tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146467760282944052024-03-05T18:06:53.490+10:30The Red DeerLishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11376257965628432266noreply@blogger.comBlogger456125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914646776028294405.post-3056883727930014732016-10-09T21:25:00.000+10:302016-10-09T21:25:10.911+10:30Bits and Bobs #4 - School holidays and projects!<center>
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This week has been great - I took the week off of work and the girls and I have had a nice relaxing school break. We visited the museum, caught up with a family friend for lunch, went to the movies (to see The Secret Life of Pets), visited a play cafe with a school friend, had a successful (and cheaper than expected) dentist appointment for Zoe, a trip to the zoo and a library visit. Definitely fun times! Unfortunately, it is back to work for me tomorrow - so I won't get to spend the entire holidays with them - but I am very thankful for the week we just had.<br />
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We also looked at three houses this weekend with my best friend. She is looking to buy an investment property and she would be renting it out to me. Our deadline is mid-January when my lease is up, so we have until mid-December to find something. Exciting times!<br />
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Now onto my creative endeavours. Currently I have 4 quilts on the go in various stages. First of all there is the mega quilt (EPP hexagon quilt) - which I generally work on one night a week, and realistically I need to work it on more often if I ever want to get it finished. The second quilt is for my friend Janice - she is due in November with her first baby boy. It is a simple HST quilt using the fabrics in the above photo. I will finish piecing the top tomorrow night.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/30024843936/in/dateposted-public/" title="100 modern block layout finalised!"><img alt="100 modern block layout finalised!" height="534" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5250/30024843936_fed3abf32e_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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My third quilt on the go is my #100days100blocks quilt - I worked ahead and have now finished the 100 blocks, now I need to add the sashing and piece the top together. So this project is currently stalled because I need to purchase black fabric for the sashing before I can move on.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/30024845556/in/dateposted-public/" title="9 Patch - Basted and ready to quilt"><img alt="9 Patch - Basted and ready to quilt" height="534" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8122/30024845556_905513e2da_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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And finally my fourth quilt on the go is my 9 patch quilt, which is all basted and ready for my sashiko thread and big stitch quilting. I am just waiting on some quilter's tape to ensure I get nice clean lines. I ordered some online - and may have accidentally ordered a few new pieces of fabric too.... whoops!<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/30058846855/in/dateposted-public/" title="Sashiko thread for big stitch hand quilting"><img alt="Sashiko thread for big stitch hand quilting" height="534" src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8416/30058846855_b826fbd45e_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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I have practiced my stitching on some scrap fabric and batting and I think I am ready to go. Then it will be binding and one finished quilt - hurray!<br />
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Josefin Sans"; font-size: 13.2px;"><i>Reading</i></b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Josefin Sans"; font-size: 13.2px;">: </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Amy-Butlers-Style-Stitches-Wonderful/dp/0811866696" style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: "Josefin Sans"; font-size: 13.2px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Amy Butler's Style Stitches </a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Josefin Sans"; font-size: 13.2px;">by Amy Butler (kinda crushing on Amy Butler's style at the moment)</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: "Josefin Sans"; font-size: 13.2px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: "Josefin Sans"; font-size: 13.2px;" /><b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Josefin Sans"; font-size: 13.2px;"><i>Listening</i></b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Josefin Sans"; font-size: 13.2px;">: Crowded House and Washington. </span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: "Josefin Sans"; font-size: 13.2px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: "Josefin Sans"; font-size: 13.2px;" /><b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Josefin Sans"; font-size: 13.2px;"><i>Watching</i></b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Josefin Sans"; font-size: 13.2px;">: Gilmore Girls - finished all 7 seasons!!!</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: "Josefin Sans"; font-size: 13.2px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: "Josefin Sans"; font-size: 13.2px;" /><b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Josefin Sans"; font-size: 13.2px;"><i>Eating</i></b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Josefin Sans"; font-size: 13.2px;">: Good old Sara Lee strawberry cheesecake.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Josefin Sans"; font-size: 13.2px;">Til next time!</span>Lishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11376257965628432266noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914646776028294405.post-57648697423048409822016-10-02T19:54:00.000+10:302016-10-09T20:50:26.203+10:30October Goals <center>
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Well that was long lived wasn't it? Just when I was getting back into the blogging I go and take a two month break! Well, I am determined to have a proper go at it now, because I feel like if I don't then I am going to forget all the awesomeness that is going on in my life. I want to have a record of where I am going and where I have come from. So back to the blogging!<br />
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The reason I have been away is because of my obsession with quilting! I have been super busy every night piecing, piecing, piecing! The quilt above is the quilt that I have been making in my lessons with Lyn at Riverlea Quilts. The lessons have been fantastic - so much knowledge, so many tips, so many cups of tea and a lot of chitty chats. I love it! I feel like I have finally found my creative home in quilts and textiles and all things fabric - I absolutely love it and have a whole heap of projects in mind.<br />
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Anyway, anyway - I thought I would set up some monthly goals for myself so that I don't end up all over the place!<br />
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<b>Family Goals</b><br />
<ol>
<li>Create a special day for Zoe's and Grace's birthday.</li>
<li>Throw an awesome birthday party at the park for the little ladies.</li>
</ol>
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<b>Home Goals</b></div>
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<ol>
<li>Sledgehammer the bird bath and start binning it!</li>
<li>Garden weeded and tidied up.</li>
<li>Gutters cleaned.</li>
<li>Decluttering in my bedroom, the lounge room and the dining room.</li>
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<b>Creative Goals</b></div>
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<ol>
<li>40 more hexies pieced for the mega quilt.</li>
<li>Janice's baby quilt top completed.</li>
<li>9 patch quilt finished (not sure if this is realistic).</li>
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I will blog again this week - I am going to try to make the habit stick for my own good!Lishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11376257965628432266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914646776028294405.post-69073275927008773782016-07-31T22:18:00.003+09:302016-10-02T19:35:35.324+10:30Bits and Bobs #3 - First step in machine piecing and fabric purchases<center>
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This week I started my little table runner quilting project, and I quickly realised how little I know! First of all - pressing. It seems like an easy enough thing to do, but I don't know if it is me or my iron - but it did not go as smoothly as I had hoped. Perhaps I need to be using starch to help? I'll see how it goes next time and go from there. Secondly - cutting. Again, seems like an easy enough thing to do, but I definitely need to work on my technique to increase my precision. Thirdly - actually sewing, I am a bit unsteady - which of course meant I went a little bit wonky. All in all though - I think I am going well. One small step on my long journey to quilty awesomeness. <br />
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I quickly realised that my seams are definitely not 1/4" (much bigger), so I ordered a 1/4" foot for my sewing machine to help me in the future. I've also ordered some Aurifil thread and some fabric online - eep! I can't wait until I get my packages - happy mail!!
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I <b><i>may</i></b> have also bought some fabric from Spotlight. I spotted this cute bird pattern and decided to find some coordinating fabrics to go with it - yellows, corals, black, grey and teal. I'm quite excited by it!
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I'm planning to use the new fabric to have a go at the <a href="http://www.gnomeangel.com/100days100blocks-tula-pink-city-sampler-instagram-sew-along/" target="_blank">#100days100blocks</a> Instagram sew-along with <a href="http://www.gnomeangel.com/" target="_blank">Gnome Angel</a>, <a href="http://sweetlittlepretties.com/" target="_blank">Sweet Little Pretties</a> and <a href="http://www.sunflowerstitcheries.com/sunflower-quilting-blog/" target="_blank">Sunflower Quilting</a>. Seems like an absolutely crazy thing to do, but I'm going to try my hardest and just see what happens. I think I am actually going to make two quilts from the 100 blocks - 35 blocks will go towards a baby quilt and 65 towards a lap(ish) quilt. So I will need to find some different fabric choices for the 35 baby blocks - more fabric fun!
