Archives for February 2016

Date and Orange Loaf …

February 27, 2016

This Date and Orange Loaf is a delightful combination of flavours. Once again I’ve used my two favourite smaller loaf tins for this recipe. They are just the perfect size and I find I get a more consistent texture through each of the loaves. I bought them from Daiso and use them a lot when I bake. They measure 18 cm long x 8.5 cm wide x 6 cm deep. You could bake this as a single loaf in a larger tin but you would need to adjust the cooking times and bake these for a little longer to cook them all the way through … maybe an extra 10 – 15 minutes. Once cooked, allow … read more

Lemon Cupcakes …

February 23, 2016

Talk about a blast from the past! I was organising my cookbooks on the weekend and I stumbled across some recipes from my Home Economics class from my school days. There were some golden oldies amongst the pages like Rock Cakes, Anzac Biscuits, Scones, Chocolate Brownies and many more but also this recipe for Lemon Cupcakes. I’ve made these so many times that I know the recipe off by heart but I must admit, I had forgotten the recipe’s origin. This is a tried and true recipe that I’ve made so often that I just know it will turn out every single time and I guess … read more

San Choy Bow …

February 19, 2016

There’s no need to spend money on expensive takeaway when you can create gorgeous dishes like San Choy Bow in your own kitchen. This is such a hit with my kids, is often requested and disappears before my eyes once it’s served. It’s also quick and easy to make and super healthy using beautiful, fresh ingredients. Enjoy! San Choy Bow …   Print Author: Mrs Organised Ingredients … 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 2 small onions, chopped finely 2 sticks celery, chopped finely 500g pork mince 2 teaspoons ginger 1 tablespoon soy sauce 2 tablespoons oyster … read more

“When Life Gives you Lemons Make Lemonade” Artwork …

February 17, 2016

    A poster, print or artwork is perfect to brighten or “lift” the décor in any room. I love a splash of colour and I especially love anything that either evokes a special memory or is uplifting and positive.   This poster that I’ve created does just that … it’s a saying that I’ve often repeated and a saying that reminds me to make the most of any situation, no matter how tough. It’s bright, it’s fun, it’s inspirational and it’s ABSOLUTELY FREE for you to download and frame.   Find a frame you love, download, print and hang somewhere in … read more

Chicken and Vegetable Lemongrass Curry …

February 15, 2016

I’ve got a few curry recipes that I cook regularly but this one is a definite favourite. It’s packed with flavour but still quite mild … even the kids love it. It’s loaded with veggies, light on the calories and cooked in a single pot, so cleaning up is a breeze. Enjoy! Chicken and Vegetable Lemongrass Curry …   Print Author: Mrs Organised Ingredients … 1 bunch lemongrass 1 tablespoon ginger, grated 4 cloves garlic, crushed 2 medium tomatoes, chopped into quarters ½ tablespoon fenugreek seeds 1 large onion, chopped into large chunks ½ … read more

Bathroom Cleaning Kit Essentials …

February 13, 2016

  When you think about the number of cleaning products that the average household needs, it can become quite a collection. There are cleaning products for the kitchen, laundry, bathroom, and so on, and these are often kept in a central cupboard/area. However, I’ve always looked for ways to clean more simply, quickly and efficiently and I achieve this in the bathroom by keeping all the cleaning products I need right where I need them … in the bathroom.   It’s so convenient (everything is at my fingertips), it saves me time and it motivates me to spot clean … read more

Yikes! My Child has Head Lice … What do I do???

February 11, 2016

  Now that the kids have returned to school and childcare, one thing you might find yourself dealing with is Head Lice (also called Nits). It’s incredibly frustrating and, unfortunately, hardly anyone will be immune if there’s an outbreak at school.   So, what are Head Lice?   Head Lice are tiny parasitic insects that have no wings and cannot jump but that live among human hair. They feed on tiny amounts of blood that they draw from the human scalp.   How do you catch Head Lice?   Head Lice are extremely contagious and you … read more

“Be My Valentine” Red Velvet Cupcakes …

February 9, 2016

This is one of my favourite cupcake recipes and it’s perfect if you want to create a special dessert to celebrate Valentine’s Day with that someone special in your life. Simply use some heart shaped moulds, dust the top with icing sugar, add some strawberries (or other fruit) and you can serve up an impressive, but special dessert. Of course, these Red Velvet Cupcakes don’t need to be saved just for Valentine’s Day and are a gorgeous twist on your traditional cupcake. Enjoy! “Be My Valentine” Red Velvet Cupcakes …   Print … read more

Choosing the Right Lunchbox for Mum or Dad to take to Work …

February 7, 2016

  Around this time every year, choosing a lunchbox and filling it with nutritious food for kids going back to school becomes a very hot topic. I’ve shared loads of ideas here on the blog and you can read more by clicking on the “Lunchbox Ideas” tab on the top menu above. But, what about Mum and Dad … I’m sure they need some lunchbox inspiration as well!   Like many of you, I’m a working Mum (I work casually) but still try to take lunch with me when I do go to work. I love being able to pack healthy, nutritious food that I enjoy eating but more than … read more

Kitchen Hints and Tips # 11 … How to Prevent a Bad Egg from Ruining your Baking …

February 5, 2016

  As a young girl growing up, I used to enjoy any opportunity I had to spend time with Mum in the kitchen cooking and baking. I adored the smells, I enjoyed learning and creating delicious food but most of all I loved spending time with Mum and I really have to thank her for fostering my love of cooking.   And it was those shared moments that Mum taught me so many little tricks and tips that I still use to this day. One of the first lessons I learned was how to prevent an “off” or bad egg from ruining any cake or baking.   Many recipes … read more

“Be My Valentine” Coconut Rough Chocolates …

February 3, 2016

Golden Rough chocolates by Nestle always take me back to my childhood. I was born in Sydney but moved to Evans Heads in northern New South Wales in my primary school years, living there for around 4 years. For those who don’t know Evans Heads, it was a sleepy seaside town that came to life every holidays as the caravan park overflowed with visitors from all over the place looking for an idyllic summer of swimming, sand and sun. It was a great place to grow up and I have wonderful, fond memories of living there. One of my favourite memories is walking home from … read more

Simple Tips for Storing your Perfume Correctly …

February 1, 2016

    I love wearing perfume and it’s something I use everyday. It’s as much a part of my makeup/beauty routine as anything else and I never feel like I’ve finished getting ready without a spray of one of my favourite perfumes. There are, however, a few Do’s & Don’ts when it comes to storing perfume to make sure it lasts as long as possible and its fragrance doesn’t change or disappear altogether.   So, if you’re not sure if your perfume has “gone off”, you might notice:   It may change colour (which you’ll only really see if … read more