SYDNEY LUNCH

Well today I ventured out to end of financial year celebration at Cafe Sydney which I must say was amazing. Such a big restaurant but so smoothly run. Amazing service and food. I had to be out of there at 2.00 so I could be home in time to collect the kiddos. The staff made sure my meals were out in time. Brilliant. Anyway, sadly I didn't think to take photos in the restaurant but I took this one walking back to the car. Highly recommended as a great place to go for brilliant food, service and views. On level 5, Customs House. Circular Quay.

CROCHET

I have discovered my old hobby again. Crochet. I had been noticing in the shops lately there was a lot of wool on sale. So I bought five in various colours for $10.00. I bought a crochet hook for $2.00 and then went home and got to it. I quickly realized that it was over 30 years since I had used a crochet hook and I had no idea where to start. Luckily - we have Internet with fab instructions which refreshed my memory and here is my first attempt.

BARGAIN BAGS

What do you think of these little bags I bought today! I was trying to find a Country Road bag but stumbled across these. Large one was from Target - price $17. The smaller one was from k-mart for $15. I think I'm liking them?!?!

IKEA YAY!

Yes, I made the dreaded trip to Ikea.  I gave myself a time limit of 2 hours - and guess what I kept to the time.  How did I manage this you ask.  Well, I got there at 10 am, went straight to the market hall.  Yes, I didn't even look at the room displays.  I find this is what takes me too much time.  Anyway, I really didn't need any furniture.  So off I went to and joy oh joy, found some lovely treasures.  I will share my photos so you can feel part of my shopping binge. 

Gorgeous throw rugs.  I bought the one on the left.

I love this massive clock, maybe I'll get it next visit.

I love these baskets.

So here we are at home unpacking all the goodies.

More goodies!!!!!!

Was a good shopping day, now to scatter all the purchases over the house so hubby won't ask "is that new?"

IKEA

Well, this rainy morning in Sydney, I can't decide what to do.  All four kiddies are off at school.  I am at home looking at the mess and really, all I want to do is drive 40 minutes to get to IKEA.  A journey which is not that far, and once I get there I just adore it, but hate it at the same time, as I always feel so stressed out at the end after waiting half an hour at the check out.  Spending an absolute bomb.  But then I feel happy when I return home and put all the little bits and pieces in their new homes.  Well, I think I've convinced myself to face the torture.  Just quickly will put another load of washing on.

Sunday sport

So, here is my 14 yr old daughter (blonde - with the ball). This is what we do every Sunday morning. We travel far and wide to play football (well, my daughter does and we watch). I think these girls are amazing. In her age-group (u16) - it becomes quite physical and competitive. And, from my non-sporting self - I admire these girls and their commitment. So that was my Sunday. Retuned home made Nigella's Chicken, bacon and mushroom pies with mashed potatoes and broccoli. Delish for a cold Sunday night. Get ready for another busy week....

Even more bargains!

At the risk if appearing to be a shopaholic - I also bought these on my latest little shopping trip. Unfortunately, the lovely Borders store near me is closing. So, there is about $200 worth of books here for $30. Not too bad when you consider some of these books were $30 alone!!!!

More bargains!!!

Well. Yes. Just wandering past Dotti this time. Usually I just look in there for my fourteen year old daughter but I couldn't pass up these fabbo bargains. I would say I wouldn't have paid regular prices for these little tops as they are really quite basic. But, as they were all reduced from about $39 to either $5 or $10 - how could I possibly walk on buy without taking some with me!! Really happy with my little buys.

Bargain buy

Fabulous buy today. Just passing "Dusk" at my local Westfield and quickly ducked in and came out with this little treasure. Only $10 and it's super large, so can either use it as a pretty decoration or pop it outside in the warmer weather for when we are having a barbie. I love a bargain buy.

NEW BOOK

I think Donna Hay is a fab cook. I have many of her books, and after watching her tv series I have been reinvigorated to try her recipes. It does help to watch how she does it, then try it yourself. I must say there are many recipes in this book that I definitely will try. And the recipes are not complicated. Fairly simple and so delish. As I try the recipes I'll post my favourites here.

EASY ROAST PUMPKIN SOUP

 This is an amazing recipe by the fabulous Donna Hay.  Its the easiest and tastiest pumpkin soup I have ever tried.

Ingredients:-

1 butternut pumpkin, halved, seeds scooped out.

1 onion

olive oil for drizzling

salt

3 1/2 cups chicken stock

1 cup cream

1 tablespoon honey

sour cream, to serve

Method

1.  Preheat oven to 200 deg C (425 deg F)

2.  Place pumpkin, cut side up and onion on a baking tray.

3.  Drizzle with a little oil and sprinkle with salt.

4.  Bake for 60 minutes or until pumpkin is just soft and starting to brown.  Scoop the pumpkin out of the   skin into blender.

5.  Scoop the onion flesh away from its skin and add to blender

6.  Add 1 cup of chicken stock and blend until smooth

7.  Pour mixture into saucepan, add remaining stock, cream and honey.

8.  Heat through on medium heat.

Serve with sour cream and cracked black pepper.

I like this idea

How cute is this message board.  I found it at Bed Bath and Table. It's something you could easily make yourself. Really, it's just a timber whitewashed frame with a pretty fabric covering the backing of the frame. Some ribbon criss crossed and attached, then some little white buttons stuck on. I think I'll try making it.

Latest buy

These shoes are excellent. From Walnut Melbourne - although you can find them at shops here and there. Also at David Jones! My sister bought them for me for my birthday.

Latest buy!

Latest buy!

Clinique Chubby Stick
This is my new discovery. Strange name but it's amazing. Goes on like a crayon - so easy to apply and you can't really make a mistake. It's really moisturizing and smooth. I bought 'Mega Melon' which is a coral - mango shade. I use it with a lipliner to give a little more definition. I'll be buying more! Love it.

CORNFLAKE COOKIES

I made these this afternoon for the  kiddies afternoon tea.
 Very popular and don't last long in this house.

Recipe is in COOKING pages.

Look at my lovely Pierre de Ronsard Roses, my favourite.

CRAFTS

I made this today for my daughters' room.  She loves a beachy theme.

All you need is:-

1.  Scrapbook paper or any patterned or coloured cardboard
2.  String and large eye needle.
3. Shape templates of any type (download from internet if you need to).

So, all you need to do is:-

1.  Cut out your shapes (any size you like).

2.  Thread the string onto the needle (whatever length is appropriate), and push through the shapes

Tie knots after threading each one

And there you are, hang it up and enjoy.