the adventures of ami

A Valentine's Day-themed project

2012-02-02T19:12:00.002+02:00

I've never been a big fan of Valentine's Day. My husband and I decided a long time ago not to buy into the hype. It's not that we're not romantic, or that we subscribe to the "every day is Valentine's Day" way of thinking, we're just not into it.

But, for those that are into Valentine's Day, or for those who just want to make something pretty, here is a super cute tutorial on how to make a cross stitch heart brooch from Bugs & Fishes.

Enjoy!

Monday = Recipe day

2012-01-31T07:38:00.001+02:00

Source: http://www.sevenfishesblog.com/

You know your week is going to be crazy when you don't even get 15 minutes to blog! Here is my Monday recipe (it is still Monday somewhere in the world) for spaghetti bolognese. Now, this is by no means my mom's bolognese sauce (her sauce has special powers), but I think it comes pretty close.

Ingredients:

500g lean beef mince
1 large onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, crushed
1 tbsp olive oil
1 400g tin of tomatoes (either chopped or whole tomatoes will work)
1 tbsp worcester sauce
50g tomato paste
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and freshly ground pepper (to taste)
1 cup red wine
1 handful of fresh basil, chopped
Parmesan or pecorino cheese (to serve)
500g spaghetti (1 packet)

Heat the oil in a large pot or pan and fry the onions until soft, then add the garlic (be careful not to burn the garlic or it will make your sauce taste bitter). Add the beef and fry until browned. Add the worcester sauce, tomato paste, oregano, salt and pepper. Then add the wine and let it cook for about 2 minutes before adding the tomatoes. Turn down the heat and let the sauce simmer for 30 minutes (or longer if you like).

Cook the pasta according to packet instructions.

Just before serving the sauce, adjust the seasoning and add the chopped basil leaves. Sprinkle with cheese and enjoy!

Venn diagrams are fun!

2012-01-27T09:58:00.000+02:00

http://thecuriousbrain.com/?p=28263

Monday = Recipe day

2012-01-23T14:38:00.000+02:00

I can't believe it's Monday already! The weeks just seem to fly by. This week, I thought I would post a recipe for my mom's famous greek cheese pie (Tiropita). It's such a lovely, simple, comforting dish.

Tiropita (Greek Cheese Pie)

Serves 4 – 6

Ingredients:

450g phyllo pastry (1 box)
200g melted butter
3 large eggs
450g feta cheese
225g cream cheese
225g ricotta cheese

Preheat the oven to 180˚C

Bring the cheese to room temperature. Combine the cheese with the eggs and mix well. Grease a baking dish with some melted butter (a brush works really well). Lay a sheet of phyllo in the base of the dish. Brush the layer with melted butter (not too much, as it will make the phyllo greasy. Repeat this process 6 times, remembering to brush butter on each layer of phyllo. Spoon the cheese and egg filling into the dish on top of the phyllo layers. Lay another 4 – 6 layers of phyllo on top of the filling (brushing each layer with butter before laying down the next). Fold the edges of the phyllo layers inwards to form a “crust”. Brush the phyllo with butter. Using a knife, gently score diagonal lines in the top layers of phyllo to form diamonds (see picture).

Bake in the oven for 30 – 40 minutes or until golden brown.

Monday = Recipe Day

2012-01-16T18:46:00.001+02:00

So, here we are, it's Monday, which means it's recipe day! Today's recipe is a family favourite - Spaghetti alla Carbonara.

