Scan

Wendy has been bugging me for a scan for ages, so I thought I would attach the one from the 20 week scan - the most recent. Isn't she lovely?

I just made..

these spiced pecans. Super yum and easy. For xmas we are doing Secret Santa - like usual - but this year we have to make our gifts. So, I've made these spiced nuts, some fig-scented candles and some seasoning for popcorn. If I have time tomorrow, I'm making some bath fizzes.

Recipe for pecans here. I didn't have chili paste, so didn't add it, and did 3 tablespoons of maple syrup v 2, plus a bit of smoked paprika. Think you can really put whatever you want on them. From Martha

For The Baby

I love these posters. So cute AND educational. Think we will get one, when baby gets her own room.

Cupcakes

I made some mini cupcakes for a friend's xmas party on the weekend. I used this recipe (super simple, delicious, and made about 70 mini cupcakes) from Martha, and the cream cheese frosting (see below). Both definitely worth using if you are making cupcakes.

Cream Cheese Frosting

4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 stick unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups powdered sugar (I used maybe 2 cups - don't think you need 3 - and nice not to have it super sweet, plus I had Xmas sprinkles on top which were sweet).

In a medium bowl beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Stir in the vanilla extract. Add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, until desired consistency is reached.

Something For The Holidays

I think I might make some of this today.
Recipe here

Cute Idea

if you have a spare wall. Feels appropriate for a kitchen. Pretty in white, but probably lovely in other colors too.

More Pork

I love meatballs.
From 'the kitchn' recipe here

Pork Loin

Nick made a pretty delicious pork last sunday with lovely roast potatoes. We have another loin in the freezer, so we may try this recipe next time. I like the idea of the spinach, walnut salad too. Click on miniature recipes to see full size. From Martha

Quick Breads

I made a great banana bread the other day. Twas really craving it. Wendy gave me a recipe which is an apparent 'winner', but I didn't have butter so I looked online for a butter free recipe.

Butter/Oil-free Banana Bread recipe here (I added a cup of apple sauce as I thought it would help keep it moist -i'm not sure if it's necessary. Literally took about 5 minutes to make and and 1hr in oven.

And, from Martha:

Coconut-Pineapple loaf - sounds yum, but haven't made yet - recipe here

And a million other choices here. All look pretty easy.

Double clip on the picture with recipe - it's pumpkin sage and brown butter quick bread. I'll make that this week. If you click on it, you'll see the recipe

Funny Clip

Sorry, couldn't load it directly, so you will have to go here to watch.

Sticky Orange Cake with Yogurt Topping

Looks so good. I'm going to make this for the weekend - we have Philly flying in from London for a pitch.
recipe here
haven't been on this website before, but it looks interesting.

Coat Rack Dots

These dots have appeared on a few of my favourite blogs of late. A must have (if Nick agrees) and available at DWR. You like? Also come in yellow and black, but I think the natural looks neutral and more with our style.

Caldo Verde

This is a favorite. What's not to love about about a chorizo, potato and cabbage soup. It's a portuguese speciality. From Delia - recipe here

(best for winter - it's on the heavier side)

We thought a series would be a good thing to take with us on hols to Barbados. We should be reading more but as that was covered at beach time, we thought something light would be more fun. And series are so great to watch when you can watch more than one episode at once (ie via netflix). We decided on Dexter. Love it. We've seen the first four episodes - very dark but love love love it. If you haven't watched it yet, don't watch it alone - bit scary.

What's it about?
Dexter Morgan, Miami Metro Police Department blood spatter analyst, has a double life. When he's not helping the Homicide division solve murders, he spends his time hunting and killing bad guys who slip through the justice system.

AND, if you haven't got into The Wire - you must!

The Cake

OOh how i love the Women's Weekly Birthday Cake book. I certainly recognize this one. But, was it for 5? You must keep this book for me, even if it's falling apart. I love it.

Pen's Ballerina Party

Looks like fun. I love the trampoline shot of the diving ballerina. Wish I was there xx

Fried Halloumi Cheese with Lime and Caper Vinaigrette

I love Halloumi - one of the few cheeses I eat. I have only ever had it fried with lemon juice (delicious) or with a chili jam on bbq'ed Halloumi at Simone's place years ago. Here's a new recipe, from deliaonline.com (love) from Ginny. She has tested it and gives it the thumbs up.

recipe here

Is it wrong that I want a hot dog right now?

It's Friday!

Nature Shots

Taken on a recent walk. Haven't been doing much of those lately - starting to get chilly!

Man Shops Globe

This is a brand new show that follows a buyer from the Anthropologie store - one of my faves (meanwhile, Nick wont even step inside it - too much stuff for him) - as he buys around the world. Oh, to have a job like that.

This Week's Flowers

Bit blurry, but you get the idea. So pretty, from the farmer's market across the road.

Ugly Beautiful

I think these shoes are amazing. But not quite for me! They are from the Alexander McQueen show in Paris. Can you just imagine??

Juicing

I love vegetable juices, but sometimes, it's too much effort. These shots are from a recent spinach, carrot and ginger juice. Yum.

LonNY

This is a new online design magazine - in the vein of Domino (how i wish that was still around). Haven't had a chance to look at it properly but from what i've seen so far, looks like it's definitely worth a look. On magazines, I can't believe that two of my reads, Cookie and Gourmet are going. So many magazines disappearing. No fun.

Lonny here

More stuff for the apartment

I love the look of this bench, no room for it in our apartment, but if we had a bigger one, I think I would just have to order it.

First Aid Box

I think this is so cute. And our bathroom is so plain, that it might add a nice splash of colour in a very practical way. Thoughts?
Available here

Amelie's 2nd Birthday

What a pretty little fairy. And those cupcakes like quite delicious. Can't believe how she has grown. Her birthday was last Thursday.

This reminds me of when Wendy interviewed a sumo wrestler when she started as a journalist.

Phantonyms

When one word looks as if it will mean one thing, but actually means something different. Interesting article from NY Times yesterday - part of their regular 'On Language' column. Worth a read. Have to admit, i misuse a few of these myself.

Article here

Unbeliavable

I can't believe the dust storm. Craziest thing ever.

Pot Holder

I quite like a bit of macrame. When done well, it doesn't look all '70's horrible. This is from the Urban Outfitters' catalogue and I think it looks very modern and lovely and would work with the apt. Lots of interesting things available at the moment, including some cute clothes.

Chocolate Fudge Slice

Couldn't be easier. Not terribly sophisticated, but an easy slice that takes about 5 minutes to make. I found it on taste.com.au and the only thing i did differently was add some craisins (cranberry raisins). I would maybe add some coconut too, but it's pretty packed as is. And pretty delicious. Makes a lot too.

Recipe here

Quinoa with Mango and Curried Yoghurt

Haven't added a recipe for a while. From Gourmet. Love Quinoa, love mango, love curry. Super simple to make. Will definitely be making this one.

Recipe here

Travel Resource

Pretty gorgeous day here today. It's a holiday for Labor Day and Nick has gone off to play golf with the boys. So, i'm still in bed having a look around the internet. Found this site on DesireToInspire - looks new, but potential as a good resource for beach houses to stay in when we come back to Oz.

Site here, and worth bookmarking - I have.

The Baby Larters