A kind of Beautiful

Posted on April 16, 2012 by Yvette

It’s time to face the music…

self portrait

It’s been a changing moment…or is it just one point that I’ve arrived at before, started and then found a different direction. Are we ever happy with the now? I’ll do that when…I’m feeling happy, when I’m ten kilo’s lighter, when I meet the right person, when! , when?, when. Let’s just start living the now. I’m at this point again, lift my head high and face the music, however this time I’m writing the music and my own lyrics.

Start enjoying every little ‘moment’. Enjoy the company of family, the company of friends, but most importantly know who that person in the mirror really is, the reflective you. With all the extra lines of time, the freckles, the blemishes.

My journey with Kim Klassen and Beyond Layers, ( Beyond Layers II registrations now open) has been just that a journey of peeling back so many emotions, so many feelings, grasping for air, a ray of sunshine or a falling tear. Beyond Layers is 52 weeks of encouragements, affirmations and motivations.

“Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies”

-Mother Teresa

Funny how sometimes the universe tells us not once but more than once. Not only had arrived my weekly lessons from Kim, but I also received my daily email from Bravegirls club.

What was a little bird telling me today?

Is there always some idea, a dream that you have always wanted to do, something you’ve wanted to see, somewhere you’ve wanted to go. Now, is the moment. Now, is the right time. We all have the potential to reach our goals, break down the barriers and face our fears. Reach for our dreams and live today.

We are all beautiful, we may not be perfect, but we can start today to be more bold, true to ourselves and make our lives more meaningful.

Today’s Challenge was to create an image with one of Kims ‘Beyond Layers’ affirmation brushes and/or textures. I used the affirmation “You do not have to be perfect to be beautiful” and the texture:’I am’.

I’m not one to take a lot of self portraits, I usually hide behind my camera, and it’s the first thing I say when anyone else takes a photo..’Can I see’ …so my self portrait was not an easy challenge for me today. But hey!, a stepping stone and beyond another layer.

Reach for Beyond, my friends

Yvette…x

Textures and the ever Changing Mode.

Posted on May 4, 2011 by Yvette

Time has passed since my last post, and I’ve missed writing in this creative journal of mine.I’ve been itching to get back into it, truth being how do I push off from this starting point?

Do I have the opportunity to take a new innovative direction? Should I change anything? What are you as the reader wanting to read, see, hear? What am I really wanting to write, learn, cook, paint? Yes,I think it’s time to put some new colour into my world! How can I capture your intriguing eyes and voice?

I’ve had time with family and friends, reminiscing over good food, wine, music and the younger years, and interesting enough, hearing the reactions of those dear friends to this little blog of mine.

My time was also thinking about the many directions and avenues life can take us. The influences of surrounding ourselves with positive attitudes,thoughts and knowledge. Sifting through the many voices and listening to those little whispers of encouragement to move on. Those influencing whispers to strive to achieve many of my, still untouched dreams. Placing myself in the ‘right’ environment to express openly my passions and finding the answers to those little curiosities and seeing that stream of light, at the end of the tunnel.

“Every human has four endowments – self awareness, conscience, independent will and creative imagination. These give us the ultimate human freedom…The power to choose, to respond, to change.” Stephen R Covey

Inspiration…

1. a. Stimulation of the mind or emotions to a high level of feeling or activity.

The photo’s that send our mind into a whirlwind and our taste buds fluttering. That special tablescape that we could only imagine owning half of those items. The view from a window that captures the ultimate feeling of the season, and the home we might only dream of, or that special place we might only dream of visiting.

b. The condition of being so stimulated.

2. An agency, such as a person or work of art, that moves the intellect or emotions or prompts action or invention.

The photo’s that make us grab for our favourite cookbook, playing and creating new tastes, cooking with our heart and kneading with our hands creating a meal of emotions…happiness, love, care and tenderness.

3. Something, such as a sudden creative act or idea, that is inspired.

The photo that inspires, giving new colour in your world. The interwoven fibers that give a mystical appearance a new texture, a new feeling, a new sense of creativity.

4. The quality of inspiring or exalting: a painting full of inspiration.

5. Divine guidance or influence exerted directly on the mind and soul of humankind.

The above photo’s have been enhanced by superimposing a beautiful texture called ‘portrait’ from the talented Kim Klassen. Take a look at her blog here, she has wonderful textures you can download and create new textured photo’s, join in her weekly challenges and e-courses.

So where am I going, what direction am I taking?

What inspires me, what makes me come alive?

