Counting My Blessings

{Photo - A - Day Challenge} - Morning & Water

2012-01-17T07:48:00.000+10:00

Today I went for a jog. Its the first time that i have gone running since i had the kids ( which if you know me, is as many years!)

Morning

It felt good!
Good to get up when the world is still sleeping
Good to have time to myself
Good to feel the cool on my face and heat burning in my muscles.

Water

And I plan to do it again tomorrow, and the next day, and the next.

{Photo - A - Day Challenge} - Happiness

2012-01-16T14:41:00.000+10:00

Look at those faces!

Happiness

{Photo - A - Day Challenge} - Something I'm Reading

2012-01-16T14:39:00.000+10:00

Does the fact that there is no book in sight, and that i'm reading a wine bottle give you a glimpse at the stress level of my life at the moment:?

{Photo - A - Day Challenge} - In My bag

2012-01-16T14:37:00.000+10:00

This is one of two bags i often use. The other has the nappies etc :)

{Photo a Day Challenge] - Close Up

2012-01-13T10:49:00.000+10:00

{Photo a Day Challenge] - Where I sleep

2012-01-12T12:50:00.000+10:00

I easily could have taken a photo of anywhere for today!

The couch, the floor, the shower (yes i'm a tired old mum!)

This is where i prefer to sleep

{Photo a Day Challenge] - Childhood

2012-01-12T12:47:00.000+10:00

My Grandmother gave me this cot, and the porcelain baby doll that goes in it, before i was even born.

The dolly is up, awaiting a trip to the dolly hospital to repair the damage caused by being carried around by a not so gentle or graceful little girl.

{Photo a Day Challenge] - Daily Routine

2012-01-12T12:41:00.000+10:00

We're in the middle of moving at the moment, so pretty much all routine has gone out the window.
Along the way, however, it seems I've created a new daily routine - of packing boxes!

Its one i'll be swapping for unpacking by next week, but for now, it seems the only constant in our lives is the 'constantly growing' piles of boxes!

{Photo a Day Challenge] - My Sky

2012-01-09T11:56:00.000+10:00

My Sky

{Photo a Day Challenge] - Favourite

2012-01-09T11:54:00.000+10:00

My favourite thing to do is the whole world is read!

I wish i had more time to do it.

Two of my favourite books by one of my most loved authors.

{Photo a Day Challenge] - Makes Me Smile

2012-01-09T11:50:00.000+10:00

This is a Honeydew Melon, growing in my garden!

I almost ripped out the plant when it didn't seem to be fruiting, and look pretty much dead.

Then one day, i came out to check my tomatoes and capsicum, and look what i found!

This makes me smile!

I could impose too many metaphors on this wonderful melon, but i think i will just let it be.

My Honeydew - making me smile!

{Photo a Day Challenge] - Something I Wore

2012-01-06T15:55:00.000+10:00

I wish that my photo today might have looked something like this ....

Can you imagine hanging washing and changing nappies wearing this?!

Sadly, no! Maybe that's exactly what my day yesterday needed, but instead what i wore looks more like this .....

Yep, no amount of photo edit makes it look any flashier!

In case you missed it, I'm joining Fat Mum Slim in her Photo-a-Day challenge for the month of January. Pop over to her facebook page to check out her photos and find more people playing along!

{Photo a Day Challenge] - Letterbox

2012-01-05T13:53:00.000+10:00

Hopefully, it won't be too long before this is repalced, but it is the last thing on the list of renovations!
Still, i love our little letterbox. Its brought me lots of wonderful parcels of late!

Guest Post

2012-01-04T12:08:00.000+10:00

Just a quick note to say, I'm guest posting over at Handmade Kids today.

Pop over to learn how to make a fabric bunting with my easy tutorial!

{Photo a Day Challenge] - Something I adore

2012-01-04T11:36:00.000+10:00

I may have gotten a little carried away with this one!

I adore...

My Boy

My Cuddle Monster

My Rat Bag

My Clever Cookie

{Photo A Day Challenge} - Breakfast

2012-01-04T11:30:00.001+10:00

There is no making A cuppa in this house!

I love that my little people love 'cuppas'! Though i fear my middle daughters 'cuppa' addiction might stay with her into adulthood!

This is my morning coffee. My breakfast!

{Photo a Day Challenge] - YOU

2012-01-02T12:31:00.001+10:00

Ok, so Me, really!
Chantelle over at Fat Mum Slim is so full of great ideas lately (Social Media Secret Santa was her brain child also!) Her most recent idea was the 'Photo a Day' Challenge for the month of January. I've decided to join her in this challenge, and Day 1 was particularly scary! I hate havign photos taken of myself - HATE IT! But my sister had her camera pointed in my direction for alot of yesterday, so in the end, i DID have a photo to post for yesterday, and here it is!

So this is me on 1st Jan 2012, having had barely any sleep the night before. We had welcomed in the new year with some close friends, enjoying my birthday dinner and games of cards. I'm still carrying a bit of 'baby fat' leftover from Mr P's pregnancy some 6.5months ago, which i hope to lose in the new year.

Chewing on my baby boys scrumptious cheek!

I also hope 2012 is a year of more conquering of fears (such as having my photo taken - i don't look half as bad as i always assume i will!) and stretching myself - getting out of my comfort zone!

Here's to 2012!

May you kinder to the world, and those i love than 2011 was!

{Social Media} Secret Santa

2011-12-19T13:17:00.000+10:00

Recently, I was lucky enough to participate in a Social Media Secret Santa, the brain child of Fat Mum Slims' Chantelle.
What better way to celebrate the festive season than to not only 'stalk' one wonderful lady, but also, to get to know a bunch of other ladies in the big wide virtual world of blogging, tweeting and all that is Social Media!

I thought I'd share a little of the Christmas Spirit and show off some pics of the gift I sent, and the one i received as well!

I thoroughly enjoyed 'stalking' my secret santa recipient (i even got lost in her blog, forgetting what i was there for!) and found her answers to a few questions posed on the Facebook Group really helpful. I just hope that she loved her gift!

Wrapped and ready to go!

After posting off my gift, and seeing that she had received and liked it, I sat back and waited patiently (Ok, so I harrassed the Postie and any other passerby) until the day my beautiful gift arrived!

Gorgeous right?!

And was soo pleased with what was inside...

Add caption

My Secret Santa (who at this point is still a secret, but shhh, i think i might know who it is! ;)) did such a wonderful job of picking a gift for me. I especially love the little birdie, and the apron!

THANKYOU SECRET SANTA!

And thank you to Chantelle for organising the whole thing!!

Top 5 things to DIY in the Kitchen

2011-11-19T13:29:00.000+10:00

I should have been a houswife in the 50's, or maybe even before then!
I love making my own sauces, jams, etc!

So for a quick post, here is my Top Five list of things you really should try DIY-ing!

1.Make your own Pasta sauce - Soo so easy. Grab a bag tomatos off the clearance, or grow your own, add some herbs and seasoning, and your set!

2.Make Your own Jam - Even if you only do it now and then, It is soo much yummier than store bought and a great way to use up fruit. You can also control the amount of sugar thats in it, which is always a bonus!

3.Pizaa Bases and Bread - Ok so i mostly buy bread, but homemade bread is a nice treat! Pizza Bases, however, are always homemade in this house. So cheap, so easy, and again, really delicious!

4.Grow your own herbs and vegetables- Fresh herbs on hand - whats not to love? Try Basil, Thyme and maybe some Parsley. We've only had minimal success with some types of vegetable , but beans, spring onions and strawberries are normally good options to start off with. Our Lettuce has definitely been a good addition to our little vegie garden.

5. Pasta - No, I am not anti- bought pasta, but since i find it fun to make my own pasta, i challenge you to try it! I rarely by lasagne sheets anymore, and have even started hiding vegies IN the pasta!

These Lasagne Sheets have Spinach in them!

Recipe - {Parmesan Crusted Chicken with CousCous}

2011-09-14T12:24:00.000+10:00

I dont know about you, but cooking dinner every night gets to be quite a uninteresting chore for me.
I love cooking, but it feels like we're eating the same few things, even when our meals are going in a 3 week (or more) cycle.

To make this very un-fun but necessary task a bit more enjoyable, I have started to venture out a bit with my cooking, and experiment. I have also been trying to use up whatever meat we have in our freezer, so that we can clean it out.

