52 Weeks Happy (39/52)

This week has actually been a rough week.  This whole full time work and parenting gig is starting to take its toll.  Luckily there were a few little moments that made me smile...

1 - Seeing these two snuggled up after a long day at work brings a smile to my face.  They are just so cute together!

2 & 3 - Hair appointments and fresh new do's are the perfect way to end a rough week!

4 - Baking cakes for birthday celebrations never fails to make me happy!  For more pics of the cake check out my post here.

5 - New journals = new possibilities! What will this one become? Who knows but putting pen to paper in a fresh notebook is one of my little pleasures in life.

I hope your week has been going a little smoother than mine has.  What has been happening to make you smile?

52 Weeks (38/52)

Ok people I am in a bit of shock this past week because I just realised that in two weeks tomorrow I will have a 1 year old.  If that isn't the craziest thought I have had all week then I don't know what is!  But here is what has been happening this last week.

1 - I love my job! I had the pleasure of assisting a bride with a surprise wedding elopement in our gorgeous dolphin cove venue.  How can you not enjoy working in a place like this?!

2 - A gorgeous friend spoilt me with these darling flowers last week.  Aren't they gorgeous?! They have lasted so well and I have been enjoying them brightening up my house.  Fresh flowers are the best!

3 - Last weekend we took Imogen to the strawberry farm for the first time to do some strawberry picking.  It was so much fun! Imogen absolutely demolished the strawberries that we picked.  They are her favourite food.  I think we will definitely be going back to do this again.

4 - I started a new sewing project this week.  This is the second piece of fabric that I have started making from my frocktails purchases.  I am hoping to have it finished this week so I can wear it to a bbq this Sunday.  Stay tuned for finished pictures next week.

5 - On Sunday we took my brother in law indoor rock climbing for his birthday.  It was so much fun! I got a little scared when I got too high though so I wasn't the greatest at it.  I have an epic bruise from where I slipped at one point.  It was totally worth it though!

6 - I finished my first sewing project from my frocktails stash this week too.  This mini skirt is my favourite item in my wardrobe at the moment.  It will be getting a lot of wear this summer! For more pics check out the full post here.

52 Weeks Happy (36 & 37)

In all the excitement of frocktails I forgot to post my 52 weeks happy last week.  So here we have two weeks worth of happiness rolled into one post.

1 - We went on a nice little weekend trip to Melbourne as a family.  Getting away for the weekend is always fun but going on a plane makes it extra special.

2 - While in Melbourne I was extremely lucky to head to frocktails and meet a whole bunch of gorgeous new sewing friends.

3 - Melbourne was very good to me in the fabric and pattern purchasing department.  I can't wait to get started sewing all these up!

4 - Last week I finally got around to sending out invitations for Imogen's birthday party.  I purchased these from Whirlibird on etsy.  I bought them and received them within 48 hours.  They are absolutely gorgeous!  Only 4 weeks to go till the party now.

5 & 6 - This past weekend I had the opportunity to set up some centrepieces and a lolly buffet for a bridal expo at a local venue.  I am very happy with how everything turned out.  FIngers crossed this gives my little business the boost it needs to get off the ground.

7 - We went to a little local markets this weekend and I spoilt my little miss with some new clothes.  These all come from handmade sellers.  I love supporting handmade businesses because I know the hardwork and dedication that goes into making everything.  I am so in love with these purchases I will definitely be going back to the next markets for more.

8 - Sunday we did a catch up swimming lesson as Imogen missed one while we were in Melbourne.  Corey took her for the first time and she had so much fun.  Daddy daughter time is so fun to watch!  These two have the cutest bond. I just love seeing them interact and how in love they are.

9 - I have been feeling like a little kid again and doing a little bit of colouring in.  This is more prep for Imogen's party but I must say I rather enjoy colouring in.  I might need to start doing more of it just for fun!

