tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-324184722024-03-14T02:44:47.281-06:00FragmentsKathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02772589819917012059noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32418472.post-86518579481260243652011-07-22T01:50:00.002-06:002011-07-22T03:00:49.947-06:00Money Saving TipsTimes are getting tough and every penny counts. So I've been thinking up a list of money saving tips. Today's is......<br /><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;"><strong>House Cleaning!</strong></span> <br /><br />When you walk down the aisle of the shopping market, there are numerous varieties of cleaning products which all add up to be quite expensive. Really, you could replace quite a few bottles with: Vinegar, Eucalyptus Oil, Bar of Soap, Bi-carbonate Soda, Glass refillable spray bottles.<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">Window Cleaner:</span></strong> I dilute Vinegar in water. I have actually heated it before so that it evaporates as you wipe.<br /><br /><span style="color:#009900;"><strong>Bath:</strong></span> I just make the Bi-Carb into a paste. I wipe a smidgeon of Velvet plain soap onto the sponge first. <br /><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;"><strong>Stains:</strong></span> Eucalyptus oil tends to take out many stains and also loosens glue off bottles, and chewing gum. <br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#ff9900;">Air Freshner:</span></strong> I have glass spray bottles that I fill with water and add a few drops of Essential Oil to. I have a range of essential oils so I'm forever chaging my scent combinations.<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#6633ff;">Oily Greasy Pans etc:</span></strong> I learnt this great trick for dissolving the grease from pans and grills and halving the scrubbing time. I pour some boiling water, add some vinegar and a sprinkle of bi-carb and it will fizz away the grime. Leave it for a minute and then wipe away.<br /><br /><span style="color:#993300;"><strong>Dishes:</strong></span> Plain Bar of soap, vinegar. <br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#cc66cc;">Silver:</span></strong> Line silver foil onto the bottom of a your sink, sprinkle some bi-carb onto it and then insert the silver. <br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Timber Floor:</span></strong> Water with some Vinegar added. <br /><br />If you can get your hands on a Book by Shannon Lush, you won't regret it. I heard this lady on the radio and she had callers throwing all sorts of dilemmas at her and she had an answer for everything! She has a background in chemistry and just a real love of using alternative greener and cheaper methods (often more effective) of cleaning. I bought my book "Stainless" from Ebay.Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02772589819917012059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32418472.post-24919017231555378602011-07-12T19:50:00.004-06:002011-07-12T20:07:29.195-06:00Make Your Own Diamond Shine Ring!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xITi23gbwZo/Thz8Qv2VWGI/AAAAAAAAAPs/42MbMMwJhKw/s1600/P2230034.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628650998958741602" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xITi23gbwZo/Thz8Qv2VWGI/AAAAAAAAAPs/42MbMMwJhKw/s400/P2230034.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JzVMtNsrZeI/Thz8AXWeK9I/AAAAAAAAAPk/yMEDfuAo7y0/s1600/P2230007.JPG"></a><br /><div><br />This is my second Tutorial! I love beaded designs because they look very European to me so I wanted to incorporate that into a Ring. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/77669089/tutorial-diamond-shine-ring-pdf">http://www.etsy.com/listing/77669089/tutorial-diamond-shine-ring-pdf</a> </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Only $4.00 to give it a try. I'll email you the PDF. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Pfft, the cost of a coffee. Make multiples with lots of colours! Give them as gifts. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div>Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02772589819917012059noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32418472.post-46277397510937825442011-06-22T03:08:00.006-06:002011-06-22T03:16:55.251-06:00TUTORIAL - Chandelier Earrings<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7t5pTQjCaeg/TgGyCdlxJDI/AAAAAAAAAPU/HUl9lEFLL6Y/s1600/E203.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 299px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620969565307610162" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7t5pTQjCaeg/TgGyCdlxJDI/AAAAAAAAAPU/HUl9lEFLL6Y/s400/E203.JPG" /></a> <br /><div></div><br /><div>I have just created my very first Tutorial in Jewellery making!! I've really enjoyed the process. I took plenty of pictures of every step (because that's how I best learn) and I made sure to include all the little tricks I've learned along the way. It can be a long hard road otherwise. So if you'd like to learn how to make these beautiful Chandelier Earrings, it only costs USD $5.00 to do so!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/76412983/tutorial-chandelier-earrings-pdf">http://www.etsy.com/listing/76412983/tutorial-chandelier-earrings-pdf</a></div><br /><div></div>Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02772589819917012059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32418472.post-34517673255952459742011-05-27T17:27:00.015-06:002011-06-08T16:24:40.254-06:00Knit Designs made by Pippa<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fHyepNf1C4I/TeBHvyyxTVI/AAAAAAAAAPA/6k0gDfzerc0/s1600/Pippa%2B-%2BMulti.