Thursday, May 31, 2012

Sewing projects completed!

Since Dexter's birth I feel like I'm constantly playing catch-up. A load of washing a day only just keeps me on top, I feel like I only have time for quick tidy-ups & basic cleaning (the house looks like a bomb hit it!). When I look back over these photos I can see some things that have been achieved in the last 3 months!

In February I finished a couple of pairs of shorts for Evie. I used this pattern from Oliver & S to make these adorable bloomer shorts. I used fabric left-over from other projects, so they were free too!


With Evie starting kindy we had to whip up a couple of projects for her too. I let Evie choose the material from my stash and together we sewed this library bag. She was great company while I made it, and helped with the pins & sewing (sitting on my lap!).


We also made this cushion cover together for 'nap time' at kindy. The pink fabric is a Japanese cotton with little deer that I've been saving for Evie & this is the perfect project.



As it gets colder at night Evie has been wearing last years pyjamas, but they're getting a bit short on the torso & legs. I've now whipped up a couple of pairs using materials from my stash, and the pattern my mum used when I was little! Evie wasn't in much of a modelling mood, but here's the pink stripey pair I made:


I recently bought another digital pattern, this Flashback Skinny Tee from Made by Rae, I can highly recommend it. This is the first t-shirt I've made from it (size 4 pyjama top) but it fits lovely! I used material from my stash (again, you'd better believe I've got alot!) and ribbing from my mum's collection. I've got another cut out to make & can't wait to make short sleeves for summer & some size ones for Dex!


Once again not in a modelling mood, this is the best I could get. Don't ask me why she has a party hat & a beanie!


Thursday, May 24, 2012

My big girl

Ok, so these photos are a month old, but I'd still like to share them. The day after Evie's fourth birthday she started 'big kindy'. Two-and-a-half days a week Evie attends our local kindy, and we both love it! I'm so proud of her; making new friends, adapting to a tiring schedule & doing her best there!

Here's a couple of pics of Evie on her first day of 'big kindy', proudly toting her birthday umbrella & raincoat (presents from lovely aunties & uncles).



I blocked out the name of Evie's kindy from her jumper in this pic. I still wanted to show you her lovely face!

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Some lovely links - 21

- a striking mural, from Garance Dore

- these meatballs look amazing, I really want to try them! from A Cup of Jo

- gorgeous leather ipad cases from Jess LC, via  Honey Kennedy

- awww, baby bowtie, anyone want to make one for Dex? from Princess Lastertron

- I'm in love with the colour combo of this baby blanket, from Charlotte's Fancy

- an interesting blog post on kugel exercises (apparently we don't need to be doing them??)

- blog post about keeping your house mosquito free? yes please!

 - an interesting blog post about activating almonds for better health

- the great toy experiment, sounds like it would be good to try, but I don't kow if I'm brave enough!

Sunday, May 13, 2012

A day for mums

Had a lovely mother's day, despite my horrid cold! (boo to snot & sore throats!). Started the day with a pot of tea & croissants, perfect. Popped into the shops to buy the new Gotye cd (I know, I'm late to the party with that one!) and also got some new pj pants (my old ones are from when Evie was born & are literally falling apart!). Lovely lunch with Roger's family & also visited mine. Have just finished a left-overs dinner & I'm planning on pj's, tea, chocolate & a movie on the couch tonight. How did you spend yours?

Here's a pic of my little mother, breastfeeding her baby:


Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Quinoa; king of grains

We love quinoa, a super-high protein & versatile grain (see wikipedia for further info). I wanted to mention today some of our favourite ways to eat quinoa.

- sometimes we cook it up with a dash of curry powder, lemon juice & zest & some water to serve hot with fish - easy & tasty side dish.

- another time I cooked it up in plain water (could use stock) & stirred it through pumpkin soup - delicious & much needed protein.

- a salad recipe we've been using for a few years, & constantly adapting to suit us, is found here.

- I recently discovered a quinoa patty recipe in our newspaper, with a bit of added herb & spice this could be truly delicious & healthy, I plan to try it again soon.

Brocolli, Bacon & Quinoa Fritters
4 rashers bacon, rind removed & chopped
2 x 400g cans white (cannellini) beans, drained, rinsed & mashed
200g steamed broccoli, finely chopped
3 cups (570g) cooked quinoa
sea salt & cracked black pepper
1/2 cup (50g) grated mozzarella
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/4 cup chopped  basil leaves
2 tablespoons olive oil
tomato chutney, to serve

Heat a non-stick frying pan over high heat. Add the bacon & cook for 3-4 minutes or until golden.
Place the mashed white bean, broccoli, quinoa, salt, pepper, mozzarella, egg, bacon & basil in a bowl & mix well.
Shape 2 tablespoons of mixture at a time into fritters & refrigerate for 20 minutes.
Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium heat & cook the fritters, in batches, for 2-3 minutes each side or until golden.
Serve with tomato chutney & a green salad if desired.

Serves 4
*cook quinoa as per packet instructions.
(Recipe by Donna Hay in The Advertiser newspaper 25/3/2012)


Any quinoa tips you'd like to share? Let me know if you try any of my ideas!