SA Grateful

I might have caved to social pressures and packed my bags for the big lights of Melbourne, but I will always be a fiercely proud South Aussie at heart.

So much makes this SA Great (oh how I wish they'd kept that brand instead of Advantage SA) and food and wine tops the list for me.

Menz is a firm favourite of mine and I especially love their commitment to the community and local charities. So I was especially chuffed to see them up in lights amongst some serious national heavy hitters today when I received my regular marketing industry newsletter this afternoon.

Menz has created what is believed to be Australia's largest mural made entirely of lollies.

Read about it here.

Doesn't it look great!? I'm yet to identify all the iconic SA landmarks hidden throughout the thousands of sweets but so far have spotted the Malls Balls . . . anyone have any other ideas?!

Then this morning, my parochial fires were burning for Kochie's South Australian food segment on Sunrise. Farmers Union Iced Coffee, Haighs, Maggie Beer, Penfolds wine . . . so so so good!

Check it out here . . .

When Love Comes to Town

Are you loving When Love Comes to Town as much as me?

Okay, so it's a bit cringeworthy but good on those girls! I don't have the guts to do it . . . a friend of mine actually nominated me for the show and the producers called her up . . . but nothing ever eventuated.

I was also in the running for another reality tv show just recently - I had a screen test and everything - but the truth is, I don't want to be on reality TV. I just want to find a bloke!

So I got the shock of my life when I saw an ex-boyfriend of mine's best mate on the ad for When Love Comes to Town.

Alfy, you could've saved us both the trouble (and years of searching!) and just given Josh my number!

Who is your favourite country bloke? Mum has a soft spot for Tom. I don't think I would've got off the bus just yet . . .

Putting the Rad into Radelaide

Adelaide's got its cool on.

And I love it!

What do you think of the new TVC produced by kwp!? It is a lovely new chapter in the South Australian story of late and I love what they've done with it.

Here was the stunningly beautiful and edgy Barossa ad.

And remember the Kangaroo Island winner?

There are going to be the haters, the people who don't recognise the Adelaide they've grown up in. They've cut me down before on this very blog.

But that's not who this campaign is for.

We're trying to attract tourists, visitors, new people, adventurers, foodies, explorers, internationals, sceptics, SA haters and investors.

But let's be brave, take risks and stand out from the pack.

This is different. And different is not wrong. It's just different.

** Editor's note: I showed my housemate this ad tonight and she thought it was terrible. Had no idea what it was promoting. Interesting. I'm looking forward to hearing what others think. Stepping away from my 'Adelaide can do no wrong' bias, it does look quite European or something. Maybe an ad for a technology company? Maybe I love the edginess of the ad rather than the message. I will stay tuned for the backlash . . .

Loud and proud

I am one of Radelaide's biggest fans. Ask any of my friends. I love the place. I've even been called SA Kate on numerous occasions. Give me the opportunity to talk about my home town and I'll jump on it.

So I had to smile when I saw this article that someone had tweeted.

Oh, the memories! I've added my two bobs in for each . . .

Thirty ways you know you're a South Australian

LET'S be honest - being South Australian is awesome. So we compiled a few of the ties that bind us all together. You know you're a South Aussie when ...

1. You know what bung fritz is.

My Dad was a meat wholesaler when I was growing up so we had all the meat we needed at home. But on the odd occasion we went to the butcher at Mitcham, Bruce would cut me a fat slice and I'd love it! Fresh white bread with fritz and sauce for lunch. Delish!

2. The first question you ask someone you just met is, 'what school did you go to?'

Guilty, as charged. BUT I feel like I know someone at every single school and it is a good way to make a connection!

3. You say " heaps good " and people don't look at you strangely.

I use it all the time!

4. You've prank-called Bob Francis.

Nope, never

5. You used to go on dates to Skyshow .

I was too young for dates but did head there with the family in the early days where we snacked on Golden North Giant Twins.

