Christmas Images

So it's another year done and dusted. Mine was so wonderfully relaxed this year. Being Polish we celebrate on Christmas Eve with everyone on my Mums side of the family. It is a night very strong in tradition which we all love and I can see my children looking forward to all the traditional bits of the evening. It was at my Aunt Libby's house and she did an amazing job on the table, we all brought something along. My American cousin in law does THE most amazing Turkey and Ham. I did Margaret Fulton's Cherry Pav and the kids and I made a Gingerbread House. I also did this amazing layered salad which is always a big hit. So here are some images of my Christmas this year.





Now it is time to enjoy some well earned time off except for the occasional blog pop in.

In Memory of My Dad

Today, 23 December is one year since my Dad passed away from pancreatic cancer. I honestly cant believe a year has passed and as they say time eases the pain. Dad and I had a strained relationship but his passing was so sudden and such a shock to me. We were just starting to mend our relationship and he was getting to know his beautiful grandchildren. Sometimes I honestly think I have seen him in the street and go to wave and then remember.

My brother, Mum and I with our families are having a special dinner tonight in his memory.

I am very much looking forward to a happier Christmas celebration this year. I really don't remember much from last year except feeling numb.

So here is to you Dad. I love You.



when Jonah was born

Did somebody say drool?

OMG!!! I am completely blown away by this online magazine. I have been a fan of this blog for a while, if you have not heard of what katie ate then you are in for a treat. Even better is that she is an Aussie. I do warn you to not enter the site if you are feeling slightly peckish. I am still salivating. The photography will blow you away, I could literally smell the chocolate through my lap top screen. I am writing out an ingredient list for the Vanilla Cookies, Macadamia Cranberry Cookies and Chocolate Cherry Mousse Pots, just to mention a few.

I am all over the biscuiteers advent calendar and those cookies. Go do some more drooling when you are finished here.Need to get my hands on the Mozi Ham Bag.

The section on New York takes me back to the winter I spent in New York, I remember Christmas as being bitterly cold but so wonderfully magical. I often walked home from work and it really was like living in a dream. The giant wreath in the window of 'extra virgin' is giving me all sorts of ideas.

MUST MUST MUST visit Monsieur Truffe in Collingwood these holidays and next time I am in Sydney I do believe a picnic from The Sydney Picnic Co may be in order.

I could go on and on but that would ruin it for you. So sit back and enjoy 495...yes 495 pages of complete decadence from around the world.






Tell me what you thought....

Reindeer Cookie Teacher Gifts

Who remembers this blog post a few months ago of one of my very fave bakers, Bakerella? Earlier this year I saw this post and totally swooned and tucked the idea in the back of my very busy brain till the end of year. I was strolling through Coles when I saw Christmas M&M's and jumped for joy (I really did )so this is what Peg and I made for teacher gifts this year.

Here is the production line....childcare, kinder and school.



Here are the cute little labels I designed. All you need is a scalloped circle cutter and away you go.


Hope they think they are as cute as I do.....has anyone out there made any creative teacher gifts this year?

We all Screamed for Ice Cream

Last Sunday was Jonah's 7th Birthday....7....it barely seems possible. We decided together that this years theme would be Ice Cream as we are both crazy about it. Jonah was very particular about how, why, where and what he wanted. I think I got it right for him. A great day was had by all and we were blessed with having one of the few days that it did not rain. Perfect weather, perfect location and perfect guests.

This is the invite we designed together.


How totally divine are these ice cream cookies that were made by the super talented Sanja at Prendergast and Grace at 20 Bellerine St, GEELONG. Everything she does is totally divine and she will custom make anything that is humanly possible.



These ice cream cone cupcakes were a big hit, to clarify I baked the cake mix IN the cones then frosted them. Divine and Delicious. All I did was use a packet mix (naughty me) and filled the ice cream cones 2/3rds of the way and baked till ready. They were very top heavy and kept falling over so be really gentle. To make it even easier (remember I had just moved house) I used Betty Crocker ready made frosting in the can with the nozzle, shake, squeeze and voila!!!!




The gorgeous cupcake toppers and lolly labels were designed by the lovely Kim from Amity Invites. Another one of my great stallholders.






I was told that there was to be no Pass the Parcel or Musical Chairs. We had to have sack races, egg and spoon and we found a great tag game. Here are some pics from some good old fashioned kid fun. There were many photo finish moments.






Opening presents was super fun for Mr 7 Year Old and he commanded an audience



I created a little photo booth where the kids could get silly, it was fun and even the adults got involved.



and here he is with his winning sundae combination.



He is already planning next years theme which at this stage is a Cowboy Theme.

Pre Christmas Wrap Up

Wow!!! What a day we had yesterday.