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 302px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611564022117780818" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fHyepNf1C4I/TeBHvyyxTVI/AAAAAAAAAPA/6k0gDfzerc0/s400/Pippa%2B-%2BMulti.png" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--WV9gqUxUQo/TeBHvpEGpuI/AAAAAAAAAO4/P4aBjmSU574/s1600/Pippa%2B-%2BVest.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 298px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611564019506128610" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--WV9gqUxUQo/TeBHvpEGpuI/AAAAAAAAAO4/P4aBjmSU574/s400/Pippa%2B-%2BVest.png" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>The other day I was shopping with my mum and as it is starting to get very cold here in Melbourne, I looked around for knitted woollens. I could not believe the lack of thick, warm, soft knitted products available. All I could find was squeaky, thin and clearly synthetic tops that didn't look like they would warm my pinky.<br /><br />It made me yearn for natural fibres, for handmade, for comfort. I kept thinking of the synthetic jumpers I had bought on the run that only lasted one season before they started creating those annoying little balls. That somehow smelt bad and after a couple of washes, just didn't seem to retain their shape. Wool may well cost a little more to buy initially, but when you think about it, in the long run, ends up saving you money as it lasts much longer.<br /><br />Other wonderful benefits of wool are:<br /><br />* Fire retardant (I'm sure many mothers would feel safer with natural fibres rather than synthetics that melt in case a child accidentally comes near flame)<br />* Warmer - It insulates yet breathes. "Because of the crimp, wool fibres have a greater bulk than other textiles, and retain air, which causes the product to retain heat. Insulation works both ways, Bedouins and Tuaregs use wool clothes to keep heat out." Wikipedia<br />*Resistant to Static Electricity - so less likely to cling to the body and causes little shocks (which I am prone to!)<br />*Children's woollens can be passed on once they've outgrown them as they retain their shape and quality.<br /><br />So my next step was to search for makers of clothing using natural fibres and I found Pippa!<br /><br />Pippa has just opened her Etsy shop <a href="http://www.handcraftedbypippa.com/">http://www.handcraftedbypippa.com/</a> and has a collection of Children's wear in just the most sublime fibres: Merino, Cashmere, Alpaca, Wool, Bamboo. She uses gorgeous stylish patterns from Drops Studio (such a collection!!) <a href="http://www.garnstudio.com/">http://www.garnstudio.com/</a> I have spent many an hour browsing through their patterns, dreaming about what I would like.<br /><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;">I'll let Pippa tell you in her own words why she chooses natural fibres.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="color:#666666;">"I don't like to use acrylics, I grew up in New Zealand where natural yarns are available in abundance and as a child my mum used to knit lovely woollen items for me. I love <span style="color:#cc33cc;">merino</span> for its warmth and lovely stitch definition when knitted up, and <span style="color:#6666cc;">bamboo</span> for its durability and softness. I'm doing more and more in </span><span style="color:#009900;">alpaca </span><span style="color:#666666;">which is a beautiful yarn which knits into beautiful little garments. </span><br /></span><span style="color:#666666;"></span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;">Are natural fibres hard to clean?<br /></span><span style="color:#666666;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="color:#666666;">As a mum I know how important it is to be able to put things into the washing machine (who has time to hand wash?!) so the majority of my items are machine washable - the bamboo is especially good in this respect. </span><br /></span><span style="color:#666666;"></span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;">How did you learn to Knit?<br /></span><span style="color:#666666;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="color:#666666;">I was taught to knit as a child by my nana and my mum and did it right up until I went to university. Life then got in the way for about 17 years, and I picked up my needles again about a year ago after being inspired by a friend who started running Craft Workshops. My kids (4.5 and 3) love helping to choose yarn for things I make for them! </span><br /><span style="color:#666666;"></span><br /><span style="color:#666666;">Knitting is very much a hobby, my business is just little - and has grown from the fact that many of my friends started asking me to knit for them. Their praise has given me the confidence to branch out.</span> </span><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br /></span><span style="color:#666666;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">You see!! Knitters are needed!!! </span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Here's to the growth of Pippa's business, to the continued tradition of sharing the skill with the next generation, to wonderful natural fibres and to more and more people learning and sharing this well worthwhile craft. </span></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#6600cc;"><strong>Pippa's Facebook Page</strong></span>: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Handcrafted-by-Pippa/139685552763104?ref=hnav">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Handcrafted-by-Pippa/139685552763104?ref=hnav</a> - Come have a browse and a chat.