tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35920451643174598752024-02-07T12:42:06.948+00:00It's a Pleasure, TreasureIt's a pleasure treasurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18334999115831038582noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3592045164317459875.post-28957868936183430752014-10-06T09:17:00.001+01:002014-10-06T09:17:58.856+01:00The Great Big Gender Reveal <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR6uYlRS7WYi5LvgnTLSI7lrFNA76N6ImI6mVZOCytoqTQNzNDjf0AZs14vqWsCThYo_g86PbojNoHMZprOkdDe_iXYg4mVad6Fzx0KORNlU3wQkRx7Zy65vSDjCtlGnKXl4P7HaOmnqg/s1600/gender+reveal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR6uYlRS7WYi5LvgnTLSI7lrFNA76N6ImI6mVZOCytoqTQNzNDjf0AZs14vqWsCThYo_g86PbojNoHMZprOkdDe_iXYg4mVad6Fzx0KORNlU3wQkRx7Zy65vSDjCtlGnKXl4P7HaOmnqg/s1600/gender+reveal.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, as I mentioned a few weeks’ back, we have a new addition to Noah’s friend group, arriving with much excitement, this December. Our friends, after a few wobbles (like we did) have decided to keep the sex of their baby a surprise. Prompting me to think about baby number two, and whether we would find out or not. Being an (obsessive) planner/organiser at heart, I was desperate to know what I was expecting with baby number one, but my husband was adamant that it be a surprise and as it was so important to him, I went along with it. But for baby number two, I wonder if it would be different. My whole world would literally explode into a festival of pink if I was to have a girl and surely I would NEED time to plan that!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although, I must admit, in those first moments of meeting Noah, it didn’t even cross my mind whether he was a boy or girl. He was just beautiful, healthy and I was in love. And it was sweet to be the one to find out that the little bundle of newborn cuteness was a boy. Husband was obviously thrilled with his son and heir.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, there is no right or wrong, it is just personal preference. I thought I would ask around, what did you do, and what led you to the decision? For second time around, would you find out?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And of course, if you just can’t wait, but still want a bit of fanfare and a surprise - there is always the option of a gender reveal party. What is it? Basically, when you go for your 20 week scan the midwife writes the gender of your baby down and pops it into a sealed envelope. You give the envelope to a bakery, or a friend who can keep a secret, and they bake a cake, plain on the outside and either pink or blue on the inside. Throw a shindig – cut the cake and whoopla – gender revealed!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anyway, let me know what you did and if you would have done it any other way..</span><br />
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<br />It's a pleasure treasurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18334999115831038582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3592045164317459875.post-47363753630986505282014-09-15T13:22:00.000+01:002014-09-15T13:35:46.020+01:00Bun in the oven?<div style="text-align: justify;">
A few weeks ago a friend of mine announced to the world that she is expecting her first little bundle of joy (aka Noah’s new BFF or potential future wife). True to her style, she did it in a very sweet, tasty and creative way, as well as managing to be bang on trend with the start of The Great British Bake Off #babykirkmartin #alreadytrending!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVB4YqMVNO-Tw9CT4xTykaCfLAFe09YZoM5nRBpwbo_wlK41g0DqxhIw4oJ2Us1MjAC89a_WZnSuZKk1OEyw8Yuxx4-71HzS2IK4I2bnpUrO31yMD10ywFdGLNf_CS-jLgITIJKqCmjI8/s1600/Nicky+&+Mike+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVB4YqMVNO-Tw9CT4xTykaCfLAFe09YZoM5nRBpwbo_wlK41g0DqxhIw4oJ2Us1MjAC89a_WZnSuZKk1OEyw8Yuxx4-71HzS2IK4I2bnpUrO31yMD10ywFdGLNf_CS-jLgITIJKqCmjI8/s1600/Nicky+&+Mike+.jpg" /></a></div>
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And with the Royal announcement too, it led me to thinking about how people are announcing their pregnancy's in fresh, new and original ways. It’s great to see people getting creative about the way they spread the news that their lives are changing FOREVER .. um just kidding…. (not really…)</div>
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After all, we put on a big song and dance on for our weddings, so why not do something equally fun when you have a baby on the way. Also, do it while you have time. As anyone with kids knows – it’s pretty unlikely the second pregnancy will get the same amount of attention. </div>
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Did you do something creative to announce your pregnancy? Or did you just send an email? Would you do it for your second baby?</div>
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Anyway, either way, here are a few ideas and fun ways of announcing courtesy of my Pinterest addiction. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpXE5WrXBZOjKP89ecDvh5e3tSvNWH5sLtE424adqdJ8P8H20RDyfu6urTni4IyOvX0A_LwYAFhu6-HnHqUZIr-zY4GzV8RGwnbN62LyLdTKrFx6x0dQATHxMonkw8mOFFtLEPTpBHIp8/s1600/pregnant+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpXE5WrXBZOjKP89ecDvh5e3tSvNWH5sLtE424adqdJ8P8H20RDyfu6urTni4IyOvX0A_LwYAFhu6-HnHqUZIr-zY4GzV8RGwnbN62LyLdTKrFx6x0dQATHxMonkw8mOFFtLEPTpBHIp8/s1600/pregnant+2.jpg" height="555" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVdICsB4AA3ZU7i6dw_WPtkM6O9T08Z04f_Vy72DvBt6x-NsEXwrJ8GsQaYYehXRKQUS03ShiBpmWelTUwUj0gZB8bxQ6nFM-5K3s5oNSryPiEG4CixF45QCdx19yeZINnPsfKqx9K24k/s1600/Pregnant1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVdICsB4AA3ZU7i6dw_WPtkM6O9T08Z04f_Vy72DvBt6x-NsEXwrJ8GsQaYYehXRKQUS03ShiBpmWelTUwUj0gZB8bxQ6nFM-5K3s5oNSryPiEG4CixF45QCdx19yeZINnPsfKqx9K24k/s1600/Pregnant1.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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And a super cute video announcement from <a href="http://cupcakesandcashmere.com/series-stories/an-announcement" target="_blank">Cupcakes and Cashmere</a>.</div>
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Talking about Great British Bake Off, you should follow <a href="http://instagram.com/nickykirkmartin" target="_blank">@nickykirkmartin</a> on Instagram as she bakes her way through the GBBO #nickydoesgbbo<br />
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Lots of love<br />
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Abi x</div>
It's a pleasure treasurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18334999115831038582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3592045164317459875.post-79203621742011244192014-07-22T09:08:00.001+01:002014-07-22T09:08:17.909+01:00What to wear: Limited Edition Tamara TobiasIt's been ages since I last posted anything on here and I have no excuses… EXCEPT that I have been rather preoccupied with the hazy, exhausting, but glorious bubble of first-time motherhood. As my baby boy has just turned one, I have promised myself that I will get back on the blogging bandwagon very soon!<br />
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In the meantime, I just had to pop in to do a little cheerleading for a super talented friend of mine - founder of <a href="http://www.tamaratobias.com/product-category/new-in/" target="_blank">Tamara Tobias</a> - Tammy Fowler. Tammy launched her label at 8 months pregnant! Yes, I repeat, 8 months pregnant! When I was basically living on ice cream and ‘resting and nesting’, she was working non-stop to get her first collection designed and ready.<br />
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Tammy has just added this new limited edition scarf to her already amazing summer collection. Once it’s gone it’s gone, so I thought I would spread the word as far and wide as I could!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.tamaratobias.com/product/ganets-exclusive-scarf/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3i51Fdt4W5jyDiCPQF2QjBq8C8b85XyReY325PfeL85n-zj4vroLl2-TYwKcyWdfRUY3fiE4YD882uE0_hYKNl74Vb6SouDI_LPDp-1IJN7vabkNEPffG9APo9kBt5HKc1pxTYm1_3O8/s1600/Ganets+.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tamaratobias.com/product/ganets-exclusive-scarf/" target="_blank">Limited edition Ganet's scarf </a></td></tr>
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Tammy’s design was inspired by a primary school in Northern Malawi. The school was recently damaged by flash floods and Tammy has promised that 75% of the profits from the scarf will go into a fund to support the school. What’s not to love?<br />
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I have been amazed and endlessly impressed at how she has created a thriving business, while juggling the demands of being a really great mummy. Maybe we need to get her on here to tell us her secret!<br />
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To find out more about this school, what the fund is achieving and what you can do to help go to <a href="http://www.ganetsadventureschool.org/">www.ganetsadventureschool.org</a><br />
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To see more of Tammy’s beautiful scarves, go to <a href="http://www.tamaratobias.com/">www.tamaratobias.com</a><br />
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Here are some of my faves for the new season:<br />
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<a href="http://www.tamaratobias.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNS5Sr_Rznu7hdiwBLYpHFZ6mH1YQnaXJobd1IZaY_e1pPvhkhMDfKlj1UrplGsFGdCXX16PMFEpWQ9-2Zrbca5f1WirkHOjZIqfWWSVpFfKneQ7MWhg2P6CwJoRzwU95RoCEor61df74/s1600/Tamaratobias.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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lots of love & have a happy day<br />
