RosieCasie

On the streets of New York

2011-05-13T07:00:00.000+10:00

A crochet bicycle! By Olek

Home

2011-05-11T07:00:00.000+10:00

The trip was amazing. I had to pinch myself several times because I was in Europe. In Paris! Venice! Edinburgh! London! I'm looking forward to sharing some of the photos.

It's good to be back home. Even if it is to cold and rain. I can make my coffee just the way I like it. I definitely missed good coffee!

Bon Voyage

2011-03-06T18:43:00.004+11:00

The plane leaves tomorrow. I have almost finished packing and I'm excited. I am looking forward to spending some quality time with my camera and generally taking in the sights, sounds and tastes of many cities.

I may or may not be blogging from afar, in the meantime, take care!

Time flies

2011-02-25T18:08:00.003+11:00

In about 10 days I fly out to New York, then Berlin, Amsterdam, Paris, Italy and beyond! The last two weeks have flown. I've not done much else other than be caretaker to Mr T who had his appendix out last week and studied for an assessment I had today. Relief that's over! I give myself permission to get out and about again.

I did take some time out to bake this with the rhubarb that's growing happily in the garden. It is seriously delicious and goes so well with a cup of coffee.

Next week I'll do a whole lot of research in regards to the places I'm visiting, but if you have any recommendations for anything, anything at all, let me know!

Harvest

2011-02-15T07:30:00.000+11:00

Prior to my work departure my new cubicle-mate offered me some of her home grown tomatoes. Never one to decline someone's harvest I happily took the bag knowing exactly what would be done with them.

Ricotta, Parmesan, lemon thyme + puff pastry + cherry tomatoes = a delightfully light dinner.

Reasons

2011-02-12T13:22:00.003+11:00

There as been much reason to celebrate of late. My Mum's 60th birthday, Mr T's Mum's birthday, the arrival of a friend's healthy baby girl and the moment I thought would never quite come, my last day of work for six months.

Sights of summer

2011-01-25T19:13:00.004+11:00

Who could blame me for opting to sit on the beach drink in hand rather than camera? Not I, but there was request (from my biggest fans; thanks Mum & Dad) for a change of scenery. That's exactly what I got as I spent two and a half weeks on the coasts. That mobile is the epitome of summer for me. It hangs on the porch down at Mr T's family beach house. We've spent plenty of time there of late.

The antidote

2011-01-09T09:00:00.001+11:00

... to our hot weather is homemade icy poles. This one is mango, natural yoghurt and cardamon. Not too sweet, but so refreshing. Experimenting is the key.

11 things in 2011

2011-01-05T13:50:00.000+11:00

10 things in 2010 could only be followed by you guessed it, 11 things in 2011.
A mix of personal, crafty, sporty, life-y goals. I like focus you see, oh and ticking things off a list.
Here they are, in all their glory
1. Gold Coast marathon. 42kms. Oh yeah.
2. Rejoin running group (see above)
3. Try kickboxing. It was on last year's list
4. Volunteer on a food bus. Or in any capacity really. Time to give back.
5. See some live music. I haven't done this in ages and used to go all the time.
6. Read 20 books.
7. Go camping. I've been bugging Mr T for ages. He's totally onside.
8. Knit socks.
9. Finish the crochet blanket
10. Rock red lippy for a week. Man that stuff is scary. I want to tame the fear.
11. Dare I say it - get a new job.

10 things in '10: Final update

2011-01-04T15:00:00.001+11:00

1. Take French language lessons: Not done. But I do have plenty of listening material on my iPod. 2. Read 12 books: Done! 15 books. Nothing outstanding, but I do credit the Stieg Larsson Millennium series for getting me back on the reading wagon. 3. Climb the 1000 steps (left over from '09): Done, sans hangover. 4. Run something with the word marathon in the title (half or full - I haven't decided): Done! Half marathon ran in July. 5. Finish the large cotton crochet blanket started last year: Still going. 6. Rack up 10 hours of windsurfing: Not quite 10 hours yet, but summer's here and I'm keen to get out there again 7. Engage a personal trainer/run coach or join a running group: Joining a running group saw my times improve dramatically. So worth it. 8. Continue Botanical Illustration classes: I think I only did a term, but I did enjoy it. 9. *Insert Financial goal here* You can never really have enough. But I should be set for my six months off work including two months in Europe. 10. Master 5 fish dishes - including a whole fish. Not quite the five dishes mastered, but I do feel more comfortable cooking with fish (and meat as it turns out). This chicken satay dish converted really well to fish (see above) and of course a whole fish was cooked. I also had a go at curing fish.

Summer's here

2011-01-03T13:33:00.002+11:00

Happy New Year, belatedly! The hat is getting a good workout at the beach. Hope there's time to wind down and relax where ever you are.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

2010-12-24T14:49:00.003+11:00

With the impending OS trip, my family decided on a no presents year and Mr T and I decided that instead of Christmas gifts we'd treat ourselves to a night of decadent food and wines in the new year. Of course I'd bought a couple of gifts during the year before we'd made the arrangement, so there will be a present or two opened.

