~Cooking with JoJo's Day Programme (2), fires and a new softie~

It's pretty cold here on the South Coast this weekend

For the first time in years we don't have a real fireplace......but it's coming!!!

So I couldn't resist this DVD above of a fireplace LOL

Apparently psychologically looking at it can make you feel warmer by 10c so we're testing it out this weekend!!!

Recently I went in again to JoJo's Day Programme to do a little cooking with the gang

This time it was Chicken and Lemongrass Laksa from donna hay magazine 10th Anniversary Issue Oct/Nov 2012

Above are some of the ingredients that have been chopped and trimmed for the Laksa

Stock in along with Curry Paste, Garlic, Coconut Milk and Fish Sauce

With Snow Peas and Mint Leaves added

Rice Noodles in

and here 'tis

Lovely, tasty and oh so warming

Perfect for a day like today!!!

Meanwhile last week I had to have this cat when visiting Braidwood Maker's Market

I just loved the colours.......no wonder apparently the maker said they were colours from 1875

And this little cat is sitting right next to our 'fire'

Hope you are keeping warm, having something nice to eat and hopefully get some stitching in......Dzintra xo

I've now signed up with Bloglovin but I'm still learning it all!

6 Items Swap Received!!!

I recently joined a '6 Item Swap' hosted by Maree...I think I'll dub Maree 'Queen of Swaps' now...she always seems to have one going and this is my first one with her!!!  I am absolutely thrilled with my gifts from Thimbelina!!!

Thank you so much for organizing this fabulous Swap Maree...

and thank you Tracy for the wonderful gifts...I love them all and I can't stop looking at them!!!

Before the 'Grand Opening'!!!

I had thought about saving them till Christmas...but nah that didn't work!!!

First one was 'Something to read'...

 A book in this gorgeous bookpouch... And check out the book...City of Bones...Vampires versus Werewolves!!!  I'm going to love getting into this one Tracy!!! Perfect holiday reading!!!  I'm never without a book to read!!!  

 

This very thoughtful note that came in the book!!!

'Something for the Craft Room'...a little elephant pincushion...Very cute!!!

                 

  Something handmade...

 And check this out...this little armchair companion by LeeAnn Beasley...this is a pattern I have admired for some time and had not gotten around to purchasing it...You read my mind Tracy!!!

 And what gal can't resist 'Something smelly'...Coconut & Lime soap accompanied by a lovely scented candle!!!  I light a candle most evenings Tracy...and even during the day sometimes!!! Just perfect!!! 

                       

 'Something to eat'  CHOCOLATE!!!

As I sit here I am having some chocolate!!!

'Christmas Item'...This one I was going to save till Christmas Day...I walked away from it...stared at it...walked away...and gave in and opened it up...and what a beautiful little tea towel...I usually get myself a new teatowel every Christmas!!!  Mr Armchair then came into the room and said 'I thought you were going to save that one'!!! Hah...fat chance!!! 

All opened up...

 And all together...sitting nicely while I walk past and admire it every day!!!  I'm going to love using all this Tracy...but until then I'm just going to keep looking at it!!!  Thank you so much Tracy...this was is soooo much fun!!!

And a big thank you to Maree...I think I'll be participating in the next Swap!!!



It's All About JoJo...A Happy Birthday Wiggly Party...And Some Much Needed Respite...

Last weekend we had a very special occassion at this house...JoJo's Birthday!!! She waits all year for this...as she does all occassions and enjoys every moment of every occassion...and she will cheers to that person as well quite a few days before the special day...especially hers!!! A pic of the teddy I saw at last week's Craft Fair and could not resist purchasing...almost as if she spoke to me...I was eyeing her off and the Sales Assistant said...is she speaking to you? That does it I thought...she must be destined for us...!!!

JoJo has named her Jess!!!

Oops...out of order here...

This delightful owl was sent to JoJo all the way from Ireland by Micki and has been named the Harry Potter Owl!!!

Thank you so much Micki for the Harry Potter Owl!!!


JoJo getting acquainted with 'Jess'


JoJo's little Nephew...Ryan


Wiggles Pinata...

Plate...

Cake...

and what party could be without sweets!!!

We all had a beautiful day celebrating!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR JOJO!!!

Meanwhile...this weekend we are celebrating another occassion!!!

JoJo is away on a little holiday for 3 nights and 3 days...

We are going to be a couple for that time...and do what some people do on weekends...

Enjoy a whole movie without interruption...

Do what we want...when we want...

Have a break from bedtime and bathtime...

Go for a beachwalk when we want...

Enjoy some freedom from caring...

And keep adult hours...not 9-3pm..

We have already started our break...

But I'm sure we will miss our girl!!!