Friday, December 20, 2013

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!
 
 

Thursday, December 19, 2013

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
 
 
 

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

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 . . .
 
 

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

If only for a second

 
Total tearjerk moment here, friends.
 
I love this!
 
xxx

Sunday, December 15, 2013

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
 
 
 
 
 
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
  • 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).
  • 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.


 

Thursday, December 12, 2013

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!)

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

All wrapped up




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