However in my household, no Christmas is complete without homemade food gifts. Beer & Chili peanut brittle and Irish Cream (sans almond essence).

I will not let the fact that on the eve of Christmas eve our olive tree was stolen for the third time (this time I reported it to the police). My neighbour noticed first thing this morning and gifted me another replacement tree.

Not long to go now...

2010-12-21T08:48:00.003+11:00

It's been a big couple of weeks, sadly my Nan passed away, but we know she is in a much better place.
I caught up with the Girls for our Christmas breakfast and through a white elephant gift exchange I stole the gorgeous olive bowl.

I've clocked up over 10 years at work and while it would usually calm down at this time of year, it appears to be ramping up. Not helped by an office move. 20 years worth of stuff to be sorted and packed. It's daunting to say the least!

That said, from Thursday I have two and a half weeks off. And it's official, my long service leave has been approved. Six months leave starting mid February. It's no secret to those who know me that 2011 is the year of the new career! Exciting times ahead to say the least.

Stick 'o Hot Choc

2010-12-12T15:02:00.003+11:00

These have totally done the blog rounds, but I thought I'd have a crack, because I think they make a nice little gift. I breakfasted with my girls this morning, and while we did do a Kris Kringle I wanted to give something a little extra.

Of course I had to taste test too. It makes for a pretty decadent hot chocolate.
I'm looking forward to experimenting with a more flavour additions (I added vanilla extract) but wouldn't mind trying cinnamon, orange, coffee and most of all chili.

Bubble tea

2010-12-06T10:00:00.000+11:00

While shopping for wonton wrappers last weekend, I stumbled across dried tapioca pearls used in bubble tea. This household likes bubble tea. But making it yourself means you can dial down the sweetness.

First I made tea. Any black tea will do.
I prepared the tapioca pearls according to these directions.
For best results serve the tapioca pearls slightly warm or at room temperature. When cold they're hard in the middle, not soft like they should be.

• 1-2 tbs prepared tapioca pearls • 1 cup cold tea • 1 tsp sweetened condensed milk (low fat is fine) • 1 dash milk.
Add all to a glass and stir stir stir to dissolve the condensed milk. Drink the deliciousness wishing you had one of those fat straws to assist with eating of the pearls. Though a spoon will do and it's far more environmentally friendly!

More bunting

2010-12-03T07:00:00.001+11:00

Oh and a little bit more bunting for the tree. Made with floss and Japanese making tape.

My creative space

2010-12-02T11:00:00.000+11:00

A longer than anticipated visit to Bunnings on the weekend saw me come out with a stack of paint chips. I spray painted the back of them silver and they've been turned into bunting for our tree.

Beetroot wonton raviloi revisited

2010-11-30T07:30:00.000+11:00

As requested, it's a little time consuming, but makes for a nice meal.

Start by roasting 200-250g beetroot wrapped in foil at 180C for ~50 mins.
At the 40 min mark, throw 2 cloves of garlic in the oven, still in their skin and a handful of hazelnuts. Roast these for 10 min.

Once done, process the beetroot, roasted garlic cloves, 200-205g ricotta, 30-40g Parmesan cheese, salt & pepper to a smooth paste.

Place a generous teaspoon of the beetroot mix onto a wonton and sandwich with another wonton wrapper, making sure to wet the edges so that they seal properly. I use a fork to press along the sides.

Cook 'ravioli' in rolling boiling water until they float. Or the wonton become translucent. It won't take long

Serve with a burnt butter and sage, and roasted hazelnuts

Hints and tips.
• You can use either yellow or white wrappers. I preferred the white, though they didn't seal as well as the yellow. Mr T preferred the yellow, he said they were richer.
• 4 per serve works pretty well, if you serve with a side of greens.
• They freeze beautifully, making for a super easy and speedy midweek meal

I might try steaming them next time. I'll update here if it works well.

Lemon passionfruit delicious

2010-11-29T19:30:00.000+11:00

Oh yes. This will be made again. And again.
Two changes, I upped the flour to 1/3 cup and I cooked it in four ramekins for about 40 mins.
Light and fluffy on top, with a curd like consistency at the bottom. Delicious indeed.

Down time

2010-11-28T16:00:00.000+11:00

Still loving the library. And making slow progress on my squares.

At it again

2010-11-27T09:00:00.000+11:00

With summer only rearing it's head during the week, leaving wet weekends, Mr T was getting itchy with idleness. The boy can't sit still and so the laundry was demolished. Downstairs is littered with instructions, bolts and half built cabinets. While the trailer is close to another trip to the tip. We had a hard rubbish collection and had a satisfying purge of unwanted/unusable/unrecyclable goods and we're getting ever closer to appointing a drafter to help with the plans for out the back. After the wet winter we've had we're longing for a water tight roof!

The week in green

2010-11-26T17:10:00.003+11:00

We have 1000 thread count sheets, but I much prefer the feel of basic Ikea cotton sheets. We got a new set, there's something about the green that reminds me of my childhood.

The basil is sitting happily on the kitchen windowsill getting the morning sun, while the homegrown garlic behind it is four weeks away from use.

