tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68801022667045088762024-03-14T14:25:04.685+11:00lachinvasionGracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414656970247092607noreply@blogger.comBlogger458125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6880102266704508876.post-23701424220637392202012-07-13T00:10:00.000+10:002012-07-13T00:10:33.334+10:00Lilly Pilly HandmadeSO... wondering why the blog posts have been so sparse. Like the desert rain.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m6tBttjCgFY/T_7ZmJLgYAI/AAAAAAAADV8/-foXiltN6Qs/s1600/skirts+for+sale8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m6tBttjCgFY/T_7ZmJLgYAI/AAAAAAAADV8/-foXiltN6Qs/s640/skirts+for+sale8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Well, I have been busy. Just a bit.<br />
<br />
Sewing.<br />
<br />
Making. Little girls clothes.<br />
<br />
Reversible skirts. Reversible capes. Matching clips. Dresses and all.<br />
<br />
Come and have a look. And do "like" me if you like what you see. :)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/LillypillyHandmade" target="_blank">Lilly Pilly Handmade</a> :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qq_O9DWUs8k/T_7agONOpSI/AAAAAAAADWE/yREVwjbKkL4/s1600/LillyPilly+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qq_O9DWUs8k/T_7agONOpSI/AAAAAAAADWE/yREVwjbKkL4/s320/LillyPilly+logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414656970247092607noreply@blogger.com97tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6880102266704508876.post-58791059877873548072012-07-11T01:40:00.001+10:002012-07-11T10:26:32.191+10:00Dinner at David'sIt came as a surprise when a mysterious package arrived at my door step. A series of photographs, of oriental bowls, vintage styled but chic and one of my favourite things... food. It was an invitation to dinner! I was humbled, and deeply honoured to be one of the 20 bloggers invited to the re-launch of <a href="http://davidsrestaurant.com.au/" target="_blank">David's Restaurant in Prahran</a>. Me? *Happy Dance*<br />
<br />
One thing is for sure. I don't say NO to food. Especially since it's for free! And judging from my quick online search, wow, what a swanky newly refurbished restaurant, and the result did not disappoint! Clean lines, very retro chic, yet warm and inviting. There was a table of family with young kids as we walked in, <i>ooooh nice, I could bring mine here</i> were my first thoughts. Crisp white wood panelling on walls and ceiling, the decor was very vintage, very chic, very nice. Slightly informal, and yet classy. <br />
<br />
I met <a href="http://twitter.com/mrsgracelee">Grace Lee</a>, social media specialist of David's Restaurant Prahran and Oriental Tea House. What a pleasure! She is a beautiful person, so charismatic and confident. I had a little tinge of jealousy, mumma jealousy. She has 2 gorgeous girls about the age of mine, and she runs these restaurants??<br />
<br />
So anyways, here's a little spiel on David's. It was opened by Shanghai born, tea-importer David Zhou about the end of last century in a split-level warehouse on Chapel Street. Memories of his childhood in the busy streets of Shanghai, and the Chinese countryside are inspiration behind his two eateries. His philosophy on the table, spoken in his own words were "simplicity", "wholesome and unfussy food, reflecting real country Shanghai". Recipes are passed down from great-grandmothers.<br />
<br />
David's has received 10 Chef's Hats from The Age Good Food Guide in the last 15 years.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXOFoCSLcSA/T_xKgpAhvRI/AAAAAAAADVU/9Yt2Kbe5XwY/s1600/davids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXOFoCSLcSA/T_xKgpAhvRI/AAAAAAAADVU/9Yt2Kbe5XwY/s640/davids.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
So from the moment we walked in, and seated at our table, we were treated with a lavish spread of Country Shanghai cuisine. There were only the 2 of us on the table initially, I brought along a very good friend of mine. It was her birthday that weekend (HAPPY BIRTHDAY!). I whispered to her, <i>are we supposed to eat all these by ourselves?</i> And it was only for starters? Thankfully, another 2 joined us a little later. David himself came and chat for a little while. He's such a down to earth, and friendly guy.<br />
<br />
I felt so small, with my little Lumix. And the other shutterbugs were big, chunky dSLR's! *gasp* But anyways, we managed a few shots... (But not of all the food, trust me, I went to EAT!)<br />
<br />
<b>For entre we had...</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Guv1TkDpfRw/T_xKNruQpLI/AAAAAAAADU4/LzSG2PtqohY/s1600/Davids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Guv1TkDpfRw/T_xKNruQpLI/AAAAAAAADU4/LzSG2PtqohY/s640/Davids.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Drunk chick: soft, boneless chicken marinated in chinese wine with green soy beans<br />
<br />
Green & Red: Green soy beans, boy choy and chilli<br />
<br />
Spicy Beef with white radish and cucumber. Mmmm this was delicious! My favourite dish of the night. I love the spicy, sour, salty and sweet, tender pieces of gravy beef and big delicious chunks of ginger, radish and cucumber.<br />
<br />
Shredded duck and veggie wrap<br />
<br />
Spiced oolong tea quail eggs with bean curd & wolf berries. We got some fresh quail eggs, tea leaves and a recipe to bring home! I was very eager to try. But Lucas saw the quail eggs and decided he wanted to eat them. And he did, all of them! Softly poached in chicken broth.<br />
<br />
Pan fried spring onion pancake. <br />
<br />
(I'm sure we had more than this, it was such a generous spread)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vk_8smJo8rc/T_xKLoJf7aI/AAAAAAAADUw/JmNY65AzGRI/s1600/P1030241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vk_8smJo8rc/T_xKLoJf7aI/AAAAAAAADUw/JmNY65AzGRI/s640/P1030241.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<b>And for mains, we had</b><br />
<br />
Soft shell river prawns. Mmm delicious! You eat everything, including the shells, head and tail.<br />
<br />
Grandma's 8: A traditional Shanghai medley of scallop, shrimp, pork, chicken, chestnuts, cashew, bamboo and shitake.<br />
<br />
Sticky pork belly and chat potatoes.<br />
<br />
Tofu & Field of Mushroom<br />
<br />
Peasant's crab: This was such a lovely dish. sliced scallop, small pieces of fish camouflaged inside a feather-light egg-white scramble. It reminds me so much of the shark's fin soup you eat at a chinese wedding banquet, only more solid with tiny pieces of ginger and black vinegar sexing up the dossier.<br />
<br />
Golden eye fillet with sweet potato, ginger and soy.<br />
<br />
Delicious, fragrant fried rice.<br />
<br />
And all with accompanying wines! Aahhh pity I had to drive. MY HUBBY was SO jealous!<br />
<br />
Believe me now that there were SO MUCH FOOD? We were treated like royalties!<br />
<br />
Oh, but wait. There's more.<br />
<br />
<b>Desserts were...</b><br />
<br />
Traditional Almond Pudding.<br />
<br />
And Osmanthus & Red Bean Sticky Black Rice Pudding.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--rWkjsUgIyk/T_xKuNk1XsI/AAAAAAAADVc/w36MJQC-tyQ/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--rWkjsUgIyk/T_xKuNk1XsI/AAAAAAAADVc/w36MJQC-tyQ/s640/photo.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
We ordered little herbal teas with pretty blossoms in the pot, fragrant and refreshing.<br />
<br />
I had a fantastic night out, no husband no kids, fabulous food, and the best dinner date I could ask for. We felt like MasterChef judges sampling food (the words of my +1), it was an enjoyable and memorable evening.<br />
<br />
And for this and more to come, I will gladly write again.<br />
<br />
David's Prahran is NOW RE-LAUNCHED!<br />
<br />
4 Cecil Place<br />
Prahran<br />
VIC 3181<br />
<br />
<b>Phone:</b>+61 (3) 9529 5199<br />
<b>Email Bookings:</b> manager@davidsrestaurant.com.au<br />
<b>Twitter:</b> <a href="http://fr.twitter.com/davidsprahran" target="_blank">@davidsprahran</a><br />
<b>Facebook:</b> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/DavidsPrahran" target="_blank">Davids Restaurant</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MAd2XBDJz9s/T_zIF_joorI/AAAAAAAADVs/vfrZsB5Dc1I/s1600/Davids1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MAd2XBDJz9s/T_zIF_joorI/AAAAAAAADVs/vfrZsB5Dc1I/s640/Davids1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414656970247092607noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6880102266704508876.post-31939306247613431802012-05-24T16:48:00.002+10:002012-05-24T16:48:32.943+10:00The Birthday Girl<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FSfsqkQGecw/T73ZeaKe7zI/AAAAAAAADUk/XdqYlqw8VOI/s1600/Lilys+birthday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FSfsqkQGecw/T73ZeaKe7zI/AAAAAAAADUk/XdqYlqw8VOI/s640/Lilys+birthday.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Dear anonymous,<br />
<br />
Here are some pictures of the birthday girl, as requested.<br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
Best wishes,<br />
GraceGracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414656970247092607noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6880102266704508876.post-62728692665502514802012-05-20T18:42:00.001+10:002012-05-20T18:42:43.534+10:00The Birthdays...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
At first, it
felt like a good plan that we have all our kids around the same time of
the year. One big birthday bash for all three kids, and that's all the
parties sorted for the year. SO wrong! And of course it was totally unplanned.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Lachlan, Lucas and Lily had their birthdays one week apart from each other. Lily turned 2 years old, Lucas 4 and Lachlan 6. We had three birthday parties, one after another. Boy it was a VERY busy month. There were lots of baking, the sugar shelves in my local supermarket was completely wiped out, by me.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Lily's Tea Party</span></span></h2>
<h2>
</h2>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mVYt5N5Bc-Q/T7inTLfUn5I/AAAAAAAADUY/XdmsvTynYk4/s1600/DSC_0090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mVYt5N5Bc-Q/T7inTLfUn5I/AAAAAAAADUY/XdmsvTynYk4/s640/DSC_0090.JPG" width="425" /></a></div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DkNu5WXqJ60/T7imOfegUEI/AAAAAAAADTw/W4cHN0ggsT0/s1600/DSC_0091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DkNu5WXqJ60/T7imOfegUEI/AAAAAAAADTw/W4cHN0ggsT0/s1600/DSC_0091.JPG" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BGErWgF9HEQ/T7imZ1PVBiI/AAAAAAAADT4/numH1CCWMEw/s1600/DSC_0092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BGErWgF9HEQ/T7imZ1PVBiI/AAAAAAAADT4/numH1CCWMEw/s640/DSC_0092.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-42uBnKTciP4/T7imkbKqLQI/AAAAAAAADUA/9nz05fQPwEQ/s1600/DSC_0103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-42uBnKTciP4/T7imkbKqLQI/AAAAAAAADUA/9nz05fQPwEQ/s640/DSC_0103.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R_yodr8cn7Q/T7im2d-N0qI/AAAAAAAADUI/QjGv0BXMFxw/s1600/DSC_0104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mUGL8crnN7k/T7inEFriylI/AAAAAAAADUQ/eBzxRY62muM/s1600/DSC_0108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mUGL8crnN7k/T7inEFriylI/AAAAAAAADUQ/eBzxRY62muM/s640/DSC_0108.JPG" width="640" /></a><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R_yodr8cn7Q/T7im2d-N0qI/AAAAAAAADUI/QjGv0BXMFxw/s640/DSC_0104.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> Lachlan's Rock Star Party</span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zXP7HHupKMQ/T7iirhhbkII/AAAAAAAADTI/HizgDzJFw-s/s1600/Lachlan%27s+Birthday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zXP7HHupKMQ/T7iirhhbkII/AAAAAAAADTI/HizgDzJFw-s/s640/Lachlan%27s+Birthday.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c18SBy8EWz4/T7ijRJBObcI/AAAAAAAADTY/rWOipbbNflI/s1600/DSC_0456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c18SBy8EWz4/T7ijRJBObcI/AAAAAAAADTY/rWOipbbNflI/s640/DSC_0456.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0KmhMOLeBQ0/T7ijElsFSaI/AAAAAAAADTQ/LNuCv7kz5JI/s1600/DSC_0469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0KmhMOLeBQ0/T7ijElsFSaI/AAAAAAAADTQ/LNuCv7kz5JI/s640/DSC_0469.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SFZUV70TKY8/T7ijf-1r7CI/AAAAAAAADTg/9RkeIZtPb-4/s1600/DSC_0591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SFZUV70TKY8/T7ijf-1r7CI/AAAAAAAADTg/9RkeIZtPb-4/s640/DSC_0591.