i can't stop myself...

I bought another (!) new toy this week and suddenly I've realised my lil' stash has become something of a collection. 

I can't stop myself. Seriously.  

But on the positive side, look at the lovely cards I made with my new buy...

Actually, I made a little more than that...

 

Of course now I know the punch definitely works, I will have to force myself to buy the other patterned punches. 

Yes, seriously. I can't stop myself...

Michelle xx

 

loving these december buys!

Admittedly, I have done far too much shopping this month! There were the Christmas gifts, the baby gifts, the gifts for all of the parties in December and January, the Boxing Day sales and of course, a few buys for yours truly. Now I'd love to share them all, but some of my favourite buys have yet to be gifted, so they'll stay under wraps for now! But take a look at some of my other favourite buys and gifts I received over Christmas:

Decorative berry branches - These wooden branches don't look like much now, but wait until you see what I have in store for these (check the blog later this month!). I bought these from Supply and Demand - my new favourite store! They stock excess homewares and decorator items from stores such as Adairs, Bed Bath and Table, Freedom, etc., and I just can't get enough of it! And best of all, they're cheap!

Sunbeam SmartBake - I finally got a bread maker!! I made my first organic wholegrain loaf over a year ago in protest against the $9 loaves I was buying from my health food store. Even though my loaves tasted so much better (and cheaper!), I hated the mess and the time it took kneading and repeatedly checking the dough as it rose. But this lil' baby means no more kneading, no more rise checks and no more mess! And it makes pasta dough and jam too! With all of this yummy bread I'll be baking, I secretly wonder whether my man bought this to benefit me or him?? hehe

Ceramic pie weights - If you enjoy baking like me, do yourself and the earth a favor and buy yourself some ceramic pie weights. They'll last forever and eliminate the waste involved in using new rice or beans each time you need to blind bake your pastry. My lovely sister must have read my letter to Santa because she added these and the Donna Hay Christmas magazine to my Christmas gift... Now I can't wait to start baking!

Glasshouse candle - I received this Christmas edition but I have loved the Glasshouse range of candles for years now... especially the caramel scented candle! These candles are made from non-toxic wax and all natural lead-free cotton wicks, so they're good for you and the environment. I've seen these at Bibelo and Peter Alexander, or check your local stockist on the Glasshouse website.

T2 Relax - Such a gorgeous mix of chamomile, juniper berries, flowers (hibiscus, lavender, rose petals), vervain leaves and lemongrass... I'm already addicted! Get some for yourself at T2.  

The Big Bang Theory Season 4 - I'm not a big TV fan but I absolutely love finding a great series and snuggling up for a few solid hours. My newest TV crush is the Big Bang Theory - An American sitcom based on the contrast between geeky and socially awkward friends Leonard, Sheldon, Raj and Howard and their beautiful neighbour Penny. If you haven't watched it before, grab yourself a copy or borrow mine... it'll have you in stitches!

Leather Journal - Last, but certainly not least, my new gratitude journal. Yes, 2011 was beautiful in many ways but it also brought many challenging moments and decisions. And although I am deeply grateful for all of the blessings in my life, it can be difficult remembering all I am grateful for during the difficult times. So as a constant (grounding) reminder, I really hope I take the time to jot down all of the small things I am grateful for each day. Why not do the same for yourself?

Michelle xx 

my newest obsession...

I have a shameful secret and it's about time I got it off my chest! For years now, every time I went shopping I would stand with my hands and nose pressed against the window, peering into Wheel & Barrow or House. The object of my affection was a beautiful red KitchenAid mixer and I knew that owning one would miraculously improve my baking skills. But how on earth would I convince hubby to let me spend as much on a kitchen appliance as one would on a cheap used car??

As it turns out, there was no begging or bargaining involved! Hubby turned to me and must have felt absolute pity for me standing in the corner of Wheel & Barrow and staring *sulking* up at the KitchenAid display, because all I heard was "why don't you just get it?". But I wasn't taking the bait that easily! Dozens of ideas flooded through my mind as to why he suggested I get the mixer... Was it to avoid continually being dragged into every kitchen store while I ogled this beauty? Did he imagine I'd bake him every delectable delight while he took control of the television remote? Or did he think I'd say 'oh no honey, it's far too expensive!'. Then I noticed he had turned away and was meandering toward the exit! There was no way I was losing this opportunity so I lunged at the sales woman and said "I'll take it!"

So the order was placed! We didn't agree on getting the red KitchenAid (and I will admit he was right - I'd probably get bored with red as quickly as I've gotten bored with other decorating styles) but he did agree to me upgrading to the brushed nickel. And it was so worth the wait! It only took 8 years to finally convince myself that I deserve this splurge and probably another 8 years of baking for hubby for him to realise it's real value!

Introducing my newest obsession, lil' Mixie:

And no, you can't borrow it, unless of course your name is Bundy...

Michelle xx