And sadly I ate the last of our green tea kit kat supply. Sweetness from the white/green 'chocolate' and the slight bitterness of green tea, a perfect combination!

Refreshing

2010-11-22T19:07:00.003+11:00

Returning from overseas, Mr T thought that he'd spend his allocated duty free alcohol allowance on pear infused vodka. Sounds like an awesome idea, taste is another matter altogether. We finally stumbled on something appetizing and refreshing for stinking hot days; like today.

If you're (un)lucky enough to have a bottle of pear vodka hanging around try this:

Lots of ice
1 shot/30mls pear vodka
1 shot/30mls vermouth
top with plenty of soda
garnish with lemon, lime & pear slices.

The weekend

2010-11-17T21:10:00.003+11:00

Late for a recap, I know. My weekend was about movies (Wild Target, The Hurt Locker), cabin fever due to all the rain, Mr T ripping out our laundry, a hellish trip to Ikea and highly coloured food.

The beetroot ravioli was delicious, I totally cheated and used won ton wrappers for the pastry, next time I'll hunt out the white ones though, these were a touch glutinous. For dessert it was all about the green tea macaron filled with a simple cream cheese based icing; passionfruit or chocolate flavoured. Personally I thought the chocolate let the green tea flavour come through better, but Mr T preferred the over powering passionfruit.

This week in the garden

2010-11-11T18:00:00.000+11:00

...I am lamenting another stolen olive tree. I bit the bullet and replaced the one pilfered previously, it had been in the ground for about a month before it was taken out on Saturday night. Again I'm left with a gaping hole in my garden.

That said, my snowpea plants are producing at a rapid rate and they're absolutely delicious.

Found

2010-11-03T14:30:00.000+11:00

I've just had a very long weekend and am gradually easing back into a working week. With the weather on the improve I've been out running more and am a bit of a sucker for bringing things home. I could help myself with these pink seed pods.

Sunday eats

2010-10-31T21:56:00.003+11:00

It was just one of those Sunday's that called for pizza. I was happy to oblige. My weekend continues, until Tuesday.

The weekend

2010-10-24T18:52:00.004+11:00

I was a bit of a sloth yesterday, it was kinda nice sleeping in, reading the paper and drinking cups of coffee in bed. I whipped up the store bought meringues pretty quickly for dinner/dessert with the girls. Mascarpone, sweetened with vanilla sugar, fresh strawberries and a home made & grown passionfruit sauce. A nice mix of sweet and tart.

The postman's been

2010-10-22T07:30:00.000+11:00

My Frankie diary arrived in the mail yesterday. Even though I'm all tech'ed up I still like writing things down. Old school. There's a bit at the front that shows an overview of the month, then there's space to write something down each day. I likey.

Have a fab weekend. I'm going to hang out with my Girls and I couldn't be happier at the prospect.

I have the technology

2010-10-20T19:50:00.003+11:00

I've spent the last couple of days recovering from Sunday. It was a big day. It took us eight and a bit hours to ride the 210km (with a little help from a ferry ride). I'd come down with a cold the week prior so I wasn't 100% fit. But in the end happy with the effort.

Today marks the arrival of my new phone. I've been out of contract for ages and with the slow demise and functionality of my old phone it was time to upgrade. I will now have a camera with a somewhat decent resolution on me at all times. This makes me happy. I just have to get over the fear of dropping it.

Your fave app suggestions are welcomed!

Indoor kinda weather

2010-10-16T17:46:00.004+11:00

It's been an easy Saturday, after brunching with friends at St Ali, we popped into the South Melbourne Market for some supplies and I then proceeded to potter in the kitchen while Mr T spent quality time in his garage.

To fuel for tomorrow we'll be having baked homemade gnocchi.

I also made this broccoli slaw but with my go to dressing of horseradish & light whole egg mayo - thinned with a bit of water.

Couldn't resist

2010-10-15T07:00:00.000+11:00

Because I just couldn't help myself, a few more photos from the festival, but this time ranunculus. Of course.

Have a fab weekend. We're resting up for a very early start on Sunday morning. There's a whole lot of riding to be done. There's going to be some exhausted bodies in this household come Sunday night.

The weekend part II

2010-10-13T07:00:00.001+11:00

I couldn't convince Mr T to come along to the Tesslar Tulip Festival again. As much as he didn't mind it last year, Bunnings was calling his name. So after the 1000 steps, and popping into a few nurseries, Mum and I spent a gorgeous spring day admiring the tulips and the pretty countryside of Monbulk.

The weekend part I

2010-10-12T10:40:00.003+11:00

Started with a hearty and healthy breakfast before climbing the 1000 steps at Ferntree Gully National Park. It's a workout! One that comes highly recommended and should definitely not be attempted with a hangover like I did last year (and failed miserably).

Another item crossed off the list. With a big thanks to my Mum for driving me out there, because hey, I deem it too far by scooter!

Promising

2010-10-08T16:00:00.000+11:00

A whole free Saturday stretches before me. That my friends is a luxury not indulged in recently what with Grand Finals; a draw and the replay. Sunday sees 120+ km on the bike before next weekend's 210km for Around the Bay. The fact that the weather is going to be glorious helps tremendously.

