Procrastination station!

Been SUPER busy with Uni work these last few months so little bloggy blog has been neglected more so than usual. BUT, in the spirit of all Uni students across the nation I am procrastinating today...

So I made one of those quote poster thingo's all the cool kids seem to be doing at the moment. I thought my choice of quote was topical enough. Don't you think?

I made necklaces!

I'm not usually what you would call a 'beader' or 'jewellery maker'. I like makings things though so I just went with it when my brain decided to buy some beads and cord on Thursday and give it a crack.


I had this vague idea in my head of what I was after and I knew I'd need to learn how to do those adjustable slip knot thingos since I wasn't keen on using clasps and scary tools etc. You Tube, as always, showed me the way and I must say it was significantly easier than I imagined. Check it out here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NN9loNl9PA (she's got such a lovely accent!)

The slip knot!

So, the pics speak for themselves I think? After what's been a fairly eventful week it was such a relaxing afternoon sitting by the window. Heater on, cup of tea, my new scented candle burning...


You like?

Foggy morning...

Woke up to some thick old fog this morning in the nations capital. A quick pit stop past the lake on the way to work was well worth it. Got some gorgeous shots! Have to let you in on a little secret though.... I can't take all the credit. The new Loftus lens I got for my Hipstamatic app last weekend is seriously AWESOME. My goodness it takes a cracker shot - love it, love it, love it.

Sweet Feet Skills

Have been perusing You Tube for Donna Summer clips but got way laid checking these dudes out. And I do officially declare all three men TOTES awesome at dancing. Do you agree?


Number 1 : Fred Astaire. Bless his cotton socks!






Number 2 : John Travolta. Check that double knee move thing at 1:40. You clever man John!







Number 3 : Michael Jackson. That crazy, mysterious man. Walk that moon, baby!

Photo A Day April - Week 2

So week 2 came and went in my little photographic journey. But as you will notice, I am playing catch up. Week 1 is here if you missed it. And week 3 is still to come. In the meantime let me attempt to delight you with my week 2 exhibition. I missed Day 12 (Stairs) but am hoping you'll forgive me yeah?

Day 7 : Shadow : an oldie but with a bit of Instagram 'remastering'

Day 8 : Inside Your Wallet : Apologies to your eyes but
this is the pic I've had in my wallet for the last 5 years

Day 9 : Younger You : Me in the pink, circa 1980

Day 10 : Cold : This one was almost prophetic from Fat Mum Slim.
A cold snap overnight and out came the cardi's and fires again. This is at my work... Toasty!

Day 11 : Where You Ate Breakfast

Day 13 : Something You Found : totes awesome cutlery at Vinnies!

Macadamia Delicious!

So, I made macadamia spread yesterday. Sounds fancy doesn't it? Oh, well it IS! 


But, lucky for me, and maybe you too, NOT fancy to make.


Do you have a food processor? Do you have 400g of raw macadamia nuts? Do you have 5 tablespoons of water and 10 min of time?


If you answered yes to all of these questions then YOU are fully equipped to get some macadamia spread of your very own.


I just whizzed the nuts by themselves for a while then added a bit of water to help it along. Ended up being 5tbps of water in the end. You might want more or less. Mine looked like this.

And then we spread it on rice crackers and it looked like this. YUMNESS!

Cheap Shoes... but they're so PRETTY!

Right, so I like to think I'm a bit of a 'semi-greenie' and try to do what I can to keep my impact on the earth low. I try to grow my own vegies when I can (not overly successfully but I WILL get better!) I buy all those 'green' label cleaning products or use bi-carb and vinegar where possible. I like shopping at 2nd hand stores, markets and op-shops. I get a fruit and veg box delivered that supports local growers and cuts down on transportation costs.


I am also acutely aware that there are a boundless number of things that I am NOT doing. Like making my own bread, recycling grey water or making my own shampoo from eggs... Sometimes it's all just too HARD and my laziness wins over my conscience more often than not.


But probs my biggest failing as a 'semi-greenie' is that I'm a sucker for CHEAP CRAP. You know that stuff - mass produced in China or India from non-renewable resources, made by underpaid workers and shipped thousands of miles to my local Westfield?


