Wednesday, November 23, 2011

EAT: CARAMELISED ONION + FETA QUICHE


SERVES 6-8 | PREP 15 MINS | COOKING 10 MINS FRYING | BAKING 50 MINS | VEGETARIAN

You know those recipes that you just love and never tire of? This is one of those recipes for me. And because of hubby's egg intolerance, this is one I whip up on nights when he is away, and for guests too. I get asked for this recipe a lot. So, here it is - posted with love.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

MY BEDROOM. MY SANCTUARY.


I love this room. Besides the kitchen, this is where I spent most of my time. Of course, it's usually in my favourite state - in the Land of Zzzzs.


I love the buttermilk walls, the pale yellow ceiling, the white ceiling rose, and austrian blinds.


The timber skirtings and window, are just so decadent, and the space is totally uncluttered.


We had carpet laid in the bedrooms, which gave the bedrooms such warmth. While I love floorboards, it just wasn't the same.

And because I just like to lie on the floor, we put in a thicker underlay too. Plus it feels so velvety under our feet.


Friends often giggle that we still sleep in a double bed, but I don't mind at all.


Besides, there's more excuse for a cuddle in a smaller bed!

I love this room.

Monday, November 21, 2011

FIXING THINGS.


Once upon a time, a very long time ago (before children), my third drawer was the home to all things pretty - tea towels, spare candles, tea lights, matches (to light forementioned pretty candles), napkin rings, and other table accessories.


These days my third drawer (actually now located across a large top drawer next to the cutlery), is full of useful things, like tools.


And batteries. And tape. And string.


Because barely a few days pass by when we don't pull out the tools and fix something.


Whether it be a torn sleeve, cover or page of a book, a broken toy, or some new batteries (which we seem to always need more of).


So we always have a spare (or five) of each sized battery.


The boys have their favourite toys, so I can't seem too ignore the constant fixing that needs to be done.


Plus, they keep asking!


Besides, I don't really mind. It keeps the lads very busy. Especially in the 'fixing' part as well as the enjoying of the toy. Or book. Or whatever it is that needs to be fixed.

Plus, what boy doesn't enjoy finding how the insides work of a thing that makes noise, or plays music?

Do you find that there is a constant need for fixing at your place?

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Thursday, November 17, 2011

WHEN HANGING OUT AT HOME...


It's been lovely coming home from work to these lovely energetic boys. And because we like to 'bank' memories, a new tradition has started in this home.


While I make dinner, we've been doing a little dancing...



... pulling faces...



... and taking photos ...


I love evenings like this. The kids ask me when we are going to do the "Himmy Hake" (Shimmey Shake, thanks Wiggles), because it's the highlight of their day too.


It's what memories are made of.

How do you 'bank' your memories?


a day in the life of us

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

WHEN BROTHERS ARE INSEPARABLE.


The lads get along so well, it surprises me sometimes.

They don't fight often and when they play, it's usually a very happy thing.

And when they're put in their separate beds, this is what we sometimes find when we check in at night.

I'm not unrealistic enough to think this will last forever.

But still, I'm treasuring it. And capturing it, to remind them of how it was.

Now.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

EAT: CHEESE + HERB DAMPER WITH HONEY MUSTARD BUTTER


SERVES 6-8 | PREP 5 MINS | COOKING 30 MINS | VEGETARIAN

It's always wonderful to rediscover a recipe you haven't used for a while. I made this quite a bit when we lived in PNG because I always had the ingredients in the pantry. This damper is an awesome addition to any meal, and the mustard honey butter really makes it.

Monday, November 14, 2011

THE BMX BANDIT.


I'm not sure when it happened. But suddenly, one day, my little toddler turned into a real boy.


I don't mean real like Pinocchio, but real as in likes motorbikes, cars and all things testosteroney.


Really, I should have known. His first word was "brmmmm brmmmm".


I guess the writing was on the wall.


Look at him go.

I love my real boy.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

WHEN LIFE BLOWS YOU BUBBLES...


Today was the perfect day to make bubbles...


INGREDIENTS
3 tbsp dishwashing liquid
7 tbsp water
1 tbsp sugar

METHOD
1. Mix until the sugar is dissolved. Let it sit for an hour.


It was too sticky a mixture for the inside, so out we went...


... to blow lots and lots of bubbles.


 The best things in life are indeed free.


(Or at the least very, very affordable).

Friday, November 11, 2011

IT'S INTERESTING WHAT YOU FIND...


... in your lounge room when you live with a musician.

And if you don't live with a musician, here's what you might find in this here cute little wooden bowl:
  • spare batteries for the foot wahwah pedal (yes, that's what it's called)
  • guitar strings
  • capos
  • slides
  • plectrums
  • harmonicas
  • neck brace for the harmonica (what's their proper name?)
  • CDs with recordings on them...
Oh yes. And that's my candle.

Do you have a messy musician in your house? Or just a person who has little bits and pieces floating around the house?

Thursday, November 10, 2011

ACCESSORIES. SORTED.


I've been meaning to share this post for over two weeks now. It's shameful that I've left it so long. But seriously, I think life has just gotten in the way of blogging. Even scheduling posts. Yes, life is sad when there's no time to even schedule!

My best friend couldn't come to my birthday do back in September, but instead decided to purchase something she knew I'd love.



You see, I have a few accessories. Not as many clothes, but LOTS of earrings, necklaces, bracelets and scarves. And she found this amazing standing mirror-come-secret-cupboard-with-a-key.


See? You wouldn't know there was anything in this slim-line beauty!

I'm especially loving the key bit, because then little fingers can't break my cute things. (It's been known to happen before, just once or twice... I even have jewellery repair tools for this very purpose...)


Before I had my fancy new secret-hiding-place-mirror, this is how I use to have my things... on the dresser, and very easy access to toddlers and pre-schoolers.


Sure, it looks pretty, but seriously, how can you get all your trinkets out of a box like this?


I'm all for easy access, and colour coodination...


... like this.

It makes my inner OCD very happy.

(Thank you Nine for the cool present!)


a day in the life of us

Wednesday, November 09, 2011

EAT: ZUCCHINI CAKE WITH LEMON HONEY DRIZZLE


SERVES 10-12 | PREP 15 MINS | COOKING 50 MINS | VEGETARIAN, DAIRY FREE

In a recent bake-a-thon, I thought I'd try this seeing I had zucchinis that had to be eaten. Sometimes the most disgusting sounding recipes turn out quite moist and tasty. Definitely a more heavy cake, but filling and filled with goodness! I dropped the sugar level and it was still sweet enough (mind you, I'm not eating sugar, so anything 'a bit' sweet is really sweet to me!). I love the drizzle on the top. Made this moist cake even more tasty!