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ohS7bCe2E-g/T7ik1LWoc9I/AAAAAAAADTo/jR-zynjUtZg/s1600/DSC_0446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ohS7bCe2E-g/T7ik1LWoc9I/AAAAAAAADTo/jR-zynjUtZg/s640/DSC_0446.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<h2 class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;">Lucas' Ninjago LEGO Birthday</span></h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Hb4FKrOcP0/T7iVfk3EetI/AAAAAAAADQs/I1qp-y8eM1E/s640/DSC_0618.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4B1mo190d4o/T7iVqgZpKVI/AAAAAAAADQ0/856auSFGOJk/s1600/DSC_0624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4B1mo190d4o/T7iVqgZpKVI/AAAAAAAADQ0/856auSFGOJk/s640/DSC_0624.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_sTgmWn6UA4/T7iV02G-z7I/AAAAAAAADQ8/Duya9i_B9tU/s1600/DSC_0616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_sTgmWn6UA4/T7iV02G-z7I/AAAAAAAADQ8/Duya9i_B9tU/s640/DSC_0616.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-txIP6LvNR5k/T7iWUyTDV3I/AAAAAAAADRU/8DJ61o7BBSs/s1600/DSC_0632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-txIP6LvNR5k/T7iWUyTDV3I/AAAAAAAADRU/8DJ61o7BBSs/s640/DSC_0632.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KRefz1q-m0A/T7iV_VHIKiI/AAAAAAAADRE/DJ_wslRDfEg/s1600/DSC_0625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KRefz1q-m0A/T7iV_VHIKiI/AAAAAAAADRE/DJ_wslRDfEg/s640/DSC_0625.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-APZrsRzg5lI/T7iWKdT7x5I/AAAAAAAADRM/1E17gE8UXb8/s1600/DSC_0636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-APZrsRzg5lI/T7iWKdT7x5I/AAAAAAAADRM/1E17gE8UXb8/s640/DSC_0636.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vl0DEI5Vi-8/T7iWiKiUiVI/AAAAAAAADRc/HM5qhHMxDzU/s1600/DSC_0639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vl0DEI5Vi-8/T7iWiKiUiVI/AAAAAAAADRc/HM5qhHMxDzU/s640/DSC_0639.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Yeah... it was pretty crazy...<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
.<br />
<br />
<br />Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414656970247092607noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6880102266704508876.post-90015464812916712982012-03-28T22:25:00.003+11:002012-03-28T23:44:27.851+11:00A Dress for Lily<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iFRLsTKP-4Y/T3L3aHWHxTI/AAAAAAAADQk/BttFNe6e9ko/s1600/DSC_9993.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iFRLsTKP-4Y/T3L3aHWHxTI/AAAAAAAADQk/BttFNe6e9ko/s400/DSC_9993.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724910104361813298" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Op1wRgyQUX4/T3L14QVZeoI/AAAAAAAADQI/0DTuojoH64A/s1600/Dress.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Op1wRgyQUX4/T3L14QVZeoI/AAAAAAAADQI/0DTuojoH64A/s400/Dress.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724908423147518594" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OcTnTgKInRg/T3L14PceGSI/AAAAAAAADQA/DDP6C2lxrT0/s1600/Dress1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OcTnTgKInRg/T3L14PceGSI/AAAAAAAADQA/DDP6C2lxrT0/s400/Dress1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724908422908746018" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kPNOe9LuEg0/T3L14xlHmcI/AAAAAAAADQY/R5QKRUYAkVA/s1600/DSC_9971.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kPNOe9LuEg0/T3L14xlHmcI/AAAAAAAADQY/R5QKRUYAkVA/s400/DSC_9971.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724908432071825858" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I have a soft spot for beautiful fabric. And I love love love this one that I've stashed away for a while (in amongst a huge pile of other divine, yummy, designer - shooossh don't tell the hubby stash!). Hmmm what can I say? It was late in the night, when all is quiet and asleep. It was the fabric, the sewing machine and just me. I am mighty proud of what I've achieved...<br /><br />Fabric: Pretty Bird by Pillow & Maxfield for Michael Miller<br /><br />My beautiful stash is mostly from:<br /><a href="http://chibirun.com">Chibirun.com</a> and<br /><a href="http://www.wrappedinfabricaustralia.com/">Wrapped in Fabric</a><br /><br />Design from Amy Finlayson: <a href="http://habitual.wordpress.com/sundress-pattern/">Habitual.wordpress.com</a><br /><br />Model: my own :)<br /><br /><br />.Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414656970247092607noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6880102266704508876.post-57000308284945496332012-03-27T22:57:00.011+11:002012-03-27T23:37:46.999+11:00March in PicturesCan't believe it's nearly the end of March. So quickly it went by... I know I have some making up to do. Here are some photos...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wJRl_9RwyDM/T3GttHxKIPI/AAAAAAAADPw/3V372kuOVyU/s1600/4.%2BBedside.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wJRl_9RwyDM/T3GttHxKIPI/AAAAAAAADPw/3V372kuOVyU/s400/4.%2BBedside.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724547592055562482" border="0" /></a>4. My bedside - minus half the clutter. There's always cook books (I read recipes to sleep <span style="font-style: italic;">*yawn*</span>), my diary, Body Shop olive body butter, a framed picture of ME!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CKp8s59TkMM/T3Gts5VPnPI/AAAAAAAADPo/QkVHLUa61Hg/s1600/5.%2BA%2BSmile.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CKp8s59TkMM/T3Gts5VPnPI/AAAAAAAADPo/QkVHLUa61Hg/s400/5.%2BA%2BSmile.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724547588180385010" border="0" /></a>5. A smile - and a gorgeous one too.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f66ddPOPNKk/T3GtsqBhStI/AAAAAAAADPc/cZikpMr_6VQ/s1600/6.%2B5pm.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f66ddPOPNKk/T3GtsqBhStI/AAAAAAAADPc/cZikpMr_6VQ/s400/6.%2B5pm.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724547584071125714" border="0" /></a>6. 5 pm, after a day out with Thomas!<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6YJ3R48J2PI/T3GtYQKe09I/AAAAAAAADPQ/8AgQJgyExSc/s1600/7.%2BSomething%2BI%2BWore.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6YJ3R48J2PI/T3GtYQKe09I/AAAAAAAADPQ/8AgQJgyExSc/s400/7.%2BSomething%2BI%2BWore.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724547233532007378" border="0" /></a>7. Something I wore - dainty flowers teamed with cargo pants.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4rvQoyoQSSA/T3GtYDwGjyI/AAAAAAAADPE/PdOldcydA30/s1600/8.%2BWindow.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4rvQoyoQSSA/T3GtYDwGjyI/AAAAAAAADPE/PdOldcydA30/s400/8.%2BWindow.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724547230200139554" border="0" /></a>8. A window - I am mighty proud of.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nd5YoR1CMGk/T3GtXxQWwrI/AAAAAAAADO0/J3KEdQgIVv0/s1600/9.%2BRed.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nd5YoR1CMGk/T3GtXxQWwrI/AAAAAAAADO0/J3KEdQgIVv0/s400/9.%2BRed.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724547225235145394" border="0" /></a>9. Red - toffee apple<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7wMbKATi-aE/T3GtXrnxSZI/AAAAAAAADOo/ujIfnCq1C_Q/s1600/11.%2BSomeone%2BI%2BTalked%2Bto%2BToday.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7wMbKATi-aE/T3GtXrnxSZI/AAAAAAAADOo/ujIfnCq1C_Q/s400/11.%2BSomeone%2BI%2BTalked%2Bto%2BToday.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724547223722740114" border="0" /></a>11. Someone I talked to today - on the 11th of March, "my baby no. 4" turned one month old, what a milestone! OK... so he's NOT really my baby (when he poops, cries or wants a feed!). Isn't he gorgeous?<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0fXGolaNxYM/T3GtWVAdxqI/AAAAAAAADOg/Uwrl72FQDdo/s1600/12.%2BFork.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0fXGolaNxYM/T3GtWVAdxqI/AAAAAAAADOg/Uwrl72FQDdo/s400/12.%2BFork.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724547200472434338" border="0" /></a>12. A fork - & a spoon for Lily's lunch<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7zKE4fs8n9s/T3GtCm6tw6I/AAAAAAAADOU/5VFr1JYDAcs/s1600/13.%2BA%2BSign.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7zKE4fs8n9s/T3GtCm6tw6I/AAAAAAAADOU/5VFr1JYDAcs/s400/13.%2BA%2BSign.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724546861682770850" border="0" /></a>13. A sign - that my husband's been <strike>naughty</strike> happy.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JLJk9NeIVLA/T3GtCSkkNuI/AAAAAAAADOI/nukmekOUTHc/s1600/14.%2BClouds.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JLJk9NeIVLA/T3GtCSkkNuI/AAAAAAAADOI/nukmekOUTHc/s400/14.%2BClouds.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724546856221161186" border="0" /></a>14. Clouds - on an autumn day<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eTb2OdOB8Qk/T3GtB5_xIUI/AAAAAAAADN8/QdZWW3R3YH4/s1600/15.%2BCar.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eTb2OdOB8Qk/T3GtB5_xIUI/AAAAAAAADN8/QdZWW3R3YH4/s400/15.%2BCar.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724546849624367426" border="0" /></a>15. Cars - of my boys that I've been trying to sell<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EsI4hBIYm3s/T3GtBtH7vZI/AAAAAAAADNw/GSK466AGz_o/s1600/16.%2BGlasses.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EsI4hBIYm3s/T3GtBtH7vZI/AAAAAAAADNw/GSK466AGz_o/s400/16.%2BGlasses.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724546846168956306" border="0" /></a>16. <strike>Sun</strike>glasses - on missy potatohead<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V1exqBTEqW4/T3GtBcbLz0I/AAAAAAAADNk/sdNC255GiAQ/s1600/17.%2BGreen.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V1exqBTEqW4/T3GtBcbLz0I/AAAAAAAADNk/sdNC255GiAQ/s400/17.%2BGreen.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724546841686298434" border="0" /></a>17. Green - Billi Cord pants<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SipjMjM0bYI/T3GsZpGUKkI/AAAAAAAADNY/cttcfiDWJ38/s1600/18.%2BA%2BCorner%2Bof%2BMy%2BHome.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 254px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SipjMjM0bYI/T3GsZpGUKkI/AAAAAAAADNY/cttcfiDWJ38/s400/18.%2BA%2BCorner%2Bof%2BMy%2BHome.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724546157893659202" border="0" /></a>18. A corner of my home - that I really like<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WVhqsk29vzI/T3GsZQXEScI/AAAAAAAADNM/BMH8pWKifx8/s1600/19.%2BFunny.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WVhqsk29vzI/T3GsZQXEScI/AAAAAAAADNM/BMH8pWKifx8/s400/19.%2BFunny.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724546151253035458" border="0" /></a>19. Funny - grass head by Lachlan<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mm_vW3jswk0/T3GsZKDcf0I/AAAAAAAADM8/BMY-qB3EjfQ/s1600/20.%2BBefore%2B%2526%2BAfter.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mm_vW3jswk0/T3GsZKDcf0I/AAAAAAAADM8/BMY-qB3EjfQ/s400/20.%2BBefore%2B%2526%2BAfter.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724546149560123202" border="0" /></a>20. Before & After - Bathroom renovations<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-30FznJ-cD6I/T3GsY5Lz0KI/AAAAAAAADMw/MUq0p6z6L8o/s1600/21.%2BDelicious%2BBaby.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-30FznJ-cD6I/T3GsY5Lz0KI/AAAAAAAADMw/MUq0p6z6L8o/s400/21.%2BDelicious%2BBaby.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724546145031803042" border="0" /></a>21. Delicious - babycino<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NPpsWSdmZ4M/T3GsYq8wb_I/AAAAAAAADMo/8udABDJUWfo/s1600/21.%2BDelicious%2521.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NPpsWSdmZ4M/T3GsYq8wb_I/AAAAAAAADMo/8udABDJUWfo/s400/21.%2BDelicious%2521.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724546141210570738" border="0" /></a>21. Delicious - <strike>yummy mummy</strike> cherry tomatoes<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MzY5Gk55YE4/T3GsDSptI9I/AAAAAAAADMM/SDH35PbGhDA/s1600/22.%2BKitchen%2BSink.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MzY5Gk55YE4/T3GsDSptI9I/AAAAAAAADMM/SDH35PbGhDA/s400/22.%2BKitchen%2BSink.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724545773910959058" border="0" /></a>22. Kitchen sink - really, who needs a picture of a clean kitchen sink?<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XIsHzL4CpiM/T3GsDldmjxI/AAAAAAAADMc/XvllTcfUuP8/s1600/21.%2BDelicious.