Not Cool

I've never posted anything remotely negative on this blog. It's not the space for that sort of thing. But lately something's been bothering me and I'd like to share my course of action and feelings regarding this issue. For the last 6 months or so, I've been experiencing harassment in the form of unwelcome spam comments being left on my blog, as well as explicit comments and links being left in other languages. I have loved sharing my creations, and little glimpses into our family life over the last two years that I have been blogging. I've made some wonderful friends through blogging, but I'm offended and disgusted at the people who are putting links to cheap, smutty "adult" sites in a space where I share photos of my precious children. Comments will be moderated by me from now on. How disheartening it is that people would behave so abhorrently.

Winter Beach Love

The children and I agree that we like the beach just as much in Winter as we do in Summer. We go nearly every day. How could we not, when it's just over the road?

Having lived here at the beach for almost a year now, I'm not sure I'd ever want to live anywhere else!

What's your favourite time of year for beach visits?

Oranges and Lemons...

"Oranges and Lemons, say the bells of St Clements!

Bullseyes and Targets, say the bells of St Margarets!

Brickbats and Tiles, say the bells of St Giles!

Halfpence and Farthings, say the bells of St Martins!

Pancakes and Fritters, say the bells of St Peters!

Two sticks and an Apple, say the bells of Whitechapel!

Maid in White Aprons, say the bells at St Katherines!

Pokers and Tongs, say the bells of St Johns!

Kettles and Pans, say the bells of St Annes!"

I spent a large part of my childhood in England. And today as I looked out of the window to see the branches on the orange and lemon trees groaning under the weight of all the ripening fruit, I had a sudden vivid memory of skipping double dutch in a playground under a concrete-grey sky and reciting the above rhyme! Do you still remember your favourite games and rhymes from childhood?

And also, what should I do with all these oranges and lemons? I'll definitely visit my lemon curd recipe again, as I so enjoyed making (and eating) it last year. But what else? Perhaps some marmalade is in order as well....

Warming Words

Gosh it seems like I've made a lot of rabbits lately! I've just finished 4 (one had to be posted before I had a chance to photograph it-darned Winter light!). I do adore making rabbits, but I felt the need for some fresh inspiration, so I ordered this book, as a treat for myself.

I think I'll definitely have to try one of these gorgeous elephants...

And a new pincushion too.

What a lovely way to spend a grey, indoorsy type of Winter day. I'll leave you with a quote I read in a magazine which I thought was very eloquent.

Be careful of your thoughts

For your thoughts become your words.

Be careful of your words

For your words become your actions.

Be careful of your actions

For your actions become your habits.

Be careful of your habits

For your habits become your character.

Be careful of your character

For your character becomes your destiny.--author unknown

Hope everyone else is having an inspiring day too xx

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!