One Small Change, Whole New Frame

I have just discovered TK Maxx. How did it take me so long?

Being in the house almost 2 years now we need to get personalising and what better way to do that than with photos. To put up nice photos you need some nice frames but these can be expensive.

To the discount shops!!!

My friends have been raving about TK Maxx for years now and although there is one nearby I just couldn't face the chaos of the jumbles of clothes. BUT, now that I have a house to furnish its ideal for accessories and furnishings. 

I picked up two small but sweet photo frames, an ornate wooden one and a shell one that I adore. 

The wooden one was sweet but a bit on the ugly side colour wise so I thought Id jazz it up a bit with some gold paint. 

A pack of Judson's Gold Paint has been hugging the bottom of my craft box for years now. Ive just discovered that its no longer manufactured but similar gold or gold leaf paint is easily picked up at your local craft shop.

This little package is so old that the medium leaked all over the box but after prising the lid off with a pliers there was just enough left to mix up some gold paint. How gorgeous does the gold look mixing with the medium?

Bit of prep work first. Give the frame a good clean if its an oldie to remove any grease. Remove the glass to keep it nice and clean.

Time to get painting. 

Simply coat the frame in paint. Allow to dry and if necessary apply a second coat. Ta-daaaaaaa far too easy if you ask me!!

But, what a transformation!! 

So give it a go. Any acrylic paint will look great. My next one will be salmon pink. Can't wait!!

Nic x

Rhubarb Buns

Summer time means Rhubarb time!! So many things to make but where to start. 

My son isn't the biggest cake fan but wow does he like a good bun so buns it is. Stewed rhubarb is the easiest thing in the world to make and is amazing with so many things, custard, ice-cream, rice pudding and now my mums buns.

Here in the emerald isle buns are cupcakes!


Mum and I used to make these with apples when I was little and I loved to help her out scooping the layers of cake mix and stewed apples. For a little change we used rhubarb.

So grab the kids, get messy and have fun making buns!!








Ingredients

For the stewed rhubarb. (This is my version but most families have their own methods and ingredients for this so go with what you know.)

• 2 medium thickness rhubarb stalks
• 1 tbsp caster sugar
• 1 tbsp water

For the bun mixture

• 175g self raising flour
• 150g butter softened
• 150g caster sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Method

1. Chop the rhubarb into half inch pieces and place into a saucepan. Add the sugar and water.
2. On a high heat bring the rhubarb to the boil. Reduce the heat to the lowest setting and cover.
3. Stew the rhubarb for 10-15 mins until soft. Set aside to cool.
4. Pre-heat the oven to 180°C/350°F
5. Place all of the ingredients for the buns mixture into a food processor.
6. Mix on the lowest setting until all the ingredients have combined into a smooth batter.
7. Spoon a heaped teaspoon of batter into the bun cases and spread to ensure the base is covered
8. Spoon a teaspoon of  rhubarb on top of this.
9. Fill the bun cases with the remaining batter.
10. Bake in the middle of the oven for 20 minutes until they are golden in colour and a skewer comes away clean when inserted into the centre of a bun.

Be warned the rhubarb will be piping hot after baking so allow time to cool before tucking in.

Enjoy

Nic x

Easy Carrot and Ginger Soup

After a mini Irish heatwave the chills have returned to the breeze so that calls for some warming soup.

My wonderful mother-in-law cooked myself and her hubby some stunning carrot soup a few weeks back and I have been keen to piece together a recipe for myself.

Im usually cooking for one or two on a day to day basis so this is a handy soup that can be whipped up in a few minutes!!

Serves 2-3

Ingredients:

• 3 large carrots peeled and diced
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 cloves grated/crushed garlic
• 1/2 medium onion diced
• 500ml chicken stock
• 1 tbsp vegetable or rapeseed oil
• Salt and pepper

Method:

1. Add the oil to a medium/large saucepan and heat to a medium heat.
2. Add the onion. Reducing the heat to low. Sauté the onion for 5 minutes until soft. Do not allow to brown or burn.
3. Add the ginger and garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add the carrots.
5. Pour over the chicken stock and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the carrots are tender.
6. Blitz the soup to a smooth consistency using a blender or a hand blender. If its very thick add some water to achieve your desired consistency.
7. Season to taste and serve.

Notes: Add a pinch of nutmeg for some extra spice.

Hope it warms the cockles,

Nic x

Spring Time Fun Time

Spring in Ireland....cold, warm, rainy, stormy, sunny, snowy....you name it we have it but because its spring we can't resist getting out there. 

Did you all plant your spring bulbs? My tulips and daffodils are coming into bloom and I can't but love the sight of them. They just bring a smile to the saddest of gardens....which at the moment ours is, mossy grass, a sick cherry blossom and cement walls. 

Getting your teeth into a new garden is no mean feat, or a cheap one. Its so hard to resist all the beautiful shrubs and plants in the garden centres but if the ground work isn't done theres no point. So watch this space for our garden revamp. Its gonna be fab!

Ive allowed myself a few tulips and daffys this year and Im so thrilled I did.

Our local park is to die for, its a large house on an enormous estate and was only recently opened to the public. It has beautiful walks by a roaring river and sneaky paths through scented canopies that we can't resist. 

My son is 4 now and is loving that his little legs can take him on adventures through paths carved out by nosey dogs sniffing out rabbits. I can only imagine how he must think its a wonderland all for himself!! We go almost every day and he's still not sick of the new nooks and crannies we find. We are a very lucky duo.

          

So wrap up and get out there it will be worth your while.

Nic x