Vikki's blog

Life in the jet lagged lane

2012-01-24T04:30:00.003+02:00

Well we are back from our holiday almost a week now and I'm really struggling with jet lag this time, Ive tried forcing myself to sleep early, forcing myself to stay awake till late but no matter what I'm SLOW and tired all day and bouncing around like the energizer bunny from 2am!

So here I am at 3am baking muffins and hoping my children won't wake up from the smell, Ive got all the kitchen appliances humming along as they wash, dry and clean ... and (for this season) when everyone else wakes up the house will be immaculate, there will be no laundry pile, hot muffins and tea/coffee will be waiting and I will appear to be the perfect housewife!
Its just as well though, because we have guests arriving in a few hours!

Earlier I was searching from my bran muffin recipe that I have used for 12 years and its gone, I did a huge clear out last year and I must have thrown it out. So off to the Internet where I found this recipe, and I actually like it more ... because you type in how many muffins you want to make and it automatically adjusts the ingredient quantities for you!

Here is a picture of Ben and I at Daytona beach a month ago, it looks sunny but it was SO cold! We were driving to Titusville (near NASA) and we saw the sign for Daytona beach so we took a detour ... it was a lovely day!

more garden pictures

2012-01-13T01:55:00.002+02:00

All these garden pictures are from the theme parks, I noticed that the plantings changed from Christmassy red & white to spring colours like yellows and pinks during our visit, when I asked a Disney cast member about it he said he arrives at work in the morning and find all the gardens replanted! The replant overnight!

Pansys in orange, yellow & white

Christmas hanging baskets

Colours I would never put together!

this was still planted up with Christmassy poinsettias

pink geraniums

And I loved this novel Christmas tree, its a frame with all these plants inside it (I didn't get close enough to see if there were pots inside, but I'm assuming there were) It has some kind of Christmas/pine tree plants, hens & chickens & poinsettias ... made such a statement!

pink geraniums and white alyssum

Don't you just love big round fountains!

flower and gardens in Florida's theme parks

2012-01-12T03:32:00.000+02:00

We have loved our long holiday and are coming home next week, I wanted to show you some of the gardens and flowers I have seen this last week, I'm so inspired!

New Years Eve 2011

2012-01-01T01:34:00.003+02:00

Its new year's eve again, they seem to arrive faster each year!
Last year I shared some goals with you

•read more ... YES just finished my 34th book this morning!
•garden more ... NO didn't do too well with this one
•try more new recipes ... YES tried lots of new recipes!
•keep my freezer stocked with some ready made meals ... some weeks I did well, these were the weeks I really needed it so YES!
•say "no" more ... YES and it was hard.

This year I have other goals and dreams, one is to stop and enjoy each moment.
Wishing you all a wonderful 2012 where all your dreams come true

Christmas trees

2011-12-25T03:12:00.000+02:00

Here are some of the Christmas trees that we have seen on our trip, I love the decorations and how each tree is different.

At the Natural History museum in Washington

At the Natural History Museum in Washington (close up of decorations below)

This was at Capital Hill in Washington

At Nasa in Florida

Wishing you all a blessed Christmas.

New York - part 2

2011-12-11T15:04:00.001+02:00

Saw the ice skating at Bryant Park

"Gray's Papaya" was featured on the tv show "Diners Drive ins and Dives"

Here is the shop front that they used as the little bookshop in "Youv'e got Mail"

The upper west side is lovely

Horse & carriage in central park

New York baby!

2011-12-10T13:59:00.001+02:00

We arrived safely to New York after about 24 hours of travel, the pictures are a bit jumbled up.

I loved this view of the taxi's - this is the image you always see of NY

Here is the new "one world tower" (building under construction) the twin towers were here, its a significant place for us, Alyssa was born the morning it came down.

Times Square is so bright at night, it feels like daytime!

Breakfast at Dunkin Donuts was such a treat, especially as it was 0°C outside!

The children took photos of all the cakes on display at Dunkin Donuts

We went on a boat tour and saw the Statue of Liberty - amazing!

Times square is huge, the buildings are so tall and there are thousands of people taking pictures and walking around.

This was a lego sculpture in Toys-R-Us at Times Square

This was also in Toys-R-Us, this giant dinosaur moves and roars and had all the little kids running away crying!

We saw these window displays on a Holiday lights tour that we did, they are so pretty and detailed!

The streets of New York are something familiar, you have seen them in all the movies, but also something so unreal ... its loud and has a sweet smell in the air, like a combination of hot dogs, coffee and donuts. And there are so many people!

Despite the economy, there is a resilience in the people of NY, our taxi driver had a masters degree in programming, lost his job and now drives a taxi every day to earn a living. Our bus driver pulled over for an old man running for the bus at 10pm ... gratefully he said "thank you" as he swiped his card and took his seat, he was dressed for work. One of the tour guides was from Senegal, about 40 years old, he is studying in NY and works as a tour guide in his spare time to earn money for him and his family.

This is an amazing place.

Christmas things

2011-12-02T07:47:00.003+02:00

The Christmas gifts are done, just got the last few at home waiting to be given out, I thought I would show you some.

First, I got these bags a few months ago and thought they were stunning (I just love checks!) - but now when I need a bag they are not very Christmassy! So I clipped on a rose and I think it looks great- not too festive but just enough.

The roses are hair clips that I have been making so this is what it looks like from the back.

