Sharon by the Sea

2012-01-14T09:58:00.001+10:00

Lamp Make Over

2012-01-14T09:52:00.007+10:00

Bought this beautiful fabric from
http://www.fabrictraders.com.au/shop/

Bought this lamp shade cheap from Bunnings Hardware.
I felt this fabric pattern worked better on this shape which was good because it was easier to work with.

Cut and measured (trying to capture and line up with pictures)

Particularly love birds at the moment.

Don't know why but I'm mad for anything with birds.

The old spray glue! always handy.

Sprayed glue onto lamshade to attach fabric.

Then folded over the top and used craft glue and some trusty pegs

Before

After

After. I will have to take some photos during the day but I like the effect with the light on.
Lovin the birds.

Sweet Ipad 2 giveaway!!!!!!! Amazing............

2011-05-29T15:40:00.000+10:00

http://www.designformankind.com/2011/05/insane-giveaway-ipad2/comment-page-31/#comment-77466

Hillsong United - Age to Age (His Glory Appears) HQ

2011-04-19T19:50:00.000+10:00

SONG OF THE WEEK

2011-04-17T20:47:00.001+10:00

SONG OF THE WEEK

Easter

2011-04-14T21:06:00.005+10:00

Blessings Easter 2011

Joseph Prince - NOW Is The Time Of Salvation And Every Blessing! - 10 Ap...

2011-04-14T08:02:00.000+10:00

Easy Composter

2011-04-10T21:28:00.006+10:00

I attended a great festival in Coolum on the weekend with our compost bins. We met a lot of other small business owners and enjoyed all the keynote speakers. Most of the speakers were from a Womens Network and they all had some really great relevant information. One lady Annie from Saucy Social Media had tips on using social media for your business. She has some great workshops coming up.

Clearly by the look of this blog I desperately need some help. I would like to be contributing more to my blog and more importantly using the social media for our business so I need to pull my finger out and

JUST DO IT!!

You can find more information about her workshops at http://www.saucysocialmedia.com/

One In A Million (For Japan)

2011-04-06T12:02:00.000+10:00

SONG OF THE WEEK

2011-04-03T22:53:00.000+10:00

SONG OF THE WEEK

"They That Wait Upon The Lord" Stuart Hamblen

2011-03-29T08:45:00.000+10:00

Chris Tomlin - I Will Rise

2011-01-12T10:40:00.001+10:00

Queensland Floods

2011-01-11T23:19:00.003+10:00

How amazing is this? This photo as below was taken in the flood waters near Dalby

As below it is common for animals to help each other out

when disaster strikes. I guess it is a little touch of heaven because

the bible says that the lion will lay down with the lamb.

Also out of adversity comes human resourcefulness and

compassion for each other and sometimes it's the only time

we witness our God given courage and strength rise up

and God becomes someone we call out to.

Psalm 91

Please pray for blessing to come from all of this. Sometimes natural disasters bring us back to reality and what is really important and it’s not in material

things but in our relationship with one another and more importantly with our Creator God .

Computer technician Armin Gerlach was visiting friends in the flood-hit town of Dalby, located in the state's south-east, last week when he spotted the unlikely pair.
"I felt amazement, I just couldn’t believe it," Mr Gerlach told ninemsn.
Mr Gelach said a friend who had been affected by many floods told him animals often helped each other out during disasters.
"It's quite common when you have animals in floods or fires or disasters, they actually get together and don't do anything," he said. "[My friend] has seen foxes and rabbits forget their hunting instincts during natural disasters," he said

Christmas 2010

2011-01-11T22:50:00.003+10:00

This year we had a tree on the verandah.

It was a wicker planter from bunnings

that we put lights on. I was quite pleased

with the effect

This year was the first year I have tackled a whole turkey.

Great cranberry and pistachio stuffing (Very colourful)

To tell you the truth I don't think I would bother

doing it again.

I love the look of a whole turkey but honestly

I didn't think it was as nice as the rolled

buffet style ones that I usually have.

