Monday, 27 August 2012

Storing your Batteries

I saw this great idea on Pinterest & thought I'd do it for myself, & share. Definitely not a new idea, but a very practical one for organising your batteries.


This is how I have been storing my batteries (in an old paper bag from a store):



I removed all the batteries from their packaging:




& placed them in this very handy container:



They're so much easier to access now, & I know when I'm running out so I can buy more.





I had this container lying around the house, but you can buy similar containers with compartments at Howard's Storage World & Ikea.
You can also use this type of container to store buttons, tea bags, kids craft supplies, nails & screws, makeup, hair clips & so much more.


Do any of you have any practical ideas like this that you'd like to share?




Sunday, 26 August 2012

High Tea at Sofi's at the Hotel Sofitel-Melbourne

My friend & I visited the Hotel Sofitel in Melbourne yesterday for High Tea at Sofi's Lounge. We were celebrating her birthday so I was hoping it would be a memorable experience. It was! She was thrilled!

After doing much research on Afternoon/High Teas in Melbourne, I decided to take her to Sofi's Lounge at the Sofitel because they were one of a few places that provide gluten-free options & a beautiful atmosphere. Also, the weekend afternoon tea at Sofi's is a buffet, so you are welcome to go back for seconds, & thirds...

From the moment we arrived, we were made to feel very welcome. We started with a glass of sparkling wine & from there, the delicious afternoon began.

Here are some photos from our experience:




There were tables with a variety of sweets, including panna cotta, creme brulee, opera slice, fruit scones, & a multitude of cakes. Also on offer was a decadent chocolate fountain with different options for dipping, such as fruit, turkish delight & marshmallows.



As if that wasn't enough, there was a pancake station, where a chef was cooking fresh crepes & pancakes, with accompaniments of berry coulis, warm caramel sauce & thick cream.

Also on the menu were hot & cold savoury items, including mini shepherd's pies (which my girlfriend loved), cream cheese & cucumber sandwiches, egg & mayonnaise sandwiches & mini quiches. The sandwiches were so fresh & soft that I lost count of how many I ate.



As my friend has a gluten-free diet, she was given a 3-tiered stand with a selection of gluten-free savoury & sweet items, in addition to all that was on offer.



There was also unlimited coffee & tea, & a pianist was playing beautiful music in the background.
To top it all off, one of the songs he played was Happy Birthday & at that moment, several waiters came out with plates of cake with a birthday candle for the people celebrating their birthdays. Such a nice surprise!


High Tea at Sofi's was a  beautiful afternoon to celebrate the birthday of a beautiful friend. For anyone struggling for ideas on how to make someone feel special, consider a High Tea. It's such a treat & it's nice to spoil or be spoiled every once in a while.