Then I found this CUTE embroidery design at http://www.emblibrary.com/ and stitched it onto some dish cloths last night ... these are perfect for a few friends of mine that don't have domestic help around the house!
If you cant see it it says "if you can read this DRY THE DISHES"

I was decorating bags last week and needed a gift tag, but struggled to find something that worked with the rose pins, so I created this one.
Its 2 holly leaves cute out of cardboard (I glued some pretty scrapbooking paper onto cardboard) then you can just write the name on the leaf. I just loved these!

This is what it looks like in orange & yellow, I did these for the knitting group last week

Here is the template if you want to make some of your own (click the image to get a full size view)

After I knitting some gloves for my children last week, they saw these gloves I finished at knitting group on Tuesday and they all wanted these instead, so Ive been knitting away trying to finish them.
Im still finishing up a blue pair, they are very quick and easy. I made the ribbing different on these 2 so there will be no confusion about who owns which glove.

sunflower fingerless gloves

2011-11-26T06:15:00.000+02:00

You can get the free pattern here I knit mine on 2 needles using sock yarn - these are for Alyssa

odds and ends

2011-11-24T15:54:00.000+02:00

Shew, what a week!

Alyssa's prize giving was great she was awarded academic colours and was in the top ten of her grade - we are so proud! Ive been doing lost property at the school and its been raining - wonderful for the garden!
There is lots of cleaning and organising getting done and I finished up the last of the Christmas presents, the last 2 boxes get posted on Monday, next up is the paperwork ... so much of it!

But to break the monotony I brewed a pot of coffee this morning, that smell takes me back to when I was 15 years old waitressing in a coffee shop. I love that smell! Anyway it was just the motivation I needed and I whipped up a yummy loaf of spicy raisin bread... you should smell my house now!

We leave in less than 2 weeks and we are very excited about our trip, Ive been watching "extreme couponing" and been very inspired, so my printer has been working very hard printing out all the useful coupons I can find. I wish they did couponing in South Africa, I'm sure I would be great at it!

Happy Thanksgiving to my American friends :)

this week

2011-11-21T06:04:00.001+02:00

This week I finished some brown gloves, no pictures as they were wrapped as soon as they were finished.

Ben is better, he had a sinus infection with high fevers and severe headaches last week, after a second trip to the Dr he got cortisone ... which he had a very bad reaction to and on Thursday night he was vomiting up blood, so he ended up at the hospital on a drip. It was very stressful, blood tests on Thurs showed it was viral.
I took him (medicated) to his grade 1 party on Friday, where he met his teacher for next year and his classmates. He was so happy because his best friend, from playschool last year, is in his class! We have 6 gr 1 classes with about 30 children in each class so it is AMAZING that they are in the same class! He was a LOT better by sat morning.

Its raining this morning, its nice. The water bill has been ridiculously high so I have not been watering my garden for the last 3 months, and last week our area was put on water restrictions so the rain will definitely refresh the garden!

a bit quiet

2011-11-16T21:10:00.001+02:00

Yes my blog has been a bit quiet lately, and I'm struggling to find time to update it.

We are going away in a few weeks so Ive been finishing up presents and posted most of them today. Also been trying to sort through cupboards and empty out the pantry, and do a proper spring clean before we go (I love coming home to a clean house)

Ive been helping at the school for a few hours each week with the lost property, A is writing exams and B has been home sick for a few days. It doesn't seem like much but it all adds up!

Finished some lovely white fingerless gloves, 3 baby hats and a phone sock in the last couple of days... still feel like there is so much more to do though!

Oh and Sos's car was returned last week, 9 weeks after the accident!

Muffin Monday - by Ben

2011-11-14T19:35:00.000+02:00

So Ben (6) baked today ... not muffins but a box of Spider-man cupcakes!

entrepreneur's day

2011-11-13T10:09:00.000+02:00

Alyssa's grade 4 entrepreneur's day went well on Friday, it was from 8-10 am and we sold our last item at 10am.

She has been knitting this bear for about 6 months, so we were really happy that it was the second item to sell!

She also made these wooden bracelets, and even the boys were buying them!

We made some fun girly charm bracelets in bright colours

And some necklaces with metal heart charms, we made boy necklaces with shark tooth charms and black leather cords.

She is so happy that she has earned some spending money for Christmas ... and I'm so glad its over!

Juneberry Shawl

2011-11-06T07:23:00.003+02:00

It was going to be a Christmas gift for someone else, but I finished and and its beautiful and I LOVE IT... it brings out the green in my eyes ... so I'm keeping it! Merry Christmas to me!

I started it in April, took a long break because it was so difficult, and then spent the last month finishing it. It has been the hardest thing I have ever knit ... but the end result is worth it.

Here is the pattern, and here are some close-ups, sorry about the colour variations, its a sage green

Olive Hummus

2011-11-05T20:55:00.000+02:00

We have been buying hummus lately, I don't usually eat it, but the rest of the family does ... well today I decided it was time to try making it ... it was SO EASY and its delicious! Here is the recipe I used, its a blend of a few recipes.

If you haven't tried hummus before its a middle eastern dip or spread made from cooked, mashed chickpeas.

Olive Hummus

410g tin of chickpeas -drain & rinse
200g bag of Pimiento stuffed olives (100g drained) drain
1 tsp minced garlic
4 Tbs olive oil
3 Tbs lemon juice
1/2 tsp dried basil
4 Tbs water
salt a pepper to taste

Liquidise all the ingredients (I used the water to loosen the mixture in the food processor)
Serve with crackers and vegetable crudites

(picture to follow)

2011-11-02T17:09:00.001+02:00

still here, been very busy finishing things - Christmas gifts! And tidying ... does that ever end?
Sos's car is still not fixed (8 weeks now) so we have been juggling one car for the last 2 days, today the insurance gave him another rental so that makes life easier.
I'll try to pop in later this week and put up some pictures - October was a bad month for blogging - hopefully November will be better!

new items added to my shop

2011-10-27T08:00:00.000+02:00

waffle rings - toasted waffles with a dollop of cream and a slice of fruit ... all in polymer clay! Emily is my hand model ... I used my hands first and was horrified by how old they look!

number row counters

gold drawstring bag

gold rose/flower hair clips

Its taken me ages to photograph and list these items, but now they are up.

