Tania McCartney

standing up for what's right

2012-01-31T14:23:00.006+11:00

with my very dear friend DeeDee (left); do I look like a monster to you?

Yesterday I had a small encounter that sent me plummeting back to a very disturbing time of my life. It was the late 90s and I was working as a flight attendant for soon-to-take-a-dive Ansett Airlines.

For well over a decade after leaving the airline in 1999, I was tortured over memories of my final year in their employ. The airline was struggling and down-scaling. Our flight school had been one of the last of a large intake of flight attendants, and effectively, we were on the 'bottom of the pile' for around three years.

Because the department ran on seniority, and anyone above us (ie: everyone) could pick and choose the lion's share of work, employees of the last few intakes began to suffer financially. Like - seriously suffer. Some flight attendants were struggling to pay their mortgages, and after many many months of unrest, a very large group of people (me included) began talking about the fact that things needed to change. The outmoded and very inequitable 'seniority' system needed to be leveled to a more even playing field.

To our delight, the management of the FA Dept agreed. That is not where we hit a hurdle. Where we hit a hurdle was the blue collar section.

What we were intending was by no means a mass revolution. Even the slightest changes at upper FA levels would effect an enormous domino effect that would easily bring underling flight attendants a far more decent wage. What is was, pure and simple, was a large bunch of people who just wanted a fair go. Of course, like any situation that involves human nature and a fear of lack, those higher up the scale - those who had it all - suddenly got antsy about having to share.

I have always been a champion of the great Aussie catch-cry - 'a fair go'. Equability. Sharing. Standing up for what's right has got me in trouble in the past, and helping head up this way of thinking with the Ansett flight attendant department would get me in trouble again. I would effectively become a monster to those who refused to budge - to those who scrabbled maliciously and with utter gluttony to keep it all for themselves, and to those who would make my life unparalleled hell.

The thing with human nature is that we have an enormous capacity to see injustice and to speak out about it (in a non-threatening capacity).

The other thing about human nature, is that as soon as many of us are called to 'action' our stance - we politely peel away. We hide. Sometimes we even join the other side.

I did no such thing. I, along with literally two others, stood strong and firm against injustice. And so I became a human target.

It's been said that the greatest human evil is apathy. Refusing to act. Watching others flounder and die for a cause they heartily wish to benefit from, but are too weak to do anything about. Frankly, this is how Hitler got his way - thanks to apathy. The poor souls aboard that flight destined for the Pentagon on September 11, 2001 showed strength against apathy.

But I digress. This is the first time I've ever spoken publicly about the terror of my Ansett experience. Barely a handful of people know about it (oh - and all the hapless neanderthals who both instigated and stood by to watch my torture and the torture of a few others).

But the reason I'm talking about it now, is that when I was - just yesterday - reminded of this appalling time in my life - something new happened. Something wonderful.

I felt proud.

Tears sprang to my eyes and I felt monumentally strong and proud.

You can imagine the effect my Ansett experience had on my life - in that it took me well over a decade to feel finally feel at peace. Yes, the memories are still abhorrent but this amazing sense of peace and forgiveness has swept over me. I actually felt sorry for all those people. I felt sorry that they didn't have the selflessness or courage or generosity or intelligence or self-awareness to be able to look objectively at the situation. I felt genuinely saddened for them, that they would stoop to lambasting someone just because they stood up for what was right (and more than reasonable).

I felt sorry that they had become, for all intents and purposes - blue-eyed (or Rednecked, depending on your POV).

I call this new, welcome reaction the Rosa Parks effect. My standing up to the seniors of the Ansett FA department may not even come up to the socks of what this monumental woman achieved for Civil Rights in America, but my oh my, I feel proud to even in the slightest way know that, just like Rosa, I would rather stand up and suffer than sit down and suffer (although, of course, in order to stand up, Rosa sat down!).

The years of hell those people willingly put me through pale in comparison to knowing I could have done nothing. Doing nothing has lifelong consequences that are surely the equivalent of a hundred times what I went through.

What have you done lately? It doesn't have to be for a mass cause. It could just be for yourself and the way others are mistreating you. Have you stood up? or have you sat down?

review - Riley and the Grumpy Wombat

2012-01-30T06:00:00.008+11:00

An unbelievable thrill to have my literary idol - Jackie French - review Riley and the Grumpy Wombat. Click on the pic above to read the full review.

goals

2012-01-29T06:00:00.009+11:00

Yesterday I spoke with a very wise friend and local franchise owner. He is the type of person who is smart, thoughtful, creative and dedicated. He is someone impassioned by his work. We got to chatting about business and about the year ahead and he got me thinking on a few different levels than I normally do.

I mean, I've started 2012 out well, and have had a couple of really special, productive much more balanced months of late, but Steve cottoned onto the fact that I'm staring to sweat. Why? Because the kids are about to go back to school and I'm staring down the barrel of yet 'another year' of perhaps doing too much, doing too much that's not working for me, doing too much time-wasting, and even perhaps - not achieving what it is I REALLY want to achieve.

But what is it that I really want to achieve? Really? I mean, I have a firm outline of all I have to get done, all my deadlines, all my events and plans - I know what it is I need to do and have to accomplish. And all of these things bring me joy.

BUT - what is it that I really want to do? What do I hold clutched in the fist of my dreams? What pie-in-the-sky desires do I have {that most of us have} that I'm leaving up there in their pie-in-the-sky, mistakenly thinking 'one day - maybe' {and usually followed by something like 'if a, b and c fall into place'}.

These desires don't even need to be big. Or work-related. They could be learning something new. Taking up something you used to love. Giving yourself more time to just Be. Pie-in-the-sky goals could be directing a Hollywood blockbuster or... growing heirloom tomatoes.

Steve actually asked me about my pie-in-the-skies and I said to him that these things only really happen to rich or famous or really well-established people. But then - what is rich, what is famous, what is well-established?

So, today I am dedicating some thought time to both thinking about, and writing down, my dreams. Actually - not dreams - goals. For this year. 2012. I'm not saying I'll achieve them this year, but I can certainly start consciously working towards them.

Working towards our goals means we are in the pilot seat. We are driving our own life in the direction of the pie. We are maximising our hours by honing and directing our energy, not diversifying too much, and so losing power and energy. We are finding more balance. We are happier, more focused, more driven by doing what we love. And if we do it well, we might even honour ourselves enough to leave pockets of time for just BEING.

Right now, I'm doing lots lots lots, but am I growing heirloom tomatoes? No. I absolutely love what I do and I love my life - but it is my absolute pie-in-the-sky? Maybe not.

What about you?

paradise pears

2012-01-28T06:00:00.002+11:00

Where have I been?? Have you seen these before? Paradise Pears. They were sitting all innocent-like in the supermarket, in a little plastic box - and I saw them and my heart did race.

Also known as Faccia Bella pears, the pears are born in bunches and have a crisp, white, refreshing flesh that's high in fibre and vitamin C. I think they're just the perfect size for teensy hands - I'm so stashing these in the kids' lunchboxes this term.

Grab a handful {literally!} NOW, while they're still in season.

Learn more about Australian pear varieties here.

life's sweet little moments

2012-01-27T06:00:00.005+11:00

The other day, a little fairy knocked at our door, bearing be-sprinkled cupcakes. It was our poppet of a next door neighbour - Emmy - toting a pink plastic plate with some adorable little treasures she'd made using the cupcake set and book I gave her for her last birthday.

It was just the sweetest surprise and really made my day.

Sure - cupcakes are always make-your-day worthy, but it was a) the fact that she had baked, iced and sprinkled and b) that she had thought to bring us a sample of her creations, that was the true icing on the cupcake.

Another sweet moment was when Riley decided that from now on, he would make my usual morning coffee FOR me. He adores plopping that pod into the machine, whirring it into life, sploshing in the milk and even warming it in the microwave. A small gesture, but one done with love and thoughtfulness that make my coffee even sweeter (no sugar added).

