green theme

My short blogging absence was the result of that cold coming back and leaving me rather tired and achy. But things seem much better this morning, thank goodness. I'm not very good at resting while sick, and to be honest I don't really have a lot of choice with hubby at work all day, but I find that frequent breaks while doing the everyday jobs, helps get me through. Fittingly it rained all day.

I thought I would share with you a few thrifty finds that I picked up late last week at the op shop and a few more at our local recycling centre, otherwise known as the tip.

From St Vincent de Paul : Green glasses, English bowls and mini dessert moulds. 

From our recycling shop : Old worn book, old verse which is stated as being "Quoted by His Majesty the King in an Empire Broadcast" (sadly the frame is crumbling but I don't have the heart to pull it out), two rustic, handmade pottery pieces that I'm already using for my sewing bits and pieces,  handmade by "Cheryl" as is engraved on the back. Thank you Cheryl, I do appreciate your handiwork. And a beautifully worn, green handled rolling pin.

Well, as I type it seems the cloud is clearing slightly. Wishing you a fine day wherever you are.

weekend moments

On Sunday morning at 10:30 we were still covered in a blanket of frost. This was nothing compared to the whiteness everywhere when we woke up.

But it was warm and cozy indoors

Thyme from the garden and motorbike rides

Clearing out the vegie garden, which was in a sad and sorry state.

 Luca taking a tumble

Just a quiet one for us. Some time spent with family. A meal out. Things done at home.
How was your weekend?

weekend links

 

weekend links

a natural skincare tip that really works (tried and tested by moi)

free downloadable art.. and now my printer is nearly out of ink!

fun girls dress tutorial with knitwear inspiration

school holiday boredom? These downloadable buildings kept the kids busy for hours.

this week

This week, our second week of the school holidays, we have been :-

Making paper aeroplanes from online tutorials

and flying them...some were never seen again

photo by Julia

taking a bit of winter indoors

bunch of sticks picked by Luca
though the hubby asked why were there sticks in the house? As he did his paper work under the sticks he said he felt like he was working in a forest

poring  over wool swatches... even the kids joined in

playing boxes

 

and working on consignment items. A little bit here and there.

It has been extra cold here of late, which has meant a great deal (too much?) of time spent indoors. Boredom has begun to set in a little, so I think a little outing is in order very soon. I had such a lovely time with all the kids home last week, but unfortunately this week has deteriorated somewhat and has been quite challenging. Sometimes a change of scenery is required, if only for a few hours.

clothing renovations

Since Violet was born I seem to have gone through an absolute multitude of body suits. They seem to fit her for a few days before they are outgrown. I suspect the bulk of the cloth nappy plays quite a part in that. So instead of hauling these two off to the op shop, I thought I'd give them a quick makeover instead. And besides, I am rather partial to the leaves and roses prints.

So I cut them off just above the leg seam.

 Then I used the serger stitch on my machine to give a slightly ruffled look to the hem. An overlocker would be better for this, and the funny thing is I do have one. I'm just suffering from overlocker fear. Threading that thing makes me want to break into a cold sweat.

Speaking of unwanted clothing, I also had two tops from my pregnancy that never fit very well anyway. So I modified the pants pattern from Simple Sewing for baby, making them more into a roomy legging style,  leaving the bottom hems on the tops to become the hem on the baby pants.

Four very quick new-from-old wardrobe additions.

a touch of blue

turquoise

teal

cyan

aqua

duck egg

azure

Loving all the shades of blue right now, but I do think it has always been my favourite colour.

Hoping this Wednesday is a good one for you.

a week of food

The foodie things we have enjoyed this week...

garlic butter - perfect for using up stale bread

trying to remember to soak oats the night before (rolled oats, water and a dash of apple cider vinegar)

to make porridge.. in my books best served with full cream milk, honey and yoghurt

Luca's crackers and cheese

Pumpkin scones

orange cake with ricotta icing

 snacking ... gouda cheese, carrot and fennel

no knead bread with baked beans

cabbage, carrot and red onion salad dressed with a vinaigrette of olive oil, vinegar, sea salt and maple syrup

 ***

Thank you so much for all your get well wishes yesterday. I'm almost feeling back to normal and Violet seems to be on the mend. Hope you are all well.