Tuesday, 18 June 2013

Winter viewing

So the odd evening when I'm not working, I can sit in front of the box with my current craft/crochet project and disengage the brain... sort-of : )

Here's some of the doozies I'm currently enjoying:
Mad Men
Not what we expected at all given the hype but we get what the hype is/was about... it is that good.  Well written, engaging, fascinating character development and a riveting look back into time, we are still thoroughly enjoying tuning in after just having completed seasons 1 to 4...


The Big Bang Theory
It never fails to make me laugh out loud... clever, whitty and funny.  Always good for a wee chuckle :)


The Killing
Season 3 has just started and the show has returned to the fantastic form of Season 1.  Great actors, awful bad guys, gripping storyline.


What are you watching? Any recommendations?
Have a happy Humpday!
L x

Monday, 17 June 2013

Recipe: Chocolate Self-Saucing Pudding

It's Tuesday!  And I'm back to share another delicious treat for cold evenings... This recipe is quick, easy, delicious and wonderfully warm for winter!

Ingredients:
Pudding:
100g unsalted butter
120g Cooking Chocolate
1/4 caster sugar
1 cup trim milk
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 tsp vanilla essence
3/4 cup self-raising flour
60g Dark or milk Melts, chopped

Sauce:
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons Baking Cocoa
1 cup boiling water

Preparation:
Pudding:
1.  Melt the butter and Cooking chocolate over a low heat.  Cool to room temperature.

2.  Preheat the oven to 180'C.  Grease 6x200ml capacity ramekins or ovenproof cups.  Alternatively, grease a 6-cup capacity ovenproof dish.
3. Add the caster sugar, milk, eggs and vanilla to the chocolate mixture and stir to combine.

4.  Gradually add the flour and stir until the mixture is smooth.
5.  Divide the mixture evenly between the ramekins or cups, or spoon into the large dish.

6. Sprinkle the batter with the chopped Dark or Milk Melts.

Chocolate Sauce:
1.  Combine all the sauce ingredients together in a jug.  Stir until the Baking Cocoa and sugar have dissolved.
2.  Gently pour the sauce over the batter, dividiing evenly between the ramekins or cups.

3.  Place the dishes on a baking tray (to catch any overflow) and bake for 20-25 minutes.  Serve with a sprinkle of icing sugar.


Enjoy the gooey deliciousness!
L xx

Joining in with awesome Ange.
Fun with Food

Recipe from: Nestle's Kiwi Classics

Sunday, 16 June 2013

Ironing Board Covers Unite!

Happy Monday Morning!

A few months ago a few friends were considering the sad state of their ironing board covers... one thing lead to another and the IBC Swap was borne!


Details were distributed, partners assigned and we got cracking! Last week I received my brand new cover from Karyn, who sews gorgeous things! And the cover was no different - just look!

Pretty and happy, fits perfectly and has been tested and is performing well!
Extra loveliness in my parcel.
Thank you Karyn - I love it!

Here's more or less what I sent... and lucky for me well received!

I cant wait to see all the other ones! If you write a post about your cover received and/or sent, link it up below so we can admire each other's creations.

Thanks for joining in ladies - I hope you've enjoyed it!
L xx



Hazel's Emporium

Did you know Hazel loves Design? It's true, she does!

As a long time admirer of her skills and eye and Hazed magazine I was so excited when the online store was launched.  Smooth and sleek, pretty and clean, and full of gorgeous items which I am sorely tempted to purchase...

Some of my favourites are:
Little Drop Design pillowcases - I'm a sucker for colour and clever and they are both!
Creative Kate Pillows - cute, simple and happy.

Go on and have a look and I'm sure you'll want to bookmark the page for future reference!  Love the shop team and looking forward to seeing the empire grow!  Thank you for supporting indie in a real way and for bringing it to the masses!
L x

Thursday, 13 June 2013

Ditty ditty doo

An anthemic number for today to get in the weekend groove :)



Happy Friday!
L x

Wednesday, 12 June 2013

Show & Tell - A Crochet Hottie Cover Tutorial

Hi! Come in, come in - glad to have you here : )

Show & Tell Thursday's

Are you familiar with the awesome Hottie Project?  If not, go and have a look - it's a neat cause and there are so many ways in which you can participate.

After seeing these gorgeous hot water bottle covers I really really wanted to crochet a few... but to find a pattern...  so I made one up and thought I would share the "how to" with you.  (Disclaimer: I have made this up and tried my best to record it accurately and in a "user friendly" manner.  If you come across any inaccuracies or something that doesn't make sense please let me know and I'll try to remedy it!)

This pattern is now for sale in my Etsy Shop - thank you!

For June we have a brand new awesome giveaway!  PaperVine was one of the first blogs I followed and I've been a great admirer of Lowri's work.  I'm sure you've stumbled upon her creations and no doubt the scrapbookers among you know of her!  Well she has an online store selling gorgeous items and this month's winner will win a $40 gift voucher to go wild with at the shop!


Lowri is also offering a 15% shop discount for all you lovely readers during June!  Just use the code SUNSHINE at checkout.  I hope you agree - it's awesome!

Okay you inspirational lovelies - go forth, link up, be inspired, share the love!  And thanks for stopping by and being fantastic!
Have a great Friday Eve!
L xx

Show & Tell Thursday's





Tuesday, 11 June 2013

What to do on a winter evening...

I love boardgames... ALOT! One of my favourite ways to spend an evening is with good company, a nice meal, yummy dessert and some friendly gaming :)

The options are endless but I thought I would share a few favourites with you.

Family Friendly Fun: Ticket to Ride

Ages: 8 and up
Players: 2-5
An oldie but a goodie and one we often come back to at the end of the evening. There are many different maps and variations available, along with an online version and apps for your smart-device!  It's quick and easy to play (30mins or so) and can be super competitive or very friendly - depending on who you play with!  It was our introduction to Euro boardgames and we have never looked back.

Something with Serious Strategy: Agricola

Ages: 12+
Players: 1-5
Possibly one of my favourite all time games - I could probably play it most days.  A game with a lot of "thrill of the chase" as you are always thinking about how to get ahead : )  It is not for the fainthearted though and has a big set-up, rule book and takes about 2 hours to play - but it is definitely worth it!

Light and Fluffy: Dixit

Ages: 8+
Players: 3-6 (or up to 12 with Dixit: Odyssey)
This is very much a light and fun family game that is imaginative and provides a lot of laughs.  We will often play it over holidays or when there are a few extra people about.  Play time varies depending on just how many people play but it's a relatively short game.

Perhaps I'll try to review a game or two on a weekly basis as I found it almost impossible to stop at those 3...  There are so many great games that offer different things for different tastes, groups, level of interaction, brain engagement, etc etc...

What do you like to do during these wintry nights?  Would love to hear what you get up to and if you have any favourite boardgames!

Happy Humpday : )
L xx