Mocktails (and Cocktails) with the SodaStream Play

{Post Brought to you in conjunction with SodaStream}

 

Don't you find it funny that the minute you discover you are pregnant, you suddenly crave all of the forbidden foods? Ham from the supermarket deli - yup you probably haven't eaten it for years - but suddenly when you are pregnant it's all that you can think about!

 

I am a bit like that with drinking. Although not normally a big alcoholic drinker, as soon as I am pregnant I crave sweet and creamy cocktails!! So when I was offered the chance to try out the latest addition to SodaStream's Drink Maker Range - the SodaStream Play - what do you think I was keen to replicate - mocktails of course!

 

Now we (like most families) had the original SodaStream growing up back in the 80's and loved it! But boy the new Play machine has come a long way since then - super quick, quiet and a slimline design that you are not embarrassed to have on your bench, and available in a range of stunning colours too. The first thing I looked for when I was setting it up was a plug - but it doesn't need power - making it something that you can easily keep on your bench without taking up valuable space for your toaster.

 

I am the first to admit that I am not the best when it comes to operating new gadgets, but this machine was really easy for even me to operate! This particular model has a snap lock mechanism so you can easily pop the bottle in, and an auto lift slider which automatically places the carbon block back in the starting position. With the simple push, the PLAY quickly turns your ordinary tap water in to sparkling water in seconds. From there you simply add your flavours or additions as you like....

 

SodaStream have a whole host of flavours ranging from the Traditional Mixes, to the Caps range (which I love because they are SO easy) and even a Sugar Free and a Naturals range thrown in for good measure).

 

I love that unlike ordinary soft drinks, YOU get to control the flavours and how much sugar you are adding in (if at all). You can make the kids a special 'bubbly treat' by simply carbonating the water and adding in freshly crushed fruit or lemon juice - they will really think it is special! This clever little machine really does cater for different diets, tastes and nutritional needs (and pregnant ladies wanting a decent mocktail too!).

 

Speaking of those mocktail recipes I promised... I have also added an 'alcoholic' version too, for those of you who are not pregnant and can enjoy a little liquor!

 

 

SODASTREAM FRUIT PUNCH

 

If you have followed my blog for a while, you will know that fruit punch is a beverage that I wheel out for every birthday or festive occasion - I LOVE it! So this was the first thing that I wanted to try out.

 

You'll Need:

 

• 1 Litre of SodaStream Orange Flavoured Sparkling Water (made with the Orange SodaStream Cap or standard Orange Flavoured Bottle
• 1 Litre of Fruit Juice - my personal favourite is the Golden Circle Golden Pash mixed fruit juice - works a treat with the orange!
• Squeeze of fresh Lime or Lemon
• 1 Orange and a Punnet of Strawberries cut up in thin slices (for decoration)
• Ice

Optional Alcoholic Version:

 

Add a dash (or more!) of Vodka and or Sparkling Wine (love Omni Blue Moscato) as desired!

 

 

Method:

1. Fill carbonating bottle with chilled tap water to the designated line

 

2. Snap lock the bottle in to place and push down to carbonate

 

3. Press the Orange Flavoured 'Cap' on to the mouth of the bottle and wait until the liquid has finished dispensing

4.  Add your Fruit Juice, SodaStream Orange Flavoured Sparkling Water, Ice, squeeze of lemon or lime and cut up fruit to desired punch bowl or beverage dispenser and stir. Of course if you are adding in a bit of booze, add that in at this step.

5. Add a ladle and let your guests help themselves!

 

 

SODASTREAM PINA COLADA

 

In their Happy Hour Caps range, Soda Stream have cleverly introduced 4 of the most popular cocktail flavours going around. In this pack you'll find Cosmopolitan, Mojito, Strawberry Daiquiri and my favourite - Pina Colada! I know, I am totally going to have you singing 'if you like Pina Colada's' now...

