Masterchef!

Well the cake was a success and I have my own Masterchef!!! It wasn't started until 9pm last night when I was safely tucked up in bed and although I was woken a few times with questions he made it with no problems. Out of bed this morning to make the icing and luckily the 'cat' idea was forgotten or discarded and the icing flowers I had bought were used instead. While he was in the shower I wrapped his presents for her, found him a card and he was on his way. Yes he had even taken the day off work, isn't young love gorgeous!! Happy Birthday Maddie, Hope you have had a nice day.
While we are on the Masterchef subject who else watched and enjoyed last night when Billy faced off against Merle Parrish from the CWA? I had seen her on a show only a few weeks ago one lunch time so knew exactly who she was. I would love to taste her Peach Blossom cake but oh I'd hate to have her judge some of my baking, I would definitely need a lot more practice!!! In the supermarket tonight I picked up the recipe card for Billy's curry and the rocky road with fresh raspberries, not something I've thought of putting in before. May need to try it.

Yikes!

My cleaning lady came today which was very exciting but the thing making me nervous is that HS's girlfriend turns 18 tomorrow and he is making her a cake, tonight in my kitchen!!!! A white chocolate mudcake which he plans to shape into a cat!!!! Would I be a terrible mother if I took to the bed early expecting kitchen fairys to visit and to wake up in the morning to a spotless kitchen??

Cheats 3 ingredient slice!

As I have said before we bake most mornings for the lunchboxes.Yesterday I decided to start the week one step ahead but still short of time I 'threw' this slice together It is super easy and only has 3 ingredients.
375g of mixed fruit or sultanas or dried apricots or choc bits (guess you could also use nuts)
1 cup SR flour
1 tin skim condensed milk ( I don't use the skim but only because I always have the normal condensed milk in the pantry)
Mix all together and pour into a lined slice tin. Bake in a 150 degree oven for about 35 minutes or light brown on top. Do not overcook or slice becomes crunchy, it is meant to be chewy. You can drizzle melted chocolate on the top to dress it up.
I usually put choc bits in it and find it great when you are short of time.
Enjoy!

More great mail..

A few weeks ago I won a giveaway on Jodie's blog 'Ricrac' and was lucky enough to win a book of softies patterns. It has taken this long to post because I lent it to Mum and another friend and was lucky to get it back from both of them!! It is gorgeous and one of those books you could continually look through and still see new things each time. It is also one of those books that make you feel like getting out the felt and starting to create immediately. One of my favorites is this squirrel but seriously there are none that I don't like. I can highly recommend it. Thanks to Jodie for hosting the giveaway.
'Countryside softies' by Amy Adams

How did she know?

We often talk about the friendships we make in the 'blogging' world and how rich and rewarding these relationships are. I had a parcel arrive yesterday, quite unexpected, from such a friend. How did she know I needed a pick me up? How did she know how much I have been chasing my tail lately and not making headway?? Not sure but she did. A mug rug - which will sit next to the computer (with cats on it, so me!!!), a cowl to keep me warm and snug - already tested on the walk up to hockey this afternoon and one of the necesseties of life - chocolates!
Thank you xxx

Look at this!

Each year at our quilting weekend we have a Birthday dinner to celebrate all our Birthdays. We have a cake with candles and sing and each of us take a gift which are given out randomly. I was so so so lucky to receive this apron which was the envy of everyone, just quietly I got the best gift! Anne made it and put so much work into it. The apron was bought and she added the embroidery.My photography is fairly ordinary but it says
My house is untidy
The garden's overgrown
My hair is a mess
But you should see what I've sewn!
I wore it all weekend and it obviously worked its magic on me!!

It's back!

It's official, my quilting mojo has returned!!! I am home from the most wonderful weekend in Port Fairy with my quilting group. We laughed, we ate, we drank, we napped and most importantly we stitched and quilted. It was good for the soul. I completed (in fact all that I had already done was half the cutting) the quilt top for my Sister-in-law to celebrate her 50th Birthday and yes her birthday was in March. Better late than never! It is made from Moda's 'Simple Abundance'. No it's not perfect but I love it and can't wait to get onto the next project now.

Look out here I come!

On my way to my Quilting retreat in Port Fairy...... So excited, it will be good for the soul. Tracey from Oz Country Quilting will be joining me. Plan to have a finished quilt top to show on my return!

Winter!

First official day of Winter today!