Kelly

Fish, glorious fish!

Occasionally my husband buys fish from Conways as a treat. I don’t know about your part of the world, but here fresh fish is really expensive. I can’t fault Conway’s for freshness though, better than you can get at the Queen Vic Market.

These are blue grenadier fillets, but use what you like (or what you can afford!) For this one I lay down a generous amount of foil and put the fillet on top. I sliced lemon grass and ginger and sprinkled over the top. Then I warmed about 2 tablespoons of soy sauce with 1 teaspoon of honey and a squeeze of lemon juice and drizzled over the fish. Salt and pepper, then wrap in the foil or pinch the foil together to make a pleat all the way along. Bake for about 20 minutes at 190 degrees celscius then test for doneness.

This one is really easy! Lay out fillet as above then dab some small pieces of butter along the fillet. Salt and pepper it. Lay on some fresh herbs (I used dill and parsley from the garden) then lay on thin slices of lemon. Bake as above and test for doneness.

Healthy and delicious!!

Pretty little wedding dresses

by Kelly 5 Comments

I finished the girl’s dresses for my sister’s wedding in a few weeks.

Note the pained “I don’t feel like having my photo taken” expression.

I used some pretty quilting fabrics and satin to make the waistbands that tie at the back.

I used my trusty Miss Madeline pattern.

This pale blue fabric has pretty white patterns on it that you can’t really see here.

I’ve almost finished my dress too.

An amusing tale. In my last letter to my Grandmother I mentioned I was making our dresses for the wedding. A couple of days later I received a letter back with a gift voucher for $50. She thought it was such a pity that I “had” to make our dresses she wanted me to go out and buy some for the girls. When she had young children she made all of their clothes out of necessity.

Haven’t times changed? I don’t think she’d be convinced that I sew for pleasure.

Sourdough in action

by Kelly 1 Comment

Got Goop?

by Kelly 3 Comments

Goop is fun, safe, reusable and although messy, cleans up easily.

1 packet of cornflour (I use a cheap generic brand)
1 – 2 cups water
food colouring, tempura paint powder or acrylic paint (if you like)

Mix water into cornflour a little at a time until you have a gloopy consistency. Drop the colouring in (if using) to the depth of colour you like.
Put into a container or tray and play!

When the children are finished it can be stored in a container with a lid. If it dries out just add more water and stir again.

* A note about food colouring.
The children ended up with coloured hands, if this is undesirable go with the paint options.

This is my first post for kid’s art and craft on the SHE team blog (Schooling at Home Etsians). My post will be there tomorrow. Head over and check it out!

A nice morning out

by Kelly 4 Comments

The Werribee Mansion now has free entry. For a family of 6 this is a real blessing and we go there quite a bit now. The grounds are really expansive and beautiful.

A great place to stretch out.

Or climb a tree.

And a great place for little people to test out those running legs!
I think we’ll be picinicing here quite a bit over summer, and the rose garden is right next door.

Happy swapping

by Kelly 3 Comments

I love a happy swap. You may recall I received some beautiful wool from Nell last week. She has her parcel from me now, so I can show you what I sent. I used a few different techniques for the fat quarters above.

The pink and purple playsilk was painted with stripes and then sprinkled with sea salt (in honour of Nell’s pink and purple princess!)

Nell mentioned water play, so the idea for the blue playsilk was born. The silk was dyed using a shibori technique.

And last but not least – a little play doll for “the baby”, knowing how much my “baby” loves her doll that is similar.

A few pictures from the march

by Kelly 2 Comments

There was a great turn out for the Freedom to be Born March and the sun dazzled down on us as we walked the streets of the city.

Up to the steps of the grand old Parliament House.

There was the usual small (very small) slogan shouting individuals waiting for us on the steps but they were soon drowned out. And I swear I have never placed my rosaries on anyone’s ovaries! That is also to imply that only Catholics stand against abortion which is completely untrue and was evident today.

A big thanks to the Victoria Police for the great job they do, it is really appreciated.

It’s Saturday

by Kelly 1 Comment

And a glorious Saturday it is too.

I was the lucky recipient of these gorgeous hand dyed, hand spun yarns in a swap with Nell. Aren’t they beautiful, especially the rainbow one. I feel like I did when I was a girl and received a special soap or something and was too afraid to use it. I’d just admire it for a long time!

Nell kindly included an embroidery book (here’s a girl after my heart!) and even a pack of lollies for the children! I can’t show you what I’ve sent her yet as it may not have arrived.

We’re headed into the city today for the Freedom to be Born March, it should be a great turn out on such a nice day.

All the best for the weekend, God bless you all.