The Bride's Diary - DIY

Romantic Heart Candles

2012-02-14T11:13:00.000+11:00

Set the mood this Valentine's Day with these romantic heart candles from Martha Stewart.

Tools and Materials
Chopsticks
Blow-dryer
Heart-shaped craft punches in various sizes
Sheet wax
Pillar candle

How To
1. Punch hearts from a sheet of wax using heart-shaped craft punches.

2. While holding a single wax heart with chopsticks, heat the pillar candle and wax heart using a blow-dryer (this will soften the wax heart, causing it to adhere to the candle).

3. Repeat this process until you have attached the desired number of hearts to the candle.

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Valentine Truffles

2012-02-13T12:08:00.000+11:00

Nothing says 'I love you' like these chocolate truffles. Give them to your loved one this Valentines day.

Ingredients (makes 24)
180g white chocolate, chopped
1/4 cup thickened cream
1/2 teaspoon strawberry essence
Pink food colouring
180g milk chocolate, chopped
Pink heart sprinkles, to decorate

Method
1. Place white chocolate and cream in a heatproof, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on medium-high (75%) for 1 to 2 minutes or until melted and smooth, stirring with a metal spoon after 1 minute. Stir in essence. Tint mixture pink with food colouring. Cover. Refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours or until firm.
2. Line a tray with baking paper. Roll heaped teaspoons mixture into balls. Place on tray. Freeze until firm.
3. Place milk chocolate in a heatproof, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on medium-high (75%) for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring halfway during cooking with a metal spoon, or until melted and smooth. Using a fork, dip truffles in melted chocolate, shaking off excess. Return truffles to tray. Top each with a pink heart. Refrigerate until set. Serve.

Variation

For coffee truffles, replace white chocolate with dark chocolate, adding 1 tablespoon extra cream to mixture. Omit strawberry essence and food colouring. Stir in 1 tablespoon Kahlua Mocha liqueur at the end of step 1. Replace milk chocolate with dark chocolate. drizzle with 50g melted white chocolate (optional).

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Handcrafted Valentine's Day Décor

2012-02-10T10:50:00.002+11:00

Express your love and affection by creating these simple handmade gifts and decorations for Valentine's day. From heart-shape art to pretty Valentine's day décor for your mantle, these crafts will be loved this holiday.

These cute craft projects make great shelf decorations for Valentine's Day. To craft the collage, cut out repeating shapes from fabric and use spray adhesive to mount on white cardstock frame. For more advanced crafters, pencil a design on a store-bought canvas, and then sew over your drawing using a thick needle.

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Dress up a plain throw pillow for Valentine's day by adding the word "love" with stencils and fabric paint. Cut out your own letters or buy a set of stencils, available at crafts stores, for a quick design.

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Send your valentine a sweet love note with a special surprise inside: pretty handcrafted votive candle sleeves that spell out a romantic message.
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Make a garland of hearts cut from fabric scraps layered and attached with iron-on adhesive. Punch small holes in the sides of the hearts and tie them together with ribbon.
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To create this cute heart wreath use paper punches or scissors to cut hearts from colored lightweight decorative paper. Curl the cutout hearts by scraping them between your thumb and a butter knife just as you would with curling ribbon. Then layer them on the round cardstock base and attach each with a dab of clear-drying glue, either in the center or near one edge. Hang the wreath with ribbon.

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30-minute Roast Chicken

2012-02-06T10:44:00.000+11:00

Who says that you don't have time for a roast on a week night? This chicken will be on your table in half an hour and gone in even less time!

Ingredients (serves 4)
20g (1 tbs) unsalted butter
20ml (1 tbs) olive oil
4 large chicken pieces on the bone (preferably Maryland)
2 large desiree or pontiac potatoes, peeled, cut into 2cm pieces
4 garlic cloves, peeled
6 eschallots (shallots)
1 lemon, halved
3 tbs chopped fresh tarragon
250ml (1 cup) dry white wine
250ml (1 cup) chicken stock
2 tbs Dijon mustard

Method
1. Preheat the oven to 220°C.

2. Place butter and oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Add chicken and brown for 2 minutes each side until golden. Transfer to a medium baking dish (it is important that the pan is big enough so that there is plenty of room).
3. Add potatoes to the frying pan and cook until light golden. (They don't need to be cooked through yet.) Arrange them around the chicken with the garlic and eschallots. Squeeze lemon over the chicken and season. Sprinkle over half the tarragon and roast in the oven for 30 minutes. Transfer the chicken and vegetables to a serving platter.
4. Place the roasting pan on the stovetop over medium heat. Add the wine, stock and mustard and cook, stirring, for 3-4 minutes until reduced. Pour over the chicken and garnish with remaining tarragon. Serve with a green salad.

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Pamper Your Pooch

2012-02-03T09:34:00.000+11:00

Better Homes & Gardens has shown us how to pamper your pooch by building a bed made from an unused side table. Remove the top and doors, then cut away any support pieces. After sanding rough edges, apply a fresh coat of paint that will complement your space. Finish by placing a fluffy dog pillow inside.

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DIY Wedding Flower Garland

2012-01-30T12:57:00.000+11:00

This flower garland are perfect as an inexpensive way to decorate your wedding. This great tutorial is from Once Wed and will teach you step-by-step to create this beautiful flower garland…

What You’ll Need

One Bunch “Million Star” Gypsophilia (AKA Baby’s Breath) Generally, a bunch is 10-12 stems, with multiple laterals on each stem)

One Spool Fabric Coated Wire

Decorative Paper (3 or so co-ordinating sheets)

String

A Sheet of Card Stock

Floral Snips

Scissors

Small Hole Punch

Pencil

Before you get started on the garland, unwrap your bunch of Gypsophelia, trim the stems and place in warm water. Allow the flowers to drink for a couple of hours before proceeding.

How to

1. Take your floral clippers, and trim all of the flower tufts off the end of the sprays, leaving just a little stem.

2. Cut a 7 foot length of fabric coated wire. Twist the end of the wire to make a little loop at the end.

3. Take a tuft of Baby’s Breath, and lay it on your support wire, just past the loop. Pick up your wire spool, and wrap the wire around the flower stem and support wire.

4. Add another tuft, this time to the back side of the wire, and wrap again.

5. Keep adding the flower tufts, alternating front and back, and work your way down the wire.

6. When you reach the end of the wire, cut the spool away and wrap the wire around the garland end several times to secure. Make a loop on the end with your support wire. Trim your flower stems to make the end of the garland tidy. To keep your garland fresh, coil it up, mist it lightly with water, and place it inside a plastic garbage bag. Put it in your refrigerator, or in the coolest spot available. It should stay fresh for 24-48 hours depending where you keep it.

7. Cut out a bird shape on a sheet of card stock. Cut out the birds, and trace them onto your decorative paper. (10 pairs for a six foot garland was used)
8. Cut all of your birds out, and punch a small hole in the middle of each bird’s back.

9. Cut a length of string about 14 inches long, and tie a bird to each end.

10. Hang your garland from the wire loop ends and hang your birds over the garland, spacing them evenly apart.

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Gorgeous Gift Tags

2012-01-27T10:39:00.000+11:00

Write your guests a little note of appreciation on these hand-punched round gift tags from Martha Stewart…

How to

1. Print design on cover-weight paper. (Get the Gift Tag Clip Art)
2. Punch out circles using a 2.5" circle craft punch, positioning craft punch upside down so you can see the design through the hole as you punch; each tag should have some white space for writing.
3. Punch a hole in the top of the tag using a 1/8" circle punch.
4. Thread ribbon through hole and attach to favor box.

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Lamington Roll

2012-01-26T09:10:00.000+11:00

Celebrate Australia Day with this national culinary tradition!

Ingredients (serves 6)

3 eggs
1/2 cup (100g) caster sugar
2/3 cup (100g) self-raising flour
1 tbs cornflour
Desiccated coconut, to sprinkle
1 cup (250ml) thickened cream
1 tbs icing sugar mixture
1/4 cup (90g) raspberry jam
1 1/2 cups (100g) shredded coconut

Chocolate icing
1 1/2 cups (230g) icing sugar mixture
1/2 cup (50g) cocoa powder
20g butter
1/3 cup (80ml) milk

Method
1. Preheat oven to 200°C. Line a 25x30cm swiss roll pan with baking paper, allowing the sides to overhang.
2. Use an electric mixer to whisk eggs until thick and pale. Add sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, and continue whisking until sugar dissolves. Sift flour and cornflour over egg mixture and gently fold until just combined. Pour into prepared pan; smooth surface. Bake for 10 minutes or until sponge is dry to the touch. Place a sheet of baking paper on a clean surface; sprinkle with a little desiccated coconut. Turn hot cake out onto paper. Remove lining; gently roll up sponge from one short end. Roll in a clean tea towel and set aside to cool completely.
3. Use an electric mixer to whisk the cream and icing sugar mixture together until firm peaks form.
4. Unwrap the sponge and spread evenly with jam. Top with the cream, leaving a 3cm border. Re-roll sponge, using the paper as a guide, to enclose the filling. Place on a wire rack over an oven tray.
5. To make the chocolate icing, combine the icing sugar, cocoa powder, butter and milk in a heatproof bowl. Place over a saucepan half-filled with simmering water and stir for 3-4 minutes or until icing is smooth and runny. Remove from heat and carefully spoon evenly over the sponge roll. Place the coconut on a large tray. Roll the sponge into the coconut to coat. Set aside for 30 minutes to set. Cut into slices to serve.

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How To Make Organic Pesticide

2012-01-25T10:29:00.000+11:00

Keep your garden green the organic way with Homelife's organic pesticide. This solution is effective against aphids and other soft-bodied insects and can be used on all plants, including fruit trees, vegetable plants and herbs. The soap flakes help the mixture stick to the plants, so ensure you rinse your fruit, vegies and herbs well before eating.

What you will need
8-10 red chillies, finely sliced

1 tbs soap flakes

1L boiled water

Atomiser/spray bottle

Knife

Chopping board

Plastic gloves

Sterile jug or jar (1L capacity)

Strainer

Lid or plastic wrap to cover

Permanent marker or label

How to

1. Chop chillies and include seeds - wearing gloves will protect your hands and others you may come into contact with. Avoid rubbing eyes!

2. Combine ingredients in a jug or jar (stir with knife), cover and set aside for 24 hours.

3. Strain and pour into a atomiser or spray bottle. Clearly label bottle with the contents and warning!

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Decorate with Vintage Doilies

2012-01-24T10:07:00.000+11:00

Country Living has shown us how to transform vintage lace dollies into beautiful home décor…

Remove the original fabric from the lamp shade, leaving only the frame. Pin small doilies around the top and then to one another for a skirtlike effect. Remove the pinned doilies and machine-stitch together. Slip back over the frame and hand-stitch around the frame's top.

To shape a basket soak a doily in liquid starch, squeeze out excess and place doily over an inverted glass bowl covered in waxed paper. Dry for one to three days, depending on humidity.

Hand-stitch a doily to the front of a cushion cover. For the curtains, stitch doilies of varying sizes along the hemline, building a pleasing pattern.

Create a dazzling table runner with doilies. Machine-stitch them together and drape over a wood table where they can be admired.

Tightly wrap a doily around a vase. Snip away any excess, then hand-stitch the doily securely in place to create a snug fit.

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Australia Day Recipes

2012-01-23T10:27:00.000+11:00

Celebrate Australia day with some of these classic dishes from past as well as a few twists on old favourites…

Bacon, egg and sausage burgers

Ingredients (serves 4)
4 beef and cracked peppercorn sausages
4 bacon rashes, halved
4 eggs
1 loaf Turkish bread
40g baby spinach leaves
Barbecue sauce, to serve

Method
1. Preheat a barbecue plate and grill on medium-high. Cook sausages on barbecue plate, turning frequently, for 12 minutes or until just cooked through.
2. Meanwhile, place a disposable foil tray on the barbecue grill. Add the bacon to tray and cook, turning occasionally, for 5 minutes or until cooked through. Remove from heat and cover with foil to keep warm.
3. Cut the sausages in half lengthways and cook, cut-side down, on grill for 2 minutes or until crisp. Transfer to the foil tray to keep warm.
4. Break eggs onto barbecue plate and cook for 5 minutes or until just cooked and yolks are still a little runny.
5. Meanwhile, cut the Turkish bread crossways into 4 equal portions, then split each portion in half. Cook on barbecue grill for 1 minute each side or until toasted.
6. Place 1 piece of bread, cut-side up, on each plate. Top with spinach, bacon, sausage and egg. Top with remaining bread. Serve immediately with barbecue sauce.

Aussie meat pies

Ingredients (makes 4)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large brown onion, finely chopped
500g lean beef mince
1 tablespoon cornflour
3/4 cup beef stock
3/4 cup tomato sauce
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon barbecue sauce
1 teaspoon Vegemite
2 sheets frozen, ready-rolled shortcrust pastry, thawed
2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed
1 egg, beaten

Method
1. Heat oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion. Cook for 3 minutes or until soft. Add mince. Cook for 4 minutes, stirring with a wooden spoon, or until browned.
2. Mix cornflour and 1 tablespoon of stock to form a paste. Add remaining stock. Add stock, sauces and Vegemite to mince. Bring to the boil. Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 8 minutes or until thick. Cool.
3. Preheat oven to 220°C. Place a baking tray into oven. Grease 4 x 8cm base measurement pie pans.
4. Cut 4 x 15cm circles from shortcrust pastry. Use to line bases and sides of pans. Fill with mince. Brush rims with water. Cut 4 x 15cm circles from puff pastry. Place over meat. Press to seal. Trim. Brush with egg. Season.
5. Place pies onto hot tray. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden. Serve.

