And the winner is...

Congratulations Sus&Tan, on winning Big Bug and Little Bug's first giveaway. I have a gorgeous set of personalised Bean Bags coming your way made from some beautiful new fabric just ordered. Thanks to everyone who has been reading, commenting and sharing links to the blog.

Mama Masterchef

Almost every evening in my house is an invention test and my pantry/fridge can often be described as quite a mystery box. So tonight when I spied these gorgeously lean pork loin chops, I knew there was magic to be made.

Bored with the regular mash and veg, I vowed tonight would be different. So I give you Pork Loin Chops on a bed of Ginger and Apple Risotto. Please take these measurements with a grain of salt (pardon the pun), Mum always taught me to cook it until it looks right and tastes right.

Pork Loin Chops with Ginger and Apple Risotto (serves 2 adults and 2 little bugs)

1 carrot, sliced

1 zucchini, grated

handful round beans, halved

1 granny smith apple, grated

2/3 cup arborio rice

2 tbsp butter

1 stick celery, chopped

1 tbsp ginger

3 generous lean pork loin chops

4-ish cups chicken stock

• Steam carrot, beans and celery in the microwave
• Fry off the ginger and butter in a hot pan
• Add rice and stir until well coated
• Add grated zucchini and apple to the pan
• Add chicken stock, one cup at a time until absorbed and rice is tender
• Toss in pre-steamed vegetables
• Cover and let sit while you grill pork chops to perfection
• Season and plate as you like, enjoy!

It is a rare occasion when I ever cook to an exact recipe, so go ahead and add whatever is in your mystery box! If you like this recipe, pass it on.

Remember the days of the old school yard?

Remember balancing bean bags on your head as you ran a relay race? Tossing bean bags in a bucket for skill building? Practising throwing and catching with a bean bag, or even juggling a few at a time? Well, Big Bug and Little Bug are going old school and bringing back the good old days!

Here is a gorgeous set of personalised bean bags made for Miss Maya, who turned 3 today (Happy Birthday to you!).

You like them? Well, strap yourself in and get ready, I have a whole lot of these ready to go. Not only fun and educational, these bean bags are filled with rice and make a smashing little heat pack to send your dear little one off to bed on these chilly nights.

Leave a comment below about your favourite schoolyard games and you could win a set of these delightful bean bags for yourself. Put your order in now, personalise your own set with your child's name, initials or numbers 1-4.

Big Bug has already requested a set after playing with Miss Maya's for a day!

It's getting a little chilly...

For a few weeks now Charlie and I have been watching the leaves in our street turned a magnificent shade of red. He insists on crushing them under his boots, riding over them in the pram, covering his sister with them on the trampoline and collecting them in his man-bag!

It's also getting just cool enough to start dressing them in gorgeous handknitted woollens, like this outfit knitted by Nan. I found this picture, taken last Winter, thankfully it still fits. Thanks Nan x

And here is little Miss Sunshine, not to be outdone, covering all shades of cute in this jacket knitted by her Great Grandmother. Awwwwww... and who can resists a little baby's noggin covered in a warm, little beanie?

Doting Dad thinks she looks all Mother Theresa with her Rosary beads!

Now off to cook up something warm and brilliant in the kitchen... what do you suggest?