Mabon blessings to you all.

The plan for today was pinecone collecting and picnicing in the forests but the cold rain and wind put a stop to that. We will plan it for another day this coming week. We use the pinecones to start the wood heater aswell as for craft activities.

The nightly meal is a hearty vegetarian casserole. Unfortunately there is nothing to harvest from the gardens at the farm so we brought our produce this time. It's all fresh and farmed in Australia which is good and has made a delicious meal :o)

Hope you have all had a blessed day.

Until next time
-x-

Ok, i'm a day late! I did post a loving message on my facebook status yesterday though :)

So, without further ado.....

Happy 18th birthday to my gorgeous sister. She has grown into such a beautiful, witty, talented woman. I couldn't ask for a better sister.

And.....

Happy 50th birthday to my dear daddy. He may not have been involved in bringing me into this everchanging world but he has definately been involved in every aspect of my life for the past 27 or so years guiding me with love and wisdom.

To you both, i wish you years of love, laughter and special memories and i am proud to have you as my family :)

And one more, happy birthday to my step-son. I won't disclose his age, although he's only a few years younger then me lol.

Until next time
i hope you all grow old in healthy happiness
-x-

Do you own any quirky kitchen gadgets? You know, things like a potato peeler with a monkey for a handle or a nutcracker in the shape of a squirrel. Maybe novelty items that are a want not a need? Strawberry slicer, adjustable rolling pin, clip on spoon rest or an egg cracker.

I don't, well, i didn't until i saw these must have measuring cups! Aren't they just gorgeous!



In my defence, my measuring cups were cheap plain looking ones from a cheap shop. They did the job well but i've always been on the lookout for something more pleasing to the eye. The M-cups as they're called, come with 6 different measures, 1/4, 1/3, 1/2, 2/3, 3/4 and 1 cup. How simple is baking now? ;)


I think i've got a kitchen gadget bug now lol I want funky unusal items to display on my benchtops. I'm considering the knife block in the shape of a person where the knives slot through the body lol

Until next time
-x-

As promised, here is the nectarine jam and the plum jam. I didn't do step by step photos this time. The cooking procedures are the same for most jams :)

It all tastes yummy. I'm now scouting the fruit shop and markets for other fruits i can turn into jams.





Until next time
-x-

Mmmm, i love the taste of homemade jam. Not only do i know what is in it, i get that feeling of satisfaction knowing i made it all by myself. I didn't have to get advice from my mum this time lol

On the weekend we went to a local market and brought 10kgs each of peaches, plums and nectarines. They were the last crops off the trees and really cheap. After gorging ourselves on yummy fresh fruit for the past 3 days, it was time to preserve the remainder for the winter months (not sure if i can keep the family away from the jam for that long though!).

So began the process of peeling, chopping, cooking and bottling. I had to buy new jars as i got rid of mine in the move but i feel because this year is a new begining for us, i can allow myself new jars that will continue to be filled with homemade goodies.

Here is my small batch of peach jam. My next blog will show the nectarine jam. It's still bubbling away on the stove :)







It was a learning experience. I've made strawberry jam and fig jam a couple of times before. I find both those fruits mush down whereas peaches hold their shape. Next time i'll chop them smaller. It set well. I did use jam setter. 1.5kgs of fruit and half the amount of sugar which i probably could have scaled down a little more. All in all it turned out well and it's delicious on a piece of fresh bread :o)

Until next time
happy preserving
-x-

You may be aware, Easter will be upon you all soon. Well for those who celebrate Easter at this time of the year that is.

I was going through my photo's and found an Easter creation you may like to make. An Easter Bonnet, but not a wearable bonnet ;) It's super simple. I purchased all the items from Spotlight but shop around and you never know what you might find.

I'll show you the photo then i'll give you a detailed list of what you'll need. It's fairly self explanatory though :)


Tall round papiermache/carboard box with lid
Round cake board
Coloured shredded paper
Plastic fillable eggs
Fluffy chicks
Easter felt shapes
Paint and paint brush
Craft Glue or hot glue gun
Any other Easter inspired decorations you wish to use.

Paint box, lid and board. When dry, glue box to board. Glue shredded paper around base of hat and any other decorations. Glue felt designs around side of box. Fill box with shredded paper and place eggs and other decprations in and on top.
I haven't attached the lid, it's just sitting on the rabbit lollypop. The top of the lid has been decorated with an egg and more shredded paper. I definately got heavy handed with the paper lol.

Good to give as a gift too. Fill the plastic eggs with little choc eggs.

Until next time
Happy creating
-x-

Unbeknown to me, my blog decided it wasn't accepting comments from everyone, it seemed to have a select group only lol.
When i changed my background and layout i didn't check the comments box to make sure it was available to all.
I think i have corrected the problem so you may all get comment happy now :)

-x-