Aussie rissoles

Ingredients (serves 4)
400g lamb mince
125g can corn kernels, drained
125g rindless bacon, finely chopped
2 tablespoons tomato sauce
2 tablespoons barbecue sauce
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives
potato wedges, caramelised onion, chopped chives and tomato sauce, to serve

Method
1. Combine mince, corn, bacon, tomato sauce, barbecue sauce, chives, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Using clean hands, shape mixture into four 2cm-thick rissoles. Place on a plate.
2. Cook rissoles, in a large frying pan sprayed with oil, over medium-high heat, for 3 to 5 minutes each side or until cooked through.
3. Serve with potato wedges, onion, chives and tomato sauce.

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A Simple Shelf

2012-01-20T09:22:00.001+11:00

A simple shelf with innovative style can change the look and feel of your rooms. If your entryway is too narrow for a table or bench, hang a slim shelf instead. Better Homes & Gardens have transformed sleek metal brackets with a rustic antique floorboard. Installing basic brackets and shelves is easy…

What You Need
Brackets

Board

Level

Electronic stud finder

Tape measure

Drill

Screws

Wall anchors (if needed)

Pencil

How To
1. Begin by finding the location of the studs in your walls. Studs are generally placed 16 or 24 inches apart, measuring from center to center. With that in mind, once you've located one stud, finding the others is easy.
2. Roll stud finder over the wall; when its light blinks green, it has located a stud. Mark that location for your first bracket. It's important to drill directly into the center of a stud.
3. Measure out 3/4 inch from your center mark and draw vertical lines to represent the edges of the stud. You can add an X to make the center mark more visible.
4. Use the stud finder again to find the locations of the remaining studs and mark for your shelf brackets. Remember, their locations will be either 16 or 24 inches from the center mark of your first stud.
5. To align the marks (and the brackets) so they are straight and level, use a 4-foot level or laser-line level. Mark a horizontal line directly through the second and third fastener locations.
6. Drill brackets to wall studs using screws or wall anchors appropriate to the weight of your board, its contents, and the type of walls (plaster or drywall). Not sure which to use? Ask your hardware store for assistance. The brackets come with holes in their backs for you to drill the screw through.
7. Place board atop brackets. To fasten the board to brackets, drill screws up into the board through holes in the shelf bracket's top. If your wood is dense, first drill pilot holes to accept the screw more easily.

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A Tea Party Bridal Shower

2012-01-19T12:56:00.000+11:00

We came across these great ideas for a tea party themed bridal shower on Martha Stewart. Arrange an assortment of tea sandwiches and sweets on cake stands and pretty platters, and serve with pots of different kinds of tea. For place cards at the table, remove the tags from tea bags, replace them with small handwritten name tags, and put a tea bag in an empty cup at each guest's place. Ask each guest to bring a vintage tea cup and saucer.

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Weddingstar Cake Toppers

2012-01-18T10:06:00.002+11:00

Cake toppers add a distinctively personal touch to your wedding cake. They make lovely keepsakes that can even be handed down to the next generation. Weddingstar have a great range of cake toppers that you can simply add to your wedding cake. Here are some of our favourites…

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Chicken Burgers With Avocado Salsa

2012-01-17T10:53:00.004+11:00

Brighten up the day with this healthy chicken burger topped with a colourful salsa.

Ingredients (serves 4)
2 (500g) chicken breast fillets
2 teaspoons Alfa One rice bran oil
1 teaspoon Portuguese chicken seasoning
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 garlic clove, crushed
1/2 medium avocado, diced
125g can corn kernels, drained
1 small red capsicum, diced
2 teaspoons lemon juice
4 wholemeal bread rolls, split, toasted
1/4 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise
1 cup mixed salad leaves

Method
1. Slice each chicken breast in half lengthways. Place chicken between 2 sheets of baking paper. Using the flat side of a meat mallet, pound chicken until 1cm thick. Place oil, seasoning, oregano and garlic in a glass or ceramic bowl. Add chicken. Toss to coat. Cover. Refrigerate until needed.
2. Place avocado, corn, capsicum and lemon juice in a bowl. Toss gently to combine. Cover. Set aside.
3. Heat a large, non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook chicken, in 2 batches, for 3 to 4 minutes each side or until cooked through. Transfer to a plate. Cover with foil to keep warm.
4. Spread the base of each bread roll with mayonnaise. Top with salad leaves, chicken breast and avocado mixture. Top with roll tops. Serve.

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How To Re-cover Outdoor Chairs

2012-01-16T10:41:00.003+11:00

Are your outdoor chairs looking a bit drab after winter? Well Home Life have have given us this easy tutorial to give your outdoor chairs a fresh new look for summer.

What you will need
Sugar soap

Sponge

Bucket

Sandpaper

Undercoat

Outdoor paint

Small paintbrush

Fabric

Wadding (if desired)

Scissors

Sewing machine

Cotton

Staple gun

How to

1. Prepare for paint – Before you start painting, it's best to make sure the chairs are clean, especially if they've had a hard life outside. Remove the covers from the chairs. Dilute some sugar soap with water in a bucket and use a sponge to wash the frames thoroughly. Allow the chairs to dry for a day or two, to ensure the timber is completely dry. Put some old newspaper under the chairs on a flat surface and give them a light sand. Make sure you sand all surfaces as the wood fibres will be damaged from exposure to the weather. Undercoat the chairs, allow to dry and then lightly sand again. This should bind all wood fibres together and make splinters less likely. Brush off any dust. Paint the chairs, allowing them to dry completely between coats. It's best to follow the instructions on the paint tin.

2. Prepare the fabric and pattern – Wash the new fabric before you start cutting it. This will minimise shrinkage later when you take the finished covers off to clean them. Use the old chair covers as a pattern. Cut around them, adding a couple of centimetres to allow for the seam. To make the covers stronger and longer lasting, double the fabric. If you want added comfort you can slide a little wadding between the fabric before you start stitching. Sew around all edges, following the patterns of the existing covers. If you have added wadding it's best to sew a few cross-sections to keep the foam in place. Fit the new covers on the freshly painted and dry chair frames.

3. Staple – You can use a craft staple gun to attach the new seat covers to the chair and stool frames. Just attach one side first, then pull it tight and repeat on the other side. You can always cover the staples with ribbon, if desired.

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Season's Greetings…

2011-12-22T16:08:00.004+11:00

Christmas Chocolate Fudge

2011-12-21T12:18:00.000+11:00

This irresistible Christmas chocolate fudge is a great treat or gift for the festive season!

Ingredients (makes 64 pieces)
395g can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons glucose syrup
125g butter, chopped
180g dark chocolate, finely chopped
1/2 cup bottled fruit mince
1/3 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped dry-roasted hazelnuts

Method
1. Grease pan a 4cm deep, 20cm (base) square cake pan. Line base and sides with baking paper, allowing a 2cm overhang on all sides.
2. Place condensed milk, sugar, syrup and butter in a saucepan over low heat. Cook, stirring, without boiling, for 10 minutes or until mixture is glossy and sugar has dissolved.
3. Increase heat to medium-low. Bring to a simmer, stirring. Cook, stirring, for 6 to 8 minutes or until mixture thickens and comes away from side of pan. Remove from heat. Stir in chocolate, fruit mince, cranberries and hazelnuts until combined and chocolate melted. Spoon into prepared pan. Smooth top. Set aside for 30 minutes. Cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 6 hours or until firm.
4. Cut into 2.5cm pieces. Serve.

Notes

Use a heavy-based saucepan for even heat and to prevent fudge from sticking to the base and burning. Fudge sets quickly, so work fast when stirring in the chocolate and spreading it into the pan or it may seize. Store fudge in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

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Simple Sugar Cookies

2011-12-15T09:44:00.000+11:00

This classic cookie recipe will instantly evoke warm Christmas memories!

Ingredients

4 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Directions

1. Sift flour, baking powder, and salt into a bowl.
2. Put butter and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on medium speed until pale and fluffy. Mix in eggs and vanilla. Reduce speed to low. Gradually mix in flour mixture. Divide dough in half; flatten each half into a disk. Wrap each in plastic. Refrigerate until firm, at least 1 hour or overnight.
3. Preheat oven to 325 degrees with racks in upper and lower thirds. Let one disk of dough stand at room temperature just until soft enough to roll, about 10 minutes. Roll out dough between two pieces of plastic wrap to 1/4 inch thick. Remove top layer of plastic wrap. Cut out cookies with a 4-inch one-piece-shaped cookie cutter. To make an ornament, cut out a hole from the center of the neck about 1/4-inch from the edge using a straw. Transfer cookie dough on plastic wrap to a baking sheet. Transfer baking sheet to freezer, freeze until very firm, about 15 minutes. Remove baking sheet from freezer and transfer shapes to baking sheets lined with nonstick baking mats. Roll out scraps, and repeat. Repeat with remaining disk of dough.
4. Bake, switching positions of sheets and rotating halfway through, until edges turn golden, 15 to 18 minutes. Let cool on sheets on wire racks.

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Crafty Calendar

2011-12-14T12:56:00.000+11:00

Count down the days until Christmas with a handmade Advent calendar that is both decorative and fun. Use Christmas inspired fabrics such as plaid and gingham to stitch up small Santa hats. Then fill the hats with Christmas treats and toys and attach a paper number charm to each one. Hang the hats from a suspended rope and display in an open window. Kids will love opening a different hat for each day of December and finding the treats inside!

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Crafty Christmas Decorating!

2011-12-13T09:19:00.000+11:00

Show off your season’s greetings in a decorative way by arranging your cards on the wall in the shape of a Christmas tree. Use Blu-Tack to stick the cards to the wall. This way you can easily rearrange or add to the collection and literally watch your tree grow.

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DIY Doily Canvas Bag

2011-12-08T09:00:00.003+11:00

We came across this fun little tutorial on customising a canvas bag on Ashley Ann Photography Blog. Personalise each bag with a different letter and fill it with goodies as the perfect gift for friends and family.

Supplies

Canvas bag

Fabric paint

Paper doily

Adhesive Spray

Mehtod

1. Spray doily with paper spray adhesive and press down on the bag (not shown). (Using Krylon Paper Finishes adhesive allows the doily to stick in place while you paint, but it easily pulls off without leaving a sticky mess behind after you paint.)

2. Gently paint over the holes – I recommend paint meant for fabric, not crafts. I first used craft paint…fabric paint will be more durable.
3. Peel back doily before paint dries. The doily might tear, just peel off the pieces.
4. Trace the letter you have selected letter and fill it in with paint.

Here’s some ideas for using it as a Christmas gift:

For a cook: fill it with cooking supplies

For a gardner: fill it with gardening supplies

For a teacher: find out an activity they enjoy and do something related to that

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All You Need To Wrap The Perfect Gift!

2011-12-07T12:12:00.002+11:00

Bespoke Letterpress Boutique have a new range of letterpressed Christmas cards, gift tags, gift wrap, ribbon, tapes and twines for the festive season. Your gifts will look too good to open!

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DIY Christmas wreath

2011-12-06T11:08:00.000+11:00

Dress your entry door with a handmade Christmas wreath.

What you will need

Monkey vine wreath

Fresh or artificial flowers

Fine-gauge floral wire
Thick satin ribbon

Removable adhesive Hook

How to

1. Gather several small bunches of the chosen blooms and attach them to the wreath using floral wire. Vary the direction the flowers face.
3. Position flowers randomly around the wreath for a contemporary look. Spritz the flowers with water to keep them looking fresh.
4. Hang the wreath with a loop of ribbon on the hook.

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Pudding Truffles

2011-12-05T10:17:00.004+11:00

For the ultimate homemade gift, make a batch of these bite-sized truffles coated in rich dark and white chocolate.

Ingredients (makes 80)
500g light fruitcake, coarsely chopped
100g dark chocolate melts, melted
60ml (1/4 cup) brandy
2 tbs apricot jam
250g dark chocolate melts, extra
60g copha, chopped
150g white chocolate melts, melted
Red and green glace cherries, finely chopped, to decorate

Method
1. Place the cake in the bowl of a food processor and process until finely chopped. Transfer to a large bowl. Stir in the dark chocolate, brandy and jam. Place in the fridge for 30 minutes or until slightly firm.
2. Line 2 large baking trays with non-stick baking paper. Stir the cake mixture. Roll 2-teaspoonful quantities of cake mixture into balls and place on the lined trays. Place in the fridge for 1 hour or until firm.
3. Place the extra dark chocolate and copha in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Cook on High/800watts/100% for 30 seconds. Stir. Repeat until chocolate melts and the mixture is smooth.
4. Line 2 baking trays with non-stick baking paper. Use a truffle dipper or fork to dip 1 truffle in the chocolate mixture to coat. Remove truffle, tapping the dipper or fork on the side of the bowl to shake off excess chocolate. Place on 1 lined tray. Repeat with remaining truffles and chocolate mixture. Set aside to set.
5. Spoon the white chocolate into a small sealable plastic bag. Cut 1 corner from the bag to make a small hole. Drizzle a little white chocolate over each truffle. Top with glace cherry to decorate. Set aside until set.

Notes
- Store the truffles in an airtight container in a cool dry place (not in the fridge) for up to 2 weeks.
- Make it ahead: At the end of step 2, layer the balls between sheets of non-stick baking paper in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 1 week.

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Traditional Advent Chain

2011-12-02T12:11:00.000+11:00

Hang this advent calendar vertically next to the Christmas tree with gift 24 right at the top. Snip one gift from the bottom each day as you count down to Christmas day.

Tools and Materials
Wrapping paper
24 small gifts
Twine or thin ribbon
Rubber stamps or pen
Tags

Method

1. Wrap each gift. Tie each with twine, leaving several inches of twine at the top. Stamp or write numbers on tags, and tie them to the gifts.
2. Arrange the gifts in order from 1 to 24. Tie the loose twine on gift 1 to the twine on the bottom of gift 2. Continue, joining all 24. Hang the chain.

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Paper-Stuffed Christmas Ornament

2011-12-01T09:36:00.001+11:00

A clear ornament ball stuffed with cut up pages from an old book and sheet music adds a handmade accent to any Christmas tree.

