I think you know by now that I am a full time nursing sister working in the ER of our local hospital. At the moment I am on my week on working night duty.
Working night duty over the holiday season is quite challenging! I got to the conclusion that the recession is over in our sunny country! The poorest of the poor has enough money to drink enough to be admitted in hospital with alcoholic stupor......the middle class has enough money to be admitted with the exact same symptoms, but the diagnose this time around is gastritis.......the rich stay at home, see a private GP and you never hear anything about it again....they rest at home and take enough fluids!
Together with all this alcohol we have our fair share of assaults, motor vehicle accidents and para suicides. It makes me think....the drunk people are speeding causing accidents...my perfectly sober husband got a fine today for driving 95km/h in a 80 km/h zone on a national road! Hilarius! What a way to end 2012!
On that note...have a great 2013! A prosperous one.... a blessed one!
May we all use our God-given talents daily! If you want to cook....cook! If you want to knit....knit! Do whatever you love to do with passion whether others like it or not! Taste is a matter of choice and and not everybody can love the same things. Just do what you are gifted with to the best of your ability and enjoy 2013 with your loved ones!
Love
Sandra
xxx
PS! thanx for support 2012! My technological skills did not improve much, but I enjoy what I'm doing!
Bye! I'm off to work!
Monday 31 December 2012
Tuesday 25 December 2012
merry Christmas!
Just a short note to say "Merry Christmas" to you all. I hope you all have a blessed Christ feast with your loved ones! Enjoy being with them and remember what this time is all about...a King that was born for us!
Have a blessed day!
Love
Sandra
xxxx
Have a blessed day!
Love
Sandra
xxxx
Wednesday 12 December 2012
project 138******jazzing up an antique necklace
This was one of my moms necklaces when she was a young girl. Unfortunately it broke years ago and I've taken it to some jewelers in the past, but nobody was able to fix it, as the stuff they used years ago was not available anymore. For years it was lying in the jewelry box with no use. One day I decided to jazz it up with organza ribbons and beads. I removed the original broken chain and replaced it with the ribbons using crimps to fasten it. I applied a fastener at the end using crimps again. On the one side the ring of the original chain was broken as well, so I simply applied a small ring through a hole in the piece, and you have to look very close to see the difference.
I always get compliments when I wear it. It was worthwhile fixing it.
project 137......leftover lipstck
I am crazy about pink lipstick.....I think it is the only colour I have ever bought.....no I bought a red one once.....and has only worn it once as well!
I have pinks in all shades.... and leftovers in all shades of pink as well! Then I got the tip of melting the leftovers in the microwave and applying it with a brush. I've tried it, but didn't like the texture. I then used some lipbalm, melted the whole lot for 20 seconds in the microwave....and voila!.... what a great colour of pink.....and you can not believe how much lipstick I got! I've spilled some and still managed to fill the lipbalm container almost to the top!.....
Project 136:Growing an avocado tree from a pip!
We have done these as kids, but never got this far!
Make small holes on the sides of your clean avocado pip. Stick a match or tooth pick into every hole. Use a container(I used recycled tins) and balance the pip on the rims. Fill the container with water, and fill it up with fresh water every other day.....and wait.......first the root will appear, and just as you think 'that's it' the leaves will appear! It can be planted out now after some weeks, but unfortunately it does not grow in our climate. But I am going to plant it in a pot for now and place it on the patio and bring it in during the winter.......
PROJECT 135......REMOVING PRESTIK FROM MATERIAL
When something goes wrong in church, it seems to be my problem to sort! I am not the pastor....I am just married to him! Happen to share a bed with him! Raising the PK'S(pastors kids!)......seeing that there is flowers in church on a Sunday....seeing that my husband is going to his appointments...as diaries are for wives, I suppose......seeing to this.....seeing to that......The other day I took the tablecloths from all the tables in church to come and wash them.......just to find somebody has put something with big blobs of prestik on one of the tablecloths........
Now, our church building is extremely hot.....and it was extremely hot the past few days.....and the sticky stuff has melted into the material!
I thought the tablecloth was ruined, but decided to see if it can be saved.....I save everything if I can!
I went to the net again....placed the tablecloth in the freezer for a day or two, scraped the sticky stuff off and then.....rubbed the marks with cooking oil.....and it came out! I then used 'handy andy'(A ammonia based household cleaner) to remove the oil marks! Now isn't that pretty cool?
Tuesday 11 December 2012
A awkward moment!
We live in a smallish town, and although you can get all your basics here, there are a few things you have to go for to the neighbouring town. So yesterday was one of those days....As I am working as from tomorrow night again, we decided to go and buy the boys their Christmas pressies yesterday, as the week before Christmas will be my off week, and it will be too busy then. So the whole family got in the car and dragged along the entire day......from shop to shop.....
Getting quite fed up with the situation, my middle son and myself strolled off to another side of the big compartment store......then the most awkward thing happened.......
I found myself in a department that is selling these exciting bra's that I have seen on TV....and now it is here where the male readers should switch off! It is girl talk now!.......
Well, when I saw the add on the TV, I thought:"Now that must be one comfortable bra!" and decided to try them when I see them.....It was not planned for, but there was these amazing bra's right in front of me! I told my son that I just want to have a look quickly, and he stood aside giving me a little privacy....Now, I did not have my reading glasses on and struggled a little to see the sizes.....but I would have managed.....
The next moment a hoarse voice asked me if I need some help.....and there in front of me A MALE shop attendant! Quite embarrassed about the situation I found myself in, he just continued....."What size cup are you waring mam?" Now that was even more embarrassing! Having to tell a man I wear a DD! Just as I started to accept for the first time in my life that I was first in line when they handed out boobs, I had to tell a MALE stranger "DD sir!"
Well, he took a size from the shelf, took it out of the box, and showed me the size! I was not sure although the salesman tried to convince me. I wanted one bigger! I mean the say that they go back to their original size on the telly! He did not have one bigger on the same shelf, and had to go to another shelf. I just had to wait there.....
By this time I wanted to pack up of laughter, and looked at y son....he was cracking with laughter, and just said:"Awkward!" I had to admit....awkward!
