Queen of the Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries

Block E...A Gardener's Journal...and Faerie Kisses

2012-02-08T17:14:00.000+11:00

Just before Christmas I completed Block E of A Gardeners Journal by Anni Downs...

This quilt is part of Stitch-a-long hosted by Chookyblue...

I have used lots of paisley and flowery prints in this quilt and it is starting to look really lovely now!!!

It's starting to come together really nicely...

Thank you Chooky and all the gals over at Stitch-a-long for your encouragement in this quilt!!!

I have also completed the next step in Faerie Kisses by Helen Stubbings of Hugs'nKissess

I have attached beads instead of doing French Knots...

The Shakespeare verse is on the border now...I'm getting there!!!

If you see a Faerie Ring

If you see a faery ring
In a field of grass,
Very lightly step around,
Tip-Toe as you pass,
Last night Faeries frolicked there
And they're sleeping somewhere near.
If you see a tiny faery Lying fast asleep
Shut your eyes And run away,
Do not stay to peek!
Do not tell Or you'll break a faery spell.

William Shakespeare

Now I better get a move on...I've got heaps to keep me going...

amongst other new projects!!!

Excitement, excitement...we have got tickets to view The Harry Potter Exhibition at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney..and I'm really looking forward to it!!!

OPAM...2012...Little House On The Hill!!!

2012-02-01T23:40:00.001+11:00

Been a bit slow on the stitching front here...but luckily enough I did manage to finish a project for OPAM (One Project A Month) for January...

I have joined for the 3rd year this year...and I'm sure I wouldn't even be completing 1 project if I wasn't in this!!!

OPAM is hosted again this year by the lovely Kris and Peg...Thank You So Much Gals!!!

A little hand painted house button which was a project for one of our Stitching Days hosted by Fiona and Sylvia...This was so cute I thought...I fussy cut a few little houses and stitched them back onto the fabric in a couple of spots...

I couldn't find a frame for the little house and fabric so Deb (no blog) suggested I just add a piece to the ends and sides...she quickly chose one from my stash...

and all framed up now and fitting nicely!!!

Thanks so much Deb!!!

Cook Up With Donna Hay No 14...Chicken and Lemongrass Laksa...Lemon Meringue Chocolate Cake!!!

2012-01-18T17:34:00.000+11:00

Another Cook Up with Vicki has happened here...

This time from the Oct/Nov 2011 10th birthday edition of Donna Hay magazine......

Menu is......

Chicken and Lemongrass Laksa......

Lemon Meringue Chocolate Cake......

Laksa......delicious!!!

I used gluten free flour.....cut the cake part out leaving a hole.....

Filled with Lemon Curd...

and topped with Meringue Icing......

I have never had anything like this before....

it was pretty amazing.....

the chocolate......the lemon......and the meringue all together.....YUMMMM!!!

And here's JoJo together with me helping cut the dessert......

she was pretty keen to try it at this stage!!!

Until next time, which I hope won't be too long......Bon Appetit......Dzintra

First Day of 2012...a surprise gift...and some new fabric and projects!!!

2012-01-09T00:03:00.001+11:00

Welcome 2012...let's hope it's a good year for everyone...

On the first day we thought we would have fish'nchips by the beach for dinner...

no stress...no cooking...all FUN, FUN, FUN!!!

We saw this amazing sandcastle...

And here are Ryan and Lidija standing next to it...

Ryan with his name...and a train next to it...He is a huge Thomas The Tank Engine fan!!!

How cute is this...he is drawing a line from his house to ours'...

I put the zoomer on the camera as there was a boat in the background...we rarely see boats this size here...

No zoom...

I received a surprise gift from Vicki wrapped in gorgeous paper and a gold ribbon...

Envelope...

and card...

And wrapped up in the paper was this Snowman pattern....

I hope to make it for Christmas in July this year...

and buttons also were included...

Thank you so much dear Vicki...it was just such a surprise to receive this!!!

Some new fat quarter fabric in my Christmas Stocking...

It's called Etchings by 3 Sisters for Moda...

old fashioned writing on one...map of Parisian streets...just gorgeous...thank you Santa!!!

And then I had to go and get a metre of the paisley as well...

Check this one out...the Eiffel Tower, and all in soft chocolatey colours...sigh,

Then I thought I would write down my 'must-do's' for this year...

well, 3 pages later I was still writing LOL!!!

A panel I bought a few years ago...it's a Christmas one that JoJo will just love!!! When we went to the Quilt Airing in Mendinee she said she would like a Christmas quilt on the wall...so let's see how I go...

Around Christmas time I saw this free pattern on the net by Anni Downes from Hatched and Patched and that made the list as well...

Now I think I'll have to rethink it all, and I better get a move on!!!

2011...the ones that got away...A Year In Pictures OR 13 by the dozen!!!

2011-12-31T19:27:00.000+11:00

It's New Year's Eve...

for the first time in many years I have my 3 children here with us...including grandchildren!!!

I thought for this post I would put up a photo from each month...

photos that I took and intended to blog but just didn't get to it!!!

January......one evening JoJo and I went out for dinner to Starfish Deli...

February...went up to Canberra and had a ride on the famous Carousel...JoJo's favourite...

Headline of the month...I broke my arm, in 2 places...ouch!!!

March......Mr Armchair one Friday evening made snacks and wine for us...here Brie cheese and garlic and chilli olives...(didn't take me long to get to food ha ha)

Baker's Dozen...sling off my arm, doing physiotherapy and trying to lift the rod up...hard work!!!

Little Ryan staying with us for a week in the school holidays...he is on holiday from Pre-School...

May...went to Moruya and there were hot-rods everywhere...here JoJo's favourite...

June......and here's the girl herself...our good friends Geo and Lloyd stayed at not-too-far-away Mollymook...

July......caught up with my Niece...here I am with Grand-daughter Lidija and Great Niece Grace Eliza...

August......went to Canberra Craft Fair and had to have this kit......a flannel snowman quilt kit...

the plan is to start on my birthday......let's see how we go!!!

September.....back to food......this time Chocolate Mousse for Tracey and John.....

October......Mr Armchair, normally camera shy said 'take a picture of me' while he was cutting down some bouganvillea......

November......back to Starfish Del, it's our Wedding Anniversary......lunch and then off to Twilight the movie...

December......New Year's Eve...

here we all are having late lunch...

What a year......who ever thought this much could happen in a year...

another great year......arm is still mending......

beachwalk today......pink bubbles at the moment......happy conversation around me...

cheeseplate coming...

Happy New Year......

Wishing everybody Peace, Joy and Contentment in the coming year......

let's hope it's a good one with everything happy in this world of ours!!!

Love, Dzintra

OPAM (One Project a Month) December...

2011-12-31T00:35:00.001+11:00

Here is the last for OPAM for 2011...

2 items this time...

A Volkswagen Combi Cushion especially for JoJo...

