tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62826513416024531602024-02-21T22:20:40.398+11:00One Sparkly LifeBecause you only have one life.....One Sparkly Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03736521403434646851noreply@blogger.comBlogger117125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6282651341602453160.post-90926376597756851612017-02-02T15:15:00.003+11:002017-02-02T15:15:57.666+11:00Thoughts and Feelings<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hi all,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's such a great feeling to know that I have a place to to put my thoughts. Whether anyone reads them, or takes them on board, isn't really the point. It's about a safe place to download and share. The good, the bad, the exciting and the ugly.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">While those close to me will know that the last 12 months have been tough and the last 6 more so, others will probably not have noticed a change in the business as usual version of me. (aside from a lack of posting anything). Up until recently, I prided myself on that. On projecting that veneer to the world that everything is ok. But honestly inside I am sad. And it made me realise that we put on this veneer, this mask as if being the real version of ourselves would not be liked and accepted. That people would shun us and think less of us for showing our really feelings and our real lives.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In this day of social media and the desire to share the best bits of our lives with everyone (those we know and those we don't), have we really thought about the toll this is taking on ourselves and others around us? I mean really does everyone's house look perfectly neat every day? Do our cakes come out perfect, every time? So we go out somewhere fabulous every week? Do we holiday in luxurious places all the time? Honestly?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As we scroll through our newsfeeds and see these well edited versions of everyones else lives, we feel a little less after every amazing picture. A little less proud, a little less perfect. A little less like we have it all. We can feel left behind and empty. And then when we can, we perpetuate the myth by adding our own well crafted version of our lives. Another picture perfect moment frozen in time that portrays this glittering life that we possibly don't live, but really wish we did.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have a friend who recently went on a social media detox. No logging into accounts, no posting, nothing. I thought about this for awhile and then realised that this is the life we used to lead. The one I grew up in where our every moment wasn't recorded, just the good ones. Where we actually spent time making friends, going out and connecting with people, in real time and real life. This is really living.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So while I have a few social accounts linked to some passions (and hopefully businesses) that I will still update and check (and yes, get excited when I get another follower or comment on some of my photos), I am vowing to detox my life a little. To really live and experience life rather than just curating the best moments to share. This may not be any different from the outside world, but to me it will be about doing more, experiencing more and not just sitting not he couch crossing through others amazing experiences.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So this applies with this blog as well. No more will I just pop in to share my random positive thoughts and notes, but more of the real me. The real life I live and the real feelings I have. While this blog has always been my real voice, it has also been an edited version of my thoughts. I do look over these before hitting Publish and not just to check my spelling. I edit and curate and decide if these thoughts project the right version of myself.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Every year recently I have picked a word to live by the coming year. Something I want to be able to sum up the year with. This year I have decided it is a thought - </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I want to live, not just exist and survive </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This year I want to grab life by both hands and really dive into it. No hiding away anymore. Life is too dam short to waste a moment of it. So with that thought first and for most in mind, I vow to not only grab opportunities as they come along but to also know that there will be bad times. I will feel ups and downs and that's ok. I give myself permission to experience the highs and lows and to talk and document along the way.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So what's your truth? Do you hide behind a curated version of our life but ultimately feel like you are missing out? Are you grabbing opportunities to live or letting them pass by due to fear?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Life is messy. Enjoy it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Because we only have one life.....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">xxx</span><br />
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<br />One Sparkly Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03736521403434646851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6282651341602453160.post-49652625678358483212016-12-02T11:46:00.002+11:002016-12-02T11:46:17.758+11:00November in Review<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh what fun. I had forgotten how much fun it was to flick back through my photos from the month and capture the ones that brought back great memories and points in my month. So here goes with some highlights from November. The month that saw me resign from my job and captures the first 4 weeks of unwinding and finding myself under the stress.</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A happy end to my final day in the office</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brunch with my Mum at our favourite spot in the west</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <i>Planting some more tomatoes and basil ready for summer</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Relaxing in the sun in the backyard</i> </span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Orange Butterfly Cupcake with Lemon Mascarpone Frosting </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rocking the early morning baseball look</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A feast fit for two ladies as we devour the new Gilmore Girls Revival</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mini Choc Chip Cookies - Yumm</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope your November was as wonderful. Bring on December, the silly season and summer!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">xxx</span>One Sparkly Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03736521403434646851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6282651341602453160.post-64372823507811986702016-11-30T12:11:00.002+11:002016-11-30T21:10:38.485+11:00Gilmore Girls Inspired Mind Wanderings....<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Having spent my weekend immersed in Stars Hollow with our favourite mother and daughter duo, I have now rejoined my reality and have had sufficient enough time to digest this next (and possibly last) instalment of my favourite TV family.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I, like many others of around a similar age, spent the early 2000s religiously tuning into Gilmore Girls each week to get my fix of the latest caffeinated goings on in Stars Hollow. While Lorelei and Rory were closer in age than my mum and I, we did share a similar synchronicity of our relationships. We too spent plenty of time together shopping and enjoying hanging out. Though it is only now that i have developed a taste for coffee that we too can share this.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So it was with excitement that we sat down Friday night to see what the last 9 years had held for our beloved Lorelei and Rory. Would Lorelei and Luke have finally got together? What adventures and accolades would Rory achieve on the Obama campaign trail as she pushed to dizzying heights in her journalistic career. Would it be Team Logan or Team Jess that would finally capture her heart?? We waited for the stories to unfold and to see what was to become of our favourites.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now for those that have watched you will understand the feeling of seeing some of these dreams realised and others dashed and some very strange and random plot lines included. I have sat with all of this for a few days and read a few reviews along the way. And I have come to the following conclusions that I wanted to share.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Firstly, this while a little disappointing, is probably more realistic. Yes, we saw Rory through Chiltern, through Yale and uphold her dreams. We were left with her heading into her promising future and of course we wanted her to succeed and become all that we knew she would be. But honestly, how many of us, really, have achieved the highs we thought possible at 16, at 21 and 25?? Really? I saw part of myself int he Rory (as I am sure most of us did). We wanted her to realise those dreams as she worked hard for them. Lorelei worked hard for them and we wanted the pay back. The glittering career and fulfilling life. As we all want that for ourselves. But really, do many of us reach that by our early 30s? Honestly? I know I'm still not there. Though not giving up, just changing tact and direction.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So it seems to me that we fell out of the clouds with a bump, when Rory didn't live up to our own hopes and dreams. We wanted it so much for her but so far, like many of us, it has just been out of her reach. So we regroup, we dream, we plan, we start again. Just like Rory will need to do as this next chapter unfolds for her.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">While I wanted to wail and rally against the twists and turns in the plot lines that didn't bring us to where we wanted to be, I also realised that this was probably more what needed to be. What was more believable and had more truth for our favourite girls than most of the dreamed about stories. Lorelei finally got her Luke (it was Luke all along). Emily found herself in the depths of her grief and Rory completed the circle. Rory didn't have a huge moral compass when it came to love (though I am sure in her heart she never meant to hurt anyone). While it was sad and little harsh that she had yet to realise her dreams, honestly, how many of us have it all figured about by 32?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Am I disappointed, a little. Do I want more, of course. But upon reflection, is there where I could see it heading, actually yes. It makes Rory more real, more a reflection on who we really are then the perfect characters we wish to be.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So it is now, after the anticipation that we all pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and figure out the direction to head. Just a simple first step, followed by another and another, and so on. No matter how small or big those steps. No matter whether we take two forward and one back. We must and do move forward. With a song in our hearts, dreams in our heads and trail of glitter to show where we have come from. We must embrace that which makes us human and frail and fire ahead nonetheless.