A Good Tart

The end of the week seems to be fast slipping into a no-post warp-hole or something. Excuse: I usually end up feeling pretty crummy come Thursday. Also: I get lazy, and decide to watch trashy Youtube clips instead of posting. Bad Blogger!

Tonight, though, I just have to share with you these little darlings:

They are Chocolate and Raspberry Tarts, and they were for sale today at Encores Restaurant’s stand at the Hampton High Country Food and Arts Festival. Wabi, Rendez, and I all bought one, and the voting was unanimous: Ah-mazing! The chocolate was dark, rich, and smooth, and just warm enough to ooze slightly as you bit into it, and the pastry was buttery and crumbly, and not too sweet. The raspberry was…better than a cherry on top.

The rest of the festival was equally as good. It was a bitterly cold day, but the sun was shining brightly. All three of us were keen to see Poh, of Poh’s Kitchen and Master Chef fame, and she didn’t disappoint, cooking up a storm and telling inappropriate stories on stage.

The produce was varied, with something for everyone. Wabi and I both indulged in some kale from Homegrown Health, Rendez and I some incredible Sheep’s Milk cheese courtesy of Towri Sheep Cheeses, and all three of us grabbed a loaf of Chalala Micro Bakery’s gorgeous bread.  I cooked up a storm tonight, utilising all or my goodies, as well as some local lamb, and wasn’t surprised that the Pasta Riviera fresh egg pappardelle was met with ‘mmmm’s from both parents. Delicious. I only wish I had another one of those tarts for dessert.

The festival is over for this year, but if you’re in the area, or visiting, check these and the many other amazing produce the Darling Downs offers. And for those not close by, maybe plan a trip for this time next year, and check out the Hampton festival for yourself. Hopefully the weather will be a little less Artic.

Art Space: A Spring Breeze

A Spring Breeze by Shin-Young An, via Saatchi Online.

Saywhatnow?

I’m a bit of a contradiction. I don’t like women who swear a lot. I think, on most women, it sounds trashy and indelicate. But I swear like a trouper, especially around my family—they bring out the bogan in me. I try desperately to stop, but it’s a very badly ingrained habit, so it’s a slow process.

Because I dislike swearing, and because I don’t think it’s necessary in the blogosphere, I tend not to post things that include bad language. But this…well, this isn’t exactly swearing. I mean, paige is simply saying ‘flamingo’ the best she can. And looking damn cute while doing so.

Kids say the darnedest things, don’t they?

My Endless Love: My Bonnie Baby

I’ve already introduced my brother’s and my neighbour’s furbabies—both past and present—but you’ve yet to meet my own special lady. I’ve waited this long because it’s hard to sum up just how fantastic and wonderful I think she is, and how much I love her. Let me tell you about my girl, Bonnie, and how she came to be family.

One day, way back in grade twelve, I noticed an ad in the paper for giveaway puppies. The address was right around the corner from school, so I figured I’d drop past on the way home—just for a look of course. It was mid-winter and absolutely freezing that particular day, so the puppies were cuddled together in the corner of the pen, trying desperately trying to keep warm, but the moment they saw me they came bounding over, climbing on top of each other to get as close as possible. Except one.

The littlest of them all stayed huddled in the back corner, shivering. I picked her up and cuddled her close, and she nuzzled into me, sighed, and fell asleep. And I fell in love. I took her home that afternoon—a ball of fluff with tiny legs and a little pot belly—but forgot to get puppy food, so she ate the mince out of a meat pie for her dinner, licking it off my fingers as if she’d not eaten all week. She cried all night, stopping only when I joined her, and let her crawl into my lap.

Since then, Bonnie has been my baby. A red cattle dog cross corgi, she is stumpy and short with a fluffy, thick summer coat and a short, wiry winter one (weird, right?). She’s super intelligent and very naughty—always finding new ways to escape, or sneaking onto the outside table for a nap in the afternoon sun. And she has definitely has a personality. As she’s gotten older, she sulks terribly if you’re outside and not patting her, and demands her dinner earlier and earlier every night. But, even at almost-twelve, she’s still my puppy—bounding around and running in circles every time someone walks through the door.

I have missed her terribly whenever I’ve moved away, often coming home to visit her rather than the family. She always manages to make me smile when I’m in a rotten mood, or give me a laugh on bad days. And even when she is naughty, it’s hard to be mad at her, because she’s just so darn adorable:

Isn’t she the cutest?

My Favourite Lady

The photo above is my family at my half-brother, PJ’s wedding. It’s probably obvious from how tiny I am (and the great hair-dos) that this was back in the early 80s, when I was just a tot. My mum in this photo is wearing her “special outing” get-up which, these days, would probably be considered quite daggy. Back then though, I thought this was the most stylish outfit ever. From the navy leather peep-toes, to the grey tweed, pleated skirt and square-cut blazer (which she still owns), I thought this look made her seem elegant, stylish, and feminine.

I probably didn’t have great taste as a kid. I did, however, have a bit of a hero complex when came to my mum. I still do. She’s the person I look up to the most, the one I endeavour to be like more and more, and the one person in this world who I know, without any doubt, has inspired the good in me.  Which is all that needs to be said, really. I mean, I could ramble on about the amazing things she’s done, her incredible resilience, her boundless heart, or her constant ability to teach me something new. But all it boils down to is this: if I had been able to choose my own mother, I’d choose her every single time. She’s the Bomb.

So, here’s to you Daffers! Happy Mother’s Day to you—and all the other strong, loving, and caring women out there—for giving up your sleep, money, and time to give others the chance to become the best people we can be. You deserve to be spoiled.

Artspace: Beyond Light

X-Ray of a Rose by Albert Koetsier, via Artemis Dreaming.

Fashion Friday: Paperface Studios

I opened my computer racking my brain on what to write about tonight, and found I didn’t have to worry at all—I’d already left myself the perfect reminder. Wasting time this afternoon, I came across Paperface Studios on Etsy and, falling totally in love with the beautiful jewellery, left the page open to blog about it later. And then promptly forgot. I have the memory of a fish.

But enough about me, let me tell you about Paperface Studios. Marcella’s Etsy store is filled with whimsical and lovingly crafted jewellery, all hand-crafted and made from beautiful materials like sterling silver, brass, and glass. Her current items include an array of stunning necklaces, sweet earing, pretty bracelets, and intricate cufflinks from the downright cute (little black sheep), to the charming (real dandelions in lockets). What’s more, she does custom orders, so if there’s something you like, but want to change it up a bit, she can totally do it for you.

 Store: Paperface Studios

Store Locations: Online, via Etsy

International Shipping: YES! See delivery info for details.

Best Bits: Handcrafted jewellery made from sterling silver, brass, glass, and resin. Great range of styles and intricate designs, many coming in a number of colours or shapes. Ready-made and DIY items available, as well as custom order options. Great quality images and descriptions, so you know exactly what you’re getting. Reasonably priced—even more reason to buy up big (not that I need it). All necklaces include chain at no extra cost.

(All prices in AUD, based on current exchange rates)

1. Tarnish-free Silver Antlers on Sterling Silver Chain: $30.65

2. Silver-plated Wishbone Necklace on Sterling Silver Chain: $24.52

3. Silver-plated Pinwheel Necklace on Sterling Silver Chain: $22.48

4. Sterling Silver Bird Bracelet: $20.43

5. Red Heart Glass Locket Necklace on Sterling Silver Chain: $26.56

6. Tiny Sand Dollar Necklace on Sterling Silver Chain: $26.56

7. Dandelion Locket Necklace on Sterling Silver Chain: $26.56