The weekend's here

Both Mum and I had a Fridays we'd rather forget, earlier though we'd booked tickets to see Julie & Julia. So glad we kept our movie date, even if it did meaning going back to work afterwards. Gah. For a couple of hours there I forgot about deadlines and was enchanted by the thought of living in Paris and/or mastering French cooking. A thoroughly enjoyable screening.

This weekend I'm looking forward to flipping through the magazines that arrived this week, a hens lunch with tapas and plenty of wine, packing for Sydney and hopefully a little road trip come tomorrow. It's our first weekend in ages where we don't have a long list of chores to do. Woo hoo. We can make the most of the spring weather!

As for sketch Saturday, well I think it might be back. I started Botanical Illustration during the week and I'm pretty excited. Still life got a good working out this week. I'm no artist, but it's good to be back.

A week of Fiesta - Day 05

Lastly there were decorations. Hand cut & sewn paper flags (as per this creative space), fresh flowers, fake mustaches and of course paper lanterns & fairy lights. BYO sombrero was encouraged to get into the spirit.

While pulling it all together I was inspired by Party Perfect, Snippet & Ink (really about weddings, but there's some great ideas amongst the white dresses) and Apple Cyder. Love the internets!

All in all a fun way to celebrate my first annual 30th.

A week of Fiesta - Day 04

As far as I'm concerned it ain't a party til there's cake.
We had fruit skewers with a sugared lime zest. The addition of salt is tasty. Try it for a really simple dessert.

The white chocolate mint mousse was a disaster in preparation. For some reason it separated on us. We heated it gently, let it rest overnight and then folded more whipped cream through it. Turned out a treat.

Then there were the coconut cupcakes which I'd baked two weeks ago and frozen. I took them out of the freezer Saturday morning and iced them Saturday afternoon with the dulce de leche buttercream. Hands down the best buttercream recipe I've ever used. And was very happy with the result. Yes, they were exceedingly sweet, but they were only small.

Steps: 13,028

A week of Fiesta - Day 03

Mum and I spent the two days prior to the party market shopping & cooking. I'd devised a savoury menu that included:
• Guacamole, salsa & corn chips
• Chicken, chili, mayo & mango tortilla wraps
• Prawn ceviche
• Cheese and corn empanadas with chili mayo dipping sauce
• Potato and chorizo empanadas (pictured) with coriander & sour cream dipping sauce

For ease and to differentiate we used ready made puff pastry for the vegetarian empanadas and ready made short crust pastry for the chorizo empanadas.

Steps: 10,127

A week of Fiesta - Day 02

Can't have a party without drinks. Margaritas were on offer first. I made them the day before using a recipe that was based on 3 parts tequila, 1 part triple sec, 2 parts lemon/lime juice, 1 part sugar syrup, 2-3 parts ice. They were blended, decanted into plastic bottles & frozen overnight.

I had jugs of Mojitos, where I'd muddled lime, white rum & sugar syrup in the bottom. To serve, the mixture was topped up with soda water & ice, depending on required strength. They were served in quilted Mason jars that I'll be reusing at Christmas time.

Given the potency of the above drinks I also had some non-alcoholic cranberry iced tea which I had made the day before and I think may become a summer staple. It didn't need the additional sugar. I served this from the rinsed out tequila bottles used above.

Then there was the three varieties of Mexican beer.

Steps: 10,031

A week of Fiesta - Day 01

Firstly an outfit. While the party wasn't dress up, I decided to go with the theme. I was lucky to find the Mexican style dress at retro star two nights before the party. I also thought it was about time I added a red lipstick to my make up repertoire. The girl at the M.A.C counter was awesome and helped me choose the right shade. I can't wait to wear it again.

Steps: 13,354

Slow Sunday

We had a very slow Sunday relaxing after a crazy week. Organising last night's fiesta took a whole lot of time & energy. But it was a good night, I think! Hard to tell when it's your own party. I felt as though I didn't get to chat properly to everyone, but that's the way it always is, right?

Many of my guests opted to ignore the 'Presence, no presents' request and now I have a few months worth of reading in front of me. As well as a whole lot of wine to get through, some wine glasses to drink it out of and good reason to spend some quality time in Dinosaur Designs, amongst other fabulous things. I cannot thank everyone enough.

Fiesta posts to follow.

Saturday Steps: 10,131
Sunday Steps: 12,084

Still hiatusing

Happy birthday Golden child.

Steps: 14,780

10,000 steps

This little guy is my new best friend. My October fitness challenge is to walk a minimum of 10,000 steps everyday, with the help of a slightly over excitable pedometer. There's actually a bit of a competition starting at work on the 7th of October, but I thought I'd get some practice in early and challenge myself for the whole 10th month. Same deal as last month, 10,000 steps EVERY DAY and I will reward myself with something a little bit special. Probably this because I didn't quite make my goal last month.

Steps: 10,861

Day two of the hiatus

No words, just a strawberry flower.