This recipe has been adapted (slightly) from Diane Seed's The Top One Hundred Pasta Sauces

Ingredients

500g spaghetti (1 packet/box)
5 eggs
125ml heavy cream
salt and pepper
15ml (1 tbsp) olive oil
25g (2 tbsp) butter
200g streaky bacon (diced)
100g (1 1/4 cups) freshly grated Parmesan and pecorino cheese (preferably half and half)

Beat the eggs and cream together with a pinch of salt. Heat the oil and butter in a large pan. Add the diced bacon and cook gently until the fat becomes transparent. While the bacon is cooking, cook the spaghetti (following the package instructions). Drain the pasta and add it to the large bacon pan. Stir well. Remove the pan from the heat and pour a little of the egg/cream mixture into the pasta pan, mixing quickly (very important) to prevent the egg from coagulating. Then pour in the rest of the egg/cream mixture along with half of the cheese and continue to mix until the sauce coats the pasta. Now stir in the rest of the cheese and season with freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

Warning: this recipe is very rich, so we usually only eat it on special occasions...

The Package Project

2012-01-16T07:49:00.002+02:00

I was so excited yesterday when I received a package from Lily my Package Project partner. Lily put so much thought into each item she included in the box. I especially love the vintage 1940s/50s photos and the Betty Crocker recipe cards from 1971! It totally made my day! Thanks Lily :)

It's Friday the 13th...

2012-01-13T08:16:00.000+02:00

I'm not a superstitious person, so today's date doesn't really freak me out or anything. It's really just like any other Friday, and thank goodness the weekend is almost here!

I thought I'd post today about 13 cool online tools/websites I use/visit almost every day:

Flipboard - if you have an iPhone or iPad, check out this free app. It's awesome.
The Curious Brain - some of the coolest random creative stuff on the planet.
Pinterest - an online pinboard where you can store all those cool things you find on the web (let me know if you need an invite).
Pingg - for sending free e-cards and invites.
RCRD LBL_ - a great place to check out new indie music and download free remixes of established artists.
Hello Giggles - a site which showcases the good stuff in life.
Boing Boing - a great blog with amazing contributors (like Cory Doctorow).
Smitten Kitchen - fearless cooking from a tiny kitchen in New York - need I say more.
Codeacademy - the easiest way to learn code for free
A Beautiful Mess - a great blog by a super creative girl called Elsie
Instagram - cutest way to share photos from your iPhone
StickyGram - cutest way to turn your instagram photos into magnets (free shipping)
Etsy - the best place to buy and sell products from small businesses

Monday = Recipe Day

2012-01-09T17:37:00.006+02:00

Source: Fresh Living

In an effort to kick the living daylights out of the Monday blues, I've decided to post my favourite recipes on my blog every Monday. My first recipe is for super easy whole-wheat pizza dough. This dough is extremely easy to make and to work with (in other words, you won't end up with a sticky unmanageable mess).

Easy whole-wheat pizza dough (adapted from Fresh Living)

Makes 4 large bases

6.5 cups whole-wheat flour*

1 packet (10g) instant yeast

2 tbsp sugar

4 tsp salt

2 tbsp olive oil

3 cups warm water

Mix all dry ingredients together in a large bowl and make a well in the centre.

Pour oil and half the water into the well and mix, pulling flour from the sides into the middle.

Add remaining water until it forms a sticky dough.

Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead well for 10 minutes or until smooth and elastic.

Place dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover.

Allow to rise in a warm place for 45 minutes.

*For a more traditional option, you can substitute the wholewheat flour with cake flour.

You can now roll your pizza dough out to any size and thickness you like - make sure you flour your surface and your rolling pin (you don't want to end up scraping dough off your kitchen counter) and then transfer your pizza base to an ungreased baking tray (you can put baking paper on the tray if you're worried about the pizza sticking). Then top it with your favourite ingredients (I made a delicious butternut, blue cheese and pumpkin seed pizza over the weekend). I always brush the edges of the pizza base with a little olive oil before putting on the toppings to prevent the edges from drying out too much during baking. I don't own a pizza stone, so I get the best results if I crank my oven up to its maximum temperature and place the rack on the highest shelf, but each oven is different. I usually bake the pizza for about 15-20 minutes - I know it's ready when the cheese has melted and the base has started to brown.

Happy eating!

24 Days of Christmas: Days 20 - 24

2011-12-27T07:05:00.000+02:00

Wow, the last five days of Christmas were wonderful. I spent time with friends I haven't seen in a long time, I spent quality time with my family and I was reminded of the real significance of Christmas.