Storm Season

2010-12-17T04:09:00.000+10:00

"I Will Rise" by Chris Tomlin (with lyrics)

2010-11-30T11:29:00.000+10:00

Chris Tomlin - God Of This City Lyrics

2010-11-30T11:12:00.000+10:00

How He Loves Us - Kim Walker / Jesus Culture

2010-09-17T09:30:00.000+10:00

More Wedding Bells and Beau

2010-04-15T23:26:00.002+10:00

It seems like I am on a wedding theme at the moment. I just love this wedding photo though.
This is Lucy and Beau. My daughter went to school with Lucy.
She is the most beautiful girl on the outside but more importantly on the inside....
I went to bible college with her mum many moons ago and she is a treasure also. Their wedding day was in the most beautiful setting in a beautiful part of the country Maleny on the Sunshine Coast Qld and a beautiful old house http://www.laurels.com.au/ Unfortunately the weather for their special day was the worst in many years. Rain, Rain and more rain In fact the whole area was flooding but they still enjoyed their special day and always bring the good times with them. Lucy brings joy and sunshine where ever she goes... That is a wonderful quality to have.
Blessings for the future guys.

Nickel & Penny

2010-03-27T22:59:00.002+10:00

Zoie from Religion of Fashion Blog. http://religionoffashion.blogspot.com
Saw Laura my daughter at the Young Designers Market in Southbank Brisbane.
She has a wonderful fashion blog to encourage and help new designers.
Check it out. She has an upcoming vintage afternoon tea that sounds delightful on the 24th of April.

This is what she wrote about Laura's stall.
This gorgeous little stall caught my eye with a gorgeous owner and GORGEOUS (yes, that was neccessary capitalisation) accessories! Nickel & Penny. Great head pieces. Great prices. Amazingly stylish owner. All yes's in my part!

Her Web Site is http://www.nickelandpenny.bigcartel.com/
Email: nickelandpenny@hotmail.com

Our Lovely Laura Madeleine talented Make Up Artist

and Creative Flair for anything she chooses to put her hand to.

Our Wedding 29th of March 1975

2010-03-27T20:43:00.006+10:00

35th Wedding Anniversary

29th of March 1975

Mariell my flower girl is now 40 with two beautiful girls of her own. How time flies!

WEDDING Anthony and Kirsty 19th of March 2010

2010-03-22T22:38:00.000+10:00

The beautiful Kirsty

This was a beautiful relaxed wedding from wow to go. Anthony is Geoff and Leona's son good friends of ours and he grew up with our family and Adam and Troy our two boys have some special memories and times spent with Anthony. He has found an amazing partner in Kirsty.

She is a stunning girl not only on the outside but inside as well.

Kirsty & Anthony

Wedding 19th March 2010

The Kiss

The Dance

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPk8j1EiDa4

More pics on YouTube

2010-02-01T18:27:00.000+10:00

Psalm 23, beautifully explained

-----
Psalm 23 The Lord is my Shepherd = That's Relationship!I shall not want = That's Supply!He maketh me to lie down in green pastures = That's Rest! He leadeth me beside the still waters = That's Refreshment!He restoreth my soul = That's Healing!He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness = That's Guidance!For His name sake = That's Purpose!Yea, though I walk through the valley of t he shadow of death = That's Testing! I will fear no evil = That's Protection! For Thou art with me = That's Faithfulness! Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me = That's Discipline!Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies = That's Hope! Thou annointest my head with oil = That's Consecration!My cup runneth over = That's Abundance! Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life = That's Blessing ! And I will dwell in the house of the Lord = That's Security!Forever = That's Eternity! Face it, the Lord is crazy about you.

2009-08-18T23:08:00.000+10:00

Ephesians 5:15 encourages us to 'be very careful how you live, making the most of your time..' Each and every one of us is going through tough times right now, but God is getting ready to bless you in a way that only He can. Keep the faith.

