Literary Heroine Blog Party...

I thought I would take a few moments to participate in Kellie's sweet blog party - the Literary Heroine Blog Party...

~

 

    Introduce yourself! Divulge your life's vision, likes, dislikes, aspirations, or something completely random!

  

I love to be called by my full name, Kelly-Anne...  I am eighteen years old, a sister to five sweet girls, and a daughter to two wonderful Bible believing parents.

 

While somewhat of a country girl and and homebody at heart, I enjoy shopping excursions to town on the odd occasion in search of lovely fabrics or scrapbooking papers or simply to have tea at a favourite tea shop with my mom or a friend...

I have a passion for all things pretty, crafty, shabby, vintage and pink, and I spend many delightful hours in my cosy sewing room creating lovely things for Heartmade, the business I run with my  mother and sister, or making a few lovely cards for some sweet friends...

I recently began sewing some of my own clothing and I find immense pleasure in making something to suit me and my unique style... 

My idea of happiness is...  Beautiful ribbons, delicate vintage tea cups, sending and receiving letters by post, the art of beautiful handwriting, period dramas, heavenly music, gorgeous fabric, bouquets of fresh flowers, a feminine outfit and tea with a sweet friend...  

Oh, and I have to add blogging and meeting such sweet kindred spirits to that list as well!

Jesus is the Lord of my life and my greatest desire is to live so that I may please Him in all I do...  I may not know what it is He has planned for me yet, but I rest in knowing His plans are perfect and His ways are good...  

    What, to you, forms the essence of a true heroine? 

 She is courageous, yet soft and gentle...  She is strong in her faith in God and encourages others through her own example...  

She is kind, compassionate and loving, and extends her arms to the poor and the forgotten.  

She is neither selfish nor vain, yet her dress represents the picture of modest loveliness and her face simply glows with the love and joy in her heart - this is what gives her true beauty!

While she may not lead a very successful or highly recognized life in the eyes of the world, she is a true heroine because she does what the Lord has given her to do with a spring in her step and a smile on her face.

    Share (up to) four heroines of literature that you most admire and relate to. 

Dear Meg from Little Women...  I can relate to this adorable character because she too is the oldest sister, loves pretty things and enjoys and dreams about the sweet delights of being a young woman, such as dressing up and attending balls...

However, she is not perfect, and how many hours she spends learning what it means to be content and happy!

...I admire Molly Gibson from Wives and Daughters for her bravery and quiet nature...  She doesn't push anyone into anything, but rather  waits patiently and hopes...   She is also very loyal, a wonderful daughter and a special friend to many people, both young and old.

    Five of your favorite historical novels? 

 

Christy by Catharine Marshall

 The Curate of Glaston by George MacDonald

Emma by Jane Austen

Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

    Out of those five books who is your favorite major character and why? 

Christy Huddleston from Christy!  This young woman is extremely brave and intent on keeping God at the very centre of her life in the midst of her rather new and challenging surroundings... She gave up everything that a young woman of her age ought to strive for and went in search of what she felt God calling her to...

    Out of those five books who is your favorite secondary character and why? 

I love so many characters, it is indeed not a very easy choice!  However, I truly love Laurie from Little Women - he is so boyish, full of fun and such a dear brotherly friend to the March girls...

    If you were to plan out your dream vacation, where would you travel to - and what would you plan to do there? 

Well, I think I would most probably start in Europe and I would take my mom and sister along...

Let's see...I would first go to France and visit all the historical places I've read about such as the...Eiffel Tower, and then have a delicious breakfast of croissants and coffee at one of those charming little street cafes...  

Then I would like to go to Italy, beginning in the the picturesque countryside of Tuscany... I would then go to Venice and sit on the water's edge and enjoy some lovely artisan bread and cheese and watch the world go by...  

From there I would go to England and visit some dear friends of mine, stop at the amazing craft shops I've always dreamed of visiting - and perhaps meet Jamie Oliver:).

    What is your favorite time period and culture to read about? 

Life in Europe during the the late 1800's...  I love to imagine myself is a young lady of that era...   The dresses and the balls just delight me!  

