Jikana Damaru: 08/18/10

Wishful Pictures Contest: Tongues!

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Recipe: Chessy Stuffed Shells

Oh My Yum-ness this was good.

What This Recipe Calls For:

1 container (16oz) of low fat cottage cheese
1 pkg (10oz) frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained
1 cup 2% milk shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
1 tsp. Italian seasoning
20 jumbo pasta shells, cooked, drained (I used 14 manicotti shells and left them uncooked)
1 jar (26oz.) marina sauce
1 large tomato, chopped

How To Make It:

Heat oven to 400. Mix cottage cheese, spinach, 1/2 cup mozzarella, Parmesan and seasoning; spoon into shells (this took me quite a few minutes due having manicotti shells!).
Mix sauce and tomatoes; spoon half into 13x9 inch baking dish. Add filled shells; top with remaining sauce. Cover.

Bake 25 min. or until heated through. Top with remaining mozzarella; bake uncovered, 2 min. or until melted.

Pictures don't make it look that good, I know.

But you will have to take my word that it IS and try it for yourself!

cleansing thoughts

I love a little bit of inspiration....words to help me get through the day. I recently ordered some of these, they arrived yesterday & I love them!

Cleansing Thoughts are very powerful means of reprogramming the subconscious mind. They are most effective when repeated in a quiet and restful state of mind, and when the desired outcome is vividly experienced in one’s mind and resulting emotions are felt. Morning time is the ideal time to surround yourself with positivity because your mind is most open and receptive. By using Cleansing Thoughts, you’ll be tapping into your own unlimited abundance of positive energy. Your heart and mind will open to the positive changes that are coming your way, and also open your eyes to the good that’s already around you. Used consistently, Cleansing Thoughts will help focus your awareness on your power and ability to manifest your dreams and heal the parts of you that are keeping you “stuck”.

they are on sale at the moment too! head over here to learn more.

The make up of me

On Friday Carly at We Heart Life wrote an insightful post about why we wear makeup that really hit home for me. You see, I don't really wear it any more. Not when I leave the house, not to most social engagements, not even to work.

There was a time when I wouldn't be caught dead without make up on. From the minute I was allowed to wear mascara to school in Year 9, I would paint and shade my face into a enhanced, better-than-me mask. Going out, I would pile it on. For over 10 years I did a full face of make-up every single day. To hide my freckles, to make my eyes brighter, to puff my lips, to draw on eyebrows, to lift my cheeks. I was a razzle-dazzle beauty queen.

And felt unattractive, uninteresting, unworthy.

I went travelling in my late twenties and packed an overflowing bag of cosmetics into my backpack. Somewhere between Rome and Ravello, I ditched it. I was too busy feeling the sun on my beautiful, fresh, happy face to bother with my mask. I learned not to worry about the pimples and imperfections. I learned not to care about hiding the way I really looked and to just be proud and carefree to be me.

Over the years since then I have worn make up less and less. I still enjoy prettying up for a big night out and I actually love applying makeup and experimenting. For special occasions, it's magical stuff. But, in general, it's rare for me to worry about it.

I imagine some people judge me harshly for being barefaced in public. They may say that I'm unpolished, unprofessional, ungroomed. They may say that I am not a yummy mummy. They may say that I'm unattractive, uninteresting, unworthy.

But I say, I am beautiful, fresh and happy in the naked skin I'm in.

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A Quick Catchup... but no baby to speak of!

Well folks, I survived my 5 days as a single mother with a daughter, and all whilst more than 38 weeks preggers - v proud of myself! Admittedly, I called for reinforcements and set up camp at my parents in laws' place for 4 of those days... well, wouldn't you?!

Fern absolutely had the time of her life; she is somewhat obsessed with animals and up on Nanny and Poppy's property there are horses, sheep, goats, and dogs and she spent most of her time either with the animals or trying to convince one of us to take her to them!

She also rode in the tractor and 'Gator:

... and read the newspaper with Poppy:

... and played with her My Little Ponies:

... and sat in Daddy's boat that he built for his HSC many eons ago!

and me? Well, I went for walks and ate cake and visited my obstetrician where I was informed that my 'small for dates' baby is in fact already about 8lb in utero and growing by the day! The baby is head down, bum up (which explains my constant need to pee) and reportedly ready to descend any day (or hour!) now. Now that hubby is back, I'm praying it comes sooner rather than later. And today, I fully intend to pack my bags for the hospital. You know, just in case.

I promised crafty delights when I returned.... and well, we gave it a go! Lesley (my MIL) and I designed our own dolly pattern and attempted to sew it together while Fern slept yesterday. But perhaps there's a reason for professional pattern makers! The end result was something slightly less grandiose than we imagined, but endearing nonetheless. Fern seems like her, at any rate! Here's a dreadful pic of her:

and that's about it! Can't wait to catch up on what you've all been up to this week. x

Mrs Stokes

I recently discovered Mrs Stokes at Vintage at Goodwood. What a pleasure it was having a peek at her beautifully presented pretty vintage tea sets.

Her passion for vintage china shines through and she gave up her job at a national newspaper at the end of last year to pursue her obsession, by selling vintage teacups and saucers at Portobello market in London, England. She has since moved to Bath for a more idyllic life where she sells them at the local Green Park Station market and also on her online shop.

If you live in London, don't forget to look out for her once a month at Portobello Market. It will be well worth the visit!

Have a sweet day!