Cooking In Choos

My Perfect Valentine

2012-02-14T06:57:00.000+08:00

It's that time of the year of again where we get to spread the love and celebrate that special person in our lives - Valentine's Day. This year I'm dreaming of macarons, peonies, LOVER, Cartier and Paris. What are you dreaming of? Whatever it is or whoever they are, I hope it's a special one for you - Happy Valentine's Day xox

Parisian macarons Pierre Herme style

Or Laduree

Peonies

LOVER Lace Serpent Dress - still adore this!

Cartier Love Bracelet

McQueen, Hermes & Cartier - perfection

And Paris

Ruth Reichl - Garlic & Sapphires The Secret Life of a Restaurant Critic in Disguise

2012-02-07T17:12:00.003+08:00

I have been dying to get my hands on this book so you can imagine my delight when I checked the mailbox today to see it sitting there - a gift from Allen & Unwin. Written by former New York Times food critic Ruth Reichl, Garlic and Sapphires is a memoir on the food writer's adventures as she dines around the city in disguise gaging the different reactions of restaurateurs. Being a food writer myself I cannot wait to dive into this book and see what crazy things she gets up to - will let you know what I think. In the meantime for those as curious as I am here it is - xox

White nail polish - YAY or NAY?

2012-02-05T21:56:00.002+08:00

Hey guys I need your help with this one. I've seen the white nail polish trend a bit lately and last week my editor gave me some to try...... problem is I'm not sure if I love it or not. It's called Alpine Snow by OPI - what do you think? YAY or NAY? I'd love to hear your thoughts xo

My fingers working the Alpine Snow by OPI

Kimmie K rocking the trend

A demure Scarlett Johansson

Gwen Stefani showing us how it should be done

Buddy Valstro - The Cake Boss at the Everything Baking Expo Perth

2012-02-04T21:23:00.000+08:00

Today I was lucky enough to meet one of the most talented people in the baking industry - New Jersey's The Cake Boss Buddy Valastro!

Here for the weekend Buddy visited Perth to the delight of his fans at The Everything Baking Exhibition. Held at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre he has one more show here (tomorrow) before jetting off for a one-show only event in Sydney on Monday.

The exhibition, the brainchild of Julia Pergoliti of Cupids Delight it features chef demonstrations, the latest products and services in the cake decorating and baking industries with
Buddy Valastro the cake king of Hoboken most certainly the highlight.

Buddy a fourth-generation baker and owner of the famous Carlo’s Bakery in New Jersey appeared today for a special masterclass where 30 budding cake decorators and bakers got to experience a once in a lifetime one-on-one tuition from the Cake Boss himself.

Buddy will make his final appearance in Perth tomorrow from 9am during a live demonstration for fans. The Buddy's Surprise show will give fans the chance to hear the chef's top tips and he might even share a few secrets.

Tickets for the Buddy's Surprise show are $65 and tickets to the expo are $16.

For more information visit Cake Artists Australia and to read more about the man himself visit
Carlo's Bakery .

P.S What was he like in person? An absolute sweetheart!

Some of the cakes in the Everything Baking Cake Competition - Ah-mazing!!!!

Australiana themed cakes were popular

Snags on the barbie, vegemite, surfboard & boomerang - very Aussie!

Love the colours on this one

Award-winning OZ cake

A tribute to The Boss

And another - very cool!

Showing me how it's done

Doing what he does best

THE BOSS

A quick pic before continuing on with his Masterclass

Read my ishoperth interview with The Cake Boss Buddy Valastro

"Bringing back doggy style..."

2012-02-03T19:10:00.006+08:00

I received the cutest thing today and just had to share. It came from a lady named Debbie Harrison. The mother-of-three gave up life in the corporate world in 2010 to start up her pet business www.bestdressedpets.com.au and hasn't looked back since. A pet-lovers paradise I encourage you to check it out for the special pup in your life.

Here are a couple of samples from her "designer collection" range - the Jimmy Chew toy:

And the Chewy Vuitton:

Also in the designer collection are the Manola Barknick shoes and Pawda Handbags. So if your little pooch has a penchant for the finer things in life - nipping at your Jimmy Choos or nibbling at your Louis Vuitton, a designer inspired toy might be the ideal accessory for your furry fashionista. Retailing at just $20 how can you could you resist!

Visit www.bestdressedpets.com.au to view the extensive range of pet apparel, toys, bedding, jewellery and more.

New look logo

2012-01-31T20:40:00.001+08:00

Hey guys I have been dying to show you this and it has finally come through. A lot of people have asked me why the change - well that's simple. I wanted the logo to reflect the blog more than it was. After much debate I've decided the name will remain Cooking In Choos and I'll continue to blog about food and also include reviews and interviews . In addition to this a large component of the blog will also focus on fashion and travel too. What do you think of the new look? I'd love to hear from you xox

Monday Inspiration to get you through the day

2012-01-23T07:53:00.000+08:00

How cute is this little munchkin?

Pretty Peonies

You betcha!

Monday eye-candy: Daniel D-Mac McPherson: Delish!

Belle-Donna - Catching up with Belle Bijoux

2012-01-20T13:24:00.002+08:00

Last year I got to meet Fremantle-based accessory designer and mother-of-two Belle Bijoux of Belle Bijoux Australia . Since our first meeting you could say that I've become a little OBSESSED with her ah-mazing bags, shoes and leather goods. Having started from her home studio more than 10 years ago her business has gone from strength to strength. Worn by celebs including Mia Freedman, Katy Steele, Jessica Simpson, Cate Blanchatt, Jennifer Hawkins, Megan Gale, Kate Cebrano and Sophie and Gemma Ward, I caught up with her yesterday to find out how 2012 was treating her so far and what direction she was looking to take her business this year.
Here's what she had to say:

It's been a few months since we last spoke how have things been going since we last chatted?

Busy is a word for it.. I've been hugely inspired of late.

I'm constantly dreaming up new collections.. more shoes.. jewellery.. new year, new creative energy!

Last year you won Cosmo's FFF Award in the entrepreneur category - what was that experience like and has it helped with the exposure of your brand?

I was extremely honoured to be one of the finalists but to take out the title blew my socks off!

I just never thought it would happen.

It has given the brand a lot of exposure Australia wide and I've gained a heap of confidence in myself and in my brand.

What's the latest with Belle Bijoux? I believe you are planning to start your new shoe line - how has this been going for you?

I've always done a shoe here and there but this summer the Millie wedges I did went, well, lets just say 'ballistic' so I'm bringing out a few extra styles for Winter and then again for Summer 2012/13. I'm very excited about expanding this part of my business as are all the shoe loving woman out there.

What's on the agenda for this year have you got any exciting coming up?

I'm in discussions with a distributor in Singapore which is wonderful so if all goes well I plan to head up there to check it out.

Launching the shoe and new jewellery collection is what I'm most excited about.

What is your favourite Belle Bijoux bag?

Of course it's the Evangeline - the colour for winter is cobalt blue (bluebird blue) it's to die for!

You've come up with some fabulous collections - where do you draw inspiration from?

I can't really pin point it but I'd say vintage fashion has a huge influence, travel, old films and just from people watching - Fremantle is great for that!

Tell us about Mister Sun and what we can expect from your next collection?

Mister Sun was all about the ocean, sunkissed bombshells and the beach!

The next collection will be a little more mod 1960's!

What are some of your goals for this year, where would you like to see Belle Bijoux take you in 2012?

My goal this year is to really relax into my business and to go with the flow.

I would like to take opportunities as they come my way not necessarily go chasing them.

The most important thing for me is that I enjoy what I'm doing and that means I have to go at my own pace.

You're a mother of two how do you juggle motherhood and running such a successful business?

It can get tricky but having a very supportive partner helps a lot.

My children are also very supportive too, they love what I do and they get as excited about it as I do, especially my nearly teenage daughter Elianah - she's already desiging for me.

"I have the direction for AW.. a back pack mum a pack pack.. with really long straps.. and you know what I think I'll just do it and name it Elianah!"

What advice would give women looking at starting a home business in order to make it successful?

To have a very clear understanding of what they want to create and achieve.

It took me a few years to really have a clear understanding of my brand and where I wanted to take it.

If you can have that before you start you are going great guns.

Belle Bijoux is celebrating her birthday this week and is offering shoppers 50% off her Mister Sun collection - visit Belle Bijoux to find out more.

Hurry offer ends January 23.

Belle's favourite bag the Evangaline in Coral

Bonnie Bag in mint

Mirella Wallet

Oh Millie you're so fine, you're so fine, you blow my mind - Oh Millie!! Millie Wedges black

Millie Wedges Coral

Millie Wedges mint

The beautiful Belle with Evangaline - love this shot!

Evangaline & Belle's partner Greg

Future BB designer Elianah with little sister Evangaline

How cute is this pic Evangaline being piggy-backed by Greg on the beaches of Freo

Sh*t it's Monday!

2012-01-16T08:27:00.001+08:00

Morning everyone! Thought this was a good pic to start the week considering I'm sure like me, this is how most of you feeling right now! P.S For those of you wondering the girl in the pic is not me - just loved the t-shirt!

Happy Monday everybody!

Friday Night with the Girls

2012-01-13T13:23:00.002+08:00

HAPPY Friday everyone!!

What are your plans for tonight? I'm thinking it might be a good night to settle in with the girls - Sex and the City style!

Have a fabulous weekend whatever you choose to do. xox

Shopping SATC style

Laugh it off!

Enjoy a drink on the rooftop!

Celebrate

And laugh some more!