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/28053759784/in/dateposted-public/" title="New Fabric"><img alt="New Fabric" height="534" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8621/28053759784_d8247dbca9_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></center>
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<b><i>Reading</i></b>: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Tula-Pinks-City-Sampler-Modern/dp/1440232148" target="_blank">Tula Pink's City Sampler: 100 Modern Quilt Blocks </a>by Tula Pink<br />
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<b><i>Listening</i></b>: David Bowie and Prince - still so sad that two of my favourites passed away this year.<br />
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<b><i>Watching</i></b>: Gilmore Girls, the Masterchef finales and The Bachelor (guilty pleasure).<br />
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<b><i>Eating</i></b>: Home cooked meals - all week long! Yay for being organised!<br />
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Til next time!Lishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11376257965628432266noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914646776028294405.post-53756919758820039582016-07-24T21:45:00.000+09:302016-10-02T19:35:17.757+10:30Bits and Bobs #2 - Basting, Quilt Books and Attempting to Shop<center>
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This past week was pure madness - work was crazy busy, I had a mini-cold, it was the last week of school holidays and the weather was wild! It was seriously exhausting, but we still managed to have a good time - these were some of the highlights:<br />
<ul>
<li>A trip to the library - where we scored novels for Zoe, a stack of picture books, a bunch of graphic novels, a 500 piece puzzle, a few magazines and a couple of books on sewing and quilting. Gotta love the library.</li>
<li>Having my hair cut and dyed - bye bye premature greys!</li>
<li>Lunching at the McDonalds I used to work at when I was 15 - almost 19 years ago! It hit me that most of the people that are now working there were not even born when I was there. I'm sooooo old, maybe those greys aren't that premature!</li>
<li>A trip to the local park - where I was bombarded with screaming children *shudders*.</li>
<li>Going to the <a href="http://www.kjex.com.au/Sewing%20Stitching%20&%20Hand%20Craft%20Show.html" target="_blank">Sewing, Stitching and Hand Craft Show</a>, which in all honesty was pretty much a disappointment - I just didn't see anything that really jumped out at me, but also I had the girls with me and they refuse to let me actually look at anything properly. Le sigh.</li>
<li>Visiting the paediatric dentist for Zoe's teeth - she has <a href="http://thed3group.org/what-is-d3.html" target="_blank">developmental dental defects</a> and is going to need a bunch of work done - 3 fillings, 3 fissure seals and 2 metal crowns. On the up-side she is excited about the chocolate scented happy gas that she is going to have with her treatments. It's the small things.</li>
<li>A dinner/play date - complete with homemade pizzas, jelly cups and games of Uno. Nobody even threw the deck across the room - I was impressed.</li>
<li>The girls having a sleepover at Bay's (grandma's) house - thus enabling me to stay late at work, then work from home, and then get into work early the next morning. Awesome-sauce. </li>
<li>Spending a huge day in the city with the little ladies - tram rides, a visit to my office - so they could see where I work, lunch at the art gallery, book shopping, bakery break and toy shopping. This then led to general grumpiness in the household from exhaustion.</li>
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I just have to put this out there, I can not - <b>can not</b> - choose fabric at a store when the girls are with me! We were in a fabric store twice this week, and while I was trying to choose my fabrics they were both running around like crazy people and <i>continually</i> asking if I was done yet - like every 5 seconds! Arrghh!! Both times I walked out with nothing - I guess at this stage I have to wait until I am child free (which is hardly ever) or order online. The joys of single parenting ;).<br />
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In the creativity department I have kept pretty busy this week. I did a huge section of my house cross-stitch and then realised I had made a pretty major stuff up! I am too grumpy about it to even look at it right now - but at some point I will have to undo everything that I did in my last session. Very frustrating! So cross stitch has been a big fat failure this week, but I have made a lot of progress on my hexagon basting for the mega quilt. I am powering through (thanks Gilmore Girls) and will hopefully start piecing again soon.</div>
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I also got a few new books in the mail this week (mmmm I love that new book smell) - <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Quilts-House-Tula-Pink-Projects/dp/1440218188" target="_blank">Quilts from the House of Tula Pink</a> by Tula Pink, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Tula-Pinks-City-Sampler-Modern/dp/1440232148/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1469361923&sr=1-1&keywords=100+modern+quilt+blocks" target="_blank">100 Modern Quilt Blocks</a> by Tula Pink and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sew-Swap-Quilting-Projects-Exchange/dp/1440215901/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1469361960&sr=1-1&keywords=sew+to+swap" target="_blank">Sew to Swap</a> by Chrissie Grace. I am promising myself that this week I will start my quilted table runner so that I can actually start attempting some of these beautiful patterns in these books. So much to do - so little time!<br />
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<b><i>Reading</i></b>: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Quilts-House-Tula-Pink-Projects/dp/1440218188" target="_blank">Quilts from the House of Tula Pink </a>by Tula Pink<br />
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<b><i>Listening</i></b>: Crafty Planner podcast - I won't know what to do with myself once I have caught up on these!<br />
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<b><i>Watching</i></b>: Gilmore Girls (up to season 3 now), Orange is the New Black (season 3) and The Walking Dead (season 6)<br />
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<b><i>Eating</i></b>: Badly! I have been feeling super unorganised - so dinners have been very haphazard and work lunches were scarce.<br />
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Til next time!Lishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11376257965628432266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914646776028294405.post-62863661960563689912016-07-15T21:05:00.001+09:302016-10-02T19:34:23.111+10:30Bits and Bobs #1 - English paper piecing, cross stitch and podcasts<center>
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Welcome to <b>Bits and Bobs</b> - my new weekly blog post about all of the random things that are happening in the world of The Red Deer. I have been biting my nails thinking about what I want this blog to be - making myself a nervous wreck, and then last night I had a brain wave! I said to myself "Alicia, how about you just chill out and go with the flow for once?" - and that is exactly what I am going to do! I have no grand plan at this stage - I'm just going to use this platform to share what I am doing and what is happening in my life, and hopefully make some online friends who have similar interests to me. And thus I have decided that a weekly bits and bobs post is a great way to ease me in. I'm just going to keep it casual and keep a record of what is important to me week-to-week.
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So first of all I have been working on "the mega quilt" - I finished all of my hexagons that were already basted, and now I am back to basting up the next batch. Basting is definitely <b><i>not</i></b> my favourite part of the process, and I sometimes freak out about how many hexagons there are on this quilt (2,936 to be exact). I have completed 13 out of 57 rows of the quilt - so 670 hexagons down so 2,266 to go! Yep, it is going to be quite a few more years before this one is finished.
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/28287304826/in/dateposted-public/" title="House Cross Stitch"><img alt="House Cross Stitch" height="534" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/8/7306/28287304826_06657189a4_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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The other project that I am part way through is the Old Metal Roof House cross stitch. I'm planning to have this framed and then gift it to my mum for Christmas this year. I still quite enjoy cross stitching - I find it quite soothing and I love the beautiful embroidery thread. I think after I finish this pattern though I would like to start creating my own patterns and try something a little bit different. I tried to start playing around with ideas on the bus into work, but it turns out that motion sickness and cross stitch pattern design don't go well together.
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So on the bus I can't draw or design or read, but I can listen to podcasts! I've been doing that every day and loving it! That is one great thing about public transport - it gives you the chance to do absolutely nothing and just sit back (or stand up) and listen to some wonderfully inspirational people. At the moment I am going through all of the Crafty Planner episodes - and I just can't get enough, I've also listened to all of the Craft-ish episodes and soon I will need to find another source to feed the addiction.