 

Anyway with the Caps range, the hard work of 'mixing' the perfect cocktail is done! Although I like mine with a bit of coconut cream and a twist of lime, so I have popped a little spin on it in my recipe below...

 

You'll Need:

• 1 Litre of Pina Colada Flavoured Sparkling Water (made with the Pina Colada SodaStream Cap as part of the Caps Variety Pack - Happy Hour range)
• Dash of Coconut Milk
• Squeeze of fresh Lime
• Lime cut up in thin slices (for decoration)

 

 

Method:

 

1. Fill carbonating bottle with chilled tap water to the designated line

 

2. Snap lock the bottle in to place and push down to carbonate

3. Press the Pina Colada Flavoured 'Cap' on to the mouth of bottle and wait until the liquid has finished dispensing

4. Add a dash of Coconut Milk to the SodaStream Pina Colada Flavoured Sparkling Water (I used 1/4 very small tin of Coconut Milk), a squeeze of Lime and stir. Again if you are going for an alcoholic version, add a dash of White Rum at this step.

5. Pop in cocktail glasses (I love Mason Jars) with a few slices of fresh Lemon and serve!

 

 All I can say is these really did hit the spot for this pregnant mumma!! These mocktail recipes would be perfect for baby showers and of course the naughtier version for cocktail parties, birthday parties, New Years Eve - the list goes on.

 

Like to try the new SodaStream Play Drinks Maker for yourself? Well you are in luck as tomorrow on the blog, I have one White SodaStream Play to give away to one lucky reader. 

 

See you back here tomorrow - I am off to enjoy the rest of my Pina Colada....

 

The SodaStream Play has an RRP of $99.00 and is available at leading retailers such as Myer, Target, and Big W as well as on the SodaStream website.

 

 

 

Bargains for a Gender Neutral Cloud Themed Nursery

One of the most asked questions that I am getting since I announced my pregnancy is, "do you know what you are having this time". The answer: "I wish!!"

 

Yet once again hubby won't let us find out, so I am planning another gender neutral nursery much to my frustration. You see I would LOVE to be organised down to the letter, but I must admit the big surprise at the end is worth the mad rush to order everything for my nursery from my hospital bed!!

 

Actually I have decided this time not to do too much in the way of decoration and theming. Instead I am going to pick up the very basics and leave the rest until bub is born - famous last words! Yes let us see how I go with all of that with my obsessive organisational nature....

 

One of my favourite gender neutral nursery themes is the cloud theme, it is definitely one that I am leaning towards doing myself. I have found that there is no shortage of bargains out there for this theme, so I thought I would share just a few that I have seen along the traps:

 

 

Cloud Lamp/Night Light

Image Source and to Buy

Where? Cotton on Kids

How Much? $24.99

This one has already made its' way in to the top cupboard ready to go! We also have one in B's bedroom that we use as a nightlight. It gives the perfect amount of glow for those long nights breastfeeding in the nursery.

 

Set of 3 Wall Hooks

Image Source and to Buy

 

Where? Kmart Australia

How Much? $5.00 for all 3 - bargain!!

These are just too cute to resist at this price! I have seen some clever folk on Instagram land spray paint these to match their nursery colours with great results.

 

Double Sided Jersey Baby Wrap

 

Image Source and to Buy

 

Where? Target Australia

How Much? $15.00

I have two summer babies, so a Winter bub means I am in desperate need of some cool weather wraps for swaddling in those early days - this looks perfect! If you have any other swaddling suggestions for winter, please let me know!

 

Pram Blanket

Image Source and to Buy

 

Where? Kmart Australia

How Much? $12.00

Cute little pram blanket or play blanket perhaps?! This design is also available in a cot set too. We actually have and use the cot set in the bottom of our tepee and on the sofa for cool weather movie nights!

 

 

Cloud Shaped Clock

Image Source and to Buy

Where? Target Australia

How Much? $20.00

I can see this sitting on a gorgeous little shelf surrounded by some cute artwork.

