Comfy & Cosy

Kindness of Strangers

2010-01-17T10:16:00.018+10:30

I am so happy to receive this book from Michele, who kindly had a giveaway on her blog and gave one to me although I wasn't officially the winner. Michele even delivered it to my front door!

It is a beautiful book showcasing Michele work (can you see on the right? That's Michele's applique! I know!).

Of particular interest to me in the book is the Morris & Co's South Australian story. Fancy a sitting room with all the Morris trimmings?

Michele also gives directions for six projects with full size pattern sheets and lots of pictures. Available here. Thank you so much, Michele!

And the wonderful tapestry The Adoration of the Magi, from the collection of the Art Gallery of SA. One of my favourite Christmas card images.

We are off for a few days to stay in Clare to see the start of the Tour. It should be just perfect weather. Lots of yummy pub meals and Tour atmosphere!

Eventful

2010-01-12T20:44:00.003+10:30

What a lovely time we had in Melbourne! Christmas was simple and quiet, just J, his sister and me. Don't you love our table setting? Nothing like a gold Holy Family and a reindeer with a bit of a feather boa!

The rest of the stay was spent resting, walking about a bit, watching a movie or two, shopping just a little and visiting some places.

I really wanted to visit Heide after reading three-and-a-half books about some of the significant players in it's history. The half a book was Albert Tucker's autobiography. I didn't take to it and/or him but I may try again later. But the other books were The Heart Garden, Sunday Reed's biography; Joy Hester's biography; and Dear Sun, letters between Sunday and Joy. It was interesting to read about the intense relationships between the Reeds, their friends and lovers.

It was fascinating to see the original property Heide I, where Nolan painted 25 of the Kelly paintings, which he left behind with Sunday when their affair ended. And the cow shed where the paintings were stored! I think Nolan's biography might be next on my reading list.

Cubism & Australian Art is being exhibited in Heide II and III. I love a bit of cubism, with some excellent cut-and-paste work. You should see my visual diary! When I don't feel like drawing I cut up all my collected brochures and postcards and do some pasting work.

It turned out to an eventful day, well worth the visit and to walk around the grounds and see the sculpture park. We travelled there by bus, only 10 minutes from where we were staying but we missed the stop. I wasn't exactly sure where to get off so we winged it. We ended up walking in the wrong direction, under the bridge and along the Yarra and found ourselves on the Artists' Trail. So in fact we relived some of the Heidelberg boys favourite spots for painting.

We made it to Heide, though I have to say signage from the main road was poor. And who knew the 'helmet' sculpture was what we were looking for? (Don't worry. I'm big on giving a bit of feedback to public institutions.) We were bemused to find the Heide cafe was booked out (every day!) and the only sustenance we could buy was some 'freshly squeezed juice'. ($4 for a small bottle. Everything was a bit pricey.) We weren't impressed. We bought the bottles home for SA's 10c refund. Cheapskates!) So we didn't have anything to eat.

As the day progressed, I suddenly felt very faint so laid down under a tree. In retrospect (or even at the time), I think it was many things: no breakfast (I know, I know...), no lunch, walking/lost on a warm day, a toothache being heavily controlled with supersonic analgesics, small juice but lots of water. You can see where this is going... I couldn't see myself walking and bussing home, so J called a taxi (champion!) and we got home in time for me to vomit up my empty stomach.

I can highly recommend Heide as a great place to visit with families. It's free if you don't got into the exhibition. Lots of grounds and sculptures to explore. Information boards given some insight into the Reed's life at Heide. Just don't rely on the cafe. Bring your own picnic. The facilities, as we call them, were super-duper! Brand new toilets and there are Aesop products to wash and moisture your hands.

There was the requisite visit to the NGV, where everything we saw was free. Plus we had lunch and afternoon tea there (with 10% discount for interstate gallery membership).

J had the thickest and richest hot chocolate we'd ever seen. I finally got to taste a macaroon. Decadence.

Lot of walks around town, requisite visits to Melbourne lanes.

Two gorgeously cheeky buskers, playing livey, French, gypsy music (assumptions on my part).

It was a lovely, quiet holiday. I took lots of photos as reference material for this year's work. (Ha! My photography skills are crap but handy for other projects. My excuse for not doing any real work!)

The only bad bit was the toothache. Well, I wasn't in pain every minute of the day, but off and on. But, boy, did I swallow a lot of analgesics. Strangely, once we got home the pain was less and less. Who knew!

All of a sudden we were flying back home on a half empty flight, which was good for us. We got ourselves seated way up the back with lots of empty seats (rows of them!). I can recommend it because we were served with drinks first, dinner plus offer of seconds, and the entertainment of the crew chit-chat.

My sky pics are pretty crap but I was interested in the patterns and textures in the landscapes.

And then we were flying into Adelaide.

Awww, look at that dear little town.

Still looks a little bit green too.

Landing in the middle of the suburbs.

We didn't really go wonky, just my camera angle.

There we go.

Ready to touch down. And home.

Christmas Greetings

2009-12-22T12:05:00.001+10:30

christmas season, originally uploaded by marqos.

Happy Christmas everyone!

Be easy on yourself. Don't overextend yourself and make yourself miserable. Do something small to make yourself happy. Do something small to make other's happy.

I hope your Christmas is better than expected.

These are my little maxims for Christmas this year.

We're in Melbourne until 6 January. (Tell me if I've said this before? We're so excited that I keep repeating myself! To everyone.)

Something for Nothing

2009-12-09T17:59:00.013+10:30

I've just received a free $10 music voucher from a Qantas Frequent Flyer membership. (I know, the frequent flyer tag is ironic but I have it from back in the day when it was free!) If you have a membership, go to the Frequent Flyer website to download a Bandit voucher. It will take about 24 hours to be emailed to you. I have downloaded five tracks by First Aid Kit because they are super cute!

I was also lucky to win a giveaway on Georgia's Puking Pastilles blog where I received an Ankle Biters pattern. Georgia also has a great tutorial for superhero capes. Far too cute!

Giveaway Winner!

2009-12-06T20:53:00.004+10:30

Kat, you're a winner! I've sent you an email.

Thanks to everyone who dropped in and joined my giveaway.

It was lovely hearing from you.

Yay!

Giveaway!

2009-12-02T14:28:00.013+10:30

In the spirit of Decemberism, I'm having a little giveaway!

Actually, the visit to the market got me into the spirit so Morning Glory notebooks form the basis.

There are four notebooks, some fabric, little tiny chocolates from Haighs and a coupla carry bags (or dilly bags).

One of the bags is made from vintage children's decorator fabric and the other is a funny Buckingham Palace fabric. Both were purchased from a craft stall. Maybe a library bag or shoe bag? (Do people still use shoe bags?)

I chose some nice notebooks, not too twee and cutesy, I hope. They are small, a bit bigger than A5 and compact. Maybe a list book for Christmas or the holidays?

Anyhoo, if you'd like to win this little pack, leave me a comment by Sunday (6 Dec) and I'll randomly draw someone's name. Then I can post it off to you to arrive by Christmas and the Christmas rush.

(Do you get the double post delivery leading up to Christmas? I think it's very exciting!)

I think I've got this burst of energy because we are going to Melbourne on 22 December to spend Christmas with J's sister. (Melbourne twice in a year! Excitement plus!). Sometimes, I get bogged down in Christmas but we are both really, really, really looking forward to it. I'll be cooking for three!

Leave me a message and win (possibly!). Any old message will do.

Edited to add: International visitors welcome. I'll draw on Sunday evening.

Bubble Tea

2009-12-01T21:35:00.007+10:30

On impulse, I swung past the Central Market. I had a Bubble Tea! My favourite.

I went to the Central Market specifically for Bubble Tea. I even accosted a woman drinking one and asked where she bought it.

So this is my iced chocolate with mini pearl. Probably a bit short on pearl though.

I love a milky drink with ice that's not creamy. I think it's my age.

And I bought some notebooks from Morning Glory (am I a teenage girl?).

Year's End

2009-11-20T10:33:00.019+10:30

I made it. I finished all my work and have completed the first year of my course. It has been the best year. The Best!

It was actually one of the worst years in other ways with family stresses. However, the course and the people I have met have helped make it the best year.

We had our exhibition night yesterday. It took all day to set up and five minutes to take down. Always the way. Even in 43 degree heat, we were all enthused. We have lovely teachers and my class is so supportive towards each other and encouraging. It has been a fantastic introduction to painting, drawing and printmaking. (Ah, printmaking! My favourite!)

The painting above is my first acrylic painting based on a beautiful photograph by Jo. (Jo, you didn't know you had a red chair, did you?)

The second is a an exercise in layers and textures, based on the first painting. I took a small section of the first and made a new painting. Then took another tiny section from the second and made a third painting, above.

Ah round bald heads. An early line drawing exercise.

Then my first ever lino prints. The funny pale one is an embossed print, where the lino block is put through the press uninked.

I loved the printmaking process so much. My prints weren't always great but the doing and thinking and making was the thing.

