Angela’s Advent, Day 3

It’s always the right time to get pampered.  And who wouldn’t love receiving a facial, massage, pedicure, manicure or hair treatment?

The Story of Me & My Cookie Cutters

Here’s an interview I did with Craig Zonca on the ABC.  We have some fun with my cookie cutters.

Click here to listen.

Angela’s Advent, Day 2

Today’s clutter-free gift suggestion requires that you take notice of your recipient’s interests and hobbies.  Any friend would love the gift of a membership paid for them.  Think

• gym
• sports club
• football team
• historical society
• fan club

If money’s an issue, it doesn’t have to be an annual membership.  A 2 week pass to a gym will be enough for your friend to decide if the gym’s for them.

Angela’s Advent, Day 1

The countdown to Christmas has begun.  Little children everywhere have hung their advent calendars and will celebrate each day with a small gift.

This year, as my advent gifts to you, I will offer daily ideas for clutter-free gifts right up to Christmas.  I’ll call it Angela’s Advent.  It is my hope to reduce your stress as well as the clutter which can cause stress for others.  There are many gifts, ranging from the inexpensive to big budget, which can meet both these needs and make everyone’s a happy Christmas, and I’ll let you know about them.

My gift suggestion for Day 1 is one which could truly make a difference to this Christmas and every one after.

The Christmas Calm Manual is perfect for you or someone you know who feels stressed or overwhelmed by the upcoming festivities and all its demands.  The Christmas Calm Angels, Chris Owen and Káren Wallace, are on a mission to save frazzled women one Christmas at a time.  At only $20 it is the perfect way to kick of Angela’s Advent.

5 No-Cost Christmas Gifts

Is your purse feeling the pinch?  Instead of exchanging store-bought gifts with your group of friends this year you could

• exchange recipes
• share the Christmas baking load
• produce a book of favourite quotes or original poetry together
• swap coupons for babysitting
• agree to ditch the gift-giving and just share a few laughs

How To Keep the Wardrobe Clutter-Free

Is your wardrobe overflowing with things you no longer wear?

Need something new for the festive season but don’t want to spend big bucks?

Check out the Clothing Exchanges, swapping events for the ladies, happening this month -

Melbourne

Monday 7th December

6.30pm check-in, 7.00pm start

Admission $20

BMW Edge, Federation Square

Cnr Flinders & Swanston Sts, Melbourne

Sydney

Saturday 12th December

2.30pm check-in, 3.30pm start

Admission $25

The Eastern Hotel

Level 3 Bar Pacifica, 500 Oxford St, Bondi Junction

Free 2hr parking at Westfield

For more info, go to The Clothing Exchange.

There’s also Take 2 Markets.  Stalls for the next market on December 12th are sold out but the full program of 2010 events can be found here.

To find the perfect outfit for you at the right price, visit

Take 2 Market

December 12th, 10:00am to 3:00pm

Hawthorn Town Hall, 360 Burwood Road, Hawthorn (plenty of free parking).

$3.00 entry.

Calling All Hoarders!

Are you a Hoarder?

Do you compulsively hoard possessions?

Or do you experience obsessive-compulsive behaviours?

If the answer is yes to one or both of these questions, then someone needs your help!

If you are aged between 18 and 65 years you are invited to help researchers learn more about how people organise their possessions and the potential value and meanings that they attach to the things they save.

For more information, contact David Foxley, University of Newcastle PhD Research

Telephone: +61 2 4921 5390

Email: David.Foxley@newcastle.edu.au

Recycle & Re-use at School

There’s a new service online which can have you saving money on school supplies, or clearing out your cupboards, while helping the environment and your community.  It’s an online marketplace called Sustainable School Shop, and you can find it here.  So whether you’re looking for, or want to sell, uniforms, books, sports equipment, musical instruments or anything else education-related, head on over.  Joining is free.

If this service works for you, I want to hear about it.  Stop by and let us know.

Fuss-free Festive Recipes

As promised, here are a few of my favourite quick-and-easy treats that impress.

Pesto Parmesan Toasts – (So so easy but tasty.)  Slice a couple of hot dog rolls crossways and toast these discs.  Top with pesto, sun-dried tomato and shaved parmesan.

Slow-Roasted Tomatoes – (These get rave reviews and regular requests for repeat performances.)  Preheat the oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.  Halve Roma or Egg tomatoes and place on prepared tray.   Sprinkle with olive oil, fresh chopped basil and salt.  Bake for one hour.  Allow to cool and store in airtight container for up to 3 days.

Spicy Pita Chips – Split large pita break in half.  Cut each half into bite-size wedges.  Place wedges, split side up, in a single layer on a baking tray.  Spray with olive oil and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning.  Bake in a moderately hot oven for about 5 minutes or until crisp.

Chocolate Roughs – (Couldn’t be easier.)  Melt 375g chocolate in the microwave.  Stir in 125g shredded coconut.  Spoon tablespoonfuls of the mixture onto a baking paper-lined tray.  Refrigerate for 1 hour.

Give these a go and let me know how they turn out.  Or perhaps you have some tricks you’d like to share?

Fuss-free Festive Food

The festive season is upon us, and often we’re called on, at short notice, to cater for guests or perhaps bring something to share.  That’s the time to reach into your handy bag of tricks and produce something spectacular, with minimum effort, maximum effect.   You’ll give the impression you’re a great cook who can handle anything.  The best part is you’ll believe it too.

Usually I keep my bag of tricks to myself.  But just for you, I’ll let you in on a couple of my secrets.

Secret number 1 is to keep some basics in the pantry or fridge.  I recommend olives, gherkins, sun-dried tomatoes, pesto, chutney, crackers, rye bread, cheese, fresh tomatoes, dried fruit, eggs, fruit cake, nuts and mayonnaise.  Add a few special ingredients, like smoked salmon, a huge ham and some Continental biscuits, and you’ll be able to produce anything from a grazing platter to Danish-style open sandwiches to afternoon tea.

Secret number 2 is to think simplicity.  A simple bowl of walnuts and a nutcracker will keep hands busy.  Gorgeous brimming bowls of fresh cherries, strawberries, grapes or cherry tomatoes look festive and are healthful too.  Most folks these days are conscious of healthy eating and will thank you for keeping the calorie-count down.

Tomorrow I’ll share some quick and easy entertaining recipes to make the festive season stress-free.