Sweet Mary

Over the last few years I have read bits and pieces on blogs about "no-knead bread". The idea of not having to knead the bread is strangely attractive to me. Unusual I know, as most people love the kneading bit and feel they can meditate while doing so. Today, I finally baked the loaf pictured above. I started it yesterday, checking occasionally to see what interesting things were happening. It only has 1/4 teaspoon of yeast so its a slow riser. Its mean't to cook for 30 minutes but it looked so brown at 25 minutes that I took it out early. Its delicious but probably should have had the slightly extra time as it is very moist. If you try this recipe you may need to play around with the timings a bit. The men in my life have declared it a winner though so I will be cooking it again, quite soon. Click here for the recipe but also read Jane Brocket's post on the same bread - find it in her Archives section, August 2010. Scroll down to August 21st and do read more of h...

I went to Auckland this last weekend to see my friend Kate. We had a few things planned which involved Kate driving me around alot so I thought she should be the recipient of a Sweet Mary cushion. It turned out really well and there are more to be made but each cushion in this range will be a one off Sweet Mary handmade. I will be selling them on my stall at the fairs listed. We went to the Auckland Vintage Textile Fair and after a few hours of determined looking and hot flushes we came away with bags of treasures. I found a gorgeous old quilt for $20 !!! and other vintage pieces of fabric, none of which I want to part with. We also missed out on other beauties because we just couldn't make up our minds quickly enough. Needless to say we have already decided that we will be going next year. We also feasted on some of the delicious goodies available at La Cigale Farmers Market in Parnell. So much, its hard to choose but we forced ourselves. Thirty-six hours in the big smoke a...

All set up and ready to go at the beginning of my four day stint at the CHB Festival last week. Its always a fantastically social event at this first of the spring fairs to be held in Hawkes Bay. I had a really good spot this year in the Ruataniwha room but unfortunately this excellent spot did not equal excellent sales which means I probably won't attend this fair again as a stall holder. Of course, this means I can go as a visitor and have fun all day. In terms of exposure though its probably a good thing and I got to chat to lots of great people and swap ideas. My super talented husband took these wonderful photos of the views from the venue. We are lucky to live in one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Please click on Catherine's name to read her post about the beautiful double parma violets in her garden. I read it and wanted some in my garden too. So, a quick trip over to her "filled with pretty things" house and gorgeous garden and I came away with a boxful to plant in my own. And plant them I have.