On the menu for last night was a meal using chicken breast. Normally, i would just make a stirfry, or something similar, but in the spirit of adventure, i created the following recipe pretty much from scratch!

{Parmesan Crusted Chicken with CousCous}

With White Wine Cream Sauce

Ingredients:

4 servings of chicken breast (we used 2 large breasts for 2 adults and 3 toddlers and it was plenty!)

For the crust:

1/3 cup fine Parmesan cheese

1 slice of bread (I used multigrain)

1 tsp crushed garlic

Pinch of oregano

Salt and Pepper to taste.

Melted butter

For the Sauce:

1/2 c dry white wine

1/2 c stock

300ml cream

2tbs shallots, finely diced

1tbs oil or butter

Method:

Preheat oven to 180 Celsius
Place all crumb ingredients except butter in a food processor or stick mixer, and blend till combined well.
Lay chicken pieces in a greased baking tray and brush generously with melted butter
Press crumb onto chicken to cover the top surface.
Place in oven till crust is golden, and chicken is cooked through (approx 30mins - use a sharp knife through a piece to check for doneness)

Meanwhile prepare sauce:

Place oil or butter in a saucepan and heat over medium heat.
Saute shallots.
Add wine and bring to the boil. Lower heat to simmering and reduce to half its original volume.
Add stock, and simmer to reduce liquid to about 1/2 c in total.
Add cream, and simmer till thick, but do not boil.
Season, and serve hot.

Prepare Couscous according to packet instructions

Overall, the recipe worked perfectly! Hubby was much impressed, and all 3 toddlers gave it their seal of approval!

Five Minute Friday: Older

2011-08-27T16:46:00.000+10:00

Photo: http://umeandwe.blogspot.com/

Prompt word: Older.

Go HERE to get the details. You write for 5 minutes. Just write... without thinking or editing your words.

GO.

Older... my girls are getting older and i dont like it! I love that i am watching them grow into wonderful little people, I love that they are more beautiful than i ever expected, and its wonderful but as they get older, they get closer to leaving me!

Just the other day i was thinking about this! They go to daycare 2 days a week and i miss them the whole time they are gone! And before i know it Miss E will be at big school and then i will miss her for 5 days a week! thats not so long away!

And i am getting older..moving on from this last baby phase and onto...onto what? Well i guess we will all see soon enough! and that is exciting, but i still miss my babies, miss enjoying them when they are little, and watching them learn those first things.

Its also exciting that as a couple we are getting older, more mature together. Its quite strange to remember back when we were first married, and compare that to now! Things have changed so much, and i guess that is the essence of what i think of when i think of 'Older' I think of Change, and how it makes me miss the way things were, but also how it is good and exciting!

Older.... i look forward to that!

STOP

Raising a 'spirited' child.

2011-08-15T13:22:00.001+10:00

Strong-willed. Determined. Independent. Opinionated.
These are just some of the words you could use to positively described my almost 4 yr old.
Whatever you want to call it, there's no doubt that parenting her takes an extra measure (or ten!) of patience!

I don't know how many of you have children like this, but I am forever on the hunt for any tips, tricks, rountines etc. that may help make parenting my 'spirited' child easier, and make our household happier and run smoother!

I came across an article yesterday entitled 'How to raise a Spirited Child'.
Some of the tips they offered, we already employ, and it was reassuring to have that confirmed by somebody else. We've already found that giving Miss E notice of change, and sticking to a routine so she can anticipate what is coming, help immensely with her behavior. I also try not to get into situations that i know are going to end badly (like, shopping trips when she's tired). They also made a few suggestions that sounded interesting and that i plan to try out.
And i continue my search!

Do you have any tips for 'raising a spirited child' or just for a happier home in general?

{Macaroons} - Attempt 2

2011-08-15T13:20:00.000+10:00

Ever since watching the grand finale of Masterched 2010, I have wanted to make Macaroons. I love the vivid colours! Now, I've never tasted macaroons, so even if i do eventually get the texture right, i won't know it!

I recently attempted to make a batch of these apparently delicious treats, and failed miserably! (no photographic evidence, which is unfortunate, because you'll just have to take my word for how much i've improved!)

My second attempt worked out ALOT better than the first.....

Stay tuned for Attempt Three..scheduled to happen tonight!

A little Project - hairband holder

2011-07-15T11:55:00.000+10:00

My girls have recently aquired quite a collection of cute little hairbands.
I fell in love with them when i was lucky enough to win a couple of sets on a friends blog, Busy Brissy Mum. She now has a little Facebook business and i can't help myself!
I do find, however, that i had nowhere to store the bands that was accessible, orderly and well, pretty!

'Little Piggies' from Ruby Jean

I happened to have a blank plaque hanging around in my craft stuff. So after a little bit of pasting and nailing, I now have a pretty answer for my problem. I still plan to do something with the middle of the plaque (unless i fill it up with more bands before i get a chance!)

(Yes, there are a couple missing. My girls won't go anywhere without wearing them!)

Forgive the wall paper...its going eventually!

Bake Up - Simple Baking Recipes

2011-07-15T10:56:00.000+10:00

One benefit of being more organised around the home, and especially in the kitchen, is that we spend less on groceries. I am loving this because it means that we can buy some 'special' items, or save the excess money for other way more interesting things than groceries!
Today, I only have the youngest 2 of the 4 at home, and as they both sleep half the day, I decided to do a bit of a bake up. I started off with the goal to use simple recipes that used the ingredients i had on hand, nothing fancy.
First up was this lovely 'Bounty Cake'. I found the recipe on what is quickly becoming one of my favourite blogs... Just Love To Bake. Now before you go visiting here, beware of all the tempting recipes! I mean it! I can feel my waistline increasing just reading them, let alone making them!
This one, however, isnt too naughty, especially if you leave of the icing, which would still taste yum (Not that i did that :))

I also made apple muffins and berry muffins using this all purpose muffin recipe.

And a carrot cake without egg, since we ran out!

We already had some biscuits around, so i havent yet had need to, but i am planning to try out this great 4 ingredient recipe from Stay at Home Mom. This is said to make 120 biscuits for $4! Now thats impressive!

I must say, all this baking has my home smelling beautiful on this wintery day! And we now have a lovely stock of yummy morning teas in the freezer for when i start uni back on Monday!

Getting Organised- Meal Planning

2011-07-10T13:38:00.000+10:00

Recently I have stumbled across a number of websites/blogs all about organisation in the house and home. One of my favourites is Super Organised Mum. Jade is mum to 2 boys, and seems to be THE most organised person alive. She shares her tips and love for all thing organisational in a very helpful blog.

With the addition of number 4 ( making 6 all up), our house is desperately in need of some new routines and organisation to keep us all sane. I've been attempting to take on some of Jade's ideas to make our household run a little smoother, and one of my favourites has to be from a recent post, sharing her "To Do List" and "Meal Planning" setup. (You can see the original posts Here.)

I loved her clipboards and planners so much that i just had to make my own, so here is my very own clipboard and my Meal Planner for this week (next weeks is on the reverse side, ready to go!).

Before I did our grocery shop, I planned out what meals i wanted to have for the fortnight, to make sure i got the ingredients. I did forget a couple (oops!) so I have written in the 'grocery list' section the items i still need to get, or that we run out of during the week.
This clipboard has pride of place above our dishwasher, so both Tim and I can clearly see what is for dinner, and also, jot down anything that is getting low or empty.

Be sure to check out Jade's blog for more great ideas, and if you're interested, below are a couple more great pages for tips and ideas to help with house organisation, food budgeting and cleaning:

The Organised Houswife

Stay At Home Mum- The Secret to Living On one Wage

Once A Month Mom

Do you have any useful tips or tricks for staying organised around the home?

{Sweet Potato Damper}- Egg and Dairy Free!

2011-07-04T11:17:00.000+10:00

It seems every second person has a food allergy or intolerance these days, be it egg, dairy, gluten.
I recently picked up a cook book for Allergy Free Baking, and given that i had no eggs in the house anyway, I decided to give the following egg and dairy free recipe a try. (And for a bonus, its healthy and contains vegetable!)
The original recipe calls for gluten-free SR flour, but i used ordinary SR flour as gluten is a problem with our family. I also replaced the milk and margarine with lactose free versions, to make it friendly for my lactose intolerant daughter.

