Author: Yvette

Giving…

 We all have dreams. We all create these dreams within our minds, the things we hope for, we strive for, we fight for, we inspire to. Each and everyone of us has a passion within us. Expressing it is sometimes the hardest thing. We often concern ourselves with our emotional barriers..what will my readers think, what image of myself do I give, should I share every bit of  information, should I really write that. . Or do I really write from my inner self and heart. I’ve chosen the later. I write from my inner voice, I try to capture the world around me,the beauty of nature and her changing seasons. The love of fresh and seasonal produce, interpreting colour, balance and textures on a plate.The love of collective objects which truly expresses my love of many era’s, Victoriana in particular. The love of a single rose, the intricacy of a wooden frame, a silver platter or a linen tablecloth.  “ All our dreams can come true – if we have the courage to pursue …

What about me?

How many minutes in the day, capture the love of a child? How many minutes of the day capture the words from a friend? How many minutes in the day captures a thought of a loved one? How about a second to think of me! With this ongoing rush of life and everyday routines, do we find enough time for ourselves. And if we do find that second is it a selfish second? Be it child’s play…another go at bouncing the ball, an extra lolly, a kiss on the cheek, an extra hug, another piece of vegemite toast, another glass of water…in a child’s voice…What about me? Be it adult antics…a cup of coffee, my ironed shirt?…another paid bill, a glass of wine, another cooked dinner, a simple heartfelt touch, a whispered word…in an adult’s voice..What about me? Do we hear our own voice? These rushing minutes within the week, reminded me to stop, look around and take a deep breath. Look outside and see the bigger picture, and also reminded me of this song. …

Chocolate Apricot Delights

I’ve never really been a biscuit/cookie baker. Except maybe for the traditional Italian biscotti. However since spending time with my niece and nephew, the week begins with a bake off between biscuits and slices, thin enough and bite size enough to fit into the school lunch boxes. So I started the challenge of finding some new, fruity cookie recipes to bake. Interesting enough the list is infinite and the stack of cookbooks even higher. With a large variety of ingredients to choose from, I settled for apricots. As they’re on the hit list of my niece and nephews taste buds. These delicious ( if I don’t say so myself ) cookies are easy, easy as child’s play. No fancy formats, all in a bowl, easily made and cooked within 20 minutes. I found this recipe in Biscuits and Slices ( Murdoch Books)…In this book you’ll find a collection of Biscuits and Slices, you’ll find tempting treats to suit all tastes. There are savory biscuits, perfect for morning tea. Tempting home made melting moments, chocolate chip …

St. Valentines Day

Happy St. Valentines Day to you all. Cherished memories of those we love and care for. A special day to show how we’re feeling towards the person we love and adore. Any token big or small is welcomed today. Special charms, roses, flowers, cards, candlelit dinners, kisses, hugs even a smile. What did you do today for that special someone? It’s the time of the year, to celebrate with red. Today I showed a little love by sharing these cute cupcakes. The simplest of ingredients with fine detailing of hearts. And to my special someone… I wrote your name in the sand,                                 but the waves washed it away. I wrote your name in the sky,                                 but the wind blew it away. I wrote it in my heart                                  and that’s where it will stay….   All my love, … have a wonderful day friends, Yvette…x

It’s a Party

Can you remember your 10th Birthday? Grade Five where were you? Those innocent days of calling girlfriends talking for hours, swapping magazines ( Dolly!!), Pony tails and pig tails, laughter, giggling. What joy! My nieces sleepover beach party was organized last week..and what a week. Invitations were sent out the first day back at school.     We had such fun creating things for her Beach theme party, using a mix of bright c o l o u r s from the decorations to the food. Crafty things,party games, movies and sleepovers. We had a lot to prepare… Read on and see what fun we did have…

A Simple Moment

The Simple Moments this week have been many. Seeing a very unique world, an unknown pass for me. A never ending chattering hum , a melody of calls, a rhythm of  whines, a note of sorrow, a band of laughter, an orchestra of angels. Every minute is a changing moment when children are home. Music… View Full Album Simple moments make up the bigger picture. Join in and link up to Sarah’s blog.Share those simple moments from your week, through photo’s, poetry, thought’s, anything where you touch on something simple which creates the Bigger Picture.   Have a great day! Yvette…x

How they look…

Joy of Love #2 Happy messengers. Even as we’re having sweltering weather outside 40+ degrees. It’s another school day, and you can always almost depend on a child to turn any day after the afternoon school bell rings into a colour of sunshine. Children seem to instinctively know when a hug or kiss and smile is needed. “Hi Zia” ( Zia:Italian for Aunty) what did you do today? Not boring them with my daytime chores. “And what did you do today at school?” A continuous melody of words, giggles,faces and laughter fill the next 10 minutes.These little messengers of magic genius let me forget the outside world and capture my time for 10 minutes to see the glimpses of their playground imagination. And even more smiles with an afternoon icy pole treat.     “A world without children is a world without newness,regeneration,color and vigor”. Dr. James Dobson This is part of Joy of Love hosted by Willette Design you can join and share here

Stuck on the roof of your mouth!

You’re  in control!!. Stuck on the roof of your mouth. Chocolate chip flavour. Cocoa boosted.A crunchy baked outside coating but wait…. …an irresistible melting soft fudgy centre.It’s a tongue twisting, deliciously breathtaking experience, of pure indulgence, all combined to make this mouthwatering chocolate chip cookie one of the best I have ever tried. I’m having some quality time with my sister and her family. I’m experiencing a world  I have never ventured into. The world of motherhood. Can it really be this exhausting! I’m loving every minute of it. Every day is a new adventure into the world of 6 and 8 year olds.Can there be this much competition at a young age! A wonderland of play, a kaleidoscope of colours… Making and baking things have strung a new string in my creative mind.  What to make for the first day of school, lunch box treats? The shiny new lunch box is filled with fruit,crackers,cheese,sandwiches(healthy) and of course that energy boosting sugar plus delight. Here’s the favourite of my niece and nephews taste buds…. Chocolate …

A special time…

Joy of Love #1 Can you remember your school days? The school uniforms, the golden rules on entering the school and the behaviour after school. The new revolution of long socks and shoes in Summer and pig tails and hats. This is a photo of my niece, in her school uniform…   A fine little young lady… I’m excited about joining in the joy of  LOVE…for the month of February, taking photo’s of those thing’s and who we love and care about. What better way to capture the feeling of LOVE for the month of Love and St, Valentines. Share the love here Yvette…x