Perfect Summer Salad.

You will need:

Fresh baby spinach
Cherry tomatoes
Avocado
Traditional boccocini
Sprinkle with balsamic and garlic dressing
Best made fresh and served with a glass of chilled lemon juice

The avocado and boccocini make this salad quite filling, so you wont need a large serve to quell an appetite!

Finding Practical Hobbies.

As I was sitting around last night, unable to decide if I wanted to watch television, a DVD, read a book or write, I decided it was time I got a new hobby. Something creative that I can fit into a busy schedule - something I can multi-task, or do when I have only an hour or two to spare.

I considered improving my knitting "skills". I already know the basics. I could probably knit a scarfe or a blanket if I really wanted to, but I often find knitting a little too repetitive and I get bored with it quickly. Other times (i.e. often) I make mistakes and I dont realise until countless rows later, and it's just too hard to go back and fix (or I'm too lazy. You decide). I would love to be able to knit wonderful things like jumpers, cardigans, beanies and socks, but I cant read knitting pattern instructions - it's a whole other language and I cannot make heads or tails of it!

So, I decided last night that I am going to learn how to sew. It's a practical hobby that could prove to be incredibly useful. Probably moreso than knitting ever could. My mum doesnt know it yet, but she's going to teach me (Thanks, Ma)!

I did learn (if you'd like to call it that) a bit of sewing from Home Economics class when I was in highschool. But I wasnt very good at it. We made an apron and a pencil case. I actually finished the apron: It was made from calico and I made it for my mum. I even put her initials on it. It was so proud! I think she may even still have it...?

The pencil case, however, was a bit of a disaster. I sewed it all wrong and couldnt get the zipper attached. I got frustrated and gave up. I was so disappointed that I didnt even bring the poor thing home; it was abandoned in the Home Ec room.

I'd like to think that being older, and with a steadier hand, I'll have more patience for it. I was thinking of starting simple: perhaps a tablecloth. I figure if I can sew a straight hemline then I am off to a good start!

Once I have finished some (wonderful?) creations I can share them!
[All tips welcome!]

In the meantime, I'll share two of my latest ATC creations. Both are themed "Cancelled Postage", and are via Swap-Bot.

No internet makes Sorcha something-something.

Having no internet on at home means that there are few blog updates but plenty of time for ATC-making! And I have been keeping myself busy with ATC swaps via ATC_Connection, Swap-Bot, private swaps and gifts. I've also received some beautiful cards in return, which I plan to take pictures of to share at some point in the very near future.

In the meantime I'm sharing the cards I've made over the past two months or so. Please try and ignore the poor photography: they would have been scanned if I'd been able to find the computer connection (no doubt still packed away in a box somewhere).

4x Dark Inspired via ATC_Connection

3x Pick-a-Country (Ireland) via ATC_Connection

2x Parents' Names via Swap-Bot

3x Custom "Chaapaai Kitty" for JP in Germany (gift)

1x Vintage for RG in USA (private swap)