 

 

Cushion

 

Image Source and to Buy

 

Where? Kmart Australia

How Much? $7.00

These are selling like hot-cakes but I am told back in stock - soon!

 

Image Source and to Buy

Where? Ikea Australia
How Much? $9.99
Another one that I couldn't resist for our play area!
 

Wall Mirror

Image Source and to Buy

Where? Target Australia

How Much? $10.00

 

 

Found some cute cloud bargains that you'd care to share? Feel free to contact me, comment below or pop on my Facebook page - I would love to see them!

 

 

 

Divine Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe

{Post brought to you in conjunction with the stunning new Blush range from Maxwell & Williams}

 

Banana cake, banana bread, banana muffins - always the same weekly baking requests around here! If you find the same thing at your place, here is an extra special (and decadent) little twist on the humble banana bread - chocolate chip banana bread!! Because adding a bit of chocolate makes everything taste better right?!

 

 

 

You'll Need...

• 3 Large Ripe Bananas
• 1 Lemon (juiced) and a splash of Milk
• 2 Cups Self Raising Flour
• 1 Tsp Baking Powder
• 160g butter (softened to room temperature)
• 2 Eggs
• 1 Tsp Vanilla Bean Extract (or Vanilla Essence)
• 1/2 - 3/4 Cup Chocolate Bits (or grated chocolate) - as your heart desires!!

 

 

Little Note: Don't be alarmed folks by my black bananas!! I pop any un-eaten and over ripe bananas straight in to the freezer in to a plastic bag. As soon as I need to bake, I simply defrost for a few hours and they are perfect to use!

 

Method...

1. Pre-heat your oven to 180 degrees and grease and line (I am always a bit lazy to line!) your loaf tin

2. Mash up your bananas and add the juice of one lemon and a splash of milk to a separate small bowl. If you freeze your bananas like me, you'll find that they won't need to be mashed

3. In a mixmaster, kitchen aid (or even Thermomix) cream together butter, sugar and vanilla until pale and creamy

4. Add the eggs (one at a time) beating well after each addition

5. Sift half of the flour and baking powder in to the mix and fold gently

6. Fold in the mashed banana/juice/milk combo

7. Fold in the last half of the flour and baking powder and your chocolate chips too

8. Pop in to your prepared tin and smooth mixture

 

 9. Pop in to pre-heated oven for appro 60 minutes (or whenever the skewer comes out clean!).
 

 

This banana bread is divine when cool but is exceptional with warm with (thick) lashings of butter on it!!

Another big thank you to Maxwell & Williams for providing me with this gorgeous platter from their 'Blush' range to try out. You can also see the stunning high tea stand they sent me over on my white chocolate mudcake recipe post from earlier on this week.

This little platter is also in my absolute fave colour - a minty/pale blue that they call blue. It also comes in a beautiful pale pink and a classic white too and retails for just $19.95.

This range really is just divine and so affordable too - the teapot and sugar and creamer sets (also in the range) would make a brilliant little gift for that 'someone' that has absolutely everything!

 

The Very Best White Chocolate Mud Cupcake Recipe

{Post brought to you in conjunction with the stunning new Blush range from Maxwell & Williams}

There is absolutely no better treat than a fresh batch of cupcakes, mmm.... and I love the sheer decadence of a white chocolate mud cupcake in particular. They are perfect for a special occasion such as a birthday, Chrissie time, Easter or just because (which is my excuse a lot lately!).

 

Today I share my tried, true and tested recipe that you'll see me churning out year after year and birthday after birthday - it never fails to disappoint! Super, quick and easy too.

 

 

 

The below makes up 12 cupcakes, so feel free to double (or triple) as you need.

 

You'll Need...

• 125g regular butter
• 150g White Chocolate Cooking Chocolate (I love the Cadbury Dream stuff as you can tell)
• 1 Cup Caster Sugar
• 1/2 Cup Milk
• 1 Egg (lightly whisked)
• 3/4 Cup Plain Flour
• 1/2 Cup Self Raising Flour
• 1 Tsp Vanilla Bean Paste (or extract if you have this laying around instead)

*Always a good idea to get two blocks of chockie for this recipe, because if you are anything like me, one always disappears before I get around to making!!