A Gift Wrapped Life Giveaway

2009-08-01T23:53:00.000+10:00

You must check out this beautiful Gift Giveaway. Even if you don't win you will be inspired!
http://agiftwrappedlife.blogspot.com/2009/07/100-posts-and-thank-you-giveaway.html

Shade From Brazil

2009-06-28T21:47:00.000+10:00

Over the past 6 months we have been hosting students from Brazil and Germany. Shade has been with us since January and she has become part of our family and she is leaving this Thursday and we will miss her. There have already been lots of tears as my two daughters Amy and Laura who she has grown close to have already left to go overseas. Below is a lovely letter from Shade's dad and my letter in return. It does stretch you on so many levels having people in your home and especially initial strangers from a foreign land but I can highly recommend it. Australia is so cut off from the rest of the world and we have much to learn about other countries and their way of life and what better way then first hand.

Hi Sharon ,

How are you all ?
The time runs so fast that shade ‘s program is almost over .
After the first days with some concern , she started to live a Australian life in a beautiful family .
And you and all the family are responsible for her success .
Kindness , wisdom .
A help hand , a word .
Little by little you have set up an energy and a way to live together .
I am very happy from the other side of the ocean to see and realize all that .
Nothing more important than gives her wings to live the life in a peaceful mood and a free spirit .
You all , be sure , are gonna be part of her life for ever .
And I really hope you both could keep this friendshipness and love .
Our doors are all open for you in Brasil .
Be sure , I would be very pleased to receive you and the “kids “ over here .
With the same kindness .

Thank you very much ,

Henrique

Hi
Thank you for your lovely words. Shade has just read your letter to us and she nearly started crying again.
There have been many good-byes these past weeks and many tears. ):
We still have the big good-bye on Thursday which will be hard as Shade has really been part of the family and we have all grown close to her.
She is a beautiful girl outside and inside and she is a delight to know and a credit to you and her mother.

We are so pleased that we have been able to host her in our home and to be able to learn first hand about life in Brazil and not just from a book.
She has been a shining light from the day she arrived. The first day at school when all of the students gathered Shade stood out. She is very confident girl and a real leader. You have taught her well and she is a lovely respectful girl, a faithful friend. I have included some photos of Shade with each of my daughters and one that was taken at her school with the other international students and her co-coordinator Desley who she respected and loved and she will miss her heaps I’m sure.
Thank you for your invitation hopefully one day in the not to distant future we could visit your beautiful country and see Shade surrounded by her loving family.

Love Rob and Sharon

YouTube - Chris tomliin

2009-06-28T19:23:00.000+10:00

YouTube - Chris tomliin

2009-06-28T19:01:00.001+10:00

Hi thought you might enjoy this new song that we have been singing in church.
http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=98992706173&h=T1Iez&u=kvDmi&ref=mf

I intend getting back into blogging. Story of my life I always fall off the wagon whether it's dieting or blogging but I have told myself I have to get back to some of the things I love and blogging is one of them. I have never stopped following but just not contributing.. Back soon Keep posting and giving me interesting blogs to read..

2009-04-11T22:23:00.000+10:00

Happy Easter 2009

These salt city candles are just delightful. One of them reminds me so much of the smells of Canada. I guess its cinnamon or spices. The aroma is so strong it lasts long after the candles are lit.

2009-04-11T21:47:00.000+10:00

You wouldn't believe it but I had this cake all decorated and placed in the fridge when my fridge light blew up. I opened the fridge to put something away and there was this mighty flash and explosion. You would have thought a bomb went off. Fine glass shot everywhere and I was just thankful that it didn't go in my eyes... I had to scrape the cake clean and start again.... I was a bit cheesed. It is the most expensive fridge we have ever owned and it is the worst heap of rubbish. Within one month it had holes in the case and it is too narrow and painful... I have had the company out a few times but never had any joy. Oh! I think I need to write them another letter. It is a well known fancy brand that is supposed to be the ants pants and it's super crap..

Giveaway

2009-01-27T22:25:00.000+10:00

Generous Giveaway from a gorgeous blog Sarah from" A Beach Cottage"

2009-01-19T21:32:00.000+10:00

Heavenly Father, remind us each day that, of all the gifts you give us, the greatest gift is love. It is not enough to share that love with those we hold dear. Open our hearts not to just those who are close to us, but to all humanity.. Let us be slow to judge and quick to forgive, show patience, empathy and love.

