Saturday, December 27, 2008

December Breast Check Reminder



A few days after the usual date. Please check them today.

This is from Home Health UK

IN THE SHOWER/ BATH



Fingers slide easier over wet skin. Raise your left arm and with the flat side of your hand move gently over each breast in a circular motion. Check for any lump, hard knot or thickening. Do not squeeze or prod your breasts. It is also important that you feel around your collarbone and armpit for any swellings or lumps.

IN FRONT OF A MIRROR



Put your hands on your hips and then press inwards until the chest muscles tighten. This will make any changes more prominent. Now, put your hands on your head and look for dimples or bulges, particularly underneath your breast. Dimples that are symmetrical in each breast are usually harmless. Put your arm over your head and look again for any changes. Look carefully at your breasts from every angle from the side, underneath and leaning forward.

LYING DOWN



Place a pillow under your left shoulder and put your left arm above your head. Examine your breast in a circular motion. Look for any change in nipple direction, puckering, swelling of the dark skin surrounding the nipple or orange peel skin. Repeat on right side. Also squeeze each nipple gently to check for any discharge.

There are a few other signs you should be aware of and look out for when doing your self-awareness - check routine:

A change in the shape or size of the breast - it may be that one breast has become noticeably larger or lower.
The nipple turns in - it becomes inverted.
The nipple changes position or shape.
A swelling or lump in your armpit.
A blood-stained discharge - this a very rare symptom.
A rash on a nipple or surrounding area (very rare).
Veins which stand out more than usual.
Any pain in your breast that you have not experienced before.
Remember, that if there is any change in your breast from what is normal for you, you should make an appointment to discuss your concerns with your doctor.

What else may cause lumps or pain in the breast?

The good news is that 9 out of 10 breast lumps are not caused by cancer and will prove to be benign. Although breast problems can sometimes be painful, they can usually be treated easily and rapidly.

There are two types of lumps common in women:-

Cysts - these are fluid filled lumps, which may vary in size. They can be removed if they are painful, but they usually shrink without the need of treatment.
Fibro-adenomas - these are firm painless lumps, made up of fibrous and glandular tissue. These lumps are easy to remove surgically if they are causing discomfort.
Breast pain, also known as mastalgia, is a common problem that most women experience at some point in their life. This usually happens before their period and can be helped by a prescription, available from your doctor. As with all breast problems you should always report any lumps or pain to your doctor.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Happy Christmas



As the day draw closer I feel my time is more valuable. Much to do but at a slow pace and with not the usual energy. So this is my little Happy Christmas to you all lovely bloggers many who have become friends and who become part of my life. I look forward to coming back before the New Year and hearing about everyones holidays.

xxoo Sarah

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Chicken & Bean Stew



I am not a bean eater but this dish was sensational! Go on make it tonight!

Serves 4
Quick and Easy

700 chicken thighs (we used 500g)
1 chorizo well chopped up
1 red capsicum will diced up
2 garlic cloves crushed and chopped up
1-2 tsp ground chili (we used 1/2)
800 g diced tomatoes
800 g borlotti beans drained and rinsed
1 cup chopped coriander

Lightly spray saucepan with oil and heat on medium. Cook chicken till browned. Remove and set aside. Cook chorizo till just browning. Add onions and capsicum and cook till just soft. Stir in garlic and chili and then add chicken back in with tomatoes and beans. Bring to boil. Simmer for 10 - 15 minutes. Stir in coriander. EAT!

Yum YUM YUM

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Thank you Vickie!



Vickie from Vickie's Crafting sent me a RAK. My VERY FIRST ever received RAK! I was so excited. Once a month Vickie draws a person who has left a comment on her blog and sends them a RAK and I was the lucky one this month! The boys convinced me it was not a Christmas present that i could open it today - so I did! The colours are PERFECT Vickie - it reminded me of a swiss roll! Thank you very much.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Ah if only I was a child again!



Seby had to go to Day Surgery early in the week to have four teeth removed. He has to many teeth for his mouth size. I thought you would enjoy this...

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

The Winner of the Christmas Giveaway!




Have you popped in to see who won?

Oh okay I guess I better do the draw. I would like to thank my son 8.5 who picked out the numbers from my sisters Christmas present....

The winner is........

Isabella from I Just Love To Stitch - YAY

email me Isabella with your private email so I can freight it ASAP so you can get it before Christmas!

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Look what flew into my house!



This gorgeous couple from Picklesticks arrived at my door step late last week. They were very shy at first. I introduced them to the family including the dogs. They now have their own spot on the shelf in the office/craft room where they can watch me. I told the children if they misbehave the dragons will breath fire (lol). They have not been named yet - if you have any ideas do let me know!

