One pot Citrus Yoyo's...


Yoyo Biscuit recipes
Yoyo's = YUM!
These are just like Grandma used to bake, made with the custard taste.

But with the added flavour of zesty ORANGE...

One Pot mix  = EASY!
The butter is melted not creamed with the sugar as traditionally prepared.

You simply mix the ingredients in one pot, 
shape into small balls,
press with a fork and bake.
The yield is 54 single Yoyo biscuits.
You can serve them with a sprinkling of extra icing (powdered) sugar if you prefer.

Yoyo Biscuits
OR
27 joined with the tangy orange icing.

yoyo biscuit recipes
I prefer them joined with icing.

yoyo biscuit recipes
So delectably good.

yoyo biscuit recipes
Pop over here for the printable recipe.

yoyo biscuit recipes
Yoyo's and orchids = LOVE!


One Pot Citrus YoYo's

In a large pot melt:

400 grams (14.11 ounces) of salted butter.

Then add:

The finely grated zest from one orange.

1/2 cup custard powder

1 cup sifted icing (powdered) sugar

3 and 1/2 cups plain flour.

Mix well.

Shape into small balls, then place on baking paper lined trays.

Press down with a fork.

Bake at 180 Celsius  ( 356 Fahrenheit) for 10 - 15 minutes until slightly golden.

Cool.

Join with Orange Icing:

Beat 150 grams (5.29 ounces) of soft butter with the juice of one fresh orange.

Add 1 and 3/4 cups icing sugar.

Beat until creamy.

Join biscuits.

Yield - 54 single biscuits or 27 joined.

The unjoined biscuit can be sprinkled with Icing (powdered) sugar for serving.

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#yoyos #biscuits #kisses #homemade #baking


The Copper Upcycle No2...


I made this driftwood heart way back in February 2015 
for the Office makeover.
It was super easy to make,
but it has had it's time done as office wall decor.

let's do another quick and easy upcycle,
in oh so fabulous copper....

The copper spray paint created more magic
in MINUTES!

DIY Driftwood Crafts
And I LOVE it!

Decor Styling Ideas

This little corner of my art studio is already looking like a mini makeover has happened, as I collect copper-inspired pieces
for the upcoming BIG Spring art studio makeover.

To find out how to make the simple driftwood heart, visit HERE.

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#upcycle #spraypaint #diy

An Enthusiasm For Life...



Gerberas daisy flowers are incredibly fun to photograph.
With their many petals, vibrant colour,
 and centres of tightly packed stamens.
This one pink gerbera flower morphed into twenty photographs...


And from those photographs one was chosen to create
a digital artwork.

Vincent Van Goghs quote
'Colour in a picture is like enthusiasm in life'
was the perfect for the bright pink and orange painterly image.

For what would a painting be without colour?
For what would life be without enthusiasm?

Have a wonderful day my friends...


#quotes #quote



How a Floral Display Impacts The Decor

What do Flowers bring to the home decor?
How to arrange flowers
A painterly elegance.
Sometimes a floral perfume. 
Instant mood-lifting properties.

How to arrange flowers
And most definitely - visual joy.

The Impact of Floral Displays on Decor

Floral displays possess a unique ability to transform and enhance the ambience of any space. In home decor, the thoughtful placement of flowers can significantly influence the aesthetic and emotional appeal of your home. 

1. Enhancing Visual Appeal

Flowers offer natural beauty that instantly draws the eye. Their colours and diverse shapes can elevate the space.    From bold, dramatic arrangements to soft, pastel settings, the choice of floral display can compliment the tone and style of your decor. A floral arrangement, no matter how simple, can serve as a stunning focal point, making any room feel more dynamic and engaging.

2. Creating Atmosphere

Beyond aesthetics, floral displays contribute to the mood and atmosphere of a space. Fresh flowers can evoke feelings of joy, tranquillity, or romance, depending on the type and arrangement. For instance, soft white lilies and pale pink roses can create a serene atmosphere for a wedding, while bright sunflowers may energize a corporate event. The scented flowers also enhance the sensory experience, adding another layer to the atmosphere.

3. Celebrating Occasions

Floral displays are often central to the celebration of important occasions. They mark milestones, such as anniversaries, graduations, and holidays, and convey sentiments of love, congratulations, or sympathy. The right floral arrangement can encapsulate the essence of an event and provide a visual representation of the emotions behind it.

Or you could be like me and celebrate the beauty of flowers and make it a fortnightly ritual of adding fresh flowers to your home decor, just because you enjoy them!