6. You've nearly been killed at the Britannia Roundabout.

I avoid it at all costs and if I do have to go through it, will only approach from Fullarton Road to go straight across towards the Parade. I am my Mother's daughter!

7. You've ridden the Rundle Mall pigs.

Yep, normally some time past midnight with a yiros in hand.

8. You hate the only other AFL team in the state so much that you actually cheer for Collingwood when they play your rival.

Bloody oath! I hate the Crows with a passion!

9. You claim any celebrity who has ever visited here as a South Australian.

And make a connection to them somehow. Like, did you know that Mel Gibson bought my Granny and Grandpa's place in Unley? True fact!

10. You went to bed when Fat Cat told you to.

Bless him!

11. You flip your beer before opening it.

Yes, we love a Coopers but don't turn it into a posh Sydney bar trick. It's just what you do.

12. You feel nostalgic about the demise of the double-cut roll.

Mum used to bring the top half of her roll home from work sometimes, I just thought it was so cool.

13. You enjoy whingeing about the fact that we're a state of whingers.

Yes! I had to leave to ensure I stopped whingeing and made a change!

14. You submit Xavier Minniecon as a "spotted" for the Sunday Mail's gossip column.

Where has he gone?

15. You're inexplicably proud of homegrown inventions people in other places would never think to be proud of. Such as Hills Hoists ...

I love ours in the back corner of the garden. And it's so sweet that my niece now loves to swing on it too. And you've all heard of Goon of Fortune!

... Victa mowers …

I didn't know they were ours to claim!

... and even one-way freeways.

Surely NOONE is proud of that!

16. You hate Victorians for no real reason.

Kick a Vic was something I adopted very early on as a child - especially with the likes of Sam Newman on our case. I'm not so outspoken now that I'm surrounded by them!

17. You think crying over spilt milk is entirely valid - if that milk is Farmers Union Iced Coffee.

Yes! What is this Big M business?

18. You think boat , not spinach , when you hear the word 'Popeye'.

Some of my best childhood memories during school holidays with my cousins involve Popeye and visits to the zoo.

19. You still can't believe Dazzeland closed down.

What is happening to the MYER Centre these days?

20. You feel strangely possessive about the precise position of the Mall's Balls.

The best meeting spot in Rundle Mall!

21. You NEVER EVER let another driver merge into your lane ahead of you. Ever.

Oh no, I'm all for zip merging. I had no idea we were known for this!

22. You know that ' pie floater ' isn't a dirty euphemism.

Have only had one in my life - out the front of the Casino

23. You call the Murray River the River Murray because you think it sounds posh(er).

Ha! Yes, I do!

24. You're secretly proud when tourists ask you what part of England you're from.

I sure am! We're a well spoken bunch

25. You've gotten third-degree sunburn on the Hill at Adelaide Oval.

As much as this is an Adelaide institution, I prefer the comforts of the Members Area thanks! Unless I'm on the lookout for cute English boys on tour . . .

26. You pretend to know the difference between a tempranillo, a grenache and a petit verdot.

As long as it's South Australian, I just assume it's a winner!

27. You felt guilty and rushed out to buy a jar of Spring Gully pickles a few months ago.

I totally get behind the locals!

28. You think Vili is a culinary god.

Yes! And on this note, he lives in the house where Mum and Dad had their wedding reception. So Adelaide to know something like this!

29. Your family used go on holiday at the same spot on the river or coast each year.

Port Elliot Caravan Park every year for 14 years. Best memories of my childhood.

30. You have no problem in stealing something from Victorians, since they already stole something from us.

Yep, I even love stealing their jobs!

And yes, we haven't mentioned Woodies, Haigh's, Bickford's, Stobie poles, FruChocs or Kitchener buns. So over to you - you know you're South Australian when ...

Here are a few of my faves . . .