This texture is from Sophie G’s Flickr Photostream, a French postcard effect superimposed over one of my Spring photo’s found here in Springtimes Laughter

Yes, what makes me come alive?

Visually sharing all my experiences, laughing and loving every new challenge.

Learning and trying new aspects of creativity, I realized a photo speaks a thousand words…more than I could ever imagine to write.

So, off I go weaving my way, taking on new challenges, head high and finding the strength in every new step.

And hope you’ll continue on this journey with me.

Have a wonderful day!

Yvette…x

Relaxation

Posted on July 25, 2010 by Yvette

I’ve just spent four wonderful days relaxing with Silvano and friends in the mountains, on the Italian – Austrian border. A great getaway, staying in a Wellness Centre, spa’s, sauna’s, fine dining, visiting local spots and relaxing. The mountains are just beautiful this time of the year, and we had great weather to travel around sightseeing.

I hope you can enjoy with me through this visual impact a few minutes of the serene atmosphere I felt during the last couple of days. Truly a magical atmosphere through the beauty with nature.

Rose Petal Pink

Posted on July 16, 2010 by Yvette

Pink is part of my world. You won’t find any pink in my wardrobe apart from a newly purchased pair of pink pearl earrings…on the good advise from a friend. You’ll however find pink, not lollipop pink more like antique rose pink in my house… rose frosted glassware,freshly cut pink roses,scatted pink rose petals, rose colored champagne, rose cake tins and the list goes on.

However,my childhood memories are lollipop pink. The strawberry pink milkshakes and ice creams, marshmallows and hundreds and thousands. Going to the local fair hand in hand with my Nonno (grandfather) to buy pink fairy floss and maybe you remember those dollies on sticks, antique looking with plastic painted hair,wanting to choose first, the one in the pink dress. I remember my mother dressing me in a Sundays best pink crochet dress and funny enough my 21st birthday party was all pink with hand painted rose invitations, so yes pink is part of my world.

Why all this talk about pink…Today I received a lovely pink award…it’s pretty and pink…and a wonderful pink gift…don’t you agree!

With heartfelt thanks to the kindness of Amanda who nominated me for this award.She is truly a gifted and creative poet, her words, beautiful images and songs always send a message and leaves me within a longing minute of reflection and pure harmony. You are talented my friend.x

Now on receiving this award, there are some pink rules to follow, they’re not too hard to follow..here they are:

1. Thank and link back to the person who gave you this award…thanks again Amanda

2.Share 7 things about yourself…a bit of a challenge but here goes…

*I’m true to my star sign, June born, Cancer…a family,home loving person.My life evolves around my “home”.Organized down to the last detail.

*I love entertaining in my home,friends gathering for a home cooked meal, sharing their loves, life and laughter with a good glass of wine.Nothing better!

*I stand out…I’m a red/blonde,blue eyed,pale skin and freckled Aussie living in Italy.

*My heart was captured by a gentle Italian man and life’s an adventure living in his homeland…That’s Amore!

*I love old photographs,every photo has a hidden story,white linen – first things to pack in my suitcase,cooking and creative hands.

*A country bumpkin,at an early age went to boarding school in the city…finished school went off to study, graduating in Graphic Design.

*Last one…My dream one day is to own my own B & B, capturing home comforts on foreign soil and sharing my love of Italy, for now I love my blogging time, meeting new talented friends and sharing the little things that mean so much to me…

All done lets continue with the pink rules…

3.Pass the award along to: I chose 7 bloggers who you have recently discovered and who you think are fantastic for whatever reason.

4.Contact the bloggers you’ve picked and let them know all about the award

Here are my nominations for this lovely pink award

Celia, who is one talented cook,sharing her love of cooking and baking skills and urban living.A great story teller…check out her chooks!Makes you feel at home…

Brydie,a creative home-style girl who shares her love of food and family stories, beautiful photo’s, a real gem.

Cathy, an aussie living in Italy, sharing her love of her “little” Italy with a touch of Oz always thrown in.

Diane,Spoon & Chair…a precise account of her kitchen and garden…a home makers blog…

Lorenza,A taste of my life…a young cook, who is eager to capture new styles and tastes in her cooking…writes in her mother language Italian,and sometimes takes the challenge of translating into English…a real achiever…

Phatfoodie,just love her creative writings on home cooked food…every recipe tells a story… a real charming blog…

Wendy,a vegetarian cook/baker, a new found blog,…a real bakers delight!

So my friends have a look at these fantastic cooks and their blogs,they’re all worthy of this pink award… and enjoy!