The guy came back finding us laughing. I apologised and told him I was never sold a bra by a man before, and found it quite awkward. He started laughing and telling me:"Don't worry mam, times have changed! Others are doing dishes and looking after the kids whilst the woman are at work!"
We had a good laugh! I bought the bra's.....and should have listened to the salesmen and should have taken one smaller size, as this one is slightly too wide around the chest.....but boy, are they comfortable! Next time I have to go to the neighbouring town again. I am definitely going to get some more....and I surely hope that they are not going to take them off the market...EVER!
AND A BIG THUMBS UP TO MALE BRA SELLERS! I SUPPOSE IT IS BETTER THAN WASHING DISHES!
Getting quite fed up with the situation, my middle son and myself strolled off to another side of the big compartment store......then the most awkward thing happened.......
I found myself in a department that is selling these exciting bra's that I have seen on TV....and now it is here where the male readers should switch off! It is girl talk now!.......
Well, when I saw the add on the TV, I thought:"Now that must be one comfortable bra!" and decided to try them when I see them.....It was not planned for, but there was these amazing bra's right in front of me! I told my son that I just want to have a look quickly, and he stood aside giving me a little privacy....Now, I did not have my reading glasses on and struggled a little to see the sizes.....but I would have managed.....
The next moment a hoarse voice asked me if I need some help.....and there in front of me A MALE shop attendant! Quite embarrassed about the situation I found myself in, he just continued....."What size cup are you waring mam?" Now that was even more embarrassing! Having to tell a man I wear a DD! Just as I started to accept for the first time in my life that I was first in line when they handed out boobs, I had to tell a MALE stranger "DD sir!"
Well, he took a size from the shelf, took it out of the box, and showed me the size! I was not sure although the salesman tried to convince me. I wanted one bigger! I mean the say that they go back to their original size on the telly! He did not have one bigger on the same shelf, and had to go to another shelf. I just had to wait there.....
By this time I wanted to pack up of laughter, and looked at y son....he was cracking with laughter, and just said:"Awkward!" I had to admit....awkward!
The guy came back finding us laughing. I apologised and told him I was never sold a bra by a man before, and found it quite awkward. He started laughing and telling me:"Don't worry mam, times have changed! Others are doing dishes and looking after the kids whilst the woman are at work!"
We had a good laugh! I bought the bra's.....and should have listened to the salesmen and should have taken one smaller size, as this one is slightly too wide around the chest.....but boy, are they comfortable! Next time I have to go to the neighbouring town again. I am definitely going to get some more....and I surely hope that they are not going to take them off the market...EVER!
AND A BIG THUMBS UP TO MALE BRA SELLERS! I SUPPOSE IT IS BETTER THAN WASHING DISHES!
Friday 7 December 2012
Project 134.....steaming asparagus
Eating a fresh asparagus spear can not be compared to anything else......if you have never done it before, it is something to try! No tinned one can ever taste the same! When I was in the defence force years ago, the troops used to call these tinned ones....ELEPHANT BLACKHEADS! Groace!Unfortunately the season is very short and for only a week or two you get it at a good price. It is very expensive when it hits the market, then goes a little cheaper, and became expensive again after about two weeks.
We can only find it in one local supermarket, and if you do not look for it specifically, you can easily miss it. And that would be one of the saddest things that can happen to you all year around!
I steam them for 25 minutes in my steamer, then make a good garlic and cheese sauce to serve them with. You have to try it at least once.......
project 133******pretty posy******
I love flowers, and if I had to make a career change, it would definitely be doing flowers full time! Unfortunately many people don't even see the flowers around them.....like with this one......
I like to put some flowers in the foyer of our casualty department.....whatever the garden produces....
The other morning I could only find three small pink roses. I then saw the Christmas roses(hydrangeas) are starting to bloom. I picked one and a few of the leaves. I placed it in a container and arranged the leaves around it at the bottom. and placed the three roses inside the hydrangea flower. When the day staff came, they thought it was pretty and asked where I got the flowers....nobody ever saw the hydrangea bush at the entrance.....ever! Quite sad to pass the flowers in life without seeing them!
I like to put some flowers in the foyer of our casualty department.....whatever the garden produces....
Project 132...mini bagels in your doughnut pan!
Project 131.....supposed to be ultimate braai pie!
As you know by now, we 'braai' in South Africa. And yes we 'braai' whatever we can 'braai'!
The other day my husband got this recipe from a friend on Face book. I don't do Face book.....but I think he is hooked on it!
Well, we had to try it out, but it did not work on the fire, so I saved it by putting it in the oven quickly! And it was so great, I had to share it!
Take a roll of shop bought puff pastry....add a layer of steamed spinach.....add some chicken cut into pieces....add some bacon(I've cooked it slightly in a pan).....add a good layer of mushrooms.....and then some cheese......I've used blue cheese, cheddar , tussers and mozzarella......add another roll of puff pastry on top and seal the sides......paint with some egg....and bake until done.....super delicious!
I think I'll try it on the open fire again using bread dough.......
Well, we had to try it out, but it did not work on the fire, so I saved it by putting it in the oven quickly! And it was so great, I had to share it!Take a roll of shop bought puff pastry....add a layer of steamed spinach.....add some chicken cut into pieces....add some bacon(I've cooked it slightly in a pan).....add a good layer of mushrooms.....and then some cheese......I've used blue cheese, cheddar , tussers and mozzarella......add another roll of puff pastry on top and seal the sides......paint with some egg....and bake until done.....super delicious!
I think I'll try it on the open fire again using bread dough.......
Project 130: Pretty cool headband
I crochet this headband in the early hours of the morning whilst most of you have been fast asleep! No pattern at all again.....just a ball of yarn and a crochet hook......
I started off with 20 chain stitches. I then did the band by doing 3 chains and doing a slip stitch in every second chain from my baseline. On the turn I just used the openings to put the slip stitches in the next line.
I've fitted it around my head a couple of times to know when to end. There is nothing so frustrating than to get a headband that is too big as it had a standard measurement!
I have sewn it together and ended it off by doing a row of single trebles all around and adding some crochet flowers.....just make your favourite ones....
