Living out of town, its not everyday that we get visitors.  Well really never at 7 am!  And if we did they would have to ring the front gate bell to allow us to let them in.  We have a long driveway, and even if the gates were accidentally left open, I would see someone coming.

No… none of that happened last week. 

I had just got up and had a cuppa when there was a knock at the door.    “EEEKK” I thought, feeling someone had sprung me in my PJ’s.   “Knock, Knock”  it went again.

I knew I had to answer, so with trepidation, walking slowly whilst trying to smooth down my scruffy hair, and neatening my PJ’s, I went to the front door.  (which by the way no one uses as the front is still under construction and looks like a building site)

I went to the front door and honestly did a double take.  There was a huge Kangaroo at the door!!!  I was in disbelief, but as a “wanna-be-in-another-lifetime-photographer”  as I am, I went and grabbed my trusty camera.  As I went back to the front door Tiana was getting up, and wanted to know who was here. (yep… still loving her Cornflowerblue PJ set)

wow… she was also amazed.  The kangaroo was quite relaxed it looked like it really wanted to come in.  The kangaroo and Tiana stared at each other a long time.  Tiana was tapping on the glass and talking to him, and he wasnt at all phased by her antics or by the camera flash either for that matter.  If anything was rather inquisitive and wanted to see more.

The kangaroo waited at the front door.. us staring at him, and then figured we were not going to let him in so manoeuvred around the wheel borough, the bricks and steps and started nibbling on the new growth of my roses.  Of course I saw that as inappropriate behaviour and knocked on the window…  he just stared back, then kept on nibbling.  Who would have thought new rose shots were a kangaroo delicacy!

Tiana and I went out and still didn’t jump away, actually came back and peeked around the corner at us even closer.  I explained to Tiana to keep her distance as they can be unpredictable.  He looked so cute, gorgeous big brown eyes.  We took lots of photo’s.  We both kept saying how cute he was.

The kangaroo quietly hopped about the back yard  and around the house for a good half hr…. constantly checking on us  (yes, I had got my cuppa and a jumper on by then).  It was a cold, misty morning, and beautiful as the sun was coming up/ The Kangaroo was in great condition, and I couldn’t help but wonder if it had been a domesticated kangaroo.  it was so relaxed, inquisitive and not once did it look threatening or agitated.  The kangaroo looked like he was wanting to play, and often would have long looks at us as if to sday  “please can I come in”

Finally… decided to just quietly hop away over the hills and back to where he came from.  not before stopping one last time and having a good look at our faces ….

… you never know he may be back.  Tiana (and I) secretly hope he does!

……………………………

La Toriana is proud to be a finalist in 2 category awards.  Annouced in Brisbane July 31st.  What an honour!

 

  

 Our labels include, Alimrose, annieB, Lambykins, Little Miss J, Little Moos, Mini Treasure Kids, Princess Allure, FairyFloss Creations, Eternal Creation, Vanchi, TikiBoo Kids, Little Pearls for Little Girls, Tea Princess, Three Little trees, Tummbear, Dolly Up, babyjo bamboo baby wear, nest organics, early birds premature baby clothes, teeny weeny premmie baby wear, Extreem Glass, Oopsidaisi, boxy design, anamalz, Briit design, Bump buddy, cheeky little soles, Sounds for silence, Deshabille, eco peko, fINNIGAN fINN, gertie and me, Hey baby, huggalugs, i candy, lazybones, Knuffle Kid, Ogilvies Designs, Bethany’s Child, locolili, miniwhisk, mon tresor, nana huchy, nanny pickle, OOBI baby, penny scallan, Tabitha Emma, Tippie Toes, Robert Gordon Australia, Sweetie Pie, Princess Ratbag, Alannah Rose stationary, Mulberry Muse, Vintage Kid, Wild Things of Noosa, YmamaY, Xanna,  and so many more!

Way across the country in QLD,  (well to me anyway) is a house with 2 gorgeous little girls rooms in it. Terri, mum to Charlotte and Molly above, have done incredibly well with styling the girls rooms.  Of course with some input from them.  I love the colours, the styling and all the gorgeous handmade items that blend in so well.