And that has what has been keeping me busy this past couple of weeks.  How has your week been? I hope it has been a happy one.

52 Weeks Happy (35/52)

This week was so super busy and it just flew!  Work has been crazy with a major event that I am looking after taking place this week.  Then the long weekend came and it was chocker block full of things to do.  It's funny how even with the extra day the weekend felt shorter than ever.  But the good thing about that is we had some fun things happening.  Two awesome things in particular!

On the public holiday Friday we had Imogen's friends first birthday party.  This is the first birthday party Imogen has been invited to and it was so much fun.  We got all dressed up in our matching blue outfits (totally coincidental) and got ready to party.  There was a jumping castle, loads of yummy food, a fishing for ducks game, cute prizes and loads of Imogen's friends.  It was also my first time getting a chance to catch up with my mummy's group since returning to work which was very needed.  We had so much fun! I can't wait for the next birthday party.

The second fun thing that happened this week was of course Father's Day.  Corey's father's day started early with a sausage sizzle and afternoon of activities.  Imogen also made Corey a super cute card at school and bought him a mug with matching coaster from the father's day stall. On Sunday we started off the day with an early wake up call to fulfill Corey's request of an early morning swim.  After swimming we met up with my family and went to breakfast then had a nice relaxing walk along the beach.  The rest of the day was a pretty simple family day and it was perfect!

So how was your week? I hope it was as enjoyable as mine!

52 Weeks Happy (34/52)

It was a busy week last week.  My first week back at work and my first week adjusting to life of being a working mum.  I must say I have a lot of respect for all those working mums out there.  This gig isn't easy! But we are learning as we go and we'll get there eventually.  For now here are a few points from our week that made me smile.

1 - I finished my sew bossy dress this week and spent some good time twirling for photos.  This is the funnest dress I have ever made. So much fun for twirling and perfect for a summer barbecue.  I can't wait to wear this again.  For more pictures check out my post here.

2 - It's hard to not smile when you visit the dolphins at work! They are so cheeky and love attention.  The minute you go into the cove they swim straight up to the edge and start showing off.  It's a great way to de-stress.

3 - After a week away from my munchkin all day we took advantage of the weekend to have some family time.  We headed out for breakfast and I got my full weeks quota of snuggles up to scratch.  I missed that monkey something shocking!

4 - Also on the weekend we had some family over for pancakes to celebrate Imogen getting her first tooth.  It's a family tradition and I have more pictures to share later in the week.

I hope you all had a lovely week!

52 Weeks Happy (33/52)

This year is disappearing right before my eyes and I feel like it is just going to go even faster now that I am back at work.  We always look a month ahead at work so I am planning events for September/October which makes time just seem like it is flying by!  Here are a few quick snippets from this week...

1 - Warm winter foods on hot summer days are somewhat comforting.  Last week I stewed some apples and cinnamon and enjoyed them with some delicious porridge.

2 - Last Friday I had the chance to take a trip up to The Fabric Store in Brisbane and meet the lovely Sophie from Cirque Du Bebe.  She helped me pick out some fabric for an upcoming project that I am super excited to get started on.

3 - Sunday was my mum's birthday.  I whipped her up this birthday cake on her request.  I have some better photos and more details to come on this cake later on in the week so stay tuned.

4 - 6 - Monday was my first day back at work.  I cracked out some new clothes to give me a little boost of confidence for my first day.  They worked wonders!  My brand new lunchbox would have been more fun had we been grocery shopping.  I need to get back into the routine of packing my lunch and not being able to just cook stuff when I want to eat.  To be honest I am feeling a bit lost with work at the moment.  I feel like it is taking me ages to do simple things.  Hopefully by the end of the week my brain will be working a bit better with all these work stuff.

How has your week been? I hope it has been a happy one!