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A xx<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Wishing you all a love and treat-filled day. What are you doing tonight?</span></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJSkrzP37F6NJGGIYk5WUS5N3GUlROT-zQQSPECS4Bv9CXm-JsvO71hG-uhL_cesjVuerVIhLryzz85xX5Vx7bNp4ZHpCssTcVjHRKmi7BOBjpcHAjgmFxsQPvCYu0m1KQY3_3v59irOo/s1600/meringue-md109577_vert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJSkrzP37F6NJGGIYk5WUS5N3GUlROT-zQQSPECS4Bv9CXm-JsvO71hG-uhL_cesjVuerVIhLryzz85xX5Vx7bNp4ZHpCssTcVjHRKmi7BOBjpcHAjgmFxsQPvCYu0m1KQY3_3v59irOo/s400/meringue-md109577_vert.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />It's a pleasure treasurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18334999115831038582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3592045164317459875.post-40670180195469803582013-01-17T23:19:00.000+00:002013-01-17T23:20:54.301+00:00What's on your list?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3UXnGbcy6KgOP0seBlIPSgnzkvSAgsBLvg9xpXX4UeW1xhwKg2ChJR55yYxERiOn4w-ZGCDtA2jHEAmIpe4tMHI7VP0DFuyCzCYFCGNpmsowB6ScvpkffRXLkQ_Tz8YRczc87UkNIRZsC/s1600/e69244258ddbcc73568b2f77fe3fe703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3UXnGbcy6KgOP0seBlIPSgnzkvSAgsBLvg9xpXX4UeW1xhwKg2ChJR55yYxERiOn4w-ZGCDtA2jHEAmIpe4tMHI7VP0DFuyCzCYFCGNpmsowB6ScvpkffRXLkQ_Tz8YRczc87UkNIRZsC/s1600/e69244258ddbcc73568b2f77fe3fe703.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo credit: <a href="http://www.typographyserved.com/gallery/Happy-New-Year/2740687" target="_blank">Typography Served</a></span></div>
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Happy New Year! I know we're a bit late to the party, but January is not over yet!</div>
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I'm not really one for making New Year's resolutions - I'm all about under promising and over-delivering - vague things like, "I should exercise more" and "I'm going to try and be punctual" mean I almost always reach my goal! However, the past few weeks have got me thinking about what I really want out of this year and my list goes a little something like this...</div>
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1. I will bake more</h3>
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I adore baking and get a lot of joy out of it, but I don't do it often enough. This year, I'm going to aim to bake two new things a month (be that biscuits, cakes, tarts, desserts - as long as it is something I'd like to eat, it qualifies!). Husband, get ready to take treats in to work!</div>
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2. I will commit to 3 work-outs a week</h3>
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Now this is a scary one for me - as much as I try, I can't seem to enjoy exercise. I like the idea of it and the way I feel afterwards, but I count down the minutes/seconds/nano-seconds until it's over. Mostly, I just like the idea of having a toned bod. So for 2013, my aim is to do some form of exercise at least 3 times a week (it can be a walk, run, DVD, exercise sheet - as long as it gets me moving). I'm dreading it already... if I can't learn to love it, hopefully I can learn to tolerate it!</div>
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3. I will read more books</h3>
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I love reading and I'd like to broaden my reading horizons in 2013. I'm going to choose 12 books to read before the end of the year (the only criteria is that they can't be chick-lit - my standard go-to read!). As this is my list, I also get to decide what constitutes chick-lit... :)</div>
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4. I will be more creative</h3>
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I am a Pinterest addict. I can spend hours poring over ideas and crafts which lead me to new websites and blogs. There are so many clever and talented people out there and I am always so inspired by what I come across. Last year, I made a Christmas bauble wreath. I had wanted to make one for a long time and throughly enjoyed it. So this year I would like to put a bit more of the 'Oooh, I'd like to make that' into action. I'm setting myself a goal of creating something new every month, using Pinterest as my inspiration. I'll be sure to document my successes (and those that aren't so successful!) on the blog. </div>
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5. I will relax more</h3>
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I want to stress less in 2013. Last year was a busy and emotional one for me. This year will be more about me finding time for myself, saying 'no' when I need to, spending quality time with my husband and friends, appreciating life and living in the moment.</div>
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What's on your list for 2013?</div>
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x</div>
Nickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00316449085633539956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3592045164317459875.post-57353212686472426952012-12-21T10:06:00.000+00:002012-12-21T10:06:40.543+00:00A year ago today - 21. 12. 2011<div>
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It's amazing to think a year ago today, I was preparing to walk towards the man I would promise to love and cherish forever. I can still feel the butterflies in my stomach as I remember stepping into my dress for the first time, hugging my mum tightly, looking into my dad's excited and love-filled eyes as he took my arm to walk me down the aisle. The crunch of the stones under my heels as we walked up through the lavender, warm sun on our backs, blue skies and the impressive and dramatic Franschhoek mountains as a backdrop, I can remember thinking - could this be more perfect. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd_YI6PAwD5BE9o_vA_bDbXd_I12D1EvSAGJBxG90pTILIZxLjuDP8BD-KvFxn2cEIA-S9dh_QmLBlNBkcbLgGHUP7DtJEy-52gqXmD91HDYDNPl_8zzkA-x9aMJZZw2cOkpGWLqei-TU/s1600/James+Abi+21+12+-0449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd_YI6PAwD5BE9o_vA_bDbXd_I12D1EvSAGJBxG90pTILIZxLjuDP8BD-KvFxn2cEIA-S9dh_QmLBlNBkcbLgGHUP7DtJEy-52gqXmD91HDYDNPl_8zzkA-x9aMJZZw2cOkpGWLqei-TU/s640/James+Abi+21+12+-0449.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks to the lovely Christine Meintjes for our beautiful photos www.christinemeintjes.co.za/2012/02/14/abi-james-love-story-with-an-happy-ending/</td></tr>
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The day went off without a hitch, aside from a near spin into the cake (<a href="http://vimeo.com/38150475" target="_blank">video evidence here</a>) on our entrance into the reception, but all in all, it was the perfect day, in the perfect location, surrounded by all the people we love in the world, marrying the perfect man. So I guess, a year later all I can say is - I still feel like the luckiest girl alive. Not a day goes by that I don't pinch myself. Yes, of course, life is not always rosy. We are both highly passionate and dramatic (ok, well I am atleast) we are both feisty and fiercely loyal Scorpios, so we do have our moments and can drive eachother crackers (ok, me again) - but in short we are BFFs, the loves of eachothers' lives and our own biggest fans - so if all the years to follow are as good as year one - we're onto a good thing. Happy Anniversary to my favourite person in the world, may the next year be filled with even more love, exciting changes, challenges, champagne bubbles and bundles of joy! (wink wink).</div>
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It's a pleasure treasurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18334999115831038582noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3592045164317459875.post-81541926151797647982012-12-01T12:42:00.002+00:002012-12-01T13:50:27.852+00:00Happy Snapping - December Photo a Day challenge <div style="text-align: justify;">
After a break in November, I am back again my new iphone primed and at the ready for <a href="http://fatmumslim.com.au/december-photo-a-day-lets-have-some-fun-fmsphotoaday/" target="_blank">fatmumslim's</a> December Photo a Day challenge. Will you be joining in? Come on you know you want to... </div>
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For a reminder of what to do and some photo taking tips for when you feel uninspired or stuck, head over to Chantelle's excellent fatmumslim <a href="http://fatmumslim.com.au/december-photo-a-day-lets-have-some-fun-fmsphotoaday/">blog</a>, it's full of great ideas. Good luck and happy festive snapping xx</div>
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It's a pleasure treasurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18334999115831038582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3592045164317459875.post-30598675582958268352012-11-25T19:00:00.000+00:002012-11-26T22:28:42.801+00:00What to eat today - Sausage, kale and flageolet cassoulet<div style="text-align: justify;">
I don't know about you, but in our household on a Sunday, there are three things that happen without fail.</div>
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1. Extra hot lattes and honey toast in bed</div>
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2. A dash to the shops to get the Sunday Times AND<br />
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This particular recipe, from Leon, is just gorgeous. I can't claim to have discovered it myself - but when I tasted it for the first time, I knew it would become a Sunday fave (thanks Nick and Fi). For starters, I love anything with sausages and beans, throw in kale and crispy bread and I am sold!</div>
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Serves 4</div>
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2 tins cooked flageolets beans (you can use others, I have used butter beans and they are just as good)</div>
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3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil</div>
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500g <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/sausages">sausages</a> (cumberland or toulouse), cut into 2.5cm chunks</div>
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4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced</div>
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1 heaped tbsp rosemary, finely chopped</div>
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1 large or 2 small red onions, cut into large chunks</div>
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800ml chicken stock</div>
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75ml double cream</div>
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300g kale (woody stalks removed), chopped into 5cm pieces</div>
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Small handful of flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped</div>
