Some late-summer things… Keira and I went blackberry-picking in the wilder parts of our neighbourhood. It was hot and the cicadas and bees were out in full force. A proper late summer Sunday morning. Blackberry plants are not a good addition to our neighbourhood – they spread their tangly branches over native seedlings and multiply…

We recently packed the kids into the car, jumped on the ferry and drove all the way down the South Island. Arlo's off to university! Before we left him there (cue excitement but also sobs from me) we explored his new city a bit: cafes, bars, parks, etc. So many great spots? The photo with…

Kia ora!  These February days are feeling decidedly "late-summer" in nature (current rainstorm notwithstanding) but looking at this week's photos, mid-summer is still shining through.  Here are a few more projects and snaps to share with you and hopefully bring a warm breeze through the screen! + + + + + + + + +…

While I love the idea of a full-scale home bottling operation in the summer, like my Mum used to set up when I was a kid, city life here in Wellington doesn't really necessitate a store cupboard filled with endless jars of fruit and preserves. But I do love making a little jam and marmalade…

I've been back in the office for a couple of weeks now (or has it been three?) but I'm not ready to let go of the summer holiday memories just yet! Here are some more photos from our South Island wanderings earlier in the month. I should say, but didn't last time: we are so…

Ah, summertime. This year's holiday felt longer, hotter and brighter than other summer breaks in recent memory – but it was a lovely one. We spent lots of time on and by the water, mostly with family but I also managed to see old friends, too. We didn't take any of it for granted –…

Wishing you health and happiness here on the longest (or shortest?) day of the year. I hope you have a lovely festive season, however you celebrate it. Looking forward to seeing you again in a few weeks. Stay safe and well, Melissa p.s. a recipe + links for some sweet treats are below…

I love making small sweet treats at this time of year, to package up and give to neighbours + friends, or even just to surreptitiously snack on to keep the energy up as days get busier and busier. This year, I tried making chocolate 'salami' again. I had tried it a few years ago and…

We're nearing the end of December. How can that be? I hope you are doing well, despite what is probably a busy time of year, wherever you are.  I've found myself making some Christmas gifts this year – something I don't always do. Somehow planning and making these gifts has brought me a lot of…

It's been a really hard year. I decided to make some small luxuries as end-of-year gifts and I think all my friends deserve (at the very least) a lovely relaxing eye pillow to encourage them to lie down more often! If I could, I would send them all copious amounts of chocolate, magazines and wine…