The end of the year

Photo courtesy of one of our Christmas guests, Mascha

The lead up to Christmas was more than manic, I got a wee bit of crafty time but not nearly enough. I'm so enjoying the post-xmas relaxation. We have had little planned and we are just spending some quality family time in between shift work and catching up with friends. 

My little one enjoying the atmosphere of Christmas Eve

We had a lot of visitors over Christmas, Towbee held up well as a spare bedroom.

I made a few goodies, Rhubarb Cordial, especially nice with sparkling water and a splash of Gin!

 

Xmas gifts

 

I mad the incredibly easy Mallowpuff Xmas puddings for the creche (daycare) teachers in the week before Christmas. I did manage to make a few for myself as well....

And it's finally started being beach time again, so far summer hasn't really hit. But it's still warm enough to head out there (maybe not today though - the weather is horrid)

One great thing this summer is out passionfruit. We have never managed to grow it sucessfully before - it's never been established before the frosts hit, the new spot for it must be perfect as we have a bumper crop on there. I can't wait until they are ready.

The chickens are doing a few odd things, what's with the size difference here. I think have one chook that thinks she is a Quail - such a teeny tiny egg.

I did attempt to make Elderflower champagne for Xmas day but unfortunately it wasn't a success. I fiddled with it too much and some bacteria got in. I'll make it again shortly but this time the quality control officer (my husband) will be in charge of the actual brewing process as he's better at it. I'll show it off when it works next time.

Well I hope the end of the year treats you well, I'm reflecting on the past year and thinking of what plans to put in place for the next twelve months. See you all in 2012.

It's starting to feel a lot like Christmas

It's finally the end of the week. A long busy week and one where I feel like I have achieved very little. Usually I have no problems with being a working Mum but this time of year (School and Creche events/trips/requests) and the busy time at work it's a weeny bit stressful. But it's nothing that won't feel better in two weeks :)

 
So some craftiness is my therapy. Loads of yummy bright yarns from far away (Stylecraft DK multi colour pack is the majority of the yarn in these photos)

and a cute vintage pattern that I dream of making but I know my little one would never wear it.

Homemade play-doh is always a great stress release for myself and the girls.

Yesterday was the first beach trip of the summer, pity the little ones missed out as it was a school trip, we sure had some fun that day. Treasure Hunts, kids laughing at the adults gingerly heading into the sea (it was a little cold for my liking!), a great group of kids and a fabulous bunch of parent helpers to share the day with. We are lucky at our country school to being able to share these experiences with a great crowd.

 I belong to a small very casual book group (a group of mums from the school) where we love to chat about a few books, eat some yummy treats, have the odd glass of wine and loads of cups of tea. We had our end of year do in my caravan on Wednesday. Towbe sure looked pretty all decked out. Yummy cake that one of the girls brought along too.

Have a great weekend, I hope you all have a nice fun filled one. I'm hopefully going to get the Christmas shopping finished. Fingers crossed!

xxxx Kylie

Wonderful weekend

A weekend full of wonderful treats - I was so spoilt by my darling friend, Leah. Gosh I am so lucky. Lots of laughter, shopping, crochet, jewellery making, cafes (Martha's Pantry was a real highlight) and of course, lots of talking!

I found some fabulous goodies on our op shop trips - including the perfect dress, and I was lucky to get a wonderful kitch tray for the caravan - made from a 70's puzzle - at a craft show (The Knack).

I also had a real treat with driving Leah's classic car - I can't believe she let me. It is the cutest bright yellow Fiat Bambina, and I must have looked a right sight grinding the gears and giggling until tears streamed down my face!

We had fun comparing our ripple blankets...

And we made some great new rings and necklaces. I've got some further supplies and have been busy making a few more goodies for Birthday and Christmas pressies. 

It's a busy time of year still, I'm not getting much time in front of the computer for fun, it's all work work work unfortunately. So I am here, but not posting much.

Roll on Christmas!!

Have a great week

Kylie xxxx

Composure

Too busy. Busy at work, busy at home, busy with school activities. Tensions are a bit wrought - the girls need a little bit of a rest, I feel like I need to get off this carousel ride for a little while.....


I need to organise life (and the children), finish the Xmas shopping, make a few pressies, and re-compose myself a little.

