Its orange season again.
How kind of mother nature to offer us Vitamin packed oranges just in time for chilly winter and the threat of colds & flu.

We were invited to a lunch yesterday I knew I had to make something with citrus flavours, we have SO many oranges at home.
So here is my Citrus-burst Cheesecake and yes, I am on a healthy eating and exercise plan (more on that later....)
and yes, I did have a huge slice- no regrets people!

Biscuit Base -
plain biscuits or crackers (pulse to crumbs)
180grams melted butter
refrigerate to set whilst you prepare your filling.

Creamy Filling -
500grams light Cream cheese (Ricotta cheese would be perfect too)
200grams skim condensed milk
1/2 cup thick cream
juice of an orange
zest of an orange
Beat all ingredients - spoon over biscuit base and refrigerate to set,overnight is best

Topping -
Slice an orange thinly.
In a small saucepan add the orange slices, the juice of an orange and 1/4 cup sugar (more if you like it sweeter)
heat gently to form a thick syrup until the orange rind is soft enough to eat...sweet and bitter rind- delicious!
Arrange orange slices over the cheesecake and drizzle with the remaining syrup.
Refrigerate for at least an hour then serve.

Children at weddings....
recently we were invited to a wedding.
With excitement (i heart weddings!) I sent off the acceptance card with kisses and lots of well wishes ...not long after we got a phone call letting us know that no children are allowed to attend and that I will have to get a babysitter.
i felt a little bummed but had to remind myself its not just my kids not invited but all kids - whats up with that anyway?




How do you feel about children at weddings?
I know some weddings are very formal, some couples are on tight budgets, some just want a small wedding ...maybe some might feel children will ruin their 'special' day?

each to their own but i know for sure - children know how to have a good time!
...as soon as they see an empty dance floor, as soon as they hear music they are there...dancing, smiling, laughing...just being themselves - we can learn a lot from that!


*image by Jac Photography via StyleMePretty

using scraps...
If you're like me then you'll have a small stash of off cuts and scraps of pretty papers amongst your craft stuff...
here is a simple way to use them.

Gather papers that compliment (or that appeals to your current mood) - i used 3 colours, dusty blue and pink and neutral vintage text papers too but you can use as many colours as you like.
Cut all your scraps into small neat one inch squares.


Grab some white cardstock or a prescored card, glue your squares to form a parallel lines - you can measure to make sure its all uniform and even - that was my intention but it sort of got in the way of being fun so I just went with the flow and trusted my eye haha - they are a little wonky but still look turned out okay. I made tags, a card and flatnotes....

Last week I was a guest blogger over at Marilyn's cool blog, Pulpsushi.
i did a tutorial blog post - Easy Peasy Paper flowers - have a look if you like! Thanks Marilyn...(hugs)

A Girl Called Rachel
Its time to feature another creative girl and this time Id like you all to meet Rachel, whom I met through the Etsy DUST team (Down under street team). She is super fun and her enthusiasm and energy is infectious...she's a Go-getter!
Rachel's a busy mum who sews, crafts, blogs and runs an online shop, MissIsa selling eco-friendly, recylced and repurposed paper goods and gifts.
Welcome Rachel!
Can you tell us what is currently inspiring you?
Winter.
Bare branches.
Pale light. The sound of wind blowing through closed windows.
Quilts and Hot Coffee.

Name 3 things you couldnt live without right now?
My blackberry, Pinterest and my Husband.
Can you define to us, your personal style?
I'm rather more eclectic than I thought I'd be. I love anthropologie and antique/junk shops. My house is full of crochet blankets and doilies.I wear layers of colour and pussy bow blouses. I love black opaque tights and ballet flats.
I never wear heels because I have bulging disks.
I love my pearl earrings and brooches. I'm fairly sure that I dress like an old lady but I'm cool with that.



Do you have a favourite colour (or colour combinations)?
I just love purple. Almost all shades of purple. I love dusty colours.

What is your favourite Smell/Frangrance?
I wear Cherry Blossom by Demeter

What do you love about your City/Suburb?
I live in Ballarat, Australia. It gets insanely cold here. I've been told that it's the most like England than any other town in Australia, both weather wise and architecturally. I love our local Chocolate Shop with it's fire place and amazing hot chocolates.I love walks around the lake all bundled up in gloves, coats and scarves. I love the rose gardens that sit along the main road in town. I love the Botanic Gardens and it's statue of my ancestor William Wallace.


Do you have a favourite quote you'd like to share with us?
I have so many so I'll just share two of my current favourites. Parks and Recreation.
“Hos before bros. Uteruses before duderuses. Ovaries before brovaries.” Leslie Knope, Parks and Recreation.

and this one
"Remember that everyone you meet is afraid of something, loves something and has lost something" ~ H. Jackson Brown, Jr.


Thanks so much for stopping by Rachel!
To see more of Rachel's lovely paper goods & gifts head on over to her online shop MissIsa.