Oh and if you ever wanted some bright colour in the garden, I highly suggest planting ranunculus. They really are super easy to grow.

Trash TV is good for something

2010-10-06T06:55:00.000+11:00

I am resigned to the fact that there's no way I'll finish my cotton crochet blanket this year unless something amazing happens that involves me not working another day and seeing out the rest of 2010 with a whole lot of crochet. Unlikely at best. However there a two new time slots in which to get some hooking happening. Hello, Survivor: Nicaragua and to a much lesser extent, but in support of Mr T's infatuation, Amazing Race. This makes my little Virgo heart very happy as I multitask.

It's so nice to have you back

2010-10-05T07:10:00.000+11:00

For the past two years both my Hippeastrum plants have failed to flower. Maybe taking a stance against the West? Or perhaps just not placed in the right spot? After a repositioning, I'm delighted to see one of the plants flowering again.

The weekend

2010-10-04T07:20:00.000+11:00

...was indeed a good one. Staring off with an impromptu birthday dinner on Friday night for my brother, including chocolate cinnamon chili cupcakes with a salted caramel icing. What better way to celebrate his 30th on Saturday than with a premiership! Yes, the Pies were indeed the better side on the day. Then finished off Sunday with extra hour of sunlight. If only the weekend could have lasted a little longer...

Preparation is the key

2010-09-30T14:00:00.001+10:00

It's my Bro's birthday this weekend. A significant one at that. There will be cake. Oh yes, there will be cake.

Likin' lichen

2010-09-29T14:00:00.002+10:00

Cheesy title, hey? I couldn't help myself. I'm quite enamored by the colours and textures.

Starting the week easy

2010-09-28T06:28:00.004+10:00

I tend to ease into cooking for the week. Monday night is usually the simplest of them all. Particularly the case this week as I'm still reeling from Saturday's draw. We've got to do it all again next weekend!

The ricotta stuffed shells are inspired by a Donna Hay recipe.

Ingredients
Pasta: 5-6 shells per person. I cook a couple extra, because if you're not careful the shells tear or stick rendering them almost useless. These are pricey at my local deli, I'm going to try and stock up at Mediterranean Wholesalers when I finally get there.
Sauce: Onion and garlic sauteed with 400g chopped tomatoes (canned is fine), a pinch of chili flakes and a couple of anchovy fillets (optional)
Ricotta mix: 400g ricotta, sprinkle nutmeg, salt & pepper, two small squares of defrosted frozen spinach
Extras: Handful tasty cheese for the top and a pinch of pesto for each shell (again optional)

Cook tomato sauce.
Cook shells - I suggest plenty of gentle stirring to avoid sticking.
Drain shells - doesn't matter if they're still a bit wet.
Spread tomato sauce on base of baking dish, arrange shells and stuff with ricotta mix.
Sprinkle with cheese and pesto if using and bake in 200C oven for 15 mins.

I serve mine with some par boiled broccoli, toasted almonds, plenty of lemon juice and a bit of butter.

Serves 4 and is easy to scale.

Fingers crossed

2010-09-25T08:30:00.001+10:00

This, this is the ticket to my weekend. It will be punctuated by a bit of cycling, gardening and for the first time since May, enjoying double digit temperatures that start with a 2!

May the best team win.
May that team be us.
Go Pies!

It ain't pretty

2010-09-24T09:25:00.000+10:00

It doesn't get much better than a call from Mum asking me if I want to cross cooking a whole fish off my '10 things in 2010' list. Hell yes I do. Even better when she'll be supplying the fish.

It was 1.1kg of ocean trout, marinated with Chermoula, wrapped in baking paper and cooked in the oven, served with smashed potatoes and bok choy. The four of us devoured it all.

This week in the garden

2010-09-21T18:56:00.003+10:00

... I came out to discover someone had stolen one of my olive trees! See that stake, there used to be an olive tree tied to that. Some opportunistic individual couldn't part with $9 at a Nursery for their own tree and decided to take mine. Dug it out of the bed on Sunday night. A great way to start the week, no? No!

At least I'm getting to enjoy the flowering ranunculus.

The weekend

2010-09-20T07:30:00.000+10:00

Pretty happy we made it to the Garden of St Erth on Saturday, because after five hours on the bike on Sunday we were fit for nothing!

Still going strong

2010-09-18T12:43:00.002+10:00

A perfect start to the weekend with the Pies making it through to the Grand Final; easily at that. Then breakfast with my girlfriends with an announcement involving a pregnancy with twins! Just about to head out for a little drive to the country. Good times. Hope they're happening where you are.

My creative space

2010-09-16T09:53:00.002+10:00

A small start on the embroidered bunting. Not perfect, but good practice!

Plenty of spaces here.

Smoked fish salad

2010-09-15T07:30:00.000+10:00

This is a keeper, from a relatively recent Donna Hay magazine. I like to start it the night before, by boiling the potatoes. It's almost impossible to find smoked trout in our poorly stocked local supermarket, so I almost always use a fillet of smoked salmon instead. The brackets indicate my deviations from the recipe. This one's for you R.

