I have been ordering some books from library on re purposing old clothes etc and gathering inspiration from far and wide with mind to recreating my own clothes from second hand finds. I am not getting much done yet myself but, I am storing ideas away like a squirrel with eyes much bigger than its belly!
Above photo is a pair of "happydacks" I made using an old tea towel and some nice scraps, the top was an dirt cheap oppy buy that had a picture that had seen better day so I appliquéd it with matching fabric.

I really enjoyed Dotti Angel's interview with Jane Schouten.
I love both these girls mix match style! Jane's web page is Alltheluckintheworld
Be sure to browse around Dotti Angel too, she is extremely clever and her posts are very entertaining. A very clever so and so!

I am also love this idea from Outsapop at Cut out and Keep, using plastic bags to cut out a design or font and pretty much ironing it on...WOW! This is a revelation to me and I will definitely try one out soon. Well that's the plan...
And can't wait to get hold of Handmade Nation.
Faythe Levine interview and the sneak peak of her home over at Design Sponge. I am busting to see her documentary but alas, my library doesn't seem to have it yet...sigh!

Below is a preview of Handmade Nation - looks inspirational! Have you seen it?

Design Sponge is another fantastic place to visit if you have not been there before, I love the diy section on this site and the sneak peeks into artists/designers homes - my faves are; 'Somethings hiding in there', 'Rinne Allen', 'Elsita Mora' and of course 'Faythe Levine'.

Happy 1st term

2010-02-03T11:27:00.010+11:00

I am really glad how this new year is starting off, Maeve has started grade 2 and Fiann, my youngest, started Kinder today - mixed feelings there for sure but the main one is Woohoo! I just can't wait to experience what life will be like with both kids at school in 2 years time!? I hope I might be getting more done and feeling less hassled?? There is a very funny post over here about kids starting school and giving a mother some peace...Shazza always tells it like it is!

Work is really great, I love it so much...I am feeling less like a newbie...I wish I was there more often though...that's pretty good...possibly a bit weird for a JOB!

I know its well into the new year but, i though this is too funny to wait till next year. Sketchy Santas is a bad laugh!!!
I like the ones that Little Birdsvilles picked out, they are extremely Funny and very wrong in so many ways!
Happy 1st term!!
Michele x

Holiday photos

2010-01-31T10:34:00.008+11:00

We have had some great fun these holidays but, only one more sleep untill school!!! Woo hoo!
I hope everyone else is doing ok!
Michele x

Wonderful Super Ninon Softies

2010-01-22T18:31:00.023+11:00

I am loving Ninon's cute and bizarre softies, they have such character and all have a little strange 'side show flare'
The machine embroidery on Cicco Dickinson's face is really great and dig his moustache and hair! You can find more of Ninon's work at the links below.
Big cartel
ninon blog
Flickr Super ninon

Sylvius K.K. Pennarelli

The Cherrybomb Family

Cicco Dickenson

I need this like...

2010-01-19T11:44:00.021+11:00

Meet me at Mikes is full to the brim with inspiration! There is much wit and down to earth advice, heaps o great links, yummy recipes and also super crafty encouragement.
But, today I followed Pip's link to Looklet.
Curse it! As she says, she is a bad influence...but she is grown up about it and can say sorry!
Bad, Naughty Pip!
Looklet is like dress ups for grown ups - it is pretty fun!
Have a go, and curse her too, I dare you!

If I was trim, I would be dressing in this original ensemble, don't laugh, I am serious!
Michele x

Flinders street is turning 100!

2010-01-17T17:49:00.033+11:00

Photo source

I found this great post over at Little Birdsville about the group Depot of Creative Industry banding together to use space inside Flinders street station that has been locked up and not utilized for many many years.
Parts of Flinders street station badly need repair and then after renovation a viable use.
It is a great idea and I imagine if the building was restored and accessible it could be a real attraction for Melbournians and tourists alike.
It is one of the most iconic buildings we have here in Victoria, sadly it has not been appreciated in the past and a great portion of it was demolished in the 1980's. There have been proposals over the years, a number of them described here. I do hope the ‘Depot’ succeeds, and I have signed up for any news on how they go - why don't you get involved too? All support is more than welcome I am sure! Jump on board and pass it on!

Also do have a look at -

Jenny Davies book Beyond the Façade celebrating Flinders street station's 100th year, sounds great. Jenny's own grandparents met at the flinder st station ballroom and the book details the uses of this marvellous building over the decades. In its heyday, there were classrooms, a gymnasium, billiards room, libraries, games room and a lecture hall/ballroom. It would be fantastic for this building to be restored, and again offering these important recreational/public activities. It would be socially more valuable than just turning it into just another large shopping centre!

Thanks for reading!
Michele x
P.S. Counting down the days untill school/kinder starts again!

Tiny Little Houses

2010-01-12T10:53:00.025+11:00

We finally got around to making Trixi's tiny traveling dolls houses Yay! There is even a flickr photo pool here, make one and join in!
I have wanted to do some for a while now and finally got the chance, they were really great fun to do! The kids chose their fabrics and pretty much did them by them selves. Maeve and I cut up most of the bits for the houses and we did help Fiann with the glue. (his would have turned into a glue house otherwise)
I love doing craft with my kids but I am tempted to make one just for myself...you know, get all fussy and spend a great deal of time on it...like I have the time!
Or maybe I could make a diorama inspired by M* and her sweet little room? Look at the arm chair and the chandelier. So clever and cute! She put hours into this and can't you tell...I just love it to bits!

Take care out there, I hope the weather is not too difficult where you are...hot or cold!
Last nights lowest temperature in Melbourne was 32...oh boy...looking forward for that cool change.

Michele x

I've been to spice heaven in my own kitchen!

2010-01-12T10:08:00.003+11:00

Ras El Hanout
Ras El Hanout is a blend of spices and herbs used in Moroccan cooking, the name Ras El Hanout translates to 'top of the shop' - I guess it's like saying 'Top shelf!'
Some blends can have 100+ ingredients and varies from person to person, shop to shop. I recently bought a blend by
Herbies spices They do a great little packet of this special Moroccan blend of spices and herbs that smells and tastes heavenly. (40g pkt would make 12+ serves) Herbies own recipe of spices/herbs is quite simple and mild and is really not hot at all so don't be put off if you are a bit of a sook with the hot stuff! It contains Paprika, Cumin, Ginger, Coriander Seed, Cassia, Turmeric, Fennel Seed, Allspice, Cardamom Green, Dill Seed, Galangal, Nutmeg, Orris root, Bay Leaves, Caraway Seed, Cayenne, Cloves, Mace, Black Pepper, Brown Cardamom, Whole Kashmiri Saffron Stigma. Unlike some traditional recipes for the spice/herb blend he has left out the Hashish and the Spanish Fly.
Herbies have some great products...I think I want a job with these guys as well!! Mmmmmm!
We used the suggested recipe and even though I thought these ingredients were a little odd and I really don't dig cooked carrots...this was absolutely outstanding! I recommend everybody rush out right now and grab some, it is such a treat for your tastebuds!
I really love this blend, I will be looking to try other meats/veggies with it and I am going to make my own Ras El Hanout blend so I can make a much larger quantity...only problem is what recipe to choose?
Thanks Greg for the above spicy photo, would have been great being surrounded by those lovely spices!!

Thanks for stopping by!
Michele x

2010-01-07T17:37:00.047+11:00

Hi from all of us,
I hope your holidays are full of lots fun and some relaxation!!??
Here are photos of some of our wonderful bike rides lately.
I am absolutely exhausted tonight as it was an extra big ride today!
We loved it so much though!

Along the Warburton trail are really wonderful views, it is the perfect incentive for me to exercise...and I really, really need that!

Boy do I have a sore Butt though! Today Maeve and I covered 22 + kms! I think that is outrageous, 1 - because it sounds like a lot and 2 - because it did not feel like it!!