However, I am pretty content just where I am right now...after all, I wouldn't have the blessing and opportunity of meeting you, dear blog friends!

    You have been invited to perform at the local charity concert. Singing, comedy, recitation, tap dancing… what is your act comprised of? 

I would probably either play my wooden treble recorder and have my sister accompany me on piano, or I would play cello and have my sister play on violin.  We would play a few simple duets...:)

    If you were to attend a party where each guest was to portray a heroine of literature, who would you select to represent? 

 Oh, I think I would be darling Meg from Little Women!  She is so cute!

    Favorite author(s)? 

Louisa May Alcott ~ she writes with much motherly wisdom and her characters are real and truly relateable and lovable...

Elizabeth Gaskell ~ she explores many interesting subjects and her stories are beautifully woven together...

L.M. Montgomery ~ Her writing is so delightful!  And her charcters are such interesting people who lead uinteresting lives.

George MacDonald ~ His stories are rich and deep and focused on the wonder and awesomeness of God and His forgiveness...

    In which century were most of the books you read written? 

  

I read many different books set in different centuries...

 

    In your opinion, the ultimate hero in all literature is… 

In my humble opinion it would most certainly be dear Gilbert Blythe from Anne of Green Gables - he is fun, smart....and handsome!

Second would be Arthur Clennam from Little Dorrit - he is a true gentleman with a wonderfully generous and compassionate heart!

    In your opinion, the most dastardly villain of all literature is... 

 It would be Willoughby from Sense and Sensibility and the scary frenchman, Rigaud, from Little Dorrit!

    Describe your ideal dwelling place. 

An old country cottage in the heart of English countryside...  Green pastures with a beautiful flower garden where I could pick bunches of beautiful flowers for my home on a daily basis...  

A bountiful vegetable garden and cows in the distant field; a sleek chestnut mare awaiting a gallop in the countryside...  

...Quaint tea shops just down the lane as well as a post office like the one in Larkrise to Candleford where I could pop handwritten notes in the mail to my dear loved ones and invite them all to tea... 

    Sum up your fashion style in a short sentence. 

 Feminine ~ skirts and peasant tops (don't forget the puffed sleeves!) in all shades of pinks, dangly earrings and wedge sandals...

    Three favorite Non-fiction books? 

I can't say I read too much non-fiction...  I don't suppose sewing books count, do they? Um...recipe books then?

    Your duties met for the day, how would you choose to spend a carefree summer afternoon? 

...Either creating something lovely in my sewing room or making cards with pretty papers...  

Or I'd spend the afternoon browsing through a craft, material, home or second hand store...  

I love vintage finds and all things beautiful for the home!  I'm also a passionate crafter, so selecting a few new craft supplies would be so delightful!

...Then I would meet a dear friend for tea and cake at a gorgeous shop and chat about all our favourite things...

    Create a verbal sketch of your dream hat - in such a way as will best portray your true character. 

...A cream coloured, wide-brimmed straw hat decorated with fresh pink roses from my garden and lace and ribbons...  I love the simplicity of this hat and would most likely wear it all day...

    Share the most significant event(s) that have marked your life in the past year. 

Starting my own business in July 2014 was a big step for me...  Thus far I've experienced many wonderful challenges, successes and failures!

    Share the Bible passage(s) that have been most inspiring to you recently.

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my right hand."  ~ Isaiah 41:10

And......there you are!  I had such a lovely time answering all Kellie's delightful and interesting questions!  

I do hope my dear readers enjoyed this too - be sure to visit Kellie's blog, Accordion to Kellie for some more blog party loveliness! 

And do you know, I've just been inspired to read a lot more...my sister has a wonderful list of historical books that I think I would enjoy as well - I will have to keep you updated on my progress!

~ May your day be perfectly splendid, dearest readers! ~

The Elegant Red Velvet Cake

As promised, here is the lovely recipe for the Red Velvet cake we baked for my dear mother’s birthday last Saturday...

 I have tried baking a Red Velvet cake before, but I unfortunately failed in my attempts… 

However, we found this new recipe in a beautiful magazine (Prima Christmas Makes, 2014) and thought we would give it a go as it certainly sounded very delicious!