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I've also decided to start another project - because you can never have enough projects on the go. I want to start machine piecing - so I am going to make a simple table runner to get me started. I chose to just keep it simple for this project - it is going to be simple squares using the blue/aqua solids and the yellow flower pattern, the backing will be the aqua with gold and the binding will be the black and white print. I am nervous about getting started, but I am building myself up to it - any moment now....
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Just got to get my machine up and running - I kinda broke the needle last time I used it, and then I should really get started. Once I have that tiny project done I have a whole list of things that I would like to try. However, I need to remember to take it one step at a time. Baby steps Alicia, baby steps.
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<b><i>Reading: </i></b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Quilting-Basics-step-step-first-time/dp/1782493093" target="_blank">Quilting Basics - A step-by-step course for first-time quilters</a> by Michael Caputo
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<b><i>Listening: </i></b><a href="http://craftyplanner.com/podcast/" target="_blank">Crafty Planner</a> podcast, <a href="http://vickiehowell.com/craftish/" target="_blank">Craft-ish</a> podcast and Michael Jackson (always Michael Jackson)
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<b><i>Watching:</i></b> Gilmore Girls (season 1 and start of season 2) and Orange is the New Black (season 3)
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<b><i>Eating: </i></b>Homemade banana cake with lemon icing mmmmmm
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Til next time!
Lishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11376257965628432266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914646776028294405.post-15269481273021873482016-07-01T21:27:00.000+09:302016-10-02T19:33:59.225+10:30Back from the dead<center>
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Please forgive me for I have sinned - it has been 937 days since my last blog post.
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I feel a bit odd writing here again, but lately I have been overcome with a strong desire to get back into the blogging world. I want to re-ignite my passion for life again - get the creative juices flowing, have a place where I can (hopefully) connect with other like-minded people and share this rollercoaster of a life (even when the rollercoaster feels more like a <i>roundabout</i>). I'm not sure exactly what this blog will be yet, I'm just going to take it one step at a time.
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So two and a half years have passed by since I was last on The Red Deer. During that time Grace has gone through kindy and is now in reception. Last time I blogged Grace was a three year old, now she is on her way to being six! She is creative, has a great sense of humour, is a sticker book addict and most importantly she loves her mummy (ha ha). Zoe is now in year 2 at school - my goodness, my big girl! I can't believe how quickly she is growing, seriously growing right before my eyes. Zoe is learning the piano, she loves to sing, read, and of course she loves her art and craft. That is one thing they both love - there is always drawing, colouring-in, gluing, sticky-taping, beading - something going on! So life with the little ladies is going well - they are both growing into such beautiful people and I am constantly amazed by them, and scared by how fast they are growing!
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Life for me in the last two and half a years has been busy - of course looking after the little ladies, but also doing some part time work, volunteering, having two short-term relationships and all the little things that keep you busy. Right now I am still single-parenting, I have a job (yahoo!) at the University of Adelaide in academic support and I am getting my art and craft on!
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Currently I am still working on the <a href="http://the-red-deer.blogspot.com.au/2013/11/the-mega-huge-quilt.html">mega quilt</a> - I think I am just over a quarter of the way there. I have also started a cross-stitch that I want to gift to my mum for Christmas, it has been a while since I did one and I'm really enjoying it. It seems that quilting and cross-stitch are what I am obsessed with at the moment - I am constantly thinking about patterns, fabric designs and all that fun stuff. I have so much to learn, but I am extremely keen and can't wait to get down and dirty in the textile world!
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Well I think that is about it for now - and I promise (even if I am just promising to myself) that I will be back very soon - I've got to get this habit going! I'll finish up this post with a photo of the girls from every year I have been away - 2014, 2015 and 2016!
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/14238562599/in/album-72157644444174882/" title="June"><img alt="June" height="534" src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/3/2934/14238562599_4971f7e48a_z.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/23126047295/in/album-72157651678792429/" title="May 2015"><img alt="May 2015" height="534" src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/1/653/23126047295_b08de6158f_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/26063247665/in/album-72157664106166683/" title="March 2016"><img alt="March 2016" height="534" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1528/26063247665_dfec79a94c_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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Lishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11376257965628432266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914646776028294405.post-53665992770453596982013-12-06T18:08:00.000+10:302013-12-06T18:08:00.136+10:30Sand SculpturesLast Monday the girls and I took a trip down to Christies Beach to see the Sand Sculptures exhibition on the foreshore. The sculptures were absolutely amazing - so detailed and huge! The girls loved it and I was personally amazed. So many pretty things to look at...<br>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/11170003835" title="Sculptures at Christies Beach by Alicia Zakarevicius, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3725/11170003835_05edb250c6_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Sculptures at Christies Beach"></a><br>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/11170170123" title="Sculptures at Christies Beach by Alicia Zakarevicius, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3705/11170170123_ee6dfe97b4_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Sculptures at Christies Beach"></a><br>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/11170177493" title="Sculptures at Christies Beach by Alicia Zakarevicius, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7323/11170177493_ae888cd22f_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Sculptures at Christies Beach"></a><br>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/11169981025" title="Sculptures at Christies Beach by Alicia Zakarevicius, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7307/11169981025_1e8a5277a5_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Sculptures at Christies Beach"></a><br>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/11170044064" title="Sculptures at Christies Beach by Alicia Zakarevicius, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3811/11170044064_c4533a70b4_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Sculptures at Christies Beach"></a><br>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/11169988435" title="Sculptures at Christies Beach by Alicia Zakarevicius, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7296/11169988435_0c9c8ebaf2_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Sculptures at Christies Beach"></a><br>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/11170027466" title="Sculptures at Christies Beach by Alicia Zakarevicius, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3727/11170027466_f256deec61_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Sculptures at Christies Beach"></a><br>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/11170033386" title="Sculptures at Christies Beach by Alicia Zakarevicius, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2889/11170033386_10d955e26a_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Sculptures at Christies Beach"></a><br>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/11170057274" title="Sculptures at Christies Beach by Alicia Zakarevicius, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7298/11170057274_697647fe14_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Sculptures at Christies Beach"></a><br>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/11170036486" title="Sculptures at Christies Beach by Alicia Zakarevicius, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3675/11170036486_e1089b7547_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Sculptures at Christies Beach"></a><br>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/11170199503" title="Sculptures at Christies Beach by Alicia Zakarevicius, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7331/11170199503_1872a1b60a_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Sculptures at Christies Beach"></a><br>
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My personal favourite was probably the seahorse and the girls loved the mermaids, but really they were all amazing.Lishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11376257965628432266noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914646776028294405.post-52255926471880301542013-12-03T18:05:00.000+10:302013-12-03T18:05:50.326+10:30Week in Photos<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/11170220283" title="Dirt Cake for Archer by Alicia Zakarevicius, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7392/11170220283_3ac3a64c37_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Dirt Cake for Archer"></a><br>
A cake that I made for young Archer - and yep that is his head in the photo, checking out his cake. So cute.<br>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/11169942726" title="Getting my quilting on by Alicia Zakarevicius, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3679/11169942726_c3cd0ed069_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Getting my quilting on"></a><br>
Slowly making progress on my mega huge quilt, almost finished cutting all of the fabric - just one more cutting session required.<br>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/11169975064" title="Advent Calendar by Alicia Zakarevicius, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7397/11169975064_e174c69b6b_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Advent Calendar"></a><br>
Our little advent calendar all finished and ready for the girls - and yes I do know that it only goes up to 21 - but that is the day their daddy comes to pick them up.<br>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/11169817354" title="December 2013 by Alicia Zakarevicius, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7431/11169817354_d253b5f8a5_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="December 2013"></a><br>