It is a fairly cruisy ride, not many hills to challenge us too much and with drinks and munchies along the way it was like a travelling picnic.

Maeve would go again right now if she could - healthy, crazy or hyperactive...I am not sure which! Good on her though!

As we were riding Maeve was pondering many ways in which she could drink eat and sleep on the trail...definitely a Obsessive Compulsive. Good stuff!

What a champion performance for a 7 year old! Such energy!

We had a couple of paddles along the way in the little Yarra and the Yarra River, just perfect as it was quite warm (the weather - not the water)

Love to you all!

Michele xx

P.S. If you are like me and need to trim bits...and you have an slight inkling to ride a bike...do it - it is so great!
It does not have to be an uphill ride to make a difference and really it is just so enjoyable surrounding yourself in nature and cycling.

A Very Happy Healthy 2010 to You!

2010-01-03T18:24:00.028+11:00

I hope everyone had the greatest Christmas ever
and have all eased, gently into your New Year
OR
if you did have a bash and thumped into 2010 head on, that you have recovered really well by now!

We had a lovely Christmas and a very laid back, quiet New Year, it was just right for us this year. Apart from missing a couple of dear friends who were otherwise 'hectically' busy - big hugs to Michael and Phil!
My 95 yr old Nan had such a special time, surrounded by people who love her dearly, it was just so lovely to see her happy on Christmas day. Some of her Christmases past she has had an ass of a relative show up...seemingly just to upset her! So the fact that this year he kept to himself made everyone relax and be very thankful. Having 'issues' with your 95 year old mum is SO very wrong! Poor Ronny, I hope he can make amends before she is gone!

We have all really been enjoying bike riding again.
Geoff got a new bike this year for Christmas...isn't Santa the best.
And Fiann, AKA Mr. Couch potato, even though is still on his training wheels peddled for an hour plus the other day...very happily...magic! Miss Maeve is our biggest devotee and even after impressive stints of 3 + hours riding, she is always keen to go again...almost straight away. In fact, she NAGS me to go for another ride! You've Gotta Love That! I do have the cycling bug too...but I also have an older 'butt' and realize that after 3 + hours there is a risk of losing all feeling in my legs if I keep going, I think I need to get a gel seat!

In 2010 I will be looking forward to lots more bike riding, catching up with good friends, acquiring more sewing skills, enjoying my new job, making more friends both where I live and in blog land and being WAY more organized...fingers crossed!

Lots of love to you all!
Chele xx

Hot and Not

2009-12-14T19:30:00.057+11:00

I am really late with H+N this week maybe I should have waited until next Wed...Na!
I was disappointed but just secretly, I was relieved that Loobylu had not posted any last Wednesday...shh! Sorry Claire.
Simply because I did not feel strongly compelled to fling together a post in this hectic time! Everything that was piling up got 1st priority. Phew.
After H+N's was up and running the next day...I have been moving like lightning to have some free time again...

Hot

Shower caps
I have had a serious assembly line going here, producing Fancy Shower Caps for adults, kids and even their dolls. I am hoping the recipients have water proof dolls! I also did a couple of Goth/Rock'n'Roll types for the seriously fashion conscious bathers - black of course with a flashy flower pinned on. Crap photo below.
Thank you to the sewing legend Liesl for the tute found here.

Lavender Hearts
And I admit it I have blatantly copied an idea for lavender hearts I saw somewhere and cannot find again...I hope I don't make any one cross doing this but, it was just too easy and too perfect not to make some for my 95 year old nan! (and then a few others, well lots of friends)
What do you think? Am I stealing? If you can see something once and then bang it out yourself should people be getting precious about products like these? Not that they are!
Anyway I am not selling them so I hope my view is a fair one.
I would love some opinions here though.

Lightly
have some lovely pieces, my favorite has to be their gorgeous butterflies made from recycled saucers. Love them! They have lovely light shades too. I found them over here.

Lucy Renshaw Rocks my world...I love her use of special scraps.

Making your own decorations These are fantastic and quick!!

Really loving my new job and the training next year sounds delicious!!!!! Really Tough hey!

Not

Christmas illness
Everybody in my house accept me are 'still' barking like dogs. I guess the fact that I have not come down with it too is a Hot especially given my new employment. I would hate to have a sickie just yet.

Shopping
The short bursts of shopping I have done were enough to put me off for life! It is crazy out there at the moment - even more crazy than usual!

I will leave you with a photo from last year's advent activities, this my eldest on the 'dress fancy for dinner night'. Sadly, there is no advent activities this year, too busy and way too tired!

I hope everyone enjoys the greatest Christmas ever with their dearest friends and family!
Bring it on now, I am ready! (nearly)

I don't think I will be back for next Wednesday, so take care and I will catch up when I can. More Hots + Nots with our hostess with the mostest - the lovely Loobylu

Cheers!!! Many Many Many times!!

Michele xxxx

EDIT - I just wanted to add a link for Beck's lavender hearts...this is where I origionally saw the idea for Lavender Hearts.
Beck is a lovely lady and I felt bad about taking her idea, and making my own (even though I was not selling them)
I contacted Beck...she was lovely about it! She has a great blog called Dandelion where you can find out where to buy the Lavender Hearts.

Hot and Not

2009-12-08T13:17:00.068+11:00

It has been crazy around here lately, so many things going on...good and bad...the Perfect Hot and Not material really. If you would like to read some other peoples Hot and Not's go and visit the lovely Loobylu there is a list of us joining in. And incidentally Claire (Loobylu) has been blogging for 10 years now, she was the first ever blog I looked at and is easily one of the very best personalities on the net!! Congratulations Claire and thank you so much for sharing your sweet humor, charming creations, honesty and inspiration!

HOT

New Job
WOO hooo and YAY! I finally heard I do have the job! I am absolutely rapt! I must admit not hearing for over a week I was thinking I might have missed out! I am really looking forward to trying lots of new food, learning as much as I can about the lovely products we sell and getting back out into a non-child orientated environment for 'some' of my time...yippee!

Parcels in the post
I received my lovely package of Christmas giveaway goodies from Lisa at Lil Sonny Sky What a lovely parcel of goodies too, I feel totally spoilt and it is making me extremely very happy.
I found lots of beautiful gift tags, super special Christmas cards and some lovely hand squeegeed prints - I am really loving the Red Riding Hood with the Big Bad Wolf print. Have a look at the wolf's tie, very stylish! Thank you so much Lisa - you are very generous and clever!

Present production
Getting some shower caps, lavender hearts, Christmas cards and little dresses made for Christmas...and still time for some more!

NOT

Emergency Hospital Visit
Friday we went for an urgent ride in an ambulance and had a 'sleep'? over in Hospital...Fiann had really bad croup. After some Ventolyn puffs and a number of oral steroids, thankfully his breathing was much better but, due to the medication that was now racing through his system he was right off his tiny little dial. Poor Fi was going from super cuddly to pretty disturbed and aggressive...his behaviour was so erratic and very unlike him it was really tough to witness! We went home the next day but it has taken a couple of days for everything to settle down! Pretty rough going and definitely not hot!

Complaints
Our hospital bed neighbour's mum complained within ear shot about Fiann's noise while we were staying in the emergency ward! How inconsiderate and selfish is that...at least she could have been kind enough to complain somewhere private...I was uncomfortable enough without hearing we we were annoying anyone!

Have a really great week everybody! Stay calm!!!!

Oh yes...I think I might have found a theme to join in with once daily - I am thinking...photos of unusual food products and a quick low down on what they are and how to use...this will be a good way for me to learn too! Sweet. YUMMM!