After I have made about 200 items for the school entrepreneur's day we got a letter saying they are allowed to sell only 40 items ... so Ive got a lot of gifts and stock for next year!

bracelets

2011-10-26T08:00:00.003+02:00

lemon and lime cupcake charm bracelet

love to craft charm bracelet

love to knit charm bracelet

french pastry charm bracelet

coffee in the garden charm bracelet

Armor of God charm bracelet - icy pink

As you can see I have been busy, all these charm bracelets have been added to my etsy store

pumpkin baby blanket

2011-10-25T08:00:00.001+02:00

I thought the blanket colours looked like pumpkins but Sos says its more like carrots!

I still want to do an edging (I ran out of yarn) but technically its done (except for weaving in the ends)
I really enjoyed making this one.

Muffin Monday - Apple and Cinnamon muffins

2011-10-24T17:28:00.000+02:00

Today Ive made Apple and Cinnamon muffins, my recipe is from Snacks and Treats for Sustained Energy [Paperback] - Gabi Steenkamp &Jeske Wellmann

I cant share that recipe, but I found another one of their recipes here if you want to make some low GI muffins of your own. I have been freezing the ones I make, and taking out as many as we need every day.
The only thing with these muffins is that they don't rise as high as regular muffins, otherwise they have a lovely flavour and are moist.

I have so many things to show you so hopefully this week I can catch up on some blog posts.

in the garden

2011-10-18T09:01:00.000+02:00

I'm loving the garden at the moment, even though its been quite dry the flowers are all blossoming. I haven't done anything in the garden for ages so its a real treat to be rewarded with all these flowers!

I've been doing a lot of housework and cooking, knitting and beading, school stuff and life. Half the Christmas presents are wrapped and ready to go, and it feels great to be organised.

2011-10-14T09:04:00.000+02:00

Things are going well, just busy.
I finished some bracelets, started a blanket, finished a baby jersey but just havent stopped to take pictures.
The children are back to school, and it feels like the last 8 weeks are going to be jam packed!

Christmas Lamb

2011-10-12T08:19:00.000+02:00

I am making quite a few Christmas gifts this year, I finished up some fingerless gloves over the weekend, they match a cowl I made a while ago, and here is a Christmas lamb (free pdf pattern here)

springtime finds in the garden

2011-10-07T17:37:00.000+02:00

Countdown to Christmas

2011-10-06T09:03:00.001+02:00

Well I went past a different grocery store yesterday and they have all their Christmas decorations up too! So its time ... to get organised for Christmas!

http://christmas.organizedhome.com/ has a great selection of printable calenders, planners and checklists

more charm bracelets

2011-10-04T10:23:00.001+02:00

Armor of God charm bracelet - icy blue

Let it snow charm bracelet

Armor of God charm bracelet - chocolate by the sea

new bracelets added to my shop

2011-10-03T21:08:00.001+02:00

Armor of God charm bracelet - strawberry chocolate

Christmas charm bracelet

O Christmas tree charm bracelet (fall colours)

October 1st

2011-10-01T16:26:00.002+02:00

Wow the days are just flying by, I was at the grocery store earlier on this week and they have their Christmas decorations up already! Big plastic Santa's are perched on benches and next to boxes of Christmas crackers ... good thing I like Christmas ... but 3 long months ahead for those who don't!

The children all did very well this term and brought home excellent school reports - now we have a week off just to relax and catch our breaths again. A friend from school sent a goodie bag home with one of the children yesterday, it had popcorn and fancy chocolate and cute glow-in-the-dark glasses and bunny ears... it was so special and just made me smile.

We had other friends over for dinner last night, they are 15 years older than us, and their children are 15 years older than ours ... just made me realise how quickly time passes and the season I'm in now is going to be over much quicker than I'd like.

No pictures for the moment, I still feel like I'm catching my breath from the last 2 weeks of running around.

2011-09-29T07:05:00.000+02:00

I have really been enjoying the painting, its good to get creative with another meduim. School closes on Friday for a week and Im really looking forward to the break. Its been so busy here and when I think back I cant even remember half of what Ive done!

painting

2011-09-27T19:56:00.000+02:00

Things are really busy around here, today I have been tidying, organising and painting ... Ive had a couple of canvasses sitting around here waiting for inspiration and today I felt inspired.

baby sleeping bag

2011-09-24T08:00:00.002+02:00

You can find the pattern for this "kick bag" on ravelry here.

I knit mine in Opal Rainforest sock yarn, used a 3.5mm needle and cast on 120sts. My ribbing is also a 2x2 instead of the twisty one in the pattern.

This bag fits over the newborns shoulders, and acts just like a sleeping bag, as the baby gets older it becomes a "kick bag" and the ribbing goes around the baby's waist and only their legs are inside the bag.

Here's a picture of the bird that this colourway was based on.

pink doilies

2011-09-23T08:00:00.001+02:00

I finished these earlier on in the month, both patterns are free just click the link.
I used 3.25mm hook and a cotton blend yarn (and I haven't sewn my ends in yet)

Multiple choice doily

Hearts Desire Doily

#4

2011-09-22T08:55:00.000+02:00

Baby jersey #4 ... I'm getting there!