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">PS Now what's with the random cameo appearances from past cast? One scene or perhaps one line only. Really? And where has Mr Kim been hiding all this time?? There are many strange and unanswered thoughts to ponder for another day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>One Sparkly Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03736521403434646851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6282651341602453160.post-83448578470729283692016-11-22T11:43:00.000+11:002016-11-23T09:30:24.069+11:00Time ticks on......<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And life throws some curveballs and interesting surprises for everyone. No apologies or excuses here, just a tumultuous time recently. Some good, some brilliant and some just down right heartbreaking.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After a few false starts (mainly technological - What is going on with the Blogger App??), I felt the urge to write. Not to share anything in particular, but just a need to reacquaint myself with my inner voice and let it run free. So today is just an opening of the heart and mind. A chance to let some of those inner thoughts run free and see what comes out. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It seems that life is always throwing something else at you. Since I last stopped by to share my thoughts (<a href="http://onesparklylife.blogspot.com.au/2015/07/baking-baking-and-more-baking.html" target="_blank">July last year</a> can you believe?) the following have happened:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've moved house</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We began a tough journey (that still isn't complete)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've loved and felt real love</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've lost</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I resigned from my job (recently)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have seen a great friend get married in Italy</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have baked (a lot)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have masted the art of procrastination</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I am making time for myself</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have learned to value myself and my health</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I am sure there are many more big and small things that just don't come to mind at the moment. It has been a crazy wild journey that brings me to today. I always maintain the thought that we are the people we are because of the things we have experienced - good and bad - that make up our lives and can show the true strengths we possess. Our true character and sometimes our true calling. We become the people we are as we are shaped by the forces and experiences in our lives. These things test us in so many ways. I've always said 'shit things happen to good people', sometimes for no apparent reason. I try to never lose the lesson. It may take a day or 10 years but you will learn something from this experience. And without knowing it, that experience has shaped you. Made you a little different. Don't let those things close you off, but rather prepare you and open you up for the good that is yet to come. (Or something like that, depending on the day and my frame of mind).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So I sit here on day 16 (wow, already) after resigning from my job with no plan, a burning desire for change and a multitude of dreams and hopes floating around my head. And I wonder, not for the first time, was I crazy? What possessed me to do such a selfish thing with no regard to the consequences past my desperate need to stop being that person who is so consumed by the anger and angst of working with people who just don't get it that I had no room for anything else? I am sure you have been there. You spend 8 hours a day with these people only to come home and spend another 2-3 hours moaning about them. And before you know it, you have fallen into an exhausted and restless sleep only to get up, what feels like 5 minutes later, and do it all again. Sometimes realising that you have barely had time in your head to give the one you love more than 5 mins!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">That was me a little over a month ago. After a terribly taxing day at work, I came home to dump all my angst on my man, who proceeded to listen (for the hundredth time) then tell me to run a bath and grab a drink and relax. It was while I was steaming away happily in the bath, with my wine, that I realised I couldn't do it anymore. I didn't want to be that person anymore and frankly if the people I worked with couldn't see the value in my experience, then that was their loss. I needed out and I needed it fast. Three days later I resigned.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The heavy weight has lifted from my shoulders, and been replaced by a mild sense of panic, but nonetheless, I feel better. While I have no idea what is next (and I have told anyone who will listen this, hoping that someone may just tell me the thing I should be doing that is so obvious to them). I do feel better by being in control and taking myself out of what felt like a dead end situation. I am pleased to say that I feel happier and now have more time for those I love. Gone are the nights spent groaning and reliving the injustices inflicted by others and have instead been replaced by a real want and need to know how others are. I ask 'how was your day' and I actually listen to the reply. I ask questions, not so I can chip in with my story, but because I want to know. I can care about others and have mental energy to be there for those that are important to me (Something that had been missing for the last few months).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I am, slowly, filling my days with things that matter to me. Some housework tasks that have been bugging me. Some therapy in the garden and a few days spent catching up with friends (strangely there are three people in social group who have resigned from their roles recently without anything else to go too, must be something in the air other than pollen) and now I am practicing some self love in the form of yoga and baking (lots of baking). Doing things that excite me and bring me joy. Little by little I can feel myself relax and slowly returning to the energetic and thoughtful person I have always been.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now I plunge into the unknown and take on each day and each step with the thought in my mind of finding my purpose, the thing (or things as I believe in my case) that set my soul on fire. Another day I will ramble on about being multi-potential-ite (one who has many callings). But for now, know that I am back. Piece by piece I am pulling myself together and trying to live a full life that brings me joy. (Kinda full circle as I remember starting this blog after reading Gretchen Rubin's <i>The Happiness Project</i>, which I just finished rereading.) I am on a path of discovering what bring me joy and it brought me here today, back to writing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So here's is to the journey ahead of being the best version of myself I can be.</span></div>
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One Sparkly Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03736521403434646851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6282651341602453160.post-29786011106522143522015-07-02T20:46:00.001+10:002015-07-02T20:46:25.689+10:00Baking, Baking and more Baking<div><br></div>Thought I'd stop in and update you on what's been happening in life. It's all about Baking! And work and family. But Bakind has been keeping me busy. <div><br></div><div>Here's a few pics of what I have put together for some clients recently. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QPikoce4HAQ/VZUWb59qf7I/AAAAAAAACbg/yCSCAOPTZF8/s640/blogger-image-2083248396.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QPikoce4HAQ/VZUWb59qf7I/AAAAAAAACbg/yCSCAOPTZF8/s640/blogger-image-2083248396.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wwJgmsU93f8/VZUWXgmNnLI/AAAAAAAACbY/y8aRQJ9dsz8/s640/blogger-image--13004413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wwJgmsU93f8/VZUWXgmNnLI/AAAAAAAACbY/y8aRQJ9dsz8/s640/blogger-image--13004413.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Blood Orange Syrup Cake</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTNEDrgmZFaAXlLItSNZuMxq5x3C2ri0aXguoiJ8JY6MqpMLJFrb6SHQdnguGDU_riapd2nqSJD99XAw20ZHBvlSNIMbMAdEqCFjvpuLkVW7BfI70DhG3XLYy6gdjbiRCXDi4XiYwpL6M/s640/blogger-image-759473803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTNEDrgmZFaAXlLItSNZuMxq5x3C2ri0aXguoiJ8JY6MqpMLJFrb6SHQdnguGDU_riapd2nqSJD99XAw20ZHBvlSNIMbMAdEqCFjvpuLkVW7BfI70DhG3XLYy6gdjbiRCXDi4XiYwpL6M/s640/blogger-image-759473803.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Gluten Free Beef and Ale Pies.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">More to come as I spend another weekend baking. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Xxx</div><br></div><br></div><br></div>One Sparkly Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03736521403434646851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6282651341602453160.post-57732312978305420222015-06-10T21:41:00.001+10:002015-06-10T21:41:06.301+10:00Thoughts on the definition of MEI'm not a writer, but I blog.<div>I'm not an artist, but I create.</div><div>I'm not a chef, but I bake.</div><div>I'm not a mother, but I want to be.</div><div>I'm not a wife, but I am an awesome girlfriend.</div><div>I'm not an explorer, but I love to travel.</div><div>I'm not an academic, but I love to learn.</div><div>I'm not a fashionista, but I love great clothes.</div><div><br></div><div>I am all of these things and none of them at the same time. </div><div><br></div><div>I am more than a label. I have dreams, plans, goals and crazy ideas. I love and am loved. I am the product of my decisions and the blank canvas of my future. I am me and who I choose to be today, tomorrow and next year. I am both complex and simple. </div><div><br></div><div>I am on a journey without an end. </div><div><br></div><div>I have been inspired and tortured recently by the concept of who and what am I. I am many different things to many different people. But who am I to me? Who do I want to be? What do I stand for and against?</div><div><br></div><div>Too big to answer today but I wanted to share. </div><div><br></div><div>Who are you? Who do you choose to be today?</div><div><br></div><div>Xxx</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguH2GC6z76N3Dc8maYsBF-RBu4uJBXG__5txTSZgf_K979ncVt4ikGXI8niab8MlsKeOub9DPl4QUmaSorbc154NxLCbSq3lEp09FUBAARQR8Htn4fUWQk6XDMPPQmctPjJeM7WW6hxpg/s640/blogger-image--728775142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguH2GC6z76N3Dc8maYsBF-RBu4uJBXG__5txTSZgf_K979ncVt4ikGXI8niab8MlsKeOub9DPl4QUmaSorbc154NxLCbSq3lEp09FUBAARQR8Htn4fUWQk6XDMPPQmctPjJeM7WW6hxpg/s640/blogger-image--728775142.jpg"></a></div><br></div>One Sparkly Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03736521403434646851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6282651341602453160.post-80054106421753355922015-04-30T08:01:00.000+10:002015-04-30T08:01:26.202+10:00Autumn Sunrise and a Surprise<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another beautiful autumn sunrise this morning. Every day I see these balloons, I remind myself that one day I want to take a trip and see the city from the quiet spot in a balloon. One day....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sunrise from my balcony</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And on another sunny note - drum roll please............. I have a new job!! Yippee. A wonderful moment happened on my birthday Friday where I got a call to say all the hard work and effort I put in applying and interviewing have paid off. Woo Hoo. So it was double celebration with toasts for me and my new role. More details on that to come as I draw closer to my start date.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Needless to say a weight has been lifted and I feel that I am moving forward rather than treading water. A feel some baking coming on to celebrate.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hope you are having a wonderful morning.</span></div>
