The BEST damn Shortbread ever.

Wow, Christmas has been and gone. Of course it was lovely. Ritchie and I were super-dooper spoiled. I made Margaret Fulton's 'Cherry Pavlova',  and it was flipping delish.

Given that it's Boxing Day and we're still allowed to feel festive, I thought I'd share a brilliant family recipe. This is my Nana Barb's Shortbread. It is THE best shortbread I have ever eaten, trust me, I've had my share. 

It is also incredibly easy to make. So here it is.

Barb's Shortbread.

INGREDIENTS

225 grams of butter 

2 tablespoons of icing sugar

2 tablespoons of castor sugar

2 tablespoons of cornflour

2 1/2 cups of plain flour

METHOD

Melt butter, add sugars and cornflour and whisk for 5 minutes.

Beat in flour and press into an ungreased tin.

Mark edges and prick with a fork.

Place into a moderate oven for 20-25 minutes.

Dust with additional castor sugar.

ENJOY!

Here's a lovely picture I like, as I hate to post without an image. Sorry, I can't remember where I found the picture.

Love, 

E.

Currently Listening to: The fan whirring and my fingers typing.

Currently Reading: 'Eat Tweet - a Twitter cookbook' Maureen Evans.

'Postcrossing' Heart

I know, I haven't written in a long time. What can I say? I've been busy (well I have been), but I have also had free time when I could have posted. I've just been a little bit unmotivated. Onwards and upwards.

I'm writing today about 'Postcrossing'. I'm a relatively new 'postcrosser', I've been sending postcards around the world for approximately one month. I can't speak highly enough of this website. It is a lot of fun. 

I love that 'Postcrossing' merges new technology with old, using the considerable benefits of the internet to connect fellow 'Snail Mail' enthusiasts. I have sent roughly 15 postcards from my little house in Newcastle, around the world. I have received one postcard in return so far, and do you know what? I don't even care. 

I enjoy sending them even more than receiving them. I delight in the cheerful comments I receive from the recipients of the postcards that I have sent out into the world. 

I am hooked, as soon as I receive an email informing me that one of the postcards I have sent has been received and registered, I am hitting up the website for a new address to send a postcard to someone else. 

I love that sending items through 'Snail Mail' necessitates an abundance of patience, it's NOT instantaneous and that in itself is strangely gratifying. I have never before been so excited to hear the postperson's motorbike. I fly out my front door, to see if I have a postcard from a mystery international individual and locale. I love imagining the people whom I have written to doing the same sort of thing.

'Postcrossing' is a lot of fun, and I highly recommend the site to anyone who enjoys writing letters and sending interesting, thoughtful items through the post. Get into it.

Here is a photo of my little Sylvie-cat when she was a kitten. One, two, three...AWWWWWWW!

Love, 

E.

Currently Listening to: 'Heart's A Mess' Gotye

Currently Reading: 'Sense and Sensibility' Jane Austen

I finally got around to doing it.

Well hold on to your hats, because I have finally managed to get my act together and have uploaded my 'Tea-Cup Candle' Tutorial.  

You can access the tutorial by using the button on the right-hand side of the page.  I've also added a link to this page.

As today is Saturday, I'm going to be settling in for a night in front of the TV, watching re-runs of 'Heartbeat'(The Golden Years). Oh it takes me back to 1993. 

 

Love, E.

Currently Listening to: 'Maths and English' Dizzee Rascal

Currently Reading 'Cruel and Unusual' Patricia Cornwell. 

Grab your tissues.

It breaks my heart to see anyone suffering, but it is perhaps even sadder when it's the filthy, stinking, ludicrously wealthy who are facing adversity. 

I give you.....

 

Gerry Harvey, doesn't his little face just kill you?

Have a read of this article and I'm sure you will also be overwhelmed in sympathy for a multi-millionaire, whose profit margin is steadily decreasing. 

Oh yeah, it's going to rip you in two. 

Love E, 

Currently Listening to: My fingers typing

Currently Reading: 'Cruel and Unusual' Patricia Cornwell (I know it's trashy.)

'Postcrossing' Stash-Building.

I've just done a teensy-weensy bit of shopping, to build my 'Postcrossing' postcard stash. SO excited. Check 'em out.

