Merry Christmas 2021!

 

Well, what another year of chaos and upheaval we've had in 2021!  While I will admit that it's definitely been a very difficult year here in the Two Cheeky Monkeys household, I am thankful that we've made it to Christmas relatively healthy physically, mentally and spiritually.

I hope that all my wonderful supporters are safe and well, and want to thank you so much for your continued support of my little blog and businesses.

May you have a merry Christmas and blessed 2022! 

Taste and see that the Lord is good;
blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.

Psalm 34:8 (NIV)

Mug Cake Roundup

In the midst of this sixth lockdown for those of living in Victoria, Australia, the Cheeky Monkeys family has been pampering ourselves with easy to make desserts that can be cooked on the run during breaks of remote learning and working from home.

If you've never had the fun of making cakes in a mug with your microwave, then here is a roundup of recipes to start you on this journey of fast and simple treats.  Enjoy!

 

1. Vanilla mug cake

2. Snickerdoodle mug cake

3. Low fat chocolate mug cake

4. Carrot cake in a mug

How to make family birthstone earrings

Make a pair of birthstone-inspired earrings featuring luscious glass beads that represent the entire family's birthstones.

I'll show you how to put this simple, yet eye-catching, pair of earrings together to represent the favourite people in your life.

Birthstone jewellery will always be popular, especially for mothers and grandmothers, so I was inspired to create this pair of birthstone-inspired earrings featuring vintage and Czech glass beads that represent a family of four close to my heart.

 

How to make a pair of family birthstone earrings

Materials

- 2 x 5-6mm glass beads

- 2 x 8mm glass beads

- 2 x 9mm rondelle beads

- 2 x 10mm Czech glass beads

- 2 x 50mm headpins

- 2 x leverback earhooks (to keep those earrings safely on your ears)

- round nose pliers

- needle nose pliers

- wire cutters

 

Steps

1. Thread one of each size of bead onto one headpin in order from largest to smallest. Using the wire cutters, cut off excess headpin, leaving 10mm of headpin to attach the beads to the earhook.

 

 2. Using the needle nose pliers, bend back the headpin as close to the beads as possible.

 

3. Using the round nose pliers, create a loop in the headpin end, but do not close the loop.

 

4. Hook the half-formed loop onto a leverback earhook.

 

5. Close the loop with the round nose pliers, straightening with the needle nose pliers if needed.

6. Repeat with the remaining bead supplies to create the second earring.

And there you have it, a gorgeous pair of earrings celebrating a family of four in meaningful and affordable style. 

Happy Easter!

 Wishing you all a blessed Easter in 2021!

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:8 (NIV)

Hair Braid Jewellery Coming Soon!

They're coming!  My exciting new hair braid jewellery range is coming very soon for those who can't get enough of the viking braid and hair jewellery trend.

The photo above is a set specially commissioned by a customer for her braid-loving teen; I can't wait to unveil the brand new range for women of all ages!

To pre-order or special commission a set for yourself (or your daughters), send me a message via my shop to make sure you don't miss out.

Favourite Kids' Stories

I get a lot of comments about our Spot the dog and Maisy mouse buntings, and queries about when our new stock will be in; and I thank you all so much for your love!  Classic children's storybooks are one of those things that we never stop loving.  And how could you not love Spot or Maisy?

Just having the partially-completed buntings sitting in my work space makes my creative area so cheerful and bright!

Grab a Spot or Maisy bunting to brighten your little one's room (or one of each!), and don't forget to tag @domumvindemia on social media when you show off your new purchases.

Valentine's Day Recipes

Whether you're spending Valentine's Day with your gal pals, or wining and dining your beloved, these recipes will make for a fun night in with your favourite people!

1. Smoked salmon bites make great finger food, and are luxurious at the same time.

 2. Chocolate bark studded with candy hearts is perfect for a whimsical Valentine's Day treat.

 3. Who knew that chocolate and pate could be combined to make a luscious treat!

4. There's a reason that chocolate-coated strawberries are still popular - they're tried and true.

5. Prawns and harissa combine to make a decadent pasta dish.

6. Make seasonal-themed fudge with this chocolate and red hearts version of the ever popular treat.

Elegant drop earrings

 

Since at least the 1960s, women have been hunting for the perfect little black dress to wear to any occasion. So today I am sharing a quick and easy DIY for an elegant pair of earrings to match whichever LBD you choose for yourself!

 Supplies

 - 2 x 10mm black glass beads

- 40mm of thin (1.5-2mm wide) silver-plated chain

- 2 x silver-plated earring hooks (or sterling silver if you have sensitive ears)

- 2 x 30mm silver-plated headpins

- 4 x 6mm silver-plated filigree bead caps

Method

1. Place one bead cap, one bead, followed by another bead cap onto a headpin. Cut off excess headpin, leaving 8-10mm above the bead. Make a loop in the headpin; repeat with the remaining bead caps, bead and headpin.

2. Divide the chain into two 20mm lengths. Open the end link of one chain and attach the chain to a loop made in step 1. Repeat with the remaining chain and bead loop.

3. Open the hanging loop on one earring hook and attach to the free end of one of your chain and bead drops. Repeat with the remaining earring supplies, and there you have it, one pair of elegant earrings that will do your LBD proud!