Let's Make ... Granola

Good day, how are you all? I am doing great. It was my baby's first day a Montessori school today and... she did AMAZING - Proud mum moment!! Both my girls were in school today and to be honest I actually felt a bit lost for the first while but then I remembered the house work - oh the joys.
I have been asked to feature this tutorial on my blog today so I got to work straight away. Oats, as you may have noticed, are one of my favourite grains. I have the Oat bread recipe that can be done as buns and the Dairy Free Porridge recipe all of which use oats as the main ingredient and are totally yummy, of course! Granola is another of my yummy recipe's that I make using oats as the core ingredient. I make it different every time (well not every time but you get my drift). It's lovely with raisins, coconut flakes other dried fruits, cinnamon and seeds to name a few, I have tried all of them and i'm not sure I can pick just one favourite!! 

Well here goes this is the basic recipe. Below will be a list of optional extras and when to add them!

You will need

3 cups rolled Oats

1/3 cup Coconut oil

1/2 cup Maple syrup

How to

1. Preheat the oven to 180C/ 350F.

2. In a microwaveable bowl melt the coconut oil if in solid form, can also be melted in a 'Bain marie'. Now add the Maple syrup and stir.

3. In a large bowl measure out your oats and add in the oil/syrup mixture. Combine until there are no dry areas left.

4. Line a tray with parchment paper and spread your granola onto it.

5. Bake for about 20 minutes or until medium brown and crunchy, stir after 10 mins in the oven. When ready leave it to cool and place in air tight container!

6. That is the basic skeleton recipe.

Optional Toppings/Flavours

Honey ans Agave syrup - can be used in place of maple syrup.

Nuts and seeds - I add them at the end when the Granola is cooling. I personally don't like cooling nuts and some can become poisonous after heating!

Dried fruit - add also at the very end while cooling.

Coconut flakes - Can be either added in to the oat and oil mixture at step 3 or at the very end, while cooling.

Cinnamon powder or flavour extracts - best added at step 3 so flavours infuse But if you only want Cinnamon sometimes add it to each bowl as you use it!

I really hope you enjoy a crunchy, mouthwatering , bowl of Granola after reading this..

A x

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Dairy free porridge

OK I know I have been doing a lot of recipes lately but I guess I'm just on a roll with them.
Recently I have been trying to cut out dairy from my diet as it is causing serious bloating. I have been dairy free in my coffee for about a yr now with no problem, I use rice milk as a substitute and its lovely ( for me). I found my morning porridge was the hardest to find a dairy free substitute. For me rice milk was horrible and made it gooey, water is just not creamy enough and any other milk I tried just didn't work for me.
So you can imagine my excitement when I found a recipe that was dairy free and yummy. The recipe uses almond butter and coconut oil in place of dairy, they create a creamy consistency and are very filling.. I have altered the recipe slightly and adde in some ingredients, but the original was from Bioglan.

You will need

1/2-1cup oats any kind

1 Tbsp Chia seeds

1 cup of water (maybe more)

1/2 Tbsp Coconut oil

1 Tbsp almond butter or any nut butter

sprinkle of sugar (optional)

Cinnamon (optional)

How To

1. Place Oats, chia seeds and water in a saucepan, heat up. 

2. As it begins to heat add the oil and the Almond butter stir until all is combined.  If using Sugar or cinnamon or any fruits add them no.

3. After 1-2 minutes it should be ready to eat. Yes that easy!

After tryig th original recipe i have changed one or two bits of it. I found the amount of coconut oil WAY to overpowering so halved it and it was much easier on the pallet. I also added in Chia seed for added nutrition. Calcium, Phosphorus, and Potassium are only three of the minerals gained when adding my favourite Chia!

Shopping haul....

Hello all!

I am just home from a 'food' shop with my moma. I was meant to be buying just food but as you have probably guessed I have bought a few other bits too... 

Kids Stuff

I recently stumbled upon, after hours of surfing the net, a video on how to make Rapunzel inspired head band and braid/plait. So with this in mind while I was in Dealz Wexford I spotted wool for €1.49 a ball and 3 for 2 (its only acrylic but prefect for this job) and so this just had to be bought - its all in the name of blogging I swear! Keep tuned for my 'Children's Princess Headband' tutorial.

I also Picked up two kiddie wet bags 2 for €1.49- I mean come on I couldn't leave them there. The girls will use them for the beach, the pool and on our holidays - have I convinced you yet??

All for ME... Health & Beauty

As if this wasn't enough, I have INVESTED in some new hair products! I spent a whopping €19.90 on Joico, Curl Defying, Contouring foam-wax, from Divas and Dudes Hair Salon. My hair dresser recommended it for me, and since her hair is very curly like mine I trust her! I also bought a Shower Cap and Argan oil hair mask both for €1.49 each - I know WOW! The mask i have tried before and is great for smoothing and relaxing my hair when i plan on straightening it! The last health and beauty product I indulged in was the Spearmint essential oil, I am going to be adding it to my oil in the Oil pulling technique I use most days. I hope this will make the procedure bearable!

Food, Food, Food!