I'm looking forward to next year so much. I have a different outlook on life, I think, because of this course, beginning to see in a different way. I'm just beginning the learning process and want to increase my technical knowledge and skill. And I want to loosen up and do more drawing and learn more.

An Observation

2009-11-17T13:08:00.015+10:30

*Loren Allison Blake Wedding Dresses / Allison Blake Wedding Gowns,
by silvia3773

Last night J and I saw King Lear with John Gaden. Actually, not with John Gaden. He didn't sit with us or anything. He was King Lear. However, we do feel a personal connection because we saw him at a shopping centre last week. In his car. Lucky for him, otherwise he would have been cornered by J for a chat. A looooonnng one.

Anyway, the observation. At King Lear. We were walking through the foyer before the performance and saw a couple having a drink and they were dressed like they'd just got married. (*See above, though she wasn't standing on a small table.) I mentioned this to J. Isn't that lovely. Having a drink. Strolling the Fessie Centre. Just the two of them. Perhaps on their way to dinner to celebrate with friends.

In we went, sat down. The couple walked past and took their seats. Mmm, I muttered to J. Are they actors who will emerge from the audience during the performance. There isn't a wedding in this, is there?

It was the cause of great discussion with the ladies next to us. One offered me $100 to go and ask if they'd just got married. I was tempted. I suggested that maybe she was going to get every dollar's worth out of the dress and didn't care what anyone thought.

We also mused that maybe it was the woman's work uniform. (Cruel but funny. We all laughed and snorted a lot.)

I can't deny we were making judgements. Maybe they were just married and were celebrating by see Lear. I know, who am I to judge.

Oh, and I'm officially addicted to icy poles. Lemonade and/or raspberry. Thanks.

Sconed

2009-11-16T12:48:00.009+10:30

I have just made scones.

The best scones I've ever made.

No, really. The best EVA!

I think I've tried every recipes.

I've tried lemonade, cream. Rubbed in, cut in. Mixed. Prodded. Rested. Etc.

This is the reason.

Laucke's CWA scone mix. Who knew!

Available in Foodland in South Australia.

Yes, one scone is missing from the photo. Now three missing.

They taste great: light and moist inside, crisp outside, just a little sweetness, and none of the funny cloying doughyness I always get.

Hopefully some will be left when J gets home.
Luckily there were two packs in the box!

Hello Melbourne, Helsinki Calling

2009-10-07T08:45:00.011+10:30

from 1950s vintage Home Beautiful Magazine, originally uploaded by painter girl.

We are off to Melbourne today. So excited! We'll be back next Wednesday.

Unfort, we've missed the Dali exhibition. Nevermind. We are going to a couple of shows in the Fringe and Festival so pretty excited about that. And I'm sure we'll run across a trazillion exhibitions and stuff to see.

Also I'm super excited that the John Brack exhibition has opened in Adelaide. I'll go along when we get back.

See you next week!

Life as Fiction

2009-08-31T13:18:00.016+09:30

Dear Internets, oh how I've missed you! *Sigh*

I'm reading lots of books, and saving money, because I have rediscovered the library!

And there are these great places like Goodreads and LibraryThing where I find books and get recommendations.

Then I search my local library's catalogue (online, from the comfort of my house *cough* bed *cough*!).

I've just read Everything I Knew by Peter Goldsworthy: fabulous story of adolescence that is far more complex than just a crush on the hot new schoolteacher.

I'm also reading Elsewhere and 13 Little Blue Envelopes. YA fiction rocks!

I'm lucky to have friends who are English teachers and Teacher-Librarians who know everything and make great recommendations.

So thank you Internets, bloggers and books, for keeping me sane.

Lightest! Fastest! More Efficient!

2009-06-05T14:50:00.000+09:30

I love ads for household appliances.

Isn't mother stylish?

Gosh, she's a looker too!

From a Women's Weekly dressmaking supplement, undated, 50c from Vinnies.

Oppy Tablecloths

2009-06-04T21:37:00.005+09:30

Here's a lovely oppy tablecloth. Brand new. Made in West Germany.

I really like the green but not the middle panel. Nevermind, I'll cut it up anyway.

And look at this cute couple. A nicely hemmed piece, plus a runner and half a dozen small serviettes.

A European theme.

Tucked up in Bed

2009-05-26T16:47:00.008+09:30

We go to bed, originally uploaded by Comfy & Cosy

Pip's Words & Pictures is so me and made me think of this picture from an old Golden Book. I think I've blogged this picture before but I love it.

Tuckling under are the words we use in our house to get under the covers and be cosy. Comfy and Cosy are used a lot too.

My old favourite quilt, the Woogey has final fallen apart. It had some holes for a while but was valiantly holding it together. But, all of a sudden, it just gave up and is totally threadbare. I can't throw it out and it's too fragile to wash. I really don't know what to do with it.

To replace some of its wooginess, I recently bought some new bed linen: jersey, my all time favourite. I can't do flannelette and I'm always on the hunt for jersey. It's hard to even find a decent site to link to. Anyway, the last two sets I've bought were from Kmart and Target. And they've been wonderful.

So, this winter, much tuckling under happening, sans woogey, but under jersey softness.

He's in the Mail

2009-04-21T20:15:00.003+09:30

Uniformed Letter Carrier with Child in Mailbag, originally uploaded by Smithsonian Institution

Look at the face on this poor little tacker!

The photo is one of many posted by the Smithsonian (and where I found some pictures for my post back here).

The description of the photo is given:

This city letter carrier posed for a humorous photograph with a young boy in his mailbag. After parcel post service was introduced in 1913, at least two children were sent by the service. With stamps attached to their clothing, the children rode with railway and city carriers to their destination. The Postmaster General quickly issued a regulation forbidding the sending of children in the mail after hearing of those examples.

Thank goodness for that!

Barossa Cookery Book

2009-04-17T16:12:00.015+09:30

This dear little book was found at the Port Adelaide market last weekend. I considered buying a $75 mixmaster but bought the Barossa Cookery Book instead.

When I got home J said 'Why didn't you buy the mixmaster?' Why indeed... space being the optimum question/answer.

I love German cakes like struedel cake and Bienstich. I've been pouring through this cookbook since Sunday trying to determine the best (read: foolproof) German cake I could make.

German Coffee Cake

2 cups sugar
1 cup butter
3 cups SR Flour
4 eggs
1 cup milk

Streudal topping
1 cup flour
1 cup sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 lb (about 125gm) butter

Heat oven to 190C. Grease and line a springform tin.

Beat butter and sugar to cream, add eggs, then milk and lastly flour. Pour into tin.

In another basin, mix the topping ingredients: flour, sugar and cinnamon. Rub in butter to crumbs.

Crumble on top of cake mixture and bake for 60-75 mins. This makes a big cake.

Now, here's the hil-ar-ious bit. I misread the recipe. See that huge pile of butter in the red bowl. That's for the streudal topping. I thought the microscropic print said 1/2 lb butter.

It's actually 1/4 lb butter. The print was so tiny!

Small difference! So the topping is meant to be dryer and crumblier.

Ahem.

Don't worry about mistakes, I say.

'cept I can't show you the result because it's too embarrassing.

It did taste quite yummy though.

Does not posting a picture of the final cake defeat the purpose of a cooking post?

Am I ever gonna see your blog again?

2009-04-15T13:12:00.010+09:30

I wonder how long it takes to be excluded from the blog club?

You know, if you don't use your library card for years, they cancel it.

I was just thinking that if I don't hurry up and post, my blog membership card might get cancelled.

So much to say, so little time!

No, not really. I have to say that since giving up work (last week) I've been as busy if not busier. I'll have to work on that.

I can highly recommend leaving work and especially giving lots of notice. I was inundated with presents. Really good ones too. Work gave me an iPod (I know!) and various people gave me wine, a handmade bag (I'll have to show that because it's right up my alley) plus a crochet monster, nectarine chutney, a great Maggie Beer cookbook.

And other stuff. But really, really good stuff and nice cards and heartfelt hugs.

Edited to add: Three bunches of flowers and an $80 beauty treatment vouchers (and that was from our printers! )

'What are we going to do without you?' You'll move on, that's what you'll do.

Really people, you'll miss me because I made your lives easier. End of story. I'll stay in touch with my close work friends but the rest. Nah.

I have lots of homework to do for art, mostly because I make work for myself. I choose the longer complicated road rather than a quick fix.

Yesterday I went to the Botanic Gardens to see a calligraphy exhibition. Beautiful!

I didn't take any photos of it though but did of the gardens. Such a beautiful retreat in the middle of the city.

Mon Amis

2009-03-19T20:09:00.008+10:30

entre amis p62, originally uploaded by pilllpat (agence eureka)

Thanks for helping to celebrate my blogoversary. The winner is No 1, as selected by the Random Number Generator.

True Random Number Generator

Min: 1

Max: 17

Result: 1
Powered by RANDOM.ORG

And that's Trashalou!! How exciting! An overseas winner. I have sent you an email, Trashie.

Strangely this is the second random selection that gave me number 1 as the winner. The early bird, etc, etc, I reckon!

Thanks for all the lovely comments everyone. Glad you could play.

