A word on following

You may have noticed, if you are a regular reader of my blog that I like to welcome my new followers and add their blog to my side bar.

You have taken the time, perhaps, even put the kettle first, to sit and read what I have been up too. So to me, it is no different to welcoming you into my home, because in a way, I have.

But...who could of thought that I would have over 90 followers. My goodness!

So far, this year has been busy. I see that many other people are busy too. Perhaps it is just the adjustment to new schedules or trying to accomplish new goals, but I am finding it hard to get to this space right now. No, I am not going to stop blogging. But, I can no longer take the time to welcome all of my new followers personally. I will try to add you to my side bar when I get a chance. Please don't be offended if I don't.

I will have noticed and I am so very grateful that you have stopped by.

As for me following others? Due to very limited time on the computer of late, I find myself skipping here and dashing there, enjoying your pictures and being inspired by your words. I haven't even being commenting, it's hard, with a piece of toast in one hand and a cup of hot tea in the other. (and someone yelling Muuuummm!)

Oh, I almost forgot.... Welcome to my newest followers :)

The beautiful illustration above is by Mandy (who you know I looove) for Edurelief. Have a look at their website. Their organisation is all about breaking the cycle of poverty by providing education and schools for children. I'm off to read more now, to see what I can do to help.

Jam drop biscuits

I told you I felt like baking.

With a yard full of workers (landscapers) at our house on Monday, I had my chance. I intended to whip up a batch of peanut butter and choc chip cookies, that I had made last week, but I couldn't find the recipe. This happens a lot. I know I will find it, slipped into another recipe book, three months from now.

Instead I made these, the recipe is from the side of the cornflake box. I have to share it with you because (a) they are very yummy (b) they make heaps and seem to be keeping well, and (c) if I don't put the recipe here, I will throw out the box and forget all about the recipe.

Crunchy Jam Drop Biscuits
Makes 15-20

• 200 grams butter (softened)
• 1 cup castor sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups plain flour (sifted)
• 2 cups cornflakes (lightly crushed by hand)
• 1/3 of jam (raspberry, strawberry, plum or apricot)

Preheat oven to 180 degrees. Line two baking trays with greaseproof paper. With electric beaters, beat the butter and sugar until light and creamy. Add the egg and vanilla and continue mixing until well combined. Add the flour and cornflakes and mix well with a wooden spoon. Using a heaped teaspoon to measure, drop spoonfuls onto the baking tray about 5 cm apart. Flatten slightly and make an indent in the center of each biscuit. Fill the centers with 1/4 teaspoon of the jam. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until firm and slightly golden. Leave on the tray for 10 minutes before moving to a wire rack to cool.

Also, welcome to my followers, 'olive and esther' and 'by b and e'.

The Organised Home Challenge

Or should that read the The Un-organised Home Challenge, for if it did, I would have accomplished something this week.

I have managed to forget drink bottles, homework, sleep sheets, school swimming payments, sunscreen and my internet banking password! Yes, after five years of internet banking, my brain short circuited and went BLANK for a whole day.

I started re-organising the kids bedrooms in an aim to de-clutter, but I was over it very quickly. I got down a box of trims and doilies to sort out, I sat playing with them for over an hour, then jammed them back into the original box, unsorted. I walked into my walk-in-robe a hundred times and very quickly walked back out again. This is my biggest problem area in the house, but I just can't face it yet.

To be fair, I have not been feeling all that well. I spent a few afternoons on the couch and a few days out and about with odd jobs. I also spent two mornings at school.

So tell me, how is a girl suppose to get anything organised around here?

What's that you say - discipline. Yes, well, wish me luck for next week.

Go here, to see who else has been getting organised around their home this week.

I have also been a little disorganised in welcoming my new followers. So welcome, Alice, Carol, Mac, Tartankiwi, Tat, Karen, ILIS, Karen, Wendy, Caz and Julie.

Queensland Flood Appeal Auction UPDATE!

Just a quick note, to give you an update on the Queensland Flood Appeal Auctions.

The Auctions will now be closing at 9:00 pm Monday the 24th January, NOT midnight as originally planned.

AND

The raffles (that's me) will be continuing until midday on Wednesday 26th January.

So that gives you heaps more time to donate. I have a little secret... I haven't even had a chance to sit down and do this yet either. But I have had a look and there are some fantastic auctions and raffles prizes to be won.

If you want to enter one of my five raffles, and I would love you too. Just go to here or check out my sidebar.

A master list of other crafty raffles and auctioneers can be found here.

Many thanks, to the lovely people still contacting me to make dolls for the Queensland Flood Appeal Dolly Drive. I am so grateful for your support. Who else would like to join us?

Also, I would like to welcome my newest followers, Alice, Mira, Catherine from 'a time to create', Jenna from 'jenna designs', Sam from 'cottonspool'

Just a few things....

(the photos are of two dolls I made over the weekend for the dolly drive)

• Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you, to all of the people putting their hands up to make a doll for the Dolly Drive. I am overwhelmed by the support coming from around the world. Along with the people listed in my side bar, many others, without a blog, have also contacted me and are making dolls as I write. I have sent off some e-mails trying to get contacts to help distribute them. Please if you have any ideas or contacts, let me know.

• Thanks too, to the lovely ladies who have either put my button on their blog or posted about the Dolly Drive. I have been trying to thank-you personally, but I think I have missed a few. I have noticed, thanks for helping spread the word.

