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!