This year, I kept my "homemade Christmas" promise and made gifts for my family and close friends. I had so much fun making things for everyone; it made this Christmas season more personal. I was also spoiled rotten! I'm so blessed to be surrounded by family and friends who really care about me.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas this year!

Ami :)

24 Days of Christmas: Days 9 - 19

2011-12-19T09:44:00.000+02:00

I spent days 9 - 19 doing some Christmas shopping, making Christmas cards and decorations and wrapping gifts. I also posted the last of my homemade Christmas cards.

I had to go to Namibia for a few days for work (last trip of the year). I wasn't really in the mood to travel, but the people were so friendly that time passed by so quickly and before I knew it I was heading back home. Whilst in Windhoek, I got the chance to sample the local baked goods in the form of a brezel (a large soft pretzel) and really good coffee.

But the highlight of the last few days was a Christmas potluck dinner at our house with a great group of friends. We enjoyed roast chicken, gammon, pumpkin fritters, roast potatoes and the most delicious salads. I rounded off the weekend with a fabulous girls-only movie day, which was so much fun.

This week, I'll be doing the last of my Christmas shopping (eek, the shop are so busy) before celebrating the season with my family. But first I need to decide what I will be baking today. I think I'm in the mood for apples and cinnamon...

Pretty pots

2011-12-10T21:13:00.001+02:00

I got these cute little chinese pots for next to nothing at our local vintage shop, Bellbottoms. They were hidden away on a high shelf just waiting to be discovered (by someone tall enough to see them). I know they're probably a bit kitsch, but I thought they were pretty, and they make me happy, that's all that really matters.

24 Days of Christmas: Days 2 - 8

2011-12-09T08:55:00.001+02:00

Days 2 - 8 of Christmas celebrations included shopping for presents at Kamers vol geskenke and Bellbottoms (our local vintage store), decorating the house, baking chocolate shortbread, listening to the She & Him Christmas album and attending a super awesome Christmas party in Arcadia. I wonder what I'll do today...

24 Days of Christmas: Day 1

2011-12-01T13:51:00.001+02:00

Source: http://craftgossip.com/

In a bid to put this horrible year behind me, I've decided to celebrate 24 days of Christmas instead of the usual 12. My theme for this year is 'Homemade Christmas'.

Day 1 will include putting up Christmas decorations and decorating the Christmas tree! I can't wait!!!

Glad bag

2011-11-29T21:14:00.001+02:00

I recently cleaned out my handbag box and came across a pretty bag I'd completely forgotten about it. It was looking a little boring and sad...

So I spruced it up with some homemade felt flowers.

Much better!

Pink lemonade

2011-11-18T17:11:00.001+02:00

It's a hot Pretoria afternoon - our house feels like a sauna. So I decided to make pink lemonade. I've always wanted to make it and found a super easy recipe by Martha Stewart.

(Serves 5)

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 10 lemons)

1 cup castor sugar

2 cups water

1/4 cup cranberry juice

Directions

Strain the lemon juice into a pitcher and mix with sugar; stir until sugar dissolves. Add water; stir again until well combined.

Stir in the cranberry juice and enjoy!

Pinteresting

2011-11-18T08:00:00.001+02:00

When my creativity fails me or when I need inspiration, I go to Pinterest. This online pin-boarding site allows users to post cool stuff they find online and share it with other users. I've used it to find everything from no-sew projects to amazing food.

Check it out today! Planning a party will never be the same...

ps: if you want an invitation to join Pinterest, just drop me an e-mail amelia DOT broodryk AT gmail DOT com

Homemade Christmas

2011-11-15T08:52:00.001+02:00

This year, I've decided to embrace the holiday spirit and celebrate a homemade Christmas. We already have a few Christmas parties lined up and I've started to make Christmas decorations to hang up in the house and give away as gifts. Only one more month till I'm on holiday - I can't wait!

