Today I Love….Yoplait!

When I found out about the Nuffnang Yoplait Bloggers Family Day Out I was very upset.

The event was booked out!

Booked out? I said to myself? But, but, but….what about me?? What about the kiddies? They are here that weekend as well!!! Can’t they just make enough room for four more little people?? Pretty please??

To no avail…..until later that afternoon when I received a lovely tweet from a lovely woman telling me that she could no longer attend and we could have her tickets! I was like – what!? No way! Awesome!!!

So it was meant to be……on a lovely sunny day when we ventured to the park in the middle of tiny little side streets where no parking is available……..to find a jumping castle, balloon man, miniature farm, face painting, truckloads of yogurt from Yoplait and most importantly………a French crepe man!! All the ingredients for a lovely day out!

We registered, got our lovely little picnic blanket and frisbee and hat from Yoplait (I ended up wearing the hat as it was a very warm day!) and were offered a yogurt each – Mr. 7 had already decided he wanted Mango on the way in the car and Mr. 9 begrudgingly took the yogurt then ate the lot and asked for more! I think Mr. 7 ended up on 3 tubs down by the time we left……

A spot of frisbee on the grass and then “Dad, can we go on the jumping castle?” is the next cry that we hear, to which we reply “Go for it!” “Don’t you have to pay Dad?” comes the querying looks and voices; “Nope – off you go!” I think they were on the jumping castle for 90% of the time we were there. We settled on the rug outstretched on the grass to finish our yogurts and of course, yell at the kids to be nice to the others haha.

Then it was CREPE time…….the crepe man was very french and he definitely knew how to work that crepe stick! 30 seconds tops and a lovely, new paper-thin crepe was born. First course for me was the good ‘ole Lemon and Sugar, second course was Banana and chocolate and for my third course, Strawberries with chocolate! Yep, I did all three folks; aren’t you proud of me!?

After the obligatory face paint, multiple swords from the balloon man and trying not to kill the cute little bunnies we were all a little worn out from the sunshine, food and fun!

So off to the rubbish bin I trudged with our remains of the day, chatting to the crepe man as I passed him……he said to me “is it your birthday today?” I said “No – why you ask me that?” Turns out he thought he was there to do a birthday party and he thought that I was one lucky lady! So he asks me if I want some crepes to take home………DING, DING, DING!!!!! Bingo!!! Der, um…..what? “You want like 5 or 10 crepes to take home? You heat them in microwave for 30 seconds and they will be oh so lovely!” He says to me. “Really?” I say. “Yes, please – you have just made my day and it was already awesome!!”

How good is that? So I had them for breakfast the next day and I reckon they’ll be good to finish up for dessert tonight yeah watch me go!! I love the French crepe man and I want him to live in my backyard. Please. Pretty please??? OK, maybe I’ll just hire him for my next birthday!

We also got to take home an absolute plethora of yogurt thanks to lovely Yoplait! I was also very impressed to discover that their Vanilla flavour has real tiny, little vanilla beans in it! I can actually see them! I loved the day!

Today I Love……Vitamin Me…….found in one special place in Australia!

My lovely blog readers already know how much I LOVE LOVE LOVE Queensland!!

Queensland just has that special something…….

Tthe untouchable thing that makes you feel revived and more alive after you visit.

If I don’t get to visit at some time at least once a year, it makes me feel a little deflated!

This year, I will be overdue for a top-up of my Vitamin Me levels so if everything (fingers crossed!) goes according to my financial plan…..we will again be visiting the extended family in the fabulous northern state!

I find a holiday to Queensland is one of the easiest destinations to pack for. Bikinis, shorts, a few skimpy tops, thongs (and a back up pair), a pair of nice shoes, one pair of jeans, tracky dacks – and I’m done!

This is due to the fact that I can’t help myself when shopping in Queensland and I end up buying a lot of lovely items and have to sit on my suitcase to get it to close when returning; that’s all part of the fun though!

Note: I WISH this was my lovely designer suitcase!

My essential Vitamin is S for Shopping; so the less I pack for Queensland is always better for me!

All of my trips to Queensland are also never complete without a few special destinations that I like to visit. If I don’t get to see them, I feel like I haven’t even been there, or relaxed and unwound completely.

Today I’m sharing a few secrets with you as well so concentrate now folks!

These are my must see places that can boost your Vitamin Me levels by giving you memorable and unforgettable sights, tastes, sounds and smells!

Vitamin A: Awe-inspiring Natural Bridge, in the south-eastern area of our sunny northern state, always takes my breath away – and everyone else I take to visit there as well!