All ready to party - and what a great party it was - hours of bouncy castle fun!<br>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/11169885644" title="November 2013 by Alicia Zakarevicius, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7453/11169885644_3451499d44_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="November 2013"></a><br>
Fun at the beach on a beautiful (almost) summer day.<br>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/11169926215" title="Zoe's welcome pack! by Alicia Zakarevicius, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2854/11169926215_4b05319b9f_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Zoe's welcome pack!"></a><br>
Getting ready for Zoe to go to school next year - so exciting!<br>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/11169985154" title="Pom pom mania by Alicia Zakarevicius, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7435/11169985154_defb55366e_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Pom pom mania"></a><br>
Making a whole heap of pom poms for a friend - watching Lilo and Stitch and Sleeping Beauty made it lots of fun.<br>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/11169801175" title="November 2013 by Alicia Zakarevicius, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5526/11169801175_534b04bdfc_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="November 2013"></a><br>
Child care Christmas party fun - there were a few tears but the girls had great fun on the bouncy castle and dancing the night away.<br>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/11169839684" title="November 2013 by Alicia Zakarevicius, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3732/11169839684_429e580e75_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="November 2013"></a><br>
Another day another party - busy, busy!<br>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/11169759715" title="December 2013 by Alicia Zakarevicius, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5517/11169759715_45ddc416e3_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="December 2013"></a><br>
The tree is up and it is definitely beginning to feel a lot like Christmas, I love this time of year.Lishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11376257965628432266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914646776028294405.post-64791888333249322802013-11-29T12:04:00.000+10:302013-11-29T12:04:00.578+10:30Our Simple Advent Calendar<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/11076940823" title="Advent Calendar 2013 by Alicia Zakarevicius, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2893/11076940823_907ce06236_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Advent Calendar 2013"></a><br>
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This year I wanted to keep our advent calendar really simple and cheap. So I decided to use some pretty Christmas card stock that I won in a giveaway a couple of years back to make little pouches.<br>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/11076875684" title="Advent Calendar 2013 by Alicia Zakarevicius, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5480/11076875684_16f6220cfc_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Advent Calendar 2013"></a><br>
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So to make my advent calendar I used washi tape, pretty Christmas card stock and number stickers. I simply folded each piece of card stock in half then taped up the two edges to make a small pouch. Then add a number to the front of the pouch - and voila! Easiest advent calendar ever! I will stick the pouches up on the wall ready for the girls to see on the morning of December 1st. Until then, it shall remain hidden in the cupboard.<br>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/11076862956" title="Advent Calendar 2013 by Alicia Zakarevicius, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5514/11076862956_323f799ee4_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Advent Calendar 2013"></a><br>
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I'm filling these pouches with little things I found in the $2 shop (stickers, small toy animals, textas and chocolates) and with some Christmas activity ideas too - decorating the Christmas tree, visiting the Magic Cave, writing letters to Santa and going for a drive to see Christmas lights. Can't wait for December to start - so much Christmas fun to be had!Lishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11376257965628432266noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914646776028294405.post-66512622805948465612013-11-27T11:44:00.000+10:302013-11-27T11:44:09.035+10:30Confetti Biscuits<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/11065899054" title="Confetti Biscuits by Alicia Zakarevicius, on Flickr"><img alt="Confetti Biscuits" height="534" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7388/11065899054_bfb8444e4e_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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I love to bring a home made treat when I take the girls on a play date - and these Confetti biscuits are incredibly easy, cute and delicious too. Definitely give them a try if you are looking for a quick and easy biccy to make.<br />
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<b>Confetti Biscuits</b><br />
175g unsalted butter, chilled and chopped<br />
2/3 cup caster sugar<br />
2 cups plain flour<br />
1 egg<br />
2 tsp vanilla extract<br />
180g white chocolate, melted<br />
190g 100's and 1000's, to decorate<br />
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<ol>
<li>Process the butter, sugar and flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Add egg and extract. Process until mixture comes together. </li>
<li>Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead gently. Divide mixture into 2 halves. Shape into 2 discs. Wrap both portions in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.</li>
<li>Preheat oven to 170 C. Line 2 large baking trays with baking paper.</li>
<li>Roll dough between 2 sheets of baking paper until 5mm thick. Then cut shapes, re-roll and cut scraps. Place the shapes 2cm apart on the trays and cook for 8 - 10 minutes, or until biscuits are golden and firm to the touch. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.</li>
<li>Spread the tops of the biscuits with chocolate, then sprinkle with 100's and 1000's and set aside for 1 hour to cool.</li>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/11065955543" title="Confetti Biscuits by Alicia Zakarevicius, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3772/11065955543_584fd50ca1_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Confetti Biscuits"></a>Lishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11376257965628432266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914646776028294405.post-60115255929407932402013-11-24T23:27:00.000+10:302013-11-27T11:31:08.022+10:30Week in Photos<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/11027286123" title="Sparkly Water at Brighton by Alicia Zakarevicius, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2818/11027286123_e9da56c2f7_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Sparkly Water at Brighton"></a><br />
Beautiful sparkly sea water.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/11026911295" title="November by Alicia Zakarevicius, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3791/11026911295_f5512b8753_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="November"></a><br />
Miss had a lovely strawberry ice-cream on our trip to the beach.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/11027042304" title="November by Alicia Zakarevicius, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5516/11027042304_c6338f07ce_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="November"></a><br />
Miss G puts on her concentrating face when using textas.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/11027063725" title="Rainbow by Zoe by Alicia Zakarevicius, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7297/11027063725_3074684e38_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Rainbow by Zoe"></a><br />
And Miss Z drew me this beautiful rainbow.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/11027018415" title="New Supplies! by Alicia Zakarevicius, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7290/11027018415_94f3d08652_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="New Supplies!"></a><br />
I bought these cute little deers on a trip to the cake decorating shop.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/11026986966" title="November by Alicia Zakarevicius, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7394/11026986966_4b0f1260ce_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="November"></a><br />
Miss Z fell asleep with her light on - absolutely dead to the world.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/11027005715" title="Tarot Night by Alicia Zakarevicius, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5535/11027005715_88c4ae6859_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Tarot Night"></a><br />
I had a lovely night with my BFF reading tarot cards, contemplating life and drinking tea.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/11027008336" title="November by Alicia Zakarevicius, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2831/11027008336_a6922bf1ae_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="November"></a><br />
Miss G having a ride on a horsie - she was unsure at first, but loved it by the end.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/11027024804" title="November by Alicia Zakarevicius, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2866/11027024804_237ac9a1fa_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="November"></a><br />
And Miss Z thought that her bread face was hilarious, I think it just looks scary.Lishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11376257965628432266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914646776028294405.post-75851771385403888972013-11-18T19:41:00.000+10:302013-11-18T19:41:47.685+10:30The mega huge quilt<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/10922359963/" title="Quilt Progress by thereddeer, on Flickr"><img alt="Quilt Progress" height="534" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5531/10922359963_945d23d5db_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
So I may be officially insane. I have started a new project - a massive quilt for my bed that will be done using the English paper piecing technique. The really insane part? Each hexagon has a side length of 1", and that my friends means that I will be sewing up 2,936 hexagons for this quilt. Yep I am crazy.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/10922361953/" title="Quilt Progress by thereddeer, on Flickr"><img alt="Quilt Progress" height="534" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2840/10922361953_a03aa41253_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
I have chosen the colours based on the painting "Incarnation" by one of my favourite artists - <a href="http://www.markryden.com/index.html" target="_blank">Mark Ryden</a>. If you enjoy a bit of pop surrealism and you haven't seen Mark Ryden's work then you really need to check it out - he is completely amazing.<br />
