Vidastyle

Baking Days: Muesli Slice

2012-07-05T16:55:00.000+10:00

This slice is quick and easy, and its very difficult to stop at just one piece.

Ingredients:

1 cup self-raising flour
1 cup plain flour
2 cups raw muesli
1 1/3 cup desiccated coconut
1 cup (firmly packed) brown sugar
1 cup sultanas
1/2 - 1 cup choc bits
250g butter, melted, cooled
3 eggs, lightly whisked

Method:

Preheat oven to 180°C. Grease a lamington tin. Line the base and 2 long sides with non-stick baking paper.
Sift combined flours into bowl. Add muesli, coconut, sugar, sultanas and choc bits, stir to combine. Make a well in centre and add melted butter and egg. Using a wooden spoon stir until well combined. Spoon mixture into prepared pan, using the back of a spoon to smooth surface.
Bake in preheated oven approx 20 minutes or until golden brown and firm to the touch. Remove from oven. Cool. Cut into squares.

Adapted from Taste

Made With Yarn

2012-07-04T18:50:00.002+10:00

A little knitting project that I recently completed. It was originally intended for me, unfortunately it was washed in hot water with other garments and shrank. Luckily it fits miss M. The pattern is a free one that can be found here.

Baking Days More Cafe Style Banana Bread

2012-07-01T14:29:00.000+10:00

With the rainy weather all week I have done a bit of baking, I have my second batch of banana bread for the week in the oven. This one with blueberries is an adaptation of my Banana, Pear and Raspberry Bread.

Ingredients
2 cups sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs
200g Sour Cream (I used light sour cream)
2-3 mashed bananas
3/4 cup water
3 cups self raising flour
1 tsp bicarb soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup blueberries ( have also used choc chips)

Method

Preheat oven to 180 degrees C. Grease 2 standard loaf pans or 1 bread tin with oil and line with baking paper.

Using a mixer, beat the sugar and oil until mixed and then add eggs one at a time mixing after each one. Add the sour cream, mix and then add the mashed banana and mix.

Sift the flour, salt, and bicarb soda; Add to the mixture and beat lightly until just combined. Gently mix through blueberries. Pour batter into prepared bread tin. and bake for 1hr (or 45 mins if you are using smaller tins). They are done when a skewer comes out clean. If they are cooking too fast on top cover with foil so it doesn't burn.

I made mine in one standard loaf size bread tin or you can make it in two loaf tins.

Dressing Up Windows: Roman Blinds

2012-06-09T20:12:00.002+10:00

The classic Roman blind with its simple lines is one of my favourite window treatments. With Roman blinds you can personalise your look with a simple change of fabric choice or a few simple tweaks.

via Phoebe Howard

A fun casual look with blinds in bright patterns.

via decor8

Simple classic stripes add a touch of colour to this workspace

via live breathe decor

Ribbon treatment gives an elegant touch to these rooms.

via Lonny Mag

Cafe Style Pear and Raspberry Bread

2012-03-14T12:33:00.000+11:00

I have been indulging in this lovely pear and raspberry bread all week, easy to make and pop in the freezer to enjoy any time.

Ingredients
2 cups sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs
2-3 mashed bananas
3/4 cup water
3 cups plain flour
2 tsp bicarb soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup raspberries
1 finely chopped pear (i don't even peel mine)

Method

Preheat oven to 180 degrees C. Grease 2 standard loaf pans or 1 bread tin with oil and line with baking paper.
Using a mixer, beat the sugar and oil until mixed and then add eggs one at a time mixing after each one. Add the mashed banana and water and mix.
Sift the flour, salt, and bicarb soda; Add to the mixture and beat lightly until just combined. Gently mix through chopped pear and raspberries. Pour batter into prepared bread tin. and bake for 1hr or 45 mins in smaller tins. They are done when a skewer comes out clean.

I made mine in one standard size bread tin or you can make it in two loaf tins.

A Colourful Quilt

2011-12-11T20:12:00.001+11:00

I'm back!

After several very busy weeks of sewing and lots and lots of bunting making; I am back here at my neglected little blog. As I have mentioned before I am a member of Do. Good Stitches and last month was my month to organize the quilt. I settled on a broken dishes block with a base colour of white and the sewers choice of a solid colour.