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<br />One Sparkly Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03736521403434646851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6282651341602453160.post-74150828117649964802015-04-13T08:00:00.000+10:002015-04-13T08:00:00.787+10:00Inspiration<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Having made some personal revelations and making a commitment to myself I realised that I have been find inspiration from movies and TV Shows for awhile. It was only today as I reflected on my recent thoughts and journey that my TV and Movie viewing has been telling me something even when I wasn't really aware of it myself.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My favourite DVD's that I have been watching lately</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I looked deeper into he plots and characters I realised a few things.</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Good Wife - Strong lead female character Alicia who develops from the tragedy that was her marriage plastered across the front pages to a powerhouse of her own choosing</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No Reservations - About cooking and following your passions and opening your heart</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Burlesque - Escaping your past and following your dreams. Getting back up when it gets tough and believing in yourself.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Julie & Julia - Following your passion for cooking and blogging. Having dreams and doing what you can to achieve them, no matter how long it takes</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Under The Tuscan Sun - Taking a risk and doing something crazy, something that just feels right</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">100 Foot Journey - Following your dreams of cooking but remembering your roots</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So many little things that have been pointing me in the right direction. Showing me the way. Some of these I had picked deliberately such as 100 Foot Journey as I read the book and love food. But others more subtle in being part of my current journey.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wonder what I will find next? What is next on my DVD shelf and what relevance will it have to my future, if any??</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">xxx</span></div>
<br />One Sparkly Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03736521403434646851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6282651341602453160.post-84947001815420531412015-04-12T07:00:00.000+10:002015-04-12T07:00:03.540+10:00February & March in Review<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I noticed last week, the last few months of craziness in trying to get another full time job have taken a toll on me and it is to baking and cooking that I have turned. See what you think of the last two months as I share some of the photos.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Man and his fire</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Clouds from the balcony</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My mum's version of hedgehog - Plonky Square</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--VM0vanmI34/VSj4kODUsSI/AAAAAAAACWg/O5TgjkE9lR4/s1600/IMG_6469.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--VM0vanmI34/VSj4kODUsSI/AAAAAAAACWg/O5TgjkE9lR4/s1600/IMG_6469.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pork and Apple Sausage Rolls</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lemon Cupcakes with Mascarpone Icing</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My first attempt at honeycomb</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lake Eildon</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hUHCzOYvGbQ/VSj5Kj2A0iI/AAAAAAAACW4/lAfIDygjxeY/s1600/IMG_6495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hUHCzOYvGbQ/VSj5Kj2A0iI/AAAAAAAACW4/lAfIDygjxeY/s1600/IMG_6495.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My new favourites - Brownie Cookies with Peanut Butter Icing</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Balloon flights at sunrise from my balcony</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gluten Free Chocolate Cupcakes - Heaven</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Balloon over the Yarra River at sunrise</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Beef pie with parmesan crust</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Roses at St Patrick's Cathederal</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My first batch of Hot Cross Buns</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">White Chocolate and Macadamia Cookies</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's to another month of baking and cooking.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">xxx</span></div>
<br />One Sparkly Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03736521403434646851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6282651341602453160.post-64650593065031553722015-04-11T20:28:00.000+10:002015-04-11T20:28:55.001+10:00Ramblings and Baking<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It seems that every time I sit down to write an update or post that so much time has past since the last one. How does that happen?? At least I am consistently inconsistent. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">February and March both flew by with me taking on some temporary work alongside looking for a new role. This has seen me work a full week plus find time to write applications and attend many interviews. While friends say I should be positive about the fact that I am getting lots of interviews and many 2nd interviews, I have to admit to it being rather draining to be switched on so often. The constant selling of my skills and trying to read between the lines and figure out what the recruiter/HR team are really looking for is taking its toll on me. Why do people ask such inane questions and how do these really showcase whether I can do the job or not?</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R1DAO6u1BrM/VSj1HSUubsI/AAAAAAAACVM/z7Sdigc9nfA/s1600/ImageProxy.mvc%2B2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R1DAO6u1BrM/VSj1HSUubsI/AAAAAAAACVM/z7Sdigc9nfA/s1600/ImageProxy.mvc%2B2.png" height="380" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's also rather demoralising to come 2nd so many times. I have lost count in the last 8 weeks how many roles I have applied for and how many I have been the second choice. I'm actually not sure what is worse - getting the phone call that I was the second choice candidate or having an interview and never hearing from them again?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I feel like I could change careers and become a HR professional or recruiter with all the experience I have clocked up over the last couple of months. Maybe my next career. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So this brings me to a look back on February and March. I decided to put them together as looking at my photos it seems that my fall back stress release has been baking and cooking. It is the one thing that doesn't care if I had a bad day. Nor does it matter if I am at my scintillating best. If you add butter, and sugar to eggs and flour you always get a tasty result. (I think Julie in Julie and Julia said something similar). If I could just find someone or someway to be paid a good wage for cooking and baking I would be in heaven.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyQBqll8zqajkDF3xzpD6lz_ReOqBxCfqyDC_dTbTdVaqJKldY3z6tbgc6ZOOv5FcA7cSEzbl4jw30v4mwDZm4kGj8vMB2hmqO5ZacXcebGPWGIGLAKOCmS6O2i9nhB80urzDqSyseHs/s1600/IMG_5711.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyQBqll8zqajkDF3xzpD6lz_ReOqBxCfqyDC_dTbTdVaqJKldY3z6tbgc6ZOOv5FcA7cSEzbl4jw30v4mwDZm4kGj8vMB2hmqO5ZacXcebGPWGIGLAKOCmS6O2i9nhB80urzDqSyseHs/s1600/IMG_5711.JPG" height="640" width="526" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's funny how inspiration strikes at times. I started this post earlier this week and was thinking about what I wrote about baking and cooking. A chance conversation with a friend and a catch up on TV shows recorded has brought a little bit of excitement to my passion.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many of us dream about a time when money is no object and I love adding that if failure was not possible, what would you do? I have played this game many times with many different fiends and family. I love brining it up at dinner parties as I think it shows a lot about a person that they may hide. What are their secret hopes and passions. What would they do if they were not so afraid. For me the answer has changed as I have changed, understandably so. But i do keep coming back to the same thing for the last couple of years - food and more importantly cooking and baking.</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u-AzAPXLMaM/VSj1In4UoXI/AAAAAAAACVc/rKQj9gUxAkU/s1600/ImageProxy.mvc%2B3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u-AzAPXLMaM/VSj1In4UoXI/AAAAAAAACVc/rKQj9gUxAkU/s1600/ImageProxy.mvc%2B3.png" height="418" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Earlier this week I had jumped in with both feet and decided to apply to be a contestant on the next season of Great Australian Bake Off. I have no idea if I will even get an audition but it felt good to do something so scary and possibly life changing. Part of my 'what if I took a chance' dreaming.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now today I have seen a program where a past contestant of Masterchef has set up a food stall at her local market and is selling her creations each week and making a reasonable profit. (granted she also has a TV show and a cookbook to pay the bills but...) I had this sudden urge and thought that I could that. I could make a success of something like that. Why not?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO-kokngOhvB1pAef1GxIPQwwgAeMRyXRG28eEDkMpwmujoCSikWSzJ7uGdM3B0bwjAWrrsJ0DeBsST_Y4w6ANBG2lHxMCHhcwJMfF4g7IjcC-QqZRvyRXPySeAQczNc2C-pFTr6vEfng/s1600/IMG_4840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO-kokngOhvB1pAef1GxIPQwwgAeMRyXRG28eEDkMpwmujoCSikWSzJ7uGdM3B0bwjAWrrsJ0DeBsST_Y4w6ANBG2lHxMCHhcwJMfF4g7IjcC-QqZRvyRXPySeAQczNc2C-pFTr6vEfng/s1600/IMG_4840.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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Could I turn out masterpieces like this?</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have spent the last few months trying to find my place in the world of fundraising again. After a rough end to last year, I am more hesitant in picking the 'right' place to work and for the right amount of money too. I feel like I have, in part, understood my value and anything less would be underselling all that I am and that I have to offer. But finding a workplace that wants me is proving harder than I anticipated and rather soul destroying too. Fears of not being good enough crowd my mind and make me second guess myself. What if I am not as good as I think?