DIY Paper Garland

As I've mentioned before, my lovely little sister Lulu is getting married. The wedding is going to be brilliant, we are super excited! 

I've been helping to make a couple of decorations and thought I'd share this paper garland I have made. it was pretty simple (I fought a little with my sewing machine on a couple of occasions but it seems to have turned out ok!).

For a Garland measuring approx 3 metres...

You will need: 

10 sheets of A4 paper, I used 5 different shades - 2 sheets of each, including 3 solid colours: pink marble, dove grey, light blue, tracing paper and a pearlised white.

Sewing machine

Co-ordinating thread

Cutting board - useful but not essential

Craft knife  - useful but not essential

Scissors

Begin by cutting each sheet of paper in half lengthways (if the paper is portrait from top to bottom), so you are left with 2 narrow strips. Then cut each of the strips into inch wide strips (as per the first image). They will now measure approx 4inches by 1 inch. Separate each into piles of colour. If you want to have a continual pattern I suggest placing the strips in the order you want to use them carefully next to your machine. 

Spread out as many runs of the layout as you can - this will really speed up the process. 

Carefully begin by stitching your first strip down the centre and sew a few extra stitches after you have sewn the paper, to create the gap, then start by stitching the next strip. Repeat this process until you have used up all of the cut strips. 

Its pretty slow going as the paper is so delicate, so do take your time.

Ta da! You have a garland!

Happy days Lulu and aB, cannot wait until Saturday x

Baking: Baked Blueberry Porridge

Now I really like a recipe that can help to save time and can be made in advance and is healthy to boot. I saw this delicious healthy looking recipe on Pinterest for an amazing make in advance breakfast. As soon as I saw that you could bake it in 30-40 mins and would then have enough for 5-6 portions of breakfast, one to heat-up each day, I was in.

Here’s the recipe:

Adapted from SoHowsitTaste 

1 cup of porridge oats
¼ cup of chopped pecans
¾ tsp cinnamon
½ tsp baking powder

Pinch of salt
¼ cup of agave nectar (you could also use honey or maple syrup)
2 bananas
1 cup blueberries (you could use blackberries or raspberries too)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 egg, beaten
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup milk (I used soya)

You will need a suitable oven-proof dish – I used a 10” oval Pyrex dish. Pre-heat oven to 180 degrees Celsius.

Melt the butter and allow to cool slightly.
In a bowl mix half of the nuts with the oats, cinnamon, salt and baking powder.
In a separate jug mix the milk, cooled butter, beaten egg and the agave nectar (or chosen syrup). When I did the agave nectar started to crystallise a little, but this didn’t matter.

Slice the bananas and layer over the bottom of the dish. Add half the blueberries to this and then cover the fruit with an even layer of the dry oat mix. Pour the liquid mixture over the oats. Finally, sprinkle the remaining nuts and blueberries on the top and bake for 30-40 minutes.

This makes around six portions, simply heat up a serving each morning. Delicious!

It was so easy to make and after my first portion this morning, I can confirm it is delicious. And filling. And healthy! Perfect for a busy morning…

Happy days xx

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