New Year's Resolutions

I've been away for a few days, enjoying the country air and coastal waters... now I'm home and refreshed, it seems like a good time to share my new year's resolutions for 2009:
~ do at least half an hour of yoga every day
~ enrol in proper sewing classes (also, finish the green velvet cushions)
~ practice the acoustic guitar
~ have a garage sale or market stall
~ ride my bike at every opportunity
~ remember most of the time to just be happy

My Christmas presents

1. New York 2009 Calendar (Zetta Florence), 2. Coo Ca Choo cardi, 3. Cupcake Afternoon Tea Set, 4. Paton's wool & pattern book, 5. Recycled newspaper coasters, 6. Miscellaneous goodies.

>> I'm so lucky to have such wonderful family and friends - this applies all year, but around Christmas it really hits home. It's not about the presents, they're just a bonus!

An award

I've been given an award from The Vintage Year, which is one of the most inspiring blogs you can read. Here's what it says:

This blog invests and believes in the PROXIMITY-nearness in space, time and relationships.
These blogs are exceedingly charming.
These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends.
They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement!
Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut,
even more friendships are propagated.
Please give more attention to these writers!
Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more
and include this clever-written text into the body of their award.

So, thank you! I would love to pass it on to everyone in my reading list but instead here's a selection of eight whose blogs are inspiring and/or very pretty:
~ A Cat of Impossible Colour
~ Bug and Pop
~ Cloth and Fodder
~ CurlyPops
~ Hoppo Boppo
~ Miss Muggins
~ Turkey Cookies
~ Vegan and Vintage

>> Also, I discovered this link a little too late: A Do-It-Yourself Christmas: 34 Great Gifts You Can Make Yourself (it's a list of 34 frugal Christmas present ideas, like personalised calendars, homemade treats, teacup candles and themed gift baskets, to name a few).

A "before" shot of my Christmas presents

I was so proud of my presents this year, mostly for the stamped brown paper wrapping! Despite rushing between the various family parties, it was a really lovely Christmas, full of food, fun and festivity. I hope everyone else had a great day too.

>> Don't forget to recycle your cards!

My wrapping station

My stamps have well and truly been broken in today with all my Christmas wrapping! Possibly the best present-ation I've ever created. Har har har.

Laying on the grass (looking up)

I went to the Makers' Market at the Abbotsford Convent on Sunday. There were lots of stalls full of gorgeous handmade things like clothes, badges, jewellery and bags. I'm planning to visit the next one on Sunday 18 January and you should too! This photo was taken from under a tree in the convent gardens.

Just a minute... in December

Despite falling down on the every day blogging, I'm proud to have kept up with a monthly "just a minute" post since July. It's a great way to keep tabs on your progress with different things, or just to see what you've been doing at various points throughout the year. Thanks Jenaveve of August Street! So what's been happening with me?

Reading... a book by Alain de Botton called The Consolations of Philosophy. I'm not usually into heavy reading but it's actually really interesting and not too hard to follow, I'm hooked!

Watching... a TV show recommended by a friend called Damages. It's really a long winded murder mystery, but I'm up to the fourth episode and looking forward to the next one.

Listening... to the new Emiliana Torrini album (Me & Armini). I recently posted the YouTube clip for the first single Big Jumps, it's so cute!

Eating... lots. Must be all this cold rainy weather. Vietnamese noodle soup with tofu and vegies is becoming a staple.

Sewing... is so much easier now I know how to use my overlocker! I'm going to put a deadline on my green velvet cushions to be completed by December 31st.

Learning... that time is more valuable than money.

Going in circles

I managed to muck up the pattern for this blue crocheted beret and am now making it up as I go, doing increasing circles of double crochet. At some point I'll need to start decreasing, then maybe knit around the bottom, since it's not getting a brim. If it turns out to be at all wearable I'll post the pattern - fingers and toes crossed because I love this colour and can't wait to wear it!

>> The wool was only $1 at the Camberwell Market. Yes, really!