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Isn't it beautiful? Maybe this is where Lady Gaga got her inspiration for her <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lady_Gaga%27s_meat_dress" target="_blank">meat dress</a> from?<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/10922068195/" title="Quilt Progress by thereddeer, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7436/10922068195_abaa90afe2_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Quilt Progress"></a><br>
If you haven't heard from me in a while it may be because I have drowned in hexagons - please send help.Lishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11376257965628432266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914646776028294405.post-8090891392635212832013-11-17T20:52:00.000+10:302013-11-17T20:52:12.521+10:30Week In Photos<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/10901076676/" title="Blue skies smiling at me by thereddeer, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3816/10901076676_ca2123a6a9_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Blue skies smiling at me"></a><br>
The joy of blue skies on a beautiful spring day.<br>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/10901023056/" title="November by thereddeer, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3767/10901023056_48071c1902_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="November"></a><br>
A trip to the park to make Miss Z and Miss G ecstatically happy.<br>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/10901029925/" title="Hello ladybug! by thereddeer, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3710/10901029925_5be9559238_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Hello ladybug!"></a><br>
A quick visit by a cute little ladybuy.<br>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/10900993875/" title="November by thereddeer, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3686/10900993875_b1190a7e30_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="November"></a><br>
Miss G getting into drawing.<br>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/10901167084/" title="Games Night - Nov 13 by thereddeer, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3803/10901167084_c7bc0c9f05_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Games Night - Nov 13"></a><br>
Games night with my peeps - hats were worn, virgin pina coladas were drunk, pizza was had, chips were destroyed and zombies were decimated.<br>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/10901169294/" title="Zoe's drawing by thereddeer, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5477/10901169294_748bccdfba_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Zoe's drawing"></a><br>
Miss Z did this special drawing just for me, she is such a talent.<br>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/10901267343/" title="November by thereddeer, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3802/10901267343_2404d4c058_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="November"></a><br>
Future foot models.<br>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/10901161464/" title="Zoe's drawing of Twilight Sparkle as a person by thereddeer, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5515/10901161464_8897fe3200_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Zoe's drawing of Twilight Sparkle as a person"></a><br>
Miss Z's drawing of Princess Twilight Sparkle as a person - the tail is kind of unfortunately placed (oh dear).<br>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/10900947325/" title="November by thereddeer, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7363/10900947325_ac7a722efa_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="November"></a><br>
Who would of thought that the promise of washing the car tomorrow would get two little girls to sleep so quickly. Mummy spoils them.Lishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11376257965628432266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914646776028294405.post-9315229581118054902013-11-15T20:26:00.001+10:302013-11-15T20:26:50.900+10:30Mars Bar Bubble SliceThe girls and I have a play date tomorrow and I always like to bring something as a treat for the girls (and the mummies too), but I was feeling a little bit lazy today so wanted something quick and easy to make. Enter the Mars Bar Bubble Slice. Anything with only 4 ingredients and no baking required gets a tick in the lazy department - so this one is a winner.<br>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/10867040336/" title="Mars Bar Bubble Slice by thereddeer, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3807/10867040336_bc13b79d68_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Mars Bar Bubble Slice"></a><br>
<br>
<b>Mars Bar Bubble Slice</b><br>
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You will need...<br>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/10867049026/" title="Mars Bar Bubble Slice by thereddeer, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7294/10867049026_3eeeb55fde_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Mars Bar Bubble Slice"></a><br>
<br>
250g Rice Bubbles<br>
2 x 53g Mars Bars<br>
250g Milk Chocolate<br>
170g Unsalted Butter<br>
Sprinkles, to decorate (optional)<br>
<br>
To start simply chop up your Mars Bars, chocolate and butter and put in a microwave safe bowl. Zap it in 30 second intervals, giving it a stir after each go, until the mixture is completely melted and smooth. Then in a massive bowl combine your melted mix with Rice Bubbles and stir until well combined.<br>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/10867009175/" title="Mars Bar Bubble Slice by thereddeer, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7335/10867009175_56e45b408a_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Mars Bar Bubble Slice"></a><br>
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Now grab a baking tray (mine was 25x30cm) and line it with baking paper. Then tip in your mixture and flatten it down as much as possible, so that the Rice Bubbles all stick together. At this stage I thought it needed a bit of prettying up, since it pretty much resembled hundreds of tiny poops, so we decorated with some sprinkles.<br>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/10867007115/" title="Mars Bar Bubble Slice by thereddeer, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3681/10867007115_80ea801e77_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Mars Bar Bubble Slice"></a><br>
<br>
Now stick it in the fridge for at least one hour to set, then remove and carefully cut into squares or rectangles. Ta da. Finished. Kaput. Done.<br>
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I told you it was easy.<br>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/10867152824/" title="Mars Bar Bubble Slice by thereddeer, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5494/10867152824_bb3cb92074_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Mars Bar Bubble Slice"></a>
Lishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11376257965628432266noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914646776028294405.post-47557781110168178142013-11-13T22:32:00.002+10:302013-11-13T22:32:44.938+10:30Time to get creativeI think I have always been a pretty creative person. From a young age I would spend hours with my crayons doing drawing after drawing, I loved my colouring-in books, and I used to make sculptures out of polymer clay. Once I got to high school my mum spoilt me nearly every birthday with art supplies and I continued to create art works, and my favourite classes were Art and Design and I really excelled in them too. Throughout my university lectures I was constantly drawing on my notes and at night while I waitressed my order pads would be filled with sketches and my breaks were spent drawing the people around me.
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It wasn't until I started seeing my ex-husband that the creativity started to slow - and even ceased for a while. I guess it picked up again when I started blogging - my creative outlet was the baking I was doing and the photos I was taking. But looking back it felt like a chunk of me was missing. So now I am on a mission. A mission to set my creative self free again. Slowly it is starting and I have had a few creative projects during my time away from the blog.
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Like my Monster High doll repaint (yes I am a crazy doll lady)...
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/9449644100/" title="Alice doll by thereddeer, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2889/9449644100_b447ce3f0a_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Alice doll"></a>
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There have been a whole heap of decorated cakes - including my entry into the 2011 Threadcakes competition.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/8324707339/" title="Threadcakes 2011 by thereddeer, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8494/8324707339_42a1837aa6_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Threadcakes 2011"></a>
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I got my watercolours out a few times. Like this time when I painted a little Adventure Time piece for a good friend of mine.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/9177807041/" title="Adventure Time by thereddeer, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5462/9177807041_972dfcea7b_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Adventure Time"></a>
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I did this mammoth cross stitch for my mum, I still haven't got a good photo of the finished product (since I am waiting for her to get it framed) - but the finished piece has over 50,000 crosses!
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/9446879765/" title="Mega cross stitch by thereddeer, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5515/9446879765_6d14ccb5c6_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Mega cross stitch"></a>
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And I have been doing a bit of sketching, including this little piece that may become a bit of body art at some point in the future.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/9446871809/" title="Tattoo idea by thereddeer, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3716/9446871809_fbdcf6ac2d_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Tattoo idea"></a>
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But now I want to up the ante and live a more creative life again. I don't exactly know what I am going to get up to, but I do know that having a creative outlet is an essential part of my life. So bring it on.
Lishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11376257965628432266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914646776028294405.post-10835187324330273612013-11-10T22:39:00.001+10:302013-11-10T22:39:34.247+10:30I'm back...I never thought I would come back to this blog, but it hit me today while I was cooking dinner for me and the girls - I miss my blog. I miss blogging and the way it seems to make me want to make the best out of my life. I miss the online community and I miss looking at all the prettiness going on in blog land. So I think I am back. I'm not sure what kind of blog this will become - but for now it will just be a place for me to record what is happening in my life - my family, my friends, maybe some art/craft/cooking and who knows what else. I guess whatever I feel like at the time.