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Crispy bread - ciabatta or a french baguette </div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">Heat the oil in a deep, heavy-based casserole dish and fry the sausage pieces until golden brown</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Add the garlic and rosemary, then turn down the heat and stir in the onions. </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Cover with a lid and cook gently for 15 minutes until the onions are soft and lightly browning, giving the occasional stir.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Pour in the chicken stock, add the beans and season.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Bring to a relaxed simmer and cook for around 20 minutes, skimming as necessary. </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">I add a bit of lemon zest in here, but that is up to you</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Stir in the cream and kale and mix well, then simmer for 10 minutes with a lid on and another 10 minutes without. </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Adjust the seasoning and finish with the chopped parsley.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Serve with crispy bread and a buttery white chardonnay ... mmm</li>
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Happy Sunday y'all </div>
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It's a pleasure treasurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18334999115831038582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3592045164317459875.post-5689245451111544102012-09-30T19:37:00.000+01:002012-09-30T19:37:57.355+01:00Photo a day - October<div style="text-align: justify;">
October is my absolute favourite month in the whole year... it reminds me of being a kid again. From the change in season - the crisp feeling in the air - to kicking up the Autumn leaves and the excitement of Halloween, sparkling nights, mulled wine and fireworks - it all just makes me feel happy. I guess it's also partly down to October being birthday season in my family - one of which is mine.. and also my beautiful Pleasure Treasure counterpart. We are two days apart which always gives us an excuse for two double date dinners (love) AND two parties (double love)!</div>
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However, more of that to come in later posts. For now, this is just a little reminder to say get ready for the new October 'photo a day' challenge from Chantelle, the fab mummy blogger behind <a href="http://fatmumslim.com.au/">Fat Mum Slim</a>. </div>
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Remember this month the hashtag is slightly different - it's fmsphotoaday - good luck, enjoy and happy snapping.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiNEaPxDOpViredB8edmIxiLiNj4LGUsh4Vt6AHLpwm3yeEG_RQZkRfiV-tnkwhMx1b6VV7rI3v-54VI31TYAi9hDjhHZk2SwVVZ63F3sjqBTl5G-GNXR-8th6Qnm9HoWsDPvms9kbs9E/s1600/October-photo-a-day-list_zps8380355e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiNEaPxDOpViredB8edmIxiLiNj4LGUsh4Vt6AHLpwm3yeEG_RQZkRfiV-tnkwhMx1b6VV7rI3v-54VI31TYAi9hDjhHZk2SwVVZ63F3sjqBTl5G-GNXR-8th6Qnm9HoWsDPvms9kbs9E/s1600/October-photo-a-day-list_zps8380355e.jpg" /></a></div>
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To read more about how it works or inspiration and ideas go to <a href="http://fatmumslim.com.au/">Fat Mum Slim</a>.</div>
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It's a pleasure treasurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18334999115831038582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3592045164317459875.post-13683594852484414432012-09-26T22:04:00.000+01:002012-09-27T10:51:26.181+01:00In the bag - holiday reading<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ly2ywXp7gBv9l-v6f5hsqc4_3Pki9O846omYqK3BEOMLorqDHMEt5CSHmaX2mAf8Hh3jgEtPScvm2sxAyNlvylNP5vvWDdKJ_THCAQacuQ2aPtHThzMab7opQ857iksnpm7CxfRfd24/s1600/87609155221897134_eBXjDzdp_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ly2ywXp7gBv9l-v6f5hsqc4_3Pki9O846omYqK3BEOMLorqDHMEt5CSHmaX2mAf8Hh3jgEtPScvm2sxAyNlvylNP5vvWDdKJ_THCAQacuQ2aPtHThzMab7opQ857iksnpm7CxfRfd24/s1600/87609155221897134_eBXjDzdp_f.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I love reading, but for some reason I never seem to get time to do it in my busy work week (something I am working on). On the odd occasions that I manage to get to bed as early as possible to read - I get half way through a chapter and bang - I fall asleep. So, if it's a school night I tend to stick to cook books (I have a pile by my bed ALWAYS), online newspapers and the odd interior design magazine.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">HOWEVER, as soon as I am on holiday I relish nothing more than, lying by the pool or beach and getting stuck into a good book or two - as does my husband, who on holiday is dubbed the <i>Constant Reader</i>. So, this Friday, as I am jetting off on holiday and don't want to be bored waiting for the <i>Constant Reader </i>to finish his chapter in time to get me another cocktail, I have chosen a few books to have in my bag for both on the plane and by pool. I'm not sure about you, but I like to have a bit of a mix - one serious, one not so serious and then a couple of wild cards... this is what I have in my bag this holiday ... what's in yours?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiNNPtEa50tsFqtCqozeK3L9EvZ0nnjxnigDhyphenhyphenJpmhijagRuuwQkdoEr8IzrsAdymtyjzpFaWN8fFwx4nii96gxA-UHV-xDEU4V0o2g-YD9ig5OgomDroAzxOl23fUrZbApMZBqGqIjA4/s1600/539661_10150934024958882_2012640119_n-460x346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiNNPtEa50tsFqtCqozeK3L9EvZ0nnjxnigDhyphenhyphenJpmhijagRuuwQkdoEr8IzrsAdymtyjzpFaWN8fFwx4nii96gxA-UHV-xDEU4V0o2g-YD9ig5OgomDroAzxOl23fUrZbApMZBqGqIjA4/s1600/539661_10150934024958882_2012640119_n-460x346.jpg" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The inspirational one: Build a business from your kitchen </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>Sophie Cornish and Holly Tucker</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now I never win anything... .A.N.Y.T.H.I.N.G - so when I won this much coveted book in a blog contest, I literally back flipped in my living room! And ever since I have been dying to read it! It follows the story of the two fantastic and inspiring women who founded one of my favourite sites - <a href="http://notonthehighstreet.com/">notonthehighstreet.com</a>. My dream has always been to be my own boss, run my own business and have something to be proud of, so this one is my inspirational read. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The saucy/naughty one: Fifty Shades Trilogy </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>E L James </i></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ok ok ok, now I know I am VERY late onto this bandwagon, but for some reason this book has just not appealed to me at all. However, I've never been one to sit on the sidelines and not give something a go, so I thought - why the hell not. I have read review after review - some good, some bad, some downright hilarious - but will approach this trilogy poolside, with an open mind and a cold glass of vino in hand... </span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3-mcVfiQPJS7Yx9olRR-AbT9JCNnaTnwnLA_FBtqAQwaW0MZjB8XM9ot-OlVmRH1n8PaNqHd3OZiGeFmcG60lQuxGzGjuhvWM3hKqjztGCpwKNmN_IGnzE3OAaM30Q-SskefcaSd-mJo/s1600/shades-of-grey_2251523b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3-mcVfiQPJS7Yx9olRR-AbT9JCNnaTnwnLA_FBtqAQwaW0MZjB8XM9ot-OlVmRH1n8PaNqHd3OZiGeFmcG60lQuxGzGjuhvWM3hKqjztGCpwKNmN_IGnzE3OAaM30Q-SskefcaSd-mJo/s1600/shades-of-grey_2251523b.jpg" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The 'incase Fifty Shades </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">doesn't work out one': How to be a woman <i>Caitlin Moran</i></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheMTAVm-6S7UIeH5I64i8H4_K2C72shrwYzP-sLNys55QlyNwnd_dUD_ffdbDGn60B8nwDiDDFys0RXsPqQdOqguf0lJuMQYd_Nu_3_XOie_9sNtQp5_Zl8jJVBIvCP9TILfuL9tSjNeU/s1600/how-to-be-a-woman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheMTAVm-6S7UIeH5I64i8H4_K2C72shrwYzP-sLNys55QlyNwnd_dUD_ffdbDGn60B8nwDiDDFys0RXsPqQdOqguf0lJuMQYd_Nu_3_XOie_9sNtQp5_Zl8jJVBIvCP9TILfuL9tSjNeU/s1600/how-to-be-a-woman.jpg" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have only heard good things about this book - one word - excited!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The can't live without one: Red Magazine </span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2u9w-8qBoNAHmOc15zZ6pxJRhqXXLk_691yR83PiojqYpccsWn3KiSlzaB98oNCnps4y0xiSUNeUTmkIxy34Dg2mN88oQJMPe0iOXU7JriLgiO2mZbIC7stlhLimdEASXM0eoa-c_voY/s1600/1342199494_698a2f222939a9fd147d4257fafe96a0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2u9w-8qBoNAHmOc15zZ6pxJRhqXXLk_691yR83PiojqYpccsWn3KiSlzaB98oNCnps4y0xiSUNeUTmkIxy34Dg2mN88oQJMPe0iOXU7JriLgiO2mZbIC7stlhLimdEASXM0eoa-c_voY/s400/1342199494_698a2f222939a9fd147d4257fafe96a0.jpg" width="304" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So it's not a exactly a book - but it's my holiday and my rules. No long haul flight is complete without my monthly bible - Red Magazine. From fashion to beauty, food and the excellent Alpha Male column by Rosie Green (who the <i>Constant Reader</i> thinks is actually my alter ego) - nothing makes the post chicken or beef option more bearable! To be read with a glass of wine before the in flight movie. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What's your reading style? And what kind of books do you take on holiday with you? We'd love to know. xx</span></div>It's a pleasure treasurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18334999115831038582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3592045164317459875.post-87117047264249504102012-08-30T22:48:00.001+01:002012-08-30T22:48:35.414+01:00Champagne Friday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
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Wishing you all a lovely, champagne-filled weekend xx</div>
<br />It's a pleasure treasurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18334999115831038582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3592045164317459875.post-25213559754228684392012-08-30T00:38:00.001+01:002012-08-30T00:38:46.264+01:00In the bag: What to take to the Olympics<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/weve_got_it_in_bag/set?.embedder=3678333&.svc=blogger&id=52776047">We've got it in the bag: Olympics fever</a> by <a href="http://nkirkmartin.polyvore.com/?.embedder=3678333&.svc=blogger">nkirkmartin</a> featuring a <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/union_jack_umbrella/shop?query=union+jack+umbrella">union jack umbrella</a></small><br />