Pattern is 'big camper' by Hot Possum and fabric is 'Now We're Goin' Places' by Monica Lee

for Timeless Treasures...

I even did the applique with my machine...and this was a first for me...

Back of the cushion...this is the first time I have attempted buttonholes with my machine...

so easy!!! I'm ready for more ha ha...

Even had some VW buttons by Nikki Tervo waiting for something special like this...

Front of cushion...

and back...

and a little cross stitch for JoJo...

she just loves Santa so this was quite apt for the occasion...

only thing is...I have had it for 2 years...

Thank you so much to Peg and Kris for hosting OPAM for another month...

I know that I wouldn't have finished a lot of what I have!!!

Christmas 2011...and Sea Mist

2011-12-30T00:54:00.001+11:00

Christmas Eve morning arrived and when looking down the street I saw a mist rising up the hill to our place...and it smelt so 'salty'...

Meanwhile Mr Armchair came back from town and said we have to go down to the beach and have a look at the this Seamist!!!

Maybe you can't see it too well but it was awesome...

I'd never seen this before...but then again we have only been here 4 years...

It had a freshness about it as well...

People swimming in it...

and you could still see through it all...

It was rather magical looking down to it, but probably not for the seafarers...

Meanwhile from this Australian Good Food Magazine I made a Christmas pudding...

I used Rapadura sugar instead of white sugar...hence the caramel colour...

All good with custard on the day!!!

Mr Armchair cleaned the yard up a bit ant it looked lovely in the bright sunshine...

'Little jewels' in the water bath...

A lovely blue hydrangea...

I also made a Fruit Cake...

fruit cake is not generally a Latvian tradition but JoJo loves it, as do I...

All wrapped waiting to cut into it...

Looking at the bay window...

A candle for Christmas Eve...JoJo very excited by now...

Potatoes ready to prepare for Potato Roesti...

together with some barbequed lamb...

a nice easy dinner before the big day!!!

JoJo still getting very excited by now...

At her day programme she made some sweets...

The tree...

Opening gifts...

JoJo loves Volkswagens and I had to buy her this table and chairs when I saw it...

Very happy here...

Just after the table was bought I saw a pattern for a cushion with a Combi on it and had to buy it for her...then I made the cushion for her...

more of this in OPAM (one project a month) in another post...

And dig this, Gluten Free Mince Pies...

The it was off to our Daughter Jacqueline's place...

here she is with her DH Bill and 2 littles, Ryan and Lidija...

Jacqueline now for about the 5th year in a row has made a gingerbread house...

I think it's tradition now!!!

Mr Armchair's Brothers and their Mother...

And for the first time in his 5 years Ryan wanted to choose and give Christmas gifts...

I scored star cookie cutters...

And Lidija wanted to join in too...

here I received 2 nail polishes (she likes nail polish) and a golden olive eye shadow...

All just perfect...thank you so much Ryan and Lidi...all so very special!!!

By evening Lidija had had it...

Seeing I have a new sewing machine Jacqueline has my nearly new other machine...

and the Prints Charming book...

and she says next year everyone is getting sewn presents...

Bring it on!!!!!!!

I seem to be posting every day here...just squeezing in the last for 2011 for my blog book...

If I haven't gotten back to you thank you everyone for coming round and

leaving your lovely comments...I appreciate every single one of them!!!

SSCS (Secret Santa Christmas Swap) 2011 sent to Lynn...and OPAM (one project a month) October revealed...

2011-12-29T00:39:00.002+11:00

Finally I can reveal the swap parcel I sent to Ann-Marie as part of the SSCS organized by Chookyblue...

Goodies all wrapped up in a fat 1/4 (by Debbie Mumm)...

Card by Australian Designer Christine Book......

Little bag made out of a tea towel...

towel, pattern and fabric by Nancy Halvorsen......

Appliqued tea towel......

Little 'Joy' Stitchery Wall Hanging.....the front

Back......

and all together...

These items are also part of OPAM which I couldn't reveal back in October......

and Christmas decoration and tag......

I also included some other goodies for Anne Marie.....

Anne Marie I have so enjoyed making this for you......

and I was very excited......and nervous..... when Chooky asked me to be part of this fabulous swap......

I am so happy you are pleased with it all...

These items are going to be brought out at Anne Maries mountain cabin in Norway to be enjoyed every Christmas....

Thank you so much Chookyblue for organizing this swap......I have loved every step of the way!!!

SSCS (Secret Santa Christmas Swap) 2011...received from Lynn

2011-12-27T16:11:00.001+11:00

Finally I can reveal my gift for SSCS received from Lynn...

This is the first time that I have been involved with this Swap and I have thoroughly enjoyed it!!!

Thank you so much Chooky for organizing this...it must be a mammoth task for you...

This is the card I received from Lynne...see all the little gingerbread men...

followed by a little gingerbread cutter and a felt one...

Lynn figured that JoJo has a sweet tooth...

and yes Lynn, you are dead right about that ha ha!!!!!

My parcel also included some fat quarters...

A very pretty tea towel and pot-holder...

And here are the goodies all together...

Part of the card read,

"When I read your first post about SSCS2011, and how excited you were to be participating in it,

I knew it would be especially fun for me this year......

My goal this year was bright and fun and happy"

And here is Lynn's bright, happy and very fun table topper!!!

Santa on a surfboard...palm trees...blue skies

This pretty much sums up an Australian Christmas Lynn...

Sun, surf, beach and of course Santa...

Not to mention Salty Blue Days on the beach...

And the back of the topper...just as much FUN!!!

This whole swap was fun...thank you so much Lynn and once again to Chooky!!!

Mandeni Quilt Hanging...with a touch of Christmas!

2011-12-23T20:19:00.002+11:00

In Springtime we went to a Hanging of the Quilts at Mandeni Needlecraft...

A lovely Hanging, gorgeous quilts...lots of pics following,

Looks like an Anni Downs quilt here...

love the warm country colours...

a cross stitch on display in the shop...

and a Christmas section that JoJo could not resist...

JoJo saw a Christmas quilt on the wall and asked for one too...

think I'll have to do that one for her...it's not very often that she will ask for something like this!!!

Christmas has come around so fast this year...

one minute I have a sling on my arm...

and the next it's almost the end of the year...

I feel like I've lost a bit of time!!!

Wishing everybody a beautiful Christmas Season wherever you are,

and a Blessed and Happy Healthy New Year...

'I believe in everything until it's disproved.

So I believe in fairies, the myths, dragons.

It all exists, even if it's in your mind.

Who's to say that dreams and nightmares aren't as real as the here and now?'

~John Lennon, 1940-1980~

Well said John!!!

Red Moon Rising......and some very kind words whilst visiting Santa with JoJo

2011-12-17T18:13:00.004+11:00

Last Saturday night we were treated to a Red Moon Rising...

and wow, what a treat it was to see...