<br><br>
Now I guess I should give a quick recap of my life over the last two and a half years.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/9012140709/" title="Zoe by thereddeer, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3780/9012140709_e95341e628_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Zoe"></a>
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Zoe turned three back in 2011 and started going to child care, which she thoroughly enjoyed - and it also really helped her come out of her shell.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/9058079820/" title="12 Months by thereddeer, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7399/9058079820_e8b253378f_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="12 Months"></a>
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Gracie turned one in 2011 and was a very contented baby/toddler - she would love plonking down in the sandpit and getting filthy, and she really took to her food - so lovely to have a child that is not a picky eater!
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/9013647436/" title="The Girls (July) by thereddeer, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7286/9013647436_d4ca7304a8_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="The Girls (July)"></a>
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In July 2012 we moved house - we had been living next door to my mother, which was incredibly helpful, but now we live a few suburbs over and are our own little independent family. It was sad to move away from mum, but the new house is fantastic and such a great place for the girls to be brought up in.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/9022236926/" title="Zoe (October) by thereddeer, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2862/9022236926_3ba581a01e_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Zoe (October)"></a>
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Zoe turned four in 2012 and started going to kindergarten. She was a little shy to start with, but now she absolutely loves it and has her little gang of friends - so stinking cute!
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/9022248792/" title="Grace (October) by thereddeer, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2823/9022248792_809bddeea4_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Grace (October)"></a>
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Gracie turned two in 2012 and started child care, she is a bit upset when I drop her off - but as soon as I am out of the building she starts having a blast.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/10668213353/" title="October 2013 by thereddeer, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5522/10668213353_9904572416_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="October 2013"></a>
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Zoe turned five last month and that means she is off to school next year!!! I can't believe how fast she is growing up. She is getting to be so independent now and even starting to learn to read. God - she will be in high school before I know it.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thereddeer/10667869155/" title="October 2013 by thereddeer, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7304/10667869155_16706483f2_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="October 2013"></a>
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And last month Gracie turned three. Little miss three year old is finally toilet trained and is such a chatterbox! Now if only we can get the tantrums and whinging under control, well I guess they don't call it the trying threes for nothing.
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What else? I stopped studying because I just wasn't feeling it and the stress was really getting to me. I met someone and had a relationship on and off for just over a year. Obviously that is over now and I am single again. I also had surgery - abdominoplasty, that was 8 weeks ago so I still have a pretty major looking scar across my tummy, but I am on the mend.
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Now I am feeling optimistic and ready to attack life. I'm getting ready to put myself out into the world, to be the healthiest I have ever been and lead the most fun and creative life I have every led. Good times are definitely ahead.
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I'll be back soon.
Lishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11376257965628432266noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914646776028294405.post-2222572122770127852011-03-16T15:56:00.001+10:302011-03-16T15:57:02.885+10:30Good bye<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/andreajmc/4970737079/" title="Wave goodbye by |andrea lives in a cage|, on Flickr"><img alt="Wave goodbye " height="375" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4091/4970737079_52ee13ec0e.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/andreajmc/4970737079/">Image</a></span></center><br />
This past week I have slowly realised that I have taken on far too much and that my 'busy' life has been a big part of me developing post natal depression. So I am sorry to say that this will be my last blog post. I have truly enjoyed the past few years getting to know you all but now it is time for me to return to the real world and focus on what is really important to me - my health, my girls, my family, my friends and my study.<br />
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So thank you deer readers - I will miss you all.Lishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11376257965628432266noreply@blogger.com45tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914646776028294405.post-42529264575365872532011-03-15T12:00:00.000+10:302011-03-15T12:00:00.732+10:3020 Sweets in 20 Weeks - Voting Time!I will post the almond buttercrunch tomorrow, but in the mean time it is time to vote for the sixteenth sweet, and this time you are voting for...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx0L-jbeEyYGZaqzWBZMq3jNt3IbQuEJVx0LZquQuoyUjeUbAMEfneKZ3b1GzF-VE3ACmVDY6kBpPUMrG6Uq-ZfiXt-aLUJsQXdY4DThgCZkBMEyqGdaqAmzRnQzu9a4P0R5SuHos-ox4/s1600/500_11464a--le1.jpg"><img border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx0L-jbeEyYGZaqzWBZMq3jNt3IbQuEJVx0LZquQuoyUjeUbAMEfneKZ3b1GzF-VE3ACmVDY6kBpPUMrG6Uq-ZfiXt-aLUJsQXdY4DThgCZkBMEyqGdaqAmzRnQzu9a4P0R5SuHos-ox4/s320/500_11464a--le1.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.simplygreatmeals.com.au/recipe/114/lemon-slice"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image</span></a></div><center> <br />
<b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">No Bake Slice!</span><br />
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Lemon Mallow</b><b><br />
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Peanut Butter Museli</b><b><br />
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Maple Caramel</b><br />
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You know what to do - get voting using the poll on the right hand side!<br />
</center>Lishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11376257965628432266noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914646776028294405.post-17379116267180395142011-03-14T18:30:00.002+10:302011-03-14T18:30:21.229+10:30Move it to Lose It - Week 12 (The End!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/the-red-deer/5277063346/" title="Move it to lose it - 12 Week Challenge by the_red_deer, on Flickr"><img alt="Move it to lose it - 12 Week Challenge" height="333" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5168/5277063346_ec79813907.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Starting weight: 75.2kg </div><div style="text-align: center;">Previous weight: 71.1kg </div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Current weight: 70.1kg</b><br />
<b>Total Weight lost: 5.1kg</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Finally the end of my 12 week challenge - and luckily I am finishing it off on a high note. I lost 1 kilogram in the past week, which means I was oh so close to getting under the 70 kilogram mark - but didn't quite make it. Next week I should definitely be back in the sixties again.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I also took my measurements again this morning and I'm pretty darn happy with the results...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Bust</b>: 102cm -> 97cm (-5)<br />
<b>Chest</b>: 87cm -> 82cm (-5)<br />
<b>Waist</b>: 89cm -> 85cm (-4)<br />
<b>Hips</b>: 106cm -> 103cm (-3)<br />
<b>Thighs</b>: 58.5cm -> 55.5cm (-3)<br />
<b>Calves</b>: 38cm -> 36cm (-2)<br />
<b>Upper arm</b>: 28.5cm -> 27cm (-0.5)<br />
<b>Forearm</b>: 26cm -> 25.5cm (-0.5)<br />
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Every part of me got smaller and I can really tell because all of my clothes are way to big for me now - it is such a great feeling!<br />
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At the end of my challenge I am happily under my pre-pregnancy weight and I'm ready to keep on going until I reach my ultimate goal weight of 60kg. I'm hoping that by my birthday (August 1st) I will be able to make it there. So thanks for cheering me on through this journey and wish me luck for the months ahead!</div></div>Lishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11376257965628432266noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914646776028294405.post-90401308290691746242011-03-13T12:00:00.000+10:302011-03-13T12:00:00.595+10:30♥ Weekly Favourites ♥<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/oediperoi/5418254064/" title="Bordeaux - macarons by Oediperoi, on Flickr"><img alt="Bordeaux - macarons" height="333" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5057/5418254064_939119bb39.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/oediperoi/5418254064">Image</a></span><br />
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Can you believe I still haven't tried a macaron? I really need to rectify that soon.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uydurrukcu/5426330072/" title="Untitled by uydurrukcu, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="376" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5012/5426330072_6cab15fe02.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uydurrukcu/5426330072"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image</span></a><br />
