Fun in a box

School holidays begin at the end of this week

I thought this post may give you an idea of a fun activity for the holidays

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A few weeks ago we purchased a box of Crayola chalk 

for our children from the local supermarket

It was only $5 for a box of 52 sticks. Great value!

After our children finished their homework 

It was time to get creative

Each of our 3 children have their own style of drawing

They were busy creating their pieces of art for an hour

We left their masterpieces to look at each time we went in the backyard

A few days later it rained and their artwork washed away

No need to worry about it not coming off

We'll be setting up the jumping castle during the holidays 

Our children have been itching to use it as we've had rain in recent weeks 

Do you have any suggestions for fun activities to do during school holidays? 

Please add your comment below. Thank you!

Vintage Dreams collection - release is tonight!

I have finished creating the items for the Vintage Dreams collection

They are ready for release tonight at 7.30pm Australian time

Everything will be available in my Etsy shop

There are a variety of items ~ bookmarks, embroidered wall art, pincushions 

and some new items. . . .

I pulled out my crochet hook and made some coasters

They are great for a housewarming gift

Suitable for your mug of hot chocolate, a teapot or pot plant

The release is tonight at 7.30pm Australian time

Available in my Etsy shop

Embroidery Thread and Washi Tape

I saw a cute image on Pinterest last week 

to organise embroidery thread.

The image is from Mrs Jones blog 

Colourful and organised! I love it.

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A few weeks ago, I purchased a fishing tackle box to store 

my embroidery thread. Last week I purchased some wooden pegs. 

The fishing tackle box was a bit boring so I pulled out my stash 

of washi tape and started decorating it. Huge improvement! 

Now it's a pretty embroidery thread storage box.

It took a long time to wind my embroidery threads onto each 

wooden peg. Good thing I have a small stash of threads! 

It was worth the effort.

I used a pencil to label some pegs with the thread numbers.

Most of my embroidery threads are from cross stitches I completed 

years ago. Most of the pegs are not labelled due to this reason.

If I need to take my craft with me I have my embroidery threads, 

pins, needles and scissors ready to go!

Do you have a creative way to store your embroidery threads? 

Markets, Daiso and Madtongsan 2

Last Saturday, May 11, our family had a fun day together

We visited the BrisStyle City Hall Market, held in Brisbane

There were lots of market stalls

Each had beautiful handmade creations for sale

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We visited Zillpa. Clare transforms rope into beautiful homewares

Clare is a Set Up Shop graduate 

Purple and Mint collection is my favourite

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We visited Rebecca at edward & lilly

Hand embroidery, crochet and soft toys

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We visited Kaylee at Pretty Unique

Handmade cards and paper flowers

 Kaylee's paper flowers are stunning in real life

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We visited Jessica at Epheriell

Sleek, Elegant, Modern Sterling Silver Jewellery

Jessica was our teacher throughout the Set Up Shop course

It was nice to meet Jessica and other stall holders

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After the markets, we visited Daiso in the Myer Centre

Everything is $2.80

Our children chose a notebook and have loved using them 

to draw pictures and write important info in 

Check out Daiso's facebook page 

Image via ~ http://www.bnecity.com.au/News/News-Article.aspx?id=25403&returnurl=~/News/Default.aspx

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It was time for lunch so we headed off to our favourite Korean restaurant

Madtongsan 2

Located at Level 1, 85 Elizabeth St, Brisbane

The owners Han Seok and Tang are lovely

Our children love eating here, so do hubby and I

Dumplings

Spicy beef and vegetable soup, with a serve of rice

Mixed rice with vegetables and kimchi

Chicken cutlet with rice and salad

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After lunch, we went downstairs to KOZ Mart

We stocked up on Korean groceries

It was so nice to have a family day out

Hope you've had an enjoyable day today! 

Apple and Mixed Berry Crumble

Over the years I've searched and we have tried various crumble recipes. The recipe listed below is a combination of a few recipes. I've added cinnamon and ginger for extra flavour. This is my favourite crumble recipe! I hope you like it too.

Each time I make this dessert I use different fruits. 

Including fresh, frozen or tinned fruit. 

Image via Pinterest

Image via Pinterest

This time we enjoyed Apple and Mixed Berry Crumble.

I used frozen mixed berries and let them thaw. 

Apple Crumble recipe

6 large granny smith apples - peeled, cored, sliced  (see note)

1 cup raw sugar

1 cup desiccated coconut

1 cup SR flour

1 cup rolled oats

2tsp ground cinnamon

2tsp ground ginger

50g softened butter (not melted)

Preheat oven 180 oC

Cook apples in a saucepan with a splash of water and simmer on stove until just cooked. Place cooked apples into a large baking dish. If using mixed berries or tinned fruit there is no need to cook on the stove.

Mix sugar, coconut, SR flour, rolled oats, cinnamon and ginger in a bowl, including the butter. Crumble butter with fingertips to form coarse crumbs. Spoon crumble mixture over the fruit.

Bake in oven for approximately 20 minutes (check after 15 minutes to make sure top does not burn).

Serve with ice cream or custard

* Note – any fruit can be used. Mixed berries, peach, pear, etc

* SR flour – self raising flour

A yummy dessert to warm your tummy during the cooler months of the year. 

Great way to start the day with a warm breakfast.

Image via Pinterest

Do you have a favourite food to eat during the cooler weather?