It's the little things...

I know it's only a few salad leaves but after such a mad week that has just gone by and a very busy, hot market yesterday (more to come on that one) I am taking the time this week to enjoy the little things and get some balance back in my life. So one of the things that made me happiest today was being able to go out into my very own veggie patch and pick some lettuce for dinner :) Sometimes it really is the simplest things that are the best!

Hope you are having a happy week :)

Bel x

Happier Days...

Well I've had a bit of a stressful week, so it was nice to get back to doing a few things I love this week...

I finally took the cover of my sewing machine (its been ages) and made this little doggy softie to send down to the Victorian Bush fire Appeal (he's not finished yet, but the hand sewing bit is the bit I dislike the most)

Meet me at Mike's is organising a Handmade Help Appeal for the victims of the Victorian Bush fires. There is also a collection being made by The Toy Society for Handmade Softies to be sent down to bring some cheer to the kids who have lost everything.

I also got to do some baking this week and whipped up this yummy Nectarine Upside Cake which, Em, I and the boys all enjoyed for morning tea today :)

If you would like the recipe go here it was super easy :)

Here's to lots more happier days in 2009!

Cheers, Bel x

Baking for the soul

On my way out to put the rubbish in the bin this morning I noticed a recipe for Rocky Crunch Cakes on the side of the packet, so after a particular rough couple of weeks I have decided to dedicate this week to sunshine and happiness and what better way to kick it off that doing a little baking :)

Here is the recipe, they were really really easy

ROCKY CRUNCH CAKES

110g Butter

1/2 Cup Sugar

1 3/4 cup Plain Flour

1/2 Sultanas (I used a mixture of sultanas and raisins)

1 1/2 cups Kellogg's Crunchy Nut Cornflakes (I am sure normal cornflakes are fine too)

2 tsp Baking Powder

1 tsp Vanilla Essence

1/4 cup Milk

Preheat oven to 180oC. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy and add remaining ingredients. Mix until mixture resembles a stiff dough. Place heaped tablespoons on a greased baking tray (I did teaspoon size, better for little fingers). Bake at 180oC for approx 15mins until golden. Allow to cool and store in an airtight container. I made 26 of the smaller size ones. Enjoy

And can I say sitting here eating my 3rd one, they certainly have brought some happiness into my day and made me remember all those yummy treats from my childhood.

I also thought I would share these few pics with you to hopefully put a smile on your face today. Whilst trying my hardest to get some crafting done one day last week, I am not sure if my little helper was a help or a hindrance. Either way we had lots of fun sorting through the fabrics

Hope your having a happy day too, Bel xx