RemembeRED - Doomed Weddings

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This year has seen 1-2-3-4 marriages crumble around us. Mr Cool and I feel as if we are the last ones standing in a room once filled with married couples. It has been heartbreaking. I wonder if I had been at these weddings would I have seen the signs that it was doomed to fail? I really don't think so. I really don't think people sign up for marriage to see it end in a bitter, hurtful, regretful swan dive of sorrow.

I love weddings. I love the dresses and the flowers and everyone craning their necks to see the lovely bride. I love that I think back to my own wedding where I married the man I loved. When I go to weddings, I go armed with a handkerchief, mascara and a huge bag of well wishes. I pray that the marriage is a great one, not just a good one. I pray that the couple will be happy and that they have talked A LOT before walking down the aisle. I hope and hope that they can muddle their way to a happily ever after. Because, although weddings are lovely, they are really just the beginning. 

I  knew nothing of Mr Cool when we stood before our families exchanging vows - I knew NOTHING - nothing at all. Even though we had dated for around 4 years, I didn't know he preferred McCleans to Colgate, that he didn't really like mashed potatoes and that he took months and months to finish reading a novel. I look back now and wonder what on earth our parents were thinking of to allow us to get married at twenty and a heartbeat. 

Mr Cool and I have been married for nearly 15 years now. We feel we have a successful marriage. We talk all the time. Love each other to bits. Crave each other's company. Make each other laugh. Respect each other totally. Care for each other's dreams delicately. Love our children endlessly. We love to do life together and share every happy and crappy moment. 

So, I wonder if anyone at our wedding all those years ago, sitting in the congregation, thought that our marriage was doomed to fail? If so, I am excited to say that they were wrong! Given what we have been through this year, we know that what we have is well worth fighting for. 'Til death do us part.

I have linked up with 'Write On Edge' for RemembeRED... 

10 Things - 10 Outfits To Wear to A Waikiki Themed Party - and not get kicked out for having a lame costume

A friend of mine is going to a Waikiki themed party and is all a-flutter about what to wear. A Hawaiian shirt and a beach towel won't cut it with the hosts though. They have {pretty much} threatened to kick out folks who have not put enough effort in.


CraftyMummy and I are trying to convince our friend to go with the coconut bra and grass skirt look, without much success. So... to be helpful, here are some outfits I have put together using Polyvore. I hope some inspiration is found... I also think if you have a good title for your outfit, that really does sell it...

1. Bring me a brightly coloured drink darling, I have just spent the day by the pool....

Description: A Multicoloured kaftan, which matches the cocktails beautifully is a must. A nice big bag to take home tidbits from the buffet is helpful. Some funky jewellery and killer shoes add some class. Pop a hibiscus behind your ear and you are set to go, darling. Plug the Waikiki after dark with a disco ball angle.

2. Let us go and be beside the pool before walking on the beach before lunching somewhere nice...

Description: Orange = Hawaiian. Trust me. Another kaftan, this time over some fantastic swimwear. Add a great pair of espadrilles and a funky hat and you are stylish and effortless. A frangipani lei is deadly important, without it, you may as well be at Broadbeach. Plug the poolside angle.

3. Let's go hang ten, dude...

Description: How can you go wrong with funky board shorts, Havaianas, a fedora hat and a surf board? Plug the classic surfing movie look.

4. Let's do take a day wandering around the island soaking in the Hawaiianess of the day...

Description: A lovely long flowing skirt, very cute cutaway tank with accents of pink is a fresh beachy combination. A lovely outfit for day tripping around Waikiki. Again, the hibiscus - very important, as are the seaside themed earrings. Plug the sight seeing fresh as sea air feeling.

5. Cliche Hawaii

Description: Grass skirt, bikini top, flip flops, surfboard, frangipani. This would work. A little obvious, but it would do. Plug the old fashioned Hawaii from printed tea-towels look.

6. Let's go cycling along the seaside and find somewhere fab for lunch

Description: Sunflowers and aqua are so fresh and summery, perfect for an island setting. Add some colourful flats, a lei and you are looking tropical and ready to party. Plug the 1950s beach glam angle and make sure your hat is big.

7. I am NOT dressed by my significant other, I am sightseeing, see I have BINOCULARS!

Description: Crisp white shirt, tailored shorts, neckerchief, big sunglasses, panama style hat. This says 'I know I am here, I arrived in First Class'. Plug the Hollywood glam angle.

8. Shall we find a nice place to have a picnic - I am so over the shopping and the beach...

Description: A lovely halter-neck dress in a flower motif. Fresh, fun and flirty, everything you hope Waikiki to be. Bring a picnic basket and a big straw hat. Plug the Gidget look. 

9. Go Go Gidget!

Description:  Gidget is a great character to be inspired by... She is cute and clean cut and surfy to boot. Get yourself a swimming costume that looks like shapewear and then find two tanned and oiled hunks, one for each arm!

10. My absolute favourite. An Hawaiian snow globe!  No words would be needed to explain this! 

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Description: Doesn't someone have a very clever mum!? So cool. I bet I know a few people who could whip up something like that! Plug - you wouldn't need to - this is a fabulous costume!