See those super pretty shoes up there? ^^ I bought them yesterday from a certain run of the mill department store at my local mall because, firstly, they winked at me and secondly, they were only $24. I am wearing them today and I like them a lot. It's likely next time I go to said mall I will see at least 4 other suburban mums wearing them too. Until then I will continue thinking I am funky and unique.


But aside from feeling funky and unique I am also getting my usual post-purchase depression that I'm letting the old green team down.


I go through the pros in my head to try and appease my 'disappointed' conscience. "Now Roxanne, you know having pretty things increases your happiness and confidence" (as shallow as that sounds, I have to admit it's true) and "Your family is on a fairly limited budget so you should jump at bargains when you see them." 


I have failed to convince myself yet again. They're pretty weak arguments huh? But I'll keep wearing the shoes. Dammit I'll wear them! I'll wear them until the soles fall off and they no longer resemble the orange prettiness they once were. THAT will be my contribution to the environment. Sorry China, I am set for new shoes right now, you may as well pack up shop and go home.


But I do solemnly swear to do better next time. In fact, I will go right now and google that recipe for egg shampoo.


Are you a full-greenie? Any tips for an aspiring greenie? A LAZY, aspiring greenie? Is there an alternative to eggs for shampoo? (I'm really not that keen on my hair smelling like omelette.) And do you know of anyone selling a 2nd hand pair of ladies size 9 red patent leather Doc Martens? They are next on the list of shoes I need want.

The extremes of humanity...

I don't normally write this sort of stuff on this here blog. I'm a bit more fluff and light and crochet and photos and all that but I spent a bit of time last night on twitter and came across some rather horrid examples of humanity. Yes, I know there's plenty out there, the interwebs are full of it and I tend to steer clear for my own sanity. But I stupidly didn't steer clear this time, I was too curious and it made me sad... sad for humans... it really got to me so I thought I'd share it. You know, therapeutic reasons etc.


So. Twitter. I follow Alan Davies. You know that British funny guy? He's on QI with Stephen Fry amongst other things. He's also a mad Arsenal Football Club fan (that's English soccer) and does a podcast about it that my Mister frequently listens to.  So anyway, yesterday afternoon Alan started re-tweeting comments that he'd been sent by some very angry people. Heaps of them. And they were awful! Many of them death threats, most of them full of f-bombs and the c-word. I thought, goodness me, what has he done to deserve that?


So I investigated. I chatted with Mister, I googled etc. Apparently Alan said something in his latest podcast that was a little insensitive about a terrible tragedy that happened at a Liverpool game in the 80's. Well, actually his comment wasn't even about the event itself, just the fact that Liverpool FC now do not play on that date under any circumstances and this year it is proving to be a problem for some of the other teams.


Not being English and a bit out of the loop it all sounded like the reactions were a bit over the top. I get the feeling English soccer fans have a passion for their teams that probably surpasses anything we have here in any sport. (Mind you, we certainly have our fair share of 'sports fan wankers' don't we?)


So I understand some people being upset by his comment but I'm not sure I understand why there is a need for death threats? Is there ever a need for death threats? And isn't it sad that in a supposedly 'developed' country these seemingly 'undeveloped' people thrive? Largely these days its thanks to social media I guess.


Anyhoo, blah blah blah, I could go on couldn't I? But I won't. I'm not eloquent enough. I just wanted to say this: I woke up this morning, after going to bed all sad and sorry, to be presented with this via Pip from Just B. And I smiled and thought, Ah, that's better... Aren't we nice people after all!

Photo A Day April - Week 1

So I think I managed to keep up this week with my latest little project. A couple of days I forgot but I'm going to make my own special rules here and add in some pics from the vault to fill the gap. What you reckon? Allowable? I think so, I'm always up for more reasons to share some of my fave pics. So, Day 1 I have already posted. Days 2 through to 7 are a go go below.

Day 2 : Colour : My fave Hipsta pic ever taken : at the pet shop.

Day 3 : Mail : my letterbox obviously...

Day 4 : Someone Who Makes You Happy : my critter : cliche but true

Day 5 : Tiny : a gift from my sis when she went to the US a few years back

Day 6 : Lunch : You can have chocolate for lunch on Good Friday can't you?

Photo A Day - April

I have decided to join this Photo A Day thingo started by Chantelle of fatmumslim.com.au. Check out her blog if you like. It's pretty rad.


So, here's the list.

I usually start these sorts of things and never follow through to the end so I won't make any silly promises to myself that I can't keep. Hopefully it will just be a bit of fun on the days that I do get a chance to take a snap.


