Welcome to this weeks edition of Five Things That Made Me Smile This Week. (click here to see part one and part two)
1. A stack of new books to read
“Books are the quietest and most constant of friends;
they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors,
and the most patient of teachers.”
Charles William Eliot
I do so love a good story, especially a new one that pulls me right in. When I moved to Australia I had to leave behind 90% of my library and it absolutely gutted me. It’s been so lovely to rebuild it again through library sales and a funny little bin that sits outside a nearby petrol station where books are available on donation basis. I’ve started a new tradition of beginning each morning with a cup of tea, a good book, and my journal. It does wonders for getting my day off to a fantastic start.
2. Heaps of duck eggs
Through the winter our chooks, ducks and geese cease laying. But once Spring arrives, they lay like mad! Each day I’m collecting bowls full of eggs and using every egg-centric recipe I can think of. (If you have a favorite egg-y recipe you’re willing to share, please do!!) I’m especially excited about the duck eggs because they have such big yolks and are very rich and lovely in baking.
3. A pretty little plate
Bear and I like to have “a little something” with our evening cuppas, and when I found this plate at a thrift store this week, I knew she’d be perfect for holding small delectable morsels. It’s such a cheery plate and makes me happy.
4. Cornflowers and hollyhocks
I was very sad this week to discover that a mystery animal had eaten every one of my cucumber and bean plants. Humbug. But my spirits were restored when my hollyhocks and cornflowers erupted in gorgeous blossoms. They are so beautiful and colorful and cheer my heart every single day.
5. Homemade ice cream
Queensland seems to have skipped Spring completely and launched headfirst into a piping hot summer so I’ve been guzzling iced herbal teas and making batch after batch of dairy-free, sugar-free ice creams. My favorite recipe right now is Strawberry Mint. I use good quality coconut milk (check the label to make sure it’s actually coconut milk and not thickener with a bit of coconut milk thrown in for fun), ripe strawberries, real maple syrup, mint leaves, and mint extract and it is scrumptious. It freezes really hard so make sure to take it out about 10-15 minutes before you’re ready to serve. It’s so lovely to dig into a big bowl of strawberry mint ice cream while sitting on a shady, wind-swept veranda.
What things are making you smile this week? 🙂
What lovely things! Sitting outside and watching the boats go by makes me smile. Tossing the ball for Charlie makes me smile and today I picked a jumbo bowl of cherry tomatoes that made me smile.
Watching the boats go by sounds so relaxing, @OrgasmicChef:disqus 🙂 I would definitely love that. 🙂
I think we have similar tastes in lots of things!
It’s so fun to meet a kindred spirit, @494006859c92b38028518780817296b1:disqus 🙂
With you on books and cottage gardens, not sure about duck eggs or pretty plates. As for home made ice cream, let me know if you need a taster 🙂
Oh you make me laugh, @ken_powell:disqus 🙂
I am so jealous of your stack of books! I’ve been so busy I have not read a book in over a year. Having a full time job, family, friends, trying to run a food blog and trying to fit in work-outs in my already packed schedule – I just can’t seem to find time for books.
I know just how you feel, @juliajuliasalbumcom:disqus ! It’s only been in the last few months that I’ve had time and energy to get back to reading. The only way I managed reading then was with audio books that I could listen to while I worked. 🙂 It’s so lovely to hold real pages again. Wishing you a bit of free time to indulge in a beloved book or two. 🙂
I really enjoy reading your blog! 🙂
Thank you so much, @veerapapinoja:disqus 🙂 It is lovely to meet you!
I am so with you on the book front. My favorite is receiving a new book in the post; I’m like a demon possessed. Funnily enough I can’t read in the morning, my mind is so busy racing over all the things I have to do. So only manage to settle with a book in the evenings onwards.
Your ice-cream looks delish!
Oh you make me laugh, @vannessaluxuria:disqus ! I can just see you tearing open the paper to get to that new book. 🙂
Krista well you for a start x
I also have a little collection of books I bought over from Australia, just looking at them makes me happy. I created a little spot on the upstairs landing with three pots of African violets and a card my Mum gave me as I was leaving for the Airport. I create little places for my eye to linger in the house, tiny finished moments that fill me with the promise of how it will all be in the end. xxx
Isn’t it wonderful how happy freshly laid eggs can make you feel, and I had a brightly painted chair in Australia I called my ‘happy’ chair, love your plate x
I feel the VERY same way about you, dear @e8edd27f07cfca2aa11084630d6d3e74:disqus XO I love that phrase of yours “tiny finished moments that fill me with the promise of how it will all be in the end.” I’m going to adopt that for me as we inch towards getting our dear ol’ farm in shipshape. Thank you so much for that encouragement. 🙂 XO
I love your plate, Krista, it is indeed cheery! Strawberry mint ice cream sounds quite divine. And I’m with you on books!
I’m glad you like the plate too, @lizposmyk:disqus 🙂 It’s amazing how much cheer one small thing can bring. 🙂
These are great things to make you smile! I read the book Wild..It is a great book. I enjoyed it.
I’m so glad that you liked Wild, @4051406338aaef5dd8bf9775f8ab662d:disqus 🙂 It looks like it would be good, so it’s great to have it confirmed. 🙂
Such a beautiful rainbow of happiness Krista! I particularly love that new plate of yours. Plus, Tuscany for Beginners sounds like a wonderful book to get stuck into!
How fun that my happineses are happy to you too, @119c2cee80d4ff8a6f3916096ddfc8dd:disqus 🙂 Yes, Tuscany for Beginners just sounds fun, doesn’t it?
Wild is a good book.