Just Like Martha

Afternoon tea yummies

We enjoyed a yummy afternoon tea last weekend to celebrate Mothers Day. Years ago my grandmother left me a special teaset which she brought with her when she arrived from England...I took the colours of pink and green from this special collection and a 'theme' evolved...

Some of the food I made and some I bought (after all it was "mothers" day), even made a trip to Adrian Zumbo's in Manly for some pink and green (themed of course) macarons...they were delicious!

I gathered up some 'paint chips' (anyone that follows my blog will know that I often use these in card making and other crafts - love their versitility).

I was happy how the table came together, lots of nice yummy treats to taste and share...

Apart from the "Zumbo" macaroons, we sampled baby bannana cupcakes, coconut slice, almond slice, melting moments, Taylors 'famous' scones jam and cream (she is sooo good at making scones), tiny lemon meringue tartlets and these 'newbies' thatre now a firm favourite..deconstructed ginger and salted caramel spoons...a delicious combination of ginger crumbs with sticky caramel topping and a sprinkle of salt flakes...Hmmm delicious and oh so easy!

Mothers Day was wonderful...the day began with breakfast (the girls had been up early and walked to our local baker walking in with 'hot' croissants and pastries (just like being back in Europe)... I was very spoilt...check out the home made cards...

LOL...dont you love the one that says "I heart U that's why I am never moving out"..

Back soon with THRIFTY THURSDAY, wait 'til you see what I found!!

Happy Mothers Day

Sending 'pre' Mothers Day wishes to all the special "mums" out there. We will be celebrating with a special "High Tea" in the afternoon with my mum....and sending lots of love via the phone to John's mum up north.

xxx

Happy Birthday Mum xxx

Happy Birthday Mum, hope your day is extra special just like you xxx

 

Easter Show Wrapup (better late then never...)

As we approach the last days of April I thought it was about time I posted about our "Easter Show outing"! When the girls were younger we used to try and make it an outing every 'other year' but somehow we have missed the past few years...it was time!

It was a lovely Autumn day and we headed off in the morning with packed lunches and comfy walking shoes. Our tickets included transport, no need to worry about driving and finding car parking..perfect! Our Easter treat to all the grandparents was Easter Show tickets...how special that we were all able to meet up and enjoy afternoon tea with the ladies from the Country Womens Association .....cups of tea and scones all round..when we were there the ladies had baked a grant total already of 38,618 scones!!! WOW!

The decorated cakes are always a favourite to visit, A M A Z I N G!!!

Time for a quick photo with a favoutite...

AND another with a bannana?????

What is a trip to the Easter show without a turn on the 'Clowns' in the carnival area...

Winners are grinners!!

We didn't go on any other rides in the Carnival area but I couldn't resist taking some photos.....

We were content wandering and just 'taking it all in', there was so much to see and do and of course no trip to the Easter Show is complete without a visit to the Animal Nursery (always been a favourite with my girls even since they were 'little people').

The evening entertainment in the arena was fantastic! We grabbed some healthy sushi and yummy hot chips and settled in for the "Showtime Spectacular"...my favourite was the 'Stockmans Ride" and of course the 15 minute fireworks finale.."Colours of the outback"! We hopped on the bus for the drive home exhausted but happy xx

Happy Birthday Dad xxx

My dad is celebrating his Birthday today...21 again!

I love this photo of 'me and my dad'..check out the old pool...and the cigarette, and dad what a figure!!!

Its a sunny day here in Sydney and mum and dad are on their way over to have lunch with us to celebrate...yippee!

Taylor has been busy baking a yummy cake (don't you just love schools holidays..I do!)

Happy Birthday to an extra special dad - enjoy xxx

Happy Easter

Just back from a few days up north relaxing with friends and celebrating Easter.

Hope you have had a relaxing few days, HAPPY EASTER xxx

Birhday party Sleepover

Last weekend Lilly celebrated her 13th Birthday with a sleepover party. She invited a couple of special friends and they planned to "dress up" and take lots of fun photos then just "chill" and giggle over a few girly movies...the perfect party plan.

First up 'invitations'....

Then we planned the PHOTO BOOTH, a few fun 'props' to pose with and a plain sheet and we had the perfect place to create lovely memories...

Next on my list for 'party planning' was food! The girls enjoyed healthy home made pizzas on our outdoor pizza oven for dinner but I think it was dessert they were really waiting for.....

The cake of course was the favourite, lots of oohs and aahhs when it was cut (gotta love Martha Stewart's rainbow cake)

Love the new little milk bottles filled with srawberry milk...and the 'marshmallow stacks' were a real hit too!

Way too much neopolitan icecream was consumed...with loads of sprinkles, yum!

And to finish off a selection of favourite lollies (there was a movie to watch after all)

The girls 'party favour' bag (the one I forgot to take a photo of) included these cute sleep shorts and a few other goodies...

The party was a hailed a huge success! What I loved more than anything was seeing a lovely bunch of 13 year old girls having some good old fashioned fun!

RIP beautiful Latte...

Sadly our beautiful bunny Latte is no longer with us....we are all very sad and we miss her...

RIP Latte - 2006 - 2012

There is another teenager in the house....

Wow Lilly you are 13 years old today, cannot believe it surely it was just the other day that we bought you home from the hospital....and now look at you...

Have a wonderful Birthday darling, we love you to the moon and back!

Catching up on some crafting...

Well its been a busy week for crafting...lots of card making and preparations are well underway for Lilly's 13th Birthday Sleepover this weekend (more to share on that later)..

First up an engagement card..

A few Birthdays to celebrate..

I like to make a few cards at the same time, its a great way to use up scrapbook supplies and save on wastage, here the same paper has been used but the look quite different!

A wedding card...

And a Congratulations...

A thank you...

And some more Birthdays....

Here is a sneek peek of the Birthday preparations...this year Lilly has decided to celebrate with a sleepover with just a few special friends...we have lots planned including a photo booth and dessert table, look forward to sharing the pics after the weekend!

Vintage inspired Birthday invites..

Okay that's it for me its back to the kitchen...time for RAINBOW CAKE preparations!