SWEET POTATO DAMPER

Ingredients:

1 2/3 cupa Self-Raising Flour

1 tsp caster sugar

1/4 tsp salt

20g Nuttelex Margarine

1/2 cup mashed sieved cooked sweet potato

1/2 cup lactose free buttermilk*

2 tbls water

(*Place a Tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice in a liquid measuring cup, Add enough milk to bring the liquid up to the one-cup line, Let stand for five minute)
Method:

1. Preheat oven to 200 C (fan-forced). Grease a baking tray
2. Sift dry ingredients into large bowl; rub in margarine. Add sweet potato, buttermilk and enough water to make a soft sticky dough. Knead until smooth
3. Divide dough into small balls (makes roughly 9), place on baking tray and cook for 15-20 mins

ENJOY!

{Custard Puff Recipe}

2011-06-23T19:07:00.001+10:00

This week I have been enjoying not being pregnant, and not having uni work to do! Its amazing what you can do in a day when you dont get exhausted just getting up!

I have had a few little sewing things to finish, but mostly, i have been baking! I think i have made atleast 3 pies, not to mention a number of batches of slice, and these little goodies were for a morning tea picnic that the girls, Tim and I took down to the park near our house:

These Custard Puffs are so easy and yummy, especially for a quick dessert or warm winter morning tea.
To make these simply,
1. Make up some custard (I used custard powder, but if you want to make real custard, there is a recipe here), and let it cool.

2. Thaw a sheet of puff pastry, cut into 9 squares.

3. Then you just need to put a generous spoon of custard onto each square of pastry, and fold to make a triangle.

4. Press edges with a fork to seal, and pop in the oven on 200 C until Golden brown!

ENJOY!

{Handmade Gifts}

2011-06-21T12:22:00.001+10:00

I love creating! Baking, sewing, scrapbooking...I love it all!
I also love making things for other people. I get a sense of satisfaction in having made something that someone else can enjoy, and i think that handmade presents are extra special because you have put the time and thought into creating something just for them!

Recently I gave birth to a beautiful baby boy, and my lovely eldest sister so kindly gave up her nights sleep to sit with my girls while we were at the hospital. To thank her, I made her this pie...which almost didn't make it to her, as my husband has a whole mouth of sweet teeth!

We also have a 1st Birthday party on the weekend for the daughter of some friend of ours. I loved putting this little outfit together for her, and just had to show it off! Hopefully both her and her parents love it as much as i do!

{SWEET TOOTH}- Honey Bubble Crunch

2011-04-06T10:42:00.000+10:00

I just wanted to share my favourite recipe at the moment. Its definitely a 'sometimes' food but i love it!
Good ole' Honey Bubble Crunch

Ingredients

75g butter
1/4 cup Sugar (recipe states 1/2 c but i think its too sweet!)
2 tablespoons honey
4 cups rice bubble
1 cup coconut (you could replace with crushed biscuits if you don't like coconut, or just add more bubbles!)

Method

Melt butter, sugar and honey is a saucepan. Bring to the boil, but DO NOT let boil for more than 3 mins.
Combine rice bubble and coconut in a large bowl
Add butter mixture and mix to combine.
Press mixture into a lined dish (Approx 18cm x 28cm)
Refrigerate till firm, then cut into squares.

I like to drizzle chocolate over the top, or coat with a thin layer of chocolate/butter mixture and add sprinkles!
Beware....its addictive!

A post for February

2011-02-28T20:20:00.000+10:00

I have been so busy lately, between the girls, working around house renovations, sewing and preparing for Uni, which i started today!I feel like i've barely had time to breathe, let alone Blog!

So on this hot summery day, here is a summary of February:

We ripped out our old bathroom/toilet/Laundry

I made the girls some clothes

We had some fun dinners!

Bronte was cheeky, but whats new!

We had friends over for dinner, and this was dessert!

We played with cousins who are also good friends!

And Elliott had a go at playing photographer, and captured my ever increasing bump!

What have you been up to this month?

Finally Summer!

2011-01-31T15:08:00.000+10:00

It seems the Summer Fairies have finally found their way here, and have brought long hot days with them!
While it means that the girls can spend longer in the afternoons outside, It does mean that at around Dinner time, its still too hot to feel like cooking or eating anything heavy!
I've been struggling to find easy light dinners to serve up to the girls on these summery evenings. (There is only so many nights that you can claim Toasted Cheese Sandwiches as being dinner!)

Some of the meals that i have found are great include:

*Wraps or tortillas. Nice and light, and healthy too! My little two like them toasted, as they stay together alot better for them!
*Toasted sandwiches and Smoothies. This is one way i can justify the sanwiches, and still be giving them something healthy! Just throw an apple, banana, carrot and some juice and milk/yoghurt into a blender and you're set!
*Mixed Dinner. This is a term i got from my mum. It pretty much means a little bit of a few different things like, cut up ham, cubes of cheese, nuts, sultanas, carrot sticks, etc. I like to give them to the girls in Muffin Tin, as they love them all separated out, and tend to eat alot more.

What summery dinners do you like to make? I'd love some suggestions!

Terrific Toddlers - Where do i buy one??!

2011-01-15T15:17:00.001+10:00

Today, like many other days recently, I have struggled to get my 2yr old, and 3 yr old to have a day sleep.
Bronte sleeps wonderfully still, perhaps because she hasnt realised there is any other option yet!
However, Elliott and Zoey sometimes adamantly refuse to sleep!
Now Elliott does quite fine without day sleeps 6 out of 7 days a week, but Zoey, on the otherhand, needs her beauty sleep! Without it, we end every day in constant sooking, tantrums and eventually, a toddler asleep face first in her dinner. Not really the result we're looking for!

Argh! So when todays attempt at a sleep ended the same as the last few days, i decided i needed to do something differently

"If you do what you've always done, You'll get what you've always gotten"

I do remember a not so distant time, when my girls got along, and peace resided in our home, but lately, its been feeling like that was just a dream! Until I remembered what worked last time!
Now i dont know exactly how we strayed after the first round of revelation, perhaps it was adding a third near-toddler to the mix, but i do know that we can get back there!

So i pulled out my copies of Terrific Toddlers, and Terrific Toddlers 2 by Mel Hyde, and as soon as i started reading, all of that gold mine of information and techniques started pouring back!

Today is day one of having Terrific Toddlers again!
And even just in a couple of hours, I can see things working!

Christmas Countdown - 5-9

2010-12-12T19:22:00.001+10:00

Day 5 - New Christmas Stories!

Day 6 - First beautifully wrapped present

Day 7 - First of some handmade presents, and the first of my Christmas baking - Ginger Cookies

Day8 - I finished up some other handmade Christmas Presents. Fabric Covered Notebook and Coffee Sleeve

Day 9 - Shortbread cookies. Testing out an egg free recipe!

Christmas Countdown - Day 3-4

2010-12-07T20:37:00.000+10:00

So I've been a little bit slack with posting photos so here is a catch up:

Day 3

Handmade Christmas Notecards

Day 4

Hairclip Board for the Girls

And hopefully Day 5-7 will be posted tomorrow!

Christmas Countdown in Photos!

2010-12-02T15:15:00.000+10:00

Over at Mila's Daydreams, Adele has started a series of posts, somewhat like an advent calendar!
Shes planning to post a photo for every day counting down to Christmas, and Shes encouraged others to join in too!!
So I am taking up the challenge!
I'm not sure what exactly the photos will be of, but for today (and yesterday), I'm going to share these photos of a some Christmasy sewing that I've been doing:

6 Christmas Stockings, which will be enjoyed by my cousins 6 Littlies!


A glimpse of our Advent Calendar - Bunting Style!

Enjoy!

Giveaway over at My New Blog

2010-12-01T11:40:00.000+10:00

I posted a couple of days ago about the new blog that i am writing, as i go through my 4th pregnancy.
Its only just beginning, but I'm sure there will be plenty of pre and post baby adventures to blog about!

And to help get it on its way, I am hosting a Giveaway!
Recently, in my Facebook shopping, I came across a store called Baby Laila, Handmade Goods. I think i fell in love with her bibs!

She make beautiful bibs, as well as hair clips, little shoes and more!
And as soon as i know whether we're having a girl or a boy, I will be straight over there to stock up!!

Pop over to Mummys Getting Fat for your chance to win 2 Handmade bibs from Baby Laila, Handmade Goods!

