Smile At Someone.

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Oh, how true this is for me. Smile at me, and my barrier will crumble. Smile at me with genuine warmth, my heart will open and that awesome fizzy goodness feeling will radiate. 


As a teacher, I was once told don't smile until Easter. I can't do that. It's not in my nature. I believe positive energy can promote positive energy, and why wouldn't I want that in my classroom, let alone in other aspects of my life? I think about the kind of teacher I would want my Little Lion to have, and it's easy. I want them to smile. 


So today, I'm smiling at everyone I come across. My Little Lion. The person who serves me at Bunnings. A stranger in the street. Someone I pass on my evening run. 


And then, I hope they pass that smile on to someone else, and that person feels the awesome fizzy goodness too. It's way too fabulous to keep to yourself. 


 

Baking Bliss- Chocolate and Raspberry Pavlova.

When I first spotted this delectable pavlova from Nigella's website, I couldn't wait for an excuse to try and make it. I finally got the chance to make it at Christmas, and in the hectic rush I forgot to photograph it! So, when I decided to make it again for Australia Day, I made sure the camera was ready to take a show of the final result. 


And.. here it is...

Chocolate Raspberry Pavlova by Nigella

FOR THE CHOCOLATE MERINGUE BASE:

• 6 egg whites
• 300g caster sugar
• 3 tablespoons cocoa powder, sieved
• 1 teaspoon balsamic or red wine vinegar
• 50g dark chocolate, finely chopped

FOR THE TOPPING:

• 500ml double cream
• 500g raspberries
• 2-3 tablespoons coarsely grated dark chocolate

METHOD

Serves: 8-10.

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/gas mark 4 and line a baking tray with baking parchment.
2. Beat the egg whites until satiny peaks form, and then beat in the sugar a spoonful at a time until the meringue is stiff and shiny. Sprinkle over the cocoa and vinegar, and the chopped chocolate. Then gently fold everything until the cocoa is thoroughly mixed in. Mound on to a baking sheet in a fat circle approximately 23cm in diameter, smoothing the sides and top. Place in the oven, then immediately turn the temperature down to 150°C/gas mark 2 and cook for about one to one and a quarter hours. When it's ready it should look crisp around the edges and on the sides and be dry on top, but when you prod the centre you should feel the promise of squidginess beneath your fingers. Turn off the oven and open the door slightly, and let the chocolate meringue disc cool completely.
3. When you're ready to serve, invert on to a big, flat-bottomed plate. Whisk the cream till thick but still soft and pile it on top of the meringue, then scatter over the raspberries. Coarsely grate the chocolate so that you get curls rather than rubble, as you don't want the raspberries' luscious colour and form to be obscured, and sprinkle haphazardly over the top, letting some fall, as it will, on the plate's rim.

This time I had to use frozen raspberries as my supermarket had run out, but it still tasted absolutely devine. Although Nigella's recipe says to open the oven door slightly after you turn off the oven, I found that this made my base flatten like a pancake. So, I just turned it off a little earlier and left the door shut. Voila! No more pancake!


This is extremely decadent, so you don't need much at all (although it didn't stop me from eating two slices!) Enjoy! 

I always love to see what other people have baked, as it gives me inspiration and ideas on what to cook next weekend. Each Sunday I'm going to post a photo of what I've created (whether it's a success or not!) and I would love for you to link back to your own blog and show me what culinary delight you've whipped up! Remember, it's not just limited to baking, show me your soups, casseroles, pastas.. anything you like!  




 

Three Days in a Nutshell...

The last three days have been so jam packed that this is the first time I've actually sat down to type a post. Well, what have my three days entailed? In a nutshell...

❤ Spent Australia Day with some fabulous friends, listening to Triple J's Hottest 100

❤ Ate copious amounts of Chocolate and Raspberry pavlova (recipe here tomorrow!)

