Pictures that Paint a Thousand Words......The Good Ol' Days

I don't normally post personal pieces about my family I like to keep the blog light, fun and to topic. However with the New Year just gone I found myself digging through old pictures and reminiscing of days gone by. The good ol' days, where worries were minimal, good times were on tap and responsibility was non-existent. I look back at these with the fondest of memories, at the people who shaped my life and made me the person I am today. 

Here's a glimpse of just some of the ones I stumbled across. They feature my dear Avo, my grandmother, my angel who I miss every single day. They also feature my cousins who live far away on the Portuguese island of Madeira but are always in my heart. The last few feature my sisters, family and friends right here in Perth and the last one reminds me of the cheeky things we used to get up to.

Do you often take the time to look at how far you've come? Stop for a minute to see how much has changed? I do and it really made my heart explode. Explode from the most beautiful memories that will live forever in my heart.

Until next time xxx

 

 

2012 the year that was

Hey guys

I can't even believe we are here again, how fast has this year has gone? 2012  has been CRAY!!! I've experienced so many highs, a few lows but mostly it's been a year of progression both in my career and personal life. As a journalist I've again met the most amazing people, travelled to places I never been before and more than anything have had a blast doing it all. In no particular order here's a list of who and what left a lasting impression on me in 2012 and what I've got planned for 2013:

• HOME - Perth: Last year I was given the role of food writer for ishoperth magazine covering everything food in our CBD. It was my dream role and one in which I thrived in, however earlier this year our close-knit team were told our beloved magazine would be no longer and that was the end of that. Since the magazine folded my love and passion for food has continued to be documented on this blog and on the Cooking in Choos Facebook page. Food to me is life. It's family - it's what living is all about and what better place to do it in then our hometown. Perth is growing up, people, right before our very eyes our city(ranked in the top 10 liveable cities in the world) is making people stand up and take notice. Last year I reconnected with our city and was pleasantly surprised. This year I've again fallen in love. The nightlife is getting better, the shopping is fab - no longer do we need to save our pennies for a weekend trip to Melbourne (nothing against Melbourne - I LOVE YOU) we can do it all here and the restaurant scene is holding its own and this is just the beginning. We have Chanel, we have The Crown and in March we get Jamie's Italian - see they know where it's at. Get on the P-Train before it's too late!!

• Homegrown talent: I love, love, love talented Perth peeps. Designers, philanthropists, entrepreneurs, writers you name it - there are so many talented people out there and this year I came across a few. Last year I spoke about the fabulous Belle Bijoux, Aurelio Costarella, Steph Audino, Debbie Kelly , Dianna Monastra and Keiko Uno - these talented designers seriously blow my mind time and time again - I love their work. This year however I came across another designer whose attention to detail, eclectic designs and friendly and down-to-earth nature really caught my eye. The man in question - Shane Newton of ZSADAR. There are a few Mr Nice Guys in the fashion industry and I have to say Shane is definitely one of them but not only is he nice he is super talented too. Shane has recently been nominated in the Perth Fashion Festival's WA Fashion Awards Designer for Tomorrow category along with Steph Audino and I wish them both all the luck in the world. Also on my radar this year was philanthropist Ros Worthington . I have followed this amazing lady's journey from afar for a few years now and earlier this year I was lucky enough to be introduced to her at a cricket dinner of all places. Since that meeting in January we have become close friends and there are few women I admire more than her. She is one of the reasons my sister-in-law hold events for charities (more on that later) and I hope to one-day be even just a quarter of the wonderful woman she is. I can't thank this lady enough for the amazing work she does and I'm so proud to have her in my circle of friends. Another person who left an impression on me was fellow journalist and fashion columnist Haili Zwiercan Pue of All Ze Details. I met this Texan pocket-rocket at the Perth Fashion Festival along with fellow blogger Donna Dee of Style Hunter fame and we all instantly connected. Both these ladies are seriously talented and know fashion. We've struck up a friendship, that I'm hoping will last a lifetime and both have taught me things that I never knew. Seriously this little Texan has been getting around Perth and trying things I'd never even heard of. Thanks for sharing Haili!!! On the subject of fashion bloggers another lady who knows her way around Perth's most stylish is Bonnie Doran of Bonnie Friday fame. Bonnie's blog has recently undergone a transformation just in time for the Perth Fashion Festival's WA Fashion Awards in which she has been nominated in the Blogger of the Year category. She is definitely one Perth creative with her finger on the pulse! Last but not least is a lady I interviewed last month. This woman has seen so much tragedy and through it all she has been a tower of strength for her family. I speak of Dee Loiacono of Dee's Sweet Boutique  - read her touching story HERE . All of these people even though so different, share the same qualities - professionalism, passion, overall niceness and are oh so easy to work with. I urge you all to check out their websites, Facebook pages and support them all - they seriously are talented individuals. 