</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WfWrUWurGRk/VSj2qN4hjyI/AAAAAAAACVs/QLoXI0gkWEw/s1600/IMG_4843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WfWrUWurGRk/VSj2qN4hjyI/AAAAAAAACVs/QLoXI0gkWEw/s1600/IMG_4843.JPG" height="640" width="594" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Or this?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fear holds everyone back. Fear of failure and, to a greater extent, fear of success. Is now the right time to jump? What about paying the bills? What about my other plans for a future - a house in the country, and a family to fill it? How can i do these things without a full time, well paying job? House prices are ridiculous, thats why we are looking to the country. But even that dream is rather unattainable if I don't have constant work to pay back a loan.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k4uKQhRu31Q/VSj2qf2iOpI/AAAAAAAACVw/LZyoXRcKIIQ/s1600/IMG_5819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k4uKQhRu31Q/VSj2qf2iOpI/AAAAAAAACVw/LZyoXRcKIIQ/s1600/IMG_5819.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Can I really do this? Can I trust this talent to read a recipe and turn out edible food that people will want to eat?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Maybe, just maybe I can find a way. I'm passionate enough and scared enough. Now to figure out how to make it happen and where to start.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zQpDYGAfE_A/VSj1HExaCWI/AAAAAAAACVU/mGOAsOUaTwU/s1600/ImageProxy.mvc%2B2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zQpDYGAfE_A/VSj1HExaCWI/AAAAAAAACVU/mGOAsOUaTwU/s1600/ImageProxy.mvc%2B2.jpeg" height="640" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">xxx</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I found this quote that sums up everything for me at the moment.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-82MtxWR1mL8/VOFSepb-TNI/AAAAAAAACT4/JrYk3pa3L9Q/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-82MtxWR1mL8/VOFSepb-TNI/AAAAAAAACT4/JrYk3pa3L9Q/s1600/images.jpeg" height="400" width="383" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2015 is my year of Happiness and Freedom. Here's to finding what makes you free and happy. I'm working on it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">xxx</span>One Sparkly Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03736521403434646851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6282651341602453160.post-88330403559774966762015-02-16T13:08:00.000+11:002015-02-16T13:08:37.262+11:00January in Review<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another month has flown by and we are already in the middle of February. Why does time go so fast as I get older?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">January was a month of craziness. I started the year with a cast iron desire to stand up for myself and not sell myself short. My first act in this was to hand in my resignation to the that was draining everything from me. Thankfully my contract included only a 1 week notice period so Monday morning I booked a meeting with the CEO and by Friday I was waving goodbye.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While this brought a massive sense of relief that no longer was I being hammered in a toxic environment, the reality of what I had done started to sink in. I had thrown in my job with no back up plan. No savings and no other job to go too! Ahhhh sheer craziness and a sure sign of just how drained I was being there. It has been a long time since I had done something so foolhardy without a plan. But I had enough cash to pay the next 2 months of rent and a new enthusiasm for myself.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My first week was a joyous sense of freedom coupled with time with my mum who was in town completing a dream of hers to do an art course. Cue a few hours into h kitchen baking snacks for mum and her class and I had a baking business of sorts starting. Mum's teacher ordered more snacks for her class the following week and I managed to make some cash selling my baking. Not bad at all</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is funny how the world works as on my Bucket List of random things has been a for a few years to explore my love of cooking and baking and maybe turn it into a career. part of me hit full flight and I spent hours trying to come up with the best business name and branding. Then the smart part of me kicked in and said, let's just bake and see where it goes before pouring hours and cash into it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So now I was faced with eh real story of getting another job, paying my bills and keeping my baking business ticking over. I am a realist and know that as much as I want too, I won't be able to quit my (non-existent) day job and earn enough from day baking to love the life i want. So it's back to applications and interviews.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the 6 weeks since I left my job I have applied for 25 jobs, attended 9 interviews and worked 2 days temping. With 2 further interviews booked for this week and a 4 week temp assignment due to start next week. It has been busy. I had forgotten just how much time an energy it takes to get a job. This time I am doing it better though. I am making sure that I interview the company and stay just as much as they interview me. I know we need cash to live and dream but I want to work in an environment that suits me. One where I am valued and feel like I am part of the team. I don't want to go through another 6 months like the last by making wrong choices. While I can't guarantee that I will find the perfect team and organisation to work with, I will be smarter about listening to my gut and that funny feeling I have if something isn't right.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So as February rolls on, I continue to stay hopeful that I will find something wonderful soon. I am certainly putting myself out there. And in the means time I am enjoying the baking and hope to continue to grow this interest.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is a look back at January through my camera.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinYRglnl9Cm92aiE7dWci7orT3vtbFjkSUsAtrmqiUMkxA0Kedfr232pzIP2wJQhF19FqtaPbUMCliG4VBAXVFQoGdlD00FiFIT3j8vX20sNzvoPGfpUdC5KEtN65FVnKmSGGT2iBGjzI/s1600/IMG_6259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinYRglnl9Cm92aiE7dWci7orT3vtbFjkSUsAtrmqiUMkxA0Kedfr232pzIP2wJQhF19FqtaPbUMCliG4VBAXVFQoGdlD00FiFIT3j8vX20sNzvoPGfpUdC5KEtN65FVnKmSGGT2iBGjzI/s1600/IMG_6259.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a>Summer sun from the balcony</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pyYZWIKiv1I/VOFNXygSIZI/AAAAAAAACSE/QKlr69Xzi1E/s1600/IMG_6263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pyYZWIKiv1I/VOFNXygSIZI/AAAAAAAACSE/QKlr69Xzi1E/s1600/IMG_6263.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Watching the storm roll in</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rX3QV59cdrU/VOFNXj7yGdI/AAAAAAAACR8/RviYyJzEde8/s1600/IMG_6276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rX3QV59cdrU/VOFNXj7yGdI/AAAAAAAACR8/RviYyJzEde8/s1600/IMG_6276.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hot rain steaming off the heaters in a summer downpour</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iv0lVdUUKUc/VOFNmsXb4eI/AAAAAAAACSU/_ymVHRjDChE/s1600/IMG_6288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iv0lVdUUKUc/VOFNmsXb4eI/AAAAAAAACSU/_ymVHRjDChE/s1600/IMG_6288.jpg" height="640" width="586" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Baking - Blood Orange Syrup Cake</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcfXmln0emDqZrEOHUPJJxdGwtsXCCWb6WfsTbaQGsJC0V4KXTBA9JLBvHqCt0AkBoqE_9ScZFGTpXnpUEYC3TZv-_GCso0rLgtGMA-OXnurmnADA_SA8IuuZPIgAslwTwIi5xjGyw2Y0/s1600/IMG_6291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcfXmln0emDqZrEOHUPJJxdGwtsXCCWb6WfsTbaQGsJC0V4KXTBA9JLBvHqCt0AkBoqE_9ScZFGTpXnpUEYC3TZv-_GCso0rLgtGMA-OXnurmnADA_SA8IuuZPIgAslwTwIi5xjGyw2Y0/s1600/IMG_6291.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Baking - Chocolate Brownie Cookies with Peanut Butter Fudge Filling</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Opin3gQBm4/VOFNxtFHSSI/AAAAAAAACSc/kaBvvN1Vnu4/s1600/IMG_6292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Opin3gQBm4/VOFNxtFHSSI/AAAAAAAACSc/kaBvvN1Vnu4/s1600/IMG_6292.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Baking - Choc Chip Cookies</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vb02botjuuk/VOFN-O1njCI/AAAAAAAACSs/Vq0pEKmiV2g/s1600/IMG_6303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vb02botjuuk/VOFN-O1njCI/AAAAAAAACSs/Vq0pEKmiV2g/s1600/IMG_6303.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Baking - Death By Chocolate Cake</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p90cRvtWoiQ/VOFOKXyWBzI/AAAAAAAACS0/5xYbJtxS_P4/s1600/IMG_6335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p90cRvtWoiQ/VOFOKXyWBzI/AAAAAAAACS0/5xYbJtxS_P4/s1600/IMG_6335.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mum's amazing art after 1 week</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rErsB9bQIQs/VOFOQzKsb_I/AAAAAAAACS8/6agPinlWIZE/s1600/IMG_6355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rErsB9bQIQs/VOFOQzKsb_I/AAAAAAAACS8/6agPinlWIZE/s1600/IMG_6355.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Baking - Ginger and Lemon Kisses</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YhfDPVX2QpE/VOFOVPuwjJI/AAAAAAAACTE/hurEaBVLP2o/s1600/IMG_6365.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YhfDPVX2QpE/VOFOVPuwjJI/AAAAAAAACTE/hurEaBVLP2o/s1600/IMG_6365.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Baking - The 2nd Blood Orange Syrup Cake</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6JgW0sFSTBw/VOFOYcfTZwI/AAAAAAAACTM/ixiKCbfYaeY/s1600/IMG_6381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6JgW0sFSTBw/VOFOYcfTZwI/AAAAAAAACTM/ixiKCbfYaeY/s1600/IMG_6381.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sunset Country Style</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tQeAKhfbFN8/VOFO1Cl0K2I/AAAAAAAACTk/Uw0HrEI1sSg/s1600/IMG_6394.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tQeAKhfbFN8/VOFO1Cl0K2I/AAAAAAAACTk/Uw0HrEI1sSg/s1600/IMG_6394.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Baking - Raspberry Friands and Nut and Gluten Free Raspberry Muffins</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tHrEVmyGykU/VOFOuveUjBI/AAAAAAAACTU/3JyIaNj1ick/s1600/IMG_6398.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tHrEVmyGykU/VOFOuveUjBI/AAAAAAAACTU/3JyIaNj1ick/s1600/IMG_6398.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Baking - Chicken Sausage Rolls</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIN3u4E1_KkamCWxzL0_n4qPTHDJEzEJJ8MQ7hj3NCl8nPjkRlv66Ls9NYNXQ9Z95IbUsGcuSJ6wyfPECy0H34yEEw5vgDCIDbRNE92hSlkTCzMEi-c3dw660yLlFO5LsPkAvUURijFC8/s1600/IMG_6400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIN3u4E1_KkamCWxzL0_n4qPTHDJEzEJJ8MQ7hj3NCl8nPjkRlv66Ls9NYNXQ9Z95IbUsGcuSJ6wyfPECy0H34yEEw5vgDCIDbRNE92hSlkTCzMEi-c3dw660yLlFO5LsPkAvUURijFC8/s1600/IMG_6400.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Baking - Egg Bacon Pastries</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mZSmx8iEBw0/VOFO907NOnI/AAAAAAAACTs/_qwteiGbxmU/s1600/IMG_6408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mZSmx8iEBw0/VOFO907NOnI/AAAAAAAACTs/_qwteiGbxmU/s1600/IMG_6408.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Country views from our picnic table</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope your January brought many smiles and moments with loved ones. In baking for relaxation, stress and money I realised that what I loved most about baking and cooking was sharing it with family and friends. Nourishing and nurturing those that I love with something I have made. That makes me sing inside. Here's to a February full of singing inside and out.</span></div>
