Easy Blueberry Muffins

We were greeted by a grey and hot summer day on Sunday, I had been working in the garden all morning pulling out weeds (hate doing it, but the little pests keep growing back) and all I felt like was some much needed rest and some comfort food with our afternoon tea. I certainly didn’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen so I just wanted something that required minimal effort.  This blueberry muffins recipe is quick, easy and delicious. A family favorite, for sure

>>Get the RECIPE>>

 
O dia de Domingo estava cinzento e a ameaçar chuva (apesar do calor) e após ter passado a manhã no jardim a arrancar ervas daninhas só me apetecia descansar e ter algo delicioso para comer ao lanche que fosse rápido de fazer. Lembrei-me desta receita de muffins, que é fácil,  rápida e deliciosa e todos cá em casa gostamos. Ficaram tão bons que o Miguel levou hoje para o trabalho.

>>A Receita AQUI>> 

 

Delicious Hot Cross Buns

I tried making Hot Cross Buns a few years ago and even, though, the first time I came across the recipe I felt a bit overwhelmed, I decided to give it a go anyway. Thank God I did, because when I tried my first bun it tasted amazing!

And the best thing was, I really felt proud of myself that I didn’t give up after reading all the steps that were required to make the buns. I just rolled up my sleeves and baked. The buns were delicious and it was so rewarding.

My advice: do it on a relaxing day that you really feel like baking. While the dough is rising just go for a walk, have a cup of coffee and read a good book!

>>Get the RECIPE here>>

Planting Herbs and Vegetable seeds for a summer Garden

February is the month to start planting herbs and vegetables to fully enjoy an abundant harvest during summer time. Planting the seeds is actually quite easy. Caring and achieving success is the tricky part. Last year I managed to have eggplants and capsicums in my little vegetable corner. This year I am trying to grow butternut pumpkin (which I love) and lettuces. I always have, during the entire year, rosemary and thyme (quite sturdy and woody herbs) in the garden an I use them a lot in my cooking. They’re super easy to grow and need little maintenance.

If it’s the first time you’re trying to plant something from scratch, try easy to grow herbs like parsley, thyme, rosemary or cilantro (coriander). Recycle egg cartons and little plastic boxes that come with the vegetables you buy at the supermarket. Start indoors. Find a nice sunny spot or a windowsill to place your containers.

 >>Learn How to start planting with this TUTORIAL>>

The best Cinnamon Cake ever!

I found this Cinnamon Cake recipe while browsing my recipe file ( has tons of recipe that I find here and there, over the years, and print) looking for a cake idea to bake during the weekend. It’s been in my file for quite some time and I hadn’t tried it yet. Am so glad I did because this cake is so D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S!!

Easy to make and so darn tasty. The cinnamon topping melts into the cake (just imagine how good it is!) I made it on Saturday, there was nothing left by Monday morning…

 >>Get the RECIPE>>

Easy DIY Valentine Cards (free template set)

Valentine’s Day is not complete without Valentine Cards! Making your own is always so much fun, budget friendly, and you can personalize them anyway you want to. Here are a couple of ideas for cute Valentine cards to crafts for women and men. After all, Valentines is about love and you can say “I love you” to your Dad, you mom, your grandma, your kids, a close friend…

I’ve created a PDF file that you can safely download with a complete set – heart templates, message, patterns, map – so you have all you need to create these two cute valentine cards. Have fun!

>>Learn How to make them and get the FREE template >>

 

Heart-shaped Homemade Marshmallows

These Homemade Marshmallows were so much fun to make! They came out sweet, really fluffy and they simply melt in your mouth. I decided to cut them into a heart shape because Valentine’s Day is just a few days away and spreading some love is always a good thing! Some marshmallows I placed in a stick for the kids, some are to give as a gift and the rest goes straight into my morning coffee (no need for sugar)!

>>Learn How to make them!>>

How to make cute Notebooks (from a cereal box!)

If you’re like me, you always have a Notebook in your handbag. It’s like a little treasure that you carry where ever you go. I love writing journals, taking notes, writing down inspirational quotes or just a few “remember this later” notes. This is such an inexpensive and cute way to personalize your own Notebook.

Out cames the craft box and a little step by step tutorial so you can also make your own

>>Check out the TUTORIAL>>

How to make Homemade Delicious Ricotta Cheese

Homemade Ricotta Cheese has been on my to-do list for a long time and it’s so easy. I love it plain, with herbs, on bread with a sprinkle of salt and black pepper, stuff cannelloni rolls with it and a bit of spinach or as a desert with pumpkin jam. It’s delicious and so versatile. You have to try this recipe.

Why buy store-bought – packed with chemical preservatives- when it only takes 30 to 40 minutes to make? Never again!

>>Learn HOW to make it!>> 

Decadent Merengue Affogato in 5 minutes!