Salad ingredients:
800g baby potatoes (regular work fine too) • Olive oil • 2 bunches baby beetroot (or 2 medium beetroot) • 400g smoked trout (or salmon) fillet, flaked • 1 bunch watercress, leaves picked (or rocket & spinach mix) • 400g broad beans, blanched and peeled (I usually forget these)

Dressing ingredients, combine:
• 1/2 cup whole egg mayo (low fat) • 1 tbs grated horseradish (Yumi's is good) • 1 garlic clove crushed • 1 tbs white wine vinegar • salt and pepper • (and sometimes a dash of water to thin out the dressing)

Heat the oven to 220C/425F.
Boil the potatoes until tender, then smash/squish on a baking tray, drizzle with oil and bake until golden. Bake the 2 beetroot at the same time, wrapped in foil. ~30 mins. If you have baby beets, it's suggested that you just coat them in oil and bake.
Once tender, peel the beetroot (gloves are handy here) and chop.
Assemble salad and spoon over dressing.

Heide

2010-09-13T14:25:00.000+10:00

It's been years since I've been to Heide and I thoroughly enjoyed roaming through the gardens by the house, to the Yarra and beyond. I loved that it was a hub for Australian artists, but in staying there one had to contribute to the household chores, cooking and gardening. Most of the meals were prepared fresh from the garden. That's certainly something to aspire to.

Second Annual 30th

2010-09-11T11:03:00.003+10:00

The feeling's mutual. Mr T totally rocks my world, this morning he cooked me pancakes, gifted me the rack I've been coveting for months and announced that he will indeed be joining me overseas for three weeks. My 2011 European trip has now been extended out to eight weeks. I could not be happier.

We're off to Heide Museum of Modern Art this afternoon and a celebratory dinner tonight. Hopefully Mexican, you know, because that's how I like to celebrate annual 30ths.

Pink's nice and all...

2010-09-09T06:30:00.000+10:00

This is is the reason why our weekends haven't involved getting amongst it of late. Mr T has indeed done a sterling job - I on the other hand only really offered encouragement (sometimes un-constructive criticism - eek) and cups of coffee, my skills do not extend to plumbing, plastering, tiling or grouting. All that pink and brown and gold and cream has been replaced with white and grey. It's a little sterile, but I don't think that's a bad thing when it comes to bathrooms.

In essence

2010-09-08T07:00:00.000+10:00

This is my kind of project and it involves a cheap bottle of vodka. You start it, leave it for 2-6 months or so, then reap the rewards. Hello vanilla extract!

I have been lucky enough to have a wonderful friend bring back a whole lot of vanilla beans from Bali over the last couple of years. I had five or so left over from the last batch and they weren't going to waste. The beans were split and scraped them into the jar and topped with vodka. The jar needs to be stored in a cool dark place. You can even top it up with used (clean) beans along the way.

Apple crumble slice

2010-09-07T07:30:00.000+10:00

I recently re-subscribed to Donna Hay magazine, but made a promise to myself that I'd actually try the recipes rather than delight in the styling and photography. I'm not sure sourcing this recipe counts... for what it's worth it makes a pretty good half time treat at the footy, even if it's not served on floral plates.

This week in the garden

2010-09-06T07:30:00.000+10:00

The winter planting is about to payoff. The freesias are close to blooming. I'm excited by the prospect of potted colour in the garden this year.

Quite a bit of the rocket (and there's a whole lot) has flowered. I'm going to let it go to seed and hopefully reaps the rewards all summer.

Sunday in the City

2010-09-05T17:57:00.003+10:00

It's been a long time since we've been out and about on a Sunday. It started with a pre-midday yum cha session with my family for Father's day. Then Mr T and I wandered the city; shopping and stopping in at the library for some inspiration, South Melbourne; for coffee supplies at St Ali and Albert Park; to spend fast expiring voucher at Wool baa. I'm not entirely sure what I'll do with new stash, but I'm sure it won't be long until I decide.

Sketch Saturday

2010-09-04T08:30:00.000+10:00

This term I managed to get half way through the unfinished banksia. In the middle there was the flax lily that I need to re-visit because I didn't even get close to the correct colour for the flowers and there's the last attempt above which caused plenty of frustration.

My art teacher suggested, next term, I pick less complicated specimens.

It ain't pretty

2010-09-03T19:40:00.004+10:00

As I alluded to yesterday, it's been a long week. However I was pretty happy to cruise home on my bike knowing that I was in for a treat. A nourishing bowl of vegetables. Something that has been sorely missing from my diet this week. When I know I'm not cooking for Mr T I make a beeline for 101 cookbooks. Tonight it was all about the Sushi bowl.

I almost followed the recipe to a tee, however once the rice was cooked I threw my rice serving plus a handful of grated carrot and zucchini into the microwave for 30 seconds and I also opted to top with an egg omelette. Delicious.

Sprung

2010-09-02T18:26:00.002+10:00

As happy as I am to see Spring, I'll be even happier when this week is over.

