Kindred Gifts' Blog

Want to treat your sweet heart with a delightful desert?  Here's a couple of recipe ideas from two of our favourite Australian cookbooks, Martha Goes Green and The Sustainable Table.

Martha Goes Green - Easy Vanilla Cupcakes

 

 

The Sustainable Table - Raw Chocolate and Banana Tarts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Makes 8-10 small, 6 medium or 4 large tarts

Seasons:

summer, autumn, spring

"Food is unparalleled in its nutritional quality in its raw and natural state." Angela Gioffre

Ingredients

Base

2 tbsp agave syrup

1 cup almonds, soaked in 1 cup of water for around 5 hrs

1/3 cup cashew cream

¼ cup cashews

¼ cup water

1/3 tsp vanilla essence/syrup

agave, to taste (optional)

ground cinnamon, to taste (optional)

Filling

3 tbsp cashew cream, see above

1 banana

1 tsp raw cacao powder

1 strawberry

Topping

strawberries, sliced

chocolate mint herb or mint leaves

METHOD

Base

1. Blend agave syrup and almonds, then press into flan tins of your desired size.

Cashew Cream

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth and creamy.

2. If you would like it a little sweeter add agave, or spices such as cinnamon.

3. Use, or store in the fridge until ready to use.

The cream keeps for about one week.

Filling

1. Blend cashew cream, banana, cacao powder and strawberry.

2. Spoon into flan tins.

3. Top with strawberries and a leaf of the chocolate mint or regular mint.

4. Refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours and enjoy.

 

 

 

Looking for some affordable Valentine's Day gift ideas for your wife, girlfriend, husband, or boyfriend?

You don't need to have a lot of money to spend on Valentine's Day - many meaningful gifts aren't always the most expensive ones!

Here are a few ideas we've put together to help give you some inspiration for romantic Valentine's Day gifts for your loved one this year:

- Show off your kitchen skills and spoil them with their favourite home cooked meal or their favourite sweet dessert.

- Take them on a romantic picnic for two to their favourite outdoor spot (a park, the beach, a hilltop etc).

- Give them a gift of their favourite tea or coffee or choose a special new flavour for them to try; then add a cute reusable coffee cup that will always make them think of you. Melbourne-based Hookturn Industries makes super stylish silicone BYO Cups that always stand out in a crowd.

- Write them a heartfelt card or letter telling them why they’re so special to you – something they’re guaranteed to keep for a long time!

- Give them a fun gift that they’ll remember long after Valentine’s Day with some cute yet practical fridge magnets, such as the Kate Grenier range. Show them that you understand just what they hold dear to their heart, or their favourite pastime, by finding a specially themed magnet pack – do they love music, or golf? Are they vegetarians, artists, jetsetters or dog lovers for instance?

There is a magnet pack for every taste, and every time they walk past their fridge they’ll remember a special Valentine’s Day!

- Surprise them with a handmade gift voucher – whether this is for a massage, a day off during chores or anything else you may feel in the mood to give (!) this can be an intimate yet affordable gift idea to help celebrate Valentine’s Day together.

- Does your man love his beer, wine, cigars, whiskey, cheese or coffee? Give him a pocket sized tasting journal from 33 Books and he’ll be able to record all his favourite brands in the one spot. At a cheap and cheerful $10.95-$12.95 each, they’re a great gift that will give him hours of entertainment. Add a journal to some of his favourite wine, beer, coffee etc and he’ll be a very happy boy!

What's the best free or cheap Valentine's Day gift that you've ever given or received?

Choosing anniversary gifts can be one of the hardest things a couple is faced with, regardless of how long they have been married. Some of the best gifts are not the traditional ones that have been given over and over again. Men and women both want something more exciting, more thoughtful and less generic.

When it comes to choosing the perfect gifts for anniversaries, they should be innovative. Take a look at the designs of the gift options you see, and think about how unique or creative they are. If they look like a one-of-a-kind product, or something with a great story, then it’s certainly something that should be considered. If, however, it looks like it was created in bulk from a giant factory, then it probably doesn’t come from the heart like some of the other gifts that are readily available out there.