I made this decadente Affogato desert a few months ago when I invited a friend for dinner at the last minute and quickly realized I had no desert to serve and basically no time to make or bake one. I needed something I could make in 5 minutes right before serving. I remembered I had vanilla Ice cream in the freezer so making a delicious affogato was just perfect!

I just tweeked the basic recipe a bit and added crushed merengue (mini pavlovas) and some chocolate shards. The result? A super fast, decadente and delicious desert!

>>Get the RECIPE>>

 

How to sew Half Square triangles in no time!

Half Square Triangles blocks are just squares made up of two triangles. This simple tutorial will allow you to create beautiful pieces in a few minutes, not just for quilts but any sewing project. I’ve seen this pattern being used in maternity bags, handbags and in small projects like trivets and oven mits. 

Give it a try, make a few blocks with different fabrics and mix and match. Have fun!

>>Check out the TUTORIAL!>>

Homemade Miracle Tea to fight cold and flu

I make this Miracle Tea every time I have a sore throat and heavy cough. It helps tremendously and it’s so delicious! A combination of lemon, ginger and honey is a great one to fight cold and flu symptoms.

I make this mixture and let it infuse for a couple of hours or overnight to make it even stronger. The next day just drink this tea a few times a day and you’ll feel a all lot better within 2 or 3 days later. Give it a try and print a free label to place on your jar!

>>Learn how to make it>>

How to sew a Four-patch Quilt block ( great for beginners!)

The Four-patch Quilt block is such an easy way to start quilting (if you’re feeling brave enough, and I hope you are!).  The first quilt I made was a baby boy quilt  I actually started with triangle square blocks, but at the time I had help from my teacher, Helen Cabral (you can check out her lovely blog here) so I had a safety net in case I made a mistake. Starting with a four-patch is really the way to go if you’re starting out, and it’s such a versatile block

>>Check out the step-by-step instructions>>

 

How to make Homemade Play-Doh

This Play-Doh was so much fun to make and to see the reaction of my son when he first started playing with it! He had never played or seen Play-Doh before, so the all thing was priceless!

This recipe uses only natural products, so it’s completely non-toxic and safe for children of all ages. If they decide to taste or eat a bit, it’s ok. Just keep an eye because the recipe does have salt. When your kids are not playing with it, keep it in the fridge and it will last up to 6 months!

>>Learn How to Make It>>

 

Multiple Fabric Binding Tutorial

I’ve put together this quick and easy binding tutorial using different fabrics sewn together. Besides being a great scrap-buster, making a multi-fabric binding can make your quilts quite unique and really eye-catching. 

I’ve been working on a quilt that uses a lot of linen on the quilt top, so, when it came to deciding what fabric I was going to use for the binding, I decided to use them all and take advantage of all the leftover fabric scraps. It also makes the binding stand out from the linen and provides a great finish for the quilt.

>>Get the Tutorial>>

 

Honey Lemon Madeleines

I made these Madeleines yesterday and they turned out so incredibly delicious! I bought a madeleine baking tray last year and it lay completely forgotten in a kitchen cupboard until yesterday. I used a basic french madeleine recipe and just added the lemon zest and juice and the honey. They turned out so good I took some to my niece’s school for everyone to taste!

>>Get the RECIPE>>

Happy New Year!!

Budget friendly Christmas Favour Bags Tutorial + free template

I kept myself busy yesterday making Christmas Favour Bags to give for Christmas. They are really budget friendly, perfect when you just want to “give a little heartfelt gift” to someone else and still manage a “How!” factor. I went to the supermarket, bought some chocolate treats and found these really cute mini candy canes. Use scraps of fabric, craft supplies you already have, leftover ribbon, (whatever you want)

>>Check out the TUTORIAl and download free template>>

How to dry Orange Slices for the Holidays

Add dry Orange slices to your Christmas decoration. They are so versatile! You can use them in wreaths, garlands, table centerpieces, attach some cinnamon sticks and use as tree ornaments or place in a bowl and make a pot-pourri. They also add a beautiful citrus and Christmassy fragrance to your house.

>>Learn Howto make them, it's so easy!>>

Magical Set of Gingerbread Man

This cute Set of 3 Gingerbread Man is sure to make your Christmas tree look magical!

Each Gingerbread Man was carefully handcrafted using top quality materials:

Soft felt

Ribbon

Hand painted wooden buttons

Hand stitched with top quality DMC embroidery thread.

Each hand painted wooden button is different and one of the Gingerbread Man has a lovely felt heart.

>>BUY NOW or Find out more>>

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Christmas Toasts with honey and butter

Making Christmas Toasts with butter and honey during the holiday season just makes our mornings extra fun and special. I don’t make them everyday, but during the weekends and Christmas day breakfast becomes something to look forward to. It takes no time at all!

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>>Learn How to make them!>>