Matthew 5:44

Australia Day 2009

2009-01-19T20:09:00.000+10:00

Australia Day is coming up. The 26th of January we celebrate Australia Day with a long weekend. How very Australian. We love our holidays and no doubt there will be a BBQ or two. I have grown to appreciate and love our country and our culture. It wasn't really until I travelled overseas that I really came to appreciate our great country and the privilege of living in this Great South Land of the Holy Spirit.. It is a country of great beauty, and a people with a sense of humour and a laid back culture. We don't take too much seriously and we like to laugh at ourselves and others... Happy Australia Day to all you aussies out there. We should be proud of our great country and appreciate our freedom, and be thankful for the variety and choice of food and the beauty that surrounds us.

Australia's National Anthem Advance Australia Fair

Australians all let us rejoice,For we are young and free,

We've golden soil and wealth for toil;

Our home is girt by sea;

Our land abounds in nature's giftsOf beauty rich and rare,

In history's page, let every stageAdvance Australia Fair.

In joyful strains then let us sing,Advance Australia Fair.

Beneath our radiant Southern Cross

We'll toil with hearts and hands;

To make this Commonwealth of oursRenowned of all the lands;

For those who've come across the seas

We've boundless plains to share;

With courage let us all combine

To Advance Australia Fair.

In joyful strains then let us sing,Advance Australia Fair.

A Tribute to the Golden Age of Cinema

2008-11-26T21:28:00.000+10:00

I have just been reading Maureen O'Hara's Autobiography. Below is a brief overview of her life. I do love some of her old movies... I need to revisit some of them.... I particularly loved her with John Wayne..... they just seemed like a perfect match...
It was funny as I was reading it I could hear it as she would speak it if you know what I mean in her Irish accent...
I am a fan of most of the old movies... Even though you watch them and some of them are just so lame to us now they just have that olden day charm...

A Tribute to Maureen O'Hara
Maureen O'Hara was born in Ranelagh, Ireland, on August 17, 1920, as Maureen FitzSimons, the second oldest child of Charles and Marguerita FitzSimons. Though she was quite a tomboy as a small child, by the age of six she began to develop an interest in performing, so her mother sent her to "elocution" school. At 14, she was accepted to the famed Abbey Theater, and won just about every acting award her country offered.
While training at Abbey, Maureen was asked to do a screen test at Elstree Studios. It wasn't at all to her liking, but after Charles Laughton and his partner Eric Pommer, who owned a film company Mayflower Pictures, saw it, she was offered a 7-year contract with their company. After small parts in two films, she co-starred with Laughton in "Jamaica Inn," filmed in London, and then went to America to star in "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" at RKO studios. It was so successful that her contract was bought out by RKO. At the young age of 19, Maureen had starred in two major motion pictures with Charles Laughton, and was on her way to stardom.
Such was the impact of her red hair and beautiful eyes that Herbert T. Kalmus, inventor of the Technicolor process, would never hesitate to render a color commitment to a studio if he knew Maureen would be starring in the film! Kalmus used Maureen's image and coloring to literally sell his invention. She even became known as the "The Queen of Technicolor" after a series of flamboyant costume epics.
In 1941, John Ford cast her in "How Green Was My Valley," which began a friendship between Ford and O'Hara that resulted in four more films with him: "Rio Grande," "The Quiet Man," "Wings of Eagles" and "The Long Gray Line." Ford reportedly described her as "the best bloody actress in Hollywood." Her appearance with John Wayne in "Rio Grande" also began a longtime relationship with the larger-than-life actor who easily matched her own powerful onscreen presence. They made five films together. She also starred in multiple pictures with Brian Keith, Jimmy Stewart, Anthony Quinn, Tyrone Power, Cornel Wilde, and John Payne, the latter in the beloved "Miracle on 34th Street." She had a reputation as a true professional.
Maureen "retired" from the movie business in the mid-sixties, but continued to appear on television through the 1970's, where she was able to showcase her singing talents. In 1968 she married General Charles Blair, a famous aviator, and in 1973, after making the TV movie "The Red Pony" with Henry Fonda, began a career as a full-time wife. She also helped her husband manage a commuter sea plane service in the Caribbean. After General Blair was killed in a plane crash in 1978, Maureen was elected CEO and President of Antilles Airboats, and became the first woman President of a scheduled airline in the USA. She now lives in St. Croix in the Virgin Islands. She came out of retirement in 1991 to appear with John Candy in "Only The Lonely," in 1995 to do a made-for-TV movie called "The Christmas Box," in 1998 in another TV movie entitled "Cab to Canada," and "The Last Dance," in 2000.