• Food for thought: For me - The Crown Perth came out trumps in the food department. I mean give me Bistro Guillaume, Modo Mio, Nobu and The Merrywell and really there is nothing left to say. You've got three cuisines covered and some dude-food that hits the spot - EVERY SINGLE TIME. Don't even get me started on their sliders - OMG!!! Another Italian restaurant that nails it every time is Galileo in Shenton Park (no website), real Italian food, presented beautifully and so reasonably priced. If you haven't been there yet - run don't walk!  As for my choice of drinking holes  - FIVE Bar in Mt Lawley again was my favourite place to hang while new kid on the bar block - Print Hall had me at hello. 

• Travel: This year I again travelled to the US and Canada visiting New York, Las Vegas, LA and Montreal. I love the States and I know everyone says it but I really do love New York. The vibe, the people, the Chrysler Building, fashion, food and bars - it really is my dream destination and I miss it every day. Another destination that took my breath away was Montreal. This beautiful city with a mix of old and new is seriously breath-taking and a place I hope to visit again soon. As for nationally Melbourne again was on the hit-list and during Grand-Prix, Food and Wine Fest and Melbourne Fashion Festival there was no better time to explore this city. I can't wait to go back there.

• Charity: When it came to charities I supported Down Syndrome WA, Telethon and along with my sister-in-law held special events for Breast Cancer Care WA and the Better Life Foundation WA . Both of the events were held at the  Rydges Perth and thanks to their support were a huge success. Both Daniela (my sister-in-law) and I have been holding these events for a little while now and with each one the urge to help other charities becomes greater and so as of next year we will be launching our  business MACI Boutique Events in the hope that we can make a difference to charities close to our heart one celebration at a time. I hope readers of this blog will support Daniela and I on our journey and I will be sure to keep you all up to date with what we do next. 

• 2013: Next year I'm hoping my work and scheduled travels over east and perhaps abroad will bring with them even more adventures, opportunities and the beginning of new friendships. I'm also looking forward to rediscovering my family history as I document the recipes and stories of the wonderful women in my family as I put together my first cookbook in honour of my Portuguese heritage. I was lucky enough to be part of the Beaufort Street Festival Cookbook and Charlie's Kitchen Cookbook so am looking forward to putting all my stories, recipes and pictures together - exciting times! Last but not least I'm looking forward to seeing MACI Boutique Events raise thousands of dollars for charity, so far we have raised around $40,000  for different charities across Australia and we cannot wait to raise more. Until then I bid 2012 goodbye and welcome 2013 in the hope it will bring myself and all my followers good things.  Happy New Year everyone!!!

So what about you guys, how was 2012 for you? Do you have some beautiful memories or do you have any New Year Resolutions you'd like to share ? I'd love to hear from you xxx

P.S On a side note if you are still looking for somewhere special to go - my pick would be the gorgeous new The Terrace Hotel in the city. Enjoy canapes, Moss Wood wines, Monteith's Brewing Co and bubbles by Champagne Delamotte at the reasonable price of $125. Tickets are running out so I would hurry if I were you! 

2012 you've been amaze now bring on 2013!!!

Donna Dee, myself, designer Steph Audino & fashion columnist Haili Z

MACI Boutique Events - April in Paris for Breast Cancer Care WA. L-R Me, MC Ebbeny Faranda, designer Stephanie Audino with mum Connie and Daniela.


Ros, me, my sister Sandra & my mum at the April in Paris event earlier this year.

