Autumn hydrangeas reflected in felted wool wraps



Now that's a wrap  - Sept 27

 Hi R
I know you showed these pieces a few days ago. 
They are beautiful! 
You said -
'What I love about felted wool is that it's a win, win situation. No one is "harvested" for the pelt, harmful synthetic chemicals aren't necessary for the faux and my friend the sheep goes happily on with his life. Baaaahhh...that's sheep talk for Gooooddd!'


Clara - Baaaaahh is my language - (being a New Zealander before an Aussie.)  So many concepts combined here - as is so, of course with most of your concepts.  There is an ethereal quality, combining the compact nature of felting with a certain transparency. Then the blending of colour resembling antique weathering. 
Similar to the weathering of my favourite flower, - hydrangea - which I am lucky enough to have growing in the back yard.  I see in the photos, the autumn hue which is my favourite.
 
Go Hydrangeas! One day I will somehow, creatively express your essence.
Clara


Felt like felting


Click on 'comment' at bottom of page to have your say or email clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au www.babyboomerconnections.com.au

 

Grannies - Spending time with grandchildren is our gift

R wrote in response to my food blog on avocados - While my creativity has blossomed in the textile arts with my project blog, all other aspects in my life have, alas, become a bit mundane, especially my meal planning.
There just isn't enough time in the day anymore to be a great cook, an avid exerciser, an entrepreneur and a granny. I'm concentrating on the grannie part as that is the most important part.

My meals lately have consisted of take out from the local market with some salads thrown in. Thank goodness it's a great market and has lots of healthy food to offer. October looks to be a calmer month and with your visit, I am looking forward to lots of creative time, in the studio, in the kitchen and all over our town. It will be great fun.


Clara -  My visit to Wisconsin to catch up after 30 years is very special - our base was combining young children with creativity, being entrepreneurial, exercising, while offering healthy food and lifestyle.  Now being a good granny, and still combining the above, is I believe, exactly where you need to be, and you are fortunate to be close enough to have a regular cuddle.    

Allocating time is still the issue:  with modern grannies, mothers and working women - or in fact anyone who chooses to do all you say.  R, there never was enough time to do all of that, no matter your age and stage!  Germaine didn't raise a family, then have the joy of grandchildren - in fact, after all her protestations on women wasting time in kitchens looking after men and families, has herself become a little bit foodie. 

Women, as you know, have always had to juggle family interests with other aspects of a fulfilling life;  having been a single parent, I know this well: our mothers, with the advent of modern appliances and post wartime values,  were only on the brink of being able to combine other interests, let alone a career, while nuturing a family. 

Which is why a great motto  'Carpe diem',  Live the Day,  expresses how your creativity has  'Blossomed' in the textile arts, at the same time  embracing the importance of being a great granny.  If we don't grab the moment, it will be gone - bonding happens early and is for a lifetime.  Also it happens through contact not bloodline.
Also, at the same time, this is our time too, and if we don't grab it and express ourselves now, then when ?

Meanwhile, throwing together a selected takeaway, combining it with fabulous quick salads, is a perfect answer.  I adore warm

Where have the years gone?

salads for instance which is just what you are describing. 
So much to catch up over a glass of wine.

Other simple healthy solutions and methods are available from http://fitinyourjeanscuisine.blogspot.com/


Click on 'comment' at bottom of page to have your say or email clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au
 http://www.babyboomerconnections.com.au/ with foodie archive

Casual cosy wraps & shrugs to welcome Fall

Hi R
I don't have to ask what you have been doing - you are truly amazing!
 Shrugs - a great word for casual warmth, is my favourite, along with textured wool wrap and continuous alpaca blend scarf.  Love these casual comforting warmers.