They’re really just a mix of things that I’ve bought + a lot of items that I’ve handmade.  I handmade the birdhouses, the filigree frames, the canvases, the dolls house and the names on the wall. 
 
I did buy the wall art for both rooms from Little Styles if I remember correctly. 
 
The girls particularly love the birdhouses – I find them in the most interesting places in the house…with the most interesting things shoved inside the birdhouse!  I’ve actually just committed to holding a stall at the Bardon Markets in Brisbane on June 26 to sell these, so that’s exciting.
 
  Charlotte is 6 and she’s got the really blonde hair and Molly is almost 3.
 

Terri  bought these frames for $3 on sale from Target (cha-ching)…they were black originally…bought a $3.50 can of spray paint, added some paper and butterflies and here is the finished product…easy!

 Dolls house that Charlotte got for her 1st birthday. It was in it’s raw state. As per my usual, I painted, sanded, stuck on paper, decorated and this is how it turned out…

 The other big hit is the dollshouse – in fact when Molly was a tiny baby she had a little sleep in it.  Here is a photo of baby Molly in Charlottes dolls house. 

Totally gorgeous!! 

It’s Charlotte’s fairy door. It’s a tiny little door that sits on the skirting board. She randomly leaves ‘presents’….drawings, hair clips etc for the fairies and they leave something in return. It’s a classic…she is completely convinced that the fairies come into her room and leave her gifts…will be a really nice story to tell her when she’s older.

Oh… and I just HAD to show you how talented Terri is… Below are 2 canvas sets.  The first one Terri bought as they matched in with the colours of the room, but the second one she made.  WOW Terri…. you have a gift… looks amazing!

 I must say Terri… what a WONDERFUL job you did with both rooms… and you are so creative, stylish and talented!!  I just know you are going to do so well at the Bardon Markets in Brisbane on June 26 to sell the birdhouses….  WE LOVE them!   Anyone reading this blog and in the Brisbane area on that date… pop in and say hi to Terri!

Have you some inspiration now to do your own kids rooms up?  I bet you have…. I do!

 La Toriana’s FACEBOOK  Profile       

 Our labels include, Alimrose, annieB, Lambykins, Princess Allure, FairyFloss Creations, Eternal Creation, Vanchi, TikiBoo Kids, Little Pearls for Little Girls, Tea Princess, Three Little trees, Tummbear, Dolly Up, babyjo bamboo baby wear, nest organics, early birds premature baby clothes, teeny weeny premmie baby wear, Extreem Glass, Oopsidaisi, boxy design, anamalz, Briit design, Bump buddy, cheeky little soles, Sounds for silence, Deshabille, eco peko, fINNIGAN fINN, gertie and me, Hey baby, huggalugs, i candy, lazybones, Knuffle Kid, Ogilvies Designs, Bethany’s Child, locolili, miniwhisk, mon tresor, nana huchy, nanny pickle, OOBI baby, penny scallan, Tabitha Emma, Tippie Toes, Robert Gordon Australia, Sweetie Pie, Princess Ratbag, Alannah Rose stationary, Mulberry Muse, Vintage Kid, Wild Things of Noosa, YmamaY, Xanna,  and so many more!

Tiramisu Cupcake

Its been an interesting couple days here at La Toriana!  It started with my facebook page vanishing, and then the rallying around by gorgeous friends and followers and customers!  In less than 36 hrs we are almost back to where we were!   Wow…. I am in awe of such a wonderful, supportive and embracing group online I have.   So, each one of you please grab a cuppa and cake here and join me.   I personally want to say THANK YOU

 oh and if you love it so much (as I am sure you will) here is the recipe and get more great and amazing recipes from here.. click HERE at the Australian Womens Weekly

Vanilla buttercake:
90g butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup (110g) caster sugar
2 eggs
1 cup (150g) self-raising flour
2 tablespoons milk

Mascarpone cream:
250g mascarpone cheese
1/4 cup (40g) icing sugar
1 tablespoon marsala
3/4 cup (180ml) thickened cream, whipped

Coffee mixture:
1 tablespoon instant coffee granules
1/3 cup (80ml) boiling water
2 tablespoons marsala

Decorations:
50g dark eating chocolate, grated finely

1. Preheat oven to moderate (180°C/160°C fan-forced). Line 6-hole texas or 12-hole standard muffin pan with paper cases.

2. Beat butter, extract, sugar, eggs, flour and milk in small bowl with electric mixer on low speed until ingredients are just combined. Increase speed to medium, beat until mixture is changed to a paler colour. Divide mixture among cases; smooth surface.