The designers and I at our MACI Boutique Events Christmas Designer Preview

Charlie's and Beaufort St Festival books were so fun to be involved in, now to trace back my Portuguese ancestors and go on a culinary journey through the mother country.

Lots planned for 2013 make sure you visit our FACEBOOK page to keep up to date!

Cheers to 2013!!

Designer prefers simplicity, elegance

Belinda Cipriano, The West Australian

Updated December 17, 2009, 6:30 am

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WA News/Rob Duncan © Festive flair: Jewellery designer Belle Bijoux with Elianah, decorating their tree.

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• : It's a good life

Designer Belle Bijoux reveals why she prefers simplicity and elegance at Christmas.

THE DECORATIONS: My home is always decorated quite simply but elegantly.

Candles and bowls of star anise and cinnamon sticks give the house a traditional Christmas fragrance.

The shelf above the fireplace is always adorned with Christmas crafts my eldest has made at school over the years - paper angels, painted pine cones and an advent calendar.

Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin singing Christmas carols are always on my stereo at this time of year.

THE THEME: Antique-inspired.

THE TREE: Our towering Christmas tree stands proudly in the living room of our Fremantle home.

It is decorated with treasured ornaments - some collected from my travels and others passed down through my family.

My favourite piece, a small glass angel from Venice, is perched on top.

THE MENU: The first half of Christmas day is spent with my family, followed by a late lunch with my partner's family.

It is truly a day of overeating and overindulging!

Brunch at my sister Sarah's is always a wonderfully casual affair.

The kids roll around on the grass and splash in the paddling pool while the adults feast on fruit, pastries, and fruit bread slathered in homemade preserves.

My sister skilfully mixes pitchers of spicy bloody Marys and champagne with blood orange juice for Christmas drinks.

It is then time to head to my partner's family's house for a late lunch.

Roast turkey, ham, seafood, roasted vegetables and salads are piled high along the long dinner table.

After our bellies are full we all adjourn to the family room to start the Secret Santa gift giving.

My contribution to the day's feast? Every year I love making fruit mince tarts and displaying them on a particularly kitsch five-tiered cake stand.

TRADITIONS: Christmas morning would not be complete without an early morning swim at the beach.

My partner and I stroll down to South Beach with the kids and spend the morning playing in the cool calm water.

THE GIFTS: I love giving unique, sentimental presents.

This year Elianah, 10, will receive a gold antique locket from Santa, and my youngest, Evangeline, will be given floaties, a bucket and spade and a pair of red sequined shoes so she can tap her heels together.

I usually go to Remedy for quirky homewares, Aesop products and beautiful stationery; New Edition for books on food, wine, design, photography, philosophy and architecture; Churchill's Antiques for perfume bottles and vintage jewellery; Old Bridge Cellars for petite bottles of sparkling moscato and riesling; Rochelle Adonis for her famous white chocolate, cranberry and pistachio nougat; Simon Johnson for cheese and coffee.

A week before Christmas, Elianah and I make our own wrapping paper; embellishing rolls of brown paper with glitter and potato stamps. I also love Mokoh's Christmas cards.

So this is Christmas

Yep it's that time of the year again and I can't believe it's come around so quickly. Grant it I love the holidays, the parties, the food, the catch-ups but where the heck has this year gone? 

Work finished up yesterday and I get to chill out for a little, while indulging in the craziness that is the silly season. So what's the plans for the next two weeks?  A lot of fun in the sun, family and food!!! I cannot tell you how much I'm looking forward to this break as nothing means more to me than this.

What do I want for Christmas? That ones a hard one this year. Normally I can reel off a list as long as my arm but this year I can't even string together a couple of things and as much as it sounds cheesy, all I can come up with is health and happiness. 

To be honest I much prefer to give out gifts then to receive them. Watching loved ones - especially tiddliewinks open up the gifts you hand picked for them is just, joyous! 

Last night was one of those moments and it really was a sight to behold, the excitement, giggles and screeches are infectious and embodies the Christmas spirit and to me is gift enough.

So now I ask you what is the thing you are most looking forward to this Christmas season? Is there something you are dreaming of? Whatever it is I wish you the most amazing, festive season filled with love, happiness and health. 