Trying to ask a person what they want will likely result in an unanswered question because people often don’t know exactly what they’d really like for anniversary presents. Even if they do, they generally don’t feel comfortable expressing it. What they do generally know though, is that they appreciate unique anniversary gifts, or meaningful gifts with a story behind them. Something that shows the gift giver has gone to effort and thought to choose something out of the ordinary and special.

At Kindred Gifts, we’re dedicated to ethical design – by that we mean gifts and experiences that not only look and feel great, but that are also better for the world. For example, these days there are so many great eco friendly anniversary gifts and handmade anniversary gift ideas available around the world, that it’s hard to go wrong. There are plenty of stunning and handmade items, crafted by artisans who love their work, so there is nothing quite like it on the planet. Plus, don’t forget that it’s a gift that is helping the environment or underprivileged communities, which shows that you, the gift giver, is not only conscious of the need to provide something unique, but also of being green and helping the planet at the same time.

1st year anniversary gift sets the precedent for the entire marriage. What a person buys their husband or wife on the first year will say a lot about the relationship. Jewellery is nice but it can be impersonal so make sure you think about their style when choosing metals or colours; as well as looking for something that isn’t the usual mainstream purchase, so that your loved one can see that you’ve really thought about the gift.
Flowers are nice too of course, but they wilt and aren’t around to look back on over the year(s). However, handmade gifts, Fairtrade gifts and organic gifts can provide just the right theme for an anniversary gift. Since traditional one year anniversary gifts are in the paper theme, you could choose from items as diverse as gift experience vouchers (a fun photographic bike tour around Melbourne, $110, from Real Melbourne Bike Tours for instance); a beautiful hand pulled screen print from Bold & Noble (ladies love the My Heart print, $74.95, and the heart design illustrates just how much you love them!); or a handy pocket sized tasting journal from 33 Books (the 33 Beers journal, $10.95, is always a popular gift for men!).

Even for a 25th anniversary gift or a 50th anniversary gift, there are great anniversary gift ideas out there that revolve around being socially conscious. These can be gifts for the home, for a person’s desk at work or for a person to use on their own. A wide selection is important – such as the large range offered of online gifts at Kindred Gifts - so that a person gets something that they will actually use and keep.

The key to finding great anniversary gifts for women is to search for a present that they didn’t even know they wanted. Shop based upon their personality and interests, and search through unique and handmade gift ideas, and it will be the perfect gift that she will appreciate more than anything else. The Dogeared range of handmade jewellery, now available in Australia, is always a winner for women – beautiful designs that come with meaningful message cards, these pieces never go out of fashion and also give back to the world through Dogeared’s charitable donations. The Dogeared Original Karma necklace, $69.95, is often a popular choice from the range.

For anniversary gifts for men, however, the gifts can be more subtle. Even if they have another version of it, a handmade or Fairtrade item can be just what they need to update their look, the top of the dresser or their desk at work. Try a handpulled screen print from Bold & Noble for instance (like this Type Map Print of the World, $96.95), and they’ll have something to remember the special day, and something to decorate their office or home.

There are a lot of great anniversary gifts out there, so it’s a matter of finding the right one to match personality and interests. At Kindred Gifts, we offer a diverse range of online gifts in Australia (plus we send internationally too at affordable, flat rate shipping costs) so we’re always here to help make your gift giving choices easy.

Need a little expert advice and want to know some suggested gift ideas just for you? Get in touch with us via our Contact Us page, send us some info about yourself or the person you’re buying the gift for, and we’ll come back to you asap with some great gift ideas!

Some funny Valentine's Day pictures that are sure to make you chuckle!

1. The 'Love Shave' - Fabio eat your heart out!



2. The 'No pressure but you have to get it sooo right on Valentine's Day guys..'



3. The Hoff channeling Antonio Banderas....kind of:



4. The 'Quick, I have to get a boyfriend before Feb 14' date:




5. The 'Loved Up Couples Truly Make the Rest of Us Sick' sight on Valentine's Day:




6. The 'What were they thinking? Don't show your children!' look:

Images courtesy of:
1. and 3. - www.worldoffemale.com
2. and 4. - www.someecards.com
5. from    - www.failblog.org
6. from    - www.buzzfeed.com

With Valentine’s Day around the corner (yes guys, it’s less than two weeks away), it’s not too early to start thinking about Valentine’s Day gifts.To help keep you on the right track, we thought we’d compile a little list of Valentine’s Day gifts NOT to buy. Don’t say we didn’t warn you guys!!

