It’s Starting to Look A Lot Like Christmas – Southern Hemisphere Style

It’s warm beach weather and the crowds in the shops are getting unsettled. It’s looking a lot like Christmas to me!

Summertime might not seem like Christmas to all those Northern Hemisphere peeps stuck in the icy snow but I think a white Christmas is overrated anyway. Here’s my take on a Southern Hemisphere style Christmas.

1. Sequined Motif Fascinator – Doesn’t matter which side of the globe you are on, holiday time is party time. That means it’s time to sparkle and shine.

2. Vintage German coca-cola ad – I bought this in a market in Strasbourg. I’ve finally found the time to frame it up. The snowman is still a Christmas icon on this side of the globe.

3. Potted herbs of basil, coriander and parsley – I got these wonderful pots of herbs as Christmas present. (Thanks Ang!) Time for some summer cooking fun! I’ll start off with some good pesto making.

Frock-a-delic Friday

I can’t believe how close it is to Christmas! My girls  are hosting our annual Christmas dinner tomorrow. We’ve been carrying on this tradition for many years and it is a fantastic way to catch up with each other. It’s a good excuse to eat, drink and be merry. With Christmas parties comes the age old question of, what do I wear?
1. Golden Tree Earrings – Nothing says glam and festive than gold earrings. These are so simple and adorable.
2. BCBGMAXAZRIA Black and Gold Sequin Dress – Did I tell you I’m like a bird attracted to shiny things?
3. Stuart Weitzman "Jumbo" Evening Slingbacks – Not sure if these bows belong on a present underneath the tree or on someone’s feet. Either way, they scream festivity.
Have a good weekend :-)

Well Rounded – Matzo Balls and Rounded Earrings

It just so happens that the Asian symbol of joy, unity and family is a round round circle. Today’s top things are based around round things! (This reminds me of a children’s TV show called "Play School". They used to have a “Shape of the Day” and “Today’s Number”!) So yes, round things Thursday it is!

1. Matzo balls – I’m not Jewish myself but in celebration of Hanukkah, I made matzo balls for the first time and they floated (which is meant to be a sign of perfection)! Woot, victory to moi!

2. Wire Cluster Ball Dangle Earrings – I updated the pictures today because the old ones were looking a little dark. I think I like this blue and silver combination.

3. Sunflower Rays Earrings – Newly listed today. I love the little sparkling gems in the centre of the flower. What do you think?

Windy Wednesday – A Showcase of all Things Wind –erful!

It was such a windy day today. The flaps of my blinds kept making flip flap noises. No worries though because the weather is glorious and I could just open the blind and enjoy the sunshine ray.

I’m wondering if anyone’s been to craftgawker.com. They have some beautiful things over there… like photos 1 and 2.

1. Pink Checkered Pinwheels – When there’s wind, you need pinwheels to whirl all the luck in.

2. Beautiful peonies – I think they’d sit nicely by my window… if it wasn’t for the wind.

3. The Golden Rings Earrings – my new etsy listing today. They’ve got that cute retro vintage style to them. I’m not sure if I should have used a more “retro style” background to show them off?

Delicious and Adorable Tuesday

I've decided to dedicate today to all things sweet and delicious. I got into a Treasury for the first time today which made my heart smile.

1. Strawberry and vanilla brulee tart courtesy of Bourke Street Bakery - I was doing some errands around town and thought I'd come by this Sydney institution. The tart's a symphony of caramel crispy brulee top and Bouke Street's famous flakey dark pastry. Beneath the creamy custard is a thin layer of strawberry sauce that oozes out as you bite in.

2. Fabric Rosette Necklace - This is adorable and makes me want to wonder through a garden of English roses with it on.

3. Sleeping Elephant Print - This is so sweet! I think it deserves a place in a little baby's bedroom.

Now for a bowl of icecream with strawberries! Strawberries are truly a blessing of summertime :)

The Owl Gives Thanks Card

I get really excited when I've sold something on etsy. Perhaps it's the beginner's adrenaline!

I spent some time yesterday designing and making some little Thank You notes for my gifts and wares.

What do you think?

PS Photo 2 is just a photo of how the tag will be used, together with my latest sold item, the flower brooch / hair tie.

How to Make Handmade Dumpling

I love Chinese dumplings and whenever I have some free time, I like making a batch of them. It's a good feeling knowing what's going into the dumpling.It beats frozen mystery meat any day.

I recently bought this funny little device that promises prefect looking dumplings and faster, more efficient dumpling making.

I am going to try making a batch of pork and bok choy dumplings with my new toy.

Ingredients

Ground (minced) pork

Bok choy, finely chopped

A packet of pre-made dumpling pastry

Seasoning

soy sauce

sesame oil

sugar

minced garlic

1. Mix the pork with chopped pok choy and seasoning

2. Place a sheet of pastry into dumpling maker and place a spoonful of the pork mixture into the centre

3. Close the dumpling maker, hold for a few seconds then take out the dumpling

Hm... does this look like an tasty dumpling?

4. Repeat steps to make a batch of dumplings! I managed to make 29 (just shy of 30!) dumplings using about 300g of pork and a batch of bok choy.

5. Just boil them for about 10 mins in water or broth to cook and serve them.

Enjoy!