Seriously, who doesn't heart the Book Depository? 

Cheap prices and free international postage. Woo Hoo! 

I never, ever buy my books anywhere else. 

Quite simply, the Book Depository is awesome. 

Love, 

E

Currently Listening to: 'Rubber Soul' The Beatles

Currently Reading: 'The Hobbit' JRR Tolkien.

Grouchy Erin.

I know, it's pretty hard to imagine me without a smile on my face.

Ha ha ha ha ha to those who know me, or have ever cohabited with me.  Yesterday I was in a filthy mood, we're talking extreme filth. I was cranky, head-achey and to top it all off my sunburn was dreadful. I'm sure it was the sunburn that caused the vile mood. However, sunburn is no excuse for irrational yelling.

Sorry Ritchie, I love you. One thousand apologies for blasting you. 

Love you long time.

I'm currently lusting over the beautiful resin bangles made by 'Dinosaur Designs'. One day Gadget, one day.

Love, 

E.

Currently Listening to: My fingers typing.

Currently Reading: 'The Hobbit' JRR Tolkien.

Red Lantern Night Markets and a family gathering.

On Saturday night I went to the 'Red Lantern' Night Markets in Newcastle.  For the second time, I only spent money at the 'Oscar and Matilda' stall.  I bought a pair of earrings for an Aunt and a pair for myself.

I could have spent some money at the 'Amorelita Designs' stall, however I felt it would have been a little bit indulgent given that we're currently trying to save, save, save for Christmas. 

Check these beautiful pieces out - they are so exquisite, one day soon I'll spend up a storm. 

I know they are going to look beautiful in my kitchen.

Additionally, as I am a novice blogger, I totally forgot to take my camera (primarily because I can't get into the habit of taking it everywhere). So I don't have photos of the actual markets, shame shame. 

On Sunday, Ritchie and I attended his Pop's 80th Birthday party. It was nice to see Pop enjoying himself. He is a lovely old man and well and truly deserving of a delightful day. Ritchie and I both got sunburn. Ritchie has a burnt face and I have burnt shoulders. I HATE sunburn! Last night I was lathering on the 'Aloe Vera' gel hoping it would take away the heat emanating from my poor skin.  I ended up going to bed with an ice-pack on my back and shoulders and reading, which leads me to my next point. 

I FINALLY finished 'Midnight's Children' by Salman Rushdie, it was an epic read. Whilst it was interesting and enjoyable, I definitely preferred 'Shalimar the Clown'. I guess it comes down to personal preference. It is however worth a read. 

So I'm unsure as to what I'm going to read next, It'll probably be 'The Hobbit' by J.R.R Tolkien. 

Prior to going to bed last night, Ritchie, my brother and I watched Ricky Gervais' 'Science'. It is his newest hour and twenty minutes of stand-up. I laughed my arse off. He is brutal, but hilarious.

Being BIG Dawkins fans we also enjoyed this video.
BE WARNED!: It's not for those offended by swearing.

'Hate E-mails with Richard Dawkins.'

Ok, I have to go shower and get ready for school.

Take it Easy.

Love, 

E.

Currently Listening to: My fingers typing.

Currently Reading: Unsure what to read next.

Putting out the call.

Hey Hey, 

I'd really like some pen-pals. People who I can write to 'Snail Mail' style on a regular basis. 

If anyone who sees this is interested please, pretty please, contact me. 

Because I hate posting without a picture, here's one. 

It's an artwork, whose name evades me, by the incredibly talented late Norman Lindsay.

Love,

E

Currently Listening to: 'Odelay' Beck

Currently Reading: 'Midnight's Children' Salman Rushdie

Spotlight's 99cents/metre sale.

I know, I could barely believe it either. 

Yesterday my lovely cousin Rhea and I went and spent-up at 'Spotlight's' 99c/metre sale on flannelette and polar fleece.

I bought twelve metres of flannelette. Despite the fact that we arrived pretty late on the Sunday of the two day sale, they still had some lovely material available. So this summer, (Yes it will probably take me all summer to sew four sets of P. J.s) I'll be sewing Ritchie and I, new winter jimmie jams. I took some photos of my new flannel stash. I love the robots, bicycles and the circus scene. 