</div></div>Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02772589819917012059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32418472.post-80385998012507177882011-04-01T01:28:00.003-06:002011-04-01T01:36:47.475-06:00Designer of the Month.... Me! lol<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lWN_CwNASxE/TZWAZPrQQrI/AAAAAAAAAOw/fYLxd2myMgo/s1600/P3310010.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590515683643376306" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lWN_CwNASxE/TZWAZPrQQrI/AAAAAAAAAOw/fYLxd2myMgo/s400/P3310010.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RND8uXckNHQ/TZWAYw_BPnI/AAAAAAAAAOo/1g2uMa20PMc/s1600/P3310007.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 299px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590515675404779122" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RND8uXckNHQ/TZWAYw_BPnI/AAAAAAAAAOo/1g2uMa20PMc/s400/P3310007.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aCrANZuItJk/TZWAYgzRfTI/AAAAAAAAAOg/jSl8tOI29oc/s1600/P3310006.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 299px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590515671060544818" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aCrANZuItJk/TZWAYgzRfTI/AAAAAAAAAOg/jSl8tOI29oc/s400/P3310006.JPG" /></a> <br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I'm loving these new earrings I made today so I decided for once to promote myself! As a kid I always used to say that my favourite colours were Red and Orange. It seems nothing's changed. I open my wardrobe and I get the same colours staring back at me. Funny how people gravitate towards certain shades. Apparently Red means you need a bit of excitement in your life Lol. Too much jewellery making it seems. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div></div></div>Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02772589819917012059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32418472.post-34111735027880097472011-02-24T14:48:00.002-06:002011-02-24T15:06:18.259-06:00Designer of the Month<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MUMOfc03eXc/TWbIGFpXoiI/AAAAAAAAAOY/H5AafeS49No/s1600/Dorkas2.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 393px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577365195465400866" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MUMOfc03eXc/TWbIGFpXoiI/AAAAAAAAAOY/H5AafeS49No/s400/Dorkas2.png" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-00cotBkBPS0/TWbIFx6F-cI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/ioFsS-ltdVE/s1600/Dorkas1.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 396px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577365190166837698" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-00cotBkBPS0/TWbIFx6F-cI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/ioFsS-ltdVE/s400/Dorkas1.png" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YJxwRbUSfNA/TWbIFbKoYWI/AAAAAAAAAOI/mO8mVxgPTxg/s1600/Dorkas3.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 387px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577365184062185826" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YJxwRbUSfNA/TWbIFbKoYWI/AAAAAAAAAOI/mO8mVxgPTxg/s400/Dorkas3.png" /></a><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">Doskas Designs was created two sisters, Donna and Stephanie Doskas. </div><br /><div align="center">They do wonderful works manipulating metals into Byzantine weave and contrast this with earthy stones or the delicateness of Pearls. </div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.dorkasdesigns.etsy.com/">http://www.dorkasdesigns.etsy.com/</a> </div></div></div>Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02772589819917012059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32418472.post-84893673547932920712011-01-27T00:29:00.002-06:002011-01-27T00:35:51.919-06:00Crochet-Ole!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CdLPax3i52E/TUERl7knhYI/AAAAAAAAAN8/BXc31TKRq2g/s1600/Sam%2BHat.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566749957750752642" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CdLPax3i52E/TUERl7knhYI/AAAAAAAAAN8/BXc31TKRq2g/s400/Sam%2BHat.jpg" /></a> On the crochet 'thread' again (tee hee). The picture above is my first hat which was from a design by the very talented Croshay Design. She has a wonderful variety of style hat patterns to choose from. The cloche being my favourite. I had this pattern for about 4 years and tried it back then but somehow my brain couldn't get the pattern. I then learnt to do what others do and use YouTube to follow the basics again and 4 years later it all fell into place. Loving it.<br /><div></div>Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02772589819917012059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32418472.post-82901058426771447972011-01-26T01:32:00.003-06:002011-01-26T01:41:46.133-06:00Crochet is Back!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CdLPax3i52E/TT_O6xG6qNI/AAAAAAAAAN0/n9e3yaJWVvA/s1600/P1200042.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 192px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566395173463304402" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CdLPax3i52E/TT_O6xG6qNI/AAAAAAAAAN0/n9e3yaJWVvA/s400/P1200042.