Christmas Swap Time - Part 3

I think it must have been a super busy year for the postman this Christmas, as I also finally received my parcel from my Secret Santa Swapper!  But it was well worth the wait.  Danielle sent me such a thoughtful package especially for me (and my little fur babies!)  Included were:

Adorable Bandanas & Leads for Daisy and Hugo (that she handmade and embroidered herself!).
Shiny silver tree ornaments.
Wind in the Willows (to add to my reading list)
Scrummy Peppermint candy swivel sticks to have in a hot cup of coffee or hot chocolate (so cool).
Festive flavoured tea.
And a beautiful hair clip with a little bit of sparkle too ;)

Thanks SO much Danielle for your lovely gifts!

Daisy in her Bandana...

Hugo in his (so cute)

Daisy LOVES to have her picture taken!

Hugo's a little bit impatient ;)

.

Foxy Swap - Part 3

YAY - they finally came - albeit a smidge late, my decorations arrived!  They are so cute, I LOVE them all!  (but I think a have a teeny crush on the adorable Santa....sooo cute).  I can't wait for next Christmas so they can hang proudly on my little tree.  Check 'em out >>>

.

Resolution # 1 - Be Happy

This year I would like to fill my days with happiness.  Take more time to "stop and smell the roses",  take better care of myself, do more of the things that I love to do, trust my intuition and stress less!

I believe that happiness lies in the little things that make up our everyday like.... sitting in the sun eating an ice cream, taking my doggies for a walk, twinkle lights in the garden, singing in the car.....

sewing!

 

a chat and a cup of tea

baking

What makes you happy?

.

Happy New Year!

All the very best for 2012.  I hope it is a wonderful, happy, healthy, love filled & adventurous year for us all!  

God bless xxx

The Eternal Question...

As the year draws to an end and we are preparing to celebrate the New Year  - the eternal question looms...
             
                    "What will I wear???"....

....a little inspiration

 One things for certain - there should be a bit of sparkle, don't you think?   ♥

.

Merry Christmas Everyone! xxx

.

A Sing-Song & Some Shortbread

Yesterday my sister and I vistited our Nanna at her nursing home and we took her along to their Carols for Christmas evening.  It was so much fun and there was such a big turn-out (over 100 residents and family members).  

In between songs there was a lovely lady handing out homemade shortbread.  It was so delicious (I've been on a mission to find an awesome shortbread recipe for ages) so we plucked-up and asked for the recipe.  She was more than happy to oblige and said that it came on the side of the rice flour box!

So carrying on with her Christmas spirit I thought I would share the recipe with you here too....

Traditional Shortbread

115g Rice Flour

225g Plain Flour

115g Caster Sugar

1 pinch Salt

225g Butter

Directions

• Sieve flour, rice flour, sugar and salt into a bowl.
• Rub in butter and knead until smooth paste forms.
• Turn onto floured board, roll out to 1 - 1.5 cm thick and make bars or shape as desired, prick with a fork.
• Place on cold greased tray, sprinkle with some extra caster sugar, cook in a slow oven 140-150°C (300°F) 45 minutes to 60 minutes, until pale brown.

Enjoy!.....let me know how you like them.

P.S:  How cute are those shortbread molds that have pretty traditional pictutes on them like thisles and flowers - I want one!

....Happy Baking X

.