3. Bake large cakes about 25 minutes, small cakes about 20 minutes. Turn cakes onto wire rack to cool.

4. Make mascarpone cream. Make coffee mixture.

5. Remove cases from cakes. Cut each cake horizontally into four. Brush both sides of cake slices with coffee mixture. Join cake slices with mascarpone cream.

6. Spread tops of cakes with mascarpone cream; sprinkle with grated chocolate. Refrigerate for 3 hours before serving.

Mascarpone cream
Combine mascarpone, sifted icing sugar and marsala in small bowl; fold in cream.

Coffee mixture
Combine coffee, the water and marsala in small bowl; cool.

to view this from the source or see other great recipes… click HERE

 La Toriana’s FACEBOOK  Profile       

 Our labels include, Alimrose, annieB, Lambykins, Princess Allure, FairyFloss Creations, Eternal Creation, Vanchi, TikiBoo Kids, Little Pearls for Little Girls, Tea Princess, Three Little trees, Tummbear, Dolly Up, babyjo bamboo baby wear, nest organics, early birds premature baby clothes, teeny weeny premmie baby wear, Extreem Glass, Oopsidaisi, boxy design, anamalz, Briit design, Bump buddy, cheeky little soles, Sounds for silence, Deshabille, eco peko, fINNIGAN fINN, gertie and me, Hey baby, huggalugs, i candy, lazybones, Knuffle Kid, Ogilvies Designs, Bethany’s Child, locolili, miniwhisk, mon tresor, nana huchy, nanny pickle, OOBI baby, penny scallan, Tabitha Emma, Tippie Toes, Robert Gordon Australia, Sweetie Pie, Princess Ratbag, Alannah Rose stationary, Mulberry Muse, Vintage Kid, Wild Things of Noosa, YmamaY, Xanna,  and so many more!

 ~ Our Back Yard ~

I took these pics this week and I was amazed how well they came out.  Mind you, its not an inch on the ambiance I experienced whilst taking the pics.   Tiana was inside having breakfast and  the sun was coming up.  I looked out at the “back yard” and it was like a mystical blanket was cast over the valley below.  We live on a hill, and for a moment … it felt like I lived above the clouds.

I got yy trusty camera out and stood in our courtyard and took these shots as the sun was coming up.   It was still, silent, and so very, very mild.  No breeze, so wind at all…. and as the sun came up… yes, I did feel the serenity.  For a few moments I allowed myself to think of the twins.  Like I was with them.  Living high up above the world, and looking over.  It was so peaceful, relaxed and I was so ever melancholy.

The mist, the fog, was like a white organza sheet between us and the rest of the world… even just for those few minutes, it was so very peaceful!  Its amazing to describe.  Central Victoria is amazing and being rural… even more so.  (I think anyway)

The rest of the day I played  “THAT  CD”.  Given to me from the fertile thoughts {Loss of a child} group.  Hubby often thinks its depressing, but… in a strange kkind of way is actually revitalising.  It allows me to cry, allows me to feel and “be”.  Its away from all the rush and tear and obligations and commitments.  Its very soothing and comforting and helps me feel “close” to the girls.

We have  a large house, and was planned for the girls, and I like these type of winter mornings as my first born girls came into this world on a winters day, and I like to think it was like this.  I have no idea what type of morning it was, as I was very sick, but I like to think this was the type of day.

The pics above are RAW, and unedited.  I live in central Victoria and have a small property with some animals and garden….  Its tranquil…. and yes, I think I need to stop and smell the roses more often.  Today I did.

I walked about the property, attended some gardening, cleaned the house and “planned”.   I also “dreamed”. and I do “believe”

The only thing that got me through so many days… and nights… was this mantra

DREAM

BELIEVE

PLAN

ACHIEVE

there is so much to that story….     yep… one day!