I thought I would grab my camera and shoot away...

and these are the results...

pretty cool eh!!!!!

Almost looks like a face here......

This morning we took JoJo in to do her Christmas shopping...

she saw Santa there and wanted to go up to him and have a 'chat'...

she was quite excited by all this...

After waiting in line...there were small children there and she was very patient...

the lady took her photo and while we were looking at which one to choose she turned around and said to me.....'you are doing a wonderful job'.....

this completely threw me and brought tears to my eyes...

It made me really stop and think and realize......

it really is the simple things that can just bring joy........JoJo seeing Santa,

and those few words by the lady who was encouraging children to smile for their photo with Santa...

I will remember this for a long time...probably every time we see Santa...

and brings to mind...Stop and smell the roses!!!!

Opening night...Victorian Music Hall at Bay Theatre Players!!!

2011-12-10T12:54:00.001+11:00

Wow...I've had such a fun time being involved with The Bay Theatre Players Victorian Music Hall!!!

This is my second time on stage...the first being in Cabaret...

These pics are from Opening Night last week...

the show only goes for 5 performances with the final one being tonight...and it's a Full House, as it has mostly been!!!

Above is a lovely little lightpost just backstage...

Above the stage...

A little puppet stall on set...

Annette...Robbie and me...

Annette and I are Chorines in the opening number

Beside the Seaside........

"I Do Like To Be Beside The Seaside" is a popular British music hall song. It was written in 1907 by John A. Glover-Kind and made famous by music hall singer Mark Sheridan who first recorded it in 1909.

We basically do actions behind the solo singer Tom as he sings this song...with the audience joining in...

and then Robbie comes in.....

and here's Tom in the Green Room, where most of these pics are taken...

Janet about to share a moving tale of ill-fated paternal DIY decorating ha ha!!!

Sam shamelessly reveals the tawdry tale behind a Fallen Woman......and she made this costume herself...

absolutely gorgeous Sam!!!

All ready for He Must Be A Millionare!!!

With our 'Millionaire' Bill...

With the Jilted Bride, Fran...

The Barbershop Quartet........Rob, Jimmy (also the Pianist), Geoff, and Andy...

Hannah ready to stroll the Promenade.......and she hopes the boys stare hard!!!

Jimmy the Pianist, and Sam as Burlington Bertie...

All autographed...'Forever Yours'...

the cast autographed their own pic and they were then hung up in the Foyer in Gilt Edged Frames!!!

The Mentalists.......Jenny and Trevor,

Our exotic Belly Dancer, Laila

Sarah...You Made Me Do It!!!

Jack and Andy....performing the dramatic monologue 'There's A One Eyed Idol'

In the Foyer...

Green Room board...

And the loveliest gesture from Sam....a card,

'Chookas' for the season....

Chookas was said prior to going out on stage hoping your earn enough to buy a chook...better than bread and water!!!

I have thoroughly enjoyed being in this Music Hall, although I do get nervous everytime waiting in the wings...the cast has been very supportive...the director has been very encouraging...backstage have been great...Thank You to all involved...I've loved it...

and I'm going to miss going to Music Hall in the evenings now...

See you all tonight......Dzintra

SSCS 2011...Secret Santa Christmas Swap

2011-12-07T14:22:00.000+11:00

Finally........my SSCS has arrived all the way from North Carolina........

sent by Lynn

The gift had to include a Christmas decoration...

And a gift to put under the Christmas Tree to be opened up at Christmas...

I will show these after Christmas...

The Christmas card will have to wait too!!!

The ornament is on our tree now...

Gifts are PATIENTLY waiting for me to open them!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you so much to Chookyblue for organizing this Swap...

She's done a wonderful job putting it all together with parcels going everywhere...

I have previously been looking at this one and finally joined it!!!!!

Now Chooky I'm very busy...off to attach the next Block in my Gardener's Journal Quilt!!!

OPAM...(One Project a Month) and SSCS (Secret Santa Christmas Swap)

2011-12-05T12:17:00.000+11:00

OPAM has come around quickly and I haven't done much stitching at all recently...

I've been involved with the Bay Theatre Players in their Victorian Music Hall...

and what fun it all is!!!

Have taken some pics and will post soon...

Meanwhile, I have managed to finish 1 item for this month...

this was part of Chookyblue's SSCS...

the gift to be made for the swap had to include a Christmas decoration with the rest of the handmade gift to be tucked away under the Christmas tree to be opened at Christmas...

The decoration is in the green bag...this is one of the items for OPAM October but I couldn't show it at that time due to all the secrecy!!!

I wrapped the 'main' gift in a Debbie Mumm Fat 1/4 and to it I attached a stitched tag by Hugs'nKisses

front of the gift tag for my partner Anne Marie...

this is my OPAM for November...

back...

Thank you to Peg and Kris for hosting OPAM...

I KNOW I wouldn't get as much finished if I didn't do this!!!

And a big thank you to Chooky for hosting SSCS...

I'm so looking foward to my parcel...it should be here any day now!!!

Bay Theatre Players Present...The Victorian Music Hall

2011-11-25T17:55:00.001+11:00

A Scintillating Soiree!

Yes! It’s Music Hall - in full Victorian splendour with revealing glimpses of ankle and saucy looks galore (that’s just the men!)

Led by our rollicking and rambunctious (oooh!) Chairman, The Bay Theatre Players present for your delight and edification (aaah!) mesmerising acts of mentalism, tragic monologues to break the heart, gorgeous girls to mend them, strong men to sigh over, comic acts to split your sides, sentimental ballads and Cockney classics to sing along with.

A fun fund-raiser for this popular community theatre company, to see us all into the ‘silly season’ and on to 2012.

After having sooooo much fun in my stage debut as a walk on character in Cabaret last year I have signed up for a walk on character again in The Victorian Music Hall due to open next week...

This time I am a Chorine (chorus girl) along with another Chorine, Annette...

I'm a bit more nervous this time as it is just Annette and I behind various Soloists doing small actions as they sing...

but boy are we having fun!!!!

A few pics here from when I first went into the Green Room to try costumes...

the lantern above caught my eye...

Table in the Green Room with various bits on it...

Little bootees for perhaps use...

A blouse which is going to be worn by a Cockney lass...Oompapa Oompapa everyone knows...

My hat for a Victorian Ladye...

Miss Hannah's hat as she promenades every morning and hopes the men stare hard!!!

Our brilliant Pianist's costume...

And here is Jimmy himself partaking in refreshment of cold water on a very hot Sunday in the local Church Hall...

Check out Florrie Forde singing The Old Bull and Bush...
All the cast will sing the chorus of this song...
Trust me, it's catchy!!!

And then this very fun version...even sexy, by Duke Special!!!

Come, Come, Come and make eyes at us!

Down at the Old Bay Playhouse...

Cook Up With Vicki No 13...

