Author: Suzanne Robinson

Categories
Recipes

Gorgeous Easy No-Bake Oreo Blackberry Mousse Tart

Oh my look at you, You’re Gorgeous!!!

I’ve never seen a tart like you before…

There have been many before but you take the cake…see what I did there. 😉

SOOOOO Gorgeous! The No-Bake Oreo Blackberry Mousse Tart posing for the camera.

The Oreo Blackberry Mousse Tart is decorated with blackberries and blueberries and topped with some flowers. The dark cookie base makes the colours pop!



OREO BASE

Estimated time to create the base: 30 minutes (including 15 minutes in the freezer to set the base).

The Oreo Cookies ready for the cookie base

BLACKBERRY MOUSSE

Estimated time to create the mousse: Around 20 to 30 minutes.

  • 225 grams of blackberries – I purchased 3 punnets to have enough to decorate the tart
  • 2 punnets of blueberries to decorate the tart
  • 225 grams of Philadelphia Original Cream Cheese
  • 75 grams of caster sugar
  • 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
  • 300ml of thickened cream
  • 60ml of milk
  • 6 sheets of natural gelatine leaves
Yummy and fresh blackberries from Todarello’s in Katoomba

I’ve been diving deep into the world of online recipes and let me tell you, it’s a riot of colours out there! From jaw-dropping cakes to slices that are more vibrant than a Taylor Swift song, and even pasta sporting hues that would make a rainbow jealous, cooks are truly artists in their own right. Recently, I stumbled upon this Oreo Cookie-based tart, and oh boy, that dark crust was the superstar alongside the dazzling colours of raspberry and blueberry—totally spoke to my taste buds!

Now, here’s the kicker—it’s a no-bake wonder! Yup, just pop it in the fridge and freezer, and voila! I’m all about saving time in the kitchen, so this dessert is right up my alley.

For my twist, I’m thinking of infusing the mousse with blackberries. Yep, blackberries! This recipe has got me all excited about trying something totally new in my culinary playbook.

And speaking of summer, it’s the season when blackberries and blueberries shine bright like my love for a catchy summer tune (Swiftie alert!). As someone who lives and breathes summer berries (hello, favourite season!), knowing they’re in season makes me gleeful. It’s like a shortcut to creating a tart bursting with the freshest summer berries—a total win-win situation!

Did you know?

Blackberries are the tiny, mighty warriors of goodness! These delightful berries bring a whole parade of perks to the party. Here’s a sneak peek into the fantastic world of benefits that these little black gems bring along:

  • High in vitamin C
  • High in fibre
  • Can help reduce cholesterol
  • Manage blood sugar levels by slowing the rate of sugar absorption
  • A good source of vitamin K
  • High in manganese
  • May improve brain health
  • Also supports oral health

As you can see not only do blackberries and blueberries look pretty, they are delicious
and very good for you.

Blueberries are like the rockstars of superfoods! These little powerhouses are bursting with goodness, and their list of amazing deeds is simply off the charts. Check out below all the fantastic things these tiny but mighty blue dynamos can do:

  • High in antioxidants
  • Protect against DNA damage, which may help protect against aging and cancer
  • Blueberries help prevent oxidative damage to “bad” LDL cholesterol
  • Help prevent heart disease
  • Help your brain and memory
  • Blueberries have been shown to have anti-diabetes effects
  • Help with inflammation after exercise

Do you need more of a reason to have a
second helping of the No-Bake Oreo
Blackberry Mousse Tart?

For my fresh produce, I like to shop locally at Todarello’s Katoomba Village Fruit Market.

Outside Todarello’s Katoomba Village Fruit Market
Todarello’s Katoomba Village Fruit Market

I can’t get enough of Todarello’s! Their produce selection is seriously impressive—I mean, it’s like a treasure trove every time I walk in. But you know what really seals the deal? The people there are just amazing. They’re like your own personal shopping squad, always there to lend a hand and make your grocery trip a breeze. No question is too much trouble, and they’re more than happy to help carry your bags to the car. They’re the real MVPs (Most Valuable Player) of the grocery store, making the whole experience a whole lot easier!

Very red and yummy looking tomatoes
Inside Todarello’s Katoomba Village Fruit Market
and the colourful vegetables

Stepping into Todarello’s Katoomba is like entering a vibrant wonderland for your senses! The explosion of colours from fresh fruits and vegetables is an absolute feast for the eyes. Every corner boasts a stunning array of produce, each piece seemingly competing to be the most tempting. And you know what? It’s not just about the looks—every single item on display here is top-notch. It’s a guarantee that when you pick something up, you’re getting the absolute best, freshest ingredients available. It’s like having a palette of nature’s finest at your fingertips.

Strawberries and Blackberries at Todarello’s
Blueberries outside Todarello’s Katoomba Village Fruit Market

Eggplant
A very red bunch of capsicum


During my visit to Todarello’s Katoomba Village Fruit Market, I purchased three punnets of luscious blackberries and two punnets of tantalizing blueberries—all set and primed for my upcoming no-bake tart adventure!

This tart might seem like a tough nut to crack, but let me tell you, it’s a breeze! Creating this masterpiece is an absolute cinch—effortless and oh-so-fun!

How do you make this gorgeous dessert?

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GORGEOUS EASY NO-BAKE OREO BLACKBERRY MOUSSE TART

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    METHOD

    Step 1: Create the Oreo base. You will need a blender to turn the Oreo Cookies into powder. Unwrap all three packets to give you 33 cookies and add them to the blender. Once all the cookies have been cut up and resemble dirt, add the melted butter to the Oreo mixture. This will form a dough to create the crust for the tart.

    Step 2: Add the Oreo dough to the tart pan (make sure to have a tart pan with a removable bottom). Press the Oreo dough into the tart pan to cover all the bottom and the sides of the tart.

    Step 3: Once the dough is all spread out into the tart pan, put it in the freezer for 15 minutes. Don’t leave for longer than 15 minutes. After 15 minutes put the tart pan in the fridge so that you can work on the blackberry mousse filling.

    Oreo Cookies all crushed up for the tart base
    Melted butter to mix in with the Oreo Cookies to
    create the tart crust

    Making sure that the Oreo crust is spread evening over the tart pan
    Nearly done and just smoothing the Oreo crust out in the tart pan

    Step 4: Creating the blackberry mousse. Add blackberries into the blender until they are pureed, then add the cream cheese, sugar and vanilla essence until it is a smooth consistency. You might need to stop the blender and stir some ingredients around to ensure all is mixed correctly and there are no lumps.

    Pouring the blackberry mousse into the tart pan
    The blackberry mousse in the tart pan and ready to set in the fridge overnight.

    Step 5: Whip the cream until firm in a separate bowl.

    Step 6: Hydrate the gelatin sheets.

    Step 7: Heat milk in the microwave but not to boiling (needs to be hot). Make sure to drain the gelatin sheets and then add them to the hot milk and stir until they have dissolved into the milk.

    Step 8: Add the milk to the blackberry puree and mix until all is combined well.

    Step 9: Pour into the bowl with the whipped cream and carefully mix well folding over slowly to mix using enveloping movements.

    Step 10: Pour the blackberry mouse into the tart pan and smooth out the mixture to make sure it sets with no lumps or bumps on the top of the tart.

    Step 11: Refrigerate the tart for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight) to set.

    The stunningly gorgeous No-Bake Oreo Blackberry Mousse Tart cut and ready to eat!


    Once the mousse is set you can safely remove the tart from the pan. If you have some difficulty removing your tart from the pan The Cozy Plum has a great instructional video that might help.

    A piece of the tart cut and served ready to eat
    Check out the dark Oreo Base it looks amazing with the blackberry mousse.

    YUMMY! It looks so fantastic…Don’t you just want a slice?


    Decorate with: Blackberries, blueberries, nuts, dark chocolate, raspberries or whatever takes your fancy. Serve with fresh cream or ice cream.

    Enjoy this gorgeous treat!

    Admiring the dark Oreo cookie base of the blackberry mousse tart.

    POST FEAST REVIEW

    I was seriously blown away by how ridiculously easy this tart was to whip up! I mean, no cooking at all—just some fridge and freezer magic, and bam! Talk about a turbo-speed dessert! And the taste? Oh, boy, let me tell you—it was a mouthful of pure creamy goodness with that punchy blackberry zing. But guess what? Not only did it taste like a dream, but it also looked like a showstopper! Seriously, it’s a double win when delicious meets stunning!