1. Footed pyjama sets, so you can lounge around in matching pjs. The photo says it all doesn’t it?

 2. The Bronx Zoo in New York is giving couples a unique gift idea for Valentine’s Day - for $25, you can name a Madagascar cockroach after your partner, or for $35, the zoo will name two after the pair of you!Funny perhaps, but romantic? We’re not so sure!

 3. ‘Romantic’ toilet paper? We think not! You don’t want your lady thinking you associate her with the…ahem… ‘crap’ in your life, do you? 

4. Red, heart themed bathroom scales. Guys, for your safety, we suggest you stay well away from anything like this!

 5.The Love Gun. Ummm…does anyone really think that love and guns go together? Maybe in a scary stalker kind of way, but certainly not for loved up couples!

 Keep in mind when buying a Valentine’s Day gift for her, it should not only be something she will want or use but something romantic and thoughtful too. Avoid the types of items listed above and you’ll have a much better Valentine’s Day (not to mention a longer relationship probably too!).

Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas from Bold and Noble

Commandment number one - thou shall not forget Valentine's Day! Whether your partner appreciates Valentine's gifts completely left of field, or is a 'gift from the heart' type person, you could very well be saved from near disaster with one or several of these unique gift ideas from award winning UK design firm Bold & Noble.

Valentine’s Day is one of the more unique calendar holidays, because it is the only one specifically dedicated to celebrating the love between two people. Nice, huh? Instead of the usual flowers and chocolate this year, why not share the love this Valentine's Day with some unique and stylish Bold and Noble prints for your loved one? With a Valentine's Day gift from online gift store Kindred Gifts, you can give your partner a memorable keepsake that can be treasured forever...besides you of course!  Love is definitely in the air this Valentine’s Day!

Valentine’s Day Gifts for Women

Valentine's Day gifts should be about the excitement, the passion, and the fun of the unexpected. Why give a gift that is temporary in sight as well as in memory?  Spoil your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day with these stunning prints by Bold and Noble (all $74.95) that will add instant colour and flair to her house or office.

Express your love with an unforgettable My Heart print in 'Raspberry' (top left) or the striking and symbolic Endless Love print in 'Dark Mulberry' (top right).

Nothing says "I love you" quite like the bold ‘Poppy Red’ Love print (left), that shouts it from the wall! 

Or if your lady loves to garden or is inspired by nature, you can’t go past the simple yet exquisite Flora print in 'Raspberry' (right) from Bold & Noble.

Give that special lady love in your life a unique gift from Bold & Noble this Valentine’s Day, and her heart is sure to flutter!

Valentine's Day Gifts for Men

Do you always feel like Valentine's Day is for women, so you feel lost when it comes to your ‘turn' to give a gift? Worry no more!  Love makes the world go 'round, and in every corner of the globe you can find places that make the heart soar, especially with these handpulled screen printed Bold and Noble Type Map Prints, $74.95, featuring various countries around the world – or even the whole World (top right), $96.95, itself! 

These striking and stylish hand-pulled screen prints range from the entire World, to individual countries/continents such as Australia (left) and New Zealand and Japan, to Africa, British Isles, France, Italy, Ireland, USA and Canada.  The prints even delve into even more geographical detail, with specially designed prints of cities such as The Big Apple (New York) and London (below right).

Help him get organised yet stay stylish in 2012 with Bold & Noble’s new 2012 Wall Calendars, $49.95. Available in two eye-catching styles, Geometric or Doodle (below left), these funky, fresh designs will add character and organization to any office or home work space.

Made by hand, and printed onto recycled stock, all of the prints from Bold & Noble are not only stylish, but also a fantastic environmentally friendly gift for men this Valentine’s Day.