Blogoversary 2 years 1 Month: Giveaway

2009-03-12T20:20:00.000+10:30

Eeeep! That was another unexpected blog break.

We've been without a phone line for most of last week. The poor telco guy's been sitting outside our place in the hot sun for a couple of days trying valiantly to fix it. Huzzah! And he has. We have the Internet back. Ahh, my life is complete!

In that little break, I should have dreamt up what I could give away to celebrate my 2nd blogoversary (now 2 years 1 month). But I haven't so in the process of writing of this I shall think!

Hokay.

We have today some very lovely fabric from my chest of drawers (stash storer) which should be storing clothes but instead is filled with fabric! Of course, everyone will have the same taste as me but really some fabric, some linen, buttons and chocolate! (Gosh it seems only yesterday I was doing the something similar for my 'oversary last year!) And probably some ephemera (like library return cards and such like that always come in handy).

Is it OK to do a blind giveaway? That is, there's no photo. You just take me on trust?

Everyone welcome. Near or far.

The image from my previous post is not representative of my art making. It's just a photocopy of some of the textured and painted grounds I made in class ready to be drawn on. That was a fun day. We churned out 10 x A3 pages of collaged and painted sheets that will be used later in the course.

The picture above has a section removed through the middle that I had to redraw from the original. I chose an easy picture (lots of flat plain shapes) but with difficult bits (face and ear!).

Don't forget the giveaway! I'll draw it next Thursday, 19 March.

Oh, and it's my birthday week/month too! Another good reason for a giveaway.

Caution to the wind

2009-02-24T17:40:00.003+10:30

Whew, that was an unexpected blog break.

What's the news? I've starting a course in Visual Art and Contemporary Craft. I'm four weeks in, one day a week. And I love it so much. Mrs Picklesticks gave me some great insights into the course; she did Textiles and I'm doing Painting and Drawing.

It's such a joy to do art for a whole day a week. And there's homework too.

We're concentrating on drawing at the moment: line drawing, mostly in pen. There is also painting (water colour, acrylics, oils), mixed media, printing and digital images.

Did I say how much I love it?

My other news is that I've resigned from work. Well, I've given notice that I'm leaving at the end of term. Gosh, was that ever a relief.

I need a change and just want to do something else. So I'm going to do art for a while and then think about another job. I'm throwing caution to the wind!

Gosh! And I missed my 2nd blogoversary! More later!

Shock

2009-02-09T14:16:00.007+10:30

I think, like everyone, I am in complete shock over the Victoria bushfires, the loss of life and property. Yesterday the death toll just kept rising, and then to wake this morning to 108 dead is so shocking. Now 126.

The Red Cross site has been busy all morning and I've been loath to ring when I can get online. I had luck this afternoon. I'm so glad that all the big banks, and Myers and Bunnings amongst others, are receiving donations too.

Paper Cut

2009-02-01T20:20:00.005+10:30

I'm giving papercutting a go. This is from an image here.

Don't look too closely. I used a scalpel but my curves are not very curvy. I'll try scissors as well as a blade next time.

There are some amazing papercut artists around. Have a look at their designs:

Heather Moore

Cynthia Ferguson

Elsa More

Oh my goodness. They are so wonderful.

The Frozen North

2009-01-29T20:35:00.007+10:30

Have you met Pierre? He lives way up north were it's nice and frosty and cold.

Pierre lives alone, just him and his gun. See his gun.

Pierre meets a lovely lady bear, and they go on an outing.

Or a wedding. With his gun.

Soon there is a baby Bear.

Who gets his own little gun. Just like Pierre Bear.

One day Pierre and little bear go hunting

What lovely coats those seals will make.

Very handsome coats.

Oh yes.

Silliness

2009-01-28T16:57:00.003+10:30

Carmen L. Browne, originally uploaded by flamenconut.

This afternoon's temperatures were:

04:30pm 44.9
04:00pm 44.9
03:30pm 45.1
03:00pm 43.9
02:30pm 44.9
02:00pm 44.6
01:30pm 45.0
01:00pm 44.0
12:30pm 44.0
12:00pm 43.6
11:30am 42.6
11:00am 41.8
10:30am 40.7
10:00am 40.1

The maximum (so far) was just in time for the kidlets to leave school.

It's just getting silly now.

Edited to add: The maximum was 45.7.

January

2009-01-27T22:13:00.001+10:30

ironing for dollies, originally uploaded by Lulu at Home.

Before January leaves me completely, a little post to say I'm not at all happy about the weather.

43 degrees!

Forty three degrees, people!

It's beyond a joke, especially for the first day of school.

Think of those little mights doing the trek to school, especially on country buses.

I think my eyelids have melted.

And more holidays

2009-01-13T10:15:00.015+10:30

This is one of my favourite bags of the minute. I bought it at an aged care fete. For four dollars! It's lined, made double of the same fabric. I think someone had that fabric in their cupboard for a long time and then decided to sew it up. (Thanks to Mr J for holding it up while I took a photo.)

The holidays are nearly at an end. I work in that crazy Education sector so I get a big Christmas holiday like the kids. Don't ask if I get paid for it because I don't. Just like teachers, I get defensive. So don't ask.

I've had so many posts rolling around my head lately. Holidays have been busy even though we've been holidaying at home. Busy in a lazy days kind of way.

My Paypal account was limited (ie frozen) last September, for unusual activity. That activity was me. Luckily that was about the time the Australian dollar took a dive but I was too annoyed to do anything about it until now. I jumped through the hoops and have just got it unlocked. And then promptly bought up big on Etsy. Buying crafting, paper supplies. Postage is the killer though. Eeek.

Jolly Christmas

2008-12-25T00:17:00.008+10:30

jolly christmas, originally uploaded by Lulu at Home

It's Christmas! Happy Christmas to you and I hope everyone has a New Year filled with peace and restfulness and lots of crafting and opshopping goodness.

Thanks for visiting my blog and I hope to continue with lots of bloggy posts in 2009.

I'm a wee bit tired as I'm doing Christmas cooking at midnight. It seemed a good idea at the time.

Fudge It

2008-12-22T20:59:00.007+10:30

I'm doing that thing where I'm going to make some fudge from a recipe from a blog I read recently but do you think I can remember which blog?

It was basically chocolate, condensed milk and vanilla essence. But I don't want to wing it.

I'll keep you posted.

Image from my Holiday Picture Book again

Edited to add: Found it!

Holidy Picture Book

2008-12-20T21:21:00.006+10:30

I've had lots of blog posts going through my head but rushing around like a mad thing, I've forgotten what I was going to say.

I was going to take a photo of my rocking trifle made for a family lunch today. But I forgot. I'm making another for Christmas day so will try then.

Aren't these pictures great? I bought this book from the Salvos. It wasn't the usual $2 or $3 though. But I'm aways impressed when the Salvos put special things behind glass and charge realistic prices. I was happy to pay $15 when it goes to the Sally Army and I get a great book that I guess may have been published in the 20s or 30s, by the style of some of the clothes.

I also bought two more Annuals from the same Salvos. It was a great score.

Now if I can think of some of those very excellent posts that were in my head, I'll let you know.

Origami Wreath

2008-12-17T17:28:00.003+10:30

Origami Wreath tree decoration

Fun and easy to make from Golden Book pages

Mary Blair Meadow Gold Calendar

2008-12-17T00:31:00.009+10:30

Mary Blair Meadow Gold Calendar, originally uploaded by grickily

It's such a busy time of the year. And now holidays. Ahhh.

This evening I made lots of little wreaths like these, some for Christmas cards and some for decorations. I chopped into a nursery rhyme Golden Book and a Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer Golden Book.

Once I got the hang of the technique, they were very easy and satisfying to make.

I'll take some photos in the daylight!

In a Pot

2008-11-17T17:07:00.007+10:30

Styling by Comfy & Cosy. Apron by Two Pink Possums

Gee, that's such an unappetising photo! I hope you can see past it and imagine the yummy soup.

This is my all-in-one chicken and vegetable soup. I used to get hung up on cutting up everything the same size, sweating the onions/carrot/celery, etc, etc. (I'm completely over carrots in soup, too, by the way.) But now I'm into one in, all in.

As the weather is still quite mild in this neighbourhood, I think it's still OK for soup. So, just want you wanted, another soup recipe.

Not Another Chicken Soup Recipe

Makes about 10 serves

2 chicken breasts, cubed
1 onion
1/2 cauliflower
1 head of broccoli
3 potatoes
1/4 pumpkin
1 sweet potato*
2 corn cobs (cut off kernels)
1 litre chicken stock (I use the package stuff)
1 litre water

Cut up the vegetables. Peel nothing, 'cept the pumpkin! Don't make anything the right size. Just get it into the soup pot with the chopped chicken and pour in the stock and water.

Bring to a simmer and pop on the lid. My lid balances precariously on top of the mountain of vegetables. Don't worry, once everything cooks down a bit the lid will sit flush.

Cook until cooked. Then give everything a bit of a mush with the potato masher. Yum!

*I forgot sweet potato in this batch. I knew I forgot something!