Meredith Music Festival

Here is my excuse for a lack of posts this week - I was at the muddy banks of the Meredith Music Festival! I spent Thursday night gathering supplies like gumboots ($26 very well spent), and packing up my festival camping kit (tent, camping chairs, tarp and eskii) then hit the road on Friday to what would end up the wettest festival ever. Typical. We still had lots of fun! Today... I clean.

A bright blue beginning

After getting the hang of granny squares, I'm now embarking on something circular in the form of a blue crocheted beret! Yes, it's altogether the wrong season for it but the on-again-off-again rain makes me think anything and everything is possible. My cute little red fingerless mittens might even come out again... I'm still so proud of those.

Proactivity is making a comeback

Discovered: on a wall during a recent walk around Carlton. It's nice to be outside more often, now the weather's warming up. I'm hoping to find more time to fit in some crafting too; which is what I always say, but this time I've bought the materials and should have photos to share soon!

Bon Iver is breaking my heart

The best thing about this YouTube clip is that it has no video, so you can just listen to the song and click away in other tabs/windows at the same time ;) It's so pretty, you might like it too.

>> The truth is, I couldn't think of another way to share the song (there's no film clip yet) - it's "Skinny Love" by Bon Iver.

Gourmet vegetarian pizza

Some things are too good not to share, like the recipe for this gourmet vegetarian pizza. I'd share the actual pizza but it hardly lasted long enough for me to take this photo. What you'll need to serve two people:
~ 2 pieces of pita bread
~ 3-4 tablespoons tomato paste
~ 1/2 eggplant (or a small one)
~ 1/2 red capsicum
~ 1/2 red onion
~ 6 button mushrooms
~ small block of goats cheese (or soy cheese, to make it vegan)
~ small handful of baby spinach leaves
~ one teaspoon golden syrup
~ olive oil

Then do what I did...
1. I had to defrost the pita bread (it lives in the freezer), so I set the oven to about 200 celcius and left the pita in there to thaw while it was heating up.
2. Meanwhile, I cut the half capsicum in half (or, err, quarters) then put it under a hot grill.
3. Slice the eggplant into thin rounds, cover with a small amount of olive oil (spray is even better) then put in the oven to cook. This is a good time to take out your pita bread and spread it with tomato paste, and leave to the side.
4. Next, slice the red onion in strips as thin as you can, mix up with a spoonful of olive oil and the golden syrup (that's all I had instead of brown sugar and it worked wonders for that slightly caramelised effect). Fry on a medium heat until soft, then set aside.
5. Slice up the mushrooms and fry in the leftover onion oil, then set aside.
6. The capsicum is probably black by now - which is good! - so turn off the grill and peel the skin off, then set aside.
7. Now you've done all the setting up, putting it together is easy. To your pita bread bases (which should be covered in tomato paste), add the cooked eggplant slices, then capsicum strips, then mushrooms, then red onion, then spinach leaves (uncooked) and finally crumble the goats cheese (or soy cheese) on top.
8. These only need 5 minutes in the oven, pretty much just to warm it all up. I turn off the oven a few minutes after putting them in, since the residual heat will finish the job quite nicely.
9. Take them out of the oven and eat.

I feel like I just wrote an essay, but I hope it brings someone joy - it really was so delicious!

Overlocked, not overlooked!

I had some sewing instruction tonight and finally got back to these green velvet cushions. The overlocker is my new best friend - hopefully the other three won't take over a month to complete... whoops!

scheDUEL [handmade holidays]

I'm not really awake at 6am on a Sunday, but I'm trying my luck at Kootoyoo's latest blog game with a scheDUEL-ed post! Here are my answers...

Still feeling totally inspired by the handmade issue of mankind mag from my favourite design blog.
Q What is the blog author's first name? ANSWER: Erin
use the first letter - LETTER: E

We like to keep lunch casual, I've found some fabulous BBQ recipes for the big day.
Q What type of meat is pictured on the rotisserie? ANSWER: Lamb
use the first letter - LETTER: L

Getting some great ideas for upcycling (my favourite craft) & enjoying the revamp over at this fabulous craft website.
Q They list everyone's favourite Portland based author mama as one of their inspirational sites. Which Portland based author mama is she? ANSWER: Soule Mama
use the second letter of her last name - LETTER: O

Looking forward to being able to buy handmade at the shopping shindig with the craft book Queen.
Q What type of car is pictured? ANSWER: VW
use the first letter - LETTER: V

All these letters unscramble to reveal:
LOVE is all you need.