Method

1. Preheat oven to 160 degrees and line your patty tins with cases

2. Whip out a saucepan (medium sized) and in it combine your butter, chocolate, sugar and milk

 

3. Cook over low heat (stirring constantly) for approx. 5 minutes or until chocolate melts and everything is nice and smooth.

4. Transfer mixture to a heatproof bowl and allow to cool down slightly (5 minutes or so should do the trick)

5. Once mixture has cooled, whisk in egg

 

 

6. Sift the two flours over the chocolate mixture and whisk gently until just combined

 

 

7. Stir in the vanilla

 

 

8. Pour mixture in to prepared patty liners (muffin cases)

 

 

9. Bake for approx 25 - 30 minutes (check that they are done with the old skewer in the middle test)

 

 

 

Now these are absolutely yummo as they are (and my hubby loves them plain). But in my opinion, you cannot have a cupcake without frosting or ganache!! So once cool ice with frosting or ganache of your choice - a white chocolate ganache works a treat with these - this Cadbury recipe is always a winner at our place.

 

Enjoy!!

 

Little Note: For Christmas time, I top mine with a Jaffa and some mint leaves and at Easter with some mini Easter eggs - super cute and super yummy too!

I was fortunate enough to be sent this stunning stand from the Maxwell & Williams Blush Range - talk about LOVE! I opted for the 'blue' colour, which as you can see is in my absolute favourite colour - a soft mint/blue. It also comes in a classic pink and white - but you know I cannot go past anything in my signature colour.

 

The stand retails for $69.95 and I am sure will be wheeled out year after year for birthdays and special occasions alike.

I love to keep my pretties out on display, so have found that this doubles up as the most beautiful little fruit stand too - what do you think?! Too pretty to pop her away in the cupboard isn't she?!

 

Disney on Ice presents Dare to Dream - Win Tickets for Melbourne Show!

Get excited Melbourne, because it is less than a month til Disney on Ice is back in Melbourne town!

 

I cannot tell you how excited we are, as we missed out last year with Miss C being a tad too little to take along. But this year I have one super excited 3 year old (Mr B) who is finally going to make his dream of going, come true! I am sure that Miss C will love it too, anything involving music is a hit with her at the moment.

 

   

About the Show!

 

This year Disney presents Dare to Dream which is set to be a skating extravaganza that the while family will adore! The story combines two modern day princess fairytales - Tangled and The Princess and the Frog - and combines with two of the classics- Cinderella (my favourite) and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, so you know it is going to be nothing short of amazing!

 

 

 

Laugh at Disney's hilarious hair-raising escapade, Tangled, as Rapunzel, Flynn and Maximus, embark on an uproarious journey that takes adventure to new lengths! Travel to the enchanted forest with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs as Snow White escapes from the Evil Queen in her search for her one true love.

 

 

 

Watch as fanciful dreams become reality as Cinderella meets her Prince Charming, with a glass slipper fit for an unforgettable fantasy come true.

 

 

And boogie to the beat of the bayou in a magical, musical journey that celebrates the story of The Princess and the Frog with Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen.  

 

I don't now about the kids - but I sure am excited!!

 

2015 National Tour Dates and Details

 

Not in Melbourne? Then don't despair, as most capital cities will get to experience the beauty, sparkle and adventure when Disney on Ice presents Dare to Dream in a location close to you!

 

The 2015 tour dates and details are as follows...

