One Sparkly Life

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.  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.  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.  I feel a dinner party coming on so I have a re...

I love looking back over the photos in my iPhone and seeing what caught my attention this month. From photos I have taken to things I have saved from Facebook. It's great to see the the themes evolving and the experience si have had. After my last share all I thought I would make this a regular thing to look back at the month that was. So here is September in a snapshot or two. Sunset from my balcony Ceiling at the NGV, Melbourne - I attend a luncheon with Rachel Griffiths as the guest speaker I found this quote the day I booked my Fiji trip! Sunset in Fiji. Bliss Six days of nothing but reading and relaxing in the sun And swimming in water that was a very pleasant 24 degrees! Getting up early for sunrise in Fiji Loving this new look from Alannah Hill SS13/14 collection Homemade seafood laksa overkill. Amazing but way too much to eat Morocco or Brazil (Can't remember) but loving the colours and architecture. Both are on ...

I am back from the wonderful land of Fiji. After a much needed break in the sun, a week at home and then a conference for work in Sydney I am back at home and back online. Hopefully you have all stayed with me and you enjoy some highlights of my trip below.  WARNING: The following pictures may make you book a holiday in Fiji! So from the start - I booked my holiday to Sonaisali Island Resort , Fiji. 6 lovely days and nights in the sun. I packed the suitcase full of lightweight clothes, swimsuits and 5 very thick novels to enjoy. I planned a week of reading, sleeping, eating, swimming and sun. And that is what I got. Everyday was dawned bright and warm. After breakfast I would wander along till i found a deckchair with a view I liked, and there iIwould stay until sunset or hunger dragged me back to the main part of the resort for food and further refreshments. The island offered many activities to keep you occupied but i chose to just keep read...