Monday 24 June 2013

from a friend



How perfect is this basket! My lovely friend dropped it off to me last week, fulled with fragrant flowers, citrus and a freshly baked banana loaf, it made my day! I think we need to back to simple things like this, I really appreciate gifts like home baking and love, love, love garden picked flowers! 

Saturday 22 June 2013

sewing winter goodies












I've been busy sewing some cute winter pieces for my little clothing range Isla & Olive, using lots of thick woollen fabric for tunics and merino for long sleeve tops & pants. Who new winter sewing would be so much fun!

Wednesday 12 June 2013

I found a bowl of fruit







I've been on the "look out" for some wooden fruit and vegetables for the girls play kitchen, I found these cute little  pieces at the play centre shop yesterday, only $2.5o each! The gorgeous wee colander was $8.oo. I've told the girls (if they're good for mummy) we can go back and pick out one each a week to build up their collection.

My waiting payed off, it might have been easier to purchase from a chain toy shop or on-line but sometimes it's pays to be patient, this way I got a good deal and I'm supporting a local shop with money going back into the community.

Whats on your list of "look outs"?

Tuesday 11 June 2013

up-cycling clothing









I love sewing and re-inventing clothing and love merino for winter! Mum gave me some merino garments that she'd hardly worn, so I've been up-cycling them to make winter clothing for the girls. The cost of merino clothing for children blows me away, often being the same price (or more) than adults clothing!

I'm a big fan of up-cycling, it's so rewarding to get a finished garment in under half and hour! This was a women's cardigan (very short in length), I cut of the sleeves at the arm seam, cut about 5cm off the shoulders, took it in at the sides (about 15cm on each side, sewed and over locked), then reattached the arms (only using the bottom 25cm of each.) So easy and minimal work! 

Sometimes it can be a bit daunting the thought of sewing a whole garment, especially when you have limited time, so this is the perfect little winter project.

Happy sewing!

Monday 10 June 2013

Jamie Oliver pizza dough



I used Jamie Olivers pizza base recipe in the weekend, so yummy! It's so thin, crispy and delicious! (nothing like the stodgy, thick pre-made supermarket ones!) I made mozzarella, ham and pineapple for the girls, for us a prawn, olive, mozzarella, portobello mushrooms. Strangely enough I preferred the girls one (and I'm normally a huge mushroom and seafood fan) I think with pizza less is more!

Jamie Oliver pizza dough:
Serves makes 6 to 8 medium-sized thin pizza bases
For the recipe go to JamieOliver.com