Vitamin B: Bargain hunting at Pacific Fair – my idea of shopping heaven! I simply must spend an entire day here (if not more – pretty please!) and shop till I totally drop!

Vitamin C: Coolangatta Beach – not too busy with some of the best scenery to be found in Queensland, this beach is one of my favourites and many a lazy holiday afternoon will find me here with my favourite book and plenty of sunscreen!

Vitamin D: Dreamworld – it returns me to the carefree days of my childhood, when it was so exciting that I thought I would burst when visiting!

Vitamin E: Eumundi Markets – the 1 hour drive north from Brisbane is a pleasure when you know what is awaiting you at the end! This place is like a market on steroids! Hint, hint: Remember which vitamin you are taking here and make sure that your car boot is E for EMPTY for the return trip!

Vitamin K: Kooky and creepy artefacts and attractions at Ripleys Believe It or Not! Odditorium in Surfers Paradise are always a hit with the (big) and little kids and make me go “Oooooh” or “AH!” around every corner!

I also admit to a slight overdose on the Passionfruit, Banana, Mango and Pineapple variety of Vitamins when in Queensland because I find them so readily available and much better quality. They are also cheaper than in dreary old Melbourne where I have seen Passionfruit for up to $1.50 each!

Although it is so much fun overdosing on these extra special vitamins and my healthy body thanks me for it as well!

I really hope everyone gets the opportunity to visit these places one day (if you have not already) so you can also experience the exquisite beauty and pure bliss to be found when you visit Queensland and you can also find a top up for your Vitamin Me levels!

You can check out all of the wonderful sights to see, do and try at www.queensland.com or just click on the pics and links above and they will take you straight to heaven!

Don’t forget to let me know if you find any other ‘essential vitamins’ that should be added to my list!

I think this place (and this day bed) should be an essential for everyone!

Lizard Island

On my to-do list is definitely to go and see one of these cute little guys!

I’ll leave you with a picture of one of the most special pieces of nature I have ever found – in Queensland of course!!

Today I Love……Beauty Heaven’s Blogstar Competition – I’m a finalist!!!

I wouldn’t mind being a writer…..I’m not sure that I really have all the required talents, but I feel I’m pretty good at putting words together when I need to!

My friends always tease me that I should write Catrina’s Melrose Place one day – yep, this is my crazy life!!

Lately, I’ve been paid to do some blog posts for a new website which I cannot tell you about yet! Oooh, the suspense…don’t worry I’ll let you know as soon as I possibly can.

I do enter blogging comps when and where I can because I would like to be recognised for my talents one day!

So this brings us to beautyheaven.com.au and their annual Blogstar competition. There are many, many finalists but I’d really appreciate a vote for me if you can take a few minutes to do so lovelies!!!

My entry is here: “When I’m feeling down”

To vote, you need to select your 3 favourite vlogs (video blogs) and also your 3 favourite written blogs, so I’ve done the hard work for you…….

Once you have the names of all six BlogStar entries you’d like to vote for (three video and three written), fill in the voting form at the bottom of the page like this:

1. DIY Brush Storage

2. Nail those tips

3. Classic Beauty in two minutes or less

4. When I’m feeling down

5. 5 essential beauty items

6. Biggest cause of ugliness

Beauty Heaven password: Join the site to get this – you won’t regret it – it’s a treasure trove of beauty information online!

Sorry I know it’s a bit of a pain in the &%&^%&% to vote!!

So all your help will definitely be appreciated.

THANKS!!! xxx

Today I Love….A Movember Giveaway!

Movember is something we do here in Australia to support men’s charities – if you are from overseas, this may seem a little strange to you!

During November each year, Movember is responsible for the sprouting of moustaches on thousands of men’s faces in Australia and around the world. The aim of which is to raise vital funds and awareness for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer and depression in men.

On Movember 1st, guys register at Movember.com with a clean-shaven face and then for the rest of the month, these selfless and generous men, known as Mo Bros, groom, trim and wax their way into the annals of fine moustachery. Supported by the women in their lives, Mo Sistas, Movember Mo Bros raise funds by seeking out sponsorship for their Mo growing efforts.

Mo Bros effectively become walking, talking billboards for the 30 days of November and through their actions and words raise awareness by prompting private and public conversation around the often ignored issue of men’s health.

At the end of the month, Mo Bros and their female supporters (known as Mo Sistas) celebrate their gallantry and valor by either throwing their own Movember party or attending one of the infamous Gala Partés held around the world by Movember, for Movember.