Catching up with Emily Galante of Candy Couture

2012-01-09T21:50:00.022+08:00

Last year I got to meet Perth business woman and gorgeous mother-of-two Emily Galante of Candy Couture. She had been running her buffet/event styling business only six short months at the time and only started the business after creating a themed birthday party for her daughter Amani's birthday. It was a resounding success and she has been bombarded with client orders ever since. I caught up with her yesterday to find out how things were going and what direction she was looking to take her business in 2012. Here's what she had to say:

It's been a few months since we last spoke and almost a year since you started Candy Couture - how have things been going since we last chatted?

Emily: So much has happened! Candy Couture has become more popular than I ever expected it to be at this early stage, especially with it being such a new business and considering the competition in the industry. People have really embraced me and my business and I have had so much wonderful support not only from friends and family, but my facebook fans which I now have more than 2600 of them. The lovely comments people leave on my page and under my pictures and seeing lovely compliments and having other businesses acknowledge and share it - it blows me away. I’ve also met so many lovely Perth ladies in the industry…cakes, invites, wedding co-ordinators, journalists all of which have contributed to making my work enjoyable.

What's the latest with Candy Couture I believe you have gone into selling table wear - how has this been going for you?

Emily: The latest for Candy Couture is that as well as specialising in styling candy buffet’s , dessert tables and cupcakes towers it will soon become an on-line store for boutique partyware. I’ve had so much interest in the products and accessories I use in my own buffet’s that it has inspired me to open the store. The majority of the products, cake stands etc I use are only available over East so it is exciting to be able to provide Perth people with those same products as well as new exclusive products without having to worry about shipping.

What's on the agenda for this year have you got any exciting event styling/themed buffet table themes coming up?

Emily: There are many exciting things on the agenda this year for Candy Couture. Getting the store up and running as I just mentioned will be an important one, but there are also many beautiful events coming up that I am really looking forward to styling the sweet side of things for..

This year Candy Couture is an exhibitor at this years Ebridal Expo on the 21^st and 22^nd of January at Burswood. There will be a beautiful display and opportunity for brides to be to ask questions and be inspired.

I have my own baby girls 2^nd birthday in March which every year obviously for me, my own children’s birthdays are the closest to my heart and the most special for me, so this year I'm tossing up between a ‘lady bird’ theme or a ‘garden tea party’..

Something I am really looking forward to in April this year is a charity event for a cause very close to my heart - Breast Cancer Care WA. Doing something like this is always the most rewarding and I know is going to be a highlight for Candy Couture. I’ve also got several weddings booked throughout the year with some stunning themes such as ‘vintage glamour’ which is right up my alley as I love using lace, flowers, crystals and all things pretty.

What has been the most fun table to set up so far?

Emily: The most fun table I’ve setup so far would have to be the ‘Casino’ themed 21^st. I was very creative with this one and sourced some awesome props including a real roulette wheel, martini and shot glasses filled with candy. The table itself was set-up on top of a real casino poker table which I sourced through ebay. It had a large dice filled with chocolates and cupcakes topped with playing cards and dice

- it was all very cool and an amazing theme for a 21^stBirthday.

What has been your favourite theme buffet table you have set up?

Emily: My Personal Favourite table of the year was my ‘Burlesque’ themed table. This one was very girly and glamourous and very ‘Sex and the City’ and what girl wouldn’t love that? It had a pink and black colour scheme with features which included crystal candle sticks, pink ostrich feathers, large martini glasses filled with candy, pink macarons and a life sized mannequin with a gorgeous black and pink laced stain corset with black tassel curtains as a backdrop.

As a favourite party I also have to mention my sons 4^th birthday which was a ‘Down on the Farm’ themed party and was just the cutest theme for a little boy. We had tractor rides, bales of hay, strawberries and creams, cupcakes topped with farm animals, we even had the baby animal farm come to make it authentic.

You keep outdoing yourself with each theme where do you draw inspiration from?

Emily: For inspiration I rely on my own creativity as well as researching and sourcing new and unique products and props. I like to keep up with a variety of styling, hostess and wedding blogs for all the latest in styling and desserts. There are a lot of talented people out there doing amazing work.

What are some of your goals for this year, where would you like to see Candy Couture take you in 2012?

Emily: My goal for Candy Couture for 2012 is to continue growing as a business and to continue to expand my creativity and refine my style in my work. I will be specialising and concentrating more on weddings and corporate events. I would also love to see my on-line store up and running and doing well.

My goal is to eventually have a shop front which I can use as a showroom as well as a store to buy and hire party goods and supplies. It would also be a place I can meet my clients and work on designing and styling but for now though I am happy to work online and liaise with my clients over coffee and macarons in a café somewhere ;)

You've had a crazy-busy year and I can only see it getting busier - how do you juggle motherhood, being a wife and running your own business?

Emily: How do I juggle being a wife and mother of two children who aren’t even yet in school and run my own business - sometimes I don’t know myself! There are some very late nights and some very early mornings, but my most important job is and always will be is being a mother to my two beautiful children, Xavier (4yrs) and Amani (1.5yrs). But it is nice to have an outlet I can put my creativity into and something that I can work towards and achieve and be proud of myself for doing so, which makes all the juggling worth it. I know there are many stay at home mums who would agree that you need something for yourself whether it be a sport, hobby or in my case my work.

What advice would give women looking at starting a home business in order to make it succesful?

Emily: If I had to offer some advice for other women who are looking to start a business from home I would say if it is something you know you are good at and something you are passionate about - GO FOR IT. Working from home you can decide your own hours and work around what fits in with your family. I would say to do your homework and find out what you will first need to be successful and then give it a go.. a quote I have always loved which seems fitting is “Don’t follow your dreams…CHASE them.”

Candy Couture's Vintage Lace theme

Vintage Lace

Personalised takeaway chocolate bars

Beautiful cupcake toppers

Emily with children Xavier and Amani

To see some of Emily's work visit her website Candy Couture or find her on Facebook HERE

Vintage Lace photography by Nicole Duncan Photography

Today's Guilty Pleasure

2012-01-08T22:08:00.002+08:00

Obsessed with the Samantha Wills Concordia Ring - LOVE

Loving the snake detail

And the gorgeous keepsake box

Ready to settle in for the night with Roxy Jacenko's Strictly Confidential - am HOOKED!

Thank God it's Friday!

2012-01-06T15:56:00.000+08:00

Thursday Inspiration

2012-01-05T12:40:00.001+08:00

Feeling a little flat today & a little under the weather but these made me smile so thought I'd share - Enjoy!

Hope they brighten up your day too xox

2011 the year that was

2011-12-28T15:14:00.119+08:00

Hi guys

As you read this some of you will be recovering from last night's festivities while others are still probably celebrating. Me, well I had a fabulous day spent trackside with loved ones at Ascot's Perth Cup and am taking it easy today. And what better way is there to start off the year than blogging and reflecting on 2011 and filling you in on what's in store for 2012 - so here goes:

2011 was a whirlwind. There were many highs and a few lows but just so I don't lose you guys right here I'm going to keep this post upbeat and full of the highs. This year my job as a journalist has taken me to so many happy places and I got to meet the most amazing people too. In no particular order here's a list of who and what left a lasting impression on me last year.

My city Perth: I became the food writer for ishoperth magazine in May and got to work closely with a fabulous team of writers who cover everything happening in our CBD. I reconnected with the city and discovered it has come a long way and there is nowhere I'd rather be. The nightlife has improved, the shopping is getting better and the restaurant and small bar boom holds its own and even rivals some of our eastern states counterparts. Seriously people of Perth if you haven't done so lately do it soon and discover everything our beautiful city has to offer.

Homegrown talent: My favourite things to do are to eat and shop and sometimes I do them at the same time - trust me it's a skill not getting macaron crumbs in my Belle Bijoux Evangaline hangbag! Which brings me to the fabulous homegrown talent I got to know - Belle Bijoux, Aurelio Costarella, Steph Audino, Debbie Kelly , Dianna Monastra and Keiko Uno are just some of the people I got to work with last year. I have always been a fan of Belle Bijoux's leather accessories and last year I got to meet her in person (after countless emails and phone-calls). Since our initial meeting we've caught up over coffees, cocktails and handbags and like her designs she is bright, bubbly, an absolute joy to be around and someone I now consider a good friend - she is as I like to say - amazeballs. Also last year, I got to meet my favourite Australian designer Aurelio Costarella. I have admired him and his work for a long time. His collections are stunning, timeless and make you feel a million dollars every time you wear one of his pieces. We crossed paths at last year's Perth Fashion Festival and have to say he was just as I thought he would be - lovely and genuine (he definitely left a lasting impression on me as well as a giant hole in my pocket after buying several of his ah-mazing garments ). Dianna Monastra, Steph Audino, Debbie Kelly and Keiko Uno are the other talented designers I worked with and stumbled across last year. These ladies even though so different in what they do, share the same qualities - professionalism, passion, overall niceness and are oh so easy to work with. I encourage you if you haven't done so already to check out their websites and see why I'm smitten.

Food for thought: The establishments that kept me satisfied last year include a French favourite, Italian stallion and a Japanese icon, I also got to meet some local talent too - so who made the list? Jean-Pierre Sancho for baguettes, macarons and palmiers - yum! Nobu Burswood for black cod miso, spicy tempura shrimp and their lunchtime bento box - such good value. Barolo on Beaufort for their braised beef cheeks, antipasto platters and yummy desserts. Rooftop bars were also the rage and the Greenhouse and flavour of the month The Aviary were great little spots to grab a drink while FIVE Bar in Mt Lawley became my favourite place to hang with friends and the Luxe Bar introduced me to their delicious cocktails. People to get my attention was Emily Galante whose candy buffet business Candy Couture blew me away and Kathleen Milner of Flirt with Dessert satisifed my sweet tooth with her unbelievable cupcakes - seriously talented the two of them!