Here is some inspiration so far:

Dinner for one

2011-11-08T20:24:00.001+02:00

I don't really like eating alone, but since hubby is working late all week I've decided to experiment with dinner. Tonight I made miso soup, salmon california rolls and tequila ice-cream with chocolate shortbread. Not too shabby for a solo dinner.

Road trip: Part 2

2011-11-05T10:00:00.003+02:00

Wow, it's been far too long since I blogged about our road trip! October was a super busy month (glad it's over), but I can't believe that it's November already - only six more weeks of work and then it's Christmas holidays - yippee!!!

For the second part of our road trip we stayed in a beautiful cottage just outside of Matjiesfontein in the Western Cape. Hubby and I spent two peaceful days in the Karoo, reading books and enjoying the peace and quiet.

Here are some pics I took while we were there

Part 3 of the road trip to be posted soon...

Must bake!

2011-10-14T09:59:00.000+02:00

Source: Smitten Kitchen

I love trying out new recipes and Smitten Kitchen just provided me with this weekend's baking project - Apple Pie Cookies! Don't they look delicious.

Road trip: Part 1

2011-10-12T08:32:00.000+02:00

I love road trips, especially when I get to enjoy them from the backseat of an old Mercedes. We recently travelled all the way from Pretoria to Cape Town, with some stops along the way. It was great fun, I enjoyed the scenery and I had a lot of time to think.

Our first stop was Nieu Bethesda, which is a sleepy little town just north of Graaff-Reinet. We stayed at the lovely Outsiders B&B and visited the Owl House.

Here are some pictures I took while we were there.

Part II coming soon...

It was a good day

2011-09-26T15:53:00.001+02:00

Source: http://www.candyforbfast.com/

Bon voyage and happy returns

2011-09-23T06:29:00.002+02:00

I always get anxious (and a little sad) before a trip. I'm not sure where the apprehension comes from, I'm not a nervous flier, and I actually really like to travel - new people, new places, it's exciting. But it seems that right before I leave this feeling kicks in, like I'm being abducted, removed from the place where I belong. And this feeling is getting worse as the years go by. I want to be home, I want to be with my family, I want to sleep in my own bed...

I travel alone quite often for work and, although I don't consider myself bad company, I really do prefer travelling with someone else, especially my husband (which doesn't happen often enough). I also love to people watch (I'm doing it right now in the airport lounge). Airports are fascinating hubs of human activity, and observing the comings and goings is a welcome distraction.

This last trip was interesting. I really didn't want to go, I've been here before, I know the drill. But I met some really great people, and we went out, explored the city and talked about life. We found things we had in common even though we come from opposite sides of the planet. I could talk about my husband, my family and my friends and it was almost as if I'd brought them here with me. It made me feel better. It made me miss them less. It made the nights more bearable.

So here I sit, waiting for my flight home, excited by the fact that I will be sleeping in my own bed tonight, but a little sad that I will be leaving this place, and these people.

Some Thursday humour...

2011-09-22T10:40:00.002+02:00

Frustrated with the new Facebook layout? Check out The Oatmeal! They'll help you get over it!

This made my Thursday :)

The curious brain

2011-09-14T07:56:00.002+02:00

I work with some awesome people who find cool stuff online and share it. Check out The Curious Brain. It features really creative videos, graphics, art, you name it.

I just love this truth and lies minimal poster by Justin Barber. Totally true...

Something to look forward to

2011-09-12T10:08:00.002+02:00

Karoo cottage

I have a singular thought that is keeping me going until the end of the month...holiday!

For two nights, this will be my home. I can't wait!

Only 19 days to go...

The Package Project 2011

2011-09-02T18:10:00.001+02:00

Oh I am so excited! I finally get to take part in The Package Project! I can't wait to be paired up with someone and to swap parcels!

For more info on The Package Project visit the Cupcake Couture blog. Also visit my friend Carin's blog for an example from last year's project.

Happy weekend!