What sweet little moments have happened in your life this week?

australia day 2012

2012-01-26T06:58:00.002+11:00

We are Australian

I'm the hot wind from the desert
I'm the black soil of the plains
I'm the mountains and the valleys
I'm the drought and flooding rains
I am the rock, I am the sky
The rivers when they run
The spirit of this great, great land
I am Australian

We are one, but we are many
And from all the lands on earth we come
We share a dream and sing with one voice:
I am, you are, we are Australian
{song: Bruce Woodley & Judith Durham}

national year of reading launching soon

2012-01-25T06:00:00.000+11:00

The National Year of Reading will officially launch at the National Library here in Canberra on 14 February 2012. Literacy is so dear to my heart and is a major reason I review and blog on children's books for both Kids' Book Capers and Kids Book Review. I'm thrilled, as NYR12 ambassador for the ACT to be going along to the launch, and am looking forward to meeting other ambassadors who will make reading and comprehension a big focus during 2012.

Led by Australian public libraries, the National Year of Reading 2012 is about people discovering and rediscovering the magic of books and stories. Libraries around the nation are heavily involved, as are school, special and other libraries, and partners in the book trade.

Have you checked out the NYR12 website yet? You can see NYR12 friends (including my pal Dee White) here. Check out the partners here (there's loads!), and the ambassadors here.

I'll be blogging on many of the events - right here on my own blog, as well as Kids Book Review and Kids' Book Capers, so watch out for all my news. In the meantime, have you checked out the NYR2012 website? There you can find information on all the fabulous events and initiatives around the country this year.

Keep an eye on the events calendar on the right hand side of the site for updates. Special national events include The Reading Hour, writers in residence, the Creative Reading Prize, the Festival of Indigenous Reading, Writing and Storytelling in Darwin and the It's Never too Late to Learn to Read initiative (see my highly commended short story for this adult initiative here).

I'm working on some cool events with local libraries here in Canberra that you'll hear about soon - and I hope to see you at one of these fabulous events!

national year of reading chat on Literary Clutter

2012-01-24T06:00:00.003+11:00

Thanks to the lovely George Ivanoff, author and fellow-blogger over at Boomerang Books, for having me visit Literary Clutter with this little chat on the National Year of Reading 2012. Also a privilege to be alongside Susanne Gervay, who is also a state ambassador for New South Wales.

Have you liked NYR12 on facebook yet? Hop to it!

avoca beach

2012-01-23T06:00:00.016+11:00

After our recent trip through Katoomba and Wollombi, we headed south again to the coast - specifically to Avoca Beach. It's a busy time on the coast this time of year, so we struggled to find a place to stay. We ended up at Avoca Beach Heritage Villas. Although the little resort is quiet and lovely, don't stay on a Friday or Saturday night unless you travel with earplugs (like I do). It's right next to the Avoca Beach hotel/pub.

We only had an afternoon at Avoca but made the most of it with lots of swimming, rockpooling, playing, fish n chips on the beach and a swim in the little pool at the Villas.

The next day, we woke to torrential rain, so hotfooted it back to Canberra early, stopping off at historical Bowral for brunch and a peek at the Bradman Museum of Cricket. Well worth a stop if you are scooting between Sydney and Canberra.

wollombi & exisle publishing

2012-01-22T06:00:00.033+11:00

After our recent trip to Katoomba, we continued on north to the Hunter Valley in New South Wales. This is a rural but high provenance part of the country, with wines, cheeses, fruit, vegetables, meats and other fresh produce in abundance.

We were headed, in particular, for Wollombi, a small country town hiding some famous locals like ex-News Limited CEO John Hartigan, John Newcombe, Philip Noyce Wines (yes, we went to his cellar door), and of course - my publisher Exisle Publishing. I was meeting them for the very first time, not only for pleasure (they are a fabulous bunch) but to discuss the launch of Beijing Tai Tai.

But first - here is a peek at sleepy but beautiful Wollombi. There was a sculpture exhibition being featured in the grounds around the church - with my absolute fave being the enormous cheese grater.

And here I am at the Exisle Publishing enclave - what a gorgeous spot; wish I could move there! Here we are prepping for a photo shoot. There was lots of laughter over lunch, too.

And STILL prepping for the shoot . . .

Finally . . .

Mark, Carlie, Ella, Bennie Anouska, Richard, Me

And here is my wonderful Tai Tai team - publicist Carlie, publisher Benny, my editor Anouska and moi.

And how could we finish this post without another glimpse at the glorious cover of Tai Tai (out April) . . .

Stay tuned for our photos from Avoca Beach.

homegrown food

2012-01-21T09:02:00.000+11:00

One of the most satisfying things I've achieved lately is harvesting the crop of food from our very own garden. It's such a thrill to pluck, wash, trim, cook and devour food that tastes like it did when you were six. Unless you're going organic, it's unlikely you'll sample vegetable flavours like this unless you grow your own.

Above is a hamburger created by Riley's young sleepover friend, made with potato wedges from our garden, and also beetroot slices I baked and sliced from the harvest from our garden. The tomatoes weren't quite ready (we've had a wintry summer here in Canberra) but it's with pride that I can add at least some home-grown ingredients to this meal. There is nothing - just nothing like a home-roasted beet.

Speaking of red food, Ella and I have been devouring pomelos and pomegranates of late - they are in particularly good form (no, they're not from my garden, alas) right now; so fragrant and sweet.

I've even convinced Ella to swallow the seeds of the pomegranate - this ultra super food is busting with antioxidants, and contains a massive dose of vitamin C. It's also high in Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) which is crucial in metabolising carbs, fats and proteins (and so ideal for weight loss). Did you know it's actually a berry and contains over 600 seeds?

Last night I made a coleslaw for the first time since the late 80s. I used a crisp cabbage and organic carrots. I added a good grinding of fresh black pepper and a sprinkle of sea salt, then made a dressing of 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar and 1 heaped tsp dijon mustard.

Oh my - it was good.

WHY would you want to slather this with an oily slick of mayonnaise??? Turns my stomach. The flavours are so fresh and vibrant without mayo, not to mention the health benefits. Even if you added low fat mayo, you'd still be packing your body with too much fat-creating sugar. If you were really really keen for more of a juicy texture, you could add half a cup of low fat Greek yoghurt, but be aware it won't be anywhere near as crunchy.

I also made this salsa last night using 'chocolate cherry tomatoes' - have you tasted these? Of course, they're chocolate in colour only! but they are really rich in taste. I just chopped coriander, spanish onion, roma toms and choc toms - added a slick of avocado oil and let it marinate in the fridge for half an hour. I served this with falafel balls and wraps - and the kids devoured it all.

I think if you chop things up really small and wrap it in wraps, kids will surprise you with what they'll eat. Once they start dissecting things - this is where the pickyness comes in. I've always said 'don't look at it - taste it' otherwise kids will spend 40 mins picking the green bits out. One taste, and they're hooked.

Oh - and I added lots of chopped chilli to my serve of salsa. I'm not expecting the kids to add chilli yet!

What food are you enjoying right now?

berry blast shake

2012-01-20T06:00:00.011+11:00

Here is another breakfast shake or meal replacement that will make your body sing (and zing). It's berry-based, low-fat, and packed with fibre and protein. A fantastic breakfast replacement if you are looking to burn some fat.

Just look at that anti-oxidant-enriched colour. It's also surprisingly filling.

Whiz together:

1/2 cup frozen berries
1/2 cup low fat Greek yoghurt
1/2 cup skim milk
1/2 cup rolled oats
1 tsp chia seeds
1 tablespoon ABC (or tahini) spread
2 massively heaped tsp protein powder
a pinch or two of nutmeg

This does NOT need sweetening, and indeed - if you add sugar of any kind, you will defeat the purpose of this shake and its muscle-building (and therefore fat-burning) capacity. Think of your muscles as the 'engine' of your body - that burns any fuel (including stored fat). The bigger your muscles, the bigger the fat-burning capacity.

Filling, delicious, majorly nutritional, muscle-building. Just drink it.

*ABC spread (almond, brazil, cashew) and tahini (sesame seed spread) are available at health food stores and supermarkets.

Book Marketing and Self-Promotion Workshop

2012-01-19T06:00:00.002+11:00

I'm delighted to be running a workshop for the ACT Writers Centre here in Canberra this May. If you are in the area and want learn more about marketing and self-promotion for your work, come along! Details below. Places fill up fast so do book early.

