Togs on

Mum just messaged me to say 'don't forget your bathers'.

 

It's 38 in Radelaide today after a few days of 40+ heat. Love it! Will be a nice change from Melbourne's schitzo weather. I just hope there are no ducks in the pool, Dad . . . .

 

But on the bather front, I'm a  bit nervous. Michelle Bridges hasn't really kicked in yet, but there's nothing a bottle of fake tan and a piece of underwire can't fix.

 

Yes, that's right. Underwire.

 

Enter Megan Gale's isola collection. D cup support, ladies. It's like wearing a bra in the pool . . . the girls are very happy!

 

Lady Chatterley's Affair herself was spotted in a gorgeous pair of togs on a recent trip to Noosa and further investigation (aka stalking) led to the discovery she was coveting the isola brand.

 

So I hotfooted it into DJs (on a card members night, thank you very much for the discount!!!) and secured my own fancy one piece.

 

 

 

Will look fabulous with my new LCA hat, oui!?

 

Keep cool, kidlets!

 

Disclaimer: This is NOT me modelling. In my dreams!

 

 

It's a wrap!

 

May I present my gift wrapping efforts for 2013.

 

Ta da!

 

 

Those skills I acquired at Country Road circa Christmas 2000 have not been wasted!

 

Now the question is, how am I going to get them home to the Rads in one piece?

 

Oh the joys of Christmas travel #thankgoodnessforQantas

 

 

 

Hashtag Christmas

Some might call my recent blog posts lazy.

 

Yes, I am reposting some viral videos that are doing the social media rounds, but they're just so funny and worth sharing.

 

And let's be honest, we're all lazy when it comes to reading text heavy blog posts at this time of year. Our eyes hurt. Our heads hurt. We're over it.

 

So a video sometimes is just what the doctor ordered.

 

Feast your eyes on this viral video.

 

Only in America . . .

 

 

If only for a second

 

Total tearjerk moment here, friends.

 

I love this!

 

xxx

Clothesline decorating

How much fun is Christmas?! It's a great excuse to get everyone together to celebrate the ups and downs of the year. I know there are lots of bah humbugs out there who curse the frantic festive catch ups in the lead up to Christmas, but I revel in them.

I indulged in the merriment of the season gathered my Melbourne family for lazy Saturday drinks at my place. I am so grateful for my little support network over here. I haven't made many friends from scratch, but rather borrowed from my existing friends' pool of friends. Sharing is caring, right?!

Well, we all know I love a nibbles platter or two so experimented with a few Michelle Bridges canapé options and some serious sangria - red and white.

Fun fun fun! My laptop is flat so I can't link to recipes right now but stay tuned for these guilt free treats that I'll share tomorrow.

Ps. My housemate is caving, she even helped put up the decorations. I can be very persuasive when I try ... and I find bribery works!

 

Update: Links to recipes below

 

Donna Hay's white sangria

 

Mexican dip

 

Christmas cakes

 

Traditional sangria

 

Beetroot and goats cheese tarts (my own little concoction)

• Puff pastry rounds (a scone cutter is about the right size for mini muffin tins)
• Beetroot relish (hello Beerenberg!)
• Goats cheese
• Fresh mint

1. Cut out the puff pastry rounds and line mini muffin tins (spray tin with non stick oil first)
2. Prick the bottom of each pastry round with a fork
3. Fill each cup with a small dollop (not quite a teaspoon) of beetroot relish (do not go overboard otherwise it will spill over)
4. Top with a sprinkle of goats cheese (about half a teaspoon)
5. Cook in a preheated oven at 180C until puffed and golden
6. Cool in tray until easy to handle and then transfer to wire rack
7. Sprinkle with torn mint leaves and serve

 Michelle Bridges 12WBT Chicken & Herb Tartlets

• 1g Olive oil spray        
• 2 1/3 slices Wholemeal mountain bread (58g)
• 250g Cooked lean chicken breast, diced
• 2 stalks Celery stalk (40g), finely diced
• 2 tablespoons Chives (6g), finely chopped  
• 2 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley leaves (6g), finely chopped
• 1 teaspoons Lemon zest (5g), finely grated        
• 2 tablespoons Low-fat natural yoghurt (40g)        
• 2 tablespoons low-fat mayonnaise (40g)

Method

1. Preheat oven to 180°C. Lightly spray 20 holes of a 24 hole mini muffin tin with oil. Cut each full piece of mountain bread into 9 even squares. Cut the 1/3 bread into 3 squares. Press into prepared holes, to form a shell. Spray lightly with oil. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Remove from pan and cool on a wire rack.
2. Meanwhile, combine chicken, celery, chives, parsley, lemon zest, yoghurt and mayonnaise in a medium size bowl. Season with freshly ground black pepper.
3. To serve, spoon 1 tablespoon of chicken filling into each tart shell (you will have one extra shell).