Materials

Two pages of text from a book (try using a Christmas carol or Christmas story)
Scissors
Clear round glass Christmas ornament

Length of satin ribbon (any colour)

Instructions

1. Using the scissors cut the text into single-row strips.

2. Remove metal top from ornament. Insert five to seven strips of text into ornament, arranging strips so they line the bowl of the ornament. Shake ornament a few times so strips spread out and settle.

3. Add another group of strips and arrange as for the first group. Repeat until ornament is full, inserting single strips to fill any open areas. Reattach metal top and hang ornament with ribbon.

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Patterned-Paper Christmas Trees

2011-11-30T10:31:00.000+11:00

Spruce up your Chrsitmas décor with these patterned-paper trees. Cut or punch a decorative edge from 1 x 2-1/2 inch and 3/4 x 2-1/2 inch strips of patterned paper, curl the edges by wrapping them around a pencil. Using a hot-glue gun glue the pieces to a foam cone. Top each tree with a star cut from felt and held in place with wire and add a gem for sparkle. Decorate the tree with buttons, gems, glitter etc.

Visit Home Life

DIY Easy Eco Friendly Place Settings & Favours

2011-11-29T10:40:00.000+11:00

We came across these gorgeous DIY Eco Friendly Place Settings and Favours on The Wedding Chicks. They are easy to put together, stylish, colorful, and eco-friendly. Plus your guests can take them home and enjoy them long after the wedding.

What you will need…
Recycled Paper Scissors
Any small potted plant
Potting Gloves
Potting shovel (if needed)
Twine Hole Puncher
Small Terracotta Pot

How to…

1. Start off by planting one of your flower/herb plants into the small Terracotta pot.
2. Print your saying of choice on your recycled paper. Eg: “Please plant this flower to remember our day and watch our love blossom in your garden everyday”. Once printed, cut into small strips.
3. Using the hole puncher, punch a hole in the top left corner of the strip. Cut the twine to desired length (determined by how many times you wish to wrap around the pot).
4. Cut the twine to desired length (determined by how many times you wish to wrap around the pot).

5. Last but not least, wrap twine around the pot and tie off in the front, making a bow, and place at each place setting.

Visit The Wedding Chicks

Fortune Cookie Favours

2011-11-28T10:52:00.002+11:00

Share romantic wishes with your guests in homemade chocolate fortune cookies favours. Handwrite or photocopy lines from classic love poems, or make up your own fortunes and place them inside for your guests to discover.

Ingredients (makes 50)

5 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 large egg whites
1 cup superfine sugar
3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons Dutch cocoa
Pinch salt
3 tablespoons heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon pure almond extract
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
50 paper fortunes

Directions
1. Heat oven to about 200 degrees. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt butter; set aside.
2. In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the egg whites and sugar, and beat on medium speed until frothy, about 30 seconds. Add the flour, cocoa, and salt, and beat until combined. Add the melted butter, cream, almond extract, and vanilla extract, and beat until combined, about 30 seconds.
3. Drop a heaping teaspoon of batter onto a Silpat baking mat fitted in a baking pan, or use a nonstick baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining batter, spacing dollops at least 5 inches apart. Using the back of a tablespoon, spread each one into a 4-inch circle. Place baking pan in oven, and bake the favors until the edges darken slightly, about 5 minutes.
4. Transfer the baking pan to a heat-resistant surface. Working quickly, slide an offset spatula under a cookie, and flip it over. Roll the cookie into a loose tube, and insert a paper fortune into the middle so that both the edges extend from the cookie. Using your index finger, make an indentation in the center of the tube, then pinch each end together with your other hand. Repeat the rolling-and-folding process with remaining cookies. Store in an airtight container up to 1 week.

Visit Martha Stewart

Christmas Wreath

2011-11-25T11:24:00.000+11:00

To make a wreath that really lasts, raid the wrapping-paper stash and search for offcuts in the sewing basket. Cut them into squares and layer them onto a cardboard ring to create a bright, bohemian, mini masterpiece. Finish it all off by adorning your handmade wreath with details such as bird cut-outs and buttons. They add a charming touch.

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Sticky Date Christmas Pudding

2011-11-24T09:36:00.002+11:00

Turn traditional spiced fruit pudding into a new Christmas classic with sweet dates and caramel. It's sure to be a hit every Christmas!

Ingredients (serves 10)
150g Sunbeam Mixed Fruit
125ml (1/2 cup) brandy
235g (1 1/2 cups) pitted dates, coarsely chopped
250ml (1 cup) hot water
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
Melted butter, to grease
200g unsalted butter, at room temperature
160g (1 cup, lightly packed) brown sugar
3 eggs
300g (2 cups) self-raising flour
1 tsp mixed spice
1 tsp ground ginger
Thickened cream (optional), to serve

Spiced caramel sauce
300ml thickened cream
160g (1 cup, lightly packed) brown sugar
50g unsalted butter, chopped
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp mixed spice

Method
1. Combine the mixed fruit and brandy in a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside overnight to macerate.
2. Combine the dates, water and bicarbonate of soda in a heatproof bowl. Set aside for 20 minutes to soften.
3. Preheat oven to 180°C. Grease a 2L (8 cup) pudding basin with butter. Line the base with non-stick baking paper. Use an electric beater to beat the butter and sugar in a bowl until pale and creamy. Add the eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Fold in the brandy mixture, date mixture, flour, mixed spice and ginger until just combined. Spoon into the prepared basin and smooth the surface. Bake for 1 hour 20 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Set aside in the basin for 10 minutes to cool.
4. To make the spiced caramel sauce, combine the cream, sugar, butter, ginger and mixed spice in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 minutes or until smooth. Simmer for 5 minutes or until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Turn the pudding out onto a serving platter and serve with the caramel sauce and cream, if desired.

Notes
Start this recipe a day ahead. For an alcohol-free pudding, replace the brandy with apple juice.

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Shimmering Stacked Christmas Trees

2011-11-23T09:55:00.000+11:00

We came across these gorgeous shimmering stacked tree's on Martha Stewart. They will add a festive and eco-friendly touch to your home this holiday season. These magnificent trees can also be stacked using any leftover aluminum foil, felt, or crepe paper.

Tools and Materials
4 ounces Sculpey clay
10-inch, 6mm thick knitting needle
Felt
Craft glue
Clear glass glitter
Receipt spike (optional)
2 pieces 6-by-6-inch card stock
Newspaper
Utility knife
Bone folder
Adhesive spray
Hot-glue gun and glue
2 paper Dresden stars

Method
1. Roll and flatten 4 ounces sculpting clay to form dome shape. Poke knitting needle horizontally through flat area of clay dome. Remove knitting needle.

2. Bake clay in oven at 275 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes. Reinsert needle into baked clay. Glue felt on bottom of base for surface protection.

3. Apply glue, then glitter, to the base. A receipt spike can be used to create a smaller tree instead of building a base using the above instructions.

4. To form tree, place 2 pieces of 6-by-6-inch card stock onto spike for stability.

5. Cut newspaper into 50 sheets of each size:

6 x by 6 inches
5 x 1/2 by 5 1/2 inches
5 x by 5 inches
4 x 1/2 by 4 1/2 inches
4 x by 4 inches
3 x 1/2 by 3 1/2 inches
3 x by 3 inches
2 x 1/2 by 2 1/2 inches
2 x by 2 inches
1 x 1/2 by 1/2 inch

6. Cut 25 1-inch sheets of newspaper.

7. Begin poking pieces of newspaper onto spike in descending order, folding and unfolding each piece of paper using a bone folder.

8. Spray tree with adhesive and immediately sprinkle with diamond dust. Set aside and let dry for 10 minutes.

9. Using a hot-glue gun, adhere 2 paper Dresden stars back-to-back to top of tree.

Visit Martha Stewart

Family Photos

2011-11-22T10:35:00.000+11:00

Turn a blank stairway all into a display of treasured family photos. Print the pictures in sepia or black and white to give the photo an older feel. Use a variety of image sizes and display inside weathered or antiqued frames.

Visit Better Homes & Gardens

Gingerbread Men

2011-11-21T10:40:00.003+11:00

Share the love at Christmas with beautiful hand-made baked goodies as gifts.

Ingredients (makes 30)

125g butter, softened
2/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 1/2 cups plain flour
1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
1 tablespoon ground ginger
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 cup white chocolate melts
Silver cachous, to decorate

Method
1. Using an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add maple syrup and egg. Beat to combine.
2. Sift flour, bicarbonate of soda, ginger and cinnamon over butter mixture. Using a wooden spoon, stir until just combined and a soft dough forms. Place dough on a lightly floured surface. Knead gently until smooth. Shape into a disc. Wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 1 hour or until firm.
3. Preheat oven to 180°C/160°C fan-forced. Line 3 baking trays with baking paper. Roll dough between 2 sheets of baking paper until 5mm thick. Using a 6.5cm-long, 7cm-wide gingerbread man cutter, cut shapes from dough. Re-roll dough scraps and cut to make a total 30 gingerbread men. Place, 2cm apart, on prepared trays.
4. Bake 1 tray at a time for 20 to 25 minutes, or until just firm to touch. Stand on trays for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Place melts in a heatproof, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on medium-high (75%) for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds or until smooth. Spoon into a small snap-lock bag. Snip off 1 corner. Pipe faces and buttons onto gingerbread men. Decorate with cachous. Set aside to set.

Visit Taste

Handmade Christmas Crackers

2011-11-18T10:06:00.002+11:00

Making your own crackers or bon-bons are as easy as pie – you can ﬁll them with trinkets, sweets, and personal jokes or year-ahead predictions.

What you will need
Cracker ‘bangers’
Empty toilet paper rolls
Trinkets
Scissors
Double-sided sticky tape
Mid-weight wrapping paper
Ribbons

Method
1. Place a banger through each roll, then fill with trinkets.
2. Cut paper into lengths to wrap snugly around each roll with a 4cm overhang at each end to disguise the 'bangers'.Secure paper around roll with double-sided tape.
3. Carefully twist the overhang and secure with ribbon.

Visit Home Life

Paper Snowflakes

2011-11-17T09:00:00.000+11:00

We came across this great DIY Christmas snowflake decoration on Kids Spot. Paper snowflakes are fun to make, especially as each one is different! They look fabulous stuck on a wall, strung together in front of a window or placed over contrasting coloured gift wrap as present toppers. You could also glue a small one on a dark-coloured card to make handmade Christmas cards or you could laminate a huge A3-sized snowflake as a placemat – the uses are endless.

Equipment
Paper (plain white A4, coloured or patterned - it's up to you)
Scissors

Method

1. Cut an A4 size sheet into a square by folding a corner into a triangle and cutting off the excess rectangle. You can use the leftover strip to make smaller snowflakes.
2. Fold the triangle in half to make a smaller triangle.
3. Keep the 'open' end of the triangle to the left and the main fold on your right. Then visually divide the triangle into thirds. Fold the right-hand side down so the bottom right corner is poking down below the bottom of the triangle.
4. Fold the left hand side over on top of the other side so it resembles an arrow head.
5. Turn over to reveal a straight line across the top of the smaller triangles. Cut along this line to even it off.

6. Cut shapes into both sides of the triangle and unfold to reveal your shape!

Note

This cut (with the main fold on the right-hand side and the 'open' side on the left) makes the large six-pointed star in the centre of the main image.

Visit Kids Spot

White Chocolate & Berry Cheesecake

2011-11-16T14:33:00.000+11:00

Looking for a cool Christmas dessert? Try out this stunning white chocolate and berry cheesecake. It's sure to be a winner!

Ingredients (serves 10)

12 Cottage Cookies White Choc & Macadamia biscuits
300g frozen mixed berries
2 tablespoons boiling water
3 1/2 teaspoons powdered gelatine
180g white chocolate, chopped
2 x 250g blocks Philadelphia Cream Cheese, softened
1/3 cup caster sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
185ml can light evaporated milk

Method
1. Line base and sides of a 6cm-deep, 22cm round springform pan with baking paper. Arrange biscuits, in a single layer, over base of pan. Top with half the berries. Place boiling water in a small, heatproof jug. Sprinkle over gelatine. Using a fork, whisk until gelatine has dissolved.
2. Place chocolate in a heatproof, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave, uncovered, on high (100%) for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, or until melted and smooth. Set aside.
3. Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese, sugar and vanilla until smooth. Gradually beat in evaporated milk, chocolate and gelatine mixture. Pour cream cheese mixture into pan. Scatter with remaining berries. Cover and refrigerate overnight or until set.

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Wedding Car Decorations from Weddingstar

2011-11-15T10:40:00.000+11:00

Weddingstar have a mix of classic and contemporary wedding car decorations so can make a bold entrance and exit. These sturdy corrugated cardboard shapes can be the basis for a work of art. Use the reverse unprinted side to truly personalise this decoration. When used in combination with other decorative materials the options are limited only by your imagination. From plastic poms to decals, Weddingstar has your vehicles covered.

Visit Weddingstar

How To Make A Garland

2011-11-14T11:12:00.001+11:00

We came across this simple tutorial on how to make a garland on HomeLife. This gorgeous paper and tulle garland was made using unbleached coffee filters, tulle, organza and sheet music on HomeLife. You could use any combination of paper and stiff, filmy fabric to suit your colour scheme.

What you will need…
100 unbleached coffee filters

10 A4 pieces sheet music (or equivalent decorative paper)

Pencil

Scalpel

Scissors

Glue

1m tulle

1m organza

Dressmaker’s pins

Safety pin

4m ribbon

Needle

Thread

How to…
1. Open each coffee filter out to create a rough semi-circle, then glue pairs together along the straight edge to create a rough circle. Allow to dry then trim to shape. Use one of the filter circles as your template for the rest of the garland.
2. Fold the tulle over 5 times to create a long, thin rectangle with five layers. Pin as many coffee filters as you can along the tulle, then cut out. Repeat using the organza.
3. Make a neat pile of sheet music then trace around a coffee filter with the pencil, fitting as many circles as you can onto the top sheet. Holding the paper in a pile, cut around the traced circles.
Arrange your different circles into four neat piles, each material in a separate pile. To make each flower for the garland, layer the coffee filters, fabric and sheet music circles into small piles. Each pile should be slightly different, but should start and finish with a filter.
4. Take each pile and tack together using the needle and thread, then use the scalpel to cut a slit in the centre of each.
5. Attach the safety pin to one end of the ribbon, feed the pin and ribbon through the centre slit of one garland flower, tie a knot in the ribbon on either side of the flower, then repeat with each garland flower. Leave a 40cm tail at either end, and 15cm between each flower.
6. To finish, fluff the garland flowers by folding the layers outwards from the centre of each pile, pressing and smoothing folds to help them stand out.