10 things in '10: 6-10 update

2010-08-30T09:00:00.001+10:00

6. Rack up 10 hours of windsurfing - Still at 3:15 with my back being super sensitive. Come summer hopefully I'll be back in the water
7. Engage a personal trainer/run coach or join a running group - On a break from running group, but said I'd return in September. I'm thinking a PT for some kickboxing. Which could really help strengthen my core, legs and back.
8. Continue Botanical Illustration classes - Term 3 just about done. Though I have ended up with a wall of unfinished business.
9. >Insert Financial goal here<. Savings lots of them. Still on track. Very very close to booking the tickets to NYC & Europe.
10. Master 5 fish dishes - including a whole fish - If you replaced lamb with fish I'd be well on track! For the first time ever I've started cooking meat (I still don't eat it). But I can add slow cooked lamb shanks and pot pie to my culinary can-do. Just not a whole cooked fish...

10 things in '10: 1-6 update

2010-08-29T16:00:00.001+10:00

August comes to a close and I thought it was time to revisit my 10 things in '10 list.

Take French language lessons - Uh, I really need to start. Currently trying french by immersion, by borrowing lots of French films & listening to French radio.
Read 12 books - 11 down! Easiest to read has been the Girl with the dragon tattoo series. And really enjoying my current read Tokyo Vice by Jake Adelstien. Always taking book recommendations!
Climb the 1000 steps (left over from '09) - Forgot about this one! Worthwhile revisiting the list.
Run something with 'marathon' in the title - July's Run Melbourne Half marathon went pretty well. I was a minute off my 2007 PB which was a little frustrating. But overall happy with my effort. The plan is to finish off the year with a few 10kms. Focus now is on a 210km ride in October.
Finish the large cotton crochet blanket started last year - Spending far less time in the car over the Winter which means less crocheting. No excuses. I've got to get it out again if it's ever going to be finished.

This week in the garden

2010-08-27T08:00:00.001+10:00

With spring just around the corner I can't help but think about getting back in the garden again. In preparation I gave my seeds a head start. Last weekend I put some basil, thyme and baby cauliflower seeds on some paper towel. I moistened the paper and placed it in a ziplock plastic bag and left it on the window sill (not direct sunlight) for a week. Now I have germinated seeds ready for planting. I'll start them off indoors and move them out to the beds when they're established and the weather is warmer.

My creative space

2010-08-26T08:00:00.001+10:00

I've procrastinated beyond belief about starting this. I bought the supplies way back when, borrowed books, but only now have I put floss to linen. I've unpicked several imperfections and re-threaded the needle countless times and come back to find my non permanent ink doing it's job far too well. In spite of all that I'm liking this embroidery thing.

Other people getting stuff done here

They ain't pretty

2010-08-25T19:18:00.003+10:00

...but these non sausage rolls sure are tasty. Initially I was sceptical given the somewhat odd ingredients, but honestly the recipe needs no adjusting. Vegetarian comfort food at its very best and it makes plenty of left overs. So you can whip one out mid week and have a very quick dinner.

A new discovery

2010-08-20T16:04:00.004+10:00

This is a Native lilac. I found out through the Australian wildflower book I've been referencing in art class. What's more exciting is that I discovered this on the way home. I could see! It's light when I walk home!

Warmth II

2010-08-18T22:20:00.003+10:00

Soup (beetroot, carrot & potato). It's all about comfort on cold winter nights. Spring, please tell me you're just around the corner?!

Warmth

2010-08-15T17:56:00.003+10:00

With a few hours spent in the car this weekend, to and from the snow, there was plenty of time to finally weave in the ends of my scarf. I was even able to wear it on the slopes and I tell you there was no draft down my neck. Very thankful for it's warmth as the wind was fierce out there.

A year and a bit

2010-08-13T07:00:00.003+10:00

Early last month marked a year of RosieCasie. Thanks to the Parentals who keep me on my toes when I haven't posted in a few days and to everyone else who takes time to pop by and say hello. It's really nice.

I thought I'd celebrate with a new header and so I've spent a bit of time with my watercolours this week. I'm sure my teacher cringes every time he sees my unclean palette.

Climbing green

2010-08-12T16:35:00.000+10:00

I have a pipe dream. Well actually I have a few. But one would be to plant some sort of vine to cover the facade of Mr T's brown brick house. Instead might just have to settle for covering the front fence.

Worth displaying

2010-08-11T16:30:00.000+10:00

Plenty of rain here today. Reminded me of the cute umbrellas suspended outside a dwelling in Takayama.

It all comes down to taste

2010-08-09T16:30:00.000+10:00

With my girlfriends gathering for afternoon tea on Sunday I decided to make macarons. Everything that could go wrong did indeed go wrong. I took the egg whites too far and my swiss buttercream would not come together, no matter how long it was whipped (close to 45 min). It may have been something to do with the fresh strawberry puree I added.

Turns out had I stirred some air out of the meringue mixture I would have had a texture closer to that required for macarons. Because the last couple I piped did indeed develop feet with a smooth top. To salvage the buttercream I added a block of cream cheese. This did two things, smoothed out the filling and took a touch of the sweetness away.

