Choc Chip Beetles

Looking for a fun baking activity to do with the kids these holidays?

A recent Coles catalogue had a "Choc Chip Beetles" recipe... you can find it here

I just used my favourite (and super-easy) vanilla cupcake recipe; then we got to work with the decorating.

 Enjoy!

Simple Vanilla Cupcakes

A very simple, all-in-and-mix cupcake recipe with many flavour variation options.

Ingredients

150g unsalted butter, softened
150g caster sugar
175g self raising flour
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla essence

Method

Line muffin tins with 12 patty pans

Add all ingredients into a mixer and beat for approximately 2 minutes until light and creamy.

Divide the mixture into the patty pans

Bake in pre-heated oven at 180C for 18-20 minutes until just firm to the touch.

Cool on a wire cake rack

Variations:

For chocolate, just substitute 15g of cocoa powder for 15g of the SR flour

For choc chip, simply add 50g of choc chips

Add finely grated rind of a lemon or orange for a citrus flavour

For berry, add 75g of your favourite frozen berries

Happy 1st Birthday Budburst Kids!

It's our first birthday and we're celebrating with some awesome treats just for you!

Sparkle T Japanese Doll Skipping Ropes $7.95 only $3.95!

Baobab Teal Mesh Party Dress $49.95  only $24.95!

 

 

Fred & Friends Chopsticks Kids, red boy or pink girl, $8.95 only $4.95 each!

$10 off our whole Huglees character range!

 

 

 

Fred Chewdriver 4 Piece Cutlery Set, half price at only $9.95!

Browse our Birthday Sale here

 

Gratitude - Two Buddies

One of my greatest joys in life is to see the relationship between my two little rugrats. 

Yes, they argue sometimes, and they certainly irritate each other sometimes; but when all is said and done, they are the best of buddies, and for this I am so grateful.

My Vision for 2012

With the beginning of 2012 came my mandatory list of goals and plans in print.

But this year I wanted something that I would see or read regularly to keep it all at the forefront of my mind. Something that would continually remind me of what's important to me.

So I decided on a Vision board that represented what I want to achieve and the thoughts I want to focus on during the year.

Being school holidays I thought it would make a fun activity for the kids too. We had a lovely time "cutting and pasting" and deciding on pictures that represented what they looked forward to in 2012.

Do you have a vision board for 2012, or do you have another method of recording your goals and wishes?

Happy New Year!

My inspiration for the beginning of 2012:

Source: images.search.yahoo.com via Lou on Pinterest

I think the key is to find something to be grateful for in every day, because we all know that life isn't perfect and some days are rough, but hopefully we can all see a glimpse of light in even the darkest of days.

So, my aim is to record my "gratitude List" here as often as I can. I don't promise a daily record, (I hate to break promises :) but I hope I can inspire someone to find a little joy in every day.

The first on my list, on this, the first day of 2012, is Pinterest. 

For the inspiration it provides me in any aspect of my life. Whether I am looking for creative activities for the kids, unique recipes, motivating quotes or home reno ideas, it never fails to inspire!
 

Source: tutuskirtsandsparklehoops.tumblr.com via Lou on Pinterest

Happy 2012, I hope it's a sweet one for you!