Book Marketing and Self-Promotion
with Tania McCartney

10am-1pm, Saturday 5 May

This workshop tackles the issues of marketing your work, self-promotion and brand development, as either an author or illustrator. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how vital effective self-promotion is for authors and illustrators. It has been said that the difference between a ‘successful’ author and a not-so-successful one may soon well be in their ability to market themselves effectively.

Participants will learn about marketing both their work and themselves. They will learn how to compete in the market, how to make themselves and their work stand out in a saturated book world and how to do things with excellence and savvy.

They will learn about hosting readings and other events, the phenomenal marketing opportunities available online, brand development, and how to maximise their output for positive results.

This workshop is suitable for anyone interested in how to maximise their exposure as either a published or unpublished author/illustrator - for those who would like to make themselves stand out from the crowd, or who are a little lost in the internet/social networking fray.

The workshop also covers approaching publishers, so would be perfect for new authors/illustrators. It would also be ideal for people who are already published but feel they are not ‘getting anywhere’ on a publicity level.

Code: 1, 2 & 3
Cost: $72 members, $64 concession, $102 non-members (includes 6 months of membership).
Venue: ACT Writers Centre workshop room.
Bookings: You can book by phone on 6262 9191, online by clicking here or at the office. Payment is required at time of booking.

shake up breakfast

2012-01-18T06:00:00.006+11:00

Still carting around a few Christmas kilos?

It's time for a shakeup. Why don't you join me?

This breakfast shake is high-protein, high-calcium, nutrient-rich and packed with omega-3. Enjoy it for breakfast two or three times a week (alternating with other high-protein breakfasts like eggs on wholegrain toast) but AFTER a cup of hot water with a squeeze of lemon and a 20 minute walk.

The fast-paced 20 minute walk before you eat is prime fat-burning time - followed by a cleansing hot water that will flush your system through, ready to kickstart your metabolism for the day.

Even these small changes - walking, hot water, a high protein breakfast - will change the way your body burns fat.

shake up breakfast

Blend together:

1 pear, cut into pieces and frozen overnight
1/2 cup skim milk
4 tablespoons low fat Greek yoghurt1/2 cup oats
1 tsp chia seeds
1/2 tsp cinnamon
2cm piece ginger, peeled and chopped (optional but utterly delish)
2 heaped tsp protein powder
1 tsp ABC spread*

*Chia seeds and ABC spread (almond, brazil, cashew) are available at health food stores or supermarkets

katoomba II

2012-01-17T06:00:00.060+11:00

If it's been a while since you've been to the Blue Mountains - or if you've never been - you really must make it a priority visit. Not in a very long time have I walked towards a view and had my breath stolen from me; these photos in no way showcase the depth, the vastness, the surreal blue - of this stunning part of the world.

Visiting the Three Sisters at Katoomba was something Riley really had his heart set on after completing a school project on this landmass last year. These stunning rock formations form part of a truly magnificent area, right on the edge of this beautiful town.

You can walk to Katoomba Falls from this large viewing platform, or you can head along the Giant Stairway to get closer to the Three Sisters and Orphan Rock. We chose the latter and this is what we saw . . .

Orphan Rock

On the other side of this canyon, Scenic World is well worth a visit. During January they have a family ticket option for just $70, which includes all rides (as many times as you want) and walks. It's truly brilliant.

Here are some vistas from the Scenic Skyway which hovers over the valley and features a section of glass floor (if you're brave enough). You can glimpse Katoomba Falls through this floor (the kids were brave enough; I wasn't).

After the Skyway, we went on the Scenic Railway which is like something out of an India Jones film. It's actually the steepest railway in the world, and plummets through a tunnel and down a hillside to the wails of its occupants. The railway was once used to carry coal.

There are many wonderful risen walking tracks to peruse - some as short as 10 minutes, some as long as 50 minutes. Along the way you can explore mine openings, miner's huts, mining equipment used hundreds of years ago and maybe even the odd horse. There is also the breathtaking vista of some pretty magnificent forest.

The cable car, a shorter and less spectacular ride than the Skyway, is nonetheless lots of fun.

Outside Scenic World are some bronze statues that tell the Indigenous tale of The Three Sisters. Just beautiful.

In the parklands outside Scenic World are more statues and some famous hotel landmarks such as Lilianfels - my dream stay.

Lilianfels

There are also several lookout points (west of Scenic World) where you can drink in the vistas, where native plants flourish, and where the air is thick with the smell of blossoms and honey bees.

Back at our beautiful little Waratah Cottage, we had an antipasto dinner . . .

Then hotfooted it to the local park for some shenanigans before the sun went down . . .

Katoomba Part I

katoomba I

2012-01-16T06:00:00.005+11:00

It's been at least 20 years since I was last in the Blue Mountains west of Sydney, and can I just say . . . things have changed a little! It was always breathtaking to visit this chain of villages and towns draped over the stunning Blue Mountain range - but time and cleverness have added even more to this truly beautiful part of the world.

After our visit to Margaret Hamilton's Pinerolo children's book cottage, we stopped in Blackheath for lunch at the Victory Theatre and Antique Centre where we enjoyed some delicious spoils (after an unusually lengthy wait).

Then it was into Glee Books (I mean, how could we resist?) and then off to Katoomba and our beautiful little cottage.

Waratah Cottage is just the sweetest place to stay - voted by Country Style magazine as one of the top four Blue Mountains stays.

This little two bedroom house has the most divine kitchen, a luxurious bathroom, French-doored bedrooms and an endless array of those 'special touches' that make cottages like this so worth staying in, including French-inspired soft furnishings, a fireplace and comfy armchairs. The collection of magazines and books, CDs and DVDs is also inspiring.

The garden, however, was my absolute fave. Teensy but so beautifully chic and lovingly cared for, our only regret was not having more time to enjoy it. Here is a glimpse at the gorgeous main bedroom, with its views into the gorgeous garden.

Here is the second bedroom, complete with a faux border collie featured throughout the cottage - on coasters, in photographs.

I am so in love with this kitchen

Reluctantly tearing ourselves away from the garden, we headed down to Echo Point to visit the jaw-dropping Three Sisters site. We originally planned this little jaunt around Riley's school project on this incredible rock formation - and he wasn't disappointed . . . what an incredible sight to behold - the cliff faces and bluffs, the rising mountains and falling valleys, the rocky outcrops, and of course - those magnificent Three.

Check back tomorrow for our journey into the stunning valley below . . . and much more.

beijing tai tai reborn

2012-01-15T06:00:00.059+11:00

I am just beside myself to announce that my China musings have been revised, updated and reborn into a fabulous new book - Beijing Tai Tai: life, laughter and motherhood in China's capital - and will be released by Exisle Publishing as their lead Mother's Day trade paperback.

This book means the world to me; its contents form some of the most precious years of my life and I'm thrilled to be sharing it in this form. It has been a joy to work with the amazing team at Exisle Publishing, including publisher Benny Thomas, publicist Carlie Harris and my editor Anouska Jones.

Here I am meeting with them on Friday in beautiful Wollombi in the Hunter Valley - left to right - Carlie, Benny, Anouska and me. They are part of the most vibrant team, producing an incredible line-up of books, and I'm honoured to be on their list.

Beijing Tai Tai will be released this April. Keep an eye on the blog for news on launch events - it's going to be a glorious journey!

pinerolo children's book cottage

2012-01-14T14:09:00.001+11:00

I'm a dragon when it comes to travel. There's no schlumping around hotel rooms for us, no no - we are out and about and exploring and discovering and DOING. Unless you're taking some serious R&R, why travel if you're going to sit inside and watch tele?

We've just come back from three days away, travelling 1025km in a round trip from Canberra to Katoomba and Blackheath in the Blue Mountains, then onto Wollombi in the Hunter Valley, out to the coast at Avoca Beach . . . and back to Canberra.

Phew. There was a lot of driving, but boy was it fun. We had lots of highlights, but I had two mega personal highlights - the first of which (will reveal other soon) was finally meeting the doyenne of Australian children's literature - Margaret Hamilton - at her exquisite children's book cottage outside Blackheath - Pinerolo.

