Sunbeam MixMaster - Welcome to My Kitchen!

I admit, like most homemakers, I've dreamed of having my own Kitchen Aid mixer... preferably in pink. Though, I am tickled pink with my Sunbeam MixMaster - a Christmas gift from Handsome Hubby. It's terrific! This week I used it to mix up a batch of Chocolate Chip cookies.


Note: Pink Spatula in bowl. I {heart} pink kitchen utensils and appliances.

My Sunbeam MixMaster is so easy to use. I like the guide that is posted directly on the mix stand that tells me for "creaming" to use setting "7". Voila! Easy! And so quickly mixed. Such a time saver.

Sunbeam did not ask me to write a post for them. I am simply thrilled with their product and wanted to tell the world.
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Honeys, what's your favorite small kitchen appliance?

How to Boost Vitamin Me Levels

I've gotta admit, I have Vitamin Me deficiency.

Do you?

Come closer to the screen. Let me look at you. Stick out your tongue. Say, "Ahhh..."

Yep, just as I thought. You have it, too.

Let me tell you how I would boost my Vitamin Me levels.

SUNSHINE
The Sunshine Coast, Mooloolaba - the two bedroom penthouse at the Oceans Mooloolaba to be exact. It was the private roof top spa that reeled me in and hooked me.



Sand
Oceans is sitting within walking distance of the swimming beach in Mooloolaba. Perfect for Vitamin D + Vitamin Me filled strolls on the beach with Handsome Hubby.



Shopping
The Eumundi Markets are a 45 minute drive from Oceans. As an avid handmade enthusiast, a day trip to the craft markets would be ideal. Especially, since Oceans can book transfers. Sunshine Plaza is a quick 10 minutes to good ol' fashioned shop-till-you-drop Vitamin Me.

Spa
Did I mention the private roof top spa? This is where I'd end a day of sunshine, sand, and shopping...soaking in the hot top. Oh, my aching back is already singing in gratitude. And, I can feel my Vitamin Me levels spiking.


click the blue box to test your Vitamin Me levels
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Honeys, if I won a $5,000 dream holiday in Queensland, this is how I would boost my Vitamin Me levels. How would you boost your Vitamin Me levels?

Goulburn Valley Quencher Review

My husband and I received this bottle of Goulburn Valley Quencher with our last online grocery order. The friendly delivery guy handed it to Handsome Hubby and said, "free sample". Thanks!

I was curious about this drink. Pouring myself a cup, I wondered if it would be like Australian cordial, which I think is like a glorified version of American Kool-Aid. I was pleased to discover that it was nothing like that.

In a word, "refreshing", this apple berry thirst quenching drink is quite good. And, no wonder, it is made by none other than Coca-Cola. Good on ya, Coca-Cola!

Whether you see this on the shelf at your local grocer or have your groceries delivered, be sure to treat your family to this new refreshing summer drink. It comes in three flavors: lemon, blood orange & passion fruit, and mixed berry. I recommend the mixed berry.

Oh, and one more thing . . . absolutely the best served chilled!

2011 Ikea Kitchen Expansion

Have I told you lately how wonderful Handsome Hubby is? I don't think I have. I think it has been awhile. Honestly, I haven't been blogging much at all lately due to my recent back injury. Today I'm feeling good. My back is recovering - slowly but surely. And, it's time to do some serious bragging about Handsome Hubby.

Before I begin bragging, let me bring you up to speed with life. Remember this post waaaay back in October? The one where I mention we moved house. The kitchen in our current home is more spacious than the previous one. Yet, what it has in space it lacks in counters, shelves, and storage.

Handsome Hubby didn't miss a beat. He immediately began planning a solution for my kitchen counter/storage dilemma, keeping it a secret from me for months.

He'd made a trip or two to Ikea without me. Normally, I would have gone along, but having injured my back, I wasn't keen on riding in a car, bus, or taxi, or wheel chair...or walking around Ikea's massive store for hours. I was happy to stay home.

My husband is amazing because he brought that home without me knowing it. He hid it, built it, wrapped it, and placed it beside the tree. I had to wait two weeks, looking at this massive gift with my name on it, wondering what it could be.

Christmas morning finally came, but I still had to wait. He saved it for last. Well, that's what you do with the best, right? You save the best for last.

I was thrilled when I ripped the wrapping off and discovered this beautiful wooden kitchen trolley, with wheels, two drawers, two shelves, and more counter space! I put it to use immediately. Handsome Hubby wheeled it into the kitchen, I donned my apron, and prepared Christmas dinner on it.

Thank you, Handsome Hubby for my 2011 Christmas Ikea Kitchen Expansion! You have made my life easier.

Valentine's Day Heart Garland

Source: etsy.com via Deborah on Pinterest

Made to Order - now taking orders at my Etsy shop.

Two inch felt hearts are linked together with white cotton thread and seven inches of ribbon attached to both ends for hanging in your home.

Custom orders welcome - request the garland length, color of hearts, other ideas - simply ask me.

Happy New Year! 2012 is here!

Virtual Advent 2011

Jesse Tree Ornaments - it's not too early to order for next year!

Do you celebrate Advent at your house? We do. My husband and I. In fact, we have been very busy this year filling Jesse Tree Ornament orders for many families to celebrate Advent at their house.

How do you celebrate Advent? - chocolate Advent calendar? Jesse Tree Ornaments? Advent wreath with candles? a small gift to open each day?

Celebrating Christmas with the Jesse Tree Ornaments: Add a new ornament each day to the tree and read the Bible verses accompanying each one. Each ornament symbolises a prophecy of Jesus' birth or a person in Jesus' family.

If you'd like to add this tradition to your family's Christmas celebration, you can hang the ornaments on your tree with all of your other wonderful Christmas ornaments; or have a separate tree or bare branches to use solely for Jesse Tree Ornaments.

Incorporating a Jesse Tree into your Advent/Christmas celebrations is a wonderful way to teach your children the real meaning of Christmas and to keep yourself focused on the real meaning, as well, during the "Silly Season" as it is called here in Australia.

May your Christmas celebrations be blessed!
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Interested in starting this tradition with your family? We are now taking orders. Buy Jesse Tree Ornaments from my Etsy shop.

I'm participating in the 2011 Virtual Advent Tour - click here to follow the tour.