• You ask for an early minute from work and your boss stares at you blankly. Seriously, Victorians don't know what that means! My South Australian friend from work and I couldn't believe it!
• You ask for a pint and get a glass of beer that's actually not technically a pint in size. Why don't we do it by the book? It's like buying a metre of ribbon and only getting 75cm!
• Someone from the motherland calls you a convict and you hold up the Free Settler card!

Any other true South Aussie-isms?

See the full story on AdelaideNow here

Barossa. Be Consumed.

So, I'm sitting on the couch watching The Americans with my new housemate and we were rendered speechless when a new tv ad came on.

It was stunning. Beyond gorgeous. Great music, breathtaking scenery, and a little bit edgy. Reminds me of the True Blood opening credits (but way cooler). We were lost for words. I pitched in with a 'Daylesford, maybe?' But my Vic housemate surprised me with a 'definitely South Australian'

I thought he was taking the piss, knowing how fiercely parochial I am.

But no, apparently we're known for great ads. Remember the brilliant Kangaroo Island campaign?

Well, I got all warm and fuzzy when I saw the end frame. None other than the Barossa. Brilliant! 

Check it out ...

www.southaustralia.com

Good work SATC. Snaps to you.

The raddest of Rads

Good work, Rads.

I'm proud of you.

According to adelaideNow . . .

ADELAIDE has been voted the most liveable city in Australia for the third year in a row because it is an affordable place to buy housing, has a good standard of living and is clean.

I like to think we have a lot more to offer - take Mad March for example - but this is a good foundation.

The city is buzzing at the moment and to quote a dear friend of mine who visited from NZ a few years ago at this time of year, "Wow, it's like New York City! There's so much going on!"

Okay, maybe she was a bit over excited but I'll take what I can get.

Radelaide, I heart you.

Read article here

Little Road Racquet Society

I applaud creative types who don't just sit back and comment, but actually do something good with their time.

Here's cheers to those who put the Rad into Radelaide!

Enter the team behind the Little Road Racquet Society - a great new pop up outdoor theatre that's creating awesome vacay fun for holiday makers on the Fleurieu Peninsula.

"The Little Road Racquet Society presents 3 films over 3 nights with 4 different winemakers and pop up local food stalls on a lawn tennis court tucked away amongst the Vineyards of Whites Valley, between Aldinga and Willunga."

How cool!

I'm heading off tonight to watch Amelie with some friends who are staying down at the beach. It's the perfect halfway spot to meet and the weather should be gorgeous.

Strawberries and cream, anyone?

Just in case

I love giving DIY gifts for Christmas and try to always have something on hand for those 'just in case moments'.

You know the ones - the next door neighbour, workmates and distant aunts.

Enter the world's easiest Christmas cakes.

And parochially South Australian with the secret ingredient . . . Farmers Union Iced Coffee!

Simply take 1kg mixed dried fruit 

Add 500ml of iced coffee and leave to soak overnight in the fridge

The next day, or later that night if you soak the fruit during the day, add 2 cups of self raising flour and stir to combine.

The recipe is for one large cake, but I decided to share the love wide and filled little cupcake wrappers with tablespoons of cake mix. Would've been great with some extra glace cherries or nuts thrown in for good measure.

Little cakes took about 25-30 mins to cook at 180 - you know they're done when the skewer comes out clean.

And voila!

Little bites of merriment! I wrapped them up in individual cellophane bags with red ribbon. Very pretty.

Here's Jane Doyle's pic of her cake - definitely more impressive but she probably has the luxury of a fan forced oven. Not me. No. My oven hates me.

See her recipe here.

No pain, no gain

My poor Adelaide Oval.

It looks like a bomb's hit it!

But you know what they say, short term pain for long term gain.

What a fun few days we've had, old friend . . .

Pic here

Lost in Canola

Please indulge me while I have a proud Godmother moment.

Isn't Max just the cutest little thing? Happiest kid on the planet, I tell you!

Mark and Zara look pretty stoked too.