❤ Drank Rekorderlig- Pear and a new one- Winter Cider

❤ Stayed up waaaay too late watching tennis too many nights in a row

❤  Had my hair professionally straightened using a Keratin treatment

❤ Gone crazy from not being able to tie my hair back for three days

❤ Gone on a massive domestic frenzy cleaning, wiping and reorganizing

❤ Was overjoyed that two of our fabulous friends got engaged

❤ Watched the Little Lion fall in love with a little girl named Poppy

❤ Went to heaven at Endota Spa

❤ Started planning for the first day of Term One next week

❤ Weeded, pruned and replanted

❤  Painted, painted, and painted some more

❤ Loved having Mr Hummingbird home for an extended long weekend

❤ Was overjoyed to hear that the Little Lion was going 'beautifully' at daycare

❤  Have a secret project in the works...

Enjoy your weekend everyone! 

 

Wordless Wednesday- Peaches and Cream.

Playing Wordless Wednesday with Faith, Hope and a Whole Lotta Love and My Little Drummer Boys. 


 

The Little Lion, Happiness and Ears of Corn.

This year when it comes to the Little Lion and food, I've been a lot more relaxed. Like, super relaxed. I'm taking our specialists advice and introducing small amounts of the foods he showed intolerance to in the hopes that he began to grow out of the allergies. So far, it seems to be working, and you can't imagine the relief and happiness I'm feeling to see him not only try new foods, but to actually enjoy them!


We're still avoiding egg and peanuts, and only introducing the tiniest amount of gluten. I'm bringing in small amounts of cheese and milk such as Zymil which is both lactose and gluten free. He's been yumming into foods such as home made pizza with mushroom, spinach leaves and ham on pita bread, tuna mornay bake, blueberries and red seedless grapes. Trust me, this wouldn't have happened six months ago!


As you can see, his absolute favourite food at the moment is roasted corn on the cob. Corn with a dash on nuttelex, wrapped in foil and oven baked for 40 minutes. He'll power through his at warp speed, then eye ours off hungrily saying More corn please? More? How could I resist? I sigh resignedly, and hand over my own half eaten ear of corn. 


Later on, we'll introduce egg. Just tiny amounts though, such as a batch of mini muffins using only egg yolks. I'm in no hurry to do so just yet, I'm happy enough for him to keep exploring these new foods that once upon a time gave him so much grief. We're still avoiding processed foods, apart from a special type of Orgran biscuit which he adores which is gluten, dairy, egg and nut free. It's a little treat that he loves. 


Another food item which has been a lifesaver is the Lifestyle Bakery bread range, especially the gluten free Chia Seed Loaf.  Last year I would make his bread which was both time consuming and also quite bland, so when I saw this product I jumped for it, and haven't looked back since. In fact, I'll steal slices for myself from time to time! 


The Little Lion's eczema hasn't totally disappeared, but it's a lot more manageable now. His skin has a healthy glow, the dark circles under his eyes have disappeared and like I said before, he's happy to try news things, even going so far as to stealing stuff off Mr Hummingbird's plate and mine. Mealtime is something I actually look forward to now.. who woulda thought it!? 


 

Are You Happy?

Source: Uploaded by user via Rhian on Pinterest

Last year I felt that I slipped into a fairly negative mindframe, and spent way too much time feeling angry about certain things. This year, I'm changing it and following simple chart above. Unhappy? Then change it. Seriously, we make things way too hard for ourselves when it shouldn't have to be. If the change feels too overwhelming and too big to overcome, employ small steps to find your way to happiness.


I know this can't be applied to absolutely everything, as there are some circumstances that aren't easily fixed. But for the small stuff? Stop sweating it! Time to stop the whinging, embrace life and implement positive change! Mr Hummingbird and I seemed to be the King and Queen of taking ages to do small tasks, and it used to drive me batty. This year, no more. Get in, get it done, and voila! Satisfaction! 


I'm about to head out for a walk with my Little Lion and get some fresh air into my lungs, then we'll gatecrash my long lost twin Margaret's house for a swim. Might even through in some baking there somewhere along the way. Have a lovely Monday everyone. xx

Baking Bliss- Subway Style M&M Cookies.