I was thoroughly impressed with the moistness of this cake and how the cream cheese icing not only created an elegant finish, but also tasted divine…

This is a cake that actually improves with age, so you could make it the evening before and it will still be fresh the next day…

I am certain you won’t be disappointed by this recipe!

Red Velvet Cake

For the Sponge:

150ml buttermilk

250ml sunflower oil

1 tsp concentrated red food colouring

2 eggs

225g castor sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

225g plain flour

2 tbsp cocoa powder

2 tsp bicarbonate of soda

2 tsp vinegar

For the filling:

50g butter

50g icing sugar

150g cream cheese

To make:

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.

Mix the buttermilk, oil and red food colouring together, then place in a mixing bowl and add remaining ingredients.

Beat well with a wooden spoon until smooth and then place in a greased cake pan.

Bake for about 30 minutes or until just firm to the touch.  Allow to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then turn out and leave to cool on a wire rack.

To make the icing, beat the butter and icing sugar until smooth, then beat in the cream cheese. 

Flatten the top of the cake then carefully cut in half.

Use the icing to sandwich the two layers together, then spread a little on the top.

Decorate as desired.

I hope all my sweet readers have a beautifully blessed weekend!

~ You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains will burst into song before you, and the trees of the field will clap their hands.  Isaiah 55:12 ~

Thoughtful Thursday

O give us homes with godly fathers, mothers,

Who always place their hope and trust in Him;

Whose tender patience turmoil never bothers,

Whose calm and courage trouble cannot dim;

A home where each find joy in serving others,

And love still shines tho’ the days be dark and grim. 

– Author Unknown

Sewing Some New Darlings....

I just had to show you the darling bunnies I have been sewing lately...  

First I made the calico rabbit bodies and gave them sweet little embroidered faces and claws on their paws...  And not to mention some cute pink cheeks!

...Then my dear mom helped me design the gorgeous dresses and I had a delightful time on my sewing machine creating matching outfits for them!

I think these bunnies would make gorgeous gifts for both young and old alike!  I can just imagine a sweet bunny sitting on a bookshelf surrounded by inspiring sewing and crafting books or at the foot of a baby's bed...:)

I hope all my dear readers are having a beautiful week so far!  

We are enjoying some lovely sunshine after the heavy rains that fell over the weekend... 

But there is a definite nip in the air in the early mornings which leads me to believe that autumn is on its way...  

Oh!  I do so love autumn  and all the delightful activities it brings...walks in the forest to collect pine cones for winter fires...maybe a few cosy evenings spent stitching or knitting while watching Wives and Daughters or Ever After...

Now, I must get back to my lovely sewing...  I've had such a wonderful day thus far and the cherry on the top was recieving a sweet letter from a dear friend!  ...Aren't letters wonderful?!

 "Any day spent sewing is a good day" 

~ Author Unknown

Valentine’s Day Delights…

 Oh my!  What a delightful Valentine’s Day we had, and I do hope my dear readers also had a beautiful day filled with the love and joy of the Lord!

As it was also my precious mother’s birthday, we had a combined celebration, and my sisters and I spent the day cooking and baking a delicious feast which we sat down and enjoyed in the evening whilst listening to lovely music and enjoying the silent beauty of flickering candlelight…

My dad decided to take my mom to town for a morning spent doing a few of the things she loves best…  Browsing second-hand shops and bookstores, having coffee in a cosy little shop…visiting a plant nursery…  Yes, they had a very pleasant time while we ladies enjoyed setting up our lovely meal table and baking an elegant red velvet cake for afternoon tea!  There was much excitement, as well as a bit of chaos, in our home that morning…

…What birthday would be complete without cake…?   Beth and I baked this yummy Red Velvet Cake and iced it with a delicious cream cheese icing…  How I love cream cheese!  And it certainly makes for a rich and creamy tasting icing – perfect for completing the flavour of this moist cake…

Nancy made sweet mini bunting from pretty scrapbook paper to decorate the cake, and I adorned the top with a single lovely bloom to give it a touch of simplicity…  Recipe coming very soon!