Rachel also captures her inspiration on her Tumblr page 'PrettinessandButtons'
you can also find her tutorials and crafty projects at her blog 'PinkLizzy Sews'

*lovely images of Rachel's work*

Colour my world: Monochromatic
I love how these vintage images are all styled in Monochrome - ive seen quite a few vintage images styled this way - i like it! it adds depth and layer...
I spotted something similar over at The Sartorialist recently, a modern take on Monochromatic...

Did you know Monochrome like many words is derived from the Greek language - Mono means one and Chroma is the Greek word for colour!

top: Audrey Hepburn (Blues)
Middle: Jean Patchett (Pinks)
Bottom: Tuesday Weld (Purples)

Time for Tea
Ive really been looking forward to my nightly cup of tea. Its freezing outside and I spent 2 hours at our local oval for the boys soccer training. Brrr...my little toes were frozen!

I love my tea, i really do... so my post today is a little tribute to tea!
Tea to the English is really a picnic indoors. ~Alice Walker

so straight after my tea, Im off to bed, putting my alarm clock for a 6am wake up call ( i can do it!! yes I can!!)
...ive got a new fitness DVD that I plan to start first thing tommorow morning - no excuses!

ive been way too relaxed and my eating habits are far from perfect (did I really need that second helping of cheesecake on Sunday when I had a whole bowl of burnt toffee pudding the night before...SO bad!!)
- something has to change, and it needs to start from now.
I shall let you know how I go!
wish me luck!!!

Tea Time lovelies
Top image 'Teacups' by Katierosephotos
Middle - Vintage peacock print dress by Cintidoesvintage
Bottom Tea Time on Sunday Afternoon by Lucileskitchen

Happy Mothers Day

Wishing all the Mothers a beautiful day!

ive spent the morning doing laundry and ironing (life goes on even on Mothers Day....) and now Im off to my sister's for a lunch time family barbeque. Nice one!

* images of Ingrid Bergman and her children via Google images*

...Greener on the other side
Hope you like my Etsy picks this week!
Beautiful shades of Green - deep, vibrant, fresh!








Top image by Diego Uchitel for Red magazine UK * 1950's vintage impressionist circle skirt


by allencompanyinc * Vintage scooter notecard set by Novochix * Green cotton napkin set by tivolivintage

Simple Elegance...
there really is no excuse not to set up a pretty table setting be it for lunch, dinner or even a little afternoon treat for one ( why not? you deserve it)
- how simple is this setting?
so very beautiful!

after days of rain the sun is out shining today!
hoorah!!
My boys were awake at 6.00am way too early for a Sunday...and they were being way too loud for a Sunday!...so we all got up and headed down to Rozelle Flea Markets with a stop at
Adriano Zumbo cafe for coffee and pastries. There was a long line but worth the wait! yummy!

top image from DreamyWhites

Creative Inspiration: from bedroom decor to paper goods


i love a little creative challenge especially on rainy days like today!
i have a folder full of magazine clippings, images that inspire, that Id like to keep for future reference, to dream about or that I just cant throw away - I found this image, a serene bedroom featured in Australian Home Beautiful magazine
in my pile of pretties.
Its simple and unfussy but i love the pop of colour on the pillows nestled amongst the beige, cremes and taupes, the large mirror bouncing off beautiful sunlight - really pretty!

It inspired some Gift tags I made. I used textured vintage wallpaper that reminded me of the bedspread. I also used some waxy watercolour pencils to draw some flowers....they turned out cute!
What do you think?




*image from Home Beautiful and Gifttags in my shop now

Easter 2011
Happy Easter!
no spare time this past week led to a little blogging break - its been busy with Easter prepartions and I try to keep up with the customs and traditions that were special to me growing up...here are some of my favourites.
Traditional Flaounes (Cheese pies) - these take such a long time to prepare and bake but 'oh so worth it'.
My husbands Uncle owns a Greek cake shop and they make hundreds of these every Easter for their shop along with all the custom orders they receive
but for me there is nothing like the rustic look and delicious taste of home-made pies...

Dying Eggs - the Greek tradition is to dye them deep red (signifies Christ's blood) but this year I experimented with purple and yellow - i used half of the dye only and added more water and vinegar -I loved the splotchy lilac purple shade, the yellow not so much...

Royal Easter Show - we go every year...im worse than a kid! i love everything about the show...the animals, arts & crafts, fun rides, the greasy fair food!

Easter feast - Easter Sunday is all about family and food! im still digesting lunch...normally Greeks will fast for 40 days leading upto Easter but i just cut out meat for the week before.

My lovely Sister in law Freda hosted Easter lunch this year, a slow leisurely lunch that lasted for 5 hours....

so year after year i hope some of these traditions that i love, become family favourites for my boys too!

monday....

i do hope you all had a lovely weekend!

we had a busy one catching up with friends, exchanging Easter cookies, chocolates and gifts for the little ones -i do love Easter, its one of my favourite celebrations.