Ami

For love and charity

2011-08-13T14:00:00.001+02:00

A new shop has opened in our neighbourhood, Rea Kgona. It's an amazing place. All products in the shop are made by people with various disabilities. I bought some bunting, a beautiful leather handbag and a button necklace. I will definitely be supporting this worthy cause in future.

To find out more about Rea Kgona, please visit the Employment Solutions website: www.disabilityemployment.co.za

The Great Movies Project

2011-08-12T14:28:00.003+02:00

In an effort to get better acquainted with the world of cinema, my husband and I decided to embark on a Great Movies project - he's already an expert, this being his field, but I am still a film novice.

Every month, we will watch at least one of the movies on Roger Ebert's "Great Movies" list. Last night, we watched the first Great Movie on our list - Blade Runner. I thought it was brilliant. It has inspired so many movies and tv series' since.

Now, we need to decide what to watch next!

Happy weekend everyone!

I love Marmite

2011-08-09T17:53:00.001+02:00

I love marmite. One of my favourite breakfasts is marmite and cheddar cheese on toast, but my love only stretches to conventional combinations – no marmite and banana for me thank you! However, I came across a recipe for Marmite Pasta in Nigella’s Express book and I was intrigued...

Ok, so the thought of putting marmite, pasta and Parmesan cheese together may sound gross, but it works. The saltiness of the marmite compliments the sharpness of the Parmesan cheese perfectly. Even hubby, who will only eat Marmite when it’s disguised in a cheese muffin, liked it.

For those of you brave enough, here is the recipe:

INGREDIENTS

375g dried spaghetti
50g unsalted butter
1 teaspoon Marmite or more, to taste
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese to serve

METHOD

Serves: 4 -6

1. Cook the spaghetti in plenty of boiling salted water, according to the packet instructions.

2. When the pasta is almost cooked, melt the butter in a small saucepan and add the Marmite and 1 tablespoon of the pasta water, mixing thoroughly to dissolve. Reserve 1/2 a cup of pasta water; then drain the pasta and pour the Marmite mixture over the drained spaghetti, adding a little reserved pasta water to amalgamate if required. Serve with plenty of grated Parmesan cheese.

Red Velvet Recipe

2011-08-07T10:42:00.002+02:00

I had a few requests for the Red Velvet Cupcake Recipe, so here it is:

Red velvet cupcakes (from Cakes to Celebrate Love and Life)

2½ cups flour
1½ cups brown sugar
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
1 tsp cocoa powder
1 tsp salt
1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk with few drops of lemon juice)
2 eggs, at room temperature
1½ cups vegetable oil
1 tsp white vinegar
5 tsp red food colouring
1 tsp vanilla essence

Preheat the oven to 180 °C. Line two muffin pans with 24 paper cups.
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, bicarbonate of soda, cocoa powder and salt together.
In another bowl, combine the buttermilk, eggs, oil, vinegar, food colouring and vanilla essence.
Mix the flour mixture into the buttermilk mixture. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 18-20 minutes. Decorate with Cream Cheese Icing.

Cream Cheese Icing

250g Philadelphia Cream Cheese
250g butter, softened
2 cups sifted icing sugar
1 tsp vanilla essence

In a large bowl, mix together the cream cheese, the butter and the vanilla essence. Slowly add the icing sugar one tablespoon at a time and mix until light and fluffy.

Red velvet bliss

2011-08-03T09:12:00.000+02:00

Last night, I decided to finally make red velvet cupcakes. I had some leftover cream cheese in the fridge for the icing and hubby's family was over for dinner, so the timing was perfect.

The cupcakes turned out great and I just love the colour of the batter.

I adapted the recipe from Cakes to Celebrate Love and Life by Callie Maritz and Mari-Louis Guy.

DIY Dress Up e-course!