Muffin Tin Monday

2010-11-30T10:32:00.000+10:00

There was no theme for this weeks Link Up with Muffin Tin Monday, so this is what the girls were served (Not in Muffin Tins Today, since the youngest is joining in now too and i only have 2!)

Honey Cornflake Cup (which we made together this morning), Pinwheels (which we also made together), sliced Apple, and Strawberry Milk (Not pictured)

I was going to try to go with a opposites kind of them, ie. sweet and savoury, etc, but the girls got impatient! Oh well, they still enjoyed it!

Pop over to Muffin Tin Mom to see what other great meals were served up this week!

Its Christmas Time!

2010-11-29T12:21:00.001+10:00

For the first time, Elliott has been aware of Christmas.
Sure, its always pretty hard to miss the decorations that go up in the shopping centres in October, but until this year, she didnt really get it at all.
So Shes making up for the 3 Christmas' worth of Joy she missed!
For atleast a couple of weeks, Elliott has been begging for us to "put Christmas Time up at our house" and though I've always thought that was left for the 1st of Dec, I gave in and we set up the tree on Friday.
So now, it is officially Christmas Time!

And I've taken up some Seasonal Sewing!
Firstly, heres a look at the Stockings I put together for our family. They are still awaiting names.

Next up will be the Advent Calendar! (Yes, I do realise i am cutting in fine!)

Pop over to My Favourite and see other Christmas Craftiness as we link up with

Mummys Getting Fat!

2010-11-25T20:39:00.000+10:00

Just a quick post to let my readers know...if i have any...that i have started a new blog "Mummys Getting Fat". You can follow my pregnancy posts over there.
Never know, Might be something interesting to read!

We Play - Stamping Fun!

2010-11-23T12:18:00.000+10:00

We haven't been painting for awhile! Its been a long list of obstacles one after another, so today, with just Elliott at home, and Bronte sleeping, I pulled out our new finger paints!

I also pulled out some Christmas Cookie Cutters for Elliott to have a go at stamping with. (As seen at Busy Brissy Mum)

I'm pretty sure she had a ball and now we have some beautiful hand made wrapping paper for Christmas!

See what others are Playing At this week over at Childhood 101!

Kids in The Kitchen!

2010-11-10T14:32:00.001+10:00

I dont know about you but my girls LOVE getting under my feet, i mean helping, when i'm cooking!
I love that they are so interested, and it can be so much fun making things together. Everything from stirring the white sauce, to cutting out biscuit shapes - They'll take anything!
So i thought i'd share our favourite thing to make in the kitchen together!

Smoothies -made from yoghurt, juice and chopped fruit, The girls love to pour things in to the blender, and turn it on to watch it all blend together!
We also love to pour these into an ice block mold and pop in the freezer for a yummy dessert!

Cupcakes - Who doesnt love cupcakes? The girls mostly get their hands dirty, literally, with licking the bowl, but they also help measure ingredients, pour and mix! And if we're lucky they'll last long enough to get icing on top too! For an easy recipe pop over to Busy Brissy Mum!

Biscuits - Sometimes i make a Basic Bikky Dough and let the girls loose with their imaginations and the cookie cutters. Much like they would with playdough, they love to make different shapes freehand (like balls, and people), and Elliott makes a good attempt at using the cutters!

Pinwheels - Simply spread some sauce and sprinkle some cheese onto a sheet of puff pastry, roll and slice! In the oven for 10mins, and they make for a perfect morning tea or lunch.
You can add whatever else you like, too! Maybe some grated carrot or ham.

Pizza - We LOVE homemade pizza at our house, and almost as much as eating it, the girls love to help make it!
I normally make the dough up myself, but am sometimes helped by E. The best part is spreading the sauce and sprinkling all the yummy toppings!
My usual recipe for dough can be found HERE but if you're after a quick simple recipe, I like to use the one that came with my daughters mini Kenwood mixer:

PIZZA DOUGH:

100gram Self Raising Flour
25g Margarine
60mls (4tblsp) Milk
4 Tblsp tomato sauce
1/2 teaspoon mixed herbs
25g grated cheese

1. Preheat oven to 180
2. Mix clour and margarine until they resemble breadcrumbs.
3. add milk and mix with a spatula to form a firm dough
4.Divide in 2 and roll out each peice into a circle about 13cm across.
5. Spread with sauce, spinkle with cheese and herbs
6. Bake for 10 mins, or until cheese is melted.

What do your kids like to help with in the kitchen?

Three Little Pigs - on Facebook!

2010-09-14T09:04:00.000+10:00

I have just opened a FB page/ shop, Three Little Pigs, to sell my handmade cards, buntings and other items!

Today is the opening day. and we are hosting a GIVEAWAY!

Pop over and 'like' my page to be in the running to win a custom made bunting!

Muffin Tin Monday - Movies!

2010-09-13T12:37:00.000+10:00

Over at Muffin Tin Mom, We are back onto themes for Muffin Tin Monday, and todays theme was MOVIES!
It took a bit of a think to come up with a movie, but once decided, it was lots of fun.
So what did we choose?

ALICE IN WONDERLAND.

We went with a little tea party, which the girls absolutely loved! I had to hold them off to get some photos!

Tiny fairy bread sandwiches, mini oreos, white choc drops, and a peanut butter "Eat Me" bikkie!

We also got to use this cute little elephant teapot that my mum passed my way a few months back.

Pop over to check out how creative others got with the movie theme!

Care for Our Future.

2010-09-03T11:00:00.000+10:00

Along my Blog reading travels, I came across Backpacks 4 Aussie Kids. Its a site (and blog) committed to putting together backpacks, similar to an overnight bag, for children and babies who are in or going in to foster care.
I was quite interested and impressed by these ladies initiative and heart, particularly because Foster Care is something that we want to be involved with in the future.
They are giving these children, who have been taken from everything they know, not only things that meet their needs i.e clothes, nappies, but also something that belongs to them, where ever they are moved to.

I am definitely getting involved with this one, and ask you to take a look at what they're doing, and maybe you can help out also.

Some of the things they are currently seeking most urgently are:

Clothes sizes 5 and up for boys and girls (Pre-loved is welcome)
Undies - boys and larger sizes for girls
Baby items such as nappies, wipes and bottles

You can read all of the items that go into the backpacks here.

Five For Friday - Things That Made Me Smile

2010-08-27T22:10:00.000+10:00

So Friday is here again, and what has had me smiling??

1. Birthday cake - Just tonight we had cake for my nephew, made by my very clever sister! It was very yummy! and It was also great to hang out with 2 of my sisters and the truck load of kids that we have between us.

2. Finance - Yes, its been approved, and in two weeks time, i'm sure the house will make it onto the list again when we settle!

3. "Etta" - It was Zo who first pronounce Elliott as Etta, and today, Bronte followed suit, making that her 5th official word!

4. Brunch - My sister ER babysat the girls on Thurs, so i could go with Tim to the hospital for what was supposed to be getting the screw out of his ankle (that part didnt make me smile!). Since the appt was over and done with so quickly, Tim and I went out for brunch, and it was so lovely to sit, and drink a HOT coffee, and chat!

5. Codiene and a heat pack- I've been getting a fair few migraines this week, and i must say that anything that will take them away will have me grimacing a little less, if not smiling

Pop on over to Aspiring Mums link up, and share whats made you smile this week!

10 Cupcake You Need To Try

2010-08-25T11:57:00.001+10:00

Number 4 on my list of cupcakes you have to try is actually a muffin.
Raspberry to be exact. But they are just so yummy, I had to share the recipe!

Raspberry Muffins

Ingredients:
6 tablespoons butter, softened
1 cup Sugar
2 eggs
2 1/2 cups plain flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1 cup yoghurt ( any flavour, but i used tropical!)
1/4 cup milk

Topping:
1 cup quick oats
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted
3 tablespoons seedless jam.

Method:
1 Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2 Beat in eggs
3 Combine the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Add to creamed mixture.
4. Stir in yogurt and milk
5. Gently fold in Raspberries (If frozen, don't thaw)
6. Fill Lined Muffin cups 3/4 full.
7. Combine topping ingredients and spoon over batter.
8. Bake at 180°C for 25 mins. Cool for 5 mins before removing to wire rack.

Best Served Warm!

Big 3 for My Little E!

2010-08-24T11:44:00.000+10:00

My baldly little baby Elliott turned 3 yesterday!