When you make a decision to do anything major in your life like get married, have children, live overseas etc you know it is going to be big and that life is going to change and often you are taking a leap of faith. My leap of faith, my vision and my hard work has paid off and I am just so happy and so proud of Piccadilly Market. I am particularly proud of all my amazingly talented and lovely stall holders whose passion,professionalism, support and incredible products blow me away. I walk around on Market day and feel privileged to run such an event. Friends, family and complete strangers come up to me all day singing the praises of all the talent gathered under one roof. I bought some lovely items that I will blog about later in the week.

Could not do it without my BFF's and Shane...thank you guys. You are one rockin team. Pamela took loads of photos and I have tried to pick the best and its still loads and loads, if you want to take a peek, check out this slideshow



The White Christmas tree was laden with beautiful prizes very generously donated from stall holders, we had hourly giveaways and then the major 3 winners were drawn out at 3.15pm. One was still there and the other two came straight down and they took turns selecting gifts from the tree. We were all so jealous. Proceeds from raffle go to Geelong Adopt a Family so thank you to all who participated.



Here are a handful of yesterdays exhibitors












Would love to hear your thoughts on the day and what goodies you may have bought as presents or for yourself.

Only 2 more sleeps

Its almost here...I am very excited and hope I get a moment to do some shopping myself. Every year I do a Xmas photo of my kids and this year I don't even seem to have time to get my camera out. The fabulous Adrienne from Pixel tree who is both a friend and the designer of my awesome logo has a Xmas special for a 5x7 photo for $20 so I have my kids outfits ready to get it all done on Sunday. One thing ticked from my list.

5 sleeps to go

Sorry for my low profile in blog world.

I moved house last week and it has thrown me for a complete sixer. My cat has gone missing :(, I organized my Ski Club 50th Anniversary Ball last Saturday AND of course I am madly getting ready for Piccadilly this Sunday.

Just wanted to check in and say Hi and tell you to check out the list of amazing stall holders for this weekend. Come on down and get your Christmas gifts totally sorted.

My DIY Filing Cabinet...from drab to fab

I have had this ugly filing cabinet following me from house to house sitting in the garage taking up space. It was on its way to the tip and a brand new model was about to be bought to replace it when I thought perhaps a paint job would be a good idea and then I thought about wallpapering it. I did a bit of research and began the project. I LOVE the results.

What you will need

Modge Podge (can be purchased from Art Stores, Spotlight, Scrapbooking Stores)
Spray Paint ( I used 2 cans)
Wallpaper or Scrapbooking paper
Ruler
Rotary Cutter
Sponge Brush



So this is the before shot after I had sprayed the handles.



I measured the drawer which is exactly A3 size which made it easy, then very carefully measured the drawers and made my template which you can see here.



On one drawer I did cut the paper a little larger hoping to fold back the edges and have a clean look but they would not stay glued down so I made them all the exact size as the drawer.

I tried spray adhesive but it did not work on the metal and found modge podge worked a treat. I then used the modge podge on top of the paper which also acts as a sealant.

This is one drawer down and me getting very excited, jumping up and down actually.



I then removed all the drawers and sprayed the whole cabinet, it took 3 coats for a good coverage.

This is my finished result.........I LOVE it sooooooo much and cant wait to get it to the new house next week and into my long awaited craft room.



Hope you enjoyed this DIY, feel free to ask me any questions.

Cool e-zines you just have to check out

So is everyone familiar with e-zines? They are online magazines and most definitely all the rage. Here are two of my new favorites. Go make a coffee, sit down and Enjoy!!!!

The first is from Ivy and Piper who have some lovely home decor in their store. The e-zine can be viewed here and its gorgeous. I really really really love and want these shoes that are advertised in it. They make me squeal with delight (what do you think shoe girl Amanda?)...and the color is delicious.



The 2nd one is Gifted Magazine which can be viewed here. It has been created by Ez at Creature Comforts and is jam packed with some amazing DIY projects for the holiday season ans some great gift ideas.


I am super keen to make this snowfall, it's so lovely and dreamy.

Are any of you have any DIY projects for the festive season. I have so many on my list but it all comes down to that beastly thing called time.

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Milk and Cookies Wedding Shower

Here I am again with another wedding post, there really is a romantic dwelling inside of me. If I had my chance again I would be getting so much inspiration from blog world. This one is just amazing, I totally and udderly love it. It has been styled by love and lavender. Here are some of my favorite images and I simply MUST have one of those drink dispensers NOW. If any of my American friends are reading, they are from Pottery Barn....hint hint!!






You can see loads more images here
Happy weekend Everyone. I am off for a girls weekend to Rye. Yeh!!!!