Be right back...

Hello there! I haven't been around because I've got a lot of work to do, but I keep thinking about writing posts, because I miss my little blog, so I thought I'd stop by to say hello, and that I'm coming back with lots of recipes for foccaccia and jaffa cake. Soon! Very soon.

In the meantime, here's a (blurry) picture of me with my new glasses:



And here's a lovely song for you:

Friday I'm In Love: Covered up.

Yesterday was deceiving.

The day started out warm and sunny, but then the black clouds swept in and rained all over everything, and ruined my dreams of springtime.

Not only that, but my usual rostered early start at work had been changed, and I turned up to work 6 hours too early. How. Embarrassing.

But there was a highlight in amongst this drab and dreary day. Umbrellas.

I really like umbrellas. Not necessarily what they represent, but I really like the way they look. I also find it really fun to walk around, covered up by a big umbrella.

So here's some lovely pictures of umbrellas, to make you feel better about grey, rainy days (sources below).

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Hey! Bag lady!

I've seen these posts popping up in blogs all over the place, and honestly, I felt a bit silly doing one, but I really wanted to! And since I had to change bags today to go to the library, I thought now was a good a time as any.

My bag isn't that exciting, unfortunately. I mean, text books?! Boooooring! But it was good to clean out my bag, if anything. Usually the bottom of my bag is full of scrunched up bits of paper and pens that I've stolen from work (whoops!).

At the moment, it's got all the things I need: wallet (from Topshop), a scarf, pencil case, phone, ipod, sunglasses, lipgloss. Even though this isn't my favourite bag (my favourite one is a vintage navy blue one that I got at the op-shop for $3), it does hold all my stuff good and proper (this one is from Sportsgirl).

And since I was wearing my library outfit today, I thought I better share a photo of that, too (A vintage green button-up shirt with a bow at the front, and a pair of jeans).

belated birthday.

My blog birthday went slowly past, and I didn't even realise. I can't believe I've had apples & almonds running for a whole year! To be honest, when I started this blog I thought it would last for about two months before being left by the wayside.

But I've kept it going, and I've learnt so much, and I've even made a few bloggy friends! Over the year, I've done 98 posts, I've had 14,521 page views, been featured on Foodista and Tastespotting. I've slowly developed my food photography skills and I'm slowly developing my own writing style.

And since I've made it this far, I have no doubt that I can make it to next year.

So for a birthday round-up, here's a list of my favourite posts so far on apples & almonds. Here's to another year!

Anarchy cupcakes. (My very first post!)

Orange cake.

Cheeseburgers.

Red pesto.

Gingerbread biscuits.

Toffee apple cake.

Breakfast pies.

Sugar and spice biscuits.

Limoncello.

Rainbow cake.

Chocolate eclairs.

The dress that I made all by myself.

Olive savoury muffins.

Thank you for being here! Ursula x

follow.

I walk the same way to work every day.
Usually I just listen to music and don't pay attention to my surroundings.




But today I paid attention, and I noticed some things I'd never noticed before.
I hadn't noticed that the blossom is out, even though it's still winter.




I noticed that the bare, twisted trees look like something out of a Tim Burton movie.
I realised that I like walking to walk so early in the morning when there is nobody else around.
As if I'm alone in this city.




And unlike someone I know, I really like winter.
Not only does it give me a legitimate excuse for staying inside all day,
but I like the cold weather.
Especially when it's getting closer to the summertime.

If only.

I've been watching The Renovators, and it's really making me wish I had some spare time and lots of money to do up my house all nice.
Because Brent and I rent our (tiny) apartment, we can't do anything to it. A shame, really. I'd love to put up some nice, textured wallpaper in our bedroom...

Here are some pictures of my dream house. One day. If only.

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A bitter afternoon.

I spent the afternoon at my parents house making bitter orange marmalade, because it's that time of year again.



Dad cut up lots of seville and ruby navel oranges, and I took lots of photos and drank coffee.











I love this photo. They're all standing, waiting patiently to have their photo taken, but Dad decided that everyone should hold an orange, to emphasis the whole point of the afternoon. Caitlin and Arki look so skeptical, the way teenagers do.

All of the lights, all of the lights.

The other night, I went to a light installation with my family. It was in the botanical gardens, which are really beautiful in the day. But at night, they got transformed into this crazy space of light and noise.
Some of the installations were really beautiful. Some were a bit creepy. But I took a couple of photos (on my phone) and wanted to share.








This song even kinda reminds me of the music that matched the lights.

Joyeux Noel.

Christmas is always a good day with my family. Lots of food and presents and fun times.
I hope you had a lovely Christmas this year, and I hope your New Years is just as fun!
Happy Holidays. x.