Clara


White Out...September 23rd

Textured Knit Wool Jacket

Morning Wrapture...September 22nd

Textured Knit Wool Wrap






















Wrap Star...September 21st

Knit Continuous Scarf in Alpaca Blend
























Shrug It On...September 20th

Wool Knit Shrug






















Rock Star...September 19th

 

Click on 'comment' at bottom of page to have your say or email clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au
 http://www.babyboomerconnections.com.au/

Faux fur - jury is out but we love it - just don't overdo

Clara's choice from fashionscene this week -
LA made Leno tee is timeless, ageless classic T style.  Looks great with the bold neckpiece.
Faux Fur - I have to admit to being a lover of a bit of fur - soft and indulgent.  Of course I agree not to wear more than one piece at a time.  (Even though I have been known to overdo it, I would never never do that!)
Clara

This next one takes a bit more of an innocent approach to the look, while still giving you the desired effect. (I don't know about you, but this comes across to me as church-worthy or frigid-mother-in-law-acceptable)





Top: LA Made Leno tee in night $60

Jeans: Miss Me boot cut $98

Necklace: RRT Design $110



Well, I didn't think as soon as I posted something about fall it would turn all frigid outside but... it gives me an excuse to speak to you about JACKETS, chunky sweaters and layering! I'm seeing a ton of faux fur from a lot of fashion lines this fall/winter. Although a lot of the models on the runway are decked out like a coon hunter in the wilderness, I would suggest just wearing one accent piece of fur. I'm sure that's pretty obvious to you. Honestly though... if you have fur on your boots, no furry hat, or furry gloves or purse. You get the idea.

This outfit just screams for the mannequin to be holding a Starbucks Pumpkin Spiced Latte!


Vest: BB Dakota Faux Fur in Brown $84

Top: Dex Scoop Neck Sweater in Sangria $74

Shirt: C&C California Deep V short sleeve in white $36

Jeans: Citizens of Humanity Amber Medium Rise Bootcut Faith $178






Click on 'comment' at bottom of page to have your say or email clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au www.babyboomerconnections.com.au

Avocados provide fab food for finger food baby shower menu

Hi R

Special request from my daughter to design a finger food menu for her baby shower  - tasty, healthy but low cal, of course, since the hostess and usually friends are feeling round enough. 

 Perfect for - http://fitinyourjeanscuisine.blogspot.com/ 


It's interesting how Baby Showers have become such an event - and can actually be a heap of fun, with everyone excited about the new baby;  advice, memories of similar days, and old wives' remedies flowing much faster than the champagne.  And of course debates re demand feeding V having a life etc.  Wonderful female camaraderie
Clara xx

Avocado Dip  - au naturale

Fingerfood and appetizers would be perfect. 
Avocado Dip

2 avocados – chopped or mashed
1/2 lebanese cucumber, sliced lengthways, deseeded, then chopped finely
2 tsp lemon juice
1/4 cup Greek yoghurt
Sea salt and cracked pepper


Chopped Mint or basil  (or both) added at the end
Serve with vegetable sticks and /or Lebanese bread toasted – Lebanese cucumber, carrot, celery, capsicum.

Or do what we do - simply scoop from the flesh of the avo with a cracker - (my favourite being 'Salt and Vinegar Rice crackers')


Re Avos - Don't be like me in the past - thinking that they contained oils and therefore avoiding them when in fact they are great for maintaining a healthy weight since fats are vital for good health. (Avocados contain fat, 60% is monounsaturated, 20% is polyunsaturated, and only 20% is saturated.)Avocados are a wonderful fruit containing a mass of vital nutrients needed for a healthy growing baby and Mums.    Low in sugar, contain fibre, salt free, they contain per 100g-11% of the RDI of vitamin A, 11% of Thiamin, 19% of Riboflavin, 21% of niacin, 42% of vitamin C and 13% of magnesium, to name a few.





Helps lower cholesterol, great source of dietary fibre.  Not only is it a fantastic antioxidant and brilliant for your skin, when consumed prior to or during alcohol, inhibits the ability of alcohol to cause fatty liver. So next time you're having a glass of wine try eating home-made avocado dip with veggie sticks.