Here's my pic for Day 1 - Your Reflection. Can you see me? That scarf I'm wearing is one I just finished last night. Thinking of giving it to my sis-in-law... or maybe just keep it for me. It pretty nice! The succulents are cuttings from my Grandma's garden. They are growing some lovely little roots and are ready for planting any day now. Although ol' Canberra is starting to get cool so fingers crossed the little guys will survive the winter.

Isotype Goodness

I've been digging on Isotypes the last few weeks. [Developed by a couple of Austrian dudes, Gerd Arntz and Otto Nuerath, they are " a method of showing social, technological, biological and historical connections in pictorial form." (Wikepedia)]


My mister showed me this website thenounproject.com and OH MY it is glorious! They're so clean and simple. Was browsing last night and here a few of my faves.

Can you guess what they symbolise? Answers below but NO cheating till you've had a good try!


I'd love something like this as a feature wall in my house. What you think?

L to R : Levitation (I know! So handy right? That one's gonna get used a lot), Nutrition (v important kids), Caravan (yeah that one was a bit easy...)

Easy Fig Jam

So we have an abundance of figs on the two trees that are in our backyard. I am not much of a fig eater and neither are the others in this house so they usually end up as jam. Usually I do Fig & Plum Jam but maybe it was all the rain or something over summer because the figs are only ripening now whilst the plums are all over red rover.

I made my first batch of Fig Jam (and my first attempt at fig ONLY jam) two weeks ago. I ran out and picked a bowl full during a break in all the rain. They looked so pretty with all the little droplets on them I couldn't resist taking a little pic.

So anyway, who wants the recipe? Well lucky for you it's one I googled and isn't top secret Nana business or anything. Tis from taste.com.au - my usual one stop reference shop for recipes.

EASY FIG JAM

Makes about 2 cups

INGREDIENTS
1 kg ripe figs, trimmed, roughly chopped
500g caster sugar
1 vanilla bean, split, seeds scraped
1 cinnamon quill
Pared rind and juice of 1 lemon

METHOD
Place ingredients in a bowl, cover and stand overnight at room temperature. Transfer to a pan over low heat and stir to dissolve sugar. Bring to the boil, then cook over very low heat, stirring regularly, for 45 minutes or until thick and sticky. Mash figs gently with a fork or masher to break up a little. Remove vanilla pod, quill and rind, then cool slightly, and seal in sterilised jars. Store for up to 3 months.

TA DA!


Second batch is now chopped and in the bowl on the bench overnight for tomorrow's cooking session.

The little creek that wanted to be a river...

Up until about noon today it has been raining NON-STOP in my part of the world for 7 days straight. Deadset... I kid you not... drizzle followed by more drizzle with several downpours a day thrown in also. I was starting to get a little depressed/angry/frustrated with it all yesterday. Particularly knowing several families of muddy strangers footprints would be tramping through our house at 12pm to see if they might like to buy it. I quickly had to remind myself of our neighbouring towns who really did have problems with their houses being inundated and roads cut.

Anyhoo, this afternoon it finally STOPPED! Now, I'm not an excersice freak, but I know I need to do some on a regular basis or I would look like Grimace after not too long. Needless to say I had done NONE all week and with some nudging from Mister I got my gear on this afternoon and went for a run down to the creek near our house. I knew it would be full and flowing but I was still surprised at HOW full and flowing it was! The path was cut in several places and I was easily persuaded to give up on my running intentions and just enjoy being outside. Glad I had decided to take my phone for music instead of the shuffle. Was able to snap a few pics for show and tell!

Granny Square Pattern for KT and her Students!

KT is my dear friend who taught me to crochet back in 2008! She rang this morning to tell me she was having some friends around to teach crochet and needed to pick MY brains on how to teach more than one person at a time. I told her my tips (cause I'm a 'teacher' now didn't you know?!) and also that I'd post this pattern here on my blog for her to give to her students. She was going to give them printed handouts but then we had a little chuckle about them all being Gen Ys and they could probs just look it up on their phones... So here it is girls. I can certainly attest to KTs awesome crochet teaching skills! Hope you have a fun night.