Not only is Margaret wise and lovely and welcoming, she has a fabulous sense of humour. Here is a a peek at a mini modelling shoot we did, with Ella as the photographer - it was such a laugh.

Pinerolo was a thrill to visit. If the cottage wasn't so warm and welcoming, you'd probably be stunned into reverent awe at the priceless artwork on display - original images from some of Australia's best-loved books and well-known authors.

Margaret has a clear love of children's picture books, and despite retiring from the publishing world, her passion and intensity for this industry is well apparent. I loved hearing about Margaret's love of owls, her favourite book images, stories behind her publishing journey, and her plans for the future.

Pinerolo, just outside Blackheath, is currently open by appointment. The venue hosts wonderful events including author visits and workshops. Ella and Riley had a glorious time taking books from the shelves and finding the original artwork on the walls.

Margaret also sells original artwork by some of Australia's best known artists - I had my paws on an original piece by Stephen Michael King, desperate to buy it (and still plan to!) and there is the work of many others for sale, including the prolific and mult-talented Dee Huxley.

I also got to see Margaret's personal collection of picture books - well over 3,000 - stacked in shelves in a back room (incidentally, a room that can now be hired as accommodation . . . I doubt I'd get a wink of sleep with those bookshelves towering over me!). This was an overwhelming experience, least of all because the books span many decades of Australian literary splendour. Yes, there were goosebumps.

Pinerolo was a gorgeous experience. I'm looking forward to another visit down the track - not that you need any excuse to visit the stunning Blue Mountains, east of Sydney. On that note, check back tomorrow for a peek at our Katoomba adventure.

Thanks for having us, Margaret! It was love at first peruse.

blue mountains

2012-01-13T06:00:00.017+11:00

I'm having the loveliest, strawberry-flavoured summer.

We have been cruising through the Blue Mountains of New South Wales, taking in the stunning fresh air and mountain views. Riley has been hankering to see The Three Sisters since completing a project on them last year, and I have been hankering to see Margaret Hamilton's Pinerolo children's book cottage, so we're all pretty much fulfilling some lovely wishes right now.

I'll post some pictures of these glorious experiences on the weekend.

Now, today we're heading north to visit my new publisher Exisle Publishing in the Hunter Valley and hopefully, soon after that, I'll be able to show you the cover of my new book, due out in a couple of months - all very very exciting.

But first - some splashing in the ocean near Avoca Beach.

what the riley crew are up to

2012-01-12T06:00:00.005+11:00

Hmmm. I wonder what's going on in the Riley camp? Seems to be some curious goings-on. Can you imagine what his team of critters is up to? All in preparation for the upcoming book Riley and the Jumpy Kangaroo?

Keep an eye on the Riley blog for more hints and reveals . . . it's all very exciting.

o, basil

2012-01-11T10:03:00.000+11:00

One of my greatest joys and pleasures is my garden. We were so fortunate to buy a house here in Canberra with an established garden . . . one obviously tended by a fellow plant lover.

Along with all the plants we have for little but viewing pleasure, we have a large risen veggie patch and small fruit tree orchard (very small!) - and this year I've been determined to grow really decent herbs, using companion planting methods.

Just take a look at this magnificent basil, plucked from the garden and held aloft by Ella, which was planted right near our tomatoes to encourage better growth. I also have sage, oregano, thyme, continental parsley, rosemary and coriander.

What herbs are you growing?

australian story: an illustrated timeline

2012-01-10T06:00:00.009+11:00

Once there was nothing. Then there was something.

I'm beside myself to show you the cover for Australian Story: An Illustrated Timeline which is being published by the National Library of Australia this April. This book was a joy to research and write, its content masterfully designed and laid out by Peter Shaw.

Featuring a huge collection of images from the National Library's magnificent digital archives, the book trails through time - from the big 'bang' to modern day, showcasing the historical and memorable moments that have shaped our country - from sporting achievements to political and social upheaval, from immigration to invention, culture and entertainment to the journey of our original inhabitants.

This book was a goosebumping journey of emotional bliss for me. It wouldn't have been possible without my amazing publisher Susan Hall, the many fact-checkers, historians and teachers who put their two cents in, and the whole NLA team. I'm deeply proud of this book, for so many reasons, and I loved every moment of its creation. I'm also thrilled to be working on two more books for the NLA, due out 2012/2013.

Australian Story will be available at the National Library of Australia bookshop {and also at their online bookshop} from 1 March 2012, and will be in mainstream bookstores by April. I hope you can manage to snaffle a copy for your own children (or yourself!) and of course, we'll be having a very special book launch at the National Library in April - so watch this blog for details!

scheduling you

2012-01-09T09:45:00.002+11:00

I've truly had the most glorious start to 2012. I feel free, happy, content and so excited about this coming year. Yes, the typical procrastination and doubts and lethargy threaten to deter me, but I'm more determined than ever to keep them at bay.

We talk ceaselessly of balance and incorporating more of it into our lives - that elusive act that promises to make us feel we're achieving and striking a healthy daily ritual that will enrich our lives. Yet, we often fail to strike it. Why? I think it's lack of planning. The inability to schedule the fun and pleasure into our world as well as the boring and mundane.

Friend and colleague Emma Grey of Work Life Bliss often talks of scheduling your life to make it work better for you. Scheduling actually helps eliminate stress. It helps you feel like you're achieving. It helps you commit and . . . work towards are greater balance.

Last week I bought a brand new organiser {and also one for my daughter Ella, which I just handed to her, and over which she squealed with glee}. Together we are plotting and planning our year - scheduling in {as Emma so wisely insists} all the fun first - the holidays, the glorious life events - and then the 'work' and the less pleasurable elements.

I've always pored over Martha Stewart's month in her magazines, outlining all the plans to do, from visiting an antiques show in Maine to pulling up bulbs in her garden. I love the idea of 'not forgetting' or neglecting the things we love because we're too caught up in busy, or are so stressed and overwhelmed, all we can do is flop on the couch in a state of disrepair.

How are you going to rid stress and procrastination and effect more balance in your life? Is 2012 going to be another year of faffing or a year of achievement and pleasure - with moments of quiet bliss . . . those precious, precious times when you can just Be? How are you going to make this one a stand-out year? Will you take the time to schedule You?

goodbye christmas

2012-01-07T13:45:00.000+11:00

It's with mixed emotions that I take the Christmas decorations down each year. It's kind of sad the season is over but it's also exciting because my thoughts turn to this year and that glorious festive feeling that begins to sneak into our lives mid-November.

I love it when the stores start to sparkle and the excuse for bubble-ridden get togethers heat up and the house begins to shimmer with festive lights.

But I also love right now - early January, even as I stash these festive goodies away.

I love it because it's sunshiny. Our garden is awash with ripened produce. The peaches and plums and lemons and apples are ripening on our trees. The berries have been gobbled by birds, but it's still a thrill to see the juicy leftovers. The air is warm but sometimes breezy. The kids are home and pottering, the living is easy.

I also love this time of year because the year is starting anew and it's wonderful to think ahead and plan all the things you want to experience and achieve.

For me, it will be doing less better. Doing more in a smarter fashion, and taking time out to LIVE, to just BE. To get fitter, to eat fresher, to spend more time with people who lift and fulfill me, to focus, dream big, listen to more music, write and read my heart out, cuddle and adore my children, celebrate every little thing with gusto, appreciate every little thing, too... and, most excitingly, plot and plan our big trip at the end of the year.

December 2012 will be here before we know it, so it's only a temporary goodbye to our Christmas decorations. Thank you, nutcracker men and snowy houses and pine trees and wreaths and sparkling droplets for bringing our family such festive joy for 2011.

See you soon.

school holiday fun: printables

2012-01-06T06:00:00.004+11:00

Truly, what did we do before the internet? (that's a rhetorical question; I know we did lots) - but wowzers, there's some cool stuff out there - says I who is acting as though I've never set eyes on cyberspace in my life.

My kids, aged almost-9 and 11, are pretty self-sufficient on the old stuck-at-home front - but sometimes it's nice for mum to give them a little creative nudge.