Visit HomeLife

Mini Choc Caramel Dessert Cakes

2011-11-11T09:38:00.002+11:00

If you're short on time this weekend but big on flavour, these little choc-caramel dessert cakes are the perfect solution for a quick and easy but oh so tasty dessert.

Ingredients (makes 12)
1/2 x 175g bag Caramello Nibbles
200g dark chocolate, chopped
125g butter, chopped
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
3 eggs
3/4 cup plain flour
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Choc-caramel ganache
1/2 x 175g bag Caramello Nibbles
100g dark chocolate, chopped
1/4 cup thickened cream

Method
1. Preheat oven to 180°C/160°C fan-forced. Line a 12-hole, 1/3-cup capacity muffin pan with paper cases (see note). Reserve 12 Nibbles. Finely chop remaining Nibbles.
2. Place chocolate and butter in a large heatproof, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave, uncovered, on medium (50%) for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring every minute with a metal spoon, or until melted and smooth.
3. Whisk in sugar. Stand for 2 minutes. Add eggs, 1 at a time, whisking well after each addition. Sift flour, cocoa and baking powder over chocolate mixture. Whisk to combine. Whisk in finely chopped Nibbles. Spoon into paper cases. Top each with 1 reserved Nibble. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until a skewer inserted in centre of 1 cake comes out with crumbs clinging. Stand in pan for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly.
4. Meanwhile, make ganache Place Nibbles, chocolate and cream in a heatproof, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on medium-high (75%) for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring with a metal spoon every 30 seconds or until melted and smooth. Remove cakes from paper cases. Drizzle with ganache. Serve.

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DIY Eco-Friendly Favours

2011-11-10T10:16:00.000+11:00

We came across this great DIY Eco-Friendly Favors on Ruffle. These soy wax candle favors were made using recycled materials, natural ingredients, and it’s also very budget-friendly.

What you’ll need…
Soy wax flakes

Wick

Containers (they can be vintage teacups, recycled jars…)
Pitcher with spout
Fragrance oil

Popsicle sticks, chopsticks, or something to hold the wick

Candle dye (optional)

Method

1. Melt soy wax flakes in a double boiler, add in your favorite scents and dye. Once flakes have completely melted, set your pot away to cool down for a few seconds. In the meantime, warm up your glass containers using a blow-dryer for a minute. This will help the wax cool more evenly! Pour wax into containers, thread wick with Popsicle stick and let it cool for a few hours until solid. Cut wick about 1/4 inch long.

2. For the packaging, we used recycled handmade gift wrap and watercolor tags. To make these tags, paint sheets of watercolor paper in different hues. Great stress reliever! Cut tags with a paper punch and tie your wedding favors using twine or other eco-friendly ribbon.

3. Add a label on the lids of the jars for guests to easily find their favorite scents. One tip to avoid mislabeling scents when packaging is to add tiny color coding labels on the bottom of the jars before you begin pouring the wax.

Visit Ruffle

DIY Pom-Pom Favor Decorations

2011-11-09T10:55:00.000+11:00

Pillowy pom-poms make the perfect adornment for favour boxes or turn large ones into garlands by stringing them side by side. Choose from tulle, organza, and net, perhaps with a lace or Swiss-dot pattern, then set aside just a few minutes to put them together.

Cut fabric into strips (3-inch-wide strips that are 20 inches long) using a rotary cutter, an acrylic ruler, and a cutting mat. (For garland, cut 7-, 9-, or 12-inch-wide strips that are 120 inches long.

Hand-sew a running stitch down the center (tie a knot in the end of your sewing thread, leaving a long tail), stopping after about 12 inches to push the fabric along the thread to gather it. Continue stitching and bunching until you reach end of strip; gather the fabric tightly, and tie the tails of the sewing thread in a knot.

To make puffs into garlands, use a long large-eyed needle, such as a darning needle or upholstery needle, to sew white string through the centers of the pom-poms, and slide the pom-poms into position as you go. (Trim the ends of the sewing thread at any point after knotting.)

To use a puff to grace a favor box or as a hair decoration, use the tails of the sewing thread to tie or sew the pom-pom to the headband, the favor ribbon, or to the loop of a bobby pin; then trim the thread.

Visit Martha Stewart Weddings

Make Your Own Flower Arrangements

2011-11-07T10:13:00.000+11:00

Creating a classic and impressive flower arrangement doesn't have to be difficult. With a few simple steps you can turn a grocery store bouquet into a masterfully crafted centerpiece. Here's how…

• Start with cohesive color scheme (pinks in every shade is a great choice).
• Arrange the flowers in your hand, placing the larger flowers near the base of the group.
• Pay attention to height and shape by arranging taller stems near the top and back.
• Lightly bind the stems with twine and place in a vase.
• Fill in the gaps with small blooms.
• Insert a few leaves of greenery near the bottom to form a casual rim for the arrangement.

Visit Better Home & Gardens

Almond & Raspberry Flourless Chocolate Cakes

2011-11-04T10:05:00.000+11:00

Bake straight from the heart to create these cute cakes for a weekend treat!

Ingredients (serves 2)
Light olive oil spray, to grease
60g butter
55g (1/4 cup) caster sugar
1 1/2 tbs cocoa powder
30g (1/4 cup) almond meal
1 egg, lightly whisked
1 tbs milk
Fresh raspberries, to serve

Chocolate ganache
150g dark chocolate, coarsely chopped
2 tbs pouring cream

Method
1. Preheat oven to 180°C. Spray two 9cm (base measurement across the widest part) heart-shaped cake pans with oil.
2. Combine the butter, sugar and cocoa powder in a small saucepan. Cook, stirring, over medium-low heat for 5 minutes or until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
3. Beat the almond meal, egg and milk into the cocoa mixture. Divide the mixture evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until firm to the touch. Set aside to cool slightly before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
4. To make the chocolate ganache, combine the chocolate and cream in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or until mixture is smooth. Set aside, stirring occasionally, until the mixture cools and thickens.
5. Spread the chocolate ganache over the cakes. Top with raspberries.

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Chalkboard Placemats From SAND,F

2011-11-03T10:37:00.000+11:00

These Chalkboard Placemats from SAND,F will make meal time at your reception just that little bit more fun and interesting. They are an interactive table top item which engages guests children and adults alike.

Write your guests names on the Chalkboard Placemat to create a large place card, or draw something to personalise the setting. As the night and conversation progresses, your guests will naturally to start to write and draw.

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Throw a Cooking Themed Bridal Shower

2011-11-02T16:30:00.000+11:00

For the bride-to-be who loves to cook, Martha Stewart has given some great ideas to help throw a cooking themed bridal shower.

Send guests invitations framed on mini cutting boards. Make your invitations with a utensil illustration then place each invitation on a cutting board with double-sided tape. Then simply wrap with ribbon (a colour that matches your whole theme) and mail in a small padded envelope.

Your RSVP cards will become precious gifts when they're returned with recipes that loved ones hold dear. With these RSVPs even those who can't attend will take part in the celebration. You can save some time by having an office-supply store craft a stamp; just provide a design of how you want the card to look, including a place for the guest to fill in her name, response, and recipe. Once all of the replies have been received, the shower's host can put them in a recipe box and wrap it for the bride.

Instead of having guests take part in traditional shower games, hire a chef to teach a cooking class during the party. The bride-to-be and her guests will be able to learn how to make a delicious dish, savor it as a meal at the shower, and take the recipe home with them to make again and again.

Ask guests to bring gifts that will help the bride-to-be make her favorite dishes. If a guest gives a favorite muffin recipe, she can also give the mixer, the muffin pans, and the necessary ingredients.

Visit Martha Stewart

Create Your Very Own Shabby Chic Boutonniere

2011-11-01T09:54:00.000+11:00

We came across this simple tutorial on Inspired Bride. You can save money and create your very own Shabby Chic Boutonniere. These are perfect for that vintage inspired wedding!

What You’ll Need

David Austin Roses

Dusty Miller Leaves

Floral Wire

Wire Cutters
Floral Tape
Floral Shears
Ribbon
Pearl Head Pins

Method

1. Remove the greenery from the stem of each rose. Please be careful – as with other roses, garden roses have thorns, so you may want to remove the greenery with gardening gloves.

2. With gardening shears, trim each stem to about 3 inches below the base of the flower head. Set the flower aside in a small container with a shallow amount of lukewarm water.

3. Trim off two to three medium sized leaves from a dusty miller plant. Cut as close to the main stem of the plant as you can to get as much stem on the actual leaf as possible. Wire each leaf just below the bottom lobe by poking the wire through the stem cleanly and carefully Fold the wire in half as shown above to create additional support for the leaf and lengthen the stem.

4. Arrange the leaves against the rose so that they line the side you would like to have be the back of the boutonniere. Using floral tape, begin attaching the leaves to the rose. Do not skip this step – using floral ribbon not only creates a smoother work surface for you when you begin to wrap with ribbon, but it holds the florals in place better and also has a sticky surface that will help keep your ribbon in place. Begin wrapping at the top of the stem, close to the base of the flower, towards the bottom, making sure to overlap the floral tape on itself. Cut the floral tape when you reach the bottom, and finish it off by wrapping it on itself so its tacky surface holds the end in place.

5. Repeat the wrapping process with a ribbon. Start at the back of the boutonniere at the same height below the base of the flower as you did with the floral tape. Wrap the ribbon around the floral tape stem, making sure the ribbon is tight enough that it’s not moving or bubbling, but not so restrictive that it may damage the stems underneath.

6. To finish the wrap, cut the ribbon, tuck it into itself on the back side of the boutonniere, and pin it in place with a pearl head pin.

Visit Inspired Bride

Chicken Fried Rice

2011-10-31T12:54:00.000+11:00

This tasty variation on fried rice is quick and easy and is guaranteed to please those hungry bellies.

Ingredients (serves 4)
2 tablespoons light soy sauce
2 tablespoons sweet chilli sauce
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
2 tablespoons peanut oil
600g chicken breast fillets, trimmed, thinly sliced
1 brown onion, cut into thin wedges
2 garlic cloves, crushed
2 eggs, lightly beaten
3 cups cold cooked rice (see note)
1 cup Thai basil leaves
4 green onions, sliced diagonally
1/4 cup fried shallots

Method
1. Combine soy sauce, sweet chilli sauce and oyster sauce in a small bowl. Set aside. Heat a wok over high heat until hot. Add 3 teaspoons oil and swirl to coat. Add half the chicken and stir-fry for 2 minutes or until browned. Transfer to a plate. Repeat with oil and remaining chicken.
2. Add remaining 2 teaspoons oil and onion to wok. Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes or until golden. Add garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds. Add egg and rice. Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes or until egg is well combined with rice.
3. Return chicken to wok. Add soy sauce mixture, basil and green onions. Stir-fry for 1 to 2 minutes or until well combined. Spoon into bowls. Sprinkle with fried shallots and serve.

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Hand Made Tags

2011-10-28T09:08:00.001+11:00

Make a statement with these gorgeous hand made tags from Etsy. They are ideal to use for place cards, on gift bags, to hang on drawers, invitations, thank you notes, labels, or anywhere you see fit!

Visit Etsy

DIY Wall Hooks

2011-10-27T10:32:00.001+11:00

Have a bare wall in the bedrooms? Well this simple DIY tutorial from Sew Craft Create will fill your bare walls in no time. Create these fantastic looking Shabby Chic Wall Hooks that can be personalised using the initial of your name!

What you will need:

Acrylic paint

Satin finish

Artistic appliques

Glue gun

Letter hooks

12.5" by 11" wood frame

Paint Brush

Fabric of your choice

Method:

1. Lightly brush acrylic paint over the wood applique. Let dry. Add one coat of satin finish.

2. Cut fabric slightly larger then the frame. Using the hot glue gun, glue the fabric on to one side. Pull fabric tightly on the opposite middle section and glue.

3. Pull right corner of fabric tightly down and to the right. Glue and press fabric until dry. Repeat process on left side corner.

4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 on remain sides, leaving outer corners un-glued.

5. Tuck corner under like you are wrapping a gift. Glue and trim if needed. Repeat for each corner.

6. Glue wood appliques onto edge of frame.

7. Glue letter onto fabric.

Visit Sew Craft Create

Make Your Own Favour Boxes

2011-10-26T12:30:00.002+11:00

Use any basic card stock for all of these small boxes and place delicious candy or chocolates inside for a favour your guests will love!

Pyramid Box1. Enlarge the template, trace it onto paper, and cut it out. Make slits as marked with a utility knife. Using a bone folder, score the paper on the dotted lines.

2. Fold up all four flaps, forming a pyramid. Cut two pieces of ribbon, each one long enough to wrap around the box. Starting on what will be the inside of the box, slip one ribbon through a slit, wrap around outside, and slip through opposite side. Pull ribbon so two sides come together; tie. Thread second ribbon through remaining two sides, wrapping around outside; pull ends together, and tie. Tuck excess ribbon into box.

Pyramid Box PDF

Kiss Box1. Enlarge the template, and trace it onto paper. Working just outside the lines, cut out the shape with paper edgers of your choice. Punch holes through ends of flaps as marked. Using a bone folder, score paper on the dotted lines.

2. Fold up all flaps. Cut ribbon a little bit longer than the diameter of the bottom of box; thread it through all the holes. Cinch two ends of the ribbon until sides close the "kiss." Tie a bow.

