Month: March 2015

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Today is…Check your Batteries Day

If you can’t remember the last time you checked the batteries in your smoke alarm, then today is the day! It only takes a few seconds and could save the lives of you and your family.


While you’re at it, it’s also a good idea to:

1. Check batteries in other appliances such as clocks, toys, remote controls, torches, etc.
2. Stock up on more batteries in the sizes you use the most.
3. Set a reminder with an alert in your phone to check your smoke alarm next time.

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Handmade gift of the day: Spice Jars with Blackboard Paint Lids

Writing the contents on the lids of my spice jars has been life-changing.

I didn’t realize how much time I used to waste lifting up each individual jar to inspect what was inside (or read the label on the front) when I was looking for a specific ingredient.

Image from www.catsresume.blogspot.com.au
Why we love them:
  • They are easy to make – simple paint the lid with chalkboard paint and label with a chalk pen
  • You can use any size or shape of jar, depending on what you like the look of and what fits in your cupboard best. 
  • They are reusable – when an ingredient runs out, simply wash the jar and lid and refill/label with another ingredient. 
  • They’re a great way to reuse old jars that would otherwise be thrown out. 
  • You could use them anywhere in the house – not just in your pantry. Think bathroom, office, workshop, or sewing room for haberdashery supplies. 
  • You could fill them with homemade produce or homegrown herbs for as a thoughtful, cost-effective gift. 

What would you use these jars for?
We’d love your thoughts – please comment below…

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Favourite Cheesecake Recipes: Bulla Thickened Cream Baked White Chocolate Cheesecake

Friday 6 March is White Chocolate Cheesecake day, so here is a delicious White Chocolate Cheesecake recipe from Bulla…

Bulla White Chocolate Cheesecake decorated with chocolate squares, silver cachous and fresh raspberries


Ingredients:

Serves: 4-6

Cooking time: 1 hour and 15 mins
• 200g shortbread biscuits, crumbed
• 100g butter, melted
• 250g cream cheese, softened
• 2 x 300ml Bulla Thickened Cream
• 4 eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla bean extract
• 200g white chocolate, melted
• 30g silver cachous (decorative sugar balls)
• 100g raspberries to serve

Method:
(pre-heat oven 140c)
1. Combine the biscuit crumbs together with the melted butter and mix well.
2. Press the mixture into the base of a lined 24cm spring form tin. Refrigerate until firm.
3. Beat the cream cheese until soft and creamy.
4. Gradually beat in the Bulla thickened cream until well combined.
5. Whisk in the eggs and vanilla until well combined.
6. Finally fold through the cool melted white chocolate.
7. Pour the mixture over the biscuit base and bake in the pre-heated oven 150c for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Remove from oven and cool (centre may feel soft but will be firm when cool).
8. Spread the extra melted chocolate in a thin layer on to a large piece of baking paper and sprinkle evenly with the silver cachous.
9. Cut chocolate into small rectangles approx 7 -8 cm high and 5 cm wide.
10. Release the cheesecake from the tin and place onto a serving platter and arrange the chocolate squares decoratively around the edge.
11. Garnish with the fresh raspberries and serve with a dollop of Bulla Double Thickened cream.

Tips:

  • White chocolate maybe replaced with dark chocolate and vanilla maybe replaced with coffee or your favourite liqueur.

This recipe was kindly shared with us by Bulla Dairy Foods. Bulla is one of Australia’s oldest family owned dairy companies, proudly making dairy products in country Australia for six generations. The company is continually evolving its time-honoured traditions to bring families nothing but the best. Bulla is dedicated to making products with more care, craftsmanship & passion from only the freshest milk and cream. Made with care by three families since 1910. Bulla is proud to hold the Australian license to create Cadbury Marvellous Creations Ice Creams and works alongside Cadbury in creating this delicious range, among others, in frozen form.
http://www.bulla.com.au 

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Handmade gift of the day: Crumbz Aprons

Aprons make a fantastic gift for men who like to cook.

When we tried to source aprons for men, we noticed that there weren’t many men’s aprons available on the market…until we discovered the Crumbz range.

http://www.mrgift.com.au/Crumbz/crumbz-butchers-apron


We have three different types of aprons to suit the chef in your house: The Barry BBQ apron, the Butcher’s Apron and the Chef’s Apron. Check out the Crumbz range here…

http://www.mrgift.com.au/Crumbz/Barry-BBQ-apron

 
 
http://www.mrgift.com.au/Crumbz/crumbz-chef-apron



Why we love them:

  • The Crumbz range has been lovingly handmade in Healesville in Victoria’s picturesque Yarra Valley since 2009.We love supporting Australian businesses!
  • They are made from 100% Cotton fabric in stylish colours and patterns
  • The designs feature high-quality cotton straps and wrap-around waist ties
  • They are suitable for men AND women
  • They are smart and practical
  • Easy-care – simply machine wash
These aprons feature high quality cotton straps
 
The Butcher’s Apron and Barry BBQ Apron have large pockets to hold utensils

The Barry BBQ Apron features a removable towel – perfect for wiping your hands on


Aprons aren’t just for kids or Nanna – real men wear aprons too!