So, to celebrate and promote this wonderful cause, we will have a twitter based giveaway for this lovely little double finger Moustache Ring from my shop, Just For You Jewels.

If you miss out on the giveaway, you can purchase one of these rings by contacting me through the shop on facebook for only $12 plus postage here.

To enter the giveaway:

1. Follow @jstforumelb on twitter.
2. Simply tweet “I just entered to win a funky little Movember Moustache Ring!  Just follow @jstforumelb and retweet.  http://wp.me/pU9S6-MR”
3. Each tweet counts as one entry
4. You can get extra entries by leaving a comment on this post (with your email address) or by subscribing to my blog (on the right hand side)

Competition starts when this post is published and is open to Australian residents only.

Competition ends at 9pm AEST Tuesday 22nd November, 2011.

Winner will be announced via twitter/email/direct message and published Wednesday 23rd on this blog home page.

You can donate to the Movember cause here.

In the meantime, check these out!!

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Happy Movember!!!

Today I Love….Aussie Farmers Direct!

Convenience is a wonderful thing….recently my car has broken down…..which makes it hard to get my groceries sometimes.

My BFF has used Farmers Direct for a while now….she only lives 200m from the shops but is a student and I guess she loves the convenience but now I know what else she loves about this service!

 

We are planning to get the Victorian Couples Pack on a fortnightly basis (=$13 per week)….we got the first delivery and all seemed well….we put everything away and came home the next day to a horrible smell emanating from the fridge – out goes the parsley and the spinach – not good – there was some sort of funny, musty smell coming from both of them.

So I wasn’t sure whether or not to continue with it; I was however encouraged by my friend and her great experience with the service.

So the lovely farmer man actually rang me….and asked if I was happy….I was shocked!

I explained what had occurred and he offered to send us a free box for the products that were not quite right and we also discussed the midday delivery time and the amount of time the box was perhaps left in the sun and then the possibility of me leaving an esky out the front for the next delivery of produce….of course I forgot to leave the esky out – so we got the new box and everything is wonderful again – we even got a mango! We’re quite excited about this one!

When we brought the box inside, the Big Man explained to me that the box was in a different position from last time. On the last delivery, the box was left on the sunshine bearing wall of the doorstep and not tucked nicely in the corner like the 2^nd delivery was. Kudos to them! I am a very happy customer now!!

Mongolian Girl and Camel (clipped to polyvore.com)

So as you all know, the Big Man is a complete and utter carnivore and the idea of any fruits or vegetables in our house just revolts him! Except when the little munchkins come to stay and he has to set an ‘example’ – it is quite hilarious watching him eat his vegies when they are here and trying not to gag!

So anyway, this week, we got:

• 2x Fuji Apples
• 2x sundowner Apples
• 1x Canteloupe
• 1x Mango
• 2x Oranges
• 3x Green Pears (last week we got brown pears and they are just yummo!)
• 1x Bok Choy Bunch
• 2x Broccoli heads
• 2x Carrots (last week we got a whole bag so we still have some leftover)
• 1x Mint bunch
• 2x Brown Onions
• 1x Butternut Pumpkin
• 1x Potatoes 1kg bag (pink skin) From South Australia and the plastic bag even has recipes on the back!
• 2x (roma) tomatoes
• 1x gourmet lettuce green middle and red/brown edges

And here is my plan of what to do with it (for two people – note he had a pear tonight, so he is converting!)

The box of goods comes with a list, so I sit down after I’ve admired and put everything away and work out how to use it in the best way.

• 2x Fuji Apples – Lunches
• 2x Sundowner Apples – Lunches
• 1x Cantaloupe – Gift for my Dad because he absolutely loves cantaloupes and this one is gorgeous!
• 1x Mango – Smoothie – preferably alcoholic (my own special recipe!)
• 2x Oranges – Lunches/Juice (Mr. 6 adores fresh orange juice even though it’s such a pain to do he sucks me in every time!)
• 3x Green Pears (last week we got brown pears and they are just yummo!) – Lunches or Dessert
• 1x Bok Choy Bunch – Vegie stiy fry for my work lunch (make on weekend and freeze)
• 2x Broccoli heads – Vegie Stir Fry or Soup one night when man wants meat and I need vegetables
• 2x Carrots (last week we got a whole bag so we still have some leftover) – Roast/Vegie Stir Fry Conveniently I have a Beef Topside Roast in the fridge and now we have all the other ingredients for tomorrow nights dinner!
• 1x Mint bunch – Freeze in ice cube trays with water for Summer drinkies, garnish for Vegie Stir Fry and Broccoli and Pumpkin Soup. Update: Homemade mint chocolate chip ice cream shall be attempted tomorrow!!
• 2x Brown Onions – Roast/Vegie Stir Fry
• 1x Butternut Pumpkin – I will roast the whole pumpkin (chopped) with the beef and then use the remainder of the pumpkin for a quick soup for the following week.
• 1x Potatoes 1kg bag (pink skin) From South Australia – and the plastic bag even has recipes on the back! – Roast and use 1 or 2 in the soups above as well.
• 2x (roma) tomatoes – Lunches
• 1x gourmet lettuce – Lunches

