DIY Coffee Lovers Candle Holder

Coffee beans are truly a marvel of nature. 

From the moment they are planted in rich soil to the delightful aroma they release when brewed to drink, there are many reasons to love these little beans.

There is nothing quite like the aromatic delight and sensory experience of freshly ground coffee beans. The rich, earthy aroma that fills the air when brewing a fresh pot of coffee is enough to make anyone's mouth water. 

Coffee beans are versatile and can be used beyond just brewing a drink. They can be infused into savoury dishes and desserts.

There are many benefits of used coffee grounds too.

Garden Fertiliser:

Coffee grounds are rich in nutrients like nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus.  They help improve soil quality, boost plant growth and deter slugs and snails.

DIY Exfoliating Facemask:

Mixing used coffee grounds with honey or coconut oil creates a natural exfoliating scrub that helps remove dead skin cells and leaves the skin feeling soft and smooth.

Odour Neutraliser:

Place a bowl of dried used coffee grounds in your refrigerator to absorb unwanted smells.

There are many uses, but today we are creating another sensory but non-edible way to use whole coffee beans by creating a DIY Coffee Bean Candle holder.

If you love coffee and candles, why not combine the two in this easy DIY project? 

I am a candle lover so I couldn't resist adding this DIY to my table collection! 

How to Make a Coffee Bean Candle Holder

Materials Needed:

· Glass candle holder or jar

· Coffee beans

· Small candle in a glass holder

Instructions:

1. Start by filling the glass candle holder halfway with the loose beans.

2. Assess the height of your candle and internal holder, add more beans if necessary to bring the candle up so the wick is just below the rim of the candle holder. 

3. Continue filling with coffee beans around the sides of the candle in the holder.

Note:

You can just put the candle straight into the beans if you don't have a smaller glass vessel for it.

Your beautiful coffee bean candle holder is now ready to use! 

The warmth of the lit candle will release the aroma of coffee beans, creating an aromatic coffee-lover atmosphere in your home. 

I have placed my candle holder on the coffee table, where the warmth of the sun on the beans releases coffee aroma, even without lighting the candle!

This DIY project also makes a great gift for coffee lovers or as a unique table centrepiece for special occasions.

Enjoy your coffee-scented candle holder but remember never leave lit candles unattended.

Coffee Bean Love 

(prints, coffee mugs & more)

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#coffeebeans #coffeebeancrafts #diycandles 

Scrumptious Ginger Oat Breakfast Biscuits

Sometimes there is no time to eat breakfast at the day's start!

Busy households, organizing children or just that 'slept past the alarm' day happen in life.

These homemade ginger oat breakfast biscuits are a scrumptious breakfast solution! 

They are easy to make, store well in a sealed container in the pantry, and are perfect for grabbing on the go.

Ginger Oat Breakfast Biscuits

Ingredients:

· 1 cup fine oats

· 1/2 cup plain flour

.1/3 cup fine desiccated coconut

· 3/4 cup brown sugar

· 1/2 tsp baking powder

· 1 tsp ground ginger

· 1/2 cup butter, melted

· 1/2 cup milk

· 1 egg

· 1/4 cup raisins or currants

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a bowl, mix together the oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and ground ginger.

3. Add the melted butter, milk, and egg to the dry ingredients stirring until well combined.

4. Mix in the raisins.

5. Use a spoon to drop the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet.

6. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown.

Before removing from the tray, allow the biscuits to cool completely so they are firm.

The yield is 14 biscuits.

Printable recipe here 

These ginger oat breakfast biscuits are a wonderful addition to your morning grab-and-go coffee. 

They are soft, oaty, fruity and flavourful and most certainly solve that 'didn't have time for breakfast' issue.

Two of these biscuits in my mind equals a sit-down bowl of muesli.

Perfect for the adults and children too.

Also a great lunchbox filler.

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#breakfast #easybreakfast #breakfastbiscuits #homebaking

DIY A Rockhound Collection Jar

There is something beautifully serene about strolling along a beach or riverbed, searching for unique rocks, stones and pebbles to add to your collection. 

Each rock piece tells a story, holding onto the memories of where it has been and the journey it has taken through millions of years. 

 They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colours, and textures. From sparkling crystals to unique fossils, each rock tells a story of our planet's history. 

Collecting rocks allows you to marvel at the beauty and diversity of the Earth's natural landscapes.

As you wander along, look for rocks, stones and pebbles that catch your eye.  Interesting shapes, colours, and textures that speak to you. 

Be sure to respect any rules or guidelines in place for collecting rocks from the natural environments you visit.

One way to showcase the smaller of these treasures is by displaying them in large glass vessels.