I'm going bananas over these printables, thanks to Canon. Easy to download and print, the kids can cut them out and navigate the engineering instructions for putting them all together. Yes, there's cute and fuzzy critters but there's also entire cityscapes, even a trip to outer space.

Who could resist a prairie dog??

And I know my lego-obsessed son will adore these space-inspired pieces. On that note, I'm prepping a lego party for Riley this February - should be fun!

I'm loving... sweet estelle on etsy

2012-01-05T06:00:00.001+11:00

Don't you just love it when you find a treasure of an etsy store? I mean, there are lots, but I love it when you find one that's super special.

Sooo loving Sweet Estelle right now. Did a mega order just before Christmas, and came home from Thredbo to a sweet-as-pie parcel waiting for me . . . SO much fun to open this box of delicious treasure.

Can't even tell you how desperate I am for next Christmas, with these adorable cupcake picks - those deer and trees have evaded me for years and now I have them in my clutches, ho ho!

How much fun am I going to have with these spotted and striped straws this summer? And this bumble bee and hive is something I've also coveted for a heck of a long time, since seeing Donna Hay create some pretty stunning bumbly-bee delights once. It's baking time!

summer in thredbo - days 3, 4 & 5

2012-01-04T06:00:00.003+11:00

ella rode 'cobber'

lake jindabyne

lake jindabyne - it's huge!

summer in thredbo - days 1 & 2

2012-01-03T08:04:00.004+11:00

coming in to Kosciusko national park

ski run view from our one bedroom loft

thredbo village so quiet . . . that would soon change

on the Kosciusko express chairlift

magnificent alpine views

on the trek to view the peak of Mt Kosciusko

a stunning, almost moon-like landscape

we walked right past a brown snake on this path - it stopped and hissed - we ran! stupid tourists stopped to take a couple of snaps and didn't budge - no matter how many times I gesticulated madly and yelled 'DANGER, Will Robinson!'

thar she blows! the highest point in Australia - Mt Kosciukso (2228m or 7310ft)

at Australia's highest altitude cafe

our Lantern apartments, large block top right

leisure centre - kids on Mission Inflatable

new year's day at our house, 2011

2012-01-02T06:00:00.002+11:00

christmas day at our house, 2011

2012-01-01T08:48:00.000+11:00

stocking frenzy!

modern christmas: adding songs to new iphone touches

haven't laughed so much in years!

my gorgeous brother plays santa

sgroppinos

menu: hickory smoked ham, turkey breast, charcoal roast chickens, roast potatoes, caramelised parsnips, green beans and asparagus with parmesan cheese, watermelon mint and fetta salad, roast pumpkin cherry tomato goats cheese and baby spinach salad, boozy trifle, gingerbread ice cream loaf, candy cane bombe alaska

gingerbread ice cream loaf with melted chocolate

boozy trifle; what is christmas without it?

meringue, candy cane ice cream, raspberries, mint cream, choc mint cake

millie

christmas eve at our house, 2011

2011-12-31T13:26:00.001+11:00

the deck is scrubbed and ready . . .


awaiting the family's arrival . . .

gourmet burgers on the decking

Millie

au revoir, gingerbread house!

look what santa left on the couch!

those magical moments, just before bed on christmas eve . . .

happy christmas!

2011-12-25T06:00:00.001+11:00

Happy Christmas, one and all!

May your Christmas Day be ringing with love, laughter and all things delicious.

Here's to a balanced, beautiful and brilliant 2012!

xxx

national year of reading ambassador for the ACT

2011-12-22T14:10:00.004+11:00

chatting with Chief Minister Katy Gallagher, prime ambassador for the ACT

Anyone who knows me knows my greatest passions are kids and their rights, books and anything associated with the two - for example, literacy. I was therefore beyond thrilled to be asked by the Library Agency to be a state ambassador for the ACT - for the National Year of Reading 2012.

Some of the finest moments of my life have been sharing, reading and writing books with children - not only my own kids, but schoolchildren everywhere. My whole life revolves around words, and I simply cannot imagine living a life bereft of literacy.

being addressed by Vanessa Little, Director of the ACT Library and Information Service

It's pretty frightening, then, to know that 46% of Australians do not have the literacy skills to live fulfilling and effective lives in our increasingly knowledge-based society. Yes, that's right - 46%*.

Astonished? You should be. And this is why we need to make literacy and reading a forerunner in our nation's long list of glorious achievements.

a warm - and funny! - address by the lovely Katy Gallagher

The National Year of Reading 2012 is a stunning initiative backed by the libraries of Australia and coordinated by The Library Agency, a team of book-loving professionals who have made it their mission to do some serious stat-changing.

it was so lovely to meet Katy, who said she'd actually been looking for my Riley books!

Senator Kate Lundy, Tania McCartney, Chief Minister Katy Gallagher, Vanessa Little

just had to jump in for a photo opp with the superfit Canberra Roller Derby Girls!

NYR 2012 is backed and funded by the Australian Government through the Office for the Arts and Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations. Other funding has come from the founder partners, the Australia Council for the Arts, the Sidney Myer Fund and the Copyright Agency Ltd - but it is everyday people like you and me who are needed to promote and saturate this initiative Australia-wide, for the betterment of all Australians.

Throughout 2012, thousands of events and initiatives will be run in promotion of reading skills and a lifelong love of books, and you can learn more about what's coming up near you at the website. Other ambassadors for the ACT include Chief Minister Katy Gallagher as prime ambassador, Jackie French (also national), Mark Camody, author Jack Heath and the Canberra Roller Darby Girls.

with the lovely Vanessa Little, who is working very hard for the NYR

I will be working hard to promote the NYR next year and will be travelling interstate to do so, so keep an eye on my blog, as I may be coming to your town!

You can also follow along at Kids Book Review, where we will be running updates and events through the year, alongside our eternal passion for children's literature and literacy. Also be sure to check out Australian Women Online, where I am coordinating a national Bedtime Stories initiative that invites new and established writers to submit original stories that are published weekly, and can be downloaded and read to your kids.

Kids Book Review, AWO and myself are all partners and friends of NYR - you can also get involved by friending or partnering, and letting the NYR team know what literary events you are organising in your town.

I feel so blessed to have been brought up in a home that brought books and reading alive. Many Australian children do not have that luxury. With reading ranking up there with shelter, food and love - at least in my eyes - every Australian child has the right to read - and read well.

Get on board. Spread the word.

Happy reading!

the beautiful glass I was given - certainly something to treasure - the inscription says it all

Warm thanks to my lovely friend Jennie McClelland for the photos and for sharing in this very proud moment with me (and for corralling all the kids!).

*To learn more about these astonishing figures, see the NYR Literacy Fact Sheet, the Literacy Issue in Australia, which discusses the survey these statistics are based on, Key Messages of the NYR and FAQs.

button christmas decorations

2011-12-21T06:00:00.003+11:00

Here is another snaffle from the Martha Stewart website - forgive me but I'm over the 'homemade' toddler project stuff - not that there's anything wrong with that, it's just that those days are over in our house and it's time for some sophistication (which Martha does so well!).

I remember these adorable button ornaments from her magazine many, many Christmasses ago, and was reminded of them via the website. Just too cute.

You'll need buttons of varying shapes and sizes, felt, glue and pipe cleaners. Start by laying out your planned buttons, in order.

Fold the pipe cleaner in half and thread it through the top button. Start adding buttons in order until you reach the bottom.

Twist off the bottom and cut it close to the base. Cut arms around 6cm long and twist around the body. Add little buttons on the ends, if desired.

You could also add a little felt beard with glue, or angel wings, or wool hair or whatever else takes your fancy.

Hang your ornaments with thread or stand them in a festive scene. Just delightful.

candy cane reindeer

2011-12-20T06:00:00.001+11:00

I so fall in love with Martha Stewart crafts and their Christmas workshop is to die for. These stunning candy cane reindeer are something I knew I had to try this Christmas, as I have my little nephews coming and wanted to bling up their lunch table with lots of fun.

Alas, I had no brown felt and was not about to hotfoot it to Spotlight for the festive rush, so we created albino Rudolphs instead.