In HILARIOUS news, lovely Rhea bought 63 metres of flannel and polar fleece. I couldn't stop laughing as the checkout operator measured, scanned and bagged. Rhea had two GIANT bags full, that should have been labeled 'two person lift', as they were genuinely heavy. I guess you've got to cease the opportunity to acquire 63 metres of fabric for 63 dollars. She is such a riot. 

I took a photo of her stash in the boot of my car, which I'll attempt to upload in the near future. 

In contrast, I guess I was quite restrained. 

In other boring news, our washing machine has resigned. It's not working properly anymore, so Ritchie and I have been researching washing machines, not the most exciting of tasks. I told Ritchie he could choose, I don't really care so long as it's decent, a front-loader and doesn't have an electronic control panel (A PITA to have repaired if it malfunctions).

I just want one with the knobs that you twist,  what can I say? I'm a simple girl. 

I think he has decided to go with a pretty basic 'LG' model. You'll have to excuse my lack of enthusiasm. I'm not exactly thrilled to the eye-teeth at the prospect of spending money on a washing machine.

Anyway, I have to go and get ready for school. 

Love, 

E.

Currently listening to: The whirring of the study fan.

Currently reading: 'Midnight's Children' Salman Rushdie (It's been an epic read).

So I got an iPhone

I finally got one. I have to say that I'm really happy with it. 

I've taken a few photos with it, which I thought I'd share.

 

I've recently become really interested in 'Mail Art'. I stumbled across this amazing blog. I'm in love.

Love, 

E

Currently listening to: The whirring of the study fan

Currently reading: 'Midnight's Children' - Salman Rushdie (I've nearly finished it).

Wow oh Wow! and 30 Things.

Bloggy Hell! I haven't posted in a million years 

(Yes I LOVE Hyperbole!) 

I have excuses, quite a few actually. 

We had Ritchie's citizenship ceremony, which was lovely. The planned Afternoon Tea went off without a hitch, except for the fact that I forgot to take any photos of all the beautiful food. Thankfully Ritchie's Mum managed to snap a photo. Please excuse the wonky candle in the 'George Jensen' Cadelabra in the  background.

Additionally Ritchie and I live in my Nan's old house, and due to our level of poverty are still using a fair bit of her furniture.

In addition to the citizenship ceremony on the 3/11/10, I was meant to take my car in for a service. I plum forgot. 

Sorry Adamstown Car Doctors - I will phone and apologise on Monday.

I've also had a metric tonne of University work to complete, which is all done and dusted as of yesterday. I have one exam to go for the year. I've also enrolled in a required History course, which I've put off doing about ten times (it's really weird, because I actually LOVE History). 

I'll be doing this course over the summer University break. 

So those are my excuses, pretty lame, but there you have it. I've decided to do a bit of a '30 Things' post, you'll get the general gist of it once I've started.

30 Things 

I'm looking forward to reading/seeing/achieving/being/learning/etc.

 (These aren't in any order)

Reading 'Hitch 22' by Christopher Hitchens

Travelling to and through Africa

Travelling to Japan

Seeing my parents leave on their trip through Europe, the UK and to NYC.(I am so excited for them.)

Having my hair cut and coloured by a hair-dresser

Learning Calligraphy

Learning to draw

Experimenting with the water-colours I purchased

Making beautiful quilts for mine and Ritchie's bed

Buying pieces of furniture I have been long-lusting-over.

Finishing UNI! WOO HOO!

Working in Western NSW

Buying some exquisite Indigenous Australian Art

Improving the quality of the photographs that I take

Learning the secrets of interior design and styling

Cooking BIG meals for my BRILLIANT immediate family

My wonderful little brother meeting someone just as wonderful (no pressure though Samuel)

Ritchie and I buying a beautiful home

Buying a new car, one devoid of rust would be awesome

Being able to buy a new pair of glasses

Receiving postcards and emails from my beautiful parents on their travels

Seeing my little Molly start school

Hoping Meggie takes her spot in the O.C class @ Jewells P.S

Seeing Lucas start High-School

Getting a Teaching 'pay-slip'

Having my own BRILLIANT classroom

Meeting the students who will make up my first ever very own class

Not having to worry about eftpos 'approving' at the checkout

Travelling through Europe with my bestie Ritchie

Getting older and angrier at the world with Ritchie

There you have it 30 things.