Winner

2008-11-09T20:21:00.002+10:30

I'm very happy to say there is a winner for my giveway and it is

Claire!

Claire, I've dropped you a line and we can arrange the transaction!

Nearly Time

2008-11-08T19:04:00.002+10:30

Nearly time to draw my giveaway except I forgot we were going out.

So I'll do it later tonight and promise to post the winner tomorrow.

Blogtoberfest & Giveaways

2008-10-31T11:12:00.013+10:30

I don't want to get anyone's hopes up that this apron is a giveaway.

But rather I'm offering sheets. Hah! What a cheapskate!

I think I mentioned before I picked up these sheets at a fete for 20c.

I couldn't work out why the bag was so heavy (thick sheets?). It turned out there were two, brand-new sets. The sheets are huge, probably queen size but seem huge.

The sheets still having the sizing on them - is that the right word? - that is, they've never been used or washed and are very crisp. I could imagine little dresses or smocks, bags or anything really! Or even used as sheets, fancy that!

So if you would like to win two sheets (you can choose two the same or one green and one orange, it's up to you), just leave me a comment and perhaps a little anecdote. Something about a thrifting find or about fetes or opshops or washing even, I don't mind!*

I'll throw in a couple of surprises too. I'll draw the giveaway on Saturday 8 November 8PM (Adelaide time).

I hope it's not too late to have a Blogtoberfest giveaway! I've been a little sporadic (blame it on a laptop that keeps dying after 20 minutes!) but 21 posts in a month is miraculous for me!

Please join in and celebrate spring!

*Edited to add: No obligation to leave an anetcdote. Just leave a comment.

Red Heart

2008-10-28T22:06:00.005+10:30

Gingham Galore & Rosy Red Hearts!, originally uploaded by The Apron Queen.

Hil-ar-ious

2008-10-27T21:31:00.004+10:30

I snagged the pyrex pie plate at the fete for 20c.

I also picked up some new books as a part of an auction pack. It included the Daring Book for Girls which I am loving. It has everything! I'll post some excerpts later. And it's an Australian edition.

The Change Your Image Change Your Life was with it. A friend thought it hil-ar-ious that I got it! Well, it wouldn't be my first choice. It's actually pretty crappy and outdated although published in 2005 so I think it will be appearing on the opshop bookshelves pretty soon.

The bottom three books are from Amazon. It's me being oh so arty and trying to do collage and stuff.

*Edited to add: The fabric is a sheet from the fete. Brand new. 20c. Got a second one the same but orange flowers. Brand new!

Also some old spoons, dessert and tea. You know the ones that never tarnish. I never have enough spoons.

Sunday Sun

2008-10-26T20:36:00.004+10:30

We had the super school fete today and made some small second-hand purchases, bought some cakes and a few books.

Ended the day helping to count money.

Gosh counting money is tiring!

Live the Love

2008-10-25T16:12:00.001+10:30

Front Cover, originally uploaded by Linzie Hunter.

Krick und Krack, 1974

2008-10-23T20:25:00.004+10:30

Krick und Krack, 1974, originally uploaded by batalie nirkle.

There are lots and lots of giveaways around at the moment including

No life without wife (the lovely Angelique)

Two Pink Possums (my ace friend Linda)

Silly Gilly (by Silly Gilly!)

Good luck! But not if I don't get there before you!

Red

2008-10-22T20:22:00.004+10:30

the mitten, originally uploaded by silentemotionpicture.

What a dear picture

Go have a look at Loobylu - she's having a giveaway. Yay!

Happiness

2008-10-21T21:01:00.003+10:30

I am just going outside and may be some time..., originally uploaded by dr_loplop.

What a difference 48 hours makes! I'm feeling so much better.

Thankfully some anti-inflammatories, rest and a little movement has helped a lot.

I was given a portable typewriter like this one today. A kind friend saw it on the weekend and thought of me. How lucky am I? It may be the start of a collection.

I have a very old and gacky Imperial typewriter(big, black and very heavy). This Tippa Adler is lovely and light and hardly been used.

Coincidentally, J is taking my laptop apart (it overheats and crashes) but I fear it won't come back together again. The Tippa may come in handy.

Pick it up

2008-10-20T10:39:00.008+10:30

The quiet one, originally uploaded by lepiaf.geo.

I missed a post yesterday because my back when into a spasm. Oh my goodness! Where did that pain come from?!

I was doing nothing and suddenly my left hip goes crazy. It was OK for a while, took some strong drugs, went to sleep, went for a walk and felt OK-ish. But overnight was terrible: no sleep, can't move much, and drugs that seem to wipe out my mind.

I'm staying home from work today but seeing the doctor this afternoon. Goodness knows what she'll suggest.

Ack! I just dropped my toast on the floor. I need a pick-up-stick-grabber!

Although I love staying home from work it's terrible when there's a deadline that relies on me (which I have on Wednesday). Maybe I could limp into work tomorrow, lock myself in my room and get it done and limp home.

Enough about me! (Oh, but it is about me?)

I do have stuff to blog about (Carly from Nest Studio was featured in the Sunday paper; I received a copy of Sew Hip magazine, some new books, fabric, opshop finds...) but I it will mean getting out the camera and the scanner. I'll have to leave them to another time.

Petite Pattern Books

2008-10-18T22:05:00.003+10:30

Petite Pattern Books, originally uploaded by uppercaseyyc.

I've got nothing. Just trying to keep the Blogtoberfest going. Well on my blog that is. Must. Keep. Going.

Blogtoberfest Fave Friday

2008-10-17T20:44:00.004+10:30

Thank goodness Drewzel suggested Blogtoberfest Fave Friday. (I'm scratching for ideas!)

Crowded House defined the 80s for me, my teenage years. This was their first video I saw and I still know all of the lyrics of most their songs.

Ahh, they're so young!

The Last Straw

2008-10-16T10:03:00.010+10:30

Bingo, originally uploaded by Showyourworkings.

Ha! The comments on my last post made me laugh a lot! I think I sounded a little obsessive.

Bird Bath: I wasn't particularly industrious just thinking 'Right! I'm here at this school-place. Time to get down to work and get it over and down with. Won't take me that long...'

trashalou: How humiliating to be directed to the men's department for shoes! At 12!

katiecrackernuts: I don't carry straws with me only because I don't think of it! If I take a drink to work, I do take a straw. Hee hee. But if I'm offered a drink at a friend's, I accept it graciously and drink it forlornly without a straw. Sigh.

Kris: Thank goodness I'm not the only straw-user! Greatly underrated.

CurlyPops: There is a small crisis if the straws run out but usually they are quickly replenished. Wobetide anyone who uses the last one!

Stomper Girl: The straws aren't a germ thing and definitely not a lipstick thing (hah!). Probably more about cold liquid on my teeth!

Levin: I think I was netball obsessed in Year 7. I played for three teams. But it was all downhill after that!

Ah, laugh!

Short Straw

2008-10-14T21:32:00.009+10:30

Carnival Straws, 1968, originally uploaded by Miss Retro Modern.

The lovely Drewzel tagged me for this one, so here we go.

Link to the person who tagged you
Mention the rules
Tell six quirky yet boring, unspectacular details about yourself
Tag six other bloggers by linking to them
Go to each person’s blog and leave a comment that lets them know they’ve been tagged*

*I'm not tagging anyone. Sometimes I feel dopey doing it and don't even tell people I've tagged them. How dopey is that!

Six Unspectacular Things

(1) I have size 9 feet, have done since the age of 12. Bloody hard to get suitable size 9 shoes when you're 12 (when I was 12 anyway, less so now I think).

(2) I reached the peak of my netball playing career when I was 12 in Year 7 because I was the tallest (see above). Got Equal Best Player.

(3) When I started school, I disliked playing; I wanted proper work to do. So when everyone else had free play at the start of the day, Carolyn got worksheets.

(4) When eating a sausage roll, I eat the pastry first.

(5) I like milkshakes in tin containers.

(6) And I always drink with a straw. I have a jar of straws in the kitchen.

Slow News Day

2008-10-13T08:07:00.000+10:30

Y'll know this isn't my own drawing but Mirka Mora. I've added a little bit of crayon and paint and scratching. I really like her solid little figures. She said the birds represent penis envy. There are a lot of birds in her pictures. Hokay.

Little Red

2008-10-11T20:38:00.004+10:30

Kooky spooky!

Night-Night

2008-10-10T07:50:00.000+10:30

Daylight savings has been introduced way too early, in my opinion. It seems to take me a week to get over the lack of an hour's sleep.

Hey, did I say I've got a new car? Finally! Almost two months after the accident, we found a nice little car that will do the job. It's so clean and shiny! I feel like I'm driving in luxury.

Get It

2008-10-09T08:45:00.004+10:30

The lovely Angelique has awarded me a I love your blog award. Thanks Angelique!

Dontcha get a kick out of a little nod from a fellow blogger? I like blogging, I think, because I can talk to myself. I can type away, get a few little thoughts together and, ah, there, a post happens.

