Recipe Share - quiche slice & some cookies
I'd like to make a regular share of some recipes that I've been collecting, since I've been preparing meals in bulk, on the weekends. If I come across a recipe that I cook often, I'll post it here. Can't guarantee that all recipes will come with photos, or that any photos taken will be of suitable quality. For each recipe I've made up my own recipe card, using a template based on Cathy Zielske's recipe cards that she shared on her blog a while ago. I've revised them slightly to show different/extra information, and I'll post a PDF copy of this card on an A4 sheet, that you can print and trim up, or do as I've done, and print two to a page (print one, then reinsert sheet into printer upside down, and print again). This week I'm sharing the following recipes:

Chicken & Cashew Biryani (pictured above)
Emma's Quiche Slice, and
Peanut Butter Cookies

Hope you enjoy!

On a side note, I used Adobe Illustrator for the first time, to come up with these recipe cards, and I am extremely impressed.
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body+soul Spring : Week 1 recap








WEEK 1 Recap
Here is a recap of how successful I was with each of the goals:

> limit takeaway dinners to one for the week : achieved
> drink more than 1 litre of water each day : achieved (most days it was more than 1.5L)
> avoid soft drink altogether : not achieved (I ended up having two softdrinks over the course of the week, and three beers)

> walk to work 4 out of 5 days : almost got there (walked 3 times, one of which included a 7 minute run with a backpack on)
> stretch or do a small yoga routine 4 out of 7 nights : not achieved (I did a mini stretch after each walk, but nothing substantial, except one night, I did a 20 minute yoga routine)

> wake up at 6am each morning : definitely NOT achieved (not even one morning)
> lose 0.5kg : achieved (lost 0.7kg)

So on to Week 2...

WEEK 2 Goals
Here are my goals for Week 2 (new/edited ones are shown in bold):

> limit takeaway dinners to one for the week
> drink more than 1.5 litres of water each day
> limit softdrink to one for the week (I wanted to make this a little more achievable)

> walk to work 4 out of 5 days
> some form of weight training x 1
> stretch or do a small yoga routine 4 out of 7 nights (I've downloaded a free yoga podcast and posture guide, to make this a little easier)

> wake up at 6am each morning (I really want to give this one another go)
> lose 0.5kg

Wish me luck....
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Inspiration for Tuesday
Here are some bits and pieces that have inspired me in the last week:
(click on the link under each image to jump to the relevant blog post)

I'm going to make up my own version of this, sometime soon, to replace the aging whiteboard we currently have stuck to the fridge:

this masking & spray ink tutorial, which I might try out using watered down acrylics:


Ali Edwards' layouts always inspire me:

[from Ali Edwards blog]

Kristina Werner's use of the Basic Grey Marakech line:

[from Kristina Werner's blog]

and finally, this photography tutorial about shooting into the sun & lens flare:

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Cutest (and most frustrating) Puppy Video Ever...
OK, this has to be the cutest video ever. I double-over watching it every time...
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FOR TODAY : September 3rd
FOR TODAY
Thursday September 3rd, 2009

Outside my window... the sky has fined up a little, with the dreary grey clouds turning white.

I am thinking... about my dear friend Kirsty, who has lost her mum this afternoon.

I am thankful for... my good health and my family and friends (especially today).

From the kitchen... just whipped up a chicken, capsicum & cheese toasted sandwich.

I am wearing... my nightie, after having a long relaxing & hot shower.

I am creating... some baby announcements/thankyou postcards for my sister (separate post to follow).

I am going... to bed early, with a killer headache.

I am reading... "Die Trying" by Lee Childs, waiting for Jason to finish the first of the Sookie Stackhouse books. It's killing me.

I am hoping... that my friend is doing ok tonight.

I am hearing... the TV blaring, actually everything blaring. This headache is really bad.

Around the house... we are waiting for our new dining table, entertainment unit and coffee table to arrive, but we have to wait until the end of September at the earliest.

One of my favorite things... at the moment, is this cool polaroid converter site : http://www.rollip.com/. Check out the image below.

A few plans for the rest of the week... having drinks tomorrow arv for a guy who is leaving. My nail lady is back from England, so off to see her on Saturday. Finally get to see Chief (border collie pup) on Saturday night at Mick & Di's place, and then possibly heading out to the General Gordon on Father's Day to see Dad play.