2011-11-14T10:44:00.003+11:00

Another Cook Up With Vicki has happened...

from donna hay magazine Issue 58 Aug/Sept 2011...

Vicki and I decided to each cook something from each issue and then blog it...

anyone is welcome to join us...just cook something up from the issue and blog it!!!

Menu is...

Quince-glazed Pork with Haloumi and Sweet Potato Gratin...

Salted Caramel and Vanilla Baked Cheesecake

Sweet Potato, Caramelized Onion and Haloumi ready to bake...

All done...

This would have to be one of the most delicious meals...I have since made it again...

I used Quince Paste and Smoky Caramelized Onion from Cranky Pants...

absolutely delicious...

I think I will try and make some Caramelized Onion one day...can't be too hard I figure!!!

Instead of using regular brown sugar I used Rapadura Organic Sugar purchased from Rustic Pantry...

This sugar is still brown but not gone through all the processes...

Ordinarily we don't usually have a lot of caramel here from regular brown sugar as it can react with JoJo...

this time she was absolutely fine...

will have to make this sauce again to confirm it but looking good!!!

Organic Rapadura is an unrefined sugar, popular for its unique caramel flavour, fine grain and gorgeous golden colour. It is produced by simply evaporating the water from the organic sugar cane juice. It has high nutritional value as it retains most of the natural vitamins and minerals, because, unlike other sugar it is not separated from the nutrient dense molasses part of the sugar cane during the pressing and drying process. For more info on this sugar go over here...

This cheesecake was awesome...especially the salted caramel sauce...

I used Arnotts Rice Cookie for the base as it is gluten free...

Going into the oven...

Topping is basically Ricotta and Cream Cheese...

Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!

The recipe can be found over here...

And the perfect drink...

Rekordelig Apple Cider...

Bon Appetit...Dzintra

Melbourne Cup...or It Turned Into A (Private) Quilt Show...

2011-11-06T11:51:00.000+11:00

A pic of my new shoes...and how I just love them!!!

I went to a Melbourne Cup Fund Raiser luncheon on Tuesday with 2 of the girls I met at a workshop...

the shoes were perfect...

Me with one of the workshop gals, Karan...

Deb who happens to live not far from me...

and my good friend Fiona...

We all wore a piece of headgear which is standard for Melbourne Cup day...

I put a string of roses and fluffy stuff onto a headband...

Karan did the same...

and Deb did a flower and fascinator fabric...

A great day...lots of sweeps and raffles...and a fantastic fund raiser for Motor Neurone Disease by Quota Club... Thank you Jan (our workshop teacher) for inviting us!!!

That wasn't the end of the day...

I had respite care that afternoon for JoJo...Deb had invited us to go back to her place to have more champagne...and blow me down...she showed us her quilts...

Deb has only been quilting for 2 years and look at all this...and this isn't all she has made!!!

We were all gobsmacked!!!

There are 2 of the above quilts...one for her and one for him...

the front of another quilt...

the back of it...

front...

back...

front...

I think this is Deb's first quilt...

Deb showed us this and said it was her first go at free motion quilting...

she didn't quite know what to do with it and I suggested it would make a lovely table runner...

Well, Quilters generally being very kind and generous...

she folded it up and gave it to me!!!

How beautiful is that...I love it Deb and thank you so very very much!!!

It looks great on my table!!!

A fantastic day with new friendships being made...

and we are talking of sewing days...getting together...catching up next year at more workshops!!!

And I still love my shoes...I just had to put another pic in!!!

A Trip Up To The 'Big Smoke'...and Halloween...or, It's All About JoJo!!!

2011-11-02T01:03:00.000+11:00

Yesterday we had no power here for the day...we had had notice of this, and I thought why not go up to Canberra for the day and check out the shops to see what Halloween stuff they had...

Halloween is slowly creeping into our part of the world and JoJo loves to celebrate ALL occassions!!!

We needed a coffee and first stop after the drive is The Blue Olive...

a great cafe...great coffee and a whole shelf devoted to gluten free cakes!!!

JoJo looking at some mags while I ordered...

a large cappaccino...

marshmallows for JoJo...

pistachio for me...

Here she is looking surprised on the famous carousel...a must do every time we come up...

Check out this gorgeous gown!!!

A bright green tie that JoJo HAD to have...

We finished off the day with ice cream martinis...

Set up a quick table with her new goodies...

And we actually got 2 lots of Trick or Treaters...

FUN...FUN...FUN!!!

JoJo really gets us into the spirit of the occassion...

she always seems to know what's going on and makes us stop and think...

be in the moment and have fun!!!

And followed by Halloween we have the Melbourne Cup and, yes she wanted to wear a hat for that too...I can't help but get caught up in it all...

As JoJo would say...Take It Easy!!!

OPAM...(One Project A Month)...A Workshop and Halloween!!!

2011-10-29T10:40:00.006+11:00

This month I have finished 4 articles for the SSCS (Secret Santa Christmas Swap) hosted by Chookyblue but I can't show them as it's all a big secret!!!

All will be revealed after my partner has opened her gift on Christmas Day...

OPAM is hosted by Peg and Kris...

so a BIG thank you Gals as I'm sure I wouldn't be completing one item a month without it!!!

Meanwhile...I couldn't have a post without pics so thought I would show a project that I have started at a class at Step's...the workshop for this was held last year and I had everything ready cut up and ready to go but I didn't attend as there was a sudden death in the family...

so it sat around all this time!!!

A gorgeous tablerunner 'Going in Circles' in the French General fabric Rounnieres...

I even had the circles all cut out and pinned onto the backing fabric...

Here I am using molofilament thread and doing a blanket stitch with foot 20...

I am loving everytime I attend a workshop and learn how to use more of my machine...

Apparently this is also needleturn applique...

One of the quilts on display at the shop...

and this is a Postage Stamp Quilt done by one of the girls at a workshop here...

Anni Downs' new fabric 'Some Kind Of Wonderful'...

and a fabric panel of labels from Sarah at Patchworks Plus...

It's Halloween weekend here in Australia...wonder if we'll get any Trick or Treaters?!

I won this banner over at Annabelle's, I tried to put it up but it just seemed to shrink?!

Look at these lovely Halloween pumpkins I saw at the supermarket...never seen these before!!!

I suppose they are for carving...they look great!!!

the carving of jack-o'-lanterns springs from the souling custom of carving turnips into lanterns as a way of remembering the souls held inpurgatory.^[6] The turnip has traditionally been used in Ireland and Scotland at Halloween,^[7]^[8]

I liken this to a ceremony we used to go to when we were children...Kapu Svetkus (Latvian, the link is a translated one) in October...we used to go to the graveyard (sounds spooky I know)...light candles and sing and honour those who had passed away...Halloween is also known as All Saints Eve and originated with the Celts...

I'll sign off now with Happy Halloween to those that celebrate...

and Happy Stitching to all the stitchers...now to get on to my next OPAM project...Dzintra

A Gardener's Journal...Block D and Passionfruit Slice...