Michelle Bridges 12WBT rare roast beef, white bean and red pesto crostini

• 1 baguette sourdough (80g), cut into 20 slices
• 1g Olive oil spray
• 2 teaspoons Olive oil (10g)
• 1 cloves Garlic (3g), crushed
• 1 cups drained cannellini beans (173g), drained and rinsed        
• 2 teaspoons Lemon juice (10g)        
• 1 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley leaves (3g), chopped        
• 2 tablespoons Chives (6g), chopped        
• 150g Lean beef fillets        
• 5 teaspoons Sundried tomato pesto (25g)

Method

1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a large baking tray with baking paper. Place baguette slices on tray and spray lightly with oil. Bake for 10 minutes, turning once during cooking, until golden and crisp. Set aside to cool.
2. Heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook garlic, stirring, for 30 seconds or until fragrant. Add beans and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds more. Add lemon juice, parsley and half the chives.Transfer to a food processor and process to a rough puree. Add 1-2 tablespoons hot water if too thick. Set aside to cool.
3. Spray a small frying pan with oil and heat over high heat. Cook steak for 2-3 minutes each side or until cooked to your liking. Transfer to a plate, cover loosely with foil and set aside to rest for 5 minutes. Cut into 20 thin slices.
4. To serve, spread some white bean puree over each crostini. Top with a slice of beef and a small dollop of pesto. Serve immediately, scattered with remaining chives.

 

I believe

So you've probably all seen this, but I just had to share.

It had me in tears last night, now that's just not fair!

(Love a good rhyme!)

All wrapped up

 

I love Christmas!

 

And I applaud a brand that embraces the season tastefully and in style.

 

Enter Jo Malone.

 

Is this campaign just beautiful!? So subtle yet aspirational.

 

On a side note, how good is online shopping? I have just bought five presents for my loved ones in my lunch break. Plus (clever me), I'm getting them all shipped to Mum and Dad's place in Adelaide so I don't have to lug them home in my suitcase.

 

Note to my mother: Do not open any of these parcels!

 

What are your go-to online shops for Christmas inspiration? I can't share mine on here just yet - I tend to buy from each brand directly so would spoil any surprises if I shared, but I do have to say that David Jones is great at the moment, free shipping for orders over $50 (which isn't hard to reach!).

 

Ready, set, SHOP!

 

** Update: I have since purchased another four presents online overnight. Talk about efficient! My life saving solution to all the world's problems is Lady Chatterley's Affair - from my best friend to my Godson to my sister-in-law, Tina has the answers. I've also indulged in some Brown Button Trading fun for my work KK present. Other winners I can share without spoiling any surprises include Mecca Cosmetica, isubscribe and Jurlique. hard to find has also been a goldmine and I'm popping into Burch & Purchese in my lunchbreak today to grab a few sweet treats (I decided to pop into the store rather than buy online because they give out free samples in store. Cheeky!)

 

I think it's safe to say I'm singlehandedly keeping the economy afloat.

Oh, and I drive a Holden.



Daytime pyjamas

So Melbourne, what's with all the lycra?

Seriously, every weekend I'm made to feel like a huge heffer as I walk down every high street in town. There are guys and gals EVERYWHERE in their gym gear. Do people actually exercise or just laze around in their fluoro get up?

It's like the South Yarra uniform - those X full length leggings, long tshirt and puffa vest. And Ray-Bans or the like. Always a perfect blonde ponytail. And sometimes a NY Yankees cap. Now the cap, I can do.

It took me a while to get used to this phenomenon. I mean, I'm not unfamiliar with the concept of exercise but post brunch sweating? Not for me. What ever happened to lazy weekend sleep ins, slow starts in the morning before slipping into a pair of well worn and uber comfy ballet flats with a pair of tried and tested jeans and a nice top? Even a nice dress if the weather's warm?

No way, why would you peel out of your socially acceptable 'tracksuit' for those structured items!? Not in Melbourne. Lycra is the new black, ladies.

So I've decided to embrace it. Yep, you read right. I'm donning what I like to call my 'daytime pyjamas' and getting around in my lycra all weekend. My new gym pants even have a hidden zip and pocket in the waistband so I can hit the shops with a credit card. Genius.

And bloody hell, it's comfy. I'm especially digging my new neon pink, green and black cross over back sports bra. Who knew a sports bra so supportive and comfortable could even give you cleavage? If you've got it flaunt it, right Mum?!

And to top it all off, I'm even running. Oh yes, now you should be shocked. I've signed up for the Michelle Bridges 12 week body transformation. I'm afraid, very afraid. Everyone I know who's gone on it has had amazing results. But what if I'm that anomaly, the exception to the rule, the one that fails? I'm doing it with Bree so we send pics of our meals to each other along with words of encouragement and support. Bree is a lot more organised, disciplined and positives and she's seeing results while I just send her desperate texts "I'M STARVING! I HATE MICHELLE BRIDGES!"