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How cute is this bedroom - I love the bright white walls, the cute toddler bed and the little table for craft and play time. So cute!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rreid/5412675970/" title="Miffy in the Snow by Los Dragónnes, on Flickr"><img alt="Miffy in the Snow" height="375" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4153/5412675970_f3fb6ff69b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rreid/5412675970"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image</span></a><br />
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How cute is this bento box - I wonder if Zoe would be more open to eating her vegetables if her lunch looked like this?<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/giddygiddy/5344778366/" title="DSC_0734 by giddy giddy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0734" height="500" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5048/5344778366_4034b4de6b.jpg" width="482" /></a><br />
<a href="http://blog.giddygiddy.com/giddygiddy/2011/01/diy-wall-hooks.html"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image</span></a><br />
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Love these DIY wall hooks - I might have to make some with Zoe.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bisousmonamour/5419839968/" title="Untitled by bisousmonamour, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="333" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5055/5419839968_6193bc2721.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bisousmonamour/5419839968"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image</span></a></center><center><br />
</center><center>How can you not love a cup of tea while sitting in the sun. Gorgeous.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/woodwoolstool/5404045219/" title="woolly winter weather by wood & wool stool, on Flickr"><img alt="woolly winter weather" height="500" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5098/5404045219_2bcd3cee3f.jpg" width="334" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/woodwoolstool/5404045219"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image</span></a><br />
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Love this gorgeous crocheted blanket - especially the choice of colours.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/drew-o-rama/5333850786/" title="Flour, sugar, coffee, tea by kitschcafe, on Flickr"><img alt="Flour, sugar, coffee, tea" height="500" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5007/5333850786_b85f82b80f.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/drew-o-rama/5333850786"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image</span></a><br />
<br />
I would love to have some vintage canisters for the kitchen - these ones are especially cute.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45239541@N08/5379773084/" title="Live Action Sailor Moon Figures by Lilith Scream, on Flickr"><img alt="Live Action Sailor Moon Figures" height="334" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5050/5379773084_99733bf84e.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45239541@N08/5379773084/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image</span></a><br />
<br />
I used to be a major, major fan of Sailor Moon when I was in high school - ah those were the days watching cartoons before going to school. Good times.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/asunnyspot/5226867997/" title="DSCN9623 by kikiboo444, on Flickr"><img alt="DSCN9623" height="375" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5005/5226867997_43088cb183.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/asunnyspot/5226867997"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image</span></a><br />
<br />
I would love having a view like this outside my window - how lovely and peaceful, and perfect for getting your art on.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/artichokedesigns/5368594038/" title="28/365 by artich0ke, on Flickr"><img alt="28/365" height="333" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5249/5368594038_abb570cb75.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/artichokedesigns/5368594038">Image</a></span><br />
<br />
Ah so pretty - and very suited to how I am feeling right now. Like the sun is finally rising - things are going to get better from now on.<br />
</center>Lishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11376257965628432266noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914646776028294405.post-69163954830656253472011-03-11T21:39:00.000+10:302011-03-11T21:39:35.042+10:3020 Sweets in 20 Weeks - #14: Death by Chocolate Cupcakes<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/the-red-deer/5517215734/" title="Death by Chocolate Cupcake by the_red_deer, on Flickr"><img alt="Death by Chocolate Cupcake" height="333" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5260/5517215734_5b0308d07d.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
Before we talk baking I have to say thank you everyone for your kind words and support in regards to my post on post natal depression. It has been so wonderful reading through all of your lovely comments, knowing that I am not alone in this and that the blogging community is always there to give me big virtual hugs. It is funny, since I wrote that post I have actually started to feel a lot better in general - like a huge weight has been lifted from my shoulders. So thank you everyone for listening and not judging.<br />
<br />
Now on to the cupcakes. First of all - why is it that each week the sweet that I want to win the poll never makes it. I was really hoping to make a Cherry Ripe cupcake! Sheesh! But seriously I was kind of hoping that Death by Chocolate wouldn't win because I'm not actually that big a fan of chocolate. So of course it did win - Murphy's law!<br />
<br />
These cupcakes are quite devilish - a moist chocolate buttermilk cake filled and topped with dark chocolate ganache, then a swirl of white chocolate swiss meringue buttercream and finally drizzled with milk and white chocolate. Wowsers - that is a lot of chocolate! I had quite a few taste testers for these cupcakes because I brought them to a dinner party - and they were definitely a hit. So if you or someone you know are a chocolate lover you should definitely give these cupcakes a try.<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/the-red-deer/5517215272/" title="Death by Chocolate Cupcake by the_red_deer, on Flickr"><img alt="Death by Chocolate Cupcake" height="333" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5180/5517215272_1c3df8b4d4.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
<b>Chocolate Buttermilk Cake (from The Australian Women's Weekly - Classic Cakes)</b><br />
Makes 24 cupcakes<br />
<br />
180g unsalted butter, softened<br />
1 tsp vanilla extract<br />
330g caster sugar<br />
4 eggs, separated<br />
110g self-raising flour<br />
35g cocoa powder<br />
180ml buttermilk<br />
<ol><li>Preheat oven to 180C. Line 2 12-hole muffin trays with cupcake papers.</li>
<li>Beat butter, extract and sugar in a small bowl with electric mixer until light and fluffy. </li>
<li>Beat in egg yolks, one at a time, until just combined.</li>
<li>Transfer mixture to large bowl, stir in sifted dry ingredients and buttermilk.</li>
<li>Beat egg whites in clean small bowl with electric mixer until soft peaks form, fold into cake mixture in two batches.</li>
<li>Divide mixture into cupcake papers and bake for approximately 20 minutes (or until a skewer comes out clean). <i style="color: #990000;">Note: my oven is not tip-top so your cupcakes make bake quicker/slower.</i></li>
<li>Allow to cool slightly in muffin trays and then move to a wire rack to cool.</li>
</ol><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/the-red-deer/5517216500/" title="Death by Chocolate Cupcake by the_red_deer, on Flickr"><img alt="Death by Chocolate Cupcake" height="333" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5092/5517216500_8269941b83.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
<span class="fullpost"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dark Chocolate Ganache</span><br />
<br />
226g dark chocolate, in small pieces<span style="color: #990000; font-style: italic;"></span><br />
2/3 cup thickened cream</span><br />
<ol><li>Place chocolate into a bowl.</li>
<li>Bring cream to boil in a small saucepan, remove from heat immediately and pour over chocolate.</li>
<li>Stir until chocolate melts.</li>
<li>Place ganache in fridge and stir every 10 minutes until you reach a good piping consistency.</li>
</ol><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/the-red-deer/5517218802/" title="Death by Chocolate Cupcake by the_red_deer, on Flickr"><img alt="Death by Chocolate Cupcake" height="333" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5252/5517218802_cd98faa5a3.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
<span class="fullpost"><span style="font-weight: bold;">White Chocolate Swiss Meringue Buttercream</span><br />
<br />
Follow the directions for <a href="http://the-red-deer.blogspot.com/2009/04/baking-mondays-is-for-chocolate-almond.html">Almond Swiss Meringue Buttercream</a>, but omit the vanilla extract and almond essence, and instead add 200g of melted white chocolate that has been slightly cooled.<br />
<br />
<b>Assembling the Cupcake</b></span><br />
<ol><li>Cut out a well in each cupcake (eat the cut out piece :D).</li>
<li>Fill the well with dark chocolate ganache (<i><span style="color: #990000;">I piped in the ganache</span></i>).</li>
<li>Smear a layer of dark chocolate ganache on the top of the cupcake. </li>
<li>Pipe a swirl of white chocolate swiss meringue buttercream on top.</li>
<li>Melt 200g of milk chocolate, cool slightly and then coat the buttercream on each cupcake.</li>
<li>Melt 100g of white chocolate, cool slightly, place in a piping bag and swirl onto the milk chocolate on top of each cupcake.</li>
</ol><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/the-red-deer/5517219540/" title="Zoe and Cupcake by the_red_deer, on Flickr"><img alt="Zoe and Cupcake" height="333" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5300/5517219540_a39135e43d.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>Lishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11376257965628432266noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914646776028294405.post-58006058623093942532011-03-08T12:00:00.005+10:302011-03-08T12:00:00.079+10:3020 Sweets in 20 Weeks - Voting time!I will post the death by chocolate cupcakes on Friday, but in the mean time it is time to vote for the fifteenth sweet, and this time you are voting for...<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25488115@N06/3950179519/" title="Candy Necklaces by such pretty things, on Flickr"><img alt="Candy Necklaces" height="352" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2602/3950179519_5ff4e6631f.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25488115@N06/">Image</a></span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Candy!</span><br />