Check out our other handmade gift ideas here…

Who’s the chef in your house?
We’d love your thoughts – please comment below…

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Handmade gift of the day: Button Bookmarks

Buttons, buttons and more buttons!

These would be the perfect little gift for people who love reading, like the girls in my bookclub. A little set of these would also make a gorgeous gift for your child’s teacher.

http://www.iheartnaptime.net/button-bookmarks/



Why we love it:

  • Men, women, children – the possibilities are endless depending on what buttons and coloured paperclips you use.
  • You can buy some really fun paperclips these days – different colours, large, small, patterned. Source something different from your local stationery shop or $2 shop.
  • Cover your own buttons in fabrics you love
  • Use other trinkets such as gumnuts or semi-precious stones for a different effect.
  • They don’t have to be used as bookmarks – organizing paperwork with these paperclips has never been so stylish!
  • Here’s a tutorial on how to make them…

 
 
 
Who would you make these Button Bookmarks for?
We’d love your thoughts – please comment below…

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Handmade gift of the day: Recipe Ring

A good, tried-and-tested recipe is worth its weight in gold.

What better gift could you give to your friends and family than a selection of your favourite recipes?



Why we love it:

  • You can personalize the recipes for your recipient – savoury, sweet, snacks, pasta, curries. In fact, you could compile a different theme for each birthday/gift occasion.
  • You could laminate each card to ensure it lasts
  • It’s small and doesn’t take up much space in your recipe cupboard/kitchen draw. In fact, your recipient could even hang the recipes from a hook in their kitchen.
  • You can gift the recipes with a colour-matched utensil – spatula, tongs, wooden spoon – the brighter the better!
  • It’s easy to replicate – once you have the recipes typed (or scanned) you can print out multiple copies for different recipients and colour-match utensil and card to suit recipient.
  • You can be as creative as you like. Recipes in this picture have been typed up, but you can add images, play with text, etc. The world is your oyster (depending on how much time you have).
  • Why limit yourself to recipes? You could compile a ring with quotes, jokes, tips, anything that will make your recipient smile!

Check out some of our favourite recipes for inspiration, as well as more handmade gifts here…

What signature recipes would you include in this recipe ring collection?
We’d love your thoughts – please comment below…

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Five gifts to help you think: Top business and office gifts

Mr Gift office gift ideas
Autumn is now upon us and summer holidays are a distant memory, but that doesn’t mean we can’t indulge ourselves (or others) with some nice things for our desk and office.

Why give an office gift?

1. They’re practical – even if your recipient doesn’t work in an office all the time, these gifts are useful at home too.
2. They will brighten your recipient’s day and hopefully make the ‘daily grind’ a little bit more fun.
3. They help keep you organised and motivated – who wouldn’t want to play with numbers on the Hubpad Calculator???
4. They’re versatile – these are great gifts for men and women of any age.
5. They’re easy on the wallet – all of these gifts are under $70.
 

We’re also offering FREE DELIVERY on all orders from now until midnight Monday 9/3/15.  

Use Coupon Code OFFICE in the Coupon Code field when you place your order.  

This offer can’t be used in conjunction with other offers, or redeemed for cash. But please feel free to share with family and friends:)

Here are five of our favourite office/business gifts to give you a bit of inspiration…
Hubpad Calculator
1. Hubpad USB Calculator and Mousepad $29.95
This mousepad-and-calculator in-one means you’ll always have a calculator at your fingertips when you need one. A stylish and practical gift for the person with everything.
 
Troika A5 Leather Notebook
2. Troika A5 Leather Notebook $69.95
This high-quality leather/PU compendium has the following features:

  • Notebook
  • Money Clip (which can be engraved)
  • Five inserts for business cards
  • Elastic band closure

View the Troika range here…
Troika Black Carbon Pen
3. Troika Black Carbon Pen $59.95
An impeccably presented pen that has a subtle carbon fibre pattern and high-gloss finish. A beautiful, timeless gift for clients or colleagues.

View more pens here…
Cyber Clean High-Tech Cleaning Compound
4. Cyber Clean High-Tech Cleaning Compound $7.95
When was the last time you cleaned your computer keyboard, or your phone? This cleaning compound is a safe, effective (and fun) way of cleaning your devices…
 
Troika Magic Card Case
5. Troika Magic Card Case $36.95
I have to confess, it took me a long time to work out how this “magic” card case works. It’s fun to use, a great ice-breaker at business events, and keeps your cash and cards safe. If you’re looking for a unique business card holder, this is the one!

Check out our other Troika business card holders here…
 
SHOP OFFICE GIFTS