It's all Oranges, Lemons and Grapefruits...

I have to tell you...my husband made for Christmas Day the most superb "Grapefruit Sorbet". I have had some every night since... Made with just grapefruit juice and sugar, it is sickly sweet, but also has a sour refreshing taste...There is something about citrus fruits in the summer, whether in sorbets or gelato; or in homemade lemonade and citrus tart, that makes summer special... even the colours of citrus make summer just right....

Peace and Plenty... a little Christmas and a little gardening!!

Today, we went down to the local Bunnings store and purchased some beautiful plants; some 'Apple Blossom Verbena', 'Little Kisses' and a whole tray of bright pink 'Vinca'. We also bought some basil, coriander, lemon verbena, rosemary and lemon thyme. I love the summer time when I feel like getting into the garden and weeding, pruning and then planting new plants!! Hopefully, these plants will last and bring us a bounty of flowers and culinary delights.

In August this year, I started a stitchery called"Peace and Plenty" designed by Leanne Beasley, especially for those of us who attended the annual 'stitch-in' at Glenharrow Gardens. I have finally finished the stitchery part, I only stitched it during my lunch hour at work. Here it is all trimmed down and ready to have the borders added, which I manage to stitch on, in amongst doing the ironing and washing!! I will show you all the finished stitchery in the frame when I find a frame that is perfect for it...

I also just wanted to show you all the ''CHRISTMAS" sign I made, leading up to Christmas and hung on Christmas Eve. It was rom the Better Homes and Gardens and is made of wooden cut out letters and scrapbooking papers...I think it is very effective and definitely adds a Christmas feel.... I also decorated the tree in teal baubles and these retro baubles that I picked up from Bed, Bath and Table at the end of last seasons sale... sometimes it's better to wait, and then you get things half price... !!

Christmas has arrived...

Today is Christmas Day.. and finally weeks of preparations and creativity will be made useful.. food will be eaten... and all those Christmas presents, will and are now gone, from under the tree.. Christmas is a great day to spend with family, both far and near. We spent Christmas lunch at home with my family.. and of course... ate ourselves silly... we had to have I think...every different meat from prawns to turkey, ham and chicken... and four different desserts!! But only at Christmas do I love to cook and really lash out on food... so that weeks after we live like kings!! I also love to set the table, and for weeks leading up to Christmas I was typing menus, making namecards, and selecting decorations...and finishing touches...I think I would like to do this as a job!!, I love the whole preparing of colours and table settings, menus and such...!! Here is a photo of my table this year...

So wishing everyone a "Merry Christmas" and "Happy New Year"...