Kisses from nan...

...the old fashioned sort!

Nan's kiss bickies are the good old fashioned kind. Lots of real butter in the biscuits, lots of real icing sugar in the icing, none of this "out of a packet" stuff. Growing up, both my nans loved baking. I lost one of my nans last year but still have a lot of her recipes. I get very disheartened when I think of how many kids today think that cakes, muffins, bickies - even pasta sauce- all come out of a box or a jar. I know that I can't expect every mum, dad or grandparent to love cooking and baking but it is just sad that in modern times some things go by the wayside. (Heck, I'm sounding old aren't I? )

I am far from being a patient teacher but I know what pleasure my kids get on those occasions when I have the time and energy to let them help me cook. It's not often enough. I hope, in the same way they see me sew and craft, that I am helping to foster some interest in these pursuits in the future.

I also love sharing recipes. I don't really get "secret family recipes" Life is so very short and you should spread as much happiness and pleasure around as possible- and that includes the food variety of happiness!

You can see how old the recipe is; when did we change from pounds to kilograms?

Nan's Kiss Biscuits:

1 pound plain flour
1/2 pound sugar
2 eggs
1/2 pound butter (no one said they were healthy. Just close your eyes and put it in...)
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 small teaspoon bicarb soda

Oven at 180 degrees.

Crem butter and sugar.
Add eggs and beat well.
Sift flour and tartar and soda.
Mix into creamed mix.
Form small balls on cold, greased trays.
Press down evenly with a fork.
Bake till golden.
Join with jam and ice one side with vanilla icing and sprinkle with hundreds and thousands or coconut. Lemon icing also yummy.

These keep well.

I'll always think of my nans when I make these.



Some of these are destined for my family's tummies but most are destined for Sewjourn in Lancefield, Victoria, when 9 Crafty Mamas will be meeting for the 1st time this weekend. (http://www.sewjourn.net.au/blog/ )

I joined this forum last year and I feel that these girls are my friends- I have chatted incessantly with them about everything and everything online for less than a year...and yet we have never met. Modern society at its best. I hope that we all like each other! If we don't, I guess that we will get a lot of sewing done...in silence. But that is highly unlikely I think!

PS Maybe it is good karma for cooking your own bickies but don't you love how you can always find matching pairs when you have to sandwich a tray of biscuits together?

Wise Words...

From Judy Garland , actress (1922-1969)

"Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of someone else"

I struggled in my school and University years, worrying about what others thought and succumbing to peer pressure. My 30s have been a blessing. With age has come the freedom to be who I want to be and to be happy with that. So my 40th birthday this year signalled nothing more than a happiness with the increasing confidence in myself. Most of the time I like me! I still worry about what others are doing or thinking, especially with regards to parenting issues, but not anywhere near as much.

I really hope that my kids can grow up with a healthy self esteem, individuality and to be very comfortable in their own skin - be (very) happy with who they are.

I like talking and I lack adult conversation. Maybe there is something to blogging after all!

Yeah Baby!

Sophie Tunic by Sis Boom.

I'd hate to cross anything off my "to list" so decided to make this up after impulse purchasing the pattern last week.
Vintage brushed cotton.
Decorative neckline finish using fold over elastic and a button.

Lovely pattern. Very comprehensive, simple with options for sleeves and neckline facings.
Very long pdf pattern though (151 pages to be precise- but that includes pattern pieces from size 6 months up to 12 years)
I made it with a thicker fabric for wear in the cooler months.

Very Austin Powers!

And, yes, I am still appreciating how blessed I am...even though it is a rainy, pupil free day and I have 3 kidlets with lots of pent up energy locked indoors all day...

Life is Great!

Let me say from the get-go that I am not convinced that I am a natural born blogger.
I started setting this blog up months ago and have been waiting for inspiration (or at least a lightning bolt) to strike...hmmm, still hasn't happened.
But it is a (rarely) rainy Sunday afternoon here, kids are amusing themselves (sort of) and I am feeling motivated (to avoid folding the washing)
So here I am.
My thoughts are to record my creative exploits, whether they be sewing, crocheting, cooking or whatever. I may also feel the need to rant every now and then (sorry). But we can see what evolves.
But today, I just want to share my happiness of life. It is nearly perfect (about 15 kg weight away from perfect lol) I have a loving and loved partner, 3 gorgeous kiddlywinks, we have good health, it is Autumn here (which I love; stunning red and yellow leaves everywhere) and I get to stay at home and create with what time I have left after looking after my family. I really need to create. I am frustrated if I can't.
The overwhelming feeling of appreciation for all that I have hits me every now and then, not often enough. I need to remember how lucky I am every day.