A picture to share... here's one of my trials of the polaroid site. I love how many different options/filters they have, plus the option to add text, and you can either download the finished file, or link to it:
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body+soul Spring : Commencement








Lately I have been thinking about making a concerted effort, in regards to my health (amongst other things), and going to a funeral recently for a 40 year old mother of 3 young girls, who had fought cancer for 7 years, was the trigger for me to do something. I should not be taking my health, and life in general, for granted. This brings me to the little challenge I'm throwing myself into.

Inspired by the wholeliving.com website, I've decided to start my own body+soul challenge for spring. It will be 12 weeks in duration, with the plan to then have summer, autumn and winter challenges to follow. The aim is to concentrate on small sustainable changes to eating, moving and thinking habits, and trying to remain consistent, rather than my usual 'all or nothing' approach.

CHALLENGE Goals

My goals for the end of the 12 week challenge are:

> limit takeaway dinners to one each week
> drink more than 2 litres of water each day
> avoid soft drink altogether
> limit tea/coffee to 2 times each day

> walk to work 4 out of 5 days
> weight train twice per week
> go to pilates once per week
> run 3 times per week
> stretch/small yoga routine each night

> wake up at 5.10am each morning
> lose 5kgs (this, however, is not critical. The goal is to feel better generally)

WEEK 1 Goals

So today is DAY 1, WEEK 1. My goals for the following week are:

> limit takeaway dinners to one for the week
> drink more than 1 litre of water each day
> avoid soft drink altogether

> walk to work 4 out of 5 days
> stretch or do a small yoga routine 4 out of 7 nights

> wake up at 6am each morning
> lose 0.5kg

So there it is, each Wednesday I will do a weekly wrap-up, and set my goals for the next week.
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On to another addiction....

These books arrived today, and I can't wait to get into them....
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TAFE Postcard Assignment
I haven't mentioned it before, but I have started a couple of TAFE courses in the graphic design field. The idea is to get a bit of theory knowledge, prior to cranking up my invitation business. One of the courses I'm currently studying is 2D Design Forms, and the first task was to design a series of postcards, that deal with a particular health & lifestyle topic. I chose 'stress' and developed the tag line; 'stress less...'. Here are the front of the five postcards:



The backs have a 'stress less...' tip on them, elaborating on the idea from the front, but other than that, had to remain fairly plain (so I won't show the backs). Won't receive feedback on them for a couple of weeks. In the meantime, I have an invitation and poster to design....

The other course I'm taking is an introductory photoshop course, but I have that one nailed.
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Book Review : The Twilight Series
I cannot tell you how good these four books were. Jason and I are totally addicted, and are having extreme issues with extracating ourselves from the world of Bella and Edward. I have never read one book (let alone four) that I could not get enough of, and when they were over, considered re-reading them all over again. Mind you, these books equate to approximately 2500 pages, so reading them in less than two weeks, was no mean feat. I even convinced my brother-in-law (when I was staying in Toowoomba) to drive me down to the shopping centre at 15 minutes before closing, so I could buy the third book.

After reading the first book, we watched the movie, and I was very disappointed. Jason tells me this is usual when you have read the book first. However, I've watched the movie a couple of times now (trying to get my Bella/Edward fix), and it is gradually growing on me. Can't wait for New Moon to come out in November.

Star Rating : 10 of 5
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Meeting Fletcher

I spent the last week with my new nephew, and he is adorable. All aunties will say that about their nephews, of course, but he is. I can't tell you how great it was to spend this special time with Tamie & Fletcher (and Daniel I suppose). Poor Daniel has to work while I was there, but Tamie and I made sure we made the most of the day by eating brownies and Daniel's Mum's cookies (they were so good), watching the day time talk shows (so sick of infomercials), sleeping, craft shopping, and taking photos. While the two of them were sleeping, and many hours each night after going to bed, I read the Twilight series, but more on that in another post.

So here are a couple of edited photos from our little photo shoots. I was suprised what I could do with a lot of them, in post production, given that Fletcher moved around (a lot), projectile vomited on me, peed on the bed, and refused to sleep. All in all, I'm very happy with them, but am quite convinced that newborn photography is not for me.....