52 Weeks Happy (32/52)

Another week down and onto my final week of maternity leave.  How crazy is that! It's almost 11 months to the day that I left work.  It is both scary and exciting to be going back.  I keep thinking what if I have forgotten everything.  I'm sure it will all go fine and Imogen is going to love daycare.  She already loves all the people down there!  So here are a few moments from last week, my second last week of maternity leave...

1 - Corey has had a few days off work so last week we had a slow morning and I made us poffertjes for breakfast.  They were delicious!

2 - I started a new project with some gorgeous fabric which I am loving making.  This dress is fully lined which I haven't done on a project in so so long.  I am loving the professional finish it gives the dress.  I can't wait till it is all done!

3 - We enjoyed our last mummy's group on Tuesday.  It was a lot of fun and the girls bought muffins to celebrate me going back to work.  I am going to miss meeting up with these girls every week but we are going to start doing a monthly weekend catch up so I am looking forward to that!

4 - I may or may not have a small case of stateritis!  Since I am going back to work on Monday I am trying to smash out a few projects before then.  So I started a second project this week.  I currently have 10 projects in progress.  Some sewing, some knitting.  Fingers crossed a few get finished before I go back on Monday.

5 - Saturday we had a family picnic in the park.  The weather here has been amazing over the past week.  Clear blue skies and sunshine non stop!  So we had to take advantage and get out for some fresh air.

So it wasn't a massively productive week on the creating front but Corey was home most of the week so we were having some much needed quality family time.  It was lovely!  I hope your week has been just as good.

52 Weeks Happy (30/52)

Hello there bloggy friends! How has your week been? Mine has literally disappeared.  The second half of the year is hectic for us and I am finding the time slipping away from me.  October especially is going to be crazy and I have been using most of my spare time to try and plan ahead for that month.  But until then here are some other things I have been doing this past week...

1 - Isn't this the cutest thing you have ever seen!!! Corey was working nights last week and we spent the night at my parents house.  Imogen & dad crashed out on the lounge together and I couldn't resist sneaking a photo.

2 - Last week I tested out a new recipe and made some delicious & healthy breakfast muffins.  I have been eating these daily and am about to run out.  Hopefully there are some leftover bananas this week so I can make more.  Check out the recipe here.

3 - This week I dyed myself some shoes.  I was so happy with how this pinterest project turned out.  It was my first turn working with dye so it was a bit of trial and error but they worked out well in the end.

4 - I am a bit of an organising nerd!  Lately I keep feeling like I am forgetting things.  So one morning last week I sat down with my diary and got the next few months in order.  Fingers crossed this cures my forgetfulness!

5 - I started a new sewing project this week.  Yes, I already have one big project (my scrap quilt) on the go but I felt the need to start sewing something for me.  I am pretty excited about this top and I only have sleeves, buttons & hems to go!  Fingers crossed I'll have something to show you next week.

6 - On Sunday we went to visit my cousin and his too cute for words baby.  I got a little preview of what life with two kids would be like.  Hectic!  But aren't they just the cutest little monkeys ever!!!

7&8 - What could be happier than a giant cupcake?!  I was so excited to get the chance to use my giant cupcake tin again to make this cake.  It was a lot of fun to make and although I wasn't in love with the finished project at first the more I look at it the more I love it!

9 - Big big happy story to go with this picture.  At lunch on Saturday they were running a comp to post pics at the venue on instagram and have a chance to win a $50 voucher.  I found out today that I won!  Yay me!!! I am pretty stoked because I never win stuff.  Plus the food was delicious so I am very much looking forward to going back.

So how has your week been? Have there been any special moments to make you smile?

52 Weeks Happy (29/52)

1 - Corey had the week off last week so we got to have some extra family time which was nice.  On Monday we headed out bright and early for a walk around the lake.  It was a lovely way to start the week!

2 - Raw Choc Mint Slice is where its at people!  Get on it right now.  This sweet treat is not only delicious but guilt free.  I will be making this again very soon.