Pretty cool.......unfortunately I've cut my hair quite short last month and it does not look well with the headband! Am growing my fringe again now!
I've fitted it around my head a couple of times to know when to end. There is nothing so frustrating than to get a headband that is too big as it had a standard measurement!
I have sewn it together and ended it off by doing a row of single trebles all around and adding some crochet flowers.....just make your favourite ones....
Pretty cool.......unfortunately I've cut my hair quite short last month and it does not look well with the headband! Am growing my fringe again now!
see my quilt...
Project 129....rugs from recycled t-shirts
I paged through a magazine some time ago and saw they are selling balls of recycled t-shirt material at an upmarket shop in our mother city. That gave me an idea....and I was definitely not going to pay the asking price for a recycled t-shirt! So I harvested some old t-shirts from my boys, and started with the cutting....
I quickly mastered cutting one continues strip from a front/back. I rolled it into balls and started making these rugs, just crocheting with a very thick hook. I used the sleeves to make the ruffles at the ends.
The boys were disgusted with what I did, but soon pointed out their T's! And I thought it is a cheap and easy way to give it to my boerboel to sleep on! My mom even use two in her bathroom!
You can easily make it bigger, or form lines. I just used normal double trembles to crochet it. At the moment I am knitting blocks with 40 stitches each for my other long term project I have mentioned earlier on. But you only have so many old t-shirts! It will still take some time to finish off.....
I quickly mastered cutting one continues strip from a front/back. I rolled it into balls and started making these rugs, just crocheting with a very thick hook. I used the sleeves to make the ruffles at the ends.
The boys were disgusted with what I did, but soon pointed out their T's! And I thought it is a cheap and easy way to give it to my boerboel to sleep on! My mom even use two in her bathroom!
You can easily make it bigger, or form lines. I just used normal double trembles to crochet it. At the moment I am knitting blocks with 40 stitches each for my other long term project I have mentioned earlier on. But you only have so many old t-shirts! It will still take some time to finish off.....
Tuesday 4 December 2012
wot went wong!
Gee....I was just called by my darling hubby to 'please open the shampoo bottle' as he could not figure out how to do it! I stopped to ask myself the question.....what went wrong!!!!!! How did I manage to land up in this situation doing these little things for the men in my life? I mean....really!
I remove frogs from the shower......I change plugs....I drill holes in the walls to hang pictures......I have my own hammer, screwdriver, jigsaw, tilecutter, a few different pliers and and a screwdriver.....what went wrong.....I am a tiny feminine woman living with four men and they can not even open a shampoo bottle! Did I spoil them to this point or can men just not do these things!
Two days ago I woke up finding my husband trying to put the radios speakers into the tv. ports as we have never done it since we moved. He could not figure out why it was not working.....he had it in the wrong holes.....and the holes are even marked red and white!
The one speaker was not working then.....he had the wires the wrong side around again....and they have been marked as well.....red and blue this time! Needless to say.....it is working now....
But the sad story is that this even happen at work! Some time ago we had a busy day at work and around 15h00 I got time to run to the loo for the first time since the morning. I just sat down when I heard the CEO calling....SANDRA!......SANDRA!.....just getting more and more intense.....I rushed to finish off to react to the emmergency call.....I had to bring him something to his office......any one could have taken the object to the office! But I have just been called off the toilet........It felt like home....
I was on the toilet once before when I heard my husband calling.....BUNNY!....BUBBY!.... I came telling him....'I can't even go to the toilet in peace, then somebody calls BUNNY! Mamma....!' The next moment the parrot called....BUNNY!
What went wrong!
I remove frogs from the shower......I change plugs....I drill holes in the walls to hang pictures......I have my own hammer, screwdriver, jigsaw, tilecutter, a few different pliers and and a screwdriver.....what went wrong.....I am a tiny feminine woman living with four men and they can not even open a shampoo bottle! Did I spoil them to this point or can men just not do these things!
Two days ago I woke up finding my husband trying to put the radios speakers into the tv. ports as we have never done it since we moved. He could not figure out why it was not working.....he had it in the wrong holes.....and the holes are even marked red and white!
The one speaker was not working then.....he had the wires the wrong side around again....and they have been marked as well.....red and blue this time! Needless to say.....it is working now....
But the sad story is that this even happen at work! Some time ago we had a busy day at work and around 15h00 I got time to run to the loo for the first time since the morning. I just sat down when I heard the CEO calling....SANDRA!......SANDRA!.....just getting more and more intense.....I rushed to finish off to react to the emmergency call.....I had to bring him something to his office......any one could have taken the object to the office! But I have just been called off the toilet........It felt like home....
I was on the toilet once before when I heard my husband calling.....BUNNY!....BUBBY!.... I came telling him....'I can't even go to the toilet in peace, then somebody calls BUNNY! Mamma....!' The next moment the parrot called....BUNNY!
What went wrong!
Tuesday 27 November 2012
project 128......bran muffins
I used to make these muffins as the recipe does not flop at all. I got the basic recipe from a friend years ago, and adapted it in time by adding coffee powder and wheatbix.
With all the instant products on the market lately, we tend not to mix our own recipes from scratch anymore.
This recipe can be mixed and kept in the fridge for a month, but I just bake the whole batch and freeze the extra ones. They come in very handy when you get unexpected visitors-for breakfast or with grated cheese and jam for tea.
2 large eggs
1/3 cup brown sugar
125 ml oil
1 cup nutty wheat flour
1 1/2 cups flour
2 cups wheat bix broken into pieces
5 ml salt
10 ml baking soda
10 ml vinegar
5 ml baking powder
5 ml vanilla
30 ml coffee powder
500 ml milk
1 packet dates
Mix everything and bake for 12-15 minutes at 180*C.
With all the instant products on the market lately, we tend not to mix our own recipes from scratch anymore.
This recipe can be mixed and kept in the fridge for a month, but I just bake the whole batch and freeze the extra ones. They come in very handy when you get unexpected visitors-for breakfast or with grated cheese and jam for tea.