But when a little award comes and some comments like 'I know exactly what you mean', blogging becomes very reassuring. There's a whole band of people who have similar interests, who don't think sewing some old opshopped fabric together is wacky, or buying a handful of buttons from Vinnies strange. You know? We get it.

So to those out there, thanks for getting me.

And to some blogs that I love getting:

Make and Do

2008-10-08T09:54:00.000+10:30

A new Make and Do book, this time not from my childhood. But it would have been right up my alley when I was about 9.

I think this caterpillar pencil case looks like a great idea. Just a little inanimate (for an inanimate object!). Could do with some perking up.

I've never come across a coal glove before. Is it as traditional as a stocking?

But I'm stumped by the reins for a baby doll!

Practice Practising

2008-10-07T06:40:00.001+10:30

I'm drawing-drawing. And creating paper dolls: scrapping paper, some stamped text (you can hardly see the gold), rub on transfers and split pins.

I'm very happy drawing-drawing but want to create some more textile and layers in the dresses.

So I'll probably be posting a lot more paper dolls as I work it all out.

Get ready interweb!

Eleven Details About Me

2008-10-06T10:00:00.001+10:30

Pip revealed 11 details so I thought I'd give it a whirl.

Clothes shop – arrgh! do I have to?
Furniture shop – 2nd hand, found objects, Ikea
Sweet – panne cotte, fruit tart
City – Adelaide, Melbourne
Drink – gin & tonic, red wine*, lemon lime & bitters, pub raspberry
Music – The Ting Tings, Badly Drawn Boy, The Go! Team
TV Series – Boston Legal, Inspector Montalbano, Men in Trees
Film – Shop Girl, Amelie, Little Miss Sunshine
Workout – arrgh! Do I have to? OK, walking...
Pastries – cannolli
Coffee – Cappuccino

*Lovely red wine with a bbq yesterday with disastrous resulting stomach cramping. Does anyone else suffer with red wine?

Blogtoberfest

2008-10-05T23:41:00.004+10:30

I'm Blogtoberfesting! Wish me luck.

Mad About Mixmasters!

2008-09-29T19:03:00.026+09:30

On Sunday we visited the Unley Museum to see the exhibition Mad About Mixmasters. I was in heaven!

The collection is owned by Dave Holden who appeared on Collectors earlier this year.

The lovely Levin had emailed me about the exhibition. I was so grateful and very excited.

And then I heard Dave Holden interviewed on the ABC on Sunday morning. Oh no! I had visions of bumper to bumper people rolling into the Museum (how selfish am I?). I truly wanted the exhibition to myself. Mostly so I could take some photos and not look like too much of a pillock!

A lot of the callers to the ABC reminiscenced about their old Mixmasters and even wanted to donate them (oh, pick me!) to Dave.

Surprisingly, there was only a handful of people at the Museum. Unley, in general, was deserted, probably because Sturt (aka Unley) were in the football finals (they lost) so maybe all the locals were at the footy?

This little restored number was for sale. I admit to hovering over it a lot. J suggested I find out the price but I tried not to waver. I would love it dearly but do I really need to spend (maybe) serious money on a Mixmaster? Yes, that's a rhetorical question.

The Museum also had a food exhibition Dig In, Don't Wait, about Australians' eating habits: breakfast, lunch and tea! It was great too. Lots of fantastic retro styling and great hands-on elements.

You can taste the difference!

2008-09-18T19:34:00.050+09:30

Some great finds 'put aside' by my favourite rummage sale lady. She knows my taste!

The step-by-step cookery book is also a winner for some very homely cooking (though with rather too much offal for me!) and great Cornish Ware on the cover.

And some fantastic advertising. Who is Ethel Brice?*

*Edited to add: just worked it out - she's the author of the book!

It's been Cauliflower Cheese and Tuna Mornay Week this week, while Mr J has been otherwise engaged.

Too dark now take a pic of the Tuna Mornay tonight. I might take one of the remains in the morning. I've made enough to sink a ship!

Art shops don't scare me

2008-09-18T19:34:00.040+09:30

I am easily intimidated. Art shops intimidate me. So much stuff for real artists. I'm not an artist. But I am now overcoming this fear and have bought art supplies at an art shop.

After going to Lincraft (mistake) and Spotlight (in the city*: big mistake) I realised that if I wanted some good paints and stuff, I had to get it together, and go to an art shop.

*Non-South Australians, talk amongst yourselves: I understand Spotlight in the city (Adelaide) is going to have a makeover. Hallelujah! About time. It was an absolute dishevelled mess. However, having been to Spotlight at Clovercrest I realise what a paradise it can be. I hope the city store will be a little like Clovercrest.

So I went to Eckerleys in the city. Real, amazing heaven. I realised I had no need to be afraid. The staff there were so helpful and, in my usual way, I hated asking for help and admitting ignorance. But they didn't blink an eye and made great suggestions. I'm looking for this but I don't know what it is I'm looking for, etc.

This is a scrapbooking paper dress.

I have wanted to do some drawing but faced with the blank page it has been intimidating (there's a theme here). So I signed up with Suzi Blu's Les Petite Girls to learn about drawing cutesy girls, using watercolour pencils, paint and paper to create mixed media pictures. And I love it! I'll post some more little drawings as they are created.

Please remind me

2008-09-15T22:05:00.010+09:30

Tuna Mornay by Mainyy_'s

Please remind me not to eat 2/3 of the dish of cauliflower cheese just because Mr J is working late. And he doesn't eat cauliflower cheese anyway. So I've eaten 1/3 too many and will have to stay up for another 4 hours for it to digest!

My ideal meal when Mr J is out? Tuna Mornay! Just thinking about all the things I don't make anymore because he doesn't eat it: mornay, tuna patties, grilled chops... everything my 70s childhood existed on!

However he does adore my roasts, shepherd's pie, schnitzel and pasta, so he can't be all bad!

(Yes, we aren't very posh nosh!)

Could someone please remind me not to take on any 'homework'? I've done some transcription, newsletters, generally ill-advised publication work. I've been sitting on some pretty straight-forward certificates for an educational association, for about - oh, I don't know - six weeks? And have neatly glided to the deadline and got it done. Oh please tell me next time to say no. The money doesn't warrant the angst.

Back from Oblivion

2008-09-07T17:47:00.016+09:30

P1010045 originally uploaded by Kootoyoo

Crikey, it's nearly a month since I last posted.

It's been a little hectic. Since the car accident there seemed to be lots to do. It all took up so much time and one of us had to drive and pick up the other and come back and collect one of us. So, still without a car, I'm trying to catch up!

I feel more enlightened about the insurance industry now. Everyone was perfectly nice after my old car was written off but the money I received is never going to replace it so there goes more money.

When the accident wasn't my fault and my car was running very well and I had no intention of replacing it, it has been a little angering that it's all set me on the backfoot. Mutter, mutter...

I have finished knitting the hand warmers from the last MixTape (now that it's mild and Springy, whose going to wear them!). They were very satisfying to knit.

I have a little sideline going in painting and drawing which has been utterly absorbing. Maybe that's why I haven't blogged.

Seriously, every time I think about blogging, it's too dark to take any photos and I prefer a post with picture... I might post some of my drawings if I get up the guts.

We're off to see Philippe Genty on Thursday. Super excited!

Which hopefully will mean the wankiest piece of theatre ever that we saw recently will pale into insignificant. (People walked out. We would have too, but the seats and stairs were so creaky and wobbly that I would probably have fallen over. Again.)

Yah Boo

2008-08-14T10:08:00.008+09:30

Two fantastic aprons given to me by friends (have I posted this image here before, I can't remember)

I'm so glad Sarah is thrilled to be the recipient of the book giveaway! It's coming your way.

It's been a funny old week. We had a great weekend. It rained, rained, rained! Saturday afternoon I slipped over on wet cement (probably tripped over my feet) and fell smack onto my hands, knees, chest. Luckily, my 'chest' broke my fall and now I have a couple of fantastic boob bruises, plus knees that won't be doing any kneeling for a while. We went to a birthday that evening so the alcohol numbed the pain. The next evening was another story.

Then it got really good. Monday morning I had a car accident on the way to work, with a car running into the back of me. I was almost stationary and the car may be a right-off, according to the crash repairer. So no car and probably looking at buying a new one. Literally a pain in the neck. I had no idea what whiplash was until now. I have the strangest pain in the side of my throat.

Today I am home because I don't have to work. But my neighbour is doing some sort of renovations on the other side of the (common) wall. Ack! So much for a quiet day.

Having said all that, I'm OK and feel confident the pain will get better with time and analgesics!

You know when a few things go wrong in a week, sometimes you might feel like 'why does this always happen to me?' But this week I feel OK about everything. I'm sure we'll find another car, the world won't end in the meantime. I'm physically OK; there are much worse accidents.

But yah boo sucks!

We have a winner

2008-08-10T22:30:00.003+09:30

Thanks to everyone who turned out for my book giveaway.

The random number generator pulled up:

Sarah

Sarah, I've dropped you an email!

Thanks for all the lovely comments. I get a little buzz hearing from so many people.

Thanks for playing everyone!

