Accepting a new challenge......from my workroom!

I have just been inspired by another blog I somehow stumbled on.....and it is just the challenge I need at the moment. If you saw the excess in my workroom, you would understand why!!!

Here is the challenge, it is called the 52 Marvelous Makes Madness Challenge. It is EXACTLY that. Make ...and finish an article / new recipe / new creation in the garden / makeover at home....whatever, each week for the next 52 weeks. Simple really. Now, just to DO IT!!!!!

I have started on a positive note already, clearing out the mending basket. So, I will keep this as my challenge for WEEK # 1. I will take a photograph of the most amazing repair at the end of the week. Wait for it!!!

One good reason for this challenge is that by Christmas time I would have created many gifts.....I am counting the weeks to Christmas. We have 17 WEEKS TO GO!!!!! Keep watching this space to see my creations!

One special dress, my wedding dress requires some TLC......Maybe this will get done as well?

On a cold, wet and miserable day in Cape Town, I find inspiration in.......

....well, in my garden of course!!! Yes, I am crazy enough to go out on this grey day and take photographs!

Firstly, my favourite, as already mentioned, the nasturtium leaves with sparkling rain drops. Have a close look at all the magical little droplets of water clinging onto the stems of the flowers....absolutely spectacular. 

My next green inspiration comes from my other favourite herb, mint. I have an interesting collection of mint, and am always looking for more! Once again, I am attracted to the rain drops on the leaves....beautiful !!!

My final 'green stop' is at another beautiful leaf ...all shiny and begging to be noticed....the simple ivy. I just love the different shades of green, the contrasting  textures ...from the shiny leaf to the smooth stone to the coarse earth. Now go and find some earthy inspiration in your garden.......you will be amazed at what you will find if you look hard enough!

....Back in my garden picking tomatoes...

But, beware the 'Tomato Thieves' are out there as well.....I have serious competition. It comes in 2 x 4 legged Blonde friends.....Golden Retrievers named Purdy and Olivia.

When picking my choice is, for the compost, for the dogs, or for the kitchen??????

Back into my garden today!

What does one do when you go to the grocery cupboard and there is no more tomato and onion mix?
The answer is easy.....go into the garden and pick the tomatoes....even if they are the delightful, sweet and juicy baby tomatoes!!!

They are so easy to grow...just allow a couple to become over ripe, squash them so that all the seeds burst out, and go and plant. Wait, watch and water....and you will soon have your own baby tomatoes in YOUR garden! Have fun!

My Winter Garden!

Oh what a pleasure not to have to run around after the sprinkler....well for the time being that is!
The garden is green and lush, and mainly left to its own devices at the moment, hence the photograph of the nasturtium. Their bright coloured flowers are so appealing in winter, and I just love looking at dew drops sparkling on their large leaves.

Sunday's like this are made for hot bowls of soup..........

Tomato, Onion and Pilchard Soup

And my choice would be a quick fix like this Tomato, onion and pilchard soup.
To prepare in a flash, saute x 1 onion, add herbs, garlic, salt and pepper.
Add 1 can tomato and onion mix, and 1 can pilchards in tomato sauce ( the chilli one if you like).
Add 1 cube of chicken stock mixed with water, and simmer.
If you have any leftover  pasta stir in for a heartier soup.
My final finishing touch is some grated lemon rind.....it just lifts the flavour.

You will also be hooked on this easy, economical and tasty soup. Enjoy.

My first blog!

Well, since everyone else has one....time for me to follow the crowd!