Winter Cats...

You know it's winter...
because the 'Mia Bella' cats are snuggling...
Clea (left) is a Lilac Burmese
Arabella (middle) a Chocolate Point Siamese
and Shanti-Rose (aka Queen B, I am the boss) is a Red Burmese.
In fact wherever there is a blanket,
these three will be there!

DIY Table Runner...

A great way to update the decor is to add a table runner to a table.
They are incredibly simple to make.
Here is one I have just made...
It's got a beach theme going on, 
but also has a little French Country feel too with the linen look.
It's is gorgeous, from the Spotlight range of upholstery fabrics.
This one really appealed, as where I live is coastal.
It compliments the stunning painting of one of the Bays in my area.
I also fancy this fabric as it is a bit kiwi 
(Kiwi is the national bird of New Zealand,
 but also a term used to describe a New Zealand National).
It's kiwi because of the lovely shells depicted on the fabric. 


All of which can be found in New Zealand.

To make:

All you need is fabric the length of the dining or coffee table.
Heavier fabric types are best.
If you like an overhang as I do, allow a bit more fabric.
Then allow another 5 cm for hemming on one end.
So all you do is iron your fabric to remove creases.
Fold the fabric lengthways in half with right sides together.
Press with iron again making sure edges are together.
Pin edges and across one end together.
Sew around pinned edges.
(At this stage it is like a huge pillowcase. )
Then turn right way.  Use a knitting needle to push corners of sewn end out.
Press with iron again.
On unhemmed end, fold cut end under and press to seams together with iron.
Sew together.  
Top stitch other end to look the same.
You can leave the table runner plain, 
or stitch beads that have been strung in a row on ends of each corner.

To finish the table, 
I added a large glass vessel (from Freedom Furniture) 
into which a coffee scented candle resides.  
Delicious aroma when lit!

A simple table runner but visually pleasing.
Half an hour is all you need to complete this sewing project.




Mia Bella Winter Garden...


A peek at
Mia Bella Gardens
in Winter…
Love the gorgeousness of this Solanaceae, 
from the dainty purple flowers to the cute furry leaves!
(which I have now found out is actually a plant called Woolly Nightshade...so must be removed as it is a problem pest plant in New Zealand!)- for more information about this plant and it's toxicity go to:
 Green fern fronds glow in the winter sunlight...
This variety of fern is a called a birds nest fern.
Pot's of orchids brighten dull corners...
This one is a mini cymbidium,
called ' Melanie Sulphur Valley'.
Pops of pink standard cymbidium orchids
 cheer those who visit on cold winter days...
 In the warmth of winter sun, 
pretty camelias...
 Attract a few brave bees...

 As does this deliciously scented small shrub 
called 'Heaven Scent'.
 Another winter bee attraction is the Jade tree,
which flowers two months long during the season.
 Standing tall like a sentinel at the pool gate.
And yes, if you are wondering it is ' impressively huge'!
Once a pot plant, and now a statement garden plant,
this Jade tree is 30 years old. 
He stands a handsome 1.4 metres tall
by 2.4 metres wide.
The trunk has a circumference of 84cm at the base.
The bird bath is shrouded by potted orchids in bud and variegated grasses...
There is a sea of orange...
I know it's wrong that marigolds are blooming mid winter,
but they self seed and love Mia Bella Gardens glasshouse!
 Ella cat is quite happy 
soaking up the heat from the stone paths...
 Or relaxing on an outdoor chair.
 There are stems of stock, for winter picking...
 Pots of lobelia for pretties...
Beautiful, and fragrant cane stemmed begonias...
And ablutions too.
There is no riot of colour 
apart from the marigolds!
Just pops and hints of colour here and there
 amongst the shades of greens, browns and gold.
Mia Bella's winter garden, 
is still beautiful, don't you agree?




The Ultimate Chocolate Cake...



Test running another recipe from Annabel Langbein
Her books are available at:

The Ultimate Chocolate cake was an easy cake to make
All the ingredients were blitzed in the food processor until combined.
Once baked, cooled...
Ice with chocolate ganache or buttercream icing.
(Just had to add a bunch of fresh pinks, 
and a little bit of French country style fabric...)
It really is a moist, delicious cake
that is so simple to make...
Even the kids could do it!
Definitely ticks the YUM factor box!

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