Creatures

2008-11-20T08:35:00.002+10:00

Check out the pretend eyes

Amazing detail

Check out this caterpillar with fork tongue or feelers (not sure)that I discovered on my poor little lemon tree this morning....

Aren't creatures great and small amazing....How can anyone say there is no God.. Look at the detail God puts into the tiniest creatures. And we humans have individual DNA's doesn't that blow you away .... that there is not one of us the same?

I love just staring at flowers. When you think about it God went to a lot of trouble for us to enjoy our surroundings so much variety in creation...Thank you God ....I see your hand on my life and all creatures great and small....... Genesis 1v24 "And God said. Let the Earth bring forth living creatures according to their kinds livestock, creeping things, and (wild) beasts of the Earth according to their kinds ..... And it was so!

Kath's Birthday

2008-11-17T06:39:00.000+10:00

" Happy Birthday Kathryn"
Saturday we celebrated my daughter in laws birthday...We had a great time together.

It is always good to get your family together in the one place..

As you know when they grow up it is often hard for you to always be together for Christmas and birthday celebrations so we have to learn to enjoy it when we have it..

Kathryn is Canadian and all her family are in Canada so we realise how difficult it is for her especially at Christmas and Birthday celebrations.....

I can't take the credit for this cake, My son Troy's friend Mat made these beautiful gourmet muffins with Ferraro Rocher chocolates on top... Kathryn is a great cook herself (She follows her family tradition on with the art of baking) We need to make sure our daughters continue to bake and cook because otherwise it will become a lost art like letter writing..... she made a great ice cream cake which went perfectly with these chocolate muffins.

My Kitchen

2008-11-16T05:02:00.000+10:00

Can't you smell the sweet lavendar fragrance? Speaking of

fragrance the bible says we are a sweet fragrance. I pray that our fragrance is fresh and full of God's mercy and grace..<><

2 Corinthians 2 V 14 & 15

But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in

triumph (as trophies of Christ's victory) and through us

spreads and makes evident the frangrance of the

knowledge of God everywhere.

For we are the sweet fragrance of Christ (which exhales)

unto God (discernible alike) among those who are being saved and among
those who are perishing..

Love these French inspired prints and tile. I wasn't sure I liked the kitchen colour when we first moved here but it has grown on me. We had a very country kitchen before in cream and oak benches so it was quite a change. I love the lavender prints against the colour. The colour changes in different light.

Dinner Set and Dresser

2008-11-14T12:55:00.001+10:00

This is the Dinner Set that I found at Bloomhills second hand shop. It is a setting for 6, with Two oval platters. It has soup and dessert bowls but no bread and butter plates?. Someone told me it must be very old because a long time ago they didn't make bread and butter plates? It just has made in Japan on th bottom. I love the pink an the delicate design.

I also love my Kitchen dresser. It was in a gift store as part of the store with items on it for sale and I asked the store owner if she would sell it to me... I do love it so these two things are some of my favourite things.

I need some tuition on how to down load my photos and more importantly placement and I seem to have trouble being able to put my text where I would like to etc I will have to speak with my daughter in law because it frustrates me. Also if someone could tell me how you put text on your photos like Sarah from a Beach Cottage?

Sailor Boy Date

2008-11-13T23:31:00.000+10:00

I have decided to do some of the things I love around my home after reading Lora's Blog from "My Blessed Life"http://myblessedlife-lora.blogspot.com. I will endeavour to do one a day over the next week or so. I love my date sailor boy that was given to me for my 50th Birthday by a friend from church.. I try to keep up with the date but sometimes it's like my devotions and quiet time a little random..sometimes a week has gone by and poor sailor boy is sitting on a week ago. Blessings Sharonxx <><

Decorate a Christmas Tree

2008-11-12T20:56:00.000+10:00

I love this idea from the Notebook magazine for a Gardenia Christmas tree. The only problem is Gardenia's don't last long before they go brown and they are expensive,but they do smell delicious and I love the freshness of the flowers and the pine tree. It would make a great small tree for a centrepiece on the table.