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We are super excited about the Olympics - London is at fever pitch! The Opening Ceremony was absolutely spectacular and the Games have gone off with a bang - 2 weeks of fun ahead (hopefully in the sun...).</div>
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There are strict rules about what you <a href="http://www.london2012.com/mm/Document/Documents/General/01/25/44/06/Prohibitedandrestricteditemslists_Neutral.pdf" target="_blank">can and can't bring in to the venues</a> - similar to going through airport security, there are <a href="http://www.london2012.com/mm/Document/Documents/General/01/25/44/10/Restrictionsonliquidsaerosolsandgels_Neutral.pdf" target="_blank">restrictions on liquids, aerosols and gels</a>. Having watched the tennis and volleyball, we thought we'd compile a short list of the things you don't want to be without:</div>
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Umbrella (a small one - golf umbrellas are banned)</div>
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Camera (to capture those Olympic moments)</div>
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Sunglasses (for when the sun decides to show its face!)</div>
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Purse (for coins and cards)</div>
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Scarf (to keep you warm and double up as a flag - go Team GB!)</div>
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Sun cream (200ml or less)</div>
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Empty water bottle (you can fill it up at the events)</div>
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Chewing gum (to keep you fresh)</div>
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Antibacterial wipes (for emergencies)</div>
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The less you take, the better, but whatever you do, don't forget your tickets!</div>
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Nickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00316449085633539956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3592045164317459875.post-55184552763878272212012-08-28T22:21:00.001+01:002012-08-30T00:43:17.436+01:00What to wear - The L B C<div style="text-align: justify;">
Say what you will about Kim Kardashian, but that girl knows how to work her curves! When I saw this photo of her on a beach in Hawaii it made me think - YESSSS - that's it! Everyone should have an LBC (Little Black Costume) in their wardrobes.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kim Kardashian in her LBC </td></tr>
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As I have a holiday on the horizon I decided instead of going in search of the perfect bikini, which can also be quite a tiresome experience for some (ME) - I was gonna get me a LBC!</div>
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Bearing in mind it is end of summer in the UK and most of the stores are full of Autumn/Winter stock and EMPTY of any holiday gear. Anyhow, as I am convinced of the longevity of this addition to my closet - I decided to splurge on it. Just like its equally sassy cousin the LBD - this is something that just WON'T date.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.beachcafe.com/designers/jets-jessika-allen">Jessika Allen for Jets </a></td></tr>
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Are you switching from separates to a one-piece? Let me know your thoughts?<br />
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xxIt's a pleasure treasurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18334999115831038582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3592045164317459875.post-78818062636171958952012-08-19T22:42:00.002+01:002012-08-19T22:43:42.495+01:00The Big 'Three Oh'<div style="text-align: justify;">
Right, so 2012 is a big year. Not only is there the Olympics, Paralympics, Diamond Jubilee celebrations and all that jazz, but ... for me it is also the year of THE BIG THREE OH (shudder).</div>
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I still can't really believe 30 years have gone by so quickly, I do still feel about 23 - at a push maybe 25. Anyway, turning 30 isn't actually that scary. It's actually a good time to take a look life and take stock. A chance to think is this where I wanted to be by now? Am I on the right track? To look at what I have achieved and to be proud and then look forward.</div>
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Anyway, as my big day is a few months off, I thought I would share a post from one of my best childhood friends, fellow blogger and just all round amazing girl, on her big Three Oh moment. </div>
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Nicki Dadic, the beauty and brains behind the <a href="http://oneoftheboys.co.za/">One of the Boys</a> blog has shared her life with us through her excellent and funny mummy blog for a few years now. I love her down to earth and very open approach to sharing her thoughts and experiences of being a mum - no sugar coating - this girl is REAL and she writes it how it is. We're not the only ones who love her, Nicki has been up for Mummy blogger awards galore and this month is featured in SA's Fair Lady! So I am proud to welcome her and share her '30 days to Thirty' post with you.. enjoy.</div>
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Nicki is wife to David, mum to super cute Luca and Mika, digital marketing and social media gal, full-time Gleek, part-time blogger, Wine Gum addict and eternal optimist.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;">That’s right, in 30 days I will be THIRTY!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjapZvonk5EvmKFf6LIBGiOatTYjPYfIniLzT_CWBFiOxjbR-RVBt0lmL9SwBt5eipzNnWj-DAg3iLzn3u2zdEVDQB57zzbb8lmxYiOys7xPS7y_LkBntX7EqSjCvCquHslTXWIVJy0Kz0/s1600/30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjapZvonk5EvmKFf6LIBGiOatTYjPYfIniLzT_CWBFiOxjbR-RVBt0lmL9SwBt5eipzNnWj-DAg3iLzn3u2zdEVDQB57zzbb8lmxYiOys7xPS7y_LkBntX7EqSjCvCquHslTXWIVJy0Kz0/s320/30.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I’m not dreading it. I’m not worried about it. In fact, I am, and have been for a while, looking forward to it! </div>
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I’ve always felt like I’d be taken more seriously at 30. That I’d REALLY be an adult at 30 … says the woman who’s just bought her <a href="http://oneoftheboys.co.za/2012/02/08/our-home-sweet-home/">SECOND home</a>, has TWO children and has been <a href="http://oneoftheboys.co.za/2009/03/18/these-hands/">married for FOUR years</a> and with her HUSBAND for almost TEN years. Yes, being 30 is what makes me an adult <img border="0" src="file:///Users/jamesgilbert-green/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_image002.png" /> </div>
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Anyway, after my visit a couple of weeks ago with <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/RosieThinking">Rosemary</a>, the incredible Astro-Coach who works out of <a href="http://www.moemas.co.za/">Moemas</a> every Thursday, I felt even more excited about reaching this notable milestone. <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/RosieThinking">Rosemary</a> talked about my first <a href="http://astrology.about.com/od/advancedastrology/p/SaturnReturn.htm">Saturn return</a> being a very important time in my life in particular. Where many may become depressed about their impending adulthood at the age of thirty because previous years have been misspent or even wasted, I feel that my turning 30 will only magnify the great successes that I have already achieved, giving me guidance as to where I’m going for the next 30 years. </div>
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I always said that I wanted to have had my children before I turn 30 … DONE! I want my 30s to be the beginnning of new and profound experiences for me. I want to start making a difference. I want to make these differences close to home as well as in the homes and hearts of others.</div>
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<a href="http://oneoftheboys.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Nurture-Logo.jpg"><img border="0" src="file:///Users/jamesgilbert-green/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_image004.jpg" /></a></div>
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By signing up to be a donor (and very quickly selected as a donor by a recipient) with <a href="http://www.nurture.co.za/">Nurture</a>, I feel that these experiences are well on their way. I am SO excited to be doing this – to be making such a huge difference in someone’s life! </div>
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Closer to home, I want to be a better wife and a better mother. I want to cook more (especially healthy, homemade food), bake more (starting with the peanut butter cookies I’ve been dreaming about lately), sing more, dance more. Be spontaneous. Spend more Sunday mornings snuggled up watching cartoons. I want to spend more time with my children, teaching them whatever they want to know. I want to forget about the petty things that may have annoyed me in the past and move on, worrying more about how my family are and what they need from me. </div>
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I want to (and this is already in progress) run! I have committed to the <a href="http://www.keepcalmandrun.com/category/runsoweto10km/">#RunSoweto10km </a>in November and I am slowly making progress to this goal. I’m not sure I’d ever have the physical or mental strength to run the insane distances people like <a href="http://www.dearmax.org/">Tanya</a> do, but I’ll do what my body allows me to. Don’t get me wrong … I’ll push my body, but I am learning to respect it too. Look what it’s given me! </div>
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My two perfect, beautiful, intelligent and incredible little boys. Thank you, body. I LOVE YOU AND I APPRECIATE YOU! </div>
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So yes … I believe (I’m hoping) that the return of MY Saturn will bring new, positive and life-changing adventures. </div>
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And that was the “heavy” part of this post <img border="0" src="file:///Users/jamesgilbert-green/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_image008.png" style="cursor: move;" /> </div>
