Another Paint It - GOLD - Project!

Have you ever bought something for the home décor online, 

thinking it would be fabulous?

And when it arrives in the post is NOTHING like the image you bought it from???

Well, this is what happened with this darling...

French styled - tick ✔

Birds - tick ✔

but...

colour - yuk - tick ✔

almost tacky - tick ✔

Does not fit anywhere in the house - tick ✔

Disastrous purchase - tick  ✔ 

Try and fix said disastrous purchase...

paint the leafy green bird grey to tone the super bright colours down.

Looks a bit better now... and some may even like it in its original glory, but for me, it just wasn't right.

So into the cupboard it went, and it stayed - until it was painted white.

But I still didn't like it, so back into the cupboard it went!

I have seen on Pinterest how people are spray painting anything and everything white!

Kids plastic toys, ornaments, books, vases, bookends - EVERYTHING!!!

And as I am having a 'quite fond of gold' moment...
And the red sitting room has now developed accents of gold,

I painted it gold, as well as an old vase I have had for 20 years.

Best idea ever - tick  ✔

 I used White Knight Super Gold
(LOVE this paint as it has SUPERB coverage!)

Two items that were relegated to cupboard life are now funky with a new golden style.

 Up-styled décor pieces that I'm now loving...

Painted GOLD!

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#gold #upcycled #diy #paintit

LOVE Many Things....

Love Many Things.

To know life's breath, its pulse, its gentle art,

Is the way to unlatch the chambers of the heart.

Not just for grand designs, or goals ablaze,

But for the quiet wonder of its days.

The twisted olive tree, sturdy in the sun,

The tireless labour till the working day is done.

A patch of stars, a flickering candlelight's gleam,

Each holds a truth, a simple dream.

To see life etched in a weathered face,

The ethereal beauty of a humble place.

The golden glow of a beautiful sunset,

The unconditional love of a beloved pet.

For every shadow, every burst of light,

Every small detail that greets your sight,

To truly grasp the tapestry they bring

is the ability to embrace and love so many things.

©Tracey Lee Cassin

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#NZPoets #poetry #Vangogh

Easy Persimmon Jam...

Easy to make persimmon jam...

Made from  Mia Bella Passions Gardens persimmons...

organic... 

 and spray-free...

 So delicious there is definitely a competition going on as to to whom gets to eat them!

 The Wax eye birds LOVE persimmons.

and as it is winter in New Zealand, we don't mind sharing this wonderful food source with them.

 To make jam you will need to peel about 6 tree ripe persimmons.

Dice and core

The total weight needs to be 1kg (2.20pounds).

Have your jars sterilised ready to use.

Add 1 teaspoon of water to the microwave bowl containing the diced persimmons.
Cook for 5 minutes on high.
(adjust timing to the power of the microwave you are using.)

Mash roughly with a potato masher.

Add 1 kg (2.20 pounds) of Chelsea Jam setting sugar.

Over low heat stir in sugar until dissolved.
Add 25 grams (0,88 ounces)of butter. mix to melt.
Increase heat and bring the jam to a boil that cannot be stopped by stirring.
Boil for 4-5 minutes.

Bottle.

And enjoy!

Easy Persimmon Jam

Peel and dice approximately 6 large (tree-firm)  persimmons. Weigh as you dice as you need 1kg (2.20 pounds) of fruit. Microwave with 1 teaspoon of water until soft  (about 5 minutes, but will depend on your microwave). Mash roughly with a potato masher. Put into a heavy base saucepan and add 1kg (2.20 pounds) of Chelsea jam-setting sugar. Heat mixture over low heat until the sugar is dissolved. Add 25 grams (0.88 ounces) of butter. When melted and mixed through increase heat to bring the jam to a boil. When it is a boil that cannot be stopped by stirring, boil for 4 - 5 minutes.  Test on cold saucer. It is ready to jar when a blob is cooled slightly and surfaces of jam wrinkles when you put your finger through it. Place immediately in hot sterile jars.   Lid, and cool.

Pop over HERE for the printable recipe.

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#jam #persimmon #homemade #preserves