If this is still not enough inspiration... I have made a Pinterest board about Hawaii... Just click HERE

Friday Food - Chewy Coconut Cookies

I come from a long line of coconut lovers. We used to make 'Coconut Loaf' when we were kids which was basically coconut, sugar and milk baked in a loaf tin,  delicious with butter. My sisters and I used to love going to the milk bar where Mr Cool used to work, to order coconut milkshakes. I love it - much to the disgust of one of my aunties who is very vocal in her dislike of coconut!

One Sunday afternoon a month or so ago, I felt like baking and I felt like coconut, so I Googled 'Coconut Cookies' and this is the recipe I found. They were really yummy and really quick and easy. 

We gobbled them up for afternoon tea while they were still warm, the kids were very excited that I had made enough for them to take some to school the next day. That is the sign of a good biscuit/cookie!

Chewy Coconut Cookies

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 8-10 mins 

Makes: about 20 smallish cookies

Ingredients

1 and 1/4 cup of plain flour

1/2 tsp of baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup brown sugar {firmly packed}

1/2 cup white sugar

1 egg

1/2 tsp vanilla extract/essence

1 and 1/3 coconut {shredded is preferred}

Method

1. Preheat oven to 170 degrees Celcius and line some baking trays with paper

2. Place flour, baking powder and salt into a bowl and mix. Set aside.

3. Cream the butter and sugars until colour changes {pales}.

4. Add the egg and vanilla and beat until fluffy.

5. With a wooden spoon, mix in the flour mixture in 2-3 batches.

6. Mix in the coconut.

7. Drop dough by the teaspoon full onto the trays, leaving ample room for them to spread.

8. Bake for 8-10 minutes, but don't let them get too brown or you will lose the chewiness!

iPPP - Displaying Photos - 1

I am linking up with Liz from, 'A Belle, A Bean & A Chicago Dog' today for some iPhone Photo Phun.....

I am not the best decorator. I want to be. I really do. I love looking at housey magazines and flicking through Pinterest boards, and I think I have really good taste. But, something happens to my brain between the looking and the doing. I have good ideas and sometimes even follow through with them.


A few years ago, I bought two boxes of black frames totalling twenty frames that I was going to make into a photo gallery in our hallway. But, then we were getting our bathroom renovated, so I didn't want the builders to knock the pictures off the walls, so I put it off. Then Mr Cool and I couldn't agree on the spaces between the frames and then I lost interest. So I boxed up the frames and banished them to the 'shed'. 


Mr Cool and I were looking through some photos the other day and commented on how beautiful our children are. Then came the questions, "Why don't we have more photos of the children on display?" and "What ever happened to those black frames?" and THEN "Remind me why we didn't ever get around to hanging those frames?". Sigh.


Mr Cool's mum often asks for photos of the kids, and I just never get around to printing them off for her {or us}. She mentioned just last week how I am not so good at the keeping up to date with photos in frames thing. She has a point, there is only one photo of our soon to be 4 year old on display, and Mr Cool's mum gave us that. Sigh.


We have lived in our house for nearly six years. We have two sliding doors that go between the front room and the kitchen or the hallway. Above the door is a white board that hides all the mechanics of the sliding door things. I thought it was just that, A board. But... would you believe it is a ledge? I know - I too was AMAZED! How could I not know that after living here for SIX years? Terrible. Terrible.


I then had an epiphany... Watch and learn.


Yesterday, Miss Z and I got the frames from the shed {I even used a ladder - eep}, cleaned the ledge {oh the dust, I am ashamed of myself!} and put the frames up there! I think it looks great! The room feels more alive already!

I figured I would put the frames where I wanted them and then order photos in the exact size and layout for the frames. That is next week's job - I had better strike while the iron is hot so they say.


When we had them all lined up, Miss Z and I stood back to admire our handiwork. I asked if Miss Z like the frames up on the ledge, she replied with big eyes and an excited smile, "Yes! And it is so lovely to have that other family's photos in them too!"


How cute! She did seem a bit disappointed that I am planning to put photographs of US in the frames, it is a very good looking family... 

When I have put the photos of us in the frames, I will do an 'After' shot. Our family is pretty good looking too!

Thankful Thursday - A Letter To Dear BabyCool

  
I am linking up again with Kate at 'Kate Says Stuff' for 'Thankful Thursday'.


On Sunday, BabyCool turned one. Isn't he the cutest thing you ever did see?

Dear BabyCool,


Oh my goodness, I cannot believe you are one already! What an amazing year it has been. I am so thankful for so many reasons....

• I am thankful that you are here, your delivery still gives me chills.
• I am thankful for your loving nature, it melts my heart, every time.
• I am thankful for your love, it is so complete it hurts my heart {in a good way}.
• I am thankful that you sleep in your own cot, it wasn't always like this.
• I am thankful that you don't seem to remember how cranky mummy is when she gets woken through the night.
• I am thankful for the love you have for your sisters, it is so great to see you all playing together.
• I am thankful that your burns have almost healed completely and you will not have any permanent scars.
• I am thankful for your 'Koala Cuddles', you hold on so tight and bury in so deep that is both physically and emotionally hard to put you down.
• I am thankful that you are you, you are inquisitive, adventurous, stubborn, gentle, loving and oh so cuddly.