Over and Out.

Love 

E, 

Currently listening to: 'Places Like This' Architecture in Helsinki.

Currently Reading: 'Midnight's Children' Salman Rushdie.

Divine.

Hello,

I missed 'One of my Poems Thursday'. I've decided that I'm not going to beat myself up about it. Sometimes it will happen, sometimes it won't, I'm cool with that.

The reason I didn't get the opportunity to post yesterday was because I was insanely busy. The usual kind of stuff; work, commitments and Ritchie and I decided at the spur-of-the-moment to go and see the new David Fincher (we're both BIG Fincher fans) film 'The Social Network'.

I have to say that I was a teensy bit disappointed. This is probably entirely my own fault. I tend to build-up films that I am looking forward to seeing to gargantuan heights. They can never live up to my entirely unrealistic expectations. After having watched the film, I want to 'deactivate' my 'Facebook' account.

I found most of the people represented to be entirely unlikeable. Additionally Zuckerberg seems to be someone, wholly impressed by status and authority, despite his alleged 'disinterest' in money - which I don't 'buy' at all. For someone with no 'interest' in cash, he has sure as hell managed to keep a lot of it for himself.

He seems like an arse-hole. But hey, what do I know ?  I'm not a member of an exclusive fraternity and I'm certainly no billionaire.  My opinions will be of no consequence, to an entirely dysfunctional man with a 'good idea', but a distinct lack of social/emotional intelligence. I'm no 'Rhodes Scholar' and I'm not professing perfection, however I do have more friends than I can count on one hand.

I'd also like to add that those impressed by status always appear to me to be needy and of weak character, both in movies and real-life.

Now on to the Divine

I've recently been introduced to the Artwork of Australian Emma van Leest. I have to say I am blown away by the beauty of her creations. I've added an exquisite photo from her website of her artwork entitled 'To dream in waking life.'  I'm a HUGE fan. Enjoy!

I'm off now. 

Love, 

E. 

Currently Listening to: 'I, Me, Mine' The Beatles

Currently Reading: 'Midnight's Children' Salman Rushdie 

Crafting, Sylvia's Birthday and Ritchie's Afternoon Tea.

Heya,

Today it has been raining steadily. The rain hasn't however, put a dampener on our level of excitement - It's our baby girl's Birthday today. 

That's right Sylvia is 2! Happy Birthday Sylvie.

Here is a photograph of the little chestnut herself.

 

In other news, I have used the bad weather as an excuse to avoid doing loads of washing and have been crafting instead. I used the tutorial at 'Under the Sycamore Tree'  to make a 'Doily Table-Runner'. It was super easy to make and the results are pretty impressive, even if I do say so myself. I bought all of the doilies for around $20.00 AUD from an op-shop in Belmont North, so it was a very inexpensive project.

I have included one snap-shot of my finished Table-Runner. Here 'tis

Additionally, I have started planning Ritchie's 'Citizenship' Afternoon-Tea. For those who don't know, Ritchie is becoming an Australian on the 3rd of November. It is very exciting. For the most part I have been thinking about the food I am going to prepare. We're thinking; Mini-Pavlovas, Lamingtons, Iced-Vovos, Tim-Tams, a Cheese Board and Mini-Savoury Muffins. Yum Yum Yum!

I'll update the blog later,  after I have given the decorations some thought. 

I've done some shopping for my 'Operation Christmas Child' shoe-box. I still have some additional items to purchase, so I will update the blog with all the details, when I have finished.

Well that's all for now, I'm not sure what I'm going to cook for tea. I guess I'll have to start thinking about that soon. 

Love, 

E.

Currently Listening to: My Brother and Ritchie playing 'Modern Warfare' on the PS3.

Currently Reading: 'Midnight's Children' Salman Rushdie.

Just thought you'd like to know

If I was a piece of Swedish furniture I would be.......

Peace Out

Love, 

E. 

Currently Listening to: 'Far' Regina Spektor

Currently Reading: 'Midnight's Children' Salman Rushdie

One of my poems Thursday

Wow!, it's been a week already! It's time for one of my poems again. 

