Magic Seeds

Have you heard of Chia Seeds? I discovered these nutritional gems on the weekend. Chia seed provides calcium and protein. The seeds are also rich in boron, which helps the body assimilate and use calcium. These nutrients support brain function. When inside your body, the seeds help you stay hydrated longer, and retain electrolytes in your bodily fluids. The shells are easily broken down, even when swallowed whole. This is an improvement over flax seed, which have to be ground up to be digested properly. The seeds can be used to replace less-healthy fat in just about any recipe. Yay!

I made Orange and Chia Seed Loaf, which I adapted from the Donna Hay recipe in this book

Orange and Chia Seed Loaf

1 cup Chia Seeds, plus more to sprinkle on top of loaf
3/4 cup milk
200g butter, softened
1 tbsp grated orange rind
3/4 cup castor sugar
3 eggs
2 cups plain flour
1 1/2 tspns baking powder
1/2 cup finely sliced mandarin- I used fruit from our tree!

Preheat the oven to 160C.

Place the chia seeds and milk in a bowl and stir to combine. Set aside.
Place the butter, orange rind and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer and beat until light and creamy.
Gradually add the eggs and beat well. Sift the flour and baking powder over the butter mixture and add the orange juice and chia seed and milk mixture.
Sprinkle chia seeds over the top- I sprinkled until the entire top of the loaf was covered with seeds. This created a nice crust on top.
Stir to combine and spoon into a loaf tin lined with baking paper.
Bake for 55-60 minutes or until cooked when tested with a skewer.

And in other news, I was finally able to catch my children for a photoshoot in their Squidygums hoodies! Thanks again Kristin!

An Isla Original.

She's rather into fashion, my girl. I really should take more photos of her fabulous outfits! I adore her individuality and also, her creativity-it's not unusual for her to bring me a piece of ribbon and ask me to braid it into her hair a certain way, or to bring me a scarf and ask me to tie it "like a dress". She loves to browse The Satorialist and The Uniform Project. Tutus are everyday wear, as is a two sizes too big flamenco dress from the op shop, in fact, just like Rhiannon-pants are out for Isla. Skirts rule. Ayway-yesterday she suggested we get out the sewing machine and make one. She chose all the fabrics and the overall design. An Isla original.

Finally the sun is shining after two days of continuous, heavy rain. I wonder what creative adventures today will bring?

Happy Tuesday xx

Woof!

My sweet Zac. I love him so much.

For ages I've been meaning to make him a bed of his own, and with inspiration from this website (make and build dog stuff.com-all about making things for your dog using recycled materials-how cool is that?) a rainy grey day outside, and my two not-feeling-so-good children to help, we set to work!

I wanted to use a fabric that was washable, but quite durable. In the end I opted for a curtain that I bought from the Salvation Army.

My sewing machine and I are getting along so well at the moment- it's wonderful!

Sweet dreams Zac!

Attention Please...

If you read this blog, I'm assuming you appreciate beautiful fabric right? If so, then check this out...

Babies and Hoodies and Bunnies Oh My!

Two rabbits I've made recently, all stitched by hand, because that's how I roll...
This one is for sweet baby Nathaniel Joseph, born on Thursday, whose Mum is one of my dearest friends.

And this one is for little Archer, from the Squidygums family!

Kristin made some amazing hoodies for my two children, and as soon as I manage to get a decent picture of them wearing them, I'll share it because they are just gorgeous (the hoodies AND the children!).

Babies and hoodies and bunnies oh my!

Every leaf...

"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower." ~Albert Camus

The Shindig

Today was such a wonderful day! Isn't it great when you can say that? We had Kyan's 2nd birthday party and really, it couldn't have gone any better. Prepare for a very photo-y post!

The two cakes, one for Kyan and the other for his friend Alicia. I kept the cakes very simple-just a plain sponge with butter icing.

My dear friend Margie (Alicia's Mum) procured a Western saddle and it even had the number 2 on it! How cool is that?

Jumping hay bales- so much fun! They also made excellent seating, baby lying spots and climbing frames...

Cowboy cupcakes, inspired by this article in Littles Magazine.

All the cake making supplies came from Kiwicakes, if you're having a party, I can definately reccommend them, fabulous products, prompt delivery and excellent service.

Our goodie bags for the little guests to take home were plain paper bags with a little Thank-You note tied on with string.

"Buttons" the pony (yes really...)

Horsey sandwiches

Sherrif badge biscuits...

"Red Indian" feather headresses...

my cupcake cowboys and cacti...

Such a wonderful day. And now I can sit with a cup of tea and enjoy the peace and quiet as my children sleep soundly, after a day of fun and fresh air!