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CdLPax3i52E/TT_O6k0k2hI/AAAAAAAAANs/W09MSDuOlbU/s1600/P1200038.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 330px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566395170165152274" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CdLPax3i52E/TT_O6k0k2hI/AAAAAAAAANs/W09MSDuOlbU/s400/P1200038.JPG" /></a> I have spent so many years poring throught knitting magazines and attempting to to make items, but I'm afraid I have to come to the conclusion that knitting is not for me (yet)! So then the thought occurred to me. Why not crochet?? Well, I was always under the impression that crochet was unfashionable, just granny sqaures and mittens BUT.... I have since discovered that a whole new world of crochet designs is coming through. The latest being on the catwalks of Milan. I never knew crochet could look so good in garments. </div><div> </div><div>Anyway, this is my first attempt at a cardigan and if you see the original pattern you'll wonder how I ended up with this lol. The pattern has a collar, cuffed sleeves, a longer vest etc. - but I actually really love the way my mistaken version turned out. The wide sleeves and no collar remind me of a kimono. </div>Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02772589819917012059noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32418472.post-44178819908554057402010-12-04T16:15:00.003-06:002010-12-04T16:23:05.849-06:00Gift Vouchers for Christmas<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CdLPax3i52E/TPq_N0thg2I/AAAAAAAAANg/Pj5216pcBQA/s1600/Ad%2Bsml.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 297px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546956135268975458" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CdLPax3i52E/TPq_N0thg2I/AAAAAAAAANg/Pj5216pcBQA/s400/Ad%2Bsml.jpg" /></a><br /><div><div>I think Gift Vouchers can be life savers sometimes. Some people are difficult to buy for and to them it would be exciting to browse the shop knowing it won't cost them anything. </div><br /><div></div><div>On the sidebar there is a button for Gift Vouchers to be used in my Etsy shop. It is via Paypal. All you need to do is click on the button, fill out the particulars on who it is for and how much you would like the voucher to be for and submit. Paypal will make it easy for you. </div></div>Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02772589819917012059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32418472.post-91951824875564656102010-11-30T23:35:00.003-06:002010-11-30T23:49:40.746-06:00Featured Seller for December<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CdLPax3i52E/TPXf59foQjI/AAAAAAAAANQ/ks3GqPBPAyU/s1600/FS%2B2.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 371px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545584703029396018" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CdLPax3i52E/TPXf59foQjI/AAAAAAAAANQ/ks3GqPBPAyU/s400/FS%2B2.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CdLPax3i52E/TPXf5jTVV5I/AAAAAAAAANI/gdDQd5CtVKE/s1600/FS%2B3.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 393px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545584695998502802" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CdLPax3i52E/TPXf5jTVV5I/AAAAAAAAANI/gdDQd5CtVKE/s400/FS%2B3.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CdLPax3i52E/TPXf5cgXQkI/AAAAAAAAANA/aHqaPok2N-o/s1600/Featured%2BSeller.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 391px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545584694174106178" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CdLPax3i52E/TPXf5cgXQkI/AAAAAAAAANA/aHqaPok2N-o/s400/Featured%2BSeller.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Elegance is Timeless. That is what drew me to Tatvakala's Etsy shop. So stylish; handmade therefore not mass produced and most importantly, well made. It sets your mind in motion on what combinations you could make, not having to buy a whole set. They make a great Christmas gift as part of a hamper or on their own as a feature pillow. </div><div> </div><div>Tatvakala also has quilted bed sets and is very willing to talk custom in regards to size and colour. </div><div> </div><div><a href="http://www.tatvakala.etsy.com/">www.tatvakala.etsy.com</a> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div></div></div>Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02772589819917012059noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32418472.post-20596779329985113502010-09-21T21:32:00.005-06:002010-09-21T21:50:27.463-06:00I love my work<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CdLPax3i52E/TJl8-jRxoaI/AAAAAAAAAM4/PiyCr0hgWWg/s1600/Butterfly4b.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519580232382783906" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CdLPax3i52E/TJl8-jRxoaI/AAAAAAAAAM4/PiyCr0hgWWg/s400/Butterfly4b.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CdLPax3i52E/TJl7tJjWN2I/AAAAAAAAAMQ/JCXygh9y6eE/s1600/Butterfly4b.jpg"></a><br /><br /><div>Jewellery designing is a very competitive business and if I had to live on that alone I'd be scouring people's bin's for scraps lol<br /><br />About 15 years ago, while sitting in an office, trying to plan my escape from answering phones, filing and typing, I decided to do night school and learn make up artistry. As with most of the starry-eyed students, I had plans of doing theatre, television etc. etc. - but that doesn't pay the bills so I did Wedding make-up for approx. 