Books and Blogging and Giveaways

2008-08-04T12:04:00.011+09:30

I'm having a book giveaway: The Creative Family. It's brand new and there's nothing wrong with it; in fact it's lovely. But I'm giving it away. More about that later.

About books. I'm having such fun with Good Reads. I'm accumulating a few books, noting some I've read already and reading those that friends recommend. OK, I only have six friends but I'm not much good at the social networking thing. I also love the trivia bit (you can skip questions, thank goodness!). I'm finding it good encouragement to read.

I'm completely under the spell of my latest read: Hidden Lives by Margaret Forster. I can't put it down. It's a beautiful family memoir by someone who can write. It's a fabulous thing to have an interesting story to tell but if someone isn't much of a writer, it can be hard going. But Margaret Forster is a beguiling writer and makes the lives of her grandmother and mother (and herself) interesting. The only other thing I've read of hers is Georgy Girl. So I must dig out her other books.

I'm glad to say this was a second-hand book because this is where I get to the non-thrifty bit.

Today I received a huge Amazon order plus a couple of books from Social Club Books. Here's some (not all) of my purchases:

Sew U Home Stretch (stretch fabric terrifies me so I want to give it a chance) and Sew What! Skirts

This is London and This is Paris: no chance of finding these in my local oppy!

Underbelly

And The Creative Family

I intended posting about books but the giveaway was a late inclusion. Because I ordered two copies of The Creative Family!

At first I thought Amazon were being exceedingly generous but then the invoice showed, dear reader, that I had ordered two.

So for my inattention, I'm giving one away. Just leave a comment.

And I'll draw a random name next Sunday and post it on the blog that evening.

Back to my book...

Blogging and other Giveaways

2008-07-31T08:51:00.013+09:30

Women in aprons by Rick Rack Attack!

Go and check out some bloggy giveways.

The Small Stuff

Two Pink Possums

You SEW Girl

It's rather fun to win, especially the delicious stuff on offer.

Edited to add: Check out Snailblazer's giveaway too!

Am I diminishing my chances of winning?

Owls & Flickr

2008-07-27T10:23:00.002+09:30

owlsculpture, originally uploaded by Comfy & Cosy.

Flickr is driving me a little crazy. I can't see the last six or so images I've uploaded.

Can you see this owly scupture in Melbourne and click through to Flickr and see it there?

Solution might be to delete and start again.

Small issue but important!

*Edited to add: Thanks for the comments. I can see Flickr at work (ahem!) but not at home. Have to keep working on it!

Travellers Return

2008-07-16T19:43:00.040+09:30

Travel stickers from Zetta Florence and a new bag from the Art Centre market from Mattt.

We're back home and feel like we've been away forever! It's wonderful. It was such a lovely break in Melbourne.

Lots of walking, public transport travel - oh, how we love our 5-day Metcards! - visiting wonderful places and shops and seeing so many interesting people.

A visit to the NGV and the Art Deco exhibition which was fun and interesting.

I was so excited to visit Meet Me At Mike's. We trammed and walked up and down Fitzroy Street.

Some great wallets and brooches from Mikes. I tried on a great Sheep's Clothing hat (because it was a bit chilly) but my big head looked a little strange (sorry Stacey!).

We had a great chat with Mr Mike's (well, J talked and talked and talked. He's like that!) Pip came into the shop as we were leaving but I was too embarrassed to say much in case I gushed! (I'm like that.)

Sila Pasticceria Espresso Bar, originally uploaded by Fnarf

On Fitzroy Street we had coffee at Sila's. It was a happy chance find. I didn't realise until I looked back at Craft City Melbourne that it was a well-known cafe. All original fittings and fixtures, 1950s coffee machine and lots of laminex.

We had a lovely, lovely time.

Such a great city to visit.

Can I tell you that I had to try a Puffy Cookie on our last day in Melbourne? I haven't seen such exotica in Adelaide but was very happy with vanilla and a chocolate one. Kind of a cross between a canoli and a cream puff. A nice treat but perhaps not something I need everyday!

Melbourne Arrivals

2008-07-06T11:03:00.002+09:30

Flinders, originally uploaded by burntfilm.

I'm bursting to tell someone! We're going to Melbourne for five days on Thursday.

Oh my goodness!

I'm trying to think the last time J and I were away, actually staying away, overnight, not in range of work and familial commitments.

We're a couple of sad sacks really. The last time we were away was house sitting 10 minutes from home... that was two years ago. So being away-away was three years ago.

My mother's illness has definitely kept us closer to home but she has gone into respite care for a few weeks (though that is another fresh hell).

But back to me! I'm so excited I can't contain myself. We are staying with my sister-in-law which will be great. We'll be public-transporting, going to lots of shops and galleries and generally being little tourists.

Can I tell you how excited I am again!!??

Outdoorsy

2008-06-25T21:22:00.004+09:30

Taking some outdoors shots

Lovely colour in trees

And a lovely fit young cyclist who was rather faster than me.

Creamy Lemon Slice

2008-06-24T15:00:00.010+09:30

This is a divine lemony slice that little miss flossy posted on her blog recently. It's a Martha recipe that works well. It's so easy and the results so excellent that I'm going to let everyone think I'm a cooking wunderkind!

For your entertainment, here's how to make it.

Creamy Lemon Slice

120gm butter
1/2 cup icing sugar
1 cup plain flour
4 egg yolks
1 can sweetened condensed milk
3/4 cup fresh lemon juice (I used the juice and rind of 2 juicy lemons)

Heat oven to 180C. Line a square tin with baking paper.

Mix butter, icing sugar and flour together to form a soft dough (I used my hands - it was very simple).

Press dough into the tin and prick all over with a fork,.(I got all patterny with the fork.) Bake for 20 minutes until pale golden.

To make the filling, whisk together yolks, condensed milk, and lemon juice until smooth.

Pour filling over hot crust and return to oven. Bake for 25 minutes until filling is set. Cool completely in pan and refrigerate until filling is firm.

Makes about 16 squares.

The result is a crisp, shortbread crust and a firm, lemony filling. It's so good that you could cut a wedge and serve as dessert with cream and raspberries. I'm getting all sentimental just thinking about it!

*The red bowl above is from the Salvos; it's painted glass. I also have a slightly larger blue one, also from an op-shop, so it makes me think they came as a set. I'd be very excited to hear if anyone has seen something similar in another colour.

Faraway House

2008-06-22T15:40:00.011+09:30

Wouldn't this be a great place to work?

Does it make you think all Enid Blyton-y thoughts of The Magic Faraway Tree? Not that I'm nostalgic but my Year 3 teacher read many EB books to us. Terribly English and from another time (don't know if I'd read them to children now but I don't know...)

Faraway House is a quaint little office building in the middle of the city, dwarfed by taller buildings either side.

Maybe it could be a clubhouse for Brown Owls Faraway gals.

Vintage Sewing

2008-06-10T21:23:00.007+09:30

1. beautiful vintage pin tins, 2. vintage ric rac, 3. vintage ric rac, 4. vintage ric rac

Some beautiful vintage sewing from OneGirl

Speaking of Vintage Ric Rac, have a look at Jodie's superb tutorial for a Tape Measure pouch. Simply brilliant!

The Game

2008-05-31T18:07:00.004+09:30

1. Large Brown Dragonfly - Plathemis lydia - Common Whitetail - Id via Bugguide.net, 2. green pea risotto, 3. Green & Gold, 4. 133: SOTTS will make you jump!, 5. John & David 2, 6. Untitled, 7. Iceland - Vík in Mýrdal, 8. Untitled, 9. Octopus Garden 8-2005, 10. Mr Toad Portrait, 11. pale and tender, 12. bookshelf

After Janet, I'm doing this little meander around Flickr. It's all here.

NB: Answers have no relation to the questions as far as my search is concerned!!

Washing Load

2008-05-15T18:43:00.004+09:30

I discovered the motherload of aprons at the oppie today. Three crazy, retina-burning patterns and

two green more demure little numbers.

Over Eager

2008-05-15T15:25:00.001+09:30

This morning I made banana bread in my pyjamas.*

I like to make banana bread from time to time, of course, to use up the squishy bananas. However, I'm rarely happy with the result. I usually decide that I don’t actually like banana bread/cake/muffins and take it into work, leave it in the kitchen where it is inhaled by my workmates. So there isn’t actually anything wrong with what I make but I just don’t love it like I do other sorts of cake.

Anyhoo, today's attempt was from this recipe from Starashan via Owlet and is an absolute prodigious, marvellous success!

Banana Bread

125 gm butter
1 cup sugar
2 eggs beaten
½ cup sour milk (= ½ cup milk + 1 tsp vinegar)
1 tsp bicarb
2 cups plain flour
pinch salt
2 bananas, ripe, mashed

Cream butter and sugar, stir in eggs. Mix milk and bicarb, add to mixture and fold through. Stir in flour, salt and bananas and mix thoroughly. Pour into a lined cake tin and bake at 180C for 1 hour.

*I usually quite like step-by-step photos but, as I said, I was in my pyjamas and no one wants to see that! So a one-step photo today: the eating step! Delicious!