2 large eggs1/3 cup brown sugar
125 ml oil
1 cup nutty wheat flour
1 1/2 cups flour
2 cups wheat bix broken into pieces
5 ml salt
10 ml baking soda
10 ml vinegar
5 ml baking powder
5 ml vanilla
30 ml coffee powder
500 ml milk
1 packet dates
Mix everything and bake for 12-15 minutes at 180*C.
Project 127: Crochet waist coat
Another night duty project with no pattern at all!
I liked the three colours and bought the yarn just because it was pretty! I had no idea of what I was going to create with it......
I started making flowers with it and then attached the flowers with white chain stitches and formed a waist coat.
It came out quite pretty.....and that without a pattern!
Project 126: Butternut salad
I remembered to take a photo! Last weekend I made a lovely orange salad and forgot to take the snap!
Dice your butternut and space it open on a baking tray. Sprinkle with olive oil. Bake at 200*C for about 20 minutes until soft and slightly roasted. Remove and allow to cool down.
In the meanwhile prepare your lettuce leaves into bite sizes. Pour in your butternut pieces. add some sesame seeds and sunflower seeds.
Prepare your salad dressing by mixing together 5 tbsp of olive oil, 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 red chili, 1 clove of garlic(crushed) and 1 tsp of honey.
Pour over the salad just before dishing up.
Dice your butternut and space it open on a baking tray. Sprinkle with olive oil. Bake at 200*C for about 20 minutes until soft and slightly roasted. Remove and allow to cool down.In the meanwhile prepare your lettuce leaves into bite sizes. Pour in your butternut pieces. add some sesame seeds and sunflower seeds.
Prepare your salad dressing by mixing together 5 tbsp of olive oil, 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 red chili, 1 clove of garlic(crushed) and 1 tsp of honey.
Pour over the salad just before dishing up.
Project 125.......making mini doughnuts
This became one of the families favourites lately. And they are soo easy to make!
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup caster sugar
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
125 ml oil
1 egg
3/4 cup milk
Mix everything together and soon into an electric doughnut maker and bake for about 2 minutes.
We make chocolate ones by adding 30 ml cocoa and another 1/4 cup milk.
Now you can top them with glaze icing, nuts, hundreds and thousands, etc. We simply pour condensed milk over the chocolate ones and sometimes caramel on the normal ones.
If you have kids and not have an electric doughnut maker, it is truly something you can invest in! Especially if you have boys with lots of friends!
1 1/2 cups flour1/2 cup caster sugar
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
125 ml oil
1 egg
3/4 cup milk
Mix everything together and soon into an electric doughnut maker and bake for about 2 minutes.
We make chocolate ones by adding 30 ml cocoa and another 1/4 cup milk.
Now you can top them with glaze icing, nuts, hundreds and thousands, etc. We simply pour condensed milk over the chocolate ones and sometimes caramel on the normal ones.
If you have kids and not have an electric doughnut maker, it is truly something you can invest in! Especially if you have boys with lots of friends!
Project 124....Newspaper boy hat
I made this one without a pattern whilst working night duty between 3-4 in the mornings!
I've done it with a tunesic crochet needle in a double knit yarn.
I've started off with 22 stitches and reduced it at the end of each row until I had one stitch left. I then picked up 1 stitch from the side from every row until I had 22 again. I then reduced again until I had one stitch left again. Picked up again, etc. You will see it makes a perfect circle after a while. I ended off and sewn the opening together to make a round piece to work with.
I then picked up stitches all around half of the circle and crochet 5 rows without reducing. I then started reducing doing two stitches every five stitches for 5 rows and ended off. I did the same with the other half. I the have sewn the two openings together I then used a normal crochet hook and started making the front part. I used the two hems on the sides to give me an indication on getting the cap right in the middle. I used normal double trembles to do the cap, as it was easier to reduce on both sides at the same time. I started wit 20 trembles and reduces at the beginning and end of each row for 6 rows. I made a second flap like this directly underneath the first one.
I then took a soda bottle(all I could find in the hospital at 03h00 in the morning, but it worked well as it is clear and has a slight bend) and placed it between the two flaps. I then closed the flaps by crocheting the two parts together with double trembles all around the edge.
I finished the whole thing off by adding a flower to the one side and a covered button on top!
Sizwe(the male nurse working with me) now wants a Rastafarian one! Eish!
I've done it with a tunesic crochet needle in a double knit yarn.
I've started off with 22 stitches and reduced it at the end of each row until I had one stitch left. I then picked up 1 stitch from the side from every row until I had 22 again. I then reduced again until I had one stitch left again. Picked up again, etc. You will see it makes a perfect circle after a while. I ended off and sewn the opening together to make a round piece to work with.
I then picked up stitches all around half of the circle and crochet 5 rows without reducing. I then started reducing doing two stitches every five stitches for 5 rows and ended off. I did the same with the other half. I the have sewn the two openings together I then used a normal crochet hook and started making the front part. I used the two hems on the sides to give me an indication on getting the cap right in the middle. I used normal double trembles to do the cap, as it was easier to reduce on both sides at the same time. I started wit 20 trembles and reduces at the beginning and end of each row for 6 rows. I made a second flap like this directly underneath the first one.
I then took a soda bottle(all I could find in the hospital at 03h00 in the morning, but it worked well as it is clear and has a slight bend) and placed it between the two flaps. I then closed the flaps by crocheting the two parts together with double trembles all around the edge.
I finished the whole thing off by adding a flower to the one side and a covered button on top!
Project 123......another jacket from a t-shirt
I had this t-shirt for some time, but did not like to wear it, as I felt it was too short. I then got the brain wave to make a jacket from this one too after making one from my husbands old t-shirt.
I simply cut the front in two and gave it hems. Nothing more!
I have worn it to a home cell "braai" the other night, and the ladies were quite impressed! The one has given a similar t-shirt away just the week before, and said she would have worn it this way, as she felt it was too short as well. Everybody went home looking what they could do with t-shirts not in use!
I simply cut the front in two and gave it hems. Nothing more!
project 122.....baking a coconut cake......
I must admit, I have only overseen this one! My 14 year old decided he felt like a coconut cake....he then googled a recipe....and baked it himself! I helped a little with the mixing of the frosting, as we did not have cream cheese and did not feel like going to the shops just for that. We replaced it with half the amount of coconut cream, and we used roasted coconut for the topping in stead of normal white ones. My domestic helper decided that she wanted a cake like this for Christmas! Ans oh yes....I helped to cut the cake in three layers!