She's been insisting shes a "big girl" for the best part of a year, but when she was still only 2, it didnt sound so big!
Some Aunties, cousins and a Opa came over to share cake with us, and celebrate her birthday, and She was absolutely wrapped with the whole thing!

Five For Friday - Things That Made Me Smile

2010-08-22T11:46:00.001+10:00

Ok, so I'm running even later than Deb, but I think its really important to find the positive things in my week. So what has made me smile this week?

1.Sewing and Scrapbooking - I love craft. I'm not that good at it, but i find it really satisfying! This week, I appliqued a butterfly onto a little Pink Shirt, and made some cards.

2. Muffin Tin Monday - I love joining in with Michelle at Muffin Tin Mom, and my girls love it too! Its a bit of fun, and something to look forward to.

3. Finding Ponys - My cousin was looking for two little ponys that were part of a McDonalds promotion, for her little girl. They were unavailable in her area, and when she asked people for help, I was really happy to track down the two ponys to make a little heart happy!

4. One on One time with My Big Girl - As I posted on Friday, I had quite a bit of time to spend with Elliott, and I really loved not having to do anything, or attend to anyone else.

5. Contracts - Well just one in particular! We had a valuer come out this week, so shortly, our contract on the house will be unconditional!

I wonder what will be smile-worthy this coming week!

Mummy Time for E

2010-08-20T18:56:00.000+10:00

With Zoey off at Daycare today, Elliott was very happy to have some time with Mummy by herself (Since Bronte sleeps half the day!)

We did puzzles

Read Books

And Practised using scissors (No Photos Here! Busy supervising!)
It was a very lovely quiet morning!

Muffin Tin Monday - Dessert!

2010-08-16T20:14:00.001+10:00

We've been joining in with Muffin Tin Monday, fairly frequently. However, alot of the time I don't remember to take a photo.
Today, Our Muffin Tin Meal was Dessert! Our girls don't often get dessert, and even when they do, its normally pretty healthy.

Marshmallows, Strawberries, Banana, and Custard

Five For Friday - Things that Made Me Smile

2010-08-13T12:37:00.001+10:00

I really love following Aspiring Mum's blog! She shares alot of tips that I have found really helpful!
Recently, Deb has started a regular segment called 5 for Friday, and today, i felt inspired to join in!

So here are Five things that have made me smile this week:

1. Party Planning - Bronte's First Birthday Party is tomorrow and I have been busy being "rainbow-ish". Lots of colourful cooking! (Photos to come with Party Post)

2. Accomplishing Something - I haven't had a chance to actually DO anything, just for the fun of it lately. So the making of Tutu's for my little girls was really satisfying! (See Previous Post for Pic)

3. Zoey's voice - I know that sounds strange, but she's only just started talking properly, and its beautiful! I love her husky little voice, and her interesting sentence structure.

4. Chai Latte's - My mum introduced them to me on Wednesday Night and I can not get enough of them!

5. Tim - Watching my Hubby getting around on crutches, and the things he attempts to do doesnt make me smile, it makes me LAUGH! He managed to carry a basket of washing to our room the other day!

What has made you smile this week?

Tutu Skirts

2010-08-10T21:47:00.000+10:00

I haven't been doing many "fun" things, with life being a bit hectic at the moment, and I have barely had motivation to do the un-fun things.
However, today i had a burst of inspiration and made these little skirts for my girls to wear to Brontes birthday party on the weekend.

So simple but so cute! And they cant wait to try them on!

Muffin Tin Swap

2010-08-07T21:43:00.000+10:00

Mondays mean Muffin Tins in our house, thank to Michelle.
And recently, we just participated in a Muffin Tin Swap, and were eagerly awaiting our package.

The Girls and I were not disappointed with the lovely package that arrived from our swap partner Amanda, over at Amanda's Musings.

These fun cutters were included (I especially love the frog!)

She even went to all the trouble to make personalised picks for my 3 girls.

Thanks so much Amanda!!

4th Aug Wishing....

2010-08-05T16:41:00.000+10:00

A very Happy First Birthday to our baby, Bronte Sienna.

Back , and At It!

2010-07-23T23:17:00.000+10:00

On June 25th, My husband, Bronte and I headed off overseas on a Missions Tour with Directions Musical Theatre Co. (Tim's their lighting guy!) Since we were already getting the big girls looked after, and were going to be there, We decided to extend our stay in New Zealand, and have a little holiday!

Well to cut a long story short (but luckily not too much of our holiday), Tim broke his ankle (and dislocated it too!) and ended up in the Rotorua Hospital awaiting surgery.

I had to head back as planned, to get back to our girls, but returned to NZ to help Tim when he was discharged from hospital.We finally returned home last weekend, and have been getting used to Daddy being at home, and not being very much help. However, Daddy is becoming quite the story reader! (What else is there to do when your stuck on the couch for most of the day?)

Its hard getting used to doing everything myself, and I have a new respect for Single Parents! But its also been good for the girls to have time with their dad, playing, reading and just being!

Blessings Store

2010-06-18T16:03:00.000+10:00

I've been loving sewing and creating things lately, but unfortunately, my girls are getting to big for alot of it.
So i decided to start a store. I dont intend to make a business out of it, just cant have piles of bibs and things sitting around the house! :)
So, check out the link at the top of the page!
Its only bibs at this stage but will soon include cards (when i photograph them), canvases, and probably a few nore random things.

Preview - Bronte's Rainbow Party

2010-06-17T16:18:00.000+10:00

I've just finished designing the invitations for Brontes 1st Birthday. Shes having a Rainbow Party!!
So heres a preview...
Background Stock Image courtesy of Simply Backgrounds

A look at what I've been up to...

2010-06-15T10:16:00.001+10:00

I've been doing a bit of sewing lately, which is why the lack of posts. So, here is a look at what I've been up to....

Bronte's Quiet Book for NZ.
I hand stitched all the pictures. Its more a soft book, since shes really too young for all the activities that are normally in Quiet books.

Bibs! I've been making these girl bibs with ties...

And boy bibs with appliques and velcro.
My nephew is the proud owner of one of the bibs, with an elephant applique.

This one is also headed his way.

Thinking Party Themes....

2010-06-04T12:41:00.001+10:00

My baby is 10 months old today, and while you make think i'm crazy, i REALLY need to decide on a theme!

I love birthday themes. Not only because it creates a cake challenge for me but i love to make things pretty.

I've been googling away and trying to get an idea for a theme for little Bronte's birthday, and there are just too many good ideas.
See Elliott and Zoey were both "into" something when they turned one. (Elliott had Wiggles and the girls had a combined "In the night Garden" when Zo turned 1) But little Miss Bronte loves everything and nothing specific!!

I am loving the Rainbow themes i've found, but there are so so many others that i cant choose!
I've found Ladybugs, Cupcakes, Lollipops, Sweet shop, Bumble Bee's, and more!

As this is the last of the first birthdays, i really want to pick a great theme!

Ten Cupcakes You Need To Try

2010-06-04T12:13:00.001+10:00

Here is the recipe for Number 3 in Ten Cupcakes you need to try!

I've heard of Red Velvet Cupcakes before but never tasted them today. I must admit, i glanced at the recipe and thought" chocolate with red dye??" But the vinegar and buttermilk make these cupcakes a little less sweet with a bit of a bite to them. I really liked them.
Also, the Cream Cheese Frosting! oh my! This might just be my new favourite icing!!

Heres the recipe I used, from Simply Recipes:

Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups of sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) of butter, room temperature
2 eggs, room temperature
2 1/3 cups of cake flour
2 tablespoons of Dutch-processed cocoa powder
1 teaspoon of baking soda
1 teaspoon of baking powder
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1 cup of buttermilk*
1 1/2 tablespoons of red food coloring
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1 teaspoon of distilled white vinegar

Frosting ingredients

1/2 cup of butter (1 stick), room temperature
8 oz of Philly cream cheese (1 package), room temperature
2 - 3 cups of powdered sugar
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

*You can make your own buttermilk by adding a tablespoon of distilled white vinegar to milk and letting it stand for about 10 minutes.

