New...

My justification was to take photos for my website.


But really, I had other motives.



Almost enough to make me want to join 30 days of everyday. But that would be over-committing at a time of the year that I just want to enjoy the other things going on. Not promising I won't make a few contributions though.

Making with Mikes

I popped in to Meet Me at Mikes several months ago with Marianne when she was in town. We both bought one of Pip's gorgeous fabric packs. Two of the fabrics captured my imagination immediately. I was a little unsure what to do with some of the others.

Can't you just picture this in a gorgeous sundress for my favourite seven year old?


And this pretty voile made up perfectly into a little shirred top for Kitty. Erin's tutorial was most helpful.


Then this swatch started to make its way into my thoughts as a handbag.


A gift for one of my best friends. On it's own it seemed a little overpowering, but it was freshened up by some Joel Dewberry from my stash. Yes, I was starting to get excited!

I felt positively chuffed when my own design started to come together with the just right proportions but by the time I added my favourite vintage buttons I was positively in love.


With pockets and a ribbon trim inside, this bag had turned out way too cute. Boy, was it going to be hard to part with this one.


But I did. I gave it to it's new owner on one condition - she had to really love it...and so now I just admire it over her shoulder.

Fresh

There is nothing like a change in routine to get you inspired for new projects, new resolves. I always come back from a holiday brimming with ideas and feelings of a fresh start.



We are enjoying this time of year. School holidays...a slower pace...more time together....enjoying playtimes without feeling rushed.



I love a new slate. My challenge is to fill it slowly.

Sienna Cake

My last post for the year. Tomorrow, we are off to the beach until the end of the year.

I always make special treats for holidays and this one is usually included. It's quick and oh-so-yummy.



Sienna Cake
125g blanched almonds
125g roast hazelnuts
60g glace apricots
60g glace pineapple
60g mixed peel
2/3c. plain flour
2tbsp cocoa
1tsp cinnamon
60g dark chocolate
1/3c. sugar
1/2c. honey

Prepare a slice or tart tin by lining with Gladbake or the such. Preheat oven to 150'C
Roast the almonds. Chop the nuts and fruit. Mix all of the dry ingredients together.
Melt chocolate and add sugar and honey until the sugar is dissolved, bring to the boil and then simmer for approximately 5 minutes. (It should form a soft ball when dropped in cold water)
Ensure your tin is ready because after this part you need to work fast.
Add the chocolate syrup to the dry mix and mix until combined.
Place the mix in the baking tin and spread it all around. You may need to use wet hands to do this as the mix is very sticky.
Bake at 150'C for 35 mins. Cut in the tin whilst still warm. When cold turn out and dust with icing sugar.
Enjoy!

Before I head off for the year I must announce the winners of my Pay-It-Forward swap. I posted about it before I went on our big holiday. The first three were Lesley, Megan and Cathy and the last three before we returned were Eva, Annie and Hollabee. Congratulations girls! I'll be planning your treats on my holiday.
Don't forget you have to pay-it-forward. Here is the pledge.

I will send a handmade gift to the first 3 people who leave a comment on my blog requesting to join this PIF exchange. I don’t know what that gift will be yet and you may not receive it tomorrow or next week, but you will receive it within 365 days, that is my promise! The only thing you have to do in return is pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog.

(Lesley, do you have a blog? Blogger didn't let me see. If so, please send me your details).

See you next year!

Simple But Nice

Cupcakes, minature jellies, fairy bread and home-made lemonade for the 30 children and yummy almond and apple slice for the mums. Perfect.

Kate was so excited at the end of the day when we counted the money. Everyone's generousity truly amazed us. It has taught her what a little bit of sacrifice on her behalf can mean for others. She has had fun tonight working out how she will 'spend' the money. I think she feels quite empowered. Thank you Rose and Marianne for such a lovely idea.

Inviting Thankfulness

Simple invitations for a simple party - cupcakes in the park before kinder.
No presents please. We loved Rose's wonderful idea and so this year we are asking for donations towards an Oxfam present. The girls are working around the house this summer for pocket money to donate themselves.
Whilst we were away we thought a lot about the core values we would like to teach our children. We named three, thankfulness was one of them. I think this little exercise will help to reinforce this value.

Colour

Colour really makes me tick. All of the jobs I have ever had (besides the front counter at McDonald's) have involved colour. The past few days I have had some real colour treats.

Firstly a package arrived from the US. I finally got my Mother's Day present (better late than never). My mum was in the US a few weeks ago and she sent it over. She also popped in the box some gorgeous little treats from Martha Stewart's new range at
Michael's .



With my new spool organiser I have turned this

into this.


Hmm, much better! Of course the best part was arranging the colours

Then I had went to a special dinner for my birthday. I wore a new dress. What a perfect match these shoes are. Unfortunately, they belong to my gorgeous neighbour, but she was kind enough to lend them to me for the night. Now I just have to get my own pair.

Thirdly, another little birthday treat, these gorgeous balls, in my colours. My sewing circle girlfriends through a birthday brunch. It's nice to feel spoilt. Lots of fun was had.

Photo shoot

I have finally updated my website with some new colours and summer photos. The girls and I had fun taking these shots for the front page. Of course, they got paid for their work - no slave labour in this house (except for the mama).


Check out these new cherry ribbons - how edible are they.



I have a little promotion on until 20th December. For every spend over $30 you receive a pair of this design for free.



Quick, while stocks last!

Favourites

Choosing my favourite flower is like choosing my favourite colour....there are so many magnificent choices.

I do however, have a favourite. Peony roses. Not really a rose, but definately fragrant and volumous like a rose. They are only available in Melbourne thoughout the month of November.

I love bringing them home from the florist, all tightly bunched together, you can only anticipate the beauty inside. Day by day the bloom opens to reveal this....



It seems like there are thousands of petals. Everytime I walk past them I cannot help but marvel at just how beautiful they are. Against the smokey brown wall they look stunning.



Once again, a beautiful sight to open my door to.

Holiday Snaps

I am slowly starting to cross things off my list. The house is under control and the unpacking done. There is nothing like inviting guests for dinner to get you motivated there. I have placed more orders for ribbon stock and just about finished updating my website. I'm even contemplating some summer dresses to sew!

It is probably about time a share a few pictures of my travels. I don't want to bore anyone so just skip this post if you don't like travel reports. The snaps below are just of France (we'll save England for another day).

By the pool in Bordeaux - our first stop.



The seaside town of Archachon - a beautiful day



The beautiful town of St Emillion




Chenonceau - a magnificent castle.
I really love this photo.



The little villa we stayed in, on a farm in the Loire valley. It was so French, so lovely.


I don't think I could ever tire of the French architecture or their countryside.
A quiet town called Turenne in the Dordogne region.




Lastly, a couple of pics of Paris, sure you have seen or have plenty of your own of this stunning city.
I loved the architecture of the Musee d'Orsay almost as much as the art.

A view from the Eiffel Tower before the rain clouds covered the city.

These are just a few of our gorgeous shots. Hope you've enjoyed them.