• Jenna has sent in a great link for doll patterns. You might want to have a look. "Bit of Whimsy Dolls"

• Carol from 'naturally carol' is making cushions and aprons for the homes of flood victims and wants to know if anyone else would like to join her. Also if anyone has any ideas on how she can distribute them, please let her know.

• Catherine has taken a ticket in my raffle and asked if she wins, to pass it on. Perhaps you could do the same. I can donate the cat softie to the dolly drive and cushions could be donated to Carol (see above)

• Please, please, please donate. If not here, then on one of the many other auction or raffles listed here.

•I want to welcome my new followers, Alli from 'a beautiful pea green boat' and 'handmade in a pea green boat', Sarah from 'one perfect day', Sophie from 'her library adventures', Christy from 'a Christy production', 'felt like stitchin', Al, Mary and Siti Fatimah





• And finally, I am going to resume blogging as normal. It am still watching the flood news both here and now around Australia. My heart is breaking. It just hasn't seemed right to be blogging happy thoughts in this space over the last couple of weeks. But I need to get back to some pretty pictures, recipe posts and crafting. This blog is my happy place. I will, of course, be keeping you update with the dolly drive and the raffle.

Please don't forget that the Queensland Flood Appeal Auction has started and ends at midnight on Monday 24th January. A master list of other crafty auctioneers can be found here.

AND

Don't forget my Queensland Flood Appeal Dolly Drive. Perhaps you'd like to join us.

Marshmallows by the fire

A couple of nights ago, there was a request for toasted marshmallows.

Taco's for dinner outside. The trampoline for the kids. A glass of wine for the parents. And marshmallows toasted on an open fire for everyone. I'm so glad that we enjoyed the outdoors when we did, as it looks as if the rain has returned. And it looks very set in.



Welcome to my newest followers, Tatiana from 'smiley sunday studio', Suzy from 'lilibebek' , Barbara and Teika.

Stollen for breakfast

Oh yes indeed, Stollen for breakfast, yum!

Welcome to my newest followers, Trishy, Hediye, Kym from 'a day in the life of us' and Kristy from '4 kids, 20 suitcases and a beagle' .

I hope you are having something yummy for breakfast too.

Are you ready for the holidays?

This has been a very long week for me.

I have cooked, wrapped presents, cleaned, scrubbed, made lists, reorganised, cleaned some more and did some shopping. I also soaked, washed, hung, folded and put away five loads of washing. All the while, feeling lousy and blah. Apparently there is something going around. Going to bed at 7:30pm did not help and getting woken up at 4:30am certainly did not help.

I am feeling slightly better now, now that I actually got through the week. Our only school holiday plans are, to take it easy. I am looking forward to baking, craft, play dates and afternoon rests.

I guess we are already in holiday mode.

This morning, Mr Moo and I went out for breakfast, eggs benedict - yum! We hung out at Mum's place for a bit and then, this afternoon, went to a Christmas party. The kids spent practically the whole day in the pool, despite the pouring rain. Day turned into night as we ate and ate. I ate far to many sweet German treats and drank way to much coffee.

It's started, the Christmas indulgence has begun.

Our kids were the only kids at the Christmas party today. With the exception of the time they spent in the pool, about four and a half hours were spent with this box of lego pieces that are over 40 years old. Perfect.

Also....

I'd like to welcome Kym, my newest follower.

Retro Mummy Giveaway

The amazing Corrie at Retro Mummy is having a great giveaway at the moment. Maybe I shouldn't be telling you, as I want to win. If I did, I would have no more excuses for not making my children a beautiful quilt for their bedroom.

There are still a few days left, but you've gotta be in it to win it, so go here now.

And......

I would like to welcome my new followers, 'polka dot daze' and 'pinecone camp'

DON'T FORGET MY GIVEAWAY - DRAWN TOMORROW NIGHT!!!

Vintage finds

I know everyone is thinking Christmas, Christmas, Christmas, but I thought I would show you these anyway. I found these two gorgeous egg cups in one of my favourite antique shops on the weekend. They are being packed away tonight and will be given as gifts, to the kids for Easter.

Also......

I would like to thank everyone for all of the lovely comments on my giveaway post and I would like to welcome my newest followers.

Corrie from retro mummy, Steph from mon petit poppet, Cathie from m.e., Rachel from spinnering, Jennie from posie patchwork, Rebecca from edward and lilly and Tanya from old grey house.

I hope your all having a lovely evening. I'm off to bed for an early night.

DON'T FORGET MY GIVEAWAY - DRAWN 19TH NOVEMBER

When your dead and gone

Miss Moo Moo, was giving me a cuddle and kiss goodnight, tonight. She kissed my eyes and kissed my nose. Then, as I started to walk away, she grabbed my hand tighter and said:

"Mum, I love you so much. I'll look after you. I'll look after you when you are old."

I smiled, wondering where she had heard this. Then she grabbed at my dress and said:

"And when your dead Mum, I can cut this dress up."

I guess there is nothing like teaching your children about recycling!

Perhaps she has something in mind, like this fabulous dottie angel creation pictured above.

Talking about fabulous things...

I would like to welcome my two newest members. Inka Inari and Marie Nouvelle Studio. Two very beautiful blogs. Grab a cup of tea and take a look.