Banana Cake

Oh my, my son Elliot wanted me to bake today... My oven isn't too flash and I have a very small kitchen and my love of baking has gone! But he really really wanted a Banana Cake and got the bananas ready... Here goes

Banana Cake

Ingredients

• 125g room temperature butter
• 1 cup firmly press brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 and 1/2 cups of self raising flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 3 bananas (I prefered over riped ones)
• 2 teaspoons of lemon juice
• 1/4 cup milk
• Icing Sugar

Method

• Preheat the oven to 180C and prepare a round 20cm cake tin
• Using a mixer, beat butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Then add eggs one at a time, beating well after each egg
• Sift together self raising flour and baking soda together and fold into the cream mixture. Then follow by bananas, lemon juice and milk. Combine well then pour into the tin
• Bake the cake between 40 to 45 minutes until cooked through
• Cool cake in tin for five minutes and transfer to wire rack
• Once cool dust with Icing Sugar

or if anything like me... let the cake cool for two minutes dust then eat while enjoying your favourite cuppa tea!

Happy Cooking
xo Gloria

Pumpkin Cauliflower and Peas Curry with Coconut and Coriander

a few nights ago I cooked this meal for dinner... after posting it on facebook and instagram I had many calls for the recipe...

what I love about this meal it's cooked in one pot, its quick and easy and most people would have many of the ingredients in the pantry and/or fridge...

Pumpkin Cauliflower and Peas Curry with Coconut and Coriander

Ingredients

• coconut oil for cooking
• 80g finely chopped brown onion
• 15g grated ginger
• crushed clove of garlic
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon garam marsala
• 1/4 teaspoon ground fennel
• 1 tablespoon curry powder (see below)
• 1 long green chilli, seeded and chopped
• 375g cauliflower, sliced thickly
• 350g butternut pumpkin
• 375ml vegetable stock
• 125ml coconut milk
• 60g peas
• coconut flakes
• bunch of coriander leaves

Curry Powder
I make my own now and here is my recipe
Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons cumin seeds
• 2 tablespoons coriander seeds
• 2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 dried chilli

Just blend all the ingredients together, I am old school and still use a mortal and pestle! And store the ingredients in a airtight container.

Method

1. In a heated saucepan pop in your coconut oil and cook onion, ginger and garlic for about three minutes or until the onion softens. Add cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam marsala, ground fennel, curry powder and green chilli and stir through for one minute.
2. Add stock and bring to the boil, then place in cauliflower and pumpkin. Reduce heat, simmer for 15 minutes with the lid on loosely.
3. Add coconut milk and peas stir through and cook for a further five minutes.
4. Serve with coconut flakes and coriander leaves on top..
5. Enjoy

Happy Cooking

xo Gloria

Recruiting on a Roll

Final Days

Thinking about joining Close To My Heart? 

March is the month to do it! During this month new Consultants who enrol will receive a FREE shoulder tote (a retail value of over $35) in their New Consultant Kit. Our New Consultant Kit is just $130 and includes nearly triple the retail value in products and supplies. Including your FREE shoulder tote, that is a savings of over $375! 

Additionally, new Consultants who remit $650 worth of commissionable sales in their first 50 days after their New Consultant Kit ships will receive the rolling tote (a retail value of $199) as a FREE bonus (not including shipping/handling)! 

These organization pieces are designed to help you get your business rolling, but they are only available while supplies last, so hurry on over and join today!

Contact me today to learn more
Email

Retiring Items for March

Final Reminder 

All good things come to an end, on 31st March we will be saying bye-bye Heartstrings and so long Hopscotch! 

Did you know March is the last month to purchase some of the papers, accessories and stamps in the CTMH Seasonal Expressions 1 catalogue?

Many of the items will still be available, but papers and accessories will be discontinued April 1 to make room for the 2nd Seasonal Expressions, so make sure to place an order to guarantee you’ll get any of the items below.*

Here is a listing of them all

Heartstrings Paper Packet ($15.00)

Heartstrings Complements ($6.50) 

Heartstrings Assortment ($8.00)

Heartstrings WOTG card making kit ($29.95)

Hopscotch Complements ($6.50) 

Hopscotch Assortment ($8.00)

Hopscotch WOTG scrapbooking kit ($29.95)

Hopscotch Picture My Life Scrapbooking Program ($12.00)

Heartstrings Picture My Life Scrapbooking Program ($12.00)

Cut Above Valentine Treat Bag Kit ($14.95)

Cut Above Birthday Treat Bag Kit ($14.95) 

Mini Clothespins – Lovestruck ($4.95)

Mini Clothespins – Happy Day ($4.95)

Puffies – Stuck on You ($4.95) 

Puffies – Junebug ($4.95)

You’re the Bomb Operation Smile stamp set ($21.00)

*Items available while supplies last. 