I love the facecloth lollipop! I bought mine but here is a link to show you how to make them yourself

I also found instructions for these great looking "Towel Shakes"

something fun

2011-09-21T16:49:00.000+02:00

They played a practical joke on Julia Roberts - its very cute!

My week has been full of home affairs, knitting group, Drs appointments and I cant see it slowing down until Sunday ... I will be back soon!

Cranberry scones

2011-09-19T08:00:00.002+02:00

Cranberry Scones (makes 8)

2 cups (500ml) flour
1/2 tsp (2.5ml) salt
4 tsp (2ml) baking powder
2 Tbsp (30ml) margarine
1 cup (250ml) dried cranberries
3/4 cup (180ml) milk

mix dry ingredients, rub in margarine
mix in cranberries
cut in milk
roll in a ball and flatten like a pizza, slice into 8 wedges
bake on a greased baking sheet at 200°C (390°f) for 10 minutes

delicious served with jam and cream or grated cheese!

sewing sewing sewing ...

2011-09-18T15:49:00.000+02:00

more bags listed in my shop, getting the Christmas ones listed early this year!

more project bags

2011-09-17T12:42:00.000+02:00

they are all fruity!

#3

2011-09-17T12:40:00.000+02:00

Baby jersey #3

baby knits

2011-09-15T07:15:00.000+02:00

This week I'm knitting baby jerseys/cardigans. I have 9 baby gifts to knit up before Dec, so here are the first 2. They are so cute and will fit 0-3months

Hair Bands

2011-09-14T08:00:00.002+02:00

I'm so happy with these hair bands, I hot glued my gold flowers on top.

They look so pretty, I have made 2 extra for my girls, and the others are going to be sold at Alyssa's entrepreneur's day.

I wish I wore pretty things like this!

project / drawstring bags

2011-09-13T15:57:00.001+02:00

new bags added to my shop with lots more to come!

have to show you a close-up of this fabric!

Mooncake Monday

2011-09-12T08:31:00.001+02:00

Look at the beautiful mooncakes we received from our Chinese friend, they are wrapped so beautifully you don't want to open them! Each little printed wrapped reminds me of old fashioned seed packets and I love the little fan on the top!
Inside are little white square biscuity cakes (this brand tastes like shortbread) with a fruity filling, you can read about mooncakes here

Birthday Time!

2011-09-11T08:00:00.002+02:00

Alyssa is TEN! I just cant believe how fast 10 years has flown by!

These 35 cupcakes were for her class at school, the icing said "lemon" ... and it is this bright! I imagined it to be lighter maybe more pastel? But it ended up being super sunshine bright - like someone dropped a highlighter into the mix! They are decorated with little flowers and edible glitter ... which will hopefully distract everyone from their luminous appearance!

heart doily

2011-09-10T08:00:00.002+02:00

I just LOVED this pattern when I saw it, it is so cute and quick to make up! (I still have to weave in the ends)

You can find the free pattern here

more roses

2011-09-09T08:00:00.002+02:00

I was thinking that I would love to make some gold roses, and when I was sewing up bags the other day I found a meter of this gold satin! So I whipped up another 50 roses ... I just LOVE these ones!

Don't you think they would look stunning as serviette rings? Or sewn onto a cushion? Or sewn onto little girls headbands? Or on a bag ... my brain is just BUZZING with ideas!

heart swap

2011-09-08T08:00:00.001+02:00

I took part in a heart swap recently and I got such a lovely parcel! Inside was a beautiful green tray, the heart is made with beads! And it has a glassy surface over the top

And some lovely crocheted heart coasters, there were also some cute cookies - but they got eaten up VERY quickly!

And a pretty card ... I'm so inspired now!

life

2011-09-07T08:00:00.000+02:00

I have been finding snatches of time to craft, its been lovely.

I have needed it ...

Our household has had 10 days of illnesses (gastro, sinus infections, other infections) all three children are now on antibiotics and Sos was involved in a car accident last night - the car was towed away but he is fine.

All this reminds me to take life one day at a time ...

Red roses for Christmas!

2011-09-06T08:00:00.000+02:00

I made these lovely satin red roses, with brooch's/pins on the back - perfect for pinning onto your clothes, handbags, skirts, around the home ... They are perfect for Christmas!
And EVERY order from my shop between now and December will get one as a FREE GIFT!

(the colour is darker and richer in real life)

Muffin Monday - Low GI Choc Chip

2011-09-05T08:00:00.006+02:00

Muffin Monday is back ... low GI style!

I used the "choc chip muffin" recipe from Snacks and Treats for Sustained Energy (its available on amazon as well) but when I searched online I found a similar recipe here - I used regular chocolate chips.

And instead of baking them in a muffin pan I used a mini loaf tin. Its very cute and the muffins are very good ... and are just over 600kj per serving.

PS Ben now has the gastro from last week so he is at home today ... but he is coping with it so well, just shows how fast these children are growing up.

more flowers

2011-09-02T16:46:00.000+02:00

Here are some more flowers because:

they are pretty
it is spring
they make me happy
and I have nothing else to show you! (except an empty sink and laundry basket!)

We are all better from the gastro from earlier on in the week and I'm cleaning (a lot) Spring does that to you! But its great because the weather is hot and windy so the washing is drying very fast on the washing line.

I didn't knit socks last month, I tried to finish a pair but I got distracted! But I will try to catch up this month, I have some stunning sock wool that I need to knit up (I really want to see how the stripes will develop!)

Happy Spring Day!