Each print is available in two striking colour options, and looks fabulous when framed and mounted in offices, kitchens, living areas or bedrooms.
                                   
Give that special guy in your life a unique gift from Bold & Noble this Valentine’s Day, and you’ll have earned brownie points for many years to come! 
                                                                          

 

Australia Day, January 26th,  is a day of fun celebrating our country and culture, but it also commemorates the establishment of the first settlement at Port Jackson, in 1788.

In Australia we celebrate with all sorts of fun events and activities... barbecues, Aussie thong parties and thong throwing events, picnics and fireworks.

At Kindred Gifts, we have some cool Australian & Aussie themed products to celebrate Australia Day.

Kate Grenier "Australia" magnets

How cute are these Kate Grenier six-pack of collectible Australiana magnets. What a great gift for your overseas visitors. They are unique in design, sophisticated, artistic and whimsical, providing fabulous eye-candy in both design and taste. Made from recycled bottled caps - they’re green and they’re fun!

Bold & Noble Type Map Print Australia

 

Here’s a very stylish typography map of Australia that would make the perfect gift for the patriotic Australian. Each print is hand pulled onto 100% recycled card and comes packaged in a robust cardboard tube. What a great gift or look that adds that very contemporary feel to your office space.

 

Li’tya skincare packs

 LI'TYA (Le-dee-ya) is a unique range of quality skin care products made in Australia using Aussie ingredients that integrate Indigenous modalities, utilising the precious qualities of the Australian earth, and uses only pure botanical bases, organic Australian plants, pure essential oils and contains no artificial fragrances.

Show how much your care by giving this gorgeously presented skincare pack to a special lady in your life. This beautiful pack includes the cream cleanser, Macadamia facial hydrating cream, Munthari hand lotion, Wattleseed protein polish and Tasmanian peat and red ochre soap.

We love that a percentage of all sales goes back into the supporting indigenous charities including the Yothu Yindi Foundation (YYF) and the Dilthan Yolngunha: The Healing Place. The Healing Place is a groundbreaking community respite and rehabilitation where Indigenous people are treated through traditional healing practices, using medicines from the 'bush pharmacy' and time-honoured cultural practices and traditions.

 

Martha Goes Green - A Vegetarian Cookbook

Martha Goes Green contains over fifty of Rosie Percival and Ruth Friedlander’s favorite vegetarian recipes. The book includes mouth watering recipes - everything from starters and soups to delicious mains, vegan and gluten free dishes inspiring the inner cook within all of us.

The book features beautiful hand drawn illustrations and is packaged in an organic and reusable book bag manufactured in India under a fair trade system.

What a beautiful addition to your cookbooks or the perfect Australiana gift for an overseas guest. Printed on recycled paper, this gorgeous book also comes in a reusable book bag made from fair-trade organic cotton.

Homesum Frond fruit bowl

Frond is a unique flat-packed fruit bowl made using sustainably sourced Tasmania Blackwood and Silver Ash. This extremely lightweight piece creates a warmth and wonder, and a slight bit of intrigue with it’s puzzle like design, making it an extraordinary centrepiece on any table and a unique gift.

Frond's Australian aesthetic and locally sourced components increase its appeal both internationally and in Australia.


321 Water Bottle

The 321 Water Bottle is a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to the conventional water bottle and reduces the use of fossil fuels, carbon emissions and waste associated with drinking regular bottled water. And here something we love… It’s the only water bottle not only designed but also MADE in Australia.

Sustainable Table cookbook

The Sustainable Table cookbook not only looks great, it’s an very informative cookbook full of recipes and stories from notable chefs, farms, producers, winemakers and everyday people who are altering their food choices to reduce their impact on the environment.

This book comprises beautiful images and would make an ideal gift for anyone interested in learning about sustainability in an informal and practical way.

Made by non-profit group, proceeds go to supporting various environmental charities both locally and abroad.

 

Echidna Kidz memory cards

Great for kids to build their memory and concentration skills, is the classic game of "memory” brought to you by Echidna. These beautiful oversized memory cards are designed by indigenous artist Kerrie Ann Jarrett in bold bright coloured Aboriginal images.

