Tuesday 27 August 2013

Crochet Giraffe


This little guy was my first adventure into the world of amigurumi - or crochet stuffed toys.
I thought I was biting off more than I could chew but luckily I could read the pattern and I think he turned out pretty well!

It was pretty fiddly making the tiny horns and it took a bit of effort to sew the pieces together. My favourite part was trying to get the stuffing down the skinny arms and legs!



I used Emmas free pattern over at I Love Buttons By Emma.

I had caught the ami bug and as soon as this guy was done I started on another. This time in a solid colour with white accents. I accidentally changed up the pattern a bit, making the neck longer and thinner and the head shorter. Pattern following is not my strong point, I tend to pick up and drop stitches like there is tomorrow but I wing it until it looks right. Which is why knitting is not for me.


They are already best of friends.

My next attempt is going to be a version of Sonic the Hedgehog. Winging this one too. Wish me luck!

Wednesday 14 August 2013

Milk Tart (Melktert) Recipe - Gluten Free

Milk Tart (or Melktert) is a South African favourite.
I was introduced to this delicious cinnamon smothered custard tart by my Sister-in-law and her South African hubby. My SIL is gluten intolerant and she made a similar version but I thought I would give you the recipe I adapted.
I am warning you now that it is pretty addictive!

Gluten Free Milk Tart



Base:

Gluten Free biscuits come in varying packet weights so the amount of butter you will need will also vary.

- 1 packet of Gluten Free biscuits (150-250g) (Plain is best but I used Gingernuts and it was delicious!)
- Melted butter - for 150g biscuits use 90g butter
                         - for 250g biscuits use 130g butter

- Crush biscuits in a food processor and mix with melted butter.
- Press into a LINED tart tin or pie dish, pressing biscuits up the sides of the tin as well as on the base.
- Refrigerate while making the filling.

Filling:

4 ½ cups milk
2 ½ Tbsp cornflour
3/4 cup sugar
3 eggs
pinch of salt
2 ½ Tbsp gluten free flour
1 tsp vanilla essence
1 Tbsp butter

- Bring milk to the boil.
- Beat eggs well in a large bowl and add sugar, flour, cornflour and salt. Mix well.
- Pour the boiling milk into the egg mixture and stir well.
- Return milk mixture to the stove on a medium heat and stir constantly.
- Keep stirring until the mixture thickens to a custard consistency.
- Add vanilla and butter and mix in.
- Pour mixture into the biscuit base and smooth the top.
- Sprinkle liberally with cinnamon and allow to cool and set in the fridge.
- Enjoy!




Sunday 4 August 2013

The Time I Trashed My Wedding Dress

To be honest, right now I am in some sort of creative slump. But I know that it will pass and I am just enjoying spending my free nights snuggled up by the fire watching Breaking Bad with Dave and Killer.

So to give you a bit of awesomeness to get you through the rainy week I thought I would share with you some of my favourite photos from the time I did a Trash the Dress photoshoot.
My amazing friend Adele from Adele Krantz Photography took me out for the day and we found the most amazing spots to shoot in. Plus she even did my hair and makeup for me!

This was way back in April 2010 so most of these landmarks have either been destroyed or significantly changed since the earthquakes. We used the old Sale Yards on Deans Ave, Christchurch and Sumner Beach, Christchurch.

A Trash the Dress Photoshoot is basically another excuse to get some great pictures of you in your wedding dress. It can be done with or without your partner. There are no limits to how creative you want the photos to be - I got my dress wet, I have seen others use brightly coloured paints or gone up trees or been under a waterfall - basically anything you think would look epic that is not logistically possible on your wedding day! I also wanted some photos of me wearing my trusty Chuck Taylor's. 














Adele did a great job right! I'm not usually this photogenic! P.S - That water was FREEZING!
xx 

Please don't re-use these images without my permission
Credit to Adele Krantz
Not a sponsored post - just seriously love these photos!!