So much to blog!

My friend Maria gave me this gorgeous chocolate cake recipe yesterday morning on facebook. I had friends calling over in the afternoon so I decided to try it. Well...it was very rich, very chocolaty and very moist- everything a chocolate cake should be!
I decorated the icing with grated chocolate and fresh flowers from my potted plants. Thanks Maria for this recipe- I'll definitely be baking this cake again!...or maybe I shouldn't!!!!ha

This is the cutest little outfit that my cousin Steph and her family bought for Finn. I know the photo isn't the clearest and I didn't catch Finn at his best (hehe) but he's wearing the sweetest overalls and such a soft little top. He stayed in it all day yesterday and it was perfect for our snowy weather here! Thanks a million Steph!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mum bought this cute little set for Finn. It's by the Australian company BONDS and it the best fabric for babies- soft towelling. he had just had a lovely long warm bath and we put him straight into this to wear for the evening and to bed. He was so comfy and cosy, he slept like a dream!

Tiger Crosbie

Latest snaps of Finn!

Mixed Media Textiles

Here is the finished piece I have been working on today. I started with a fabulous fabric base that my mum had sent over to me here. She has made a really cool/quirky skirt out of it and thought I'd like the scraps. Then I covered some self-covered buttons with a selection of different fabrics, one of which I had screen printed. I used felt for the hearts because it doesn't fray and added a few sequins, small beads and hand stitching. The big orange heart with diamante on it is a fun buckle that has been sitting in my craft stash for ages. I've just been waiting for the right project to use it on. I framed the fabric in an ornate looking black frame that has a bit of red raspberry colour coming through. Not bad for an afternoon of playing around!

Now to find a place to put it???

Still Icey

Yesterday the snow was still falling here, it's super cold outside, but cosy inside! We took some snaps with Finn just outside the appartment, this snow is his first!

Valentine's Day Creation

So the pressure is on to create something for St Valentines day...not by my husband but by my friend Nula. She has been mad busy baking loads of heart shaped cupcakes, truffles, chocolates etc and making fabulous heart shaped decorations for her 'Valentines Day Tree'. So I'm here today going through some of my crafty supplies...I'm hoping some inspiration comes to me from this batch of goodies. Wish me luck and check back here soon to see if I could come up with anything...send me a miracle!!!

It's Snowing!!!

Today is pretty chilly...there is beautiful snow here in Dublin- the most I've seen since arriving here. Peter took Finn for a walk in the snow today. We rugged him up so he was toastie though and put his rain sheild over his buggy. I was way too cold to set out with them, so I stayed in and drank hot tea!
Tommorrow is meant to be the same- yikes!

Cute Kitchen Goodies

So in order to be a better baker...a girl needs some cute supplies right?...my recent purchaces!!!!

Baking and a cup of charlie

So on my baking bender I made this delicious orange cake. I was suprised how yummy it was. The icing was scrumptous, mainly butter and icing sugar with freshly squeezed orange juice. It looks a little 'organic', hehe but I was pleased with the way it turned out and so was Peter!

We had a lovely dinner the other night and finished it off with homemade cake and a cup of tea.

My Friend Nula- an inspiration!

This is my friend Nula pictured here with Finn 2 weeks ago. She is such a great person and I love spending time with her. I wanted to show you the gorgeous gifts that she has bought and made for me recently for no reason at all!

This first image is a cookie canister that she decorated for me because she know I am trying to learn how to bake. Best of all it was filled with mouth watering rocky road! Yummmmo. She is fabulous at baking and can make anything. I'm okay with cooking meals etc but baking and deserts is something I just fancy trying these days seeing I'm at home alot more with Finn. She has used gorgeous ribbons and tiny little flower transfers to decorate the glass. She made the cupcake motif attached to the outside and filled in the lid with cute little cupcake paper. The only problem is that I keep filling up the cookie jar and someone keeps emptying it...and it isn't Finn. Any ideas Peter?

Nula also bought me this gorgeous little love heart bowl that is perfect for filling with cream or chocolates. I really love it and have purchased two big hot chocolate mugs to match it!

And lastly, the beautiful Greengate napkin/teacloth. It's perfect for laying afternoon tea out on. It's just the most feminine floral print you could find.

Aren't they all beautiful things? Aren't I so lucky?

Thanks Nula!!!!

My Little Man

Finn wasn't in great form this weekend- a little more restless than usual...still a little angel though. Here are the latest pics taken this past week of him.