Chele xx

Malai Kofta (and home made panir cheese)

2009-12-04T11:52:00.055+11:00

Malai Kofta

Malai kofta is one of my all time favourite Indian dishes! It is a special, rich dish traditionally reserved for celebrations. The main ingredient in the kofta balls is a handmade panir cheese, mixed with cashew nuts, sultanas, coriander and chili, and I love to add a handful of toasted fennel seeds. These balls are then deep fried, drained and placed in a lightly spiced creamy tomato sauce. It is divine! Makes about 30 small kofta. It is perfect when accompanied by a cauliflower curry like a poriyal- with some yellow rice, a spinach raita and a truck load of papadams.
The Panir cheese is very easy and great fun to make, it can be used to make dips or simply slice, fry up and serve with some extra virgin olive oil or balsamic vinegar or you could make your own Palak Panir
YUMO!
This recipe comes c/o the inspirational Vegetarian Chef, Kurma Dasa.
You can find more of his amazing recipes here, and if you are feeling inspired why not do a cooking class in your home - details here.

Ingredients Kofta balls
curd cheese, panir, from 3-litres milk (recipe follows)
3 tablespoons sultanas
3 tablespoons slivered almonds
1 or 2 green chilies, seeded and chopped
1 teaspoons salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup chopped fresh coriander leaves
*I love to add a big handful of toasted fennel seeds!!
ghee or oil for deep-frying

Ingredients Malai sauce
1 tablespoon ghee
1 teaspoon finely minced fresh ginger
¼ teaspoon yellow asafetida powder
4 cups tomato puree
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons sugar
½ cup pouring cream
1 teaspoon garam masala
3 tablespoons chopped fresh coriander leaves

To make the Kofta balls:
Place the curd cheese in a food processor and process until creamy smooth. Alternatively you can knead with your hands.

Add the sultanas, almonds, chilies, salt, pepper and fresh coriander and mix roughly.

Roll the cheese mixture into thirty 1.5cm smooth balls. Heat the ghee or oil in a wide pan over moderate heat, test temperature is hot enough to deep fry. Gently place in a quantity of cheese balls. Fry the balls gently until they turn a rich, dark brown. Lift them out and drain them. Repeat for all the kofta.

To make the Malai Sauce:

Place 1 tablespoon ghee in a wide mouthed saucepan and apply moderate heat. When the ghee is hot, add the ginger and stir for a few moments. Sprinkle in the yellow asafetida powder and stir momentarily.

Add the tomato puree, salt and sugar. Bring the sauce to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 2 or 3 minutes.Mix in the garam masala, stir in the cream, then gently add the kofta balls. Simmer the kofta gently in the sauce for 5 to 10 minutes. Just before serving, sprinkle with the chopped, fresh coriander.

To make Home Made Panir Cheese

You need little by way of equipment to make curd cheese: a 2 – 6 litre pan, or larger (depending on the quantity of milk), a stirring paddle or wooden spoon, a colander, and some new cheesecloth. You will need the following ingredients for an easily manageable home batch of panir.

4 litres fresh milk
3-4 cups yogurt

Pour the milk into a heavy-bottomed pan that allows plenty of room for boiling. Set it over high heat and bring the milk to a full foaming boil, stirring often to prevent scorching and sticking. Reduce the heat to low, and, before the foam subsides and spoon in the yogurt.

Very gently and slowly move the spoon through the milk in one direction. After 10 or 15 seconds, remove the pan from the heat and continue to gently agitate the milk until large lumps of soft curd form. If the cheese has not formed after 1 minute, place the pan over the heat momentarily until the casein (milk protein) coagulates and leaves pale yellow-greenish whey. If necessary, add a little more acid agent.

As soon as the cheese has formed, remove the pan from the heat, cover it and set it aside for 10 minutes. If you want a very soft cheese, gently pour in 1 or 2 cups of hot water. When the cheese has settled under the surface of the whey, it is ready to drain.

Line a colander with 2 or 3 thicknesses of cheesecloth or some clean white cloth that has been dipped in water and wrung dry. Drape the corners and edges of the cloth over the sides of the colander.
Remove the large lumps of cheese with a slotted spoon and place them in a colander. Gently pour the smaller pieces and remaining whey into the colander. Gather up the corners of the cloth and twist it around. Hold the bag of cheese under a gentle stream of cold running water for 5 to 10 seconds. Gently twist the cloth to squeeze out the excess whey.

Place the bag of cheese under a weight until firm, I use my heavy mortar and Pestle. Unwrap the cheese and use as directed, or wrap in paper-towel-lined plastic wrap, zip-lock bags or plastic containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Thanks to Kurma for letting me share this recipe, if you give it a go, I would love to hear how it goes.
YUM - YUM!

Chele xx

Mini Hot and Not

2009-12-01T14:34:00.032+11:00

Loobylu invites you to feel comfy to join us over there or just to browse all the other Hot n Nots!

My HOT this week

SHOWER CAPS
Modeling some hand made shower caps is our very still and cooperative hobby horse. That is 2 more presents done, thank you Lisel at Hoppo Bumpo for the great tutorial here!
I have got her tute over in my side bar with a whole heap of other really great things I want to make...when I have time!

GOOD VIBES
When I got a trial for the first job interview in 10+ years and was overwhelmed with the encouragement of good friends, family and blog land. The good vibes helped my confidence tremendously...even if I don't get this job, It will not feel that an interview or a trial is as bigger step again...unless I wait another 10 years until my next interview! :)

My NOT

WAITING WAITING
All the nervous energy pumping around because I am busting...still...to hear about the job! (either way) I just need to know where I will be and when etc....Especially because this is one Crazy time of year!

Hope everyone has a great week and is either prepared for Christmas or is blocking it out!!!
Chele xxx

Holding my breath...

2009-11-30T16:03:00.036+11:00

My trial on Sunday went well...I think? Thank you so much to everyone who wished me luck, encouraged and basically helped me feel like I was not the lone ranger!
I was not half as nervous this time around...thank goodness! I felt as 'at ease' as I could have been given my long absence from the workforce, and if I do work there...I imagine that this feeling will settle down really quick. I will have a lot of learning to do if I am employed there, but I think to me (food freak) this will be more of a pleasure than work. Over all I really like (love) the place, the products are easy to be enthusiastic about and the people I met seem really nice. So now I am really squirming...busting to hear...anything either way! I do have a good feeling about this, lets hope I am right for them too?

Other exciting news I WON Lisa's cute Christmas giveaway at 'Lil Sonny Sky' Thank you so much Lisa, I can't wait to see your lovely goodies for real!!!

And for something completely different...did any one see 'Stage Beauty' on Australian telly last night? It's story is of a time in English history where women were not allowed to act on stage and instead female rolls were played by men. The main actors are brilliant and it has the wittiest humor I have seen in a period drama for a long while. The whole production is beautiful and has the most intriguing 'will they won't they scenario'! Here is a good review.

Hot & Not Wednesday

2009-11-25T23:01:00.002+11:00

Hot and Not
Participating in Claire of Loobylu's Hot + Not again...follow the link for more! Or come and join us with your own!

Hot

Job interview (BIG WOW!)
I went for my first job interview in 10+ years this morning and while feeling 'extremely very nervous', (could not resist the Lolaism) I did quite well (I believe?) and was so proud of myself. I do not know if I will get the job, but I feel chuffed that I somehow summoned the guts to put myself right out there. I have not felt tempted before by a job opportunity. I don't need it luckily, I just really WANT it so much!
This would be my dream job. It is behind the counter of one of the best specialty food shops in our area. They are closely aligned with the Slow Food Movement which, to my understanding, supports small, sustainable and humane farming methods, as well as supporting artisan produce such as fine breads. They encourage local produce, but also have some of the best products from around the world. Basically they have high ethical standards. They are cutting edge foodies - not snobby, just see food/animals as something we all should appreciate and value a lot more than our 'fast' 'supermarket' approach to food ever will!
Wish me luck! Ultimately, if I don't get the job, I will not be too disheartened. It will just make other interviews less of a hurdle!
Wish me luck though!

