Things that make you go Oooooo (August 2011)

by Citrusfrukt

I can't believe August is over already and we're already going into autumn, time really does fly when you're having fun! August has been another busy but great month for me I celebrated another birthday, caught up with friends, welcomed some new additions into the world and had time to think about the future and what it is I really want to achieve over the next year, so with that in mind here are just a few of the things that have amused and inspired me this month

♥ 10 Really Easy Ways You Can Love Yourself More Today - Great tips from the "Radical Self Love" guru Gala Darling and some simple steps to give you that much needed boost.

♥ How to be the change you want to see in the world

♥ Why having less money won't necessarily make us unhappy - Like many others I'm feeling the pinch of the recession and am more considerate to my purchases and definitely doing a lot more D.I.Y. but less money is not always a bad thing and can be a good lesson to those of us to appreciate the little things in life and what we have.

by Daintiness

♥ For Amy - Amy Winehouse was an amazingly talented woman and her songs really touched me, this is a very well written compassionate tribute by Russell Brand about the loss of his friend.

♥ Was I a free spirit for Nothing?

♥ 25 Ways To Be A True Friend - "Not everyone has to be a close friend, but it’s integral to our happiness that we show people who we truly are, allow ourselves to know them in return, and then remind each other through actions—small or large—that we care."

by Jennifer Erickson

 ♥ Why Can't Everyday Be Like My Birthday? - So another birthday has come and gone but that doesn't mean I can't add a little celebration into everyday.

♥ Tea and Kittens

♥ 50 Life Secrets and Tips - I LOVE this so much great advice definitely something I will be taking notes on!

by Dangerousladies

♥ Comic Cell Hair Clip Tutorial - Love this idea although the thought of cutting up my old comics scares me, but I'm totally for incorporating more geek into your daily outfits

♥ Star Wars Origami

♥ Add More Whimsy into Your Life - Super cute and fun tips on how to make your daily life a little more magical.

by Gutterfish

♥ He Gives Tips For A Fashion Blog -Some really great and simple ways to improve your blog for readers and how to gain a "following"

♥ Alexander Wang on building his fashionable family empire

♥ Anna Wintour on Rumours About Her Reputation, John Galliano, The Internet and More - Love this little insight on the queen of fashion

by Deadmoondreams

♥ Walking a Black Dog: thoughs on "The D Word"... - An honest look at depression and ways to ease the pain written by my gorgeous and talent friend Cally, she's just started blogging again so be sure to follow her!

♥ I'll Get To It Later: Why People Procrastinate

♥ On being a workaholic and still having a life - Striking that harmonious balance being work and having fun is key to a happy life.

by TinyOctopus

♥ I Don't Want Children! Am I A Freak?! Why Won't Everyone Leave Me ALONE?! - With all my friends giving birth to beautiful babies this month I feel like I've been doing a lot of explaining, I don't want children maybe that will change but it doesn't make me any less of a woman or give me less purpose in life, motherhood isn't something you have to do it can be a choice to!

♥ Tips from the Tightfisted: Lose the 5" Heels

♥ How to Know When it's Your Time to Quit Your Job - Current economic conditions most people are very lucky to have a job but sometimes it can get too much and you may have no other option than to quit so here are some tell-tale signs that it may be your time to leave as well as tips on making the best of a bad situation.

Love & Sparkly Hugs

Cate

xoxo

Homemade Damson Jam

Last year my super chef mother decided to make some jam with the damson haul from our tree but unfortunately her attempts didn't go so well and she ended up burning the pan and its contents, so we never got to eat our fruit that year, so this year my mother passed the spoon on to me and it was my turn to make jam....

My attempts thankfully were much more successful and after doing a big of reading up on the subject of jam making I was surprised at just how easy it is to make (but don't tell my mother that!). The best thing is I was able to utilise all the fruit from our trees and now we'll all be able to enjoy it for weeks to come!

• 2lbs Damsons
• 2lbs Granulated Sugar*

(makes approx. 3 jars)
*general rule of jam making is that you want to use the same amount of sugar as you have fruit


♥ Wash all your fruit throughly, you don't want any bits or unwelcome bug-like visitors in your jam so make sure your fruit is clean and fresh, any damaged or bruised fruit will be no good to make jam with.

♥ Simmer your damsons in approx. 100ml of water just to soften them.  Don't overcook them just yet as at this stage you just want to make sure the fruit is soft enough so you can easily remove the stones, you can also push the fruit against the sides of the pan to encourage them to break away from the stones. Once the fruit is soft enough remove it from the heat and remove all the stones.

♥ Add the sugar to the softened damsons and return to a high heat to boil for a few minutes, you want the sugar to be completely dissolved and once it is be sure to test for the setting point, also be sure to keep stirring your boiling jam at this point or it will burn!

♥ Once setting point is reached remove the pan from the heat and remove any scum there might be, spoon into sterilized jars and leave the jam to cool overnight.

♥  Serve on buns, crumpets, toast, scones, waffles, cake or anything else you want to add a bit of fruity sweetness to.

Eat & Stay Healthy

Cate

xoxo

And The Winner Is....

by Bakerella

Thank you to everyone for your birthday wishes it was such a joy to see how so many of you would love to spend your birthday. I've had a really nice relaxing day today, slept in, had my nails done, had a delicious meal with family and the nicest piece of pie and cup of joe ever! So without further ado here are the winners of my birthday giveaway

1st Prize

DEEPA

Runners Up

Hannah Nofsinger & Kris Beauty

Thank you to everyone that entered and I'll be contacting the winners soon for your addresses.

If you didn't win this giveaway don't worry I'm offering everyone 20% off any purchase in my Etsy Shop until the end of the month just enter the discount code BIRTHDAY at checkout!

Love & Birthday Hugs

Cate

xoxo