Friday, June 28, 2013

Show Kindness

A simple act of kindness is a start. It doesn't have to involve money.


* Smile, say 'Hello'.

* Wave to someone who may look sad or have the weight of the world on their shoulders. Maybe they need someone with a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on.


Image via here


* While doing your grocery shopping and you see an elderly person, someone with a disability or a parent with young children who need assistance. Ask if you can help? A simple act of kindness, such as, getting an item off a shelf or into their trolley. Helping to load groceries onto the conveyor belt for a parent struggling to settle a very tired child may be the help they need to save their sanity for that very moment.


A simple act of kindness may lift a persons spirits. They may be having a bad day or are suffering from an illness. Maybe they just experienced another failed attempt at fertility treatment. They may have lost a friend or the love of their life. You never know what a person is going through, however, your simple act of kindness may mean the world to them. It may fill their heart with joy, put a smile on their face or give them the strength that they need to keep going that day.






Showing love through kindness assists a person in need. 

It fills your soul with happiness.

 Someone may need your help that particular day.



Image via Pinterest. Source unknown



Have you performed a simple act of kindness recently? 

Would you like to share? 


Monday, June 24, 2013

Portuguese Rice Pudding

We enjoyed eating this yummy dish on the weekend. I made double so we could have some for breakfast the next day

Traditionally Portuguese rice pudding is served cold, however we love to eat it warm. A family favourite during the cooler months



A subtle lemon flavour with a sprinkling of cinnamon. Delicious!


Here's the recipe ~


Portuguese Rice Pudding

Serves 4 - 6


1 cup short grain pudding rice (I use medium grain rice)
2 1/2 cups milk (just as yummy using low fat milk)
2 or 3 strips pared lemon rind (I use lemon juice, 1-2 tbsp) 
5 tbsp butter, cut in pieces
1/2 cup caster sugar (I use raw sugar)
4 egg yolks
Salt
Ground cinnamon, for dusting
Lemon wedges, to serve


Cook the rice in plenty of lightly salted water for 5 minutes, by which time it will have lost its brittleness

Drain well, then return to the clean pan. Add the milk, lemon rind and butter. Bring to the boil over a moderately low heat, then cover, reduce the heat to the lowest setting and simmer for approx 20 minutes or until the rice is thick and creamy

* I take it off the heat while it is moist and easy to stir. When you do the next step the rice, sugar and egg yolks soak up some moisture

Remove the pan from the heat and allow the rice to cool a little. Remove and discard the lemon rind, then stir in the sugar and the egg yolks. Mix well

Divide among four to six serving bowls and dust with ground cinnamon. Serve cool, with lemon wedges for squeezing

Recipe from ~ Rice. Delicious savoury and sweet dishes from around the world by Christine Ingram


Do you have a favourite dish to warm your tummy?









Monday, June 17, 2013

Fun in a box

School holidays begin at the end of this week

I thought this post may give you an idea of a fun activity for the holidays


~ ~ ~ ~ ~


A few weeks ago we purchased a box of Crayola chalk 

for our children from the local supermarket






It was only $5 for a box of 52 sticks. Great value!




After our children finished their homework 


It was time to get creative


Each of our 3 children have their own style of drawing


They were busy creating their pieces of art for an hour


We left their masterpieces to look at each time we went in the backyard


A few days later it rained and their artwork washed away

No need to worry about it not coming off



We'll be setting up the jumping castle during the holidays 

Our children have been itching to use it as we've had rain in recent weeks 


Do you have any suggestions for fun activities to do during school holidays? 

Please add your comment below. Thank you!





Wednesday, June 05, 2013

Vintage Dreams collection

I have finished creating the items for the Vintage Dreams collection












There are a variety of items ~ bookmarks, embroidered wall art, pincushions 






and some new items. . . .



I pulled out my crochet hook and made some coasters




They are great for a housewarming gift





Suitable for your mug of hot chocolate, a teapot or pot plant



I closed my Etsy shop awhile ago