    The added blackberries, blueberries and flowers make this no-bake tart look magical.

    WOULD I MAKE THIS AGAIN?

    Oh, heck yes! This tart was an absolute flavour bomb and a sight for sore eyes! But you know what? I’m already brainstorming some wild ideas for the next round. Picture this: a funky dance of colours in the mousse—maybe a raspberry rave or a mixed berry bash with blackberries and blueberries. I’m aiming for this majestic deep purple hue in the mousse that’ll pop against the rich, dark Oreo cookie base. Talk about a visual treat!

    And hey, why stick to one big tart when you can have a squad of mini-tarts, right? I’m thinking of snagging some individual tart pans for these bite-sized delights. They’re perfect for those quick, “I-deserve-a-treat” moments.

    But wait, the party doesn’t stop there! I’m on a mission to jazz up the decorations too. Picture this: a canvas of melted dark chocolate creating artsy lines, topped with a crunchy medley of roasted nuts—pistachios, almonds, and maybe a sprinkle of other berries for that extra pizzazz. Get ready, taste buds, because we’re about to take this tart game to a whole new level.

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    Originally published on December 30, 2023

    Categories
    Recipes

    Zesty Orange Shortbread

    I love making shortbread and lately have been giving my newly created biscuits as gifts. Rather than make the traditional shortbread, I wanted to do something different.

    Why not add freshly squeezed orange juice and zest to the shortbread?

    I visisted Todarello’s Katoomba Village Fruit Market to stock up on Valencia oranges to make my zesty orange shortbread. Todarello’s have a great array of fresh produce to choose from and it is my one stop place to get quality ingredients.

    Yummy Valencia oranges at Todarello’s Katoomba

    I used the recipe from the McKenzies Rice Flour box, but with an added twist of orange juice and orange zest.

    The Valencia oranges are so juicy and sweet

    INGREDIENTS

    • 225g plain flour, sifted
    • 115g McKenzie’s Rice Flour
    • 115g caster sugar
    • 1 pinch salt
    • 225g butter, at room temperature
    • Juice of 2 fresh Valencia oranges
    • Zest of 2 Valencia oranges
    Very orangy shortbread dough ready to roll out and create duck shortbread

    METHOD

    Preheat oven to 180 degrees C or 356 F.

    Step 1: Combine flour, rice flour, sugar, salt, add melted butter, add the juice of 2 Valencia oranges as well as the zest of 2 oranges (TIP: grate the zest first and then juice the oranges). Mix ingredients into a dough.

    Step 2: Roll the dough onto a floured surface, make sure you have flour ready for the rolling pin, as well to help with the cookie cutters. Carefully roll to desired thickness and using a cookie cutter, shape into whatever shape takes your fancy. I used many different shapes, stars, a duck, a dog, and also the number 7.

    Step 3: Place onto a tray lined with baking paper, prick with a fork, or add any decoration that you wish before the cookies go into the oven. Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes or until lightly golden. Cool before moving from the tray (If you move too quickly after coming out of the oven the biscuit can fall to bits – it needs more time to cool and harden).

    Dog shaped Zesty Orange Shortbread ready to go in the oven
    The baking paper where the dog shaped zesty orange shortbread was
    Super cute zesty orange shortbread about to go into the oven
    The baking paper where all the ducks were

    Don’t the little shortbread ducks look cute

    The zesty orange shortbread dough with a number 7 cookie cutter

    Zesty Orange Shortbread 7’s for a little person’s 7th Birthday!

    Number 7 shortbread waiting to go into the oven

    All cooked and ready to eat!

    Number 7 Zesty Orange Shortbread cooked and ready to eat
    Cute duck Zesty Orange Shortbread all cooked

    The shortbread tasted delicious and the zest added a nice texture and added to the flavour too.

    The star-shaped Zesty Orange Shortbread

    POST FEAST REVIEW

    Shortbread is yummy but zesty orange shortbread really is wonderful. The added tang of the Valencia oranges really gave it something special.

    Zesty Orange Shortbread with some orange zest for decoration – I need one now with my cup of tea

    WOULD I MAKE THIS AGAIN?

    Adding fresh Valencia orange juice and zest to shortbread was a great idea, it was very tasty. I would definitely make this again. For the next batch, I want to make it even more orangy and also add dark chocolate to create a jaffa shortbread.

    The star shaped Zesty Orange Shortbread looking very yummy. I want one right now!

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    Categories
    Recipes

    The Best Gingerbread Recipe

    Do you love to make Gingerbread? Would you like to have one of the yummiest recipes there is for gingerbread? Then read on to download the recipe and to see my versions that I created.

    Make the best ever gingerbread with this fab and prized recipe from Deniz Karaca the executive chef at EPICURE
    Make the best ever gingerbread with this fab and prized recipe from Deniz Karaca the executive chef at EPICURE

    I have been lucky enough to get my hands on Deniz Karaca’s prized gingerbread recipe.

    Deniz is the executive pastry chef of EPICURE  in Melbourne. It is a popular restaurant that is known for providing seasonal, fresh, sustainable food using the best local produce available.

    EPICURE has also set as benchmark for responsible catering. They have reduced their carbon footprint and prides itself by giving back to the community.

    Making the Gingerbread

    I had to test out the recipe to see how yummy and easy it was to follow. I must say that it was very easy and simple to do and rather tasty. I normally am not a fan of gingerbread but this mixture was very yummy. I had to test it before I even baked the biscuits.

    I collected all my ingredients that I needed for the gingerbread. I like to have them all available on the kitchen bench. This way I don't forget anything essential.
    I collected all my ingredients that I needed for the gingerbread. I like to have them all available on the kitchen bench. This way I don’t forget anything essential.

    Step 1: Before I started I made sure that the oven was heating up. I put it on at 180°C.

    Step 2: Get the baking trays ready for the finished gingerbread. The recipe says to use melted butter to grease baking trays. I did not do this, I used baking paper on the baking trays to ensure that the gingerbread did not stick to the tray. You can do either method. It does not matter.

    Butter, Sugar, egg yolk and Treacle Syrup all ready to be a creamy mixture for the gingerbread.
    Butter, Sugar, egg yolk and Treacle Syrup all ready to be a creamy mixture for the gingerbread.

    Step 3: I put the butter and sugar and made it look pale and creamy.

    gingerbread3_web

    Step 4: Now add the treacle syrup, egg yolk, until all combined. Once done add the flour, bicarbonate of soda and mixed spice (In the recipe it lists all the ingredients in the mixed spice mix. I initially thought that I had to get all of these to make my own. However I realised that if you just get a pack of Mixed Spice. I know this might be obvious to some but as I have never made gingerbread before I did not know). Mix into a dough and kneed until smooth. Wrap up in glad wrap and put in the fridge to rest for 30 mins.

    Mixing in the flour and other ingredients.
    Mixing in the flour and other ingredients.

    Note: I ended up leaving my mixture in the fridge overnight due to being busy with kids and things. Before I used it I put it on the kitchen bench for a few hours to get to room temperature, this made it soft enough to roll out to make my gingerbread people. The mixture was fine and the biscuits taste amazing the only thing you need to be aware of is if you leave it in the fridge longer it will be a bit harder and need time to soften up.

    The gingerbread dough wrapped in glad wrap and ready to go into the fridge to rest. Rest in fridge for 30 mins.
    The gingerbread dough wrapped in glad wrap and ready to go into the fridge to rest. Rest in fridge for 30 mins.

    Step 5: The recipe recommends putting baking paper underneath the dough and on top to ensure it does not stick to your rolling pin. I did this and it made it much easier to get the dough flat and made it not stick at all which helped the whole process.

    Rolling the gingerbread dough. It was a good idea to use baking paper to make it a non sticky issue with the rolling pin and counter top.
    Rolling the gingerbread dough. It was a good idea to use baking paper to make it a non sticky issue with the rolling pin and counter top.

    Step 6: Cut out your gingerbread with your cookie cutter of choice. I used a traditional shaped gingerbread man one but you can use whatever shape you wish to. It depends on the event and theme. You might want Christmas ones, or birthday party ones or just standard gingerbread men. It is up to you.

