Cheeky Rascals

Did I ever mention that I love school fetes? Well I do....and I'll do my best to drag along the closest person to me so I don't feel like a weirdo twenty-something childless person, hanging solo at a typically family oriented event. Getting high off baked goodies and crafts by yourself is sure to raise eyebrows.

On a weekend back in November, the unfortunate victim was my husband. Poor thing. After bribing him with a pre-fete caffeine fix at Hubbles Yard on George St (my most favourite street ever) we plodded up the hill to East Fremantle Primary School. This is where I came across my copy of 'Cheeky Rascals'. Mr B. was not the least bit impressed by my fete enthusiasm, so while he sought refuge at the home-made fudge stall, I set out to get my hands on this treasure of a cook book. When I heard that these tasty tales had been collected by the kids and relatives of the school (some of which were family secrets until now) I had to support this local project. A browse, some chocolate fudge and a cupcake later- my curiosity was satisfied.

The recipes are divided into seasons and feature some beautiful photography and playful food styling

So far I have tried and tested the Hubbles Yard Chocolate Raspberry Cake (above)- to die for! ...and the Brown Rice & Lentil Salad- amazing! Next on the 'to do' list is the Avocado & Ginger Icecream; Drunken Peaches and the Beetroot & Quinoa Salad

Well worth the $20 investment.

Get your greasy little fingers on your very own copy by popping into Hubbles Yard, Harpers Emporium, The Wine Store or Willow and the Bowerbird, all located on George Street in East Freo

The domino effect

If you're looking for a little bit of help in styling your home, then look no further than Domino - the book of decorating.

This amazing book is 'a room-by-room guide to creating a home that makes you happy'.

Inside, you will find tips and ideas to help you get started, determine your style and create wonderful looks in every room of your home (even the entry way!).

Towards the end of the book you will also find a 'decorators handbook', which focusses on window treatments and upholstery as well as a 'big black book' which guides you to wonderful deocrating resources.

You weren't planning on re-decorating your house were you? You've already bought this book on Amazon haven't you?

Have fun!

Beautiful Books

I wish I could bottle the feeling you get when you carefully open the hard leather cover of an old book. You hold your breath as you prepare for the beautiful smell of years gone by and the love of previous owners. If you're lucky enough, you may even open the book to a precious message written inside...

A stack of beautiful books, gifted from a friend

For Pamela Piesse, From John Marefield. Dec 3rd 1934

To my friend Aubrey, who upon attaining his fourteenth
birthday, Hath now reached "Man's Estate".
From Miss Showell 23-9-23

Mandi, with best wishes, 10th March 1905

10 Things to do in Perth on a rainy day

1. Visit The Berndt Museum of Anthropology

2. Go to a Luna movie.....on your own.
3. Try out the cocktail menu at ‘Ezra Pound’ in Northbridge

4. Pop your 'sensible' back in his box and go and dance in the rain

5. Stay home and revel in your own laziness
6. Visit The Art Gallery of Western Australia
7. Go to work and whinge about not being able to follow this amazing list of things to do because you're at work.
8. Spend the morning sipping on tea at ‘il Cibo’ in Freo and do some shopping while you’re there, the homewares store upstairs is unreal.

9. Catch a play at the Black Swan Theatre
10. Read a great book like ‘Room’ by Emma Donoghue.

Oh! the Places You'll Go

Even as an adult, Dr Seuss is still one of my favourite authors.

No matter what readers learn from Dr Seuss's books, they will most likely learn it in rhyme. Although his poetic talents receive less notice than others due to his notorious limerick writing style, he is in fact a very powerful poet. His books are predominately aimed at teaching children how to read and think, but cleverly convey messages about the environment, confidence and even politics.

So on that note, I thought I'd share with you a few verses of my most favourite Dr Seuss book... a book which most of my girlfriends will have received from me at some point in their lives, whether it be through breakup's, new jobs or even their wedding day!

"Oh! the Places You'll Go"

Congratulations!

Today is your day.

You’re off to Great Places!

You’re off and away!

You have brains in your head.

You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself any direction you choose.
You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the guy who’ll decide where to go...


Oh! The Places You’ll Go!


You’ll be on your way up!

You’ll be seeing great sights!
You’ll join the high fliers who soar to high heights.


You won’t lag behind, because you’ll have the speed. You’ll pass the whole gang and you’ll soon take the lead. Wherever you fly, you’ll be best of the best. Wherever you go, you will top all the rest.


Except when you don’t.

Because, sometimes, you won’t.


I’m sorry to say so but, sadly, it’s true that Bang-ups and Hang-ups can happen to you.


You’ll get mixed up, of course, as you already know. You’ll get mixed up with many strange birds as you go. So be sure when you step. Step with care and great tact and remember that Life’s a Great Balancing Act. Just never forget to be dexterous and deft. And never mix up your right foot with your left.


And will you succeed?

Yes! You will, indeed!
(98 and ¾ percent guaranteed.)


Kid, you’ll move mountains!

So…be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray or Mordecai Ale Van Allen O’Shea, you’re off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting.
So…get on your way!

Collected!

If this little book is anything to go by, I'd imagine Kristin Hove's facebook friends list to look like the role call at a UN convention. Kristin collected her favourite recipes from friends around the world (a multicultural melting pot of simple and delicious recipes).

These recipes are meant to be shared and enjoyed in the company of someone you love. We love the mango pancakes and chicken, pomegranate and walnut casserole...Yum!

From Latvia or Germany, there is sure to be a recipe to delight the inner Nanna in you!