4. Seasonal Flexibility

Floral displays offer the flexibility to adapt with the seasons. By changing arrangements according to seasonal blooms, one can create a continually refreshed decor that resonates with the time of year. Spring brings tulips and daffodils, summer boasts sunflowers and hydrangeas, while autumn introduces deep-hued chrysanthemums and winter features elegant evergreens and poinsettias. 

What is in my arrangement of flowers?

How to arrange flowers
 Bright yellow roses...
(The perfect colour choice for cheering up a winters day).
How to arrange flowers
Yellow and burgundy pinky mauve toned tulips.
How to arrange flowers
And an unusual variegated chrysanthemum.

How was this display created?
How to arrange flowers
A simple hand tied posy 
How to arrange flowers
Strip all the lower leaves...
How to arrange flowers
Arrange in one hand, crossing the stems.
Put an elastic band on to hold in place.
Then trim stems to place in the vase.

How was it displayed?

How to arrange flowers
On the Table, a cloth with a french themed pattern was placed.
(This is actually a piece of curtain remnant that was the perfect table size, that I hemmed the edges. (Cost $4 from the curtain shop remnant bin).
How to arrange flowers
The flowers are in a glass vase that sits in a white French inspired pot.
How to arrange flowers
The pot was then put into a wire basket. 
How to arrange flowers
In the front of the basket is a long sausage dog ornament.
How to arrange flowers
Just look at that face - isn't it the cutest?
How to arrange flowers
After a few days:
The rose buds and tulips opened up to let their beauty shine!

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#posies #flowers #floralarrangement 


Four Joys - Inspirational Quote...

Inspirational quotes

Enjoy the things that make you happy?


#inspirationalquotes #quote #quotes




Let's Copper it!


At the moment I'm prepping for an Art Studio makeover.
It's long overdue...
I have my leather couch and french coffee table in storage,
and  I'm gathering bits and pieces to pretty up the space.
I picked up this pottery vase at the 2nd hand shop for $3.
Love the texture of it, but not the colour.
Because I am having a little crush on copper at the moment, 
there was no question what to do with it.
Let's copper it!
Oh my gosh let me loose with the spray paint!
At the same time I painted a plastic light shade too.
For as much as I would love a chandelier in my studio,
practicality and light requirement means that is not such a good idea.


The copper spray paint is fabulously easy to use
with instant coverage.
The brand I used is 'Plastikote'.

And the vase looks gorgeous in the studio... 
I cannot wait for Spring when I can complete the Art Studio makeover!





Carpe Diem Quote.

Carpe Diem
Carpe Diem

The meaning of this is thought to be:
'Seize the day'.
After all today will be yesterday before you know it.

This Latin saying is originated from the Odes Book 1 by lyric poet Quintus Horatius Flaccus,
 (65 BC - 8 BC)

(Did you know 'Carpe Diem' are the most Googled words)

So I am going to:
Carpe Diem today and every other day.
Will you join me?



#quotes #quote #carpediem




Growing Rhododendrons In Pots...

I have always enjoyed rhododendrons.
I love the garden varieties that grow into beautiful large shrubs and trees.
Fabulous if you have a large garden!
But then I discovered they are incredibly easy to grow in pots.
There are many varieties available now with dwarf or small shrub status which are the best for using in pots.
Vireya rhododendrons can become waterlogged planted  in the garden,
and I have found these do particularly well in pots too.
I give my plants a spray using a general insecticide once in the spring,
and two or three times over summer to treat and prevent bug infestations like spider mite and mealy bug.
The beauty of growing Rhododendrons in pots is you can easily move them.
If you think it's not liking a certain position, 
move somewhere new, until the plants happy condition and growth let's you know you've got right!


Rhododendron and Azalea Care List:
* Use a good quality potting mix
*Use a long life fertiliser pellet 
*Water regularly
*Spray with an insecticide in Spring and summer.
*Repot every two years.
And to thank you,
you will have a profuse blooming season.
Azaleas also grow exceptionally well in pots too.
I treat them the same as the rhododendrons,
with a spring and summer insecticide spray.
They need a lot more watering in the summer months,
but once they bloom you will be so happy.

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#Rhododendrons #Plantsforpots #azaleas

Follow Your Soul...



Quotes
I have told y'all before I am a quote addict!
Why?

Because they are such wonderful nuggets of wisdom.
In a few words, a quote can inspire, motivate, touch your heart, build positivity or simply make you feel good on a bad day!

Enjoy today's newest addition to the quote collection.
XOX




#quotes #quote