While I was trying to adjust the camera I caught them kissing!!! Check the wings out lol.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Home Made Advent Calander




This is another design of Helen's from Hugs and Kisses. I have altered a few things so it suited my style. I finished this mid December last year so we have used it for the first time this year. We have worked it so one child has odd days and the other even.

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Another finished project



Ahhh it is such a good feeling. I have had a lot of these projects almost finished waiting for something (with this one it was invisible thread which I now totally love) or time...



The letters were drawn on, coloured in using Helens colourque technique (from Hugs N Kisses) and then stitched around the outside. It gives a satin stitched look in real life.

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Another finished project


Yee Haw.
A Viv's Creations Design by Vivian Robinson called My Favorite Stocking.

Friday, December 12, 2008

The front door



Usually we have a wreath on the front door but this year I am not feeling creative so I have decided to do something different. What does your front door look like?

Thursday, December 11, 2008

I am a Mom and



Vickie from Vickie's Crafting has this awesome video on her post I am a Mom and it reminded me of the original version I saw about a year ago on UTube. You MUST watch UTube version then the other for the words. It is worth it.

Also I would like to thank Renee at ...And All Things Nice who tagged me.... here i go!

This award came with some lists that each required 7 answers (BLIMEY)...

Seven things I say most often
1) See you in the morning Gorgeous
2) Come on we are late
3) Give me a minute
4) I am listening
5) What did I ask you to do! (to the boys - SIGH)
6) Can you PLEASE do your job (again to the boys)
7) I love you!

Seven things I did before
1) Born in Nigeria
2) Lived in Philippines till I came home
3) Went to Boarding School from age 12
4) Did one year of Science than completed my Nursing
5) Completed my Post Grad in Midwifery
6) Owned a Scrapbooking shop with a business partner
7) Ummmm

Seven things I do now
1) I am a mum - two boys
2) I do my husbands business books
3) I stitch and quit - never enough time to keep up with my to do list
4) Work as a Family and Child Health Nurse in the community
5) Garden
6) Catering Coordinator for a disadvantaged choir
7) Spend to much time in front of this computer

Seven things I want to do (WANT is says not NEED)
1) Work as a midwife in a REAL birthing Centre with great supportive staff.
2) Have a girl
3) Visit Europe again and explore Asia.
4) Be skinnier
5) Have my to do list finished
6) Live a well life (am I getting to hairy fairy here?)
7) To have less to do

Seven favourite foods (in no particular order!)
1) Hot chips with salt (I know sin)
2) chocolate (surprise!)
3) a roast meal with gravy (see that is why I am not skinny)
4) Fresh Berries (yummmmm)
5) Anything I don't cook for dinner!
6) Salmon (smoked with capers and cream cheese or cooked to perfection with a marinade)
7) UMMMMMmmm cannot think of anything else!

I am suppose to tag seven people but I will be honest I have way to many blogs I really like. SO if you would like to be tagged go right ahead and let me know!

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

A Christmas Give Away



It is that time of the year so I thought it would be nice to have a giveaway for no reason than to make someones day! I have here a Hatched and Patched 2008 Christmas Project to give away. BRAND NEW. Leave a note here on the blog by 17th of December and I will randomly draw the winner. I am happy to freight any where.

These little reindeer's (yes they are reindeer's!) are for my S8 to take to school as a Christmas something.

Monday, December 8, 2008

still being productive....



This is a Kerry Gillespie from My Favorite Things design. It is the first design of hers that I have made. I used wool felt which is just GORGEOUS to work with. I really like her colour choices - even though it is not my usual choice! She is (funny how I have given it a sex!) going to be used to hold a group of things. Just have not got that group of things to hold! I also have Kerry's Snowman Quilt pattern - but that is a LONG way off.

Oh and I have a Christmas giveaway starting in two days!

Sunday, December 7, 2008

I have been productive





I saw this Santa in a Better Homes and Gardens Magazine a few years ago. Finally I make him... I am still not so happy with the beard.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

A surprise


Tuesday am - pain was so bad I was taken to A & E. Dx - Kidney Stones and right Kidney infection. Pain was like labour just with no break. Finally painfree and home today. No stone passed and I now can't feel where my kidney is (it was that swollen). Feeling emotional overloaded. Life can throw in some surprises.

Sunday, November 30, 2008

And the tradition will continue



You know how you have those few friends in your life who just make you always feel good? I am lucky I have more than a few. I now have another new friend who has come into my life through blogging (she knows who she is). This person sent me a parcel of goodies. In that parcel was an Advent Calender. This year I was not organised enough to order our Advent Calender through UNICEF (But I did do my card shopping at Oxfam Unwrapped). I was only grumbling at myself during the day for not ordering our Advent Calender (reflecting now I could have gone to the local Catholic Bookshop) and this parcel arrives with one already in it. So the boys can continue with the excitement each morning of opening the window which counts down to Christmas. This year we are also trying a new calender which I finished making last December - will show that in a day or two.

