Its no surprise I am a major foodie. My first job was as a short order cook...I was 15. I cook for anyone all the time because I love to.

No lie. I would love to one day own my own small bistro. But I think I will have to stick retail for a while, it happens that I love that just as much:) ANYWAY (way long intro) For my mothers day I was treated to a brand new copy of "Miss Sophies voluptuous Delights" former model turned writer Sophie Dahl has put together some of her wonderfully wholesome feasty recipes. To my delight she stands by her use of butter and full creams and various other indulgences and notes that really good quality ingredients in moderation are so much better for you than diet, slimmer modified foods. The book is lovely and I am loving the biography of her life in between the recipes. I was given this book as I had just sat down to my happy mothers day/Stuarts birthday breakfast of bacon and maple syrup pancakes. Ethan told me as I woke up" Mum you need to make pancakes for mother's day" Then he made sure I only ate three and he had 7. yes where this skinny 6 year old puts it is anyones guess. So then is was a lazy day of walks on the beach and family fun. Then the kids and I did some secret shopping for Dad's birthday dinner.

We skipped lunch just so that we could stuff ourselves on calamari strips with whipped basil aoli. Then Prawn, crab and salmon pasta in a cream and white wine sauce with crusty bread. Lovely Lindauer Sav bubbles, some birthday cake and ice cream to finish. It was a great feast
but nearly 17 hours since we ate that meal and I'm still not hungry. *note to self "don't do that again till Christmas"

In honour of every parent out there the limited edition poster "Actually I am the boss of you" will available in store next week so check them out. $8 each. have a great week!

lovely pin cushions ($12-18) and cake stands($48) by Sam Treister

beautiful ceramic butterflies for the wall $38

Mothers Day is Sunday 9th May !

She is not perfect.

she can be irritable. Of course leaving a mess on the floor is not exactly the best way to show her you care.

She can embarrass you with tales of your youth in front of a not so close friend.

She has a super ability to ask about the one thing you actually don't want to talk about.

She has a hundred ways of driving you crazy. however...

For some lucky people that woman is kind and gentle when you are a broken winged bird.

She can keep a secret and locked away. That thing you wish no one would know to protect you from harm.

She has a million ways of being proud of you. Even for stuff that is kind of dorky. (ehemm...singing the national anthem for a high school wrestling tournament, shame!)

There is an affection for this woman that, now I'm a mother, is stronger than ever. It's a terrible pain in me when I miss her. (even when she can be a "terrible pain"...even when I'm a "terrible pain":) I was very fortunate to spend 5 days recently with my mum, whom came for a visit. It had been nearly a year since our last. Take it from me, Please take this special day Sunday May 9th to remind her of all the ways she is special and different, kind and generous. She needs to hear it. And to all you Mums out there I hope you get treated to something very special, even if it's a hug and a cuppa tea.

*the above picture was taken of five generations of women in my family. Shorty there after the eldest, my grandmother passed away. She had celebrated her 90th birthday and was very loved. we miss her and hope to live our lives in her honour.

Back in store with new designs is Apple & Bee.

Apple & Bee use certified organic cotton, bamboo silk and hemp and burlap calico. They are carbon neutral. Part of all their proceeds go to environmental organizations. They are 100% Aussie owned. Their products are Super pretty and super durable. the overnight bag is my FAVORITE thing in the world right this minute.

I love it more than chocolate and that's a lot.

look at this lovely Picture from Ruth who attended our Lucky Dip Nite.

It looks great in her house and she says...

"I'm wrapped to have completed a project I use regularly"

Thanks Ruth that is just what I like to hear.

This month we made Earring Displays to hang on your bedroom wall using old frames or embroidery hoops, recycled crochet tablecloths and embellished with wee fabric motifs or buttons. Some of my pics didn't turn out and for that I'm sorry because the ones that didn't turnout were lovely works. I'm still having to use my camera on my phone so apologies for quality of pics. Anyway the class was packed and we had a blast. Thanks to everyone who came out on the night. It was so much fun to see the familiar faces and meet you newbies as well. Have a great weekend. x mindy

Okay, you're a mother, you are by all accounts stressed for time and for what ever reason the birthday gods are not being kind and you are running out of time to make a birthday cake...Meri Meri to the rescue! These cupcake kits are perfect.