Iced Centerpiece

Posted on July 13, 2010 by Yvette

This centerpiece is just fabulous to jazz up your fresh fruit an ice-cream platter.Made from a silicone cake mould,its very simple to make. There are so many designs nowadays available in silicone, your choice is unlimited.Here’s how to prepare your centerpiece.

I used this one,a flower and bow design,also as wreath design it has a hole in the middle to serve ice-cream,cream or yoghurt.

Fill the mould with water or fruit juice,add fresh small fruits such as blueberries,strawberries,or pieces of chopped fruit and mint leaves,place on tray and leave overnight in the freezer.

When frozen your iced shape is easily removed from the silicone.

Fill the platter with assorted fresh fruit,place scooped ice-cream in the center and wow! Easy Entertaining, and a fun Summer Dessert.

It’s also a great way to keep your Summer punch iced. Just place the iced mould into you punch bowl and it keeps it cool and iced for the rest of your serving time.

Enjoy my friends, and happy entertaining!

Tea for me and Tea for you….Tea for Two

Posted on July 12, 2010 by Yvette

Make a cup of tea and stay with me for a few minutes, relax and enjoy.

Sometimes a cup of tea, just does the trick. A soothing cup of tea relaxing with a book, or these days in front of the computer,with fellow blogging friends.Or finishing off an evening combined with five minutes of solitude. A winter warmer, a summer iced treat.

A fragrant favorite of mine is “Tisana Meditazione” – Meditation Tea. It’s a combination of mint, cinnamon, sunflower petals, rose petals,chamomile and lavender.

The fragrance of lavender is known to relax and soothe the mind and body. Lavender tea is known to ease insomnia, help calm nervousness and anxiety. Alleviate colds ,coughs,bronchitis and similar respiratory problems. Fatigue and headaches. Funny enough two of my favourite teas both have lavender in them.

Meditation Tea is very fragrant, sweet and soothing if you can find this combination I recommend trying it. Another favourite is “Tisana Dolce Sonno” meaning Sweet Dreams or Sleep, so I guess the title says it all. It’s ingredients are passionfruit leaves, melissa ,star anise, mint,peppermint and lavender.

From a friend who lives miles away:

“I would like to visit you and have a cup of tea, however as I am unable to,

please have one on me”, a teapot message and a teabag included.

Finding an interesting article titled Think outside the cup.Cooking with tea. I thought I might try one of their recipes. This recipe was the winning entry published by Emily.

I based the preparation of these biscuits on my own recipe which I use for Cantucci.An almond biscuit.Which I usually make around Christmas time.

Recipe: Tea Biscuits

2 1/4 cups All purpose Flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

2/3 cup sugar

2 eggs

1/4 teaspoon salt

3 tablespoons honey

1/2 teaspoon vanilla sugar

zest of 1 lemon

2 tablespoons strong brewed chamomile tea

Preparation:

Pre heat oven 220° C

Sift flour,baking powder,baking soda and salt in a mixing bowl.

In a separate mixing bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until a light yellow colour forms.Add honey,vanilla sugar, zest of lemon and tea, mix well. Combine, by folding dry ingredients into egg mixture and mix well with wooden spoon.

Divide the batter mixture in 3 equal mounds,placing on oven proof paper onto a baking tray.

Cook , for about 20 minutes,until golden brown.Turn off oven.

With a serrated knife,cut medium/thin slices.

Place biscuits back on tray,and leave in oven,re cooking, as oven cools.

Icing:

These biscuits can be left without icing as their flavour is a honey,tea, light flavour a real dunking biscuit. However if you have the time here’s their icing recipe.

1 cup icing sugar

2 teaspoons strong brewed chamomile tea (hot)

mix and with a fork drizzle over biscuit.

Enjoy your tea time my friends,and have a great week! x

Wheat Harvesting

Posted on July 9, 2010 by Yvette

The green machine has been working hard the last couple of weeks and is finally on the homeward stretch. The days start early and finish late, and the eyes on the weary faces tell a story on their own, as sleep is limited throughout harvest.The last days always seem to be the longest and the hottest, as we’re experiencing high temperatures at the moment.

The wheat fields at the beginning of the season are covered in red poppies as they stretch their stems to reach the first golden sun rays of the new spring days.

With time, sun and our spring showers, the wheat fields change a bright green colour.

And then change a dry golden yellow when ready to harvest.

Ready for my winter garlands, I prepare and clean a new bunch of wheat, cleaning the stems,spray with lacquer to preserve it from any pests and leave to dry.