3 years. That wasn't bad, but my eyes lit up when I saw children's facepainting. Now this would be great fun. So I practiced designs and tried my luck basically running my finger down a list of Facepainters with their own business and cold called. I was in luck! The best move I ever made. Children are so forgiving if you're having a bad day, and just such a delight when they see their faces in the mirror. I can paint for hours and not realise the time has passed.</div></div>Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02772589819917012059noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32418472.post-26136601228733827432010-08-26T02:55:00.002-06:002010-08-26T03:01:47.454-06:00Breakfast in Venice<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CdLPax3i52E/THYtUGrfBqI/AAAAAAAAAL4/gMKLPPKrHMI/s1600/Treasury+Venice.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509641017548015266" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CdLPax3i52E/THYtUGrfBqI/AAAAAAAAAL4/gMKLPPKrHMI/s400/Treasury+Venice.jpg" /></a><br /><div>This is a beautiful Treasury made by <a href="http://www.scintillate.etsy.com/">http://www.scintillate.etsy.com/</a> It captures the mood of Venice perfectly. I was very happy to be a part of it with my Black Venice earrings. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Here's a sneak peak....</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02772589819917012059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32418472.post-60847631464514478742010-08-24T02:42:00.003-06:002010-08-24T02:50:24.440-06:00Flower Power<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CdLPax3i52E/THOHLp152yI/AAAAAAAAALw/E1LNIfS2RYk/s1600/P8230043.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508895403484502818" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CdLPax3i52E/THOHLp152yI/AAAAAAAAALw/E1LNIfS2RYk/s400/P8230043.JPG" /></a><br /><div align="center">I love flowers in everything, fabrics, fashion, photographs ..... so why not jewellery! </div>Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02772589819917012059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32418472.post-29782611540190726032010-08-17T14:44:00.003-06:002010-08-17T15:06:52.471-06:00Make an Aftershave for the Man in your lifeEssential Oils are a must-have in my household for so many reasons. The best book on the uses of these great oils is by Dr. Valerie Ann Worwood, <span style="color:#993399;">The Fragrant Pharmacy</span>. She covers uses from dealing with skin problems/care, to sickness, to pet care, garden, sports injuries, household cleaning etc. They are super effective, so much cheaper and often times less harmful than off the shelf products. Essential oils are to be used as described in her book though, not more drops than she suggests because they are very concentrated. Most especially if using them for children (can be dangerous to use more oils than suggested). She has a great book dedicated to kids called <span style="color:#cc66cc;">Aromatherapy for the Healthy Child</span>.<br /><br />Here is an Aftershave Splash which you can adjust to your own olfactory tastes.<br />20ml Witchazel<br />60ml Rosewater<br />10ml cider of vinegar<br />10ml tincture of benzoin<br />Bay Ess Oil 6 drops<br />Lemon 6 drops<br />Lavender 2 drops<br />Rosemary 10 drops<br />Lime 3 drops<br /><br />Add the essential oils to the benzoin and shake well for at least a minute. Then add the witch-hazel and shake again, then the rosewater and vinegar and shake again.Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02772589819917012059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32418472.post-62271482318595245092010-08-12T18:18:00.003-06:002010-08-12T18:48:09.748-06:00Introducing Madam Cachoo !!First it was my sister sewing from Vintage patterns now it's my niece, Rebecca! She will soon be opening up her funky shoes, clothing and accessories shop with the fantastic name of Madam Cachoo. Her shop is in renovations at the moment but get a sneak peek here on her Facebook page <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Madam-Cachoo/78779312542">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Madam-Cachoo/78779312542</a> <a id="myphotolink" href="http://www.blogger.com/photo.php?pid=2716560&id=78779312542"></a>Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02772589819917012059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32418472.post-47584974411782709702010-08-04T18:12:00.004-06:002010-08-04T18:35:01.355-06:00New Idea for Home Parties<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CdLPax3i52E/TFoG7W4LdxI/AAAAAAAAALg/UXmO2Ty-Y4A/s1600/Rosarina.