the things you do

I spent an hour or so today, in the garden, scrubbing my rose stems with a toothbrush. Neighbours and passer-by must have thought I was mad... But we had a bit of a scale infestation on a few bushes and I like to go with the gentle option first. So there I was, gently scrubbing at the stems with a soft-bristle brush, watching the scale fall to the ground. Then, when the stems were almost visible, I gave them a quick spray with the pest oil.

My new shoots are already peeping out. I do believe they'll be rather happy with their pristine new home!

calling my name

Sometimes you'll spy something so amazing, so once-in-a-lifetime, so incredible on just so many levels that you just have to buy it.

Today, this was mine.

Yep, a Barbara Cartland cookbook.

It works on many levels. It's pretty. It's pretty kitsch. It's hilarious and, surprisingly, it has a few interesting recipes...

Now, I shan't be styling my veal provencale with a range of ceramic figurines and a multitude of flowers, however, chances are that I will be serving it.

See, I've always had a wee soft spot for Barbara Cartland. I loved how she lolled on a chaise and narrated her romance tales. I thought it was magnificent that she always wore pink. I think it's admirable that she was so dedicated to her look - even into her dotage.

There's nothing like a Dame...

that explains it

Having stumbled upon a new blog {lashings & lashings of ginger beer - cutest name ever, from one of my fave books in my childhood, um, ever} I've finally realised how inextricably linked my love of books and lust for food are.

It's all explained here...

why thanks karma, don't mind if I do

Hey, you know how I've been doing about a gazzilion drop-offs at the Salvos lately? Well, even though I've been looking around, I haven't really found anything to buy, so I knew I was building up some good shopping karma. And oh boy, did I.

See my daughter's in desperate need of a new wardrobe. She currently has the old family 1930s lowboy, which we painted, popped on pretty decals and spruced up with new handles, but still, it's too small for a nine-year-old with a love of pretty frocks {have no idea where she gets that from...}

So yesterday, as I was dropping off a load of fabbo kid's books, I took a look around and had my breath subsequently stolen by a jaw-droppingly gorgeous Edwardian three door wardrobe. Not only did it have pretty lines, gorgeous girly carvings and the perfect space - it'd already been painted in antique white and had pretty pink crystal handles.

Perfect.

And, so crazily cheap.

So this morning I measured up her wall and dashed down hoping it was still there, which it was. Plus, it fitted perfectly - made for the space. I called hubby and he dashed down, only to exclaim that it was perfect and I was a shopping genius {I read that genius bit between the lines mind.}

So we bought it and it's getting delivered on Monday. So freakin' excited.

Oh, and I bought something else amazing too - but it needs photos to do it justice, so lunch, coffee, happy snaps and another post to follow!

love it, loathe it

Bethwyn, over at four-little-higgs.blogspot.com compiled a wee list of 15 things she loves and loathes, and we share quite a few. Here's mine - wanna play?

Loathe {I always start with the bad first, so you end up with a nice taste at the end...}

1. Rudeness - seriously, no excuse.

2. Lack of courtesy - similar to number one, but more ignorant than arrogant.

3. Getting manic and in a tizz when I'm stressed and busy.

4. Dirty jobs - toilet cleaning, bin emptying, recycling rinsing - erk.

5. Headaches - sinus, migraine, computer-induced - headaches seem to be my natural state lately and I'm not happy about it!

6. Fickle weather - ominous grey skies stop me from washing - and then, suddenly, blue and gorgeous!

7. Wastage - I can't bear it when I have to throw out food that I forgot to use before its use by date.

8. Shelling out money for nothing - telstra line rental - I'm looking at you

9. Poor service and workmanship. See, when I work, no matter who for, I do my absolute best job. It's complete and the best possible job I can do. So many people can't seem to say that. Why?

10. Lack of response. I work from home and send my completed work, invoices and story proposals via email. If I don't get a response, I worry that it wasn't received, re-send a few days later and generally stressed. I'm not asking for a thesis in return - just a 'got it, thanks'.

11. Jealousy. Hideous emotion and one I'm glad I don't experience. Envy? Hell yeah, just not jealousy.

12. Bitchiness - move on people.

13. Nasty commenters on blogs and sites. Seriously the hatred some reality contestants have directed their way? Scares me.

14. My innate laziness. I'll sit at my desk for ages thinking how thirsty I am, but it's only when I think I hear my brain cells popping from dehydration that I'll actually get up.

15. Hatred. Yep, hate it.

Love

1. My family. Adore my husband, have been blessed with the best daughter in the world, have a crazy but cute kitty. Extended family are all fabulous too. Yep. Lucky.