I realise this amount of produce may not keep or even last wo people for a 2 week period, but we hate to throw anything away and waste food so we will just see how far I can make it stretch. Without a car right now and not knowing how I’m getting home from work every afternoon, this is a real help for me.

From last week, we still have a fair bit of fruit left as we haven’t quite got used to all this fresh produce yet. That’s ok though, I’m sure I’ll figure out a fruit crumble or something like that!

The cos lettuce was great and is half used by now and the chinese cabbage – oh yeah! This is now a vegie stir fry ingredient with the rest as above = hooray!

We also got the standard tomatoes, onions (used within a day or two), pears, oranges and apples (the funny spinach and parsley as described above) and I also got a Globe Artichoke – which I have never eaten in my entire life and have absolutely no idea what to do with.

That one is being gifted to vegetarian (but bacon eating – yeah, I know, don’t even go there!) – Mother.

She will know what to do with it.

Today I Love….the gorgeous things….

I have recently calculated that…..

I sleep – TOO much!!

Is there such a thing? Apparently yes…..

I feel I may be a better person on my own….left to my own devices…. I feel I produce more – of me, at least- what does this mean? Why do I do more on my own? Do you do more on your own??!??

Talk to me……….

Today I Love….my melamine…..

This post has been a while in the making…..sorry for my absence all you beautiful people!

I don’t know about you, but I seriously, totally and completely ADORE melamine!!!

 

OK I am kitsch,

I am vintage,

I am old skool,

I run around town with the pedal to the metal!

Oh!

What?

Sorry…….

 I cannot get enough of my plastic cups….wine glasses, to be more specific.

Although I do enjoy the odd plastic plate or bowl every now and again, wine glasses would have to be my favourite! We also have the obligatory plastic cups etc for the kids – but we are talking about me here – “Whatchoo talkin’ ’bout, Willis?”

 

There are a number of reasons for my plastic obsession….I am afraid to say…..well not only can I get drunk and not worry about breaking anything – what? Oh there I go again……

 The big man washes all our dishes – ‘what a lovely man!’, I hear you exclaim! Yes, he is…..but please note said BIG bohemath man cannot wash anything that is nice or fine or delicate…..without breaking it!

 So I searched on the internet – I can get a bulk amount of plastic glasses for my function; no problemmos – but I only want 6!

 The girls and I had a lovely trip to the Taste of Melbourne Festival – we had an extremely gorgeous day out thanks to my free tickets and some delightful food and beverages!

We strolled past the Plumm stand….and we stopped…..the man behind the counter was very personable and he talked us into their deal – $20 (?) for 3 (or 4?) tastings and you get to keep the glass! Well, that sounds like an awesome deal – we are ALL IN!

I grab the glass – oh, sorry I delicately grasp the drinking implement…..

OMG it’s *&^$&*#@^%&%^&^ PLASTIC!!!!! What? No? How? When? Why? Where? How come I did not find this on the wonderful interweb? Oh, ok these glasses are only available in BULK….ie. The function glasses I already found! DAMMIT! OK, I say to the lovely personable salesman – how much for 6? Yep, bang, deal done – SOLD – done and dusted…..and I walked out with my 6 glasses – I only paid for 5 as I pointed out that my tasting deal already included the freebie glass and where was I going to transport that? Mucho goodness on the plastico…..

I don’t know if you will be able to purchase the plastic pleasure I now have in my household, but you can always hound plumm and try my dears!! I now see I got a definite BARGAIN! Go here and hound the lovely Plumm people….

Oh wow! You’ll never guess what happened tonight!!?? The big man tested them and oh look they bounce!! They passed the test then…..I LOVE these glasses!!! Yay!

Oh – Happy Birthday to me – not my blog – dunno when that was – I’ll work it out one day – 13^th October – everybody say hooray for Cat!

