Noodles...

Yet again it's been ages since I last posted. The beginning of the summer has been a whirl of BBQs and sunshine, which I'm hoping will continue as I head down to Devon and Cornwall next week.

Rome and Dublin were highlights, but I've very much enjoyed chilling out in Leeds too. Last night Matt and I had fun with some Wagamama recipes. He made the Kai Sen Udon, and I made tempura from some smoked haddock.

I'll be posting some photos from Rome on my Flickr too.
Bonnes Vacances!

Refugee Week

Last week was refugee week and I had a lot of fun helping out with the 'Something I hope for' exhibition that was set up to go in the library in Leeds. There's more information and photos on the Integrate blog. It was a great pleasure to see some lovely people creating some beautiful art.

We also had a session at our youth project, for refugee week, which involved activities, discussions and information. A lot of this was aimed at dispelling some of the myths the media tell us about asylum seekers and refugees, and to promote open discussion.

Transforming the Concrete Jungle

I haven't posted for quite a while, and this is has largely been due to the good weather and the opportunity for all things outdoorsy. The sweetpeas that I planted at the front of the house have become quite tall in all this sunshine.


I also have a few of these 'Gardener's Delight' variety tomato plants and a strawberry plant. There are plenty more fruits and vegetables growing out front too, and several plants in make-shift containers, such as these blue flowers growing in a suitcase.


All this green makes for quite a pleasant area to enjoy the sun. The next plan is to plant things in the top of our wall. And so bit by bit, we transform our concrete jungle.

Make-do and Mend

I recently decided to have a clear-out of clothes that no longer fit or have fallen apart. I came to the realisation that far too many items bought incredibly cheaply from high street chains have either stretched or gained multiple holes. In addition, most of these are likely to have dubious ethical standards.
This wasn't really a huge revelation, more of an awakening and a decision not to settle for low quality garments that have cost someone else so much more than it's cost me in money.

So, after my clear-out, with the old clothes that were too beyond repair to go to the charity shop, I was inspired by stitchface's story to make something recycled.

This is what, or who I should say, I made from some stripey shorts. A bit jazzy for me to wear, but looks good on Bear.

Of course it's not just clothes that this applies to. I've been avidly watching 'Homemade Homes' on Channel 4.

Firstly because it's set in Devon and I wanted to spot Jo Colwill on it, but also because I like the ethos behind hand making your own home with things that last rather than filling it with throw-away flat-pack.




Sometimes this is easier said than done, but I'd like to take up the challenge!

Live at Leeds

What a great bank holiday weekend. This Saturday we spent the day at Live at Leeds, where the purchase of a wrist band will get you in to venues all around the city, showing great live bands.

I saw favourites Tigers That Talked at Joseph's Well, followed by the fantastic Wild Beasts. We then popped over to Holy Trinity Church, which proved to be a stunning location for the beautiful sound of Fionn Regan. This was a particular highlight.
We then spent a long time queuing for the Maccabees, but eventually made it in, which I was glad about, it was a fun gig.

On another note. The boy came back from his travels working in schools in India...
















He brought me back some beautiful things; scarves, bags, and this beaded wall hanging. What a good'un :)

YSP

We went to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park today. It's one of my favourite local places to go for the day. I love seeing sculpture in the environment it was created for, and each season brings something interesting to the outdoor pieces.

I also like spying the cheeky llamas that live at the top of the hill. They have some fantastic hair-dos, and it's a nice walk up the field.

The above picture is of 'One and Other' by Antony Gormley, but some other favourites are by Andy Goldsworthy. More of my photos are on Flickr.

Cupcakes

I recently confessed to a friend that I had a secret desire to knit a cupcake.

This isn't too difficult as they're rather popular, and there are many patterns online for such things, like this link.
I decided to make up my own pattern though, and this is what resulted. It was knitted on 6mm and 4mm needles and the separate parts were sewn together. I can write the pattern should anyone wish to make their own!

I'm pretty sure nothing as beautiful can be achieved by knitting as these cakes made by Angela for Suzanne's Wedding. They were pretty darn tasty too.