Wrap up warm

I knit for people I love. That's my way of showing that I care about them. And some time ago I developed particular fondness for the 'entrelac' pattern.

It looks impressive and you can use as many colours as you want. And it makes the knitted fabric very warm. What you see here are couple of winter snoods that I made for my friends and family. I learnt the technique from a book (I had to adjust it a bit, as what I knit is a seamless tube and not a rectangle) but you'll find many great video tutorials on the Internet. If you need any tips from me, ask away!

Make most of your meal

 

I don't dine out often. Partly because I can't afford it, and partly because I get too excited, feel adventurous and tend to order something that turns out to be quite disgusting. Having said that, on those occasions when I get it right, I enjoy eating out thoroughly. And to help me decide which fine establishments I will grace with my presence I use SRA (The Sustainable Restaurants Association) website. Member restaurants can be rated between one and three stars. 'To get rated restaurants are examined in 14 key focus areas and provide detailed evidence to support their answers across three main sustainability categories - Sourcing, Environmental and Society.' (www.thesra.org) In other words - they are good and deserve to be rewarded for their efforts with your custom.

 

SRA's latest initiative - Too Good To Waste tackles a restaurant food waste problem. I am never shy about asking for a doggy bag for my leftovers but now I will get them in a stylish, 100% biodegradable box. Result!

'On the twelfth day of Christmas....'

Do you know anyone who doesn't overindulge during the festive season? I don't. That's why we all need a bit of a detox this time of year. Frankly, I think that fancy yogurts and herbal infusions are overrated. I go for a simple breakfast that is high in complex carbs, dairy-free and delicious.

 

My recipe was inspired by several versions found on the net. You need just five ingredients:

• fine cornmeal
• coconut milk
• ground cinnamon
• vanilla pod (or extract)
• runny honey / golden syrup

Mix one part cornmeal with enough water to make it a thin paste, pour into four parts boiling water, stir vigorously with a fork for 3 minutes and leave to simmer for 15 minutes. Take off the stove, add one part of coconut milk, season with cinnamon and vanilla and sweeten to taste.

I am back! And with a New Year's pud.

So here I am. I won't even try to explain why I haven't posted anything for over six months, let's just say that I'm glad to be back. And it's thanks to my best friend, who promised to follow the updates and make sure that there are enough of them.
Especially for you A., to commemorate our New Year's celebrations: my first chocolate pudding (recipe from one of Lorraine Pascale's books). It sure tasted great :)

I don't do New Year's resolutions. But If I did, I would promise to push myself harder, in everything I do.
To infinity and beyond!! 

T-bag

You should know by now that I'm all for recycling and reusing stuff. I try to buy less, cut down on my household waste and give unwanted objects new life. Plus the things you can craft can be really funky! Like that amazing shopping bag made out of and old T-shirt. All you need is a pair of scissors and a simple tutorial from Lee Meredith @ leethal.net.

Happy snapping!