We relish any occasion to add a few extra special touches to the table as usually we are too busy with school and the daily activities of home and farm life to spend more than a little time on the creative setting of the dinner table…

Nancy created truly beautiful table settings and she and Beth laid the table in such an elegant fashion!  I strung up my sweet heart garlands and we even hung our white twig tree from the ceiling and hung some mini fabric hearts on its branches to create a beautiful Valentine’s dinner table.

And while the younger ladies were creating, I added the final touches to our dinner which I had been preparing since early that morning.  I do love cooking such wonderful spreads and it is always very exciting to try new recipes!

How I love the bright colour of pumpkin…

Happy table setter…

Such beautiful place settings…

I fell in love with these lovely serviettes…

Cinnamon Baked Pumpkin…my favourite!

Our delicious celebratory menu included…  Creamy Cauliflower Cheese, Cinnamon Baked Pumpkin, Crispy Roast Potatoes and Lamb with Prunes and Rosemary and Sage Salt…  Mmmm…such a glorious meal!  I just have to share a few of the recipes with you…

Lamb with Prunes and Rosemary and Sage Salt

Recipe from Country Living Magazine, March 2013

6 tbsp olive oil

1 leg of lamb (about 1.6kg), deboned

2 tbsp rosemary and sage salt

12 pitted prunes

2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into large chunks

1 small celery stick

1 onion, peeled and halved

185ml white wine

About 125ml water

Heat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and drizzle four tablespoons of the olive oil into a baking tin about 22cm x 30cm.

Lay two large sheets of foil on a worktop, shiny side down and overlapping to give a larger surface.  Rub with butter.

Rinse the lamb and pat dry with paper towels.  Trim off any excess fat, but leave enough of it on for flavour and moistness.  Put the lamb on a cutting board, skin side down and opened up like a book.

Mix together the remaining two tablespoons of olive oil and the herbed salt, and massage half of it over the inside of the lamb.

Line up the prunes in pairs like soldiers, running lengthways down the centre of the lamb.

Wrap the sides of the lamb over to enclose the prunes.  Tie up with kitchen string in a few places to hold the shape while cooking.

Rub the rest of the herby oil mix all over the outside of the lamb, then place it in the centre of the foil.  Wrap up rightly, tucking in the sides. 

Put in the oiled tin and scatter the vegetables around (add the lamb bone, too, if you have it).  Roast for 40 minutes.

Remove the foil from the lamb, scrape in any accumulated bits from the side if the tin and splash in the wine.

Return to the oven for another 40 minutes or so, turning the lamb once or twice to brown all the sides and spooning the juices over.  Add extra water if needed. 

To test if the lamb is done, prick it with a fork.  The juices should run out, but not be pink.

Remove the lamb to a suitable dish.  Cut away the string and leave it to rest for a bit while you make the gravy. 

Add the water to the baking tin and put it on the hob to bubble up and thicken a little.  Scrape down any interesting bits from the sides of the tin into the juices.

Cut meat into slices of about 1.5cm and serve hot with the juices spooned over.

Rosemary and Sage Salt

Recipe from Country Living Magazine, March 2013

5 tbsp chopped rosemary

5 tbsp chopped sage

2 garlic cloves, chopped

1 small red chilli, chopped

160g pink Himalayan salt or other coarse salt

A few black peppercorns

Scatter the rosemary, sage garlic and chopped chilli on a tray lined with baking paper.

Cover with a net and put in front of a window that gets direct sunlight.

Crush the salt in small batches in a mortar with a pestle. 

It’s nice to have a varying texture in the salt, but each crystal should be at least cracked.

Crush the peppercorn with the last batch. 

Toss onto the tray with the herbs and leave to dry, then store in a closed jar.

And thus ended our lovely Valentine’s Day dinner…  I think we will all remember this special day for as long as we live! 

I treasure every occasion spent with my family and feel so blessed that we have the joy of celebrating together…

I do hope your day was just as delightful!

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~ Roses of Inspiration and The Art of Homemaking Mondays