Here's how you make them:

Print the template and trace onto felt.

Cut out head and ears. Glue on. Add felt eyes (we used a permanent marker instead) and glue on a red pompom nose.

Fold a pipe cleaner in half and trim about 4cm off the ends. Twist these onto the ends of the longer piece to make antlers. Attach a little bell, if desired.

Glue the reindeer head to the candy cane (make sure the candy cane is wrapped - and if you want to have unwrapped candy canes, secure the reindeer head with icing instead). Wind the antlers around the top of the candy cane and twist in place.

There you have it - a super cute place card setting or adorable glass decoration.

Tomorrow I'll have some completely adorable button decorations you can make with the kids. Too cute!

prepping the festive nest

2011-12-19T06:00:00.002+11:00

the outdoor wreaths and lighting are up

the essential poinsettia (although I'd like a million)

these will be hung in trees with firefly tealights inside

new plants for just outside the kitchen window

just outside the kitchen window

a spotless front garden

my faithful christmas agapanthus - more abundant than ever

faithful iceberg roses; an australian summer icon

omg - we have lawn!

and trimmed hedges!

and mulching!

outdoor settings and wicker has been cleaned and adirondacks be-cushioned

pot plants have been stoned

and I am once again in love with our gerni

And inside the house . . . stockings have been hung . . .

lanterns are lit

original artwork is resplendently on display

the summery light outside blends with the lights within

fireflies nest in the entryway eaves

cards nest in the antlers of reindeer (because I wish I lived in Norway)

lights twinkle on the window frame

and the family garden beckons a deck chair and a cocktail

the dining table off the kitchen, bedecked with cellophane-wrapped gingerbread creations

here you'll see one of the children's ruby red stockings, lying in wait

one week to go . . .

2011-12-18T09:07:00.000+11:00

Could it be . . . the palpable scent of Christmas in the air? Most Christmasses spring upon our family like a well-oiled cat, but this year we have taken a slower route to this blissfully festive day. We've been busy around the house, most particularly the garden, and have been taking time out to enjoy the wonderful R&R this season brings.

On Friday, my family will begin arriving for a 5 day sleepfest of goodies and gifts, then will stay on in our house as we four disappear to the mountains of Thredbo for some hiking, horse riding, swimming and . . . resting.

The last couple of weeks have been busy but heavenly, with lots of lovely things happening and even some really wonderful things happening.

Today it's off to the market for cases of mangoes, dumplings, miso, bread and coffee. Also hay and food for the bunnies. Then it's full on school holidays and setting up house and backyard for family with things that twinkle and shine.

How is your Christmas lead-up unfolding? Hope it marshmallowy sweet.

christmas inspiration

2011-12-16T09:24:00.000+11:00

It's the silly season and if life has got a little bit too silly this past few weeks, take heart - there's clever little things you can do without having to resort to a 4-hour gingerbread production line.

When in need, turn to Martha.

I'm loving these crafty, festive kids ideas that will keep the tots occupied and fill your house with gorgeous.

I'm also loving these Christmas tree ideas for kids - and big kids, too.

Looking for some festive cookie ideas? What about cakes? Lolly ideas?

And here are some fabulous projects if you want to get decoratively crafty.

Make some ornaments. Create advent calendars.

And of course - Martha's Easiest Christmas Ideas Ever. All gorgeous. All do-able. Now there's no excuse. Have fun!

Head to the MS Craft Dept Christmas Workshop for an endless barrage of creative bliss.

christmas wreaths - gingerbread men

2011-12-15T07:47:00.001+11:00

I adore gingerbread and this wreath is probably one of my favourites this year. So utterly simple, all you need do is wind and hot-glue ribbon around a foam wreath form (gluing at back only) and tie the ribbon in a hanging loop.

Buy or make little gingerbread cookies that are long-baked for crispness. Be sure to measure your wreath form for cookie size.

When hot-gluing the gingerbread men, secure the first on one side of his body only - ie: at his arm. For the second and subsequent, daub glue generously on both arms (on the flip side!) and start overlapping them. As you go, the gingerbread men may start leaning outwards towards the perimeter of the ring, so gently push them downwards so they remain relatively parallel to the wreath form. You'll see what I mean as you go along.

When you've finished gluing them all and return to your original fellow, lift the unglued side of this first little man and tuck your last man underneath.

Spray all the gingerbread men with clear sealant or lacquer, in a well-ventilated area, trying not to saturation the ribbon. Spray the back of the men, too - whatever you can reach. You could even lacquer the men in advance and wait til they're dry before gluing. This will mean they last longer.

See also:
book page wreath
looped white card wreath
tissue paper wreath
fringed paper wreath
hula hoop greenery wreath
pompom wreath

christmas wreaths - pompom

2011-12-13T07:14:00.002+11:00

I told you I was finished for this year, but I have festive wreath fever! Saw these lollipop red pompoms at Lincraft and couldn't resist their cherry pop of colour. Bought a wreath form and delighted in pushing these smooshy balls together with hot glue to create this fabulously fun wreath.

If you glue the larger balls around the form in random spots first, then add balls according to size, it will be quick and easy to fill in the gaps. You may also need to glue smaller pompoms on top of the teensiest gaps, as you don't want the white to show through.

You could also cover the wreath form with red ribbon first, if you want to avoid covering every teensy gap.

At first I dreamt of a thick glossy white ribbon for this one, but settled on this more whimsical pinstripe grosgrain.

What do you think?

Just wait til you see the next wreath! So cute!

See also:
book page wreath
looped white card wreath
tissue paper wreath
fringed paper wreath
hula hoop greenery wreath
gingerbread men wreath

gingerbread production line

2011-12-11T09:55:00.002+11:00

I absolutely adore gingerbread {you can snaffle my spicy, cakey recipe here, and also see my gingerbread house} and I love creating special, personalised gingerbread people for the lovely people in my life.

Here's a peek at my gingerbread production line - larger people with garlic press hair, classic smaller gingerbread men for stashing into bags and tying with ribbon, and stars that tumble together to create a miniature, edible tree.

Scrumptious!

festive peek

2011-12-10T09:18:00.003+11:00

I've gone the simple route for Christmas decorating this year. I have a lot on {who doesn't?!} and am hosting Christmas with my side of the family here. So, it was all about simplicity and whimsy. Above you'll see I also had a gingerbread production line happening . . . more on that later.

Here is a little peek at what I've done - a really pared down effort but one of my favourites ever. I'm currently decorating our back decking with lights, so will post pics of that a little later. This Christmas is all about being outdoors, resting in adirondack chairs {thank you Posie!}, laying in hammocks, nibbling, sipping and sharing our wonderful life.

How is your Christmas decorating going?

my favourite tree in the world - my feather tree (all the way from the US of A)

my ribbon ornaments from last year adorn my favourite tree

i must admit, i have a thing for snow globes; these teensy ones are recent addition (David Jones)

my paper wreath tutorial can be found here. it's actually made from book pages

we may live in the Australian heat, but I have an obsession with my snowy ceramic village, bought in China. this painting of iceberg roses is my favourite of all the original art we bought over there

a recent, very Aussie acquisition

and finally - the tree - very simple this year, Scandinavian-inspired

market day

2011-12-08T16:54:00.006+11:00

Just in from the most wonderful three hours at Brindabella Business Park near Canberra airport, where the amazing Melissa coordinates a fabulous Christmas market in the town square for the park’s corporate residents.

To the dulcet tones of Tuchasoul, a duo who truly make a girl go weak at the knees, Jennie from Posie Patchwork and I mingled with a truly gorgeous line-up of talented stallholders, including our friends Cheeky Textiles, Kate Ward and Mikaela Handmade.

It was one of those luscious Canberra days - patches of sun with a light breeze - not too hot, not too cold. Friendly customers, gorgeous stallholders, beautiful white marquees and green lawns - and best of all, the most warm atmosphere - the perfect kind of market.