For today,….  

these photos, a new day….  with such  wonderment, a brand new start… ”anything is possible”

warmly

Elizabeth xx

 La Toriana’s FACEBOOK  Profile       

 Our labels include, Alimrose, annieB, Lambykins, Princess Allure, FairyFloss Creations, Eternal Creation, Vanchi, TikiBoo Kids, Little Pearls for Little Girls, Tea Princess, Three Little trees, Tummbear, Dolly Up, babyjo bamboo baby wear, nest organics, early birds premature baby clothes, teeny weeny premmie baby wear, Extreem Glass, Oopsidaisi, boxy design, anamalz, Briit design, Bump buddy, cheeky little soles, Sounds for silence, Deshabille, eco peko, fINNIGAN fINN, gertie and me, Hey baby, huggalugs, i candy, lazybones, Knuffle Kid, Ogilvies Designs, Bethany’s Child, locolili, miniwhisk, mon tresor, nana huchy, nanny pickle, OOBI baby, penny scallan, Tabitha Emma, Tippie Toes, Robert Gordon Australia, Sweetie Pie, Princess Ratbag, Alannah Rose stationary, Mulberry Muse, Vintage Kid, Wild Things of Noosa, YmamaY, Xanna,  and so many more!

oooh this one is for the mums and dads!   mmm   lovely for the cooler days coming in.  Perfect for Mothers Day too.

 A nice hot cuppa, good magazine  (The Australian Womens Weekly this month is GREAT!), and a restful afternoon.   Just what I need.  Want more great recipes … go HERE

Enjoy

Mocha cupcakes

INGREDIENTS

1 tablespoon instant coffee granules
¼ cup (60ml) hot water
125g butter, softened
¾ cup (165g) caster sugar
2 eggs
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
1 cup (150g) self-raising flour
2/3 cup (80g) almond meal
125g dark chocolate, melted
¾ cup (180ml) buttermilk
coffee beans, to decorate, optional

coffee buttercream
3 teaspoons instant coffee granules
1½ tablespoons hot water
185g unsalted butter, softened
2¼ cups (360g) icing sugar, sifted

METHOD

Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced). Line a 12-hole, 1/3-cup (80ml) capacity muffin pan with paper cases.

Combine coffee granules and hot water in a cup. Stir until dissolved.

Beat butter and sugar in a medium bowl with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating until just combined between additions.

Fold in half of the combined sifted cocoa and flour, all the almond meal and then the chocolate. Fold in the buttermilk, remaining flour mixture and the coffee mixture.

Divide mixture among paper cases. Bake for about 20 minutes or until cooked when tested with a skewer. Cool cakes on a wire rack.

Coffee buttercream
Combine coffee granules and hot water in a cup. Stir until dissolved. Beat butter in a medium bowl with an electric mixer until as pale as possible. Gradually beat in half the icing sugar, all the coffee mixture, then the remaining icing sugar.

Using a piping bag fitted with a small plain nozzle, decorate cakes with Coffee Buttercream. Top each cake with coffee beans, if desired.

If you are looking to spoil yourself, or grab a last minute Mothers day gift, here are a few suggestions of gifts for mums online at La Toriana.

 La Toriana’s FACEBOOK  Profile       

 Our labels include, Alimrose, annieB, Lambykins, Princess Allure, FairyFloss Creations, Eternal Creation, Vanchi, TikiBoo Kids, Little Pearls for Little Girls, Tea Princess, Three Little trees, Tummbear, Dolly Up, babyjo bamboo baby wear, nest organics, early birds premature baby clothes, teeny weeny premmie baby wear, Extreem Glass, Oopsidaisi, boxy design, anamalz, Briit design, Bump buddy, cheeky little soles, Sounds for silence, Deshabille, eco peko, fINNIGAN fINN, gertie and me, Hey baby, huggalugs, i candy, lazybones, Knuffle Kid, Ogilvies Designs, Bethany’s Child, locolili, miniwhisk, mon tresor, nana huchy, nanny pickle, OOBI baby, penny scallan, Tabitha Emma, Tippie Toes, Robert Gordon Australia, Sweetie Pie, Princess Ratbag, Alannah Rose stationary, Mulberry Muse, Vintage Kid, Wild Things of Noosa, YmamaY, Xanna,  and so many more!