Things I Love: Macaron Cakes

Yes, there's no denying it, I am still a massive fan of the delightful macaron.  Although I still haven't successfully made macarons which look pretty and store bought, I harbour dreams of making (or even better, having made for me) a macaron cake or two.  Here is a roundup of some of my favourites, enjoy.

1. 6-layer neapolitan macaron delight cake

2. Macaron and vanilla layer cake

3. Pistachio macaron cake

4. Chocolate raspberry layer cake with macarons

Sew Mama Sew May Giveaway Day 2015

Hello to old and new readers alike!  Today is the day many of us have been looking forward to, the bi-annual Sew Mama Sew giveaway day.  It is a fun day (actually, five days to give you all time to find gorgeous new blogs) of visiting old favourite blogs and discovering delightful new ones while enjoying a worldwide synchronised giveaway of various handmade or craft supply goodies.

Head on over to my giveaway post where I am offering one lucky reader the latest issue of tickle the imagination magazine. Enjoy your blog finding week!

Personalised Mother's Day Cards

Shh...don't tell my mum or mother-in-law, but I have been madly working on their Mother's Day cards this past week! These designs are intended to melt grandma's and nanna's hearts and were relatively simple to put together. The paper heart frame is care of an iris/corner folding tutorial I found and the photo is from our recent trip to Japan. 

If I had thought ahead enough, I would have gotten the photos professionally printed, but I've kind of been preoccupied (you'll find out why next week) and had to print the photos at home.  That wouldn't normally be a problem but my printer was having issues with my photo quality paper, so I had to resort to printing at high res on normal paper (cringe).
For those of you who have no time to make a card but want something a little different, why not buy a dictionary page card for your mum/mother-in-law/mother figure?

Domum Vindemia - Mother's Day Finds

Following on from Wednesday's Mother's day gift guide post, today I am sharing a Domum Vindemia-based gift guide.  For those needing Express Post shipping or for your purchase to be shipped direct to your beloved mum, I am more than happy to offer those services to you, just let me know.

1. Let mum know she will always have the key to your heart.

2. Something for the bookworm mum.

3. For the mum who loves fun ways of serving food.

4. Surprise mum with family-themed magnets.

5. For the picnic/party-loving mother.

6. For the shabby chic mum.

7. Container candles smell delicious while looking pretty too.

8. For the mum who can't get enough of buntings.

Two Cheeky Monkeys' Mother's Day Finds

Those of you living in Australia, the US and various European countries are probably more than aware that Mother's Day is fast approaching.  For some this is a time of frantically organising treats and surprises for your mother, mother-in-law or mother figure.  For others this is a sad time either because they cannot be mothers or because they miss their mothers who have passed.  For those in the latter category, my heartfelt hugs and wishes go out to you.

And for those in the madly organising category, here is a quick gift guide of Two Cheeky Monkeys' items for yourself or the woman you lovingly call "mum".  Don't forget that I am more than happy to ship purchases directly to your mother, and I offer Express Post shipping options too.

1. For the boho mum who loves something a little different.

2. Something for the mum who loves her bling big and loud.

3. For the traditional "pearls and twinset" mum.

4. There will always be days when mothers need jewellery which is practical but still gorgeous.

5. Some mums can't get enough of personalised pieces.

6. For literature-loving mothers.

7. For mums who love vintage styling.

8. Every mother needs a brooch (or two).

Back into running I go!

So it's never easy for me to get back into my running after a break, especially now that the weather is turning wintry in Melbourne.  But, after having a month off from running while we were in Japan, it's nice to drag myself out for some fresh air and exercise.  Which is why I'm sharing one of my favourite songs with you today - hopefully I'll inspire you to get out and about, even if it's only for ten minutes.

Tickle The Imagination Magazine Giveaway!

Edit: This giveaway is now CLOSED; congrats to Julie G., our winner.  Thank you to everyone who visited and joined in the fun!

Yes, yes, yes, it's time for another tickle the imagination giveaway which I am running in conjunction with the bi-annual Sew Mama Sew giveaway day!!!  Now that I'm back from my travels and raring to go again, you will be hearing more about the latest issue of tickle.  In the mean time, those of you interested in winning yourself a copy of issue 19 can enter following a few simple steps.

Entries:
1. Say "hi" and let me know where you're from (I'm in Melbourne, Australia).

2. Visit the tickle website and join their "tickle tribe", a monthly newsletter full of creative inspiration (and let me know that you have done so).

3. Followers of my blog, social media or Two Cheeky Monkeys newsletter get an extra entry.  Just let me know how you follow.

That's it!  I'll draw a winner on Sunday 10th May 2015 - this giveaway is open worldwide!