If only you could share smells on the internet.

Because this was divine. A mixture of garlic, ginger, lemon grass (home grown), star anise, red chilli and kepap manis. Slow cooked a leg of lamb in this mixture and served over flat rice noodles with a side serve of asparagus (previous post). Not sure why I am on such a cooking kick lately, maybe it's the arrival of the cooler weather that is making me think of food other that the quick summer food we usually eat, lots of salad with whatever goes with it, or salad wraps with chicken or tuna (boys would eat almost anything if it was put in a wrap)  Whatever it is I'm actually enjoying being in the kitchen for the first time in ages. Recipe http://emsfoodforfriends.com.au/slow-cooked-sticky-asian-lamb/

 This afternoon I had a go at making these bowls http://laughingkidslearn.com/2014/02/how-to-make-a-string-bowl-with-kids.html/ really hoping these turn out because I love the look of them.

Rocking the 1950s house wife thing

It all started by looking for a recipe to make for the boys as an after school snack, yesterday was toasties an although I made enough for two days they only lasted one. Anyway as I was going through my recipe folder I noticed that lots of my favourites that had been printed out were starting to get a bit tattered and torn around the edges, not to mention a bit of the odd cookie dough mark on some so I decided to grab out my most used and laminate them and store them in this magazine holder I had spare, will decorate it some way I'm sure but will be later down the track. Now all I need to do is grab my fully wipable recipe out and it's right there to touch with my foody hands, not only is it more hygienic, the old favourites will last for so much longer now.

 So in keeping with the food theme I decided to give this recipe http://eliseblaha.typepad.com/golden/2014/03/how-we-do-asparagus.html a try, OMG my tastebuds were still dancing and hour later, talk about yummy. The only thing I did differently was to cook up a bit of bacon to go with it, so crispy crunchy delicious.  I get tired of trying to come up with fast but healthy lunches so as this covered both bases (well maybe not the bacon) I'm sure it is something I will do again, especially now I have a wonderful non stick stone pan that is amazing to clean.

 And then not forgetting my initial reason for getting all foody and 1950s housewifish I then made up these peanut butter and oatmeal cookies. They are called dump bowl cookies but mention that in a house full of teenage boys and it's not likely to get very appropriate response. Instead of the intended dump of extra goodies I just used chia seeds, figured there was enough butter and sugar in them without adding more chocolate or lollies and the chia seeds are not only healthier but give it a yummy bit of crunch. http://michellewooderson.blogspot.com.au/2014/01/dump-bowl-cookies.html 
Now what to cook for dinner???

Loving lately...

This printable I purchased from etsy to print, frame and put in number 3s room. He is mad keen guitarist and will play for hours. It's not always easy to get things related to acoustic guitars, it's mostly electric.  I intend to grunge up some printable canvas and put it on that. She also had some gorgeous brush design coffee cups that I just had to have, ha.

https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/160343128/digital-download-art-pen-and-ink-guitar?ref=shop_home_active_2

 This new 'dagging at home' wind cheater. It's only a cheapie from BigW but it is oh so soft and comfy and the perfect weight for this time of year.The charcoal is great too because it means I get more that 1 days wear out of it. Not a big fan of logos on clothing but being so comfy out weighs that.

The new plus one project life kit by Amy Tangerine, that little camera icon makes my heart beat a little faster. And I suppose I should add that I am loving getting back into project life again after a dismal attempt last year. I'm sticking to a simpler format this year, a lot of hand writing (even though I hate it) or using my old typewriter. Sticking to the simpler colour scheme of the midnight kit with splashes of colour thrown in so I don't get too bored and going with my mood a bit each week rather than trying to stick to a totally uniform look. 

Another product I am totally loving for project life is stamps from http://kelliestamps.bigcartel.com
Like the fact that so many are unique to Australia and others use real life quotes that suit, well real life, not the rose coloured glasses absolutely perfect life sets that are around. Even though I have soooo many stamps I am mostly using these now. I bought this set from the March release (as well as a couple of other sets,shhh) and adore them. They fit in with some of the things I like most, snuggly winter days cuddling in front of the fire and yummy food.

Not your Nana's cactus...

Or may be they are, maybe I'm only just appreciating the beauty of what the older generations knew, or maybe it's the influence of social media but I am loving the look of succulents right now. I used to think they were a bit daggy when I was a kid. Over the past week I have tackled a few projects that I have had planned for a couple of months now but never seemed to have the time to get around to.  I had this layered fruit basket in my craft room, used for storage, for ages and although I loved the look of it it really was too big for my little space and I ended up ditching it. The idea came to me to convert it to a planter but like lots of things it sat there not done for ages. After spending some time last week while Bren and Joe were away putting succulents in glass jars for indoors I thought they would work well with the basket as well. I am quite happy with how it turned out and can't wait to see it in few weeks when it all starts to grow and the plants multiply (that's what I like about cactus is how they just keep doubling and are so easy to propagate) I love the little bird on the top of the handle and think it is much better suited to outdoors than in. 

The cactus in the glass jars that I have placed around the house make me happy with their little pop of green and are so easy to look after, well hopefully they will be any way ;-)

A wee bit excited

My sexy new little macbook arrived today and I am beyond excited to be once again be able to resume regular blogging as well as all the other useful uses. I'd almost forgotten that feeling butterflies zooming around in the pit of my tummy until the delivery man arrived at my doorstep this morning. I am now officially an apple geek ;-)