3 - When Corey bought his new car the sales agent gave us movie tickets when we picked the car up.  We took the chance for a daytime date while Imogen was at daycare and went and saw The Heat.  It was as funny as I was expecting but it still had some good spots.  And who can complain with a date day!

4 - On Friday Imogen was at daycare again so we headed out for a lazy lunch at a new to us spot near home.  I had an chicken avocado melt and it was delicious! I am majorly craving avocados lately.

5 - Over the weekend we headed down to Brunswick Heads to visit Corey's brother.  We did a spot of fishing in the sunshine and Corey caught a few fish.

6 - Driving time = crochet time! It was only an hours drive each way but that still gave me time to make some progress on my something pretty blanket.

7 & 8 - I ventured into green smoothie territory this week!  First I tried out a blueberry smoothie with just a handful of added spinach.  But last night I stepped it up to a full on green smoothie.  It was pretty delicious!

9 - I finished my scrap quilt top!  Woo hoo!!!  I am pretty pumped that this top is done.  Now I need to get some batting and backing fabric so I can finish it up.  Fingers crossed I can get that done in the next week or so.

What has been happening in your world this week? I hope there have been a few moments to make you smile!

52 Weeks Happy (28/52)

Happy Tuesday everyone!  Here are a few snapshots of what has been making us happy this past week.

1 - I have been hitting the juices this week.  My favourite is still my usual apple, watermelon and ginger but I have seen a few recipes around for some green juices that I am going to try this week.

2 - I made my first ever custom order for my business.  I made 20m of hessian bunting for a client to be used in a photoshoot this past weekend.  If you would like anything custom made please feel free to pop over to my facebook page and pm me.

3 - Imogen has been pushing our coffee table around so we decided to buy her a walker.  Unfortunately, she thinks it is more fun to ride it like a bike.  Oh well! At least she is getting some enjoyment out of it.

4 - This is the best thing that happened this week!!! We got out invitation for my sisters wedding.  It is coming around so fast.  I am so excited!!!

5 - I finally got around to finishing a little pinterest project this week.  It looks so cute! I'm so glad I finally got my A into G and finished it.

6 - What could make you happier than going to visit your mum and being sent home with half a cake!  My sister and I have been talking about this cake she used to make when we were kids for ages so last week she made it and we got half a cake each.  Yum!!!

7 - Raspberry Chia Pudding! This stuff is amazing. This was my breakfast at our farmers market visit on the weekend but I am going to try and recreate it myself.

8 - Isn't Imogen the cutest gangster ever!  She is rocking out a beanie from my friends clothing label.  It was so adorable on her.  And perfect for the current cold snap!

9 - Good luck is heading our way! Corey found a four leaf clover in the front yard on the weekend so hopefully this will be bringing us some good luck soon.

How was your week? I hope there has been a few moments to make you smile!

52 Weeks Happy (27/52)

OMG the last week went so fast! Even Corey was saying how quick it was going and it usually drags for him being at work.  It's like someone hit fast forward on the world.  No matter how quickly it went we did manage to squeeze some fun stuff into our days.

1 - Now we all know that food makes me happy!  This week I tried out my sister's bacon & red lentil soup.  It was delicious! Not as good as when she makes it though.  Do you ever find that things always taste better when someone else makes them for you?

2 - I also discovered the deliciousness that is chia pudding this week.  If you want a healthy sweet treat then you need to try this. I am a sucker for dessert and I have been using this as my healthy option.

3 - When I first gave Imogen avocado as a puree she hated it.  This week I decided to try again by making it into sandwiches.  She is loving it!  Unfortunately, I also discovered how good avo is on corn thins and have been eating all her avocados.  Woops!

4 - There is something about wrapping presents that makes me really happy! I love buying presents and wrapping them all pretty.  Unfortunately, this one was for a 4 year old boy who couldn't care less about my wrapping skills.  Oh well!

