Less Is More

I was in the mood for baking biccies this week, and decided to try out this recipe.  They're really easy to make and absolutely scrummy.  Little one enjoyed rolling them into balls and then rolling them into the rice bubbles, but of course, that is all secondary to licking the spoon at the end!

It was also an excuse to test out these colourful kitchen mitts, which are made here in Queensland (yes, locally made, not imported), and available here.  There are also matching double  mitts and pot holders available, which makes a lovely gift set.   

So, am I really just writing a post about oven mitts today? Of course not, there's something else on my mind. Over recent years, and especially in the opening of my business, I have become so much more aware of how convenience dominated my purchasing choices in the past, and how I wasn't seeing that each little purchase I make influences and supports the ethical or unethical practices of many companies and organisations.  

We are so spoilt for choice in this country, with designer homewares and clothing becoming increasingly more affordable to us, but at what price to people and our planet?  It's almost impossible for us to be sure about the working conditions and pay rates of the people who produce these items, but   all too easy, and tempting, to make a decision based on price alone.  But, really, although most of us are on a tight budget, we are in so much more of a fortunate position than many others.  

Where possible, if I can't be sure of where or how an item is produced, I tend to steer away from the item.  Do I really need that pretty set of teatowels  for only $5?  Or would I be better to pay a little more for a better quality one that's made here in Australia or through a Fairtrade organisation, and maybe have less teatowels?  

I encourage you, if you haven't already, to start asking more questions along these lines when you make a purchase, because wherever you can make an ethical purchase, it will count, and we have to start somewhere right? 

Is there a purchase you made recently based on ethical choice?

xSam  

Can't Complain

I can't complain about my week.. 

found a little quiet time to work on a granny square cushion in some of my favourite colours, and enjoy my morning coffee from my new $2 mug.

Blue suede shoes, $10 at Big W, suits my budget!!

Enjoyed some special one on one time with my son (but didn't get a photo, too busy chatting).  We've been doing this every Thursday after school, either going to the library together, grabbing a milkshake, or just having a good old chin wag. He loves our special time together (so do I).

And the grand finale, presented with this original lego creation last night, inspired by rockstar lego minifigure. I love the creativity!

Joining in with Things I'm Loving and Grateful today,

a couple of lovely linkups.

 It's looking rainy here today, but we're enjoying watching the rain through the window, listening to music and making cubby houses.

Wishing you a fabulous weekend!  

xSam

Vintage Finds

Once there was a lonely little ramekin.  It was picked up at an op shop by a hopeful thrifter, who vowed that one day she would find it's family. 

It was a useful little dish, who kept itself busy with odd jobs like melting butter, separating egg whites, but despite this, never quite felt like it belonged anywhere, it was as though it was meant for some other purpose...

Then, one day, it was re-united with it's family.  It turns out they were living just one suburb away from each other all this time.

And so the little ramekin no longer felt alone,
and finally found a purpose,  fulfilling important jobs like..

baking old fashioned custard for the whole family.

Don't you just love happy endings?

Joining in today with Sophie and Her Library Adventures for Flea market Finds

For more vintage finds go here and here.

xSam

Sneaky Snacks

Although I blog about cake decorating quite often, cupcakes, muffins etc are just an occasional treat in our household, really!   Hmm "treats", are we really treating our bodies when we eat these?  Food for thought (pardon the pun)..

Anyway, occasional "treats" aside, I've been thinking more and more about this sneaky sugar character, who also pops up in less obvious foods like bread, crackers and muesli bars to name a few.  More than ever, I'm determined to see less sugar in our lives, it's so addictive, is it not? So, I've decided to become a little sneaky myself, and try reducing or replacing more of  it in my baking without foregoing too much enjoyment, hmm is this really possible (afterall, food is to be enjoyed right?).  

With school now back, this muesli bar recipe was just the thing I was after, it's both healthy and yummy, with no sneaky refined sugar, just a little natural honey and dried fruit, it's perfect for the school box or afternoon pick-me-up.

The best part is that my kids love it, and I don't feel one bit guilty about giving them this treat more than occasionally! 

Do you have any healthy snacks ideas that are popular with your kids?

 xSam

Cake Therapy

Cake decorating is fast becoming one of my favourite forms of therapy.  In fact, I may even enjoy baking cakes more than eating them (gasp, well, I did say I wanted to get healthy this year)!

