Valentine's Day No No's

I received an interesting email recently about what NOT to give your Valentine.

Here's a list of the 10 worst Valentine's gifts according to that email.

Your thoughts??

Toaster Even if you have discussed it, and badly need a toaster, Valentine's Day is not the time to get one. There is a good chance that it will last way more than your relationship. Gym Membership Everyone wants a gym membership, but no one wants to be told they need one. And especially not on Valentine's Day. Cactus You want to break the norm and give your loved one something different than flowers? Great! But a cactus isn't the answer, even if it is cute as this one. #Valentine's Day # Worst Gifts

Name Tattoo This one depends much on how long you've been with the person, but chances are, it hasn't been long enough. This will most probably freak out your significant other. Gift Card Way too impersonal! This just shows that you didn't put much thought into looking for a gift. Bathroom Scale Valentine's Day is not the time to gift your loved one with anything that even remotely suggests she's anything short of amazing, just the way she is.

How to Make a Sandwich Book This is going way too far. You strive to be funny but that clearly isn't the way to do it. The most you can get is a frying pan flying your way. Facebook Gift Even if it might be cute on random days of the year, a virtual gift for Valentine's Day won't be looked upon very nicely. Snake A snake can be an amazing pet for a reptile lover, but as a Valentine's gift it probably sends the wrong message.

Adding a little lift to black

We all have our favourite "little black dress" or favourite black pants or top.

Sometimes I like to accessorise my black outfit with a bag, scarf, necklace or earrings to add a splash of colour to the black piece I am wearing.  A little colour does go a long way!

Here are some of my regulars that I love!!

Earrings and scarf by Morrison

Bag by Pratten

Necklace hand made

#fashion #colour #black dress

Cooking Corner

Cheese Puffs

1 cup self raising flour
1 cup milk
1 cup grated cheese

Mix all together then, using a dessert spoon, fill a greased patty tray.

Cook at 180 degrees (170 degrees fan forced) until slightly brown.

Cut in half then butter.

So quick and easy!!  Enjoy!!

#cooking #cheese puffs #quick and easy

Cooking Corner

Chocolate Balls

1 packet milk arrowroot biscuits
1 tin condensed milk
1 tablespoon cocoa
1 cup coconut

*  Crush biscuits until fine, then put in a bowl
*  Add cocoa and condensed milk then stir
*  Roll mixture in to balls with hands then roll balls in coconut
*  Place on tray lined with baking paper
*  Refrigerate for approximately 2 hours

Yummmmmm!!

#yummy #chocolate balls

Pet Corner

The oral hygiene of your pooch is most important, so please remember to regularly give your pet a bone to chew on.  Most butchers will be able to assist you and the best thing of all..... your pet will love it!!!

Munch! Munch! Munch!

#pet #oral health

"Beauty" & the Bath

I'd like to introduce you to the Danne Montague-King skincare range.  All DMK products have been extensively researched to accurately address relevant and individual skincare needs.

Want to know more?  Please visit their comprehensive website at www.dannemking.com

Here are my goodies - and l have to say, my skin has not been in such good condition in a very long time.

Highly recommend.

#DMK #skincare

Cooking Corner

Porcupines!

750 grams minced meat
3/4 cup uncooked rice
1 can tomato soup

*  Combine mince meat and rice in a bowl
*  Shape into balls
*  Place the meat balls into a casserole dish with a lid
*  Pour can of tomato soup on to the meatballs
*  Cook at 180 degrees (170 degrees fan forced) for 1 1/4 hours or until meatballs are cooked through

(Children LOVE this one!!)

#cooking  #yummy  #meatballs

"Beauty" & the Bath

Tip of the day!!

Need to control those untidy eyebrows or know someone who does?  (Men included!)

Place a small amount of hair mousse or gel on your finger tip then run it over your eyebrows.  This will make them a lot easier to style just to your liking!

And remember....

A well shaped brow shapes the face.







#beauty  #brows

Slip, Slop, Slap

Those words certainly ring true as we endure these hot summer days, so l thought l'd share this terrific find l spotted at Coles.

Coles Everyday Sunscreen lotion is 4 hours water resistant, suitable for sensitive skin & with an SPF of 50+, perfect for the kids as we send them off to school. I can also tell you it's non greasy & very easy to apply.

The one litre bottle makes it very economical too.  A great buy!! 

"Beauty" & the Bath

The Essences of AVEDA

I have always admired Aveda's mission of caring for the world we live in.  Their products reflect this approach as they strive to set an example for environmental leadership and responsibility. 

I have recently been re-introduced to the beautiful world that is AVEDA.  My shampoo & conditioner is the start of my new collection.

Visit www.aveda.com.au and check out their fabulous range.

#aveda #environment 

Cooking Corner

An oldie but definitely a goodie!

Chocolate Crackles

4 cups Rice Bubbles
1 cup icing sugar
1/2 cup skim milk powder
3 tablespoons cocoa
1 cup coconut
250g copha

*  Combine dry ingredients in bowl
*  Melt copha gently then cool slightly
*  Pour copha onto dry ingredients
*  Mix together thoroughly
*  Spoon into paper cup cake containers
*  Chill before eating

Do the Shake!