BASIC GRANNY SQUARE PATTERN

Abbreviations 

ch - chain 

dc - double crochet 

slst - slip stitch 

sp - space

rnd - round

rg - ring

RND 1: Ch6, join with slst to first ch to form ring. Ch3, 2dc in ring. Ch2. *3dc in ring, ch2, 3 times. Join with slst to top of ch3. 

RND 2: Slst in each of the first 2 dc and into the first ch2 sp. Ch3, 2dc, ch3, 3dc in same sp. Ch1. *3dc, ch2, 3dc in next ch2 sp. Ch1. Rep from * around. Join with slst to top of ch3. 

RND 3: Slst in each of the first 2 dc and into the first ch2 sp. Ch3, 2dc, ch3, 3dc in same sp. Ch1. 3dc in next ch1 sp. Ch1. *3dc, ch2 3dc in next ch2 sp. Ch1. 3dc in next ch1 sp. Ch1. Rep from * around. Join with slst to top of ch3. 

RND 4: Slst in each of the first 2 dc and into the first ch2 sp. Ch3, 2dc, ch3, 3dc in same sp. Ch1. 3dc in next ch1 sp, ch1, twice. *3dc, ch2 3dc in next ch2 sp. Ch1.

3dc in next ch1 sp, ch1, twice. Rep from * around. Join with slst to top of ch3. 

RND 5: Slst in each of the first 2 dc and into the first ch2 sp. Ch3, 2dc, ch3, 3dc in same sp. Ch1. 3dc in next ch1 sp, ch1, 3 times. *3dc, ch2 3dc in next ch2 sp. Ch1. 3dc in next ch1 sp, ch1, 3 times. Rep from * around. Join with slst to top of ch3. 

Work the next rounds exactly the same increasing the section (3dc in next ch1 sp, ch1 ___ times.) by one for each round you add on. You can make your granny square as big as you want by adding RNDs. Or you can stop at 6 RNDs to make a rug out of individual squares.

You can also use a different color yarn for each RND of a square. 

Changing Colors

To change colors at beginning of each rnd Fasten off after slst to top of ch3. Leave yarn about 5" long and after square is complete, weave ends into work. Tie on new color in ch 2 lp and proceed onto the next rnd in pattern. For Finishing each square, After sl st into the top of ch 3, fasten off and either weave both ends into work or weave just the starting end into the work and leave the finishing end long to sew the squares together. 

Photo Friday - Darling Harbour

Snapped this one at Darling Harbour last weekend while in Sydney for the trade fairs. After being cooped up inside a massive and overly airconditioned hall all day it was so relaxing to walk out and embrace the warmth, the sunset, the kids playing (awesome kids park there BTW) and the general good vibes of Saturday night in the city. And now, sitting here in Canberra where it has been raining non-stop ALL week and is today a bit chilly, I am dreaming of those warmer climes...

Yarny Flowery Goodness

Last night was week 3 of the 4 week crochet class that I'm teaching at Benedict House. It's been so satisfying seeing the ladies pick it up and enjoying it. Our project last night was these two flowers. Most of them had mastered the first one (left) and done a second within about 40min. So we moved onto the harder one (right) and they just flew through it. They could all read the pattern and were moving along at there own pace without much assistance from me. It was a bit exciting! I felt like a proud Mum on Graduation Day. One more week to go still - half double crochet wrist cuffs are on the lesson plan.


The left flower is a Lincraft pattern - SUPER easy. And on the right is my 'easified' version (see pattern below if you're interested) of this super cutie pattern from Rosehip blog.

CHUNKY PETAL FLOWER

Ch 4, join with slst to first chain to form a ring.

1st round Ch1, work 15sc into circle. Slst into first ch.

2nd round Ch4, * skip 1sc, 1dc into next sc, ch1, rep from * 6 times more. Join with a slst into the 3rd of the first 4ch. Break off the first colour.

3rd round Join the colour you wish to use for the petals to first ch loop (big space) with a slst, ch1. Into same ch loop, work 4dc, 1sc, * into next ch loop, work 1sc, 4dc, 1sc, rep from * into each ch loop, making 8 petals. Join with a slst into first ch.

4th round Working behind the petals made in the 3rd round (it’s easier to do this if you turn the work) so ch3 then turn, * slst between next 2 petals, ch3, rep from * to end. The ch loops made lie behind the petals of the previous row. Join with a slst into first ch.