Kelly was behind the lens for these pics . . . doesn't the canola make a gorgeous backdrop? I won't embarrass Mark by revealing his age . . . but will say he was back home for the weekend celebrating his 20 year school reunion.

Whoops. Secret's out.

Make sure you get in the shot next time, Kelly!

PS. Did you find me a farmer while you were out there?

Anna Platten

Had yet another cultural fix at the Art Gallery of South Australia's latest depARTure event last week.

Emma and I headed along to marvel at the talents of local South Australian artists involved in SALA - South Australian Living Artist Festival.

The works of Anna Platten really hit a chord with me, her paintings are exquisite! I didn't really 'get' her pieces, but I'm happy to look at them at face value and appreciate their prettiness! The colours she used were amazing, the subjects popped out off the canvas with an almost 3D effect.

Gosh, I really need some lessons in art appreciation and 'jargon' don't I!?

Pics from here and here and here

Let's have a ball

When's the last time you had fun for fun's sake? Not for a wedding, or 21st or engagement or Christening. Just for fun!? Well, Emma and I packed up the car and headed to the country on the weekend for just that - some serious fun. 

It's amazing what some fresh air will do for your soul!

Packing was difficult as we were heading to a black tie ball in a wine shed. Fun, yes, but cold, yes!!!

I settled on my favourite bridesmaid dress (thanks Jo Jo) with neon pink accessories (thanks Kimbo!)

The new yellow jacket also made an appearance for the daytime activities.

And see my pretty new pillowcases from Bowerbird Bazaar. I know, they're pink. So?

We had a great drive over to the Yorke Peninsula with the Dixie Chicks providing the perfect soundtrack. When in Rome . . .

First stop was in with our old blogger friend, Letitia Linke of The White Shed.

And look what we found when searching for her farm?

A big white bow, gorge!

Letitia took Em and me for a little farm tour and turned on the country charm like you wouldn't believe.

Her house is every bit as beautiful in real life as it is in pictures. Even better. I was blown away by how perfect it was, not a thing out of place. 

We enjoyed a gorgeous afternoon tea with her raspberry friands and my lemon drizzle cake (that was a disaster - would've helped if I had measuring implements in my kitchen and didn't have to guess quantities!). Really good coffee too.

The weather was just perfect!

Love love loving my new neon yellow jacket. Felt very patriotic!

And here it is, THE White Shed. Yes, the one and only!

Teesh's hubby and gorgeous little boys were at the bike track but called in at home to say hi before we left. They are DARLINGS! And apparently we made quite the impression, ha!

With sore bellies from laughing and eating too much, Emma and I trotted off to beautify ourselves for the ball, and leave Teesh to get ready for the big night also.

We had so much fun, dancing, drinking and making new friends.

And there was a photo booth. Awesome.

All smiles on the bus ride home . . .

And then we woke up to this stunning view of Tiddy Widdy Beach Sunday morning.

Hard life, hey?

Totally spoilt by Jo and Greg who kicked out their kids to put us up for the night and then treated us to a yummy hot breakfast (hangover, what hangover!?).

We drove back to the city completely rejuvenated . . . and contemplating full time life in the country. If only we'd met our Farmers . . .

Who was your pick?

The inaugural winner of Thoroughbred Racing SA's Fashion at The Races competition was decided at SA Derby Day on the weekend.

Who do you think should've taken home the keys to the VW Polo?

See full album here

Let yourself go

Have you seen this ad yet?

It's magical . . .

It's truly beautiful. I get goosebumps when I see it.

So pleased to see something so professional, aspirational and emotive come out of South Australia. For so long, I've been jealous of the Tourism Victoria ads - the gorgeous Daylesford campaign; the ball of wool through the Melbourne streets.

There are some seriously talented creatives on the Eastern Seaboard.

Which is why I was so excited to see this come out of my home town. And promoting such a world class destination.