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NOW I’m going to get on with the fun part: my birthday list! <i>Hop over to Nicki's <a href="http://oneoftheboys.co.za/">blog</a> to see her birthday list in photos!</i></div>
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<img border="0" src="file:///Users/jamesgilbert-green/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_image010.jpg" style="cursor: move;" />I have never been big on wearing a watch. I mean, I love them … I’ve just never had a watch that I could wear ALL the time. I saw this GORGEOUS <a href="http://shop.thomassabo.com/EN-en/watches/it-girl/watch/pid/WA0144-201-202">Thomas Sabo watch</a> and I’m in loooooove … </div>
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I’m also obsessing over the <a href="http://store.nike.com/us/en_us/?l=shop,fuelband&sitesrc=glfl_fuelband">Nike+ Fuelband</a>, which <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/davegreenway">Dave Greenway</a> informed me is only currently available in New York. Boo! Guess I’ll just have to *settle* for an <a href="http://www.apple.com/ipod/nike/">iPod Nano</a> then … <img border="0" src="file:///Users/jamesgilbert-green/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_image014.png" /> <a href="http://oneoftheboys.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/overview_hero.jpg"><img border="0" src="file:///Users/jamesgilbert-green/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_image016.jpg" /></a> </div>
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I’d love a treatment or four at the new <a href="http://www.lifedaysparosebank.co.za/index.php">Rosebank Life Day Spa</a> … particularly the flotation tank, a facial … a massage, a pedi … okay, I’ll have one of everything, thanks <img border="0" src="file:///Users/jamesgilbert-green/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_image018.png" /> <a href="http://oneoftheboys.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/559595_385188984864827_210206652363062_1150423_1686398084_n.jpg"><img border="0" src="file:///Users/jamesgilbert-green/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_image020.jpg" /></a><a href="http://oneoftheboys.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/422724_325037854213274_210206652363062_985271_1199443242_n.jpg"> <img border="0" src="file:///Users/jamesgilbert-green/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_image022.jpg" /></a> </div>
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I want need clothes. Seriously! And I’m not fussy either. Woolworths and Country Road have GORGEOUS winter clothes … </div>
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<img border="0" src="file:///Users/jamesgilbert-green/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_image024.jpg" /><a href="http://oneoftheboys.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/501432684_XBROWN_large.jpg"><img border="0" src="file:///Users/jamesgilbert-green/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_image026.jpg" /></a><a href="http://oneoftheboys.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/501497872_RICHAPPLE_large.jpg"><img border="0" src="file:///Users/jamesgilbert-green/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_image028.jpg" /></a><a href="http://oneoftheboys.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/501503086_XSTONE_large.jpg"><img border="0" src="file:///Users/jamesgilbert-green/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_image030.jpg" /></a><a href="http://oneoftheboys.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/501622362_NAVY_large.jpg"><img border="0" src="file:///Users/jamesgilbert-green/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_image032.jpg" /></a><a href="http://oneoftheboys.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/501444060_STONE_medium.jpg"><img border="0" src="file:///Users/jamesgilbert-green/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_image034.jpg" /></a><a href="http://oneoftheboys.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/501506138_RICHAPPLE_large.jpg"><img border="0" src="file:///Users/jamesgilbert-green/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_image036.jpg" /></a><a href="http://oneoftheboys.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/501521660_BURGUNDY_medium.jpg"><img border="0" src="file:///Users/jamesgilbert-green/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_image038.jpg" /></a><a href="http://oneoftheboys.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/501229944_MIDNIGHTSKY_large.jpg"><img border="0" src="file:///Users/jamesgilbert-green/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_image040.jpg" /></a>And finally (yes, there’s more!) I want to get my … *does quick count* … 9th tattoo. It will be in memory of my late mom, as well as a tribute to my Mika-moo <img border="0" src="file:///Users/jamesgilbert-green/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_image042.png" /> My mom (and, strangely enough) Dave’s mom both collected owls. Ornaments, not actual owls. Dave and I recently bought three beautiful owl line drawings at an exhibition at Wolves. They are GORGEOUS and for a while, I’ve been looking at images online and found this one that I LOVE. I want it to be like a pen drawing – lots of lines and character. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJ3LIWhGxcbgPXnD4hyphenhyphenqZoLq0gPVwy8j-oo1FIkN0bujodG5jr4lw4kAkeY4B_UOVdWOC33UZDc6uRrp_MD10lS14OnhAYT7hY7ycgLVQv368dfpLRd4ss7AOmhM7yrmqy9VjDuYAPsY/s1600/owl-drawing-i7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJ3LIWhGxcbgPXnD4hyphenhyphenqZoLq0gPVwy8j-oo1FIkN0bujodG5jr4lw4kAkeY4B_UOVdWOC33UZDc6uRrp_MD10lS14OnhAYT7hY7ycgLVQv368dfpLRd4ss7AOmhM7yrmqy9VjDuYAPsY/s200/owl-drawing-i7.jpg" width="187" /></a><br />
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Going to work on customising it especially for my mom and Mika, with a little ribbon banner instead of a branch … what do you think? </div>
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<a href="http://oneoftheboys.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/nicki-signature.png"><img border="0" src="file:///Users/jamesgilbert-green/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_image046.png" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdfbVgnoCQgJzs1RGX4eDbT8rO1AFfiU5rGsgYKOELLi1_EHtHpolp1NZ7sK8oqPsTyZ_DIIIqvJPSobM_CNxZzNZZiJCcaC2ZwRj38BWIoDSKXaa3iPfHphKaeY0bjySW76p8QhyphenhyphenzqbU/s1600/nicki-signature-150x83.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdfbVgnoCQgJzs1RGX4eDbT8rO1AFfiU5rGsgYKOELLi1_EHtHpolp1NZ7sK8oqPsTyZ_DIIIqvJPSobM_CNxZzNZZiJCcaC2ZwRj38BWIoDSKXaa3iPfHphKaeY0bjySW76p8QhyphenhyphenzqbU/s200/nicki-signature-150x83.png" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a><br />
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If you enjoyed this post - follow Nicki over on her blog <a href="http://oneoftheboys.co.za/">One of the Boys</a><br />
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Are any of you thinking about your next birthday - and if it is a big one - share your thoughts with us..</div>
It's a pleasure treasurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18334999115831038582noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3592045164317459875.post-2131147578537155032012-08-16T22:51:00.000+01:002012-08-16T22:51:02.411+01:00What to wear - When the sun shines<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/weekend_picnic_time/set?.embedder=3745015&.svc=blogger&id=55252893"><img alt="Weekend Picnic Time" border="0" force="1" height="600" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/vTKwZn1SLRIsCrhzfE1yeg/cid/55252893/id/9FPQkEisRxWaQ-XPWi3CIg/size/c600x600.jpg" title="Weekend Picnic Time" width="600" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/weekend_picnic_time/set?.embedder=3745015&.svc=blogger&id=55252893">Weekend Picnic Time</a> by <a href="http://abigilbertgreen.polyvore.com/?.embedder=3745015&.svc=blogger">abigilbertgreen</a> featuring <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/gucci_eyewear/shop?brand=Gucci&category_id=57">gucci eyewear</a></small><br />
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And it sure is shining today! What have you got planned this weekend? </div>
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It's a pleasure treasurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18334999115831038582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3592045164317459875.post-15301176704552049822012-08-13T19:19:00.000+01:002012-08-14T21:30:16.335+01:00What to eat tonight - Cajun fish with sweetcorn and avocado salad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMDZHTHFcb0PcnzHbgx9coS7KNYB6uYCCXcMtpMmgKKYMUam9dyrY4WLGT6Lker7ZIsLiFKrkxhYxygsHiA0_-q2mVlMhxH-acrF-C0YCBbMe5HOuU1lESoMwXSNRcyTVo9PW7IvKagic/s1600/cq5dam.400.400.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMDZHTHFcb0PcnzHbgx9coS7KNYB6uYCCXcMtpMmgKKYMUam9dyrY4WLGT6Lker7ZIsLiFKrkxhYxygsHiA0_-q2mVlMhxH-acrF-C0YCBbMe5HOuU1lESoMwXSNRcyTVo9PW7IvKagic/s400/cq5dam.400.400.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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After having success after success with recipes from the Waitrose Kitchen magazine it is fast becoming my go to mag for a quick and delicious mid-week supper. Serve this beauty with a delicious crisp white wine and you're onto a winner!</div>
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Preparation time:10 minutes<br />
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Cooking time:10 minutes</div>
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Serves: 4</div>
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Ingredients<br />
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4 Icelandic plaice fillets<br />
2 tbsp olive oil<br />
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning<br />
326g can sweetcorn in water, drained<br />
1 avocado, roughly chopped<br />
1 x ½ x 250g pack cherry tomatoes, halved<br />
1 x ½ red onion, sliced<br />
1 lime, zest and juice<br />
1 red chilli, deseeded and sliced<br />
1 x ½ x 28g pack coriander, roughly chopped<br />
4 tbsp half fat soured cream<br />
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Method<br />
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1. Preheat the oven to 180˚C, gas mark 4. Place the fish skin-side down on a baking sheet lined with greaseproof paper. Mix 1 tbsp olive oil with the Cajun seasoning and brush over the top of the fish. Roast for 5 - 6 minutes.<br />