Kiss Box PDF

Long Box1. Enlarge the template, and trace it onto paper. Cut out the left and right flaps with scissors. Using paper edgers of your choice, cut the top and bottom flaps just outside the lines. Punch holes in all four flaps as marked. Using a bone folder, score the bottom on the dotted lines.

2. Fold in the left and right flaps. Slide a short length of silk ribbon through the two holes, and tie the two sides closed. Fold top and bottom flaps in; tie with a second piece of silk ribbon. Finish with a bow and a little paper "button" or tag.

Long Box PDF

Visit Martha Stewart

Fast & Fabulous Decorating Projects

2011-10-25T14:26:00.000+11:00

Give your home décor a lift with these easy decorating projects from Better Homes & Gardens, that are fun, fresh, and fast!

Add intricate architectural detailing with ease. This elegant wainscoting looks like the result of hours of elaborate work, but it just calls for a visit to a home centre or hardware store. The ready-made PVC latticework panels are mounted on the wall above the baseboard and topped with a chair rail made from 1x4 and 1x2 boards. Screen molding is nailed in place to hide the joints where the panels meet. Paint the raw wood pieces with white paint color-matched to the PVC.

Don't let the inside of a wood bookcase or hutch keep beautiful display pieces in the dark. Show off the contents and lighten the decorative mood of the entire room by painting the shelves' interior. Add even more personality by wallpapering the inside with a fun pattern.

Artwork doesn't have to be expensive or hard to find to be pretty and special. Gather a handful of floating frames to hang on a wall in an abstract arrangement. Fill the frames with beautiful letterpress cards or anything that strikes your fancy and complements your décor.

Turn a plain bulletin board into a decorative accessory that's functional too. Display a bulletin board in a stylish frame -- try a chunky black frame for modern décor or gilded molding to fit more traditional décor. Then add a decorative wall decal on the cork to dress up the memo board.

Visit Better Homes & Gardens

Pink Ribbon Day Cupcakes

2011-10-24T10:07:00.000+11:00

We love these pretty in pink strawberry and vanilla cupcakes for Pink Ribbon Day.

Ingredients (makes 24)

200g unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup caster sugar
3 eggs
2 1/2 cups self-raising flour, sifted
1/2 cup milk

Strawberry icing
2 1/2 cups icing sugar mixture, sifted
3 teaspoons milk
3 teaspoons strawberry essence
pink food colouring
icing flowers, to decorate

Method

Cupcakes
1. Preheat oven to 180°C/160°C fan-forced oven. Line muffin or mini-muffin pans with paper cases.
2. Using an electric mixer, beat butter, vanilla and sugar in a small bowl until light and fluffy. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating after each addition (mixture will separate at this stage). Transfer mixture to a large bowl. Stir in half the flour. Stir in half the milk. Repeat with remaining flour and milk until combined.
3. For 1/3 cup-capacity muffin pans use 2 level tablespoons of mixture. Bake for 15 to 17 minutes. Alternatively, for 1 tablespoon-capacity mini muffin pans use 1 tablespoon mixture. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes.
4. Stand cakes in pans for 2 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

Strawberry icing

1. Preheat oven to 180°C/160°C fan-forced oven. Line two 12-hole, 1/3 cup-capacity muffin pans with paper cases. Make Basic cupcakes (see related recipe).

2. Make strawberry icing Place icing sugar in a bowl. Stir in milk to form a spreadable icing, adding more milk if necessary. Stir in strawberry essence. Tint icing with food colouring. Spread icing over cakes. Decorate with icing flowers. Serve.

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DIY Wedding Pillow Boxes

2011-10-21T16:16:00.003+11:00

We came across this great idea for DIY wedding pillow boxes on Once Wed. Have your guests throw feathers, confetti, rose petals (or what ever you like), as you walk away for the first time as husband and wife! We just love love the little quote to accompany the pillow boxes… When the newly weds, walk your way, Toss the feathers and shout “HOORAY”.

What you will need
Decorative Paper

Cardboard Pillow Boxes

Ribbon
Feathers (or what ever you choose to put inside)
Scissors

Paper glue
Pencil

Instructions
1. Use one of your pillow boxes as a template. Lay it down on your decorative paper and trace around it using a pencil. Trace two for every pillow box you will be covering.

2. Cut the shapes out using scissors.

3. Coat each side of the box with a thin, even layer of glue and stick on the shapes of paper.
4. When the glue has completely dried, close one end of the box by folding in the pre-scored flaps.

5. Cut a length of ribbon, wrap it around the middle of the box a couple of times and tie it off with a knot and finish a small bow.

6. Fill your boxes with feathers, leaving the ends of the feathers sticking out.

7. Create a small tag for your box, on the computer, with instructions for your guests. Eg When the newly weds walk your way, toss the feathers and shout ‘HOORAY'. Cut out your tags and stick them on using a dot of glue. You can also create a larger sign with instructions to place near your displayed boxes.
9. Arrange your pillows in a bowl or basket for your guests to take.

Visit Once Wed

Lace Tiles

2011-10-20T12:34:00.000+11:00

We came across this great tutorial on how to create lace tiles on Martha Stewart. These tiles are permanently enameled and can be used for all sorts of projects.

Here's how it works: first spray one side of a piece of lace with spray adhesive, then smooth it onto the surface of a ceramic tile. The glue will hold it firmly in place. Then spray quickly with any spray paint or spray enamel just enough to get an even color. You don't even need to wait for the paint to dry, just carefully pull off the lace.

Visit Martha Stewart

How To Make Stenciled Pillows

2011-10-19T12:22:00.000+11:00

We found this great tutorial on how to stencil pillow from Home Life. Linen gives a wonderful crispness to these pillows. With careful stenciling the bird on the appliquéd panel should look as if it has been printed. Other simple shapes, such as hearts, stars, letters, or numbers, could also be stenciled. The more the merrier with pillows, as they work so well grouped together. The pillows have “envelope” closures, which are quick and easy to make because they don’t require zippers or buttonholes. The directions overleaf are for making the bird pillow, and you can simply adapt them for each style.

Materials & Equipment
Tape measure and long metal ruler
Carpenter’s square (set square)
Pencil or tailor’s chalk
Linen
Pillow form (pad)
Scissors, paper, and pins
Muslin (US) or calico (UK)
Cardboard for stencil
Sharp scalpel and cutting mat or piece of thick cardboard
Acrylic fabric paint and stencil brush
Old plate and piece of paper
Ribbon and buttons
Sewing machine
Needle and sewing thread

Method
1. Mark out on the linen a rectangle twice the length of the pillow form plus 4in (10cm), and the width plus 1 1/4in (3cm). Cut out the linen exactly on the straight grain so that it can be frayed. Fray the two shorter edges by teasing out the threads parallel to the edge using a pin. Linen frays particularly well. Cut out a rectangle of muslin (calico) for the stenciled panel, and fray all four edges in the same way.

2. Using an outline of a bird (such as the one pictured) or another motif of your choice, transfer the shape to a piece of cardboard. Cut it out using a sharp scalpel on a cutting mat. The stencil consists of the piece of cardboard with the central cut-out.

3. Put some paint on an old plate and dab the stencil brush into it. The brush should be covered but not too wet or it could leak under the stencil. Position the stencil on the muslin panel. Dab the brush on a piece of paper and, holding the stencil firmly so it won’t move at all, work the paint into the panel using a dabbing action. Build up the color so it looks solid. If there is not enough coverage it will look stenciled and mottled, whereas the aim is for it to look as though it has been printed. Carefully lift off the stencil.

4. When the panel is completely dry, place it on the linen. The easiest way to work out the position is to wrap the fabric around the pillow form temporarily. Pin the panel to the linen. Cut the ribbon to the correct length and pin it to the linen, too, making sure it is straight. Machine stitch the panel and ribbons in place.

5. With the fabric right side up, fold the top and bottom in toward the center, overlapping the frayed edges of the opening, until the length is the same as the length of the pillow form. Pin the side edges together, allowing for 5/8 in (1.5cm) seams. Stitch the seams, snip off the corners of the seam allowances, and press the seams open. Turn the cover right side out, press, sew on the buttons, and insert the pillow form through the opening.

Visit Home Life

Afforadable Wall Art Ideas

2011-10-18T12:23:00.000+11:00

Have a bare wall at home and don't know what to do with it? Well Better Homes & Gardens have 22 DIY cures for bare walls. Here are our favourites…

Turned an old divided window into a frame for over the sofa. Sand, prime, and repaint a salvage-yard window, then fit a precut mat and a favorite photo into each opening. Keep them in place with framer's glazing points (find them at crafts stores). Add a vintage knob to give our new artwork old-fashioned character.

You'd be surprised how beautiful close-up photos of flowers can be, even the snapshots you take with your own digital camera. Take your favorite flower images to your local photo center and have them enlarged to enhance the details, and ask that they be printed on canvas, rather than photo paper. Crisp white frames make these pretty petals pop, but you could simply stretch the canvases over frames for a modern edge.

It's like a photo album for your wall. Use a piece of common molding to make a picture rail. Decorative golden picture hooks fitted with short lengths of hardware-store chain suspend all sizes and shapes of frames. Simply cut the chain to the desired length and top with a circular link. Then hang each piece and enjoy happy memories each time you pass by.

Find an old frame at an op shop or vintage store , that is in need of a little TLC. Clean it up, prime it, and repaint. Place an old vintage map in to the frame. Lightly sand the edges to mimic aging, then add a light coating of crackle finish to give it a time-worn appeal to match your vintage map.

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Thai Chicken Salad

2011-10-17T10:42:00.000+11:00

This Thai chicken salad makes for easy and impressive entertaining.

Ingredients (serves 4)
175g thin rice noodles
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed, cut into 3cm lengths
200g snow peas or green beans
4 spring onions, shredded
250g punnet cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cups Thai basil leaves
2 cups mint leaves
1 barbecued chicken, skin and bones discarded, meat shredded
Juice of 2 limes
2 tbsp grated palm sugar (available at Asian grocers)
100ml fish sauce
2 long red chillies, finely chopped
2 tbsp chopped peanuts

Method
1. Soak the rice noodles in boiling water for 4 minutes to soften. Drain, refresh in cold water, then place in a large bowl. Blanch asparagus and snow peas in boiling water for 2 minutes until just tender.
2. Drain, refresh in cold water, then add to the bowl of noodles with the spring onions, cherry tomatoes, herbs and chicken. Combine lime juice and sugar in a separate bowl, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Stir in fish sauce and chilli, then drizzle over salad, toss to combine, and serve garnished with chopped peanuts.

Visit Taste

Lace-Print Stationery

2011-10-14T09:17:00.000+11:00

We came across this easy tutorial for lace printed stationery on Martha Stewart. Elegant, airy letter-writing supplies, slipped inside a blush-colored box, will lend a dreamy feeling to every word you write. Ink, lace, paper, and a simple printing method are all you need to create this set.

Method
1. Practice this technique a few times on scrap paper before printing stationery or gift tags. Trim the lace 1 inch or so longer than the item to be printed, to ensure clean edges. Cover work surface with paper to avoid unwanted ink smudges.

2. Start with a sheet of glass (cut at a hardware store). Make sure it is large enough to accommodate the lace you will use, and tape its edges to prevent cuts. Using a brayer, spread a thin, even layer of water-based block-printing ink on the glass. Place the lace with the side to be printed facedown on the ink (the front of the lace often has more relief and will make a more detailed print). Firmly run the brayer over the lace once or twice. Thin lace should be completely saturated.

3. Use a toothpick to lift a corner of the lace. With your fingertips, peel the lace from the glass. Then lay one end of the lace just off the paper on which you wish to print, and carefully place the rest down. Put a paper towel on top of the lace and roll firmly once or twice with a second, clean brayer; be careful not to shift the lace underneath.

4. Peel off the lace, using the toothpick. Let dry.

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Broccoli & Pecorino Pasta

2011-10-12T10:13:00.002+11:00

A quick and healthy pasta dinner made with chillies, anchovies and rocket.

Ingredients (serves 4)
3 cloves garlic (see Notes)
2 long red chillies
4 anchovy fillets
2 heads broccoli
140ml extra virgin olive oil
60g pecorino or parmesan
350g orecchiette or other short dried pasta
1 cup rocket
1 lemon (see Notes)
Crusty bread, to serve

Method
1. Bring a large saucepan of salted water to the boil. Meanwhile, thinly slice garlic widthwise. Halve chillies lengthwise and remove seeds. Finely chop chillies and anchovies, and set aside with garlic. Cut stalks from the broccoli, peel, then cut into 1cm pieces. Cut the broccoli heads into small florets.

2. Add florets to boiling water and cook for 3 minutes or until almost tender. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a bowl and keep water boiling. Place half the florets in a food processor with 2 tbs oil. Season with salt and pepper. Coarsely grate pecorino, add 40g to the food processor, and process to a paste. Transfer to bowl with remaining florets.

3. Add pasta to boiling water and cook until al dente. Halfway through cooking, add the broccoli stalks. Drain pasta and broccoli stalks, reserving 125ml (1/2 cup) cooking water and the pan.

4. Place remaining 100ml oil, garlic, chillies and anchovies in reserved pan over medium heat. Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes or until garlic is fragrant and anchovies have broken up. Add reserved cooking water, pasta, broccoli mixture, rocket and 1/2 tsp salt and cook, tossing, for 2 minutes or until rocket wilts.

5.Squeeze lemon over pasta, season and toss well to combine. Divide among bowls, scatter with remaining pecorino and serve with crusty bread.

Notes

• To peel garlic quickly, place on a chopping board, place the flat side of a knife over the top and hold down with one hand. Using the heel of your free hand, carefully hit the knife; the force will bruise the garlic, splitting the skin and making it easy to peel.
• To get maximum juice from a lemon, roll it on a work surface before juicing.
• For a variation on the pasta, shred the meat from a barbecued chicken and stir into the pasta.

Visit Taste

DIY Wedding Thank You Cards

2011-10-11T11:21:00.000+11:00

We came across this cute DIY thank you card project at My DIY Wedding Day . The thank you card includes an embossed card and the couple’s favourite wedding photos all wrapped in a pretty little pocket folder and finished off with a ribbon!