Interviews: As well as interviewing the people mentioned in the above categories other highlights included chatting to some of my favourite chefs including Bill Granger (my absolute fave), Manu Feildel (yes he is definitely a charmer) and Adriano Zumbo. I also got to meet Nigella Lawson (dee-lightful) and Matt Preston (love him). While on the entertainment side of things I got to interview my teenage boy-band crush New Kids On the Block's Jordan Knight (again I think I just died a little when I typed that).

Charity: When it came to charities I supported Down Syndrome WA, Telethon and held a breakfast for Breast Cancer Care WA. Held at the Rydges Perth it was a huge success, with fashion parades, guest speakers, prizes and the gorgeous Nine News presenter/journalist Ebbeny Faranda as MC. I've decided to hold an event annually in support of this fantastic charity organisation and we are currently planning our next one as I type - so watch this space.

2012: This year I'm hoping my work and scheduled travels over east, to the US and Canada will bring with them even more adventures, opportunities and the beginning of new friendships. Im also looking forward to discovering more of the hidden gems hiding in our beautiful city. Until then I bid 2011 goodbye and welcome 2012 in the hope it will bring myself and all my followers good things. Happy New Year everyone xoxo

So what about you guys, how was 2011 for you? Do you have some beautiful memories or do you have any New Year Resolutions? I'd love to hear from you Bx

Bye bye 2011 - Hello 2012

Belle Bijoux and I at a fashion event last month

Me in the Aurelio Costarella Venus Dress

Ready for New Year's Eve race day @ Ascot's Perth Cup

Merry Christmas from Ms CIC

2011-12-25T09:11:00.000+08:00

Merry Christmas everyone! Stay safe, eat, drink, be merry & enjoy the company of your loved ones this festive season xo

Emerging Designer to watch - Steph Audino

2011-12-22T17:57:00.003+08:00

Be dazzled by beach gems

2011-12-19T22:31:00.001+08:00

GLIMPSES of the Maldives, Margaret River, Rottnest and Bali have been captured in Scarborough jeweller Keiko Uno’s latest collection, Ocean Intrigue.

The premier jewellery collection, which was launched last month, features 18 carat gold and platinum bespoke jewellery with fine diamonds, South Sea pearls and colourful gemstones and is currently being exhibited at Claremont’s Greenhill Galleries until Wednesday December 21.

The artist said her latest collection was perfect for WA, where a large portion of the population living on the coast engaged in activities centred around or influenced by the water.

“These pieces are sophisticated, yet express vitality and energy which is the essence of the Indian Ocean surrounding our shores,” she said. “If you love the ocean, you’ll love the exhibition as all the pieces are inspired by the sea.”

Ms Uno, a qualified gemologist who has been creating jewellery for as long as she can remember, said her love of design and fashion came from her grandmother, a major influence as she was growing up.

“My love for creating began during my junior school days when I would put together chunky bracelets, rings and pendants using all sorts of materials found around home and at Boans,” she said.

“But my passion for luxury jewels was ignited while watching my grandma get ready for important state functions.

“I used to love as she’d make the magical transition from my loving and much loved everyday grandma to this lady of distinction.”

Uno’s latest collection took years to create, with one of the pieces – Sea Breeze – taking the designer four years to put together.

“While the initial sketches for this piece were down on paper over a long weekend, it took over four years of searching to source the right material to depict the mood and feel of the ocean at the instant when the sea breeze brushes over, turning the surface from glassy to choppy,” she said.

“For this piece, and others in the ‘Ocean Horizon’ series, I collaborated with a fifth generation master stone cutter from the Idar Oberstein region in Germany who skilfully shaped then etched into large crystals of blue topaz and Bolivian amethyst that I sourced to perfectly capture the scenes of an ocean sunset, sunrise and sea breeze.”

Visit www.greehillgalleries.com or to see other works in the collection visit www.keiko-jewellery.com.

Keiko Uno

Jus Right

2011-11-18T21:29:00.000+08:00

SERVING UP THE PERFECT BURGER IS HARDER THAN IT LOOKS, BUT ONE PERTH BURGER BAR IS CONSISTENTLY HITTING THE MARK. BY BELINDA CIPRIANO

What makes a good burger - ah-mazing? I get this question asked of me a lot. To some it’s the delicious, tender patty, while for others it’s the sweet taste of the relish or a combination of both.

Like most people, I love a good burger and when asked who makes the best in the city I have got to give it to Jus Burgers, time and time again.

Jus Burgers, the brainchild of foodie Justin Bell, opened its first store in Leederville in January 2009 and has since expanded to Subiaco, Fremantle and more recently Northbrige.

And while the Guvnor, Spanish Snag, Mullet and Pommy all sound like a prelude to a cheesy joke, they are in fact all names of the delicious burgers available at this burger bar/institution.

On my recent visit to Jus, I ordered the Pommy Burger with a side of onion rings while my friend ordered the Spanish Snag with a serve of chips.

My Pommy burger was just as I remembered it – how could I forget (I don’t even look at menu anymore, even though I should) it’s the only burger I order off the menu and it never, ever fails to disappoint.

Western Australian Amelia Park Beef, which is Meat Standards Australia approved, hormone free, char-grilled, cheddar and back bacon served on a Turkish bun with homemade aioli, relish, lettuce, tomato and Spanish onion – this burger is to die for – especially for those who are a bit more carnivorous.

The Spanish Snag devoured by my friend was equally delicious and similar to the Pommy burger but served with chorizo sausage and sweet red peppers instead.

Our sides were just the right size and having never tasted the Jus’ onion rings, I have to say I was impressed.

Made fresh daily, as with everything served up by Jus, these delightful rings were the perfect accompaniment to my delicious burger and left me more than satisfied.

I love what Justin Bell has brought to Western Australia and the way he supports WA growers and suppliers but most of all I like that his burgers are always jus right!

JUS BURGERS NORTHBRIDGE

Open:

Monday and Sunday 11.30am to 9pm Tuesday to Saturday 11.30am to 10pm

Where:

Shop 11/189 William St Northbridge 9227 0668 www.jusburgers.com.au

HUNGRY FOR IT Jus Burgers director Justin Bell tucks in to a Pommy burger

The delicious Pommy with a side of onion rings.

Jessica follows up on Ruby’s Campaign

2011-11-18T20:49:00.002+08:00

IT’S not often your fictitious novel becomes reality but that’s exactly what happened to author Jessica Rudd, daughter of former prime minister Kevin Rudd.

The 26-year-old’s first chick-lit novel Campaign Ruby, which was based around the plot of a prime minister overthrown by his female deputy, was released just as her dad’s leadership was challenged by now Prime Minister Julia Gillard.

Her second penning, Ruby Blues, is a follow up to the first novel and finds the main character Ruby Stanhope going through the lows experienced when working with a first-term government that isn’t faring too well.

Speaking to Jessica during her whirlwind book tour around the country, the Canberra-born, Brisbaneraised and now Beijing-based writer said she was excited to be home and was looking forward to meeting everyone on the tour.

“I miss everything about Australia,” she said.

“I’m really looking forward to travelling around the country and getting back to WA. It will be great having a chat and a laugh with everyone – I love what your great state has to offer.”

Describing the character of Ruby in her second novel as a bit of a cow and a best friend in a terrible mood, Jessica said she decided to write the sequel as she knew the character had a lot more to offer readers.

“Originally the idea of Ruby came from when I was living in London with my husband and it was in the middle of the financial crisis,” she said.

“At the time, a lot of investment bankers were losing their jobs and one of the things I wanted to explore with Ruby was that sense of having lost your job and the depression that comes with that, and also the excitement that can come from the clean canvas.

“I took her way out of her comfort zone when she lost her job as an investment banker in London. I put her in Australia and I put her in politics.

“In Ruby Blues, two years on, she is struggling at work, her relationship is disintegrating, the Government is doing terribly, and she’s just finding it hard to get that sense of fun and adrenalin back into the game.

“But even now, I don’t think Ruby is finished yet. I think she has a lot more to do with her life.”

When asked about what her family thought of her book this time round, considering the sequence of events following Campaign Ruby, Jessica said they were extremely supportive of her writing career but her dad and husband have yet to read the book.

“My dad hasn’t read it yet, nor has my husband and one of my brothers hasn’t read it yet,” she said.

“But mum has and she loved it. She was really thrilled and gave me encouragement along the way but I am looking forward to seeing what dad, my husband and my brother think of it.

“It’s always really interesting when you give your work to the people you love because they are always looking for you in your protagonist, even if subconsciously.

“My brother said to me last time ‘I can really hear your voice in Ruby’, which kind of frustrated me to be honest because I tried really hard to create believable Brit.”

Jessica read excerpts from her book Ruby Blues at her book launch at the Joondalup Library last week.

belindac@communitynews.com.au

Fashionista’s tips for the new season

2011-11-18T20:39:00.002+08:00

Fashion blogger Alyce Cowell gave out style tips at Westfield Innaloo last week.Pic by Dom Menegaldo

WESTFIELD Innaloo got a visit from Alyce Cowell, one of Australia’s savviest shoppers, as part of a series of in-centre events held around the country last week.

The 23-year-old fashionista whose job it is to shop and blog for a living hosted the events, which showcased the current spring/summer trends and answered questions about the biggest fashion challenges of the season.

The former editor of Covet Magazine and Sportsgirl stylist said the style session at Innaloo involved making over two local women, discussing key trends and investment pieces for the wardrobe.

“The style session was fantastic; we taught the ladies how to get more for their money by building key investment pieces for their summer wardrobe and how to take them each from day to night,” Alyce said.

“Our two Facebook fans who were chosen were naturals on stage as our real women models.”

With spring in full swing and summer just around corner, Alyce also talked about the trends of the season and how they could be worked into most wardrobes and suit different body types.

