Sexy Stocking

Why not add a little something to your stocking....  A girl can never have enough feathers.

Christmas Stockings Ideas

Don't forget to hang your stockings.  It is tradition in our home to dig into the stocking first thing on Christmas morning.  The children are allowed to go through this before the adults drag themselves out of bed.  It usually has some small gifts, scratchits, pens, games and chocolates.  Yep!!! That is breakfast taken care of.

Sleep another 5 minutes Mum & Dad.

Partridge in a Bookcase

Ok... So I know what you're thinkin...  Too Much ... NoWay!!  Decorate everything even your books.  Spread the Christmas cheer all over.  Take it to work if you have to.  People have to smile when they see Christmas decorations.  That is what I think anyway.

Peace on earth...

Christmas Tree

To our family the Christmas Tree represents many things.  Putting up the tree at the start of December means that it is the beginning of the holidays together.  We make a date of it and usually share some chocolates or special biscuits while putting it up.  It is the centre of our Dining/Family room for a month and we make an effort to turn the lights on and sit together and talk.  We plan what we are doing on the holidays, our menu for Christmas Day and who we are going to see.  We like to buy something new for the tree each year and as you can see it is getting kind of crowded.  I know that it is over the top but I love it like that. We have many traditions like these and I hope we will be doing this as a family for many more years. 

What are your Christmas traditions?

Making the most of a bad situation

Recently I was forced to travel to North Queensland for my son's sporting commitments.
Well.... I took it in my stride and had a whale of a time.  Checked out the sights.  

Us at Kuranda. 

Damn sport!

Christmas Bouquet

You may have started planning your Christmas feast but have you considered what you will do to decorate the table? Create your own centrepiece... This is glass bucket with wildflowers and some Christmas decorations pushed in amongst the flowers.  Put a few on kebab skewers to give height to the display.  Create a bouquet to enhance your table setting but remember to do something different and experiment with colour.  That way everyone with know it is your own work.        

Lemon & Lime a fresh new take on Christmas.

Christmas Decorations

Have you started decorating yet?  Why not decorate your garden.  Decorations can be inexpensive so don't be afraid to hang them outdoors too.  This is my driveway.  If they are faded and wrecked by the end of the season ... feel free to throw them away and do something different next year.

Why Not?



Festive Drinks

Christmas Parties have begun so when serving up some Christmas cheer to your friends, have some fun with it.  These are some mocktails whipped up for lunch.  Don't take orders just do up a tray of mixed drinks and watch your friends fight over them.  Besides....the colourful array looks much more festive.  

Enjoy this time with friends 



Picnics

This week make plans to get outside and enjoy your environment.  Organise a short trip, pack a picnic and do something different.  It is always worth the effort.  Remember you are creating memories.

Curtain Fig

Check this out ....... Strolling in the rain forest and I come across this!!!!  Seems even trees like to decorate. 

Amazing Hey!

Chocolate Glace Icing

Just combine these ingredients

• 1 cup icing sugar
• 2 tbls cocoa
• 1 tbls butter or margarine
• 2-3 tbls boiling water

Spread icing with a wet knife and decorate.  That is the fun part.

Enjoy!!

Party Cupcakes

Whenever I have a party I concentrate heavily on the presentation.  Let's face it .... food tastes better when it looks good.  This is true for little people and big people.  The trick is to make it look like you have gone to huge amounts of trouble but really only small amounts of trouble.  The illusion begins with a batch or two of vanilla cupcakes and then you decorate sets of them differently.  Sometimes pink icing like these with a fancy toothpick.  I might do a plate with green icing & lolly snakes. I may even do chocolate icing with  a toothpick loaded with colourful lollies. 

The sky is the limit so have fun and make it colourful.

How do you decorate your cakes?

Cool gifts for tweens

I have never met a kid that doesn't like lollies and there is something about having enough to share that makes a gift like this even more fun to receive. 
Here I have found a plastic cup and filled it with lolly pops and pipe cleaners.  The cup can be used forever as a drink receptacle or a cup for pencils on their desk.  It is a gift from a mate to a mate that is fun and inexpensive.

Cricket

I have never been a big fan of cricket or any sport for that matter but when you are forced to watch hours of your loved ones playing and enjoying it starts to rub off.  Plus I get to eat chips.  Bring on another season.

What flavour chips are your favourite? 

Birdwatching

There is nothing like birdwatching to get you focused on the NOW!  I love getting out the binos or camera and just having a sit.  If you have a field guide, take it and a coat with you and find a comfortable pozzie.

