A Quickie Bickie Recipe

I have had this recipe for years, it was given to everyone in the Mothers' Group I used to attend when Abbey was a wee one. 

We used to swap and share our favourite recipes. 

I came across this recipe the other day when I was flicking through my old recipe book, as you can see from this photo it now contains lots and lots of recipes - too many in fact. 

I don't ever remember making these biscuits! 

Yesterday I decided it was about time to give this recipe a go, it's only been in my recipe book for about 8 years!  And I can say I am pleased that I made these biscuits because they are simply  yummo 

and the girls just can't get enough of them!

The recipe is simple and quick and fairly healthy - great for snacks on the go or for the school lunch box!

You will need:

1 cup of wholemeal self raising flour

1 cup dessicated coconut- * I only had shredded coconut in my pantry *

200grams of chopped apricots - * I used 100gms of apricots & 100gms of dates *

1 egg

60grams butter, melted

1/2 cup golden syrup

Method:

Pre-heat oven to 180'C. Line or lightly grease a baking tray.

Mix all ingredients together.

Drop heaped teaspoons of mixture onto baking tray.

Cook for 15-20 mins.

** I am going to try a mix of dried apricot and dried apple next time!

Enjoy.

Easy Cardi No.3

I've started another one of these, this one is for Abbey.

I have made 2 for Evie, here and here.

This one I need to make bigger than the pattern size.  Fingers crossed I have done this right.
I measured my tension on Evie's Cardi, took Abbey's measurements and then worked out the number of stitches to get the width and length of the back, front and sleeves for a bigger size.
I probably could have searched the Internet or asked someone on Ravelry on how to knit a bigger size, I needed a bit of brain stimulation and now I'm too afraid to check if it is right. Well, not exactly afraid. I like a challenge and I'm looking forward to see how it turns out...if there is a mistake - I'll learn from it!

Summer Blanket

This is My "Summer Blanket".

It was made from thrifted bed sheets and material that I found at my local OP-shop.

This is what I did:

Sew 6 different sized pieces of material into one long piece. With right sides facing,  fold it in half and stitch all the way around - leaving a small space (approx 20cm/8in) to allow you to pull the material right sides out.  Pull the blanket right side out, and stitch up the small gap either on the machine or by hand.

Easy, no fuss, straight sewing. 

And Whallah!!! You now have a double sided Summer Blanket!!

 Perfect for the front or backyard, beach, park, or whatever takes your fancy!!

Birthday Gift

This is the finished Birthday gift for one of Abbey's friends...

Abbey fell in love with it when I showed it to her and immediately asked if I could make her one!

Abbey is a stationery freak.  I am quietly pleased with the end result.

Let's hope the Birthday Girl loves it too!! 

I also made her a pair of p.j.  pants made from a thrifted sheet! I will post a photo soon!

note: I used  this pattern as a guide to create my version, using only one main colour and a pink to join the 3 pieces together which also created a border/edge. The Heart pattern can be found at Meet Me At Mikes. 

Lemon Slice - Abbey's Favourite!

Abbey loooves Lemon Slice.

 She discovered it at the school canteen!! 

I have been using  this recipe

I have tweaked it a little. 

I found that the biscuit base was too wet so I use a little less butter and condensed milk. 

I also usually use Anzac biscuits and always add some LSA. 

I think if you try this lemon slice, follow the recipe and see how it turns out for you.

Grateful for Sharing

I am so grateful that there are like minded people out there who are willing to share so much here in 'Blog-land'. I discovered 'Blog-land' almost 12 months ago and  right away I felt at home. I have learnt, laughed, and cried, and so much more here in this world, more than I can put into words - and may bore most people!! 

I have become a better person for myself, my family, my home,  and our planet. 

I love to try new recipes and crafty things to make with my hands that benefit us, our home, or someone close to us - 'Blog-land' enables this to happen for me.

Here are some things that I have made over the past few weeks after being inspired by Blogger's that share so much... 

From the vege patch I used our homegrown organic beetroot to make this delicious Chocolate Beetroot Cake from Meagans' blog -  ecoMILF;

 Jodie from Jellywares shared here home-made soap recipe. This is my tea-tree & oat version;

After seeing this, I just knew that I had to make one. I used this pattern as a guide to crochet myself a diary/journal/notebook cover - this one is for a Christmas present;

I need to add some embellishments to finish it to my liking. 

 And a second one is on the hook for an upcoming birthday present for a friend's daughter.

I am very pleased with these book covers. I will definitely post pictures of the finished products.

Thanks again to all of the wonderful sharing and creative Bloggers!

  

LSA

Linseed, Sunflower seeds, Almonds

 I make my own LSA - 

Linseed, Sunflower Seeds, & Almonds. 

LSA is yum-mo - we eat it everyday. 

I add  LSA to just about everything and anything - 

porridge, muffins, bread, smoothies, fruit, rice, vegetables, pasta, etc. 

LSA has a nutty and sweet flavour.
Delicious.

It takes less than 10 minutes to make and the health benefits are fantastic!!

Here's what you do - 

Into a blender add; 

1&1/2 cups Linseed (flax seed)

1 cup Sunflower seeds

1/2 cup Almonds

 Process in blender until it becomes a fine mixture.

Store in an airtight jar in the refrigerator.

*LSA is a good source of protein, essential fatty acids, minerals, and fibre.

Evie's Granny Blanket Update.

 

Slowly but surely I am making progress.

I'm off to do a little bit more before little Evie wakes from her afternoon nap!

My next Knitting challenge

I am becoming more skilled and confidant at knitting.  My skills have improved a great deal. I think my Gran would be quite proud of me and how much I have actually learnt in the past 3 years. 

I'm a lapsed knitter.  My Gran taught me the basics when I was a young teenager. I have always  knitted basic things like scarves and easy beanies. Gran is no longer around to ask her questions or show me 'how to'. Thank goodness for books and the Internet!!  

My next challenge.........I really want to learn how to use these......

I have seen some lovely cardigans knitted on circular needles. When I have some quiet time, I'm going to take a peep around the Internet and have a go!!

Roast Beetroot Salad

Home grown organic beetroot

I made this recipe up the other day. The little ones won't eat it, but us big ones love it!!

Trim and wash beetroots. Set leaves aside.
Place beets into a pan of water and bring to the boil.
Simmer for approx 10 mins.
*I also added carrots to the water with beets.
Drain and rub skins off beets.Cut beets and carrots in half. Place into a baking tray with garlic cloves (as many as you like), a good pinch of salt, and I then add olive oil and give everything a toss and shake.
Place into pre-heated oven - 180.C - for approx 45-60 mins, depending on the cut size of the vegetables.

1 leek - sliced
10 mushrooms - chopped.
Pan fry until soft and browned.
Set aside.

Wash and finely slice beetroot leaves. Set aside.

When roasted beets, carrots, and garlic cloves are cooked and cooled, roughly chop,  and add to leaves. Add  leeks and mushrooms and toss/mix together. Drizzle with extra olive oil if desired.
Whallah!!!

Roast Beetroot Salad

A Perfect Day

The last day of the school holidays was just as we love it.

This is what we did.....

A perfect sunny day, just perfect enough to enjoy a picnic and a play...

This is the best adventure playground......

The hills are the best for rolling and rolling.....

There are trees to climb, and pathways to discover....

And then there is the water......

Who could ask for anything else?

Not me...

Birthday Wishes

Sending Happy Birthday Wishes to my Mum!

Hope you are having a great day.

xx