2011-09-01T08:00:00.005+02:00

Its Spring!

I have been cleaning and took a moment to find all the pretty flowers in my garden - such lovely bursts of colour!

still here

2011-08-30T16:16:00.000+02:00

we had such a busy weekend ... and now we have been sick.
I'll be back soon, but Im going back to bed now.

more cell phone socks

2011-08-26T07:37:00.001+02:00

Just love how these are turning out!

seeds

2011-08-25T08:00:00.001+02:00

I cant believe how fast time seems to fly, my days seem to get shorter and fuller! This week has been one of those weeks and Sos has been away as well which makes it even harder.

Today I'm hoping to spend some time in the garden planting some more seeds, sunflowers, carrots and coriander ... I'm looking forward to the sunflowers the most! They are such happy flowers!

I just love the backs of seed packets ... I don't know what it is about them but I find them so interesting ... I hope you do too!

in the garden

2011-08-23T07:49:00.000+02:00

So here is the first mystery bulb that has started to flower, I think its an Anemone but I'm not sure. I planted about 50 of these - all different colours. There are other bulbs too, but I cant remember what they were either!

And here is the vegetable garden, I'm really surprised that anything lived through that cold! But as you can see there are a lot of rocket to the left and 11 lettuces to the right (1 died)
I'm very impressed! And I'm planning to plant some more veg now that the weather is warming up.

beading

2011-08-22T16:27:00.000+02:00

I have been doing a lot of beading & reading over the last few days.
This bracelet above is full of jasper beads (the picture's a bit blurry cause I took it too early this morning.) It's going to be a Christmas present for a friend.

The weather feels like it is warming up and the bulbs I planted a few months ago are starting to flower - wish I had saved the packets because now I cant remember what they are called! They are beautiful - whatever they are- and I'll put a picture up here in a few days.

Pink Bollywood set (markers & row counter)

2011-08-21T08:16:00.000+02:00

Isn't it lovely! Its a row counter with 6 removable stitch markers at the end ... in vibrant Bollywood colours! I made these up earlier in the week, I have green sets too (although they still need to be photographed) they come in a co-ordinating organza bag.

They are for sale in my etsy store

D's poncho

2011-08-20T08:00:00.004+02:00

Such a cute poncho, I used 3 strands of Elle Jewel yarn held together and went around and around until I ran out of yarn, it was still a little short so I blasted it with the steam iron and it grew by about a third - now its the perfect length!

I crocheted a little flower, sewed a button on the back and buttoned it through one of the crochet holes.
Also crocheted a long cord and wove it through the holes at the neckline so it can be made smaller if necessary

Its for an 8 year old, I made the largest size (c/on 40ch with a 10mm hook)
Literally a 4 hour project :)

You can get the pattern here (I didn't add the curly edge at the bottom)

Oh and in case you havent noticed I have written out some of my patterns and added them to the right hand side of this page--->----> click the link and you can download the pdf's

bracelets

2011-08-19T08:00:00.003+02:00

New bracelets and necklaces added to my shop this week:

Armor of God charm bracelet

Pastry charm bracelet

butterfly sorbet charm bracelet

green butterfly charm bracelet

Rocket

2011-08-18T08:00:00.005+02:00

I have tried to grow Rocket before, but it didnt work. I have a feeling it might have got weeded out because it looks just like a weed!

Anyway a few months ago I had a packet and decided to just throw the whole lot in and see what happened! Well it worked! Even though it feels like we just endured out coldest winter ever - the Rocket grew and look at the crop!

Some of it is going to seed and I'm going to let it, I have heard once you get it seeding in you garden you get a crop every year.

Its lovely in a salad or in a sandwich with cheese or cold meats.

Coughing Ringtone

2011-08-17T08:00:00.001+02:00

So while I was sitting in church on Sunday I heard someones cell phone ringing, and I was thinking about how sometimes even though you are in church (or maybe a meeting) you still want to know that you cell phone is ringing - but without a regular recognisable ringtone.

And I thought it would be very cool to have a cough as a ringtone, cause no-one would even notice ... so I googled and found a great list of coughs - and had a real laugh at some of them ... imagining some of those long phlegmy coughs in a quiet meeting or church service!

Anyway I hope you enjoy them (click here) - and maybe find one for your phone!

Gold Bags

2011-08-16T08:00:00.002+02:00

The sun is out, the weather is warming up and Ive been sewing ... the latest batch are these STUNNING gold bags... I just love the bling and the sparkle ... they feel like Christmas!

Here is a view of the inside ... Im still looking for some nice gold ribbon to add as ties.

And if you are wondering about the artwork in the background, its spray painted art, Sos bought it when he was in San Francisco earlier this year - here is a link to a you tube video of the artist.

No-sew Poncho (almost)

2011-08-15T08:00:00.004+02:00

I love quick and easy no-sew projects! This is a way to reuse some fleece blankets that your children may have out grown.

Go and get a piece of polar fleece, cut it into a square: measure from arm to arm for a long poncho, or from elbow to elbow for a shorter one.

Get a round dinner plate/ side plate for a small child and place it in the middle of your square, draw around it.

Cut out the circle - that's your neck opening! too small? cut the circle a bit bigger. too big? see the end of this tutorial

Now you can fringe the bottom use a piece of tape (any kind) to mark off 5cms (2 inches) of the bottom, this is where you stop cutting! I chopped out the square at the corner.

Cut your fringe all the way around ... remove your tape and there you have one easy poncho!