EDIT 31st Oct – LOOKIE what I found in the paper this weekend!!!

Glass No More!!!

Today I Love…..Orange Lips and Liptember!

I love fresh orange juice……except I hate squeezing it myself!

We have a local supermarket called Leo’s that squeezes the best fresh OJ on site! Every time I shop there, one of their lovely fresh litre bottles somehow finds its way to the cash register with me!

At the moment, I am on the hunt for something else that is orange……but I just can’t quite seem to put my finger on a good one!

Oh, I’m not talking about orange juice anymore…..but the elusive orange lipstick, yes not a man or a type of chocolate either – behave now!

Maybe this one?

Or this?

Nope…..

Nope…..

Nope…..

Ooh maybe this one that I got my hands on?

Nope……

Have YOU found a great Orange lippy?

If so, PLEASE let me know about it below!!!

LIPTEMBER

What is Liptember?

• A month long campaign run in September every year to raise awareness and funds for women’s health.
• Encourage women to buy and wear the ‘Liptember’ lippy in the month of September, gaining sponsorship from family, friends and co workers.
• Funds raised will be donated to the Centre for Women’s Mental Health and Lifeline Australia
• Raising money through, lippy sales, female sponsorship, corporate sponsorship, fundraising events and direct donations.

$14.95 RRP, Save $4.95

Burt’s Bees and Myer are delighted to launch Liptember! Liptember is a month long fundraising program to help raise awareness of women’s mental health issues and fund research to achieve optimal health outcomes for women.

Burt’s Bees NEW 100% natural Tinted Lip Balm in Hibiscus is the official lip shade of Liptember and can be purchased from Myer for the special price of $10.00. All funds raised will be used to support national programs and research at the Centre for Women’s Mental Health and Lifeline Australia.

You can buy it here: MYER
Simply purchase the official Liptember Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Hibiscus from any Myer store or online and get sponsored by family and friends to wear the shade throughout the month of September.

Today I love…..A Summer Sale!!!

RETWEET, REBLOG & SHARE TO WIN: Endless Summer Sale Edition

Today I love…..pretty, sexy and lovely pics……

Hello again! Some lovely pics to share is what I have for you all today……

Grrrrrr…….nitey nite lovelies!!! Don’t let the bed bugs bite now!!! xx 🙂

All pics courtesy….weheartit.com

Today I love…….Yelling AT Cadel!

If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you may have already seen this post about Cadel Evans……http://wp.me/pU9S6-iJ

 Most of you already know he is my cousin – but if you don’t; well you might very soon because we are all yelling GO Cadel at the top of our lungs in my family right now!

 The earliest memory I have of Cadel is when we were about 5 years old. Living with his parents in Woolgoolga; he rode his BMX bike with a passion! His first bike came at the age of 3 (with training wheels) but when we were five, I don’t remember seeing them at all!

 So I’ve gone through the archives and have some lovely (and few cringeworthy!) pics to share with you all……..

Everybody say awwwww…….I remember his Mum loved horses and he had a faithful and well loved puppy. Cadel was always a very gentle, quiet and shy person and when he eventually joined me at Eltham High School, he blended into our group well and still speaks to some of his old mates. He did quite a bit of skateboarding back then as well. Cadel is a true-blue genuine Aussie bloke; who would do anything for his friends and family.

 The Tour de France is a beautiful and long-winding dance of men and bikes through the most stunning countryside I have ever seen. I love seeing all the old castles; some which were built in the 13 and 1400’s! Amazing stuff…….

You can follow his lovely wife Chiara Passerini, who is constantly giving us updates on le Tour; on twitter here: @ChiaraPasserini or the @CadelOfficial feed is also updated regularly with his progress.

Just to make it fair and embarass myself a little as well:

GO DEL GO!!!!!!

 

Don’t forget to click the LIKE button below! ;0

Today I love….rocking my lunch!!!

So much to blog about….soooo little time….

I know you all find it as hard as me to think up new and exciting food to take to work for lunch…because when I look for ‘work lunch ideas’ on the internet – the results are a sorry state of affairs!

So we have the standard sandwich press and microwave at work- would be nice if we had a toaster as well because raisin toast is seriously the best thing for work breakfasts – second close is porridge, but that’s all another story now; be patient my pretties!

I’ve been through the can of soup and a roll, the leftovers from home, the fresh and the toasted sandwiches, tuna/baked beans in a can and I AM OVER THEM ALL!!!

I wish I had the time and the energy to make my lunch look like this every damn day! How these mothers have the time or the skill to do this is ‘Top Secret” though……

They make it sound so easy!

