Lunch

We just spent the morning with Michael's cousin David, his wife Fiona and their baby Cooper.

What a fabulous time down St Kilda and another yummy meal ;-)

Tonight Lygon St with my Aunt and Uncle for dinner.

Can you spot the recurring theme?

Lunch



Luna Park



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15

Last night we had dinner at 15.

It was great!

Krista our knowledgable waitress guided us in our selections.

We both decided to try things we wouldn't ordinarily go for.

I had duck with figs and rocket for entree while Michael chose kingfish with orange. Mmmmmm

For main I had pork belly confit and Michael had some Victorian lamb. It was fabulous.

Was very full but the experience wouldn't be complete without dessert!

I chose a pannacotta with grilled peaches and almond brittle and Muchael's involved some beautiful lemon sorbet.

Yummy!

Bonus was seeing Tobey in the kitchen and out front a while.

So much fun!













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My Kitchen Rules

I've been so inspired in the kitchen lately.

I discovered Donna Hay last week (don't know how I didn't know about her sooner!).

Tonight I made basil, lemon and garlic roasted chicken which was not only scrumptious but so quick and easy!

Last night Tony, Jo, Declan and Nate came for dinner. I made my first attempt at Creme Caramel. The caramel was a little toffee-like but overall YUMMY!!!

For entree was my second go at bruschetta and it was mmmmmmmm!

I have lots of basil in the herb garden at the moment.

In other news Isabella is up to her third sight words level and her reading is just fantastic! I'm so proud and I hope she has a love of reading in her life I know how much i've enjoyed it.

Tahlia also surprised me this afternoon by showing me how she can swing herself on the swing! Very clever!

In sadder news a dear friend is in palliative care and we said goodbye to each other today :-(

Phyllis was my "adopted" grandmother growing up and we spent many many hours together. She is a wonderful cook, cake decorator, sewer, crocheter, rose, orchid and shell enthuist, listener and friend. I love you Phyl!




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School days

Isabella is enjoying year 1 so far.

We are getting into our groove; swimming on Tuesdays, show and tell and library on Thursdays and homework and reading each night.

Isabella seems to be picking up so much so quickly although it is clear she us s perfectionist (no idea where she gets that from hehe!).

She is also easily frustrated and down on herself if she can't get something straight away. So lots and lots of encouraging/praise going on.

Here are some pics of her first student of the week for the year and one of the girls, Bella holding her flash cards.

Thanks also for the words of comfort on my last post xoxo








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It's a tough job

Some days I do a terrible job at parenting. Today has been one of them.

I'm so ashamed at how little patience I have.

I see and hear all these terrible news stories of young lives gone too soon and think to myself I am so blessed, so lucky and almost the next breath or thought is one of frustration.

I pray tomorrow is a better day.


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Rainbow

Tahlia has desperately been wanting to see a rainbow recently.

And there was one in our backyard this afternoon.








And this was Tahlia.....




Aaaaawwwww

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Getting organised

I love to be organised. Today I made some inroads into that by preparing some meals for us for the working week to come. I've got spaghetti bolognaise (made with fresh herbs - see below) and sausage rolls. Isabella and Tahlia also helped me make cupcakes.

Michael planted me a herb garden this afternoon! I'm so excited. I've been inspired by Stephenie Alexander Kitchen Garden Companion and our upcoming trip to Melbourne to see Jamie Oliver live!

I've got; oregano, basil, chilli, parsley (flat leaf and curly), Rosemary, coriander, garlic chives and mint so far.

I've also been trying to lose weight and get fit so I tried Jillian Michaels 30 day shred workout this afternoon. Whoa!!! That is the hardest thing I've ever done. I don't think my face has ever seen that shade of purple before! It stayed that way for at least an hour! I have a sneaking suspicion I'm going to be VERY VERY sore tomorrow!

Here are some photos - cupcakes decorated by the girls, my new garden and Tahlia.
















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