“Colour blocking is the biggest spring/summer trend but we’re also seeing big movements towards other trends like boho, animal print, white on white, monochrome and stripes,” she said.

“The trends for this season are great because they’re all really adaptable for different ages, shapes and lifestyles.

“It can be daunting experimenting with new trends, so my tip is to tailor it for you.

“For example, if you’re not an animal print person but would love to start wearing it, try adding an accent instead, through a heel or clutch until you’re comfortable.”

Other tips she offered shoppers was to add a bit of colour to an outfit with accessories and to buy a great pair of jeans.

“It sounds boring, but when you have the building blocks of your wardrobe sorted, you can start having fun with trend items and mixing and matching for multiple looks,” she said.

“A pair of well-cut jeans that suit your shape will never date.”

NEW LOOK, NEW MENU @ Rydges CBD Restaurant Perth

2011-11-07T22:06:00.000+08:00

I haven't written a personal restaurant review on this blog for a while. There's a few reasons why - I do it a lot for work and just like everybody else like to enjoy dining out sometimes without having to take notes, pics etc, secondly you can read a lot of my reviews in ishoperth and lastly I haven't come across a great lunchtime feed in a while - that is until I dined at the Rydges CBD Restaurant last week. This, well this I had to share.

I had actually heard the hotel's CBD Restaurant had gone through a few changes including with their menu and their new head chef Sam Southall (who I interviewed earlier this year see ishoperth interview below) so when thinking of places to dine for a girlie catch up I thought I'd give it a go.

The lunch menu (see below) is reasonably priced with the most expensive item on the menu Wagyu @ $62. On this day the two of us tried the Cauliflower Soup with truffled hazelnut honey (AMAZING!) for our entree and the linguini with meatballs, parmesan, tomato, tomato and basil was my choice for a main.

I'm not one to go for soup when I dine out, because I'm usually left underwhelmed, but this delicious and light dish served in a little le creuset pot was just beautiful. Creamy but not rich and just delightful I could have easily had a second serve - yum!

The linguini was cooked perfectly al dente (to the tooth) and the combination of tomato, olive, basil and parmesan is always going to be a winner for me. Add to that melt -in-your-mouth meatballs and I'm a happy girl.

It was a pleasant afternoon and sitting amongst the city suits lunching it was nice to relax and not worry about going back to work or even having to write anything down - just perfect. So next time you're in the city drop in and say hello, have a bite, or enjoy a drink and say I sent you ;) Bom Approveito!

Linguini with meatballs, tomato, olives and basil - YUM!

NEW LUNCH MENU

My interview with CBD Restaurant head chef Sam Southall

Frocktober in November - Melbourne Cup EDITION

2011-11-04T16:15:00.105+08:00

Apologies for being MIA over the last few days, I'm on holidays, have family visiting from overseas and it's been CRAZY BUSY!!! As well as this I've been a little under the weather & trying to shake off a cold hence Oct 31st's lack of FROCK.

As promised though 31 frocks for Frocktober so I kept the Frock theme going on until Tuesday which was Melbourne Cup Day.

Those of you who read my blog know I am OBSESSED with anything Spring, Autumn - racing and carnivals. The glamour, the excitement, the champagne - everything about racing carnivals gets me excited. This year however there were a few things that didn't go my way and I ended up doing something completely different and suprisingly enough I had a fabulous time and would do again if the opportunity came up.

You see last year I decided (after being so annoyed at missing last year's cup, you can read about that HERE ) that I would be in Flemington this year. Turns out it wasn't meant to be ~~don't ask~~ and I ended up with nothing to do - cue my lifesaving friend Dianna (who also won an award for best dressed on the day) who organised a girly lunch with a few of her favourite girlfriends at Burswood's Modo Mio Restaurant.

Anyhoo after dealing with the drama of not being able to attend The Cup, I resigned myself to the fact that it probably wasn't going to be worth going to anyway (I mean really, who goes to these things anyways - I'm looking at you SJP, Miss Jay, Shurley & you Joan Collins) and maybe, just maybe it wasn't my time to get back there. That of course was until I got a beautiful invite for brunch with Dan McPherson, Vince Collosimo, Rikki Lee and MEL B!!!! I think I died again just quietly!!!

But it gets better so after coming to terms with the fact that I was not going to get up close and personal with my celebrity free pass (Dan McPherson for those of you playing at home) I again got back into the spirit of celebrating Cup Day at one of the nicest restaurants in Perth and decided a new frock was in order - you know, to make me feel better and for Frocktober of course!!

This is where it gets funny people, funny for you, not so funny for me - new shoes, new frock, vintage head piece RTW and a BLOODY wardrobe malfunction!!!! My beautiful dress, bought the day before ruined with the husband having to strategically remove it from me as I had a mini (OK it was major) meltdown in the bathroom. Once removed I tried fixing it, I did, but could not think of anything more scary then my backside on display while guests tucked into their barramundi - cue operation back-up dress.

My back-up dress, which I now refer to as the one that saved the day, was lovely - just lovely but what broke my heart the most was no matching headpiece (the unfinished person in the pic below is me). Race-day is all about the headwear and on the biggest day in our Racing Calendar I had no head piece ~~cue the violins~~.

Anyways to finish on a high note, it really did turn out to be an awesome day with lots and lots of laughs, good food, copious amounts of bubbly, fashion and dancing. And as for those of you wondering what happened to the dress - it went back the next day and as for Melbourne Cup Day 2012, I'm already onto it ; )

Burswood Glamour

About to tuck into the yummy fare @ Modo Mio

Insalata Misto Mare - Yum!

Dish of the day - Tiramisu

Dianna & I dancing off the alcomahol @ Eve

Frock deets: Frock by Wish, Necklace by Sportsgirl, Ring by YSL, Shoes by Wittner and purse vintage - my high school ball one actually!

Rock that frock - As seen in Ishoperth Magazine pg 8 Issue Oct 20 2011

2011-10-30T15:11:00.001+08:00

IF YOU SEE A LOT OF WOMEN FROCKING UP IN THE CITY THIS OCTOBER, THEN CHANCES ARE IT’S FOR A VERY GOOD REASON. BY BELINDA CIPRIANO.

The challenge was to wear 31 different dresses during the month of October while raising money for the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation, too easy – or so I thought.

I try to support as many charities as I can so when the Frocktober challenge was put to me in September, I thought “pfft, I can do that without even breaking a sweat”.

I mean really, what better way is there to raise money then to frock up every day and have people sponsor you for doing so.

So how have I been doing so far?

So far so good. I’m 18 days in at the time of going to print and I’m doing well.

However, it’s now that the challenge really starts to present itself – I mean how do you get away with wearing a sparkly, sequin dress to work?

I need to look smart, not like an 80s back-up singer, as my husband politely puts it.

And here is where my problem lies.

I have exhausted all my corporate dresses and am now left with party frocks – what’s a girl to do?

Do I a) wear my party frocks to work and shock the hell out of my colleagues, or do I b) blend in nicely with a bunch of newly bought dresses for work? I’m going with b – after all, you can never have too many frocks!

Follow me on my journey and let me know which frocks rock and which frocks are not so hot, then hop over to my Everyday Hero Page to make a donation.

Visit cookinginchoos.blogspot.com to see a picture diary and donate at everydayhero.com.au/belinda_cipriano . Visitfrocktober.org for more info.

Frocking up for Frocktober - Day 28, 29, 30

2011-10-30T14:59:00.000+08:00

Frocks worn over this CHOGM, Queens Birthday weekend - -note the way too relaxed vibe going here on both in the get-up & make-up dept:

Friday chilling on the public holiday:

Frock deets: Frock by Villains Clothing, Thongs by Havaiana.

Saturday night in enjoying a bbq sans the Queen:

Frocky by TEMT, jewelled sandals (covered) by Shoe Show.

Chilling out again in a maxi on Sunday:

Frock by Villains, Jewelled sandals by Shoe Show.

Frocking up for Frocktober - Day 26

2011-10-26T21:34:00.000+08:00

These last few days are killing me & I scraping the bottom of the barrel (especially in the workwear department & my poses) Here is Wednesday's workwear:

Frock deets: Black & orange frock by TEMT, shoes by WITTNER, Jacket by COTTON ON, necklace by All Glitz & Glam.

Frocking up for Frocktober - Day 25

2011-10-25T21:43:00.000+08:00

Tuesday workwear:

Frock deets: Jacket by Portmans, Dress by Frankie, opaques by Target, Pumps by Zu.

Frocking up for Frocktober - Day 24

2011-10-24T20:39:00.001+08:00

Lazing around the house Monday evening:

Frock deets: Dress by TEMT, sandals by Shoe Show.

Frocking up for Frocktober - Days 21,22 & 23

2011-10-23T20:25:00.001+08:00

I've had a full-on weekend hence the absence of my last three frocks. So here they are Friday, Saturday & Sunday for your viewing pleasure:

Friday workwear:

Frock deets: Dress by DOTTI, Belt by WITCHERY, Shoes by WITTNER, Jacket by COTTON ON.

Saturday hen's day at the Races - Ascot:

Frock deets: Dress by Sportsgirl, Belt by Witchery, Shoes by Zu, Ring by Cultstatus, head piece Elegant Punk by Debbie Kelly Millinery

Sunday morning chilling out:

Frock deets: Dress by TEMT, thongs by Haviana.

Frocking up for Frocktober - Day 20

2011-10-20T20:28:00.000+08:00

Thursday workwear:

Frock deets: Dress by TEMT, Leggings by JUNK, Belt by TEMP, Ballet flats by NOVO.

Frocking up for Frocktober - Day 19

2011-10-19T20:41:00.001+08:00

Frocktober Wednesday workwear:

Frock deets: Frock by Barkins, leggings by JUNK, shoes by Wittner and Blazer by Cotton On.