Eat more avos, girls, and feed them to your babies. 
Clara


Click on 'comment' at bottom of page to have your say or email clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au www.babyboomerconnections.com.au

Prawn Salad gets fresh with melon, ginger, lime and mint

Eating In

Based on a recipe which came from our Mosman Magazine, showcasing 'Eating In' by Philip Johnson, this way of combining seafood with fresh Asian flavours gets my tick. I adore eating out but also love eating in, usually on a Saturday night - yes R - things have changed!     Clara

Seared prawns with a salad of melon, ginger, lime and mint
Serves 6 as an entree


18 large raw prawns, shelled and deveined, with tails intact
3 cm / 1 in piece of ginger, very thinly sliced
2 tblsp olive oil plus knob of butter to taste
sea salt & ground black pepper
Juice of 2 limes, with lime wedges to serve


Melon Salad
1/2 rock melon, rind removed, seeded and cut into cubes
2 long red chillies, seeded and thinly sliced
3 spring onions, thinly sliced diagonally
Handful of mint leaves, torn


To make the salad, combine ingredients and set aside.


Meanwhile, heat olive oil in heavy based frypan, cook prawns in 2 batches, adding half the ginger and butter just before they are cooked. Season and remove from heat.


Add the prawns to the melon salad then drizzle with lime juice, and gently toss to combine.


To serve, pile some salad and three prawns onto each plate, then drizzle with any remaining juices. Garnish with lime wedges
According to nutritionist Dr Rosemary Stanton, prawns are an excellent source of protein, a good source of omega 3 fatty acids and a great way to get iron, zinc and vitamin E. They are also low in saturated fats.


For more fresh, tasty recipes - http://fitinyourjeanscuisine.blogspot.com/

Click on 'comment' at bottom of page to have your say or email clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au
 http://www.babyboomerconnections.com.au/

Vests and wraps to wear with skinny jeans.

Hi R
Vest assured that I continue to be amazed at what you achieve!  Love the wraps and scarves especially 'Sheep to Shawl'.  Is it a Mobius Scarf? 

My favourites though are 'Poncho Viva' and 'Bring out the Vest in you' since they remind me of the blending of colours we achieved with our weaving back in the 70's. 'Vest Assured' and 'Just in Time' also are reminiscent of the beautiful pieces which were woven with hand spun wool, some of which you spun from the fleece of your own sheep.  The variations in the wool create the fabulous variations in texture.
Clara
Grapes of Wrap...September 18th

Poncho Viva...September 17th

Sheep to Shawl...September 16th

Faux Fur For Fun...September15th

Bring Out the Vest in You...September 14th

Just in Time...September 13th

Vest Assured...September 12th


















Click on 'comment' at bottom of page to have your say or email clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au

 http://www.babyboomerconnections.com.au/

Sharing interests and friendship is engaging



Resort beauty is enjoyable
Sharing interests and friendship is engaging

 Hi R
Re - Your comment on Noosaville "It looks so beautiful.  I hope you won't be bored with Wisconsin."

Having just spent a few  lovely hours with philosophical friends, I am probably 'waxing lyrical.' (love that term - whatever it means).



Old friendships renewed

Anyway, it's not just about amazing scenery: -  while it's great to visit beautiful places and wonder at magnificent sights and sites, Wisconsin in Autumn being one of these,  what is ultimately more important is the engagement I feel in the activity and the friendship aspect.  Since my 'Raison d etre' - 'Reason for Being' is similar to yours, what I look forward to, is sharing creative ideas, old times and most importantly, having a good laugh together as we used to do. G and Ian certainly had many of these.  So important and healing to have a good laugh together.
Clara

 Click on 'comment' at bottom of page to have your say or email clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au
 http://www.babyboomerconnections.com.au/

"Slip another shrimp on the Barbie", says Paul Hogan

 True Blue

Paul Hogan - "Come and say G'day"...... was the actual advertising slogan. Followed by, "I'll slip an extra shrimp on the barbie for you". 
According to Hoges - that's what we do in downtown Oz.  I happen to agree with him.