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<br />One Sparkly Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03736521403434646851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6282651341602453160.post-79722376009564006992015-02-05T14:39:00.000+11:002015-02-05T14:39:50.848+11:002014 - A Year In Review<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A belated post wrapping up the year that was 2014. I mentioned it a little previously that 2014 started well but July to Dec was a pretty challenging time for me and my family all round. From work pressure and family grief by the time 31 Dec rolled around I was more than happy to say goodbye. On reflection there were some happy points but the last 6 months have been one big stress. I learned a lot about myself, my colleagues, my family and my friends along the way. I learnt to listen to my inner voice and trust myself. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also learnt that your true friends will be there for you through these times and that some people have their own agenda and will step on anyone in their way. That was a hard lesson for me to learn as I trust people and believe in their good nature all the time. I am by no means "pollyanna" about things but I do believe that people are inherently good and not evil. This last year has shown me evil side of human nature. A side of some people I never thought existed. I discovered there were people out there who were happy to throw me under the bus to save themselves. While this was painful and confusing it was a good lesson to learn. I still trust people and am the same open and honest person I have always been but I do have my eyes open and am trying to use a sense of caution when my inner voice is telling me there is something not right.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So in more ways than one this year is a about moving on. Before I do, I always feel the need to reflect on what has been. The good, the bad and the wonderful. So below is a highlights reel of 2014. The good parts I want to remember and share. I will not allow the bad to take over or take any more of my energy. I hope you are able to feel the same cathartic sense of letting go as I have done. As we move further into the new year the old one falls from my mind.</span><br />
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<u><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">January</span></b></u></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U9ryLCn4ibI/VNLXtmRXDkI/AAAAAAAACNI/Utf1PbV8lbs/s1600/IMG_3995.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U9ryLCn4ibI/VNLXtmRXDkI/AAAAAAAACNI/Utf1PbV8lbs/s1600/IMG_3995.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Burgers from Hello Sam</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AhO20IBKs8k/VNLXrD6inLI/AAAAAAAACNA/ZV9Iqknxdpc/s1600/IMG_4054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AhO20IBKs8k/VNLXrD6inLI/AAAAAAAACNA/ZV9Iqknxdpc/s1600/IMG_4054.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Baking - Apple Tea Cakes</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jwILRE9hM68/VNLXwB4mfQI/AAAAAAAACNQ/b7Y7MelrrNM/s1600/IMG_4223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jwILRE9hM68/VNLXwB4mfQI/AAAAAAAACNQ/b7Y7MelrrNM/s1600/IMG_4223.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Picnics - Always the Queen of Over Catering</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZjLP59GCBwI/VNLX35kldaI/AAAAAAAACNY/-YnAfWLG0DY/s1600/IMG_4200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZjLP59GCBwI/VNLX35kldaI/AAAAAAAACNY/-YnAfWLG0DY/s1600/IMG_4200.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Twelve Apostles, Great Ocean Road</span></div>
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<u><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">February</span></b></u></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jPSvv3rZ7SQ/VNLY2rRUUVI/AAAAAAAACNk/_bULJGCy1bk/s1600/IMG_4243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jPSvv3rZ7SQ/VNLY2rRUUVI/AAAAAAAACNk/_bULJGCy1bk/s1600/IMG_4243.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sunset</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tUVcO1_Di9A/VNLZB8o63SI/AAAAAAAACNs/FTO0cdbIWZ4/s1600/IMG_4307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tUVcO1_Di9A/VNLZB8o63SI/AAAAAAAACNs/FTO0cdbIWZ4/s1600/IMG_4307.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Baking - Oat Bran and Apple Muffins</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4z_bn169DPcz1cLrUS7HjAbCOTZndzhtuCNsUVr3kbO3IQ5V_NnSEsZGsgpv1KQLAB7z8PvEUOBG6cxVOk5GwETnJc3jSq-gVfF1avxUeMz6kX9motRyopzIDMw66FQzR_qlCDcApGHs/s1600/IMG_4351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4z_bn169DPcz1cLrUS7HjAbCOTZndzhtuCNsUVr3kbO3IQ5V_NnSEsZGsgpv1KQLAB7z8PvEUOBG6cxVOk5GwETnJc3jSq-gVfF1avxUeMz6kX9motRyopzIDMw66FQzR_qlCDcApGHs/s1600/IMG_4351.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Valentine's Day Traditions - Pizza on the Beach</span></div>
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<u><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">March</span></b></u></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_65rBRLmLDzSD5NNzqku2tvJUlD-nJG9eRq7V27Wljun4UDivqe4adSyX19PsQ55HwIL_17Z96Ex1WGQvsBkZotlTgPHK7GMtQu50EtB7Oy60sbD3PDn3W9NM7ziRvXkUmqpn2v1GCM/s1600/IMG_4455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_65rBRLmLDzSD5NNzqku2tvJUlD-nJG9eRq7V27Wljun4UDivqe4adSyX19PsQ55HwIL_17Z96Ex1WGQvsBkZotlTgPHK7GMtQu50EtB7Oy60sbD3PDn3W9NM7ziRvXkUmqpn2v1GCM/s1600/IMG_4455.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dry Lake, Learmonth</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f9voQPnS5PM/VNLZ6Ey0CTI/AAAAAAAACOA/cPi44_IjLFw/s1600/IMG_4505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f9voQPnS5PM/VNLZ6Ey0CTI/AAAAAAAACOA/cPi44_IjLFw/s1600/IMG_4505.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Amazing Sunset</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w84-FXzpuWo/VNLZ_B8FdfI/AAAAAAAACOI/AqPRSbjnbwM/s1600/IMG_4527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w84-FXzpuWo/VNLZ_B8FdfI/AAAAAAAACOI/AqPRSbjnbwM/s1600/IMG_4527.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lakes Entrance</span></div>
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<u><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">April</span></b></u></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYQNYMIx-nWESq4OPXA3-5vvdBeoZyaQVSeGqm6pidTtX5W0xA0Wa7qk_RUNi-XRbv5aHwJBCN6Pq3wMXys_illI_4xWpYRKXLg6vr9L29DwAsToCSa0mS_Jm3j1j56MSDOd1uwWxWCec/s1600/IMG_4634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYQNYMIx-nWESq4OPXA3-5vvdBeoZyaQVSeGqm6pidTtX5W0xA0Wa7qk_RUNi-XRbv5aHwJBCN6Pq3wMXys_illI_4xWpYRKXLg6vr9L29DwAsToCSa0mS_Jm3j1j56MSDOd1uwWxWCec/s1600/IMG_4634.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Birthday Dinner with Friends</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b-POTLI9O00/VNLbTkNS-TI/AAAAAAAACOc/GSL3yvrPgj4/s1600/IMG_4678.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b-POTLI9O00/VNLbTkNS-TI/AAAAAAAACOc/GSL3yvrPgj4/s1600/IMG_4678.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Easter Egg Hunts</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KDhCmsgqt4E/VNLbcv1DXjI/AAAAAAAACOs/sn3OH4w5HYA/s1600/IMG_4698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KDhCmsgqt4E/VNLbcv1DXjI/AAAAAAAACOs/sn3OH4w5HYA/s1600/IMG_4698.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Open Spaces in Country Victoria</span></div>
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<u><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">May</span></b></u></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4jw8daM6tFQ/VNLcZvCunlI/AAAAAAAACO4/7J_iEBg7-Vg/s1600/IMG_4783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4jw8daM6tFQ/VNLcZvCunlI/AAAAAAAACO4/7J_iEBg7-Vg/s1600/IMG_4783.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Raising Funds for Charity</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RDLypzE9qgs/VNLcephnQfI/AAAAAAAACPA/dMfeRHgzI7s/s1600/IMG_4815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RDLypzE9qgs/VNLcephnQfI/AAAAAAAACPA/dMfeRHgzI7s/s1600/IMG_4815.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy Birthday to My Man</span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">June</span></u></b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uPQtci46QBo/VNLdHKQkq0I/AAAAAAAACPg/VitFBUxOmKM/s1600/IMG_4897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uPQtci46QBo/VNLdHKQkq0I/AAAAAAAACPg/VitFBUxOmKM/s1600/IMG_4897.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">WELCOME TO THE USA</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnedfJKQ78RcjxiD0t_TEN6xFEzd_etcw4KUSiVJViBomSzP7LODyMztDZ-qnv2iTbXAbvTJGLq3dxoDw5mtMFweIqtTpkDA54yZFnsekclmX2h6O35hkcMVveO120JfvuVEWzYDwaH0I/s1600/IMG_5362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnedfJKQ78RcjxiD0t_TEN6xFEzd_etcw4KUSiVJViBomSzP7LODyMztDZ-qnv2iTbXAbvTJGLq3dxoDw5mtMFweIqtTpkDA54yZFnsekclmX2h6O35hkcMVveO120JfvuVEWzYDwaH0I/s1600/IMG_5362.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cleveland Indians</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2v_OdMkdCI8/VNLc7TJhryI/AAAAAAAACPQ/KWjHh9mgGCg/s1600/IMG_5454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2v_OdMkdCI8/VNLc7TJhryI/AAAAAAAACPQ/KWjHh9mgGCg/s1600/IMG_5454.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Baseball Trip of a Lifetime</span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">July</span></u></b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eC7paEphau8/VNLetkjew_I/AAAAAAAACP8/DNxTxFzrh4s/s1600/IMG_5706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eC7paEphau8/VNLetkjew_I/AAAAAAAACP8/DNxTxFzrh4s/s1600/IMG_5706.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Baking - Smoked Salmon Scrolls</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh01cYGtvPzOlov3kzNdLk3-3cN-tdCmPOG6s7iPZkJ2bRwJ6fI06WST3W5HdLcJQit7BdnQsA07L9-wCwuCECXJbuOrP_R5Rr3l4IeDzFxYgu25wyKHHvD0Nf2kYoM65dvxEG7CHxRz6Q/s1600/IMG_5708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh01cYGtvPzOlov3kzNdLk3-3cN-tdCmPOG6s7iPZkJ2bRwJ6fI06WST3W5HdLcJQit7BdnQsA07L9-wCwuCECXJbuOrP_R5Rr3l4IeDzFxYgu25wyKHHvD0Nf2kYoM65dvxEG7CHxRz6Q/s1600/IMG_5708.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Baking - Beef & Gravy Pies with Cheesy Crust</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7KL_Bb7ynXk/VNLeT6xIF8I/AAAAAAAACPs/JgMReMAeK8U/s1600/IMG_5724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7KL_Bb7ynXk/VNLeT6xIF8I/AAAAAAAACPs/JgMReMAeK8U/s1600/IMG_5724.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Storm Clouds Gathering</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tobogganing in the Snow</span></div>
