Pinterest - I'm on!

 Having an Etsy store, I noticed some time back a new button on my pages; "Pin it". as I often do I went to twitter and asked friends what it is: "It's Pinterest, and you need an invitation". I left it there for a while, and someone invited me to join, but I did nothing about it. Too many urgent things to take care of. Yesterday I had a look at it again, and now I'm there.

One of the first thing I did was to make a board with styles and clothes I like. I have added the photos here. It's fun to surf the internet and collect all the nice and inspiering photos in just a click or two.  I was warned by friend that Pinterest can be addictive, and I think that is a timely warning!


There are still functions that I don't know, but it was pretty easy to get started. I learn as I go along.

Here are some of the photos I have pinned on the boared I have called  "My Style".


One could get the impression that I wish I lived in another time, but no. There are so many beautiful styles available today that we all can live in one "time" one day and a different time the next!

If you want to see more of my boards I am elineof on Pinterest. Looking forward to seeing you there!

There are no such day as ordinary days!

The festive season is over and all the trimming and fairy lights are packed away. January is back to work and back to routine. Nature is sleeping and days are shorter. I don't really like the sound of it. I look for January remedies all the time. I brisk walk in cold nipping air on a clear winters day is just the thing for me on a weekend. Another great way to cheer you up is to surround yourself with friends in a happy setting. I think many of don't do that often enough. I certainly feel that I have to tidy and clean and decorate and bake and you name it... before I can invite people around for a little party. Lower the ambitions and look for quick fixes!

What matters is that we get together and laugh a bit. Here are some of my favourite quick fixes to create a setting that lifts us out to the daily routine. 

A few fun effects makes an unforgettable setting! 

Disposable table ware creates a new setting for everyone. There are so many fun and fantastic desings to choose from. I love the range from Talking Tables in England. Their cack stands and sandwich trays are made to lift the spirit! 

Food is a must. You can ask everyone to bring something and keep in mind that you don't have to cook anything your self. You make the setting, friends bring the food. 

If you feel like cooking I find Tablespoon.com one of many useful sites for tasty and quick recipes. At Rock UR Party you find many tips for planning, food and settings. 

Drinks are easy to cater for. Either you buy or they bring. Why not try an afternoon tea party and brew a pot or two of classic tea? 

Disposable table ware saves you a lot of time cleaning and allows you to create a new style without having to own five different sets of plates... and store them too. If you would like to throw a "clean start for the new year" party, check out the disposable table ware from Wasara.

Photo courtesy of branchhome.com

 

I hope you have found some inspiration to have a party!  And a word of advice;  make sure you get more energy form the party, than arranging it takes form you! 

Make every day a little special. 

Photo courtesy of marieclaireidees.com

A little treat

It's Christmas and sweets are all around! I have a few favourites that I like to share with you. When I enjoy a cup of tea it's a treat to have a bicuit too. I found this recipe for gigerbread biscotti in the net some time ago and what I find! I even think they are slightly healthier that my favourite shortbreads.

 

 

Gingerbread Biscotti Recipe:

Set the oven temperatur to 175 C (350F)

3/4 cup (100 grams) walnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped (can also use pecans or hazelnuts)

1 cup (100 grams) old fashioned rolled oats

1 3/4 cups (225 grams) all purpose flour

3/4 cup (160 grams) dark brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

2 large eggs

1/4 cup (60 ml) unsulphured molasses (such as Grandma's Molasses)

2 tablespoons light olive oil (or corn oil)

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

3/4 cup (95 grams) dark or golden raisins


 

Mix together the oats, flour, sugar and baking powder, baking soda and spices. In a separate bowl whisk together eggs, molasses. oil, add vanilla extract. In a mixer, slowly add the dry mix to the egg mix. When it is well mixed, add nuts and raisins and beat just until incorporated.

Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and divide the dough in half. Form each half into a log about 30 cm (12") long and 5 cm (2") wide. Transfer the logs onto a baking sheet lined with greased paper. Bake for 30 min at 175 C (350F).

Reduce the oven heat to 150 C (300F)

Remove from oven and cool on rack for about 10 min. Transfer the logs to a cutting board and cut 2cm (3/4") slices on the diagonal. Place the biscottis, cut side down, on a baking sheet. Bake for 5 to 8 minutes and turn the slices over on the other side and bake for 5 to 8 minutes until dry and firm.

Cool on rack until completely cool.

The biscotti can be stored in airtight container for several weeks! Make a cup of tea or coffee and enjoy!

Merry Christmas

It's tea time!

Call me old fashion, but I do like a propper tea! In a busy life style I value the small opportunitie to stop and relax. What better way to take a time out than to make a good, warming tasty cup of tea and enjoy it from a beautiful tea set?

Try to cut down on sugar these days, so coockies are not on the menue. I make exceptions for the weekend though, no regimes should be so hard that it can't be upheld!

I enjoy my cookies virtually during the week. Take a look at these works of art that I found on Etsy! I guess that I would not eat them is I had them, who could?! If you can't resist them got to Sweet Ambs on Etsy!

A beautiful mug is a must for a lovely tea time. I found this at Upscale Yard sale on Etsy.

Enjoy your tea!

The mushroom hunt is on!

Autumn is a lovely time of the year. It's harvest time and time to get redy for a long indoor season. Last weekend we stayde at some friends nice little cabin in the woods. With no electricity and candles every where, great food on the table and nice wine it was set to be really nice. On Saturday, equiped with wicker baskets, we headed out into the mushroom forest. It was really foggy, and the forest took on a mysterious feel.


Our generous freinds gave all their catch to us, so the freezer is well stocked with mushroom and so are jars with dried ones! I will use the frozen mushroom for stwes and risotto. The dried is used in sauces and to add flavor.


I guess it was the weekend in the woods that inspierd me to pick uo the needle felthing when I got home and make acorns and mushrooms!