Clara



So here's one way to  do it. 
Prawns with Romesco Sauce

To serve 4
16 large green king prawns, peeled with tail and head left intact.  De-vein by running knife down the back of prawn and removing the dark vein.

1 clove garlic crushed
2 tbsp olive oil
1 lime

Brush prawns with olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper and cook over medium - high heat for 2-3 minutes each side or until they are pink and cooked through. (Or un - Hogeslike - grill on a baking tray)


Romesco Sauce
30ml olive oil (a splash)
1 clove garlic  / half a chilli / 1 sprig rosemary or handful of parsley
3 tomatoes skinned and deseeded
1 red capsicum, chopped
Juice of 1/2 lemon
2 tbsp white wine vinegar
1 tsp paprika
1/3 cup almonds whole
Course & Pepper


Heat olive oil, add  chopped garlic, chilli and rosemary.  Cook gently for 1 minute, add tomato and capsicum, season with salt and pepper, and cook on a high heat for 2 minutes.  Blend with lemon, vinegar, almonds to make a smooth sauce.

Place prawns on a plate with lime cheeks and romesco sauce on the side as a dip.


Click on 'comment' at bottom of page to have your say or email clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au www.babyboomerconnections.com.au

Come away with me to Noosaville

Hi R

'A picture paints a thousand words'........ 

Noosaville lies next to Noosa Sound and Munna Point, along the Noosa River. (Sunshine Coast, Queensland).  It has its own distinct village character while being close to essential modern conveniences, restaurants, cafés, motels and resorts.


Enjoy a picnic in the foreshore parklands or take a dip in the cool Noosa River. With its long stretch of walkways, the parkland is a popular destination for leisure or fitness. From early morning when the rowers glide along the river and the rainbow lorikeets greet the day, to sunset when the colourful sailing boats return to their moorings and the cafés begin to fill, Noosaville has a relaxed charm.

We enjoyed all of the above plus the extreme beauty of Noosa's fabulous coastline. Usually G provides a balance re shopping, but with Gail's  expertise and encouraging words, "Great for travel etc",  I shopped till I dropped.
Clara


Click on 'comment' at bottom of page to have your say or email clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au www.babyboomerconnections.com.au

Holiday in Noosaville was fabulous

Hi there
Sometimes there is a necessity to pause for a moment - to have time out. 
So this is it! 
Will be back with more amazing images.
Cheers Clara










Click on 'comment' at bottom of page to have your say or email clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au www.babyboomerconnections.com.au

1970's woven garments rise again

Hi R
The 70's is where I came in to the Niddy Noddy where we used to weave ancient patterns to create new looks.  These unstructured garments are timeless and always stylish.

Wonderful times / fabulous creativity.  Have our daughters / young women  the opportunity to explore and embrace their creative side?  Perhaps this aspect of life will return to give them the same satisfaction it gave to us.
Clara
ps Is this the Monarch Butterfly?
Capeable...August 31st

This cape is a simple oval with two holes cut for the arms. We used to weave these back in the 70's. The pattern is ancient.

