Family Fun

 Fun family day on Saturday just gone, we took off down to a little region about an hour south of home and did the touristy thing. Matakana Markets were fab (including the crochet and cushion stall below - had to sneak a wee photo), so many yummy things to eat, lots of things to look at, including ducks which were the main attraction for the girls (see above) and a really lively atmosphere.

I got myself a wee treat while at the market, a cutesy vintage sewing box. It needs a bit of restoration work, including a wooden handle again, a few holes to be plugged, take off the gnarly lock and I'll put some knobs back on. A good sand and re-stain and it should look fab. I've always wanted one!

 

There is only so much shopping the other half can cope with though, so we spent a few hours at the beach. Goat Island was the first stop - big girl and Dad went snorkeling while little one and I sat on beach in the rain. We moved onto Mathesons Bay and it was magic. Pontoon to swim out to, mostly deserted beach. Kids had a ball!!

So after a day of slacking (relaxing really) I got busy making some Tomato Relish on Sunday. It is the best relish I've EVER made. More to be made next weekend!

No crochet progress, should hopefully have a wee ta-dah moment soon though. The hook is busy in the meantime.

Have a good remainder of the week xx Kylie

Crochet in the Caravan

Camping, well caravanning went well. Towbee was a star - no leaks (mind you there was no rain luckily), the bed was comfy and the girls didn't mind sleeping in the awning. Only thing we really need is to buy some outside sun shelter as it gets a bit hot inside during the day.

The beach was stunning, loads of fun outside activities - swimming, fishing, kayaking, shellfish gathering (Tuatuas), walking, shell collecting, and of course sand creations. The girls had a blast but they were so tired (and a wee bit tetchy) by the end of it that it was good to come home - with beach souvenirs of course!

I got a little crochet done, making good progress on the slow going Claudia Scarf (4ply with a 3mm hook). I think next time (although this will look fabulous I'm sure) I would do in 8ply with less repeats. I'm all about quick gratification at the moment.

I haven't done very much on the Ripple blanket lately, it's calling me back though as the colours are too lovely to resist.

I came home to a bunch of bananas that we'd left here and they were well past their best, so banana cakes were straight on the go. One for work morning tea and one for us. Of course they had the obligitory Chocolate Icing on them. Mmmmm delicious.

A quiet weekend is on the cards this weekend, a quick catchup with some family and then pottering around the garden and home.



Oh, before I go I want to thank the lovely Sandra at Chaos, Kids, Crochet and Cake for the Leibster blogger award she gave to me. The Leibster award is to be given to Bloggers with less than 200 followers, "Leibster" meaning 'Dearest', 'Beloved' or 'Favourite'. All the blogs I read have a lot of followers so I don't really have any to pass onto but I really would love to pass one onto the following (not sure if she is quite to 200 yet).

Becs at bornagain-creations

I hope you are all having a lovely week.

Kylie x

Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows

The rain has stayed away, my anti-rain dance must have worked. It looks like it'll stay clear for another week or so at least. Finally it's Summer. So in preparation we have been packing the caravan for our upcoming holiday. Don't you love how there are little compartments for every item in the cupboards.

I got a couple of little gems at the op shop the other day. A brand new set of Cath Kidston handcreams was a must have. I don't use fragranced handcreams usually (I make my own as I react to shop brought ones) but these were to cute to pass by. Must have been discarded by someone who hasn't found the Kidston love yet.

The other gem was a vintage crochet magazine. Love it!

There are a few patterns that I would use....

And a few that I think the other half probably wouldn't appreciate too much....

Don't you love the look of this one ;)

And this one cracked me up, written in a different time with saying that it will look "gay in blue and white stripes".

I bottled the monster beetroot this weekend. We have tons and tons of jars but I'm the only one who eats it. I think I will have to take much of it into work and see if they want some.

I also need some marrow recipes if you have any - we have a few of those too!

Have a great week all. x Kylie

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