Pomander time

 So you remember those things you used to make at Christmas time at home with your mum that had an orange and a whole pile of cloves......well it turns out there called Pomanders.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Pomander, noun, a ball or perforated container of aromatic substances, placed in a cupboard or room to perfume the air or (formerly) carried as a supposed protection against infection.

A piece of fruit, typically an orange, studded with cloves and hung in a wardrobe"

They are super easy to make and simply make the house smell amazing.

We made ours last week as gifts for the teachers and whilst I intended to get a photo of our finished products, they were whisked off to school before I had a chance! Sorry!

But here's what we did......

1. Tie ribbon around your orange to create quarters. Leaving enough ribbon to create a loop in which to hang.

2. Secure ribbon underneath with a pin so it doesn't slip off.

3. Poke holes in the orange using a skewer (less orange spray gets your eyes then!)

4. Push a whole clove into your hole

You can make them as intricate or simple as you like. We kept our simple, as in I handed the kids a skewer and said Go!

You can make the design as intricate or as simple as you like. We made ours simple (as in I gave them all an orange, a skewer and said go!)

There's definitely a Christmassy smell these 'pomander balls' bring to the house, you should definitely give them a go........think I'll have to make one myself for the house now!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gingerbread stars...

Presents for family and friends are all taken care of, now its time we move onto the teachers gifts!
This year we thought we'd make gingerbread stars and then dress them up as ornaments....bit of fun?

Gingerbread Stars

 

70g butter

1/4 c dark brown sugar

60mls golden syrup

1 3/4 c plain flour

1/2 tsp. bi carb soda

2 tsp. ground ginger

1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp. ground cloves

1/4 tsp. salt

2tbsp water

 

Preheat oven to 180 degrees and line your trays with non stick paper

Beat together butter and sugar until pale and creamy then slowly add golden syrup till just combined

Sift in flour, bi carb soda, salt and all spices. Using a wooden spoon mix everything together including the water until a soft dough occurs.

Work dough together gently on a lightly floured surface then roll out and cut to the shapes you require. (we used stars, but angels, doves, Santa etc. would work too!)

Bake for 10 min or until lightly browned.

It's begining to look alot like......

         
                                                                      Christmas !!!!!!!!!

Happy Sunday

Here's one I saw and just had to share......happy Sunday everyone.

Advent time....

Advent calendars......do you have one?

Do you get the chocolate on cardboard type or do you make your own?

With 3 kids in the house ( and me just quietly ) there is always big excitement as the Christmas count down begins. The ticking off of days meaning Christmas is getting closer, and closer, and closer.....oh I love it!
But I have to say I'm not a big fan of the chocolate/cardboard types you get from the supermarket. I find the picture is usually something completely irrelevant like Dora or Thomas the tank engine etc. and the chocolate if frankly yuck! Let alone the fact they've been mass produced months prior to December, left to sit somewhere and then no doubt shipped from further than we could imagine. 

Instead, we've had a few different styles over the years and really that's the best thing about the advent, you can make it exactly how you want. 

Some adverts you can open, some you add something daily, others you subtract each day. There can be something to read, to flip, to create, to eat even just to look at. Here's a few examples that sure beat the chocolate /cardboard surely..........(not all ours btw) 

                                (not sure why that one is so blurry, sorry, but you get the idea)

                                           (how cool is this one for those Lego lovers!)

 Not quite sure what ours will be this year, but I'm sure I'll have 3 little people to help come up with a fun idea.
Hope this gives you a few ideas for creating your own advent calendar and prepare for the count down to begin................

little hints of summer

There has been a lovely shift in the weather here of late.

The rain has stopped and we're getting a little hint of the summer months ahead.

 

There's been washing on the line.

 

The feijoa is blossoming.

 

The skies are blue.

 

The roses are blooming.

 

Indoor activities have moved outside.

 

 Windows are being opened wide.

 

 

Private picnics and quiet places are enjoyed.

 

And the last of the veggies have gone to seed.

 

My favourite season is almost here.....and so far so good!

 

What's your favourite season?

 

 

Really?

I'm not sure but I think I've missed a few years somewhere?

Whilst doing my usual morning routine of breakfast for the tribe, coffee, make lunches, nag said tribe to get dressed, stack dishwasher etc, I saw something that made my heart stop for a second.

It was the above image that made me stop in my tracks. I realised that I now have 3 big people in my tribe and not a little one anymore. With Rouge headed of to kindy 2 days this term, I'm having to pack her a lunch just like the older two. Nooooooo......where did those years go? 

I know it's inevitable but it still hit me like a brick wall. Luckily I still have her home for 3 days, but boy what a reality check. 

Savour the time my friends, savour the time.

a captured week of style

My little Rouge ......she's got style.
Sure it may not be to every one's taste, but she knows what she wants to wear and doesn't care what anyone may say about that said outfit. She ignores outfits laid out for her and heads to the drawers with an outfit in mind.
Once she's happy,  she heads out in confidence and with a smile on her face.
Wouldn't it be great if we could all do that.........
Yep, this girl has definitely got style.

Christmas is coming.....

With our family tradition of 'handmade gifts' continuing as always this Christmas, we have been keeping mighty busy!

After doing a quick gift tally back in early October, it was quickly discovered that it is going to be a full family hands on affair and we needed to start soon! 

18 children and 10 adults.....and that's just the direct family. Then there's the friends that we've made here and the special ones we've left behind that will be receiving a little something also. 

There's been ideas thrown about, lists created, family brain storm meetings, numerous shopping trips for supplies, sizes guessed and best of all, fun making gift after gift. (After gift, after gift!)

I love Christmas. Those who know me know how much I love a good family celebration involving gifts.....especially when there's one that just may have my name on it! But there's something extra special about Christmas. I love how my kids love getting involved in the gifting as much as the receiving. The smiles that come from just talking about who should receive what and how they will be able to help in the making process. Magical.

So whilst we plod on here with the gift making, I wanted to remind you all while you go along your gift selecting, that Christmas is about the giving and the thought that goes into a present. 

They don't need to be big or expensive. They don't need to all be bought or even made, but they do have to have thought behind them. Think of what the gift is made from, how long it will last? Think of where it's come from and how far it may have travelled? Think of the person who will be receiving your gift and think of their joy.

Think of their smile as they open it. 

Did I really miss October?

Terrible. Not one single post in October.  Just Terrible.

Cause really, it's not like we had nothing to share for the month. It's not like a million photos weren't taken on our little holiday back to oz, or new family members weren't met for the first time, or even weddings in a magical part of Wellington didn't happen, but somehow all those things (and more) just never quite made it to the blog. 

And now to make matters worse, every time I go to write a post of late, something comes up.

I remember the pile of washing that needs taking care of, I remember the number of Christmas presents that require making or I simply sit and physically can't bring myself to do anything else but stare at the tv for the last hour before my head hits the pillow. 

I know I'm not alone! 

So instead of writing a post, and making up for the lost month, I'll just insert a few pics to help summarise the very fast moving last term we are travelling in and hope to do better next time......