    I used a gingerbread shaped cookie cutter to make my gingerbread people. If you want you can always have different shapes, stars, trucks, people, cats and more.
    I used a gingerbread shaped cookie cutter to make my gingerbread people. If you want you can always have different shapes, stars, trucks, people, cats and more.

    Step 7: Bake your gingerbread biscuits. It takes about 10 minutes in the oven. Make sure you place the gingerbread biscuits about 3 cm apart from each other. The dough spreads a bit and you don’t want to find that one gingerbread person is attached to another.

    Gingerbread all cooked and cooling down. Once cool they will be decorated.
    Gingerbread all cooked and cooling down. Once cool they will be decorated.

    Step 8: Decorate your gingerbread. This is the fun part. You can go crazy with sprinkles, icing and lollies. Once done you can now eat them up.

    My decorated gingerbread people. Two are girls and one is a boy. I know it is hard to tell and my decorating skills need a bit of work. Don't they look pretty! Or festive to say the least.
    My decorated gingerbread people. Two are girls and one is a boy. I know it is hard to tell and my decorating skills need a bit of work. Don’t they look pretty! Or festive to say the least.

    Some of the items I used to decorate these fabulous gingerbread girls and boy were: candy eyes, hundreds and thousands, different coloured sprinkles, M&M’s, and Queen Writing Icings (I got a pack of 5 that have all different colours)

    Enjoy your gingerbread and I hope you found this recipe as yummy as I did.

    A HUGE THANK YOU!

    Thanks to Deniz Karaca from EPICURE  for sharing his gingerbread recipe with my readers.

    Originally published November 27 2016

    Categories
    Creative

    Christmas Pressie Craft

    Note: This post was created on November 9 2012 so the kids look much younger. This is still a great post to do for a cheap and one-of-a-kind gift.

    Are you trying to cut costs?  Having Christmas presents to buy does not help with the already strained budget. What do you get everyone that doesn’t cost a lot of money?

    What about a partially handmade (the decoration part is the handmade part) gift? My inspiration came from a Pin from Jodee Kulp on Pinterest, she posted about oven mitts that had been decorated by kids for relatives. Now that is a different gift that a relative would love and a cheap gift.

    Chirstmas present making
    The girls making Christmas presents

    Now what is needed to do this craft exercise? 

    • I used oven mitts and pot holders as they came in a set, I got them for $3 each, so that was lucky. Make sure to pre-wash whatever you are using as they might shrink and you would not want your work of art to be ruined after a wash.
    • Fabric Paint – I used Permaset
    • Apron for the kids. Kids in clothes that if it gets dirty it does not matter/or if it is hot enough they can just have the apron on and that will save on the washing. The bottle says fabric paint washes out with water, but I would be careful.
    • Make sure to put a cover on the floor as I kept on putting my foot into the paint the kids kept on spilling. Not good as I wondered why there was paint in the kitchen but it was due to me walking there.
    • Newspaper/paper to line the table so you just need to chuck out the paper and not scrub the table.
    • After paint has dried from the oven mitts and pot holders you just need to iron it or add heat so that it sets to the fabric paint. I would advise putting a tea towel over the creation and then ironing it. After this is done according to the paint instructions it should be good to be washed but wash with like colours.
    Busy creating
    Busy creating

    One tip: Due to the material being raised and not flat, the hand prints did not come out as I imagined.  Make sure to get material that is flat all over to ensure a better hand-print outcome.

    Christmas Craft
    Christmas Craft

    The twins got messy and just had a great time with this activity.  Just be careful when kids help create presents for Christmas, they cannot keep a secret. My girls were telling Nana (my mum) that they were making presents for her and describing what it was. I then explained it was a secret and then both girls realised. Maybe you need to talk before you start the project that it is a secret and no one can tell until the present gets opened on Christmas day.

    How about trying tea towels or T-shirts? Why not try this using fabric crayons you can have a drawing by one of the kids put on a t-shirt or tea towel.  I came across them when doing this post, have not found them but when I do will try them with the kids.

    Do you make gifts for Christmas? If so what have you made?

    Do the kids help you? If the kids have helped, have they shared the secret before the present was given? Send in your comments.

    Categories
    Things to do

    We Can’t Wait to See RELICS — You Shouldn’t Miss It Either!

    If you’ve got a LEGO-mad kid (or you are the LEGO-mad one), this is the ultimate school-holiday adventure. We cannot wait to go and experience RELICS: A New World Rises with our family!

    Created by former LEGO® Masters champions Jackson Harvey and Alex Towler, RELICS turns ordinary objects into extraordinary LEGO worlds. Imagine:

    🔹 A fridge transformed into a cryogenic health resort
    🔹 A typewriter running a bustling newspaper empire
    🔹 A Volkswagen Beetle powering a futuristic energy revolution

    Every build is packed with Minifigure mischief, playful storytelling, and tiny details that will have you looking twice… and smiling every time.

    See It Before 26 January

    This isn’t just another exhibition—RELICS closes on 26 January 2026, so now’s the time to plan your visit. With strong crowds expected over the school holidays, book early to make sure you don’t miss out!

    RELICS Highlights

    • 14 massive displays combining vintage objects with LEGO creations
    • Interactive LEGO build zone—create your own miniature worlds
    • Custom scavenger hunts for kids and adults alike
    • A futuristic story set in 2130, where LEGO societies rise from the remains of a human-free world

    More to Explore at the Australian Museum

    The fun doesn’t stop with RELICS! Over the summer holidays, the museum is also hosting two free spectacular photographic exhibitions:

    Plus, visitors can explore the stunning permanent galleries: Dinosaurs, Minerals, Birds of Australia, and award-winning First Nations galleries including Garrigarrang, Wansolmoana, and the Burra play space.

    A Story in Every Brick

    Jackson and Alex have poured years into this passion project, giving every Minifigure its own story. The result? A playful, imaginative, and surprisingly thoughtful world you’ll get lost in—together as a family.

    Don’t Miss Out

    We cannot wait to explore RELICS with our family—and you shouldn’t miss it either. Bring your kids, bring your inner LEGO fan, and get ready to be amazed!

    What: RELICS: A New World Rises exhibition
    Open now — closes 26 January 2026
    Where: Australian Museum, 1 William St, Sydney NSW
    Exhibition Tickets:     Adult: $29.00, Concession: $25.00, Child 4-15: $19.00, Child 0-3: Free 

    The Australian Museum offers free general admission and is open every day except Christmas Day (25 December). Tickets for RELICS are available now at australian.museum – strong demand is expected for the summer holidays. Gift cards for the exhibition are also available via the AM website.

    Learn about public transport, parking and how to get to the Australian Museum.

    Stay tuned over the next few days on my Instagram page for updates, photos, and all the reasons we absolutely loved RELICS!

    Categories
    Creative

    DIY Teacher Gifts

    Are you stuck what to get someone for Christmas? Wonder what to get the kids teachers for the end of the year? Well I have you sorted! Yes, worry no more!

    How about making something that will be super cheap to make that you will be amazed at the outcome and even happier with the fact that you have made a unique and personal gift as well.  I wanted to give the twins teacher a little something but was wondering what to do. I wanted to get them something practical but also personal from the girls. I decided on creating tea towels with the kids hand prints on them.

    Personalised home made tea towels for the twins teachers.
    Personalised home made tea towels for the twins teachers.

    So how did I make the tea towels?

    • I purchased tea towel material from the local sewing shop. I only bought enough for two. As you will see the material I purchased has stripes down the sides. You don’t have to get this type. Pick whatever fits the project you are creating. I paid $15, for the fabric plus the fabric pen.
    • I already had fabric paint from an earlier project.
    • When I got the fabric I also purchased a fabric pen to write the name of the teacher, the year, class and also to have the kids sign their names.
    Fabric paint on plates to make it easier for kids to put hands flat to cover the whole hand.
    Fabric paint on plates to make it easier for kids to put hands flat to cover the whole hand.

    Process

    • I washed the material before use. This made sure to ensure that the tea towel would not shrink after I have done all this work to it.
    • Once tea towel material was dry, the kids had fun adding their hand prints to the material. Make sure to have a different colour for each child and to leave enough room top and bottom for your hems and edges.
    • I made sure to have a butter knife to allow me to spread the paint evenly over the girls hands. I got the kids to practice on a spare piece of material I did not care for so that they knew how the paint would go on the material and how much was needed to give the right effect.
    • Once the fabric paint from the kids hand prints were dry, I added the teachers names, year, and class for the girls. I added their names under the right hand prints and also got the kids to sign their names to each tea towel. It is a bit hard to write with these pens so you might need to help a little person with this.
    • Make sure to iron the fabric to set the fabric paint once all dry. The paint needs heat to set it into the fabric.