$32.50 comes with 24 decor sticks and 24 cups. That's 12 cupcakes for the party kids and 12 for you to indulge on for a week after the party:) just kidding, 15 for the Party kids and five for you.

Below is my fast but fabulous recipe for the fast perfect cupcakes

CAKE

1 BOX Edmonds or Duncan Hines cake mix.

*tip add tsp of real vanilla to mix and they will taste like you made from scratch. Burry the box at the bottom of the rubbish bin and sit back like a Cheshire cat as everyone compliments you.

Frosting: DO not use frosting provided in box. it's crap.

Mindy's Cream Cheese Frosting

3 tbsp cream cheese (lite is actually better than full)

2 tbsp margarine (less fat than butter and pipes better)

1/2 lemon squeezed

confectioner/powdered sugar to consistency (about a cup maybe more)

1/2 tsp real vanilla

blend on high till fluffy and smooth.
pipe on (really great for piping) or use knife.

soooo yum.

New handmade collectible soft plushy friends from minu.
Now these critters are FOREVER friends. Each one handmade and stuffed with the highest quality poly fill and the most gorgeous imported cotton pile "fur". come in and have a cuddle and if you are a suitable family we MIGHT let you adopt:)

this months crafty lucky dip (held last week) was totally fun and easy to create yourself. We made little embroidered notes that slip into a fabric envelope keyring. some of the guests wrote afirmations for themselves some were love notes to others and some were just silly fun. These would make a great idea for someone going away that needs a reminder of you or a permanent valentine or xmas card. check out the dates for the next Lucky Dip meet ups. I've located them in a new easy to find location just under the blog header of this page in bright orange.

Oh my, my, my!

they are stunning and so gorgeous I immediatly cut a meter from each and sent of to have lampshades made. so so excited to see those. I can't wait for the weekend to sew up a storm.

If you have a project you need a special fabric for...you need to get in to see us. I promise it will be worth your while.

These are the last days to catch

TK SASSA's original stenciled artwork. She also co-owns a wee little gallery in Featherston where I discovered her work. It's called the "The Flaming Artichoke". Worth a visit if you are in the area. We've been so privelaged to show this work for the last few months. If you haven't seen it up close it's breathtaking and a feast of colour and build up of emotion in each piece.

New in store, Sewcherry totes only $49 each, yes i know affordable aren't they? I've done this latest range in beautiful Japanese linen from our importer Stitchbird fabrics. We are also expecting a new shipment anyday now of the newest range of fabric so watch this space!

Also, check out the newest range of bibs, zip purses, and jewelery from sewcherry. Always well made and affordable.

Miss Cupcake is just about the cutest range of jewelry we've had. It's hand made by artist Julia Warzniak of Wellington. One of our best sellers too. She's just launched a new range of brooches and rings and as always her earrings are in store.

Also it's wedding season and boy am I excited.

I love meeting with the happy summer bride to sort it all out and even more happy to be a part of the special day. If you know someone who's getting hitched ask them to give me a call or email to provide a free quote.

Newtown Festival this weekend Sunday 7th March. As always it's gonna be fabulous!!! Bands, Buskers, stalls, FOOD, loads more. Don't miss it. And yes we will be open on the day and heaps of new product we've made special as well as some limited edition posters I've created. it's a must do on your calendar.

SEE YOU THERE!

Ya that's right we are BACK! Lucky Dip craft nights are Rockin' Another year! This month we made patchwork clip boards. Definately went over a treat with the group as it was great fun slappin on the glue like kindy days of old. We hope to see you all next month Thursday March 18th at 7:30pm. We have about 6 spots left so book soon.

sooooo what are YOU sending or giving this Valentine's? Roses are lovely and classic but what about something bit different? We asked our friends what the two most romantic movies of all time where and these are the bunches we designed in thier honour...

"The Notebook" peach & yellow bunch (gerbera, lily, bells of ireland, sedum,lizzianthus sunflowers create a sexy summer feel )

"Somewhere in time" lavender & purple bunch (Dark Calla lily, Antique delilah roses, alstromeria, sedum,lizzianthus create a romatic feel)

If you'd like to order your mixed bunch just say Delux $100 or Standard $55 and what colourway/movie theme you'd like.