Frocking up for Frocktober - Day 18

2011-10-18T12:20:00.000+08:00

So the rain has thrown a spanner in the works this morning - here's what I came up with.

Tuesday workwear:

Frock deets: Vintage Smock by Forever New, leggings by TARGET, Boots bought in Melbourne.

Inspiration - love this

2011-10-17T20:52:00.000+08:00

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

2011-10-17T20:08:00.001+08:00

Hey guys just want to say a big THANK YOU for your support with Frocktober . I have now reached my target of $300 but am determined to raise more. Please help me get to $500 - it's for a good cause! Thank you & please donate - you know the drill - http://www.everydayhero.com.au/belinda_cipriano xox

Fare & Simple

2011-10-17T19:31:00.002+08:00

So those of you who follow me on Facebook and Twitter will know I had the pleasure of interviewing Bill Granger about his new book Bill's Everyday Asian. I can honestly say he is as genuine as he comes across on television if not better. Here's a pic of me with him and below is my interview which is featured in this week's ishoperth. Enjoy!

TELEVISION CHEF BILL GRANGER HAS DONE IT ALL. THE RESTAURATEUR, FOOD WRITER AND TELEVISION CHEF IS ON THE BOOK LAUNCH TRAIL, PROMOTING HIS LATEST COOKBOOK BILL’S EVERYDAY ASIAN IN PERTH NEXT WEEK. BELINDA CIPRIANO CAUGHT UP WITH HIM.

Tell us what you’ve been up to?

This year has been enormous; we are in London now getting ready to open our new restaurant. I also shot Bill’s Everyday Asian, opened a new restaurant in Japan and we renovated our Surry Hills restaurant in Sydney.

You are one of the original celebrity chefs, have sold more than a million cookbooks, filmed three television series, are about to launch your eighth restaurant and you still cook for your children most nights – how do you manage it all?

I have a fantastic team of people who make it all possible, including my wife Natalie who has been a great support, and I think that is the most important thing. I mean it is not just me, it’s everyone involved – all the talented and passionate people. I cook for my children every night and I think I have not cooked two times in the last three months. I manage to do it unless I am travelling. It’s what life is about I think – spending time with your family.

Tell us about your new book Bill’s Everyday Asian?

Asian cuisine was the first food that really opened my eyes – I was blown away at how food could taste so wonderful. I grew up where food was very ‘meat and three veg’, so very simple, not bad, just plain, and it opened my eyes to a whole new world and that’s where my love affair started. In this book, it is my version and not authentic at all – I have ‘Billised’ it!

What do you think of the Perth dining scene and what is your favourite restaurant?

This will be my third time in Perth and I can’t wait to get back there because it has changed so much, the foodie thing has exploded. I’m so excited I haven’t been back there for about a year-and-a-half and I can’t wait to go to the Greenhouse. I haven’t been before and I really want to go because I think he (Matt Stone) has great energy and is very talented.

Growing up, was there anyone who inspired you to cook?

Inspiring me to cook ... I think it was my own palate. I used to try dishes when I’d go out then go home and try to recreate them. Stephanie Alexander and even the Women’s Weekly cookbooks were also a source of inspiration to me. I’ve never worked in a restaurant and I’ve never been taught by anyone else how to cook – I’m totally self-taught.

Do you have a cooking philosophy?

Keep it simple – it’s only food and that’s what we have to remember. But what food does is a great conduit for enjoyment of life.

What’s your signature dish?

My scrambled eggs. It’s in all the restaurants and it’s three ingredients; eggs, butter and cream, and it signifies everything I do by stripping things back and doing them in a faster, simpler and easier way. I built the restaurant business on scrambled eggs. I mean it has developed into something else but it’s where it all started.

Tell us about your newest restaurant venture in Notting Hill?

It won’t be a Bill’s - it’s going to be something different. It’s still a similar idea breakfast, lunch and dinner, casual dining and we will be open in mid-November. It’s going to bring a little breath of Australian sunshine into London.

Lastly, is there any chance of bringing Bill’s to Perth?

It’s definitely on the list. Once London is completed, we have a new Tokyo restaurant opening in April so I’m working on that madly at the moment as well as Notting Hill. My business development manager is from Perth and she’s always pushing for it.

BILL GRANGER will launch Bill’s Everyday Asian and host a dinner on tomorrow at the Perth Town Hall. Visit dymocks.com.au for more information.

Frocking up for Frocktober - Day 17

2011-10-17T19:18:00.000+08:00

Day 17 Monday workwear:

Frock deets: Frock by Spicy Sugar, leggings by JUNK, ballet flats by NOVO.

Frocking up for Frocktober - Day 16

2011-10-16T20:28:00.002+08:00

Day 16 and I decided to go vintage by resurrecting my Yeojin Bae for a cousin's bridal shower -what do you think?

Sunday bridal shower frock:

Frock deets: Frock by Yeojin Bae, nude pumps by Peeptoe Belt by TEMT.

Frocking up for Frocktober - Day 15

2011-10-15T19:00:00.001+08:00

So today marks the halfway mark of my challenge and I'm happy to report I'm only $65 off reaching my $300 target. Knowing I'm nearly there I'm thinking I should up the ante and try for $500 but I need your help to get there. Let's go guys, help me get to $500.... pretty, pretty please!!!!

Saturday shopping frock:

Frock deets: Frock by DOTTI, Sandals by Shoe Show, Coin necklace by All Glitz & Glam

Frocking up for Frocktober - Day 14

2011-10-14T21:35:00.000+08:00

Friday workwear:

Frock deets: Frock by Portmans, Blazer by Dotti, Belt by Portmans, Shoes by Indulge Clothing, Ring by Cultstatus.

Frocking up for Frocktober - Day 13

2011-10-13T19:44:00.001+08:00

So the other day I was chatting to my ishoperth editor about my Frocktober journey and she thought it would be a great idea to write a little piece on it for the magazine. Here's a little sneak peak of the photo-shoot I had this morning & lookout for the article in next Thursday's issue!

Thursday workwear:

Picture by Emma Reeves

P.S Keep those donations coming http://www.everydayhero.com.au/belinda_cipriano - you know the drill xo

Frock deets: Dress & belt by Portmans, Jacket by Dotti, Ring by Cultstatus, Opaques by Target, Boots by Indulge Clothing Mt Lawley.

Frocking up for Frocktober - Day 12

2011-10-12T20:00:00.001+08:00

October 12 Wednesday workwear:

Frock deets: Dress vintage, Leggings by Junk, Belt vintage , Ballet flats by Novo, Jacket by Forever New.

Frocking up for Frocktober - Day 11

2011-10-11T22:05:00.001+08:00

Frock 11 Tuesday workwear:

Frock deets: Jacket by H&M, Dress by Temt, Belt vintage, Shoes by Wittner.

Frocking Up for Frocktober - Day 10

2011-10-10T20:56:00.000+08:00

Frock 10 - Monday workwear

Frock Deets: Dress by Portmans, Belt by JeansWest, Shoes by Wittner.

Frocking up for Frocktober - Day 9

2011-10-09T21:05:00.003+08:00

Day 9 of Frocktober was again a challenge considering I still wasn't feeling the best and had promised my sister I would go along to the Melville Markets (up at 3.30am ugh) with her. I mean yes it was a great idea at the time, it always is, months before that wake up call but jeepers how the hell do people do it week in, week out - trust me there are diehards.

This market, I decided to sell some of my unwanted frocks with half of my takings going to Frocktober. Unfortunately we were sent packing early due to rain and can you believe it, HAIL!!! I know HAIL in the middle of spring - what a nightmare.

Anyhooo so after a bout of stomach bug washed down with torrential rain and side of no sleep you can imagine how I was feeling. Never-the-less I was still going to get into some sort of frock and here it is (not the best I know but a frock of some sort anyway). This week I intend on bringing it - promise!

Frock deets: Frock by forever new, tights by junk, ballet flats by novo, belt by sportsgirl, tank by b&s

Frocking up for Frocktober - Day 8

2011-10-08T20:51:00.000+08:00

Frock 8: Day 8 of Frocktober and I have to say I was quite unwell today, so instead of going out with friends for coffee & macarons :( I hung around the house feeling sorry for myself in my shirt dress & tights. Here's hoping for a better day tomorrow.

Frock deets: White shirt dress by Live Clothing, Tights by JUNK, Tube top by B&S and ballet flats by BIG W

Frocking up for Frocktober - Day 7 Week 1

2011-10-07T20:29:00.003+08:00

This look completes my first week. So far its been relatively easy to put my frocks on and raise a little $$$$. At this stage I've raised $130 but still need a lot more to get to my target so I'm hoping you can all help me with this by keeping those donations coming -you know what to do http://www.everydayhero.com.au/belinda_cipriano

Frock deets: Frock by Dotti, Footless tights by JUNK, Singlet by B&S and tan ballet flats by NOVO

Frocking up for Frocktober - Day 6

2011-10-06T20:54:00.001+08:00

Frock number 6 Thursday workwear:

Frock deets: Frock Forever New, Opaques Myer, Boots from Indulge Clothing, YSL Arty Oval Ring from Cultstatus - King Street Perth.

