Daisy Chains and Picnics

Ingredients 3 egg whites 1/2 cup sugar 1/8th Tsp salt 1/2 Tsp vanilla extract 395 g shredded coconut 75 g white chocolate, melted 75 g milk chocolate, melted Method 1.  Preheat oven to 170° C, line a baking sheet with grease proof paper. 2.  Whisk egg whites, sugar, salt and vanilla in a large bowl until combined and frothy, fold in coconut. 3.  Scoop heaped tablespoons of mixture and place on the lined baking tray approx 1" apart, wet your fingers and mould into shape, bake for approx 15-20 minutes until golden brown around the edges. 4.  Let cool on the tray for 10 minutes then transfer to a cooling rack, once cooled drizzle with melted chocolate. Enjoy

We arranged a birthday party for Jodie's 18th, she invited her closest friends, I made a selection of finger foods and desserts, I also made and decorated the cake. It was a great night, they danced, talked, ate, and had fun with the photo booth, here are some photos from the evening. I made and decorated the birthday cake.  coconut macaroons  Individual Oreo cheesecakes Individual lemon and lime cheesecakes

18 years ago today, in a hospital in the Scottish borders at 5.05 pm, seven years after our son was born, we welcomed our first beautiful baby girl into the world, weighing 7 pounds 13 ounces,  (we had waited a long time for this little one). She had the sweetest nature and placid temperament, she still has, a very contented little girl, her brother adored her from the word go, we were a bit worried as to how he would take to her after 7 years being an only child, but he was the most loving and protective big brother, he still is, over both his sisters. Now this amazing girl has turned into an intelligent young lady with the sweetest, kindest nature and a heart of gold, always willing to help others, we are beyond proud of this beautiful child of ours. Happy happy birthday sweet Jodie, may all your hopes and dreams come true. These are some of the decorations I did for her birthday.

I wanted photos of Jodie to celebrate her upcoming 18th birthday, Scott and I decided to go location scouting at the weekend, we wanted the natural outdoor look, I liked the idea of a disused railway track, fortunately we have one not far from us so that is where we went, I had some poses in mind and she is very comfortable in front of a camera, non of my kids are camera shy, they have had me constantly taking photos of them since they were born!, so it was a breeze, we posed her then both Scott and I snapped away until we were happy that we had got enough photos. I am really pleased as to how they turned out. We are so very proud of this beautiful young lady of ours.

Snug Falls is an impressive 25 m high waterfall near the township of Snug, Kingborough. The return track gradually descends through bushland to the cool, fern lined gully beneath the falls. The walk itself is an easy grade walk, not too steep and mostly shady but rocky and uneven at parts, on the days prior to our visit it had rained heavily making the track particularly muddy and slippery, so sturdy comfortable footwear is advised, it also gets cooler and damp the further down the track, so also take a cardigan or light raincoat, remember to take drinking water with you as there is no way of getting drinking water. The 2.1 km walk each way is a 45-60 min return, taking you through dry sclerophyll forest, further down into the gully the vegetation is more like rain forest with ferns and mosses covering trees, rocks and small rock caverns. There are benches and a small hut about half way down so you can rest and take in the calm peaceful surroundings.  ...