But I'll stick to it. The recipes are YUM and the motivational videos are brutally honest. She's one unforgiving tyrant of a trainer, that Michelle! And it's nice to feel part of a community, a warm and fuzzy family of fatties, trying to change their lives one rice cake at a time.

So let this be a heads up for my future boyfriend . . . I'm currently in training to be the hottest girlfriend you've ever had.

Oh, and if you're looking for me, future boyfriend - I'm the one with the brown ponytail and good cleavage doing the Tan. Make sure you say hi!

On fire

It's really good, people. Stressful. But really good.

Go see it! But make sure you're seen the first one first. And read the book!

Whole lotta love

Where have I been hiding?

Twilight fan or not. Rob Pattinson is hot in this. Hot, ladies.

What's for dinner?

Gee, she's good!

Donna's at it again. Just when I think she can't get any better, she surprises me with intuitive, simple, stylish and impressive solutions for cooking and entertaining.

I bought her Christmas mag on Monday and if that wasn't exciting enough, I then got an email today inviting me to download her new app - What's for Dinner?

Brilliant! Get on board people, it's very clever.

There's a simple menu for the home page ...

Delicious, quick and fast recipes to download - the chicken and pasta collections are free!

Then a recipe search using ingredients you have in the fridge (spinach is a staple on my shelf) ...

And even a calendar so you can plan your week. Clever!

I just wish Donna would do a 'diet' version of her meals, I would love to indulge in her creations for breakfast, lunch and dinner but I don't think my 1,200 calories would stretch that far.

Anyway, check it out for yourself via the App Store.

Take a Mo-ment to do something good

I love a fundraiser like you wouldn't believe.

Especially when they're clever and engage people in a cause that's important and worthwhile. The ability to do so in a fun, subtle and easy way is a challenge but one such effort that makes fundraising easy is Movember.

I applaud the team behind Movember and their efforts to 'change the face of men's health'. They push the boundaries and appeal to the masses and make it 'cool' to fundraise.

My Dad has had a moustache since before I was born so I'm quite a fan of the Mo and don't mind the increase in facial hair at this time of year. I've sponsored a mo or two and even pushed my support to the limits when I indulged in a 'meat pie and sauce' zumbaron yesterday.

I'm not sure if I was a fan (I'd swap it for the bread and butter pudding any day) but it was nice to think that 100% of proceeds were going to Movember. Every bit counts.

And it meant catching up with these lovelies. Fun times x

For more information or to donate, please visit the Movember website . . .

http://au.movember.com/

My week in pics

To say the last two months have been random, would be an understatement!

One of these days I'll explain the craziness that has been my move to Melbourne but in the meantime, we'll just digest small bites at a time.

I dug deep to channel my inner child last week when I took up an eight day nanny stint in South Yarra. It was so much fun, but oh so exhausting! I have a newfound respect for stay at home mums. How do you do it?! Especially those of you with start up businesses or study commitments. You are my heroes!

Snippets of my very pink week below ...

Thank goodness for My Legendary Girlfriend and its caffeine fixes! And it just so happens it will be my local at my new job wich I start on Monday . . .

Happy days, friends xx

Black and white and yes all over

Happy Derby Day darlings!

Here's to classic black and white and boys in suits.

Giddy up!

xx

pic

A love letter

I'm in a relationship, in fact, we might even be going steady.

I have a serious crush on Melbourne. Not in a 'you're better than Adelaide' way or anything. I'm loyal 'til the end. But in a Mr Right Now kind of way. It's where I'm supposed to be.

It helps that some of my very best friends live over here and my housemates are sweet and my location is second to none. There's also the great restaurants, coffee and yes, I even love the public transport system (gasp!).  

My room has awesome views of the city and a gorgeous high peaked ceiling, I can walk to the Tan and I've just discovered Leo's (thanks Sue!).

The markets are a feast for the senses and Zumbo has just opened up around the corner. And then there's Burch & Purchese - I'm without words. I have pho at my fingertips and Mexican just down the street. I've only filled up my car four times in six months - and that included a drive to Dean's Marsh!

It's not all rosy though. Work has been tough (I'll leave that post for a rainy day) and they use plastic bags over here like they're going out of fashion (yay for SA's stance on plastic bags). They don't have a bottle recycling program and my heart hurts every time I put 10c worth of glass or plastic in the recycling bins. Those poor Boy Scouts!

And I can get lonely. I derive so much happiness from bouncing off other people but my 'other people' have their own 'other people' and I miss my Mum. And my Dad. And my brother and sister in law. And I desperately miss my niece and nephew who are growing up way too fast. And I miss my grandparents and being 15 mins away from everything and everyone.

