Treasured Trinkets

This week so far has been quite busy. I had a really nice weekend. On Saturday night I went to Croke Park for what I shamed to say was my first GAA game. It was more so to watch Dad tell the 45000 strong crowd about the suicide awareness campaign he is involved in but "come on ye boys in blue" and all that. And then I went to a "pop up" restaurant with Michael and it was amazing! I'll tell you more about that when I get the pictures sorted. Also I have been filming the "Occupy Dame Street" camp for a documentary we are making for college. All I will say is I am glad we are done.

Today is 5 months since Mam died. Weird. I made the doctor cry when I was telling her about it. Didn't expect to be consoling the doctor but she is so nice I didn't mind. I bought mam these canvasses and I spoke about them at the Flourish memorial service they held for her. I said how I had never really read them until after she died but they say some things in little love hearts that I suppose I wish I had told her more when I was able to. 

I don't know if it's weird to still have these but they are the jars of flowers I made for her funeral. They dried out and stayed really bright and rather then being sad when I see them, I smile because I know she would have liked them.

Now on a lighter, dainty note, look at this dainty espresso cup that my auntie Karen kindly gave me. It's hand painted and oh so pretty. Getting bored of my cup collection? Tough. I have loads.

Joey x

  

Treats and Treasure Thursday

I like Thursdays. It's the almost there day. It's almost Friday. Everybody is always a little bit giddy about what's on their agenda for the weekend. I will be in work. Boo.
I do however, have a few lovely little treats and treasures to show you from my week so far. Hope you like them.

Some shots from my sewing class in Om Diva

Also I got some new Yankee candles. Whenever I see them on offer, I actually can't resist. They smell too damn delightful.

Isn't this the best? Teeny, tiny, cupcake candles courtesy of Grandmas trip to England. Thanks!

Oh ye! Have I mentioned I really like vintage cups. I have a secret little collection going. I thought I would show you some. This little baby is the first one I bought. I got it at the Dublin Flea, which is actually really good, full of posers, but really nice. I may have been fleeced as I was a vintage cup rookie and paid €12 for it! I was not pleased when I went to the next stall and they had whole tea sets for a fiver. I do love it though. And they wrapped it nicely so that totally merits all those euros spent on some granny's old cup. 

Night.

Joey x

Homemade Vanilla Extract

So my first post was an emotional rolercoaster. Now let's make something pretty. Hurray!
Vanilla is the best. I put it in literally everything that seems like a good idea. But pure vanilla extract is really pricey. As in €11 a bottle. Too much for a lowly student like me. So I tried making it. Here is what i did/needed.

Things you will need:

• Pretty little jars or bottles that have a lid you can seal tightly
• Vodka
• Fresh vanilla pods

I got my vanilla as a gift but apparently it's a million times cheaper on the internet than from shops.

Things that you don't need but make it look nicer:

• Stripey string which is apparently called "baker's twine." Who knew?
• Brown paper to make tiny, fancy labels.
• Vanilla candle is optional if you're feeling romantic.

Method:

Cut your vanilla pods to fit whatever size your jar or bottle is. Next take your vanilla pods and slice them down the middle leaving a little bit at the end to keep them together.

Now squish them into the jars in a way that you are leaving yourself plenty of room for the vodka. Pour in the vodka so that it goes right up to the top. It needs to fully cover the vanilla.

Now all that's left is to seal the lid and make labels if you want. You could just stick a label on but that is no fun. Brown paper and baker's twine tags anyone?...Yes please.

Store them in a cool, dark press/cupboard and give them a shake once a week. Don't even think about using it for at least two months, if not longer. It will not be delicious yet. I'll do vanilla updates about what mine looks like each week.

Joey x