May

"The air is like a butterfly with frail blue wings.

The happy earth looks at the sky and sings"

(Joyce Kilmer, Spring)

x x x

Pied Flycatcher

Oh, joy! I had had this birdhouse set up on my favourite tree in the garden, the mighty oak, and it had had several visitors during it's first two years. Even some minimal bedding had appeared, but it just wasn't suitable for anyone, which saddened me:( Until last summer a pair of Pied Flycatchers moved in:) The garden was quite badly tyrannised by two mother Magpies protecting their children, but for some reason the pied flycatchers were not regarded as a hazard:). That was a joyous moment:) AND now they're back in their little birdhouse, weee! The magpies were rather adventurous couple of weeks back, and it's been oddly cool, so I'm suspecting some serious nest building:)

Most people don't seem to like magpies, but I find them very interesting and nice to follow for such large birds:) But they do indeed keep the garden in order, no crows allowed that's for sure, no no no! Someone described the pied flycatchers pretty much exactly the same, but I didn't notice anything like that amongst the smaller birds. In fact we had most species about than any season before.

Anyway, totally rambling, he. I was making some veggie patties when I noticed the return of the pied flycatcher hence the ramble:) I grated some carrots, ginger and parsnip. Chopped in some red onion, garlic and red chili. Fried them a little to soften and mashed in some chic peas and spices (coriander, salt, black pepper and fresh parsley) and some breadcrumbs to absorb the extra moisture for easier handling.

No egg needed! The chic peas provide their own "glue" and are perfectly sticky enough to hold the "dough" together:) Press the chic peas with a fork, do not use a food processor/blender, as the peas will get way too mushy and you will understand what I meant with the "glue";). Also instead of breadcrumbs any other flour of your choice will do, cornflour/polenta even adds a tad of taste, so what ever "rocks your boat", ha. OR one could easily throw in some flax, sesame or hemp seeds for added texture, which will also act as a moisture binder so everything goes:) The mash is then perfect when it doesn't stick to ones hands too badly when handling:) Fry with olive oil (or for extra crispiness can also be deep-fried.)

I served with some season's best fresh green asparagus and a spicy bean salad. Mixed beads (= beans, a designers "Freudian slip", oop;)) mingled with paprika, red onion and fresh basil on a bed of mixed salad leaves (optional). Marinated with a mix of organic olive oil, half a lemon, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, and chervil, salt and black pepper,

Have a wicked Mayday!

x x x

Let Them Eat Cake

Allow me to introduce you "Kreemitär";

a customer of mine who makes these absolutely gorgeous cakes and other baked goodies! She's looking into starting her own business so all the thumbs up it'll happen soon! * EDIT, since 2nd of May 2012, Kreemitär is now a registered Trademark, CONGRATS Outi! How exciting!:)

She is so creative, and such a talented photographer as well!

The visual pleasure is out of this earth!

I bet, my hero, heh, Martha Stewart would adore her!

ENJOY!

Kreemitär is a Southern Finland based cake artist:)

You can find her on facebook HERE

All photographs © Outi / Kreemitär

Have a beautiful weekend!

p.s. Simply couldn't resist them Xmas- related photies, hehe, 241 days for Christmas 2012!;)

x x x

For Cuteness Sake

What greater gift than the love of a cat?

- Charles Dickens

Varpu Varpunen
Born in Hattula, 22.9.2010
Enjoys life in Männikkö, Vihti, Finland

x x x

Open Up Your Mind, See Deep Inside, Tell me What You Find

My post yesterday was bit negative, even it wasn't meant to come across that way. And even karma finally happened, I still wouldn't wish anything bad for anyone, even if they truly deserved it by trying to harm or damage (me). So the post bothers me a bit, but I will leave it visible, as it still carries an extremely important message about life. About love and caring. About honesty, dignity, responsibility and respect.

So I "lighten" my quilt by forwarding a selection of my favourite photos.

The original post is circling around fb, and when I finally clicked the link, the photos made me cheer up. I'm quite high-in-energy type of a person, but have had a bit of a rough start for a day, so here you are, hope they'll do their trick for you as well:) And don't forget to check rest of the pics from the link!

Have a beautiful and sun filled day!
Give a cuddle to your loved ones, or anyone/"stranger" who looks like they need one; and instant karma will occur- You'll see:)

"Never take a person's dignity:
it is worth everything to them, and nothing to you."
- Frank Barron

Truth Will Out

 ♥ Kiitos Maailmankaikkeuden Oikeuslaitos ♥

Karma korjas

"To be nobody, but yourself in a world that's doing its best to make you somebody else, is to fight the hardest battle you are ever going to fight. Never give up."
(E.E.Cummings)

above © poster available HERE

Polkka Jam S/S 2012

New gorgeous Polkka Jam spring goodies have arrived to

the Funky Homo sapiens- Boutique.
My favourite colours, ahhhh!:)

Photies © Polkka Jam