Monday 4 August 2014

Monthly 9 linkup for July....

Many thanks to Linda for taking this on.  I love joining in on this linkup and reflecting on what I have been doing for the month...and also seeing what others have been up to.

Nourish:  Tried my hand at making roast pumpkin hummus.... it was nice but I think I could have tweaked the recipe maybe and added a bit more roasted garlic. Will definitely make my own dips from now on ...it was a lot easier than I thought it would be.

All the ingredients straight into the food processor.



Instant hummus.....it was lovely and creamy initially but set a little after refrigeration...

Prepare: My daughter and grandson have been staying with us and now big preparations are underway to get them into their next home...preparing for a beautiful fresh start....there is a lot to do.

Reduce:  I failed miserably at the no plastic in July...not too proud of that I have to say...certainly an eye opener....did manage to continue to recycle the office files and my man installed a small water tank in the chook pen ..which I blog about Here

Green:  Finally tried to make the face cream I had been going to make for some time...the recipe called for coconut oil, beeswax, almond oil & macadamia oil (any quality oil really), Palmarosa essential oil & vitamin E...however I don't think I did it quite correctly because it didn't go as creamy as I was expecting...in the fridge it set beautifully, but at room temperature it is a little runny...still using it though as it is a great moisturiser. 


Home made moisturiser....need to work on the recipe again.

 Grow:  Not getting much out of the vegie garden at the moment just waiting patiently for the seedlings to do their thing....but a lot of flowers are already appearing a bit early.....I love the fragrance of Daphne and am madly picking the flowers and filling the house with their beautiful aroma...  Spring must be just around the corner.



My favourite flower....or maybe it's a tie between Daphne and Hyacinths....I can't split them.

Create: While I haven't had the time to spend on my own creative projects, I have been teaching my eldest daughter how to knit...I found this simple throw pattern which is knitted with 3 strands of 12 ply on big needles and knits up in no time...she is very chuffed to have created her own blanket in such a short time...I think she has finally found the joy of knitting......
 
My daughters rug is this pattern but in Teal, Grey and Cream...her new home colours
 Discover:    This month the crisis facing many countries overseas was overshadowed by the tragedy of flight M17... This horrific event deservedly received world wide attention for weeks with many Australians being victims of this atrocity....yet wars, death, destruction, starvation and man's inhumanity to man continue daily and hardly a tear is shed here for their suffering...it appears if it doesn't involve Australian's we don't appear to care so much ....a discovery I wish I had the power to change.
 
Enhance:  My husband turned 60 this month as we celebrated with a big party at his Golf Club....the evening would not have been the same without the appearance of Batman !!!  He certainly enhanced our enjoyment.....just as he enhances our lives ..he is quite the character.   
What would a party be without the guest appearance of Batman.
 Enjoy:  The July luncheon was hosted by the big K and Robyn....the theme was comfort food.... entrée was Cauliflower soup from J&M...have to say I am not a fan of cauliflower but this was one of the most delicious soups I have ever had....tracking down the recipe which I will put up as it is so tasty and a great way to eat cauliflower...Main was Maple Glazed Lamb shanks ..once again the big K excelled himself, it was scrumptious...desert from Jan & Al was sticky date pudding with butterscotch sauce and toffee thingy...YUM...I got the easy bit, I just had to make bread and I also made the roast pumpkin hummus and crackers... very comfortable afternoon all up !!

Worlds best cauliflower soup...flavours of mustard and pancetta...wow
Beautiful sticky Maple Glazed Shanks, onion, potatoes and fresh green beans!!


Goes without saying....delicious sticky date PUD !!!
The diners all looking very comfortable I have to say...

 So that's the month as it was.....lots to look forward to in August....stay warm, enjoy what's left of Winter.  Hug someone close to you and spare a thought for those less fortunate.

10 comments:

  1. That roasted pumpkin hummus looks great....I might have to try that myself. By the way do you have a link to the blanket knitting project. My sister is half way through her year long breast cancer journey and Mum got her to take up knitting a scarf (haven't knitted since she was a teenager) so I'm thinking the big blanket could be a lovey next project. Regards Kathy A, Brisbane

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    1. Hi Kathy .. hope your sister is doing well it is surely one of the most difficult of journeys.....I have attached the link...best wishes for her recovery
      http://www.yarnspirations.com/pattern/knitting/multi-strand-afghan

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  3. I love daphnes and hyacyinths too. I had a daphne but it ended up dying. I loved being able to pop it in vases around the house. The scent is divine...

    I'm very taken with your luncheon. How wonderful to prepare and share delicious food like that with good friends! Sounds wonderful!

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    1. Our lunches are great....you have to try a recipe you have never made before...it's a great way to try out those recipes you have always been going to make but never got around too

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  4. That lunch looks sooo yummy. Don't be so hard on yourself about plastic free July. The point to is to become aware of the plastic that comes into your home not to be perfect so it sounds like you are a bit more aware.

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  5. I love the roasted pumpkin hummus idea, yay for spreading the joy of knitting and I have to agree that many parties would benefit from a visit by Batman. :-)

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  6. what a lovely month, glad you posted the link on the throw, going to try that soon :)

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  7. Love the throw - what a big first project!
    Never thought of adding pumpkin to humus, I bet it tastes delicious. I've had a similar problem when I made home made face cream, would like to hear how you modify yours next time.

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    1. Yes the roasted pumpkin does add good flavour...I will post the recipe. Let you know how I go with the face cream...not sure if it is a temperature thing or you need to whip it more...thanks for dropping in.

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