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XIsHzL4CpiM/T3GsDldmjxI/AAAAAAAADMc/XvllTcfUuP8/s400/21.%2BDelicious.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724545778960469778" border="0" /></a>23. Moon - Asher's fullmoon cake, a delicious carrot and walnut with cream cheese frosting, covered with baby blue fondant.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rMno8bCUPjA/T3GsDNr8gZI/AAAAAAAADME/RKKX6r1IsvY/s1600/24.%2BAn%2BAnimal.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rMno8bCUPjA/T3GsDNr8gZI/AAAAAAAADME/RKKX6r1IsvY/s400/24.%2BAn%2BAnimal.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724545772578177426" border="0" /></a>24. An animal - that Lily cuddled at the wrong end!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8LPTIEfEfYc/T3GsC8JJL2I/AAAAAAAADL0/76tTKdWVd9g/s1600/25.%2BBreakfast.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8LPTIEfEfYc/T3GsC8JJL2I/AAAAAAAADL0/76tTKdWVd9g/s400/25.%2BBreakfast.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724545767868804962" border="0" /></a>25. Breakfast - of pancakes and delicious maple syrup from Canada. XXX<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uc1lFjC1vho/T3GsCZi5ChI/AAAAAAAADLs/xOUyD91uMFA/s1600/26.%2BStudent%2Bof%2Bthe%2Bweek%2521.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uc1lFjC1vho/T3GsCZi5ChI/AAAAAAAADLs/xOUyD91uMFA/s400/26.%2BStudent%2Bof%2Bthe%2Bweek%2521.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724545758581557778" border="0" /></a>26. Proudly presenting - Student of the Week!!!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xw0InwIiSS4/T3GrhOvzVMI/AAAAAAAADLk/SWcmDhbqo9c/s1600/27.%2BName.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xw0InwIiSS4/T3GrhOvzVMI/AAAAAAAADLk/SWcmDhbqo9c/s400/27.%2BName.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724545188747236546" border="0" /></a>27. Name - Asher<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QKsP-EERKtA/T3Grgx-67II/AAAAAAAADLU/UFrpx9yJlV8/s1600/28.%2BTrash.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QKsP-EERKtA/T3Grgx-67II/AAAAAAAADLU/UFrpx9yJlV8/s400/28.%2BTrash.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724545181026020482" border="0" /></a>28. Proudly presenting - trash/wheelie bin boy<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KXaUJdVki6E/T3Grgm83FvI/AAAAAAAADLI/yAdvNtp3vYc/s1600/29.%2BFeet.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KXaUJdVki6E/T3Grgm83FvI/AAAAAAAADLI/yAdvNtp3vYc/s400/29.%2BFeet.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724545178064590578" border="0" /></a>29. Feet - Lily's work of art, trying to "paint" her toenails with markers<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2q4Pdfs-Fu8/T3GrgqWKqhI/AAAAAAAADK4/HpUvRWPXCUg/s1600/30.%2BToy.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2q4Pdfs-Fu8/T3GrgqWKqhI/AAAAAAAADK4/HpUvRWPXCUg/s400/30.%2BToy.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724545178976037394" border="0" /></a>30. Toys - I pick up 30 thousand times a day<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7eKLUN_bIQs/T3GrgaAd8SI/AAAAAAAADKw/khmX1q0jhDI/s1600/31.%2BWhere%2BYou%2BRelax.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7eKLUN_bIQs/T3GrgaAd8SI/AAAAAAAADKw/khmX1q0jhDI/s400/31.%2BWhere%2BYou%2BRelax.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724545174590058786" border="0" /></a>31. Where I hang out...<br /><br />Hope you enjoy the pictures...<br /><br /><br /><br />.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414656970247092607noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6880102266704508876.post-87103371745741240012012-03-18T23:05:00.005+11:002012-03-18T23:24:44.537+11:00The latest addition to the dolly family...I have been inspired... This time by <a href="http://lionesslady.blogspot.com.au/">Lioness Lady</a>.<br /><br />A couple of weeks ago I hosted afternoon tea for kinder moms and their <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">littlies</span> while the 3 year <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">olds</span> (Lucas) were at kinder. It's wonderful to meet and get to know a little more, some of the moms that we say "hello" to at pick ups and drop offs. So over cuppa and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">biccies</span> and cupcakes and chit chats, I got to know this wonderful lady, and within 30 seconds, found that some of our likes are indeed.... quite alike!<br /><br />So she has inspired me to resurface an old friend, suffocated in dust and cobwebs, yet to be unpacked from stacks of boxes (yet to be unpacked) in the garage. Hello Singer!<br /><br />So I got busy one night (it was nearly midnight!) but it was all good. Something that I promised I would do quite some time ago. You see, they have been quite popular, and each time a little girl looks at me with those pleading eyes, it's hard not to say "<span style="font-style: italic;">take her, I'll make another one (for Lily)</span>" So this time I promise you my little girl, it's for you and no one will take her away.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dfLwqLmR59g/T2XQLVcnSRI/AAAAAAAADKM/dep-hJUeijU/s1600/P1020983.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dfLwqLmR59g/T2XQLVcnSRI/AAAAAAAADKM/dep-hJUeijU/s400/P1020983.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721207794798381330" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yfb6iZPov9w/T2XQL0uNTVI/AAAAAAAADKY/Os89NaoDXbo/s1600/P1020985.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yfb6iZPov9w/T2XQL0uNTVI/AAAAAAAADKY/Os89NaoDXbo/s400/P1020985.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721207803193675090" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ksJTPrMPxds/T2XQMcQ9QbI/AAAAAAAADKk/vYgTCpGClzE/s1600/P1020986.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ksJTPrMPxds/T2XQMcQ9QbI/AAAAAAAADKk/vYgTCpGClzE/s400/P1020986.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721207813808406962" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">*yet to be named*</span> Do you have a name for her?Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414656970247092607noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6880102266704508876.post-26159783993609632512012-03-03T22:48:00.007+11:002012-03-03T23:22:50.983+11:00Our Neighbourhood<div style="text-align: center;">We have some folks over from Malaysia, and we brought them for a walk around the neighbourhood. Tall pine trees, open fields and ovals, busy peak hour suburbia.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sBC8Kd-ca1Y/T1IK-Bs0HDI/AAAAAAAADKA/Zu68rQ3y0gc/s1600/P1020913.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sBC8Kd-ca1Y/T1IK-Bs0HDI/AAAAAAAADKA/Zu68rQ3y0gc/s400/P1020913.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715642937811147826" border="0" /></a><br />The kids took them to their favourite park.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8dyKKkMUD-w/T1IK9s_bqSI/AAAAAAAADJ0/_dcuteglHV8/s1600/P1020922.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8dyKKkMUD-w/T1IK9s_bqSI/AAAAAAAADJ0/_dcuteglHV8/s400/P1020922.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715642932252092706" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rkARS7nRIOo/T1IJNZu30iI/AAAAAAAADJc/pZxioWf4SeQ/s1600/P1020928.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rkARS7nRIOo/T1IJNZu30iI/AAAAAAAADJc/pZxioWf4SeQ/s400/P1020928.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715641002937012770" border="0" /></a><br />Lachlan is getting real good at the monkey bars<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CYcRT-lX59M/T1IJM97tHhI/AAAAAAAADJQ/dkFqngR77Nc/s1600/P1020929.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CYcRT-lX59M/T1IJM97tHhI/AAAAAAAADJQ/dkFqngR77Nc/s400/P1020929.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715640995474644498" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is my dad, their grandfather...<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kdi3AbizXQs/T1IJN7x4AAI/AAAAAAAADJo/mYqlGlDAxmA/s1600/P1020923.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kdi3AbizXQs/T1IJN7x4AAI/AAAAAAAADJo/mYqlGlDAxmA/s400/P1020923.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715641012076412930" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">He turned sixty a couple of weeks ago. But he's still great at abscaling!<br /></div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bOEUr5dDM3Q/T1IG-wXF4qI/AAAAAAAADI0/VrmYrZEsBmw/s1600/P1020939.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bOEUr5dDM3Q/T1IG-wXF4qI/AAAAAAAADI0/VrmYrZEsBmw/s400/P1020939.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715638552289993378" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SuZNLSFh4PI/T1IG-UDOrrI/AAAAAAAADIs/nO59MALunoc/s1600/P1020941.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SuZNLSFh4PI/T1IG-UDOrrI/AAAAAAAADIs/nO59MALunoc/s400/P1020941.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715638544690491058" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eqXjtVN99T8/T1IG_RjWeTI/AAAAAAAADJE/spZecAUCpR4/s1600/P1020936.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eqXjtVN99T8/T1IG_RjWeTI/AAAAAAAADJE/spZecAUCpR4/s400/P1020936.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715638561199782194" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5nZVXbIdots/T1IGEfNRFUI/AAAAAAAADIU/xf7BN0zpWd0/s1600/P1020957.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5nZVXbIdots/T1IGEfNRFUI/AAAAAAAADIU/xf7BN0zpWd0/s400/P1020957.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715637551252968770" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2QrJ_IJuZvY/T1IGE3n9CuI/AAAAAAAADIc/wunf56k5jm4/s1600/P1020943.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2QrJ_IJuZvY/T1IGE3n9CuI/AAAAAAAADIc/wunf56k5jm4/s400/P1020943.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715637557807352546" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZMWboQV4jhE/T1IGD1dIjnI/AAAAAAAADII/OicVyXfvL9g/s1600/P1020963.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZMWboQV4jhE/T1IGD1dIjnI/AAAAAAAADII/OicVyXfvL9g/s400/P1020963.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715637540045229682" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We love our neighbourhood.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Day 3| March Photo(s) A Day<br /></div><br /><br />*Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414656970247092607noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6880102266704508876.post-5348325580827484802012-03-02T23:02:00.004+11:002012-03-02T23:10:08.461+11:00Fruit<div style="text-align: center;">Day 2<br /></div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uJM1BZD1VGM/T1C3arMpFlI/AAAAAAAADH8/nDRb0iLQGwY/s1600/photo%25281%2529.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uJM1BZD1VGM/T1C3arMpFlI/AAAAAAAADH8/nDRb0iLQGwY/s400/photo%25281%2529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715269596033390162" border="0" /></a><br />The green grocer in the neighbouring suburb where we get our fruit fixes from.<br /><br /><br /><br />*Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414656970247092607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6880102266704508876.post-79475698015195352162012-03-01T23:01:00.004+11:002012-03-01T23:15:01.432+11:00Up!<div style="text-align: center;">March Photo-A-Day | Day 1<br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Kinabalu">Low's Peak Mt Kinabalu</a>, 13 435ft.<br /></div><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xV6NQN9Nq4Y/T09nENQE75I/AAAAAAAADHk/HnQMDUOR1Co/s1600/mt%2Bkk.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xV6NQN9Nq4Y/T09nENQE75I/AAAAAAAADHk/HnQMDUOR1Co/s400/mt%2Bkk.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714899774130679698" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Back in the days... when I was a nerd :)<br /></div><br /><br />*Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414656970247092607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6880102266704508876.post-5504634211169047742012-03-01T12:39:00.001+11:002012-03-01T12:41:11.105+11:00I'm in!!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EYah3J1aATg/T07TUaPJs9I/AAAAAAAADHM/1gIkbDIMVlk/s1600/marchphotoaday-final.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EYah3J1aATg/T07TUaPJs9I/AAAAAAAADHM/1gIkbDIMVlk/s400/marchphotoaday-final.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714737324773454802" border="0" /></a><br />Are you??Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414656970247092607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6880102266704508876.post-79288758677744546542012-02-27T23:15:00.003+11:002012-02-28T00:04:29.740+11:00Sweltering Heat<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-czSl2aDUIPI/T0t1pOXInhI/AAAAAAAADG0/U2HJHr4gP-w/s1600/P1020321.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-czSl2aDUIPI/T0t1pOXInhI/AAAAAAAADG0/U2HJHr4gP-w/s400/P1020321.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713789903339822610" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qXsBawN5esg/T0t1or0hcDI/AAAAAAAADGo/m6LMHf1DYok/s1600/P1020318.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qXsBawN5esg/T0t1or0hcDI/AAAAAAAADGo/m6LMHf1DYok/s400/P1020318.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713789894067843122" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r7SnGLPEzOA/T0t1puhTafI/AAAAAAAADG8/U0wbH9A6e9U/s1600/P1020322.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r7SnGLPEzOA/T0t1puhTafI/AAAAAAAADG8/U0wbH9A6e9U/s400/P1020322.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713789911972407794" border="0" /></a><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span>Blistering heatwave = <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Icypole</span> undercover & big splash in pool. It was hot in Melbourne on the weekend! And now we welcome the rain.... and some cool change.<br /><br />***<br /><br />The past week has been a busy one. Renovations in the house continues (oh no, we ain't finished just yet). We have more overseas visitors, and so more people lining up to use one miserly bathroom. The builders are wondering how many people actually lived in this house! So hey, no pressure, but hurry up and finish the other bathroom already! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Ooo</span>... I can't wait to show the before & after photos.<br /><br />:)<br /><br />***<br /><br />My brains are not keeping up with my schedule. 3 kids, 1 dog, 1 blog, many overseas visitors, oh have I mentioned a newborn? Anyways, he's not mine. But I've managed to trick one of my long time friends into bringing me a newborn baby gift. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Haha</span>! And the husband away on a business trip. It's all (un)happening in this house.<br /><br />And I apologize. There was a giveaway that happened <a href="http://lachinvasion.blogspot.com.au/2012/01/tiddalik-thirsty-frog-at-melbourne.html">here</a> a little while back. And the winner (as chosen by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Lachlan</span>) is Catherine. Catherine, do email me at <span style="font-style: italic;">grace {at} koay {dot} com</span> with your details so I can send you your free Melbourne Museum pass. Thanks! So sorry to keep you all waiting.<br /><br />***<br /><br />Lachlan was awarded "Student of the Week" today at school assembly. He did some great "on the weekend" writing. We are really proud of him. Well done Lachy, keep up the great job!<br /><br />***<br />Another busy week ahead! Wish me luck... I need it.<br /><br />*Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414656970247092607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6880102266704508876.post-12429074927608151262012-02-20T23:04:00.005+11:002012-02-20T23:29:18.619+11:00The Girls Next Door<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2GVbM8ZDWas/T0I6Vs9mv8I/AAAAAAAADGE/_y1IxM2l8HE/s1600/P1020798.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2GVbM8ZDWas/T0I6Vs9mv8I/AAAAAAAADGE/_y1IxM2l8HE/s400/P1020798.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711191421980426178" border="0" /></a><br />Next door to ours, over the back fence, lived three gorgeous girls.<br /><br />In the evenings, when the sun is not too hot, we hear the girls and they hear us, playing. They jumped on their trampoline, we jumped on ours. They swing on theirs and we on ours.<br /><br />One day not too long ago, we saw the step ladder by the back fence. Two boys, hanging over the fence with only their butts high in the air, and flip flops and legs flapping on our side of the fence.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iMO8TyI8wgM/T0I6VC1cjnI/AAAAAAAADF4/7xKvfVwR3m4/s1600/P1020808.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iMO8TyI8wgM/T0I6VC1cjnI/AAAAAAAADF4/7xKvfVwR3m4/s400/P1020808.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711191410671914610" border="0" /></a>The boys were chatting up the girls!<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OAWApw89vcI/T0I64Wm4eNI/AAAAAAAADGQ/-8q2NoNjuhg/s1600/P1020797.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OAWApw89vcI/T0I64Wm4eNI/AAAAAAAADGQ/-8q2NoNjuhg/s400/P1020797.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711192017274960082" border="0" /></a><br />Every day or two, we see heads bobbing up and down over the fence, red hair with pig tails. The girls calling out to my boys. They exchanged notes, snacks and other bits and bobs. It puts a smile on my face.<br /><br />:)<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y0Beg-kxLv0/T0I648EKc0I/AAAAAAAADGc/dGsBxnNfwmA/s1600/P1020794.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y0Beg-kxLv0/T0I648EKc0I/AAAAAAAADGc/dGsBxnNfwmA/s400/P1020794.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711192027329884994" border="0" /></a>For Lily, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Lockie</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Lyfes</span> (Lucas) from a girl named "Amelia".<br /><br /><br />.Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414656970247092607noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6880102266704508876.post-88587680384421333302012-02-20T22:27:00.004+11:002012-02-20T22:59:51.078+11:00Amaize'ing<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k3EXY0g5QfQ/T0IwhS0CnzI/AAAAAAAADFs/d3P3ArjYwWw/s1600/P1020806.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k3EXY0g5QfQ/T0IwhS0CnzI/AAAAAAAADFs/d3P3ArjYwWw/s400/P1020806.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711180626003140402" border="0" /></a><br />I've got corn in my backyard and I can't help singing the ridiculous line from the musical <span style="font-style: italic;">Oklahoma</span> about how the corn was "<span style="font-style: italic;">as high as the elephant's eye</span>". The boys think it's funny.<br /><br />This is such a magical crop for the kids to experience. They helped sow the seeds, and watched the young seedlings grow. They watched how mummy fed them "chicken poo", and how they grew and grew and grew (as high as the elephant's eye!). Then the fruits appear, husks and silks and all. We pulled one out, though not quite ready for harvesting. I wasn't sure how we were going to eat it, this was our first time growing corn. When will it be ready? Lucas and Lily shared the corn, they devoured it, right there and then no cooking required. And then shouted<span style="font-style: italic;"> more, more, more</span>!<br /><br />I had a little taste.... it was unbelievably sweet. I think we might be getting a bumper crop this year!<br /><br /><br />.Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414656970247092607noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6880102266704508876.post-37844014163930406042012-02-13T23:19:00.006+11:002012-02-14T00:20:20.454+11:00Celebrations of LifeThe week whizzed by. Kids started school. And just when we thought we are walking into normality, this little fella, a cute, squishy, cuddly bundle of joy sprang on us a couple of weeks earlier than expected. I wish I could claim him as mine (in actual fact I did on facebook, and it was amazing how many people fell for it! Baby number 4?? Gasp!) No, I am nearly insane with 3, but not quite crazy enough for number 4!<br /><br />My brother and sister in law who has come to live with us had this beautiful baby boy. And it is with so much pleasure to have them stay with us......<br /><br />But if only we are finished with our home renovations.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oTsdjwgOB7k/TzkGzK9DIHI/AAAAAAAADD0/hG2yP4bvIts/s1600/420529_10150775523711164_629636163_12433548_1357520380_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 291px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oTsdjwgOB7k/TzkGzK9DIHI/AAAAAAAADD0/hG2yP4bvIts/s400/420529_10150775523711164_629636163_12433548_1357520380_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708601478852321394" border="0" /></a><br />So welcome on board, baby A. He will be a regular on this blog from now on. :)<br /><br />So in the midst of new baby, lunch boxes, two year old tantrums, bathroom and laundry renovations (I don't have washing to do! Yay! But we are nearly running out of underwear...) and 7 people lining up to use one bathroom and toilet, I created this...<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1ahsjjHs52c/TzkG0DuxWHI/AAAAAAAADEc/t79KaAKc9r4/s1600/DSC_8826-001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 283px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1ahsjjHs52c/TzkG0DuxWHI/AAAAAAAADEc/t79KaAKc9r4/s400/DSC_8826-001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708601494093256818" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:78%;" >Flourless orange and almond cake and dark chocolate ganache.</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RwTsJljau4g/TzkGzYo0PfI/AAAAAAAADD8/ptDJwY5CG_w/s1600/DSC_8796-001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 258px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RwTsJljau4g/TzkGzYo0PfI/AAAAAAAADD8/ptDJwY5CG_w/s400/DSC_8796-001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708601482525556210" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Very vanilla buttery cupcakes with violet chantilly cream.</span></span><br /></div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TfSXrFojzaM/TzkHD9yKl2I/AAAAAAAADEw/-gGGCC60HaE/s1600/DSC_8882-001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 339px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TfSXrFojzaM/TzkHD9yKl2I/AAAAAAAADEw/-gGGCC60HaE/s400/DSC_8882-001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708601767374788450" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gUDGAzno4Gc/TzkHEnh4c1I/AAAAAAAADFI/HhppcGV5bQc/s1600/DSC_8888-001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 295px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gUDGAzno4Gc/TzkHEnh4c1I/AAAAAAAADFI/HhppcGV5bQc/s400/DSC_8888-001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708601778580779858" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-15IdZhjjzy8/TzkGzrKARzI/AAAAAAAADEM/AYTjmZgeUy8/s1600/DSC_8806-001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 305px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-15IdZhjjzy8/TzkGzrKARzI/AAAAAAAADEM/AYTjmZgeUy8/s400/DSC_8806-001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708601487496595250" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QHd1tSHnDHM/TzkHEQ33HqI/AAAAAAAADE8/DL9JxS20uXM/s1600/DSC_8887-001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 252px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QHd1tSHnDHM/TzkHEQ33HqI/AAAAAAAADE8/DL9JxS20uXM/s400/DSC_8887-001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708601772498951842" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_z0a8Vjacko/TzkHDtskhvI/AAAAAAAADEk/oz5qo7O637g/s1600/DSC_8849-001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 291px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_z0a8Vjacko/TzkHDtskhvI/AAAAAAAADEk/oz5qo7O637g/s400/DSC_8849-001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708601763056355058" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">It was for a very special lady in our lives...*we love you*<br />Happy Birthday!<br /><br />***<br />And this is my very own baby, I still pinch myself everyday wondering how on earth I created this cupcake! I must have been real lucky.<br /></div><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7WtYSqyWbL4/TzkHNxyQZJI/AAAAAAAADFU/76QwkshWOvY/s1600/DSC_8979-001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 294px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7WtYSqyWbL4/TzkHNxyQZJI/AAAAAAAADFU/76QwkshWOvY/s400/DSC_8979-001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708601935952635026" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VO8DdLKmy6E/TzkHNy6Fx4I/AAAAAAAADFc/s_HQikMEZDE/s1600/DSC_8990-001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VO8DdLKmy6E/TzkHNy6Fx4I/AAAAAAAADFc/s_HQikMEZDE/s400/DSC_8990-001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708601936253929346" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">:)<br /><br /><br /></div>.Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414656970247092607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6880102266704508876.post-66439716560840569462012-02-06T22:22:00.004+11:002012-02-06T23:30:02.490+11:00First Day of School<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jm343_D8Chk/Ty-5anvw7hI/AAAAAAAADDQ/Mtrj4i5Rl68/s1600/P1020824.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jm343_D8Chk/Ty-5anvw7hI/AAAAAAAADDQ/Mtrj4i5Rl68/s400/P1020824.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705983119898766866" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eC0No_R_dYs/Ty-5aYthZ5I/AAAAAAAADDE/Gl_5OfB-vAQ/s1600/P1020821.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eC0No_R_dYs/Ty-5aYthZ5I/AAAAAAAADDE/Gl_5OfB-vAQ/s400/P1020821.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705983115862828946" border="0" /></a><br />Dear World,<br /><br />Today, my little boy with tousled hair, two big brown eyes, a cheeky grin and a big hearty laugh began his journey to become a man. It tugs my heart, when I walked him through the big school gates, his little hand in mine. He could hardly contain his excitement, a skip in every step. He waved goodbye with his confident hands, and said "bye mum" and went on with the rest of the class, doing whatever he was doing like he has done it many times before. It was his first day at school.<br /><br />Daddy came along to say his "goodbyes". He said goodbye... about 9 times. But still stood in the corner of the class. Looking around, lingering. Come on daddy, let's go!<br /><br />I walked out, proud and tall. Thinking I deserved a big pat on my back, and maybe pop open a bottle of champagne when we got home. 1 down, 2 more to go, hip hip hooray. But... I couldn't help myself, I peeped into the classroom window and looked at my little boy with tousled hair, two big brown eyes, a cheeky grin and a big hearty laugh. All grown up, in his new school shirt, shorts and black shoes.<br /><br />My heart tangled in knots, crying silent tears. This small person has been my whole life for the past 5 years - and now there's all this time and space without him. And HIS days will be filled with new experiences, new friends and new interests. Without ME.<br /><br />Lucas and Lily, wondered where's big brother <span style="font-style: italic;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">koko</span></span>? What is he doing? Where is his school? <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">When's</span> he coming back? Is HE coming back? Asking a million <span style="font-style: italic;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">koko</span></span> questions in a short span of time, over and over again (and it was only half day today). How will I cope with two little siblings WITHOUT HIM??<br /><br />I guess it's just a matter of getting used to...<br /><br />My babies, growing up too quickly too soon.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wuaaoL0sOD0/Ty-5bLkPsYI/AAAAAAAADDc/hSfCB9pCB_M/s1600/P1020835.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wuaaoL0sOD0/Ty-5bLkPsYI/AAAAAAAADDc/hSfCB9pCB_M/s400/P1020835.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705983129514127746" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wrl1nyUawmM/Ty-5brIRwyI/AAAAAAAADDo/0SibFAls5pk/s1600/P1020838.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wrl1nyUawmM/Ty-5brIRwyI/AAAAAAAADDo/0SibFAls5pk/s400/P1020838.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705983137986757410" border="0" /></a><br /><br />..Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414656970247092607noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6880102266704508876.post-12726747926327143392012-02-03T00:05:00.000+11:002012-02-04T00:00:24.138+11:00Lychee Dessert Plate<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Quqs6oOf2g/TxwM0vQ2UII/AAAAAAAAC4Y/ofdWHXA1ddU/s1600/DSC_8749.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Quqs6oOf2g/TxwM0vQ2UII/AAAAAAAAC4Y/ofdWHXA1ddU/s400/DSC_8749.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700445328524071042" border="0" /></a><br />What a sweet way to celebrate the passing of 2011 in the lunar calendar - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">chinese</span> new year eve. Whilst I knew exactly what I wanted to make for dessert, 5 components to a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">lychee</span> themed dessert plate (a good friend laughed at how I like to make themes for dessert!), I was utterly and completely blank with dinner itself! Luckily enough, my mother in law was here to help.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Lychees</span> are not native to Australia and it is quite difficult and expensive to get it fresh here down under. However, during the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">chinese</span> new year season, you do see quite a bit of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">lychees</span> at the supermarket, no doubt not as plump and juicy as the ones you get from Malaysia. I don't know why I was thinking <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">lychees</span> this year, maybe because it's such a "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">chinese</span>" type fruit, I've certainly heard of stories of the fruit being used widely as a delicacy in the Chinese Imperial Court. It's from Chine, no? Hence <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">CNY</span> = a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">lychee</span> dessert??<br /><br />This dessert was planned so thoroughly, started 3 days in advance. (And the rest of the menu in havoc, 3 hours prior!)<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Lychee</span> and nectarine <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">frangipane</span> tart<br />Fresh <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">lychee</span> ice cream<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Lychee</span> cream <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">macaron</span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Lychee</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">japanese</span> jelly<br />And a green tea infused syrup (which I regretfully omitted in the end)<br /><br />The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">frangipane</span> tart was the hero, the recipe I adapted from <a href="http://citrusandcandy.com/">Citrus and Candy</a>. I love the buttery, very short, melt in the mouth pastry. Yum yum...<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SJzbm69okhs/TyvKEO50kWI/AAAAAAAADCU/OBmhldmISyo/s1600/P1020424.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SJzbm69okhs/TyvKEO50kWI/AAAAAAAADCU/OBmhldmISyo/s400/P1020424.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704875527063769442" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-size:130%;" >Almond <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Frangipane</span> Tart, with fresh nectarines and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">lychees</span>.</span><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#000000;">Buttery Shortbread Pastry (Pate <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Sablé</span>)</span></strong> <p><em><span style="color:#888888;">Makes 1 x 20cm tart</span></em></p> <p><strong>Ingredients</strong></p> <p>125g plain flour<br />50g icing sugar<br />pinch of salt<br />100g butter, cold and chopped<br />1 egg yolk</p> <p><strong>Method</strong></p> <p>In a food processor, add the flour, sugar and salt and give it a quick whirl to mix. Add chopped cubes of cold butter and process until it roughly resembles breadcrumbs. Add the yolks and process until the dough comes together.</p> <p>Pat dough together into a round disk and wrap well in clingfilm (you might need a little sprinkle of flour if dough gets too soft or warm). Refrigerate until ready to use or until well chilled.</p> <p>Lightly grease a 20cm loose-bottomed fluted tart tin. Roll pastry between two sheets of non-stick baking paper to a circle roughly 25-26cm in diameter and about 3mm thick.</p> <p>Wrap dough around the rolling pin removing the baking paper from the bottom as you do so. Line the tin and tuck in the pastry into the sides and bottom. Remove the top sheet and run the rolling pin over the top of the tin to cut off the excess.</p> <p>Use excess dough to patch up any holes or flaws. If the dough gets too warm and soft, refrigerate for 5-10 minutes to firm up.</p> <p>Chill pastry for at least an hour.</p> <p>Preheat oven to 180°C. Scrunch up a sheet of baking paper and lay on top of the tart shell. Fill with ceramic pie weights and blind bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked, lightly golden and the bottom is ‘dry’.</p> <p>Remove the baking paper and weights and bake for another 3-5 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from oven and cool on wire rack.</p> <p><span style="color: rgb(153, 204, 0);"><strong>Note:</strong> This is a really buttery pastry so it <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">isn</span>’t <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">exac</span></span><span style="color:#99cc00;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">tly</span> summer/humidity friendly. Be sure to refrigerate as soon as the pastry softens too much to make it easier to work with and rest it adequately to prevent shrinkage in the oven. It definitely needs to be rolled between two sheets of baking paper but don’t worry if you mess up a little when lining the tin. You easily can use the pastry to patch up any holes or mistakes.</span></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fHXip-YEARc/TxwLZ92WzdI/AAAAAAAAC4M/ONME6N2qk9w/s1600/DSC_8752.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fHXip-YEARc/TxwLZ92WzdI/AAAAAAAAC4M/ONME6N2qk9w/s400/DSC_8752.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700443769071390162" border="0" /></a><strong><span style=" ;font-size:medium;color:#000000;" >Almond <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Frangipane</span></span></strong> <p><strong>Ingredients</strong></p> <p>150g butter, slightly softened<br />150g icing sugar<br />150g almond meal<br />2 eggs<br />1 egg yolk<br />20ml Grand <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Marnier</span><br />1 tsp vanilla extract<br />30g plain flour</p> <p><strong>Method</strong></p> <p>Cream butter and sugar until pale, light and fluffy (at least 5 minutes). Add the almond meal and beat until mixed. Add the eggs, Grand <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Marnier</span>, vanilla and flour and beat until combined.</p> <p>Mixture can be refrigerated covered for a couple of days or frozen. Allow the mixture to come to room temperature to soften before adding to pastry case.</p> <p>Spoon enough <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">frangipane</span> into your cooled shortbread pastry case and use an offset spatula to even it out (do not fill more than 0.5 cm below the top of pastry case).</p> <p>Bake in a preheated 180°C oven for around 15 minutes until <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">frangipane</span> is puffed, cooked through and lightly golden (it’s ready when the centre springs back).</p> <p>Remove tart and cool on wire rack.</p> <p>Brush the surface of the warm tart with some warmed apricot jam then shower with sifted icing sugar. Allow to cool completely.<br />Tart is best served on the day but can be stored for a short time in an airtight container.