Linzie Hunter Admiration Society

2008-05-12T21:40:00.009+09:30

1. Two-Headed Turkey, 2. Illustration Friday: Jungle, 3. Sad Bird, 4. Godzilla Takes Las Vegas, 5. Takin' Care of Buginess, 6. Air Hostess, Now in Technicolour, 7. Amazing Juggling Daughter, 8. Bath, 9. Rain Shower, 10. Revista Colectiva - Insects, 11. Art Bureau 11, 12. Latex for fun Illustration, 13. Big Fish Little Fish, 14. Big Orange Jumper, 15. International Cheeseman, 16. Top 10 Lessons

Before Too Long

2008-05-09T18:39:00.005+09:30

Pottering around the interweb and ended up at Paul Kelly's website where there was a link to Before Too Long.

Ahh... isn't he the best?

Badges

2008-05-09T18:02:00.003+09:30

Very excited. Just put my Brown Owls badges on the side bar. Working on my cooking badge.

Such simple dreams...

Google Me Up

2008-05-05T09:17:00.020+09:30

grandmother goose

Joining in the whacky 'how they googled me up'. Here is a selection of the keywords used to get to my blog:

design your own netball uniform

brownie smoking badge (yes!)

tunisian orange cake (the most popular keywords)

how to make my house look nice n cosy (I get heaps of 'cosy' - sorry to disappoint)

hyena costume pattern (OK...?)

patternity (I was being cute with the title - I don't think my searcher was)

I took off my top (nice)

What's the news?

I'm watching the first season of Dexter. I think Michael C Hall is my new celebrity crush in a weird kind of way.

And I'm reading a book. (I know!) Actually, I've just finished reading a book. I have to start somewhere having not read anything for about a year. Also I've joined Good Reads which is a huge resource of information, reviews and general book chat. But I have to get into the practice of reading. My first book was Sushi For Beginners (chic/lit, rom/com): unchallenging and a bit of fun.

At the moment I'm reading The Gobbler by Adrian Edmondson. Also not very challenging but easy to get into and engaging: a soulless TV actor (think Hugh Grant) playing Richard III (think Black Adder) whose real life is a trainwreck. So far, so funny.

Grandmother Goose came from my grandmother. It hangs on the back of my door. I'm not sure if she made it. She was a great dressmaker and this looks a little like a school sewing project. So maybe one of my aunts did.

Oppy Love

2008-04-26T16:16:00.004+09:30

When I dropped into my favourite oppy (Salvos), last week I picked up their list of all the stores around Adelaide. I’ve been sticking to the ones I know well in a radius of a few kilometres from home.

I think the Salvos have the op-shop thing down to a fine art and my fave store, I thought, had reached the height of greatdom. However, that was until I featured further afield and visited a few more shops.

At the first less frequented store, there were a couple of items I would have bought if (a) I had the space at home and (b) a use for them. One was a red trolley, you know for walking down to the shops and bringing home the groceries? It was a really old one, a bit battered and dirty but would shine up a treat… however, I don’t have anywhere to store it.

The other item was a couch that folds flat to become a single bed. Now, nothing special in that but it was a 60s version with wooden arms and actually would be comfy to sleep on whether as a couch or a bed. (Actually J is tossing up whether to buy it as a prop anyway and then it will make its way home – or rather to the storage unit!)

Which gets me to the final part of my story. Where I thought my local Salvos was a winner, I’ve discovered another fabulous one. (It’s South Road Melrose Park, for Adelaide people. We parked at Spotlight and walked. My advice: don’t! It’s further than we thought! And the Salvos have a big carpark so there’s no need to inhale all those South Road truck fumes.)

We entered a wonderland of racks, rows of furniture, neatly displayed kitchenalia and beautiful ordered shelves of books.

Someone had taken a lot of time over the books. Most of the Golden Books were sitting upright in a wooden box with other pre-school age books neatly arranged in similar boxes. As is the Salvos way, everything is price tagged.

I bought a set of Nally canisters; a red glass mixing bowl (to match a blue bowl I have already); and 12 Golden Books.

Plus this wonderful book.

It is like a Boys’ Own Annual or a Daring Book for Girls. It was published in 1969 and is pretty Aussie.

I think we had a copy in our house growing up or maybe my sister did and I longed after it.

And now I have my own.

Blogging Malarkey

2008-04-16T19:23:00.038+09:30

Op-shopped this fab pink apron today. (Is it me or are aprons becoming like hen's teeth?) It has some nice ric-rac and braid trim.

And a nice green and pink tablecloth in fantastic condition. Both from the Salvos, my friends.

A recent arrival from Hancock's. Très cheap too! Maybe a peg bag or peg apron?

And the best chocolate biscuits; definitely my biscuit of the week! Pictured is the dark chocolate and extra dark chocolate. A biscuit with a slab of chocolate on top. Need I say more!

My birthday month is well and truly over so maybe the present giving (from me to me!) should draw to a close.

Cinti at My Poppet is proposing a stash clearance sale so go make a suggestion and she might pick you for a big giveaway.

Just noticed this is my 103rd post. Crikey! I haven't stuck at anything for this long that didn't involve payment! Significant only because I've kept with the blogging malarkey. The frequency and quality of the posts is questionable so I felt prouder of the first year anniversary and not too fussed about missing the 100th post.

This quilt happened to be on the line with the rest of the washing today. I made it about 15 years ago; mistakenly quilted with big stitches using quilting thread (should have used something like purl cotton); flannel with wool batting; washed to death, frayed seams, and some fabric has fallen apart. But still it is warm and cosy and known as the Woogey.

Lino Love

2008-04-16T08:51:00.019+09:30

Isn't the internet the most amazing place? For me it has created connections in lots of places and so much creative inspiration.

I love Betty Jo Designs and when I saw this lino…

…at my friend's house just before its demolition, I grabbed a couple of pieces and sent them to Liz aka Betty Jo Designs.

And Suzi Sparrows is the result! Liz used some lino in the wing of the Suzi Sparrow brooch and sent it to me!

I absolutely love the brooch and put it on and wore it straight away. I will show the brooch to my friend. Now he'll now why I was so excited about the lino; he's an artist so will understand.

Note to self: Must learn to use this camera properly! It took nearly 20 shots to get a photo in focus. In the end, I took off my top and took the photo lying flat on the bed!

Vintage Beauty

2008-04-13T18:32:00.020+09:30

1. Vintage mini mixer salt & pepper set, 2. Time to Learn Your Place in Life, Young Lady!, 3. atomic, 4. Royal Typewriter, 5. Lovely Hat, 6. Pillow Top, 7. rug, 8. felt flower brooches, 9. flowers

I love number 5 above, 'Lovely Hat'. She is so lovely and beautiful and could be now. She is MeLoveVintage's grandmother.

Places I've been today:

Five and Two: so much op-shop love!

Pancakes for tea: haven't made them for ages! Just butter for me and maple (flavoured) syrup for the J (no maples harmed in the making of the syrup).

The Bean Bag: Sarah Bean cracks me up and her children are hysterical. I love seeing them up ladders and sitting in the sink cooking.

Two Pink Possums: more John Simm love

Handy Dandy

2008-04-12T14:07:00.011+09:30

I've been carrying this great bag around all day. It's a favourite already.

It arrived in the mail from Cass's snail blazer shop.

Do you know how restrained I had to be take a photo and not rip it open first? How about that wrapping paper!

There was also a Golden Book notebook and storybook magnets. The bag includes a coin purse (or in my case, a tissue case).

See how the bag folds down into itself? Very compact and handy.

I think the lion is wondering where all the text went.

Things that make me happy

2008-04-10T17:55:00.008+09:30

Bird Bath has been having A Week of Happy. I'm a bit slow to join but nevertheless I here!

This is what is making me happy. This is a beautiful gift from Jodie: a note purse (with lovely soft woollen lining), a crochet washcloth and a soap that I can't stop sniffing! Plus a beautiful handmade card.

A big thank-you, Jodie, for this wonderful parcel. I'm really touched by your thoughtfulness and craftiness.

A Little Wonky

2008-04-03T10:19:00.014+10:30

I have finished my name panel for Brown Owls.

I started with Faraway in chain stitch just to get in the mode. Not terribly happy with my stitching but much happier with my stem stitch (if that's the right term) on my name. Looks a little dull but green is one of my favourite colours so green it had to be!

Ahem, yes, unironed. Thanks for noticing.

I have also started on the Word Book sampler. I appreciated so many of your suggestions and decided to go with a pink iron transfer pencil and embroidered in red. So it's a redwork reference and also covers the pink lines.

The linen cloth has a machine embroidered flower on the other end that I will cut off and hem to make a tea towel. The cloth is huge so even with the trimming will make a nice big tea towel.

The linen weave is quite open and I'm finding the stitching a little wonky in places. I probably should have gone with some stabilising. But never mind. It's all a learning experience!

Extreme Cuteness

2008-03-31T18:02:00.004+10:30

There is a lot of cuteness around at the moment not least the Week of Cute at Mike's.

I don't have any cute photos to share but I always love cute comments from people's children including Extreme Cuteness at Charlotte's Web.