...and it most certainly is :)

Big jumps

I've been playing my guitar a lot more recently... hoping to become some sort of folky-songstress. In the meantime, I'll listen to girls like Emiliana Torrini, Jolie Holland and Leslie Feist, and sigh in awe. I know it's lazy to post a YouTube clip instead of a photo, but this is so cute!

Through the looking glass

1. purpledoor, 2. fishglass, 3. redandgold, 4. mishmashtexture, 5. brokengold, 6. texturedglass, 7. purpleorangeswirl, 8. brightchaos, 9. goldenripples

I took these photos today at Architectural Glassworks (which I have posted about before), there's a few more in my glass photos flickr set. Now I've discovered I need to pay for a flickr account if I want any new photo sets... hmm tempting!

>> Decided to add a tag for mosaic posts (ie. with images created on the mosaic maker). I have a thing about only putting up one photo per blog post, so it's a good way to condense all the photos into a mini set.

Just a minute... in November

Only 8 posts before this one in the month of November, so I thought it was a good time for August Street's "just a minute" round up.

Reading... all the blogs in my reader list, more than I used to (or at least I've added more without removing any). I like paying attention to what people share, and being inspired. By the way, there's a helpful post on Meet Me at Mikes about blog reading etc.

Watching... season two of Buffy, and almost up to the next one! I was never a "Buffy" person but I now understand what all the fuss was about.

Listening... to Perth band Tame Impala. They're just as good live as on their EP. Worth a spin.

Eating... mostly fresh market food, to go with my running, swimming, bike riding, dancing and yoga. Hoping this time it'll all stick and I'll become one of those fit & healthy people I never understood before. Or maybe not.

Sewing... plans are on hiatus. The first green cushion took me so long, it's put me off doing the other three! I really should get back to it, and embark on an easier first project next time.

Learning... to be more proactive, and doing the things that have been on my list foreverrr. Still a lot more I could/should be doing, but I'm proud of myself anyway.

I want these

I was in Palookaville (Brunswick Street, Fitzroy) and spotted these retro orange chairs with a matching table. I think they're pretty rad.

Avocado raita on toast

Yes, more food. This was my lunch today! I was going through some old theage(melbourne)magazine's and found a recipe I happened to already have ingredients for - avocado raita on toast. It's a slightly modified version but looked just like the photo in the magazine!

You'll need:
~ 1 large avocado, chopped
~ 1 large truss tomato, chopped
~ 2 heaped desertspoons of natural yoghurt
~ a handful of chopped coriander
~ juice of 1 lemon
~ few squirts of tabasco sauce
~ 4 slices of dark rye bread

Then to make it a meal:
1. Combine the avocado, tomato, coriander, tabasco and lemon juice in a small bowl.
2. Gently stir through the yoghurt.
3. Toast the bread, then drizzle with a little olive oil (if you like).
4. Top with heaped spoonfuls of raita and add cracked black pepper to serve. Mmm.

Poached apricots

Yikes a whole week has passed without a single post (again). Not much crafting but lots of eating has been going on! This is actually a before shot of my poached apricots because, let's be honest, they're not too pretty after the poaching is complete!

I used:
~ 8 fresh apricots, cut in halves
~ almost 1 cup sugar
~ 2 cups water

What to do:
1. Put the sugar and water in a small saucepan and bring to the boil.
2. Once sugar has dissolved, add the apricots and reduce heat.
3. Let simmer for 15 minutes then leave to cool (don't strain them).
4. Can be kept in the fridge for at least a few days, although mine didn't last that long. Just use a slotted spoon to serve up what you need each time. Delicious on muesli or with ice-cream.