2. Netball. Love playing it, adore coaching it.

3. Scented flowers - make my life sweeter.

4. Reality TV - sure, I'm a loser, but I'm addicted to the stuff

5. Food - cooking it, eating it, thinking about it, planning meals, serving it up... love it.

6. The beach. Early in the morning, midday, at dusk, at night - what a spectacular place.

7. Pegging fresh washing on the line.

8. Pretty painted toenails.

9. My friends - they're the best.

10. Discovering the world of blogs, honestly, where have you been all my life.

11. Coffee. Sigh...

12. Paris - and plotting to go there again.

13. Sweet old couples holding hands {even if they are just doing it to stop from falling over - still cute}

14. Reading. Books have long been my passion.

15. Anticipation. Five more sleeps till Harry Potter!

frugal friday

Going through our budget recently, I realised how little give there is in some places when you've already trimmed all the visible fat. See I already wash all my clothes in cold water, using half the recommended amount of washing liquid, with a full load, on the economy cycle and then I hang them on the line to dry. I've also nixed the pre-stain sprays, instead I've got a lovely cake of sunlight soap that I dampen and rub over any stains {it's a miracle worker - and smells so purdy}.

With the electrics I turn everything off at the wall when I'm not using it - including the microwave and dvd so I'm not wasting electricity showing a clock I don't need. And lights are always switched off when we're not in the room {and now, at night when we're watching tv, even the living room lights are switched off}.

That said, I'm not going to give up just because things are not immediately obviously. Frugality requires thought. Whenever I do something I'm going to work out if there's a more frugal alternative: if I can mend it rather than replace it, if I really, really need it, or if I can wait till it's on-sale to buy it.

We've also got enough clothes in our closets to see us through this season - so there's no need to buy anything new. And, going alcohol-free this month really has to be having an impact on our expenditure {must say, those wine racks in my pantry are still nicely full after last month's Dan Murphy's run!}

Slowly does it...

oh honey, no

Here's the thing. When you're on a national television program, one that's alllllll about fashion, it's a good idea not to insult the fashion mentor on the first episode.

I had hopes for the ol' Amber Renae at first. She seemed cute, and wore fluffy jackets. However, her opening lines killed it for me "I like a bit of bling". Aaaarrrggghhhh - that word - aren't we over that word yet? Then, as her portfolio flashed on the screen an image of either Paris Hilton or her doppleganger appeared.

Oh honey, no.

Her hot pink and black dress was a disaster and Henry, in his gorgeous, kind, experienced manner expressed concern that it'd be bulky and unflattering. Amber Renae's to-camera response "Obviously the bandage dress is a bit fashion forward for Henry."

Ouch.

Oh honey, no.

Comparing the exquisite Herve Leger bandage dress, with its impeccable tailoring, miracle fabrics and all-round gorgeousity to, that creature you flung on your poor model is just wrong.

My faves for now? Kelly {her comment that her butt is the price she pays for her boobs was priceless}, Anthony, and a few others whose names have yet to imprint themselves on my brain. Some frocky horrors on that episode though! And a few glimpses of genius...

bella shoes

I am still so totally and utterly excited about Harry Potter next week that it's permeated my Shoe of the Week. Don't these totally give you a Bellatrix vibe? Cuteness. I adored the Mary Janes Helena wore on the red carpet in London, but these little booties would have looked utterly dandy with her get-up {which I loved, and would totally wear...}

I bought my tickets on-line yesterday for Harry. Nearly had a major stuff-up and bought them for 7am - but luckily sense and numerical ability kicked in and I went for the more sensible hour of 6.30pm.

Will be doing some re-reading this week in readiness!

can't wait

Next Wednesday Harry Potter is finally hitting our screens - I'm positively squirming in anticipation...

And tonight's the premiere of series two of the Aussie Project Runway. Can't wait to fall in love and hate with the designers - and see Henry Roth, who I do so adore... I'll be stitched to the screen!

things that make me go woo hoo

The delicious Tahnee won Australia's Next Top Model last night and looked so smoking hot in her Alex Perry dress it's no wonder a nose bleed had to ensue. Clare deservedly took out the viewer's choice award and I was amazed at how well she handled herself on the night. Considering there were complaints all through the show about her demeanor, she was warm, gorgeous and positively bubbling with confidence and personality. She'll strut down global catwalks in style.

Apparently Cassie was a no-show at the after-party - has her fiance already whisked her away?

sizzlin' sausages

My husband's special dinner request was for proscuitto-wrapped chicken sausages - which were delish. So now I'm going to share the love - and the recipe...

500g chicken mince

zest and juice of half a lemon

a couple of finely sliced garlic cloves

around a cup of chopped italian parsley

salt and pepper

an egg

1 slice of wholegrain bread, grated

8 - 10 slices proscuitto

Combine all ingredients except prosciutto in a bowl and mix well. Form into sausage shapes and place in a container before refrigerating for around 30 minutes. Take out, roll the sausages completely in a slice of proscuitto {do it on an angle so it's completely enclosed} and then grill them, turning till crispy and browned and firm.

