A Work in Progress

do you like chocolate?

Who doesn't really, like chocolate that is? We had fun yesterday shooting some new pictures of my brother's handmade organic chocolates for Mother's Day. It's funny, he says 'just take some happy snaps'. A statement like that always makes me nervous because I am not a professional photographer, but I think these turned out OK. Actually some are going to be published in the Canberra Times this weekend promoting Mother's Day. Very cool!

Top to bottom; Dark chocolate date-almond Truffle, Milk and Dark nut cluster - a mix of lightly roasted almond, macadamia, and hazelnut covered in milk chocolate, Dark and Milk chocolate, Vanilla bean - organic Belgian white chocolate flecked with organic vanilla bean and Truffle, Various slabs of Chocolate and packs ready for Mother's Day. Oh dear, the thighs are definitely getting bigger because I can't resist! Yum!

persian fairy floss and jam cup cakes

 
So you thought Fairy floss was just for kids, consumed at amusement parks leaving hands and lips in a sticky mess. Well, times have changed. Pariya Foods makes fairy floss all grown up! Used by chefs wanting to make a statement atop gourmet desserts with delicate flavours of vanilla, chocolate, saffron and pistachio. I used gently fragrant Rose fairy floss sitting above a fluffy cloud of whipped frosting. These birthday butter cupcakes, with a dash of jam, were made instead of a whole birthday cake for little hands to easily hold. Delicious!

country meets city at the Royal Easter Show

Imagine livestock, sheering demonstrations, petting zoos, dogs, cats, diving pigs, wood chopping, car spectaculars, rodeos, kids shows, grande parades, rides as well as the gentle art of preserving, pickling, baking, art, craft, fashion and more colliding in organised chaos! Such is my experience of Sydney's Royal Easter Show. Held at the Olympic Showground, every April school holidays my family drags me to the show one more time. Crowds churn through the turnstiles at an alarming rate. Even the ability to think over the roar of the pack is taxing as you line for rides that make your guts turn. Why do we do it to ourselves? Because it's fun! In a love-hate kinda way....

I especially appreciate the cake decorating. Above are just two of the cakes on display. I had to elbow two women to get close enough to shoot. And then there's the Fresh Food Dome that promotes Australian produce. The displays are always so amazing, on a gigantic scale. The whale above is comprised of apples swimming on a wave of wool. The little Jack Russel was waiting very patiently to be shown in the ring. And of course, you're allowed a snow cone (only one!)

home sweet home

Do you like my new printable pdf 'Home Sweet Home' 3D card? The idea's been living in my head since Christmas, swirling around my brain bursting to come out. After 7 days of solid computer work, the pdf's finally available in my shop, Go Make Me. Cute as a button, this sweetest house has windows and doors that open and close and a welcome mat to boot! Roses and Tulips flourish in a forest green garden with brilliant white clouds hovering overhead. Perfect for a house warming or party invitation!

easter sunday

Couldn't resist shooting our Lindt Chocolate Easter bunnies without their butt or ears! Hope you have lots of delicious chocolate and a great Easter Sunday. By the way, the bottom bunny chocolates are made by my brother, Peter of Lindsay & Edmunds Handmade Organic Chocolates. They now sell online in Australia at Wholefood Central. How much chocolate will you eat?

how does your blog or website rate?

What's your Google PageRank or how many Inbound Links do you have? Does your blog or website have too many Metadata tags and Images? If you don't know and would like to find out more info, HubSpot's Website Grader is a cool (and free) website to evaluate your marketing effectiveness. I was thrilled to discover my blog, A Work In Progress, has a Website Grade of 88 and a Google PageRank of 4. What's yours?

antique jewelry stands with a difference

How gorgeous are these eclectic jewelry stands? Designed by Who Made It, each stand has its own unique character featuring antique and new dishes. Perfect for arranging beautiful handmade jewelry. There's also delicate tops that make easy carrying from room to room

lavender a-salt

Have you ever used a salt scrub to exfoliate dry, flaky skin? If not, then you must! Such a fabulous way to give your skin an invigorating 'polish'. Soaps leave my sensitive skin dry and uncomfortable and I'm really excited to have discovered Salt Scrubs ('Glows' or 'Polishes'). Your skin feels so soft because of the cold-pressed oils added into the mix. Perfect!

But after spending ridiculous amounts of money purchasing store bought salt scrubs, I decided to concoct my own. I was amazed at how easy it was to make. And more importantly, I know what the ingredients are...no nasty chemicals! I also added the eternal favorite, Lavender Essential Oil. Previously not a huge fan of Lavender, I tested many different brands until I found one that I really enjoyed. Said to relieve stress, calm and soothe the soul. I was sold and eager to give it a go!  I'll never go back to buying anything else

The fruits of my labour are in my latest Go Make Me pdf: Make your own Lavender Salt Scrub – printable labels and recipes. The back of the swing tag is designed to be personalized, with recipient details. Great gift for Mother's Day!

my weekend, need I say anymore?