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501717511609743122" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CdLPax3i52E/TFoG7W4LdxI/AAAAAAAAALg/UXmO2Ty-Y4A/s200/Rosarina.JPG" /></a><br /><div>Do you do home parties to sell your craft? My sister hosted a party for me yesterday, asked all the primary school mums to come along, 8 confirmed 5 turned up. Not bad. I've done parties before where 20 people were invited and not one person turned up, the sound of crickets was deafening. </div><div></div><br /><div>I've altered the way I set up a party now because as someone who doesn't actually like attending them (over Tupperware, Nutri-Metrics etc), I tried making it easier to attend. Making it open house between the hours of say 2pm to 4pm, so people can turn up within that time frame, more flexibility and they don't have to listen to a loooonnnng introduction spiel. Handing out business cards so that they can view my shop prior to coming. </div><br /><div></div><div>Now though, I'm thinking up a new plan and that is to do a home party where the host doesn't have to go to the trouble of preparing nibblies and clearing a space for my jewellery. They still get the benefits you would if you held a party at your house but they can ask, for example, 10 friends to have a look at my website and let her know if they would be interested in buying. The hostess then would get 10% of every $100 sold plus an initial $20 worth of jewellery (on the proviso that there are at least a certain amount in sales reached). Does that make sense? Still mulling it over in my head. </div>Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02772589819917012059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32418472.post-64558286957367029172010-08-01T18:28:00.003-06:002010-08-12T18:13:33.780-06:00MUSIC!Who doesn't love music. As someone who's main passion is dance, they go hand in hand. I am often drawn towards music that I think would suit choreography so I like certain Soundtracks. The modern day classical composers. One of my favourite Composers is Hans Zimmer. He has such a broad range. He doesn't seem to get stuck in a rut. I love that. This soundtrack is from the fantastically fun new Sherlock Holmes movie with the gorgeous Robert Downey Jnr. It's called Discombobulate.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zIzy3laQck">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zIzy3laQck</a><br /><br />And here's another Composer well worth listening to, suggested by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/brightcircle">http://www.etsy.com/shop/brightcircle</a> . It's James Newton Howard who did the score for movies like The Village, King Kong <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzHpN63nOns&feature=related">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzHpN63nOns&feature=related</a> I could easily listen to this while working on my jewellery.Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02772589819917012059noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32418472.post-51943085911747966172010-07-31T21:07:00.005-06:002010-08-01T03:30:52.948-06:00Beautiful New Zealand<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CdLPax3i52E/TFU7OnpimzI/AAAAAAAAALQ/JVOO_xh58uU/s1600/P2170099.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500367642250353458" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CdLPax3i52E/TFU7OnpimzI/AAAAAAAAALQ/JVOO_xh58uU/s200/P2170099.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CdLPax3i52E/TFU7OwMV22I/AAAAAAAAALY/7_RdfPGZ9F4/s1600/P2170087.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500367644543802210" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CdLPax3i52E/TFU7OwMV22I/AAAAAAAAALY/7_RdfPGZ9F4/s200/P2170087.JPG" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CdLPax3i52E/TFU7OH9kCcI/AAAAAAAAALA/LH8LNKRNeMM/s1600/P2180118.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500367633744398786" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CdLPax3i52E/TFU7OH9kCcI/AAAAAAAAALA/LH8LNKRNeMM/s200/P2180118.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CdLPax3i52E/TFTn2v8Fz6I/AAAAAAAAAKg/-DRlEawe7zI/s1600/New+Zealand+2+327.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500275972693675938" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CdLPax3i52E/TFTn2v8Fz6I/AAAAAAAAAKg/-DRlEawe7zI/s200/New+Zealand+2+327.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CdLPax3i52E/TFU7OXGS1aI/AAAAAAAAALI/tZsH7OyNnl0/s1600/P2170096.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500367637807551906" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CdLPax3i52E/TFU7OXGS1aI/AAAAAAAAALI/tZsH7OyNnl0/s200/P2170096.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CdLPax3i52E/TFTn2_V9E2I/AAAAAAAAAKo/860AJHTfwA4/s1600/New+Zealand+2+343.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500275976828687202" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CdLPax3i52E/TFTn2_V9E2I/AAAAAAAAAKo/860AJHTfwA4/s200/New+Zealand+2+343.jpg" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CdLPax3i52E/TFTn23SyZNI/AAAAAAAAAKw/cYhq4J0aqUM/s1600/New+Zealand+2+362.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500275974667920594" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CdLPax3i52E/TFTn23SyZNI/AAAAAAAAAKw/cYhq4J0aqUM/s200/New+Zealand+2+362.jpg" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CdLPax3i52E/TFU7N9KoTWI/AAAAAAAAAK4/EKUv62L1wZs/s1600/P2170107.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500367630846414178" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CdLPax3i52E/TFU7N9KoTWI/AAAAAAAAAK4/EKUv62L1wZs/s200/P2170107.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><div><div><div>My sister and I took a trip to New Zealand approx. 3 years ago. I wanted to go somewhere that firstly, we could afford, and secondly where you were awe struck by the grandness and beauty of the nature. I live in flat lands and so I'd never seen vast mountain ranges before and the first thing we did when we got off the plane was to take a train trip from the North/East to the North/West of New Zealand. It was a chilly cold day but we stayed most of the trip in the outside carriage (I felt like a dog with its head out the car window lol). It was an amazing experience for me. I'm surprised I didn't swallow a fly, my mouth was open for most of the trip. It felt like the beginning of time and I was waiting for dinosaurs to pop their heads around one of the mountains. Here are a couple of photos.