eat :: this post is brought to you by burnt eschallots

Dinner tonight was a simple affair of market tomatoes. A delicious combination of green, black, bright red and yellow heirloom varieties. Slowly simmered until nicely thick and rich, then add some bok choy and snap peas. Just right for spooning over fettuchini and serving with fresh ricotta.

I cannot wait until we have our own house and garden and space to grow enough tomatoes, basil and beautiful simple foods to feed us each and every day. Soon, I'm hoping (if I keep whispering in Sam's ear, and showing him lovely houses to live in at the country).

Luckily the eschallots, that burnt while I was taking these photos, didn't overpower the sauce. In fact there was not one complaint. Well, okay - the two smallest* kids didn't care too much for the snap peas, and pushed them to the side. But the thinly sliced bok choy slipped sneakily past their fussy lips.

These over-ripe figs will serve as dessert. A perfect combination with the rich dense chocolate brownie we have sitting in the fridge, in one of those special white boxes from a bakery. {Sylv's new boyfriend works for an organic bakery; he does the market stall three times a week. Any left over cakes are his to bring home, and he doesn't mind sharing the deliciousness with us. They even have dessert parties after market day, once a week.}

*my nephew is visiting. he's the oldest, and will eat most anything. by most accounts he is my child, rather than only my nephew. i love living in, being part of a family, where all the cousins are like siblings - where my sisters + brother trust me totally and wholly with their children.

Grand Designs :: Infusion Fibers

When I got home today, there was a box waiting for me.
The kids tore it open, to reveal the most beautiful little slippers, that I won over here. Wrapping was so pretty, but we didn't get a photo of that.
Made with lovely blue/black striped cotton ticking, and hemp fabric as the sole and lining, these are special slippers that I know I'll love wearing day in and day out. I have only taken them off twice since I first put them on; one to go for an afternoon walk, the other to hang the clothes on the line.
Abby has such a sweet little blog, over here, with beautiful photos and lovely stories. Her shop is here - I have been eyeing off this dress for a long time now (and the modelling is very very lovely too, Miss Abby).
You can buy your own pair of ticking house shoes, or a selection of others too. Look at these beautiful baby boots; could you get anything cuter.Abby makes all her items using reclaimed, upcycled, organic or sustainable fibres. Her pieces have a timeless and lasting style. Her dresses are versatile and you would wear them for many seasons. And her bags are simple and bold at the same time, would fit with most any outfit, but have their own distinct features to make them stand out.
You can see the quality and work(wo)manship and dedication and love and attention to detail in the pieces that Abby makes.

It's so lovely to meet people like this, who live many seas away, yet has such a warmth and honesty about them, and lives life in a real natural manner.
She also sent me a lovely little zippered purse, made from indigo-dyed organic denim (same beautiful fabric that we use - I recognised it straight away!). And some little shells, that Mishi swished away in a moment - and somehow made through Australian customs.Thank you Abby for this sweet treasure and love you have sent to me.
*all photos by me, except 3rd one down of pink baby boots from Abby of Infusion Fibers.