Tip of the week

Currently I have 3 things in my fridge that are in granule or powder form. They are Milo, instant coffee and vitamin C powder.  I don't drink instant coffee but have some handy for visitors. I find if you leave coffee, Milo etc, it starts getting hard and then you have to dig in the jar with a knife to break some off. (Well, happens to me). So I end up throwing the jar away & some money too. Then I got this tip from my mom - put it in the fridge! I'm happy to say it works!

Images courtesy of:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/skwishy/3408285768/
http://mannequinofeuphoria.blogspot.com/2010/04/my-simplest-and-cheapest-pleasures.html

Princess Party Part 2

Part 2 - additional pics from my daughter's party. Unfortunately not the best of photo's. I always vow to take more; must work on this. Here are a few princess party must-haves! Well not really essentials but they made our little princess feel special on her big day.

Ponies

Cutting the cake - making a wish!

The dress - which HAD to be purple!

Bunting

Crowns

Pin-the-tail on the unicorn

Presents

Cards

Victorian necklace

Saw this exquisite victorian necklace on Etsy - would love one of these - so pretty!

I feel it all by Feist

Love this tune!

Princess Party Part 1

Here are some pics I took of some things I made for my daughter's birthday. I also used my hubby's work camera, but he forgot the cable at work so I can't download the pics. (Those will come in Part 2). 


The theme was a princess party and if she could get her way, everything would've been purple - her favourite colour at the moment. My hubby helped me with the princess cake which turned out better than expected since it was my first attempt. He helped keep my sanity 'til 2 am. I like to make the cake at night and then surprise my children in the morning. Unfortunately she got there before me so I missed the actual moment she saw her princess. When we brought the cake out at the party she was literally screaming so I think I got her stamp of approval!


I made unicorn shortbread biscuits with butterfly necklaces for the 'party packs' which her friends could take home. Yesterday we had birthday ring at her school; I also made fairy cupcakes for her class. Of course the unicorn one was a special one for her. Happy Birthday my little principessa!

Marshmallow crispy squares

I'm making these for my daughter's party. They are easy to make (albeit a bit sticky) but more importantly a big hit with children! I got the recipe from Nigella Lawson. I use pink and white Beacon Mallows as I can't get my hands on mini ones. The pink marshmallows give them a pink hue and the edible glitter on top make them look like pearlescent treasures - perfect for a princess party! 

Nigella Lawson's Recipe
± 24 squares


Ingredients:

• 45g butter
• 300g marshmallows
• 180g Rice Krispies
• Edible glitter or sprinkles (optional)

Method:

1. Melt the butter in a large, heavy-based saucepan over a low heat.
2. Add the marshmallows and cook gently until they are completely melted and blended; stirring constantly.
3. Take the pan off the heat and immediately add the cereal, mixing lightly until well coated.
4. Press the mixture into a greased 32cm x 23cm tin; you may have to put on vinyl CSI gloves and press it down into the corners, as it will be very sticky. Flatten the top and then scatter over the edible glitter or sprinkles, if so inclined.
5. Let the marshmallow crispy squares cool completely in the tin and then cut them into squares.

For a very dear friend

Wishing you an extra special day!! 

Belle and Boo