So it's another year done and dusted. Mine was so wonderfully relaxed this year. Being Polish we celebrate on Christmas Eve with everyone on my Mums side of the family. It is a night very strong in tradition which we all love and I can see my children looking forward to all the traditional bits of the evening. It was at my Aunt Libby's house and she did an amazing job on the table, we all brought something along. My American cousin in law does THE most amazing Turkey and Ham. I did Margaret Fulton's Cherry Pav and the kids and I made a Gingerbread House. I also did this amazing layered salad which is always a big hit. So here are some images of my Christmas this year.





Now it is time to enjoy some well earned time off except for the occasional blog pop in.

Today, 23 December is one year since my Dad passed away from pancreatic cancer. I honestly cant believe a year has passed and as they say time eases the pain. Dad and I had a strained relationship but his passing was so sudden and such a shock to me. We were just starting to mend our relationship and he was getting to know his beautiful grandchildren. Sometimes I honestly think I have seen him in the street and go to wave and then remember.

My brother, Mum and I with our families are having a special dinner tonight in his memory.

I am very much looking forward to a happier Christmas celebration this year. I really don't remember much from last year except feeling numb.

So here is to you Dad. I love You.



when Jonah was born

OMG!!! I am completely blown away by this online magazine. I have been a fan of this blog for a while, if you have not heard of what katie ate then you are in for a treat. Even better is that she is an Aussie. I do warn you to not enter the site if you are feeling slightly peckish. I am still salivating. The photography will blow you away, I could literally smell the chocolate through my lap top screen. I am writing out an ingredient list for the Vanilla Cookies, Macadamia Cranberry Cookies and Chocolate Cherry Mousse Pots, just to mention a few.

I am all over the biscuiteers advent calendar and those cookies. Go do some more drooling when you are finished here.Need to get my hands on the Mozi Ham Bag.

The section on New York takes me back to the winter I spent in New York, I remember Christmas as being bitterly cold but so wonderfully magical. I often walked home from work and it really was like living in a dream. The giant wreath in the window of 'extra virgin' is giving me all sorts of ideas.

MUST MUST MUST visit Monsieur Truffe in Collingwood these holidays and next time I am in Sydney I do believe a picnic from The Sydney Picnic Co may be in order.

I could go on and on but that would ruin it for you. So sit back and enjoy 495...yes 495 pages of complete decadence from around the world.






Tell me what you thought....

Who remembers this blog post a few months ago of one of my very fave bakers, Bakerella? Earlier this year I saw this post and totally swooned and tucked the idea in the back of my very busy brain till the end of year. I was strolling through Coles when I saw Christmas M&M's and jumped for joy (I really did )so this is what Peg and I made for teacher gifts this year.

Here is the production line....childcare, kinder and school.



Here are the cute little labels I designed. All you need is a scalloped circle cutter and away you go.


Hope they think they are as cute as I do.....has anyone out there made any creative teacher gifts this year?

Last Sunday was Jonah's 7th Birthday....7....it barely seems possible. We decided together that this years theme would be Ice Cream as we are both crazy about it. Jonah was very particular about how, why, where and what he wanted. I think I got it right for him. A great day was had by all and we were blessed with having one of the few days that it did not rain. Perfect weather, perfect location and perfect guests.

This is the invite we designed together.


How totally divine are these ice cream cookies that were made by the super talented Sanja at Prendergast and Grace at 20 Bellerine St, GEELONG. Everything she does is totally divine and she will custom make anything that is humanly possible.



These ice cream cone cupcakes were a big hit, to clarify I baked the cake mix IN the cones then frosted them. Divine and Delicious. All I did was use a packet mix (naughty me) and filled the ice cream cones 2/3rds of the way and baked till ready. They were very top heavy and kept falling over so be really gentle. To make it even easier (remember I had just moved house) I used Betty Crocker ready made frosting in the can with the nozzle, shake, squeeze and voila!!!!




The gorgeous cupcake toppers and lolly labels were designed by the lovely Kim from Amity Invites. Another one of my great stallholders.






I was told that there was to be no Pass the Parcel or Musical Chairs. We had to have sack races, egg and spoon and we found a great tag game. Here are some pics from some good old fashioned kid fun. There were many photo finish moments.






Opening presents was super fun for Mr 7 Year Old and he commanded an audience



I created a little photo booth where the kids could get silly, it was fun and even the adults got involved.



and here he is with his winning sundae combination.



He is already planning next years theme which at this stage is a Cowboy Theme.