     

    The fabric paint is drying, on our DIY tea towels for the twins teachers.
    The fabric paint is drying, on our DIY tea towels for the twins teachers.

     

    The stitch that I used was great for the edges. It looks pretty and as you will see from the below video goes over the edges nicely to make sure it is secure and will last a long time!

    All wrapped up and with Panda cards. The kids are in a class called the Kinda Pandas so this was so cool I found this online.
    All wrapped up and with Panda cards. The kids are in a class called the Kinda Pandas so this was so cool I found this online.

    I hope this gives you some ideas and tips on how to make a cheap gift for family or your lovely teacher. Have fun and don’t get paint everywhere!

     

    Originally published December 11, 2014

    Categories
    Family

    Why is it my job to organise everything for Christmas?

    Why is it that the wife or female partner seems to organise everything for Christmas.

    Some of the things that are left to me are:

    • Planning and buying Christmas Presents
    • Cleaning and tidying the house
    • Organising the kids
    • Wrapping the presents
    • Mailing the presents
    • Buying and cooking the food
    • Making the food

    Let's hope that my presents look this nice once wrapped up. I'm sure no one will care once they rip off the paper to get to the present.
    Let’s hope that my presents look this nice once wrapped up. I’m sure no one will care once they rip off the paper to get to the present.

    My family only buy for the kids. The adults have everything they need or want, and I suppose if someone really needs something they either buy it themselves or might get it as a gift from others at a later stage.

    Since my family is sorted and I just need to get kids presents then this leaves hubby’s family.

    Hubby’s family buy for everyone which is nice, but if you are me and have limited time and really not sure what to get people it is hard indeed.

    There are only so many times you can get someone a cup or another item that will get pushed to the back of the cupboard, and possibly never used.

    I like to get people something different, interesting gifts that they would not get for themselves. I also love to buy things that people will use, want and need.

    Buying people gifts that they will indeed need and use is hard when you are not sure what they have or really would like for Christmas.

    I tried to employ a tactic this year to make hubby get responsible for his families present buying. He used the excuse that he is busy with work and therefore doesn’t have any time to do this shopping. He also used the other angle of not knowing what to purchase.

    Geeez like I am a present seer and can know exactly what is in people’s brains. Maybe I am. Maybe I have an inner gift or special skill that I am unaware of.

    One approach I used was to say that since hubby was near a big shopping centre he could go to Thursday late night shopping. Shop alone and without kids, think about what to get and then secretly bring it all back. This I thought would alleviate stress and make things easier on both of us.

    He, of course, did not like this idea….. typical I thought.

    I still don’t see why running around like a mad person to get things for everyone is all up to me!

    Due to not getting the time to touch base of what I had already purchased and to think of what items we give to what family member it is hard to know what we still need to purchase.

    Today I managed to get hubby to see all the things I have already got and we did a stocktake of items we still need to get.

    Due to hubby not willing to do the shopping and the fact that Christmas is nearly here, I said the following:

    “If you are not willing to go and get the shopping for your family, and now the kids are on holiday it makes it harder for me. I’m not taking the kids shopping with me to finalise the present shopping. I’ll go on Saturday and do it on my own. You mind the kids and I will have the day to get it done”

    So I have spent a day by myself at the shops mostly trying to get the missing presents we needed.

    I took a break from shopping to have some food and a much-needed coffee. Yummy!
    I took a break from shopping to have some food and a much-needed coffee. Yummy!

    Being out by myself today is a good outcome of having to do the present shopping. I get a well-deserved break. Quiet time and can finally enter shops without telling kids to not touch things and be always on alert.

    It is a very hot day and I have finally found a place that is air-conditioned to have a cool drink and a snack before I get the final present and then food for the house.

    I think next year I will go on strike and hubby can organise everything.

    Being in a paid job is not the only criteria for being busy and not having time to get things done. I have three kids, until recently they were in school and due to the end of the year, there were functions to be at which meant I had to be at the school until about 11am. This then meant that I had less than an hour to get something done for me and then to be back at school for 2.55pm.

    Now kids are on holiday I cannot get things done without taking them with me. The baby will still be going to care so that is a plus and I’m grateful for that.

    I too have a job (I blog) and have deadlines and commitments. It is a hard juggle and like any working mum would tell you it is busy.

    Have you had the chat to your boyfriend/husband or partner about why it seems like it is all up to you? Have you put your hands in the air and declared that you are on strike?

    I think a strike is needed next year.

    I am so tired and there still more to do:

    • Cleaning the house
    • Removing clutter
    • Wrapping presents
    • And possibly much more than I have forgotten about now.

    Does this happen at your house?

    You are the one that organises everything for everybody? I am exhausted and it is not Christmas yet.

    Or do you share the Christmas organsiation at your place?  Let us know how it works?

    I am glad that I have had some time alone but could have lived without racing around getting last minute gifts.

    Originally posted 17 December 2017

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    Categories
    Recipes

    Valencia Orange Sunset Pie

    Oranges are bright, colourful and a happy fruit. Yes, fruit can be happy, especially when it reminds me of summer and holidays.

    The Valencia Orange Sunset Pie looks so pretty

    Todarello’s Katoomba Village Fruit Market is the best place to buy fresh produce in Katoomba. They have a bright and large store to showcase their fresh fruit and vegetables. I love visiting Toddarello’s to get all my fresh goodies for the family, as I always know that I get great quality, and the service is excellent. If you need help to get your fresh produce to the car someone will carry it for you making your shopping experience so much easier.

    I visited Todarello’s to stock up on Valencia oranges to make a few things to enjoy during summer. The recipes I created don’t have to be just for summer they can be enjoyed all year round!

    “Valencias are one of the most common orange varieties, and available from November to February – the summer months. They are deliciously sweet and juicy and ideal for juicing. Valencias are mainly grown in the Riverina.”

    Citrus Australia.
    The entry to Todarello’s at Katoomba

    Yummy looking Valancia Oranges
    These are perfect Valancia Oranges for my recipes, thanks Todarello’s

    Shopping at Todarello’s at Katoomba
    The side of the Valencia Orange Sunset Pie makes me want a slice now!

    I wanted to cook a pie or dessert with oranges but had no idea what to make, a Google search had many suggestions but one recipe that interested me was a Valencia Orange Sunset Pie.

    The website for the recipe said it was like a Key Lime Pie but with Valencia oranges. In the recipe, I saw the crust was made with Nilla Wafers instead of Graham crackers. I however made my version with vanilla wafer biscuits.

    One of the attractions of creating this recipe was to attempt a very orangy dessert and a crust from vanilla wafers rather than pastry. I really wasn’t sure about it, as I had never made a crust with wafers or crushed biscuits. I know other tarts and pies have similar crusts so it is not that different, it was just something I had never created before.

    Totally impressive Valencia Orange Sunset Pie

    My recipe was inspired by the All Recipes version. I made a few changes to make it my own.

    INGREDIENTS

    Crust:

    • 2 cups of crushed vanilla wafers ( I used 2 packs of vanilla wafers from Woolworths)
    • 2 tablespoons of white sugar
    • 5 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted

    Orange Filling:

    • 5 large egg yolks, beaten
    • 1 can of Sweetened Condensed Milk 397g
    • 4 Valencia Oranges juiced and pureed (before you juice the oranges make sure you get the zest from each of the oranges). In the All Recipes version, they used concentrated orange juice. I thought why not have fresh juice and make it even more orangey.
    Valencia Orange Sunset Pie ingredients

    Decoration:

    • Zest from oranges – use a grater to get the zest from the oranges (do this before you use them to juice and then puree).
    • Extra oranges for fresh orange slices
    • Flowers

    Other options for decorating the pie can be toasted almond flakes and whipped cream or ice cream.

    Full view of the Valencia Orange Sunset Pie


    METHOD

    Preheat oven to 180 degrees C or 350 degrees F

    Step 1: Make the crust first. Stir wafers, butter, and sugar in a bowl until all are mixed thoroughly together. Take the mixture and press evenly in the bottom and up the sides of a pie tin.