Looking into my pantry, I saw that I had some leftover M&M's from Christmas. Rather than just let them sit there, I immediately felt like doing some baking, and cookies were the first thought that came to mind. Not just any cookies though. I wanted cookies that mimicked those delectable Subway cookies, the ones that have that crunchy outer and were super soft inside. I found a recipe from All Recipes, and here's the result...

'Subway' Cookies from All Recipes.

Ingredients

Serves: 18

• 2 cups (250g) self-raising flour
• 170g butter, melted
• 1 cup (185g) brown sugar, firmly packed
• ½ cup (110g) white sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla essence
• 1 egg
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 cups dark chocolate chips

Preparation method

Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 15 minutes | Extra time: 15 minutes

1. Preheat the oven to 165 degrees celcius. Line two cookie trays with baking paper 

2. Sift the flour, set aside. 

3. In a medium bowl, cream together the melted butter, brown sugar and white sugar until well blended. Beat in the vanilla, egg, and egg yolk until light and creamy. Mix in the sifted ingredients until just blended.

4. Stir in the chocolate chips by hand using a wooden spoon. Drop big, round tablespoons of the dough onto the prepared cookie trays, leaving plenty of room for spreading.

5. Bake for 15 to 17 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the edges are lightly toasted. Cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

For some reason mine didn't flatten out as much as I thought they would. Also, I left mine in the oven for 17 minutes, but I should have taken the out at 15 minutes to make them just that little bit softer. That saying, they're still lovely, but not as similar to Subway cookies as I would have hoped. I'm sure they won't last long in this house though! Oh, and I swapped the choc chips for Crispy M&M's. Obviously.

I always love to see what other people have baked, as it gives me inspiration and ideas on what to cook next weekend. Each Sunday I'm going to post a photo of what I've created (whether it's a success or not!) and I would love for you to link back to your own blog and show me what culinary delight you've whipped up! Remember, it's not just limited to baking, show me your soups, casseroles, pastas.. anything you like!  

Life Lesson #79.

Sometimes, the Little Lions wakes himself up scratching at his eczema. This happened two nights ago, and after the third time I blearily slathered him in QV Intensive cream and sloped back to my bed, half asleep and incoherent. 


The next evening I was making tea, when I realised the room was too quiet. I then discovered what happens when you fail to put the QV cream back on the shelf, and leave it by your toddler's bed.

Life lesson #79- No matter how tired you are, ensure all creams are PUT BACK on the shelf. I'm just lucky it wasn't the fake tan! 



 

What I Know.

Source: tumblr.com via Rhian on Pinterest

I know that...






❤ if you run out of milk for a cup of tea, ice cream is not a good substitute.




❤ I seem to buy more of what I don't need, and forget to buy what I do need, even if I have a list. Anyone need tomato paste?




❤ if I have a pen that runs out, I simply put it back in the draw. Once day I'll finally chuck them all out. 




❤ cookie dough is better raw that baked into biscuits.




❤ decluttering the house always feel like a brand new start.




❤ sugar cookie candles leave your house smelling amazing.




❤ when you're utterly exhausted, your toddler will not want an afternoon nap.




❤ my little sister is the best friend I could ever have. 




❤ I don't know how I would have survived without Skype.




❤ having a creative project on the go is good for the soul.




❤ when you go into IKEA for one thing, you come out with eleven. 




❤ the day does not seem complete without one piece of chocolate.




❤ training yourself to think in a positive manner means that life is just so much more fulfilling now.




❤ that the moment you buy something you've wanted desperately for a hell of a long time, it goes on sale.




❤ that even though I have to do grown up things like own a will and have insurance, I'll never feel like one. 




❤ that the Little Lion can make my heart melt every single day. Without fail. 






 

An Artist and Designer Named Lanna.

It was only on Monday that I was talking about wanting to have a holiday project, and how without one I was feeling all lost and fidgety. Well, my very talented little sister Lanna just sent me these amazing paintings of Audrey, James and Marilyn she had created while on holidays, and I wanted to share them with you all...