For the cake:
(So by the way...he even went to the Internet for the diversions from ounces and pounds to grams and milligrammes! Quite handy I'd say, as I normally just go for another recipe!)
115 grams of coconut
1 cup of milk
3/4 cup of butter
2 cups sugar
5 extra large eggs
1 1/2 tsp vanilla essence
1 1/2 spoon almond essence
3 cups of flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
Mix as you normally mix your cake and pour into two round cake pans. Unfortunately I only have square ones and they are larger than the normal round ones, so we poured everything into one pan and sliced it in three layers afterwards, in stead of having four layers. For the two round ones, bake it at 180*C for 50 minutes. We baked it for 1 hour as ours were thicker.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 30 minutes inside the pan. Allow to cool properly once removed from the pan.
When it has cooled down totally, cut each layer in two layers. If you struggle with a knife, use a thick piece of cotton thread(MY OWN TIP) and slowly move it through the cake. It cuts it perfectly!
Now mix your frosting. Don't over mix it as it will look like it is separating and you don't want that!
Mix:
1 cup cream cheese
1/2 cup butter
3/4 tsp vanilla essens
1/4 tsp almond essens
1 cup confectioners sugar(I personally think you can use 1/2 cup more, but maybe if you make a smaller round cake, it will be enough)
Spread it between the layers, on the top, and around the sides. Then press your coconut all around your cake. Serve at room temperature. Yumm!
The other day he made this chocolate cake.....the caramel could have been more, but the cake was excellent! He surely does bake better cakes than his mom! I can do other things, but baking a cake is not my speciality! Maybe the reason I don't even have round baking pans!
For the cake:
(So by the way...he even went to the Internet for the diversions from ounces and pounds to grams and milligrammes! Quite handy I'd say, as I normally just go for another recipe!)
115 grams of coconut
1 cup of milk
3/4 cup of butter
2 cups sugar
5 extra large eggs
1 1/2 tsp vanilla essence
1 1/2 spoon almond essence
3 cups of flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
Mix as you normally mix your cake and pour into two round cake pans. Unfortunately I only have square ones and they are larger than the normal round ones, so we poured everything into one pan and sliced it in three layers afterwards, in stead of having four layers. For the two round ones, bake it at 180*C for 50 minutes. We baked it for 1 hour as ours were thicker.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 30 minutes inside the pan. Allow to cool properly once removed from the pan.
When it has cooled down totally, cut each layer in two layers. If you struggle with a knife, use a thick piece of cotton thread(MY OWN TIP) and slowly move it through the cake. It cuts it perfectly!
Now mix your frosting. Don't over mix it as it will look like it is separating and you don't want that!
Mix:
1 cup cream cheese
1/2 cup butter
3/4 tsp vanilla essens
1/4 tsp almond essens
1 cup confectioners sugar(I personally think you can use 1/2 cup more, but maybe if you make a smaller round cake, it will be enough)
Spread it between the layers, on the top, and around the sides. Then press your coconut all around your cake. Serve at room temperature. Yumm!
The other day he made this chocolate cake.....the caramel could have been more, but the cake was excellent! He surely does bake better cakes than his mom! I can do other things, but baking a cake is not my speciality! Maybe the reason I don't even have round baking pans!
project 121.......instant colour to your garden
I used to do this when we lived on the plot, and decided to do it again the other day.....This gives instant colour to your garden, and depending on what you hang at the bottom, the sun even gives you more colours when shining on it.....I use colourful organza ribbons, and hang it on different levels 2 to 3 together. I like to hang crystal beads at the bottom, but did use normal beads that is not see through before. Last week I used crystal-like plastic hearts....pretty....
Project 120...preserved radishes
I just can't learn! I am the only one in the house eating radishes, but each and every year I plant hordes! I have a good book on pickling and cooking whatever you can think of, but not a single thing to do with a radish! In fact....not one of my cookbooks had recipes for radishes.....
Then I googled it and voila! Found several recipes for radishes! Could not believe my eyes!
I made the easiest one......
You will need:
2 dozen of radishes(I used mixed white and red ones)
1 cup of sugar
1 cup of white vinegar
1 tbs mustard seeds
1/2 tsp celery seeds
a twig of fresh dill for every bottle
Mix everything and boil until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is clear. Add the radishes and bottle in sterilised jars, adding your dill. Keep refrigerated.
The first batch I accidentally added a cup of water with the vinegar! I then allowed it to boil until slightly reduced. I think they were even better! But I was not so sure how long they would last and dished them out with the command to eat them immediately! Even my mom thought they were good....and she does not like radishes!
Project 119: removing a stain from the carpet
This was good to see! I had this stain on the carpet and asked my domestic cleaner several times to try and remove it with no success. I then saw this on Pinterest and decided to give it a try.....
I applied shaving cream to the stain, left it on for 5 minutes and used a wet cloth to wipe it! Look at the difference!
I was so excited I went to look for stains all over the house, and called my mom to give he the advice as well!
I applied shaving cream to the stain, left it on for 5 minutes and used a wet cloth to wipe it! Look at the difference!
PROJECT 118: CHOCOLAT SQUARES
!/2 cup margarine
1 cup sugar
30 ml cacao
1 egg
5 ml vanilla
1/2 cup dried cake mix/ raisins/ cherries/berries(the original had cake mix)
1 packet of Marie biscuits broken in pieces
sugar to sprinkle on top
Bring the margarine, sugar and cacao to boil and boil for one minute. Mix in the egg and the vanilla.
Mix in the fruit and the biscuits. Press down in a baking tray of about 26x17 cm. Sprinkle with sugar and place in the fridge to firm up. Cut in squares.