5 - I am so proud of myself this week.  I have been wanting to get out and start walking for ages and finally this week I started.  I went for a walk around a lake near our house Monday morning and this morning.  It is a great start to the morning and I am hoping I can keep my motivation up to keep going.

6 - I finally finished and shared my comic print top this week.  I have had the idea for this top in my head for a couple of months and I am so happy I finally got around to it.  The finished top is one of my favourite me made items in my wardrobe.

7, 8 & 9 - Last weekend we took Imogen on her first camping trip. I must say it was a raging success!  Luckily for us she is on mostly finger food now so feeding her was a lot easier.  We didn't have to worry about taking purees and being able to heat them up.  All we needed to take were bottles.  For breakfast Imogen had a vegemite scroll from the local bakery that was the same size as her head! But don't worry she didn't eat it all herself.  I think we will definitely be taking her on more camping trips in the future.

How was your week?  Did anything special happen to make you smile?

52 Weeks Happy (26/52)

Can you believe that the year is half over already? Crazy isn't it! I must admit that I am pretty excited to be into the second half of the year.  It is always my favourite part of the year because it is where my birthday, Corey's birthday and Christmas take place.  This year though it is going to a whole new level. We also have Imogen's first birthday, my sisters hens weekend & kitchen tea and my sisters wedding.  It is going to be a fun, fun next 6 months! In the meantime, here is what has been happening this past week.

1 - I finally got around to making something to hang above Imogen's cot.  A lovely personalised piece of wall art that fits in perfectly with her rooms colour scheme.  It was super duper simple! I shared a tutorial here if you would like to make one yourself.

2 - I've been making some good progress on my scrap quilt.  I have now sewn together half of the rows.  I am hoping to have the quilt top completed by the end of this week.

3 - The latest Donna Hay Kid's magazine came out this week and I snapped it up asap.  I love this magazine! I wait all year for it to come out.  It always has the coolest birthday party ideas in it.  Also the recipes are always so simple & delicious!

4 - Roasted chickpeas are the bomb! I made mine with olive oil, rosemary and garlic.  They definitely soothe the chip craving in a healthier way.

5 - The most exciting thing to happen this week is that mum and dad bought a new dog!  Isn't she adorable. Her name is Saffron.  But we like to call her Saffy the Staffy!

6 - Sunday morning we enjoyed a bit of a lie in and snuggles with our little monkey.  It was a nice slow start to a rainy day.

7 - Also on Sunday we visited the new Bunnings that has opened up near us.  They had free pop corn and fairy floss so being the child that I am you know I couldn't say no!

8 - This made me so happy this week! I finally cast off my heart sweater dress and it turned out even better than I had expected. I love it!  Perfect for the rainy weather we have been having lately.

I hope you have all been having a good week.  Has anything special happened to make you smile?

52 Weeks Happy (25/52)

This week was a big week! I feel like I have managed to get a lot done and it feels like one of my most productive weeks in a while.  It went way too fast though. I always wish there were a few more hours in the week!

1 - I spent some time locking in my plans for Imogen's first birthday.  I have been thinking about her birthday since the start of the year. Yes, I am that crazy mother! But now I have proper plans and can start collecting and making for the big day.

2 - New clothes always make me happy! I have not been shopping anywhere near as much as I used to before I had Imogen.  But coming into the new season it felt like a good time to treat myself.  These little goodies came from ASOS.

3 - Imogen started daycare this week.  I was very nervous about her first day so I booked myself into the hairdressers to distract myself.  I got my foils done again and am finally at a point where I am happy with the colour of my hair.

4 - I also treated myself to a baby free trip to Spotlight!  It is amazing how much more relaxing it is to browse without a baby by your side.  I managed to get everything on my list! I usually always forget something because I am in a rush to get out before Imogen starts to get over shopping.

5 - On Imogen's second day of daycare I had a baking day.  I spent all morning in the kitchen making cake, brownies and cookies.  It was so nice and relaxing. Plus my house smelt amazing!