2011-10-25T13:47:00.001+11:00

Moving along here with my Gardener's Journal quilt that I am doing on the Stitch-a-long hosted by Chookyblue...

Finally, Block D...this one seemed to take forever...especially with the corn!!!

I'm using what I have...particularly any fabrics that I purchased from Anni...

however last week I purchased a fat 1/4 that I thought I could use...

I have used it to the right of the corn... (the blue one)

Mr Armchair picked up that it was different to the others...

but I think it's going to stay...

I'll see how it looks later on down the track...

And all stitched up to the other block...

Now it's onto Block E...

Meanwhile, over at Innerpickle I saw a really easy recipe for Passionfruit Slice...

lemon zest all ready to go in...

into the oven...

cooling off...

Simply delicious!!!

For the recipe go to My Dolce Vita over here,

delicious for passionfruit fans, guaranteed...and best of all...nice'neasy!!!

Bon Appetit, Dzintra

Floriade 2011...

2011-10-18T23:40:00.002+11:00

A couple of weeks ago JoJo and I went up to Canberra...Australia's Capital City to see the magnificent Floriade...Australia's largest flower festival...

Beautiful tulips in the sunshine...

Amongst it all a Ferris Wheel...and yes, we had to go on it!!!

Surprising the ages of people lining up for a turn...

older people...youger...couples but I loved seeing the older ones...

made me think perhaps they were revisiting days gone by...

The view from up high...

Lake Burley Griffin in the background...named after Walter Burley Griffin the American Architect who designed Canberra...

Telstra Tower also known as Black Mountain Tower...

The hit of the day!!!

The Concert Street Organ 'Australia Fair'...

whose roots lie in Europe where they were developed in the 19th century...

They are known as Dutch Street Organs because The Netherlands is where these instruments were most successful and they are still in use today.

The historic street organ works Verbeeck Orgelfabriek survives today and Australia Fair,

built by them in 1992 is a direct link with history.

(Info from pamphlet)

JoJo with Rick and one of the 'books' that is played...

she is just mesmerized...

Some of the 'books'

Rick asked JoJo what she would like to hear and she responded with

'Phantom of the Opera'...good choice JoJo!!!

The 'book' is playing from left to right...

And of course we had to get a CD...

'Australia Fair' music from YouTube playing Que Sera at Floriade 2010...

this video also shows the workings at the back...

After all this fun we had to have morning coffee...milkshake for JoJo and cheesecake...

and a Macaron or 2 for me!!!

I think Floriade will be an annual event for us now...

for the Ferris Wheel...catch up with Rick and Australia Fair...

and of course the flowers!!!

Thank you so much Rick for taking the time to show us 'Australia Fair'!!!

Queen of the Armchair...What's In A Name!!!

2011-10-12T00:47:00.002+11:00

I've been reading around on blogs about how we came to our Blog name....

Dawn started this off so pay her a visit if you would like to join in...

I wasn't going to write about this but the more I read the more I wanted to join in...

so here is how Queen of the Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries came by her name...

This lovely machine embroidered piece was sent to me by Bev...
Thank you so much Bev!!!

I have been known as Ingrid but Dzintra (pronounced without the D...a Latvian name meaning Amber) was my first name which I started to use when we made our Sea Change 4 years ago...
it just seemed right!!!

My Hubby bought me a computer while I was recovering from emergency surgery in 2005 as I couldn't do anything but rest....

I started to read blogs (lurking)...

started an email and for want of a better name I called it dzintrastitcheries as I started to do stitching...

In 2007 I was reading a blog and followed it through to the button 'Create Blog')...

I pressed this and had no idea what I was going to say so I left it there...

Roll forward to 2008...

more surgery and not allowed to do anything again...

AND still lurking!!!

Got chatting to Barb of Theodora Cleave...

told her I was sitting around on the computer and she said something to the effect of...

So you're Queen of the Armchair then...

and Bingo...

I went to my untouched Blog...

wrote My First Post and the rest is history!!!

I thought I would write about our Sea Change...My Stitching...Family...Baking...Reading and most importantly about Caring for dear sweet JoJo...

our Daughter who has a disability and who opened our eyes to a whole New World...

I also started another Blog...'My Dolce Vita' as I started a TAFE Course in Commercial Cookery to improve my cooking skills and get confident in trying out recipes and to meet people in the area...

I chose Dolce Vita (Italian)...meaning the sweet life...or the good life in Italian...
and that's what I thought this course was all about!!!

I haven't looked back since pressing that little button that said 'Create Blog'...

I have made new Friendships...entered Swaps...Giveaways...learnt so much and most importantly Blogging keeps me in touch with the Outside World as Caring can be isolating at times...

And for this I am so grateful to each and every person who comes by...

I never dreamed I would still be here 3 years later!!!

Thanks Dawn for inviting us to tell about How We Got Our Blog Name!!!

New Fabric...Patterns and Book!!!

2011-10-08T09:47:00.000+11:00

I'm loving the repro fabrics at the moment...

I ordered a small bundle of fat 1/4s from Fee...they came tied up with a little ribbon...

along with this gorgeous teal colour fabric...

and this Layer Cake which I had ordered another time...

I just love the darker colours at the moment...

maybe it's something to do with the weather not warming up quick enough!!!

I'm just hanging in here for a 'salty blue day'...

Fee also sent me this pattern as a surprise...'Home is Where my Heart Is'

Such a lovely package all together...

Thank you so much dear Fee...I love it!!!

Fee has some great stuff for sale at the moment and all at reasonable prices so hop on over here and have a look!!!

I've also had a little Anni Downs shopping spree as well!!!

The new book 'Some Kind of Wonderful'...from Sarah...

Some new patterns...

And this wonderful Doorstop Kit from Jukejema Quilting Barn that as soon as I saw I had to have...

and it's all lighter colours but oh so lovely and homey and comforting...

just like this apron I saw...

as I sit here with a swollen knee..perhaps a good excuse to just keep creating!!!

Thank goodness Mr Armchair is here to help out with JoJo as I hobble around...

Happy Creating...Dzintra

OPAM...One Project A Month....September!!!

2011-10-01T20:40:00.001+10:00

Oops, I nearly didn't have an OPAM ready for this month...until yesterday!!!

I went to a workshop to learn how to use the BSR (Bernina Stitch Regulator) on my nearly new sewing machine...We were going to make a small evening bag...

Here is our little pack...some black and maroon fabric...piping chord...shrinking fabric (never heard of that before!!!)...

Black thread on the top spool...

I set out to make flowers but just couldn't do it...

never mind, it was just petals and swirls!!!

this is the first time I have tried the BSR...

and silver thread in the bobbin case....this is the underside...

after BSR'ing you iron the stitched fabric and it shrinks...

Magic!!!

Bag all assembled...

The lining...

