"Everybody is original, if they tell the truth, if they speak from their true self.  But it must be from their true self and not from the self they think they should be.  So remember these two things: you are talented and you are original. "

Brenda Ueland

Bird on a Cupcake

I am in love with these cute little cupcake stands from WhitneySmith. 

Daffodil Day

Popping into the supermarket for a few supplies I could not go past these daffodils.  This time last year we had no idea that my mum would soon get incredibly sick and be diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer.   Just six months after her diagnosis she was gone. 

Friday is Daffodil day - a fundraising day for showing support for those affected by cancer and proceeds for the day go towards research, prevention and support services.  Please show your support on Friday.  More information can be found here.

Oatmeal Cookies

Image:  These ones have white and dark choc chips.

This is one of my favourite cookie recipes, I origionally got it from one of Bill Grangers cookbooks.  It is very easy and a treat for the kids that has all natural ingredients and non of the preservatives of store bought cookies.

I usually make a double batch, somtimes halve the sugar and almost always struggle to make them last more than a day or two!

150g (5 1/2 oz) unsalted butter, softened
1 Cup brown sugar
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 teaspoons natural vanilla extract
125g (1 cup) plain (all purpose) flour
1 Teaspoon baking powder
pinch salt
2 1/3 cups rolled oats
1 cup dried fruit (sultanas, raisins, I even put choc chips and apricot sometimes)

Preheat oven to 180 degress celsuis or 350F, line baking trays with baking paper.

Cream butter and sugar together until fluffy and smooth.  Add the egg and vanilla extract and beat until smooth.  Sift flour, baking powder and salt into the bowl and mix lightly.  Add the oats and dried fruit, stir together.

Roll tablespoons of mixture into balls and place on trays.  Flatten with a fork.  Bake for 20 minutes, or until pale golden.  Remove from oven and cool on the trays for 5 minutes before transfering to a wire rack.

Some more sewing....

While mum has been busy at the sewing machine, the boys have been doing a bit of their own sewing.  I got them an embroidery hoop each after reading Amanda Soules book which suggested that embroidery hoops were an easy way for smaller children to have a go at sewing.  It works a treat and the boys love it. 

This is Toby with his coat of many colours that he is making.  He loved changing colours regularly. 

Fun Spaces

Doesn't this space just look vibrant and fun!  Love the cushions on the bed and the bright colours in the bookshelves.  I recognize the fire truck on the shelves, my son has one just like it and he loves it. 

Olives Friend Pop

I just love the childrens label Olive's Friend Pop!  It is a collection of delightful clothes for little girls.  They call their clothing nostalgic playwear.  It is reminicient of the clothes our grandmothers wore. 

The summer collection is full of pretty little tops and dresses in florals, cute little shorts and their gorgeous little aprons.

Some of my favourites are the Lily top and the Alice Dress.