 

 

2015 National Tour Dates

 

Perth - Perth Arena                                                            5 - 7 June                  (Fri - Sun)

Adelaide - Adelaide Entertainment Centre                       12 - 14 June              (Fri - Sun)

Newcastle - Newcastle Entertainment Centre                   19 - 21 June              (Fri - Sun)

Brisbane - Brisbane Entertainment Centre                       27 - 29 June             (Sat - Mon)

Melbourne - Hisense Arena, Melbourne                           2 - 6 July                  (Thurs - Mon)

Sydney - Allphones Arena, Sydney Olympic Park             8 - 12 July                (Wed - Sun)

 

 

Purchasing Tickets

Purchase tickets from Ticketek: 132 849 or www.ticketek.com.au/disneyonice. Tickets start from just $29.50, which makes it an affordable treat for the littlies over school holidays.  Additional discounts do apply on select performances too. For more information visit www.disneyonice.com.au

 

Win Tickets to the Melbourne Show

This is where things get even more exciting for the Melbourne folks, because for two lucky Utterly Organised readers, I have 4 tickets (valued at $178) to attend the show on Friday 3rd of July @ 2:30pm. Please note tickets MUST be used on this set date and session time (they are not transferrable on changeable).

 

To enter, simply follow the Rafflecopter Widget below.

 

Please note that entrants MUST provide a comment in the box below as to why they would love to attend this fabulous show. Entries will be verified, so please be sure to pop your name with your comment too. 

 

Enter Here

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

Terms and Conditions

•  The giveaway will be hosted by Rafflecopter and is open to Australian residents only
• Entrant must reside in Melbourne and be able to attend the show on Friday 3rd of July 2015 at 2:30pm
• This prize is not transferrable to another date or session time
• There are two prize packs available. Each prize is valued at $178 and include 4 tickets only
• Entrant must be 18 years or over
• Entrant must comment on this blog post as to why they would love to attend Disney on Ice presents Dare to Dream show
• Failure to comment as required above will result in the entrant being ineligible to win and entries will be verified
• Entrant must include their full name with their comment below, so that entries can be verified
• The announcement of the lucky winner will be made on the Utterly Organised Facebook Page and displayed on the Rafflecopter widget above
• The lucky winner will have 3 days to contact Utterly Organised and claim their prize so that the prize can be finalised
• Failure to claim prize within designated period will result in another winner being drawn
• Any questions on the competition can be directed to utterlyorganised@gmail.com

 

Good luck everyone!!

 

 

  

Teepee Love - Spotlight Bargain Buys!

I cannot tell you what a LONG week and weekend it has been being stuck inside with two sick and grizzly kids. All I can say is thank goodness for our playroom to keep them occupied.

 

Oh yes - the new playroom! I promise to share some pictures of this space very soon... it definitely is the most utilised space in the whole house and totally makes all of that extension pain from last year well worth it.

 

If you are going a bit stir crazy yourself in the cool weather, do yourself a favour and get a tepee - most played in/with this week for sure!

 

You know I cannot resist a pretty little bargain and so I had to share these stunning new teepees from Spotlight​. I know - Spotlight!! I couldn't believe the price either. Only $45.49 at the moment - worth popping away for under the tree at that price don't you think?

 

 

Image Source and To Buy

Image Source and To Buy

Image Source and To Buy

I wish we didn't have ours, so that I could grab the cloud one - super cute don't you think?

 

 

Pregnancy Cravings

The idea of a pregnancy craving is a little different when you are a hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) sufferer. Instead of having normal weird and wonderful pregnancy cravings, you spend most of your pregnancy trying to work out what the heck won't make you vomit - for 5 minutes at least!

The first 20 odd weeks for me are spent existing off very little - mainly just fluids from a drip in the hospital every few weeks. But whatever you do, please don't mention to me (or any other HG sufferer) to try dry biscuits or anything ginger related - trust me it is like waving a red flag at a bull!

 

Towards the end of my pregnancies, I start to be able to eat a little again. My pregnancy diet is far from normal (I would hate you to think Tim Tam's is my normal breakfast food!), instead I try and just stick to whatever I can possibly keep down and gosh has this varied from pregnancy to pregnancy...