Aren't they incredible? Lanna is currently studying to be an art teacher (yep, following in the footsteps of her mum and big sis!) and as you can see she's more than qualified. Each painting measures 50 x 50cm, and is created using acrylic paints.

Unfortunately Lanna isn't sending me these to keep, she's actually selling them. The set of three is $280 plus postage. If you're interested, or would like to commission her for another painting, you can email her at lannaastell@hotmail.com

Lanna is not only a talented artist, she's also worked as a Graphic Designer for ones of Australia's leading advertising agencies. She's so good, that she came second in the Young Designers of the Year awards. She's now freelance, and you're after a new logo for your blog, look no further! She's not only created mine, but has worked with Miss Danimezza as well. 

To check out more of Lanna's work, including both her artistic and graphic design work, click on her website HERE. 

Wordless Wednesday- My Little Lion.

Playing Wordless Wednesday with Faith, Hope and a Whole Lotta Love and My Little Drummer Boys.

Lusciously Long Locks.

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Once upon a time, I had long hair. And I mean looong hair, hair that cascaded down my back in long brunette ringlets. 

Obviously, this no longer the case. Around June last year I chopped a fair bit off into shaggy layers, something I know regret doing, as years of straightening have meant that my hair is more prone to breakage and it's difficult to grow long. Add in the bleaching and well... I can kiss those long locks goodbye unless I sell my child in order to pay for exxy extentions. (Don't worry Little Lion, you're too cute to put a price tag on!)

However, I WANT long hair. I want hair that I can braid and pile up into a big messy topknot. I want to be able to do an awesome Pantene swish. I'm not quite sure how I'm going to manage that yet, but I do know that I need a break from all the straightening. I've looked into the Keratin Straightening Treatment, but it's another thing that's exxy and since I didn't win the 30 Million on New Years Eve well... it's sorta not an option.

And then... BOOM BABY! A salon here is advertising a Keratin special for over half price off, and I'm SUPER tempted to book an appointment. Like, itching to book and appointment.

So, what I'm asking is, has anyone had it done? Is it worth it? Will it turn my hair orange like the Organix Keratin Treatment (which I still haven't got over to this day)? Help me lovelies!

Time to Get Creative.

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Yesterday I was asked the question What have you been doing with yourself while you're on holidays Rhi?

Of course the two things that sprung to mind were going on our little beach vay-cay for the week, and spending truckloads of time with my little sis the week before, but last week? I had to wrack my brains because honestly, I couldn't really pinpoint what I had done exactly. Of course, there's been blogging, lots of walks, cleaning, toilet training the Little Lion (initially completely lost there, but figuring my way through it) and general pottering around, but that's about it. It's nice to have floated for a while, but I have two and a half weeks left and I really want to sink my teeth into something. 

I normally throw myself into some sort of creative project, whether it be painting, quilting, sewing, etc, but I'm tossing around some ideas on what I can get started on this week.

At the moment the project at the forefront of my mind is to start creating a quilt for the Little Lion for when he moves into a single bed. Now just to start thinking of colours, theme, patterns, etc...and if anyone knows a great online store for awesome kids quilt fabrics, feel free to throw the link my way.


Have you got a creative project on the go? If so, let me know what it is! I want some ideas and inspiration people!

Baking Bliss- Chicken, Broccoli and Cheese Bake.

Well, I'm back into the new year with a new recipe, and although this one isn't incredibly exciting, it's a nice basic one that's quick to whip up and suitable for toddlers. I've even adapted it so it's gluten free. I'm trying to encourage the Little Lion to experience new foods, tastes and textures, and I thought that this one may be a step in the right direction. 

So, if you're short on time and want to make something quick, easy and tasty, try this Chicken, Broccoli and Cheese Bake from Kidspot.