“Today’s “detective themed” lunch includes:  roast beef, white american cheese sandwich, watermelon slices, almonds, snap peas, celery & peanut butter“

OK, what about this then?

Today’s lunch includes: ham/cheese sandwich, blueberries/raspberries, cucumbers, almonds, Trader Joe’s Ginger Snaps

How long do you think this actually takes to prepare?

Stuff that, I say……

Here is my top 10 ‘different’ work lunches:

1. Quesadilla – a tortilla or flat bread, refried beans from the can, cheese and either bottled or home made salsa (from last nights dinner = easy, peasy!). You can whack some salad on there too after cooking if you feel like being a rabbit.

2. Pizzaola toastie – sliced bread, cheese, fresh sliced tomato and green capsicum strips – salt and pepper is a must on this one people!

3. Felafels – these keep so well in the freezer! Make them yourself or get them from your best local kebab joint. Wrap a few in a tortilla or flat bread, heat it up a little in the micro and whack some lettuce and sweet chilli sauce on that deliciousness!

4. Baked potatoes – do them the night before – in the micro if you are not cooking them for your dinner and then top them with BUTTER, cheese, tomato, maybe some sliced ham or whatever you feel – and you will have a meal!

5. Rice paper rolls – so easy to keep in the cupboard and easy to wrap with the leftover vegies and meat from your dinner. Or keep a bag of frozen vegies in the freezer and add some 2 minute noodles to those babies and you have a lovely rice paper lunch! Add some soy and chilli sauce in some little plastic containers and you will be rocking your lunch a a la bento-ish as much as we human people possibly can!

6. A plain and simple ole egg – I have one of those groovy auto egg boilers – get up in the morning – whack the egg in with the amount of water required – shower and by the time you are done, so is you egg! Note: you may need to run for the buzzer if you spend too much time under that water but then that will teach you a lesson as well! What do I do with the egg you say? Well, if you are well trained, you will already your work staples (see list below) so you defrost some bread, whack it on some crackers with some other condiments and a la we have lunch!

7. OK, I’m reverting to a staple for this one but I love it – sliced bread, topped with BBQ flavour baked beans and cheese – cooked between the sandwich press – you will feel like you are glamping at work!

8. Kind of a staple here – tuna patties – so easy to make with your leftover mashed potato from dinner – and they freeze very well – so I always have some on hand ready to go to work with me!

9. Salad – good for a hot day when it’s too hot to even care about food – I go to the shop on the way to work and grab a lettuce, carrot and some assorted greens, cucumber and maybe a mushie or two as well. Salad dressing should be in your fridge at work already. (see list below) .

10. Home made soups – always freeze well and are ten times better than the canned ones and we all know that! My recipe for cauliflower soup will follow if you be nice now biatches…….

Here is my staples list for your work food cupboard – here’s hoping you can find a stash somewhere like me!

1. Mustard – multi-purpose – whatever floats your boat

2. Salad dressing – as above

3. Cream cheese – jar or block or as above

4. Red onion – I keep mine in a little onion keeper – very good and highly recommended! Lasts for 3-4 days for me.

5. Fresh tomatoes

6. Cheese – sliced, block or as above – whatever floats your boat

7. Crackers

8. Bread in the freezer

9. Chocolate

10. Chewing gum

11. Sweet chilli sauce

12. Soy sauce

13. Porridge and/or cereal

14. Canned soups/cup-a-soups

15. Salt and Pepper

16. Herbal Teas

17. Freshly ground coffee

18. Vegemite

19. Nuts

20. Nut slice – this is awesome – more details to follow!

Looking at that, it seems a pretty big list, but most of it will fit in your drawer at work (hopefully!) and in one shelf of the fridge – so that’s fair isn’t it??? The boys have their beer in my fridge….so I have my staples as well!

OK, phew I’m done – it’s really hard isn’t it???

Hit me with your ORIGINAL tips for easy and different work lunches……

Today I love….Kobi Levi

Gasp

Swoon

Faint

Oh, oh, oh…..check it out!!!

Kobi Levi is one little bloody genius in my book!

Oh, the craftmanship! Oh, the imagination!

Oh, I am a jealous litle fellow shoemaker! 🙂

“The challenging technical development is the key to bring the design to life in the best way.” – Kobi

Which animal do I represent?

Which cartoon character do I represent?

I’m in love……

Today I love….50 days of me – Day #2

Day 02 – A picture of you and a friend you have been close with for awhile

Here we go!!