And Hancocks of Paducah have 20% off for a couple of days. Oh dear! Go and have a look at this terribly cute retro washing day fabric. (The discount code is WS080401APRIL1) The discount was equal to free postage, in a way.

*Edited to add: Discount is on until 3 April. You can click through here too.

Mosaic

2008-03-30T16:09:00.011+10:30

1. Lettering Sketchbook, 2. Denim and Red Bag, 3. DSC_0042, 4. kitchen bunting, 5. Bed, 6. Apple Blossom Clutch, 7. controlpanel, 8. :Patchwork Piece:, 9. Doll, 10. little kitchen, 11. IMG_1477, 12. Vintage sewing cards..., 13. My bathroom door, 14. Vintage Aprons part 2, 15. 1961 rosh ha-shono yom kippur book, 16. let's go for a drive

My Word Book

2008-03-17T15:14:00.011+10:30

Drewzel suggested that this page from a school workbook would make a good sampler. What a good idea!

What is an easy way to transfer a design to fabric ready for embroidery?

By the way, I'm a very bad tracer so anything that doesn't involve taping to a window would be welcomed.

*Edited to add: Any experience with transfer pencils?

Northern Lights & North Winds

2008-03-13T17:32:00.014+10:30

I'll show some pretty pictures before the whinge starts. We've had a couple of fantastic visits to Northern Lights on North Terrace as part of the Adelaide Festival. These are my two favourite designs. Above is the Mitchell Building at the Adelaide Uni with a fabulous William Morris-like (or maybe, it is) design. The building below is the Museum with an Egyptian design.

The projections start at 9pm and continue to the early morning, the images changing every 5 minutes. They are intricately designed to fit the buildings, with colours following the lines of the windows and doors and little decorative features.

We had a look at the lights last week and there was a modest crowd. Then last Sunday night (long weekend) we visited again and it was like going to the football! There were thousands! But it was exciting at the same time. So many families and children and older and in-between people enjoying a fantastic visual experience.

We also saw another great free, visual event: Junk Theory. Junk Theory is a Chinese junk floating on the Torrens, that has images projected on its sails and with a soundscape as the boat sails down the river.

Some brilliant shows we've seen too are A Midsummer Night's Dream (the funniest I've seen, the lovers were even interesting!); and When the Rain Stops Falling (a brilliant new Australian play). On Saturday we hope to go to Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (crazy German production - we love crazy Germans!). Not a cheap time of the year (if only J could claim a tax deduction: professional development!) but a highlight.

Oh, and it's my birthday tomorrow. So going to COAHTR is for that. And out to dinner to my favourite caf tomorrow night: the best Italian place. I'll have polenta and vegetables. I'm a peasant at heart.

Now for the whinge. It is far too hot. I'll say it again. TOO HOT!! Supposedly we are looking at 16 days over 35ºC (95ºF). It's not interesting anymore. I'm so glad we had a new airconditioner and insulation installed last month. It has made a huge difference. Otherwise, we'd be camping on friends' floors and begging for mercy. I've forgotten what it's like to see rain.

[End whinge]

Come Home

2008-03-01T08:36:00.000+10:30

Come Home, Vol 7 2007 ISBN 9784391624090

I know there's nothing new in blogland about Japanese books but here's a little selection just received from YesAsia (which, by the way, is far too easy, convenient and beguiling!). Free postage, by the way.

I really like the fabric canopy hanging from the ceiling and this little smock dress.

children's rooms 'Stockholm', Jeu de Paume
ISBN 9784072501399

I'm completely captivated by this moppet with her apparently self-cut (or maybe mum-cut) fringe.

I'm also quite fascinated by Nordic-land interiors and kid style.

Rooms for Nordic Kids ISBN 4767805813

Loobylu

2008-02-19T20:23:00.004+10:30

Yay! Yay! Yay!

Loobylu is back blogging.

Bloggy Winner

2008-02-18T17:46:00.008+10:30

I've had so many wonderful comments for my first blog anniversary, actually quite overwhelming!

I'm so glad to say that the winner of my giveaway is... Levin (and Emily) . Yay! Levin, I've sent you an email.

Thanks everyone for playing.

The scissors and pinking shears are completely unrelated, just part of my vintage sewing collection.

On the left are Henry Boker's Pinking Shears 'Made in British Zone Germany'. The large dressmaking scissors are made in the USA. The large pinking shears are Italian and branded 'Prodotto Ninci Comète 1948'. (I should get J to do some amateur translating for me.)

Blog-o-versary

2008-02-13T07:15:00.008+10:30

It's my blog-o-versary! I'm thrilled that I've reached my first anniversary. It could quite easily have drifted off into the far too hard basket but I've persisted.

I'm got to know some wonderful people through blogs, especially the amazing community of Australian bloggers (from Melbourne in particular: what is it about Melbourne that gets people blogging?) and also from Europe and the US.

I've had such great fun and have appreciated the support when I've gone a bit woogly, the inspiration and the creativity.

There is the lovely tradition of a giveaway on a blog-versary so who am I to stand in the way.

So here is my humble offering: a linen teatowel from my collection, a wodge of my button collection, some ribbon and fabric plus two Adorn magazines (I've read them already, is that OK?). Plus some Haigh's chocolate (if you like chocolate - let me know either way) that I'll buy the moment before I post the parcel (otherwise I'll eat it!).

Please leave a comment and I'll pick someone out of the hat on Sunday evening.*

Edited to add: I'll leave comments open till midnight and post the winner tomorrow.

Golden

2008-02-11T09:25:00.000+10:30

Dearest J brought home a Golden Book for me that he'd salvaged from lost-and-found. He thought it had been there long enough and knew I'd been thrilled to have it.

It's one I've never seen before.

I am particularly fond of the final illustration.

Because I'm very fond of bed.

Whoot! Whoot!

2008-02-08T11:36:00.000+10:30

I've joined Brown Owls.

Because its good to join things and make friends.

And let's face it, I don't need any reason to join a club where you receive goodies in the mail and hang out with likeminded people.

I'm a Faraway. A bit like the Magic Faraway Tree, maybe?

Got My Marbles

2008-02-07T07:17:00.000+10:30

A good op-shop day: a large linen teatowel, a linen tablecloth, two gingham tablecloths and a fantastic tartan, woollen picnic rug.

Oh, and some marbles.

For J.

Just for fun.

Lemon Icing

2008-02-04T12:51:00.000+10:30

There is no doubt about the blogging community. There are commonalties and links everywhere between us. Thankfully we don't have to fall into a heap. I'm so grateful to all the wonderful comments and emails that have come my way after my last post. I'm not falling in a heap. I'm keeping going. It's been like thinking through custard but it gets better.

Blogging hasn't been on the top of the list of things that must get down but I'm slowly trying to reintroduce it. Work is taking up a lot of energy. On the weekend I cooked a meal for the first time in weeks (apart from cold meat and salad!). We've been eating out a lot! And I must say the old chicken schnitzel and roast potatoes tasted fantastic! I think my appetite is returning and too my desire to cook a little.*

I made some cupcakes in these cool brown cases that I saw on Hop Skip Jump and bought them from the General Trader. I made the All Together Cake from Frankie magaine (why haven't I known about Frankie before? It's such a good magagine! Cool and hipper than I am but just daggy enough that I can relate and aspire a little!)

The recipe called for beating the mixture for 6 minutes. I thought that sounded a bit over enthusiastic and 3 1/2 minutes seemed to suffice. They came out just fine and topped with lemon icing (really simple icing sugar and lemon juice - yum!). The texture is like an old fashion plain cake: moist but coarse and crumbly. Delicious!

*I made delicious crumbed garfish for tea tonight. With roast potatoes. Double yum!

Christmas

2007-12-25T14:20:00.000+10:30

1. Christmas Bokeh, 2. Quick Easy Fun 588, 3. Green Christmas Circle, 4. IMG_1188, 5. green christmas ornaments, 6. IMGP9345, 7. Christmas Greens, 8. Christmas Candle in a Glass, 9. God Jul! Merry Christmas!

Happy Christmas! I hope you enjoy a relaxing day with those you love.

*First attempt at a slightly scary mosiac. I do like the look of wide-eyed derangement of both the girl and the nutcracker!

Got It Covered

2007-12-18T13:24:00.000+10:30

My gift buying has been a triumph! I bought clothes for all the small members of the family (all in the same shop, even enlisted help from the assistant to choose some items which is completely unheard for me. Usually I struggle just. to. get. something.)

And I bought myself an iPod! How extravagant can I get. J thinks I'm selling my soul to the prince of darkness so luckily he wasn't there to see the evil transaction. I'm very excited. It's so shiny and new. I have to buy a cover (I'm too slack to make something new). At the moment I've got it in a felted 'sock' I knitted ages ago (was a glasses cover that went wrong).

There are so many fabulous covers on etsy. I love these little covers like the Fambee Poppet above*. But I really want a little zip pouch. I often see them on people's blogs but now that I'm looking for one I can't remember where! Please point me to a blog/shop if you know of one.

*Yes, I bought it.