6 - My scrap fabric quilt is coming along quite nicely too.  I managed to get all my squares cut out and worked out the quilt arrangement.  This weeks goal is to sew all my rows together.

7 - Saturday was my dad's birthday so the cakes I baked were transformed into this tip truck cake.  It was delicious and dad loved it.  For more photos check out my post from yesterday!

8 & 9 - On Sunday we ventured out to the country to place dress ups.  My friend Amy was filming her new video clip and we all got to take part.  It was a fun day!  It was nice to have all our friends together for the day and in such a gorgeous setting.  I can't wait to see the finished video.

I hope you all had a fantastic week!  Did anything nice happen to make you smile?

52 Weeks Happy (24/52)

Another Tuesday has rolled around way too fast! Where is this year going?

1 - I bought myself a basil plant at the start of last week.  I have always wanted a herb/vege garden but I suck at gardening.  So far so good with this little plant.  After a week he is still alive. Yay me!

2 - The first recipe made with my new basil plant was this zucchini lasagne that I have been wanting to try for ages.  It was delicious! Even Corey liked it and he isn't a fan of anything carb free. Winning!

3 - Corey ran out of mayo this week but instead of buying some he asked me if I could make me some. Total proud wife moment right there.  Of course I obliged and he is loving his homemade mayo.  Another kitchen win!

4 - Another work colleague asked me to make them a rainbow cake this past weekend.  I can't help but smile when making this cake.  Even if I have to repeat "Roy G Biv" repeatedly to make sure I don't mess up the order of the colours.

5 - Cake is my major weakness in my quest to cut down on carbs & sugar.  This week I tested out this canellini bean brownie recipe and it was the perfect solution to my craving.  They don't taste exactly like brownies but they are pretty good.

6 - I completed the first row of hearts on my latest knitting project.  I was a bit worried that they weren't looking like hearts so I went to twitter and instagram for advice.  Luckily everyone else saw hearts!  I think I was just looking at them for way too long and my eyes were playing tricks on me.

7 & 8 - We had the chance to get out and enjoy the sunshine a few times last week.  The week prior was rainy and miserable so these days sitting in the sun did wonders for everyones moods.

9 - Isn't that the happiest pile of fabric you've ever seen?!  I have pulled out a bunch of fabric scraps to make myself a new picnic blanket.  I have been meaning to do this for quite some time.  After tidying my sewing room I realised how out of control my scraps are getting.  So now a few have been cleared and hopefully I will have a new quilt to share shortly.

So how has your week been? I hope there have been some happy moments for you all!  And don't forget if you are on instagram follow me @petticoatsandpeplums!

52 Weeks Happy (23/52)

There hasn't been any sewing or baking happening this week as it was all about getting ready for my market stall this past weekend.  This stall was just a small one to try and get the word out about my event hire business that I started a few months ago.  My friend gave me the heads up about a babies & kids markets being held in the Gold Coast hinterland and I decided to give it a go.  I only heard about it 2 weeks prior but the stalls were really affordable so I decided to do it as a marketing activity rather than a money making activity.  The next markets are in December and I am hoping to have some bunting and other party props available for sale.  Here are a few snapshots of my week organising my stall...

1 - A collage of our market stall. I was so happy with how it ended up looking. We got a lot of positive feedback which was nice to hear.

2 - I picked up these pink jellybeans for the lolly buffet I set up.  My sister declared them the best jellybeans she has ever tasted. They were peach flavoured. Delicious!

3 - There is nothing better than brown paper & twine.  I love these cheers tags I made for our mason jars.  They are the perfect touch for a vintage or rustic wedding.

4 - Paper bunting is so easy to make and looks fantastic! Just because you can't sew doesn't mean you can't have bunting at your next event.

5 - I don't think I will ever get sick of tissue paper pom poms! I made small ones and attached them to paper straws.  They were then stuck in ramekins and surrounded with jellybean.  They were like little trees of colour on the lolly buffet!