Click on 'comment' at bottom of page to have your say or email clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au www.babyboomerconnections.com.au

Accessories to die for

Hi R
Thought I would checkout your new fashion blog - since I am lucky enough to be visiting in fall, I'm wondering how I will decorate myself.  As you know I adore scarves and the way you put them together with complementary jewellery and stunning bags.  Old Rose is my favourite - very flattering colour, hope it is still there when I arrive. 
Others can visit http://www.shopatnextdoorfashionscene.blogspot.com/ to view more fabulous looks and even buy online if they like.
Clara

Scarf: Vivante by VSA in brown $22
Necklace: EM 30" 2 row in Animal
Bag: Big Buddha with chains "Ajaitlynn" in green
                                                         

Scarf: Vivante by VSA with studs in Old Rose $44
Necklace: EM 19" Hematite Chain Drape
Bag: JOY Print Hobo bag in Brown $48

Scarf: VSA with fringe in Navy
Necklace: Crystal Ring set $35
Bag: Nicole Lee Queena Edgy Pieced Black $81




















Scarf: VSA Geometric in Grey $32
Belt: Nicole Lee Studded Belt in Taupe
Bag: Fashion Express Silver Circle in Mustard $62


Click on 'comment' at bottom of page to have your say or email clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au
 http://www.babyboomerconnections.com.au/

Cooking is truly an act of love - Encore Papa

Hi there Nanooka (from the north)

What do you do when the man in your  kitchen cooks a better than my average meal? 

 Answer - enjoy!  And stay out of the kitchen. 
 A monthly Mosman magazine, delivered free,  a good read, glossy ads of what's available, where to go, a few recipes etc.  When I returned from tutoring, it was opened at Pork with prunes, sage, sauteed apples and hazelnuts with G in process.  And this was a man whose previous inspiration was carrots and beans, spag bol,  with the occasional Microwave Miracle. (Can't leave out the Stuffed Mushrooms for breakfast during courting days)
Clara
And from an expert chef - From 'Wisdom' by Andrew Zucherman - 'Love'
"Cooking is truly an act of love".....Jacques Pepin.  .  He moves on to say "Cook with love.  Sit down around the table and share food with your children and your family.  ....... You always communicate through cooking.  You cannot cook indifferently, otherwise the food won't come across the right way. 

There is a great deal of love which goes into the making of food, and you always cook for the other; maybe the purest expression of love is to cook for someone.  I don't see myself alone, standing in front of the top of the sink  and making a souffle of lobster.  But as soon as someone else comes, whether it's your mother or your lover or your child or a friend; then you set up the table around you; you add to your table, and you open the wine."
.....and "I remember my daughter when she was small and standing in her crib for the first time that I gave her caviar and I put it on bread - butter and caviar - she licked it up and she said,"Encore Papa." 

Encore G.

Clara's version of the meal  http://fitinyourjeanscuisine.blogspot.com/
Click on 'comment' at bottom of page to have your say or email clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au
 http://www.babyboomerconnections.com.au/

Anthony's Book is special

Anthony - How beautiful am I - so new to this world.

I am very fortunate to have Granotta - who creates wonderful things for me, like this book which I will read in the future and know how much I was loved.

Click on 'comment' at bottom of page to have your say or email clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au

 http://www.babyboomerconnections.com.au/

Spring has sprung - Fragrance evokes memories

Hi there Nanooka and to those in the North who are leaving  the warmth and humidity behind, with mixed feelings, I'm sure.
From down-under.......... My house is fragrant with the perfume of spring. Therefore it is full of memories since to me, fragrance is the ultimate trigger.
"Spring has sprung
The grass is ris
Please tell me where
The birdies is"

The change of seasons has to be a most evocative time as nature demonstrates the dynamic cycle of life. The exact opposite happening at the same time, in different hemispheres, is a reminder of the world's rotation, our dependence on  amazing, ongoing cycles, emphasising the need to be keep nature in balance. It is also a renewal - an opportunity to start again - to do it better. Several attempts at the music behind these spring images, gathered  over the last few weeks, didn't feel right for different reasons - this Jethrow Tull Flute is edgy, combined with harmonious. I thought this described the process of change.

As a Granny - well a Nonna, I love to share with a child the everchanging beauty which surrounds us, and help them to be aware of the fragility of our planet.  This is an essential role of the Matriach. 
Clara

Click on 'comment' at bottom of page to have your say or email
clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au
www.babyboomerconnections.com.au