I opted to transport the meringue/macarons by bicycle with the help of some egg cartons. They didn't look quite that good after an hour bouncing around in a basket at the back, but there were not many left!

The postman's been

2010-08-06T16:00:00.000+10:00

All the way from Mexico!

I've really enjoyed following Geninne's development of her own personal style. She's incredibly open with her tools and processes which I think is really generous. And I'm really drawn to her botanical subjects.

I look forward to getting this in a frame and up on the wall this weekend.

Working it out

2010-08-05T17:02:00.003+10:00

I took the long way home along the beach on my new bike to my Parents place earlier this week. I was able to get there in time to have enough light to snap their Ornamental Pear trees in blossom. On the way I had a bike epiphany; you really need to switch to an easy gear when you're taking off from a stand still. Far easier to get going that way. Less wobbling too.

Christmas in July

2010-08-02T16:01:00.006+10:00

It's been a long time coming.

I picked my new bike up on Friday night and have been having a ball riding it to the shops, to lunch and to work ever since. I love being on a bike, any bike, but this is lots of fun. It's heavy as hell, but sturdy. I'm particularly bad at handling it at slow speed, but gosh its awesome when you're going fast. I love that I can ride it on wet roads and not end up saturated like on the road bike. Here here to a healthier lifestyle and to Mr T for my present!

The weekend

2010-08-01T16:35:00.003+10:00

Filled with bike riding, gardening, football, giant rum ball eating, disco dancing and french film watching. Happy times. Even better, only a month of winter to go!

That's ambitious

2010-07-29T16:33:00.003+10:00

Thursdays = art class. Last week I picked up this gorgeous specimen from the florist. I think tonight replicating it will bring no end of frustration, and begs the question why didn't I choose something easier?

Late Harvest

2010-07-24T12:16:00.003+10:00

Over the past few months my Saturday mornings have involved long runs. But with the half marathon run last weekend, I opted to take a break, and got to spend my Saturday morning in the garden; harvesting passionfruit!

Just in time

2010-07-23T08:22:00.003+10:00

That there, my friends, is two edges of a scarf. Yes the cabling has been done. All that's required now is to sew in the ends and add on a fringe. The plan is before Winter has done it's dash...

Observing

2010-07-16T14:30:00.000+10:00

The walk to get my daily coffee is a touch dull. But today I noticed a tree covered in these tiny blooms. I definitely think this will form the basis of my inspiration for botanical illustration classes starting again next week.

Mini breakthrough

2010-07-13T07:10:00.000+10:00

The Pikaland bootcamp continues! There was an opportunity to participate in a couple more assignments and I jumped at the chance. I was a touch hesitant because I was unable to finish the last set task, I also wasn't overly happy with the work I'd been producing, even though I was happy that I was actually making time each week to put pen to paper. I've found it tough to partake in the critiques due to my lack of formal art training. But this week I had a mini break through. I produced something I'm relatively happy with.

The weekend

2010-07-12T07:10:00.000+10:00

A weekend full of the simple, but good things.

Kamome diner/Ruokala lokki

2010-07-11T10:00:00.000+10:00

Screen grabs from the Official Movie Site.

I saw Kamome Diner on the plane on the way back from Japan. I really enjoyed it and have found myself thinking about it over the last week. It's about a Japanese woman, Sachie, who opens a diner in Helsinki, Finland and about the friends she makes in the process. It's gorgeous to look at and while the plot is simple the movie has a really nice feeling about it.

I love that little Japanese cafes decorate their menus with hand drawn pictures. It was certainly something we encountered.

New wheels

2010-07-10T10:42:00.003+10:00

It's been about six weeks since my car died and four weeks since I got my motorcycle learners permit. A couple of days ago this was delivered. Now I just have to work up the courage to actually ride it around!

Red and green

2010-07-07T14:20:00.003+10:00

Some bright colour amongst an otherwise grey day here in Melbourne.

Brown Owls

2010-07-06T18:51:00.003+10:00

Last night the Brown Owls of the West met. I would have loved to show you some pics of the amazing crocheting and knitting that was going on, but I failed to put any memory in the camera. I also failed to bake in time and my blondies had to sit on the bench to cool. My workmates benefited this morning!

Instead I took along my most recent awesome discovery. Chocolate and salt, together at last! And now I share it with you. 100g of awesomeness.

A week of Sydney. Day 5

2010-07-02T09:35:00.000+10:00

Art imitating life. Or life imitating art? The top photo shows a gorgeous installation in one of the houses on Cockatoo Island. The second shows the old wallpaper in one of the bathrooms of the house. Just as photo worthy!

There were a few things on my list that I didn't get to do. But there will definitely be a next time!

A week of Sydney. Day 4

2010-07-01T07:40:00.000+10:00

Saturday was spent at Cockatoo Island checking out the Biennale of Sydney. So much to see so little time. But what a setting! Cockatoo Island is a former imperial prison, industrial school, reformatory and jail. We think it may be a little eerie camping on the Island, but fun too. One of the sculptures was situated in the old guard house and there was some beautiful light upon our ferry ride back to the mainland.