Little Pumpkin organics

Little Pumpkin’s signature Arctic Berry Newborn Collection is the perfect gift for mums to be, new babies, baby showers and Christenings. This beautiful gift set containing three essential newborn products: Arctic Berry Soothing Massage Oil, Arctic Berry Bath Potion and Arctic Berry Moisture Lotion is developed using traditional artisan techniques.

Designed to nurture and nourish the delicate skin of 0 to 3 month olds, the set contains Arctic red raspberry, Arctic cranberry, Arctic lingonberry and Arctic blackcurrent, complemented by blueberry and blackberry oils.

The range is 100% natural and pure, non-animal and fragrance free, 70-98% organic and made in Australia.

Brain Box Australia

A recall memory game that’s eco friendly, educational and fun for the family to play. Brain Box Australia is beautifully illustrated and well researched and comes in a nicely packaged study magnetic cube box.

Making the perfect birthday or gift idea for kids of all ages, it’s also a great way to help kids learn whilst also being educational and giving them a general knowledge of Australia and it’s history in such a fun way.

Our Favourite 36 Aussie Sayings to Celebrate Australia Day!

Which ones do you use in your family?!!

 

- Flat out like a lizard drinking

- A bucket load

- That's about as funny as a kick in the head

- I feel like a dog's breakfast

- As handy as pockets on a singlet

- They've got a head like a half-eaten pastie

- Thick as a lump of 4 x 2

- As useful as a handbrake on a Holden

- Clear as mud

- Better than a poke in the eye with a blunt stick

- As useful as lips on a chicken

- No flies on me

- A bit rough round the edges

- Made a real dog's breakfast out of it

- A bit slow on the uptake

- No wuckin furries

- A face that only Mothers could love

- A few tinnies/stubbies short of a slab

- About as subtle as a kick in the guts

- Make like a guillotine and head off

- Make mine unleaded

- More arse than class

- Act your age not your shoe size

- More front than Myers

- All froth and no beer

- All over it like a rash

- Like a rat up a drain pipe

- It's a lemon

- About as welcome as a turd in a swimming pool

- Looks like something the cat dragged in

- Mad as a cut snake

- Mad as a gum tree full of galas

- Mad as a meat axe

- Chucking a wobbly

- Not the full quid

 

Know of some other great Aussie sayings that didn't make our list? We'd love to hear about them!

Funny Christmas Tweet Alert:

We wanted to add a little holiday cheer to your week, so did a little research and came up with our list of the best Christmas themed Tweets we could find. Hope it brings a smile to your dial at this crazy, busy, stressful time of year!

-  It's amazing how much time I'm willing to spend untangling a 6 dollar strand of Christmas lights I bought 10 years ago. (GEOFF SOUDER)

- All I want for Christmas is a parking spot. (MICHAEL COSTER)



-  Making the mall Santa Claus cry is a skill set worth putting on your resume. (LIFECOACHERS)

- Just found out I’m Santa’s "Secret Santa”. How intimidating. (JIM GAFFIGAN)

- Dear Santa: I have been good for the past week or so. Lets just focus on that. (HELEN LONG)

- We don't have mistletoe at Christmas so we just kiss under the influence. (TOM GUNTORIUS)



- My daughter: "Why doesn't the alarm go off when Santa goes down the chimney?" Me: "Magic." My daughter: "Bullshit." (MICHAEL IAN BLACK)

- Due to the economy, this year I bought batteries for Christmas and attached a note saying toys not included. (ANJEANETTE CARTER)



Have you seen one that made you chuckle, and that you think should be added to the list? Share the smiles and let us know!

"We can try to avoid making choices by doing nothing, but even that is a decision" - Gary Collins

Another day, another important cause.... It’s easy to switch off isn’t it?

But you can make the choice now to either switch off and click on to something else or read on and become a little more aware of what you can do to help in this fragile world we share. You may even pledge to get involved and actually do something! After all, awareness is good, but action is great!

Friday 22nd April 2011 is dedicated to Earth Day, a day intended to inspire awareness and mobilise individuals and corporations worldwide to demonstrate their committment to environmental protection and sustainability.