I was a kaleidoscope

It's been a nature (& fun) filled weekend... but it's not over yet ;)

Muffin makin'

I've been stumbling with this blog lately... a post here and there, but not really enough enthusiasm. Well, I'm back with a recipe - this one's full of chocolate chippey, over-ripe bananary goodness! (in a muffin)

What you need:
~ 2 cups self raising flour
~ 1 cup sugar
~ 90g butter
~1 cup milk
~ 1 egg lightly beaten
~ 1 cup chocolate chips
~ 1/4 mashed ripe banana

Then to turn it all into banana choc chip muffins:
1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees
2. Rub butter into flour until combined, then add sugar
3. Add all other ingredients and combine roughly (don't overmix)
4. Bake until golden!

>> Recipe found in a Vogue forum, of all places.

Golden Hands

1. Golden Hands (Part 16; 2nd ed), 2. Golden Hands (Part 12; 2nd ed), 3. Golden Hands (Part 11; 2nd ed), 4. Golden Hands (Part 8; 2nd ed), 5. Golden Hands (Part 7; 4th ed), 6. Golden Hands (Part 4), 7. Golden Hands (Part 4; 2nd ed), 8. Golden Hands (Part 14; 2nd ed), 9. Golden Hands (Part 9; 2nd ed)

My flickr set is growing - this time I've been photographing the Golden Hands magazines given to me by a friend a few weeks ago. They're brilliant - full of knitting, sewing, crochet and other crafty projects... Less photographing and more doing is in order very soon!

>> Nothing to report on my desk this week, and I won't try to make something up this time! Oh, and the link to make mosaic images is here.

Thing

I could post about Halloween for days... and probably will! This reminded me of Thing from the Addams Family. I'll take any excuse to make a list, so a few other spooky films I like are:
~ IT
~ The Craft
~ Scream
~ Dracula
~ Psycho
~ Death Proof

Most of those are partly for nostalgic value (I terrified myself with IT on my 13th birthday), but Death Proof was a great modern take on the genre.

Halloween head

I'm not getting any better at blogging on weekends, but on this occasion it's probably best as all I have are spooky photos and a sore head! I had a full weekend of Halloween festivities, and not much else got done...

Just a minute... in October

August Street had the idea to give a summary of your doings once a month, and called it just a minute. Given that tomorrow marks the end of October, I'm just in time!

Reading... lots of back issues of Golden Hands. Self described as a "knitting, dressmaking & needlecraft guide"(dated 1962). Photos coming soon, it's vintage gold!

Watching... season one of Buffy! I decided it was finally time so I've embarked on the challenge to watch the whole series, start to finish.

Listening... to the new Jolie Holland album, The Living and The Dead. And Cat Power.

Eating... more fruit and salads, and getting fresh food from the market on Sunday. Of course, there are also plenty of muffins, coffee and dark chocolate being consumed in between.

Sewing... up green velvet cushions for my kitchen chairs. As a first real sewing project I don't have unrealistic expectations but I hope they're usable!

Learning... how to crochet the edges for my granny squares and join them together. Haven't quite mastered it yet but YouTube has been an invaluable resource.

Help!

Nerdy blogger question alert. Does anyone know why my images now seem to appear oversized, and cutting off on the right hand side? I'm pretty sure none of my settings have changed... I'm stuck!

On my desk

Today I bought all the necessary items for a Corpse Bride halloween costume... for $16!
~ white ballet dress (possibly children's size but I'll squeeze in somehow)
~ long white slip skirt
~ lacy white sleeveless top
~ delicate white shawl, serving as my veil
~ miscellaneous pieces of lace for hair & whatever else

Can't wait to put it all together! That's what's on my desk today.

Las Vegas (aka Flemington)

Discovered: on the weekend. Actually it would've been quite hard to miss! The liars weren't even really open, or selling beer, kebabs, pizza or pasta...

Pretty in pink

Spring makes me feel like change, so I'm dumping the "a" from my post titles, amongst other things. These babies are growing really well... from seedlings, to buds, and now full bloom!

A cushion project

A week without blogging seemed like a very long time! I finally made it to Thread Den yesterday and picked up a roll of green velvet (along with some foam from Clark Rubber) to sew up some cushions for my kitchen chairs. Not entirely sure if they're going to work out... I'm only half way through the first one, but so far so good.