What if your neck is too big? THIS IS WHERE YOU WILL NEED TO SEW! I threaded a piece of ribbon all the way around the neckline

And there you go, one SUPER CUTE poncho!

no-sew top

2011-08-12T08:00:00.001+02:00

You can find the details here and if you use a stetchy cotton knit/lycra you wont even need to seam it!

Jock

2011-08-11T08:00:00.001+02:00

We went to watch "Jock" the other day. I never watched the original because I always heard about how sad it was, but this was a pleasant surprise. It had lots of adventurous bits, a few scary bits and a happy ending (perfect for kids!)
It was lovely to hear Zulu being spoken and to see the African bushveld animated ... you could almost taste the dust! Even though most of the characters voices were not South African (Donald Sutherland, Helen Hunt, Ted Dansen to name a few) there was a lovely familiar feel to the movie.

Cell Phone socks

2011-08-10T08:00:00.002+02:00

Ive been knitting up cell phone socks, here are 2 ... I used a little packet of tissues to stuff them! Its a little longer and fatter than the average phone.
They are so cute! And use just 10g of sock wool and a few hours each.

Happy Woman's Day

2011-08-09T06:00:00.005+02:00

To all of you ladies living in South Africa - Happy Woman's Day!

(PS as part of "simplify you life week" last week I learned how to schedule my blog posts ... what a great tool that has helped simplify my life!)

seen at the shops

2011-08-08T08:00:00.001+02:00

Look at these lovely chocolate puddings - I saw them at the "Food Lovers Market" the other day.
The base is made of chocolate and then its been filled with some kind of creamy topping and has caramel on the top, doesn't it look delicious!
The pots at the back look like miniature potjiekos pots, complete with little lids! The others are miniature teacups.

Wishy Washy Fishy

2011-08-07T08:00:00.001+02:00

What a cute pattern and so fast too! its a little knitted fish facecloth and its the perfect size for a baby!

You can get the free pattern here she uses acrylic yarn and a 5.5mm needle, but I used my stash of DK cotton (held double) and a 4mm needle.

books, books and more books!

2011-08-06T08:00:00.009+02:00

So its been a while since I last visited the Hospice shop nearby ... like over a year! They have a great bookshop full of second hand books at cheap prices, yesterday I went looking for a specific low GI cookbook but they didn't have it...

Instead they had another book (more useful) written by the same author, "The South African Glycemic Index Guide" which lists South African grocery items (by brand) and what their GI rating is ... its going in my handbag PERMANENTLY!

And then as I perused the shelves I found the kids section where I stocked up on "Mary Kate and Ashley", "the babysitters club", "the pony club", and some other book about 2 sisters struggling to share a room (totally appropriate at this point of our lives!) ... really I was feeling so good at this point ...

And then I went past the self help section and found a Suze Orman finance book and Dr Phil book that I have wanted to read for ages... then I was planning on buying Victoria Osteen and Joyce Meyers' books as ebooks (I had already downloaded the first chapters) and there they were on the shelf ... just waiting for ME!
As I headed toward the till I spotted a Sam Walton biography (founder of Walmart) Since we read the "Walmart Effect" a few years ago we have been fascinated with this man!

I did so well and cant wait to get stuck into them, and the best part ... it cost less that 2 brand new books!

HAPPY "Simplify your Life Week" !

2011-08-05T08:45:00.001+02:00

Did you know that the first week in August is "Simplify your Life Week" ... neither did I!

There are thousands of great websites with ideas of how to simplify your life and hundreds of books ... one of my favourites is Joyce Meyer's 100 ways to simplify your life

So I hope you will join me for the last 2/3 days of this week as I try to simplify!

mini skeins

2011-08-04T10:20:00.001+02:00

I have learnt a new skill this week ... how to twist yarn into hanks/skeins! Such fun and the end result is beautiful!

Here are my sock yarn mini's each skein is 25m long - perfect for adding to your sock yarn blanket, making Christmas ornaments, scarves or maybe some stripes in a pair of socks you are knitting ... the possibilities are endless!

I have listed some on my etsy store and have lots more planned!

I'm also crafting away at a steady pace, making Christmas gifts, working on my 2 blankets ... still haven't got around to setting up the craft room, but the crafty things are slowly migrating upstairs.
Alyssa and I are also working on crafts for her entrepreneurs day at school in October, we are using bright crisp rainbow colours and it is looking so happy!

Today is bright and chilly but I got an email from a friend showing snow scenes from USA and I'm so grateful that its not me and my family stuck behind all that snow! (pictures are from the email)

July's duck socks done!

2011-08-01T15:52:00.000+02:00

I finished the duck socks last night ... they fit so well!
started with 64sts, 5 inch cuff, dec to 60sts after heel.

the dietitian

2011-07-29T12:16:00.003+02:00

One of my children has been to the dietitian to get a diet plan, its good and all of us will have to change our diet at the same time.

But I'm amazed by how things have changed in the last 15 years when I studied home economics at school, there used to be 5 food groups, now there are 3 ... and some vegetables are actually carbohydrates ... did you know that peas, carrots & butternut are classed as carbohydrates?

Well, reading through the menu plan has my mind boggling ... and as I walked up and down the grocery store aisles looking for the low GI cereal I passed boxes of LINDT truffles marked down to a few Rand per box ... I was so tempted to buy a box but I didn't! Instead I bought pro-vitas, more green vegetables and low fat milk.

So, no more baking in this house for a while ... just lean meats, low GI carbs and green veg ... I forgot to ask if the Mommy's chocolate counts as a fruit ... or a carb. And if its a fruit can I have 5-a-day???
:)

update

2011-07-27T17:37:00.001+02:00

My days have been so full that I haven't got around to setting up my craft room that I told you about last week. But I'm hoping to get something done up there in the next few days.