Dan McCarthy's series of skeleton art celebrates this amazing life of ours and other animals too. I love the sentiment in this series. It is 'respectful' of how amazing but how fleeting the natural world is. While I would like to believe in a supernatural world, I am a bit of a science/naturalist geek. I think our Planet might be better off if we did not need anything other than an appreciation of this life!

Not

Chain letters/emails and Chain Txts
I received one recently from a good friend...and it was sent to a few people at the same instant and it said all sorts of highly sentimental things and above all hailed their connection with me...but, I must say it felt like they did not quite have time. Actually it was the least personal experience I think I have had while actually being told how valuable I am...and then it went on to suggest that I need to send this to several friends for some totally lame arse reason...I was a little bit disappointed! Please file in the too honest section!

Digs from friends
I can leave various tasks around our 'mostly hygenic' house for long periods of time before I find them top of my priorities. It's really low when a visitor points them out and says "what is going with that pile of stuff, Chele???"
How rude!

10:50 Going to comfy bed dog tired and just now joined by a barking sick 7 year old! Poor Maeve! Ahh, sleepless me!!!

Must dare myself to keep my posts shorter than this, I do like to rabbit on sometimes!
I can't wait to get around to read the other Hot & Nots!!
Take good care of yourselves!!

Chele xxx

A Finished Dress

2009-11-23T10:49:00.003+11:00

I had such high hopes to give some of our friends and family aged 3-8 a dress for Christmas...I really need to get moving! The fabrics I used are sheets and pillow cases from the opp shop!

Yummy simple Cous-cous salad - nice to make and have on hand for next couple of nights, we had ours with BBQ lamb, sage potatoes and a beetroot and rocket salad - yummm.
Ingredients - Fine chopped red onion, crumbled feta cheese, black olives pipped and torn up a little, lots of Lebanese cucumber, seeded and chopped, as much fresh mint as you can get your hands on, combine through cooked cooled cous-cous and drizzle with lemon juice, salt, pepper and olive oil. Garnished with garlic chive flowers and sprigs of mint.

Chele x

Hot and Not Wednesday

2009-11-18T13:59:00.002+11:00

HI!
Bang!
Straight into Loobylu's meme today;

HOT
Beach escape
Been lucky enough to getaway for a few days to the beach...
Perfect weather for our getaway...
Cramming in all the swimming and beach play we could...
Blairgowrie's child friendly beach-ie you have to walk miles out into the shipping lane to be submerged as an adult!
Tired kids unable to protest at bed time for more than 1 minute before falling asleep...
Nobody coming down with a nasty bug while we were away...
Free accommodation in beach house given to us by very, lovely people...So nice!

Shady Geoffrey and his hat, especially when we are relaxing on holidays - Hot!

Old caravans
A really cool old caravan at the beach house we stayed at. It has curved glass windows and very cute curtains. The inside (from memory) is all colour co-ordinated...too cute!

Windows
Our home has great windows, not double glazed sadly but they are one of the best things about our house. I love being able to see the kids play and our garden (when our garden is not looking sadly neglected).
Nice big windows would definitely be a prerequisite for any house we might live in in the future. This place would do - when we win tattslotto!

NOT

Spam
Spam of any kind really is the pits but 'Viagra sales pitches' posted as comments on your blog. Funny.

No Subtitles
We have always watched movies etc from all over the world and find subtitles second nature on our screen. We really miss them when they are not used.
I think everything, especially DVDs, should always have them as an option.
Hearing impaired people must be really annoyed that this is not just a standard feature.
This leads me to how say how crappy the information and subtitles can be on 'digital TV', I think they must be having a laugh sometimes because it's absolute Gobbledygook!

Stress
It can be hard to relax sometimes with young kids, and it can even seem that when we get the opportunity to it can take a while to calm down.
It would be nice to have some more time for the grown ups is needed around here, to occasionally relieve the pressure that builds up would help us maintain a light hearted approach to parenting...maybe?
Sometimes we do put ourselves last, don't we!?

I did not get around to look at last week's Hot and Not's much - I will have more time hopefully this week! Maybe?
Why don't you join in?
It is much better than face book! (did I say that out loud?)
Chele x

Beach escape

2009-11-17T13:10:00.014+11:00

Hi, we are back from our Blairgowrie trip.
We had a great time away but really lovely to be home.
We tried to fit in as much beach as possible over our few days and did a pretty good job!
Our bathers did not get a chance to dry while we were away...blurry photo seems to work here, after all that activity I feel a bit blurry too!

I love the tea trees at the beach, some become really twisted, this one (while not really twisted) looked lovely with the Sorrento park rotunda behind it.

Maeve on one of the unbelievable huge pines (not sure what type) at the park at Sorrento.
It is a great park for kids!

This is a shot under the Flinders Pier, we took a drive over the other side of the peninsula for some rock pool beach combing, found heaps of crabs, little fish and star fish.

Had a lovely time!
We all want to get back there soon!
Chele x

Hot + Not Wednesday

2009-11-09T20:06:00.019+11:00

Hot + Not Wednesday
Hi, I'm back again with some more for Loobylu's meme!
I have to say I have not had enough time to spend on this post - until now - and now I seem to have gone all..'DER'.
I am very hot and frazzled after this week of hot weather in Melbourne.
I'm sure I am not the lone ranger!

Kindergarten 2010
My son, Fiann and I went for a lovely morning at his New Kinder, he does not start until next year but he is SO excited, he thinks it is going to be COOOL!

Hot
Studio Beerhorst Wonder Wagon I think this is a great project, it obviously created a lot of community interest and also encouraged peoples creativity too. Looks like fun!

ArtPrize Wonder Wagon

Calves
I am not sure how old our neighbour’s calves are, but I have caught glimpses of their frolicking play a few times and it's so cute! I guess all young animals play - it's the way we learn – so why not them - but the old city girl in me was just a little surprised to see them so obviously 'on for a game'.

Lemonade
Our lemon tree is going off and providing lots of fruit, some of which we have made lemonade with. It is just lemon juice and sugar to taste (a fair bit), boiled up and used as cordial. We add water or soda water. Really yummy! I put some cinnamon quills in this batch - it's ok, but I will leave it out next time.

Home grown bunch of flowers
Flowers picked from our garden always make a nice impact on my day. I forgot to take a photo and after this hot weather they are looking pretty limp now...

Not -

Flies and Mosquitoes
Great time of the year, but brings all these pests with it.

Facial Hair
Oh God! I have found 1 inch length of hair growing out of my chin...Did I say that out loud? I have an epilady but sometimes (rightly so) I am afraid to use it! Deep breath...I need to be brave.

Aged Parents/grandparents
I wish we lived closer to my family. I am thinking about a time when they will be able to travel less to see us. I really think we need to move closer.

Tummy Bump
I went to the Chemist to ask about anti histamines for myself today and the nice girl in the Chemist looked and pointed at my tummy while saying 'and you are pregnant'. Jeez, I really hate that!!! I am always polite enough when this happens, although I don't know why, as it bothers me. I guess I assume they feel quite uncomfortable and know better next time.
I would never ask/presume even the most obviously pregnant woman was pregnant...even if she looked ready to pop!
It is safer that way.
Anyway, now, boy I feel pretty shite!