See you all soon xxx Kylie

Sunday sweetness

 Why am I still making hats when it's nearly summer? I just can't get enough of them. This one is from Ravelry called Autumn Slouch

I've read so many recipes over the last few years (mainly on American blogs) that use or call for Graham Crackers - even the children have been asking what Graham Crackers are (thanks to US kids shows) but they aren't something that I have ever seen on the shelves in NZ. So I found a recipe this morning to make my own.

I filled them with chocolate buttercream and they were a delight. I have no idea if they are anything close to authentic but they are pretty nice!

I don't have much more to show you on the Ripple Blanket as I have been busy making Christmas pressies, but I can't post them here as I know a few of my wonderful family read my posts ;) I can show a wee taggie blanket/playmat that I have made for a small person though.

It's been a busy day of baking, playing, housework, sewing - but I also got in a wee bit of peaceful time as we have pulled the caravan out near the house (in preparation for summer getaways) and the girls are using it as an extra playroom. Fabulous! They played schools and shops out there for a good couple of hours today before they had any tiffs ;)  I love sneaking up on them to see what they are doing - scrabble classwork with slightly interestingly spelled All Blacks names (the rugby obsession is not fading).

I also had a beautiful wee surprise in the mail this week, I sent something to a lovely reader a few weeks ago after she asked about something I'd made, and I was so touched to know that she had appreciated it - she sent me the most beautiful handcrafted items. Shirley, thank you so much - the sachet in hanging in my wardrobe, the pot mat is very handy in the kitchen and the Pin Cushion - wow I was so excited by that (it's the gorgeous apple below) was exactly what I needed.

I have dreadful hayfever at the moment - the pollen count is very high. I don't react well to OTC drugs (antihistamines) even the non-drowsy ones make me drowsy, so I used medicated eye drops, homeopathic allergy spray, inhalations of Eucalyptus and Lavender, Peppermint teas and try to stay inside when I'm really bad, but I'm still struggling. Do any of you wonderful people out there have any good suggestions???

Anyway I must get these children to bed and then get the hook out again.

Have a wonderful week all xxxx  Kylie

Such Fun!

I've started a Ripple - and I'm loving it!!!! Using Lucys Neat Ripple Pattern I'm doing a pattern of 7 (I think) colours, and it's going to be a blanket for my big girls bed. It's such a relaxing little thing and I'm loving how fast it is growing.

I don't know how many Miranda (BBC programme)  fans there are out there but as I'm standing in the pouring rain at my elder daughters Agriculture Day at School (Lamb and Calf Club) today all I could think of was Miranda's Mum saying "Such Fun" (I know a couple of you will get that).....

Anyway, we didn't do so well in the ribbon stakes (although she did get one for Merit) but it was a good experience (including standing in the rain for hours). Cool little crafts done in class  - vegetable animals, flower arrangements, decorated biscuits and so on.

Righty-ho, back to the ripples.

Have a great weekend  xxxxx Kylie

Granny Goodness

It's finished. The Giant Granny Blanket for #2 child. She loves her snuggle rug - great for in the mornings that are still a little cooler. And of course it will be at home in the caravan as well.

It's lovely weather again, I even found two ripe tomatoes in the garden and I haven't even planted any yet! (It was a rogue self seeded plant that had survived the winter somehow).

I've started on a bit of Christmas Shopping and also Christmas Crafting. Check out the cute Tutu I'm making for a small family member (not my little one though as she won't wear skirts!)

Yummy Moro Bar Muffins (thanks Leah for the recipe x x ) They hit the spot for afternoon tea a few days ago.

My husband works shift work so I spend many evenings on my own, tonight once the girls were in bed I thought I deserved a little treat. French Vanilla Ice Cream and Homemade Caramel sauce.So divine!

Caramel Sauce

1/2 cup brown sugar
1/8 cup water
1-2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup cream (I only had lite cream so it's a little thin)
pinch of salt if desired (makes it a yummy salted caramel sauce)

Gently heat water and sugar. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Add butter. Cook for a few mins until bubbly (but watch carefully as it can catch and burn). Add Cream - mix and then cook for another minute or two. Leave to cool (or pour hot over ice cream). It's a runny sauce that I make - not a thick one- you could thicken it as desired.



Enjoy x