Project 117.....a jacket from my husbands t-shirt
A while ago my husband gave me one of his t-shirts that was too small. I did not wear it as it was too big, but saw something like this on the net and planned to make it some time in the future. Then my hubby started loosing weight with this exercising and I was too scared that he might ask it back, so I immediately cut the sleeves out and opened it in front! After all, I did not have one of my own to do this with!I also cut the rib-trim around the neckline out. I've given all the edges hems. I then gathered the shoulders in and ended it off by adding a selection of buttons to the shoulders and two rosettes I made from the sleeves.
project 116......a cellphone bag for my son
I don't know where you are living, but here with us hand knitted stuff are a total no go for a teenager! Worse a hand knitted item by your mother or grandmother!
To my surprise my son came home the other day and ordered a blue hand knitted bag for his cellphone! I first ignored the request as I thought it was a joke, but after a few days he reminded me of it again. All the ladies in the wool shop had a good laugh about it when I went to buy one ball of blue wool!
I decided to do it in tunesic crochet as it is quick and neat. I started off with 26 stitches and did it two rows longer than the actual phone. I've sewn it together and could not believe he was using it! And he is still using it!
To my surprise my son came home the other day and ordered a blue hand knitted bag for his cellphone! I first ignored the request as I thought it was a joke, but after a few days he reminded me of it again. All the ladies in the wool shop had a good laugh about it when I went to buy one ball of blue wool!I decided to do it in tunesic crochet as it is quick and neat. I started off with 26 stitches and did it two rows longer than the actual phone. I've sewn it together and could not believe he was using it! And he is still using it!
Thursday 15 November 2012
Hi Everybody!
I have not forgotten about you......I was sick in bed! I had bronchitis for a week, and just as I thought I was better, I fell ill again! This time around diagnosed with pleurisy......and if you know me.....I can not not feel well! Totally against my constitution!
Well, I've been busy doing small things as usual, but just not had the time to go and sit to download the snaps! Will try to do this somewhere this week, as I started working night duty again last night.
It was soooo hot today, I only slept for three hours, then decided to get up as I was just rolling around. I weeded my vegetable garden......the entire garden! It feels like I have lost a kilo or two because of the heat and totally not feeling like working night duty tonight!
Oh yes....and I took some photo's for the photography club tonight. My husband will take mine with, and has to take the judgement on my behalf! I did not plan to do it, so it was a last minute decision! Luckily the theme this week is flowers, and with the summer now in full swing in South Africa, it was not difficult to find something to snap on number 99! I'll plan for the next meeting....I think I am the only one without a game plan at this stage!
I've made some nice horseradish pickles this past week, and done some crochet work as well. My long term project..my quilt.. is done as well, and I'll share some photo's......
For now I am off to work. I really pray that we'll have a quiet night in casualty....
Have a great day, and keep reading please!
Lot of love
Sandra
xxx
I have not forgotten about you......I was sick in bed! I had bronchitis for a week, and just as I thought I was better, I fell ill again! This time around diagnosed with pleurisy......and if you know me.....I can not not feel well! Totally against my constitution!
Well, I've been busy doing small things as usual, but just not had the time to go and sit to download the snaps! Will try to do this somewhere this week, as I started working night duty again last night.
It was soooo hot today, I only slept for three hours, then decided to get up as I was just rolling around. I weeded my vegetable garden......the entire garden! It feels like I have lost a kilo or two because of the heat and totally not feeling like working night duty tonight!
Oh yes....and I took some photo's for the photography club tonight. My husband will take mine with, and has to take the judgement on my behalf! I did not plan to do it, so it was a last minute decision! Luckily the theme this week is flowers, and with the summer now in full swing in South Africa, it was not difficult to find something to snap on number 99! I'll plan for the next meeting....I think I am the only one without a game plan at this stage!
I've made some nice horseradish pickles this past week, and done some crochet work as well. My long term project..my quilt.. is done as well, and I'll share some photo's......
For now I am off to work. I really pray that we'll have a quiet night in casualty....
Have a great day, and keep reading please!
Lot of love
Sandra
xxx
Tuesday 30 October 2012
project 115......potpourri
Zineas and sunflowers have the prettiest colours, and if you take the petals off just as the flowers start to wilt and spread it open on a tray to dry, they keep their colours.
I am not fond of potpourri as it makes me sneeze, but I have made these with the leaves I dried last year, and simply added cinnamon sticks and cloves and dried chillies.....no oils were used as I think that is the culprit of my sneezing.
I've packed it in pretty organza bags and the smell is just great! Simple, but effective. This year I want to do it with dried lemon, orange and naartjie peels as well.....
I am not fond of potpourri as it makes me sneeze, but I have made these with the leaves I dried last year, and simply added cinnamon sticks and cloves and dried chillies.....no oils were used as I think that is the culprit of my sneezing.
project 114---------covering wire coat hangers with doilies
I used some of my late grandmothers doilies to do this.....
I simply stuck a wire coat hanger through the circle in the centre of a doily and folded it over. Thereafter I thread a ribbon through the holes to tighten it around the coat hanger and used some bow to finish it off. Pretty!
Project 113....lemon cupcakes
I told you I use the lemons from my flavoured water....another great way to use them....
1/2 cup butter
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 t lemon essens
3 eggs
2 1/2 cups flour
4 t baking powder
1/2 t salt
1/2 cup orange juice/water
1-2 lemons minced in the food processor rinds and all
Mix everything and pour in cupcake cups. Bake for 15 minutes at 180*C.
Make frosting with icing sugar, butter and lemon juice.
This makes about 30, so I just freeze a dozen for a rainy day. You can even freeze your frosting. Just remove everything the morning you need them, and allow to defrost at room temperature. I used to do this when I still had to pack lunch boxes, also very handy for unexpected visitors!
1/2 cup butter1 1/2 cups sugar
1 t lemon essens
3 eggs
2 1/2 cups flour
4 t baking powder
1/2 t salt
1/2 cup orange juice/water
1-2 lemons minced in the food processor rinds and all
Mix everything and pour in cupcake cups. Bake for 15 minutes at 180*C.
Make frosting with icing sugar, butter and lemon juice.
This makes about 30, so I just freeze a dozen for a rainy day. You can even freeze your frosting. Just remove everything the morning you need them, and allow to defrost at room temperature. I used to do this when I still had to pack lunch boxes, also very handy for unexpected visitors!