Hope you all have a good end to your week! We are off to Beach on Friday for a couple od days...So that will be one of the Hot's on my list next week!
Take care
Chele x

Acclimatising to the Hot weather

2009-11-08T17:35:00.012+11:00

We have been enjoying the weather this weekend, it's been quite hot in Melbourne and while normally we do not fare well in the heat...when we are at home grubbing around in the garden, not looking flash, it is actually really great.
Some nice friends with a trailer, made a trip to the tip/recycling depot and picked up an old bath tub for us for $10, thanks Shona and Damian! They also grabbed some for themselves too, for their garden beds - fantastic idea!
Our bath scrubbed up really well and was perfect for the kids to have a paddle in.
It just needs some drainage/hose sort of apparatus so that the water emptys directly on the part of the garden where we need it most. I already think it's better than our old blow up paddle pool and after we put some low compact growing plants around the tub...it will look ok too!
I am looking forward to a outdoor bath one hot evening this Summer too.
A friend told me of a visit he had to his friend's home in Mt Beauty, when he arrived, very tired one night, he was welcomed and directed to a bath tub set in the middle of their orchard filled with warm water with heaps of candles set up all around it, on a clear starry night, (out of the city) wow, that sure does sound nice! How special would you feel!

Aldo had a nice wash too!

2 little Tawny Frogmouths

2009-11-07T17:29:00.004+11:00

I am getting as many photos as possible while these birds are around -
I love them.
If you want to see more of the Tawny Frogmouth there is an amazing link Claire recommended at National Geographic, with some great photos of some outrageously cute chicks, also footage of one being hand fed.
Thanks Claire!
They are too cute!

More Hot + Not

2009-11-04T12:15:00.027+11:00

Hi, I'm up for another week of Wednesday - What's Hot + What's Not. Someone mentioned last week how they were finding it much easier to come up with the what's hot...and after thinking about it, I have to say I am too...that's Hot in itself!!
To see everyone Else's Hot + Not - head over to Loobylu for a look. It's not too late to join in if you want to, Claire tells you how to do it. Go on...

Hot
Tawny Frogmouths - We lucky to have four in our backyard at the moment, two adults and their two young...I am so thrilled!
They have always been one of my favorite Australian birds. Some intresting frogmouth facts are that although they look a bit like an owl they are actually more closely related to nightjars. The tawny frogmouth mates for life and when they open their wide mouth, inside of their mouth is a yellowish color that - when directed towards the moon/light, reflects the light and attracts moths. Neat! Isnt nature clever! They also make a lovely deep calm ooom-ooom-ooom noise which we have been hearing for years, without being able to spot them, so nice to finally see them. (In photo - 1 adult and 2 young ones - aawww!)

Cicadas - My daughter found her first cicada shell for this spring while on the way home from school the other day and was over the moon!
For the rest of that day she and her brother were scouring around our trees doing some serious cicada hunting.
We still have a Jar full from last year, I'm not sure why really, maybe we could stick them to a frame and spray paint them gold, it would make a different Christmas present for some lucky friend!!! Maybe not.
After the kids went to bed that night Geoffrey found this Green Grocer, too cooool! A good photo and and an old shell makes for a great show and tell, we are sorted this week.
I love the interest my kids show in nature and even though Cicadas, particularly this type, can make an almost deafening noise on some days, we think they are pretty hot.

Garden make over - Buckling down into 2 full days of work in our garden. I was putting this task in the too hard...not even going anywhere near there...basket, but I got into it big time.
We have weeded, planted cuttings struck a long time ago, generally tidied and planned how we might keep up with it this year. Great stiff but satisfied feeling coming over me. And after such a massive effort, just weeding little bits here and there don't seem so pointless.

Guitar lessons - Maeve and Geoffrey are learning the guitar together in shared lessons. Being father and daughter they are at different stages, but they encourage each other and are going so well. It is great singing to some of the songs they play. Lucy in the sky with diamonds is my favorite so far, Maeve carries a tune beautifully (I think!) and Fiann tends to belt it out with much enthusiasm but pretty much in the same key...cute! I must make a video of them.

Not

Sore Back - Needing a hot water bottle to melt aching back after gardening like a woman possessed. There were a few times when I wondered how long it would take me to stand/walk upright again, bad back and I am so unfit at the moment.

Sun Burn - I am really 'Hot' on getting my kids to live in their sun hats and I am also 'Hot' on plying them with sun screen...but...
I do forget about myself and I am quite burnt today.
My kids now have a good illustration of why they should remain cautious outside this time of year and I have myself to blame. Silly me.

******* James Hardie - this truly 'Detestable Company' was mentioned in some body's NOT last week (I'm sorry I can't remember who) but it has sent me off on a tangent of focused rage.
Hungry Beast had a segment on this evil corporation and the damage it has done by using a product it knew for some time to be unsafe. There are good links posted there if anyone is thinking of renovating, be careful everyone, this product is everywhere in some parts of Australia.
Asbestos has not only been used in building products such as roofing and fibro walls, its dust is also found in some Hessian bags that were used to bag the nasty product then reused as underlay for carpets.
They also have the phone number of J.H. CEO if you would like to call...I bet that number has been changed pretty quickly.

I hope I get more of a chance to check out what other people are up to in next few days! Thanks for stopping by! Chele x

Flight of the Concords - If You're Into It

2009-11-03T22:13:00.002+11:00

Wednesday's Hot+Not

2009-10-28T10:23:00.004+11:00

It's Wednesday and time again for Loobylu's Hot+Not list.
Play along with us if you are not already, its good fun!
I am really enjoying reading other people Hots and I am relating heavily to their Nots!

HOT -

My Husqvarna 2000 Sewing machine, it's an oldie but a goodie! You can lower the gears so it sews through extra thick folded fabric or even leather.
This is really a great feature.
Also I now know how to loosen the tension on the foot for free hand sewing. Yay! After seeing Gina's Pear napkins, I've been thinking I might have a go with some tea towels?

Backyard chooks - I love our chooks so much, they give us beautiful little eggs and they are they cutest creature to watch. I talk to mine.
If you are thinking of getting some chooks yourself but are not sure how well they will work in your yard why not rent them...if you are in Melbourne, Deb at book a chook rents houses and chooks. I get our pretty Pekin Bantams here.

My old ted and our
Stereograph viewer - Ted was a present 42 years ago, he's old but hot.
The Stereograph viewer is a wonderful old curiosity. When you look through the view finder at the two, almost identical 2 dimensional pictures, your brain reads this visual information and sees one 3 dimensional image. For more information on Stereograph here.

NOT -

String - Or lack of it! I Can't find the right string for the legs on my birds - Spotlight have stopped selling the old string/cord I once used. I'd like a natural color that is twisted neatly, like this, if anyone knows of such a thing in Melbourne I would be eternally grateful if you let me know.

Kids Lunch Boxes...they are never big enough. I have looked at so many and none seem to have enough room for all the bits! Also drink bottles, I was amazed when I borrowed on of my kids drink bottle one day and nearly sucked my nose inside out.

Busy Doctors - These days you just about need to make an appointment 1-2 weeks in advance of even getting sick, if you want to get in to see your doctor.

Have a good end to your week! Chele x

Quick take photo it is tidy!

2009-10-27T22:17:00.004+11:00

This is a highly unusual photograph, look at those books going from tallest to shortest, this is not real life!
The rest of my house has gone into shock!
If you layed eyes on the rest of my house, you would too.
But I will save that for HALLOWEEN, Cue Spooky woooo wooo sound

Last minute card

2009-10-23T20:12:00.006+11:00

We have been to a Kids Disco Birthday Party and my ears are still ringing. Not from the music but, from the 20-odd children yelling and having a really groovy time...way too much sugar. But Great Fun.

I made this card for the Birthday Girl. I cut it out of a book I found in an op shop for 50c and stuck with double sided tape onto a piece of card stock.
The Illustrations by Karel Franta - they are all really fun but this one was my favorite and seemed appropriate. I added glitter and we were ready to boogie.
I always find myself short of gift cards when I need them, so I have started a pile of thifted books especially for this emergency.
A lot cheaper and nicer that the expensive bought ones I think.