A bit of bling on top and I'm all ready!!!

A plain black headband purchased this week...

And me being a 'more is more' type I put a rose and feathers on one side of it...

And here they are together...and I love them...

Now just need to go somewhere!!!

Thanks to Peg and Kris for hosting OPAM...

I get at least one thing a month finished that I probably wouldn't have!!!

Respite for a day...a trip to Jukejema and Berry, SSCS and a new workshop!!!

2011-09-28T14:42:00.001+10:00

Last week I had a day of respite care so I took the opportunity to travel up to Jukejema Quilting Barn run by the delightful Kim...

On entering there were lovely samples around the room...

Karen was putting the finishing touches to this lovely piece by the very talented Anni Downs...

Lynette Anderson's 'A Scandanavian Christmas' fabric...

of which I had to have some...a fat quarter and a fat eighth pack...

corner display...

Anni's fabric...Some Kind of Wonderful...

gorgeous felt in soft warm colours...

Then on to Berry Patchwork where I bought a Jelly Roll and Charm Squares...all in plain colours...

Then lunch at The Emporium at Berry just up the road...

But first a coffee and a sit down after all that shopping!!!

A tasty salad...

Dessert Bar...

Goods on offer...

I have started my Secret Santa Christmas Swap run by Chookyblue...

it's all in the bag!!!

And on Friday I'm off to a workshop at Steph's to learn how to use the BSR (Basic Stitch Regulator) on my Bernina Sewing Machine...this will enable me to quilt with an even stitch...

I'm only just learning to quilt so this will be soooo cool!!!

Happy Stitching...Dzintra

New Charm Pack...New Books.. A Swap and Food!!!

2011-09-21T17:52:00.004+10:00

I haven't really participated in many Swaps but have seen this one around...

and one day a couple of weeks ago Chookyblue emailed me about the Secret Santa Christmas Swap...

after a little (not too much) thinking I signed up for it...and I'm feeling a little nervous and excited by it all!!!

The brief is make something beautiful that you would like to receive yourself...

and most importantly...make it with Love!!!

Not much stitching here lately except for trying to do a little of "A Gardener's Journal" every day...

But I did manage to do a bit of shopping!!!

This gorgeous Charm Pack Pom Pom de Paris by Moda...

just too pretty to leave in the shop there!!!

And a couple of new books...

Simplify by Camille Roskelley...

and a new novel by Susan Duncan...

Today Susan lives with her second husband, Bob, on the shores of Pittwater at Tarrangaua, the beautiful home built for poet Dorothea Mackellar in 1925.

I was lucky enough to meet Susan when she came down here to do a talk on one of her other books...and she is the most charming wonderful lady...full of inspiration after all that she has been through...

And I have gone back to my roots here for an old Latvian favourite...

Sauteed Red Cabbage in this book 'Latvian Cooking'...

Recipe Collection from a Baltic Cuisine...

published by the Ladies Auxiliary of the Latvian Relief Society of Canada Inc.

Served with Garlic Mashed Potato...Peas...and Pork Spare Ribs...nice'n'eay!!!

For the recipe visit my other blog here...

And in Australian Gourmet Traveller the most delicious Cauliflower and Cheese...

for the recipe visit my food blog My Dolce Vita

All ready for the oven...

and just delicious!!!

From the ever popular Donna Hay magazine...

My Daughter made this fabulous...gluten free...

~Chocolate Mousse Meringue Cake~

for a similar recipe for this cake by Donna go over here

complete with candle wax on top!!!

Very very tasty...and moorish at that!!!

And here is my little Grandie Lidija showing off her new gum boots!!!

Happy Stitching...and Bon Appetit...Dzintra

A Gardener's Journal Block C done...followed by a treat!!!

2011-09-11T18:02:00.002+10:00

After what seemed like taking ages...

Block C of a Gardeners Journal is done!!!

I have used the same colours for the stitcheries as Anni has done...

Block C all joined up...

I'm thinking I'm going to use the blue paisley (I love paisley...there is a lot of it in this quilt) for the inner border...I don't have enough of the red for the outer border...

and I probably will use the blue floral for the binding...

but this could all change!!!

To see more Gardener's Journal quilts go over here...

I think some strawberries and chocolate are in order after all that!!!

Happy Stitching...Dzintra

A New Quilt...and a Surprise Gift!!!

2011-09-07T17:04:00.000+10:00

I've had 3 Jelly Rolls sitting here on my shelves and a couple of weeks ago on a Sunday afternoon I thought...right, this is it...go and do something with the top one...Moda Basic Grey...

which is the first one I bought for myself for my birthday after I won a Jelly Roll Book from Micki the year before last!!!

The roll sitting atop the fabric...the top one if for the binding...the centre one for the sashing and the bottom one is the backing...

The book that I won...

Jelly Roll Quilts by Pam and Nicky Lintott...

The quilt is called Bars of Gold...above is a pic of the one from the book...

The strips out of the roll...

all lined up...

starting to stitch them together...

it is lovely, bright and happy!!!

Lying them on the floor...

and here they are all ready to be stitched together...

I'm getting a little distracted now ha ha...

I think I might be turning into Queen of Starting New Projects...I've got a box full all set to go!!!

And a surprise gift in the mail from the gorgeous Rachaeldaisy...

Rachael had made about half a dozen pin cushions and asked on her blog which one I liked...

I said the one with the red pom poms...and next thing I know she said I could have it...

along with it came a lovely fat quarter and a gorgeous card!!!

How sweet is that!!!

And here is the back of it...it's just lovely,

and I've got it right next to me Rachael and in full use for the Bars of Gold quilt!!!

Thank you so much Rachael...it's gorgeous!!!

OPAM (One Project A Month)....August 2011

2011-08-31T17:42:00.003+10:00

Another OPAM completed for this year...

Can't believe it's the first day of Spring tomorrow...gosh this year has flown!!!

This stitchery is a Cathy Penton design...

pulled out from a shelf full of stuff...waiting to be dealt with!!!

All trimmed down and ready to be stitched onto an apron I bought 2 years ago for this stitchery!!!

I stitched it back in 2007 as Ingrid (which is my second name) and I started using Dzintra (pronounced without the D) 4 years ago when all my ID stated that it was my first name...

I thought I would also add some tape somewhere...not sure which one at this stage...

I stitched it down first and then went around the outside with a pattern stitch (heart) and to look at it you would think it was lace...looks very effective I must say!!!

I went for Simplify tape and stitched it onto the bib part of the apron...

Now I'm all set to go...

my arm is ever so slooooowly going round to the back but I'll hopefully get there!!!

Thanks to Peg and Kris for hosting OPAM...

without this the apron would probably be still sitting in the cupboard!!!

Happy Birthday JoJo...we're off to Wiggle World!!!

2011-08-26T00:18:00.003+10:00

If JoJo could say it all I'm sure she would say something like this!!!

