Chocolate Macaroons

Here is my easy recipe for chocolate macaroons that I made on the weekend.  I used cacao and lowered the amount of sugar to try and make them a little healthier.

Chocolate Macaroons

Ingredients:

2 eggs, separated
½ cup caster sugar
3 cups desiccated coconut
2 tablespoons cacao (or cocoa)

Method:

1. Beat egg whites in a medium bowl with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
2. Gradually beat in caster sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until the sugar is dissolved between each addition.
3. Beat in egg yolks and cacao and then fold in coconut until well combined.
4. Spoon tablespoons of the coconut mixture on to baking paper lined oven trays.
5. Cook in a moderately low oven (about 160C) for 20-25 minutes or until macaroons are golden brown.
6. Cool on a tray before serving or storing in an airtight container.

Note:   Cooking times may vary depending on oven, my macaroons cooked in less time.

Washi Tape Stamps

The discovery of Washi Tape Stamps has led me to search for some fun ideas for using them.   The stamps come in a 2 pack with various designs available or if you are clever enough, you may be able to make them yourself.

Stamps can be used to decorate gift bags, cards, envelopes, decorate scrapbooks and many other items. Take a look below at ideas for using the stamps and also a link to a tutorial for making your own.

Washi Fabric Bag Project by Stampington & Company/Vanessa Spencer

Washi Tape Bag by Ishtar Olivera/Rike

Washi Tape Envelope by Ishtar Olivera/Rike

Handmade Washi Tape Stamps by Memi The Rainbow

DIY Washi Tape Stamp by Girl Town

Vision Boards

Last year I decided to make a Vision Board by buying a cheap cork noticeboard and attaching some nice fabric with tacks in each corner as a background, then I began the fun part of cutting out pictures in magazines, typing up words and phrases that I hoped to manifest into my life.

Vision Boards have become popular since appearing in The Secret and also on Oprah.  By having these pictures and words where you can see them everyday, it will keep you focused on your goals and the direction you want your life to take.

I have listed some great books below which go through making vision boards.  I only have one vision board at the moment with everything on it but some people choose to make a separate board for each area they wish to focus on.

Here are also a couple of cool ideas if you want to be a bit more creative with making your vision board.

The first tutorial is for a pin board but I think it could be turned into a fantastic vision board also.

Pin Board by Fabric Paper Glue

Inspiration Boards by Creature Comforts/Papier Valise

The Complete Vision Board Kit

Vision Board

Creative Books for Gifts and Home

A couple of lovely books I have with some great ideas for making gifts and papercraft.

Homemade Gifts Vintage Style will inspire you to make gifts using items like old jumpers, blankets, buttons, wallpaper, cups and give them a new lease in life by turning them into gifts like stuffed toys, teacup candles, cards and much more.

Papercrafting in No Time shows you how to make 50 projects making use of letters, labels and more.  Mobiles, gift boxes, notebooks, wreath, paper bowls, cards, tags, cupcake toppers and decoupage eggs to name but a few are featured in this book.   Clear step-by-step instructions and templates are provided.

To find out more about these books click on the links below.

Homemade Gifts Vintage Style

Papercrafting In No Time: 50 Inspirational Projects Crafted from Paper

Gift Packaging Ideas No. 3

Some more cute gift packaging ideas using brown paper, paint marker, doilies, vintage ribbons and a photocopier!

Polka Dot Gift Wrap by For Chic Sake

Doily stencil paper by Pink Hammers & Sippy Cups

Personalised decorative paper by My Poppet

Mother's Day DIY Gift Ideas

With Mother's Day next week, I decided to search for some DIY Mother's Day gifts.   I found these lovely gifts that I'm sure all mothers would love.

Gift Box by Stampington & Company

DIY Lip Balm by Stampington & Company

DIY Bath Salt by Everything Etsy