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2. Meanwhile, mix the sweetcorn, avocado, tomatoes, red onion, lime zest, chilli and the remaining oil in a bowl. Season and toss with most of the coriander.<br />
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3. Mix the soured cream with the remaining coriander and lime juice. Serve the fish with the sweetcorn salad and the herby soured cream.</div>
It's a pleasure treasurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18334999115831038582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3592045164317459875.post-59724260427537726252012-08-10T19:13:00.002+01:002012-08-10T19:13:42.815+01:00Body beautiful - Top ten fitness tips<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Wrocg_btGtzmpQMIuejZsh2nwXD6g1wtSB-VwSA-1dy8I7-4bg3Z3cNsZYQfOum23J18eou3MKKKOa6aVOjp-hHRfsFvyArPhw2uvZqTaAZZWuJC-7SNl81rw6tJNOEnddKA5YR5eoI/s1600/c54b247f2aef1a47_easy.xxxlarge_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Wrocg_btGtzmpQMIuejZsh2nwXD6g1wtSB-VwSA-1dy8I7-4bg3Z3cNsZYQfOum23J18eou3MKKKOa6aVOjp-hHRfsFvyArPhw2uvZqTaAZZWuJC-7SNl81rw6tJNOEnddKA5YR5eoI/s400/c54b247f2aef1a47_easy.xxxlarge_0.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of www.fitsugar.com</td></tr>
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Today we are focusing on being fit, healthy, strong and beautiful. </div>
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Pete Griggs (AKA Mean Pete) personal trainer deluxe who whipped us both into shape for our weddings, is on the blog today sharing his top ten tips to getting motivated, keeping fit, healthy and body beautiful. </div>
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We sat down (or should I say, squatted, lunged, crunched and sweated our little hearts out) with Pete - who has just launched a new free workout website <a href="http://www.zoobado.com/about.php">Zoobado</a> - to discuss everything you need to know about fitness. And trust us, this man knows his stuff. </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Pete's Top Ten </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6bFiP4vkR2AUCuFTPNOt6vc_QOnMUbRdi8DcqLbKwr-iFBK2QDKa_F2_8QSv3m_qEgK5qAPkEjjrbF511FpjhMELBBxSo0loAmoE8NfN10gaBuZjSppKZ3b1pTJHmNniczOFK0iDGAB0/s1600/peteCircuitsLevel2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6bFiP4vkR2AUCuFTPNOt6vc_QOnMUbRdi8DcqLbKwr-iFBK2QDKa_F2_8QSv3m_qEgK5qAPkEjjrbF511FpjhMELBBxSo0loAmoE8NfN10gaBuZjSppKZ3b1pTJHmNniczOFK0iDGAB0/s400/peteCircuitsLevel2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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1.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"> <b>Goals</b> - </span>from the word go decide specifically what you want to achieve. Make sure you know what your goals are, weight loss, toning, muscle building, fitness etc - as different goals will require different training programmes.</div>
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2. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><b>Choose a programme and stick with it until it gets easy</b></span> - stick with any training for at least six weeks before you make any drastic changes, if you are one of these people that picks up a fitness magazine and does their latest workout every week, you might find yourself going round in circles.</div>
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3. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><b>Progress progress progress</b></span> - make sure you always improve on the previous workout, that way you get fitter and fitter.</div>
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4.<b> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">Diet</span></b> - you should be putting as much effort into you diet as your workouts. Don't go and undo all your hard work by having a greasy curry after a hard workout. Stick to unprocessed natural foods. </div>
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5. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><b>Carbs</b></span> - if you are looking to shift a few kgs then try cutting out the carbs after lunch. Stick to meat and vegetables only (no potatoes or sweetcorn). Carbs are fine if you're very active because you will burn them off, but if you're not - they will be turned into fat!</div>
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6. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><b>Muscle</b></span> - build some muscle up - don't worry you won't end up with bulging biceps. The more muscle you have on you the more calories you burn, its like having a bigger engine on a car - it needs more fuel.</div>
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7. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><b>Drinking</b></span> - go easy on the alcohol, not only is it full of bad calories but if you have a boozy night out the following day's workout gets written off because you're too hungover to do it!</div>
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8. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><b>Diary</b></span> - start writing everything down as it will help you keep track of your progress. Write down your workout stats including time, distances, levels etc it will help you make improvements. Also, write down the food you are eating as it will start making you aware of what you are actually putting into your body. Plan and schedule your workouts in your diary and make them a high priority - make SURE they happen.</div>
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9. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><b>To gym or not to gym?</b> </span>You don't need an gym membership to have a great workout, for around £100 you could buy everything you need to have a great workout at home. Part of the problem with the gym is getting there and back, this can easily eat up an hour out of your day. Trust me once you start training at home there is no going back!</div>
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10. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><b>Top tip </b></span>- don't go running with the Pleasure, Treasure girls, Abi's run will end up in a wine bar and Nicky's will end up in a cake shop!</div>
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To give Pete's home workouts a try go to <a href="http://www.zoobado.com/workouts/">Zoobado</a> - otherwise - you can <a href="http://www.zoobado.com/contact.php">contact him</a> directly for more info. </div>It's a pleasure treasurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18334999115831038582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3592045164317459875.post-5341624937649492912012-08-07T08:07:00.000+01:002012-08-09T13:49:37.327+01:00We love Lamingtons<div style="text-align: justify;">
One of my all time favourite treats as a little girl was tea and cake with the grown-ups. And when it came to lamingtons, this was an extra special occasion. A lamington is a sponge cake square first coated in chocolate and then dessicated coconut - hugely popular in South Africa and Australia.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMcl3mMZ1YaKCbLgf6DpetULVZbfKA4p4eldvWp8gxSQ_Iifwv2tPjidx_MTDy-5fdvwEYeEFVI6djxIaIyK6c5NUT8opw1L1Q3k0SGJtuwp6ofHNkvNj8WZ9pCrVT7gbbbRhggOuTFfTO/s1600/photo-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMcl3mMZ1YaKCbLgf6DpetULVZbfKA4p4eldvWp8gxSQ_Iifwv2tPjidx_MTDy-5fdvwEYeEFVI6djxIaIyK6c5NUT8opw1L1Q3k0SGJtuwp6ofHNkvNj8WZ9pCrVT7gbbbRhggOuTFfTO/s640/photo-1.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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You can either bake your own vanilla cake or buy a ready made one (if you buy a ready made cake, skip to the Dipping Sauce step). I use the cake recipe below which is extremely light and airy.</div>
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<u>Hot Milk Sponge Cake:</u></div>
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Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius (a little lower in a fan oven).</div>
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Prepare a square cake tin (butter and line the tin with baking paper). <b>Note: </b>The cake can be difficult to remove because it is so soft, so make sure you let it cool completely before removing from the tin!</div>
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Ingredients:</div>
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4 eggs</div>
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pinch of slt</div>
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1 teaspoon vanilla essence</div>
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1 heaped cup sugar</div>
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57g butter</div>
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3/4 cup milk</div>
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1 1/2 cups sifted plain flour</div>
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3 teaspoons baking powder</div>
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Beat the eggs with the salt, vanilla essence and sugar. Beat extremely well - about twice as long as you think you need to, until the mixture is practically white.</div>
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Melt the butter in the milk. While the butter is melting, add the flour and baking powder to the egg mixture. Fold in very lightly and do not over mix.</div>
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Next, pour in the melted butter and milk mixture. Blend only just enough to mix everything together, then pour into tin.</div>
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Move quickly at this stage and get the cake into the oven as quickly as possible while the mixture is still warm.</div>
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Bake for 15-20 minutes until a tester comes out clean. Allow to cool completely and do not remove while still hot - the cake will break (I can vouch for this...)!</div>
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Once cool, cut cake into squares.</div>
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<u>Dipping Sauce:</u></div>
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3 cups sugar</div>
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1 1/2 cups water</div>
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2 tablespoons cocoa powder</div>
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1 tablespoon butter</div>