</p><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-size:130%;" ><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">Lychee</span> Cream <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">Macaron</span></span><br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">Macarons</span> and me, we have a hit and miss relationship. I started with the french method <span style="font-style: italic;">(<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">macarons</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">au</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">blanc</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">monte</span>)</span> after a bit of research online, fell in love with <a href="http://www.tarteletteblog.com/">My <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">Tartelette</span></a>, and then hovered over the Italian method <span style="font-style: italic;">(<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">macarons</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">au</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">sucre</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">cuit</span>)</span> after a few failed batches of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">macarons</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">au</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">blanc</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43">monte</span>. And I still couldn't get it quite right.<br /><br />Call me crazy but I am not a huge fan of 'em macs. Perhaps, maybe I like ONE <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44">macaron</span>. Then it becomes sickly sweet. But I want to make them. I need to make it perfect. To achieve the standard beauty of a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45">macaron</span>, you need a smooth dome of a shell with pretty little ruffles down the bottom otherwise known as the feet. You could almost jump with joy at the first sight of "feet" hurrah!<br /><br />So I went back to basics. I counted how many successful batches of french and how many <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_46">italians</span>, strangely enough, the french method wins! (The Italian method is known to be more stable and hence more feet successes).<br /><br />I will not post the recipe for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_47">macarons</span> here, but if you would like to make them, hop over to <a href="http://www.raspberricupcakes.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_48">raspberri</span> cupcakes</a>. She has the most gorgeous looking macs and her ideas are just brilliant!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IWFsS39FwQM/TyvKEUu_GwI/AAAAAAAADCg/aEZIF6UKioE/s1600/102_PANA.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IWFsS39FwQM/TyvKEUu_GwI/AAAAAAAADCg/aEZIF6UKioE/s400/102_PANA.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704875528628935426" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PF4-3QYLLqQ/TxwLZrNQc1I/AAAAAAAAC4A/CtWwevV28dk/s1600/DSC_8765.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PF4-3QYLLqQ/TxwLZrNQc1I/AAAAAAAAC4A/CtWwevV28dk/s400/DSC_8765.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700443764067169106" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fcP-7iMQdlg/TyvKEirxCGI/AAAAAAAADCo/HKi_2DJewNs/s1600/102_PANA1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 178px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fcP-7iMQdlg/TyvKEirxCGI/AAAAAAAADCo/HKi_2DJewNs/s400/102_PANA1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704875532373526626" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-size:130%;" ><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_49">Lychee</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Ice Cream</span></span><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bz5j5OysvGc/TyvWTfAYn2I/AAAAAAAADC4/TzBomNwBESQ/s1600/LycheeIceCream-med.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bz5j5OysvGc/TyvWTfAYn2I/AAAAAAAADC4/TzBomNwBESQ/s400/LycheeIceCream-med.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704888983223836514" border="0" /></a><br /><h4>Ingredients</h4><ul><li>1 cup milk</li><li>1 cup heavy cream</li><li>1 whole vanilla bean, split</li><li>3 egg yolks</li><li>1/3 cup <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_50">castor</span> sugar</li><li>2 400g cans peeled whole <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_51">lychees</span> in heavy syrup</li></ul><h4>Instructions</h4><p>1. In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, cream, and vanilla bean. Place the mixture over medium heat and bring to a simmer. </p> <p>2. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the sugar until light. Pour a small amount of the hot milk into the yolk mixture, whisking constantly. Return the mixture to the milk in the pan and cook and stir until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a metal spoon. Transfer the mixture to a bowl. </p> <p>3. Drain the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_52">lychees</span>, reserving 1/4 cup of the syrup. Place the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_53">lychees</span> and the reserved syrup in a food processor or a blender. Process for 15 seconds, or until the mixture is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_54">puréed</span> but with some pieces remaining. Stir the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_55">purée</span> into the cream mixture until well blended. Chill. </p> <p>4. Transfer the chilled mixture to an ice cream maker and churn for 30 minutes. Transfer to a freezer safe container and chill overnight. </p>There you go! That was my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_56">lychee</span> dessert plate for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_57">chinese</span> new year eve. Never was I this excited over a dessert plate before. I think I had my dinner guests in a sugar high as we ushered in the new year. Beauty!<br /><br />***Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414656970247092607noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6880102266704508876.post-25610488128179242082012-01-31T00:13:00.009+11:002012-01-31T22:38:20.009+11:00Tiddalik the Thirsty Frog at the Melbourne Museum + Giveaway!<div style="text-align: right;">Product Talk by <a href="http://www.nuffnang.com.au/blog/2012/01/10/product-talk-melbourne-museum/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Nuffnang</span></a>.<br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Disclaimer: This is NOT a paid sponsored post</span>.</span><br /></div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7mLT6H94Nns/Tydm-F9PFyI/AAAAAAAADBQ/lcXzNUOkS_w/s1600/P1020744.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 180px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7mLT6H94Nns/Tydm-F9PFyI/AAAAAAAADBQ/lcXzNUOkS_w/s400/P1020744.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703640670024963874" border="0" /></a><br /><br />During the school holidays, we were given complimentary tickets to the <a href="http://museumvictoria.com.au/melbournemuseum/">Melbourne Museum</a> to check out a performance featuring a Victorian aboriginal creation story, <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Tiddalik</span> the Thirsty Frog</span>. This was a live stage performance by the <a href="http://museumvictoria.com.au/bunjilaka/"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Bunjilaka</span> Aboriginal Cultural <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Centr</span></span>e</a> in collaboration with <a href="http://ilbijerri.com.au/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Ilbijerri</span> Theatre Company.</a><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hY1bjWoLDSo/Tydj1EohrSI/AAAAAAAAC_s/cxSst20IWeM/s1600/Melbourne-Museum.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 165px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hY1bjWoLDSo/Tydj1EohrSI/AAAAAAAAC_s/cxSst20IWeM/s400/Melbourne-Museum.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703637216515960098" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I was excited! This was my first ever true taste of aboriginal storytelling. Having grown up in Malaysia, I know just very little (if anything) about the Australian history and culture. I must admit, I was nervous at the start. My own children will be starting school, and soon there will be endless questions to answer! My husband was born and <span style="font-style: italic;">bred</span> in Australia, but he has NEVER heard of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Tiddalik</span>.....(gulp).<br /><br />I packed all three kids in the car, nearly 2, nearly 4 and nearly 6 years old and explained that we were going to the museum to see <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Tiddalik</span>. And as I was going to explain who and what it is all about, my nearly 6 spilled out EVERYTHING he knew about the thirsty frog. He learnt about it at kinder the year before. Now, I'm glad <span style="font-style: italic;">someone</span> was paying attention!<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fyFhm_z12LI/Tydj1_3iy9I/AAAAAAAAC_4/F5ZiObK_zv8/s1600/P1020704.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fyFhm_z12LI/Tydj1_3iy9I/AAAAAAAAC_4/F5ZiObK_zv8/s400/P1020704.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703637232416639954" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Tiddalik</span> tells the story of the <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Gunai</span> people</span> of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Gippsland</span>, Victoria. It's about a greedy frog that has drunk all the water in the land, all by himself, leaving the other animals and plants dry and withering. They needed to find a way to get the water back. It sends an important message about water conservation.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cs7sDzf11IY/Tydl4Cb5qXI/AAAAAAAADAQ/HabsbaOIdfE/s1600/P1020705.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cs7sDzf11IY/Tydl4Cb5qXI/AAAAAAAADAQ/HabsbaOIdfE/s400/P1020705.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703639466488998258" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Uncle Herb played his gum leaf. There were lots of dancing, laughing and clapping.</span></span><br /><br />The stage set up was bright and colourful, and the actors were so lively and engaging! The kids sat through 20 minutes of it all, with lots of laughter, dancing and clapping!<br /><br />Now, if you would like to see <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Tiddalik</span>, you have to be at the museum RIGHT about now. Unfortunately, today is the LAST day for the performance as part of the school holiday program. So I could not offer you a free ticket to watch <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Tiddalik</span>. BUT. There are JUST SO MANY things to see and do at the Melbourne Museum. So if you would like to win a free adult pass to the Museum worth $10, (kids enter for free!) do read on.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TFAj5tbQNfE/Tydl4myQzXI/AAAAAAAADAc/pIo5lDQKXaI/s1600/P1020708.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TFAj5tbQNfE/Tydl4myQzXI/AAAAAAAADAc/pIo5lDQKXaI/s400/P1020708.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703639476246465906" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The Melbourne Museum is one place you would bring the kids back again and again. There's just so much to do, and always too little time. Every little space has so much to explore. The dinosaur walk was one of the highlights of our trip.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d3rRGsLowfc/Tydl4ziCdjI/AAAAAAAADAs/zs1febsbdnk/s1600/P1020712.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 224px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d3rRGsLowfc/Tydl4ziCdjI/AAAAAAAADAs/zs1febsbdnk/s400/P1020712.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703639479668078130" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Whooaahh</span> dinosaur bones!! </span></span><br /><br />The kids also checked out the dynamic earth, evolving over 600 million years in funky 3D glasses. It was such a stunning exhibition, they were immersed in the formation of the earth, and surrounded by active <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">volcanoes</span>!<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WpTBQPzM1HA/Tydl5XTYWiI/AAAAAAAADA0/U8Rvfo1uCSw/s1600/P1020724.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WpTBQPzM1HA/Tydl5XTYWiI/AAAAAAAADA0/U8Rvfo1uCSw/s400/P1020724.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703639489270274594" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Then it was off to the children's gallery, where there were just SO much to keep the kids entertained both inside and outside. The kids played hopscotch, hula hoops, stacked up blocks, skipped ropes and so much more. Now this is the one place you have difficulties getting your kids to leave!