A short break

I've taken a few days off blogging, and may take a few more... I wish I could say I was spending time in the fresh country air, but unfortunately this photo was taken over a year ago. Alas, it's just the general feeling that I'm too busy with everything all at once and something had to give. Hopefully not for long!

>> Worst timing ever since it's still Blogtoberfest! But it looks like there are plenty of others out there who have it covered. Back soon.

A Blogtoberfest fave Friday!

One of my favourite songs is "The Con" by Canadian duo Tegan & Sara (from their most recent album). I've probably listened to it at least 87 times.

>> Thanks to Blog Portion for the theme, and Big Cat's Emporium for Blogtoberfest!

A closer look

This isn't really about gardening but it's in my garden so I figure near enough is good enough (see post label). I was torn between my new ladybug friend, and a furry caterpillar, hence I did some fancy photoshopping and ta-daaah - a split photo!

>> As if "photoshopping" isn't a real word. The spell checker and I seem to disagree.

On my desk

I thought I'd seen the last of my storage boxes but there was apparently one more with the Husqvarna video handbook inside! Would have been even better a few months ago... still, hope it works.

>> Belatedly converting this to an on my desk post since I forgot yesterday, whoops!

A tired Tuesday

I can't stop plugging my matchbox collection... at least until I figure out what to do with them! (or, ahem, get cracking on other projects that I've drawn up in my journal of ideas then done nothing further about)

>> Also, I found out today that my roast vegetable salad recipe is now on WhyVeg.com, along with some others that look pretty tasty.

A set of squares

YouTube is full of inspiration - I learnt how to crochet edges for my granny squares thanks to this video, and am almost up to joining them all together. Look how far they've come!

An egyptian piece

There's some pretty cool street art around Fitzroy. Enough to warrant a new post label!

A beautiful day

A new bag

I was quick to snap up this gorgeous bag handmade by CurlyPops! It took it's first outing today to a park for lunch in the sun. Sunny days and cute bags absolutely go hand in hand.

>> My mouth is still a bit sore from the surprise wisdom tooth removal yesterday, but painkillers and naps are helping lots...

An extraction

I unexpectedly had a wisdom tooth out today (not the actual reason I went to the dentist), so I'm destined for soup and DVDs tonight. Might try to finish my mini crochet project too (So on my desk = on my couch... again).

A naughty treat

Sometimes the simple things are the best - like icecream with strawberries and chocolate sauce (the same one I make to go on pancakes, or basically anything that could use a cocoalicious addition).

>> To make your hot chocolate sauce: in a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup each of sugar, cocoa & water. Stir over low heat until simmering (add a little more/less water as necessary for 'sauce' consistency). Mix in a tiny bit of butter before serving.

A relief

I started watching Dexter when it came on TV back in July, then came upon the whole of season one on DVD, followed promptly by season two. I've been completely obsessed, trying to second guess the next episode, fearing for my favourite characters and even having bizarre Dexter-esque nightmares! So I finally watched the last episode last night, which was satisfying ...and kind of a relief (but that won't stop me from chasing down season three sooner or later).

>> Just made it in time for Day 6 of Blogtoberfest, with almost an hour to spare!

A market

I picked up lots of fresh fruit and veg from the Queen Vic Market today, which I should really do every weekend! You might not be able to tell from the photo, but these were pretty much the biggest potatoes I've ever seen.

A day in the sun

I'm trying to post something every day for Blogtoberfest, but actually not spending as much time on the computer this week - it's just too sunny and warm!

A groupie

Off to see The Mad Feeling at Idgaff tonight! Happy Friday!

A blogtoberfest!

1. madeinaustralia, 2. tops, 3. blacktree, 4. rosaritobeachhotel, 5. jollyox, 6. kontiki, 7. breakthehamburgerhabit, 8. barramundiinn, 9. brownpalacehotelworldmap

I just added some matchbox photos to my flickr set. Must be over half way through them, but still more to come! (mosaic making link is here)

>> Big Cat's Emporium is hosting Blogtoberfest, which I am mainly attracted to by the name, but also because it's a challenge to ensure every day of October is posted upon. So far so good!