Hot + Not

2009-10-17T18:10:00.015+11:00

Hot

Liana Kabel's upcycled plastic fantastic jewelry! The Kewpie doll necklace is so cute and I would love some of those Knitting needle bracelets!! I found the link at Thea's lovely blog

Shop and Cook tours - They have tour choices - Lebanon to Morocco, Spanish, All Asian, Italian, Queen Victoria Market and Seafood - I have been hoping to do something like this. They also have some courses for the kids - great to see.
(found thanks to Jetsetting Joyce)
Also hot is having Kurmacome to your house for a cook-a-thon.

Little Match Box House From Coloured Buttons. I love this house, it is so cute, great for party favours. I am thinking of skewing this slightly and making some Halloween trinkets. Maybe coffin necklaces with a skeleton inside?

Not Hot

Motivational Posters Not the keep calm and carry on type, I quite like them, they are more like gentle encouragement posters! The ones that really get to me are the really serious ones, you know where someone is climbing the most impossibly high jagged cliff with words like...'You just need to believe in yourself' printed boldly underneath. I think it is great to be positive but it's unnatural all of the time. Is anyone really like that or are they just great actors? Obviously they would only have a HOT list...

The BBC They sit on great shows like Grim Tales and The Goodies!
Do they know that it's selfish of them? It is like they are the big kid with the soccer ball and although they are not playing with it they will not let anyone else have a turn. And its not like they do not release shows, flooding the world with The Bill and other such abysmal viewing.
I want them to release The Goodies + Grim Tales right now, or else I am going to petition them. You heard! Be warned BBC! Right On!

Manuals - All manuals seem to be written with the intention of confusing the reader – not enlightening them about the particular product. And I hate having to refer to any of them. Now I have to read my camera's manual because the settings seem to have changed. My photos do not seem as good, I have tried to ignore this but it is too annoying. The dreaded manual is 190+ pages. Oh no!

Pins and Needles Getting a numb bum from sitting at the computer way too long, I NEED a laptop so I can get more comfy.

Everyone else's Hot+Not Wednesday here at Loobylu

Posh Nosh

2009-10-17T17:29:00.008+11:00

Posh Nosh (with Richard E Grant) is back on the telly.
This gourmet cooking couple really take 'food snob' to a whole new level...I love their inappropriate terminology!

Have a lovely weekend xx

2009-10-16T20:06:00.004+11:00

Whats Hot and Whats Not

2009-10-16T09:52:00.012+11:00

I've been enjoying reading Claire's What’s Hot + What’s Not Wednesdays over at Loobylu. It's a good meme, I thought I might join in too, just for a giggle!
Note I am posting my first Hot + Not on a Friday!!
Outrageous!

Hot

Libraries! - Pretty general, but they are the best! To be able to order online and have books sent from all over Victoria, for free!!! I love the feeling of walking out with a stack of lovely books! Sort of feels like stealing...insert poor impersonation of a villains laugh here.
This book is my favorite right now - Stephanie Alexander's Kitchen Garden Companion With loads of inspired recipes like this Baby Beetroot salad with Spinach, Crisp Ginger and Curry-flavoured Dressing. YUM.
Stephanie sujests the CRISP GINGER can be scattered over other vegetables...mmmmmmm!

Water Play - Fiann is having a lovely time measuring, mixing and washing in water for, what seems like hours...any activity that engroses your youngster this well is definatley Hot! So while he is having a great old time I can try to get my 'to do' list smaller! In actual fact, that is not true at all...my list remains while I sit in front of the computer pondering Hot and Not. Good fun!

This book - Drawing for the Artistically Undiscovered We got this for Maeve for her birthday...I am thinking of photo copying pages for me to have a go too! It is an inspirational book, encouraging kids to not be too critical of their own drawings and run free on the pages! I wonder if there is a flickr pool for this book with peoples work on?

'The Kills' - Their music, lyrics and style is fun and pretty cool. They are by no means a mainstream band... I like that a lot! Mainstream music as a general rule annoys me, its lyrics seem really banal. Not that this is high brow!!

Not

Leaking porches - there is heaps of rain falling this spring and our veranda is 'springing' leaks!

Molding Pumpkins - Our lovely Pumpkins we grew have been sitting around my home looking wonderfully decorative for months now. We did cook a couple up but they tasted REALLY awful and bland, no matter, they looked gorgeous! Maybe they were not ripe when I picked them. Anyway, I was going to try cooking another, but I still don't know they would be any more edible. Also I thought I could carve for Halloween. Now I see most of them are starting to go off...bum.

Feeling disorganised - I try not to think about this too much as it sends me into a panic. I usually deal with this feeling by doing something crafty...delay the inevitable and around we go again.
My organisation at the moment is to be laughed at! I guess once both my children are at school I might find it easier to get things sorted. But I do suspect I am just an "all over the place" kind of girl.

Blocked Toilet... Hmm I just discovered my son has nearly overflowed the toilet by putting 1/2 a roll of loo paper in it! This kind of 'water Play' is NOT HOT!!!!

Playing next week, I hope! Bye!

Curried Sausages (not too stodgy, not too posh)

2009-10-14T20:45:00.007+11:00

We have been really lucky this year and have had heaps of precious rain falling in the Yarra Valley. Unfortunately, water storage around Australia is still pretty dire, but for now I am just thankful our huge water tank is full and wishing we had more tanks!
As well as wet it’s also been unbelievably cold here, really freezing. It’s perfect “Pot o stew” kind of weather! So I have been thinking comfort food and what I could make for dinner and also squirrel away a decent stash in the freezer.
I remember my lovely Nan used to make Curried Sausages when I was a young girl and I really loved them then...these days they are a little bit too stodgy for me, but the basic concept was appealing enough to pep it up into a healthier version. I looked at several recipes on the net, then I took what I liked from them and added my own spin.
Anyway, I think it has turned out a winner, but, more importantly, my kids think it’s great stuff too. Pheww! That’s a relief because I made the most enormous pot of it!
This is a rough guide on how I made it…detailed enough to follow I hope. It’s ‘Honkey white boy style’ – not your authentic curry but it is really really very yummy!
If anyone out there makes this I would love to hear how it went.

(not too stodgy, not too posh) Curried Sausages
Serves a huge number of people!

4 tbls olive oil
1 tbls black mustard seeds
3 onions
2+ cloves of garlic
2 carrots
1 turnip
¼ bunch of celery throw in some leaves too
¾ cup red lentils
½ cup puy lentils (French lentils)
8 thick sausages (I used pork & apple snags but you could use any that you like)
5 medium potatoes (cubed 3cm ‘ish’)
½ little cabbage (shredded then chopped)
½ cup sultanas
½ bunch of flat leaf parsley
½ bunch of coriander
1-2 tbls vegetable or chicken stock (to taste)
1-2 tbls curry powder
Salt and Pepper to taste

Heat oil, stand back and fry black mustard seeds until they pop, add the fine diced onion and cook slow until nice and soft. I always take my time to do this as crunchy onions are no good in a soft squidgy stew.
Add garlic, fry 3 minutes. Add curry powder and ground turmeric. Sniff when it gets frying – turmeric has the best smell when frying!!
Dice carrot, turnip and celery – I cut these 1cm or even smaller, so it’s more likely the kids will eat. Throw these in with onions and cook for about 5 mins?
Wash and drain the lentils and add these to the pot too – stir until covered in oil and cover well with water. The lentils just add substance and are not necessary – it just makes the meal healthier and stretches it out further.
While this is going on, place sausages in water – prick a few times and just bring to the boil and turn down. Simmer now for 8-10 mins. You can peel them if you want to, depends on the snag. Slice the sausages as you like – thinner slices go further!
Add your cubed potatoes to the veggie mix. Waxy potatoes are good because they will hold together if the lentils are taking their time to cook.
At this stage, I also add the sultanas (so they have time to puff up), and the parsley and coriander (I use all the stalks and wanted them to soften) and the cabbage.
Add stock, salt, pepper and top up with water (you want it to look like it might be a soup at this stage)
Cook for a further 10 minutes or so…taste frequently and season more + more + more if needed.
When potato and puy lentils are cooked, mix water and corn flour together and stir into the stew. This should thicken up nicely.
The ingredients and their quantities could be varied easily in this recipe. Don’t be scared to omit lentils or carrots for example (I actually hate cooked carrots but don’t mind them ‘in things’) One thing I think I will do next time is add more sultanas…Mmmmmmmm! P.S. serve with some potato mash or rice. We had ours with a potato pumpkin mash...Mmmmmmmmmmmmm

The endless birthday party

2009-10-12T13:21:00.007+11:00

Over the last week we celebrated our daughter Maeve's 7th Birthday! I simply cannot believe it. She has really grown up so much since starting school last year and now -in just a couple of weeks (it will seem) she will be starting grade 2! Maybe one day a Physicist will discover that, actually, once we hit 35-40 that time does indeed move much quicker for us.
Our celebrations have lasted days, with a day at the orchard, visiting family and the biggest and 'funnest' being a party extravaganza! Our local indoor pool caters for children's party's. Too easy!