Equipment
watermark ink or embossing ink
ink of your colour choice (I used black)
thermal embossing powder of your colour choice (they used gold)
rubber thank you stamp
rubber stamp of your choice for front of card (they used a custom monogram stamp)
heat gun
cards and envelopes
ribbon
luggage tags
pocket folders
a selection of your favorite wedding photos

Method
1. Using a thank you stamp, stamp the luggage tags with the regular ink and put aside.
2. Press the rubber stamp on the watermark ink and stamp the image on the card by pressing down firmly and removing the stamp quickly.
3. Shake the thermal embossing powder over the image until it is completely covered. To remove the excess powder tap the card over some paper and then empty this back into the thermal embossing powder container. Make sure the card has no flecks of powder by brushing them off.

4. Turn on the heat tool and melt the powder this may take a few seconds.

5. Once you have filled in the cards with your note and enveloped them you can insert the card and photographs into the pocket folder and seal it.
6. Put the ribbon through the luggage tag and tie it around the pocket folder, finish it off with a tie of your choice and voila!

Visit My DIY Wedding Day

Cadbury Family Cake

2011-10-10T11:14:00.000+11:00

We all love chocolate right?! So why not bake this chocolate cake from Cadbury's Kitchen? It's sure to be gone in seconds!

Ingredients

1 cup water
1½ cups caster sugar
150g butter
⅓ cup CADBURY Bournville Cocoa
½ teaspoon bicarbonate soda
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
1½ cups self raising flour

1¼ cups icing mixture
30g butter, softened
Vanilla essence
Hot water

Method
1. Combine water, sugar, butter, cocoa and bicarbonate soda in a saucepan and warm, but do not boil, stirring until the sugar has dissolved and the butter has melted. Transfer mixture to a bowl and cool for 30 minutes. Beat in the eggs and vanilla. Stir in the flour and mix well. Pour into a greased and base-lined 20cm round cake pan
2. Bake in a moderate oven 180°C for 50 minutes or until cooked. Cool for 10 minutes before turning onto a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Sift the icing mixture into a bowl then mix in the butter and enough hot water to form a soft icing. Spread on the cooled cake and decorate as desired.

Visit Cadbury Kitchen

Personalised Cookie Favors

2011-10-07T09:38:00.000+11:00

We came across this fabulous recipe for personalised cookie favors on Project Wedding. You simply can't go wrong with edible favors for your guests, and these super-simple cookies can even be customised with a special word or letters to make the favors even more significant.

Ingredients (makes roughly 2 dozen)

3 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 sticks of unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup sugar
1 egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Method

1. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Beat butter and sugar with a mixer on medium-high speed until fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. Reduce speed to low, and add the flour mixture gradually, and beat until combined. Shape the dough into two disks, wrap each one with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.

2. Roll out the refrigerated disk on a lightly floured piece of parchment or wax paper to a 1/8 to 1/4 inch thickness. Repeat with the second disk of dough, and put both disks of dough back in the refrigerator until firm, about 30 minutes.

3. Use a cookie cutter to cut out cookie rounds from the dough. We used a fluted-edge cutter here for a decorative look, but any shape will work.

4. Then, using mini alphabet cookie cutters, cut a letter from the middle of each dough round. We chose the word "thanks" for our cookie favors, but you can use your initials, your wedding location, or whatever word you'd like. Just a hint: Keep it on the short side!

5. Bake the cookies at about 175 degrees on baking paper for 12 to 15 minutes, until the cookies are firm. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.

7. Once the cookies cool, you're ready to package them up. Slide into a glassine bag and make a label with you and your hubby-to-be's initials to affix to the back of the bag.

8. The packaging options for these cookies are endless! For something different, try a tin, a brown kraft box, clear cello bags... Anything that can hold your cookies and can be embellished with a bit of pretty ribbon and a personalised tag will work.

Visit Project Wedding

Pressed Flower Luminaria

2011-10-06T12:12:00.000+11:00

We just love these lanterns from Natural Home & Garden. They give off a soft, ethereal light, perfect for adding glow to outdoor gatherings or indoor suppers or even for your wedding décor. They also show off dried flowers in a spare, modern way – pressed between gauzy panels made from wax paper. As twilight fades to night, the luminaria glow brighter and brighter.

Materials

Foraged flowers or foliage, such as ferns leaves, rock rose, and Queen
Anne’s Lace (see note below)
Wax paper
Japanese washi tape (paper tape)
Votive candle in glass holder or battery-operated flameless LED
Tealight candle
Paper towels
Heavy books or a flower press
Craft knife
Clear acrylic grid ruler
Self-healing cutting mat
Iron and ironing board

Note: Delicate leaves and flowers will dry faster than other types of specimens. Choose specimens that will allow a lot of contact between the sheets of wax paper so the sheets will adhere to each other.

Press Floral Materials

Arrange freshly picked floral materials flat between two paper towels, and then place the paper towels between the pages of a heavy book or flower press. If using a book, stack other books on top to weigh down. Let dry completely. This will take a few days.

Make Panels

1. Using a craft knife, cut four 9 x 4 ½" (23 x 11.5 cm) rectangles of wax paper.

2. Set iron to medium. When hot, place a flower or foilage on one side of the wax paper rectangle. You will fold the other half on top and seal to create a square panel, so arrange the flower or foliage within the rectangle accordingly. Keep in mind you can place the flower or foliage so it runs beyond the edge of the paper since you can trim after making the sealed wax paper square.
3. Fold the rectangle of wax paper in half to create a square so the pressed item is sandwiched between the two layers of wax paper. Press along the folded edge with your finger, making sure the edges are aligned.

4. Seal with the iron, pressing over the wax paper lightly and quickly. The iron will fuse the two pieces of wax paper into one sheet.

5. Repeat steps 2–4 so you have four sealed square panels. Trim, if necessary.

Create Lanterns

1. Lay two floral panels side-by-side with right sides up and edges touching. Orient the panels as you want them to appear in the finished lantern.

2. Cut a 5" (12.5 cm) length of Japanese washi tape. Center the tape over the join between the panels and press in place, letting the tape extend ¼" (6 mm) at the ends. Flip the floral panels over and press the tape ends to the wrong sides of the panels.

3. Fold the panels, wrong sides together, at the join and run your fingers along the fold to make a sharp crease in the tape. This will allow the panels to be positioned at 90-degree angles in the finished lantern.

4. Continue joining the remaining floral panels in the same manner to make a floral sleeve. For the final join you may need to adjust how you tape the panels together by placing the tape along one edge of a panel so half of its width overhangs, and then attaching the neighboring panel.

5. Set the floral sleeve in the desired location and then place a votive candle in a glass holder or LED tealight in the center of the sleeve.

Visit Natural Home & Garden

Agnolotti with Creamy Pesto Chicken

2011-10-05T12:43:00.000+11:00

This creamy and delicious chicken pasta dish can be on the table in under half an hour.

Ingredients (serves 4)
600g fresh spinach and ricotta agnolotti
4 small single chicken breast fillets, trimmed
450ml thickened cream (see note)
1/2 cup (130g) store-bought pesto
salt and cracked black pepper
fresh basil leaves, to serve (optional)

Method
1. Heat a little olive oil in a large, deep non-stick frying pan and cook chicken for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove to a plate and cover to keep warm.
2. Cook agnolotti in a large saucepan of boiling salted water according to packet instructions or until al dente. Drain and cover to keep warm.
3. Return the frying pan to medium heat and add the cream and pesto. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 3 minutes then add the pasta and gently toss to combine.
4. Slice the chicken into medallions. To serve, divide pasta between bowls and top with chicken. Serve, sprinkled with basil leaves if desired.

Notes
Lite thickened cream can be used, if desired.

Visit Taste

Make Your Own Jewellery

2011-10-04T10:09:00.001+11:00

Transform a handful of inexpensive costume pieces into stunning jewellery for yourself or give it as a gift! Start with a handful of inexpensive costume pieces – brooches and earrings with openwork designs – and give them a new-old coppery patina using spray paint. Then link them together and add pretty pink ribbon. No one will guess you didn't break the bank.

You Will Need

Costume brooches, or earrings with openwork designs

Wire cutters
Sandpaper
Clear nail polish

Copper spray paint
Paper towels
1/4-inch jump rings
Needlenose pliers
1 1/2-inch-wide silk ribbon, cut into two 24-inch lengths

Method

1. Snap off brooch or earring backs using wire cutters, and sand down any sharp bits so they won't catch on clothing. For extra protection apply clear nail polish to the area and let it dry.

2. For an antique look, coat pieces with spray paint, then quickly rub off most of the paint with a paper towel. Let dry.

3. Using jump rings (metal rings that open and close) and pliers, connect pieces in a pleasing order. Attach a ring at each end: Thread each ribbon halfway through the end rings; knot each ribbon at ring if desired. Tie behind neck to wear.

Visit Martha Stewart

Spring Decorating

2011-09-30T10:22:00.001+10:00

Turn old, un-used clear-glass bottles into a sweet centre-piece. Wrap several containers with thin strips of paper (any colour/pattern of your choice) and tie the strips with ribbon. Dress up others by attaching different sorts of fabric with double-stick tape. Finish with some fresh flowers – a perfect loom for a spring time party.

Visit Better Homes & Gardens

Chocolate Souffle Puddings with Chocolate Sauce

2011-09-29T12:26:00.000+10:00

Finish off your meal with this delicious chocolate souffle pudding with chocolate sauce. For those chocoholics out there, this one is sure to have you asking for seconds!

Ingredients (serves 8)

60g butter
35g (1/4 cup) plain flour
250ml (1 cup) milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
175g dark chocolate (70% cocoa solids), finely chopped
5 egg yolks
150g (2/3 cup) caster sugar
1 tablespoon Grand Marnier
6 egg whites
Double cream, to serve

Chocolate sauce
55g (1/4 cup firmly packed) brown sugar
250ml (1 cup) pouring cream
40g butter
180g dark chocolate (70% cocoa solids), finely chopped

Method
1. Preheat oven to 200°C. Butter 8 x 150ml souffle or ovenproof dishes.
2. Melt butter in a heavy-based saucepan over lowâ€“medium heat, stir in flour and cook for a few seconds. Remove from heat. Gradually whisk milk and vanilla into flour mixture until smooth. Add chocolate and whisk until melted. Don't worry if the mixture separates a little.
3. Using an electric mixer, whisk yolks and half the sugar until thick and pale. Add chocolate mixture and liqueur. Stir well.
4. Using an electric mixer, whisk whites and a pinch of salt to soft peaks. Gradually add remaining sugar and whisk to stiff peaks. Carefully fold whites into chocolate mixture in 2 batches until just combined. Spoon into dishes (mixture will fill dishes) (see note)and bake for 16â€“18 minutes or until puddings are well risen.
5. For sauce, combine 60ml (1/4 cup) water, sugar, cream and butter in a small pan. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Stir in chocolate until melted.
6. Serve puddings immediately with chocolate sauce and double cream passed separately to spoon into the centre.

Notes
If using dishes deeper than ramekins, fill only three-quarters full.

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DIY Coffee Bag Favors

2011-09-28T11:03:00.000+10:00

We came across this gorgeous DIY favour idea on Ruffled that is sure to be a favorite amongst your guests. This DIY coffee bean bag favour idea is the perfect addition to your wedding. Create the same favour for tea bags or hot chocolate for those guests that aren’t coffee drinkers.

What you will need

Lettering Stencil
Burlap bags

Twine, hemp cord or ribbon
1 inch circle paper punch and paper of your choice
Coffee Beans, tea bags, hot chocolate (depending on what you wish to fill the bags with)
Stamp Kit for tags
Hole paper punch

Fabric marker

Method

1. Using the stencil, starting painting burlap bags with wording of your choice.

2. Fill burlap bags half way (about a cup or a cup and half) and tie with Thank you tags.

Visit Ruffled

Country Charm Boutonniere

2011-09-27T10:26:00.001+10:00

We came across this great DIY project on Inspired Bride. Create this beautiful boutonniere from lavender and rosemary. It makes for a sweet accent to a country rustic wedding. Best of all, the elements of this design are readily available so there’s no reason not to try it out.

What you will need

Lavender
Oregano
Sage
Floral Shears
Boutonniere Pin
Twine

Method

1. Cut a few branches of all three herbs and strip the rosemary and oregano stems so that only the desired length of the herb’s leafy area remains. The stems should look like those shown above in the top right photo.

2. Bundle the three herbs together and tie them together with a length of twine. Keep the twine knot in the front.

3. Finish the piece by inserting a boutonniere pin through the knot.

4. When it comes time to pin on the boutonniere, it’s best to have someone other than yourself to pin in on you. Place the boutonniere on the center of your left lapel. From the back of the lapel, insert your boutonniere pin, cross over the stem, and re-insert into the fabric.

Note

If you have a refrigerator without any fruit or vegetables in it, you can store your boutonniere in it for up to two days. Produce gives off an enzyme that will wilt your flowers if stored together. Otherwise, it’s best to make your boutonniere the night before or day of and keep it in a cool place.

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Coconut Cupcakes With White Chocolate Buttercream

2011-09-26T10:19:00.000+10:00

Make these delicious coconut cupcakes with white chocolate buttercream at your next party, or even just as a sweet treat for the family. They are sure to be a hit!

Ingredients

CAKE
1½ cups unsalted butter
2 cups sugar
5 large eggs
1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1½ teaspoons coconut extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup milk
¼ cup shredded coconut

WHITE CHOCOLATE BUTTERCREAM
1½ ounces white chocolate chips
1 cup softened unsalted butter
1 cup confectioner’s sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Method

1. In the bowl of a standing mixer, cream the butter and sugar on medium-high speed until the mixture is fluffy. and light yellow in color. Lower the speed setting to medium and add the eggs, one at a time, scraping the bowl down between additions. Add in the vanilla and coconut extracts and mix until well combined.

2. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. Set the mixer to low speed. Alternatively add the dry ingredients mixture and the milk to the batter, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Add in the shredded coconut and continue to mix all ingredients have just combined.

3. Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Divide the batter evenly into liner lined cupcake pans, filling each cup to just under ⅔ of the way. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out barely clean so as not to over bake, then set aside to cool.

4. In a double boiler, melt the white chocolate and set aside to cool slightly. Beat the butter on medium speed with the mixer until the butter becomes creamy. Add in the melted but cooled white chocolate, and mix to combine. Scrape the sides down if necessary.

5. Set the mixer speed to low and add the vanilla extract followed by the confectioner’s sugar in four smaller portions. Scrape down the sides of the bowl between additions. Continue to beat the buttercream mixture until light and fluffy.

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Beautiful Bottles

2011-09-22T11:34:00.001+10:00

With this easy how-to from Martha Stewart, transform everyday vessels into elegant vases by coating their interiors with glass enamel. Any container will do – buy up old bottles at an op shop or market or try kitchen cast-offs, such as jam jars.

How-To…
Dishwasher-safe enamel paint is sold at most crafts stores. Wash the bottle inside and out with soapy water; let dry. Pour in a small amount of the paint's surface conditioner, which primes the glass for the enamel. Swirl to coat fully, then pour out excess. Stand bottle upright, and dry for an hour. Pour in enough enamel to easily coat the inside. Swirl, and return excess to container for reuse. Dry bottle upside down on a paper towel for 48 hours, periodically wiping excess enamel from the rim with a damp cloth during the first hour.

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DIY Chocolate Hazelnut Spread

2011-09-21T11:04:00.002+10:00

Without a doubt, the most challenging aspect of this DIY wedding favor will be keeping yourself from licking spoonfuls straight out of the bowl! This delicious chocolate hazelnut spread recipe from Ruffle will be a scrumptious parting gift for your guests.
.

Ingredients

1/2 cup whole almonds, raw
1 1/3 cup hazelnuts, raw
1 3/4 cup milk
7/8 cup powdered milk
3 tablespoons mild-flavored honey
pinch of salt
6 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate chips
5 ounces milk chocolates chips

Method
1. Spread the nuts on a baking sheet, keeping the almond separate, and toast the nuts at 350ºF, stirring a few times, for 10 to 15 minutes, until the hazelnuts are browned.

2. While they are roasting, warm the whole milk and powdered milk in a small saucepan with the honey and salt just until it starts to boil. Remove from heat.

3. In a clean, dry bowl set over a pan of barely simmering water, or in a microwave oven, melt the chocolates together until smooth.

4. Once the nuts are well-toasted, remove them from oven and use a spatula to place the warm hazelnuts in a clean tea towel, then fold them inside the towel and rub them vigorously to remove any loose skins.
.

5. In a food processor, grind the hazelnuts and almonds until they’re as fine as possible. You may not be able to get them completely smooth, depending on your food processor. After 5 minutes in the food processor you will notice the creamy consistency – that’s what you want.
.

6. Using a double boiler, melt chocolate chips. Add milk mixture and chocolate with the nut paste. Mix well. Pour your warm Nutella in a Ziploc bag, seal and cut a small piece of one corner. Slowly squeeze onto your containers so it doesn’t spill on edges of the jars. This will help you speed up filling your containers faster than using a funnel) and it’s a lot less messy.

This recipe makes 4 wedding favors using 8 ounce jars. Serve with fresh bread or crackers, and a mini milk bottle.

Visit Ruffle

Flourless Chocolate Cake

2011-09-19T10:03:00.000+10:00

Indulge a little with a slice of this heavenly flourless chocolate cake.

Ingredients (serves 8)
200g dark chocolate
200g butter
1/3 cup (60ml) hot water
1/4 cup (30g) cocoa powder
4 eggs, separated
1 1/2 cups (300g) brown sugar
1 1/2 cups (155g) hazelnut meal
2 tbs coffee liqueur
Cocoa powder, to dust

Coffee mascarpone
1 tsp instant coffee powder
2 tsp boiling water
250g mascarpone
2 tbs icing sugar mixture
1 tbs coffee liqueur

Method
1. Preheat oven to 180°C. Grease and line the base and sides of a 23cm square (base measurement) cake pan.
2. Combine chocolate, butter, water and cocoa in a medium saucepan over low heat. Cook, stirring, for 2-3 minutes or until mixture is smooth. Transfer to a large bowl.
3. Add egg yolks, sugar, meal and liqueur to chocolate mixture; stir to combine.
4. Use an electric mixer to whisk egg whites in a clean, dry bowl until soft peaks form. Add one-third of the eggwhite to chocolate mixture and gently fold until just combined. Add remaining eggwhite and fold until just combined. Pour into the prepared pan; smooth the surface. Bake in preheated oven for 40 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Set aside for 10 minutes before turning onto a wire rack to cool.
5. Combine the coffee and water in a bowl. Add the mascarpone, icing sugar and liqueur and stir to combine.
6. Cut the cake into squares and dust with cocoa powder. Serve with mascarpone.

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How To Make Your Own Storage Jar Labels

2011-09-16T11:04:00.000+10:00

Dress up your storage jars with these pretty labels from Homelife. Made from air-hardening modeling clay, which means it doesn’t have to be fired. They are not only decorative but practical as well. The labels are written on in pencil, so you can erase the writing and drawings and update them as the contents of the storage jars change. Use a variety of labels in different shapes and sizes on each jar, creating some of the shapes with cookie cutters. Flowers, hearts, and stars look great in combination with the simpler shapes and rectangles, all tied to the jars with pretty ribbon. You can also add decoration to the labels, in the form of textural effects or buttons.

Materials and equipment
Air-hardening white modeling clay
Pastry board and rolling pin
Plastic wrap (clingfilm)
Lace, leaves, or flowers (optional)
Acrylic paint (optional)
Sharp knife and cookie cutters
Skewer or tapestry needle
Buttons and craft glue (optional)
Plastic bag
Emery board or fine sandpaper
Ribbon and lace trim
Pencil

How to
1. Begin by rolling out a piece of the clay on a pastry board using a rolling pin; keep the rest in plastic wrap (clingfilm) until needed. Roll the piece of clay out until it is approximately 2-3mm thick.

2. If you want to add texture, place a piece of lace, a leaf, or a flower on the clay just before doing the final rolling out. (If you wish, lightly paint the leaf first with acrylic paint, and lay it on the clay paint side down before doing the final rolling out of the clay, in order to leave a hint of color in the leaf impression in the clay. Any paint that splodges out can be removed when it is dry, in step 6.) After rolling the clay out, peel back the lace, leaf, or flower to reveal the texture.

3. With a sharp knife, cut the clay into squares and rectangles. Use cookie cutters to cut out flower or other shapes.

4. While the clay is still wet, use a skewer or tapestry needle to make a hole at the top all the way through the clay—the hole needs to be big enough to thread your ribbon through. If you want to decorate the shapes with buttons, press these into the clay while it is still wet.

5. Carefully peel the clay shapes off the pastry board and place them on a smoothed-out plastic bag to dry. Flip the clay over every few hours to help both sides to dry evenly.

6. When the clay is dry take the shapes outdoors and, using an emery board or fine sandpaper, rub away the rough edges.

7. Thread pieces of ribbon, lace trim, or wire through the holes, with the help of a needle if the holes are small, or by just poking the ribbon through. Add as many labels as you like to the ribbon.

8. If necessary, use glue to secure any buttons you’ve added. Write or draw on the labels with pencil to indicate the contents of each jar.

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Brownie Candy Cups

2011-09-15T11:27:00.000+10:00

We just love the look of these delicious Brownie Candy Cups! Perfect for parties or a weekend treat...

Ingredients

1 package Duncan Hines Chocolate Lovers Double Fudge Brownie Mix
2 eggs
1/3 cup water
1/4 cup vegetable oil
30 mini Reeses cups unwrapped
1 Box Reynolds 2-inch aluminum foil mini cups for muffins

Method

1. Preheat oven to 350
2. Place 30 foil liners on baking sheet
3. Combine brownie mix, contents from fudge packet in mix, eggs, water and oil.
4. Stir with spoon until well blended. (about 50 strokes)
5. Fill each liner with 2 tablespoons of batter
6. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes and remove from oven
7. Push 1 Reeses in center of each “brownie cupcake” until even with surface of the batter.
8. Bake 5-7 minutes longer.
9. Cool 5-10 minutes in pan and then move to cooling rack to cool completely.

Visit Bakerella

Berry-misu

2011-09-14T17:02:00.000+10:00

Perfect for entertaining, this dish can be prepared in advance so there's little fuss on the day.

Ingredients (serves 12)
5 eggs, separated
2/3 cup caster sugar
500g mascarpone cheese, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup thickened cream, whipped
1 tablespoon instant espresso coffee powder
2 cups boiling water
2 x 250g packets sponge finger biscuits
6 passionfruit, halved
500g strawberries, sliced
125g raspberries
125g blueberries
Dark chocolate curls, to serve

Method
1. Using an electric mixer, beat egg yolks and sugar together in a bowl for 5 to 6 minutes or until pale and creamy. Fold in mascarpone and vanilla. Fold cream into mascarpone mixture.
2. Beat eggwhites in a bowl until stiff peaks form. Fold into mascarpone mixture. Cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
3. Dissolve coffee powder in boiling water. Working quickly, dip half the biscuits, 1 at a time, in coffee to coat. Place, in a single layer, over base of a 2.8 litre capacity, 6cm-deep, 21cm x 32cm serving dish.
4. Spread half the mascarpone mixture over biscuits. Top with passionfruit pulp and half the strawberries. Repeat layers with remaining biscuits, coffee mixture and mascarpone mixture. Cover. Refrigerate for 4 hours.
5. Top with raspberries, blueberries and remaining strawberries. Sprinkle with chocolate. Serve.

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Favor Display Ideas

2011-09-13T10:30:00.000+10:00

Martha Stewart offers some great DIY ideas. Why not save some cash and use these handy tips fro creating beautiful and easy favour displays…

Invite guests to help themselves to these yummy favors pinned on linen covered cork board. Cellophane bags printed with the couple's initial and wedding date are filled with delicious goodies and pinned to the board.

Buy glassine bags; trim tops with scalloped scissors. Fill bags with enough cherries, or other small fruit, so they peek out over the top. To help the bags stand up, turn corners under at bottoms. Display favors in wooden crates.

Make some homemade cookies and place them in labeled jars. This way, your guests can choose their favorites. Set out glassine-lined bags and seals for packaging cookies to go.

Visit Martha Stewart Weddings

How to make a floral buttonhole

2011-09-12T16:14:00.000+10:00

HomeLife have shown us the basics on how to make a buttonhole for your wedding.

What you will need
White roses

Ice plant (Sedum)

Camellia foliage

Parafilm (a green floral tape that adheres to itself when stretched)

Floral wire

Green ribbon, white ribbon, pearl head pins (from floral supplies stores)

How to
1. Wire each piece of foliage separately. We used camellia leaves. Cover with parafilm.

2. Wire each rose and each piece of ice plane (Sedum). Cover with parafilm.

3. Add each leaf and flower to form a balanced arrangement, applying parafilm after each addition. Cover ends in ribbon.

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Chicken Burgers With Chilli Jam & Lime

2011-09-07T10:52:00.000+10:00

These sweet and sour chicken burgers are sure to become a weeknight staple.

Ingredients (serves 6)
450g chicken mince
2 tablespoons chilli jam, plus extra to serve
1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons chopped coriander
3 teaspoons lime juice
1/4 cup fresh breadcrumbs
1 lightly beaten egg
6 bread rolls
avocado slices, snow pea sprouts, sliced cucumber and lime wedges, to serve

Method
1. Line a baking tray with non-stick baking paper. Place chicken mince, chilli jam, soy sauce, chopped coriander, lime juice, fresh breadcrumbs and lightly beaten egg in a large bowl and mix until well combined. Divide the mixture into 6 portions and shape each portion into a flat patty. Place patties on prepared tray and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
2. Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Cook the patties, in batches if necessary, for 3-4 minutes each side or until cooked through. Split bread rolls and lightly toast. Place the bases of the rolls on serving plates and spread with extra chilli jam. Top with patties, avocado slices, snow pea sprouts, sliced cucumber and remaining rolls. Serve with lime wedges, if desired.

Notes
If chilli jam is unavailable use 1 1/2 tablespoons sweet chilli sauce in the burger mixture.

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Unique Mini Pear Trinket Boxes

2011-08-30T10:29:00.000+10:00

This mini pear trinket box from Weddingstar is the perfect box for your wedding favours. Place lollies, notes, or a tiny gift inside for your guests to enjoy! Finish with a ribbion tied around in a colour of your choice.

Visit Weddingstar

Spring Herbs

2011-08-29T11:47:00.001+10:00

Along with new leaves and brilliant blooms, fresh herbs are in abundance in spring. For culinary purposes, a herb is defined as the leaf and tender stem of a plant that’s used to flavour food. In ancient times herbs were associated with witchcraft and their use frowned upon, even for curing or preventing illness.

Over the centuries, herbs have been used extensively for medicinal and cosmetic purposes, but we’ve also come to appreciate their culinary value – their fragrance, colour and flavour can awaken the palate, turning the most humble dish into a deluxe delight.

Varieties & Usage:

Chervil: The most delicately flavoured of all the spring herbs, chervil has lacy, fern-like leaves and a mild taste. Although it is mostly used as a garnish in Australia, chervil is also good with eggs and fish.

Chives: A member of the onion family, chives are available in onion and garlic-flavoured varieties. Particularly good with potatoes and in cream sauces.

Dill: Often associated with Scandinavian dishes, such as gravlax (cured salmon), dill has feathery fronds and a mild aniseed flavour. Also used in Greek and Italian cooking, it goes well with cheese and seafood.

Mint: The most common varieties are round and spearmint, but others including peppermint, apple mint and chocolate mint all have their own distinctive flavour. This herb is widely used in Middle Eastern cuisine, where its fresh, cooling flavour complements the many aromatic spices.