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-17Xz6uPx06E/Tydm-C-utUI/AAAAAAAADBA/e-Ubb-9Wv-0/s1600/P1020725.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-17Xz6uPx06E/Tydm-C-utUI/AAAAAAAADBA/e-Ubb-9Wv-0/s400/P1020725.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703640669225923906" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It was such an enjoyable outing and I am sure we will be back for more in the near future.<br /><h3>Give Away – 1 Adult Entry to Melbourne Museum<br /></h3><p>Thanks to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Nuffnang</span> and the Melbourne Museum, I have an additional pass for an adult entry to the Melbourne Museum, valid until 30<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">th</span> of June 2012. To enter:</p><ul><li>Leave a comment below and tell me what kind of dinosaur you would like to be and why.</li><li>The giveaway is open to Australian residents only.<br /></li><li>If outside of Melbourne you must be able to use the pass by 30<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">th</span> of June 2012.</li><li>You may only enter once.</li><li>Entries close at 5pm <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">AEDST</span> 12<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">th</span> Feb 2012.</li><li>Good luck!</li></ul><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8B1p5AP7gdk/Tydm-tDmt1I/AAAAAAAADBY/4-MADrztHec/s1600/P1020746.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 238px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8B1p5AP7gdk/Tydm-tDmt1I/AAAAAAAADBY/4-MADrztHec/s400/P1020746.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703640680520660818" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><em><strong>Fine print:</strong></em><em><strong></strong><br /><br />Excludes special exhibitions and events.<br />Not valid with any other offer. Not redeemable for cash.<br />Open daily 10am – 5pm (closed Good Friday)</em><br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Cost:</strong> Additional entry prices to Melbourne Museum – Adults are $10, children and concessions are <strong>free!<br /><br /></strong><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CPE9UJRfNAY/Tydj02Q5qBI/AAAAAAAAC_g/JruzwaHNzXQ/s1600/2012%2BJanuary%2BMuseum-001.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 179px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CPE9UJRfNAY/Tydj02Q5qBI/AAAAAAAAC_g/JruzwaHNzXQ/s400/2012%2BJanuary%2BMuseum-001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703637212658771986" border="0" /></a>Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414656970247092607noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6880102266704508876.post-18509464527387596632012-01-29T23:35:00.006+11:002012-01-30T00:12:46.067+11:00Chinatown in Pictures<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MTYpM_Z_MqA/TyU_n7eNaDI/AAAAAAAAC-A/cBTvVB26EyQ/s1600/P1020644.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MTYpM_Z_MqA/TyU_n7eNaDI/AAAAAAAAC-A/cBTvVB26EyQ/s400/P1020644.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703034458346448946" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v21o9F0zDPo/TyVFSI-_iPI/AAAAAAAAC-k/Mg96Dg1phAo/s1600/CNY%2BFB%2BBlog1.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v21o9F0zDPo/TyVFSI-_iPI/AAAAAAAAC-k/Mg96Dg1phAo/s400/CNY%2BFB%2BBlog1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703040681086257394" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a6W7fvd52mg/TyU_oqngcrI/AAAAAAAAC-Y/XLsGp_Pk24k/s1600/P1020529.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a6W7fvd52mg/TyU_oqngcrI/AAAAAAAAC-Y/XLsGp_Pk24k/s400/P1020529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703034471001911986" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NUWTPe3z4uQ/TyU-hVkmT_I/AAAAAAAAC9c/jPM_N4euaTE/s1600/P1020678.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NUWTPe3z4uQ/TyU-hVkmT_I/AAAAAAAAC9c/jPM_N4euaTE/s400/P1020678.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703033245581856754" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F7qaCJjwu6E/TyU9QoBKHDI/AAAAAAAAC9Q/pPe8Slx11lE/s1600/CNY%2BFB%2BBlog.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F7qaCJjwu6E/TyU9QoBKHDI/AAAAAAAAC9Q/pPe8Slx11lE/s400/CNY%2BFB%2BBlog.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703031858964077618" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u_zswiSeRzk/TyU-hl8jsxI/AAAAAAAAC9o/jsHIaA_D39s/s1600/P1020570.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u_zswiSeRzk/TyU-hl8jsxI/AAAAAAAAC9o/jsHIaA_D39s/s400/P1020570.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703033249977316114" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5n6NQFVQRL8/TyU-imbQlMI/AAAAAAAAC90/Bia0Qm3Kw2k/s1600/P1020621.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5n6NQFVQRL8/TyU-imbQlMI/AAAAAAAAC90/Bia0Qm3Kw2k/s400/P1020621.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703033267285955778" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hHaMiofZQdE/TyU_oHXanjI/AAAAAAAAC-M/BMQ9qtyADi8/s1600/P1020666.JPG"></a>Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414656970247092607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6880102266704508876.post-65104743062521686992012-01-28T23:00:00.011+11:002012-01-29T09:56:22.544+11:00Perfecting the Pasta Recipe and Making Fresh Egg Noodles<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TSKGWKkj1yY/TyPj3fPOuZI/AAAAAAAAC7w/4mf_73F2Z_o/s1600/P1020294.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TSKGWKkj1yY/TyPj3fPOuZI/AAAAAAAAC7w/4mf_73F2Z_o/s400/P1020294.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702652095598868882" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YftVQ08uBAM/TyPj3hq3-SI/AAAAAAAAC8A/MgoOSvr6OJY/s1600/P1020378-001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 158px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YftVQ08uBAM/TyPj3hq3-SI/AAAAAAAAC8A/MgoOSvr6OJY/s400/P1020378-001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702652096251689250" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9W-ezG3oKd0/TyPj3GV29JI/AAAAAAAAC7k/nEEkULy_3kg/s1600/P1020118.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9W-ezG3oKd0/TyPj3GV29JI/AAAAAAAAC7k/nEEkULy_3kg/s400/P1020118.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702652088915784850" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9fYeW1ZN3Hk/TyR88cx0YuI/AAAAAAAAC84/KR_luJw5oDI/s1600/P1020379.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9fYeW1ZN3Hk/TyR88cx0YuI/AAAAAAAAC84/KR_luJw5oDI/s400/P1020379.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702820406117032674" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3LQvzhqi-F0/TyPp4-ssvaI/AAAAAAAAC8s/5xXP1u2_9BQ/s1600/P1020374.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3LQvzhqi-F0/TyPp4-ssvaI/AAAAAAAAC8s/5xXP1u2_9BQ/s400/P1020374.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702658718293605794" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HWChrz5bu8s/TyPj4U6jGRI/AAAAAAAAC8Q/suJCLo7CkeA/s1600/P1020381.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HWChrz5bu8s/TyPj4U6jGRI/AAAAAAAAC8Q/suJCLo7CkeA/s400/P1020381.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702652110007638290" border="0" /></a><br />Hubby says that I have to use the <a href="http://lachinvasion.blogspot.com/2012/01/making-fresh-pasta.html">pasta maker attachment</a> 500 times to make it worth while. So I am nearly 1% there. I am honestly in love with this little extra helper in my kitchen. I don't know, there's something about playing with flour and dough. Seeing all that transform into silky smooth sheets of dough and long oodles of noodles. So I am happy. 500 times? Oh yeah, we'll get there some day.<br /><br />Having tried and tested a few basic pasta recipes, I've settled on one from Gary <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Mehigan</span> and George <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Colambaris</span>' book: <a href="http://www.penguin.com.au/products/9781921382437/your-place-or-mine">Your Place Or Mine</a>?<br /><br />200g Strong Plain Flour (00)<br />2 large eggs<br />2 tsp Olive Oil<br />2 tsp Water<br /><br />And this will feed 2 people. A nice and easy recipe to remember.<br /><br />***<br /><br />As a child growing up in Malaysia, on the first day of Chinese New Year, I would wake up to a cloud of sweet warm heady aroma of garlic fried in oil and tumble out of bed to a breakfast bowl of steamy heart warming <span style="font-style: italic;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">mee</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">suah</span></span> soup - delicate, silky smooth strands of fine wheat noodles for longevity and health. And each bowl has a red egg, a symbol of luck and prosperity.<br /><br />Now having children of my own, I am trying my absolute best to uphold and honour this tradition. Long oodles of noodles for longevity! It may not necessarily be <span style="font-style: italic;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">mee</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">suah</span></span> (some noodles are better store bought!), one year it was spicy Taiwanese noodles and the other year it was Maggi 2 minute noodles (only joking grandmother!). And each bowl MUST have a red egg in it.<br /><br />So this year, we had home made egg noodles in a clean chicken broth, shredded chicken breast, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">shittake</span> mushrooms, fried garlic AND a red egg.<br /><br />(Funnily enough, I did not take a photo of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">CNY</span> noodles.)<br /><br />***<br /><br />My sister in law suggested we made yet another type of noodle, <span style="font-style: italic;">Pan <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Mee</span></span> or some call it <span style="font-style: italic;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Mee</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Hoon</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Kueh</span></span>. We ate this as little kids in hawker centres back in Malaysia! So we googled the recipe online (after trying to decipher her mom's recipe over the phone - a pinch of this and a handful of that!) and we came across <a href="http://cookingcrave.blogspot.com/2010/03/mee-hoon-kuih.html">this</a> (click click). The dough recipe works and I'm keeping it for next time! I used this exact same recipe for the egg noodles too. It's pretty similar to mom's.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Mee</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Hoon</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Kueh</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Adapted from Cooking Crave</span></span><br /><br />Dough Recipe<br /><br />250g plain flour<br />1 egg<br />100 ml<br />1 tbsp cooking oil<br />pinch of salt<br /><br />I threw everything into the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">KitchenAid</span> mixer with the dough hook on and let it mix for about 10 minutes or so. Then I took it out and knead gently with my hands and shaped it into a ball. I wrap the dough with some cling film and let it rest for about an hour.<br /><br />You can read the rest of the recipe <a href="http://cookingcrave.blogspot.com/2010/03/mee-hoon-kuih.html">HERE</a>.<br /><br />I hope you are all enjoying your holidays and eating lots of yummy Chinese New Year goodies! Enjoy the weekend!<br /><br /><br />.Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414656970247092607noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6880102266704508876.post-45333076803173985022012-01-26T23:00:00.000+11:002012-01-27T00:35:41.446+11:00Happy Australia Day!Australia celebrates its National Day today. And so did we. Nothing says it better than some good <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ol</span>' snags on the barbie (except hubby didn't feel like cleaning the barbie, so we did it on the stove!), cold beer and thongs. And oh, pavlova of course!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m8EUPEASuKY/TyFRWCiDwMI/AAAAAAAAC7A/J_X97nCW8Jw/s1600/P1020475.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m8EUPEASuKY/TyFRWCiDwMI/AAAAAAAAC7A/J_X97nCW8Jw/s400/P1020475.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701928042306453698" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Zucchinis from the garden. Scroll down to see where it came from!