Frosty the Snowman...

Oh my goodness, totally in love with this adorable coconut snowman from www.marthastewart.com. There is absolutely no doubt I'll be making this little fella over the festive season! He is made of vanilla ice cream rolled in coconut. His eyes, mouth, and buttons are licorice candies, his carrot nose marzipan, and his hat a toasted marshmallow atop a chocolate cookie. To make this snowman, you will need three ice-cream scoops in varied sizes. Shoestring licorice cut into small pieces can also be used for the buttons, eyes, and mouth.

Is it wrong to eat something so cute?....

Get Knitting!

I recently saw this hat for sale on www.etsy.com and fell in love with it! I Thought it would be the perfect accessory to complete any winter outfit. Unfortunately the hat was not for sale, the knitting pattern was. I remember as a kid that my mum used to sit for hours on the sofa knitting away.....then it occurred to me, if she can do it, surely I can? I don't need to buy the hat. I can knit it! Easier said than done, I have never even held a knitting needle in my life. The good news is there are plenty of books, websites, online videos and courses out there to help you get started with knitting at any level. There are some fabulous accessories out there that can be knitted for your home and to wear. I especially love knitted winter socks, mittens and mug jumpers! Check out some ideas here on pinterest http://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=knitting%20ideas

So, I am officially challenging myself to embark on a knitting adventure and plan to teach myself the basics so that I can soon indulge myself in some knitted loveliness. My goal is to spend the beginning of 2014 learning the art of knitting and by next winter this hat WILL definitely be keeping my ears warm and cosy! :) Lesson of the day: IF YOU WANT IT, KNIT IT YOURSELF!

Bakespiration!

If you are looking for something extra-ordinary to bake this holiday season then have a go at this delectable rainbow pinata cake. It makes my mouth water just by looking at it. Would be great for a kids birthday party or simply just to celebrate the awesomeness that is cake. 

Here is the link to a great recipe: http://www.goodtoknow.co.uk/recipes/538571/pinata-cake. I know what I am going to be making this weekend...........

Beautiful Balloons......

Don't you just LOVE the idea of using balloons in your photography shoots? These images are just beautiful! Balloons really help to brighten up any picture and also add a little bit of  vintage flair! What are you going to be shooting today? Why not add some balloons and give it a go!

Always Be Creating.....

Today I created this scrumptious little picture to get me in the mood for Autumn...I love spending my time creating new things and bringing something into existence, it gives me joy! What will you be creating today?

Save the Date......

Check out our fabulous Save the Date photo from our fall Save the Date photo shoot! A cost effective and personal way to let your friends and family know to keep the date free for your special day....loads more save the date photos ideas here on Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=save%20the%20date%20photo%20ideas

Escapism....

Escapism: The tendency to escape from daily reality or routine by indulging in daydreaming, fantasy, or entertainment.......

I have been daydreaming a lot today! Imagining myself on the tip of a mountain with the sun beaming down on my face (and of course with a large glass of wine in my hand). AAAHHHH BLISSSS......what is your escapism?

What Do Your Clothes Say About You?

I read this interesting article today on psychologytoday.com about how your clothes may be giving off the wrong impression and how we make snap judgments about people from the clothes that they wear. Is it fair to judge people on this basis? It got me thinking.....what do your clothes say about you???? Read the article here:

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/do-something-different/201304/what-your-clothes-might-be-saying-about-you

100 Life Goals.....

After reading 100 life goals by Antwon Davis (recommended by a wonderful friend of mine), I have been inspired to set my own goals for life and try to accomplish them. Can you really design the life that you live? What are your life goals?...........Read more at http://antwondavis.com/100-life-goals/

The Success Indicator.....

WOW, what a smart lady. I couldn't agree with her more. These traits are evident in all the successful people I know in life. Turn the negative into positive...................

Read MaryEllen Tribby's full article here at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/maryellen-tribby/the-success-indicator_b_1874431.html



Fudgespiration!

I recently visited the Red River Gorge in Kentucky where there was a plethora of stores selling homemade fudge. The flavours ranged from vanilla cheesecake to chocolate bourbon! Of course, they tasted delicious and gave me the inspiration I needed to try out my own homemade fudge frenzy. Here is the recipe I plan on trialling out very soon:

INGREDIENTS

 * 115 g butter, softened              
 * 1 tsp vanilla extract        
 * 405 g condensed milk         
 * 115 g plain chocolate, broken into squares        
 * 800 g icing sugar, sifted 


METHOD

1. Place the butter in a large bowl and beat in the vanilla extract and condensed milk.

2. Place the chocolate squares in a bowl and set it over a pan of barely simmering water. Leave it to melt, remove from the heat and stir with a wooden spoon.

3. Allow the chocolate to cool and then beat it in, gradually, to the butter mixture. Beat in the icing sugar, a little at a time. When it has all been incorporated you should end up with a soft, dough-like mixture.

4. Line a 20 x 30 cm shallow baking tin with baking parchment paper. Press the mixture into the tin, ensuring that the surface is even. Using the tip of a sharp knife, mark the fudge into about 80 pieces and then place it in the fridge for at least 4 hours to set.

5. When the fudge has set, use the edges of the paper to lift it from the tin on to a large chopping board and cut it into the marked pieces. Wrap the fudge to give as gifts.
       

Love Lights up your Life......

Treat Life as if it Were Photography.....

Saw this quote today on my friend's Facebook page and thought it was the perfect way to start off on my photography blogging adventure......quite fitting if I do say so myself:

"TREAT LIFE AS IF IT WERE PHOTOGRAPHY.
  FOCUS the important bits.
  CAPTURE all the good times.
  DEVELOP from the negatives.
  And when things don't work out, don't worry.....
  JUST TAKE ANOTHER SHOT!!!"