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Still being wintery here means wholesome food is very much appreciated at the end of the day. I had planned to go to my friends farm, taking a basket of goodies along with some goodies for a couple of friends. It is always rewarding putting time aside to cook other than the washing up !!
My first try at using a new frypan to make Rhubarb & Ginger Pie..
Lovely Winter Foods - anyone for a morning of cooking?
I have always loved the idea of having a potting bench as I often enjoy potting up plants of my own but will also often pot something up for a friend to go as a little lovely or together with a few items that have a running theme.
I had an old Jarrah table sitting in our shed that had been given to us by a family friend many years ago, possibly around 50 years old & hand made so......I got thinking that this could be used as a basis for a great potting bench with a little imagination. We found slats from a bunk bed, heavy weight wheels with brakes, a couple of old drawers, some lovely old pine wood & we were ready to start. I have a dear friend Noel who was looking for a project & was more than happy to help create what I had planned out, along with finding a picture on Pinterest that was close to what I had been hoping for ...... away Noel went and formed the basis of the project, then I found a lovely old shelf that I had tucked away (just waiting for this project) for the back of the bench. Slowly it came together, then it was ready for me to paint & add all the pieces that made it a potting bench including a perfect fit stainless steel sheet for the top & trips such as railings at the side from IKEA. Whala !! I have the best potting bench I could ask for & many hours of fun & creativity have been had already.
Very Raw but coming together
In full use now & also used for photographing for journalying.
I have a dear friend Alison, whom I have known for years, whereupon my family knew her family before we became friends. We would go to the seaside to stay in a dear little, if somewhat raw cottage, directly opposite the beach. Alison's Dad & his brother being farmers had wanted a seaside holiday place where they could holiday as a family - in those days early days possibly coming by horse & dray. Much has of course changed but one thing hasn't - the time Alison & I spent over the summers sitting on the back steps of the cottage we stayed in, or around the old kitchen table in the other cottage that was to become Alison's place permanently, we would share what we were working on. As both of us enjoyed textiles, paintings, pottery, artwork, love of design and interior design we would share our books, drawings, ideas & whatever else we were working on. We have continued to have times together inspiring each other & especially with Alison being such a well know artist worldwide & in the South West & constantly in demand for her beautiful work. What also inspires me when I visit is wandering around her garden that leads down to Toby Inlet.....along with endless walks along the beach which soothes ones soul and feeds creativity.
What better place to sit amidst some of Alison's Art Work with a cuppa....
Simple Collections that have added to Alison's seascape work
Continual abstract beauty from old farming impliments
Wherever I journey whether close to home, or in the next suburb, or into the city, or popping over to Melbourne or Sydney or further afield when I go to the UK....there are delightful coffee cafe's & eateries that are uniquely designed, the ambiance says it all. It has become something I love to do, to find these little havens as they inspire me in my cooking, decorating & presentation of the food, along with crockery & cutlery.....but again it is good for the soul as these places will often bring a tranquility amidst our business even a place to journal or gather our thoughts. Why spend precious time in places that are soulless & bland. Be encouraged to source a couple of lovely places to take yourself off to when there are those tough days...or to take your friends to as this will lift their spirits too.
The Famous Hopetoun Tea Room in Melbourne
The Cube in Dunsborough (the Cafe actually is designed like a cube)
Little Beachside Cafe not far from North Balgowlah
Simplicity does it for a take away...
The Boasted Sydney..
Opposite the high table & chairs at the Boatshed...gorgeous array of flowers for sale.
More Fruit & Flowers at the Boasted.
Outside area at the Boasted...lovely spots & ambiance.