Project 112......mosquito repellant
You need to take malaria tablets when you visit the Kruger Park.....especially during summer. Unfortunately we sometimes go at the spur of the moment and there is no time to take the tablet a week before you go. So I normally mix this and we make sure we coat ourselves with it all day!
Mix 500g of aqueous cream with 50 ml citronella oil. No mosquito gets near you! But better be safe than sorry.....take your malaria tablets!
As a rule we have a church Christmas 'braai' during December. Unfortunately the mosquitoes have their Christmas party round about the same time! I normally put a jar of this out, and I promise you, everybody use this instead of the store bought stuff, as it works so well! Try it!
Mix 500g of aqueous cream with 50 ml citronella oil. No mosquito gets near you! But better be safe than sorry.....take your malaria tablets!
Project 111************coffee cookies****************
Got this one from the one cookbook every Afrikaans woman/girl knows..."kook en geniet". In this recipe book your are taught all the basics of everything! And more!
I did not have coffee extract and did not see myself making it, so I just used instant coffee powder. Kids did not know the difference.....
190 ml butter
190 ml sugar
125 ml golden syrup
5 ml baking soda dissolved in 100 ml water
15 ml coffee extract(or coffee powder)
2.5 ml salt
5 ml vanilla essence
1.5 l flour
Filling:
250 ml sugar
125 ml butter
100 ml milk
15 ml coffee extract(or coffee powder)
5 ml vanilla essence
1. Preheat the oven to 180*C.
2. Beat butter and sugar together.
3. Add syrup. Beat well. Add milk mixture.
4. Add coffee. salt and vanilla.
5. Add flour and knead together to make a firm dough.
6. Roll out and cut in fingers. (Next time I am going to put it in my cookie press)
7. Bake for 5-8 minutes.
8. Cook the filling in the meanwhile. Mix all the filling ingredients and cook for 5 minutes on the stove top.
9. Remove from the stove and beat with a wooden spoon until cold and thick.
10. Stick two-two on together with filling in between. Makes about 72.
I did not have coffee extract and did not see myself making it, so I just used instant coffee powder. Kids did not know the difference.....
190 ml butter
190 ml sugar
125 ml golden syrup
5 ml baking soda dissolved in 100 ml water15 ml coffee extract(or coffee powder)
2.5 ml salt
5 ml vanilla essence
1.5 l flour
Filling:
250 ml sugar
125 ml butter
100 ml milk
15 ml coffee extract(or coffee powder)
5 ml vanilla essence
1. Preheat the oven to 180*C.
2. Beat butter and sugar together.
3. Add syrup. Beat well. Add milk mixture.
4. Add coffee. salt and vanilla.
5. Add flour and knead together to make a firm dough.
6. Roll out and cut in fingers. (Next time I am going to put it in my cookie press)
7. Bake for 5-8 minutes.
8. Cook the filling in the meanwhile. Mix all the filling ingredients and cook for 5 minutes on the stove top.
9. Remove from the stove and beat with a wooden spoon until cold and thick.
10. Stick two-two on together with filling in between. Makes about 72.
Project 110.....no bake cornflake cookies.....
Keeping up with the appetite of three teenage boys make you try out a lot of different recipes. I have recently found this one on google, but added the coconut. I've hidden them for a day and offered them on our way to the Kruger National Park last week. My sons were impressed that their mother thought of breakfast! Too sweet for my taste for breakfast, rather tea time for me! We've been to the park for three days.....they only lasted the first day!1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup golden syrup
2 tbsp butter
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 cup coconut
3 cups cornflakes
Melt the first four ingredients in a pot on the stove. Allow to cook for 1 minute whilst stirring. Then add the coconut and cornflakes and stir until it is coated with the sugar mixture. Scoop spoons full on wax paper and allow to set. Makes about 2 dozen.
project 109....keeping your cupboard fresh with leftover soap
I love to smell soap.....it smells so fresh and clean. I used to put bars of soap between my underwear just for the scent of it. Then I made these figures with grated left over soap in the middle. I now hang them even on the coat hangers between my clothes. They don't make any marks on your clothes, and keep your cupboard smelling fresh.
I've cut fish and stars out of calico, embroidered some stitches on the one side, then hand sewn them together with a crochet yarn leaving a small space to fill with grated soap. I then made some strings to hang them. Great way to use leftover soap, and scraps of material.
I've cut fish and stars out of calico, embroidered some stitches on the one side, then hand sewn them together with a crochet yarn leaving a small space to fill with grated soap. I then made some strings to hang them. Great way to use leftover soap, and scraps of material.
Saturday 13 October 2012
blessed with another pretty flower
I bought some roses a while ago, and the ones colour was chocolate-pink.....With no buds on it, I did not have an idea what it would look like.....now look at the pretty flower!
I think I have quite a crazy family! Look at our pet dog taking a nap on my hubbies back!
Have a great day!
Sandra
xxxxx
I think I have quite a crazy family! Look at our pet dog taking a nap on my hubbies back!
Have a great day!
Sandra
xxxxx
POST 108: HOMEMADE YOGURT
Of all the things I've tried, I think this one was the most amazing! Who would ever think you can make your own yogurt?
I was paging through a book full of pickles when I noted this. I did not give it much attention, but when I paged through a magazine at work and saw it again just the next day, I knew I had to try it! And guess what! I am going to make this a lot! So easy and taste just like bought ones!
I heated 500ml of milk(I used 2%) until it just started making small bubbles on the side. I then took the pot from the stove and placed it in a bowl of cold water to cool down a little. I then added two big tablespoons of natural yogurt and stirred it through. I poured it into a vacuum flask, sealed(I gave it one twist back as I was scared that the flask could burst if it starts to thicken. Maybe I was just a little paranoiac!) I left it in a sunny windowsill for 6 hours and then poured a nice thick yogurt out! I was amazed!
That evening I stirred a 1/3 packet of jelly powder into it to sweeten it a little....crushed coconut biscuits, poured the yogurt over and added some frozen strawberries on top! Quick, easy and almost healthy desert on a hot summer night!
I was paging through a book full of pickles when I noted this. I did not give it much attention, but when I paged through a magazine at work and saw it again just the next day, I knew I had to try it! And guess what! I am going to make this a lot! So easy and taste just like bought ones!
