Orange-Ricotta Pancakes

YUM. We never make pancakes, but these look mighty good. And I rather like ricotta.

recipe here

Definitely worth seeing. Amazing. And Kate Winslet is excellent. I'm off traveling for work for most of this week, and then off to Miami for a wedding so probably wont be online much. Have a good week.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Sydney Guide

Here's a guide of places to see and things to do in Sydney. Probably nothing new for my Sydney readers (Caro and Jodes!) but just in case, it's here

Man On Wire

We saw this documentary last night on video and it's very good. It's about a tightrope walker and his walk between the Twin Towers in NYC in 1974. Unbelievable to watch and to see how it was all planned (obviously all illegal). He also walked between Sydney Harbour Bridge too. Worth seeing.

I can't believe the bushfires back home. Just awful. And the poor little koala's.

Look it's Meg (in the hat) in a NT ad. Was flicking through an Australian travel supplement from a mag from when we were back home, and found it. Very exciting.

This is utterly ridiculous, but fun at the same time. It's no wonder the magazine industry is in trouble over here!

Chick Pea Stew

I'm all about chickpeas at the moment. This chorizo/chickpea stew looks yum and easy. Will let you know when I make it.

Recipe here

Chicken In a Pot

I'm not one for doing roasts. Not sure why. Love them, but never cook them. Caro and Matt do their roasts in a pot, and when we were back in Oz we had it - so delicious. I did it on the weekend using recipe below. Couldnt have been easier and so delicious -- not even a bit dry.

Yet another reason for Le Creuset.

Recipe here

Travel Resource

I have so many, but this is another good resource for finding hotels. Looks like they only do packages, but good for inspiration. It's a collaboration between Virgin and Hip Hotels. Worth checking, and I bet the list will grow and grow.

It's here

The Dove Parlour

I never know where to have drinks in Soho. And completely forgot about this place until I just read about it again. I haven't been in years and years but it's back on the list. Looks very appropriate for winter drinks.

228 Thompson St., New York, NY 10012
nr. 3rd St.
212-254-1435

The Fit Bit

I know we are in a recession, but I am wondering whether I need one of these gadgets. Tracks your steps and miles walked, calories burned and even quality of sleep (not sure how). We have the Nike attachment to the ipod, but it means you always have to have your sneakers and ipod on. My problem, working from home, is that often I do so little movement. Maybe this will be a good motivator. thoughts? Unnecessary gadget or a good motivator? Its $99 if that helps make the decision.
More info at www.fitbit.com

Staub Kettle

These are those lovely kettles mentioned in an earlier post. Maybe we'll get one for the new kitchen. A bit butch aren't they?

Passenger complaints

If you fly, you can probably relate to this. If you have a second, take the time to read this passenger complaint letter about the airline's food. Hysterical.

Article here

Le Creuset

Simone is getting some Le Creuset, but what color? We have the blue - a classic, the yellow is fun, black looks great (but maybe I would get the Staub if I was going for black (speaking of which, they do great kettles)) so my money is on the cream. If I had my time again, I would probably get cream. Thoughts?

Stephanie from Bold and Beautiful

For those of us that watch B&B, can you imagine having Stephanie as your grandma? Evil.

Australian Open

Exciting stuff. We taped it as it was on at 4am, but only taped 4 hours worth - so only saw up to half of the 4th set. It's playing again this afternoon, so we will watch the end, even though we know who won. Both are such amazing players, but glad it went to Nadal. Also can't believe the heat, the commentator said that one day they were playing in 140 degrees. oh brother that's hot. I was in 120 degrees in Phoenix last year and I had never experienced anything like it. At the hotel pool, they had those misters that just sprayed water on those poolside. Of course I locked myself in the airconditioned room, but I was told about it.