 

 

Pregnancy 1 - Mr B

 

Toast with vegemite

Sounds simple enough right? Wrong! It had to be made with thick, fresh white bread (toast slice) with lashings of butter and a thin scraping of vegemite and heaven help it if the order of these two was confused!!

 

Popcorn

Of the salted variety that you can buy in the little multi packs. This used to get me through the car ride back when I was working and I swear every time you opened my car door, a flood of popcorn would pop (pardon the pun) out - that stuff used to go everywhere!!

 

Apple and blackcurrant Juice or Ribena

The more sugary the better!!

 

 

 

Pregnancy 2 - Miss C

 

Plain Salted Corn Chips

For so much of my pregnancy these were the only thing that I could stomach and honestly I should have taken out shares in Doritos I ate so many packets!

 

Cheesecake

Another daily staple for me! Normally of the French Cheesecake variety, but I was also a bit partial to the Cookies and Cream too.

 

Freshly Squeezed Juice

The only goodness I was able to have literally in my pregnancy. My juice combo of choice was apple, orange (not too much!), pineapple and watermelon. Quite an expensive daily habit as hubby used to bring this to me after work each day at $7 a pop!

 

 

Pregnancy 3 - Mystery Gender Bub!

 

Burger Rings

I don't think these guys have made my shopping trolley in the last decade or so, but boy have they been a saviour to get through these last few weeks!

 

Chockie Bicckies!

Well not just biscuits to be honest, this baby is partial to any sort of chocolate! It wouldn't be an average day if I didn't start it with a Tim Tam (or ten), Mint Slice or Violet Crumble (another thing I don't think I have eaten since I was a child!!). For the last week or so I have tried to revert back to my 'normal' yoghurt and fruit, only to find myself super ill after it. Tim Tam's it is...

 

Lime Cordial

Trying to limit myself to one or two glasses a day. But now that I can finally stomach any sort of liquid, this is my drink of choice - no idea why!!

Glucose test next week - I hope all of that chocolate doesn't tip me over the edge!

Very funny (now!!) to look back at the things that I was able to eat during my shocker pregnancies (all worth it though). Would love to hear the different things that made your pregnancy craving list too....

Organise your Laundy with fabulous new Kmart Products!

Honestly week after week I could fill my blog, Instagram and Facebook page with the amazing things that Kmart Australia keeps piling on the shelves - totally addicted!!

 

Today I reveal some of the cute little things that they have just released to organise your laundry with - I know - who knew you could get so darn excited about a laundry hey?! But when they release items in my most favourite hue of teal/aqua, you know I am going to be a sucker for it...

 

Clothes Air Dryer

 

 

This is one clothes airer that you won't feel ashamed to have living in your lounge this Winter! If you live in Melbourne like me, either you rack up a $100,000 clothes dryer bill over Winter or invest in a few of these at only $15 a pop.

 

Love the size of these, definitely bigger is better for me with #3 due in a few short months - oh the washing!!

 

Not as obsessed as me with this colour? Then it also comes in a cheery yellow too :-)

 

 

3 Tier Trolley

 

This beauty reminds me of the super popular Raskog Trolley from Ikea and we all know just how brilliant that is! This version is only $19 compared to the Kaskog which is $79 in Australia.

 

Like the Raskog, there are no shortage of uses for this trolley besides being a brilliant storage caddy in the laundry. Think bathroom storage, beside table, drinks cart (love this one!), nappy/nursery storage, home-work station, or even an occasional party cart for the deck - the list goes on and on!!

 

 

Metal Storage Tins

Sure Kmart have had storage tins in the past, but they have definitely vamped up things by introducing them in this colour!!

 

 

All priced at $12, there is a tin for your first aid kit, pegs, laundry powder and 'bits and bobs' too.

 

What do you think? Inspired you to sort out the old laundry over Winter?!

 

You can check out some more of my posts on Laundry Organisation right here (including a peek at my cupboards). I am planning to revamp mine and update my free laundry labels before the bub arrives - well here's hoping anyway!!