Frocking up for Frocktober - Day 5

2011-10-05T21:06:00.002+08:00

Frock number 5 Wednesday workwear:

Frock deets: Frock Forever New, Opaques Myer, Boots by Indulge Clothing Mt Lawley, Coin necklace All Glitz & Glam

Frocking up for Frocktober - Day 4

2011-10-04T17:43:00.001+08:00

Frocking up for Frocktober - Day 3

2011-10-03T19:40:00.001+08:00

Frock number 3 - Monday workwear:

Dress by Dotti, Belt by Jeans West, Shoes by Wittner

Frocking up for Frocktober - Day 2

2011-10-02T20:50:00.001+08:00

Frock number 2 worn to a first birthday:

Frock by vintage B&S, leggings by Cotton On, ballet flats Big W & necklace by All-Glitz-Glam-Jewellery-By-Design

Frocking up for Frocktober - Day 1

2011-10-02T20:44:00.001+08:00

Hey guys I know it's been a very long while since I last blogged but I thought I would get back in the game with frocking up for Frocktober! What is Frocktober you ask? Frocktober is an event where I get to don a frock everyday during the month of October and you get to donate to a very important cause - Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation.

My promise to you is that I will document every frock I wear with a picture and details of the outfit. What you do then is up to you but what I would like you to do is DONATE. So please follow me on this journey and let me know what frocks rock and what frocks are not so hot then hop over to my Everyday Hero Page to make a donation.

For more information on the event visit Frocktober

Here is outfit 1:

Dress & necklace by Forever New, Shoes by Peeptoe

Hello Again!

2011-03-16T19:56:00.000+08:00

Hi guys I know it's been a few weeks since my last post but I've been a little busy visiting our wonderful South West and Victoria.

March is normally an extremly crazy month for me but this year even more so and with that I'll be documenting it all here for you in the coming days.

Things to look out for include my whirlwind visit to the South West region of WA, a foodie extravaganza through Victoria and an exciting meet and greet with the Domestic Goddess, Nigella Lawson at this year's Melbourne Food & Wine Festival.

I've also got a bit going on over the next couple of months which I will also fill you in on in the next few days.

Until then here's a little sneak peak of just some of the things I got up to over the last two weeks.

Bel xo

The talented & gorgeous Michael Buble at Sandalford Wines in Margaret River March 6 2011

Welcome Martini at Crown Promenade

Melbourne's Southbank

The deliciously, delightful Nigella Lawson

The girls about to start on High Tea at The Westin

Valentine's Day Suprise

2011-02-14T20:34:00.001+08:00

It's Valentine's Day and it would be remiss of me not to blog about how my day went. Well to tell you the truth it was pretty uneventful and as expected the Roses Only guy didn't turn up at work and bombard me with Roses, chocolates or perfume even, but hey I'm OK with that, he didn't have to.

I however had planned to do just a little bit for the day they call St Valentine's Day and ordered an antipasto platter from The Re-store (with some help of some sneaky family members) and bought husby a card, nothing big just something small I knew he would appreciate.

When he walked in the door this is what he got:

My gift to husby antipasto c/o The ReStore, Alkoomi CabSav, Olives, Vastese & crackers - HEAVEN!

When he walked in the door this is what I got:

Surprise! Roses from the husby

So there you have it, even though we promised each other we weren't doing anything we still managed to surprise one another and it was PERFECT.

Afterall Valentine's Day isn't about spending big bucks it's about spending time with your loved one and to me it was just right. I mean food and flowers what more could a foodie want - perfeito!

How did your Valentine's Day go? Were you surprised? Did you do something special or nothing at all? I'd love to hear from you - LOVE Bx

Operation: Experimentation Part 2 Beef Wellington

2011-02-13T22:19:00.000+08:00

Those of you who follow me on Twitter will be aware that I set myself a cooking challenge this weekend. That challenge to try cooking Pork Belly, Macarons and Beef Wellington. The first two I tried last night and the post on that can be found previous to this one, tonight though it's Beef Wellington.

Again I've seen this recipe done a million times on cooking shows and wanted to try it myself. So here it is my version (and half of Curtis Stone's) of Beef Wellington tahdah:

Golden delicious Beef Wellington

Inside prosciutto & mushroom wrapped around a juicy eye fillet

OK so as you can see this is probably not the best shot of the beef because it certainly does not give justice to the beautiful flavours of the proscuitto, mushroom, lean eye fillet and red wine jus. It's also a dish that's a little messy to plate up because of the delicate flaky pastry, but in saying that I'm hoping you get the picture.

I think it would make a great dinner party dish and I'll defnitely be serving it up again but this time rather than bake it for an hour at 200 degree Celcius (as per the recipe) I might shorten the cooking time to 30-40mins so it's cooked medium rare - just the way I like it.

Have you guys tried making Beef Wellington and how did it go? I'd love to hear from you B x

Operation: Experimentation!

2011-02-12T22:43:00.001+08:00

You're all aware of the fact that I'm looking to try new things in the kitchen and so tonight in the Cooking In Choos' household I served up Pork Belly and Adriano Zumbo's Valentine Macarons! (With Valentine's Day only days away what better time is there to try them)

I've been wanting to cook Pork Belly for a while so when husby visited the butcher this morning I made sure a nice cut of it was on the list. The Macaron fascination has also been around a long time now and while I'm happy to try Emmanuel Mollois' versions baking them is another story.

You see there's art to making them. The ingredients have to be measured correctly and placed in at the right time, temperatures watched like a hawk and then it's all up to the Parisian God's whether or not you're going to get them looking and tasting the way they should - anyway more on them later.

Now to the Pork Belly; this like the Macarons was a first attempt and I'm pleased to say it was definitely a success. The crisp, crackle seasoned with a little sea-salt, while the pork nestled in an a bed of alfoil and marinated in Olive oil, garlic and Rosemary was sensational.

So what's my secret for perfect Pork Belly? It's easy. To get your crackle, crackling turn the up oven to 220 degrees Celsius for a half hour and then turn it down to 160 for an hour and a half. Keep your pork tender by nestling it in a bed of alfoil lined with the olive oil, garlic and Rosemary. This will not only seal in the moisture but infuse the pork with the beautiful flavours of the garlic and Rosemary - AMAZE!

Here it is:

Pork Belly Perfecction

OK so after a successful main I was hoping my Macarons were going to follow suit. The result well, they weren't bad but let's just say they weren't Pierre Herme's either. The Macarons themselves although perfectly crisp on the outside; inside (well some anyway) they were missing the chewy centre. The ganache on the other hand was a winner with the combination of Rosewater and white chocolate giving this delightful filling beautiful and musky flavours.

Will I try this Parisian morsel again? I'm thinking yes, because even though it was hard and at times very messy at the end of the day it was a challenge and there's nothing I like more; except of course a Macaron! Bon Appetit x

Oh and here it is, with the recipe to follow:

Adriano Zumbo's Valentine Day Macarons - try it yourself

White Chocolate and Rose Macaron by Adriano Zumbo

Rose Ganache Filling ingredients:
120g cream
180g white chocolate
45g unsalted butter
15g rose water
15g musk oil

Method:

• Break the white chocolate into pieces and place in a large bowl
• Boil the cream on the stove with the rose water and musk oil

• Take the cream mixture off the stove and pour over the white chocolate stirring until the chocolate has melted

• Leave the white chocolate, rose and musk mixture to cool to 50 degrees

• Blend in butter with a wooden spoon

• Cover with cling film and cool further in the fridge

Macaron ingredients:

125g caster sugar

40g water

50g egg whites

135g pure icing sugar, sieved

135g almond meal, sieved

45g egg whites

Few drops of red colouring (to create pink colouring)

• Pre-heat oven to 150 degrees Celsius

• In a medium based saucepan, boil caster sugar and water to 118 degrees on the stove top

• Place 50g egg whites in an electric mixer fitted with whisk attachment. Slowly stream hot sugar mixture down side of bowl, whisk until it reaches around 50 degrees to create a meringue mixture

• In a large bowl place icing sugar, almond meal and 45g egg whites on top

• Add meringue mixture to this and hand mix until combined and then place into a piping bag

• Pipe 20 cent sized pieces of the meringue mixture onto a baking tray lined with baking paper or silicone mat

• Let dry for 30 - 60 minutes until a skin forms and they are dry to the touch

• Bake in oven for 16 minutes at 150 degrees

• Remove from the oven and let shells cool, then flip them onto a clean baking tray and place in pairs

• Place ganache into a piping bag and fill one shell from the pair, then place the other side on top to make a sandwich

P.S: Hey guys that was my attempt and I'd love to see you all try it. Don't forget to drop me a line if you do, I'd love to hear how it goes. B x

Competition time: Win Lauren Conrad's Style

2011-02-07T21:09:00.001+08:00

You loved her on MTV's Laguna Beach and The Hills but lately this Hollywood hottie has found herself more comfortable sitting on the best sellers lists than on reality television. In her latest penning, Style helps you to make the most of your wardrobe, gives you the lowdown on the staple items every woman should own and teaches you how to adapt her classic, understated style for yourself. So now here is your chance to win.

It's simple, Cooking In Choos is now on Facebook and we need your support. Simply suggest as many friends as you can to like our page for your chance to win. The person who gets the most amount of people liking the page wins the book. Sound easy? Well it is, the only catch is you have to tell me who you've told to like the page so I can do the math.

So what are you waiting for? Go on, go tell your friends.

Competition closes Tuesday Feb 15, 5pmWST - Good luck Bxo

Suggest Cooking In Choos to your friends on Facebook for your chance to win

And the Winner Is?

2011-02-07T19:41:00.003+08:00

Our first Cooking In Choos competition has now closed. Overall we had almost 100 people visit the post but only six people enter. Are you guys a shy bunch or was the question too embarrasing? Let me know because I want you all to have a chance at winning some of the great prizes offered on this blog.

Anyhooo drum roll please ..............................................And the winner of the most embarassing cooking disaster goes to Monique Mulligan who confused baking soda for cornflour making her beef/bean hotpot bubble up like a science experiment!

Congrats Monique you are now the owner of an All Glitz & Glam French Fleur Necklace. Drop me an email me so I can send it out to you.

