Cheap and chic

Another really simple way to package your homemade treats is to place in cellophane or glassine bags. Cut rectangles out of card stock the width of the bags, fold them over the tops of the bag and staple shut. Affix a pretty label over the staples.

There are so many talented and giving people out there in blog land who share their artwork for things just like this. You just have to go looking and you'll find something that suits.

Image 1 - Martha, Image 2 - Bake it Pretty

Packaging ideas for Christmas treats

Amanda from Swish and Swanky suggested I share some ideas and resources for presenting your yummy homebaked treats in this Christmas.

Iced Cookie Boxes $12.99 for 6 from Martha Stewart Crafts

Tall Goodie Boxes $12.99 for 6 from Martha Stewart Crafts

Similar Noodle Boxes $8.80 for 25 from The Packaging Place

Set of six treat boxes for $4.75/$5.75 from Bake it Pretty

Red spot cake tins on eBay. Don't forget to line with a matching tea towel or co-ordinating tissue paper.

Burken Jar $3.99 from Ikea

Aspen Jar $29.95 from Brown Button Trading

Then tie a ribbon with a pretty ribbon. There are so many places to find gorgeous ribbons ...

Spotlight

Ribbons Galore

Specklefarm

Details, Details

Last year I made these Cookie Jars as gifts (I used the Ikea jars). I filled them with dry Cookie premix and tied a cookie cutter to the lid. I also made up directions for how to mix, bake and decorate. They were a hit. A wonderful activity for children to do with Mum or Dad during the holidays.

Hope I've inspired you to start your Christmas baking!

Cappuccino Brownies

I made these tasty little treats a few years back. Found the recipe at good ol' Martha. Again, these are divine. They may not make their way to the intended recipient!

Cappuccino Brownies

Ingredients

Makes 16
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened, plus more for pan
4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, coarsely chopped
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Directions

Preheat oven to 325 degrees, with rack in center. Butter a 9-inch square baking pan, and line the bottom with parchment or wax paper. Coat paper with butter. Set aside.
In a large heatproof bowl, combine the butter and unsweetened chocolate, and place over a saucepan of simmering water, stirring occasionally, until completely melted. Let cool slightly. Whisk in sugar, espresso powder, vanilla, and eggs.
In a small bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Add to the chocolate mixture, and stir until just combined (do not overmix). Fold in chocolate chips.
Pour into pan and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out slightly wet, 30 to 35 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack; cool completely. Remove from pan. Using a damp, warm knife, cut into 16 squares, wiping knife blade after each cut. Peel off parchment paper and serve.

Recipe from Lisa Kim of Brooklyn, New York. via Martha Stewart

Homemade Christmas Treats

There's nothing I love more than baking for friends & family, teachers and neighbours during the holiday season.

I thought I would share with you some of my favourite homemade baked gift giving ideas over the next month. So without further adieu ....... (OMG, you are going to die when you taste these)

Custard Yo Yo's

If you are a fan of "Melting Moments" then you will LOVE these. Made with custard powder rather than cornflour it gives it a fabulous vanilla/custard taste.

Smooth shortbread filled with creamy custard icing.

250g soft butter
1/2 cup icing sugar
1 3/4 cups plain flour
1/2 cup custard powder

Preheat oven to 180c

Beat butter and icing sugar together until creamy.

Stir in sifted flour & custard powder.

Roll Tbsps into balls and flatten with a fork onto a baking tray (line with baking paper). I flatten in my hands as I like them smooth.

Bake 12-15mins until pale golden brown.

When cold sandwich together with custard icing.

Custard Icing:

Beat together 100g soft butter, 1 1/4 cups icing sugar, 1/4 cup custard powder and 2 drops of vanilla essence.

Now, to me, the way you present these is also very important. I would either fill up a glass cookie jar, find a pretty tin and line it with a matching teatowel, or you could purchase some premade boxes like these from Martha Stewart Crafts.

Hope you have fun making these tasty little treats.

Recipe courtesy of my gorgeous friend Kathryn.

Best idea ever!

From one of my fave blogs Stepmondo. Great for Halloween or Easter. Read it here.

18 steps and counting

My Dad walked 18 (yes, 18!!) steps today!

You will be back on your favourite beach in no time Dad!

Moffat Beach, Sunshine Coast (my Dads home)

We all love you very much and are SO proud of you.

I would like to sincerely thank everyone that has sent their support via my blog too. You are all wonderful.

If only .... Ava's rule

Please take the time to read this.

DIY Project for your next celebration

I just love reading the DYI projects featured on Project Wedding. This latest idea could be adapted for any type of celebration and would particularly suit the Aussie climate in coming months.

Here are some similar alfresco lanterns you could use to to add some colour, light and ambience to your Christmas table or NYE celebration.

I've just purchased this fun tray, jug and tumbler set for our summer BBQ season. Cute hey? I'm thinking I might need to get the lanterns now too!

Inspiration - Yellow

Hi Everyone,

I've been a little distracted of late and haven't been posting much. I'm learning how to sew and just loving it.

My first project to deck out both my daughter's kindy and my son's daycare with fresh and fun cushions. The old ones are ..... well old looking.

I'm also trying to spend less time on my Mac, which is sort of working out for me. It's hard isn't it? I'm so addicted!

So I thought I'd pop on and share with you some inspiration I've collected over the past year. Enjoy!

Australian textile designer - Saffron Craig

I just had to share this gorgeous fabric with you. It's part of the new range from Saffron Craig.

The colour palette is super yummy and at $14.95 per 50cm you can afford to go crazy wild! I may even purchase a few metres myself and wrap myself up in it for Christmas Day. What a treat for my guests!

Check out her other gorgeous designs here.