Happy New Year 2015 From Sydney

Sydney knows how to party.

Chocolate Overload - A Family Celebrates.

Inspiration for 40th birthday came from here.

In the last four weeks, our Daughter celebrated her 37th Birthday, First Son turned 40, my Baby Sister turned 50 and my Mum, 79.

Not to forget, Niece 'M' turned six years of age and Step-Niece 'A' 21.

In amongst shingles and 'flu we have managed to carry on with celebrations, although poor Mr Honey Pie missed a family get-to-gether to celebrate First Son's engagement last weekend.  (One more thing to celebrate!)

Fiftieth Birthdays are celebrated with gusto in my family of origin so we have a great night of celebration about to begin.

Have you ever tried to organise accommodation for sixteen people?

Five sister, their partners and children and our Mum are about to have the time of our lives.

Here is a peak at our accommodation in lovely Leura in the Blue Mountains.

The house is called Darjeeling House.

The number of bathrooms is too many to count, as are the bedrooms.

Little nooks with armchairs are everywhere, along with a TV room, a lounge room with fire, little alcoves with extra beds, lots of warm floor rugs, interesting vintage items and warm timber everywhere you look.

I've had a little walk through the garden with its flowering cherry trees and bulbs. 

But it is cold and it's time to get a fire going to keep us warm.

How do you celebrate your family
'Big' Birthdays?

Day 14/366

After the dinner party.

Treasure Hunt.

Good Morning to you all.

Seems that Spring has finally decided to make a show this week.

Yesterday was glorious and I spent the day in the garden feeding all the yummy herbs, as well as all the ornamentals.

This week my daughter and I are planning a party for dearest Grand Daughter.

One of my jobs is to organise a Treasure Hunt for eight preschoolers.

I've not done this ever before so I hope I get it right!  

The above picture of our front door is the first clue.  I plan to photograph each clue and place it in a numbered envelope which the child with the corresponding number badge opens.

Eventually they will find the treasure chest filled with bird seed in which the treasure is hidden.

Have you planned a treasure hunt before?

How did it go?

Let's Have A Party! # 2

Yesterday, family and friends celebrated my Twin Sisters' fiftieth birthday at the Burning Log Restaurant Dural.

We had a 'wig party'.

Even the teddy got to wear a wig!

I think my Youngest Brother had the coolest wig!

Our Second Sister made drink coasters using photographs from The Twins' last fifty years.  What a hoot we all had looking at the photographs spread out on the tables, and what a brilliant idea!

I'm pleased to report that the cake I made went down a treat.  Everyone licked their plate clean and I received lots of compliments. Also, I could tell my brother in law that it was gluten free (he is one that always makes digs at me 'cause I eat gluten free) and much to his surprise it was delicious.

After serving plates of breads and dips and antipastos,kitchen staff plated up perfectly cooked beef steak and chicken with mash and vegetables. The birthday cake was presented garnished with berry sauce, ice-cream and cream. 

A totally perfect way to spend a rainy and cold June afternoon.

Today, my sisters opened up their presents at home, so did not get to see them open up the quilts...but I got some lovely text messages on my mobile telephone.  I've even been promised kisses tomorrow...when I visit them again.

Let's Have A Party!

In my possession, I have the most fabulous orange skirt.

Only problem is, I just don't know where to wear it!  Every time I pull it out of the wardrobe to don it, I change my mind. 

I cannot count the times I've been tempted to put it into the op-shop bag for donation.  Every time I do, I have a change of heart and put it back on to its coat-hanger and back into my wardrobe.

I'm afraid it's too ostentatious to wear to any outing I might be heading to. 
Often, I secretly plan a party inside my head,with a theme...yes, everyone must wear ORANGE, then I can get to wear my beautiful skirt!
Do you own such a garment?  Where have you worn it and were there any reactions?
I think I have worn this sequined skirt once...and I'd planned to wear it to a fiftieth birthday party many years ago, but ended up not going to the party, because I was ill.