Sunday 28 July 2013

Lunch Shared with Family



Today has been beyond wonderful. My family came over for lunch. I didn't have to worry about a single thing, they brang a bbq and the food - all I had to do was open the door. I feel so blessed. The five hours spent with my loved ones was relaxing, humorous and enjoyable.

Thank you Dad for cooking the food, fixing the sink, finding the hole in cheesecake bottom, informing me there are a lot of houses around and for being so relaxed. 

Thank you Mum for making the salad, doing the dishes, noticing my weeded garden and realising my clothes line was on the right side of the garage. 

Thank you Nathan and Emily for making the effort on four hours sleep, telling me I could sell my artwork and understanding I only had man-size plates left to use.

You're all super-dooper fabulous! 

Thursday 25 July 2013

Raspberry Swirl & Vanilla Cupcakes

Today I intended to do a lot of study but the kitchen distracted me. At least the house smells delicious now.


I baked some raspberry swirl and vanilla cupcakes (I adjusted the recipe from here).

Makes approx 24

Ingredients
150g unsalted butter, softened
1 ¾ cups icing sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
4 eggs
2 2/3 cups wholemeal plain flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 cup milk, room temperature
Raspberry Jam

Method
1. Preheat oven to 180°C. Line 24 cupcake holes with cupcake paper cases.

2. In the bowl, cream butter on high until light and fluffy. 
3. Add sugar slowly, mixing until fully combined. 
4. Add vanilla and eggs one at a time, beating until well combined. 
5. Sift flour and baking powder together. 
6. On low speed, add 1/3 of the flour mixture, then ½ the milk. 
7. Repeat until flour and milk are incorporated, but don’t over-mix. 
8. Spoon into cupcake cases.
9. Place a small dollop of raspberry jam on top of each mixture and using a skewer make figue-8 patterns to move the jam around. 
10. Bake for 18 – 20 minutes or until lightly golden and springy to the touch. 
11. Cool on a rack.

Enjoy! 

Monday 22 July 2013

A New Project


My new project. Knitting! I start university again next week, but until my assignments begin rolling in, I wanted something to keep my fingers busy while I catch up on The Block and watch season two of Packed to the Rafters.

My first attempt, I started with fifty stitches. Thinking I was doing fine I didn't recount my stitches until at least ten rows later when I realised I had increased to seventy-one. Oops! I learnt my lesson, and decided to start again, making sure I keep to fifty stitches. So far, so good.

Can't wait to welcome my new scarf into my wardrobe.
Hopefully it is before Summer comes along!

Sunday 21 July 2013

He is Amazing

"He will come to us like rain." Hosea 6:3

As I lay in bed, feeling extremely relaxed and hearing the rain drops on my roof, I found that verse from Hosea.

God has spoken to me in so many ways over the past week which has left me feeling rejuvenated and more alive than before. The last two days I have been at Lutheran College learning about sacraments, relationships and the world. I met a wonderful friend who introduced me to Beth Moore - an inspiring women from Texas who lives for God in every way possible. She has many bible studies I would love to attempt, however, in the meantime I came across this clip, which has encouraged me to see God's word in a different light. It is no longer scary, overwhelming or boring. It is encouraging and communicative.

Thankyou Lord

Tuesday 16 July 2013

A Letter Can Do Wanders

Many things can flip your day from bad to great... a letter is one of them!


Receiving love notes in random places is one of the best. Yesterday I got home after church craving a hot cup of chia latte. Opening the drawer that's home to my mugs I find a note reading 'I Love You'. Cute! I then go get a teaspoon out to find another note. I got the milk from the fridge to see another one and then heated my milk in the microwave to find another! I have the sweetest fiance ever! That was enough to make me smile for the rest of the day. I thought that was it, until half an hour later, I open my laptop to watch an episode of this wonderful show and find one more special note. I have a super-amazing man that knows how to make me feel loved. I owe him one massive thank you cuddle.


Earlier in the week, I was also greeted by my first personal letter in the mail since moving here. One that travelled from another state, from a relative I haven't seen for a while. This was a great day-booster and gave me an opportunity to get colourful with my reply. Thank you Holly I.

Want a super inexpensive way to brighten someone's day? Maybe a letter could be it.

Sunday 14 July 2013

Happy Birthday Brother


Today my brother turns nineteen. It was only 119 days ago (or 3months and 24 days) since I was that age. Crazy! Last night we celebrated over scrummy dinner and a 'retro-canned' squash. I wish him the best day of all because he doesn't deserve anything less.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NUTTA. 

Thursday 11 July 2013

Making Art

Yesterday and today I have been using my time to colour a canvas. I wouldn't classify myself as an artist but can say I'm a little closer now. Time well spent.

For this particular piece of art, all you need to do is pick a favourite quote, paint an undercoat, stick plastic/vinyl letters onto the dry undercoat, paint over everything in a solid colour, let it dry and peel off the letters to reveal your masterpiece.

Everyone should give this a try.





Wednesday 10 July 2013

Making it Home


Home is feeling more like home.

Many dollars were spent at ikea {thankyou tax time!}, followed by many hours assembling furniture. As I hopped into bed at 3am after a bonding experience with Mr J and furniture making, I saw how furniture makes a house cosy.

The big move has been mighty hard and I miss my home and family in the hills, but I'm still excited for each following day and what God has in store for me.

The company of visitors has been wonderful. I have had coffee, tea and dinner dates, played board games and started painting canvas'. I can't wait to use the herbs in my new herb garden, display the ornaments and  fill my new furniture.

A big shout out to the amazing people supporting me through this life change.