Here are few festive images taken last week by the ever so lovely Nicole Duncan Photography at the always obliging and fabulous Rydges Perth. 

Merry Christmas or as my families like to say Boas Festas or Buon Natale xxxx

KIKU Boutique - A Fashionable Find

Hey guys I know it's been a while but I'm not going to start this post by apologising for my lack of blogging, I actually have a valid excuse (not that the other ones weren't). I am in the process of revamping the blog to a whole new-look website and with that comes the transferring of all my posts and with hundreds of them I don't want to add more work  to my already over-flowing workload. Anyhoo continuing on and I do hope you are all patient - it will definitely be worth it once it's finish! 

Soooooooooooo while I was taking a short hiatus I stumbled across this super-cute new online Perth boutique - KIKU Boutique. KIKU meaning chrysanthemum in Japanese and the country's national flower is a gorgeous little on-line boutique with fabulous clothes at a bargain price.

Owner Cindy said she named the boutique KIKU following a stint in Japan saying it held a special place in her heart . The flower is also known for its elegance, timeless beauty and its symbolic meaning for joy and again I am side-tracked - so back to the boutique!

Having opened less than a month ago what got my attention about this new kid on the online block was the very beautiful dresses at affordable prices. This boutique offers nothing over the price of $50AUD - pretty reasonable if you ask me. 

On Monday they launched their new collection called Block Colours and I was lucky enough to get a sneak peek before it went online (images below). I love a good bright colour and many of my readers will know I don't often do black. A lovely pink dress, red pants, cobalt jeans or whatever it may be just lightens things up and always makes you feel better. Seriously ladies, it's impossible being sad in yellow - trust me. 

Below you'll find three of the dresses from the collection and these are just a taste of what is on offer on the site.......and just because it's been a while since my last post KIKU Boutique has been generous enough (they're good like that) to offer CIC readers a 10 per cent discount for everyone who visits the site and buys online during the month of October.

All you have to do is enter the code is “cichoos1012” into the “voucher” section on the checkout page and voila your already bargain-priced piece is even more affordable - how can you resist? 

For more information, updates on new collections, special offers and fashion news don't forget to show your appreciation by LIKING the page on FACEBOOK.

To take advantage of the 10 per cent offer and check out the Block Colours Collection head straight to KIKU Boutique

Please note discount is applicable only to products and shipping charges are  – AUD$6 within Australia for one/two pieces and FREE for 3 pieces and above. For all my overseas reader KIKU Boutique also ships worldwide at affordable flat rates. 

ABOUT Cindy: Cindy is passionate about beautiful clothes and believes that all women, with the right styling, can look fabulous. She has lived in fashion-forward cities like Japan and Singapore, and now calls Australia home. As an avid online shopper for many years, she often dreamt about creating a boutique that offers the kind of online shopping experience that she would personally enjoy. According to Cindy the KIKU woman is chic with a touch of flamboyance; classy but not afraid to be adventurous with fashion. She loves her brights as much as the monotone colours. And she doesn't believe that looking good has to cost a fortune - hey you've got to love that! Fashion that doesn't break the budget - sign me up!  Outfit one: Kiku Boutique Dress Royal Blue (teamed with & without orange belt) Three Anjewels Neon Necklace RUBI Shoes Outfit two: Kiku Boutique Lemon Summer Dress Three Anjewels Blue Necklace RUBI Shoes Outfit three:  Kiku Boutique Chiffon Dress Cherry Pink  Ring YSL Cuff Hermes Betts Shoes

Royal Blue $48

Lemon Summer Dress $44AUD

Chiffon Dress in Cherry Pink $42

Images courtesy of Nicole Duncan Photography

Throwback Thursday - Appearance on Charlie's Kitchen

Hey guys hope you all have a fabulous Thursday. I thought for this post I'd take it back a bit and show you some recipes featured on Charlie's Kitchen when I was a guest on the show three years ago. 