And last but certainly not least I have bought a couple of food goodies!! This is probably the bit i'm most excited about. The Almond butter is to add to my porridge in the mornings. I found a recipe omitting cows milk and using Coconut oil and almond butter instead so I figured why not try it out! I will let you know how I find it later! Pink Rock Salt was my next buy at €1.49 in Dealz also its a mix of Himalayan salt and rock salt in its own grinder, I Love it! And the Cookies well i couldn't resist and for only €1.50 reduced for €4.19 in Tesco.. YUMMY

Until Next Time

A x

Keep an eye out for my 'Children's princess headband' tutorial and don't forget to FOLLOW me on google + Twitter and Facebook!!

Oil Pulling - how to and health benefits.

Hello all, 

So have you ever wondered how to keep your teeth healthy? Follow my tips by using an all natural ingredient some of you probably have already! COCONUT OIL!
I was introduced to a technique called 'Oil Pulling' by a cousin of mine, it is a process that involves swishing a teaspoon of coconut oil (extra virgin, organic is best) around your mouth for about 20 minutes. I know it doesn't sound to appealing but its all for good health!!

Advantages
*Healthier gums
*clearer skin
*Prevents bad breath
*can increase energy 
*Clear sinuses
*Decrease headaches and more...

the coconut oil I use!

I have been using Coconut oil for about 4 years now, for my skin and also in my cooking/baking as well as a nappy rash cream on my Youngest daughter and dry skin cure for both my children. Oil pulling had come up again and again while I looked up the different health benefits of Coconut Oil.





How to
Yesterday was the day I had chosen to try the 'Oil Pulling' procedure. I woke up early enough and before I did anything
1. I scooped out a teaspoon ish size of coconut oil and put it in my mouth -yes just like that. 2. Next I began to swish it around my mouth as though it were mouth wash. It is not the most pleasant experience as it gathers up quite a lot of saliva, the longer you do it the more saliva, your mouth becomes full but don't give up - its for a good cause! **TIP** You can add a couple of drops of Oregano oil to it (great anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties).
3. The key to not giving up is make sure your busy, do it while you take a shower or while your reading the morning paper, stay occupied! 
4. once the 20 minutes are up, spit it out down the toilet  as it may solidify when cooled and block the drain - sorry not very ladylike eh?!
5. Make sure not to swallow it as it now contains the toxins and bacteria 'pulled' from your mouth.
6. Brush your teeth well afterwards and rinse well.

A x

Stay tuned for an update on my 'oil pulling' journey follow me on Facebook for more updates!! And a COMPETITION...!!

Let's Make... Colour in Pencil Cases!!

So my dears it is that time of the year again, where we all complain about how our children have grown up to quick and the summer holidays have flashed before our eye it doesn't help that our weather has been awful, I think it could of rained every day since the 1st of July here - that wont stop us tho! 

That aside it is back to school time again so in this tutorial I will show you how simple it is to make your own Pencil Case. 

These pencil cases are made form some fabric a relative of mine picked up in a charity/thrift shop and you can colour it in - I know cool eh!? but you can use any fabric I have made them out of old jeans anything that is medium weight fabric( not to thick not to thin). I have lined one before but i prefer them not lined. But let me know if you would like me to add how to line into this tutorial!

You will Need

2 Pieces of fabric

8" zip

matching threads

How To

1. Cut two pieces of fabric 4inch x 8inch and make sure they have no creases.

2. Pick out an 8 inch zip in a colour that suits your fabric. I was OK to choose any colour as my fabric is white. 

3. Now Place the zip on top of your fabric right sides together and edges together as in picture. Sew, making sure to leave a 1/2cm space at the beginning and end of the zip.

4. Once sewn, press the fabric and the zip *TIP* I use a small straightening iron in my sewing room for small projects!!

5. Do the same with the other piece of fabric. Sew. Press.

6. All edges of the pencil case should now line up, if not just get out a pair of scissors (pinking shears preferably) and snip off the excess fabric.

7. With all edges now nice and neat start at one edge ( by the zip) and sew three edges!  As shown in the picture below.

*TIP* Don't forget to leave the zip half open to make it easier to turn inside out.

8. Finished, all that's left to do is turn it right side out et voila!!

I really hope you guys like this tutorial. Share it with friends and follow me on Google plus!

A x

Picture of back of pencil case.Lets

Let's make....Sharpie Mugs!

I recently invested in a pack of Sharpies (affiliate) which I have been admiring for some time now, I had planned loads of projects to include them so decided I had to have 'em. Since i have purchased them I have been afraid to use them.. Silly I know but they are very special to me now and cost a lot for a couple of pens!
So after a long time 'humming and hawing' I have decided not only what my first project will be but that I will be letting - with lots of supervision - Willow and Amelia take control of it. SHARPIE MUGS.

You will need
Sharpie pens ( oil-based are best but I couldn't source)
Plain Cups/Mugs mine were €1.50 in our euro store!
Rubbing alcohol for mistakes









How to
1. Using rubbing alcohol, clean your cups making sure all dirt and grease is removed.
2. Pick out a colour and start colouring. Make sure to let one section dry before your hand touches off it or it mar rub off. Keep colouring or drawing until you are happy with it.
3. Preheat the oven to 175 C/ 350 F. When ready place in oven for 30 minutes in centre of the oven.
4. Remove from the oven and leave to cool... It is now finished!!