This thoughtful person wrote me a note which says "To A Special Person". How good do you think that made me feel? I have that note on my board in the craft room now.

Thursday, November 27, 2008

My Uncles Quilt




I have finished my Uncles quilt. I am giving it to him for Christmas. There is a plain block on the front with the words "Dear Uncle Tom To keep you warm and cosy Love Sarah". This picture is terrible but we are having rain from today till Sunday so I had to take this with the first light.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

November check yourself reminder



This is to remind you to check your breast. You only need to it it properly once a month

I know there is conflicting info out there on how to check them - the main thing is that you do.

These helpful hints were from The Inspiration Room

Check for any unusual thickening of the breast tissue. Raise your arm above your head, with your fingers flat apply pressure in small circles.
Check that one breast hasn’t become larger or lower than the other.
Check for any changes to your nipples or any skin irritations around them.
Check for any changes to skin texture. Look for puckering or dimpling of the skin.
Look for any unusual lumps or lumpy areas in your breasts or armpits.
If you find anything unusual or feel pain when checking out your breasts, talk to your doctor immediately.

Remember there are no rules. There is no wrong ways to check out your breasts. You just have to check them regularly enough to know if there are any changes.

The goal is to be familiar with what your breasts look and feel like normally so you’ll know if there are any changes.

Monday, November 24, 2008

Bloggers and Friends Stitching Day at Ross

On Saturday we all meet up in Ross. A beautiful 19th Centery Colonical Town in the middle of Tasmania.





Jo did a fabulous job organising the day and making the table decor - Thank you Jo !



Even Ric Rac's Freinds joined us!



We all also managed to swap our baubles... Dont they look great all together!

You can see more photos of the day at Cathy's, Christine, Roseanne, Sarah, Leanne,

Thank you to the ladies at The Quilted Crow and Helen from Hugs and Kisses for their generous donations.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

My first sponge...



Victoria at 13MIMOSA did a post about making an Australian Sponge. I am an ashamed Australian - I have never made sponge. Really because so many people have such a phobia for them I decided to stay clear than risk failure.

Victoria kindly offered her recipe for me to do and I made it today. It is kinda a bita thina... Did you see how thick hers is!!!!! I followed your STRICT instructions Victoria. I beated the eggs and sugar till thick and creamy. Did I over fold the flour in? Any less there would have been flour clumps. The middle also sunk a little explaining the cleverly posed photo...

Anyone - any ideas? We are having it for desert shortly. It is filled with cream and jam. Hubby accidentally bought thickened cream than normal cream for me to whip but it will still taste the same...

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

On my desk



Still rather quiet here. No humming of my sewing machine but certainly a production of cutting fabric. I decided to use my time wisely stitching and cutting fabric while the machine is STILL with the machine man. Won't rush him - it has been nice to get some of these steps done.

Thank you to Kootoyoo who has began this "On my desk..." Wednesday post...

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Just had to make...



I saw something very similar at Lynette Anderson Design Blog a while back. I just had to make one and here it finally is. I just slowly sewed on all the buttons during the boys swimming lessons. Very unlike me to make something that does not have purpose but I think it is cute - not sure what to do with it now!

Monday, November 17, 2008

This is... my favourite thing from nature



I know I am a day late - but hey this weeks host Cloth and Fodder is a day late too - wonder if Three Buttons, will notice?

My favourite thing from nature is Rain.

I just love the feeling before it rains. I love hearing it patter on our roof. I like to have the excuse to stay inside and keep warm. I like how it makes the plants sing. I love how it helps my vegies and plants (ex weeds) grow with out having to use our prescious water resources and I love how it makes the ground, flowers and grass smell that fresh smell after.

Just wished it rain more.

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Kathryn's Quiche

I made Kathryn's Quiche today. Just delicious and easy. Visit her blog and make it yourself. Never knew about pastry mix till I tried this recipe.

Friday, November 14, 2008

I FINISHED them


WOO HOO

They are all ready for the Tassie Stitchers get together at Ross later this month. PHEW I was starting to wonder if I get them finished in time. Jo, Cathy, Meridith, Helen and Leanne I sure hope you guys are happy with them. I so look forward to all the kits being together.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

They are really easy



I have been procrastinating making these. Jo kindly offered a pattern and since then I have seen them here and here (cannot find the link now : ( so deided I can only try and I am really pleased with the outcome. I have made one for my niece for Christmas and one for the school fair demos (on that subject I have finished making all the demos - yippie!)

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

On my desk



It looks a bit sad doesn't it? Well JUST as I was finishing quilting the last block the sewing machine decided it was not going to sew unless the feed dogs were down! Which would then effect the quilting process. SO I have sent it to the fix it man. I am SO HOPING it is still under warranty. When I get it back I will sew in the binding and wa la my Uncles quilt will be ready for Christmas.

