Video Posts - do you want them?

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

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

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

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.