Parsley: Due to its unassertive flavour, parsley is the most universally used of all herbs. While flat-leaf and curly parsley are common, there’s also a triple-curled variety with flat leaves that are frilled at the edges.

Salad burnet: This hardy herb is one of the first to rejuvenate in spring. Its pretty saw-edged leaves become bitter when mature, but young specimens have a tangy flavour that’s ideal in salads.

Tarragon: French tarragon is the best type for cooking as the yellow-flowering Russian variety is tougher and less flavoursome. Tarragon is a good match for white meats, particularly chicken.

Tips:

- When cutting herbs use a sharp knife or scissors to avoid bruising. You can also tear herbs – the leaves will rip along the veins and release more flavour during cooking.

- For optimum colour and flavour, delicate spring herbs should always be added at the end of cooking.

- When storing fresh herbs, wash and dry thoroughly, then pick the leaves and keep in an airtight container in the fridge. This way, the herbs are ready to go when needed and occupy less fridge space.

- Some herbs, such as parsley, tarragon and mint, can be dried to preserve them. Hang small bunches of herbs upside down in a warm, dry, well-ventilated place, or in a paper bag with ventilation holes in the sides. Chopped chives can be preserved simply by freezing them. Chervil and dill are not suitable for drying as they will lose their flavour.

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Stir-fried Noodles With Satay Chicken & Mushrooms

2011-08-25T10:03:00.000+10:00

Have dinner on the table in 30 minutes with this tasty stir fried noodles with satay chicken and mushrooms.

Preparation Time 10 minutes
Cooking Time 20 minutes

Ingredients (serves 4)
5 dried shiitake mushrooms
250g wide long-life noodles
2 tbs vegetable oil
500g chicken satay thigh stir-fry
150g snow peas, julienned
3 garlic cloves, finely sliced lengthways
4cm fresh ginger, peeled and julienned
2 tbs kecap manis (sweet soy sauce)
Pinch of ground white pepper

Method
1. Place the mushrooms in a heatproof bowl and cover with boiling water. Set aside for 10 minutes to soften, drain then slice. Set the noodles in a heatproof bowl and cover with boiling water, set aside for 5 minutes and drain. Rinse the noodles with cold water and leave to drain.

2. Heat 1 tbs of oil in a wok over a high heat and stir-fry the chicken in 2 batches for 3-4 minutes or until cooked through. Transfer to a plate. Rinse the wok and heat over a high heat with the remaining tablespoon of oil.

3. Stir-fry the snow peas for a minute until just tender and transfer to a plate. Add the garlic and ginger to the wok and toss over the heat for a minute until the garlic is golden. Add noodles and mushrooms and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes. Add the kecap manis and white pepper to taste. Serve the mushroom noodles topped with the satay chicken and snow peas.

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A Kiss and We're Off!

2011-08-22T10:19:00.000+10:00

Decorate your own wedding cake with this gorgeous A Kiss and We're Off! figurine from Weddingstar. This couple shows all the excitement of a bride and groom about to start off on their first journey together as husband and wife. While perched on a suitcase the Bride steals a precious moment to kiss her Groom. The perfect addition to your perfect wedding cake!

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Save The Date

2011-08-16T12:10:00.000+10:00

Open this card, and the details literally come spilling out. Cut date from card stock using number punches; pierce tops with a hole punch. Slide onto 1/4-inch ribbon, tying bows before and after each pair. Cut two slits in a note card; thread ribbon through, and tie a bow.

Visit Martha Stewart Weddings

Pork & Mushroom Stir-Fry

2011-08-15T12:19:00.000+10:00

Heat up the wok and add your favourite mushies to this simple and satisfying pork & mushroom stir-fry.

Ingredients (serves 4)
350g pork stir-fry strips
1 1/2 tbs sunflower oil
1 large onion, sliced
2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
2cm ginger, finely shredded
400g mixed mushrooms (such as shiitake, oyster and Swiss brown), sliced
100g enoki mushrooms, trimmed
2 bok choy, sliced
1/3 cup (80ml) oyster sauce
1 cup (200g) low-GI rice (such as Doongara see note), cooked
Coriander leaves, to garnish

Method
1. Place pork and 2 teaspoons oil in a bowl and stir well to coat. Heat a wok or large frypan over high heat. Add pork and stir-fry for 2 minutes until browned. Remove pork and set aside.
2. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the pan and stir-fry the onion, garlic and ginger for 1 minute. Add the mixed mushrooms and a splash of water and stir-fry for 2 minutes until golden and starting to soften. Stir in the cooked pork, enoki mushrooms, bok choy, oyster sauce and 2 tablespoons water and cook for a further 1 minute until the bok choy is tender but still has some crunch.
3. Garnish with coriander leaves and serve with rice.

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Spicy Roasted Pumpkin Soup

2011-08-01T12:46:00.000+10:00

With the weather outside staying cold, we're spending more time indoors. So why not snuggle up with some heart-warming comfort food? These winter warmers are packed with slowly developed rich flavours.

Preparation Time 20 minutes
Cooking Time 60 minutes

Ingredients (serves 4)
1.5kg butternut pumpkin, peeled, cut into 3cm pieces
1 large red onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, halved
2 celery stalks, trimmed, chopped
500g lady christl potatoes, peeled, cut into 3cm pieces
1 teaspoon dried chilli flakes
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
5 cups chicken stock
1/3 cup pure cream

To Serve
Pure cream
Chopped fresh chives
Garlic bread

Method
1. Preheat oven to 200C (180C fan-forced.)
2. Place the pumpkin, onion, garlic, celery, potato and chilli flakes in a large roasting pan. Drizzle with oil and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Roast in pre-heated oven for about 50 to 55 minutes or until the vegetables are golden and tender.
4. Transfer to a large saucepan over high heat.
5. Add the stock. Bring to the boil. Reduce heat to low.
6. Simmer for about 5 minutes. Remove the pan from heat. Using a stick blender, blend soup until just smooth. Stir in the pure cream.
7. Sprinkle chives over soup. Serve with garlic bread.

Notes

- Soup will thicken on standing, so if making in advance add a little extra stock when reheating.

- Take care when cutting pumpkins. A serrated knife offers more grip than a flat blade when trying to cut the skin. Or cut into smaller pieces and use a paring knife.

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Decorating with the New Neutral

2011-07-28T10:01:00.000+10:00

Be bold and try something new in your home. Whether it’s adding a splash of colour or decorating to unite open spaces, Better Homes & Gardens have got the ideas to get you started!

Forget frilly and straitlaced. Original bay windows steal the show in the living room. Try neutral walls and fresh and inviting furniture, while adding a mix of chocolate and orange accents adds a jolt of contrast against a light backdrop. Add the finishing touches; a multicolor area rug and a collection of glazed jugs and fresh flowers to brighten the coffee table.

Visit Better Homes & Gardens

Infinite Heart Place Cards

2011-07-27T12:08:00.002+10:00

Lead your guests to their selected seats with these delicate and beautiful place cards from Weddingstar. This ornate Laser Expressions Infinite Heart Folded Place Card adds a whimsical touch to your table top decorations. Available in six glorious colours these place cards will tie in with any theme.

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Chocolate & Pear Tart

2011-07-26T11:13:00.002+10:00

With its elegant topping of fanned pears, this tart looks and tastes like it's from a patisserie!

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients (serves 4)
75g (1/3 cup) caster sugar
2 tbs Dutch cocoa (see note)
80g pecans
50g dark chocolate (50% cocoa solids), finely chopped
80g cold unsalted butter, finely chopped,
1 egg
375g packet Carême All Butter
Puff Pastry (see note)
2 firm william bartlett pears
2 tsp plain flour
1 tsp vanilla bean paste
2 tbs icing sugar
Double cream, to serve

Method
1. Process 55g (1/4 cup) caster sugar, cocoa and pecans in a food processor until pecans are finely ground. Add chocolate, 60g butter and egg, and process until mixture forms a paste.

2. Preheat oven to 220C and line an oven tray with baking paper. Place pastry on tray. Using a 24cm cake pan as a guide, cut out a 24cm round from pastry. Place a 21cm cake pan in the centre of the round, and, using it as a guide, score a 21cm round in pastry to create a border. Freeze tart base until needed.

3. Quarter pears, then core and cut lengthwise into 3mm-thick slices. Place flour, remaining 1 tbs caster sugar and pears in a bowl. Spoon over the vanilla, then, using your hands, toss to coat.

4. Spread chocolate mixture over pastry within scored round. Place similar-sized pieces of pear, tightly overlapping, over chocolate mixture (you will have some leftover pear). Melt the remaining 20g butter and brush over the pears. Bake tart for 15 minutes, then reduce oven to 190C and bake, covering loosely with foil if the pastry is over-browning, for a further 25 minutes or until pastry is dark golden and puffed. Set tart aside for 10 minutes to cool.

5. Dust tart heavily with icing sugar, then, using a kitchen blowtorch, caramelise pears. Serve the tart warm or at room temperature with double cream.

Notes
- Dutch cocoa, available from delis, has a more concentrated flavour and deeper colour than regular cocoa.

- Careme Traditional Pastry, from delis, is handmade using the classic French method. Substitute 2 stacked sheets of Pampas Butter Puff Pastry.

- To fan the pears for a snug fit and an attractive finish, place the wide edge of each slice closest to the pastry edge.

- To decorate, cut a cross section from an extra pear or a pear shape from the pastry scraps, and place in the centre of the tart before baking.

- If you don't have a kitchen blowtorch, omit the icing sugar and glaze the tart with warmed apricot jam instead.

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Folded Heart Save-the-Date Cards

2011-07-25T12:09:00.000+10:00

These cards unfold to reveal a weekend's worth of activities, which makes them ideal for weddings with multiple events. Download the clip art, fill in your wheres and whens – from the welcome dinner to the brunch – and hit print.

Tools and supplies
8 1/2-by-11-inch letter-weight paper in cream or white
Computer with printer
Bone folder
Straightedge
Scissors
5-by-5-inch envelope

Basic How-To

Download the PDF in the color of your choice: green, orange, peach, or rust. Print the first page (the outside of the card) on one side of the paper. Then update the text in the boxes on the second page (the inside of the card); don't worry if some of the boxes look funny as you type; once you click on the next box, the text will pop into the proper position. Print this page on the other side of the paper.

1. Using a bone folder and straightedge, score all the way across each sheet, following the dotted lines. Fold the paper along the score marks, and press creases; then unfold.

2. Bring left and right hearts to the back to meet along crease. Collapse top and bottom.

3. Flip to the 'xo' side, and cut along the blue lines only (this ensures that the hearts stay attached).

Visit Martha Stewart

How To Make The Best Hot Chocolate

2011-07-21T11:54:00.000+10:00

Chocolate lovers may be surprised to learn this confection was originally enjoyed as a drink. The Aztecs discovered that by crushing cocoa beans into a paste and adding spices, they could make a refreshing and nourishing beverage. Unlike our indulgent hot chocolates, the original would have been thin and bitter. Explorers brought the drink back to Europe in the 16th century where, once sweetened, it became popular as an expensive luxury.

To make the best hot chocolate:

- Use full-fat milk.

- Use high-quality chocolate – Swiss or Belgian chocolate buds are ideal.

- Avoid chocolate powder as it can be too sugary and is hard to dissolve.

- Avoid anything low-calorie – hot chocolate isn’t about calorie counting, it’s about indulging your appetite for a sweet, satisfying hot beverage.

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Create DIY Gift Wrapping

2011-07-19T11:50:00.000+10:00

Create inspiring DIY gift wrapping with this unique wooden label stamp from kikki.K

This gorgeous wooden stamp with a unique design and matching ink pad, is a must-have for all stationery lovers. Perfect for creating your own labels on notebooks, gifts or cards. The super cute canvas bag is too adorable to resist!

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Honey-baked Pumpkin Risotto

2011-07-18T16:35:00.000+10:00

This Honey-baked Pumpkin Risotto makes a fabulous starter or a hearty main. It's guaranteed to be a winner.

Ingredients (serves 4)
900g pumpkin, peeled, cut into 1cm cubes
1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
1/2 tbs honey, plus extra to drizzle
850ml vegetable stock
1 onion, chopped
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
2cm piece ginger, grated
1 cup (220g) arborio rice
2/3 cup (160ml) white wine
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1/2 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley, plus extra to garnish
2 tbs mascarpone, plus extra to serve

Method
1. Preheat the oven to 220°C.
2. Lay pumpkin in an even layer on a large baking tray and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of oil. Season with salt and pepper. Roast for 15 minutes, then remove and drizzle with 1/2 tablespoon of honey, tossing well to coat each piece. Roast for a further 15 minutes until cooked and golden.
3. Place stock in a saucepan and keep at a simmer over low heat.
4. Heat remaining tablespoon of oil in a large heavy-based pan over low heat. Add onion and stir for 2-3 minutes until soft. Add celery and cook for 1 minute, then add ginger and rice and cook for a further minute, stirring to coat grains. Increase heat to medium-low, add wine and cook until absorbed. Add stock a ladleful at a time, allowing each to be absorbed before adding the next. Continue for 15 minutes or until rice is cooked but still firm to the bite. Add lemon juice, pumpkin and parsley. Season, then stir in mascarpone.
5. Serve with a dollop of mascarpone, a drizzle of honey and extra parsley.

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DIY Wallpaper Decorating

2011-07-08T09:19:00.000+10:00

Don't toss that scrap of wallpaper out, turn it into a style statement! Make over a hand-me-down side table with with wallpaper.

Method:

1. Paint the table with two coats of metallic paint and a coat of metallic glaze for extra shimmer. Let dry.

2. Cut a scrap of wallpaper to fit the top.

3. Coat the table with decoupage glue, position the paper, and cover it with several layers of decoupage glue. (Allow each coat to dry before applying the next.)

4. Finish the top with a spray sealant.

Visit Better Homes & Gardens for more projects using a roll of wallpaper.