Shop early for best selection!

Happy Shopping

Canvas Pieces

I just love creating beautiful pieces of artwork... In November last year Close to My Heart blogged about creating Meaningful Mixed Media, I just love this concept!

Over the last few days I have been completing this piece of artwork...

I hope you love it it

xo Gloria

Have you ever thought about being a consultant?

At the moment I have two consultant kits in my studio (one scrapbooking and one cardmaking) and am booking in appointments for those who are interested...

here is a little bit more:

Do you crave creativity, relish warm relationships, or savour industry? We embrace all types, whether you're creative, community, or business-minded. By becoming a Close To My Heart Consultant, you join an elite team that supports and honours what makes you exceptional.

It’s easy to join, all you need to do is; purchase the New Consultant Kit for only $130. Each kit includes the basic business and creative supplies you need to start your journey!

Scrapbooker’s Consultant Kit
The Scrapbooker’s Consultant Kit includes a huge supply of Close To My Heart products, perfect for creating beautiful scrapbook layouts and pages, all for only $130! With a retail value over $470, this kit is a fantastic deal!

scrapbooking kit

Not a Scraper, we have a Cardmaker’s Consultant Kit too!
The Cardmaker’s Consultant Kit contains a wide selection of Close To My Heart products, ideal for creating stunning cards, again all for only $130! With a retail value over $470, this kit is a fantastic deal!

card making kit

I would love for you to join my team and discover all the wonderful rewards of being a Close To My Heart Independent Consultant.

For those who join this month you will not only receive a joining gift from me I will also pay your shipping costs for the kit! Pop me a line to learn more. Or swing by my website

Enjoy your day and those in South Australia, stay cool xo Gloria

Seasonal Expressions

Seasonal Expressions ending 31 March 2015, to order any of these products please drop me a line or order directly here

Subscribe to My Close to My Heart Newsletter

Handy Hint on How to Subscribe to My Close to My Heart Newsletter

here is a link to my webpage
http://thecreativetouchbygloria.ctmh.com.au/


Have a great weekend

xo Gloria

Bling and Base Wearable Jewellery

Elegant, affordable, custom-made bling and more....

Who doesn't love elegant, affordable, custom-made bling? With countless options from Close To My Heart's expanded Base & Bling line, you can create unique, sophisticated wearable crafts in just minutes. 

Contact your me for all the details!

Or pop over to my web page to shop today

You can book your own Bling and Base class in your own home or at my studio space based in Kurralta Park

Bling and Base Necklace and Presentation Card created by me 

Bling and Base Oval Cuff created by me at the first Annual Close to My Heart Australsian Conference #artisticadventure

Custom made Bling and Base for the star wars geek #ctmh #starwars 

Not just Necklaces and Cuffs

I offer classes to show you how to create these pieces or can create one off pieces for you

thanks for your time

Gloria

Basic Tool Kit

I am often asked, what is required in the basic tool kit to attend your classes and workshops?

Here is a basic list, a link to each of them.

From time to time you will require other items to complete projects. In this event, I will let you know which items you'll need to complete the projects..

Paper Trimmer

Scissors

Sponge

Piercing and Embossing Tool

My Acrylix® blocks for stamping

Adhesives of choice
(which may include wet or dry adhesive, Glue Dots™, 3-D foam tape, etc.)

Journaling Pen

For further information please contact me

Gloria Lalor-Mundine 

The Creative Touch by Gloria

My Studio Space is located in Kurralta Park

Phone: 0419 011 679

Email

February 2015 Class Dates

Tuesday February 3rd 

Three Card Class 10am to 2pm $15

Three Card Class 7pm to 11pm $15

Saturday February 7th

All Day Workshop 10am to 5pm $30

Tuesday February 10th

Scrapbook Class 10am to 2pm $15

Thursday February 10th

Scrapbook Class 7pm to 11pm $15

Friday February 13th

Studio J Night 7pm to 11pm $15

Tuesday February 17th

Off the Page Class 10am to 2pm $15

Off the Page Class 7pm to 11pm $15

Saturday February 21st

Three Card Class for Kids 10am to 1pm $10

Three Card Class for Kids 2pm to 5pm $10

Tuesday February 24th

Picture my Life Class 10am to 2pm $15

Picture my Life Class 7pm to 11pm $15

Class cost covers the project materials, however your basic craft kit is required