If you can... get outside this weekend, take some time to enjoy nature and your universe.

Holidays

Rod and I at Moffat Beach, Queensland.  We just got back from two weeks holiday at Caloundra with our family.  All of us under one roof with no work, no school, no training, no ironing, no salad....  We had a wonderful time but it is good to be home and back to normal.  My husband and I both put on 3.5 kilograms.  Possibly due to the 12 cartons of beer consumed or maybe no salad.  

When was you last family holiday?



Simple and Special

I always have some un-iced vanilla cup cakes in the freezer for emergencies.  Store in an air tight container. When you get a call announcing visitors just whip a couple of cakes out of the freezer and whip up some cream. 
These look extra special when you use coloured cup cake cases and a paper doilee.
Your guests will feel loved and they will be very impressed.
OR you can just do it for yourself.  ENJOY!

Would you share?

 

Party Time

 
Water bombs are excellent present decoration.  Blowing them up can be difficult but the end product is worth it.  Stretch first in your fingers before blowing them up and tying a knot.  Secure with a rubber band or some curling ribbon.  I use them for children's gifts - they make anything look fun.

Doesn't it look pretty?

Orchids

The thing that I love about orchids, apart from their beauty is the way that they just appear in your garden.  I mean you tie them to a tree, never care for them or take any notice of them and then one day..... This!!!

 

Such a thrill.

Flower Power

When giving a gift, no matter what it is, put some effort into the wrapping if you have time.  For some reason people love receiving a gift that looks fancy - I don't know why!!!!!  The gift itself doesn't have to be expensive. 
Try using plain paper in bright colours with some form of decoration.  Match the decoration with the present or the recipients style.  I started with some ribbon and then glued some foam flowers on to the present and made a matching card.  Too easy

Do you love wrapping presents?

Fun Cookies

What if you have some little ones coming over and nothing fun to feed them?  Well try these.  You can use any plain sweet biscuits that you have in the house.  Make up a batch of icing, divide and colour with food colouring of your choice.

2 cups Icing mixture
1 teaspoon butter, margarine
1 tablespoon hot water. 
Sprinkle with sparkle and decorate the plate.
I made these flowers out of a cocktail toothpick and some foam flowers.  They just add to the fun and make the ordinary look extraordinary.

Do you know anyone who would love these?

Mandalas

Mandalas are used as an aid in meditation.  They are usually circular and symetrial but don't have to be either.  You can create your own design or find a stencil on the internet.  Colouring and decorating your Mendala will be a relaxing excercise in itself.  This is one I coloured with felt tip pens on a retreat day that I attended recently.  I am proud of my efforts and I laminated it so I could enjoy it and remember a wonderful day for a long time to come.

Create you own Mandala 



Vision Board

We have all heard about the Laws of Attraction …..  the idea that we draw into our lives the things that we give our attention to.

Well, a vision board is a collage of the things we want to have, be or do in our lives.  Traditionally this has been a piece of cardboard covered in pictures cut out of magazines and travel brochures but I think can we can take this one step further and make it a work of art.

The sort of questions you have to ask yourself are:- What do I want in my life?  Where do I want to travel to?  What sort of things would I like to own?  Do I want to learn to play an instrument?  Do I want to have a better garden?  Maybe you have a goal for your family.  Would you like to help someone else?

Once you have the answers it is time now to assemble a visual manifestation.  The medium you choose is only limited by your imagination.  I wanted something a little more formal for my office so I created a black and white photo collage.  It has a big impact and I am faced with it every time I walk into my office.

Do you have a Vision Board yet?

Just one

Sometimes all it takes to put life and interest into a corner is one bloom.  This is just a single silk magnolia but what an impact.  Think what you could do in a prodominatly white room with a single orange flower?  This is an inexpensive change that will give not just your room a lift but your mood as well.

Go looking for "Just one" today!

Aromatherapy

In my attempts to rid the home of cooking smells and various other smells with the use of oils, sprays and candles, I have been met with mixed responses.  Some love it and others HATE it. 

However, I have discovered that they would rather the candles that smell like food.  Of course they do.....  Cinnamon scrolls is a favourite but you can buy Peach Melba, cookies,etc.

I do have to warn you... they do cause snacking.

Beware! 