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Let's Make... bread buns

To my surprise, my blog post Sew, Let's Make... Bread is very popular. I didn't expect it to be one of my most popular posts but hey its great. I have made it loads now and love it. Now I have decided to try out a few other combinations. My favourite mix is Cinnamon and raisin. I make them as buns too so I can portion myself. It gives you the feeling your having something sweet although no sugar is added - sneaky I know! I have them for breakfast heated in the toaster with butter and sometimes jam. Oh yum even talking about them is making me hungry!

You will need                                                                                  Makes 18

500g of live natural yogurt

2 x 500g tubs full of oats (it's not 1kg by the way)

1-2tsp cinnamon

2 tbsp raisins/cranberries soaked in OJ for 5mins ( soaking helps stop drying in the oven)

How to

1. Preheat the oven to 180c.

2. In a large bowl put in the oats, cinnamon and raisins. Mix well.

3. Add the yogurt to the oats and mix well with a spatula.

4. As quick as you can without spilling any, put  the mix into cupcake/muffin tins. I used silicone and therefore didn't need to grease but grease if metal. 

5. Place in oven on middle shelf and bake for 30 mins or until golden. 

6. Leave them in their tins for 5 mins.

*TIP* 5 minutes befor you take them out turn them around so the bottom gets cooked evenly. 

They may seem too moist  when removed at first from oven but this is normal. Trust me!

Wedding on a shoestring budget.. part 3

Wow I have been blown away at how popular my Wedding on a Shoestring Budget and Wedding on a Shoestring Budget.. Part 2 were. I hope that when the time comes to organise my own wedding, one day, I will have done all my research and it will be a walk in the park - a girl can dream eh LOL. 
I have had a read over my blogs and while I think they are fabulous I think they need finalising maybe one or two more posts to complete the wedding?? 

Decorations

In this part I'd like to take a good look at decoration, recently people have realised that it doesn't have to cost a small fortune to make a drab venue really come alive and sparkle.

How cute is this outdoor venue!?

You can find plenty of ways to transform a very simple thing look expensive. Take the mason/Ball jar for example it can be turned into a centre piece by simply gluing on some hessian and lace and adding a few babies breath flowers 'et voila'. Or spraying with glue, sprinkle on glitter add a candle your table transforms instantly. Others have used jars as means of giving favours in and deserts are being served in them. Baby food jars and vases can all be used in place of the mason jar for a less 'shabby chic' look!

Tulle and fairy lights can also be your best friends. Tulle has been used here as back drops for the wedding party table and also for behind the cake and desert tables! Another effective way of using tulle is from the ceiling with lights between. 

To create this look - measure the string your tulle will be hanging from and cut to size and create loops at the end.Pin. Next measure the distance from the floor to your string and double this figure (if the distance is 6ft cut 12ft) and cut strips of tulle about 5inch x 12 ft depending on your measurements . Tie the Tulle around the string.
If you have a colour theme alternate your tulle colours, if you want light add fairy lights there are so many options for this and it only costs the price of your tulle which can be cheap if bought in bulk. and make sure if buying online to check the sale baskets!! 
I could go on all day about tulle and how amazing it is but this post is not only about tulle..

Another decor idea is to use Styrofoam balls and cover them in tiny cut out flowers using pins like this one here. Or using a template cut out the words Mr & Mrs from cardboard paint with glue and sprinkle with glitter and use as chair decorations or backdrops.

How cute!

Entertainment ideas

A more recent thing is to entertain your guests while they wait for your photos to be taken. This can be very boring especially if you are as vain as me.. joke! 

Here i will give you a few simple cheap ideas to keep them all entertained from 1+.

Kids

have a table set up for how ever many kids you plan on inviting. Cover the table with paper and draw a rectangle A4 size for each kid and leave a bowl of crayons in the centre. OR have a table full of colouring sheets and colours on a table just for them. They can use them all during the day.

Adults

Of course the adults can all take part in the kids stuff if they want but if you fancy something else for you guests.

A date jar - all your guests place their idea of a great date night on a slip of paper and place them all in a large jar. You can have your guests write up a message or some advice either and place in the jar... you can go crazy with this one

Pimp your cupcake is a cute one have a little table set up and a range of cupcakes with buttercream icing and loads of toppings to dip in its very popular..

If you want something to make your life easier set up something like this. Then you just have to have your thank you cards printed off..

'I do' (pardon the pun) hope this has helped you come up with a few ways of doing your own wedding decor or at least some of it. Let me know if there is any particular subject you would like me to cover wedding related or not!!

Anja x

Positive Vibes!

Hi all I am working on two posts at the moment. I traveled to the UK recently for a funeral and that is why my blog has been shy.. I am back now and looking at ways to make you smile. 
I will have some sewing projects up for the dreaded 'Back to School' and a couple of simple holiday re vamps for the kids. Keep an eye out for them in the coming weeks.

Keep smiling and craft on!! x