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<u><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">August</span></b></u></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pb2T1zU1uJo/VNLfzgbx9ZI/AAAAAAAACQc/uUAT7aQl3e4/s1600/IMG_5891.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pb2T1zU1uJo/VNLfzgbx9ZI/AAAAAAAACQc/uUAT7aQl3e4/s1600/IMG_5891.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Comfort Food</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Watching the Fog Roll In</span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">September</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Celebrating the End </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H9_B2IebyW4/VNLf-Xk3IGI/AAAAAAAACQk/MxRiMooEw5g/s1600/IMG_5952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H9_B2IebyW4/VNLf-Xk3IGI/AAAAAAAACQk/MxRiMooEw5g/s1600/IMG_5952.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Baking - Choc Chip Biscuits</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-adrMgkewKpE/VNLgdlJBmPI/AAAAAAAACQs/SQLBXUHJqu0/s1600/IMG_5973.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-adrMgkewKpE/VNLgdlJBmPI/AAAAAAAACQs/SQLBXUHJqu0/s1600/IMG_5973.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Relaxing in the Spring Sunshine</span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">October</span></u></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EvdYHz0jhfk/VNLggkbWM0I/AAAAAAAACQ0/nm9XNCSkCFk/s1600/IMG_6077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EvdYHz0jhfk/VNLggkbWM0I/AAAAAAAACQ0/nm9XNCSkCFk/s1600/IMG_6077.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Baking for New Beginnings - Blood Orange Syrup Cake</span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">November</span></u></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UO-Ajk0B9Ts/VNLhIl1pRUI/AAAAAAAACRI/veRsqhyqV3w/s1600/IMG_6122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UO-Ajk0B9Ts/VNLhIl1pRUI/AAAAAAAACRI/veRsqhyqV3w/s1600/IMG_6122.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Homemade Icecream</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBBpfQodlUmArLQVxs1aC8817lA0npczT_gxPcEaaiThGTydOSSCxf3dP7W1-UA8k06B5IqD6mHSvRpCCjYD14sb23rDpXxr1AYoA4D1YP5llVd_8xsNnDt8mnttEMM-1EXUavfUA6oNU/s1600/IMG_6161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBBpfQodlUmArLQVxs1aC8817lA0npczT_gxPcEaaiThGTydOSSCxf3dP7W1-UA8k06B5IqD6mHSvRpCCjYD14sb23rDpXxr1AYoA4D1YP5llVd_8xsNnDt8mnttEMM-1EXUavfUA6oNU/s1600/IMG_6161.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sunsets - My favourite Time to be on the Balcony</span></div>
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<u><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">December</span></b></u></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W9Yp1wmjFQA/VNLh238xEgI/AAAAAAAACRc/cHxHc60QB7E/s1600/IMG_6197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W9Yp1wmjFQA/VNLh238xEgI/AAAAAAAACRc/cHxHc60QB7E/s1600/IMG_6197.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Xmas Hampers for Family full of Homemade Goodies</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hw2LTwoeUBo/VNLiAmlXUSI/AAAAAAAACRk/IL0GL5cMEIw/s1600/IMG_6198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hw2LTwoeUBo/VNLiAmlXUSI/AAAAAAAACRk/IL0GL5cMEIw/s1600/IMG_6198.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Baking - Fruit Mince Pies</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e769_683BFc/VNLiBgDadqI/AAAAAAAACRs/12zprLVD9xA/s1600/IMG_6243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e769_683BFc/VNLiBgDadqI/AAAAAAAACRs/12zprLVD9xA/s1600/IMG_6243.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Goodbye 2014 - Fireworks from the Balcony</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Phew, a look back at the year that was. I notice lot of baking which pleases me to see. I have always enjoyed being creative and baking and cooking is the space that feels the most comfortable for me. I am looking forward to more of this.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope your year was fabulous and that like me, with distance you can appreciate all the good times.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Xxx</span></div>
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<br />One Sparkly Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03736521403434646851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6282651341602453160.post-26894235073140885882015-01-28T15:54:00.000+11:002015-01-28T15:54:29.994+11:00It's Never Too Late<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have had many posts running through my head all month and can't seem to focus long enough to get any of them out and onto the screen. And today I read a blog post by <a href="http://littlegreybox.net/" target="_blank">LittleGreyBox</a> on c<a href="http://littlegreybox.net/2015/01/28/its-never-too-late-to-make-a-change-and-follow-your-heart/" target="_blank">hasing your dreams</a> and it just clicked with me. There is no deadline and no real life threatening issues that are holding me back from doing the things i really want. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Take this blog for example - There is nothing that says I have to post every day or every week to make this a success. While in my head I know that at least semi regular posts will keep you interested, the truth is that it is my self imposed 'rules' that are making me agitated and anxious. I do lie awake and stress about my lack of posts. I have little notes around my desk on post ideas and a draft post schedule just waiting for me to commit too. So today I realised it's ok. While it would make sense to keep my posts regular and on a particular theme its ok if they aren't. It's my blog, my voice and my own way of being creative and there are no rules. Success does not have to be a million followers (though this would be nice). It can just be that I have the courage to put my thoughts out there whether anyone cares or reads them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another great blogger Haleigh from <a href="http://makingmagique.com/" target="_blank">Making Magique</a> has shared some wonderful thoughts and posts on balancing life expectations and the need to take a leap and do what you truly believe is your calling. Haleigh shares so much wisdom of the struggles to do what you feel is right versus the burning desire to forge your own path. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Each of these lovely girls has had one clear message that rang true with me today - your life is your own and your dreams will not materialise if you sit back and do nothing about them. A wonderful reminder of why I started this blog in the first place. To remember that we only have one life and you need to live it in whatever way makes sense to you. Be wholly and truly you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So here is to 2015! Last year I chose a <a href="http://onesparklylife.blogspot.com.au/2014/02/goals-for-2014.html" target="_blank">word for the year</a> and declared 2014 the year for Adventure. I have been thinking about this year and I feel that Freedom is what sums up my thinking and dreams. Freedom from my self imposed rules and from what is expected of me. Freedom to be me.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.healthyhabitsolutions.com/images/freedom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.healthyhabitsolutions.com/images/freedom.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So stay tuned while I get to the posts I have in my head. I am looking forward to reviewing <a href="http://onesparklylife.blogspot.com.au/2014/02/goals-for-2014.html" target="_blank">last years goals</a> and seeing how many I achieved and sharing with you the goals I have set for this year. Alongside these are some surprising plans that are coming together with my man. Things I didn't know were important or a possibility are making themselves felt and heard. I can't wait to share these things as the develop.</span><br />
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<a href="http://prettynbeauty.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/o-FREEDOM-facebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://prettynbeauty.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/o-FREEDOM-facebook.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 13px; line-height: 23px;">Image via: </span><span class="skimlinks-unlinked" style="border: 0px; color: #666666; font-size: 13px; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">http://prettynbeauty.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/o-FREEDOM-facebook.jpg)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So here's to an amazing 2015. Where we </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">grow and achieve in our own way, at our own pace and to our own set of rules and yardsticks. Free from judgement.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On another note, it has been a busy few weeks. With me taking the plunge and leaving my job (yes my new job) and some surprising cash and fulfilment coming from baking. Set this alongside some deep life planning, interviews and family time, it has a little been busy. Never fear, I will report it all over the coming weeks as I find the time and energy to share these thoughts. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Freedom. (I like the sound of it.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">xxx</span>One Sparkly Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03736521403434646851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6282651341602453160.post-51902809296946148802015-01-12T12:10:00.001+11:002015-01-28T15:58:01.080+11:00Dec in Review<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy New Year! Here's hoping you all had a fabulous start to 2015 and said goodbye to last year in a way that made sense to you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Before the posts about reviewing goals and and making new ones, I thought I would squeeze in a review of what my December looked it. Or at leaf the part that ended up in photos. A snapshot of the month that that was for you.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vI1VOwgYv4g/VLMbn3kd9TI/AAAAAAAACL8/qQsLHcf0PDg/s1600/ImageProxy.mvc%2B2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vI1VOwgYv4g/VLMbn3kd9TI/AAAAAAAACL8/qQsLHcf0PDg/s1600/ImageProxy.mvc%2B2.jpeg" height="358" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Inspiration - Blanc de Blanc - White Dinner in Paris</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Xmas Tree this year</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fukQr5QHzI4/VLMZ5WG3jmI/AAAAAAAACKY/Oq6QOeJclgc/s1600/IMG_6164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fukQr5QHzI4/VLMZ5WG3jmI/AAAAAAAACKY/Oq6QOeJclgc/s1600/IMG_6164.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Summer sunsets on the balcony</span></div>
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<a href="http://onesparklylife.blogspot.com.au/2014/12/homemade-icecream-recipe.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Homemade Honeycomb & Chocolate IceCream</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4-v2ahaxUCA/VLMabNxnNUI/AAAAAAAACK0/-WOpYkwLchk/s1600/IMG_6173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4-v2ahaxUCA/VLMabNxnNUI/AAAAAAAACK0/-WOpYkwLchk/s1600/IMG_6173.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The drinks table at our holiday drinks</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brunch - my favourite meal of the day</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Xmas baking - Choc & Cranberry Panforte</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XkjnWQgt8EM/VLMarVDYuDI/AAAAAAAACLE/CRN1HOL6m10/s1600/IMG_6189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XkjnWQgt8EM/VLMarVDYuDI/AAAAAAAACLE/CRN1HOL6m10/s1600/IMG_6189.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nan's recipe Lemon Curd</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Quick & Easy Raspberry Jam</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The finished gingerbread people ready for Xmas</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Xmas hampers for 2014</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fruit Mince pies</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The post Xmas lunch food coma</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Discovering Nan's original UK recipes</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The last sunset of 2014</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy New Year from the balcony.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope your December was a good finish to the year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">xxx</span></div>
