Just Like Martha

Welcome Miss Maddie

Welcome to the newest member of the family - Miss Maddie. Mum and dad suprised us with a visit today to meet their new addition...she is way too cute!!!

 

 

Birthday cards complete...tick

 
Wow is it really only 92 days until Christmas????

Hmm that got you didn't it! Actually we leave on a long awaited holiday the month before so it is even closer for us (breathe...remember to breathe) I haven't started to panic just yet but there is lots to do so I have begun making lists and more lists. Now, I could do as dear hubby suggested and forget all but the major players for Christmas, forget the decorations altogether (after all we will be away), not send Christmas cards or better still just send all commerically bought ones, nothing had made....hmmmm....not me,not possible, never going to happen.

So, instead I write lists, lots of them and start making Christmas cards and presents in September....sorry to scare you all. On a positive note I have made, wrapped and written the remainder of the years Birthday gifts and presents, here's a peek at a few of the cards....first up some thank you cards

 
 
 

And the Birthday cards.....

  

A couple of quick and easy Birthday gifts for the girls school friends....

 
 

An Engagement card...

 

And last but not least a Farewell card for a friend of Lilly's who is off to live in Italy for a year, or maybe more....lucky girl!

 

Thanks for hanging in there (told you I had been busy)! Pop back tomorrow I have been busy creating a "robot" or two for a special someone about to turn "2" xx

 

 

Dessert Anyone????

Inspired by the Spring Styling Workshop I attended a few weeks ago a recent "drinks evening" hosted at our place just had to have a dessert buffet! All the guests bought a 'savoury' plate to share and I organised lots of yummy dessert type treats for later in the evening.

The table began with beautiful spring flowers (which gave me an excuse to head to the flower markets early - yay!) and I added mini Lemon Meringue pies, homemade Rocky Road, Chocolate Mousse in tiny chocolate cups, Creme Brulee and Cheesecakes (thanks Jacki for the tip), Strawberry & goats cheese tartlets and an assortment of lollies and tiny cookies.

 

I was thrilled with the way it turned out and there was nothing much left at the end of the night so I think it was a HUGE success, I will definitely be creating more of these!

 

An Olympic Cake ????

Over the years I have made many a 'Birthday cake'...I have owned every WOMANS WEEKLY KIDS BIRTHDAY CAKE book every written and every year (as tradition would have it) the girls would choose their 'special' Birthday cake and the theme of their Birthday would evolve.

Over the years their have been Humpty Dumpty cakes, Dolly cakes, Butterflies, Teddy Bears, Flowers, Stars and even a Sandcastle cake, just to name a few.

Everyone that knows me well knows I love to bake, nothing fancy just good old fashioned baking ("just like Martha") but when a friend rang me and asked me to "create" her daughters "Olympic themed" Birthday cake I was a little daunted. Its one thing to make a cake for family (where hopefully any mistakes are forgiven LOL) but a party for 24 people....people that don't know me.....a special 10th Birthday celebration...eeek!

So, I took a deep breathe worked out my plan of attack and voilla....

 
 
I was so happy (and relieved) with the way it turned out, Charlie the Birthday girl was thrilled, she had asked for "butter cake, plain frosting, and Olympic theme", the cake was a huge hit and there were apparently no leftovers!

 

Thanks for stopping by x

Some inspiration....

A few weeks ago I attended a seminar which was held in the beautiful home of Leanne. When I signed up for the event I wasn't really sure what to expect, well I was 'blown away' and my head was spinning when I left with all sorts of ideas I couldn't wait to put into action.

First up was Jacki from Blissfully Sweet Cakes who is not only an amazing cake decorator but a wonderful 'hostess' (she describes herself as being halfway between Donna Hay and Nigella Lawson)...we learned lots of tricks and clever tips on hosting guests as well as some clever ways to serve some old favourite foods at your next party.

 
 
Next up was the talented Jo from Show Pony who wooed us with her collection of wonderful storyboards and talked to us about using colour in our homes to invigorate your space (I tell you was hard not to pop on in to Bunnings on the way home and grab some paint - very inspiring Jo)

 
 
Love, love her little 'display collection' of goodies....turned a empty cormer into a warm and inviting space. 

 

Finally it was Leanne's time to share....dessert tables, candy bars, sweet trolleys, whatever you want to call them have beacome VERY poular recently. Thanks to the likes of the very famous Amy Atlas we have bee exposed to a whole new world of entertaining....Leanne from Sweet Style does it with style and elgegance.

 
 
 
 

And check out this adorable "spring themed" cake that Jacki made for Leanne's display...

 

You can see why my head was spinning when I left, three hours of 'inspiration overload'. I have had the oportunity since to experiment and play with some of the ideas so pop back later and I'll share what I managed to create.

Not much to report.....

This week has flown by way too quickly..."stop the merry-go-round I want to get off"!!! Its been a busy few days with school committments and family visiting but I managed to keep up to date with my 'card committments'...here is a quick show and tell!

 

Fathers day is upon us on Sunday (no peeking dad you'll have to wait!)...

 

And a card for the girls to give, made from a photo, I found the image ia Google images, such a cute idea!

 

A few Birthday cards written and ready to post...

 

 

 

A thank you gift ready to give...

 

And finally remember my fixation with maps here, Taylor has a friends Birthday coming up and wanted to create something special for her...she is a local girl and loves everything about the beach and surf...hope she likes it....

 

Thanks Jane for the loan of your groovy Cricut machine!

Have a wonderful weekend one and all and enjoy the FATHERS DAY celebrations, hope all the dads out there get spoilt rotten!