2011-07-29T07:52:00.002+02:00

I am so excited! A few months ago I signed up for a Retro Beauty School e-course on A Beautiful Mess and I loved it. Now, the girls of the Red Velvet shop have designed a sewing e-course!!! The course consists of 17 sessions, plus three bonus sessions, which includes making a magazine tote, drafting a pattern that fits your body, making a paper bag skirt, making a lace dress and many other projects. The course only cost $29 and you'll receive the tutorials electronically. You can start the course at any time.

I have always wanted to learn how to sew my own clothes, so, now I'm off to service my sewing machine!

What's in the bag?

2011-07-22T17:22:00.000+02:00

So, I've graduated from making felt brooches to felt clutch bags! Here is my first attempt. It's red and it matches my new dress (which I bought for a Mad Men party that a friend and I are hosting next month). I bought the net flower brooch from Marilyn's Boutique in Brooklyn Mall. Love it!

Mac and cheese

2011-07-21T09:20:00.002+02:00

Source: Smitten Kitchen

Last night, I decided to try Martha Stewart's creamy mac and cheese recipe by way of Smitten Kitchen. It was great, perfect winter food. The recipe is also a bit retro, it's real 50s/60s-style diner food. Love it!

Serves 6

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for casserole
3 slices white bread, crusts removed, torn into 2 - 3cm pieces
2 3/4 cups milk
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon coarse salt, plus more for water
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 1/4 cups grated sharp white cheddar cheese
1 cup grated Gruyère or 3/4 cup grated Pecorino cheese
400grams penne rigate or elbow pasta

1. Preheat oven to 180°C. Butter a medium-sized casserole dish; set aside. Place the bread in a medium bowl. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Pour the melted butter into the bowl with the bread, and toss. Set the breadcrumbs aside.

2. Warm the milk in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Melt the remaining 3 tablespoons butter in a high-sided skillet over medium heat. When the butter bubbles, add the flour. Cook, stirring, 1 minute.

3. While whisking, slowly pour in the hot milk a little at a time to keep mixture smooth. Continue cooking, whisking constantly, until the mixture bubbles and becomes thick, 8 to 12 minutes.

4. Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in salt, nutmeg, black pepper, cayenne pepper, 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, and 3/4 cups Gruyère (or 1/2 cup Pecorino); set the cheese sauce aside.

5. Cover a large pot of salted water, and bring to a boil. Cook the pasta until the outside of pasta is cooked and the inside is underdone, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer the pasta to a colander, rinse under cold running water, and drain well. Stir the pasta into the reserved cheese sauce.

6. Pour the mixture into the prepared dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and Gruyère (or Pecorino Romano), and the breadcrumbs over the top. Bake until golden brown, about 30 minutes.

Enjoy!

Tuesday bluesday

2011-07-19T08:13:00.000+02:00

Tuesday is not my favourite day of the week. I usually end up stuck behind a slow driver on my way to work or I forget my lunch at home. But today, I woke up next to my warm ginger cat (who slept on hubby's side of the bed because he's away) and I'm listening to Two Door Cinema Club, and the caffeine has kicked in... I feel good.

Of aprons and oreos

2011-06-26T15:10:00.001+02:00

I don't have much time to post these days, so I thought I would quickly work this one in. When life gets me down, I often turn to crafts and baking (and sometimes I end up lying awake at 2AM worrying about work, but that's a subject for another post).

I got a plain white apron for my birthday from my mom and had big plans to decorate it. I still want to add more details, maybe some hearts or cupcakes, but even if I say this myself, my homemade Hello Kitty rocks!

Chef Hello Kitty

I also had some time to bake the best Oreo cookies ever. I adapted a recipe I found on Smitten Kitchen and they are super yummy, I just had to take a picture - Ami

Homemade Oreos

Monster family

2011-06-01T07:51:00.000+02:00

Alfie

My monster family is growing! Meet Alfie. He was designed by my husband who thought we needed to add an electric blue monster with one eye to our family.

He now joins Oscar (thanks Beth for suggesting the name) our yellow bunny monster.

I can't wait to make the next one! I'll be including a tutorial in my next post on how to make your own pet monster.

