...and a happy new year!

~ Eleven Photography Aspirations for 2011~

1. Learn to process my own film.
2. Experiment with different cameras and lenses.
3. Plan some baby-free photography outings with the hubby (we share a hobby that we never actually share).
4. Take a photo that someone loves enough to display in their home.
5. Organise a time-for-prints photographic shoot (I really want to take more people photos this year).
6. Continue to be inspired by and learn from wonderful photographers/bloggers.
7. Take more self-portraits/use my tripod.
8. Improve my photography lighting skills (command of a portable lighting kit would be a good start).
9. Keep the batteries charged!
10. Build a photography portfolio (my blog is helping me to achieve this).
11. Believe I can do it.

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may this new year

be the best year ever

for

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Backyard View

My parents house is backed to a lake. It is gorgeous year round. But my favorite view of it is when there's snow on the ground with a clear view to the lake...winter. I had dog-sitting duty today so while I was there I decided to snap a few shots the view with Roxy and Kali (their dog).

















Isn't it beautiful?! I can't believe 2010 is nearly over! I'll be posting a recap of the year soon. But tonight I'll be celebrating the New Year with my Hubby :) Here's to an awesome 2011 and all the great things to come! Happy New Year friends!

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Margarita cupcakes

Margarita cupcakes (makes 12 muffin size cakes)

Ingredients
125g (4.5 ounces) butter, softened
150g (5.2 ounces) caster sugar
2 eggs
225g (8 ounces) self-raising gluten-free flour
1 lime zest
1 lime juice
3 tablespoons tequila


Cooking instructions

1. Preheat oven to 160-180 deg C (325-350 deg F).
2. Line muffin tray with paper cases.
3. Beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer until the mixture turns a pale colour.
4. Beat in eggs, flour, tequila, zest and juice of lime.
   
5. Divide mixture among cases.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes.
7. Place cakes on a wire rack to cool.

To decorate (for 12 muffin sized cupcakes)

Ingredients
1 cup Unsalted Butter
3 tbsp lime juice
1 tbsp triple sec
4 tbsp tequila
2 tbsp milk
3 cups icing sugar (powdered sugar)
Green food coloring
36 7up jelly belly beans

Instructions

1. Beat butter, tequila, milk and juice.
2. Slowly beat in icing sugar.
3. Add desired amount of colouring.
4. Fill piping bag with the tequila frosting and pipe in swirl on top of cakes.
5. Place 3 jelly beans in centre of each cake.
6. Push cocktail umbrella into side of cakes.

Oops! I forgot to post this recipe back in September as part of my cocktail cupcakes posts. So, at long last here it is, and the timing couldn't be better as they are great party cakes!

Have a sweet day!

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Happy New Year

Hello Sweets!

"Wishing you and your loved ones a Happy New Year".

Thank you to all of you my friends for your wonderful love and support this year! I have loved getting to know you all.

Have a sweet year! x

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