    Step 2: Bake crust for 10 minutes or until golden brown. Cool the crust while you make the orange filling.

    Step 3: In a saucepan over high heat to begin with and then lower to medium heat after about 2-3 mins. Mix eggs, add condensed milk, and the pureed Valencia oranges with juice as well. Make sure all ingredients are combined well and it is slightly thickening up.

    Step 4: Pour the filling into the cooled crust.

    Step 5: Bake until the filling is firm to the touch and only slightly wobbly in the centre. Cooking time is about 13 minutes or a little bit more depending on your oven. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before you put your sunshine pie in the fridge to fully set.

    Step 6: Now your Valencia Orange Sunset Pie has cooled down it needs to go into the fridge to set completely and not be so wibbly wobbly.

    Step 7: Decorate your Valencia Orange Sunset Pie. Add the orange zest, fresh orange slices, almonds, cream, flowers, or other nuts like pistachios. You can even have flakes of dark chocolate and make it a bit like a jaffa cake, it is up to you. Be creative!

    I added fresh orange zest and orange slices to decorate the Valencia Orange Sunset Pie

    “Valencia oranges were originally grown in southern California, they were named after Valencia in Spain, which is renowned for growing sweet oranges. It’s a thin skinned orange and is perfect for juicing.”

    Yates
    Testing out the Valencia Orange Sunset Pie

    POST FEAST REVIEW

    Looking at a pie like Valencia Orange Sunset Pie I thought creating it would be complicated. Well, it was a lot easier and straightforward than I thought it would be, in fact, it was super easy.

    The filling was so tangy and orangy, the zest on top really made it pop. I think that using fresh juice and pulp puree from valencia oranges made it taste fantastic.

    The crust of the Valencia Orange Sunset Pie looks so yummy!

    WOULD I MAKE THIS AGAIN?

    Yes, I would make this in a heartbeat. I would change the crust to shortcrust pastry, and make little individual pies rather than one big one.

    I do hope you like this Valencia Orange Sunset Pie as much as I do. It will impress guests at your next dinner party or be a great treat if you visit friends and family for dessert.

    What to make if you have extra Valencia Oranges

    If you have extra oranges over why not make a very orangey orange syrup



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    Categories
    Family

    It’s Never Too Late to Talk About ADHD

    I know I’m a little late to the party for ADHD Awareness Month, but as a mum to a little boy with ADHD, this isn’t just a month for me — it’s every single day. 💛

    My son’s ADHD isn’t something I want to “fix” — it’s something I celebrate. It gives him creativity, energy, and an imagination that sees the world differently. I honestly believe it’s his superpower. But that doesn’t mean it’s always easy. ADHD comes with challenges that many families know all too well — navigating school systems, finding the right support, and trying to explain what “neurodivergent” really means to people who don’t live it every day.

    So, even if Awareness Month is technically over, the conversation never should be. That’s why I’m excited to share some incredible voices and resources that are doing powerful things in the ADHD community — from parents, coaches, and educators to those living this journey firsthand.

    💬 Meet Some Inspiring ADHD Advocates

    👩‍🔬 Jane McFadden from ADHD Mums
    Jane is an Aussie mum, neuroscientist, and autism/ADHD assessor with lived experience as an AuDHD parent. Through her podcast and content, she:

    • Validates the unseen work of mothers
    • Calls out the systems that fail us
    • Shares neurodivergent-friendly strategies
    • Builds real community

    🎧 Learn more about Jane’s work here.

    👩‍👦 Susan Hughes – Certified ADHD Parenting Coach
    Susan’s story is one so many parents can relate to. After her own child was diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia, she couldn’t find the support she needed — so she built it herself. Now, she’s helping parents support their kids their wayand embrace the now.

    🌐 Discover Susan’s work here.

    🧠 Dr Lou Brown from Thriving with ADHD
    Lou brings research, real-life experience, and compassion to her ADHD parenting programs. Her work focuses on acceptance, realistic optimism, and mental health recovery rather than “fixing behaviour.” It’s parenting with empathy and understanding — and it’s changing lives.

    🔍 Learn more about Lou here.

    💜 Vivian Dunstan – ADHD Support Australia
    Vivian’s organisation provides monthly online talks, guidance, and a thriving sense of community. From parenting strategies to supporting children at school, ADHD Support Australia is all about person-centered support and connection.

    🌏 Explore their community here.

    🌈 The Divergent Edge
    Founded by Dani Bultitude, this initiative bridges the gap between traditional therapy and the needs of neurodivergent people. After her own ADHD diagnosis, Dani created a space for therapeutic coaching that truly understands what it means to think differently.

    ✨ Find out more here.

    🧩 Helpful ADHD Resources You’ll Love

    If you’re on your own ADHD journey — whether you’re a parent, educator, or adult navigating it yourself — Twinkl has some incredible free resources to support you:

    💖 My Final Thought

    ADHD isn’t about being “too much” — it’s about being uniquely wired for creativity, curiosity, and courage. Awareness isn’t a one-month thing. It’s a daily celebration of our differences, our challenges, and the beautiful ways our minds work.

    So here’s to the dreamers, the wigglers, the talkers, and the kids (and adults) who can’t sit still because their ideas are too big to stay put. 💫

    If you have a little one with ADHD, know this: you’re not alone. Their spark isn’t something to dim — it’s something to fuel.

    Categories
    Party ideas

    Harry Potter Birthday Party

    This year the girls wanted a Harry Potter or Wizard themed birthday party. (Read on to get the free takeaway – Harry Potter Cupcake Toppers)

    I thought how do I get into the spirit of the Harry Potter theme?

    The invitations are the way to set the scene.  Making sure that the invites are on track with the Harry Potter/Wizard theme is a good start.

    I create my own for the twins birthday parties and this year was no exception.

    The invitation that I created for the girls 9th birthday party. I got inspired by another invite I saw and used some of the text. The images were all ones that I found online and all are clip art so free to use.
    The invitation that I created for the girls 9th birthday party. I got inspired by another invite I saw and used some of the text. The images were all ones that I found online and all are clip art so free to use.

    To make my invitation have the right look I had to have the Harry Potter Font or something like it. Font Space have free Harry Potter fonts and are easy to download, install and start using.

    Instructions if you are installing a font for your very own Harry Potter invitation:

    1. Download the font
    2. Install the font into the fonts folder in the control panel
    3. Once the font or fonts are now added to your fonts folder you should see them in Photoshop or other programs you use to create your invitation. (I used Photoshop but if you don’t have Photoshop you can use a free web based Photoshop like editor called PIXLR EDITOR)
    4. Now you have your fonts you can get creative with your invitation.

    Now you have created your Harry Potter/Wizard invitations, the food and decor are something to think about.

    What type of things will you serve to make the kids feel like they are at a Harry Potter Party? The twins told me that if it is not 100% Harry Potter that is okay, it just has to be wizard like.

    Phew I thought, I was worried that it might not be exact and of course not accurately Harry Potter.

    I googled for inspiration. I also went to Pinterest too.

    Below is what I created for the party. I did my best to keep with the Harry Potter or Wizard theme. 

    1. I saw from Darla at Bakingdom that she did a coloured layered cake for each house in Harry Potter. After getting depressed about all the fancy cakes out there, I thought that this would be easier to do. I have done
      The different coloured layers of the Harry Potter Cake. This is to show the different houses.
      The different coloured layers of the Harry Potter Cake. This is to show the different houses.

      one similar the year or so before but it was a cake that had sweets inside...yep a surprise for everyone. I used the layered cake idea for the Harry Potter Party but did my own decorations.

      For the layers I added food colouring to four cakes to get one for each house:

      Gryffindor – Red
      Hufflepuff – Yellow
      Ravenclaw – Blue
      Slytherin – Greeen

    2. My decorations for the cake were piped out of dark chocolate in the shape of Harry Potter’s glasses and also the scar on his forehead. I also used chocolate stars that were already made in the cake section of the supermarket.
      The dark chocolate that I piped to form the decorations on the Harry Potter Cake. I got the exact shapes from a printed download and copied that. Once done I put in the fridge to set.
      The dark chocolate that I piped to form the decorations on the Harry Potter Cake. I got the exact shapes from a printed download and copied that. Once done I put in the fridge to set.
      The chocolate decorations for the Harry Potter cake. I kept it simple.
      The chocolate decorations for the Harry Potter cake. I kept it simple.
      Finished Harry Potter cake all ready for the party.
      Finished the Harry Potter cake all ready for the party.