A week of Sydney. Day 3

2010-06-30T07:30:00.001+10:00

Seeing these in Balmain momentarily took the focus off my hangover. The night previous involved a tasty Nepalese meal, Masterchef contestant spotting and far to many glasses of Rose.

A week of Sydney. Day 2

2010-06-29T10:00:00.000+10:00

Did make it to Adriano Zumbo's hole in the wall for some macarons and some sourdough. The macarons were from left to right, Custard crunch, Pear Pistachio and Fennel, Raspberry and Beetroot. Far more unusual and far less sweet as the specimens trialled in Melbourne. The sourdough absolutely delicious!

A week of Sydney. Day 1

2010-06-28T22:06:00.002+10:00

Returned last night after a fabulous weekend in Sydney. While the forecast was for rain rain and more rain, we were incredibly lucky and were privy to bright blue skies and sunshine! We started in Woollahra (walking past an amazing florist) for breakfast at Bill's cafe. There was no room for lunch after his delicious pancakes, which I've clearly not mastered!

Mini break

2010-06-24T13:17:00.003+10:00

I'm getting on a plane tonight and going for sensory overload in Sydney. A long weekend with family, friends, good food and great sights. I can hardly wait! I'm not sure I'll get to everything on my list, but I can try.

Sweet

2010-06-23T12:15:00.004+10:00

In the most recent edition of Donna Hay magazine there's a feature on maple syrup. I endured an incident at customs that involved me unpacking my backpack to reveal cans of the stuff upon my return from Canada, and still I hold no resentment. Such is the love. I couldn't go past the Maple syrup honeycomb.

When my bro extended an invite to his new place for dinner last night, I knew I'd be bringing dessert. This + good vanilla ice cream = a sweet end to the night.

Based on Donna Hay's Choc coated maple honeycomb (where I substituted water for butter)
• 2 cups sugar • 1/3 cup maple syrup • 1/3 cup honey • 1/3 cup water OR 180g butter• 1 tbs bicarb soda sifted • dark choc - her recipe calls for 500g, I used what I had which was a handful of choc melts.

Prepare your pan first - line it with baking paper and grease lightly.

In a large saucepan add the sugar, maple syrup, honey and water OR butter. You need to dissolve the sugar, so stir away.
Bring to a simmer and get the mixture up to 150C/300F you'll need a candy thermometer for this. It will probably take 7-8min. Once at that temperature, remove the thermometer, take off the heat, sift in the bicarb and stir. The mixture will double, very quickly. Pour into prepared pan and let it set for 30 mins. I let it sit for 10 min, melted the chocolate and spread it over the honeycomb then put it all in the freezer for 20 mins.

You know what's even sweeter? United States of Tara returns tonight on the ABC.

In the neighbourhood

2010-06-22T06:50:00.000+10:00

Comfort food

2010-06-21T06:45:00.000+10:00

So on Friday night there was no raging for me. I had an 18km training run to contend with on Saturday morning. Instead a seriously delicious warming Cottage pie (sans the egg yolks, less butter and cheese but with added red capsicum and a couple of anchovy fillets for depth of flavour).

The macarons from Lindt were for after the run. Questionable recovery food for sure. Vanilla, Champagne, Pistachio, Passionfruit, Hazelnut and Milk chocolate. Passionfruit was the standout flavour for me in this batch.

The atrium

2010-06-20T09:00:00.000+10:00

A wander through Fed Square's atrium turned up this gem as part of their Festival of light.

Sketch Saturday

2010-06-19T10:00:00.000+10:00

So the major reason I've been a bit absent is because of this bootcamp. I tells you what, I am waaay out of my depth. It is satisfying putting pen/watercolour to paper though.

It's not tumbleweeds

2010-06-16T12:40:00.003+10:00

It's been a bit like that recently. So many commitments so little time. I've taken to setting my alarm at 5:30am just to get everything done. Frightful. Even more frightful when you get out of the wrong side of the bed and no amount of coffee can cheer you up. These roses do though. Taken in a market in Japan. Look at the perfection!

Greenery

2010-06-09T09:00:00.000+10:00

I needed that big bowl of green. With Mr T interstate I could indulge in wholly vegetarian fare. Double broccoli = double happiness. At least in my world. Recipe here.

Brown Owls

2010-06-08T20:58:00.003+10:00

Check out the craftiness. None of it mine. Turns out my cabling needs undivided attention. I learnt a new way of un-knitting. Never mind it was still a fun night. Well catered too! That slice was delicious.

Rainbow

2010-06-07T07:00:00.000+10:00

On Friday I picked up a little treat from Laurent bakery. Chocolate, pistachio, coffee, strawberry and mango/passionfruit. Vanilla didn't last long enough to be photographed! The buttercream (?) icing in each absolutely delicious. The texture far chewier than mine. Which were more like a meringue explosion in your mouth. I think somewhere inbetween is the ideal texture!

Yellows and reds

2010-06-05T10:00:00.000+10:00

I know we're five days into winter, but I'm still enjoying the Autumn colour. If only those leaves would stay on the trees!