All Glitz & Glam Fleur Necklace

For the rest you our next prize on offer is a copy of The Hill's starlet Lauren Conrad's book Style. Details on how to win this in the next post. Bx

Next Prize: Lauren Conrad's latest book Style

Choux Cafe? Oui S'il vous plait

2011-02-07T15:25:00.001+08:00

There is nothing quite like a French Patisserie and when it comes to finding the best in Perth you can't look further than Emmanuel Mollois' Choux Cafe.

Located in Swanbourne it's been around since 2003 and sells French favourites including croissants, boeuf bourguignon pie, quiche, French Baguettes (not the blingy kind the delicious, crunchy kind - get my drift), Croquembouche and Parisian Macarons - delish!

We stopped by last Saturday and like any hotspot in Perth, there was a queue out the door with people desperate to get their hands on Emmanuel's French treats.

Once the chaos died down I was able to order a flat white, friand and a couple of Macarons (vanilla & hazelnut), while husby ordered a roast lamb baguette and a juice. All of it was yummy and reminded me of my time spent in Paris last year, minus the masses of people leaning over you while you eat and the paired table settings facing the window.

Emmanuel has gained a reputation as one of the best pastry chefs in Perth and in my opinion it is thoroughly deserved. I will definitely visit this quaint little gem again soon - just maybe I'll go midweek so I can enjoy it without the hordes.

Foodie score: 4.5/5

Sweet treats, I was like a kid in a candy store

Hazelnut and Vanilla Macarons - yum!

Queuing to get in

Choux Cafe - Swanbourne

Cyclone Bianca vs The Saucy Minx

2011-01-31T20:23:00.001+08:00

January and February are crazy times of the year. It's hot; you're broke and still recovering from the excesses that are Christmas and New Year. It's also the time of year where Italian families everywhere gather around someones backyard with crates of tomatoes ready for saucing.

There's Dean Martin's Che La Luna Mezza Mare song playing in the background while Zia brings around freshly made pizza and piping, hot espresso to get you through the morning - cue International Wog Day!

This year though it proved a little tough for la famiglia, with a category 4 cyclone by the name of Bianca trying to ruin the party. All weekend we were on Bianca watch trying to work out if it was even possible to go ahead with the sauce-making parade and would our tomatoes be OK the following week if Bianca hit.

You see it's all about timing when it comes to sauce making. The tomatoes have to be delivered at just the right moment and then it's action time with a production line of de-corers, boilers, mincers, bottlers, cappers and storers.

So..... after getting the all clear from Bianca we were good to go on Sunday morning (6am people) and I was put on de-coring duties and with 23 crates to get through let me tell you it was no easy task. Slicing tomato after tomato and disposing of the green core filling the bucket ready for boiling, all up taking the six of us fours hours to clear.

After de-coring the tomatoes, they are sent to the boilers and this usually done by the men of the family (in this case it was two of the older cousins) who than boiled and minced the tomatoes ready for bottling.

This year the bottling task went to the brother-in-law who with precision and grace completed it in record time. Once the bottles are filled, it's then time for capping, boiling (again) and voila we have sauce ready to eat. Saucy Minx 1 - Cyclone Bianca 0!

Here's a picture diary of the day:

Step 1: Cutting out the core of the tomato (in a bathtub no less)

Step 2: Getting rid of all the skins and mincing through

Step 3: Placing the sauce through a funnel-based container and into a bottle

Step 4: Placing bottles in crates ready to be capped

Step 5: Dinner is served

Do you have family, food traditions that you keep? Or do you make a mean pasta sauce? I'd love to hear from you Bx

In other news!!!

2011-01-23T17:14:00.000+08:00

Oh one more thing before I leave you today, hubby cooked again! Yep he's doing it regularly and working on something as I type. His latest masterpiece a Blueberry and Apple Cake courtesy of Donna Hay's Fast, Fresh, Simple cookbook - here's the evidence:

Blueberry & Apple Cake

Competition Time - Your Worst Cooking Disaster

2011-01-23T16:57:00.002+08:00

Hi guys as promised here is our first competition for Cooking In Choos.

Although not a foodie item but more of a fashionista piece our first giveaway is a Parisian style Fleur Necklace. This handmade, silver plated, coin necklace,with black 8mm balls is made by West Australian local designer All Glitz & Glam and valued at $39.

For your chance to win this original piece tell us in 25 words or less tell us your worst cooking disaster? Feel free to leave your answers in the comments section of this page or email me at Cooking In Choos

Competition closes the 7th of Feb at 5pm WST.

Goodluck

Bxo

All Glitz & Glam 42cm Fleur Necklace

To see the All Glitz & Glam Collection email them here All Glitz & Glam

Cooking In Choos now on Facebook

2011-01-23T16:44:00.002+08:00

Hey guys

Just letting you know we're now on Facebook. Be the first to hear the latest news, enter competitions and read amazing interviews just by clicking on Cooking In Choos Facebook and liking the page.

Thanks again for your support.
B x

P.S Don't forget to spread the word and tell all your friends. x

Review: Devilles Pad

2011-01-23T16:26:00.001+08:00

A few weeks ago my girlfriend invited us out for her birthday dinner at Devilles Pad. It's a place none of us had been to before and wanting to try something different I couldn't wait to check it out.

This themed, kooky, cabaret lounge-cum-cocktail bar-cum-restaurant is, well, different. And when I say different I mean good different. Making a statement from the the moment you walk in the door Devilles is set out somewhat like the Royal Show's Ghost Train with patrons welcomed by costumed staff and zombie-like lifesize wall mannequins.

Inside the quirky food follows the theme with Quesadilla Diabla, Evil Empanadas and Hot Hickery Hogs on the diner-like menu. I chose the Royale with Cheese along with some Chicken Bites and Mexicorn washed down with the Tequila Temptress - all very basic but still quite nice.

You see the thing with Devilles is it's not just about the food and drink, it's about the whole atmosphere and this got it a 5/5 on my scale. Open Thursday through to Saturday Devilles entertainment ranges from Karaoke, Burlesque to Rockabilly with GoGo Dancers and Salsa Bands taking to the stage at any one time. It's great fun and a little different - try it, you may just like it!

Tucking into the Royale with Cheese

The Devilish Choc Fudge Brownie with ice-cream & Choc-Bourbon Sauce

The Birthday Girl's Moet Punch - now we're talking!

Score: Food 3/5 Atmosphere 5/5

Have you been to Devilles Pad? Did you like it? I'd love to hear from you. Bx

Hello Finland

2011-01-21T08:21:00.002+08:00

Lately I've noticed a lot of readers from Finland perusing my blog, so to all of you I say a big welcome and thank you for following!

I notice you are all checking out the Masterchef posts so I'm assuming Series 1 of Masterchef Australia is showing over there. Le me know if there is anything you would like to read about or anything you'd like to be updated on.

I still keep in touch with Trevor Forster and Justine so if there's anything you would like to ask them please let me know.

Again thanks for following and I hope to continue keeping you all entertained.

Bel x

New Year Resolutions

2011-01-15T15:41:00.003+08:00

Yeah, yeah I know it's been done to bits but with the holiday season well and truly over I thought it best to write down my goals for the coming year. OK here goes:

Pay off and reduce my debt: The old credit card took a beating over Christmas and this year I want to get into the habit of paying for things with $$$$$ and reducing my debt.
Fundraising: Last year I, along with a few others held a Quiz Night for the Madeira,Portugal floods. It was very successful with more than 350 people turning up and a total of just over $15K raised. It was a mammoth task and one I would never do again ( IPhones, Blackberrys etc just spoil the fun of a good-old fashion quiz night - so never ever again). However I will be holding a few fundraisers throughout the year for various charities close to my heart & I will keep you posted as more details come to hand.
Blog more: This year I will be spending more time online (even though hubby thinks I married to the laptop as it is) using my time wisely and blogging more about my foodies adventures and travel escapades (I know I've already promised this but some of my pieces are being published therefore I'm waiting to post until they hit newsstands - again deets to come soon). I'm going to be adding competitions where readers of my blogs can win cookbooks, food vouchers and more yummy treats so keep your eyes peeled for these. I'll also be adding video blogs of me cooking some of my favourite dishes in the kitchen along with a few special guests as well as chef interviews and other video surprises.
Travel: I want to see the world but this year I'm staying close to home and checking out the beautiful places in our great country. First on the hit list is Melbourne in March for the Good Food Fest to meet the lovely and amazing, Domestic Goddess Nigella Lawson - can't wait! While we're there we are also looking at visiting Daylesford and trying out their many beautiful spas. '
Get in tip-top shape: The downfall of being a food writer is the weight gain and slowly, slowly I've seen my clothes size get bigger and bigger. This year I've seen a dietitian who has devised a healthy eating plan which I will follow along with an exercise plan which includes Zumba, resistance training and Pilates & hopefully I'll be back to my pre-wedding weight before I know it!

That's it folks so what about you guys do you have any New Year Resolutions? I'd love to hear from you Bx

Bringing in 2011 with family & friends

The Greatest of Expectations

2011-01-05T16:44:00.002+08:00

So sticking with the holiday food safari or my eat, drink everything in site challenge my girlfriends and I set about trying a couple of High Tea venues over the Christmas/New Year break. It seems like forever since I mentioned Rochelle Adonis to them and there was no time like the present to finally get round to going there.

Rochelle Adonis, the former head pastry chef of Matt Moran's Circluar Quay restaurant Aria moved to WA in 2001 and business has been booming ever since. Known for her famous nougart, cakes, icecreams and sorbet I couldn't wait to try her High Tea to see if it lived up to expectations.

The verdict - hmmm it was OK, yep you heard me just OK. I've had several High Teas and they have been good, great and amazing (Raffles Singapore - to die) but this one just didn't cut the mustard. Don't get me wrong the place itself is gorgeous, pretty, girlie everything a High tea should be but the content and what you got for the price you pay was not, in my opinion, worth it.