Please note places are limited

To RSVP please contact me;

Gloria Lalor-Mundine

The Creative Touch by Gloria
Studio Space located in Kurralta Park

Phone: 0419 011 679

Email

My first easel card

last night we enjoyed a spot of rain followed by cricket (finally) and than more rain and then an abandoned game.

view of Adelaide Oval from our seat

so it was off home to create this card

last nights easel card creation using:
A1086 - Angel Policy Stamp Set 
X5772 - 12" X 12" Canary Cardstock
1275 - 12" X 12" Outdoor Denim Cardstock
1385 - 12" X 12" White Daisy Cardstock
X254 - 5 1/2" X 4 1/4" White Cards & Envelopes
Z2643 - Canary Exclusive Inks™ Stamp Pad
Z2162 - Honey Exclusive Inks™ Stamp Pad
Z2123 - Goldrush Exclusive Inks™ Stamp Pad
Z2135 - New England Ivy Exclusive Inks™ Stamp Pad
Z1263 - Bitty Sparkles
Z1812 - Sparkles Flourishes
Z1836 - Non-Stick Micro-Tip Scissors
Z1204 - Bone Folder
Z1294 - Sanding Kit
Z1906 - Cricut® Artbooking Collection (for the flower)
Z679 - Liquid Glass
Z1151 - Foam Tape

Retired Items:
Stamp Set - Thanks
Ariana Paper Pack

I hope you like my latest card

To purchase any of these products - drop over to my business page:http://thecreativetouchbygloria.ctmh.com.au/retail/category.aspx

Rain rain don't go away - getting creative in my studio space

latest card using:
A1086 - Angel Policy Stamp Set 
D1627 - Your Own Kind of Wonderful
1275 - 12" X 12" Outdoor Denim Cardstock
1385 - 12" X 12" White Daisy Cardstock
X254 - 5 1/2" X 4 1/4" White Cards & Envelopes
Z2140 - Outdoor Denim Exclusive Inks™ Stamp Pad
Z2117 - Crystal Blue Exclusive Inks™ Stamp Pad
Z2240 - Outdoor Denim Exclusive Inks™ Re-Inker
Z1380 - Spray Pen
Z1263 - Bitty Sparkles
Z1812 - Sparkles Flourishes
Z1912 - Corner Rounder
Z1836 - Non-Stick Micro-Tip Scissors
Z1906 - Cricut® Artbooking Collection (for the flower)

Retired Items:
Ariana Paper Pack
Twilight Exclusive Inks™ Stamp Pad
Creme Brulee Exclusive Inks™ Stamp Pad

To purchase any of these products - drop over to my business page:http://thecreativetouchbygloria.ctmh.com.au/retail/category.aspx

Launching my own Studio Space

Join me as I launch my own Studio Space

Come and see the latest releases of Close to My Heart Products: Scrapbooking, Card Making, Stamping and Off the Page Projects

There will be a hands on project for all who attend as well as: 

• Exclusive Open House Specials Door prize valued to $50
• Product viewing and information
• Studio Class Dates for 2015
• Raffles and Showbags on offer

Afternoon Tea will be served during the event

Come along and see what Close to My Heart and I have to offer and feel free to bring a friend or two

Saturday 24th January 2015

1pm to 5pm

Studio Space - Please contact me for the Studio Space Address

RSVP: Gloria Lalor-Mundine 0419 011 679 or thecreativetouchbygloria@gmail.com 

By Saturday 17 January 2015

Happy New Year

I have been on a short break from all things crafting during the Christmas and New Year.

I am back and have been working cards and my 2015 Picture my life Album.

Here is my latest Birthday Card and using the following Close to My Heart Products:
B1438 - Banner Wishes
B1453 - Frightfully Fun
1388 - 12" X 12" Colonial White Cardstock
1275 - 12" X 12" Outdoor Denim Cardstock
1243 - 12" X 12" Goldrush Cardstock
Z1375 - 12" X 12" Kraft Cardstock
X1410 - 5 1/2" X 4 1/4" Colonial White Cards & Envelope
Z2105 - Black Exclusive Inks™ Stamp Pad
Z2140 - Outdoor Denim Exclusive Inks™ Stamp Pad
Z1294 - Sanding Kit
To purchase any of these products - drop over to my business page:http://thecreativetouchbygloria.ctmh.com.au/retail/category.aspx

Hope you like

Cheers
Gloria