I wrote this in 2008, for my brilliant Ritchie. It's not about sex. So with that, here it is.


'Untitled'

 Speckled China doll 

with bristled peach cheeks

and a discerning ear and eye

Imperfect lips; teeth;
 a down-and-dirty mind

I am with you and..
 laughter permeates our night-time. 

In addition to one of my indulgent poems, I wanted to share a beautiful quote by a man I needn't really introduce - Carl Sagan. 

' In the vastness of space and the immensity of time, it is my joy to share a planet and an epoch with Ann'.
- Carl Sagan

I told you it was a good one. 

My wonderful partner Ritchie, made this quote super-special for me as he added it to my birthday card this year (obviously changing 'Ann' to 'Erin'). 

So thank you Carl Sagan, in addition to all the wonderful work you did, you also posthumously managed to make my birthday a little bit more special.

I thought I'd share some photos of my birthday card. Ritchie is wonderful, I know I am incredibly fortunate to have him.

This quote is for my little brother;
'More Babble!' - Christopher Hitchens.

Who do you love? 

Love, 

E.

Currently Listening to: 'La Roux' La Roux (Yes I LOVE this album)

Currently Reading: 'Midnight's Children' Salman Rushdie

I'm going to do this

Hey Hey, 

I'm not religious, however I do believe in helping those less fortunate than me. So I suppose in that respect I have some ideologies that are similar to those of 'The Samaritans'. 

I know we have different sources of motivation, but who cares about the motivation, let's simply focus on the outcome. 

I'm going to be participating in 'Operation Christmas Child', an initiative established and organised by 'The Samaritans' 

Feel free to join in too. 

 

Love, 

E.

Currently Listening to: The Bathroom Exhaustion Fan

Currently Reading: 'Midnight's Children' Salman Rushdie.

Crafting and Important Birthdays

Hello, 

It's my beautiful Nana's 80th Birthday today. We are all going out for dinner. I love her so much - Happy Birthday Nan!

Additionally, I have been candle-making and my attempts have proved successful. I will be uploading a 'Tea-Cup Candle' tutorial in .pdf format soon.  Here is a little sneaky peak, at one of the Christmas presents I have been making for friends and family. 

Well, it's a brief post today. Take it easy.

Love,
E.

Currently Listening to: 'La Roux' La Roux

Currently Reading: 'Beatrice and Virgil' Yann Martel

Interior Lust

Hey Hey, 

I've been flicking through some old and new copies of 'Inside Out' Magazine, specifically 'September/October 2008' and 'November/December' 2010'. 

I have been DROOLING, so I thought I'd share a little bit of what's been making my eyes melt with delight. 

I had to take photographs of the pages, as I don't have a scanner (that I know how to operate - I know it's entirely shameful). So some of the pics look a little wavy - photographing a magazine with a thick spine will produce that effect.

These two shots, are both from homes in Italy. More Drool. 

Loving these two too.

Anyway, I wanted to share a little bit of what makes me the sad individual that I am. Looking through Interiors mags, is my pornography.

Love, 

E.

Currently Listening to: 'Let It Be... Naked'  The Beatles

Currently Reading: 'Letters to a Young Contrarian' Christopher Hitchens. 

PS: I'm off to scour op-shops for goodies.

PPS: I'm going to be uploading a tutorial in .pdf format soon too. 

Have a great day!

One of my poems Thursday

Well here it is. An old one, I wrote this in 2005. I don't know if I still like it, however it has a lot of sentimental value. It was written with my first and only broken-heart. <--- Cliche' alert!

Scottish Writer's Block

It was in Inverness

that I broke the lead in my pencil.

It couldn't or wouldn't sharpen; 

it kept breaking as I attempted to whittle away at the wood.

It was in Dundee

that all I had was a stub of wood.

I could no longer write

and had to record everything in tantrums and tears.

Poetry Thursday seems like a good idea.

Love, 

E.

Currently Listening to: My fingers hitting the keyboard.

Currently Reading: 'Letters to a Young Contrarian' Christopher Hitchens.

PS: 'Of a Boy' by Sonya Hartnett, was beautifully tragic. I'd recommend it to everyone. 

PPS: How do I have so much reading time? I don't have children and I read every night in bed, prior to falling asleep.