       

    3. Sorting Hat Cupcakes – I saw them online and had to give them a go. Make your cupcakes. Cut a bit out of the middle and put in a few coloured M&M’s (I used the ones that didn’t have peanuts in case of allergies). The colours need to match the houses in Harry Potter. I did have to stand for a while and separate the colours I needed from a big bag of M&M’s. Once you have put the secret M&M’s into the cupcake put the cake back on top and then ice it. Decorate and done. Now do it the rest of them and then all your sorting hat cupcakes are organised. I made sure that there was an even number of each colour. Below are the colours I needed for the sorting hat cupcakes and as said got only those colours in six cupcakes each. I made chocolate vegan cupcakes with very dark chocolate icing. The icing was just icing sugar, organic cocoa powder from the health food shop, and water. This icing is just like pure chocolate and perfect for anyone who cannot have butter or other ingredients.

      Gryffindor – Red
      Hufflepuff – Yellow
      Ravenclaw – Blue
      Slytherin – Greeen       
    4. Wizard Bread – Fairy bread but these were stars and therefore more wizardry than normal fairy bread. I had fresh bread on the day of the party, and simply cut out star shapes with a cookie cutter. Once all done I put a little bit of butter on each star and decorated them with hundreds and thousands.
      Yummy Wizard Bread
      Yummy Wizard Bread
    5. Broomsticks –  I got the idea from One Little Project and this can also be used for Halloween as well. All you need is straight pretzels, cheese sticks that are able to be created into the end of the broom (I used Bega Stringers as the cheese allows you to take the ends and turn them up to look like a straw broom), and then you need some chives to tie around the base of the cheese and pretzel to make it look like the tie holding the broom and the handle together.Making the broomsticks is rather fiddly so if you are like me there might be a few words said when they don’t go your way. You need to be extra careful when you push in the pretzel into the cheese.One tip that helps is to make a hole in the cheese to allow the pretzel to go in easily, however be careful as it might make the cheese break too.
      Some my first broomsticks that I made. Don't they look awesome!
      Some my first broomsticks that I made. Don’t they look awesome!

       

       

      More broomsticks.
      More broomsticks.
      Broomsticks all ready for the kids to eat them at the party.
      Broomsticks are all ready for the kids to eat at the party.

       

    6. Magic Wizard Chocolate – I saw this online ages ago and have used it for a few parties now. I have made it different by some things I used in the chocolate and of course naming it Magic Wizard Chocolate helped make it more special for the party.
      To create the magic wizard chocolate. Firstly purchase some dark chocolate or the chocolate of choice to melt. You will need a couple of packs as you need to melt the chocolate and lay it on a big tray. If you have a lot of chocolate you can make two trays. You will be amazed at how quickly this gets eaten. I chose dark-cooking chocolate and got three packs of the chocolate. You then need to have sweets to stick into the melted chocolate before it hardens. Feel free to add whatever you wish as it is up to you and the theme of your party. I chose eyes, bright candy, Kit-Kats, raspberries, and sprinkles. Once the chocolate has set (I helped it along by putting it in the fridge). All you need to do is break it into little pieces so that the kids can just take a bite-sized part and not a whole bit of it. The eyes help it look a bit spooky so will be a perfect party treat for Halloween, monsters, and of course a wizard party like Harry Potter.
    7. Lolly Snakes – I made sure to have snakes as one house is called Slytherin and a birthday party really has to have more sweets it seemed to make sense.
      Slytherin snakes for the kids... of course they are not real but lollies instead.
      Slytherin snakes for the kids… of course, they are not real but lollies instead.

       

       

    8. Magic Chocolate Frogs – In Harry Potter there are chocolate frogs that fly away. Mine were not like this and nearly all the frogs got eaten to never return on the day. Sad but they were very yummy.
      Magic Chocolate Frogs and Wizard Chocolate
      Magic Chocolate Frogs and Wizard Chocolate

    I made sure that all food had labels that fit in with the theme of the party. This way everyone got involved in the fun.

    The birthday girls excited to cut the cake.
    The birthday girls are excited to cut the cake.

    There was also a seat that had invisible cloaks for anyone who needed one. Yep I wore mine although no one knew due to it being invisible.

    Some great tips and more inspiration to throw an amazing Harry Potter Party is listed in the BuzzFeed’s article on 33 cheap ways to organise an epic Harry Potter Halloween Party

     

    I hope this gives you some great ideas for a Harry Potter Party or even Halloween.

    Inside the Harry Potter Cake for the girls 9th Birthday Party.
    Inside the Harry Potter Cake for the girls 9th Birthday Party.

     

    FREE TAKEAWAY BELOW!

    I’ve created a fabulous download for you. Harry Potter Cupcake Toppers. Perfect for your next party.

    Originally published October 24 2017

    Categories
    Creative

    Mini Pumpkin Jack O’Lanterns

    Mini Pumpkins, one for each kid.
    Mini Pumpkins, one for each kid.

    Yesterday the kids and I created mini Jack O’Lanterns.

    Three mini pumpkins, just the right size for kids to carve and also the right number for each child. Also, they were a little cheaper than the bigger ones. So if you wish to have a little celebration and not spend a fortune, get a mini pumpkin.

     

    Mini Pumpkins, one for each kid.
    Mini Pumpkins, one for each kid.

     

     

    This year we did it a bit differently with the way we cut out the design for each pumpkin.

    • I let the kids draw on their pumpkins with a permanent marker so they could easily see the shapes they had to cut out.
    • As the pumpkin was smaller than we have had in the past putting a printout and sizing it correctly would have been a pain to do.
    • Drawing on the pumpkin allowed the freedom to change the design although you could still see the texta marks.

     

    NOTE: I made sure that I supervised the kids with the knife. I showed them carefully what to do and when I realized things were getting difficult I took over. I didn’t want any lost fingers prior to Halloween and frankly, I can live without that drama. We have all got our fingers intact and this is how we like it.

    Make sure you supervise kids using a knife and in doubt do it for them.

    Julia and Lillian help me

    make Mini Jack O’ Lanterns








    Note the lovely sibling love when Lillian says to Julia that she will not survive due to stinging herself with the inside of the pumpkin due to a cut. Nice sisterly love.

    Also, you can hear the cicadas in the background, they are very noisy and go nonstop during the day. They are not as noisy during the cool nights.

    I hope you liked our Jack O’Lanterns. Make some to celebrate Halloween today. Or if it is not for Halloween cut out a different decoration.

     

    The finished product. 3 lovely scary mini Jack O'Lanterns.
    The finished product. 3 lovely scary mini Jack O’Lanterns.

    Sign up to download FREE Harry Potter Cupcake Toppers

    Perfect for your next party, a spooky one, or just a birthday celebration.

    Originally published Oct 30, 2017

    Categories
    Recipes

    Snot Drops

    Are you looking for a spooky cookie to make for Halloween or a birthday party?


    Make Snot Drops today! It will make everyone want to say, YUCKY!

    This was a fun and super easy recipe to make, and I am sure that the kids would love helping out too.

    All the ingredients you need to make the snot drops…well aside from the jam

    Temu Up, Price Down

    Snot drops are ready to be cooked in the oven.
    Snot Drops cooked and cooling down..we cannot wait to try them.

    Enjoy your snot drops and yes….I said you will enjoy snot drops. Trust me they are very yummy!


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    Originally published Oct 21, 2020

    Categories
    Recipes

    Make Choc Chip Pumpkin Bread

    Have you wanted a tasty and healthy (well there are some healthy ingredients) treat for the lunch box or afternoon tea? How about adding pumpkin to a recipe, if you are worried it doesn’t taste like pumpkin at all just has the healthy benefits of pumpkin.

    If you said yes, then I have a great recipe for you.

    Choc Chip Pumpkin Bread - Yummy and all ready to eat!
    Choc Chip Pumpkin Bread – Yummy and all ready to eat!

