Cross stitching stockings for Christmas

One of my favourite past times is cross stitching. In particular, I loved making my kids Christmas stockings (which we still use today).

There are so many beautiful patterns to choose from. They do take quite a while to complete...around 8-12 weeks. The decoration and embellishments really enhance the look of the stocking and make each one individual.

Cross stitching kits are the easiest option and much less hassle.

I've been running regular cross stitching classes and there are a couple of places available in Tuesday's class. For more info you can email me.

Cycling around Mildura

Sunday was delightful, but freezing. We started around 9am and cycled along the bike track from Johnsons Bend through to Apex Park. From there we continued to the new Mildura Marina.

We're apart of the cycling club at Body Business in Mildura. It's such a great social group. I don't mind the odd spin class also.

I must admit when we were cycling down by the Murray, it was magical and it reminded me why I love living here.

Quilts and decorating

The other morning I received a phone call from a long standing client to ask for my advice on painting and decorating her new bedroom. She had purchased a lovely cream quilt with a decorative quilting design all over. Her question she posed to me was what colour to paint the bedroom wall and how to add a splash of colour.

I suggested using some pretty cushions and teaming it with a matching mohair/alpaca throw at the end of the bed or maybe drapped across a chair.

Here's another variation with white walls. We have a black and white patterned quilt and black cushions to add a bold statement. Rather nice I think.

Fruit cake!

This morning it was raining and I decided it was the perfect time to whip up a fruit cake. I adore this recipe and make sure I use all local Sunraysia dry fruit products.

Sunraysia Easy Mix Fruit Cake

Ingredients:
1kg of mixed Sunraysia dried fruit
600 ml carton of Iced coffee
2 cups of self raising flour

Method:
Turn oven to 180 degrees Celsius for a fan forced oven.
Soak fruit in iced coffee overnight.
Following day, sifted the flour into the fruit and iced coffee mixture.
Pour into a greased and paper lined cake tin. (Approx 20cm tin)
Cook for 1 hour approx or when the skewer is clean.

It always turns out lovely and moist. I have used this cake served with a dollop of fresh cream or ice-cream as a dessert.

Otherwise, I have a piece with my morning tea.

Really enjoying working from home. It is so nice combining work with home chores of which there are many. This morning I have collated orders, ran an online order to a customer in Mildura and now home to once again look at the mountain of boxes yet to unpack.

Rapt Up is completely online

After 21 years in my retail store in Mildura (Vic), the transition to run my gift store online is complete. After an exhaustive 10 days of moving into a new home, closing the shop and creating a workspace at home, I'm pleased to let you know that it is business as usual...just all online. www.raptup.com.au

New stock that has been all personally selected, is arriving continuously. The biggest problem I have is where to store everything now!

I must say, the thing I love most about working from home is I can be around Millie and Diesel - my two delightful dogs. Millie in particular, loves being indoors with me. Her favourite spot is on the couch near the TV. Millie is an aging 13 year old, blind, black poodle!