PPPS: I am so in love with this fabric by 'Gurumania' on 'Spoonflower'. IN LOVE!

Goodies in the post

Yay, a gift I ordered from Etsy for my nephew arrived today.  

They are absolutely beautiful, and exactly as I anticipated. 

 This is where I ordered these adorable bookplates - Oiseaux

A pretty non-eventful day, aside from my goodies in the post.  Just the usual.

Planning on knitting some more face-cloths this evening with the delightful bamboo 'wool' I purchased on my last trip to Spotlight. 

I'm cooking 'Spag Bol', which I've been assured, is the 'World's Best'. My Brother will definitely be joining us for tea tonight - He can't get enough of my spaghetti.

I guess, I could add the recipe for my 'Spag Bol' to this here blog, however, I'm sure everyone has their own way of making said pedestrian dish. 

I'd love a back-yard pizza oven. I am dying to make traditional Italian style pizzas - Perhaps on the weekend I will have the motivation. 

I intend on adding some of my poetry,  perhaps it could be a Wednesday thing?

Love, 

E.

Currently Listening to: 'Maths and English' Dizzee Rascal
Currently Reading: 'Of a Boy' by Sonya Hartnett

Coveting.

This will have to be a brief entry, as I'm currently in the process of eating my breakfast and getting ready for work. Yes school is back today!

Went to 'Darby Street Fair' yesterday, and of course, I totally forgot my camera. I don't want to rag on the event entirely, however, I guess I had high expectations. 

I did purchase some little odds and sods for Christmas, and bought myself some divine earrings from 'Oscar and Matilda'.

On another note, I'm coveting some beautiful ceramics. I am entirely in love.

As I said, it's only a brief post. I'm off to have a shower.

Love, 

E.

Currently Listening to: The wind whipping past my study window.  
Currently Reading: 'Of a Boy' Sonya Hartnett

Programming and Cupcakes

Well,

So much for exciting entries. I spent the day with my Mum, working on her class program (we have a mutually beneficial relationship- giventhat both of us are Teachers). Term Four of the school year is to start on Monday, so it's all go.

In more exciting news, I made Chai Cupcakes today.  I'm a huge fan of Chai Tea, and as a consequence couldn't resist making some cupcakes. I used this recipe Chai Cupcakes from Greenie in the Making. They're a little bit like crack (so I've heard), in that they are entirely more-ish.

I just wanted to add, I have recently been following the 'How to No 'Poo' instructions detailed at lovely Helen Heath's webpage. (In fairness I haven't met Helen, however she seems like a wonderful lady.)

I have been pleasantly surprised by my hair. Helen suggests that it could take an individual's hair 'two weeks to two months' to transition to this new method. I have to say that I haven't noticed a difference in my hair. It looks the same as when I use expensive shampoos and conditioners. Needless to say, I won't be going back to shampooing. Give it a try.

Additionally, my lovely Ritchie bought home 'Singstar 80s' and 'Singstar PS3 Volume 1'. They were both marked down to $9.00-isn't he brilliant! Sorry next-door-neighbours.

I'm going to be attending the 'Darby Street Festival' tomorrow, so I'm certain to post a few photos and the like.

Love, 

E.

Currently Listening to: The Dishwasher

Currently Reading: 'Why Orwell Matters' Christopher Hitchens.

More often than not.

This is perhaps the third or fourth time I have attempted to establish a blog. My inability to maintain the momentum necessary to regularly update a blog reminds me of my failed attempts at diary keeping as a child. I am someone who enjoys writing, so as you can imagine, I regularly received journals and diaries as gifts. Each new journal was filled with promise. I was going to record my thoughts and feelings successfully in its pages.

Alas, more often than not I would fail - Writing became a chore, I just had such a dull non-eventful childhood. Fortunately I was no Anne Frank.

This time it's different! I'm an adult now and my life is much more interesting. This blog will be all about my much more exciting existence.

It's with a change-of-heart, that I begin blogging. It promises to be stupendous.

Love,

E.

I thought I'd share this video, as it really tickled my funny bone.

How much Hipster can you pack into a Honda Jazz?

Currently Listening to: Regina Spektor 'Far'

Currently Reading: 'Why Orwell Matters'  Christopher Hitchens