Sands Of Time

It's hard to believe we are back in school holiday mode, following a rather difficult last few weeks of term two. We lost a good friend suddenly just over a month ago. A remarkable human being, the husband of our beautiful friend and father of two delightful children, who are so close to my boys. Within days of the tragic news of our mate's passing, my own amazing Mum was admitted to a nursing home. What was a gradual deterioration in her health, all of a sudden became quite rapid. I have heard of that type of thing happening, but it has always been to someone else, or someone else's family. The stark and incredibly harsh reality when it is one of your own, a person so intrinsically linked to everything you have ever been and known, is almost too much to bare. Whilst it is still raw, early days, my family and I are endeavouring to come to grips with the new "normal". Even when everything feels painfully abnormal. In between moments of crippling sadness, I am immersing myself in the beautiful family Scott and I have created. The days are long and often not easy when raising children, but I am determined to find something positive in each new day. Taking photos of the things that make my heart soar is getting me through right now. Today, it was our picnic lunch, play at the park and wave watching on our breathtaking coastline. And I'm pretty sure the kidlets enjoyed themselves too. 

(I have started up my Instagram account again, after a long hiatus and would love to follow any of my readers who are also on there. Please feel free to leave your account name in the comments or send me a quick message if you can. I am there as @all4.love, please join me). 

Best (& easiest!) Banana Cake Ever!

We've created a habit here (or it seems I have set an expectation), for the boys to have a little afternoon treat, post school...every. day. More often than not, it consists of a Baker's Delight finger bun or store bought piece of cake or sometimes just a couple of Arnotts bikkies. But occasionally, I have time (& enthusiasm) to bake something from scratch, which is a nice surprise for all of us. I had one of those moments last week and fortunately, had to look no further than the fruit bowl for inspiration. Without a doubt the easiest, most delicious banana cake I have ever made. The vanilla icing really compliments the texture and flavour of the cake. Absolute winner with all the boys in the house...and with me too!

Best (& easiest) Banana Cake Ever!

125g butter

3/4 cup caster sugar 

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 egg

2 ripe bananas mashed

1 1/2 cups self-raising flour

1/4 cup milk

Melt the butter, sugar & vanilla in a medium sized saucepan

Remove from heat

Add mashed bananas & stir through until just blended

Add egg & mix in well. Stir in flour, add milk & mix lightly

Bake at 160 degrees (fan forced) for approximately 40 minutes.

Vanilla Icing

200g soft butter (or margarine)

1 1/4 cups of icing sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

Using an electric mixer, beat all ingredients together for 4 minutes or until light & fluffy.

Nana's Garden

My little fairy in the garden. Tiptoeing through the Autumn leaves on the grass I myself tiptoed across as a little girl. My childhood home. These pictures fill me with so much joy and love and I know they will mean the world to me and my girl in the years to come. My beautiful Mum, Bonny's adoring Nana. Time cannot alter these moments. I'm going to hold onto them forever.