Hi there...well I think summer has well and truly arrived and you can almost hear Santa revving up his sleigh!

Lots of parcels have been arriving including the goodies that have followed me home from my recent trip to Melbourne.

If you need some last minute gift ideas that you can whip up in a hurry. These gorgeous little wooden frames have arrived in from Australian designer Rosalie Quinlan. There are several different sizes and they come two frames to a pack one for a brooch and one for a pendant. Brooch pin and cord are included as well as pattern for the mini stitcheries, ranging in price from $15.50.

Speaking of Australian designers, Natalie Bird from The Birdhouse has produced two new Christmas hangings in her series of pre-printed festive designs. These are quick and easy to do in one colour thread and a great project to take on holiday with you.

If you are planning to be away over the Christmas break, it is a good time to think about dropping your sewing machine or overlocker in for a service. Don’t forget that the Bernina sale on machines and accessories continues until December 24, and 20% off the accessories is not to be sneezed at!

Before I forget the winner of the $50.00 Annie’s voucher for last month is Judith Neal of Ashburton.

This week’s recipe is a tasty one pot meal or would make a very tasty side dish for a barbeque or pot luck dish.

Hot and Spicy Capsicum, Rice and Beans

• 1 large onion
• 1 large red capsicum
• 2 large cloves garlic (crushed)
• 1-2 red chillies
• 150 g chorizo or spicy sausage
• 250 g basmati rice
• 400 ml can coconut milk
• 600 ml of chicken stock or boiling water
• 1 bay leaf
• Fresh thyme
• 400 g tin of rinsed black eyed bean, cannellini beans or red kidney beans

Heat a little bit of oil in a heavy based pan and cook the chopped vegetables until just softened. Add the cubed sausage and rice and stir-fry for a couple of minutes before adding the coconut milk and water or stock. Bring to the boil.

Season with salt and pepper and herbs. Cover and simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir in the beans and cook until the rice is tender.

That’s all from me, happy stitching!

R