I am getting withdrawals! Anyone else suffer this?

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Absolutely Scrummy



On Saturday I showed off my x2 double yolks - well Marita from Moderately Me linked me a recipe for a creamy lemon slice which I did today and it was scrummy. Go over and make it.

If any of you know a GOOD slice recipe you are happy to share PLEASE do (like chocolate?)!

Monday, November 10, 2008

One tomato, two tomato, three tomato....



These were made using acrylic felt. I much prefer the one I made previously with woolen felt - much nice to work with and a much better finish... These will be for the school fair - some demos they have asked me to make to give the craft stall a lift...

Sunday, November 9, 2008

This is my favourite quote



Thank you to Strawberry Kisses who came up with this weeks "This is..." theme hosted by Three Buttons.

This quote is used often around here....

"I have reached 100th Post"

Woo hoo

(edit:a few people have asked if this is for real and YES I have reached my 100th post. Well according to my dash board I am at 102 but my post list this is 98 so I thought I combine it with the This is... as I was to pathetic to think of a better quote!)

Oh and the winner who named Mrs ? which I recalled finished on the 9th was the 6th (oops brain fuzz)... is (drum roll)

Miss Daphne - Sandi from Embroideroo is the winner! WOO HOO. Sandi can you email me privately with your address so can send you the goodies.

Saturday, November 8, 2008

I am having a lucky day



I have never cracked open a double yolk egg.

I recall when I was young my mum did and the excitement that came from that moment has stuck with me. Yesterday I baked chocolate ramekins for an easy desert for my sisters and I cracked open three eggs and TWO were double yolk! I suddenly cheered up and felt like this is a lucky day. Since doing this I opened more eggs from the same batch to make omelets and there was another double yolk!

P.S. If any one knows of a recipe for 3 - 5 egg yolks I would appreciate it - I hate to waste them!

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Poor Angel



A poor Angel Swappie goodies were stolen from her letter box. I just could not let her miss out so I have mailed this to her today.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

On my desk



Bits and pieces of little simple projects I hope to do with in the next week. They are intended as demo ideas for the schools fair craft stall.

Jo is popping around tonght with Thai (yum) and we are going to get the three layers of my uncles quilt together and of course my trusty Christmas very slow to make baubles. Swap is due end of this month so I am intending over the next two weeks to do them in my lunch hour as I have been getting to bed REAL early lately.

Thank you to Kootoyoo who has started this "On my desk..." Wednesday post or I may just let another week slip by....

Sunday, November 2, 2008

This is... a favourite recipe I would like to share



Thank you to the Host of "This is..." - Three Buttons who has chosen this weeks theme...

As you have seen in my past posts I have shown recipe's which have been quick, easy and delicious. These three points have to be filled to be approved by me. Or if it is the weekend and we are all feeling like something that takes more time but the effort is worth the taste/comfort then this gets the tick as well.

This one is Hazelnut Brown Butter Cake. Absolutely SCRUMMY

I cannot take credit for it ... I found it on Smitten Kitchen. An amazing food blog. GO on make one for yourself - you will not regret discovering this luscious cake!

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Welcome back...



Would you be so kind to welcome a blogger back?

Marita from Moderatley Me has returned. Jo and I meet her when we saw her stall at a local Christmas Fair. We knew from her lovely range of goodies she had to be a blogger and she was.

Friday, October 31, 2008

Roses



Here is another 'small' project finished. I really should wriggle along and get on to the Christmas Baubles. But the next one won't take so long...

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Introducing Miss ?



This was the little project that required the bonnet I mentioned yesterday. The person to come up with a name I really like by 6th November will receive a little goody in the mail. She was inspired by Sandi's Ducks at Embroideroo. When I saw Sandi's ducks I remembered this pattern which I wanted to do one day... I have been watching Sandi's Ducks grow and now they are much bigger. I have tried talking hubby to letting us have ducks - but I know they just would not work here in our small inner city block. SO this little Miss will be the best I can do.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

On my desk



I am plodding along with my 'little projects' so I can get started on the big. A few extra projects were fitted in at the last minute.

Here from right to left. The Tassie Christmas Bauble Swap continue to be made (though slowly since last time). My uncles quilt all together. Just need to stitch the letters before I ask The Quilted Crow to Quilt it together for me (I just dont want to quilt such a large quilt). Knitting a bonnet for a cute little thing (more on this latter). I finished making a baby's boy quilt - just stitching the block for the back. Last - making fabric flowers. Just need to cut the dow and put them together.

It is very unlike me to be undergoing so many projects at once. I am determined to get through these before I start any more.

I am off to work today (again) so hope every one is having nice suny days like we are.