<br />
Almond Buttercrunch</b> <b><br />
<br />
Marshmallows</b> <b><br />
<br />
Fudge</b> <br />
<br />
You know what to do - get voting using the poll on the right hand side!<br />
</center>Lishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11376257965628432266noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914646776028294405.post-82894222796090365612011-03-07T12:42:00.000+10:302011-03-07T12:42:26.725+10:30Move it to Lose It - Week 11<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/the-red-deer/5277063346/" title="Move it to lose it - 12 Week Challenge by the_red_deer, on Flickr"><img alt="Move it to lose it - 12 Week Challenge" height="333" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5168/5277063346_ec79813907.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Starting weight: 75.2kg </div><div style="text-align: center;">Previous weight: 70.7kg </div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Current weight: 71.1kg</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Argh. My first weight gain - only 400 grams but still I am very disappointed in myself. I only used the Wii Fit twice last week, and I did quite a bit of emotional eating. But seen as this is the last week of my challenge I am going to be trying really hard this week - going to jump on the Wii Fit every day and really watch what I eat. As long as I am back under the pre-pregnancy weight I will be happy, but it would also be lovely to get down to 70kg. I think that is wishful thinking though.</div></div>Lishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11376257965628432266noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914646776028294405.post-10028480160472885092011-03-06T12:00:00.001+10:302011-03-06T12:00:00.403+10:30♥ Weekly Favourites ♥<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lillian_day/5421218902/" title="My room by Lillian Day, on Flickr"><img alt="My room" height="500" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5292/5421218902_56b084024b.jpg" width="332" /></a><br />
Love the pom-pom garland and the mother inlaw tongues in this room. I think I need to make a pom pom garland.</center><center><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/malinlindgren/5400766995/" title="1 2011 by malin.lindgren, on Flickr"><img alt="1 2011" height="468" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5051/5400766995_45093be3c8.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
I wish my kitchen had this much storage - I totally have drawer envy right now.</center><center><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uydurrukcu/5404697862/" title="Untitled by uydurrukcu, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="375" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5217/5404697862_3ea1b71e04.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
I think I would spend all day in my bedroom if it looked like this - so very pretty.</center><center><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30474577@N03/5467795958/" title="~ home ~ by AowDusdee, on Flickr"><img alt="~ home ~" height="375" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5297/5467795958_5a9242f460.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
For some reason I really love this door - perhaps it is all the pretty jewels hanging down in front of it. Whatever the reason is - I think it is cute.</center><center><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/curdsnwhey/5359798642/" title="Untitled by curdsnwhey, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="387" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5047/5359798642_7f62a744d0.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
How beautiful is this bouquet? I love having flowers in the house - they always pick up my mood.</center><center><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/janes_teawagon/5356335411/" title="up-cycled bookcase by Teawagon, on Flickr"><img alt="up-cycled bookcase" height="500" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5201/5356335411_343dc82848.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
I'm loving this book case - and the amount of books in it. I think I need to get the girls some more books. You can never have too many - right?</center><center><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uydurrukcu/5388496518/" title="Untitled by uydurrukcu, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="376" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5099/5388496518_8732f4f798.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Love this bedroom. Bright white rooms just look so inviting to me for some reason.</center><center><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/planetfur/5397648669/" title="Another corner of the studio by Planet Fur, on Flickr"><img alt="Another corner of the studio" height="500" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5291/5397648669_c2ee0d43a3.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
A very neat and organised room - and check out that orange! That would definitely keep me awake!</center><center><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/travelingmama/5466010788/" title="unfinished business by {traveling} mama, on Flickr"><img alt="unfinished business" height="333" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5299/5466010788_f341204345.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Love this styling - gorgeous colours, and I love the garland and birdies.</center><center><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kristenaderrick/5474879354/" title="Kids' Space by kristenaderrick, on Flickr"><img alt="Kids' Space" height="375" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5096/5474879354_a9e67db4a9.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
What a cute little room for little people - nice, bright and bare - ready to get creative in! </center>Lishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11376257965628432266noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914646776028294405.post-68645157964509908862011-03-05T12:00:00.002+10:302011-03-05T12:00:01.264+10:30101/1001 UpdateI've actually made more progress with my <a href="http://the-red-deer.blogspot.com/2011/01/new-year-resolutions-my-101-in-1001.html">101 in 1001</a> list - yay! I hope that I can keep on going with it and actually finish it off. In the mean time though here is what I crossed off of the list in February 2011...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/the-red-deer/5487740893/" title="Day 58 - Done by the_red_deer, on Flickr"><img alt="Day 58 - Done" height="333" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5215/5487740893_17b678729e.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>#41 Finish my mosaic pots</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
Finally finished these pots - and I am sooooo happy that they are done. I am going to post up a tutorial some time soon on how to mosaic a pot if anyone else wants to take on the challenge.<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/designios/4315932882/" title="Enfermizamente cuadriculado by Xavi Calvo, on Flickr"><img alt="Enfermizamente cuadriculado" height="333" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4044/4315932882_0c005ff4b9.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/designios/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image</span></a><br />
<br />
<b>#44 Use my wacom tablet</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
I used it to design my new blog banner and badge - but I also want to use it to do some digital art. Just got to find the time!<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/the-red-deer/5491670264/" title="Gardens by the_red_deer, on Flickr"><img alt="Gardens" height="333" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5053/5491670264_651d5942d4.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>#56 Visit the botanical gardens in the city</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
It was a quick trip (since Grace spent nearly the whole time crying) but we went there - did that.<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/slobotski/104042051/" title="Moleskine Address Book by slobotski, on Flickr"><img alt="Moleskine Address Book" height="375" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/42/104042051_84997db37b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/slobotski/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image</span></a><br />
<br />
<b>#95 Get a nice address book and fill it up with family & friends</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
I ended up getting a red moleskine address book and I lurve it - next year's diary is definitely going to be a moleskine.<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cantoni/5434986031/" title="eBay Logo by brianc, on Flickr"><img alt="eBay Logo" height="299" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5213/5434986031_05d5900389.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cantoni/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image</span></a><br />
<br />
<b>#96 Sell something on eBay</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
I sold two old baby carriers that I wasn't using - so proud of myself :P<br />
<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I've also made some progress on a few other items:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>#1 - Achieve my goal weight of 60 kilograms</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">I am now down to 70.7kg - 10.7kg to go!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>#14 - Save $5,000</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">I've now saved $2,178 - nearly half way there!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>#45 - Complete a 365 day photo challenge</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">I started on the 1st of January and haven't missed a day yet!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>#78 - Finish studying Marketing & Society</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">I started this on Monday - I'm now back in the books :P</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<br />
And this month I want to work on... <br />
<br />
#7 - Stop biting my nails<br />
#9 Take a long relaxing bath <br />
#18 Plant more succulents<br />
#32 - Toilet train Zoe<br />
#78 - Finish studying Marketing & Society<br />
#93 Buy something from Etsy </div>Lishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11376257965628432266noreply@blogger.com8