5th round Ch1, turn the flower back to the front. Make the next row of petals by working 1sc, 5dc, 1sc into each ch loop. Join with a slst into first sc.

6th round Working again behind the petals made in the previous round, Ch4 and then turn the flower,  * 1slst between the next 2 petals, ch 4, rep from * to end. Join with a slst into first ch.

7th round Ch1, turn the flower back to the front. Into each ch loop, work 1sc, 5dc, 1sc. Join with a slst into first sc. Fasten off, weave in ends or use them to stitch to your desired garment/brooch pin etc.

Baby Succulents

My Little Miss and I spent the morning lovingly giving homes to some new succulent cuttings. I have a little collection of potted succulents on the back deck that I like to expand on from time to time. Often I end up just replacing the ones I lost from frost the previous winter so my overall collection is only slowly increasing. I have no idea of the correct names for any of them except the flapjack (that's the big one on the left). I just love the look of them and the fact that you can cut a piece off, put it in dirt and BAM! New plant. Here are the babies we planted this morning.

Georgie Love Giveaway - YAY!

Have you seen the Georgie Love online shop? Have you seen the Georgie Love blog? It's a pretty fab site with some pretty fab handmade goodness for sale but surely the most exciting fab thing about Georgie Love at the mo' is this massively awesome giveaway. And to be in with a chance to win it all I have to do is tell you what I'd spend $50 on in the Georgie Love shop. Seems a bit too easy! So here are my super picks... I LOVE THEM. I love red. I love red with yellow. (ps. you can enter too! Do it!)

Autumn Brooch $35 by Emma Grace

Geometric-Ness Print $15 by Allira Tee

Vintage Girls Dress $20

There is a crack...

I decided to get my 'creative' on this week and do a canvas for my Mister for V day. I am a complete novice at painting but was inspired by two different projects on the Beautiful Mess blog. This one and this one. A form planned in my little head... and this is how I did it.

1. First I divided the 8 inch canvas into a grid and began painting random squares in the first colour. 2. I ended up using 4 different colours to ensure I didn't have the same colour in touching squares. 3. I then applied a light white wash the entire surface. I did a couple of layers of this in an attempt to tone down the super brightness of the coloured squares.


Finally, I added my Mister's favourite lyric from Leonard Cohen's song The Anthem. And Ta Da! Tis done. I gave it to him last night, I think he was chuffed.

Photo Friday : Work snaps...

Had a little bit of fun yesterday snapping some product shots for my lovely boss lady. Among her many talents she makes these beads from hand blown Venetian glass. Her original post is here. There was this perfect little spot in front of the window where the light was just divine.

Bubbles

My Mister snapped this pic of me last weekend. Little Critter and I were blowing bubbles in the back yard. MASSIVE bubbles...

Plum Jam

I have been making this plum jam recipe for several years now and it is dead set YUM!(I got it from taste.com.au and have added a couple of my own notes in pink)

Ingredients

• 1 tsp black peppercorns
• 1 tsp anise seeds
• 6 cloves
• 1/2 cinnamon stick
• 2 dried bay leaves, crumbled
• 2 cups dry red wine
• 1.25kg white sugar
• 2 kg plums (try amber or blood plums), quartered, stoned
• 1/3 cup (80ml) lemon juice

Method
Place a couple of small saucers in the freezer to chill. Place
spices, bay leaves, wine and 1 cup sugar in a large, wide, heavy-based saucepan and stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Bring to the boil then simmer for 10 minutes. Turn off heat and leave to cool. When cool, strain though a fine sieve over a bowl.

Return strained syrup to pan with 1 cup water and plums. Bring to the boil. Cover with a lid and simmer over low-medium heat for 35 minutes. This is where I get the stick blender out and give it a good whiz. I don't like 'lumpy' jam.

Uncover pan. Add lemon juice and remaining sugar. Cook, stirring, until sugar dissolves. Bring to the boil then simmer, uncovered, over medium heat, skimming any scum from top, for 45-50 minutes or until jam jells when tested. To test, place a small spoonful on a chilled saucer then return to freezer for 1 minute. Run your finger through chilled jam; it should be the consistency of honey and wrinkle slightly when pushed. (I use a candy thermometer and just wait till its at 104 degrees)

Once at this stage, pour into hot sterilised jars and seal.

Leather on the wrist...

My latest craftings. Leather wristbands. SO much fun to make. Will def be doing more of these...