Make a Decision

Friday, February 29, 2008

Puppy at one week



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666 uh oh

Does reaching 666 friends on facebook mean a bad omen?

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Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Sunday, February 24, 2008

Spiders, Puppies and Loose Teeth In Brisbane


3 spiders, 2 gorgeous puppies and a tooth that fell out before lunch

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Slice of Rejection


Here's my Slice of Rejection made from rejected stuff from the cupboard. The recipe is available here: http://www.ablogginglife.com/

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Tooth Fairy Booked In


Was so worried it was going to come out last night while he was sleeping, but thank goodness, came out this afternoon just before lunch.

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Saturday, February 23, 2008

Gotta Love Andy Warhol

They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.

The Puppies are here


The puppies arrived last night 2.15 am onward. Full details on the blog

http://www.ablogginglife.com/

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Monday, February 18, 2008

Gotta Love Thoreau

As if you could kill time without injuring eternity.

Sunday, February 17, 2008

Sorry about that chief

Well my Sunday night utter has to be text today because, my hard drive will not fire up at all and is making very scary whirring noise. So am on kids computer and trying my best to remember all my logins without the aid of my browser remembering them or my spreadsheet which has them all written in. Not to worry.

So all homework was completed this afternoon. I burnt the roast dinner, roast lamb and potatoes with carrots, brocoli and cauliflower. Boiled the saucepan dry actually. Oops.

Was still edible though the kids prefer the bread anyway.

Rain has eased, no more flooding. Northern Queensland still getting a hammering. Water restrictions eased which is a good thing.

School week starts again and have a couple of meetings to go to and a doctors appointment for my eldest in the city on Tuesday.

That's it for this week in Brisbane.

Carry on.

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Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Cake Decorating

You might be surprised to learn that many people take cake decorating quite seriously. If you are like most people, you probably think of cake decorating as an activity that is better suited for your grandmother. But you would be wrong. Among cooking professionals, cake decorating—also known as one of the sugar arts—is well respected and admired as a true skill and art. Here is some information on the background of cake decorating.

Cake Decorating – An Edible Art

Why are cakes decorated? Cakes are decorated for two basic reasons: to increase the aesthetic and decorative appeal of the cake, as well as to complement or improve the taste and texture of the cake. Cake decorating is more often considered as a means of improving the visual appeal of the cake, and some master decorators have elevated it to a high edible art. Cake decorating can do a lot to improve the appeal and impression of the cake.

A Short History of Cake Decorating

The special edible art of cake decorating can be traced back to the mid-17th century. The art of cake decorating appears to have roots in Europe during this period, especially in the northwestern provinces of Europe. Cake decorating quickly spread in popularity, and is now a popular edible art throughout many parts of the world, including North America, South America, Australia and New Zealand. Of course, some of the world's most respected cake decorators and cooking institutes continue to thrive throughout Europe.

Different Styles in the Sugar Arts

There are various different methods in the sugar arts. But there are several basic techniques that are shared by all cake decorators and cake decorating styles. Most cake decorating involves using icing or other kinds of decorative sugars, including chocolates and candies, to decorate. Cake decorating, however, can be as simple as simply icing a cake with sugar, sprinkling it with iced sugar or decorative sprinkles, or adding a glossy sweet glaze to the cake. All of these are basic examples of cake decorating methods. However, cake decorating can also be much more complicated than this.

Common Motifs in Cake Decorating

There are many common motifs that frequently found in the sugar art of cake decorating. Some of the most common motifs in cake decorating include flowers made of icing; decorative icing borders, fondant, marzipan figures and flowers, molding gum paste decorative borders, and glazes.

The Lambeth Method

This is a traditional cake decorating method that uses an over piping technique. This is a complicated technique that uses royal icing piping on cakes covered in fondant. Then, on tops of this, decorative lacework is added to the curtain-like effect of the cake decoration. Other hallmarks of the Lambeth Method include scallops, scrolls and string work.

The Australian Method

This is another common cake decorating technique, commonly referred to as the Australian Method, that also employ the use of royal icing piping on an intricate curtain and lacework.

The Wilton Method

The Wilton Method is another popular cake decorating style. This cake decorating style focuses on butter cream icing. Butter cream icing is used to cover the entire cake, and it is also used for decorative touches and flourishes such as flowers and simple to very intricate designs and decorations. The Wilton Method has quickly become one of the more popular types of cake decorating methods because it allows even beginners to advance through different stages of design. The Wilton Method can move from basic decorative techniques (Level I of the Wilton Method, to flower patterns and borders (Level II), to rolled fondant and tiered techniques (Level III), and up to customized designs.

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Feng Shui for Wealth

If you’re considering whether or not you can use the ancient art of feng shui for wealth building and fortune, there are some important factors that you may want to keep in mind before you begin this pursuit. Number one, what are you trying to accomplish when you assume that feng shui for wealth will work in your case? Are you experiencing specific financial setbacks right now and are assuming that these can be somehow “magically cured” with feng shui?

Also, when considering using feng shui for wealth, do you really understand what is required of you, the user and the person applying this principle? There is no ancient practice, ritual, art or science that can be applied that will somehow instantly provide you with money and wealth without expecting you to do your part, so to speak. Assuming that you can just somehow “petition” feng shui for wealth and it will magically arrive on your doorstep is not how things work.

So then, how are the two thoughts tied in with one another? Many believe that you can use feng shui for wealth, and some have told their own experiences of this actually being successful, but what did they do that brought about their positive results? What are some things to be avoided?

First, remember that the true principles of feng shui involve harmony, balance, and calm. You need to be sure that you’re bringing these elements into your everyday life when it comes to work and employment. Do you see any ways that you are bringing disharmony or a lack of balance to your career? Many offices these days stress “teamwork” and expect their employees to understand its importance; those who don’t are often the first in line for dismissal. If you are not bringing this attitude to the office, you can soon find yourself unemployed – and that’s no way to build wealth!

Additionally, when speaking of feng shui for wealth, it’s important to remember that feng shui encourages positive energy for accomplishment. If you are trying to accomplish a feeling of togetherness and fun for your family, you bring in upbeat elements and colors to your family room. This will make everyone feel energized and alive; this positive feeling encourages closeness and energy as a family. So, if you’re looking to apply feng shui for wealth, you need to apply your personal, positive energy toward pursuing that wealth. This means working hard, not being wasteful with your finances, and being ambitious as well. You absolutely cannot have one without the other.

Unfortunately for many, there is no “magic cure” when trying to use feng shui for wealth. Painting your front door red or hanging a crystal over a mirror is not going to be enough to fix your finances or to make you wealthy. You will still need to do the work that’s necessary. But by applying the real principles of feng shui including harmony, balance, and positive energy, you may find that your circumstances vastly improve and in turn, your wealth will increase.

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Flood Update

Major Flooding to Brisbane. 2 dead, 4 missing. Lucky to have gotten home. Minor damage to backyard. Power restored. Fed and well.

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Cyclone now in Brisbane



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Monday, February 4, 2008

Sunday, February 3, 2008

Saturday, February 2, 2008