Living in a Cave

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Here is an interesting little article on the cave houses in the region of the Loire Valley.  These ancient houses were built in caves and were used as hidding places to hide from ones enemies.  They were also the dwelling place for monks as a quiet sanctuary away from the world.  Many of these houses are quiet elaborate and depict the social standing of the families that once owned them. 

Ice Cube Painting

This looks like such a fun activity to do with the little ones - Ice cubes frozen with food colouring.  Full instructions are found here.  I may just go and freeze some now - ready for tomorrow...

Take Out Tuesday

This is my 3 year old sons favourite meal, he requests it several times a week.  It is so quick you can make it faster than going out for take out.   He has already asked for it the past two nights, so tonight it is....


Easy Tomato Risotto

1 Tablespoon olive oil
25g butter
1 onion finely chopped
salt
1 1/4 cups arborio rice
2 cups chicken stock
1 cup tomato pasta sauce/canned tomatoes/passata
2 tablespoons fresh basil
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Heat a saucepan over medium heat and add butter, oil, salt and onion.
Cook until onion is translucent.
Add the rice and stir for a few minutes until grains are glistening.
Increase heat to high and add stock, tomato sauce, and 1 1/4 cups boiling water. 
Bring to the boil stiring occaisionally.  Reduce heat to low and cover.  Cook for 15 to 20 minutes. 
Remove from heat stir in basil, parmesan and sugar if required to taste.

Girls Sharing Rooms

Some pretty shared rooms for girls a pretty quilt in a mostly white room.

I always like the combination of pink and green together.

A Little Bit of Knitting

On the weekend I finished this little cardigan for Mila.  The pattern is Tiny Tea Leaves by Madelinetosh.  I used Bendigo Luxury 10 ply.  This was such quick easy knit, there is even a ladies version of the pattern if you want to make one for yourself.

Storage Space

We have spent the morning outside enjoying the winter sun.  Plenty of playing on the swings and burying each other in sand which was a blast until Mila decided it was fun to bury faces!

It seems with growing children we are fast running out of storage space for keeping toys and the like sorted and tidy.  I am loving the idea of the seating with baskets in the above picture.  What about you?  How do you store all the kids things but still keep the living area looking lovely and not too childish?

Quotable...

Love her work 

“For everything you have missed, you have gained something else, and for everything you gain, you lose something else.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Milla Mia

I have discovered a new book full of gorgeous knitting patterns for small children by MillaMia. For those of you that love knitting check it out here. I think I want to have a go at knitting the dress above and I am also loving the knitted coat. At the speed I knit, if I get started now they may just be finished for next winter!