Method

The cupcakes
1 Preheat the oven to 180°C. Beat the butter and sugar in an electric mixer for 3 minutes on medium speed until light and fluffy.
2 Add the eggs, one at a time, beating until each is fully incorporated. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
3 In a large bowl, sift together the cake flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl whisk together the buttermilk, vinegar, vanilla extract, and red food coloring.
4 Add a fourth of the dry ingredients and mix, then add a third of the wet. Continue adding in a dry, wet, dry pattern, ending with the dry ingredients.
5 Scoop into cupcake papers, about 1/2 to 3/4 of the way full. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Rotate the pan after the first 15 minutes of baking to ensure even baking.
6 Allow to cool for one minute in the pan then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

**I found it only made 1 1/2 dozen cupcakes.**

The Frosting
1 Cream the butter and cream cheese together, about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
2 Add the vanilla extract and mix.
3 Add the powdered sugar, continually taste to get to desired sweetness. Pipe onto cooled cupcakes.

Playing Along - Stamping.

2010-06-02T11:44:00.001+10:00

Today, We're playing along with Childhood 101 again. This time, I brought out a bucket of stamps that my mum passed to me a couple of months ago. We haven't gotten to using them before today, as we've been busy settling into our new house, and with Bronte's ear infections.
However, with all the rain thats been around, i didnt really feel like letting the girls outside in the mud.
So, stamping it was!

Elliott even went a step further, and tried to colour in the pictures she had made.

What has everyone else been playing at this week?

Gran's Porridge Muffins, by request.

2010-06-01T08:33:00.000+10:00

Here is the recipe for the Porridge Muffins that featured in the girls Muffin Tin morning tea yesterday:

Ingredients:
1 cup cooked porridge
2 cups Self Raising flour
3 tablespoons Sugar
1/2 cup Milk
2 eggs
3 tablespoons butter, melted. (or marg)

Mix it all together! (It will still be lumpy from the porridge)
Divide into greased or papered muffin trays.
Cook at 180 c, for 20-30 mins.

Makes at least 12! (or a heap of little ones!!)

Very yummy!

Muffin Tin Monday

2010-05-31T10:30:00.001+10:00

Today is cold! So when Elliott suggested a picnic, the answer was a resounding NO! But, we came to a good compromise.
So today, our muffin tin morning tea is being eaten at an inside picnic.

With bug placemats, and colourful muffin cases to brighten up the gloomy day. (Its also not the healthiest of morning teas, but after being so well behaved over the weekend, i thought they deserved a treat)

(Sultanas, white choc drops, choc, heart sprinkles, and a porridge muffin)

My Morning In Photos

2010-05-28T11:14:00.000+10:00

My Morning In Photos

I had a little baking spree this morning, and while we were waiting for the cupcakes to finish, I pulled out the camera. I thought I'd share a few of my favourites. I especially love the first, because this is so often what Zoey does for the whole time the cakes are cooking.

Playing Along - Photo Frenzy

2010-05-24T09:55:00.000+10:00

This morning after trying to get a recording of my 9 month old saying, 'hello'. (yes, she does, i know, hard to believe!), my big girls wanted to have a turn of my camera.

As its an older camera, and fairly easy to operate, i let them, and this is some of what we got....

By Elliott

By Zoey

Ten Cupcakes You Need To Try

2010-05-21T13:41:00.002+10:00

Not Necessarily in any order...

Choc Peppermint Cupcakes.

1 cup SR Flour
1/2 cup Sugar
2tbls Cocoa
2 eggs
90g butter or marg
1/2 cup Chocolate (melted)
1 tsp Peppermint essence
2-3tbls milk

Mix all ingredients (except chocolate) with electric mixer until smooth.
Stir through melted chocolate.
Divide evenly between 12 cupcake cases.
Cook at 180 C (160 fan forced) for 20 mins

Makes 12

White Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes

1 cup SR Flour
1/2 cup Sugar
2tbls Cocoa
2 eggs
90g butter or marg
1/2 cup White Chocolate (melted)
2 tsp Strawberry essence
2-3tbls milk
Extra White Choc bits (optional)

Mix all ingredients (except chocolate) with electric mixer until smooth.
Stir through melted chocolate.
Stir through Choc bits (Optional)
Divide evenly between 12 cupcake cases.
Cook at 180 C (160 fan forced) for 20 mins

Makes 12

Variation: Add Fresh Strawberries, Chopped

I like to use White Chocolate Ganche. Mostly because I am loving the taste of it at the moment!
You could also you Buttercream or any other icing recipe!
White Chocolate Ganche

250g White chocolate, chopped
1/3 cup cream

Combine chocolate and cream in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water.
Stir with a metal spoon until smooth. Remove bowl from heat.
Set aside at room temperature to cool, stirring occasionally, until ganache is thick and spreadable.

For Mint: add 3-4 drops of peppermint essence, to taste, and 1-2 drops of green colouring

I jump out of bed in the morning....

2010-05-20T08:47:00.000+10:00

No before you ask, I haven't found a magic potion.
Its one of Elliott's favourite songs from Playschool, and it has always driven me bonkers, but i had the lyrics in my head as i sat down at the computer.

"I jump out of bed in the morning,

I hope its a very nice day"

Today had 'Bad Day' written all over it before the sun was even up!
Take one baby waking every hour, and mix in a two yr old crying at 4.30, waking the 1yr old, and you've got a very good recipe for one grumpy mummy! And boy was I!
Bronte may be our best baby in some regards, but Shes also given us some of the most sleepless nights, especially in the last month or so.

BUT, I realised not so long ago that something my high school teacher said is so so true.
"Smile before you get out of bed, It sets the tune for your whole day"
And that's exactly what i painfully forced myself to do today.
Now I don't think a smile alone is going to ungrumpy this mummy for a whole day, but that and half a dozen coffees have a lot better chance of doing so than a frown does!

Elliott (who was also very grumpy this morning) and I agreed to be happy today, and that's exactly what we're going to try to do! We always find this easier if we have a visitor or go on an outing.
Today, having my girls playing happily together, and finally capturing a photo of Bronte standing by herself definitely helped!

What helps you to you 'be happy' on one of those days?

Elliott Has Her Say...

2010-05-19T10:37:00.001+10:00

Daddy picked Elliott up from school, and they were driving home:
Dad: Elliott, I kinda like you
E: I dont like you!
D:(sticks his bottom lip out sulking)
E, trying to console him: But i like you sometimes.

Thanks for that E, Sure he feels really loved!

And the winner is........

2010-05-19T08:13:00.001+10:00

Anonymous (aka Spol!)

thanks to Random.org

So if you pass on your info to me, Your package will be on its way!!
And I'll be trying one of those recipes today if i get a chance!!

Cupcake Giveaway

2010-05-18T10:41:00.000+10:00

Cupcake Giveaway is ending tonight!

Just a reminder, to post your favourite cupcakes on my blog to be in it!
Winner will not only get to be part of my experiment, they will also receive this Cupcake Kit!

Happy Commenting, and check back tomorrow for the winner!

Play Along - Row Your Boat.

2010-05-13T10:11:00.000+10:00

This week, We've decided to play along with We Play, over at Childhood 101. And the girls presented a perfect oppurtunity for me to snap yesterday morning.
I always love seeing what the big girls come up with when left to their own devices.
An empty box becomes a lunch box, and starts a game of "going to work".
And an newly empty washing basket becomes a boat, to row, row, row.......

They even had a crocodile to scream at, and Bronte didnt mind playing the part.

And all from their own tiny little minds! Organised play has its place, but its wonderful to see them coming up with their own ideas!

Why not pop over and see what others have been playing at this week?

Creating A Blog

2010-05-12T09:29:00.000+10:00

This is a blog about creating blogs, as since I posted my blog on Facebook, a couple of people have wanted to create their own, but have had trouble doing co.
BTW, You dont have to be signed in to post a comment, just click the 'comment' button at the end of the post, and select anonymous.

So here we go:

1.Creating a Blog

a) Go to: https://www.blogger.com/start

b) Click the big organce button that says Create a blog.

c) Enter your details, and Pick Your Display Name.(Who do u want your post froms?)

d) Name your blog. and pick your (normally the same, if its available)

e) Choose a template: To start with, just pick one that looks ok to you. You can always change templates or personalise them later

f) Next, Write a post:
Anything really, perhaps start with an introduction of yourself, your family if u plan to include them in your posts (maybe nicknames if u prefer not to mention real names), and what you are all about...Hobbies, what you hope to blog about etc.

Thats it!

2. Navigating Your Way Around

The top right hand side of the screen has "Dashboard" link.
This is pretty much your homepage. This is where you can view posts, make new posts, edit your profile, etc

From there, its up to you.
You can edit your profile to include info about yourself and maybe a picture. These will be visible at the side of your Blog. (My profile picture is of my girls)

Writing a Post

On your dashboard, click New Post.