Have you been to Kangaroo Island? It's seriously an undiscovered gem. I - the proudest, chest thumping, loud-mouthed South Aussie - hadn't even been there until late last year, and have to say, it's breathtaking.

There's food, wine, sight seeing, wilderness, spectacular beaches, awesome horse racing events, indulgent accomodation, arts and untouched beauty.

Get there. Now.

Visit http://www.southaustralia.com/ for more info

And the award goes to . . .

One of the fun things about passing on the blog love is getting to know some of your fave authors (is that what we are? Blog authors?!)

I especially love the bond I have with other South Australian bloggers - what a supportive community they are.

The Liebster Award, generously passed on to me from Hunter at navy & orange, recognises those blogs with 200 followers or less and I couldn't think of anyone else I'd rather pass the baton to (okay, well there are four other ladies out there who I've also tagged and can't wait for you to meet!) than Brooke at The House on Chambers.

I thought it'd be fun to get to know these lovely ladies away from their own blog, with some very 'Polkadot Pantry' inspired questions. Over the next week or so, I'll feature a little Q&A with each of my award nominees.

It gives me great pleasure to introduce you to Brooke (oh, and Farmer Joe! I'm so excited we finally get a sneak peek of him up close!)

What would your last supper be? 

Chilli tuna spaghetti with an indecent amount of parmesan cheese. My ultimate comfort food (and a surprisingly effective hangover cure).

Favourite colour? 

Beige. It may not have the 'look at me' factor of brighter, showier colours, but it is warm, simple, elegant and versatile.

Favourite childhood book? 

Alice in Wonderland. I still love it although I've always found it a little creepy. The characters are all mad, slightly menacing and a little too keen to befriend a lonely girl travelling through the woods... 

 

One thing on your bucket list? 

To design and build a home from start to finish. It is a dream for Farmer Joe and I to build a classic country farmhouse, incorporating a quality of materials and design that is lacking from so many new houses. The benchmark for our dream home is that the design and workmanship should still hold up in 100 years.

Best thing about blogging?

That when I am exhausted, have run out of creativity, am second guessing my choices, or feel like this renovation is never going to be finished, there is a wonderful community of supportive bloggers out there who encourage and inspire me.

Thanks Brooke!

Stay tuned to The House on Chambers to see who Brooke passes the Liebster Award baton to . . .

Every last drop

Kristie, Andy and I had a fabulous night at the Cellar Door Wine Festival last weekend and we certainly got off to a good start with a last minute seat in the Barossa Masterclass with Mark McNamara (Executive Chef Appellation) and Paul Henry (Found and Strategy Director at winehero ltd) 

The wines - they were a plenty with seven different tastings tempting us as soon as we sat down. 

My mother's always told me to finish everything on my plate . . . and I applied that to 'in my glass' in this case. Thanks Mum.

Back to the food and Mark's ah-mazing menu - matched to delicious Barossa wines of course.

We started with pig's head terrine with parsley salad and mustard dressing.

Seppeltsfield 2011 Eden Valley Riesling

Pewsey Vale 2006 The Contours Riesling

Then moved on to breast of roasted Waechter's pigeon with beetroot and semolina gnocchi.

Spinifex 2010 Papillon

Charles Melton 2009 Nine Popes

Followed by little pie of braised Hutton Vale lamb with white bean puree.

Gatt 2009 Eden Valley Shiraz

John Duval Wines 2009 Entity Shiraz

Peter Lehmann 2007 Stonewell Shiraz

It was so good. Must get myself to The Louise for an indulgent weekend . . . one day.

I cleaned up all three plates and managed to roll myself off the chair to finish my night's tastings in the other 'regions' at the Festival - Kangaroo Island, Coonawarra, McLaren Vale, Adelaide Hills, Clare Valley, Eden Valley, Langhorne Creek, Padthaway, Riverland, Limestone Coast, Southern Fleurieu.

And did I mention there was also beer and cider tasting!?

Welcome to Mad March, friends!