5 - I also made a paper bunting with our name on it.  I am so happy with how it turned out.  The best part is if I fold it up neatly and pop it in a plastic sleeve I will be able to use it over & over again.

So what has been happening in your week to make you smile?

52 Weeks Happy (22/52)

This week has been a bit busy as I am getting geared up to take my little business to a markets on the weekend.  So this week has been full of prep and I haven't had much chance to blog.  So here is what has been making me happy this past week, albeit a bit late!

There have been two clear things making me happy this past week.  The first is of course food. If it isn't clear to all by now food and trying new recipes always makes me happy!  This week I made sunflower seed pesto, greek slow cooker chicken, kale chips and the tastiest sweet potato ever!!!  I was also super happy when I stumbled upon Gizzi Erskine's Kitchen Magic cookbook on the sale table at QBD for $10. It usually sells for $55. Bargain!  I spent an afternoon with a cup of coffee reading this like it was a novel while Imogen slept.  Now that is my idea of a great afternoon.

The second happy moment of my week was Sunday when my sister, her fiance, Corey and I took part in the Colour Run.  When I heard the Colour Run was coming to Australia I was pretty stoked.  I had seen so many pictures on other peoples blogs and it looked like so much fun.  I've always wanted to do a 5k and this finally made me bite the bullet.  We had so much fun!  It was the most fun I have ever had exercising.  I really hope it comes back again next year!

So what has been happening in your week to make you smile?

52 Weeks Happy (21/52)

Tuesday, tuesdays here again! May is nearly over and this year is just disappearing.  Before I know it I am going to be heading back to work. What the! Oh well, that just means I better make the most of my maternity leave while it still lasts.

1 - This past week I was a bit rundown so I spent a lot of time relaxing.  This afternoon with a new magazine, a cup of tea & a some raw vegan lemon bars was delightful.  It's really nice to take some time to relax and rejuvenate!

2 - I tried out some stranded colourwork this week.  This was a little test run for a project I am knitting at the moment.  I am up to the point of starting the colour work but haven't been game enough to start yet.  I think I need a decent block of quiet time to tackle it.

3 - Healthy eating has been a big focus for me this past week.  I have been starting my days with a nice big smoothie.  My favourite combo is apple, watermelon and ginger. Yum!

4 & 5 - I tried out a couple of new recipes this week.  The first was Roasted Capsicum Soup & Finnish Scones from Sarah Wilson's I Quit Sugar.  The second was a delicious pinterest find - Crunchy Thai Quinoa Salad.  This salad was amazing!!! Seriously people, get on it.

6 - To compliment my healthy eating this week I headed to the farmers markets bright and early with my parents & sister to stock up on some fresh fruit & veggies.  I love the farmers markets but we don't go as often as we should.  We really need to start making it more or a Sunday ritual.

7 - On Sunday I was lucky enough to get to celebrate the engagement of one of my lovely work friends.  It was so nice to see everyone from work.  I have missed them all while being on maternity leave and it's always nice to catch up with them.  They are all so keen for me to come back to which is nice to hear.

8 - Have you tried acai? I gave it a try for the first time this week and I must say....yum! I made it into a smoothie with banana and almond milk.  I have been told by a reliable source that it is really nice blended with frozen banana and watermelon and eaten like ice cream.

9 - I couldn't resist putting this on instagram last night.  I stole this magazine from my sister on the weekend to read and when I went to read it I found Corey had snaked it from me.  Real men read Cosmo!

So what has been happening to make you happy this week?

52 Weeks Happy (20/52)

These posts have made me realise that the number 1 thing that keeps me happy is food.  Namely experimenting with new recipes.  So on that note I am sure you won't be surprised to see that the majority of my pics below are food.

1 - I found this raw vegan lemon bar recipe on Instagram.  I have been trying to find healthy sweet options so that I can cut down on the amount of crap I eat.  These are only sweetened with dates so they are extremely healthy!

