Rippon Lea

Recently I spent a fun filled weekend in Melbourne with family. This involved a trip to Rippon Lea House and Garden in Elsternwick. Apart from the fact the stunning house was surrounded by scaffolding as they were fixing the roof, it exceeded my exceptions by far. I was excepting a dark interior similar to other houses built during the 1800s. Rippon Lea however had a renovation inside during the 1930s and still remains the same today. It is bright and glamorous.

What impressed me by far were the gardens. I did not realise how extensive they would be, complete with their own lake, boat shed and look out! These are some of the best garden photos I have taken I believe.

And I have to mention the ‘males only’ bathroom. It was soundproof (whatever for?) and the toilet seat was designed to flip up like the seats in the cinema. Impressive!

 

 

Industrial Ruins

For a Uni assignment I had to take photographs on industrial buildings that were full of heritage significance but were left to fall apart. I really enjoyed this and thought I would share some with you.

 

The Fletcher Jones factory would be one of the most well know. Fletcher Jones made fine clothing and basically kept the Warrnambool economy afloat during the Great Depression and both world wars.  Apart from a second hand market the factory is now empty and falling apart.

The Warrnambool Woollen Mill was also a highly successful business in the early to mid-1900s. Most of the factory is unfortunately demolished now, however they are building a new housing estate and some of the ruins of the factory are standing among these modern houses and expensive cars, creating a very interesting contrast.

For another assignment I was taking photographs of old pubs. Here is the Royal Hotel in Warrnambool, built around 1850. And this stunning pub is the Koroit Hotel. It was also built c1850 but had a makeover early 1900s leading to the Art Novena look. One of my favourite buildings by far.

The old tram tracks run along the Warrnambool Breakwater. Warrnambool was a major trading port throughout the 1800s and goods were transported from this jetty to the train station to go to Melbourne.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gluten Free Mediterranean Risotto

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mediterranean Risotto

Serves 4
*2 cups white rice

*Diced carrot, zucchini, mushrooms and any other vegetable you are fond of.

*Gluten free vegetable stock (I used Vegetta)

*Fresh basil

*Garlic infused olive oil

1.       Heat oil in heavy based sauce pan. Fill kettle and boil. Cook the vegetables for about 7 minutes and add rice, stirring for one minute. Add 1-2 heaped teaspoon of the stock then pour in boiled water from kettle until it covers the rice. Give a good stir for a couple of minutes.

2.       Now you leave the risotto to simmer on medium-low heat while you clean up the kitchen or make something yummy for desert. Don’t forget to keep an eye on it or it will dry up! I check mine every five minutes and give a good stir. Keep adding more water from kettle as needed until rice is tender and creamy looking. It usually takes me about 20-30 minutes.

3.       Pile into cute bowls and top with fresh herbs.

*You can use any fresh or dried herbs that you like. Actually no, I demand that you use what I use! Just kidding…

Glimmer and Doilies

Here are some of the latest cards I have made now. I've got a rather large stash that is growing alarming fast!

These ones hold the glitz and glamour of The Great Gatsby era. I love the rich purple tones with the bright sliver.

I am rather fond of doilies at the moment. These are just paper ones, perfect for card making as they do not weigh the card down. The combination of pastel pink, green and blue with white creates a lovey spring feeling. One month to go then hello spring time!

 

Gluten Free Tomato and Zucchini Pasta

Tomato and Zucchini Pasta

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ingredients:

·         1 can tomatoes

·         2 zucchini, diced

·         I red capsicum, diced

·         Handful of mushrooms, sliced & olives

·         Garlic

·         Olive oil

·         Gluten free pasta

Method:

1.       Heat oil in frying pan, fry garlic for a couple of minutes. Add the zucchini and mushrooms and cook on medium heat for about five to seven minutes.

2.       Add the can of tomatoes and olives and reduce heat to low. Simmer for about 20 minutes. Cook pasta according to packet directions. Drain the pasta and toss through the sauce. Serve with fresh herbs (basil goes well with tomato) on top. Enjoy!