Heres a sneak peak of the almost finished quilt, I have just finished sewing on the binding and will take some more pictures tomorrow in natural light.
Next up is some christmas sewing for the nieces and nephews and maybe another batch of Gingerbread men which is a hit at our place all year round.

Classic Boy Bedroom

2011-11-07T15:34:00.000+11:00

With two little boys I am constantly looking for inspiration for boys decor. I love this little room from Leontine Linens.

Relaxing Outdoor Spaces

2011-11-07T13:19:00.002+11:00

Via

I could spend the whole day here with a cool drink and a great book!

Red White and Blue Boy

2011-11-06T19:58:00.000+11:00

Image: House and Home

The classic combination of red, white and blue always works for the boys.

Decorating With Bunting

2011-11-01T19:35:00.000+11:00

Image via Glam Camping

Image via kenziepoo

Image: inside out

Image via Urbanoutfitters

Bunting is fun, yet elegant, playful and sophisticated. It can create the perfect atmosphere - A tasteful addition of colour to kids rooms, a touch of romance, gently fluttering in the breeze at an out door tea party, simple elegance at a wedding and a carnival touch camping.

Quilt Inspiration

2011-10-18T15:22:00.000+11:00

Thinking about making another quilt.
Surfing the web revealed these little beauties.

Source: linenandraspberry.blogspot.com via Melissa on Pinterest

Source: flickr.com via Melissa on Pinterest

Source: blueelephantstitches.blogspot.com via Melissa on Pinterest

Source: flickr.com via Melissa on Pinterest

This Weeks Menu

2011-10-16T20:03:00.000+11:00

via

Well this past week has been a really long one - with a sick child and lots of mummy attention needed, not much else got done around here. This week I have planned a simple, wholesome menu to aid recovery and to get over some of those holiday excesses.

Sunday: Vegetable patties with sweet chilli sauce and salad
Monday: Tomato soup with parmesan breads
Tuesday: Green pancakes with lime butter and steamed vegetables
Wednesday: Homemade Pizza and salad
Thursday: Lasagne and vegetables
Friday: Dinner Out
Saturday: Toasted Sandwiches

Making and More

2011-09-29T09:38:00.001+10:00

Well this week has been one of making and packing. Custom bunting orders have been posted.

As part of the cherish circle of Do Good Stitches I made these two animal blocks for this months quilt which kristy will be putting together.

These blocks certainly challenged my piecing skills and I had the seam ripper out more than once.

Tomorrow we are leaving for a week of camping and when I return I will draw the winner from my spring giveaway!

Weekly Menu

2011-09-25T11:42:00.001+10:00

Sunday: Spaghetti Bolognaise
Monday: Vegetarian Calzones with Salad
Tuesday: Baked Cannelloni with Steamed Vegetables
Wednesday:Vegetarian Fajitas
Thursday: Beetroot Risotto
Friday: Leaving for Holidays!

Australian Artist: Joanna Darby Art For Good Project

2011-09-23T15:13:00.001+10:00

One of my very favourite Australian Artists, Joanna Darby has released some of her artwork as postcards to support women in Nepal who require lifechanging surgery. All profits from these postcards are donated to this worthy cause.

To learn more about this project or to purchase some cards, head over to her website and while you are there take a look at her other work.

Illustration: Becca Stadtlander

2011-09-22T14:26:00.001+10:00

I just adore these sketchbook images by Becca Stadtlander over at Book By Its Cover via Pikaland

And my son who is totally into soldiers would love this image.

Enjoying the Moments

2011-09-18T07:45:00.000+10:00

Enjoying special moments together.....

Tree House Love

2011-09-17T20:12:00.000+10:00

There are so many awesome tree houses floating around the web I couldn't resist posting a couple more that have caught my fancy.

via

Master Bed Room Inspiration

2011-09-14T13:37:00.001+10:00

Some Gorgeous, neutral master bedrooms, I love the exposed timber beams in this room.

This grey and white room has a soothing feel about it

Another pretty white room with a small splash of colour and a lovely large mirror.

Images: 1 small place style, 2 pinterest 3 High street market blog

Weekly Menu

2011-09-11T19:03:00.004+10:00

Source: delaneygates.typepad.com via Connie on Pinterest

My baby turned 3 yesterday and we have had a very full and exciting weekend with lots of family and friends around to enjoy it with. It has been a joy to watch her get pleasure from the fun of it all.