Yum.

My daughter loved these - even with the strong lemon flavour. She did a MasterChef taste test while eating, and managed to get all the ingredients except egg and breadcrumbs {and who'd taste those?}. Served with rich orange pumpkin mash, crisp sweet potato rounds and lightly steamed spears of broccolini I feel this was the perfect balance of healthy and tasty...

Now, to master that lamb dish they just cooked on MasterChef.

eat up

This week we'll be noshing on the following:

Tuesday: Chicken and prosciutto sausages, mashed pumpkin, roasted kumera and broccolini

Wednesday: Slow cooked bolognaise

Thursday: Steak, red wine and shallot jus, pumpkin mash and wilted spinach

Friday: MasterChef lamb kofta pizza thingy with salad

Saturday: Beef stroganoff with buttered noodles and brussel sprouts with almonds

Sunday: Lemon and thyme roasted chicken and veg

Monday: Enchilladas

music is my life

One of my 'special skills' is that I have a song for every moment. It entertains my daughter no end that if she mentions a word, then I can pretty much burst into a song from the 70s, 80s or 90s to match it.

I even used music back in my toddler taming days.

One day my daughter may need therapy, but luckily, even now she can look back and laugh. See, the other day, we were in a store {Laura Ashley actually} when a song came on {as they do} and my gal looked at me and said "Why do I know this song?" I smiled and said "Wait till the chorus." Sure enough within minutes she'd burst out laughing and said, "It's tragedy!" Yep, this is the tale of how the Bee Gees helped with toddler tantrums... {And nope, it didn't involve threatening her with men in tight, gold suits - how hysterical is this shot? And believe me, there weren't a dearth to choose from!}

I used to deal with tantrums with a mix of 'ignore it and it'll go away' and 'selected hits from the 70s'. The first case involved a memorable trip around Coles, where my daughter tried her first {and last} throw herself at my feet screaming about something-or-other. At this I simply moved a few metres up the aisle and ignored her. She of course, noticed, got up, moved, and, again, flung herself at my feet. We repeated this little vignette for a few aisles until eventually she tired, and, thank god, we've never had another incident.

But sometimes, a musical option was called for. See, whenever she thought things were particularly unfair, I'd burst into the chorus of the Bee Gees Tragedy. Loudly. And sure enough, it'd stop her. So much so that after a while, as soon as she saw me taking a deep breath way into my diaphragm she'd say, "Noooooooooo, my not want Tragedy..." and that'd put an end to that episode. {my not was her cute-as-a-box-of-kittens way of saying I don't. Bless}

So thanks Barry, Robin, and Maurice. I had no need for the naughty step, or spanking, just a set of lungs and an inability to ever feel embarrassed...

it's raining again

Yep, drizzle, drizzle, pour, pour, sprinkle, sprinkle - raindrops keep falling on my head.

Sigh.

At least it'll inspire me to stay inside and get all my work done.

But still, rainy days and mondays always get me down... I've got over the mondays bit - how can I burst my seasonally-affected, rain-influenced blues-disorder?

Pink polka dotted gumboots?

Bright red fingernails?

A bowl of hot chocolate?

Every little bit helps.

molten bliss

Last night our pudding was chocolate fondant - the bane of MasterChef contestants and judges in Aus and the UK. However, must say, these worked out rather well. For a start, they're a Gordon Ramsay recipe - which I saw a team prepare on The F Word, to great success. Secondly, I followed a blogger's advice {ironchefshellie.blogspot.com} and froze them before cooking. Yep, froze 'em.

They were amazing. Here's the recipe - all I can suggest is sit in front of your oven, watching them every second of the 12 - 15 minutes they'll need to cook {my hades-like oven took 12 minutes} and as soon as the top starts looking brownie-esque and starts to pull from the sides, whip 'em out, let 'em sit for a minute, then pop 'em out on a plate.

Chocolate Fondant
Gordon Ramsay

50g melted butter , for brushing
cocoa powder , for dusting
200g good-quality dark chocolate , chopped into small pieces
200g butter , in small pieces
200g golden caster sugar
4 eggs and 4 yolks
200g plain flour

Prepare your moulds ready. Using upward strokes, heavily brush the melted butter all over the inside of the pudding mould. Place the mould in the fridge or freezer. Brush more melted butter over the chilled butter, then add a good spoonful of cocoa powder into the mould. Tip the mould so the powder completely coats the butter. Tap any excess cocoa back into the jar, then repeat with the next mould.

