Merry Christmas

A twig becomes a Christmas tree with the help of my daughter.



If our greatest need had been information,
God would have sent us an educator.

If our greatest need had been technology,
God would have sent us a scientist.

If our greatest need had been money,
God would have sent us an economist.

If our greatest need had been pleasure,
God would have sent us an entertainer.

 

But our greatest need was forgiveness,

so God sent us a Saviour.

---Roy Lessin

 

 



Every year I make Rocky Road

 



 

Finders Keepers Market

My daughter was really keen to go to the bi-annual Finders Keepers Market at the Carriage Works last Sunday. We managed to fit in a visit between a head ache, piano lesson, a three hour shift at the shop and evening carols. The market was fabulous! After a fews hours of browsing we left quite satisfied with a haul that included retro inspired shorts and quirky handmade gifts.

Some pics to entice you to visit the next Finders Keepers Market near you.

Even the food van was attractive.

Only 16 days to Christmas....

There is so much 'busyness' once December hits! Year end school activities, piano recitals and exams, pre-christmas markets, birthday dinners and Christmas celebrations ... the local mall is in a frenzy ....  sadly we all seem to be suffering from this rush!  A dear friend texted that the week seemed the busiest of her life and the teachers in my life are flat out marking and doing school reports till all hours! 

So why don't we stop and take a breath and focus on what is important this holiday season!

My daugher's piano recital was a lovely interlude, the pieces were based on taking a walk around New York.



 

Take stock of all we have achieved - I'm wrapping up a rewarding year of candle making.

 



 



Caroline Kennedy got it right when she said....It's true, Christmas can feel like a lot of work, particularly for mothers. But when you look back on all the Christmases in your life, you'll find you've created family traditions and lasting memories. Those memories, good and bad, are really what help to keep a family together over the long haul.

What do 150 Arum Lillies look like?

 

At last I can download the pictures I took with my phone on the day I sold bunches of gorgeous Arum Lillies at Gordon Markets.  We picked the Arum Lillies at my sister's property on Saturday night so they were fresh for the Sunday Market. They got LOTS of attention!

 

I had to guard the Arum Lillies as people would touch the petals to confirm that they were'nt fake!

Close ups of the elegant creamy flowers

 

The modest Rose puts forth a thorn,

The humble sheep a threat'ning horn:

While the Lily white shall in love delight,

Nor a thorn nor a threat stain her beauty bright.

William Blake
 

 

Can't forget the candles!

A pretty two tone pink and green candle in a punch cup.

The 'mock Tudor' candles

Road trip to Orange

During the school holidays we went to Orange to visit my sister.  I had been promising to visit her for quite some time. So my mother, daughter and I made our way westward over the Blue Mountains. We fortified ourselves with coffee, hot chocolate & cake at Wentworth Falls Village - I never miss an opportunity to enjoy the Blue Mountains!

We were warned that it would still be very cold in Orange... but were greeted with balmy spring weather (the cold snap and snow hit a week after our visit).

Orange surpassed my expectations! Its such vibrant & attractive town with the friendliest people!



We stayed in a 100 year old country cottage

 

  

Admired my sister's new property

 

 

 

 

 

On the way back to Sydney we stopped at the gorgeous historic town of Millthorpe.With a much needed coffee in hand strolled the streets admiring heritage buildings, charming houses and cottage gardens.

 

 

 



Can't wait to visit Orange again!

 

 

A Lovely Aroma

 

"How could such sweet and wholesome hours
Be reckoned but with herbs and flowers?"
- Andrew Marvel

 

I am a purist and scent my candles only with essential oils. As I have suffered from migraines for many years I don't use perfumes and candles scented with synthetic fragrances....And why would you want to diffuse your home with synthetic fragrance rather than the wonderful and tranquil aroma of herbs and plants? For centuries aromatherapy was used to soothe, uplift and heal the body and mind with the application and/or inhalation of botanical oils.

Some of the beautiful plants that are used to scent my candles....

May Chang




A field of Lavender



Limes




Sweet geranium

 

To Market.... to Market away we will go!

I love markets - whether as a stall holder or visitor.... Rozelle Markets, Gordon Markets, Frenchs Forest Organic Markets, Mangrove Country Markets - the list could go on!

Seaside markets, undercover markets, annual festivals, art and craft markets, farmers markets, or the inner city vintage markets .... something to suit any mood or need!

The carnival atmosphere, relaxed mood, friendly stall holders and mingling people  - browsing with a coffee in hand or with a cute dog ready for a pat ...

 

Hope you can visit a market soon!

Thoughts on creativity......

The other day I was thinking about people who chose my candles for their home or as a gift.  Its gratifying to think of the candles becoming a part of other people's lives, giving their home a sweet ambience - or being thoughtfully chosen as a gift for someone.

 

The satisfaction we have in making something  becomes even greater when we share it.  The enjoyment of someone eating the cake you made, the fun of a child trying the costume you put together ...or the card or gift carefully made at school by little hands being proudly handed over.

Here are some favourite creative moments...

My sister-in-law's fab stork cake and delectable cupcakes made for her son's christening brunch contributing to a memorable day....

... my daughter made beautiful cupcake trinket boxes as party favours for her 16th birthday

.... my sister made these pretty goat milk soaps courtesy of goats from a cousin's farm ....

The joy of making or receiving a handmade gift!