A stunning way to bring nature's beauty into your home. 

Rocks add a touch of natural wonder to your living space.

How To Create A DIY Rock Jar

You will need:

A heavy-based large Jar with a cork lid (Or screw lid)

A selection of small stones and rocks that will fit through the mouth of the jar.

Water

1 Tablespoon of bleach.

To Make:

*The most important thing to remember when making the rock jar is that the finished product MUST be created in a jar made of thick glass with a heavy base to cope with the weight of the rocks, stones and water that you are filling it with*. 

Choose your rocks and small stones.

Wash off any dirt on them.

Start carefully placing them in the base of the jar.

Fill to the top of the jar, leaving a gap of about 2 inches.

Add the water to cover the stones. 

And the bleach.

The bleach stops the water from turning green with algae.

Display where it can be visually enjoyed.

Note:

The water level in the jar will go down over time but simply unlid, top up and add a little more bleach.

My cork-lidded large jar was sourced from Kmart (New Zealand)

 Rockhounding is a fun and educational hobby that allows you to connect with the Earth while exploring nature.

 The thrill of discovering a hidden gem or a beautifully unique rock is unrivalled. 

 Whether you are collecting rocks as a pastime or studying geology, rockhounding is a rewarding pastime that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

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#rockhounds #rockcollector #rocks #stones #displayingrocks

#diydecorideas

Mediterranean-style Olive And Anchovy Snackers

When it comes to entertaining guests, having a selection of easy hors d'oeuvres snacker ingredients in the pantry and refrigerator can make hosting a breeze. 

The last blog post was the delectably sweet Chocolate Snails, but this one is completely savoury!

These simple Mediterranean-style Olive And Anchovy Snackers are fabulous whether you're throwing a party or hosting a casual get-together.

 

Mediterranean-style snackers

Anchovies.

Stuffed olives.

Toothpicks or small cocktail sticks 

To Make:

Using an absorbent paper towel carefully wipe the olives and press the anchovies to remove excess salt and oil.

Cut each anchovy length way down the centre to get two from one slice.

Then roll each olive in an anchovie strip.

secure with a toothpick or small cocktail stick.

.

That's all you need to present a tasty hors d'oeuvre when unexpected guests arrive with minimal preparation.

Place on a platter that's mixed with other finger foods.

They are such a salt blast that it's advised to mix them up on a large platter with other savoury finger foods, mini crackers, breads or cheeses.

They really will be a tasty addition to the mix.

(Take that as a lesson of not serving on its own on a small plate like I did, because if you are not a complete salt freak - two of these will totally be your limit!)

Enjoy with your tipple of choice. 

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     #cocktails #canapes #starters #horsdoeuvres #partyfood

Easy Dark Chocolate Snails

Are you craving a sweet and indulgent treat? 

Then try these pastry chocolate snails! 

Made with readymade pastry, this recipe is quick and easy to put together, perfect for satisfying those dessert cravings in no time.

I made mine with my Grandchildren, and they really enjoyed making them.

Though the youngest cut hers slightly smaller than her brother's, they all baked well.

So definitely supervise the cutting and the use of a knife for safety's sake when making with the younger children.

To Make 'Dark Chocolate Snails' You Will Need

Ingredients:

  3 square sheets of readymade puff pastry (thawed)

113 grams (1 stick) of softened salted butter

75 grams (a little over 1/4 cup) each brown sugar and fine white caster sugar

3 Tablespoons dark cocoa powder

1/2 cup chocolate chips (best to use a smaller size as mine were a little bit too chunky).

 Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 392°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Place the 3 sheets of puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface.

3. Mix the soft butter, sugars, cocoa and chocolate chips together. 

4. Spread the chocolate mixture over the pastry with a metal spoon. Roll up the pastry tightly into a log, then slice it into even pieces to create the snails.

5. Place the snail's cut face up on the prepared baking sheet.

6. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy.

7. Allow the pastry chocolate snails to cool slightly before serving.

Yield 22 snails.

Adaptions:

You can use normal cocoa powder instead of dark along with white chocolate chips if you'd like a lesser dark colour once baked or you simply prefer the lighter sweeter chocolate flavours.

 I used dark Belgian Chocolate.

These pastry chocolate snails are perfect for a sweet treat any time of day. 

Indulge in their dark deliciousness or make them for a Mother's Day (or for another special occasion) treat.

As this recipe yields 22, they are also fabulous and quick to make for a school bake stall or large gathering.

Once baked and cooled, the grandchildren's taste test verdict was 'These are so delicious, Nonna!'

They were a great school holiday baking activity.

Find the printable recipe HERE.

#chocolatesnails #pastryrecipes #pastrytreats #darkchocolate