    Make it easy and download the recipe card and instructions

    INGREDIENTS

    • 2 cups (300g) self-raising flour
    • 50g butter melted
    • 2 Eggs
    • 2/3 cup (130g) dark choc chips
    • 1/2 cup (55g) chopped walnuts
    • Pepitas (pumpkin seeds) and sunflower seeds
    • 1 cup (220g) brown sugar
    • 1 cup (250g) mashed pumpkin (I made my own)
    • 1/2 cup (125ml) buttermilk

    SET THE OVEN FOR  180°C   OR    356°F

    My fresh made pumpkin mash all ready to make Choc Chip Pumpkin Bread
    My freshly made pumpkin mash all ready to make Choc Chip Pumpkin Bread

    METHOD

    Step 1: Make your own Pumpkin Mash

    I made my own pumpkin mash. I measured the correct amount of pumpkin needed. Then took off the skin. I added a little water to a saucepan and then added the cut-up pumpkin. I cooked until it was soft to make a mash. I cooled it a little to be not hot when it was added to the other dry and wet ingredients.

    You don’t need to create your own mash, but it was super simple and easy to create, and it meant it was all fresh.  If you would rather not do your own mash you can buy canned pumpkin mash and then add it to the mixture.

    Step 2: Mix all ingredients into a bowl and make sure they are mixed well.

    How good does this look....I want a piece now. All cooked and amazing looking choc chip pumpkin bread.
    How good does this look….I want a piece now. All cooked and amazing looking choc chip pumpkin bread.

    Step 3: In a buttered tin (I used a big rectangle one that is good for bigger cakes), put in all the mixture. Make sure that it is all level and the top of the cake looks smooth. If you need to use a knife to smooth out the top.

    Step 4: Add the dark chop chips, walnuts, pepitas and sunflower seeds to the top of the cake. I found that since the mixture was a bit thicker than a standard cake the seeds and choc chips stayed on the top, whereas a standard cake means that these items would have fallen into the cake and stuck to the bottom.

    You can add any seeds you wish, so if you prefer something else add those.

    Step 5: Cook for about 1 hour or until a skewer comes out cleanly of the cake/bread. I checked often as I was unsure if an hour was too long. I think it got close to being in the oven for an hour.

    Step 6: Eat your yummy choc chip pumpkin bread – share with friends or just have it for yourself for afternoon tea.

    Yummy Choc Chip Pumpkin Bread all ready to eat
    Yummy Choc Chip Pumpkin Bread all ready to eat

    I hope you enjoy this yummy recipe.

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    Originally published October 11, 2019

    Categories
    Recipes

    Zombie Eyes

    Want a very easy and a no-bake party treat?

    This scary and spooky treat is simple to make and looks amazing, and no baking needed, so a win all round.

    INGREDIENTS

    • Marshmallows – you can have the pink and white ones or just white it is up to you. Colour doesn’t matter.
    • Icing Pens – I used red but ran out so I ended up using a green and yellow icing pen also. As long as the colour looks spooky.
    • Smarties or M&M’s for the eyeball.

    METHOD

    • Line up the marshmallows on a tray
    • Get the icing pen and draw squiggly lines all over them to reasonable bloodshot veins
    • Once all the icing is on the marshmallows you can then add the Smarties or M&Ms to the Marshmallow. It doesn’t matter what colour you add as long as it looks freaky and fun.

    Now enjoy eating your zombie eyes and scaring your guests.

    Make more Halloween Party Food with these inspirations from Amazon.

    Sign up to get these fun and scary Monster Cupcake Toppers

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    Categories
    Things to do

    Step Into RELICS: A LEGO® Adventure at the Australian Museum

    We love LEGO® and absolutely adore the Australian Museum – it’s the perfect place to spend a day (or even just a few hours) keeping the kids entertained. And now there’s a new reason to visit: RELICS: A New World Rises, opening Saturday, 16 August 2025.

    Created by former LEGO® Masters champions Jackson Harvey and Alex Towler, RELICS transforms everyday objects into incredible LEGO® worlds filled with tiny Minifigure stories and mind-blowing creativity. From refrigerators turned into cryogenic health resorts to typewriters as bustling newspaper headquarters, there’s something to discover at every turn.

    With an interactive LEGO® build zone, scavenger hunts, and endless imaginative inspiration, RELICS is perfect for LEGO®-obsessed kids – or adults who never outgrew their love for LEGO®. It’s a fun, creative, and totally unique way to spend a few hours at the museum.

    Whether you’re a LEGO® fanatic or just love seeing creativity come to life, RELICS is an experience you won’t want to miss. Get ready to explore a world where the past and the future collide in the most imaginative ways.

    📅 When: Opens Saturday, 16 August 2025 and will run until Tuesday, 27 January 2026.
    📍 Where: Australian Museum, 1 William St, Sydney NSW
    🎟 Tickets: Adults $29 | Concession $25 | Children 4-15 $19 | Under 4 free

    Exhibition Highlights:

    • 14 immersive displays that transform vintage objects into detailed LEGO® worlds
    • Created by LEGO® Masters champions Jackson Harvey and Alex Towler
    • Engaging, layered storytelling filled with hidden details to delight curious minds of all ages
    • Interactive build zone where visitors can design, build, and display their own LEGO® creations
    • Custom scavenger hunts tailored for both children and adults
    • Audio guide available – download the free, accessible guide to your device before arrival and bring your own headphones for the best experience

    RELICS at the Australian Museum is the perfect way to spend a day with the family. LEGO® fans of all ages will be captivated by the incredible displays, interactive build zones, and imaginative stories, while everyone can also explore the museum’s fascinating exhibits. It’s a day full of creativity, discovery, and fun – a must-do for kids and adults alike!

    Categories
    Education

    Amelia Earhart and the Spirit of Australian Aviation

    Aviation has always held a kind of magic. There’s something about the roar of engines, the vast stretch of open sky, and the freedom to go anywhere that speaks to the adventurer in all of us. For me, this fascination started early. I adored Amelia Earhart. As a child, I dreamt of stumbling upon her plane on some remote desert island, imagining myself solving the greatest mystery in aviation history. That dream was fed not just by her story, but by the fact that both my parents flew planes—and so did the father of my children. Flight, in many ways, is part of my story.

    While Amelia Earhart Day was marked on July 24, it’s never too late to honour her incredible achievements—or to celebrate the impact of aviation in Australia. Today, we look skyward to remember the pioneers who broke barriers, the flying services that changed lives, and the lasting power of bold women who dared to chase the horizon.

    ✈️ Pioneers Who Put Australia on the Map

    Australia has long punched above its weight in aviation history. From daring pilots to brilliant inventors, here are just a few of the people who’ve helped shape the skies:

    Sir Charles Kingsford Smith
    A true legend, “Smithy” made global headlines in 1928 when he completed the first trans-Pacific flight from the U.S. to Australia aboard the Southern Cross. Today, every time you fly into Sydney’s Kingsford Smith International Airport, you’re landing in a place named for a true hero of the skies.

    Nancy-Bird Walton
    Trained by Kingsford Smith himself, Nancy-Bird broke barriers as Australia’s first female commercial pilot at just 17. Her career inspired generations of women to follow their aviation dreams—mine included. Her legacy lives on in Qantas aircraft, scholarships, and in the air itself.

    Lawrence Hargrave
    Before flight was even possible, Hargrave was experimenting with box kites and lift concepts. His inventive genius in the 1890s laid groundwork for the planes we know today. Without him, the science of flight might have taken a very different trajectory.

    🌏 The Australian Sky: More Than Just Blue

    Flight has transformed this country—from the rugged Outback to the vibrant coastlines:

    Qantas
    Founded in 1920, Qantas has grown into one of the world’s safest and most reliable airlines. Its name, short for Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services, speaks to its mission from the beginning—connecting people across vast distances.

    The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS)
    Born out of necessity in 1928, the RFDS is an extraordinary example of aviation being used for good. In a country where medical help can be hundreds of kilometres away, their aircraft bring urgent care to the people who need it most.

    Remote Airstrips and Lifelines
    With over 2,000 airfields across Australia—many in isolated areas—aviation remains a vital part of everyday life. For some communities, it’s their only lifeline to education, healthcare, and essential supplies.

    🌟 A Moment for Amelia

    And then there’s Amelia Earhart. Brave, brilliant, and endlessly curious—she taught the world that women belonged in the cockpit, and in the conversation about discovery, courage, and change. In 1932, she became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic, and in doing so, became a symbol of possibility.