If you want to check out more photos, the link to my Fletcher Picasa web album is in the side bar.
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Girls Loving Shoes is Genetic

This very short post, is to provide evidence that a girl's love of shoes is genetic. This little one's mum has always been a very good shopper, and finder of great shoes. This little one's grandad bought her, her first pair of heels at the Sarina show, and you should have heard her when he pulled out the shoe box... 'shooooooeess'.
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A Day at the Park

It's hard to believe that Toby is already 8 years old! For his birthday, we had some pizza down at John Breen Park. A great park for the kids, but given the cold breeze blowing through, not that great of a venue for adults. I got the opportunity to practice some photography, and bumped into my old friend Jenni, which was an unexpected surprise. Her family is doing great, and the boys are getting so much older. Seems like such a long time since I attended her wedding, and the realisation is that it was over 10 years ago. How can that be! Anyhoo, off the 'feeling old' bandwagon, and onto some of the shots I took:


The birthday boy's little brother, who does nothing but eat:

and lastly, my favourite image from a bit of photography practice:
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My First Message from Fletcher
Today I received my first message from Fletcher, via his dad's Facebook page:


with the caption...."Up yours Aunty Fiona". How rude, but oh so cute.......
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Creative Shots : July Meeting
Firstly, a big congrats to Caitie, for scoring a 4th prize win in the Enhanced competition last night, for her photo 'Just Cows'.

There was a significant number of entries in both of the standard competitions. I ended up entering the following two shots into the Pure Talent category. Both were taken on sunset last Friday (nothing like leaving things until the last minute).



There is a couple of outings in the next month. One to Farleigh mill, and the other to an off-road race at Nebo. Not sure if I'll get to either of those, but I fully intend on playing with some candle light, as part of the monthly challenge.
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FOR TODAY : July 17th
FOR TODAY
Friday July 17th, 2009

Outside my window... the neighbourhood kids are skateboarding up and down the street. This is annoying the dogs a whole lot.

I am thinking... about how I can't wait to see Fletcher in a couple of weeks.

I am thankful for... finding a decent, reasonably priced hair dresser, who knows how to cut hair.

From the kitchen... not a whole lot, at this point.

I am wearing... what I wore to work, but about to change into something a bit more comfy.

I am creating... yep, you guessed it: still nothing. Although I am editing some photos that I've just taken down at the cemetry. Morbid, but it is for a photography club assignment.

I am going... to see Fletcher (and T & D) in 18 sleeps. That seems like ages away.

I am reading... "Encylopedia of an Ordinary Life" by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, in preparation for Cathy Zielske's new class at Big Picture Scrapbooking. It's a very different type of book, but I can definitely see where CZ got her inspiration.

I am hoping... to get a lot done this weekend.

I am hearing... again, the dogs barking at the skate-boarders. I actually would love to give one of those new type of skateboards a go. Jason said I should go and ask them, if I want to look like a fool.

Around the house... is pretty cluttered, but hoping to do something about that this weekend.

One of my favorite things... catching up with friends. I intend to do that this weekend, also.

A few plans for the rest of the week... catching up with Bev for lunch tomorrow (mmmm Hogs Breath), and Emma & Charlie on Sunday morning. Photo club meeting on Monday night.

A picture to share... since I posted Fletcher photos yesterday. I thought I'd share a self portrait I took this afternoon, trying to highlight my new foils:
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INTRODUCING : Fletcher Jonathan Schick

My new nephew has arrived. Fletcher Jonathan Schick arrived at about 11am this morning (16th July), weighing 7.5lbs. Mummy and bubby are both doing great. I can't wait to get down there and have a cuddle, but I have to wait until early August.

I am so happy for both Tamie and Daniel, and look forward to watching them grow as a loving family.
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Yeppoon

Catching up with an old friend - drinking cosmopolitans - enjoying a seafood buffet - eggs benedict eaten at a seaside cafe - spot of shopping : who could ask for more. Other than the driving, to and from (which wasn't that bad), and the 3 busloads of american teenage tourists, the weekend was great. So nice to get away and not have to worry about to-do lists or any commitments.

