Cross stitch.

A little while ago, Anooke borrowed a book from the library full of unconventional cross stitch patterns. I was inspired when Anooke started her Mexican Day of the Dead skull and thought I might try my hand at one. I decided that instead of using the traditional rainbow of colours, I would do mine in yellows, limes and mustards. I like Anooke's traditional version better, but I'm proud that I've actually finished!

Homemade muesli.

This morning, my two and a half year old sous chef and I made our own muesli. After a bad supermarket muesli choice I decided it was time to take things into our own hands. We made our own granola/crumble by mixing oats, chopped almonds and hazelnuts, cinnamon, a little brown sugar and a small amount of melted butter and then baked it for a few minutes on a tray. We then mixed it with oats, oat bran, chia seed, sunflower seeds, pepitas and chopped dates. It was so easy and I know exactly what's in it - we are two very happy muesli makers!

Some lovely.

Today was lovely. It made me want to drink from vintage china, wear something pretty and throw rose petals.

Images via Once Wed

Baking days.

I purchased this month's Donna Hay magazine and was seduced by the 'Brownies' section. It was a rainy afternoon so decided to try the 'cookies and cream blondie' and the 'brownie cookies with peanut butter frosting'. Doing both on the same day was a bad idea. By the end I was almost in a sugar coma and couldn't stand the thought of chocolate. The 'cookies and cream blondie' wasn't great – it won't be on my make again list. It was a little strange and felt like it was missing something. The 'brownie cookies with peanut butter' were better, very rich, but easy enough to make. I loved the frosting, but I must admit I used less butter than the recipe called for. I think I'll move onto the ricotta section now...

Now you're just somebody that I used to know.

Image via Baby Melvin

The Distillery.

I was lucky enough to attend the launch of The Distillery, letterpress and design, last night. It was so exciting and so inspirational. Everything was splendid. The smell, the printing demonstration, the beard on the printing man, the sample pack of letterpressed delights (my son declared the monster calendar to be beautiful!), I could go on all day. I love The Distillery's passion to share the art of letterpress and their willingness to teach their skills.

Have a look at their website. They stock paper for letterpress and make plates as well – so handy!

Monday.

Images via ffffound