I have just recently celebrated a very special birthday in Wiggle World at the Gold Coast in Queensland!!!

All a last minute job...when Dad went to buy a cake for me he found that the ovens weren't working at the place he went to...of all the luck, it had to be on my birthday didn't it!!!

There was no other shop there...then Danelle had the bright idea to make a packet one...

she was lucky to be able to find a gluten free packet chocolate cake...

I had already bought the candle and Wiggles sticker for the cake...

then when she went to cook it in the oven at her apartment room it didn't work...grrrr!!!

James then bought it down to our one and luckily it was a goer!!!

Well done Danelle and thank you so much!!!

Here I am with Mum at the airport...

Here is a pic of our plane...I'm very excited by now!!!

The view from our balcony...isn't it wonderful!!!

I'd never seen a Hard Rock Cafe before but we had one just near us...here I am standing amongst Beatles memorabilia...

with Ringo...

Check out the watch from Mum and Dad...

The entrance to Dreamworld...Wiggles World is inside this theme park...

I'm so happy to be here...

We all had a ride inside the Big Red Car...

With the famous Wiggles skivvies...

Inside a tea cup with my brother James...I bet he never thought he would ride inside a purple tea cup ha ha!!!

Claire Fairy...Dorothy the Dinosaur...Wags the Dog...Me and Captain Feathersword...

and to think I actually got to meet these people...and dinosaur and dog...wow!!!

Having a ride with Danelle and James inside a log...down stream...through tunnels...up...and speeding down and getting splashed...WHAT FUN we had!!!

Mum really liked this sign inside an olden day gold themed park...

Dressmaking and Tailor...repairing neatly done...

and these old time buildings...

At my birthday dinner at The Grand Chancellor they decorated the table for me with GOLD stars...

drew on the balloons...they were just so nice to me and fussed over me...

Mum and I went shopping for a birthday dress...

I also found a headband with a feather on it to wear...

I normally just wear a t shirt with a favourite music band on it and some pants so this was really something!!!

And here I am with Dad, Mum, James and Danelle...

I had a fabulous time...thank you so very much everybody...

I love you all to bits...JoJo xoxo

Local Amateur Theatre - The Woman in Black!!!

2011-08-18T18:28:00.002+10:00

'The Woman in Black' adapted by Steven Mallatratt from the novel by Susan Hill...
This play commenced playing in London's West End in 1989 where it still runs today...as well as currently being on a UK National Tour...it is the second longest running play in the history of the West End (after Mousetrap)...
and was recently put on by Bay Theatre Players...my local Amateur Theatre Group!!!

As a young Solicitor Arthur Kipps is sent to an isolated house in the North of England to attend the funeral and sort out the private papers of an elderly female recluse....there he encounters a pale young woman with a 'wasted face'...

Middle aged Kipps enlists an Actor to help re-create those events, in the hope that re-telling the tale will finally secure him peace of mind...

I did some front-of-house work for the Preview afternoon...

here is the stage before starting...

seats ready for our Patrons...

Still of 'The Actor' and 'Arthur Kipps'...

Above are various scenes from the play...

This play is going to be made into a movie for release next year...

that will be a chilly one but one certainly worth seeing...

at least I won't be as scared (I hope) having seen the play, but they can do amazing things these days with movies!!!

And here are the front-of-house gals for the Preview...Victoria, Asta and me!!!

Here's the official teaser trailer...looks spooky enough I think...prepare to be scared!!!

Next up at The Playhouse is a Music Hall style entertainment...and I'm interested in a walk-on part... perhaps a bit of chorus...I'm going along to the Theatre on Monday night to see what's happening...

should be loads of fun!!!

A new button...and a very special dinner at The Little Restaurant!!!

2011-08-05T08:37:00.000+10:00

Here is the little button from my Stitching Day in the previous post...

I had this lovely house fabric and thought it fitted in just nicely...

I found a spot for 'my house in the hills'...I cut out a little house and will applique it onto the green hill behind the house on the left...I think this is called fussy-cutting?

Mr Armchair and I don't get a whole lot of time to go out with each other due to caring for JoJo...

my DD suggested she come down one Friday evening and be with her while we go out and the next evening she will go out with her DH while we babysat for her...

Great idea I thought...let's do it!!!

We chose to go out to this little place that seats 25 people...

when I knew we were going out I booked 2 seats 2 weeks prior to the evening (just to make sure we got in)...we also went to the Bay Theatre Players that evening and pre booked our tickets as well...

Lookout...here we come!!!

Coming up to the restaurant...

our table...

the wine...

Wild Rabbit and Pistachio Nut Terrine with Beetroot Relish, Red Onion Jam, Cornichons and Crusty Bread...absolutely delicious!!!

House made Pita with Pumpkin, Potato and Beetroot Dip...

The kitchen was very obliging when I asked for some carrots for the dip as I am gluten intolerant...

HOT chips...

Soft Shell Crab crisp fried with Nam Jim...

Aged grass fed Sirloin, Potato Mash, Mushrooms, Red Onion Jam and Shiraz Jus...

Chocolate Mousse with Orange and Pistachio Nut Praline...yum, yum, yum!!!

Banana Pudding with Coconut and Palm Sugar Sauce and Vanilla Ice Cream!!!

A great meal...a great show...and next post I'll write about The Woman in Black that played at the theatre!!!

Thanks Gary and staff for this very tasty evening...Dzintra

Stitching On The Bay...

2011-08-03T12:23:00.001+10:00

A few weeks ago I attended Stitching on the Bay here hosted by Fiona and Sylvia...

Projects on offer...

A new patchwork shop not too far away from me...My Patch

fat quarters on offer...

quilt on show...

Fiona specially went out and bought me gluten free goodies for morning and afternoon tea...

thank you so much Fiona!!!

some finished projects from previous stitching days...

I thought I would start on the little felt needlecase and scissor fob...

and here they are both finished...

Our hostesses Fiona and Sylvia...

My purhases...

a great day girls...thank you so much for doing these days here at The Bay...Dzintra

OPAM (One Project A Month)....July

2011-08-01T00:13:00.003+10:00

Wow...this is a record for me...5 items for OPAM this month YAY!!!

All only small items but loads of fun to make...

Front of cute little felt needlebook which was a project on our recent Stitching on the Bay day hosted by Fiona and Sylvia...

I added a little hand painted timber button by Theodora Cleave to the roof...

the back...

and a felt page for needles!!!

Matching little scissor fob...front

and back...

Finally finished this pattern book cover from last year's Stitching Day!!!

the inside...

Had these gorgeous pumpkin fabrics since 2003 and made 2 patchwork travel cases...

one for my daughter and one for me...

Thanks to Peg and Kris for hosting OPAM...I'm sure I wouldn't finish nearly as much without it!!!

Our Christmas In July Dinner!!!