Oh, and when I got home, look what was waiting for me - two new review copies of books I've long-time coveted, and some absolutely beautiful treats from Posie. The perfect end to a gorgeous day.

gingerbread house

2011-12-07T10:42:00.003+11:00

It's been a while since I made the time to create a gingerbread house. I simply adore them and this year wanted to recreate the stunning version found in December's issue of Good Taste magazine. I just love this look, particularly the adorable use of Freckles for roof tiles, dusting with a blanket of icing sugar snow.

I used my own gingerbread recipe (nothing comes close to it, and yes, I am sharing it at the end of this post). It's cakey and not too sweet and just busting with spice and fragrance. Love it. I made the sheets (omitting the stained glass window at the front of the house) but I also made three extra (large) batches of the gingerbread so I could do up a mass of gingerbread people, too.

It took my half a day to do this - and that was only the baking part.

As a result, I lost my baking rhythm a little, and underbaked the front and back pieces of the house slightly, making them a tad softer than they should be. Not only that, Good Taste recommended using melted white chocolate to put the house together (DO NOT do this - unless you are assembling the cake in a deep freeze or are prepared to stand there for 4 hours until it sets) and coupled with a heavier than normal roof, the front house panel began to bow.

You can just imagine us all screaming and running as the roof slid off and the back panel of the house hit the floor. AMAZINGLY it didn't break, but the Orchard Royal Icing I used (also recommended by Good Taste - never again!!!) shattered off and I had to re-pipe a lot of the design while the panels were standing UP - not easy to do, and lots of wobbly lines as a result.

In the kerfuffle, other parts of the design got knocked off and had to suffer wonky touch-ups, AND the house now looks skewif from the front because of the bulging front panel... oh, it was a challenge this house.

The next day, I re-baked the roof (twice as thin, twice as light, attached it with icing this time, and it was all good). On went the chimney and the freckles and a dusting of icing sugar - et voilà - here she is. A tad battered and with a poor girl gingerbread standing sentry, hurriedly iced with some store bought fudge icing.

I'll post photos of my snowy white lemon icing piping soon - I have a massive of gingerbread people to get through - but stay tuned!

Tania's Eye-Rolling Gingerbread

6 cups plain flour

1 teaspoon bicarb (baking) soda

½ teaspoon baking powder

230g unsalted butter, room temperature

1 cup dark brown sugar, packed

6 heaped teaspoons ground ginger

4 heaped teaspoons ground cinnamon

1½ teaspoons ground cloves

1 teaspoon finely ground black pepper (must be fresh)

1 teaspoon salt (not flakes)

2 large eggs

1 cup golden syrup

Sift together flour, bicarb soda, baking powder and set aside. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in spices and salt, then eggs and molasses.

Add flour mixture; combine on low speed and don’t over-knead. Divide dough in half, set between two sheets of baking paper and roll out to between 0.5 and 1cm thickness. Refrigerate for at least an hour (the dough will darken and firm, and spice flavours will be enhanced).

Heat oven to 180°C (350°F). Cut dough into shapes and transfer to lined baking sheets. Bake until firm but NOT darkened, about 20 minutes. Let cool on wire racks.

Ice the gingerbread with lemon icing - lemon juice and icing sugar. It's a must.

i'm loving... lotta magazine

2011-12-05T09:01:00.006+11:00

I'm just loving this superb new magazine for kids - Lotta magazine, run by the ultra talented Leonie Gould. The inaugural issue is called The Story Issue - something close to my heart - and features a stack of school holiday ideas that focus on children's literature.

Stunningly photographed, laid out and designed, with original, quality content, Lotta covers art, craft, drawing, gardening, writing, play and many other activities.

Creativity and eye-candy all rolled into one publication, this is a parents' dream . . . oh, and the kids just may enjoy it, too.

You can learn more at www.lottamagazine.com

christmas wreaths - hula hoop greenery

2011-12-04T11:17:00.001+11:00

Just when you thought I was done with the wreath marathon, I'm back again with this fragrant creation that I'm so excited about. I'm actually planning something for it for Christmas Day, so this isn't the final version, but the base version is so lovely, I think it would make a beautiful wreath as-is.

I'll share it with you now, but stay tuned to what I do to it on Christmas Day!

You'll need a smaller than average hula hoop (child size - but if you want huge, go for the adult size!), a hot glue gun, a bowl of iced water for glue burns, strong dark thread, snippets of pine (or other) greenery, a collection of thin twigs, about a metre of wide ribbon and a glass of champagne.

Lay down newspaper and begin hot-gluing the greenery to the hula hoop, layering as you go. It takes time to build up the layers, remembering you'll need to glue pieces on the inside, outer and flip sides of the hoop. Break off smaller pieces, if need be.

You could also use native eucalypt (gorgeously fragrant) or any other type of long-lasting greenery, even floral greenery. Or why not blend types?

Sip your glass of champagne as you go.

Once you've added enough greenery to hide the hula hoop, begin winding twigs through the pine. Choose thin, pliable twigs with some curve to them, and try to look for interesting twigs, with nobbles and springs, even gumnuts on them.

Twist them into each other carefully - this takes some patience.

Once you get a good top layering of twigs, take your strong dark thread and begin winding it around the hoop, securing twigs more securely, but ensuring you don't flatten the greenery. Weave and wind all the way around until things are secure.

Flip the hoop and add twigs to the underside, allowing pieces to stick out the sides. Secure with thread as before.

You can continue to build and weave your twigs for as long as you like, thickening the width of your wreath. When you're happy with the look, add more pieces of greenery, weaving through the twigs and securing with glue, if need be.

If desired, add a teensy bit of tinselly sparkle, woven through the greenery.

Loop with wide ribbon and hang in a window or on an outdoor or indoor wall. Depending on the type of greenery you use, this should last at least a month. Spritz with water occasionally.

Here is the 'part' finished wreath in my study window . . . make sure you check back after Christmas Day to see what I have planned for it next!

book page wreath
looped white card wreath
tissue paper wreath
fringed paper wreath
gingerbread men wreath

seed candy

2011-12-04T06:00:00.002+11:00

Oh so big on retro, vintage, whimsical candy and books and trinkets - I was in heavenly heaven when visiting Seed this weekend at the Canberra Centre. They've launched their new lolly range, you see - and oh my - it's a treat.

They even stash your goodies in this divine candy-stripe box (above). Delish doubled over.

I snaffled some large chocolate freckles, some chocolate sardines (too kitsch!) and who can live without rock candy in retro jars? Just gorgeous.

I also couldn't resist this hilarious kids' book - That's Dangerous! - and one of those adorable flip books that Ella will adore colouring in.

Sigh. A beautiful Christmas is made of these. Off to stash them in the Santa stockings!

my ultimate christmas wishlist

2011-12-03T06:00:00.019+11:00

Inspired by the gorgeous Jennie McClelland of Posie Patchwork fame, who has the best taste in everything, here is a peek at my ultimate Christmas wishlist - no money, size nor weight restrictions.

Le Creuset set in French blue or red

a Chrysler PT Cruiser

natural hemp rug from State of Green

Midi Dress / Diamond Maxi Dress, Trenery

a Dutch-style bicycle in red or white

a week at the Plaza Athénée in Paris

the entire Jo Malone collection

a Global Knife Set

a backyard orchard

basic human rights for every person (and animal, for that matter)

a graphic design studio

Tiffany platinum grossularite and diamond drop earrings

SK-II skincare collection

some new shelving for an unlimited supply of vintage children's books

a cutting garden of white hydrangeas

my own magazine

a rotating compost bin

every Jacques Tati film

some more time with my mother

This was fun! Fantastical... but fun. What would be on your ultimate Christmas wishlist?

tickle the imagination summer issue is out!

2011-12-02T15:29:00.000+11:00

I can’t even tell you how much I’m loving Tickle the Imagination magazine, headed up by the talented Tanya Collier.

Inspired, beautiful and uniquely Australian, the content is brilliant, the styling immaculate. Very proud to have a School Holiday Ideas story inmagazine, and also my regular Little Bookshelf – touting the ‘best’ children’s books of 2011.

Subscribe now! It's a heart-palpitating must-read, and makes me so proud of the superlative talent in this country.

Head to the magazine for more.