<br />One Sparkly Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03736521403434646851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6282651341602453160.post-85719844046245061662014-12-31T22:37:00.001+11:002014-12-31T22:37:16.263+11:00Happy New a YearBringing in 2015. Wishing you all a fabulous night. <div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ax4V4_mJjXk/VKPf6Zf7v7I/AAAAAAAACKE/GJU8gG2lJWw/s640/blogger-image--558753869.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ax4V4_mJjXk/VKPf6Zf7v7I/AAAAAAAACKE/GJU8gG2lJWw/s640/blogger-image--558753869.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Xxx</div><br></div><br></div>One Sparkly Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03736521403434646851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6282651341602453160.post-19151227892361494862014-12-07T10:12:00.000+11:002014-12-07T10:12:00.104+11:00Nov - A Month in Review<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I nearly deleted this post a few times but thought what does it matter? You guys don't judge and there is a certain cathartic feeling of being able to share while holding some anonymity. So here goes….</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This year is flying by. It seems that like everyone else, the older I get the faster the time goes past. I also realise more often how important it is to surround yourself with good people and do things that bring you happiness. Too much of the last 12 months have seen me stressed and upset. This time last year were joyous with news of me being pregnant. Though a few short weeks later I had a miscarriage and things changed. I rode the tumultuous ups and downs in my job, took a wonderful break to the USA and came back to more craziness at work than one person should ever handle. Jumping out of that frying pan it feels I landed directly into the fire with my new role. Now the process of figuring out whether to get out or ride it out begins again. Phew. Bring on the end of the year and a new beginning I say.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But before I can do that there is the last few weeks of December to get through. I have some wonderful weekends planned. Tomorrow I am off to lunch with some lovely people connected to my last role. Next weekend we are doing holiday drinks with our friends at my place. I'm looking forward to cooking and sharing food with my nearest and dearest. The week after my Mum is over and we are doing Xmas early. I'm tossing up whether to go out for lunch or do a Xmas lunch at home. Then it is Xmas which will most probably spent with my man's family. Before we role into New Year's and 2015. Its the time of the year I enjoy the most as I get to nurture my closest friends and family by cooking and sharing great times with them all. It's homemade hampers again for Xmas so a few weeks of baking coming up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So here's a look back at November as we slide ever closer to 2015.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wise words. I feel like this year has been a test of my convictions. From great heights of joy to lows. I vow to live more in the moment and surround myself with people and activities that make me happy. Leaving behind those things that don't serve me any more.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rainbows are always beautiful</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yep! Though I am trying.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chicken Parma for Lunch.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sunset from my balcony</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Breakfast with my Man</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Breakfast with my Mum</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My mum has been busy being crafty. She makes the cute Ooshka dolls to sell.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oops tasty little gingerbread man</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bargain shopping at Camilla and Marc flash sale</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Relaxing at the Baseball Park on a sunny Sunday morning</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3reJVy3AIpdchRpv_8h_-PdiIwI2W9o78Y4fEqoI5NzWAXI8Omw0HA9YupGqXPypsHxS8zWv5jZ0TmHQRlbpRQvF3peXARKJ85Ur5p8s6KDXIbCPbPBEQxFBWZth3o7yyOuLWelMp2qo/s1600/IMG_6156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3reJVy3AIpdchRpv_8h_-PdiIwI2W9o78Y4fEqoI5NzWAXI8Omw0HA9YupGqXPypsHxS8zWv5jZ0TmHQRlbpRQvF3peXARKJ85Ur5p8s6KDXIbCPbPBEQxFBWZth3o7yyOuLWelMp2qo/s1600/IMG_6156.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mid week dinner and drinks with good friends</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_9ciRAjU7ow/VII35snspmI/AAAAAAAACJM/OCgKemvHSHA/s1600/IMG_6161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_9ciRAjU7ow/VII35snspmI/AAAAAAAACJM/OCgKemvHSHA/s1600/IMG_6161.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sunset from my balcony</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AVoezbe8npc/VIIwqTInkQI/AAAAAAAACHU/rlmPHzEk5jw/s1600/IMG_6122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AVoezbe8npc/VIIwqTInkQI/AAAAAAAACHU/rlmPHzEk5jw/s1600/IMG_6122.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Obsessed with homemade ice-cream.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hoping your December is shaping up to be fabulous.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">xxx</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">PS A little blog milestone of 100 Posts! Woo Hoo!</span></div>
<br />One Sparkly Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03736521403434646851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6282651341602453160.post-82860962300761972832014-12-06T09:30:00.000+11:002014-12-06T18:12:20.660+11:00Homemade Icecream - Recipe<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It seems that I am not the only one who has been craving the taste of <a href="http://onesparklylife.blogspot.com.au/2014/11/homemade-icecream-2.html" target="_blank">creamy homemade ice-cream.</a> Thanks to all those who have let me know that you loved the look of my recent cooking efforts. I thought I would share the recipe with you all so that you can enjoy too.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Homemade No Churn Ice Cream</span></h2>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 x 395g Tin Condensed Milk</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">600ml of Thickened Cream</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Flavourings and toppings of your choice</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pour cream and condensed milk into bowl of mix master and whip on medium until soft peaks form. Using a spatula fold in flavourings. Transfer to an airtight continuer and freeze overnight. Makes 1.2L.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Flavour Option 1 - Rum N Raisin</span></h3>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">⅓ cup of rum or bourbon</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">½ Cup of raisins or sultanas</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Tbs of instant coffee powder dissolved in 2 Tbs of billing water</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Leave raisins soaking in rum overnight or for at least 4 hours. You ant the raisins too be plump and have soaked up the liquid from the rum.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once cream and condescend milk have been whipped, stir in raisins and coffee. Transfer to airtight container and freeze.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1H9gwLGKUBQ/VIIwvUOZopI/AAAAAAAACHc/rGa7wuspWW4/s1600/IMG_6119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1H9gwLGKUBQ/VIIwvUOZopI/AAAAAAAACHc/rGa7wuspWW4/s1600/IMG_6119.jpg" height="400" width="300"></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Flavour Option 2 - Mint Choc Chip</span></h3>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 x 200g Block of dark chocolate</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 x 45g bar of Peppermint Crisp</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Break dark chocolate into small pieces. I cut each square into quarters. Finely slice Peppermint Crisp Bar till you have a pile of shavings. Stir both through cream mixture and transfer to airtight container and freeze overnight.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AVoezbe8npc/VIIwqTInkQI/AAAAAAAACHU/rlmPHzEk5jw/s1600/IMG_6122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AVoezbe8npc/VIIwqTInkQI/AAAAAAAACHU/rlmPHzEk5jw/s1600/IMG_6122.jpg" height="400" width="300"></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Other Options</span></h3>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fresh, tinned or frozen fruit - swirled through</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Honeycomb - either bought or homemade</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Liquer - stir through a couple of Tbs of favourite liquor and add complimentary fruit</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chocolate ganache swirl - Make chocolate ganache and swirl through</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Salted caramel</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">……...</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The thoughts are endless. I will keep you updated on my versions as summer continues.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy cooking.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">xxx</span></div>
One Sparkly Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03736521403434646851noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6282651341602453160.post-68601194887073819012014-11-20T20:36:00.000+11:002014-11-20T20:36:35.142+11:00September & October - Fly By in Photos<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why is it every time I feel like I get things under control and I get time to relax and reenergise it all suddenly goes pear shaped and back to being busy again? I feel like that has just happened all over again. After taking a few weeks off between jobs I felt like I had time to unwind physically and mentally. I had set myself some goals around relaxation time and activities. i was happy with the way I spent my time off (though it really didn't seem long enough). Then suddenly I look around and it has been 7 weeks since I started the new job and I am just as busy and stretched as i was before! Crazy. I am sure I am not alone and nor will I ever really change this feeling in any real way as something else will always take my energy, but it seems a little crazy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So here it is nearly the end of November and I am getting around to showing you what September and October looked like. So take a peak inside the craziness that has been my last few months before we fall headlong into the festive season.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qoI8kWOTJks/VG2vp1Fg8VI/AAAAAAAACEc/m0jnUimAP88/s1600/IMG_5903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qoI8kWOTJks/VG2vp1Fg8VI/AAAAAAAACEc/m0jnUimAP88/s1600/IMG_5903.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Playing with big tractors at mum's place </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkChuk5iHCDA9qsfgRGS4iECqCTtq9-A1XxBhAOlYUtRkSNjju9Sxqc5NxSlWUClP5vVN9UhD7K8GfKsF9ktbRqkYRv1E41yeXxRNwExoUK6cFe0SCjPElv1AAsoyFaQte-5pmzy-VdFM/s1600/IMG_5904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkChuk5iHCDA9qsfgRGS4iECqCTtq9-A1XxBhAOlYUtRkSNjju9Sxqc5NxSlWUClP5vVN9UhD7K8GfKsF9ktbRqkYRv1E41yeXxRNwExoUK6cFe0SCjPElv1AAsoyFaQte-5pmzy-VdFM/s1600/IMG_5904.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Taking out the rubbish country style</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ndnjxwQUksE/VG2wa2cMCqI/AAAAAAAACE0/rxjbvXAJoqQ/s1600/IMG_5915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ndnjxwQUksE/VG2wa2cMCqI/AAAAAAAACE0/rxjbvXAJoqQ/s1600/IMG_5915.