It's a long weekend ...Things have got a little spotty

That would be right - The frist time I get to have a public holiday off this year and I get sick. I have spots. Not everywhere - Just on my left side - On my arm, torso and back of my shoulder. Nowhere else. They are quite painful and make me feel yukky....... We went off to the after hours doctor yesterday who says he has been in practice for 35 years and hasn't seen anything like them - Likewise the other doctor he brought in........ So I have been diagnosed with a "viral infection" and sent home with pills and cream and told to come back if they do not clear up by tomorrow.

I thought that I would take the opportunity to show you some recent market and garage sale finds. Isn't this vintage lace lovely.

And this old Wooden school desk with a lift up lid. This cost me $5 and is destined to be sanded back and painted white for my shabby chic overhaul of our bedroom. You can see it white can't you?

These lovely garden pots used to be 7 but I dropped one getting them out of the car but they only cost me $10 for the lot.

Here they are all planted out. They look much happier now.

I thought I would give you a couple of quick recipes today for budget busting pasta dishes. When I make them there is always enough left over to take for lunches for a few days.

This one doesn't really have a name but tastes delicious.

500g Beef Mince

Jar of Dolmio Tomato & Basil or similar (Can get on special for $1.50 per jar)

Packet of Penne or Spiral Pasta

Tablespoon of Sugar

Sprinkle of Onion & Garlic Flakes

Cracked Pepper

Brown the mince in a frying pan - Drain off any excess fat. Bring a pot of water to boil and add the pasta and boil until cooked to your liking.

Add the Dolmio, Sugar, Onion, Garlic & Pepper to the mince and simmer for 5 minutes.

Drain off the pasta and place in a large mixing bowl. Add the mince and sauce and mix together. Serve hot and steamy

This one is Amy's favourite. We call it Sweet Chilli Chicken Pasta.

You will require :-

Olive oil Spray
Fresh Chicken - Thigh or Breast - 500g

Packet of Penne Pasta

300ml Cream

2 Rashes Bacon

1/3 Cup Maggi Sweet Chilli Sauce

Garlic & Onion Flakes

Dice The Bacon and fry in a frying pan sprayed with olive oil until brown. Remove from the pan and set to one side. Dice the chicken, add the garlic and onion flakes and fry in the same pan as you cooked the bacon. Fill a pot with water and bring to the boil. Add the pasta and cook to your liking. When the chicken is browned add the 300ml of cream, cooked bacon and sweet chilli sauce. Simmer for around 10 minutes be careful that you do not overcook and seperate the cream. Drain the pasta into a large mixing bowl and add the chicken and cream sauce. Mix well and serve. Delicious !! There is never enough left over of this dish in our house for left overs but this dish does not re-heat well without adding some fresh cream as the sauce tends to seperate.

Let me know how you go with them.

Have a great week where ever you are.

HUGS,