</div><div> </div></div></div></div></div></div>Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02772589819917012059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32418472.post-42774503605268523442010-07-30T17:14:00.003-06:002010-07-31T01:46:28.488-06:00RECIPE DAY - Maltese SweetsAs promised I'll be posting Maltese recipes that my family have made down the years. Today's recipe is a very mildly sweet chocolate pudding. I don't know about you but I like my sweets to be 'not soooo sweet'.<br /><br />1 Vienna loaf<br />4 Tablespoons of Cocoa<br />1 1/2 cups of sugar<br />3 tbsp of jam (you can mix different jams)<br />1/2 pkt of chopped walnuts<br />2 tbsp dessicated coconut<br />1/2 pkt mixed fruit (I personally use less of this)<br />1/2 cup custard powder<br />3/4 cup of sherry<br />Level tspn of mixed spices<br /><br />First cut the bread into small cubes and then soak in tepid water till soft and mushy and then squeeze the water out of the bread. Blend all ingredients together using your hands. Place a layer approx 2 inches thick. <br /><br />Preheat oven to 180C then cook for approx. 30 minutes or until firmly spongy. Once cool sprinkle with icing sugar.<br /><br />Then, most importantly, eat.Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02772589819917012059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32418472.post-30337190702719492452010-07-29T14:49:00.006-06:002010-07-29T15:41:26.643-06:00Photography Before and Afters - Getting Clever with Props<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CdLPax3i52E/TFHzhhdVJ0I/AAAAAAAAAJ0/8UlAqbocRdU/s1600/E205b.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 319px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499444377238710082" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CdLPax3i52E/TFHzhhdVJ0I/AAAAAAAAAJ0/8UlAqbocRdU/s320/E205b.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CdLPax3i52E/TFHzhdz_-yI/AAAAAAAAAJs/mFZaaWZwt0Q/s1600/P1070004.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 319px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499444376260049698" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CdLPax3i52E/TFHzhdz_-yI/AAAAAAAAAJs/mFZaaWZwt0Q/s320/P1070004.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CdLPax3i52E/TFHwIjL6ofI/AAAAAAAAAJU/PYN1YCtGZW0/s1600/P7260006.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499440649670926834" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CdLPax3i52E/TFHwIjL6ofI/AAAAAAAAAJU/PYN1YCtGZW0/s320/P7260006.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CdLPax3i52E/TFHwHmJ1Y4I/AAAAAAAAAJM/_S6IKNScqzQ/s1600/P7260011.png"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499440633287631746" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CdLPax3i52E/TFHwHmJ1Y4I/AAAAAAAAAJM/_S6IKNScqzQ/s320/P7260011.png" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CdLPax3i52E/TFHs_ntuZlI/AAAAAAAAAJE/mrigiS6dwdM/s1600/P7260011.png"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CdLPax3i52E/TFHs-asTNpI/AAAAAAAAAI8/VyCmA_hA3_M/s1600/P1070004.JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CdLPax3i52E/TFHs-EAXeHI/AAAAAAAAAI0/6Qu-3Uotziw/s1600/P7260006.JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div> </div><div>Etsy really does keep you on your toes. I'm constantly reviewing my photos as I realise that the number one attraction to your site is your photography. So I was umming and ahhhing the other day thinking, what else can I do to make my pictures look sharper, more interesting and I decided to use Props! </div><div><br />I have to say, I'm quite happy with how they turned out. I'll post some before and after shots.</div><div> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02772589819917012059noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32418472.post-42906693778032455972010-07-28T18:30:00.002-06:002010-07-28T18:47:33.644-06:00The most natural and affordable Skincare TreatmentAll from your kitchen and bathroom cupboard!! How's this for easy and affordable and if you don't mind a bit of egg on your face, apparently effective. Doesn't cost much to try.<br /><br /><span style="color:#ff6666;"><strong>Make-up Remover</strong></span> - This is a make-up remover I created for myself at home. I use a 50ml glass bottle that I can clean and re-use. I fill it up a third of the way with Rosewater (I buy from middle eastern food shop to use in my cooking and coffee), 2 tspns of natural shampoo which is free of harsh chemicals bought from the health food store. 1 tspn of Glycerine (to mobilise the make-up) and the rest water. Don't shake the bottle but move it to blend. Try a cotton bud and see if it works at removing your caked on mascara and if not you may need to add a little more glycerine or shampoo. Super effective and Cheap!<br /><br /><span style="color:#ff6666;"><strong>Exfoliator </strong></span>- Just mix Honey & Salt and apply! How easy is that?<br /><br /><span style="color:#ff6666;"><strong>Mask</strong></span> - Slap a bit of Yoghurt on your face, leave for 5-10 minutes and then rinse.<br /><br /><span style="color:#ff6666;"><strong>Dark Circles</strong></span> - Boil some Tea (doesn't matter which kind) add sliced cucumber pieces and then put in the fridge to chill. Then apply the cucumber slices to your eyes.