Earth Day was founded in 1970 by peace activist John McConnell, and is celebrated in more than 175 countries each year. It's not just for the 'tree huggers' and 'hippies' and it's not a 'passing fad'.  Just like Apple and Microsoft, it's here to stay. It has to be. We've finally woken up and realised that the old ways aren't going to cut it anymore and change is inevitable.

Here are a few simple things you can do to help today. Remember:

Whether you do something big or start small, every step towards a greener future is a good one.

Tips for an eco friendly life:

- Wash your clothes on a cold cycle, and use eco friendly laundry detergents

- Where possible cycle to work or the shops, or catch public transport. Arrange with your employers to work from home at least some days every month

- Buy recycled paper, get stationery printed using eco friendly soy inks and only print emails where really necessary

- Recycle at home and work, and try to donate or reuse those items that can't be recycled

- Clean using natural (and non-toxic) ingredients like bicarb soda, vinegar and lemon

- Buy eco friendly, handmade, fairtrade and charitable gifts that give back to the world

- Buy local, organic and free range fruit, vegetables, meat and other groceries

- Cut back on the amount of meat you eat every week - a great place to start is with instigating one meat-free day per week

- Buy organic clothing or clothing made from eco friendly bamboo or hemp fibres

- Choose BPA-free resusable water bottles and lunch boxes

Want to find out about local Earth Day events, or information on how you can get involved? Head to the Earth Day website for more information and tips, including the opportunity to pledge your commitment to the environment and declare your Act of Green. 

So far over 100 million Acts of Green have been pledged from people all around the world, including many well known figures and celebrities. 

These celebs have registered their Act of Green at www.billionactsofgreen.org in the hope of inspiring others to follow their lead:

Leonardo DiCaprio, actor (seen in films such as Titanic, and The Departed)– An avid environmentalist, DiCaprio pledged $1 million to World Wildlife Fund for urgent tiger conservation. DiCaprio and the WWF teamed up to launch www.SaveTigersNow.org, where supporters can learn more about the rapidly dwindling tiger population; why tigers are important to the planet and humanity; and how to take action to prevent this species from going extinct. 

Matthew Modine, actor (films include Married to the Mob and Any Given Sunday)- A well known environmental activist, Matthew has most recently designated that all the proceeds from opening weekend of the new, animated film MIA AND THE MIGOO will support Earth Day Network's Canopy Project, which is part of the Billion Acts of Green Campaign. The movie opens in theaters on Earth Day, 4/22/11.

Sienna Miller, actor (films include Alfie and Layer Cake)- Visited India as a Green ambassador for Global Cool to help raise awareness among the people of India about the harmful effects of global warming.

Edward Norton, actor (films include Primal Fear and Fight Club)- Ran the New York City Marathon with a team of Maasai warriors in support of the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust, raising over $1 million through his site, Crowdrise.com. Crowdrise is a place for online fundraising, event fundraising, volunteering and having the most fun in the world while doing it.

Ian Somerhalder, actor (work includes The Vampire Diaries and Lost) - Created the IS Foundation to educate and collaborate with people and projects to positively impact the planet and its creatures – the organization recently collaborated with Conservation International to save over 300 acres of forest.

 

We're excited to have received some brand new magnet packs to add to our funky Kate Grenier Designs magnets packs.

The range includes some wonderful options for the day of love on Feb 14, including 'Valentine's Day','Sexy', 'Romance' and 'Chocolate'. At only $24.95 AUD each they make a unique and romantic gift!

The guys will also love options such as 'Beer', 'Wine Lover','Golf', 'Office', 'Cheers', 'Jetsetter' and lots more.

With over 50 different designs now in stock, you'll be able to find a great Valentine's Day gift or corporate gift for everyone!

Show your patriotism on Australia Day with the elegant Type Map Australia print from design firm Bold & Noble. Printed on recycled card stock and available in two sophisticated colours - Sheer Slate or Duck Egg Blue - the print makes a fantastic addition to any home or office space. That's right, we've found an eco friendly and classy way to show your pride in your country - who would have thought it? :)