Serving Size:

4 - 6

Category:

Chicken, Dinner, Kids food, Toddler

Special Info:

Egg free, Gluten free, Nut free

Ingredients:

• 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
• ½ head cauliflower, cut into florets
• 60g butter
• 1/3 cup plain flour
• 3 cups (750mL) milk
• 1 teaspoon sea salt (optional)
• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup grated tasty cheese

Topping

• 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
• ½ cup freshly grated parmesan
• Finely chopped zest and juice of 1 small lemon

Method:

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Butter the base of a 2.5 or 3L casserole dish or 6 individual dishes. Cook broccoli and cauliflower in a steamer or the microwave for 4-5 minutes until just tender and drain well.
Melt butter over medium heat in a saucepan. Stir in flour and cook, stirring, for one minute. Gradually whisk in milk to prevent lumps forming; add salt (if using). Bring to the boil, keep stirring, until the sauce thickens.
Stir chicken, cheese and vegetables into sauce. Spoon into prepared dishes.
Combine breadcrumbs, parmesan, and lemon zest and juice in a small bowl. Sprinkle evenly over chicken mixture. Bake for 20 minutes until top is golden and crunchy.


I thought the crunchy breadcrumb topping was a nice touch, and although I tried every trick in the book to get the Little Lion to tuck in, he only managed a few nibbles. Ah well. I'll try again soon. Who knows, he'll surprise me one day! 

To convert this recipe to gluten free I used gluten free bread for the crumb topping, Zymil milk and corn flour instead of plain flour.

I always love to see what other people have baked, as it gives me inspiration and ideas on what to cook next weekend. Each Sunday I'm going to post a photo of what I've created (whether it's a success or not!) and I would love for you to link back to your own blog and show me what culinary delight you've whipped up! Remember, it's not just limited to baking, show me your soups, casseroles, pastas.. anything you like! 

Motivational Tips for When You're a Lazy Wench.

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I feel like I've dropped the ball a bit since coming back from our holiday. Well, except for the first day back where I was super inspired, ate healthily, did a workout and went for a one hour walk with the Little Lion but the past couple of days have left me feeling a tad bit flat. 

It's my own fault though. I'm coming up with a million and one lame excuses and simply being lazy. Maybe it's the turn of the weather that did it- lack of sunshine always makes me want to hibernate indoors (Summer, where are you? Please, please, pretty please come back!)

But, it's time to get over it. I could sit here being angry at myself but that's not going to achieve anything. Tomorrow is a new day!

I've come up with a list of a couple of things to help kick my butt into gear and get me motivated again. Hopefully this will help anyone out there who needs it as well!

❤  Set out workout gear the night before so it's ready to put on the next day. It's much harder to ignore when it's right there in your face!

❤  Print off favourite fitness motivation pics and quotes. Pinterest has some awesome ones under the fitness search, otherwise you can find some of my favourites on my board here. use them as your screensaver, or stick them on the fridge. 

❤  Put together a brand new playlist of music that gets you energised. I always look forward to a run when I have new music to inspire me and get me going!

❤  Cut up various fruit and vegies and keep them in the fridge. I'm much more likely to snack on them if they're already cut up. 

❤  If you feel like you just can't be bothered to move, tell yourself that you never regret it when you do exercise, only when you don't. Trust me. I felt regret last night because I was a lazy wench. I won't be feeling like this today though!


Any other tips that would help? Throw them at me guys! 

Beach Inspiration thanks to Pinterest.

It's always a bit of a let down for me when I wave goodbye to the ocean and come back to the river at home. I'm a beach soul, give me that white sand and salty water any day of the week. I've been having a few beach withdrawals lately, so I thought I give myself a boost of that turquoise water and select a few of my favourite beach images thanks to Pinterest.

Repinned from ...p i l l o w s... by Amanda Andrews

Repinned from Pinspiration by Jen Martens

Repinned from home sweet home by Re

Repinned from Places to go by Bob Ward

Repinned from I like by Amel Taibi

Repinned from Sign Ideas by Alicia Sanders

Repinned from House Stuff I Like by Mat Henley

Repinned from Colors by Jenna Nicole

All images can be found on my Pinterest Boards.