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Bring to the boil and simmer for about 5 minutes. Allow to cool slightly. Dip cake blocks to coat with sauce and then roll in coconut.</div>
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Enjoy!</div>
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<br /></div>Nickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00316449085633539956noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3592045164317459875.post-58471471730589542312012-08-03T00:48:00.001+01:002012-08-03T00:48:56.278+01:00What to wear: A statement necklace<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/statement_necklaces/set?.embedder=3745015&.svc=blogger&id=55106183"><img alt="Statement necklaces" border="0" force="1" height="600" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/dgpGprnMqcfnSb2aMnPjA/cid/55106183/id/ZQkQcwiPT3GSEcBeAy0kWw/size/c600x600.jpg" title="Statement necklaces" width="600" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/statement_necklaces/set?.embedder=3745015&.svc=blogger&id=55106183">Statement necklaces</a> by <a href="http://abigilbertgreen.polyvore.com/?.embedder=3745015&.svc=blogger">abigilbertgreen</a> featuring <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/collar_jewelry/shop?query=collar+jewelry">collar jewelry</a></small></div>
</div>It's a pleasure treasurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18334999115831038582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3592045164317459875.post-15814214870103067232012-08-01T07:16:00.000+01:002012-08-01T07:45:10.867+01:00Photo a day challenge - August<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
It's the first day of August and not only does it mean we're heavily into the Olympics in London and we are over half way through 'summer' of 2012 - it also means a new monthly photo challenge from Australian blogger Chantelle of <a href="http://fatmumslim.com.au/here-it-is-photo-a-day-august-challenge-list/">Fat Mum Slim</a>. Both of us in the PT team have been doing the challenge for a few months now and it is totally addictive. One of us is definitely better than the other -no names mentioned (<i>Nicky)</i> but as she says to me on a monthly basis: 'There are no hard and fast rules. It's just for fun, if you miss a day, just catch up or go to the next'. </div>
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So once again I am dusting off my iphone lens and getting ready for an epic month of happy snapping! Hopefully this time I can complete the circuit and win the gold (sorry shameful but obligatory Olympic puns!) and finish the month without missing a day. </div>
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If you're keen to take part, all you have to do is save the photo list below and get snapping. You can keep your photos to yourself or if you want to share to twitter or facebook remember to use the hashtag #photoadayaug. Let us know if you've done the challenge before as we'd love to see how you've done so far. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu8CaPoTRDXaxXAjzfmbYmzKTnezK_aqznOwxYFgWeFtHLxRQeLErnsp870oQy9XyWCpGOj75ahfI9qRDsJULTjzKaLcSwVR6RgHZgCnnFYn6qIO4PICBtzia69jk3J1Vd46mz68bhByg/s1600/photoadayaug-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu8CaPoTRDXaxXAjzfmbYmzKTnezK_aqznOwxYFgWeFtHLxRQeLErnsp870oQy9XyWCpGOj75ahfI9qRDsJULTjzKaLcSwVR6RgHZgCnnFYn6qIO4PICBtzia69jk3J1Vd46mz68bhByg/s1600/photoadayaug-1.jpg" /></a></div>
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To find out about how the photo challenge will change your life pop over to Chantelle's <a href="http://fatmumslim.com.au/4-ways-photo-a-day-will-change-your-life-for-the-better/">site</a>. You can also follow her on Twitter <a href="http://fatmumslim.com.au/">@fatmumslim</a> and <a href="http://instagrid.me/fatmumslim/">Instagram</a> and see how she does her thing - it might inspire you.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Nicky's #photoadayjuly </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYDIkPtnP6qhgifL-ztFhP2Fn8KShhowHQ31jpm6ZIReG5AufndolcrR-pESHQrfyoC-1OM-_YduCBqW28jPERgided4wxhOMjdKMcRKWKRAWytS6nNDZ61jkPqhtMj-vY7rnW1ICeVyg/s1600/photo-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYDIkPtnP6qhgifL-ztFhP2Fn8KShhowHQ31jpm6ZIReG5AufndolcrR-pESHQrfyoC-1OM-_YduCBqW28jPERgided4wxhOMjdKMcRKWKRAWytS6nNDZ61jkPqhtMj-vY7rnW1ICeVyg/s640/photo-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />It's a pleasure treasurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18334999115831038582noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3592045164317459875.post-23805464461569826712012-07-29T19:11:00.002+01:002012-07-29T23:33:43.458+01:00Silent Sunday - Today we are...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFPLHn1XIlFEiD_LwgN2pcsWLYVeXTXkCH7yBakH6Hh6TvzNmINMk_MkEhLrCJs39xKUJz-_J_Sj2-r3nGoQ8r3zDXIMDePGC6_rwL44S9JRQzMAsTs06HCMNUoYZlcWpHsf4IJhk_E9CL/s1600/photo-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFPLHn1XIlFEiD_LwgN2pcsWLYVeXTXkCH7yBakH6Hh6TvzNmINMk_MkEhLrCJs39xKUJz-_J_Sj2-r3nGoQ8r3zDXIMDePGC6_rwL44S9JRQzMAsTs06HCMNUoYZlcWpHsf4IJhk_E9CL/s640/photo-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Loving the Olympics fever in London<br />
Wondering where the sunshine has disappeared to<br />
Making Jamie's <a href="http://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/salad-recipes/strawberry-salad-with-speck-halloumi">strawberry and halloumi salad</a><br />
Drinking Pimms<br />
Eating strawberries and cream (we can't get enough!)<br />
Going for gold with <a href="http://www.johnlewis.com/319284/Product.aspx">Stella McCartney</a><br />
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Are you watching the Olympics? What did you get up to today?Nickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00316449085633539956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3592045164317459875.post-54060577031432818292012-07-26T23:01:00.004+01:002012-07-26T23:03:41.931+01:00What to eat tonight - Chilled Cucumber Soup<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcIhzQbajeTMmyar5H0kZzJg6vMyt_Uv3MdPREfWC1w-hhe_3FTSx2kwXVubINeLibLb8IsQFq-kYeSeieYpQvDHdVphl0aAGcyQ5RHMbPufty7976aBuxCrATl1HJC8cdX8YD-34uIdA/s1600/cucumber.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcIhzQbajeTMmyar5H0kZzJg6vMyt_Uv3MdPREfWC1w-hhe_3FTSx2kwXVubINeLibLb8IsQFq-kYeSeieYpQvDHdVphl0aAGcyQ5RHMbPufty7976aBuxCrATl1HJC8cdX8YD-34uIdA/s400/cucumber.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I have learnt over the years that chilled soup is a little bit like marmite. It’s something that you either love or hate. I still very clearly remember on a hot summer's evening a few years ago, cooking a 'fancy' dinner party for a group of friends and serving this little number as a starter.</div>
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I presented it with pride in a beautiful silver soup dish, sprinkled it with parsley and mint, chuffed as nuts that my guests were going to love the gorgeous creamy crispy chilled cucumber yumminess that awaited them. The oohs and aaahs were swiftly followed by confusion, which, I must admit, I was oblivious to at the time! So at the end of the evening and after a few glasses of vino blanco, one of my guests came over to me and in a 'Come dine with me' tone that was hideously embarrassing for me (rather than for him) whispered … ‘It was really great and all, but the only thing is... it was a bit cold...’ </div>
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Needless to say, despite selling the concept to the best of my ability, he wasn't at all convinced by soup on the rocks and this is the thing with chilled soup - it’s an opinion divider. Like marmite, you love it or you hate it! I have, however, learnt <i>my</i> lesson and only make it if I know I will have happy guests at the end of the evening.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Personally, I love soup - it's generally (if you avoid the stilton, creamy ones) low in fat, full of the good stuff and it fills you up - what's not to love?!<o:p></o:p></div>
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So do as the Italians do and enjoy yours cold! Here is my recipe for the perfect chilled cucumber soup just as my mama made it. It is a very relaxed, simple recipe and the amount of milk/cream you add is up to how thick or light you prefer your soup. Hope you like it! </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Chilled Cucumber Soup</span></div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">2 Cucumber - grated or roughly chopped </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">1 cup of yoghurt </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">2 Tablespoons White Wine Vinegar </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">2 Tablespoons Olive Oil </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Cream/milk depending on texture </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Half a clove of garlic grated </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Salt and pepper to taste </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Small bunch of parsley/mint to garnish </li>
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Whizz altogether gently so you still have the bite of the cucumber. </div>
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Keep in the fridge until ready to serve </div>
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Serve chilled. </div>
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Do you have a favourite cold soup? We’d love to know which one you like. Or if it’s not your thing – we’re happy to hear what you love eating on a hot summers evening instead.</div>It's a pleasure treasurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18334999115831038582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3592045164317459875.post-69453642760852758152012-07-22T18:38:00.000+01:002012-07-23T06:13:47.635+01:00Silent Sunday - Today we are...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Bks6lUX9kcAp5cwqpqNd6DOJ03goW6_fliL4HaZ7OREqWD7y94KGMBL0sP5b5DODNV2BJFUl6cLPPBA-mbRoCFRvnzE9nYb-aSX3feyzRm_Ocp_Ivkp76nZ_oisNfQimHsZ0_rBnk3zf/s1600/photo+-+SS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Bks6lUX9kcAp5cwqpqNd6DOJ03goW6_fliL4HaZ7OREqWD7y94KGMBL0sP5b5DODNV2BJFUl6cLPPBA-mbRoCFRvnzE9nYb-aSX3feyzRm_Ocp_Ivkp76nZ_oisNfQimHsZ0_rBnk3zf/s640/photo+-+SS.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sunning ourselves in the garden</div>
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Eating fresh berries and reading the Sunday papers</div>
