The Capture Of Spring

A hint of spring, although it's raining.

Blossom found on someone else's front lawn. xx

Cake!

My delicious birthday cake (with the best cake icing ever!) Thank you Sian!

Ooh ooh and the pavlova I made with my new electric beaters! Perfect!

Presents For Me!

Lilly overseeing the unwrapping process, and looking very impressed! (Note the amazing background... a beautiful wall hanging! And a pretty purse from Melbourne.)

Some love-ly hair clips!

...And a cute note book complete with French cover!

Thank you lovelies! Ooh and I will post again later, to show you the result of another very wizzy present p.s. it will be delicious! xxx

Weathered in Winter

I found this weathered sign today on a tramp up to the Translator Tower on Mt Taranaki. I now also understand why the last leg of the track is called the puffer, because you have to puff! But a fantastic day to get the heart pumping.

Look What I've Found

This amazing little download that turns your photos into Polaroid look-a-likes! Check it out at Poladroid. ... And now I may be getting a little carried away with it!

Sepia Tones

The difference contrast makes.

What Falls Down Around Us

Finding photos in my back yard, using the Black & White function on my digital camera.

I'm still learning how to get perfect shots, but this old shed is good inspiration. I like the first shot with the reflection of a bare tree in the broken window. It has the emptiness of winter about it.

P.S Have added more contrast to these (thanks mum!)

Bookends Are Back

Today I had a fabulous find in my local second hand shop. Pretty bird bookends!

At $16 I thought they were a steal! Another kitsch item to add to the collection, and will be just perfect for the bookshelf, once i get one!

Chocolate Biscuits

I've just been busy baking chocolate chip biscuits!

My recipe uses:

2 cups Flour + Baking Powder

150g Butter

1 cup Caster Sugar

1/2 cup Brown Sugar

1 egg + 1 egg yolk

Vanilla essence

CHOCOLATE (Heaps!)

The beauty of this recipe is that you simply mix all of these together, roll into balls and bake! Done in 15 minutes at 150 degrees celsius.

A wee treat after completing a 6 kilometer run this morning!

Fresh Mountain Air

I love crisp winter afternoons.

Today we achieved a run. And that is an achievement! Unfortunately, being left alone in the house this afternoon I made chocolate fudge... canceling any health benefits gained while running!

A French Charm

A beautiful trinket, brought home for me from France!

This travelled with my best friend and husband as they made their way around Europe on their first overseas experience! They had a fabulous time, and saw the sights in England, France, Nice, Italy, Greece, then Switzerland and finally Germany!

Thank you Sian xx

Here's My Swan (To Be)

Who would believe that these would become a collectors item? Isn't it funny that one generations junk is another's desire? Trademe has been hijacked by people clinging to this trend. It is my fault, a supply and demand thing. But these savvy sellers have done their research, they are hunting top dollar. They play their cards, and tell you that their item is 'very rare', one saying that too rare even for the humble church fair. I guess the advantage of this bidding war is that we can sit inside next to the fire and trade until ours hearts content, however, where is the fun in that? What's wrong with getting up early on a Saturday morning and rummaging through someone's garage? Have we lost the ability to rummage? I think I will scavenge for my CL colourglaze tea set, I've decided it doesn't have to be matching. Because where's the fun in that?

(Picture found @ www.collectiques.co.nz)

Suitcase Collection

This holds my collection of scarfs, bags, photos and letters!

Pulling On My Purse Strings

I found this Italian made bag on etsy store, and was delivered to me all the way from Canada.

It has three gold clasps, and can be worn as a shoulder bag. I am going to have to down size my purse before I get carried away with this piece of Italy so I can fit it in! Ooh I can feel a vintage purse shopping expedition coming on!