    Her disappearance in 1937, while attempting to fly around the world, remains an unsolved mystery—but maybe that’s what continues to draw us in. Her story was never just about where she went—it was about how she lived. With boldness, grace, and the belief that the sky is not the limit.

    🛫 Explore More: Aviation Resources for Curious Minds

    If this post has you itching to learn more, you’re in luck. Twinkl has engaging, kid-friendly resources that bring Amelia’s story to life:

    • Amelia Earhart Fact File
    • Colouring Sheets and Word Searches
    • Amelia Earhart Crossword Puzzle

    Plus, check out our Australian Aviation Museum Map and make a plan to visit one of the many places around the country keeping these incredible stories alive. See the map below:

    💭 Final Thoughts

    From the skies of Australia to the legend of Amelia Earhart, aviation continues to stir the soul and spark the imagination. Whether you’re flying planes, watching them from the ground, or dreaming of finding a long-lost aircraft on a deserted island, today is a beautiful day to look up—and remember how far we’ve come.

    Here’s to the dreamers, the pilots, the pioneers—and to everyone still chasing the sky. 🛩️

    Categories
    Recipes

    Make Chicken & Broccoli Soup

    It is getting colder. The nights are getting darker and spending time in front of the fire is a must.

    Make these cool nights better with some tasty and healthy soup.

    Download the Chicken and Broccoli Soup Recipe here!

    Voome's Chicken and Broccoli Soup 
    Chicken and Broccoli Soup

    Don’t be put off by the fact that it looks so vibrantly green. It tastes amazing!

    All my ingredients for the Chicken & Broccoli Soup.
    All my ingredients for the Chicken & Broccoli Soup.

    Ingredients

    • 1 Teaspoon of vegetable stock powder. ( I used some stock cubes I already had in the cupboard)
    • 300g of Broccoli chopped up
    • 3 Shallots (18g) chopped
    • 50g of Baby Spinach
    • 225g of Grilled lean Chicken Breast – Shredded (I used BBQ Chicken without the skin. I cut it up so that it was like it was shredded)
    • 1 Tablespoon of Basil Pesto (20g)
    • 1 Wholemeal Pita Bread (40g)

    My version of Voome's Chicken & Broccoli Soup. Mine had more water in it so therefore was not as thick looking as Voome's version. Tastes amazing!
    My Chicken & Broccoli Soup. Mine had more water in it, so it was not as thick-looking as the recipe. Tastes amazing anyway!

    Method

    1. Pour 2 and a half cups or 625ml of water into a saucepan. Bring it to the boil.  (I added too much water as I was wanting to feed more people. If I added less the soup would not have been as watery. It did not take away from the taste and I even ended up getting seconds as it was so yummy. )
    2. Add stock powder and broccoli. Cover and return to the boil. Cook for about 3 minutes or until tender.
    3. Add the shallots and spinach. Cook for another 2 minutes.
    4. Remove from the heat and blitz with a handheld blender. Once all the ingredients are mixed in and all is smooth then return to the heat.
    5. Add the chicken and pesto.
    6. Season to serve. You could add ground black pepper, crunchy croutons, or as some other readers have done lemon juice was added, just a squeeze to enhance the flavour.

    Suggestions

    • You could add some ravioli to the soup or maybe some noodles.
    • Maybe some crunchy bacon bits to the top of the soup to add with the texture and give you an added crunch with the soup.

    Lillian tried out the Chicken & Broccoli Soup by Voome. She had a bit but not as much as I had hoped. I suppose it is good she gave it a go.
    Lillian tried out the Chicken & Broccoli Soup by Voome. She had a bit but not as much as I had hoped. I suppose it is good she gave it a go.

    The broccoli ready to go into the soup. Broccoli is good for you. It has Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Folate, Beta-Carotene that helps the body convert to Vitamin A, it also has Sulforaphane which has been said to help fight cancer.
    The broccoli ready to go into the soup. Broccoli is good for you. It has Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Folate, Beta-Carotene that helps the body convert to Vitamin A, it also has Sulforaphane which has been said to help fight cancer.

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    Originally published July 4 2017

    Categories
    Recipes

    Knead Some Creativity? Make Stunning Focaccia Designs

    Processed with MOLDIV

    Why settle for plain bread when you can bake a garden? This focaccia recipe is your ticket to creating a delicious masterpiece that’s as stunning as it is scrumptious. With simple ingredients, a little patience, and a sprinkle of creativity, you’ll craft a loaf that’s golden, crispy, and blooming with veggie “flowers.” Let’s turn your kitchen into an edible art studio!

    INGREDIENTS

    • 4 cups “00” flour or bread flour if you don’t have 00 flour
    • 1 tsp salt 
    • 2 cups warm water 
    • 2 tsp dry instant yeast 
    • 1 tsp sugar 
    • ½ cup olive oil 

    For decoration:

    • Capsicum, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, mushrooms, or whatever veggies spark your creativity!
    • Parsley, you can add other herbs if you like, for example, rosemary, chives, or basil.

    I sourced all my fresh ingredients from Todarello’s Katoomba Village Fruit Market, a true gem for any home chef. Their vibrant displays of produce are a feast for the eyes, with fruits and vegetables so fresh they practically glow with flavour. From crisp capsicums to fragrant herbs, everything I needed for my focaccia garden was right at my fingertips.

    Todarello’s Katoomba Village Fruit Market

    Parsley

    Red onions

    Cucumbers
    Mushrooms

    Green and red capsicums

    METHOD

    NOTE: Preheat your oven to 200°C/390°F

    Mixing the Magic: Creating the Dough

    1. Awaken the Yeast

    Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Make sure the water is just the right temperature—like a baby’s bath. Let it rest until it gets foamy and bubbly, like a tiny science experiment.

    The dough rising in the garden as the kitchen was a bit cold

    2. Stir It Up

    In a large bowl, mix your flour and salt. Slowly add the foamy yeast mixture and a tablespoon of olive oil. Stir until it turns into a sticky, thick dough. Drizzle on a bit more olive oil, coat your hands, and gently roll the dough around in the bowl. Cover with plastic wrap—it’s nap time for your dough.

    Watch It Grow: Letting the Dough Rise

    Put the covered bowl in a warm, cozy spot and let the dough rise for about an hour or until it doubles in size. Give it a gentle fold, drizzle more olive oil, and if you’ve got the patience, let it rest overnight in the fridge. This slow rise will give your focaccia a flavour boost that’s worth the wait.

    3. Build Your Bread Garden

    Spray a deep baking dish with nonstick spray and add a generous layer of olive oil. Tip the dough into the pan and gently stretch it to the corners, dimpling it with oiled fingers. Now, channel your inner artist! Use sliced capsicum as petals, cherry tomatoes for bold pops of colour, and fresh herbs for stems. Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for the perfect finish.

    Adding the dough to the pan
    Decorating the focaccia

    Ready to go into the oven – looking so bright and colourful

    4. Bake and Admire Your Work

    Bake your creation for 30–40 minutes. The bread should be golden brown, crispy on the outside, and sound hollow when tapped. Let it cool for a few minutes in the pan before transferring to a wire rack.

    Cooked and ready to eat, looks so yummy!

    5. Slice, Serve, and Savour

    Your focaccia garden is ready to shine! Whether you’re impressing friends or just spoiling yourself, this edible beauty is guaranteed to wow. Don’t forget to snap a pic, soak up all those compliments, and revel in the delicious fruits (or flowers) of your labour. Who knew baking could be this much fun—and this gorgeous?

    The crust and the cooked tomatoes looking delicious

    The focaccia cut up and ready to eat
    Focaccia cut up

    POST FEAST REVIEW

    As a newcomer to focaccia making, I was honestly impressed that my bread looked and tasted just like store-bought focaccia—and it really wasn’t that hard to make! But I think the real art is in making it taste authentic. While I did capture some of those classic focaccia flavours, I added my own modern twist with vegetables on top. They might not be traditional, but they were tasty and added a unique touch.

    WOULD I MAKE THIS AGAIN?

    Yes, I would make focaccia again. I have never made focaccia before, and I’m absolutely taken with how you can really make it your own! While it’s still focaccia, the toppings and design completely transform it into something unique—truly a work of art. It’s amazing how a simple loaf of bread can turn into a personalised creation. Now, I’m eager to perfect the traditional flavours of focaccia and experiment with different variations. It’s such a fun and rewarding experience, and I can’t wait to bake more delicious batches in the future!

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