Let me break it down for you. For $45 you get two courses of sweet and savoury dishes (keep in mind this was shared among four women and all up we tried 7 little bites sized treats each) and a coffee plunger or tea of your choice - we went the coffee. The first plate came out with 4 x cauliflower mousse (I say mousse because of the texture not sure what it really was), 4 x beetroot scrolls and 4 x cucumber sandwiches. They were all lovely and I know High Tea isn't lunch or a meal but these things were tiny.

The second dish was a tray of creme brulee (the winner of the morning) and chocolate truffles, apricot pastry triangles and miniature cakes. Again they were lovely but hardly touched the sides. Now my gripe is not about the taste because like I have said they were lovely - lovely being the operative word - not amazing, but for $45 a little overpriced.

Will I go back there again? Probably..... but not for their High Tea but to try some of her gorgeous looking cakes - I just hope they, unlike this experience, live up to their hype.

Score: 3/5

The pretty prints adorning the wall

The beautifully decorated long table

Cucumber sandwiches, beetroot scrolls and cauliflower mousse

Chocolate creme brulee with Spanish Churro

Me enjoying the best part of the high tea - creme brulee

Cake & truffle anyone?

Now onto the next High Tea experience at Palais 85. Again I've heard only good things about this place formerly of The Oyster Bar fame and like Rochelle I had to try it for myself. Palais 85 offer four different types of High Tea - High Tea, Sparkling High Tea, Champagne High Tea and Vintage High Tea and starting from $35 (cheaper when you use the Entertainment Card) - we chose plain High Tea.

So what do you get for $35? Well here you get to choose your favourite type of coffee or tea, so this time I had a skinny latte. I know you're thinking why coffee at High Tea, I can't help myself I love my coffee. Along with this you also get 10 tasty treats from cinnamon scones, rose pannacotta and of course the original cucumber sandwich. Again they were bite sized but with three more items on the menu it left all of us quite content - not tipping over the scales full, but definitely satisfied.

All up it was a nice experience and I'd go back to Palais 85 to maybe try their Vintage High Tea next.

Score: 4/5

High Tea #2 Palais 85

Opulence

More traditional and more variety for less

Enjoying part of the cucumber sandwich

Now onto something a little more laid back and in no way pretty my visit to the famous Alfred's Kitchen. A while ago I did a piece for The West about Perth's Best New Burgers and time and time again I was told it shouldn't have been about the "best new burger" but the "best burger" because there was no better burger than those found at Alfred's Kitchen.

Situated on James Street in Guildford this roadside burger kitchen had people lining up down the street to taste "the best burgers" in town so you can imagine my excitement as I got closer to finally tasting what everyone has been talking about.

The verdict? Did I agree with the cravat-wearing-Masterchef-judging Matt Preston? I really wish I could because everyone around me was......BUT I ended up ordering a Bacon Burger and who the heck knew a Bacon Burger was just that - a burger with only bacon! Yep, you read right. What I should have ordered was a hamburger with bacon - my bad! Oh well, I guess it just gives me another excuse to go back there and get it right the second time.

Alfred's neon sign

A Bacon Burger with just bacon - who knew?

So that's it, there you have it my latest foodie adventures. Have you been to Rochelle Adonis' and have you had high tea there? Was it good & did I get them on an off day? And what about Alfred's is it really the place to find the ultimate burger? I'd love to heard from you B xo

Food glorious Food!

2011-01-02T18:05:00.005+08:00

It's been a great last couple of weeks. I've caught up with old friends, been to a Christmas party or two and having decided to jump off the no-carb bandwagon, spent the last few Sundays eating my way around the northern suburbs.

First stop Il Circolo on Angove Street in North Perth. This little Italian style trattoria serves up hearty breakfasts, coffee, cake and traditional Italian fare and having only had a light breakie hubby and I and were looking for something to curb our hunger.

Il Circolo have a simple menu with a little bit of everything to suit most appetites and on this visit the Beef Ragu Tortelli got the nod. Light, fresh and delicious the Tortelli was definitely a good choice and went down even easier with an Italian Aranciata (Orange soda water).

I would recommend Il Circolo for breakfast, light lunches or a quick coffee but if you are looking for something fancier try elsewhere. All in all though it's good value for money and I'll be revisiting them soon. Score: 3/5

Beef Ragu Tortelli

So after our visit to Il Circolo we decided to grab dessert at the Sherbet Cafe and Bake Shop in Maylands. I'd only heard good things about this quaint little coffee shop-cum-bakehouse and was dying to find out if it was all true.

Reminiscent of New York's famous Magnolia Bakery this cute little gem has something for everyone. Whether it's high tea with the ladies, a light brunch or sweet treat you're after Sherbet do it all and what I love most is the way they stay true to English tradition, presenting their yummy morsels on vintage china.

I can't wait to get back there to try their coffee and red velvet cake. Score: 5/5

The pastel blue sign outside Sherbet in Maylands

Cupcakes anyone? Chocolate, Banana/Caramel and Vanilla -Delish!

Also during our break we've been getting into the entertaining and trialling out different recipes. The latest one doing the rounds in the kitchen is our prawn pizza along with any cured meat we have in the fridge. I never thought the seafood/meat combo would be any good but after trying Theo Kalogeracos' (of Little Caesar's fame) Jane's Addiction it has become my favourite type of pizza to eat. So....since then we've done ham and pancetta and this time we thought we'd mix it up by adding salami. The verdict - another winning combination. Try it if you're game and want a change from the Margarita, Capriciosa varieties.

Prawn, Salami and Mozzarella Pizza

So now it's time for dessert.......again and this dish is c/o Nigella Lawson and inspired by one of my favourite bloggers Mia Freedman (click http://www.mamamia.com.au/ if you want to see her attempt this dish or read along to find out more). Mia doesn't get in the kitchen much and admits to not really having the culinary skills to create masterpieces BUT all power to her because at least she gives it a shot.

These tasty treats contain only five ingredients and are simple, delicious and best of all can be made in no time. If you want to try them at home yourself send me an email and I'll get back to you with the recipe otherwise feel free to click on the link and enjoy Mia at her best. Bon Apetite!

Nigella's Peanut Butter & Chocolate Slice

Has the silly season had you getting busy in the kitchen I'd love to hear from you - B xoxo

Video Posts - do you want them?

2010-12-29T11:21:00.001+08:00

Hi guys

I'm looking at changing things up on Cooking in Choos for the New Year and one thing I was thinking of doing was adding some video posts. Before I do this though I was wondering what you all think about it? Would you like to see me start this up and what would you like to see me post on? I'm thinking a few how-to recipe posts to begin with and maybe a few celeb/chef interviews - so what do you think? I'd love to hear from you B x

What's Cooking, good looking - my fave dishes of the week

2010-12-05T20:34:00.000+08:00

So after a few quiet months I've reacquainted myself with the kitchen and decided to start blogging on one of my favourite things - food! This means I'll be documenting some of my successes in the kitchen and passing on their recipes to you. I'll also be visiting Perth's hottest restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs as well as any others I visit around Australia and giving you my take on them.

Tonight though I start with my cooking. So after eating the same old, same old (think stir-fry, curries, and steak and mash) week after week, hubby and I decided it was time to jazz things up in our weekly dinner routine and with a library of cookbooks to help us on our way it was Bill Granger, Giada De Laurentis and Masterchef 2009 contestant Justine Schofield's dishes that came up trumps.

Here are the results:

Wednesday's dish: Bill's Spankopita

Friday night's take-out night; in: Justine's Grilled Chicken burgers

Saturday night, date night: Giada's Sage & Butter Tortellini:

Do you get creative in the kitchen? If so what are some of your fave dishes? Would love to hear from you & in the meantime keep cooking B xoxo

P.S If you would like to try any of these recipes feel free to drop me a line!

Who's Sexiest People for 2010

2010-11-26T22:14:00.000+08:00

Now just to finish off my posting for the evening, how hot are our Aussie ladies looking? Now don't get me wrong I love me some Kimmy K, but how stunningly beautiful are our Aussies gals Jessica Marais, Jennifer Hawkins and my personal fave Natalie hasn't-she-made-a-comeback Imbruglia looking on the cover of the new Who mag? Just gorgeous. Nice work Who, it's great to see these Aussie beauties taking centre stage - love it. Til next time Belle xo

Life Makeover

2010-11-26T21:37:00.000+08:00

Following the Oprah post how appropriate is it that I launch into My Life Makeover post. Every so often we go through changes, big, small and some just so damn meaningful. We need them to keep us on our toes and stop us from becoming complacent - well that's how I've decided to look at it anyway.

This year I've gone through a few changes I'd like to share with you all (that's if' you're interested otherwise read the other posts some of them are quite entertaining if this one isn't your thing.....just don't leave - please). Note-to-self wreaking of desperation does not a great blogger make! Moving on shall we.

Career move: I've been lucky enough to combine two things that I love doing into the one job while continuing my passion on the side. It's been great because not only am I loving what I do all day long, I come home and get to dabble with my creative side. It's a win-win situation.

Learning: You should never stop learning and you should try something new everyday. I did a little bit of this over the year and I can honestly say I've come out a better person. The goal for next year is to continue the growth.

Travel: Having travelled to some of the most amazing parts of the world this year, I've certainly contracted the Travel Bug - again. With a couple of interstate travel plans already on the cards for next year I can safely say I think this bug is here to stay.

So there are mine, now what are yours? Have you had any changes in your life - big or small, I'd love to hear from you. Belle xo

Confused at the pic that follows this post? It's just one of the makeovers I pulled on our non-suspecting guest room, now transformed into my office/study. Painted & completed all on my own - mission accomplished.