Thursday will be spent baking Easter treats ...we always make traditional Greek Cheese pies, plaited breads and baked Easter baskets - my mum is always so organised buying her ingrediants way in advance so my sister and I are happy to help out.

Its always an early start and my dad has freshly made coffee ready to go ...by mid morning the house is warm and smelling amazing!

we always cut up a warm pie from the first batch and share it ...someone has to taste test right?

hot cheesy pie straight out of the oven, - delicious!

i found these images on pinterest - Im loving pale powedery tones in these home - elegant, beautiful and very calm...

top image: Domino magazine, bottom image - India Hicks at home in the Bahamas

A Girl called Caitlin

ive been wanting to post all week...my little ones are on school holidays and i cant get away from them! ha-ha, its been crazy at our house and we still have another week to go! help. anyway...Im here now!

Its time to meet another Creative girl and today im featuring Australian artist and illustrator Caitlin who i first came across over at Flickr ages ago - her illustrations just blew me away and she's so talented - im a huge fan!

Caitlin also runs two Etsy shops, blogs and is currently part of the exhibition 'This little teapot' at Paper plane gallery in Rozelle.

Welcome Caitlin! Can you tell us what is currently inspiring you?

pressed flowers,

betty boop cartoons,

scott pilgrim,

art deco, black dresses,

the future.

Name 3 things you couldnt live without right now?

my bed,

my diary and peaches.

Can you define to us, your personal style?

I love 1950's fashions - so my wardrobe is full of vintage dresses or repro styles with nipped in waists and voluminous skirts.

I tend to wear alot of black and i am amassing a collection of ferragamo shoes because they are the best! I also like to wear wine red lipstick and tacky/playful jewellery with plastic gemstones.

Do you have a favourite colour (or colour combinations)?

blush pink,

duck egg blue and deep purple.

Favourite Smell/Frangrance? Peaches, Toffee apples,

mexican food,

basil

What do you love about your City?

I live in a beachside suburb - and the things i like are the ocean, the wildlife, the abundance of trees and the sunlight.

Do you have a favourite quote you'd like to share with us?All art is autobiographical. The pearl is the oyster's autobiography. - Federico Fellini

Thanks Caitlin! to see more of Caitlin and her work head on over to her Blog.

Caitlin is also on Flickr and sells her Art prints over at her Esty shop .

She also has a fun vintage shop at Etsy called 'Tap Shoes'.

Easy peasy mini brownies

Last week i spotted this brownie recipe over at the lovely blog savory sweet life - not only did they look delicious (beautiful photos) but there only 4 ingrediants, the main one being Nutella! ohhh thought me ...perfect!!

i love love Nutella. nutty sweet goodness! I can eat it by the spoon straight from the jar ...and I have! im sure im not the only either ha-ha.... so i made a batch and they were a hit! so easy...ready in 12mins! serve warm....delicious!

New issue of Toffee is out!!

Yayy!

I was thrilled to be asked to contribute some paper craft projects for Issue 2 of

Toffee magazine - the bonus printable papers are so lovely and I kept my tutorials fun and simple ...you can see a sneak peak below.

The latest Toffee magazine is another fantastic issue and only $2.99 to download to read over and over!

Lots of crafty creative projects, baking , inspiring interviews and a great read!

Get your copy today!!

Etsy picks of the week: Black Lace beauty

feeling a little moody with Black lace this week but you cant deny its beauty and web-like intricate detail...ive always loved lace and have a few lace pieces in my wardrobe - its a classic! ...heavy or fine & delicate...black lace beauty indeed! Carman Kass by Koray Birand * Anemone Black Lace necklace by StitchedFromTheHeart * Chantilly Lace Notecards by Smilelifestyle * Antique Lace Mantilla by Laboheme

Indulgent

Time to myself always feels very indulgent...I feel a little guilty but I quickly get over that as its so easy to think we don't deserve it or could be doing something else with our time. I generally give a lot of myself to others - my boys and hubby are my number one priority, my home, our extended family and friends too, so I think its important for some time just for ME!

So my Friday was very indulgent in that I booked myself in for a Thai massage, it was pretty stressful getting there as I was amongst peak hour traffic which is getting kind of cr-aaazy in Sydney lately! (note to self, avoid peak hour anything!) ...the massage was not the relaxing kind but i felt so invigorated afterwards.

The lovely staff offered me some herbal tea when it was over but I politely declined and ran down the street looking for a strong coffee!..ha-ha

Once I got home I made myself a simple lunch, ignored the housework and sat down to enjoy Holly Becker's new book 'Decorate' which arrived during the week.

Its so lovely and heavy and thick just like a decorating book should be!! I can see it easily becoming one of my favourites - so full of information, ideas and beautiful images - it features so many different decor styles space by space! I bought mine from Book depository online which offers free postage worldwide on all its books. I also loved the European cover of 'Decorate'... Holly is always an inspiration - her blog and her new book is fantastic!!