Back to the everyday now and planning for the week ahead. This week we will be eating:-

Sunday: Left Overs

Monday: Haystacks

Tuesday: Pumpkin risotto (Inspired by Irina from sew and the city)

Wednesday: ricotta and spinach rolls with salad

Thursday: coconut red lentil soup with home made bread

Friday: Dinner with Family

Saturday: Take Out

Have You Seen Lily Moon

2011-09-09T13:12:00.003+10:00

Today I came across the delightful illustrations by Lily Moon. Check out her pretty little store I am sure you will find something to love.

My Favourite Banana Cake Recipe

2011-09-06T08:37:00.001+10:00

Sunday afternoon we made banana cake. This was the banana cake my mum made for us when we were kids. I have fond memories of sitting at the farmhouse table as a child helping her mash the bananas. The cake was always iced with a simple chocolate icing, but it would be lovely with any of the traditional banana cake toppings.

Ingredients
125g Butter, softened
1 scant cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1/2 tsp vanilla essence
2 cups self raising flour
1/2 tsp bicarb soda
1/4 cup milk
1 cup bananas (2-3 bananas)

preheat oven to 180 °C. Grease and flour a 7cm x 20cm tin
Cream butter, vanilla and sugar until pale and creamy
Add eggs one at a time beating well after each
sift flour, and bicarb soda together, using a metal spoon gently fold in 1/3 of the flour mixture, and the milk, then fold through 1/2 of the remaining flour, finally fold through the bananas followed by the rest of the flour.
Pour cake mix into tin and bake for approx 40mins or until done when tested with a skewer.

Ice with your favourite icing.

Sunday: Weekly Menu

2011-09-04T12:30:00.004+10:00

Image

Banana Cake is on the agenda for this afternoon, I have some bananas that are just ripe and waiting to be made into cake. They have been far to expensive the past few months to make into cake, but these ones were quite reasonable and I have been missing it.

As well as indulging in banana cake we will be eating:-

Sunday: Hot Dogs

Monday: Lasagne and Vegetables

Tuesday: Tomato Risotto

Wednesday: Quiche and Salad

Thursday: Pizza and salad

Friday: Potato and Pea Curry, Dahl and Naan

Saturday: Take Out

What about you? What will you be eating or indulging in this week?

Adorable Girls Room

2011-09-03T19:05:00.000+10:00

I just adore this pretty girls bedroom by Windsor Smith. The white bedspread with the turquoise colour create a calming atmosphere, while the pops of colour from the artwork and dress up clothes add some fun to the room.

Image Source: Room in a Box

Corn and Bean Burritos

2011-09-01T10:36:00.000+10:00

This tasty Weight Watchers recipe is full of good nutritious ingredients, it makes for a perfect meal for the family, my kids love burrito's and request them regularly. They also love 'Haystacks' which can be made with corn chips, topped with this sauce, the salad, cheese and sour cream. If you are really keen you can make your own tortillas, they are time consuming but taste much better than the store bought ones.
Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium brown onion, chopped
1 medium zucchini, chopped
2 cloves crushed garlic
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 tsp mexican chilli powder
400g can chopped tomatoes
400g can mixed beans, drained and rinsed
400g can corn kernals, drained
1 Tbsp fresh lime juice
3 medium fresh tomatoes chopped
2 tbsp fresh coriander
25 g pumpkin seeds
8 small corn tortillas, warmed
4 cups rocket leaves

1. Heat oil in large saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook onion and zucchini, stirring occasionally until softened. Add garlic and chilli powder. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute or until fragrant.
2. Add tomato paste and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add canned tomatoes, beans and corn and bring to the boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring, for 15 minutes or until sauce is thickened. Remove from heat and stir in juice.
3. Place fresh tomato, coriander and pepitas in a small bowl. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Place tortillas on a flat surface and top with rocket and bean mixture. Fold to enclose filling. Serve topped with tomato salsa.

To warm tortillas, wrap in baking paper or foil and bake in a preheated 200ºC or 180ºC fan-forced oven for 5 minutes or until heated.

Image and recipe by Weight Watchers Australia