11 years today

2011-12-02T06:00:00.004+11:00

what a sweet ride.

happy anniversary, my darling. x

grumpy wombat review in Early Years magazine

2011-12-01T06:00:00.002+11:00

Warmest thanks to Annabel Ecroyd for this glorious review of Riley and the Grumpy Wombat in Early Years magazine. I'm just loving this fabulous magazine, created for families in the Illawarra region of NSW. You can learn more about it here.

christmas wreaths - fringed paper

2011-11-30T08:33:00.002+11:00

Okay - this is my absolute favourite from our wreath-creation marathon on the weekend. Ella was looking for a new idea to finish off this smaller wreath form, and she came up with the concept of cutting strips, fringing them with scissors and gluing around the form.

You'll need a foam wreath form, paper or thin card in your desired colours, a hot glue gun, iced water for potential burns, and ribbon for hanging.

Attach the ribbon to the form first, holding it up to test the hang, and adjusting its anchor point if need be.

Measure from the outside of your wreath to the inside and cut strips of paper to this length. Fringe the strips with scissors - you can either make the fringing fine or thick, but no more than 1cm wide, depending on the size of your wreath form - and make sure you leave at least half a centimetre at the base of the fringing, so you can glue it to the form. Fold each fringed piece as shown.

Begin gluing around the form, overlapping as you go.

How utterly whimsical and über modern country is this? I LOVE it! Well done, Ella Bella.

christmas wreaths - tissue paper

2011-11-29T11:45:00.003+11:00

Looking for a candy cane flouncing wonder of a wreath? Look no further. This gorgeous wreath is made from not much more than a snatch of tissue paper circles, and just looks divine.

You'll need a foam wreath form, tissue paper, a circle cutter (I used 2 inch), a hot glue gun, iced water for potential burns, and ribbon for hanging.

Attach the ribbon to the form first, holding it up to test the hang, and adjusting its anchor point if need be.

Cut your tissue paper circles (folding paper several times over for strength) and pinch them, right side of paper up, into a flower shape, twisting the base.

Begin gluing the base of each 'flower' to the wreath form, being sure to pack them quite tightly to eliminate gaps. Be mindful of the hot glue, as it seeps easily through tissue paper.

Continue until finished, and very soon you'll have a stunning, whimsical wreath that's an absolute snap to whip up.

maeve magazine is out! Summer 2012

2011-11-28T19:56:00.000+11:00

Maeve Magazine is out! Another stunning issue for women who love all things stylish, emotional, intelligent, beautiful and fabulous. My article for the Summer 2012 issue is on classic children's Christmas books . . . oh so much fun to write about!

Check it out - hope you find some Christmas book faves here, and don't forget to peruse the rest of this stunning mag.

christmas wreaths - looped white card

2011-11-28T11:34:00.006+11:00

I was tempted to use white paper for this wreath because it's that much easier to mould to a form, but I really wanted this to last longer than one season, so chose card instead - around 200gsm.

For this wreath, you'll need a foam wreath form, white A4 card, a hot glue gun, iced water for potential burns, and ribbon for hanging.

Attach the ribbon to the form first, holding it up to test the hang, and adjusting its anchor point if need be.

Cut strips of card depending on the size of your wreath. For large wreaths, your strips should measure around 2cm x 15cm - for smaller wreaths, around 1cm x 8cm is fine. Cut the strips and test them out.

Once your strips are cut, loop them onto themselves and staple at the bottom.

Take each loop and dab the back of it, at the staple point, with hot glue. Press and hold onto the wreath form, layering a strip of loops from the inner edge to the outer edge of the wreath.

You'll need to overlap each line of loops as you work, to stagger the loop flow and cover any staples.

Soon, you will have a snowy tumble of loops - and before you know it - this gorgeous creation . . . so simple yet so delectable. I think it would also look incredible in black.

Stay tuned for more wreaths - coming this week . . . and just take a look at Ella's gorgeous {smaller} version of this same wreath, created with several different types of paper.

christmas wreaths - book pages

2011-11-27T13:22:00.006+11:00

Like advent calendars, I'm bananas over wreaths. One of my favourite books is Martha Stewart's Great American Wreaths, which I can meander over for hours, drooling and dreaming.

As part of my quest to embrace and immerse myself in the Christmas crafting spirit this year, Ella and I have been busy creating a series of wreaths - which I'll showcase to you right here. The first was inspired by this little vintage book I've had for ages and ages . . . A Garland of Quiet Thoughts . . . falling apart at the seams and really ready for the junk pile.

But no - I love it so much, I chose to reincarnate its glorious pages in a wreath our family can treasure for many years to come.

I bought a wreath form from Spotlight and tried to measure the amount of pages I would need to cover it. Calculating roughly, I knew I'd come up a little short, so I added some pieces of red decorative paper, cut to the size of the book pages.

I used each page in its entirety for most of the wreath - until I got to the very end where I cut the pages in half crosswise and made shorter cones to glue around the very perimeter of the wreath form.

So here is how it's done . . .

You will need a form wreath form, decorative paper or book pages, a hot glue gun, a bowl of iced water for any burns (this wreath earned me a finger blister from a particularly bad burn) and some ribbon.

Attach the ribbon first by gluing it around the form. Lift the wreath to test its hang, and adjust the ribbon's anchor point accordingly.

Take each book page and curl it around to form a cone.

Staple the cone down low - you will need a small stapler for this.

Hot glue the cone to the form and hold it until it dries - about 20 seconds. Continue on with other cones, adding dabs of glue to the sides of the cones where they lean on each other. This will lend added support.

Continue on around the form, adding the cones and pressing them together gently, to eliminate gaps. As you reach the outer edges of the wreath, create much looser cones so that each features two leaf-like points (see below). Staple and glue on so they sit sticking out to the sides, framing your work beautifully.

Continue on until the form is packed tight. You should be left with about 3cm of space around the very outside of the wreath. Although this can't really be seen very easily once the wreath is hung, you might like to pack it with the half-page smaller cones to cover up the foam.

Et voilà - here is the finished product, gorgeously whimsical and a little bit vintage, looking almost Bohemian Venetian with those gorgeous muted colours.

Stay tuned for some more wreaths . . . tomorrow I'll feature a stunning white looped card wreath, and just wait til you see Ella's gorgeous wreath idea; it's my favourite yet.

See also:
looped white card wreath
tissue paper wreath
fringed paper wreath
hula hoop greenery wreath
pompom wreath
gingerbread men wreath

paper bag advent

2011-11-26T08:46:00.002+11:00

One of the treasures I've promised myself this year is to make the time for more Christmas crafting and decorating fun. My kids adore it . . . and so do I.

The other thing we all adore is advent calendars. Last year I painted a little wooden chest in advent style and this year I wanted to do something really whimsical - a paper bag advent on string.

I began with a clutch of washing line pegs and paper bags in varying patterns, then printed off some numbers on thin card and cut them out with a circle punch. These bags are quite large, but you could use smaller ones and teensy pegs.

Inside I stashed all manner of sweet festive treasure, then pinned the bags to string from kikki.K. As a final flourish, I added some sprigs of greenery - et voilà - here are the bags in our entry way, tempting everyone who crosses the threshold to take a peek inside.

Here are some more advent calendar ideas to tickle your fancy, and check back soon for some handmade wreaths!

Home and Garden

Martha Stewart

Scrapscene

The Crafty Crow

Modern Parents Messy Kids

babes in hammocks

2011-11-25T08:33:00.001+11:00

There's something about a hammock that sends the body and soul into a lullaby of bliss. We bought these authentic Thai hammocks in Phuket over five years ago, yet never 'got around' to hanging them. Since we did, the kids have not been out of them.

What are you not getting around to?

treasures from martha

2011-11-23T13:31:00.000+11:00

Isn't it a lovely thing that your close friends know you so well? Today in the mail, I opened a bag ('Louis Vuitton', excuse me!) from Bangkok filled with lovely treasure - sent by my gorgeous gorgeous friend.

And yes, there was Martha inside.

So looking forward to whipping up little Christmassy cakes in these patty pans, and studding them with these divine picks. And who doesn't need a glimmering snowflake adoring their windows and mirrors? - yes, even in the sweltering heat of a typical Australian Christmas.

It's love!