Life's a Hoot!!!

Good afternoon!!

I know I've been a bit quiet with blogging recently, despite all the blogging I do in my head- getting to the computer is a bit of a challenge sometimes! And you know how it is... the words in your head are fantastic and you have that 'if only I'd actually written that down I'd win awards'!!

But the reason for my absent-ness is I've been busy at my sewing machine. I've been building up some stock for some upcoming markets and for my Etsy store - House of Nicnax. 

 

My Etsy store has been on my mind a little bit recently. I haven't been able to devote as much attention to it as I would like. I was pretty much ready to shut up shop for a bit and maybe re open at Christmas time - when - as I sign from the crafting universe - I made two more sales! (yes only two but that's huge for me!) So then I starting thinking -

I was thinking back to a time about 5 years ago when I had to return back to work after having my second bub. I remember thinking "if I could do anything what would it be?" I thought ultimately I would love to just craft and sell my craft whilst spending time at home with my family.

Well here I am, 5 years later and I'm at home and I have an Etsy store!

Obviously sales don't anywhere near equal a second wage, but I have what I want now I just have to make it work!!

So back to my original point....I have been busy sewing and listing in my store!

 Here's a sneak peak of my latest additions!

 

Feel free to pop by and have a look at my store! You can find it HERE

 

Do you own an Esty store or have a favourite store you visit? Pop a link in the comments - I'd love to come see!

Cookies!

Baking time again!
This time it is my all time favourite cookie recipe! I just love this one - it is so easy and so versatile! But there is one problem with it..... it is not one bit healthy.... but nevertheless - absolutely delicious!

 

 

Recipe:

 

180g softened butter

100g caster sugar

1 egg

2 tsp vanilla essence

200g plain flour

50g self raising flour

 

Combine butter, sugar, vanilla and egg, then add the flours. Mix with a wooden spoon until it forms a dough.

Roll out dough to be about 1cm thick.

Cut cookies and bake at 180 for 10-15 mins (leave longer for crunchier)

 

As I say this recipe is so versatile. These are some of my favourite extras to add to vary the recipe-

 

:: coconut and raisin

:: instant coffee (dissolve a sachet in 1 tsp hot water first then add)

:: cherry and choc chip (a good one for Christmas)

:: poppy seeds and orange juice



Back to School Fun

Well it has definitely been a busy morning in my house today. First day back at school for the year for the boys. Now they are both in full time school, leaving me and bub to be at home.
Of course things never quite go as smoothly as we like, so due to teething issues, I was up half the night with little Miss - giving me probably around 2-3 hours sleep!
Then up and at it for school this morning! Luckily I had organised some bits last night and hubby did more than his fair share this morning - so I could sleep in!

School drop off was a breeze with both boys being excited to be back with their friends. No tears from anyone (not even me), a first EVER!

Then the new year really started for me. My new job. YAY! Stay at home mum! I have always wanted to be home, and now I am. Now it is up to me to work out a routine to fit everything in. This lap-top of mine can get quite tempting. With Facebook, Blogger, Etsy and just general web surfing, hours can pass, without even knowing it! (but I'm sure you get that too!)

So with bub having an early nap, I got on with some much needed owl making for my upcoming market this weekend, I did a half hour workout - as per my new years promises to myself, I have baked a batch of cheesy-mite scrolls, and currently have some jam scolls cooking away too! Yay for me. And now I have almost completed a blog entry -  just as bub is waking up.

So all round I think I have had a successful morning - and its not even 1 o'clock yet!

Lets hope this can continue for the rest of the year!