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Painting our nails Tropical Breeze with <a href="http://www.lacolors.com/Color-Craze-Nail-Polish-1581.html">L.A. Colors Color Craze</a></div>
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Being thankful for blue skies</div>
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Making Thomasina Miers' <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Wahaca-Mexican-Food-at-Home/dp/1444722395">Three-Tomato Salad</a></div>
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Going for a lazy afternoon stroll</div>
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How are you celebrating your Sunday?</div>
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</div>Nickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00316449085633539956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3592045164317459875.post-17830893612714854212012-07-20T09:53:00.001+01:002012-07-29T23:36:28.477+01:00A secret you'll want to share<div style="text-align: justify;">
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We are always on the hunt for something different, creative and not available on the highstreet. <br />
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So, this week we are really excited to introduce you to Secrets Unearthed - a gorgeous range of handcrafted Jewellery from sunny Cape Town designer Gina Prins. </div>
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To give you an idea of why we are loving this girl's style, take a peek at her beautiful vintage tea party shoot, which shows off the new collection perfectly in the ultimate girly setting.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk2bBJTSVKebGff3lXj81DF1vVYSAelDMIqi4z-ZugtrRK-0bL22eNnB06G_9tryjj6lEtmPwRf5rOTVa2du21iq5BLDEFuBvqo53E8e06lyp-Z1iJ7wp8Lkow8joG_u2K-1mbSshmSYY/s1600/Ginamain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk2bBJTSVKebGff3lXj81DF1vVYSAelDMIqi4z-ZugtrRK-0bL22eNnB06G_9tryjj6lEtmPwRf5rOTVa2du21iq5BLDEFuBvqo53E8e06lyp-Z1iJ7wp8Lkow8joG_u2K-1mbSshmSYY/s640/Ginamain.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vintage tea party with <a href="http://secretsunearthed.tumblr.com/day/2012/07/16">Secrets Unearthed</a></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5KJt1UAiuuF9fP3aJOw9yUuT7mCamsLWSsPagdhHgu_odcoNdX3vS-L23TPFCvCTA3GTth2vP-QaLpOjBXdZcAxjSCTcfYsslIW6FdqZAjqTVnR1WtDVhAk1hgmkNiZ_aUAhFgRWGrIs/s1600/gina1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5KJt1UAiuuF9fP3aJOw9yUuT7mCamsLWSsPagdhHgu_odcoNdX3vS-L23TPFCvCTA3GTth2vP-QaLpOjBXdZcAxjSCTcfYsslIW6FdqZAjqTVnR1WtDVhAk1hgmkNiZ_aUAhFgRWGrIs/s640/gina1.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbkpoKq4sr64YpBlsArPC0QfvARhFT8WRz1l-sBPUe8zI9hkCG0o4LhNiTQbETEx00GLO4mMmZQNYz_5YzpC0FsCYjQ7f5pGHEn4XCkHUareXxB2fbPbyN76mo0-ixL9TqnKiw-3kOtkw/s1600/Gina3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbkpoKq4sr64YpBlsArPC0QfvARhFT8WRz1l-sBPUe8zI9hkCG0o4LhNiTQbETEx00GLO4mMmZQNYz_5YzpC0FsCYjQ7f5pGHEn4XCkHUareXxB2fbPbyN76mo0-ixL9TqnKiw-3kOtkw/s640/Gina3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaS2cccThfC7-eEXBJ60FgVlTyXGUk_AFgql1kwlV3jutKnV_mIVJZW7LQMHm_SljS7_aUNI_lJrONCeJJdeCYtUX0VuLsdpYL7Xq6I-5XDBaMAgMFbOJNxnsYM6tlJekisn-RfTM90TI/s1600/Gina4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaS2cccThfC7-eEXBJ60FgVlTyXGUk_AFgql1kwlV3jutKnV_mIVJZW7LQMHm_SljS7_aUNI_lJrONCeJJdeCYtUX0VuLsdpYL7Xq6I-5XDBaMAgMFbOJNxnsYM6tlJekisn-RfTM90TI/s640/Gina4.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip1OJguVTm9_IeaX7erGBvp07S-TMviKgnzq3810kSKw9MsAe8S7M52tqbqnD_rE33hkcl3l31dDWT8tCKYf_s8zUY7sZxgR-bCMgW_JoZnEBhWyB93Rfaauh9JsL2i0w1GK392vtHCPw/s1600/Gina6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip1OJguVTm9_IeaX7erGBvp07S-TMviKgnzq3810kSKw9MsAe8S7M52tqbqnD_rE33hkcl3l31dDWT8tCKYf_s8zUY7sZxgR-bCMgW_JoZnEBhWyB93Rfaauh9JsL2i0w1GK392vtHCPw/s640/Gina6.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyiT_ufGp7HSBYyN7pT84Zj7aGQIJhEUgAx0hsK3AUUTta_4gG4ii60bVfRNFwSofSXPh1D1fEyN84oqn8t4CYnomNgxXFdko7Wvu15go8lQZ6d28f-Xqd8hcm9bHdFXp-aBKxCgGLSSc/s1600/Gina5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyiT_ufGp7HSBYyN7pT84Zj7aGQIJhEUgAx0hsK3AUUTta_4gG4ii60bVfRNFwSofSXPh1D1fEyN84oqn8t4CYnomNgxXFdko7Wvu15go8lQZ6d28f-Xqd8hcm9bHdFXp-aBKxCgGLSSc/s640/Gina5.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vintage tea party with <a href="http://secretsunearthed.tumblr.com/day/2012/07/16">Secrets Unearthed</a></td></tr>
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As you can see, Secrets Unearthed oozes vintage style. Gina gets inspiration from old stamps, coins and broken up pieces of porcelain, which she combines with fine silver and resin to create unique shapes and one off designs that have their own story. Using a mix of sterling silver and semi-precious gemstone pieces, she brings together different elements of nature such as wood and mother of pearl.</div>
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If you love her style as much as we do (and we really do) get in touch and see what she has to suit you. Her customised style is perfect for bridesmaids gifts too. </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"> We are:</span></div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">Wearing the Rustic <a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=369179686478044&set=a.212317315497616.53917.158907124171969&type=1&theater">Silver Textured Bow ring</a> </span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">Ordering the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=386059544790058&set=a.212320272163987.53921.158907124171969&type=3&theater">Birds in Flight necklace</a> </span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">Lusting after her new Vintage Collection! </span></li>
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Contact<a href="http://secretsunearthedjewellery@gmail.com/"> Gina directly</a> - she can deliver her designs all over the world, do let us know what you choose and spread the word – we think she’s fab!</div>
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To see more of Gina’s collection you can visit her <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Secrets-Unearthed-Jewellery-Design/158907124171969">Facebook</a> page or follow her on <a href="http://secretsunearthed.tumblr.com/day/2012/07/16">Tumblr</a>. </div>
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Happy shopping x </div>
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</div>It's a pleasure treasurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18334999115831038582noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3592045164317459875.post-43855199147159316842012-07-18T10:59:00.000+01:002012-07-18T19:41:13.593+01:00What to eat tonight - Pasta alla Norma<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>"Life is too short, and I'm Italian. I'd much rather eat pasta and drink wine than be a size 0." </i></div>
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Sophia Bush</div>
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And I agree. </div>
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Since watching the entire box set of the Sopranos I have been completely obsessed with Italian food. To be honest, I am sure it actually started way before that, but the Sopranos definitely revived it for me. I remember sitting on the kitchen counter as a little girl, with my dad checking whether spaghetti was cooked by throwing it up onto the ceiling - if it was cooked - it would stick. I am not sure if this really worked, but hey, it was fun at the time.</div>
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Tonight I am cooking Jamie Oliver's Pasta alla Norma. It easy and SO full of flavour - perfect for a midweek meal. First things first, pour yourself a glass of cold white wine and get cooking Italiano style.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Buon appetito</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Pasta alla Norma </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi123_DuEIhIPJuuSTHDAu1NDibx7MKWWPeSoqD6oViamtr1a2uOWvGrI4oP_Mc81OtRfqZZwYVYUFZQrFzbTsBMpydlhaipyKsHFz5PJQbceIEFefxFQKvpd63DtN5Bhu-LlUvMv5V9lI/s1600/pasta-alla-norma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi123_DuEIhIPJuuSTHDAu1NDibx7MKWWPeSoqD6oViamtr1a2uOWvGrI4oP_Mc81OtRfqZZwYVYUFZQrFzbTsBMpydlhaipyKsHFz5PJQbceIEFefxFQKvpd63DtN5Bhu-LlUvMv5V9lI/s640/pasta-alla-norma.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pasta alla Norma - photo courtesy of Jamie Oliver - Jamie's Italy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Ingredients (serves 4)<br />
2 large aubergines<br />
extra virgin olive oil<br />
1 tablespoon dried oregano<br />
optional: 1 dried red chilli, crumbled<br />
4 cloves of garlic, peeled and finely sliced<br />
a large bunch of fresh basil stalks finely sliced keep the leaves<br />
1 teaspoon good herb or white wine vinegar<br />
2 x 400g tins of good quality chopped plum tomatoes<br />
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper<br />
455g dried spaghetti<br />
150g salted ricotta, pecorino or parmesan cheese grated<br />
<ol>
<li>Cut your aubergines in half lengthways and the in half again so they are finger sized pieces. If the aubergines have fluffy centres remove them and chuck away</li>
<li>Get a large non stick pan and fry the aubergine in oil and dried oregano - don't use too much oil - just enough to make sure the aubergine is lightly coated and is able to brown</li>
<li>Once cooked add the chilli and turn it down to medium heat and add a little oil, the garlic and basil stalks </li>
<li> Stir so everything gets cooked evenly, then add a swig of herb vinegar and the tins of tomato</li>
<li>Simmer for 10-15 minutes then TASTE and correct seasoning with salt and pepper. Tear up half the basil add to the sauce and toss around</li>
<li>Get your spaghetti in a pan of boiling water and cook according to the packet instructions. </li>
<li>When it's al dente, drain it in a colander and reserve a little of the cooking water </li>
<li>Add it to the Norma sauce with a little of the reserved cooking water, toss together back on the heat</li>
<li>Taste and adjust seasoning to your liking </li>
<li>Sprinkle with remaining basil leaves, grated cheese and a drizzle of olive oil. </li>
</ol>
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Let us know how you get on..</div>
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<br /></div>It's a pleasure treasurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18334999115831038582noreply@blogger.com2