Decorate a Christmas tree
By Jada Bennett

Make your home truly inviting on Christmas Day with the luscious scent of pine needles and gardenias. There’s no need for baubles or tinsel – our tree features a chic, natural alternative to Christmas decor. Gardenias flower in the warmer months, making them the ideal bloom for your tree, but you could do the same with roses or frangipani, or your favourite summer flower. Keep in mind that when displayed this way, these gorgeous blooms will look their best for just a day or so – their fleeting beauty and magnificent fragrance will make your special occasion all the more memorable.

What you will need

Gardenia flowers;
Floral wire;
Parafilm (green or white) or sticky tape;
Christmas tree;
Spray atomiser and water
Photography: Scott Hawkins Styling: Jada Bennett

Hints and Tips
...Quantity of flowers will be determined by size of tree - be adventurous and introduce a mixture of flowers...

How to...
1 Cut gardenia head leaving a little bit of stem. Using thin floristry wire, pierce the top of the stem just below the base of the flower. Bend the wire end down to meet the end of the stem.

2 Wrap the length of wire with parafilm (floristry tape) or substitute with sticky tape. This will bind the wire to the stem and create a false stem length to work with that is stable yet bendable

3 Insert flowers at intervals on your tree, or if you have a large Christmas tree, wrap the wires around branches to secure, being careful not to bruise the delicate flowers. Lightly spray with an atomiser.

Published in Notebook Magazine

Issue: December 2007

Melbourne Cup

2008-11-03T22:09:00.001+10:00

Beautiful Head Bands

Well tomorrow is Melbourne Cup here in Australia. It's a horse race and its called "The race that stops a Nation"... and it's true people stop to watch from all over the nation. Business's shut down just to watch or even have the day or afternoon off. Its an excuse for the ladies to dress up in their finery and the milliners are busy making hats.... People place a bit even if the rest of the year they never do and all over the place people have sweeps where you are randomly picked a horse and everyone contributes so much...It's I guess a bit of fun although coming from a family where your father spent most of his money on the horses and then some I don't think it is a sport to get caught up in the world of gambling...

My daughter Laura made these great head bands last night. I think they are fabulous and worthy of Melbourne cup...I love the bird design... My daughters are both very artistic and I love their creative flair..

A few years ago my daughter Amy and a friend dressed up in old style for the Melbourne Cup and she drives a little 1963 mini so it fitted right in with the theme.. The little mini is bright pink and she is thinking of selling it soon as she is hoping to head over to the UK. It's been a faithful car for her and it runs on the smell of an oily rag so it's a shame she can't ship it over to the Uk so it can go back home to the mother land where it came from.

Boy it's almost as old as me and that's pretty old!

Some more of the girls handy work...

Love Sharon XX <><

Great Hints from a great Aussie Magazine Notebook

2008-10-29T12:27:00.000+10:00

http://www.homehints.com.au/newsletters/20081029.html Click on this link to view some great tips from the Notebook Magazine which is a very good read for women..

This is a fantastic Give Away

2008-10-28T20:48:00.000+10:00

Check this blog give away. It is extremely generous and I would love to win it myself but if you want a chance just leave a comment on the blog..

Sharon <><

Tea Towel Apron

2008-10-26T20:56:00.000+10:00

My daughter Amy made this cute apron from two tea towels. Just cut the shape and add the frill and you have a cute individual pretty apron. The white tea towel already had the trim on it so it was perfect and the frill is made from the cut off part.

There is such a choice of nice tea towels these days that you could use so I think we will be making more of these for gifts......Sharon xx <><

Bees a buzzin

2008-10-26T15:58:00.000+10:00

Well Like I said yesterday I really haven't mastered any crafts but I had a little go at embroidering on some baby items a hat and singlet. It's not perfect but it turned out quite cute anyway. I will have to buy a book or check it out as I would love to do some more properly. Master the old bullion stitch...