<br /><br /><span style="color:#ff6666;"><strong>Moisturiser</strong></span> - Olive Oil, Lime Juice and 1 egg. Mix together and apply!<br /><br />Next week I'll add other recipes using base creams, the marvellous Rose Hip Oil and essential oils.Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02772589819917012059noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32418472.post-1957852380883853092010-07-28T16:54:00.002-06:002010-07-28T17:05:05.010-06:00A Vintage TreasuryI just made another Treasury. Wanting to help out my sister showcase her work so I made a fabulous Vintage collection of must haves.Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02772589819917012059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32418472.post-76670381707179311962010-07-26T14:57:00.004-06:002010-07-26T15:38:50.184-06:00Knitting Magic<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CdLPax3i52E/TE3__NUe9jI/AAAAAAAAAIk/FVJjIJM8fLs/s1600/P7260004.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 299px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498332181461661234" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CdLPax3i52E/TE3__NUe9jI/AAAAAAAAAIk/FVJjIJM8fLs/s400/P7260004.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CdLPax3i52E/TE3-qTo2SdI/AAAAAAAAAIU/tf-l1zu8We4/s1600/P7260003.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 300px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498330722868808146" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CdLPax3i52E/TE3-qTo2SdI/AAAAAAAAAIU/tf-l1zu8We4/s400/P7260003.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div>I don't know what it is about knitting, but somehow whenever I try to make anything extra stitches magically appear on my needles, and then just as I'm close to finishing 100 rows, I find a hole in the 2nd. </div><br /><div></div><div>Anyway, my sister is very happy with her short, hole filled red pure wool jumper I took 3 years to make. </div><br /><div></div><div>Now I'm attempting to make my little niece the plainest of dresses, so nothing can go wrong can it? lol Except I'm stuck at the armhole, need to find myself a knitting guru who can translate pattern speak. </div><br /><div></div><div>I found a fantastic website with the most gorgeous knitting patterns that are modern and fashionable. So often knitting patterns tend to be daggy remnants from the 1950's New Idea magazines. It's called Rebecca-Online Magazine. You can download individual patterns (they even have quite a few for free) or you can order the whole magazine which is packloaded with patterns. Definitely value for money. They also allow you to browse about 10 pages of each season's magazine so you can see what your getting. Addicted!</div></div>Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02772589819917012059noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32418472.post-67330658159431936772010-07-23T17:05:00.003-06:002010-07-26T03:19:14.014-06:00RECIPE DAY - MalteseAs you may be able to tell from my surname, I have Maltese heritage. Most people know Italian, Indian, Greeks recipes but I wonder how many know Maltese? So I've decided to have a recipe Saturday (or Friday depending on where you live).<br /><br /><span style="color:#009900;"><strong>QASATAT</strong></span> (? sp) It's pronounced Us-ah-tut (I think lol)<br /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>Ingredients</strong></span><br /><br />Short Pastry<br />3 medium onions<br />1 bunch silverbeet<br />4oz anchovies<br />1/2 lb green olives (chopped)<br />mint<br />1/2 teaspoon mixed spice<br />parsley<br />2 tins of minted peas<br /><br />Fry onion in oil then all other ingredients. Add 1/2 teaspoon of mixed spice and some chopped parsley. Taste the ingredients and if necessary add salt.<br /><br />Cut pastry with a saucer sized circle cutter (you could cut around the outline of the saucer itself). With the left over pastry roll and cut into smaller circles. Wet the edge of the larger circle, add some filling and then gather up to meet smaller circle and pinch closed. Bake in the oven at 180 degrees celsius for approx 15 minutes or until golden.<br /><br />Scrumdidlyumptious!Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02772589819917012059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32418472.post-48950846072551540362010-07-22T00:10:00.004-06:002010-07-26T03:21:17.323-06:00Introducing Leonora's Boutique<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CdLPax3i52E/TEfjqztdxmI/AAAAAAAAAIM/3Qh78wUnhMY/s1600/P7180012.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496612194803893858" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CdLPax3i52E/TEfjqztdxmI/AAAAAAAAAIM/3Qh78wUnhMY/s400/P7180012.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.leonorasboutique.etsy.com/">http://www.leonorasboutique.etsy.com </a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CdLPax3i52E/TEfhyFhBpaI/AAAAAAAAAIE/diDZqvjkHPE/s1600/P7180012.JPG"></a><br />My sister Leonora has just today posted her first item for sale in her new Etsy shop! She makes all the clothes herself and with some items, as with the top in the photo, she uses Vintage patterns. She's planning on adding a mix of different styles of clothes, for women, children, babies. At the moment she's working on the most gorgeous baby shoes in vibrant colours. I can't wait to see her shop filled up.<br /><br /><div></div></div>Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02772589819917012059noreply@blogger.com0