today, we went up into the hills for a picnic with our VISE tutors, Peter & Lee

they might not look very big, but they sure felt big when you climbed them!

it was definitely worth the effort to capture views like these!

this muesli bar recipe is adapted from a recipe in the Family Circle best of kids cookbook – its quick & easy to make & tastes delicious!

ingredients:

• 1 cup desiccated coconut
• 1 cup pepitas
• 1 cup sesame seeds
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 100g diced dried apricots
• 125g butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup honey

method:

• put dry ingredients in a big microwave bowl with a flat base
• cook on high for 5 minutes (depending on the wattage of your microwave, you may need to stop & stir several times)
• add diced dried apricots to dry ingredients
• put butter, sugar, honey in another bowl. cover with absorbent paper. cook 4 mins on medium (50%)
• stir wet ingredients well. add to dry ingredients. mix well
• spread evenly in a 20x30cm lined tin. press down firmly
• leave until cold, then slice into bars. enjoy!

lots of excitement here this morning … one of our pets (6.30) had her 1st lamb & we were lucky to witness his arrival

this photo was taken not long afterwards – when he was still cold & wet & wobbly

already 6.30 has proved to be such a good mum & its going to be exciting watching her lamb grow

we discussed many names, then miss M suggested calling him Thursday – so Thursday it is!

… are always a hit … especially when its something you *have* to do for school

another milestone – my sweet girl has hit double digits!

it’s like I blinked & she’s almost a tween already *sigh*

so … here are 10 things i know about Madi …

1. she wants to be a singer or an actress when she grows up

2. she would eat chocolate every day if i let her

3. a pony (a real live one!) and a DSi were at the top of her birthday list  (sorry babe! hoping a new bed will be almost as good!)

4. her favourite & most cherished toy is still Florie (her teddy)

5. she loves chatting on the phone & playing webkinz with her buddy miss E

6. her foot is the same size as her brother’s (big kids 4)

7. even though she has the sweetest smile, she gets shy & self conscious when asked to smile eg. for school photos

8. she loves to sing – in the car, in the shower, outside – anywhere! she also loves taking photos & making movies

9. she’s been learning the recorder & keyboard & is doing well with both because she’s got a good ear

10. her favourite subject at school is maths & she’s also involved in thinkers club, lone guides, project club & chess

she loves tickles & cuddles and i can’t imagine life without her!

today i’m hugging her as much as she wants and more because this time together is so precious

love you baby girl!

i love so many things about this photo … Bear’s too big workshirt paired with his pj pants; the angle of his foot; the cluster of 3 lambs; Ricky drinking as fast as he can, tail wagging with Fighter right there – just in case! the way Gibby is nibbling hopefully near his leg … its something many country kids have experienced

they race outside in the morning to feed them before they eat their own breakfast & their breaks are spent feeding & playing with them. baby lambs make great pets & both kids adore them!

its a mixed bag of fashion, food & fun this week …

a great fashion blog for teens

lots of delicious recipies

more than a year’s worth of slow cooker (crock pot) recipies

renovating & decorating adventures

stylish letterpress goodness at Twig & Thistle

enjoy!

chocolate & pink is one of my favourite colour combos!

its no surprise to see chocolate truffle & rose dust among Pantone’s 10 hot colours for autumn 2010

the richness of chocolate is the perfect base to compliment many shades of pink. it’s a classic combination that’s both fresh & sophisticated

this week, I’m delighted to feature some gorgeous handmade accessories from the AnK Bowtique

Angie & Kristy are the talented mums who make this range of delightful accessories & teach their children through the school of the air

using the prettiest ribbons, touches of crochet, vintage yo yos, & flowers of all types, their attention to detail & the way they combine colours has taken their made it shop to #1 on the top 100 Australian Handmade kids sites

their delicious chocolate crochet beanie + Kate Korker clip co ordinates perfectly with Madi’s pink Bridget B sweater

Pumpkin Patch had a gorgeous pink & chocolate collection a few years ago – Ebay is a great source for near new items like these:

there are lots of pink & chocolate goodies in the AnK Bowtique (thanks Kristy for these photos!)

Claudia Felt & Fabric Stretch Band + Lily Bow Headband

Olivia Bling Trio Clips + Mikaela Bow Clip +

try mixing textures – chunky cords, knitwear, suede & battered leather-look jackets + girls will love this grosgrain ribbon belt

AnK Bowtique’s facebook fans are the 1st to find out about new products & garage sales – so make sure you sign up!

& check out this blog for more pink & chocolate goodness!

thanks for stopping by!

surfing the internet for eye candy & inspiration? these are a few things that caught my eye this week …

this amazing pancake breakfast was such a clever idea for a party

it was inspired by this sweet & stylish wedding with lots of DIY details

http://www.stylemepretty.com/ – filled with gorgeous photos & delicious details, its the ultimate wedding blog!

these birthday parties: one for the boys & one for the girls & this naming day celebration are also big on style

more stylish ideas & inspiration – http://www.eatdrinkchic.com/

this mobile vintage mobile cupcakery is such a unique idea – the cupcakes look delicious don’t they?!

& because no post is complete without a photo, here’s an everyday life storyboard of master B & the pets (that was nearly lost during the gecko frying the computer incident)

feel free to share your favourite links

when a client books a session, the number one question they have is “what do we wear?”

the key is to wear something that makes you feel comfortable & confident

some people love the tried & true look of denim + white

but you can really have some fun creating outfits with colour & layers – like this:

with dark denim & splashes of emerald green – these outfits match, but don’t look like a uniform because the layers & textures add character!

wearing layers or a sleeve is a flattering look for most people (even if you’ve been working out like Angelina Jolie)

so this time of year, when the days are starting to get cooler, is an ideal time to schedule a portrait session

stay tuned for more what to wear wednesday posts!