Will you bet on Black or Red?

Black Cat or Red Cat, that is……

Today I love….Butter, butter, butter…oi, oi, oi!!!

Creamy yellow butter….

What can possibly be better than having some beeeeauuuutiful butter on a cold winters day on a crusty fresh slice of bread?

Or….at night time on creamy mashed potatoes…..

Or….for Breakfast on hot pancakes….

Or….some garlic butter?

Everybody say mmm, mmm, mmmmmmm……

So, here it is…..

YES, You CAN Make your OWN Butter!

I can’t believe it’s……..BUTTER!!!

Sorry had to put that one in…..

I use my Sunbeam food processor with the whisk attachment….no problems there at all….

I use 600ml thickened cream…..

Whack the cream in the bowl and add a pinch of salt….

Turn it on….I did mine on 1 the whole time and it only took about 5-7 minutes….you start lookin’ like this….

Then after a bit you’ll get it lookin’ like this….

When it starts to go splatter like this…..

Pour it all out into a strainer with a bowl, yes a bowl underneath to catch your lovely fresh Buttermilk…and then….you need to squeeze allllll the milk outta that butter baby!!!

“Je te plumerai la”

Whack that butter in a lovely pretty little ceramic dish or you could go old-fashioned style with some baking paper; roll it up and tie off the ends….

Look at that beeeeauuuutiful Buttermilk…..

I didn’t realise how easy it was….and I didn’t realise a lot of people don’t know this as well….what other things do you know of that seem really hard to make but turn out not so bad? I have a few up my sleeve for you…..

But wait, there’s more – Deep Fried Butter…. 🙂

Today I love….Me! Do you love you??

You know what??

When I am feeling down, a little creative/expressive/extroverted or need inspiration…guess where I go??

My blog! :0

(Listen to Plans by Birds of Tokyo while reading this post – hint, hint)

Yep, cos I always know there will be something there that I need at that time….you know how when you are driving sometimes and that perfect song comes on the radio for that moment in your life? Or like when you open the fridge and straight away you find what you really wanted but didn’t know that you needed? Or when you go to the shops and you find everything that you need in 5 minutes flat and it’s so easy peasy….or when the petrol tank just miraculously keeps on going……

Oh wait, I’m talking about life!

Sometimes it just works out well and awesome….and sometimes it just doesn’t….

I used to be one of those people that thought nothing bad could ever happen to me.

It worked for a while, but then people interfere in your life, you get sick, bad things happen, trusted people let you down and you also let yourself down. I am the sort of person that can pick themselves up and keep going though – a lot of people that I know can’t actually do that. I am determined to make my life better every single day of the life that I have. I hope that I am making little steps towards that aim.

So anyhoo….back to the norm….what pleasures do I have for you today?

Just a few select gems lovely readers…..

Why does no one comment? Don’t be shy! Come and say HI Cat!!!! xx :0

This one is all me….

Today we have sexy gorgeous stunning beautiful to-die-for….Horses!!! Do you love them as much as me? Let me know! xx

http://www.jobradford.com

Oh, and this……..

R.I.P Liz xx

Happy Easter to you and yours as well!!

Sleep tight, don’t let the bed bugs bite! Mwah darlings!

Today I love…..Lucy – no, not that one!

Lucy Folk

A lovely fellow Melbournian……just like me!

Look at what she does! I am in LOVE……

Divine pieces of jewellery…..original, creative and thought provoking….also very appetising and filling for the soul….

I am currently trying to get my sticky fingers on a pasta bow ring….

I shall have to contact the illustrious Ms. Lucy to find one, I fear!

 

Enjoy my lovelies…xx

Today I Love….Hot Potato Martini….

I’m back – No, I’m serious – I believe I’ve found that mojo thingy now….yes, you read it correctly people….

Oh and hey, google this topic and this post is pretty much all you will find!! Anyhoo….

Yummy, yummy in my tummy!

Baked potatoes that is…I believe I have spoken about my beloved Hasselback potatoes as well?? They are seriously and wonderfully so easy to make….

I think I really should have made a tag called “Baked Potatoes” for my blog like my “Mexican” tag cos I just L.O.V.E them soooo much!!

And oh decadence and oh sophistication, here I come!

With my big, fat, hot and steaming……Baked Potato!!!