Sexy Sunscreen

The weather is warming up and we are drawn to the outdoors.  Living in Queensland, sunscreen is required everyday so why not leave it out in a convenient spot.  We often put in away in a cupboard or drawer because of the gaudy packaging.  You can get around this - just fill a nice soap dispenser with your favourite SPF 30 and label it.  Your family and guests will always know where to find it and use it more often.

I decked out a pool dressing room in a sleek, modern look and I couldn't possibly put a plastic bottle of sunscreen in there ..So... Voilla

Fancy hey?

Digital Photography for Kids

 

One of the best things about being a child is

those times when you get to play "Grown Ups".  

 Let your kids use your digital camera.  Give them some guidlines for use and let them roam free in your garden. 


Depending on their age, they will be able to download and edit the pics for extra fun. 
 Children are able to see beauty and life everywhere and often surprise you with their results.  Plus it is amazing how quite they are when they are bird and bug watching.

I bet you could use the peace and quiet.

This weekend

What a great time of year to get out into the garden.  Do it this weekend.  Find a spot to sit and take in the warmer air.  Contemplate your dream garden and consider ways to make it a reality.  Take a small step this weekend even if it is just to PLAN. 

These daffodils are a plan I had 5 months ago.

Colourful Corner



Adding a splash of colour to an otherwise bland corner of your home can be as simple as a few cushions and some beads.  Have fun with colour .... It doesn't have to be permanent.

Can you think of an area in your home or office in need of attention? 

Quick Apple Crumble

This is apple crumble with a difference.  Do you have an apple corer in your kitchen that you bought for the kids to use in the hope that they would eat more apples... Well this is fun and easy to do.  I usually make eight to ten at a time.  So first peel and core the apples.  Then I mix up the crumble.

Crumble

1 cup of natural museli

1 cup of SR flour

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup white choc bits

40g melted butter

Milk just enough to get the mix to crumble

Mix all of the ingredients together and push down into the middle of the uncooked apples.  Place a scoop of the crumble on the top as well.  Cook in a moderate oven (180*C) for about 20 mins.

Serve with ice cream or cream.

 

Inexpensive Artwork

Very effective and very cheap.  All you need for these is a frame (any colour) some leaves (I think gum leaves work well) and some chrome spray paint.  They are easy to do you could even let the kids do them.

How would they look done in a set of primary colours?

Puzzle Balls

I am always on the look out for something interesting to adorn my sanctuary.  These teak puzzle balls are made of teak and are put together with dowels.  They are durable, unusual and a great talking point.

I think they are great ...... My son calls them Tyrannosaurus Turds

Do you like these?

Morning Tea in the Sun

This week, invite a friend over for morning tea.  Get outside and eat cake.  The cold weather sees us entertain inside more often but the days are beautiful so find a sunny spot and enjoy.

How do you recharge your batteries on these cold days?

Banana Muffins

Have you got some bananas on the counter that are too ripe to eat? Well don't throw them away and feel guilty about the waste.  Try making these.
They are super easy and when you get the text from a friend telling you they are dropping in..... you can whip these up in no time at all.
By the time the doorbell rings your home will smell sweet. I like to serve warm with a dollop of cream or ice cream and a drizzle of maple syrup.
Your friends will be so impressed.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups self raising flour
• 3 large bananas, mashed
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup butter, melted

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 175 degrees C. Coat muffin pans with non-stick spray, or use paper liners. I love the silicone pans..
2. Combine bananas, sugar, egg, and melted butter in a large bowl. Fold in flour mixture, and mix until smooth. (My kids like me to stir through 1/2 cup chopped walnuts at this point) Scoop into muffin pans.
3. Bake in preheated oven. Bake mini muffins for 10 to 15 minutes, and large muffins for 25 to 30 minutes. Muffins will spring back when lightly tapped.

Do you like to amaze your friends?

Fancy Leftovers

I love my slow cooker. I make two batches a week in winter and they provide may family with healthy quick meals for most of the week.
Depending what I have conjured up, we eat these meals in a variety of ways. A favourite is these meat pies.
When working with puff pastry, it is important to have the oven at 180 degrees C for cooking. Spray pie tins with oil and push a square of puff pastry into each cup.  Scoop in the casserole and top with cheese.
Cook for about 20 minutes until golden.
Serve with a small salad to impress your family and friends. Honestly you can put anything in pastry and everyone will think you are a master chef.

Try these yourself and let me know how you go.

Bird Houses

I like to use sculpture in the garden to take attention away from problem areas.  Bird houses are great.  They make sense and add a little magic.  Children love to walk through the garden with you and talk about what they see and imagine.  Spend time today.