I heated 500ml of milk(I used 2%) until it just started making small bubbles on the side. I then took the pot from the stove and placed it in a bowl of cold water to cool down a little. I then added two big tablespoons of natural yogurt and stirred it through. I poured it into a vacuum flask, sealed(I gave it one twist back as I was scared that the flask could burst if it starts to thicken. Maybe I was just a little paranoiac!) I left it in a sunny windowsill for 6 hours and then poured a nice thick yogurt out! I was amazed!
That evening I stirred a 1/3 packet of jelly powder into it to sweeten it a little....crushed coconut biscuits, poured the yogurt over and added some frozen strawberries on top! Quick, easy and almost healthy desert on a hot summer night!
Post 107....a teacosy and mug jacket!
These were my favourite socks! With cows! And I love cows! Even more after I visited Switzerland a few years ago!....My sister took my mom and myself to Switzerland as birthday gifts a couple of years ago.....the best birthday gift I ever had! I was amazed at all the different cows.....I brought the whole family cow mugs! Different ones! And a cow milk jug....and a cow sugar bowl.....and for my husband a cow boxer! Ha Ha Ha!
Well, I did not buy these socks there, but I loved them and was quite sad when the heels started to get holes in it! There was nothing wrong with the legs though.......so I cut them off!.....Cut them open....Gave them a crochet border......Added strings to fasten them.....Used two pieces to tie together as a tea cosy and the other two to use as mug jackets!.....
This way I can still use my cow socks for some time! Pretty cool I'd say!
project 106****************pineapple beer**************
Of all the things in the kitchen to do I think I hate peeling a pineapple most! I don't even buy pineapples! But my husband does......then it lies in the fruit basket for some time and most of the times the peel is unusable because it gets marks on it from lying! Last week I peeled two though.....so I made pineapple beer.....one of the families favourites that they are deprived from because I don't peel them in time!
Use the peels of about 2-3 large pineapples. Wash it before you peel it. Place the peels in a bucket with about 7 litres of lukewarm water, 1-1.25kg sugar, 1 packet of instant yeast and a hand full of raisins. Close the bucket and leave to stand for about 24 hours. Strain it through a muslin cloth and cool. Serve with ice blocks.........actually good to peel the pineapple in time.....
Post 105........lemon/orrange bread
My middle son loves this bread! He does not know I use the lemon and orange slices from the flavoured water in this recipe! And as long as he eats it, there is no reason to get rid of the fruit!
I changed a banana bread recipe to make this one.....
Mix together....
1/2 cup of butter
1 cup of sugar
2 eggs
5 ml lemon essence
2 cups flour
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp baking powder
mulched fruit...about four lemons/oranges
Place in a bread pan and bake at 180*C for about 55 minutes. Check it after 45 minutes.
Allow to cool in the pan before you turn it out. Top with frosting made from butter, icing sugar and some fresh lemon juice. This bread is even better the next day. Keep in an airtight container.
Mix together....
1/2 cup of butter
1 cup of sugar
2 eggs
5 ml lemon essence
2 cups flour
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp baking powder
mulched fruit...about four lemons/oranges
Place in a bread pan and bake at 180*C for about 55 minutes. Check it after 45 minutes.
Allow to cool in the pan before you turn it out. Top with frosting made from butter, icing sugar and some fresh lemon juice. This bread is even better the next day. Keep in an airtight container.
project 104.....flavoured water
My family hate to drink water! Then I started doing this......I slice an orange or a lemon or both.....put it in a jug and fill with water.....place in the fridge.....and you don't believe it......I have to top it up several times during the day! For one or other reason they drink litres of this! Water! I even use some mint sprigs with times, and the don't even complain about the trees in the water!
I even use the fruit again afterwards! I put it in the food processor, mulch it and use it in baking!
AY! It is good to be a mother!
Project 103....making clay hearts
I saw this recipe on the net and it looked so interesting, I had to try it. They made Christmas ornaments with it, but as you know me by now, I love hearts!
This really made a good clay, and next time I am just going to double the recipe and I am going to try and make roses using my cake decorating tools! I am sure it can work!
Mix together 1/4 cup of maizena, 1/2 cup of bicarbonate of soda and 1/3 cup of water. This makes quite an interesting mix! You think it is dry, then it starts running!.....Place it in a pot and slowly heat it on the stove until it thickens. Then remove and put a damp cloth on top until it has cooled down, and you can handle it with your hands. Knead it until it is a good clay. It almost looks like porcelain!
This can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge until you want to use it. Just remove it and allow to get to room temperature before using it.
Roll it out with a rolling pin and cut our figures...in my case hearts. I used a crocheted doily and rolled it over parts of the hearts, and on others the whole heart. I used a skewer to make a hole in the middle to hang the later.
The original recipe says that you should bake it in an oven at 175*C for about an hour, but I only baked it for 30 minutes, and then turned my stove off. I allowed it to stay in the oven until it has cooled down properly.
The original recipe said that you can add food colouring to the dough, but I spray painted mine with white paint and then gave it a colour wash with gold. I then added ribbons and lace, buttons, etc. to pretty them.
Now I don't have a place to hang them! I think I'll have to invite somebody for tea to use them on the chairs or table!
This really made a good clay, and next time I am just going to double the recipe and I am going to try and make roses using my cake decorating tools! I am sure it can work!
This can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge until you want to use it. Just remove it and allow to get to room temperature before using it.
Roll it out with a rolling pin and cut our figures...in my case hearts. I used a crocheted doily and rolled it over parts of the hearts, and on others the whole heart. I used a skewer to make a hole in the middle to hang the later.
The original recipe says that you should bake it in an oven at 175*C for about an hour, but I only baked it for 30 minutes, and then turned my stove off. I allowed it to stay in the oven until it has cooled down properly.
The original recipe said that you can add food colouring to the dough, but I spray painted mine with white paint and then gave it a colour wash with gold. I then added ribbons and lace, buttons, etc. to pretty them.
Now I don't have a place to hang them! I think I'll have to invite somebody for tea to use them on the chairs or table!
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