Title it,
and then write. Whatever you want to!!

When your ready, preview it, and click publish post.
Easy! And you can edit it later if you want, by clicking 'Edit Post' back at your dashboard.

Sharing Your Blog

When you're ready to start sharing your blog with the world, the URL that you typed in back in step 1d, Thats what you give people.

It should be "titleofyourblog.blogspot.com"

If your not sure, comment on my blog when your signed in, and I'll tell you what it is.

Any Questions??

A Blog worth Reading

2010-05-12T08:57:00.000+10:00

A Blog i love to follow is "Its Almost Naptime". Missy writes very interesting, inspiring posts all about her life, her kids, and relying on God. I especially enjoy following her through her adoption of baby number 5.

At the moment, She is running a giveaway with Intials, Inc., so why not make a cuppa, and pop over to have a read.

Cupcakes On My Mind! (+ Giveaway)

2010-05-11T10:54:00.003+10:00

I have Cupcakes on my mind! Now and then, i get an urge to bake, and bake, and bake!
My favourite thing to bake is cupcakes. They're cute, yummy, and fun to decorate. However, i think i've run my standard vanilla, and chocolate recipes into the ground. So, I'm on the hunt for new yummy cupcake recipes, and i thought i'd throw the challenge out.

What are you're favourite cupcakes??

Now, I'm also interested in trying something i saw at CakeSpy, so to make this a little more fun, I'd like a volunteer to be on the receiving end of my experiment. That is, Posting a cupcake!
If you'd like to attempt to receive a yummy (maybe not so pretty??) cupcake in the mail, leave a comment telling me your favourite cupcake flavour/recipe.
I'll randomly choose one.
The lucky participant will also receive a 'Cupcake Kit', containing flag picks, cupcake cases and Cake Mate Frosting.(My secret weapon when it comes to icing!)

Happy Commenting!

"what you have on hand" biscuits:

2010-03-17T11:03:00.000+10:00

We've just moved into our new house, and while 99% of the house is nothing to write home about, or blog about just yet, the oven is BRAND NEW!
I absolutely love baking, and even more so with my new oven. We've only lived here a week and a half, and already ive made 3 batches of cupcakes! (mostly as thankyous for helping us move)

Today however, i opted for a healthy but yummy morning tea for my little ones so i whipped up one of my favourite and very versatile bikky recipes.
It originated from the side of a cornflakes box but i rarely follow the recipe

So here is my recipe for "what you have on hand" biscuits:

Ingredients:
200 grams butter/marg
1 egg
1 cup sugar
1/2tsp vanilla
2 cups plain flour
2 cups of "what you have on hand" (Cornflakes, wheatbix, coconut, sultanas, cocoa etc)

Method:
Preheat oven to 180 (160 for fan forced)
Beat butter and sugar till creamy
Beat in egg and vanilla
Stir in flour, the other dry ingredients
Roll generous balls of mixture, and place of lined baking tray, Flatten slightly
Bake for 20 mins (check at 15!!)

Today it was choc coconut!

2nd try at Petal Skirt

2010-03-17T10:35:00.000+10:00

I first attempted to sew a petal skirt a little while ago, and while i was still impressed with my efforts, i knew improving on it wouldn't be hard.
So for my cousins babyshower present i made little "Lucy Grace" this petal skirt and matching bib....

The skirt is made from fat quarters, which my husband actually chose!

The bib is made from leftover material from the skirt, and is backed with a soft fleecy material.

The bib was amazingly easy!! And Mummy loved them! Altogether i am very happy with the outcome!

Hillview!

2010-02-24T11:14:00.001+10:00

We'll be buying a house soon! Its been a long time coming, as the agreement to buy this particular house from my parents was made almost a year ago, i think!! Its taken awhile for a number of reasons, but finally, we're moving into! (We'll be renting it until everything's organised and the sale goes through).
So with packing on the go, so is culling! I never realised how much stuff accumulates in a short period of time. We've only lived in this house for 13 months and yet, there is so much to get rid of!

So over the next little while, I've decided to blog about the moving, the buying and then the renovating of our house, known as Hillview.

Today I've managed to clean out the pantry!
Who needs 2 boxes of GF breadmix, 1 box of GF flour, Gluten replacement, 3 quarter full packets of flour, a mostly empty honey jar, and a bottle of sauce that is 6 months past its used by date?

Well apparently, ME!

This is what i found on the very top shelf of our pantry! I'm almost embarrassed to write such things!
Good thing we're moving so all of those places that never get looked at, well, will get looked at!!

2010-02-18T20:23:00.000+10:00

I remember my own mother saying how she has always prayed that she would be the best mother she could be, and when she fell short (which we all do) that God would fill the gap. Even at the time, way before i had or was thinking about having children, i was impressed by the wisdom of her prayer, but now, i see that it is the only thing a mother can do!
I am not perfect, and I am not the sort of mother my children deserve. I yell, I lose my temper, and I overreact. It pains me to think of the amount of times i fail my children, and fall short of what they need, but i know, that i am doing the best i can. I am learning, and trying, and loving them. And that is all i can do, All i am expected to do. God knows my heart, and he fills the gap for me.
What a wonderful Father we have!

Re: "I guess you don't love me anymore"

2010-02-17T22:01:00.000+10:00

I came across a blog post tonight that a friend had posted on Facebook, and thought I'd share it.
Too often we think, even subconsciously, that because we've made a mistake, or not done something (or anything) as well as we should have, God somehow loves us less.
It was a lovely, and needed reminded that God loves me. Full stop.

The Lord appeared to us in the past,* saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness. Jeremiah 31:3

Muffin Tin Monday

2010-02-08T15:34:00.000+10:00

I came across "Muffin Tin Monday" while browsing through some blogs, and thought it was a great idea to spice up meal time for my girls.
It just happened to be Monday, so the girls had their first muffin tin meal today. I decided to make it Brunch, since they had a light breakfast and were headed for an early nap!
Though there wasn't a set theme this week, i opted for a 1-6 theme.
Their trays today consisted of ...

1. Bowl of pasta sauce for dipping 2. Pikelets with jam 3. Slices of Rockmelon

4. Pieces of cheese/carrot 5. Herb Bread sticks and 6. Crackers.

Elliott was most impressed with the very ordered display of food! She asked if we could have dinner like this!

Baby Shower Onsies

2010-02-04T10:40:00.005+10:00

My cousin is pregnant with her second child, a girl, due in April. As she didn't have a shower or anything with her son, i decided to throw her one this time around.
Its turning out to be lots of fun. I've just made the Invites, which are in the shape of little onsies.
I made up a little template, cut out the shape from Scrapbooking papers, and now i'm just adding a few embellishments.

2010-01-29T18:32:00.003+10:00

OK, well I know I'm slack but I've opted to not take up on the January challenge for two reasons:
1) i only found out about it a couple of days before the end of the month,
and honestly
2) i don't really need or want anything

So instead i made a dress and headband for my 2 yr old.

It was pretty easy, no pattern required. She loves it!!

I haven't gathered before, so that was a challenge. I didn't get it perfect but its not too shabby.
I cheated and made it tie up so i didn't have to do button holes, but thats next on my list of things to try!

12 months, 12 Challenges

2010-01-27T12:22:00.002+10:00

"My Favourite" has initiated a sewing challenge that i stumbled upon today, and though i've only got a couple of days to complete Januarys, i thought i'd give it a go.
I havent the slightest idea what i'm going to make yet (Something for myself, is the challenge), so i better get to it. Watch this spot!

Petal Skirt

2010-01-22T14:29:00.009+10:00

Surprisingly, this morning i got an hour of time to myself, and didn't feel the need to sleep, so i decided to play on my sewing machine. I'm not particularly good at sewing, but i want to be.
When i found this pattern for a simple skirt for babies by Mad Quilter, i thought I'd give it a go...

I am actually pretty impressed with how well it turned out considering I've never tried lining anything before! I added two extra petals to make the skirt fit my 5 month chubba bubba.

The outcome has definitely inspired me to try more sewing in the near future!

I'm getting set to try this little pop-top courtesy of Mad Quilter also.

Licence to Drive!