Last year, I purchased Planet Cake, by Paris Cutler, an amazing book for beginners (like me), which steps you through all of the basics you need to know about decorating cakes with fondant.   I'm afraid I've spent more time ogling the pictures in this book than baking, but because I have a liking for cupcakes, I have attempted a few of the techniques and designs.  If you've never used cake fondant before, I would say it's a little like playdough for grown ups, so much fun to work with, but tastes alot better.

I've wanted to try making these baby cupcakes for ages..

What do you think?  Too cute to eat right?  I couldn't bring myself to eat one, aside from those cute little faces looking up at me,  I am one focussed lady right now, my health is a priority this year, but that's a whole other post!

So for now, I'm enjoying cooking up sweet things for anyone who's not watching their waistline.

P.S. I also added a page to my blog which includes a gallery of the cakes I bake, in case you're interested in some eye candy.   I plan on adding to this gallery regularly, and hope there'll be plenty of opportunities to bake special things throughout the year.

Do you find cake decorating relaxing or just hard work?

Joining in again with ourcreativespaces, why not pop over to see what others are creating?
xSam

2012 Here We Come

After the build up and excitement of Christmas has died down, this last week I've had the chance to reflect upon the year that was, the things I've learned, the wonderful people I've met, the great times, and the not so great.  I'm amazed by how my kids have grown, and feel that I've become more grateful for my family and friends.

This year I'm looking forward to new beginnings, setting goals, positive changes, making new friends, learning something new, strengthening my relationships, revelling in the unknown, there are so many possibilities, things to learn, and places to go.

Although few things are certain, I know one thing, that I'll continue blogging as it's had such a positive impact on my life.  I really enjoy chatting with and being inspired by all of the friendly, creative and thoughtful people in the blogging community.  Your comments on my blog offer great support, encouragement and inspiration to me, which I really appreciate.
No New Years Resolutions here, as such, just to focus on a healthy lifestyle, hope for the health & wellbeing of my family, and find a little joy in each day.  This is what I hope for my 2012.

A new year brings a renewed sense of hope, of new possibilities, so I'm wishing you and your families all the very best for the coming year and that you have the strength, courage, sense of humour, and love in your heart to deal with whatever lies ahead. 

Happy New Year!

xSam

Today I'm linking up with PaisleyJade for Things I'm Loving.

When I was little, my Mum and I made all of our cakes and biscuits by hand, you know, with a wooden spoon and a bowl.  The hardest part was creaming the butter and sugar together, I used to work up a sweat getting it as light and fluffy as I could, and I loved doing it.

So it is because of these memories that I have held off on getting a proper standalone mixer to bake with.  I only bought myself one of those handheld mixers a couple of years ago, and that just conked out on me right on time for my daughter's birthday. 

So to the rescue was my new friend (the mixer), which I am loving.  My son has a birthday coming up soon also, so with so much baking going on, I put an emergency order in for an early birthday present. Wow, how much quicker and easier is baking now.  I kind of feel like I'm not really doing anything though, the machine does all the work, it's almost cheating.  Guessing I'll get over that pretty quickly though! It just means I can do more baking and spend more time with my favourite people.

Now, as for the cake...that's supposed to be Strawberry Shortcake on top, but her bonnet went missing somewhere in the car today.  I made a heart shaped cake with the Buttercake recipe from the Women's Weekly Kids Party Cakes book, same for the icing, only I decided to go fancy and use an actual vanilla bean, along with a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Pink food colouring was used in the icing also. 

I cut the cake in half horizontally, then filled with a layer of strawberry jam, whipped cream and fresh sliced strawberries.  Then topped with the Buttercream, and dotted with white chocolate chips.  For the strawberry leaves I used rolled fondant (bought from a specialty cake decorating shop, but can be bought in supermarket) which I coloured with green powdered food colouring, rolled out and cut leaf shapes out with a knife.

This was not a difficult cake to make, just a little extra time needed for the leaves. I made the cake and the leaves the day before, then iced it  just before serving.  I think the birthday girl was pretty impressed, since she went back for seconds...

She also shared her special day with Nanna and Uncle Scott, over at Nanna's place, and I just realised I didn't get any photos of them.  

Happy Birthday to our Sarah, we love you so much, and you are growing up so fast, right before our eyes.

For more birthday baking so here, and for more strawberry deliciousness go here
Hope you enjoy your weekend!

xSam
*This post has been edited to remove photos of my children for internet security purposes.