</span></span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ft-9t0m9EZI/TyFRWZdCqWI/AAAAAAAAC7M/cYLsWM-ChBU/s1600/P1020484.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ft-9t0m9EZI/TyFRWZdCqWI/AAAAAAAAC7M/cYLsWM-ChBU/s400/P1020484.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701928048459426146" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:78%;" >Brown sugar pavlova with fresh cream, raspberries and coulis.</span><br /></div><br /><br />And here's a bit of weirdness from the garden. The zucchini that we ate for dinner today was part of this giant monster. Just over 3 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">kgs</span>, it weighs just about the same as Lily when she was born and half a meter in length! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Crikeyyyy</span>!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mF8xlu7IXo0/TyFRVukPmVI/AAAAAAAAC60/bkrqcI7Dz-o/s1600/P1020468.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mF8xlu7IXo0/TyFRVukPmVI/AAAAAAAAC60/bkrqcI7Dz-o/s400/P1020468.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701928036946909522" border="0" /></a>Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414656970247092607noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6880102266704508876.post-17224740632039354472012-01-25T22:24:00.007+11:002012-01-25T22:54:42.333+11:00Something I Made...<div style="text-align: center;">Photo A Day|Day 25<br />Dolly<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--BVUpbDofZA/Tx_opeTr8GI/AAAAAAAAC6Q/3BouGuvwg6A/s1600/DSC_4082.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--BVUpbDofZA/Tx_opeTr8GI/AAAAAAAAC6Q/3BouGuvwg6A/s400/DSC_4082.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701531452482252898" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lILTkA0Aji4/Tx_rQNVcB4I/AAAAAAAAC6c/lmgGL8FGpO0/s1600/DSC_4087.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lILTkA0Aji4/Tx_rQNVcB4I/AAAAAAAAC6c/lmgGL8FGpO0/s400/DSC_4087.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701534316964349826" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></span></div>This is a dolly that I made some time ago. Look at Lily, she was sooo tiny then! And can you see how contented she was with her little dolly friend? Anyways, this little dolly has found a new home and I promised Lily that I would make her another one......<br /><br />3 other dollies came and went. Didn't think they would be SO popular!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a7lnfYy2syc/Tx_rnf1TdQI/AAAAAAAAC6o/FayEaLiSPNw/s1600/DSC_4093.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a7lnfYy2syc/Tx_rnf1TdQI/AAAAAAAAC6o/FayEaLiSPNw/s400/DSC_4093.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701534717066835202" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:78%;" >(Look! She's got the same mohawk!)</span><br /></div><br />Hush little baby go to sleep... mummy will make you another dolly someday.<br /><br />(I did not buy a sewing machine to just make 4 dollies.... or did I??)Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414656970247092607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6880102266704508876.post-70016361847047208862012-01-25T00:47:00.003+11:002012-01-25T01:14:49.275+11:00Reflections: The year that went by...<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lYKfqkc78X8/Tx62_2kjR9I/AAAAAAAAC6E/tOtZksGf3rQ/s1600/DSC_6711.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lYKfqkc78X8/Tx62_2kjR9I/AAAAAAAAC6E/tOtZksGf3rQ/s400/DSC_6711.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701195386394462162" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:78%;" >Cunningham Pier, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Geelong</span> Waterfront.</span><br /></div><br />Year 2011 was a BIG year for us. It was eventful, challenging, emotional and life changing.<br /><br />In <span style="font-weight: bold;">February</span>, we moved homes. It was one of the most arduous and challenging tasks yet. Packing up our lives in boxes, moving and then unpacking. 3 kids in tow...<br /><br />In <span style="font-weight: bold;">April</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">May</span>, we celebrated ALL 3 kids' birthdays all within a week of each other. 3 birthday bashes, 3 birthday cakes. Just the thought of April creeping up is enough to make me shake in my boots!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">June</span>: we started renovating our kitchen and dining area. We ripped up the old and tired slate tiles, sold our existing kitchen on <span style="font-style: italic;">eBay</span>, laid down new floors and got myself a brand spanking new kitchen. Yeah, baby!<br /><br />My father in law was diagnosed with liver cancer in <span style="font-weight: bold;">September</span>. It was a tough battle, no doubt a short one. He passed away in <span style="font-weight: bold;">November</span>. It was an emotional roller coaster ride for the entire family. We missed him so dearly!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">December</span> was such a busy month. The boys started swimming lessons again, there were kinder breakups, school transitions, orientations, concerts and parties. Christmas and New Year whizzed by in a few blinks. It was quiet...but peaceful.<br /><br />In just under 2 weeks, my biggest baby will be going to school. What a milestone! And my 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">nd</span> baby will be at kinder twice a week. Lily, it's you and me babe, we are going to do BIG things together!<br /><br />2012 awaits us... bigger and bolder dreams, greater challenges. Bring it on!Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414656970247092607noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6880102266704508876.post-72346292261328600172012-01-23T00:20:00.007+11:002012-01-23T01:20:32.258+11:00Reunion Dinner 2012<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JIj7vQzmiVw/TxwSc-hwOqI/AAAAAAAAC5s/H02EfonwdpE/s1600/P1020426.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JIj7vQzmiVw/TxwSc-hwOqI/AAAAAAAAC5s/H02EfonwdpE/s400/P1020426.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700451517374413474" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SG3odLa-0Qc/TxwScSgwn4I/AAAAAAAAC5g/aSr2aysw3Bg/s1600/P1020421.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SG3odLa-0Qc/TxwScSgwn4I/AAAAAAAAC5g/aSr2aysw3Bg/s400/P1020421.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700451505559084930" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O5SZnUPg_lc/TxwSb4cglGI/AAAAAAAAC5U/3CGYw5ekxrA/s1600/P1020423.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O5SZnUPg_lc/TxwSb4cglGI/AAAAAAAAC5U/3CGYw5ekxrA/s400/P1020423.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700451498561934434" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tkJAvfVmiz0/TxwRYZTznOI/AAAAAAAAC48/cRw84WfK3_Q/s1600/P1020431.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tkJAvfVmiz0/TxwRYZTznOI/AAAAAAAAC48/cRw84WfK3_Q/s400/P1020431.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700450339152698594" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PAEGXMCSSVY/TxwRYHTwLEI/AAAAAAAAC4w/ZLoClL735wU/s1600/P1020430.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PAEGXMCSSVY/TxwRYHTwLEI/AAAAAAAAC4w/ZLoClL735wU/s400/P1020430.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700450334320634946" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iGV-5OU-VYI/TxwRZOK7lWI/AAAAAAAAC5I/_MepvOqjz5Q/s1600/P1020422.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iGV-5OU-VYI/TxwRZOK7lWI/AAAAAAAAC5I/_MepvOqjz5Q/s400/P1020422.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700450353342551394" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-50Fe8pXOMew/TxwNWY_26yI/AAAAAAAAC4k/nT-6CTlfRGY/s1600/DSC_8749.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-50Fe8pXOMew/TxwNWY_26yI/AAAAAAAAC4k/nT-6CTlfRGY/s400/DSC_8749.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700445906662779682" border="0" /></a><br />This year, Gary and I are honoured to host the family Chinese New Year reunion dinner - a Chinese tradition, where family members gather round to eat and usher in the new year.<br /><br />We started dinner with <em>lo hei</em> – which is a celebration where everyone gathers around a special salad called <em>yu sang</em>. Everyone uses their chopsticks to help toss the salad, lifting up the ingredients as high as possible, as a symbol of great prosperity in the new year.<br /><br />Then came the feast, a home made banquet that was really sensational! It was a joint effort, between my mother in law and myself, my dear sister in law Ching Mei and brother Kelvin. We had abalone soup, braised sliced abalone and <span style="font-weight: bold;">sea snails</span> (hmmm... an Asian delicacy??), braised shitake mushrooms with oysters and <span style="font-style: italic;">fat choy</span>, curry chicken, <span style="font-style: italic;">sang choy bao</span>, roast duck, roast belly pork with a crispy crackling and pan fried prawns. It was delicious! We ended the night on a sugar high: a lychee dessert plate - Lychee and white nectarine salad on a frangipane tart, home made lychee ice cream, lychee jelly and lychee macarons.<br /><br />We ate and ate - until our bellies hurt and our hearts deliriously happy.<br /><br />Here's wishing my dear family and friends, my (Chinese) readers near and afar a Happy Chinese New Year! May the year of the Dragon bring in to you all good fortune, good health and prosperity. <span style="font-style: italic;">Gong Xi Fa Cai!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span>Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414656970247092607noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6880102266704508876.post-45741244439032160382012-01-19T23:41:00.004+11:002012-01-19T23:57:21.094+11:00Sweet As...<h3 style="text-align: center;" class="post-title entry-title"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: georgia;">Day 19|Sweet</span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;"></span></h3><h3 style="text-align: center;" class="post-title entry-title"><span style="font-family:courier new;">Pistachio Cream <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Macaron</span> </span></h3> <div style="text-align: center;" class="post-header"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GMrNIvdYh0M/TFV6oFN9uDI/AAAAAAAACRc/30DuP9OZFH0/s1600/DSC_3713.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GMrNIvdYh0M/TFV6oFN9uDI/AAAAAAAACRc/30DuP9OZFH0/s200/DSC_3713.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500437348917033010" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GMrNIvdYh0M/TFV6n2UjumI/AAAAAAAACRU/MRk-2xgQnTE/s1600/DSC_3714.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GMrNIvdYh0M/TFV6n2UjumI/AAAAAAAACRU/MRk-2xgQnTE/s200/DSC_3714.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500437344918157922" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GMrNIvdYh0M/TFV6neuA7rI/AAAAAAAACRM/N_E_AlLX7jY/s1600/DSC_3716.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GMrNIvdYh0M/TFV6neuA7rI/AAAAAAAACRM/N_E_AlLX7jY/s200/DSC_3716.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500437338582478514" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GMrNIvdYh0M/TFV6m7BSARI/AAAAAAAACRE/wedMv9Pw0c8/s1600/DSC_3722.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GMrNIvdYh0M/TFV6m7BSARI/AAAAAAAACRE/wedMv9Pw0c8/s200/DSC_3722.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500437328999612690" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I haven't got a picture for today but I thought I'd point you back to one of my favourite post. It's one of the rare occasions that they actually turned out not bad!<br /><br />So click click <a href="http://lachinvasion.blogspot.com/2010/08/pistachio-cream-macaron.html">HERE</a> to read the whole post.<br /><br />With the Chinese New Year lurking around the corner, I have my egg whites separated and I'm thinking... NO pineapple tarts this year, but how about some pineapple <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">macarons</span>?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.citrusandcandy.com/">Citrus and Candy</a> has some serious sweet eye candy, as well as some heart throb dessert happening, so why not hop on over that way and tell her I sent you?<br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414656970247092607noreply@blogger.com0