The dogs enjoyed the weekend with Frank & Imelda housesitting. On the Sunday night when we arrived home, Karen & Daniel brought around a lamb roast with all the trimmings. What a way to finish off a weekend.

Some photos from the weekend:

Enjoying a hearty breakfast at Sandy's Cafe

There were two peacocks hanging out near the resort's reception

The 'singing' ship (wasn't doing a hell of a lot of singing while we were there)

Jason doing his best 'Batros Menswear' pose

The view from our room, whilst standing on the patio furniture...

...and filling in time on the drive home, playing around with the camera.

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FOR TODAY : July 9th
FOR TODAY

Thursday July 9th, 2009

Outside my window... it is dark (possibly because it's night time).

I am thinking... about packing for our weekend in Yeppoon.

I am thankful for... Jason's parents coming in tomorrow to look after the dogs on the weekend.

From the kitchen... I am still enjoying the pre-cooked meals I made last weekend for lunches.

I am wearing... my Winnie the Pooh pjs and large white furry dressing gown.

I am creating... still nothing, although my scrap room is now clean (almost). I have been doing Jessica Sprague's photo editing class this week (that I purchased almost 6 months ago). I thought I knew a fair bit about Photoshop already, but she has some great tips and shortcuts.

I am going... to Yeppoon on the weekend to see my friend Renee and celebrate her taking up a full time position, as a vet, in Gladstone, at the end of the year.

I am reading... Nothing. Waiting for my copy of Twilight, that I ordered from Fishpond, to arrive. Yes, I am going to see what all the fuss is about. Hopefully it arrives tomorrow, so I can take it away with me.

I am hoping... for beautiful weather all weekend.

I am hearing... dogs barking. Marlin is temporarily staying next door, and she hates Sam, and he hates her back. So it has been constant barking, and humans yelling 'shut-up'. The longest break in the barking followed after I threw some large soup bones over the fence.

Around the house... is relatively clean, pending Jason's parents' arrival tomorrow.

One of my favorite things... Grey's Anatomy is having a movie-length episode tonight, but I will have to wait until I get back on Sunday to watch it.

A few plans for the rest of the week... trip to Yeppoon, appointment with TAFE to see what my options are for courses this semester, and Granddad's 81st birthday.

A picture to share... in lieu of any photo I've taken recently, here's a layout I finished a couple of months ago, but didn't post to the blog. It uses one of the old Tarisota Teckni Colour kits, but I improvised with the chipboard butterflies, by painting them, and then using a medium over the top to give a glistening effect, before attaching the pearls:

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MasterChef
No, I don't think I am a contender for the tv series, but if quality beats quantity, then I could have a fair crack at the title. This weekend I cooked 9 meals, totalling 34 single serves, which I've then frozen. The plan is to have these prepared meals for lunch and then only eat light at dinner time. The good thing about this plan (after the washing up is finished), that I shouldn't have to cook an actual meal for about 3 weeks. Sweet......
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FOR TODAY : July 1st
FOR TODAY

Wednesday July 1st, 2009

Outside my window... the sky is a beautiful clear blue with puffy white clouds.

I am thinking... about possibly cleaning up my scrapbook room tonight.

I am thankful for... a relaxed working environment which allows time for me to surf the net.

From the kitchen... tonight will be reheated mushroom & bacon risotto.

I am wearing... long black skirt and red turtle neck shirt (and I'm still a little cold).

I am creating... nothing - until the scrap-room is tidy.

I am going... to start my invitation consultancy business this financial year.

I am reading... Lee Child's "The Visitor", and I'm almost finished (Jason would say that it's a miracle).

I am hoping... for a commitment-free weekend.

I am hearing... Beyonce's "Single Ladies" on repeat in my head, ever since hearing it on SNL the other night.

Around the house... there are hopefully no dog bones lying around (like there has been each day this week, when we've arrived home). I'm pretty sure Sam is the culprit, but I can't rule Jessie out completely.

One of my favorite things... a tidy scrapbook room, ready for creating.

A few plans for the rest of the week... a nail appointment (thank goodness Gemma is back this week), some housework, some photography practice and some creating.

A picture to share... the bone-importer himself, waiting for dinner to be served:

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