I have been making a fabric dolls house using the pattern from UK lass in US as a guide and was pretty pleased with how it came out, although the inside walls are a little baggy saggy and I think I might of over tizzed just a tad. Maeve loves it though so I was very pleased.

Orchard bliss

2009-10-11T21:24:00.005+11:00

I have very few words at the moment so I am just sharing a photo of some of my favorite people in one of my favorite places. Recouping soon I hope.
Below is a photo taken of Maeve's dolls house half finished. I will post a photo of finished house when I take one. xx chele

PoP!

2009-09-28T17:20:00.004+10:00

It's just another half arsed filler.
If you have not been to Big Huge Labs it is great fun!
I love our little reproduced mini Kewpie dolls, one day I would love to take lots of photos of these extra cute little guys!

Good Game

2009-09-27T13:28:00.007+10:00

I am not really a Huge fan of Ausie rules but it was imposible not to get caught up in the day! It was an 'exciting' grand final too!

Distinguished Banana Man

2009-09-23T20:02:00.007+10:00

Distinguished Banana Man
Originally uploaded by Miss Retro Modern

While I am hanging out here with 'Miss Retro Modern', recovering from a hissy fit... I thought I would post
another photo from her fantastic photo stream. Definitely a good rainy day activity, I am now set to make some veggie people with the help of my kids!!
There is a whole heap of these fruit and veggie people over there, very amusing!!
Pretty cute and edible!

Fig.173 Hysterics

2009-09-23T19:43:00.005+10:00

Fig.173 Hysterics
Originally uploaded by Miss Retro Modern

I have got a couple of flickr (free accounts) and a couple of different email addresses, a Blog, a Gmail? a DISQUS and Google account… probably more stuff that I don't even know about! ! ! !! AND WHY does my flickr photo display on the side bar (I am guessing the lingo here) not work anymore? Aaauughhhh!
I think I am going to have a Tantrum! As long as it all works ok,
I guess its all good but it seems so complicated.
Chele
P.S. Why can't they all work together and everything link up as one!! Thats the hippy in me talking now.
P.P.S. Miss Retro Modern is a fun place to hang out! X

Inspiration mosaic

2009-09-23T11:49:00.013+10:00

I have finally, I hope, worked out how to link to other blogs and great sites "neatly"! I've felt like a BIT of a DER BRAIN
(a huge one really) but NOW I can feel like... less of one? YAY! NEAT LINKS!
This has been on my long list of things to do for a long time, it would make a lovely present!!
Fabric doll house tutorial
Here are some favorites, including one of the little Fabric Dolls House. I am thinking a button tree on the exterior of my fabric house would be perfect and maybe a peg doll??

1. deciduous quilt, 2. Untitled, 3. Clothespin Doll Ornaments, 4. Fabric dollhouse

2009-09-22T16:53:00.028+10:00

Ahhhh, ALMOST no timetable!!! Don't you love it...

It's Geoffrey's birthday today, the big 40, so here is an old a photo of Geoff and his 1st beloved cat, Caesar.

We are leaving the big celebration until later in the week when we head out to a local brewery to sample some nice new beer and then dinner with some good friends. Also, asap, we are heading down the mornington peninsula for a much needed break. Fingers crossed!

I have just started "The Pleasure and Sorrows of Work" - Alian de Botton. I don't want stop reading, I wish it had bigger print though. I love his books and his tv work. A review is here http://www.readings.com.au/review/the-pleasures-and-sorrows-of-work-alain-de-botton

I made my first pavlova in years today... who hoo! It's collapsing with the weight of cream and fruit on top but we are looking forward to eating it anyway.

Happy Holidays!

Reproduction Antique French Playing cards

2009-09-13T20:16:00.008+10:00

These are really wonderful to look at, they are replica antique French Playing cards. I was given these by an old friend, Jann, when I started picture framing.

Jewelry Board

2009-09-12T10:54:00.008+10:00

My daughter Maeve has a collection of 'georgous' dress up jewlery that she has collected from various op shops around the traps. But her lovely little Jewelry box was becoming way too small for all these 'chunky numbers' and was spilling out, leaving a tangled mess of jewels. So after seeing my friend's Cathie's brilliant earing board, I deciced to made this 'Jewlery board' for Maeve.
I used a cheap canvas from the bargain shop and glued on various fabric scraps and ribbon. Then I stappled a layer of Tulle over the top, this gives you something to hook earrings and neck laces onto. It was quick and easy to make, it looks great hanging on the wall, its functional and a real space saver too.

For Drew

2009-09-09T23:46:00.009+10:00

I hope this photo is semi decent, I really must take photos of my work more.. I have made over 50 of these for presents and after so many birds you would think I would learn to be better organised... wouldn't you! I would like to sell these some day....... with better photos ...

Fun and Games

2009-09-09T14:10:00.012+10:00

We have made it through this winter relatively intact this year, touch wood, managing to avoid the plethora of colds we were unlucky enough to collect all of last winter.
These last few weeks however have been really very cruddy!
Everyone here has been unwell, the kids have been stuck inside a lot and are reacting like lightning before the storm warning. (Even the ‘adults’ in this house have been just a weenie bit testy too) not very much fun!
I have been trying to get some home work done for my new sewing class but was too brain drained to concentrate and I think I might have sewn a sleeve on somewhere strange.
Thankfully I remembered a great post I read recently for an inspiring project found at M* “anyone for Fishing” (follow my awkward link here) http://emmstarr.blogspot.com/2009/09/anyone-for-fishing.html
So I decided to make our own fishing game. This was really good fun to make and although it was all about relieving the kids boredom, it became good therapy for me.
I really enjoyed the crafting while juggling my sick kids and husband (not literally) and I made my sea creatures.
Thanks very much Melanie for the inspiration and the encouragement! (good idea for your book one day Mel!)
P.S. Maeve (nearly 7) loves make believe games and has already had a lovely time playing with them…. Alas, Fiann (our lovely sick and cranky 3 year old son) had started using the fishing rod as a weapon within the first 4 minutes!! Hmmm. Sick kids are not the most rational. I’m sure we will all be well again soon!
Chele x

Mosaic of Favorites

2009-09-06T09:32:00.007+10:00

1. Robert Mark Allen, 2. august_bunny02, 3. Untitled, 4. "Deer" Bear, 5. what's out there?, 6. Untitled, 7. Untitled, 8. Moot gardens balustrade, 9. Granny day 64, 10. granny, 11. Gingham Baby Blanket - Edge, 12. Fab Exhibition launch, 13. Funky flares, 14. Rainbow ruffle Patchwork Dress, 15. vintage enamel flower pins brooches., 16. bird, 17. Untitled, 18. Granny A Day 1-20, 19. Untitled, 20. Untitled, 21. cooking, 22. Lady bugs freaked him out, 23. fawn4, 24. Samuel Bear's Big Day, 25. Vinyl Bunny Dolls

P.S. I especially like 3. the hauntingly beautiful doll by no 3. http://www.flickr.com/photos/myling/ , the really cute photo by no 16. http://www.flickr.com/photos/fleurir/ and I So would like one of these beautiful little broaches made by no 17 +20. http://www.flickr.com/photos/miriana/ Lovely images. Links shared like a real non pro!