2010-01-20T15:45:00.003+10:00

Now how many 22yr olds do you know who can't drive?
Well until i had kids, i didn't care less about driving, but now i couldn't be more excited!
My driving Test is booked in for Feb 11. That's 3 weeks away!!
I am so looking forward to being able to leave the house without a chaperone.
For instance, We NEED to go grocery shopping. Old Mother Hubbard style, but Hubby messaged about half an hour ago saying he'll be late home from work. Therefore, no food.
I WANT to try my hand at sewing, but every time i get inspired, i cant get to the shop to get the things i need, and then the interest wains.
I WANT/NEED to get the girls out of the house sometimes so they don't bounce of the walls like caged wild animals, but i cant walk to the park with all three, since Miss 2 only has little legs, and I'm yet to find a triple pram!

5 Things on my list to do when i can drive:
1. Take my girls to Books and Rhymes at the Library
2. Take my girls to the Park
3. Visit Grandma in Brisbane (might be a little way off)
4. Visit Oma
5. Go to spotlight (by myself when the girls are in bed)

Aww!

2010-01-19T19:18:00.002+10:00

Sometimes its so exhausting having to battle with my two year old over everything. This is especially true when it comes to bed time.
Now I've heard that kids use any excuse to procrastinate, but i didn't think they would start this early.
Miss E uses every excuse under the sun.
So when She called out "mum mum mum" just as i was about to close the door after tucking them in, i was so surprise to hear her answer my "WHAT?!?!" with "I love you"
She made my night!

My Child Friendly House

2010-01-11T08:52:00.003+10:00

After a trip out of town to visit some relatives, i was pondering why we "childproof" our houses. I came to the decision that i prefer to think of my house as child friendly, not child proof. Sure there are a couple of things that my girls aren't allowed to touch, and they know it, but in general, i want my girls to feel that this is as much there home as it is ours, and i want them to be free to explore there environment. Therefore, i keep it safe.
I also don't want to be having to tell them not to touch everything in sight, and i don't want to be cleaning up broken vases or messes of threads.
In my opinion, children are entitled to feel at home in their house, and if that means i put child locks on my kitchen cupboards, plastic under my dining table, and a gate to the bathroom, then so be it. I'm happy to have toys in my lounge room, and hand prints on my television, and i really dont mind having breakables up high, or my craft supplies in another room.
I know that my girls, and the other children that visit feel like they are welcome at my house, and that they are free to explore, and play without the worry from either themselves, me or their parents that they might be touching something that they're not supposed to!

A day in the life of...

2009-12-30T08:05:00.003+10:00

My MIL has been saying that i should journal about one day in my life, for me to see how much i accomplish. Now i finally decided to do just that, but i think i picked a particularly hecitc day to do so.
As most mothers will know, it takes a lot of patience to get through a day when neither you nor your children have slept well the night before. Yesterday was one of those days!
It started with a wake up call when daddy headed out the door for work and left a heartbroken girl who "want my daddy". Cuppas, nappies and breakfast later, and we have Weetbix all over the table, not to mention the kids! So its into the bath we go.
Now bath time used to be a sort of saving moment, filled with giggles and playing and not wanting to get out. However lately, its more of a "water all over the floor, standing up in the bath and slipping over, throw the toys out and at each other" sort of moment.
Needless to say, this activity didn't last long.
Next on the agenda was feeding time for the bub. (I must add here, this is the first of the three to succeed at the breastfeeding thing, which is bringing new lessons with it. I.e. make sure toddlers are well and truly entertained with a "parent-free" activity before u sit down.) So feeding begins and all seems well, but when all seems well, it normally means it wont be in a minute.
Sure enough, crying comes from the girls bedroom, where little Miss Two decided that jumping on the bed was a fun game to play. That was until she fell off and hit her head on the fan.
So shes crying, and baby's crying for the feed that was interrupted, and Miss One decides to join in just for the fun of it!

And its not even 9 o'clock yet!
Into the kitchen next to do a bit of baking for morning tea. My girls and my hubby love home baking! Muesli Slice is on the menu this morning. It quick, yummy and pretty good for you.
I mix up the ingredients while the toddlers happily empty the contents of the tupperware drawer into the drawer below.
Back and forth between the kitchen and the lounge to settle the baby, and about half an hour later, the slice is in the oven! Did i mention that the recipe is supposed to be quick? Yes, nothing is with children, but that's another story.

Morning tes time - We spread out the quilt overthe mat, and the girls sit down to watch Playschool. I love this show, and the so do the girls. They are constantly singing the songs and wanting to try out some of the make and do sections too. It also serves as a bit of a reminder that I've made it 3/4 of the way to sleep time. Today, they finish the slice before i've even walked out of the room, and they're asking for more! So after refills, i finally sit down to a relaxing cup of tea and take a breath!

Its at about this point that i'm beginning to think maybe its me. Maybe i need to adjust my attitude. So i decide that a craft activity is just what they need. After i settle the baby to sleep of course. Baby thinks otherwise, so we beginning painting while shes still up.

Now craft is a very exciting thing for my toddlers. Miss Two LOVES Art and Miss One is still new to it all so loves to give it a go. We decide on painting today and i spread out the paper and paint, suit up the girls and set them to it. Oh the joy on their faces as they smoosh their hands into the paint and slap it onto the paper, or into their mouths as is the case with Miss One.
After sufficent eating of paint, and a few peices of soggy paper later, I pry the paint from their hands and clean them up, setting them free to play.

This may seem like the day has gotten a lot better, but as i said, if it seems that way, then it won't in a minute!

Sure enough, as sleep time approaches, out comes Miss Twos teasing, Miss Ones clinginess, and Baby is awake again.
I organise the girls for their sleep, and tuck them in with a "Now dont get out of bed" to the One year old who has only recently moved out of a cot.
I decide to get a start on the long list of things i want to accomplish today, but very quickly realise that is not going to happen!
A door opens... "Back in bed"
a minute or two later...."Back in bed!"
10 minutes or so of this, and Miss One has fallen asleep.
Now there is just the constant singing and chatting coming from Miss Two, and this i can handle.
Once again, i decide to start on the things that need doing, and i actually make a decent dent in the folding, before "BANG" and the crying starts.
Miss Two has fallen off her bed while being silly, and obviously NOT sleeping, and now Miss One is awake far sooner than she wanted to be.
Arggh!!

Get them up, sit down to feed the baby.

Its lunch time. Conversation with Miss Two:
" Do You want a sandwich?"
"no"...."I want a sandwich"
"Honey? Your sister is having Vegemite"
"I want honey"
"Honey, ok"
"I want vegemite"
"Honey or Vegemite?"
"I want honey"
"Ok, sit at the table"
"I want squares"
"Ok"
"I want triangles"
"Ok"
"Honey, Like this" (Indicates wuth her hands for the sanwich not to be cut)
"Ok, sit at the table"

Miss One is already waiting at her seat, and devours lunch in record time.
Miss Two eats all but the crusts, hops down and goes to play.

And we are half way through the day.

Most of the events happen in the morning, and the afternoon is filled with fighting over toys, "get off the coffee table" and " don't hit your sister"
By now i am at the end of my tether and am hanging out for 4 when Dad gets home.
3.30 comes and with it, a text message, " I'm going to be late" Figures! It always happens on these days!

So i set in for a hectic afternoon before a, thankfully, early night for the girls.
Trying to pass the time, i read books to the girls, only to have them rip them out of my hands with an "I read, i do it". Finally its late enough that i can start on their dinner and i seek refuge in the kitchen behind the child gate!
From here on in, Its relatively peaceful. Dinner, stories and getting ready for bed.
Bedtime comes, and we have the same saga as naptime....
"Go back to bed"
"GO back to bed"

Finally, they are asleep, and its just left to bath, feed and settle the baby for the night.
Well to cut another long story short, She doesnt settle till quite late, but is fairly easy to entertain.

Ahh the day in the life of a mother with three small children. and a bad one at that. Think its time to call it a day, turn out the light and pray for the patience to get through another tomorrow

Counting My Blessings

2009-12-20T13:41:00.000+10:00

There is an old hymn that i can vaguely recall my mum quoting that recently has rung clearly in my head on several occasions, and has inspired this blog.

"Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done."

The lyrics have been a reminder for me lately as i struggle through days of tantrums and stress, that despite the hints of dissatisfaction that can creep into my mind when things get tough, i am blessed beyond comprehension, and my girls are just three of those many blessings.