Birthday Cake Competition

well, we are back from the (other) coast, and yes i did end up watching rugby!  i had a great time opp shopping and hunting for fabric, was so much fun.  I even managed to knit the husband a grey felted merino hat for his birthday on my circular needles (how i love them!). 

The Mother-in-Law is now here visiting, and we had a Cake Competition for C's birthday earlier in the week.  This was my carrot cake.  He got six cakes (!) and we all voted on them for Presentation (C's mum won); Taste, and Overall X Factor.  Sadly my beloved carrot cake didn't win.  Thinking  of making it an annual affair.  Best to get my cake decorating skills perfected. 

oops Forgot to Blog

Oops.  It's been 10 days since my last blog (really?) and i forgot..  told you it was purely on-a-role thing.  How to master routine baffleks me..
Well Rugby World Cup is now here in Franz, only during the week (as it's between games apparently).  I don't watch rugby.  Used to. Used to even play it (dare i say!)  Luckily The Husband doesn't watch it either. 
But the kids and I are off to my homeland of South Canterbury tomorow, where no doubt, in my attempt to get away from the rugby mad flag wearing and bearing campervans and tourists, i will end up hearing about the rugby, trying to ignore the rugby and inevitably watching the rugby.  Hmmmm.
Have been craving some sort of cityness, and this is as good as it's gonna get til the end of summer now, so i will be making the most of it by opp shopping til i drop, buying more felt and wool and zips and the like, taking the kids swimming and storytime at the library, and just things that people must do in a city.  I have joined the Art Gallery in Greymouth, so i will be doing some designs for a painting for the upcoming members exhibition in December. 
Ka kite ano, Tash

For the Button-aholics....

This was my project yesterday as The Man was off sick from work, and could therefore entertain child no 1. 
I had recently bought all of these buttons and more on TradeMe, and then cursed myself for spending so much money on buttons....  but they are all really beautiful and make great focal points on purses, so i'm hoping i will make my money back!!
Getting warmer here now and feeling like i need to get outside a bit more.  Husband is thinking i am turning into a reclusive old nana sewing, knitting and baking all day with the kids and not seeing anyone else as our car is broken.  Nearest shop 15 mins drive away.  Neighbours all at work (all 4 houses of them).  Hmmmmm.... maybe he's right but i'm actually quite happy in my Nana Reclusiveness...

Crochet Hook Purse

A crochet hook 'purse' made with all my special fabrics.  This I made awhile ago for motivational purposes (see earlier blog 'life to do list'....  )

This was a pattern from a book called 'Sew Darn Cute' by Jenny Ryan.

It really does have some cute things in it!

Some more crafties..

More for the shop at Glacier Hot Pools.
Getting ready for the summer season and wondering how I will get any fun making-stuff done as the bookings look good for the holiday house, which is great. 

New Purse

A new knitted merino purse to go in the shop at Glacier Hot Pools....  think i might make some more!

A Taste of Spring

Here is a (rather old and a bit sad looking) daffadil that the wee madam R gave me a few days ago.  I think there is actually another little yellow pansy floating in the glass too, also given by R!  And some homemade lemon curd I made with our free-range chookie eggs.... the colour of my egg yolks are a beautiful darge orange that's why the lemon curd is so buttery yellow!! Yum... as you can see it's nearly gone.  Here is the recipe below ...

Lemon Curd

Ingredients

3 Large eggs
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
1 Tbspn finely shredded lemon zest
3/4 cup granulated white sugar
4 Tbspns (55 gm) unsalted butter at room temp.

Method

In a stainless steel bowl placed over a saucepan of simmering water, whisk together the eggs, sugar and lemon juice until blended.  Cook, stirring constantly until mixture becomes thick (like sourcream) approx 10 min.
Remove from heat and immediately pour through a fine strainer to remove lumps.  Cut butter into small pieces and whisk into the mixture until the butter has melted.  Add lemon zest and let cool.  The lemon curd will continue to thicken as it cools. 
Cover immediately (so a skin doesn't form) and refridgerate for up to a week.

Makes 1 1/2 cups.

Make lots of pikelets straight away and get into it!!