I Love my new necklace

2009-09-05T22:51:00.004+10:00

I hope i do not break it!

Now my favorite necklace.
Found at www.lovehate.com.au/

Ta Da

2009-09-05T09:33:00.026+10:00

Well I am Amazed, I worked out how to post Bigger photos on my blog!!!!!
A BIG Thank you to Geninne’s Art Blog for posting the link for making photos bigger.
http://blogdelanine.blogspot.com/ Now I just need to work out how to make links to great blogs like this LOOK less awkward!?

This is an old favorite photo of Maeve and Fiann with their Maya Made newspaper hats decorated with herbs and flowers. http://mayamade.blogspot.com/2008/07/party-hats_22.html

Stencil Graffiti Fitzroy

2009-09-04T14:48:00.007+10:00

One day I want to dedicate a whole day to just wandering around Melbourne checking out the great street art. There are some wonderful images around, this one was in the back streets of Fitzroy on the way to the Veggie Bar for lunch. Mmm Veggie Bar lunch... Koftas....

I could happily live with this on my wall.

Wizard of Oz puppets!

2009-09-02T12:43:00.020+10:00

I found these cute ‘dress up doll’ years ago and had forgotten where they came from? You can print them out for free and either color in or dress up in bits of this and that. We have had hours of crafting fun with these. They have been used for Gift cards, Christmas cards and for home Puppet shows. I was sure they were Sarah’s work from “The Small Object” but I could not find them anywhere? I was a little worried that maybe I had used something I should not have. Aghh. What a terrible feeling!
After contacting Sarah I am most relieved to say, yes they were hers and they are a free printable found on Loobylu (and Phil’s) other great blog Kiddley, years previous.
Link here
http://kiddley.com/2006/12/12/dress-up-paper-doll-and-ornament/
If you would like to look at more of her lovely little people head over to
http://www.thesmallobject.com/stenopad/wordpress/

Just in case you have not met Loobylu, you must go to
http://loobylu.com/
P.S. Untidy looking links, sorry everyone but have 'No idea' how to do something slicker yet!

Hair today, gone tomorow

2009-08-31T13:47:00.006+10:00

Mr Aldo Vini before his New Hair do

Our dog Mr. Aldo Vini had a quite radical hair cut last weekend ready for the warmer weather. Hmmm, maybe we did it a little early because it's really cold here at the moment. So he is being brought indoors a lot more and also now has a very special rain coat.

Little does he know but he is going in soon for the 'big op'. I was put off doing it before he was 1 year old after hearing stories of dogs having health problems caused by a lack of testosterone during their early development. But its time now and he can also be chipped at the same time.

Ponys, Trains and Lurkers

2009-08-24T16:50:00.011+10:00

Our family walked from Petty's Orchard along the Yarra River to Eltham the other day. We had a picnic at Diamond Valley Reserve where they have Pony rides and a really cool miniature railway - both $3 a pop - such great value! Even though the queue was fairly long, the wait was short - and worth it! Maeve and Fiann thought it was a fantastic thing to do, and so did I. I think I might have been the only 'adult' on the train squealing with delight as we went through the tunnels! Maybe I am a trainspotter at heart? Nah, just a big kid...

I have been reading crafty peoples wonderful blogs for years now and find it the most amazing, infinite pool of inspiration. There has been many times I have found just the right spark that has led me into a whole other craft tangent. (Which ultimately leads to more unfinished projects but, shhh, thats not important) I do finish some things...eventually! It's lovely how people share their ideas and enthusiasm with each other. And as I am discovering, 'blogging' doesn't necessarily come naturally! Which leaves me even more in awe of my blogging heroes, such a lot of work and time they put in. So far I am just a little bit of a 'fringe blogger'. Being a 'lurker' of blogs (now I know some lingo) I never commented much because I did not feel my comments were offering anything new and perceived that I would be waisting their time, Silly me! Commenting is COOL! even if it is just "Yep, I like that"
Anyway I am rambling on...

I thought I had better post a photo of my Granny a Day blankie….. almost finished!
Because it might be too long of a wait otherwise.. Bad photo too! Rats! Chele x

Play dough cup cakes

2009-08-24T16:47:00.002+10:00

Play dough cup cakes
Originally uploaded by cheletanner

Presents for baby Alexis

2009-08-18T15:18:00.007+10:00

I have been busy making things for my great friend's first Grand Daughter. Nana Jayne is one of those lovely friends that we do not see often enough and have no real excuse except that life gets complicated and busy. Not good enough and this will change as my kids get older.

In the goodies there is a handmade card using the 'the small objects' paper doll print-out, a singlet style jump suit with a pretty bit from an old tablecloth, a tiny t-shirt with a flower from an old sheet - with matching little PJ dacks, a hanging mobile with 3 wool felt birds and a softie using Loobylu's wheat bag pattern that was in 'Frankie'.

One of my favorite op shop finds

2009-07-31T05:14:00.002+10:00

Applique doll on cushion
Originally uploaded by happydacks

A very cute doll appliqued on a red cushion, this makes me happy everytime I see it. She used to have an apron but the material came off.

Prune and Apricot Cake

2009-07-31T04:22:00.008+10:00

This cake is one of family's favorite treats, perfect anytime, but especially this time of the year warmed and served with cream. It came from a magazine...? It was an article by Bill Granger but it was not Bill's recipe... I think it was from a Melbourne favorite cafe?

3/4 cup prunes, pitted
3/4 cup dried Apricot halves
2 cups strong tea
500g plain flour (+extra 1 tbls)
2tsp baking powder
175g brown sugar
1tbls ground cinnamon (I use heaps more)
185g unsalted butter (extra needed for cake tin and for drizzling as assembling)
185g white castor sugar
200ml milk
1tsp vanilla extract

*Pre heat oven 160- Grease a 22cm spring form cake pan- Chop roughly apricots and prunes + soak in strong tea for 10 min- drain and put aside.
Sift flour, baking powder + pinch salt.
In a separate bowl combine brown sugar, cinnamon and 1tbls flour.
In a separate bowl cream 185g of the butter and white sugar- when light and fluffy add to this gradually the flour alternating with the milk (with the vanilla extract)
Then gently 'just' fold in the fruit.
Place 1/3 in cake tin, sprinkle with 1/3 of brown sugar mix - drizzle with 1tbls of melted butter!
Repeat
Cook for 1 hour + check cake it cooked with a skewer. Cool before turning out. Well worth the effort!

Maeve's room

2009-07-31T04:21:00.003+10:00

Maeve's room
Originally uploaded by happydacks

I have been trying to remove clutter lately, can you tell?

More photos of our day at Petty's Orchard

2009-07-27T11:17:00.006+10:00

We had some great walks through the orchard.

Kelly was with us desperatley waiting for someone, anyone to throw the ball.

Maeve in her favorite climbing tree....

and in her second favorite.

Maeve and Fiann in the young tea tree forest.

A very low dam at the orchard.

Exploring the Orchard

2009-07-27T11:16:00.001+10:00

Fiann, Trish, Wednesday, Sharon and Maeve
Originally uploaded by happydacks

We enjoyed a cold but sunny day with good friends in Petty's Orchard last weekend. Here are Fiann, Trish, Wednesday, Sharon and Maeve walking down the long rows of lichen covered dormant apple trees.