The weather has been icy cold, I blame that for most of my laziness at the moment!

But the bulbs are sprouting and the Jasmine is flowering ... so Spring is coming.

PS. Alyssa was awarded a "top ten academic" badge at school this week, her marks on her school report put her in the top 10 students in her grade, I think there are about 160 children in her grade at school, we are so proud! She gets to wear the badge for the whole term.

Dairy Farm and duck socks

2011-07-25T07:56:00.001+02:00

We went to the Irene Dairy Farm over the weekend (pictures from their website), it was fun for the children to watch the cows being milked, chase the chickens and take a slow walk around. I saw a duck that reminded me of a pair of socks I need to finish.

I didn't get a picture but found something similar online:

And here is my sock, I'm going to try finish the other one this week.

glamour baby cardigan

2011-07-23T09:11:00.001+02:00

What a cute cardigan and so quick! Fits a newborn and was crocheted in Elle pure gold DK (glamour) same as the little dress I did earlier this week, I folded back the collar and sewed it down at the corners.

Pattern can be found here, my adjustments were:
Row 1: DC in 3rd ch from hook and in each of the next 6 chs, (DC, Ch1, DC) in next ch, DC in next 4 ch (for sleeve), (DC, Ch1, DC) in next ch, DC in next 12 chs, (DC, Ch1, DC) in next ch, DC in next 4 ch (for second sleeve), (DC, Ch1, DC) in next ch, DC in last 6 chs; Ch3, turn. (this Ch3 becomes the first st in the next row)

baby things

2011-07-21T10:44:00.000+02:00

This little hat was knit with yarn from a "Shawn's sheep yarn kit" such a fun colourway & very warm!!

This baby dress was crocheted in Elle pure Gold DK colourway "glamour" I just love the feeling of this yarn. And the colour is really beautiful - a rich berry tone.

baby cardigans

2011-07-18T07:57:00.000+02:00

Just finished these two baby cardigans this morning (they needed buttons) they will fit baby's 0-3 months.

The blue one is knit in Elle Kids "periwinkle"

The cream one is knit in Elle Rustica "beige"

2011-07-16T14:14:00.000+02:00

Im still here, sorry I havent posted anything ... the days seem to go faster near the end of school holidays!

We are re-arranging the house, the girls are back to sharing a room and I get the upstairs room as a sewing room. I will organise it in the next few days. But first we are getting the girls room organised, its looking good.

Ben has been to the dentist twice and goes again next week, he has had some fillings done, and has been so brave. He told the dentist that "teegel is like hair gel for your teeth" ... what a funny kid!

My vegetable garden is actually growing dispite the cold! Its the first time Rocket has actually grown for me, I threw in the ENTIRE packet and now I have hundreds of plants! hopefully the rest of the family likes the taste!

Lavender sachets

2011-07-12T11:18:00.000+02:00

Last week I picked lavender flowers from the garden, dried them in a warm oven (after I had cooked the dinner) and sprinkled them with essential oil.

Yesterday I sewed them up and hot glued ribbon roses to the corner with the loop, they are so pretty.

Willie’s Wonky Chocolate Factory

2011-07-09T08:02:00.004+02:00

We loved watching the show "Willie’s Wonky Chocolate Factory" on BBC so I was thrilled to see his chocolate on sale at Woolworths!

The little boxes are sweetened cocoa, so you can eat it ... buts its so bitter!! So we made some into hot chocolate instead - wow it's amazing!!
The cylinder is straight cocoa - so its only for baking or cooking ... anything where you would use cocoa

Opening the box reminded me of the movie "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" with the golden ticket, you get 2 x golden foil wrapped 40g slabs

The cylinder (which you see him make in his TV show) is foil wrapped and smells amazing!
Here is his website

2011-07-05T12:18:00.000+02:00

I have been baking this morning, and look who came to visit! My little Barbet friend, I saw him last week but wasn't quick enough with the camera ... but today I caught him digging for worms

I baked up some crunchies, I used the muesli instead of oats ... and they taste delicious!

The house smells delicious and the weather is so cold ... I also made a double batch of corn fritters (for breakfasts with salsa, bacon & sour cream) and a pineapple upside down cake ... I haven't had one of those in YEARS!

test knitting

2011-07-05T08:29:00.000+02:00

I'm done with the test knit that I was doing (only had to do one sock) but I'd really like to make the other one soon & wear these socks ... I cant quite capture the yarn colour in the photos but its apple green in real life.

It has a pretty heel & an interesting rib, I really like this pattern!

autumn socks

2011-07-04T09:57:00.000+02:00

just finished these last night, they are my pair for June.

just added to my shop

2011-07-02T16:21:00.000+02:00

french pastry charm bracelet

added new things to my shop

2011-07-02T11:10:00.000+02:00

just love orange roses!!

2011-07-02T10:24:00.002+02:00

phone socks

2011-06-30T17:26:00.000+02:00

I used a pattern from a friend on Ravelry, this was made a few months ago but I dont think I ever put the pictures up on here.

month end

2011-06-30T17:01:00.001+02:00

So its the end of the month and I didn't finish a pair of socks this month ... even though the 2 pairs I'm working on would technically count as a pair... I didn't finish a pair I can wear.
We have visitors staying with us for a few days and Ben's actual birthday tomorrow so the days have been full.

the big news is ... Walmart has come to South Africa!! I loved reading the book "The Walmart Effect" a few years ago, its quite an eye-opening book, really gives you some interesting statistics and info on how Walmart grew to became the "world's most powerful company"

its Martha time!

