Time Out Note!

I love time out on pretty paper.

Life is busy. I don't know about you but it seems like Monday comes around real quick these days and the week long race is on. 
Going, coming, bills, school, housework, kids needing 'this' or 'that', cooking, washing, food shopping, my work, creating, coffee with friends, over here and over there - yep life is busy, good but busy. 


So it's time to stop and take time out.
Most days I take 10 min for me and I sit in a favourite spot and I simply stop.
When you stop you clear the mind, breath, relax, and allow your heart to wonder to dreams, ideas and desires that are just yours. It is magical.

Then, (on days I can), that 10min stretches out to 1/2 hr because I love to write down my thoughts, dreams, wishes and things that encourage or inspire my heart in a pretty journal - plus there is something about untouched blank paper ready to be filled (I can smell it's yumminess ;) ).
Maybe I will never read that page again or maybe I will months later in sweet reminiscing, but writing them down seems to help me ponder them better in the moment and keep them like a pretty treasure. Sometimes on other days I just sit and listen.

Do you take time out? What do you like to do that's your time and magical for you?

xxx

Elizabeth

Weekend Ideas

I love the weekend:

Why not this weekend:

Mamma chef blog link:

http://mamachef-bec.blogspot.com/2011/05/is-it-saturday-yet.html

xxx

Elizabeth

Handbag Love

I love my handbag.

A handbag holds a women's world.

In my handbag, 'the galaxy' as I prefer to call it, you will find: a lip gloss, my purse, sunglasses, a nappy and wipes, child's drink bottle and snack, 5c, 10c, and $2 floating (if I'm lucky), stamps, a child's hair clip, bobby-pins - that's where they all are, a 'treasurer' my child has picked up somewhere - a rock, or feather, or sparkle...  A pen and a card ready to write someone a note of cheer... Whimsical! 


What is in your handbag?

xxx

Elizabeth

Fairy Bread

I love Fairy Bread.

My gorgeous Ella-Jewel has turned 6. 

We had a lovely afternoon tea complete with birthday cake, some friends, dress up's, barbie fun and jewellery making - all with pink lemonade.

I just love my little girl and celebrating another year with her brings such joy. 

The night before we sat on her bed and we talked about all the fun things she got to do and learn when she was 5, and we simply said a little prayer thanking God for that fine year. 

Then we got all excited about this new year of being 6, what might it bring? 


Fairy bread - a must have at my girl's party.


In a bowl mix some butter and some golden syrup until it comes together. 
Next spread slices of fresh, soft white bread with the butter mix. 
Cut into triangles or pretty shapes with a cutter and sprinkle with 100's and 1000's. 
Place on a pretty plate and serve to little girls smiles and swoons of delight.

Presents in pyjamas! Do you wait and dress or do you just rush on in?

xxx

Elizabeth

Weekend Fun

I love the weekend.

This weekend why not:

Have a gorgeous one.

xxx

Elizabeth

Healthy Fruit Crumble Yum

I love and I dislike sugar!

Sugar, sugar and more sugar - it's everywhere!!! 
In my house I do try to run from the sugar monster that likes my hips far too much, and always comes disguised as chocolate!
Anyway, I am always trying to come up with 'healthier' versions of delicious treat food for morning and afternoon tea particularly for my children.


Here is a simple fruit crumble for afternoon tea, no wheat and no white sugar.

Chop up two types of fruit. I've used apple and some tinned peaches in natural juice. Using only two types of fruit is less work than chopping up heaps of different types, and allows for variety next time you want to use the idea.
Toast two or three of your favourite type of nuts. I've used flaked almonds, macadamias, and pecans. Just put them in a dry saucepan over heat to toast.

Next, place the fruit in a pretty pie dish and then just warm, not cook, the fruit in the microwave or oven. Sprinkle the nuts over the top and drizzle 1/2 a teaspoon to 1 teaspoon of golden syrup over the top. Simpy serve and dress the table with a pretty table cloth, place mats or pretty paper. enjoy because no one can resist this gorgeous looking feast.

Ok, so I want to know what you like to serve up sugar free?

xxx

Elizabeth

Surprise Treat Bag

I love a surprise treat. 

Who does not love a little 'something' for themselves? :)
Well, in my house I admit that I use surprise bags with a small treat in them to motivate my girls to do their jobs. It really works.

It's quite simple: get 1 stickers on your chart for (actually) doing your jobs each day and when you have 10 stickers you get to pick a surprise bag treat.

This is such a fun way to inspire my kids to do a good job and get rewarded. *Miss 5 must: make her bed each day, help set the table at meals, brush her hair, place her dirty clothes after her shower in the laundry, and unpack her bag when she get's home from school, etc.

Miss 2 must (with help), set the table, take her clothes to the laundry, pick up toys at clean up time.
Our treats consist of: bubbles, a fun puzzle, a lollipop, stickers, colouring pencils, hair clips, nail polish.... (I try not to have too many 'sugar' treats except the occasional lollipop or milky way chocolate. 

So make your own surprise treats by using brown paper lunch bags. You simply place item inside the bag and fold down. Next, cut round circles out of pretty paper (of choice) and fold in half. Place circle over fold on paper bag - half on each side - then staple together. 

There you have it, fun bags and excited little faces as they choose a pretty bag and open it to find out just what they have received. 

You could use this idea for present wrapping or party treat bags as well.
My beautiful sister-in-law, Kimmy http://www.withloveblog.com/, first wrapped a pressie for me in a sweet bag just like this using a lace paper doily and I have never forgotten just how sweet it was.


Share with me what you do to reward/motivate your kids to do their jobs?

xxx

Elizabeth