Who needs a wiz bang, fang dangled blender when you have this little gem?

My Breville Super Blender works just as well today as the day it was given to me ..... nearly 20 years ago at my wedding!!  Luv it!!

#blender #antique

Cooking Corner

Banana Bread!  Yummmmm!

2 1/2 cups flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 chopped walnuts
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup soft butter
1 egg
3 small bananas
1/2 cup milk

*  Mix together flour, baking powder and chopped nuts
*  Mix sugar, butter, egg, bananas and milk
*  Mix wet ingredients with dry ingredients
*  Bake for one hour in moderate oven

Enjoy!!

Inspired by Georg Jensen

Another favourite of mine is the inspiring art, design and craftsmanship that is undoubtedly the Georg Jensen brand.  Each piece in this unique collection evokes wonder and imagination in any setting.

Check out these gorgeous candle holders from the Georg Jensen Living range.

Visit www.georgjensen.com 

It's one awesome journey!

#georg jensen #inspire #unique #stunning

The Uniqueness of Kosta Boda

Since 1742 Kosta Boda has produced exquisite glassware and art glass that is vibrant, bold, innovative and certainly eye catching.  Here are two of my favourites.

Please visit their fabulous website at www.kostaboda.com to learn more about this wonderful brand.

#kosta boda #uniqueness #glassware #art glass

Pet Corner

Gotta love this SNOOZA indoor doggie bed in mock lambs wool.  The paw shape adds a fun aspect as well as providing a comfortable place for your pooch to escape the sun.

Visit snooza.com.au for more quality pet products.

The Best Seat In The House

Love these director's chairs from FREEDOM in great summer colours. They're super sturdy, strong & very comfortable.  A perfect addition for those lazy summer days!

Visit freedom.com.au and check out their fantastic range.

Out and About....

A good friend and I had a most enjoyable lunch at SIRENS Restaurant & Bistro in Williamstown today.

We were seated at a table overlooking the ocean and enjoyed good, friendly service in a quiet setting.

I was impressed with both the menu and wine list.

Definitely recommend ****

Like to try it?

Visit:  sirensrestaurant.com.au and book online or telephone (03) 9397 7811

Beach Dressing Pavillion
Esplanade
Williamstown  Victoria 3016

Cooking Corner

Here's some more YUMMY, SUPER SIMPLE AND QUICK recipes for you to try!

Choc-Weetbix Slice

3 Weetbix (crushed)
1 cup coconut
1 cup self raising flour
3/4 cup brown sugar
125g butter or marg
1 teaspoon vanilla essence

*  Mix dry ingredients together then add melted butter and vanilla essence
*  Press into a lamington tray
*  Bake at 180 degrees (170 degrees fan forced) for 20 minutes
*  Cool then top with a layer of chocolate icing

Simple Apple Crumble

1 cup rolled oats
1 cup coconut
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
40oz melted butter

*  Combine all ingredients
*  Place on warm fruit
*  Bake at 180 degrees (170 degrees fan forced) until golden brown

"Beauty" & the Bath

If you are looking for a little indulgence or perhaps that extra special gift, then look no further. 

Here is a range of Artisan botanical products scented with pure plant essence perfumes for your home, body, bath and more! Simply gorgeous.

For your very own slice of heaven visit castilledefleur.com

Enjoy!

Heard a Whisper....

TARGET BABY is having 2 weeks of huge offers across its baby and nursery range.  Ends 12 Feb.

Cooking Corner

Need some more quick and easy recipes that are very, very yummy?  Well here they are!!  Enjoy!!

Quick Apple Pie

1 can of pie apple
1 egg
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup milk
3/4 cup self raising flour

* Pour pie apple (or apricots, peaches or plums) into a greased cake tin
* Blend all other ingredients together and pour over fruit
* Bake for approximately 30 mins at 180 degrees (170 degrees fan forced)

Impossible Custard Pie

4 eggs
1 cup coconut
1/2 cup flour
2 teaspoons vanilla essence
2 cups milk
1 cup castor sugar
1/2 cup melted butter

Use a bowl with a sealable lid

* Place eggs in a bowl and beat with a fork until mixed
* Add remaining ingredients
* Seal the bowl and express the air
* Shake bowl for about 1 minute (great way to include the kids!)
* Pour mixture into a greased pie plate
* Bake in a moderate oven for about 50 minutes or until set

** Note:  Upon completion of above instructions, this mixture will be very runny however, all is OK!  Once baking is done, you will have a beautiful three layered custard tart complete with a base, custard filling and a browned coconut top!!

  

The Yellow Bag

Another favourite! I love taking this bag with me on my travels. It always brightens up what l am wearing and has plenty of room inside for all my bits and pieces. Sometimes I like to add my scarf for even more colour.

Bag by Pratten

Scarf (silk) by Morrison

The Ultimate Comfy Pant

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE these casual rayon pants l picked up at Sorrento in December. Lots of colour makes for a happy, fun feeling and they are incredibly comfortable given their loose fit and elastisised ankles and waist. Being multi coloured means that you can team them with your favourite tees and tops and you're set!  The perfect addition to your wardrobe for summer!