2011-06-28T14:00:00.000+02:00

Oh yes - the ipad digital issue of Martha Stewart Living July 2011 is out ... actually it might have been out for a few days already, but I only just found it today... and I'm so glad! I just love this magazine!

And I had onion marmalade recently, it was so good and I found Ainsley's recipe HERE ... looks easy enough ... maybe I will put it on the list of "things to do" for next week.

beading

2011-06-27T14:20:00.003+02:00

I finally added these bracelets to my shop, I made them about a month ago but just kept getting distracted and forgot to photograph them... anyway here they are:

strawberry patch bracelet (this is my favourite!!)

in the rose garden bracelet (this one makes me want to go and garden)

French blue charm bracelet (you know I just LOVE french stuff at the moment)

and wire wrapped glass bead bracelet (love the simplicity of this one)

I'm embroidering today ... so much fun playing with the new toile designs, I'm preparing fabric for lots of new project bags.

medals and flowers

2011-06-26T07:54:00.001+02:00

I forgot to show you these from the party yesterday, I have done them for a few bowling parties now - it is a real hit with the children!

Chocolate coin medals!! At the end of the game they all get a medal around their necks - they don't last long cause they gobble them up so fast!!

To make them you hot glue ribbon to chocolate coins, very quick and easy!! It went down really well this time because during the week there was an athletics day at school where the top athletes received medals.

I got some lovely flowers this week, this bunch was called "sunshine" ... just the right colours for the icy winter we are going through at the moment!!

And this bunch was called "tangerine" ... I just LOVE the orange!!

star wars at the bowling alley

2011-06-25T18:42:00.000+02:00

Well the party went well, I ended up getting my children to cut out stars for me and hot gluing them onto the paper plates... its not very star warsy but at least there was some reference to stars!!

I printed out a black and white Yoda onto green paper, gave him a brown cloak and attached him to a straw where he stood guard over the ham and cheese rolls!

I used a cute template I found online to cut out clones (good guys and bad guys ... I couldn't tell the difference until Ben came along and educated me!) they were glued onto white paper party bags that were filled with sweets.

We ordered the cake, it had a motorbike on it (no picture of that sorry) we chose it because it was the only thing we could vaguely tie into a star wars theme (the baddies rode wheel-less motor bikes ... did you know that??)

It turned out great, 18 children in a dark bowling alley with luminous star wars themed stuff glowing under the black lights ... but I am exhausted!! At least I get a few months break until the next one!!

knitting and star wars

2011-06-21T09:09:00.001+02:00

Whew ... the days are just flying by at the moment, I finished up some more fingerless gloves for my friend yesterday.

I wanted to cast on another shawl yesterday but I decided to work on the Juneberry instead ... got to finish that one!! But it requires so much concentration that I only finished 1 row last night!! 1 row ... its embarrassing!! Anyway it will get finished, and its going to be somebodies Christmas present at the end of the year, I have someone in mind & I'm sure they will love it.

At the moment its 9am and I'm cooking a few dinners, I can see its going to be a busy week so I'm cooking ahead & freezing.

In the midst of it all I'm putting together the Star Wars party for sat, but honestly I'm not doing much ... its quite a difficult theme to work with. I have found a lot of printables ... so I think that's the plan
STAR WARS WEBSITE (word search/masks/puzzles/colouring pages/ etc)

yarn, buttons and the lunar eclipse

2011-06-17T16:25:00.001+02:00

I got these beautiful yarns as gifts for my birthday; Elle Jewel, Fortissima Socka (sock yarn) and Elle Toledo ... and the colours make me so happy!!
Another friend gave me these beautiful buttons, they are garden bugs, they are so cute with glittery wings and the spider has hairy legs!!

There was a big lunar eclipse ... that I missed!! Sos and the children stayed up to enjoy it ... but I decided to sleep and catch a rerun on you-tube ... anyway they were thrilled to see it (and stay up past 10pm!!) and have been chattering about it for days!!

Ben's birthday is coming up and he has chosen the theme of "star wars" I suggested an army theme or spiderman ... but this little boy has made up his mind so now I have to try be creative and get some star wars stuff into the party ... so far all I can think of is to use printables (to stick onto paper party bags, cupcake toppers, etc) ... so I'm going to trawl the party websites for some more creative inspiration.

scarf & mitten set

2011-06-15T09:48:00.000+02:00

UGH! my pictures are looking terrible at the moment!
Anyway here is a scarf & mitten set for a 3 year old - so cute!! the colours are softer and there are pompoms at the ends of the scarf, my friend suggested it and I haven't tried it before ... but its so cute I am going to do it again!

burlap bags/baskets

2011-06-13T18:54:00.002+02:00

Sorry about the grainy picture, I'm taking it at night!

My WIPS (works in progress) are staring to take over, its not that I have a lot - its just there is no neat way to store them - you cant throw them all into one bag cause they will get knotted up ... and I love the basket idea but the shelf space I'm using is an awkward shape ... baskets seem to be too big, and then I would have to line them...

So I made these, they are just like my bigger sock bags without the drawstring. The burlap/hessian is firm so keeps the basket style shape and I can fit 4 on my shelf!! And there is another shelf above (yippie!!) ... and it co-ordinates with my room!!

Im loving these so much ... I can see them in every room in my house ... holding all sorts of things!!

(PS they shelf looks rather old and the veneer is peeling, this is the bottom of a writing desk that I use as a dressing table - its not quite an antique ... but its getting there!)

sunset

2011-06-12T17:43:00.000+02:00

out my bedroom window