The recipes which were aired on episode number 98 were an entree of Zia Peppinella's Pasta Cartoccio, My Portuguese Baked Steak with roast vegetables and Strawberry Tiramisu. Here they are below if you want to give them a try. Bon Apetit x

P.S I'm planning on visiting the show for a second time and am thinking of something different - any ideas as to what I should cook? I would love to hear from you xo

Entree Zia Peppinella's Pasta Cartoccio (Pasta Surprise)

Ingredients:

• 500g Spaghetti
• 1 bottle Tomato Sauce (Homemade or Bought)
• 300g Spanish Green Olives (sliced)
• 250g Mozzarella
• 200g Parmesan (to sprinkle on pasta)
• 1 clove Garlic
• Olive Oil
• Salt
• Baking Paper
• Alfoil

Method:

Heat oil in a large sauce pan along with clove of garlic add tomato sauce and bring to boil than let simmer for half an hour.

While sauce is cooking heat water in another large sauce pan and wait for it to boil.

Once boiled put spaghetti in cook for about 4/5 minutes, then drain spaghetti and wait for it to cool.

In the meantime get the alfoil and baking paper and cut into 4 – 6 large squares – place baking paper on top of alfoil ready to assemble.

Take some of the tomato sauce and pop into cooled spaghetti – not a lot but enough to give it a nice red texture.

Scoop a decent amount of spaghetti in the middle of the baking paper/alfoil square, and then add more sauce, mozzarella, olives and sprinkle with Parmesan.

Fold the alfoil and baking paper into a little package and put on a baking tray.

Repeat until all parcels are done then place in a 180 degrees pre-heated oven and bake for 15 – 20 mins

Surprise guests with the little parcels and serve on top of clean plates.

Belinda’s Portuguese Baked Steak with a Twist & baked vegies

Ingredients:

• 4 to 6 thick Scotch or Porterhouse steaks
• 6 potatoes (cut into quarters)
• 4 carrots (cut into long carrot sticks)
• 1 cup of red wine
• 2 beef stock cubes
• 1 clove of garlic
• A handful of bay leaves
• Olive oil
• Salt
• 2 or 3 sprigs of Rosemary

Method:

Cut potatoes and carrots and mix with oil, salt and Rosemary and place in a 180 degrees pre-heated oven and bake for about 40mins.

Once vegetables have been baking for about 20mins get ready to start preparing meat.

Heat oil in large frypan and add garlic.

Once sizzling, place meat in pan and sear meat for a couple of minutes on each side adding salt as you go – then let rest.

Add wine, bay leaves, salt and stock cubes and let simmer for a few minutes.

Take vegetables out of oven and place the steaks neatly on top of potatoes and carrots, then pour all the juices from the pan all over and place back in oven.

Bake again for another 10 to 15mins then serve with a side salad and a nice red.

Strawberry Tiramisu

Ingredients:

• 400gms of strawberries
• 5 Granita biscuits
• 2 large eggs
• 40gms caster sugar
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 table spoons of Cointreau
• 250gms of Mascarpone Cheese (room temperature)
• 3 table spoons of whipping cream
• 100mls of Apple Juice
• 100gms of Sponge Fingers
• *This dish looks great in individual serves as seen on the show or can be placed in a clear glass bowl.

Method:

Chop up all the strawberries and set aside 100gms for decorating.

Put the Granita biscuits in a plastic bag, seal, and then hit them with a rolling pin until they are the consistency of coarse breadcrumbs.

Separate the egg yolks and whites and whisk the yolks until pale yellow and fluffy gradually adding the sugar as you go.

Add vanilla extract and a table spoon of Cointreu.

Put the mascarpone cheese in a large bowl, beat with a wooden spoon to soften, and then gradually add the egg yolk mixture and beat until smooth and lump free.

In a separate grease-free bowl whisk the egg whites until they are softly peaking.

Fold the chopped strawberries into mascarpone cheese mixture, and then carefully fold in the egg whites.

Whip the whipping cream to a similar consistency then fold that in too, together with a third of the Granita biscuits.

Mix the remaining Cointreu and apple juice and dip the sponge fingers into the mixture then lay across the base of the serving bowl.

Arrange a layer of the mascarpone and strawberry mixture then repeat with one or two more layer of both sponge fingers and mascarpone/strawberry mixture.

Use remaining strawberries and Granita biscuits to decorate and chill for a few hours before serving.

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Photography by Charlie Barilla