2011-07-27T23:33:00.002+10:00

We have just this last weekend had a Christmas in July dinner...and our daughter and her lovely little family were able to be here as well!!!

Little ornaments I made last year from Homespun magazine...pattern by Lenna Green of Little Green Cottage...

The menu came from Australian GoodFood magazine...

Velvety Pea & Lettuce Soup with Croutons garnished with deep fried Mint...

and a smaller bowl for the littlies...

Roast Root Vegetables with Thyme, Orange & Vinegar...

these are going into the oven...

Well and truly roasted!!!

Pistachio, Bacon & Sage Stuffed Turkey Breast...

Green Beans with Lemony Breadcrumbs were made also!!!

And a really moist Tipsy Pear & Sultana Cake...

served with Brandy & Vanilla Custard...

One of the little decorations that were on the table...

This was a beautiful and tasty dinner...looks like Christmas in July is here to stay in this house...

JoJo just loves it!!!

Little faery having fun the next morning...

Talk about with it techo children...one has his Mum's iphone and the faery has her Mum's ipad!!!

And what to do with left over turkey...make spring rolls...these were a hit and I think I'll be making more spring rolls in the future...

Bon Appetit...Dzintra

Quilt in Stitches continued...and it's Christmas In July!!!

2011-07-22T10:42:00.006+10:00

I have been to another workshop hosted by Steph's doing the Bernina Quilt in Stitches...

A variety of stitches are done along with ribbons, braids added...whatever you fancy...

In this workshop we actually cut up 2 of our stitched blocks and added the to our main fabric and this is what my one looked like...

More stitches...

and look at these ones by some of the other ladies...at first look they appear to be braids but they are indeed stitches that look like braids...pretty clever!!!

Some of the braids...chords and ribbon I bought...

haven't had any chance to do any of this in the last week due to having Ryan here...

he is keeping us busy...

and here he is with his little sister and cousins...

Big cooking day tomorrow...

It's Christmas in July so these little decorations that I made from Homespun magazine last year might just have to come out...the pattern is by Lenna Green...

These little cuties actually made it into Homespun magazine...go over here for the article...how exciting is that!!!

Happy Stitching...Happy Christmas in July...and Bon Appetit...Dzintra

A New Project...and Cook Up With Vicki No 12...Spiced Beef Pie followed by Stitching on the Bay...

2011-07-15T23:00:00.001+10:00

Here's some fabric that I bought back in 2003...can't believe it's been that long that I have had it...

just perfect colours for Winter...and cozy and farmhousey and full of one of my favourite vegetables...pumpkins!!!

Not gone to waste though sitting there...I have pulled it out...admired it and put it back...and then this week starting cutting it out for a little Patchwork Travel Case...

one for me and one for my Daughter!!!

Isn't it just so cute...gorgeous warm colours!!!

I have never tired of looking at it after all these years so hopefully will have the cases done real soon!!!

After quite a few months (due to my broken arm) I have managed a Cook Up With Vicki...

Vicki and I thought we'd do a Cook Up with each new issue of Donna Hay magazine when we could manage it...anyone can join in if they like...just cook something from the magazine and blog it!!!

This time I chose Spiced Beef Pies (above)...no pastry base or top...

just some torn bread sprinkled atop the beef...

and being gluten free I had some Deeks Onion and Parmesan bread in the freezer...perfect!!!

Before going into the oven..

and just out...

Served with Sour Cream and Coriander...and I added Cauliflower Cheese!!!

This dish is perfect for the cold weather and tasty too...along with a glass of red wine!!!

Tomorrow I'm off to a day of Stitching...Stitching on the Bay hosted by Fiona and Sylvia and I'm looking forward to that...

then having my little Grandson Ryan here for the week...

so it's all go for the weekend and next week...

Happy Stitching...and Bon Appetit, Dzintra

A Trip Up To The 'Big Smoke'...

2011-07-09T23:38:00.003+10:00

Mr Armchair commutes to work and one day a couple of weeks ago JoJo and I went with him up to Canberra for some shopping and a dental appointment...

We left the Bay...some of the scenes just before we crossed the bridge...

and headed up the Mountain...

One of my favourite shops...The Essential Ingredient at Kingston and not far from the Dentist and when we come up here we always call in and get a little something...

Beautiful timber boards...

Colourful tagines...

French cheeses on offer...

and Cornichons...we bought a little cheese and 2 jars of these Cornichons!!!

Later on JoJo had a chocolate biscuit...

and I had the best breakfast

Home made Hash Browns...the best scrambled egg...and tomato topped with rocket lettuce...

just perfect on a cold winter's day...

This is the cafe...as you can see not much action outside due to the cold day...

but lovely and warm inside...it will probably be busier later on in the day!!!

After that we headed off in to town to meet my Daughter and

Grandson who both had a ride on the merry go round ...

a must do while up here!!!

The original organ, the hand-carved woodenThe merry- go-round started life in Melbourne in 1914. The fifty two hand carved wooden horses and two elephants were specially imported from Germany.

The twisted brass upright poles came from Scotland.

After extensive restoration work, the merry-go-round began operating in Canberra's Petrie Plaza in 1974. TTTThe ed wooden horses iand the two elephants were imported from Germany, while its twisted brass poles came all the way from Scotland.

And here's a big wave from Ryan!!!

After that we wandered around for a bit and then headed off to have a coffee...hot chocolate and chat before going in different directions and then finally back home again...

A Great Day!!!

It's been quite cold here this Winter although not as cold as where we came from inland...

Keeping warm and cozy inside and not venturing out too much is what's happening here...

Getting JoJo off everyday on her programme and being here when she comes back...

and of course too many stitching projects to do...

How come I keep wanting to get more!!!

A litte bit of baking and cooking been happening here too this week...

All good for the Soul!!!

Keep warm...Dzintra

OPAM (One Project A Month)...June and Block B, A Gardener's Journal!!!

2011-07-01T13:37:00.003+10:00

Hasn't OPAM come around so quickly this year...

at least I am managing to complete 1 item a month!!!

Thank you Peg and Kris for organizing this wonderful project!!!

This one a little Travel Case by Pearl P. Pereira of P3designs.com for my Friend Fiona for her recent birthday...

Fiona loves her garden and her plants so I chose a gardeny/floral theme...

Happy Birthday Fiona!!!

These are so handy...they can be filled up with your needful things ready for your project!!!

And much excitement here...I have completed Block B of A Gardeners Journal by Anni Downs of Hatched and Patched...YAY!!!

And here'tis joined onto Block A...and such fun to put together too!!!

I have used as many of Anni's fabrics as I could to make this quilt a little more special...

Anni is in Bathurst (where I used to live) and I remember sitting at my friend Geo's house doing some stitching and Anni came along...

She mentioned she was opening a shop soon...and the rest is history!!!

It's been quite cold here and my arm is feeling it...

planning to stay warm and get some more stitching done this weekend...

Bring it on...Dzintra aka Ingrid