2 - On Wednesday my mum, Imogen and I accompanied my sister on her hunt for a wedding dress.  It was such a fun day!  Just ours girls doing some shopping. What could be more fun!

3 - Thai Chickpea Burgers! I know I have shared this recipe before but they are seriously becoming a favourite of mine.  We have made them once a week since first trying them.  You should all give them a go.

4 - What could make you more happy then baking a rainbow cake.  I recreated the cake I made for my niece for a friend's nieces birthday this past weekend.  She loved it and I am so happy it turned out so well.

5 - I have flicked through the I Quit Sugar book by Sarah Wilson a million times in various shops but finally decided to take the plunge and buy it last Thursday.  If anyone is looking for it Big W has it for only $22.  It has some amazing recipes which I have on my to do list.

6 - 8 - This weeks pinterest recipe testing included Peanut Butter & Honey Granola, Blueberry Breakfast Cake & Pizza Muffins.  Now all these recipes were delicious and I will definitely be making them all again.  But the best out of the lot of them were these pizza muffins. They were freaking amazing!!! If you have a spare 15 minutes whip up a batch of these, now.

9 - This crazy kid makes me smile every day! Apparently this is the way all the cool kids sit in their strollers.  I honestly don't know how she manages to get into these positions. It's safe to say she will be getting strapped in from now on.

So how was your week?

52 Weeks Happy (19/52)

This past week feels like it just disappeared!  I can't believe it is the middle of May already.  That means it's only 5 more months until Imogen turns 1.  While I am excited to plan her party I would rather she stay a little baby forever.  Here's a few things that have been making me smile this week.

1 - I tried a couple of new recipes this week.  The first was this delicious curried lentil soup.  Perfect for the rainy winter weather we have suddenly been having.  The second was a healthy pancake recipe made using banana and oats.

2 - Imogen learnt to stand up this week!  This was a pretty exciting moment.  She was very pleased with herself!  Now she just has to learn how to get back down again.

3 - Corey & I got a chance to dress up this past weekend to celebrate the wedding of our darling friends.  I managed to finish my dress the night before luckily otherwise I would have been turning up in the nude.

4 - Lastly, I was massively spoilt on Mother's Day with three gorgeous pairs of shoes from Bait Footwear.  There are a few others I want from there too so I will be saving my dollars to get myself a few more I think.

How has your week been? I hope you have had some moments to make you smile!

52 Weeks Happy (18/52)

This week was a very hectic week!  But it was a lot of fun.  So here is what has been happening in my week.

1 - I discovered a new healthy treat in these bliss balls! They are so easy and so delicious. I love a guilt free treat.

2 - I was lucky enough to win a gift voucher to Trade Secret from the lovely Peta.  And I got even luckier when my gift voucher arrived with a few surprises - a vintage tea towel which is destined for my kitchen feature wall and a vintage dress which I haven't had a chance to wear yet since it is Me Made May time.

3 - I tried out a new to me combination with some green apple and peanut butter.  It was delicious! I have found my new afternoon snack.

4 - I started a new blanket this week which I am very excited about.  But I think it is going to take me a while to finish.  I am using this pattern and a whole bunch of stash yarn. I can't wait to see it once it's finished!

5 - I picked myself up some new measuring cups this week.  What isn't to smile about with these, they're pink and shaped like cupcakes! That's my kind of kitchen utensil.

6 - Little Miss Imogen started to crawl on Monday! After about 4 weeks of watching her get up onto her knees and rock she managed to finally move.  She is so clever!

7-9 - This past weekend was an awesome one.  It was my friend's hens weekend and it started with a sleepover with just the school friends.  Then on Saturday we ventured into Brisbane and had a Penthouse hired and a booth at Cloudland.  It's the first time I've been clubbing in a long time and it was a lot of fun.  It was great to be able to spend time with just the girls!

So what has been making you smile this week?