How do you create magic in your garden?

Window Boxes

Here is a different take on the traditional window box.  I have installed a towel rail and then hung some aluminium planters from that.  These sit out and away from the weather boards.  You don't want to encourage timber rot.
Plant up with geraniums and insert some glass water globes to provide colour when there are no blossoms.

What do you think of these?

Feature Tiles

Feature tiles are expensive and not always what you want anyway.  When doing my boys bathroom, I decided to make my own.  Tile as if you were inserting a feature and  use the space to mosaic your own design. Looks great, adds fun and colour to the room. 

Remember to not over do it.  Maybe just one in the middle of the room.  I put one in front of the basin and one in front of the shower.  Mosaics are excellent for wet areas as they are usually slip resistant.

Have you used mosaics in your home?

Cosy Corners

Take the time to set up an area in your home or garden where you can get some down time.

Creating such a space inside the home allows you to have an All Day - All Weather sanctuary.  You will need a comfy chair, some plush cushions, a blanket, a reading light and table for your cuppa or glass of wine.  You may wish to include some photos of your loved ones into this space.  I like to have my Ipod so I can control what I hear.  There are some excellent meditation CDs you can use too. 

Can you picture yourself here?

Decorated Pillows

Finding peace in the garden can be especially invigorating.  Have a basket just inside the door that contains all of the necessary gear.  Hat, pillow, mat, sunscreen, book etc.  I love to enjoy the sounds of the garden rather than my music although it can be useful to wear earphones to avoid conversations with children.  Focusing on the birds, the bugs, a bamboo wind chime can really take your mind off you day to day dramas and somehow put them in perspective.

Feeling the need to set the scene for my sanctuary I decided to involve my children in the process by enlisting their help to create my special meditation/relaxation cushions.   Now when they see me pick up the cushions to have my “ME” time they understand it better and swell with pride that I am using their craft project. 

We decided to go for felt because it is really easy to use.  There is no hemming necessary and it is inexpensive.  Just cut out various flower shapes and sew them together with needle and thread.  Trim with a nice button making sure it is not too bulky to sit on.  Then we just pinned it to a cushion I already had on the couch.  By pinning it on with a safety pin, I will be able to easily remove the flower and wash it the washing machine.  Now just make sure you put it to use.

Allowing yourself this luxury time is important for everyone.  Explain to children (partners) that you will return to them within a set time and that you aren’t to be disturbed unless they are on fire! 

Have a go at these and let me know how you went

Romantic Spaces

I am all about creating special spaces in and around the home.  Places where you can get away from pending jobs and take a moment for yourself.  Hang some lanterns like these and set up a candlelight supper for you and someone special.

Sunday

A day of rest ... huh. I am a mother so a day of rest is a thing of the past but it is still important to take time for your self.  Make a cup of tea, put your feet up and take time to smell the roses.

How do you spend your lazy times?

Quick Savoury Snack

Just made these snacks for the girls coming over for drinks.  All you need is:-

20 minutes

Puff pastry sheets

Parmesan cheese (grated)

Seasoning (I usually make some with chilli flakes and some with salt & pepper

Preheat oven to 180*C

Prepare cooking tray by covering with baking paper.

Cut pastry into 15mm wide strips and twirl 2 together to make a twist

Carefully put cheese along the lenght to the strip

Season and place on cooking tray

Bake for about 15mins they should be stiff and golden.

Everyone loves them and thinks you went to a huge effort for them.
I like to serve them in a pocket made of baking paper and secure with twine for that home made finish. 

How will you serve your Cheezy Strawz?

Fruity

I always have plenty of fruit on hand for school lunches etc and by storing them in these tall vases they take up less space on the kitchen bench.  They look spectacular as well.

Remember, vases aren't just for flowers.  Do you have any huge vases in the cupboard not being used?

All wrapped up

I love giving gifts.. Who doesn't? I really love handing over a beautifully wrapped present and waiting for the recipients expression.  You don't have to spend a fortune on wrapping paper and cards.  Here I wrapped a book with plain blue paper and aluminium foil.  Aluminium foil is great because we always have some and it is great to work with.  It can be rolled, folded and shaped to how you want.  The card is a white piece of cardboard with a window cut out of the front.  I then placed a piece of the blue wrapping paper behind and secured with double sided tape.  I then used some stickers that I get from the discount shops to decorate the front.  Initials are nice to use as they alert the recipient to the fact that the card was made especially for them. 

Do you love wrapping presents or is it just me?