Ornament swap

Thank you to all the lovely ladies who sent through ornaments from my group. Here is a photo of the collection, plus one from Alise (the star) - a friend from Taupo who was in another group.... but we swapped anyway :)
And the ninja just didn't want to hang out with the others - I think he has a thing for my garden angel.....

I know - the decorations are not on The Tree. They were.... but we have had a bit of a Christmas tree adventure - though at least we have upgraded from driftwood to greenery this year in honour of Lily and visiting grandparents. The first tree that we "got" didnt like being removed from its forest so dropped a gadzillion pine needles in protest. So it was retired early. We went to the awesome Taupo Native Plant Nursery to buy a $15 Totara tree in a pot. This tree is smaller (and prickly - ouch!), so could not take the weight of the crafty decorations. Or many lights, thus we had to go for light weight warehouse stuff instead! So far the barrier of presents and prickly-ness seem to be keeping little fingers away....
And, I think we are ready for Christmas - as ready as we can be without actually having cooked anything. I sent off the big email today detailing each family groups responsibilities which divided up the food and logistics. Now I feel relaxed. So relaxed that when I went food shopping I forgot to buy ingredients for our tasks - whoops! Merry Christmas to all!

Late edit: I don't know how Santa will go fitting down the gas fire chimney - we wish him luck!

Chainsaw Sculptures

We have some new garden art. How amazing are these?!

You may remember that we cut down the plum tree in our backyard a couple of months ago because it had lived its 50+ years and started to crack, no leaves, no fruit etc. Well the arborist who cut it down is also a chainsaw sculptor, and he came back this week to create some art in time for Christmas. They have not been sanded or anything, just chainsaws. We need to oil them this weekend. Very inspired to plant and landscape the gully now. Yay!!

Christmas Ornaments

I am assuming that New Zealand Post have done their job and delivered the handmade xmas ornaments that I made for the big kiwi ornament swap, so I can post some pics. I did originally have grand plans to do something with beads, but then got some xmas fabric and fell back on what I know I can do :) I made little boxes out of cardboard, put a bell in them and wrapped them up with that padding stuff they use for quilts and xmas fabrics. Little presents for everyone - and they even jiggle as all good presents should. Thanks to all the others in my group for their awesome gifts.

Spring flavours

I received the most excellent cook book for my birthday - thanks Lou! It is called "eat fresh" by Annabel Langbein and showcases cooking through the seasons, eating seasonal foods, using your garden etc. Amazing. (As an aside: And I just googled her to find a web link for the cookbook and she had video tutorials and free recipes and everything here).
I was inspired and made rice paper rolls. We miss vietnamese food living ina small town and these were a Perth favourite. Just to make them ourselves! We did the vegetarian ones and used mint and coriander from our garden as well as pak choi (instead of lettuce). Divine! Recipe here. Not the best photo - we only thought to take a pic once we'd started eating! I love the chilli peanut sauce, mmmmmm.

La garden

I took some photos in the garden on the weekend - none to showcase the gadzillion tomato plants that I finally put in the ground. Six different varieties grown from seeds - I must have been keen. However, random shots of ripe raspberries - YUM!! WE are fighting over them - one has to be in quick!
And I love the smell of citrus flowers. It blows in the kitchen window on the breeze.
And this years walnut crop is well underway.
And our first flax flower is super tall (sorry about rubbish view of neighbours house).
We planted a succulent garden from cuttings last year. I had no experience with them, but found them super easy to grow though many didn't like the frost. I am getting used to the beauty of them, and most have survived. Some excellent flowers that remind me of alpine plants.

Growing the stash!

I officially now have a fabric stash! Big thanks to my awesome little sister Kathryn. She used to work at Spotlight in Perth, and it a bit of a fabric hoarder herself...amongst other things (card making, bead making, scrapbooking....). When the Perth Spotlight shut down for 6 months last year to build a new store, Kathryn did bulk shopping at super, duper discount prices. She has now decided to do a spring clean out of all her stuff, selling it where she can - so big sis went through all the boxes and had her own personal home shopping adventure. YAY!!! Lucky I took over half full bags, because they sure as heck we're light coming home :)

I think it is going to be sewing in summer, knitting in winter. I have skirt and dress plans for me, some toy ideas for Lily and her friends, plus I have now completely changed my mind about my christmas ornaments I am making for the big swap.....

Home again!

Yes, we are back. Survived the trip to Perth. Lily is an excellent flyer - she didnt sleep much at all on the way over as the flight was during the day but at least she was happy. It wasnt really a holiday - more of a trip. We spent most of our time visiting friends and family, and being visited. Did manage to squeeze in a little bit of shoping, and a radical new yummy mummy haircut though! Unfortunately I managed to get sick when I came back, the cumulative effects of insuficient sleep, plane travel and busy-ness....so have had no voice for a few days. I am sure Matthew thinks it is nice and peaceful :) Back into our "normal" routines now, and the Christmas chaos......

Pics from Perth (mostly different people with Lily - sorry no tourist shots!) at
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=62764&l=30d4f&id=590486015