Monday 17 September 2012

A Change of Season...

"It's spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you've got it, you want - oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!" ~Mark Twain

Spring is here at last!  It is bliss to say farewell to the cold, wet, days of winter and welcome in a lovely new season.  I thought I was doing so well as I almost managed to sneak through winter without getting sick, but as Murphy's law would have it, a few weeks ago I got a nasty virus.  I think the thing that really helped me get well again was hot lemon and ginger drinks with a huge dollop of manuka honey added - talk about a magic potion!

I almost gave up on blogging as there never seems to be much time, but then suddenly spring has arrived and I just had to share these pretty photos.  The garden is in bloom and the birds nesting in our trees are having chirpy little babies (maybe not quite so lovely at 5am) and slowly...very slowly...it is beginning to get a little sunnier and warmer each day. 



I always get a bit nostalgic at this time of year, as autumn in the northern hemisphere has always been one of my favourite times of year and it all feels a bit topsy turvey to me living 'down under'.  However this year I have decided to really get out and enjoy the spring and my lovely garden and I have to admit, it is simply bliss to be out amongst the flowers, smelling the gorgeous scented air and listening to the birds sing. 


















It is only a week and a bit until the October school holidays here in New Zealand and I am really looking forward to spending some precious time with my wee man, who seems to be growing up so fast.  He has suddenly become very neat and tidy with his toys (excuse me for a moment while I go and do the happy dance!).  He takes great care each morning, 'parking' his vehicles and making sure his action figures and teddies are tucked away.  I had to take a snap to share as it really makes me smile :-)



I think one of the nice things about the school holidays is an end to making packed lunches every day!  I am constantly trying to think of new ideas for healthy, tempting treats for my wee boy.  I came across this recipe on www.tasteofhome.com for the yummiest peanut butter oatmeal cookies the other week and they have now become a bit of a staple - in fact hubby likes them so much that I have to make an extra batch for him.  They couldn't be easier to whip up - it takes me about 5 minutes of mixing and then wham they are in the oven and the house smells heavenly as they bake.  They are high in fibre and protein, so a great little energy source - I often give one to my son before one of his sports matches or swimming lessons.



Easy Peasy Peanut Butter and Oatmeal Cookies

1/2 cup of peanut butter
1/2 cup of brown sugar (I use low GI raw sugar)
1 egg
1 1/4 cups of oatmeal
1/2 teaspoon of baking soda

optional:  a handful of chocolate chips or sesame seeds

In a small bowl, cream peanut butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in egg. Add oats and baking soda to creamed mixture (and chocolate chips or seeds if you are using them); mix well.

Drop by tablespoonfuls 2 inches apart onto baking sheets lined with baking paper; flatten slightly. Bake at 350°  (or 180 C) for 8 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool. Store in an airtight container. There are approximately 67 calories per cookie.






I have decided to try and 'live in the moment' a little more so in the spirit of spring, I am going to put on a gorgeous spring feast this weekend for the family - will post pics next week!  I think right now though I am off to the shops, as I quite fancy treating myself to some sunshine yellow nail polish.  What's life without a little whimsy?

Becks xxx