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Collecting wood with mum and my man</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hkd2tOR4qtk/VG2wRRhxfEI/AAAAAAAACEk/AbyBNALTt8o/s1600/IMG_5936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hkd2tOR4qtk/VG2wRRhxfEI/AAAAAAAACEk/AbyBNALTt8o/s1600/IMG_5936.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Relaxing on the balcony</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6B4TqGOMV5M/VG2wzz_UgtI/AAAAAAAACE8/_Ftm4EJ_060/s1600/IMG_5953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6B4TqGOMV5M/VG2wzz_UgtI/AAAAAAAACE8/_Ftm4EJ_060/s1600/IMG_5953.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cookies & Collins</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAoaqAFRjmhZVl7RhHOHdItmt7hckisJ3ubW7-HDwbxNpWrA5zS0HHSHIwrLOk4y9T1ZTUySF3J7uEYyJgCEd0GwfE2qOYvegS41xAp2AyLjnmS-UCHu4ELiVhcRpTVWdf5VsFzw6F8jo/s1600/IMG_5977.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAoaqAFRjmhZVl7RhHOHdItmt7hckisJ3ubW7-HDwbxNpWrA5zS0HHSHIwrLOk4y9T1ZTUySF3J7uEYyJgCEd0GwfE2qOYvegS41xAp2AyLjnmS-UCHu4ELiVhcRpTVWdf5VsFzw6F8jo/s1600/IMG_5977.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A few days with a great girlfriend and few dance movies</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicsLaaOlIlvDjf6bqLys_EbaRnCUch7oNLY8vYhNfu6MrSN7RKCmDUDOVJmoaftaRD6tqBxWxlIqPPRGwbNqXaf4ATN4S1UU9ABklEe8QolEI2C1IEcZEB_Boe36lq5jzviubZFZjssMM/s1600/IMG_5978.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicsLaaOlIlvDjf6bqLys_EbaRnCUch7oNLY8vYhNfu6MrSN7RKCmDUDOVJmoaftaRD6tqBxWxlIqPPRGwbNqXaf4ATN4S1UU9ABklEe8QolEI2C1IEcZEB_Boe36lq5jzviubZFZjssMM/s1600/IMG_5978.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A day at home watching cars & boys</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SLWL0wvn0KQ/VG2xxvKcJ_I/AAAAAAAACFc/eIXedx9aWEg/s1600/IMG_5981.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SLWL0wvn0KQ/VG2xxvKcJ_I/AAAAAAAACFc/eIXedx9aWEg/s1600/IMG_5981.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tulip Festival with my mum</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6kfHAMMUWaY/VG2yF8EHhWI/AAAAAAAACFk/mz0cyNIEs3w/s1600/IMG_6031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6kfHAMMUWaY/VG2yF8EHhWI/AAAAAAAACFk/mz0cyNIEs3w/s1600/IMG_6031.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Country stay with a girlfriend</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m1c68HZ-8QE/VG2xlxFmTBI/AAAAAAAACFU/-G-O50NwfiA/s1600/IMG_6037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m1c68HZ-8QE/VG2xlxFmTBI/AAAAAAAACFU/-G-O50NwfiA/s1600/IMG_6037.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Picking home grown lemons</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-741O5xSoKxA/VG2yOSOEawI/AAAAAAAACF0/rJ2zoYm6xWc/s1600/IMG_6042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-741O5xSoKxA/VG2yOSOEawI/AAAAAAAACF0/rJ2zoYm6xWc/s1600/IMG_6042.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enjoying the view of the vineyards at lunch</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q2sbdmyMnMA/VG2yLRI1OOI/AAAAAAAACFs/97DAbpdnNd8/s1600/IMG_6051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q2sbdmyMnMA/VG2yLRI1OOI/AAAAAAAACFs/97DAbpdnNd8/s1600/IMG_6051.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Watching the weather come in from the drivers seat</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K4mr7Mn-sYw/VG2yiVL_QcI/AAAAAAAACF8/O7wBUTjXKRc/s1600/IMG_6054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K4mr7Mn-sYw/VG2yiVL_QcI/AAAAAAAACF8/O7wBUTjXKRc/s1600/IMG_6054.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another sunset from my balcony</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8uUCPTmb5nThAGQ5peI_ROdc7cl5YtD7ofwCg1mx8bHATN_MBLV8MAhI_h6rB13Od1GZeS4F6NDpGRhgEOe-ZwVm4dsBtUxuflKUX7N9Aq_hbTOTHtDuZ4zg1VEZdoE7L1dbhQYYeKK4/s1600/IMG_6057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8uUCPTmb5nThAGQ5peI_ROdc7cl5YtD7ofwCg1mx8bHATN_MBLV8MAhI_h6rB13Od1GZeS4F6NDpGRhgEOe-ZwVm4dsBtUxuflKUX7N9Aq_hbTOTHtDuZ4zg1VEZdoE7L1dbhQYYeKK4/s1600/IMG_6057.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brunch with friends</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gcw92B0ZdeE/VG2ylZCb9XI/AAAAAAAACGE/zwp39YoG2q4/s1600/IMG_6069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gcw92B0ZdeE/VG2ylZCb9XI/AAAAAAAACGE/zwp39YoG2q4/s1600/IMG_6069.JPG" height="640" width="334" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mmmm obsession with Channing Tatum as Magic Mike</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mk0BkRkGiR8/VG2ymcF_gMI/AAAAAAAACGU/TIOrMnm_wjg/s1600/IMG_6070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mk0BkRkGiR8/VG2ymcF_gMI/AAAAAAAACGU/TIOrMnm_wjg/s1600/IMG_6070.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Model David Gandy - Another obsession for the month</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Homemade Blood Orange Cake for my first day in my new job</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--lRM0m-5vUE/VG2yoIYB_LI/AAAAAAAACGc/QkSI81OVZOU/s1600/IMG_6078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--lRM0m-5vUE/VG2yoIYB_LI/AAAAAAAACGc/QkSI81OVZOU/s1600/IMG_6078.JPG" height="640" width="390" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">French Bulldogs - my other obsession. I so want one for Xmas!</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DWrtF_7PrrI/VG2zOgFsQQI/AAAAAAAACG0/ZJSE-Xr8Jhs/s1600/IMG_6079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DWrtF_7PrrI/VG2zOgFsQQI/AAAAAAAACG0/ZJSE-Xr8Jhs/s1600/IMG_6079.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lunch in the city</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Glasses ready for our guests at my first Pop Up Bar event</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-irkxCOZlNug/VG2zZV6CtvI/AAAAAAAACG8/SmjcdzQ10dw/s1600/IMG_6106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-irkxCOZlNug/VG2zZV6CtvI/AAAAAAAACG8/SmjcdzQ10dw/s1600/IMG_6106.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And Summer baseball is back.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Phew I feel tired just looking back on it all. Wonderful to have some time off and enjoy some simple things - food, family, friends, country air, books and movies! Then back to busy busy events and learning a new job.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Looking forward to Xmas and more time with family and friends.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">xxx</span></div>
<br />One Sparkly Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03736521403434646851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6282651341602453160.post-6177016956039805842014-11-18T21:40:00.001+11:002014-12-06T09:32:46.226+11:00Christmas Baking Begins<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is beginning to look and smell a lot like Christmas at my place. This week I started making my first test batch of gingerbread men for Christmas. I'm experimenting a little with adding different spices this year as I try to find the perfect gingerbread recipe. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTtpaqqzZZVBGAc4zLVLBIahKVULIoBBzQnzuXjFgT2QukHObwyQhEdcR2aQIY4YdZ7DM9zyH6WJNHeSjBbHJBYaN2V1GirvXxYUaDVqCAyBp8Xrr0vk3wlmCrYKyZlCyNccn7PBarWcE/s640/blogger-image--314496806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTtpaqqzZZVBGAc4zLVLBIahKVULIoBBzQnzuXjFgT2QukHObwyQhEdcR2aQIY4YdZ7DM9zyH6WJNHeSjBbHJBYaN2V1GirvXxYUaDVqCAyBp8Xrr0vk3wlmCrYKyZlCyNccn7PBarWcE/s640/blogger-image--314496806.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love cooking and baking. Taking a recipe and adding a few changes according to my tastes or availability of ingredients. I think some of my best triumphs have come from a swapping ingredients at last minute. Some of my worst disasters as well. But I love baking and sharing it with family and friends. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm always thinking of my next meal or what amazing treat I can whip up. Possibly explains why some of my clothes don't fit this year. It was icecream last week and this week Xmas cookies. I also been thinking about pulled pork again. I did an amazing pulled pork shoulder in BBQ marinade for New Years last year and can't wait to do it again. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I feel a dinner party coming on so I have a reason to cook and bake for many people.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Seems even my reading material suits this theme as currently I am reading Th Art of Baking Blind by Sarah Vaughan. A good read and one that has be nodding along with the characters as they contemplate the reasons they cook. Also makes me hungry reading about their wonderful creations too. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy Baking.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Xxx</span></div>
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One Sparkly Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03736521403434646851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6282651341602453160.post-67883475275967378872014-11-08T21:35:00.001+11:002015-02-05T14:40:17.028+11:00IcecreamHomemade rum n raisin icecream! Tasty.<br />
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One Sparkly Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03736521403434646851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6282651341602453160.post-55868481548718974532014-11-08T21:34:00.001+11:002014-11-08T21:34:57.388+11:00Homemade icecream #2Obsessed with making icecream. Batch number 2 - mint choc chip. Verdict- yummy!<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_uHgADKNTgM/VF3xz5yK5MI/AAAAAAAACDs/T300iUVLvJ0/s640/blogger-image--2023465332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_uHgADKNTgM/VF3xz5yK5MI/AAAAAAAACDs/T300iUVLvJ0/s640/blogger-image--2023465332.jpg"></a></div><br></div>One Sparkly Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03736521403434646851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6282651341602453160.post-67497189978437812582014-10-29T10:27:00.001+11:002014-10-29T10:27:39.520+11:00Grey SkiesIt's been a funny week with clear skies and hot temperatures one day and thunder storms and torrential rain the next. Bring on summer I say. I'm sick if layering my clothes and wearing bulky jackets.<div><br></div><div>Eating seafood curry laksa to keep warm!<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FRDnpYwnsYU/VFAmaCMCRMI/AAAAAAAACDc/dAuSfnTtPW8/s640/blogger-image--719110178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FRDnpYwnsYU/VFAmaCMCRMI/AAAAAAAACDc/dAuSfnTtPW8/s640/blogger-image--719110178.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Wishing I was sipping margaritas in the sun.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Xxx</div>One Sparkly Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03736521403434646851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6282651341602453160.post-47449216175696081902014-09-23T14:18:00.001+10:002014-09-23T14:18:41.998+10:00SunshineI am loving this bout of spring weather. The shorts are on so the legs are put soaking up the sun. I've got the book and the music. All that is missing is the cocktail.<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-czcOOZB8AXo/VCD0nXH2nwI/AAAAAAAACC8/Cxi0qbLMOb4/s640/blogger-image--1066219876.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-czcOOZB8AXo/VCD0nXH2nwI/AAAAAAAACC8/Cxi0qbLMOb4/s640/blogger-image--1066219876.jpg"></a></div> </div><div>I love warm weather and days spent doing nothing more taxing then deciding what to drink!</div><div><br></div><div>Xxx</div>One Sparkly Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03736521403434646851noreply@blogger.com0