On my desk

Temporarily on my desk is this gorgeous photo album (seen close up), which is soon to be given away as a present for travel photos. I can't go on enough about Kami, where I bought it, especially the secret sale room out the back - goldmine!

>> In other news, the crochet squares are still in progress and soon will be joined together as some sort of heat pad or table runner, I think.

A first for me

It's been almost a month since I planted these on my windowsill, and today I came home to find one of the buds has started opening! Having never been a gardener until now, I was a little anxious that they wouldn't grow... I think I've found my green thumb.

A book collection

1. kwiksewmethodforeasysewing, 2. kwiksewssweatshirtsunlimited, 3. singersewingforstyle, 4. sergerideabook, 5. seweasysewingofknitfabrics, 6. simplythebestsewingbook, 7. singercreativegiftsandprojects, 8. husqvarna2000sloperatingmanual, 9. quickandeasyhomesewingprojects

>> I've hit the jackpot of old sewing & craft books - I never knew I had so many precious things in storage, wonder what else will show up? This photo set is on flickr, along with my matchboxes which were mentioned on paper+cup today! It's been a very good day.

A reflection

It's been a while since I picked up my guitar. I often feel discouraged since so many people I know are far more advanced with their musical talent! The harmonica was harder than it looked, so I'm taking a step back to something I've actually done before. By summer I intend to be all of the following:
~ a guitar player
~ a harmonica player
~ a headscarf wearer
~ a photographer
~ a knitter
~ a sewer
~ a (better) blogger

...well, I'm on my way.

Just a minute... in September

'Just a minute' theme inspired by August Street. So here's what I've been doing for the past month...

Reading... well, I actually just finished The Celestine Prophecy, which touched on ideas about life and how to make the most of it. Interesting read.

Watching... season two of Dexter is even better than season one! Still can't get enough.

Listening... to my boyfriend practice guitar in the living room right now, which is not entirely unusual.

Eating... lots of nice food, both homemade and eating out. A few recent discoveries are Balas Food Source (Brunswick St, Fitzroy) and Soulfood Cafe (Smith St, Collingwood).

Knitting... has basically stopped for the moment while I'm drafting up crochet and sewing projects, but it will make a comeback soon! Especially when I can get some nicer wool.

Learning... how to be healthier, and that it actually requires a fair amount of effort and dedication that I'm yet to master! Slowly getting there.

A night walker

Although it's not quite balmy, the Spring nights are definitely getting warmer! Despite the rain tonight, I went out for a walk again and hoping to keep it up.

A busy time

Much more time being spent out and about this week, which is great! Checking out local venues, cafes, shops, streets and generally enjoying the sunshine...

On my desk

Still going with the granny squares... they're actually quite quick to do now, but I keep forgetting to go back to them. Could be taking on too many projects at once. I have a problem with that. The red wool is almost finished, so I'm going to use grey & black around the edges, then to join. It's mostly for practice - I'm hoping to do a huge Afghan blanket next.

>> I like being part of Kootoyoo's "On my desk" theme, despite most weeks posting about things that take place entirely elsewhere... like the couch :)

A date with the night

I know it's late, but I've only just got my hands on the latest frankie magazine (and a subscription starting next month!). It's my favourite <333

An award

Big thank you to August Street for giving me a blog award! Could be a kick up the, ahem, to make it even better! I'm finding the blog world is full of friendly, crafty and inspirational people, it's so nice to be involved. Those non-bloggers don't know what they're missing :)

The rules of this award are:
1. Choose seven of your favourite blogs to nominate and link back to them
2. Link to the person from whom you received the award
3. Leave a message on the blogs that you've nominated
4. Post the award on your blog (optional)

So in no particular order:
~ Curlypops
~ Hokey
~ Snailblazer
~ Teddybearswednesday
~ Miss Muggins
~ Love You Big
~ Beccasaurus

...and there are so many more, just scroll down a bit and look right!