I would also like to master the art of wrapping presents so they are a delight in themselves. Kathryn my daughter in law always wraps her presents so beautifully. This one was simple but I just loved the green paper with the touch of gingham which I think is a great combination. Her attached flower card just copied and printed on the computer. What a great idea!

Domestic Bliss

2008-10-25T19:02:00.000+10:00

I had a weekend of celebrations... a surprise party for a friend at church and a baby shower today and I did some baking and some embroidery which turned out reasonably well. I have always just touched on different crafts but not really mastered anything. I would say that I do prefer the art of hand sewing and quilting rather then machine sewing as I find it more relaxing. I am also a little like this with my baking a bit random I hardly bake these days but I do enjoy it when I do it but of course it is too tempting once I make that cup of tea not to eat what I baked.

I made these White Chocolate cupcakes from the above breast cancer magazine. It obviously sn't from the weight watchers magazine.... Lots of butter and chocolate. No wonder they went wn a treat.....

WHITE CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES

Makes 24, {pep and cook time 1 Hour 30mins

Ingredients : Pink Paper Muffin Cases

250g Butter Chopped coarsely

150g white cooking chocolate, chopped finely

2 cups (250ml) milk

1 1/2 cups (225g) plain flour

1 tsp vanilla extract

2eggs, lighty beaten

Icing Flowers, to decorate

Pink Butter Cream

250g butter, softened

3 cups (500g) icing sugar mixture (sifted)

1/3 cup (80ml) milk

few drops of pink food colouring

1. Preheat oven to 160/140C fan forced. Line muffin tins with paper cases.

2. Combine the butter, chocolate, sugar and milk in a medium saucepan; whisk over low heat, without boiling, until smooth. Cool 20 mins.

3.Whisk in the combined sifted flours then the extract and eggs. Pour the mixture evenly into the prepared pans. Bake cakes for about 35 mins or until cooked when tested . Cakes will be crusty on top. Transfer to wire rack to cool.

4. Pink Butter Cream: Beat Butter in medium bowl with electric mixer until white as possible. Gradually beat in half the icing sugar and all the milk. Scrape down sides of bowl with spatula; beat in remaining icing sugar and food colouring.

5. Fill a piping bag fitted with a small fluted tube with the Pink Butter Cream. Pipe Pink Butter Cream on top of cakes and decorate with icing flowers.

Un-iced cakes suitable to freeze. White chocolate mixture suitable to microwave

Mine looked slightly different from the pictureBlessings Sharon xx <><

At last

2008-10-20T21:46:00.000+10:00

I don' believe it but it has taken me over a year to get started after the initial start last September 2007 after following my daughter in laws blogs. She is a great photogragher and I love to see what photos she has taken. then in April this year her parents Dot and Terry were out from Canada and we enjoyed a great time with them at the Whitsundays on an amazing Sailing ship called Pacific Sunrise (fully catered). I would totally recommend it to anyone travelling to the Whitsundays. http://www.whitsundaycoralcruises.com/ We have been sailing there a few times before but I'd have to say having it all catered is the way to go. The staff were amazing, the food sensational, and being a small sailing ship made it very intimate and friendly.

Dot shared her sister Judy's blog (My Front Porch) http://www.judys-front-porch.blogspot.com/which really got me hooked I have been following it ever since and so many others and sometimes you can sit for hours just pouring over what everyone else is up to on the other side of the world and so you get hooked. I guess the time factor has been one of the reasons for my hesitation because I know I will find it hard to do what I should be doing and choose to check into the blog world and lose myself but so what it is time well spent... as you are encouraged and lifted up in your spirit of womanhood from women with so much talent and love to share.. and Godly inspiration... so I have begun my journey to share my world, and realise that there is a much bigger world then my small space. I look forward to meeting you all soon!

Dot and Terry at the beautiful Whitsunday's It is famous for sailing as there are many islands and safe havens. You can go out to the great Barrier Reef and there are some wonderful snorkelling areas to see tropical fish.. and one of the most famous beaches in the world known for its white sand called Whitehaven Beach where many people get dropped off by seaplane to picnic or get married.