Happy birthday my little man, we are so glad you are part of our family.

Write on Wednesday - When The Music Is Over

The Write On Wednesday Rules: Get creative with the writing exercises - there isn't a right or wrong. Please do try to visit the other members of Write On Wednesdays and leave a comment of support and constructive criticism. 


Write On Wednesdays Exercise 22 - Select a piece of music that reflects the mood of writing you'd like to aim for. Press play. Start free writing. Write the first words that come into your head. When the music's over, so is the writing. I'd recommend finding out how long the song is before you start the exercise. You may feel cheated in your writing time if you pick a song by The Ramones. Of course, if you feel like writing a short, punky piece by all means, go for it!

I have been listening to a lot of French Cafe music lately. I love the lively melodies, the funky instruments and imagining what they might be singing about. Our girls love listening to it too - we get some pretty interesting 'Interpretive Dance' which is so cute!

I hope I have captured this song. I find this kind of thing tricky.... I am a bit of a plan-o-holic so to publish something that has taken less than 10 minutes to write is a bit harrowing. I hope I caught all the typos!

Walking along the Champs-Elysees the girl cannot believe she is there, she pinches her hand and hopes, hopes, hopes that she can feel it. Surely this cannot be a dream.

There are people everywhere: drinking coffee, eating baguettes and talking French, of course, they speak French! She laughs to herself. She holds the hand of the man she loves and smiles realising that this is really not a dream.

They walk the streets, they catch the Metro. The day is perfect. Jet streams criss cross the brilliant blue sky leaving white trails. They walk the streets soaking everything in. The Louvre, Cleopatra's Needle, The Bastille. So many beautiful things. It seems as if Paris has an unfair amount of lovely things.

The city is alive. Trees are greener than green. The flowers explode through the pavement. Carousel horses bob taking turns to peek at the Eiffel Tower. People are wearing hats and smiling. The Seine is massed with happy people clinking glasses and basking in the glory of Paris. Artists sell their wares from the bridges, chatting amongst themselves, because who cares if you can't sell art in Paris? At least you are there.

She is alive. She is in Paris. She is me.

RemembeRED - Cooking with Oma

I am linking up again with RemembeRED and Write on Edge.... 

Take me back…whether to a month ago or decades ago.

Share with me a special recipe, but don’t just list out ingredients.

Take me there…in 500 words or less.

Come back on Tuesday, November 1st to link up.

I was raised in a Dutch household. My parents both immigrated as tweens and met and married on Australian soil. Growing up we ate meat pies, enjoyed the beach and said 'G'day' to each other, we thought we were true blue Aussies. But, we were not. I used to get liverwurst sandwiches in my lunch box, we celebrated Sinterklaas on December 5th and enjoyed talking loudly and eating a lot. It would appear that being Dutch was far more than a geographical point of reference.


As a child, my 'Little Oma' {grandmother} lived next door, my 'Big Oma' lived interstate. There were lots of advantages to having an Oma living right next door; lollies by the fistful, salted licorice on the dressing table and a good place to avoid my mum and her long list of chores to do.

On Saturdays, my Oma liked to bake, in case someone visited on a Sunday after church. She was famous for her Boterkoek which is a Dutch buttery shortbread kind of cake. I was often called upon to help her make it. I loved the chance to cook with her. 


Boterkoek is a simple cake, but these are often the best don't you think? We would melt the butter and mix in sugar, flour, almond essence and eggs. We would check that the dough was soft but not crumbly and moist but not greasy. The perfect dough was soft and golden and smelt amazing. We always had to try a little piece of it to make sure it was sweet enough. 


I loved the fluted pan she used to bake the Boterkoek in, it made the prettiest slices of cake I had ever seen. When we had pressed the dough into the pan, we would take blanched almonds and press them into the dough snugly in the scallop of each of the flutes so that each slice would get a delicious roasted nut. Once the egg glaze was smeared on, the cake was placed into the oven and it was time for a cup of tea. This is when Oma would sit in her chair and sigh heavily, take a few sips of tea and then presently fall asleep. Leaving me, all of 10 years old, to wash the dishes and smell the exact moment the delicious cake was ready.


I don't remember my Oma having all that many visitors, but the Boterkoek always ran out. This could explain why she wasn't actually all that 'Little' for a 'Little Oma'.


I wish I knew what happened to that fluted pie tray. I like to think that someone in our family still uses it. I have a different baking tray of my Oma's though. I am told she actually brought it with her when she travelled the many miles by boat from Holland to Australia. It is pressed steel. It has a great pattern on it and is black from years and years of faithful service to our family line. I am honoured to have it. When I use it to bake biscuits that I make with my girls I am proud to be passing on the legacy of baking to another generation.