But this city still has me wrapped around its little finger.

There's the small issue of the terrible weather and serious hayfever conditions, and most of my above mentioned friends are grown ups with life partners and kids which isn't ideal for a 30 year old single gal's social life. But otherwise things are pretty good.

The shops are open til really late and they have ham on their parmies - sorry parmas - as a standard. Flowers are cheap and brunch is served all day.

I wouldn't say it's love - yet - but I've got a serious case of lust for this city. Enough to get me smiling again.

I've had a bit of a blog block recently, but I'm slowly trying to find my mojo again. If anyone still tunes in, I'd love to hear from you. Especially if you're in Melbourne - I could do with a tour guide, shopping  director and a glass of vino or two. Oh, and a job (long story - but I'm serious!!)

What do you love about Melbourne? Help me compile a 'must do' list so I can  see it through your eyes.

I'll be back again soon. Slowly. I'm finding my way xx

Fit for a sailor

There's something romantic about a day on the water. I think it's the fresh air, or the wind in your hair, or the salt on your lips. Or the boys in boat shoes.

Well now, there's an even better way to enjoy a day on the high seas thanks to Two Spoons Catering on the Gold Coast.

Sally and her team have developed a gourmet range of boat hampers to suit every celebration - maybe he's popping the question, or you're ringing in the new year or you're spoiling a hen on her special day. 

Whatever the occasion - make your life easier and leave the hard work up to the professionals. You just worry about chilling the bubbles and choosing an outfit.

Find out more at twospoons.com.au and make sure you follow them on Facebook to stay up to date with their exciting developments.

A berry happy household

It's fair to say I'm the favourite housemate around these parts in the last few weeks.

I've been playing Suzie Homemaker and baking up a storm in the kitchen. My waistline isn't thanking me, but I'm in the good books with my friends.

Tonight I made the super easy and super tasty donna hay chicken and haloumi skewers and a yummy citrus, pomegranate and mint cous cous salad. I've also got some bircher muesli brewing in the fridge overnight. Almost want to go to bed early to wake up and have it for breakfast!

And in the last week, I've been going for the sweet angle and and baked ms hay's oat, ginger and orange crisps (gourmet ANZAC biscuits) and a delicious blueberry yoghurt loaf - both from her Oct/Nov issue.

The cake was for morning tea with a dear old friend and her almost six month old. It was soooo easy and really tasty. I took the leftover half a loaf down to the farm with me for Carri and her hubby so that I didn't have to polish it off myself at home - I have no self control!

The bit I like the most about this recipe is that the butter is melted, so there's no creaming, or blending, or hard work. It's just a case of mixing it all together with a big whisk!

Blueberry and yoghurt loaf
150g unsalted butter, melted
1 cup (220g) caster sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup (140g) greek style (thick) yoghurt
1 Tbspn finely grated lemon zest
1 tspn vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups (225g) self raising flour, sifted
125g fresh blueberries, plus extra to serve (I used frozen)
icing sugar, for dusting

1. Preheat oven to 160 C
2. Place the butter, sugar, eggs, yoghurt, lemon zest and vanilla in a bowl and whisk to combine.
3. Add the flour and whisk until well combined.
4. Fold through the blueberries and spoon into a lightly greased 22cm x 8cm x 7cm loaf tin lined with non-stick baking paper.
5. Smooth the top with a palette knife and bake for 1hr - 1hr 10mins or until cooked when teested with a skewer.
6. All the loaf to cool in the tin for 10 mins before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Dust with icing sugar and top with extra blueberries to serve (I also added a dollop of yoghurt which was delish)
8. Serves 6-8

Chicken soup for the 30 year old soul

Nothing clears the mind like country air.

And I'm lucky enough to have one of my dearest friends living on the most gorgeous little farm only two hours out of Melbourne.

I took some time out last week to bake some biscuits (recipe to come - they were SO easy!) and head out to Dean's Marsh to stay with Carri and her beautiful family. Carri is Mum to the sweetest little six month old Alice who just warms my heart. A smiley, happy baby - she was just what the doctor ordered.

We drank cups and cups of tea, fed the ponies, feasted on baked goods, toured the farm, pondered the new farmhouse (it's going to be DIVINE!) and just chilled out. It was the most relaxing and rejuvenating 20 hours I've had in a long time.

It's times like these I think "what could've been" if I had said yes to Farmer Wants a Wife . . . !

On your toes

I'm not much of a Dancing with the Stars fan anymore.

Until I saw that Adam Garcia is on the judging  panel this year.

He is so charming, totally swoon worthy.

Remember this little number he did with Kylie a few years back?

Awesome!

Might be enough to have me tuning in again this year. Oh, and Edwina from Sunrise. She's just gorgeous!

Back in the game

I'm back . . . and so is Ja'mie.

Whoop whoop!

xx