Whoever thought of this should get a medal or a gold star or one of those awesome little smiley stamps that everyone loves and always uses now! 🙂

My fave Baked Potato topping is…..a whole lotta garlicky butter….and it’s gotta be real butter, sorry folks….topped off with some crispy, crunchy bacon, melted cheese (lots of that!), a little bit of coleslaw and some spring onions and sour cream to garnish…yeah I’m pretty boring and regular with my baked potatoes – what’s your fave recipe for them??? xxx

Note: I will update the toppings on this soon…..as stated previously I cannot even find where I found this little beauty!! So far I know we have bacon, sour cream and….. ;0

Ventanas Atlanta GA – Loaded Baked Potato In A Martini Glass | Foodspotting

All pics courtesy weheartit.com

Except the main pic which was sourced from twitter pics – source t.b.a

Oh and I just had to show you this cos I love it so much – print available on etsy.com – let me know if you would like the link x

Just For You….show me what you’ve got!!!

Okey dokey folks….who’s ready for some creative loveliness…..I’m Excited with a capital E! Here we go:

Show me your stunning stuff people!!

I’ve got this for y’all today…..xx

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LOGO &/OR PROFILE PIC DESIGN COMPETITION RULES

“Just For You Jewels”
We are not affiliated with Facebook 

In order to create a compelling and substantial visual identity of Just For You Jewels, this competition seeks a logo AND/OR Facebook Profile Picture that represents the following criteria:

1. ‘Jewels’

2. ‘Just For You’

as text/words in the logo &/or Profile Picture 

This competition consists in a contest to design a logo &/or Profile Picture for Just For You Jewels:

1. Eligibility
Participants may compete as individual or as a team. Entries are eligible to Australian residents only. 

2. Logo Design Features
a. The logo must contain the letters

1. ‘Jewels’

2. ‘Just For You’

c. The use of colours is recommended
d. Imagery themes can be used in the logo design only if the image is free of any and all royalty fees
e. There are no limits on the size of the logo, however the minimum size of the logo would be 4 inches (10.2cm) wide and 4 inches (10.2cm) high 

*** Naturally, the best size would be the one we are using now – check our wall and please keep in mind how it will look as a “thumb nail” ie. small image.

***Multiple entries are accepted***

3. Judging Criteria
Judging will be carried out according to the following criteria:
– Originality of the design
– Visual appeal

In the event that similar entries are submitted by multiple participants, Just For You Jewels reserves the right to select the prize winners based on the criteria listed above plus any other design features’ interests and purposes. If required, tie-breaking will be at the discretion of Just For You Jewels.
The decision of Just For You Jewels will be final and no appeal against the decision will be considered.

4. Prizes
The winning logo &/or Profile Picture design will be awarded a $50 voucher for our Facebook online store – the voucher is only valid for one (1) month after the date of issue and is valid for any item that is currently in stock/& available from our supplier(s), excluding postage, at Just For You Jewels. An (optional) shoutout will also be included when the announcement of the winning design is made (including any facebook page you may own for some advertising for the winner) if the winner accepts this option.

5. Intellectual Property Rights
Once the Prize is announced to the winner the copyright and the ownership of the Intellectual Property Rights for the winning logo &/or Profile Picture design will deem to be transferred to Just For You Jewels.

Just For You Jewels reserves the right to publish the winning logo on all of Just For You Jewels print or electronic communications, including website, newsletter and official stationery.

6. Submissions
The logo must be submitted via Just For You Jewels’ Facebook Wall:
Just For You Jewels

7. Distribution of Prize
The Prize will be sent to the winner on Monday 7th March 2011 after Just For You Jewels and/or their representatives have chosen the winner of the competition at approximately 9pm Sunday 6th March 2011.

8. Final Decision
Just For You Jewels reserves the right to accept or to reject any (or all) submissions that do not meet the requirements for participation and/or competition.
The decision of Just For You Jewels Logo &/or Profile Picture Competition Judge will be final and no appeal against the decision will be considered.

9. Agreement to Official Rules
By participating in the contest, participants agree to abide by the rules and conditions as
established above which can be amended or modified at any time by Just For You Jewels. All entries become the property of Just For You Jewels.

10. The deadline for receiving entries for the competition close 8pm EST, Sunday March 2011.

11. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. You are providing your information to Catrina Murray of Just For You Jewels and not to Facebook. The information you provide will only be used for the competition purposes and not for any other reason.

Show me whatcha got lovely people!!! xxx

Hugs to you & all of yours….

Today I love…..hearting it every single day!!!

I can’t live without you….

I have to check you every day….

Even if it’s just for a few minutes or a couple of hours on the sly….

I heart you…..for lifting my spirit or teaching me something new about the world……

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