Place a bowl over a pan of gently simmering water, then slowly melt the chocolate and butter together. Remove bowl from the heat and stir until smooth. Leave to cool for about 10 mins.

3. In a separate bowl whisk the eggs and yolks together with the sugar until thick and pale. Sift the flour into the eggs, then beat together.

4. Pour the melted chocolate into the egg mixture in thirds, beating well between each addition, until all the chocolate is added and the mixture is completely combined to a loose cake batter.

5. Tip the fondant batter into a jug, then evenly divide between the moulds. The fondants can now be frozen for up to a month and cooked from frozen. Chill for at least 20 mins or up to the night before. To bake from frozen, add around 5 mins more to the cooking time.

6. Heat oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6. Place the fondants on a baking tray, then cook for 10-12 mins until the tops have formed a crust and they are starting to come away from the sides of their moulds. Remove from the oven, then leave to sit for 1 min before turning out.

7. Loosen the fondants by moving the tops very gently so they come away from the sides, easing them out of the moulds. Tip each fondant slightly onto your hand so you know it has come away, then tip back into the mould ready to plate up.

8. Sit a fondant in the middle of each plate. Using a large spoon dipped in hot water, scoop a 'quenelle' of ice cream.

9. Carefully place the ice cream on top of the fondant, then serve immediately. Repeat with the rest of the fondants.

Serve to a round of enthusiastic applause - even if it's only your own!

monday's motivation

Somehow, despite my annoyingly debilitating migraine - I managed to achieve most of the stuff on my list from last week. Phew.

This week I will:

• Complete two articles on deadline

• Write up copy for a new client

• Make chicken and prosciutto sausages for dinner as per my husband's request {recipe will follow - they're delish!}

• Send out two "hi, remember me, want to give me some work?" emails

• Do something lovely each day for my husband and daughter so they know how much I love them

Anything else'll be a bonus. How about you? Check out Liss's list at frillsinthehills.blogspot.com and tell me about yours.

happy birthday g

I had a right royal stuff-up with my calendar and sense of dates today and called one of my dear friends to wish her a happy birthday - a day late. Whoops!

So, here's my big birthday wishes to you Gina, gorgeous gal, I know you had a fabulous weekend in your new purple party shoes - let's go out in them again soon so I can help you celebrate in the most bubby way!

xx

good gone bad

Why is that sometimes doing something good can make you feel so bad? Just now I decided to give the bathroom a quick spruce, you know, cos it's been a while, and, um, how did I not notice how gross is actually was in there? I felt like I was in the 'before' scene from How Clean Is Your House. I knew I had "A little" mould in the shower recess, but when I actually got it there and sprayed it realised that it was "A little" in the same way that Johnny Depp is a little bit delicious. Hmmmmm.

So I attacked it with the white vinegar, bi-carb, water and lavender mix and left it to soak in while I vacuumed the eight thousand dustbunnies breeding on every floorboard in my home. I came back, scrubbed it with my grout brush, rinsed it off and all better now. Phew. How did I let it reach such a state and why haven't I been more persistent in my hunt for Oil Of Cloves - guaranteed mould inhibitor which will stop the damned stuff growing back.

I'm not letting it bug me though. Now it's all pristine and on Monday I'm going to track down every chemist that said they had Oil of Cloves on order and make sure I buy some. Then it's straight into a spray bottle with some water and will be slooshed liberally over my bathroom and anywhere else that harbours mould.

Now I'm off to brown off some lamb shanks. As I had a few extras I've invited the in-laws for dinner. Lamb shanks, mash, greens and chocolate fondant for pudding {but I'm only calling it fondant if Gordon Ramsay's recipe is a success. Knowing my hot as hades oven I'll be calling it Chocolate Pudding and serving it with a dob of delicious double cream!

weekend love

Gotta love a weekend. Especially one with blue skies, winter warmth and sheets flapping on the breeze ready for a cosy night's sleep. Our gal's off to dinner with a friend tonight, so the planned menu of lamb shanks is on hold till tomorrow night.

So tonight, we're having mega veal cutlets, crisp kipfler potatoes, wilted spinach - and maybe a bernaise sauce... {where were the veal cutlets on the meal plan some may ask? Happily exchanged for the roast beef I didn't realise had passed its best-before date. Well hung meat indeed...}

weeding out the nanas

You know, I reckon that this whole word verification thing that blogs have going on isn't to weed out spam or computer generated nonsense - it's to stop oldies like myself from rabbiting on in the comments section. Seriously, how damned incomprehensible are most of those letters? I spend more time trying to work out if it's a G, H, 3 or a q than I do coming up with my attempted pithy comment. And I become more squinty than Renee Zelwegger when I'm trying to decipher them - that's never a good thing...