Ami

My pet monster

2011-05-21T16:15:00.000+02:00

Meet my monster!

I made him today - he's completely sewn by hand (still need to learn how to use the sewing machine). I used felt and buttons from Ruby's Haberdashery (my favourite shop at the moment). Now I need to give him a name. Anyone have a good suggestion?

Ami

And the winner is...

2011-05-10T07:41:00.000+02:00

Congratulations Sarah!!!

You are the winner of the May Competition! Please e-mail me: amelia DOT broodryk AT gmail DOT com and tell me what your brooch should look like (shape, colours, details etc).

Thank you to everyone for sharing their beautiful birthday stories - you've made my birthday month!

Look out in June for the next competition...

Ami

May Competition

2011-05-06T08:11:00.000+02:00

In celebration of the month of May, and in honour of my birthday on the 15th, I am offering one lucky reader a chance to win a handmade brooch made by me! You pick the colour, shape and design. Check out my previous posts for examples.

How To Enter: Post a comment with your name and tell me your favourite birthday memory. I will choose one winner at random on 9 May! This giveaway is open to all my blog readers.

Good luck! Ami

The return of the hostess gift!

2011-05-03T08:45:00.002+02:00

Last week, a few friends came over for dinner and one special friend brought me a hostess gift. The cute French wrapping paper, the beautiful vintage photo, the yummy bunny biscuits - perfection!

I was really touched by the gesture, and will certainly take along a host/hostess gift to the next dinner party I attend. This is definitely a custom I would like to revive.

The Bobcats: Episode 2

2011-04-20T14:05:00.000+02:00

Some Tuesday humour on a Wednesday...

Click HERE for the comic!

Birthday list: gift number 3

2011-04-11T18:19:00.000+02:00

I spotted this beautiful dress in a shop in The Hague yesterday. Unfortunately it's completely out of my budget. So this "gift" will remain a virtual one (although if I spot a similar dress in SA I will certainly consider buying it).

Birthday list: gift number 2

2011-04-08T14:17:00.000+02:00

Those who know me well, know that I love shoes! I spotted these at Aldo and now I must have them! I have no idea how much they cost, but they may end up being a brithday gift to me from me.

Happy Friday everyone!

Birthday list: gift number 1

2011-04-06T15:27:00.000+02:00

Although my birthday is only in May, I am already drawing-up my birthday gift list (to avoid past years' situations where I can't remember what I want when people ask me).

So, first on my list is this beautiful Japanese doll from Dumpling Dynasty, which I found in the Lark online shop (thanks to my friend Carin who introduced me to the website a while ago).

I am always looking out for simple sewing projects and this one is perfect! The doll even comes in a collectible tin. So cute!

Can you see me?

2011-03-25T08:29:00.000+02:00

Back in February I posted about the U2 360 Concert we attended in Soweto. It was such a great event, I still can't believe I was actually there. We took quite a few pics on the night, but I found out yesterday from my good friend Mr Leith that there was a 360 degree picture of the stadium. So, this morning I found us in the picture (see below). Unfortunately hubby is a bit smudged (oops), but this is so cool!

Can you spot us?

There we are!!!

Shoe Sugar Month: Day 13 SIZZIX BIG SHOT GIVEAWAY!!

2011-03-24T06:47:00.001+02:00

Shoe Sugar Month: Day 13 SIZZIX BIG SHOT GIVEAWAY!!

My first ribbon corsage!

2011-03-17T15:17:00.000+02:00

I'm sick in bed with tonsillitis, not feeling great, but not really tired. I've been wanting to make a ribbon corsage like the ones I've seen on Cupcake Couture. So, this afternoon I made my first one! Going to wear it on my blazer at the next conference I attend. Very chuffed with myself. Now, back to bed!

Sweetheart

2011-03-13T08:38:00.001+02:00

Recently, I've started making felt brooches. I started with the basic heart shape, but have now moved on to butterflies. I really enjoy the process of making brooches, it relaxes me and helps my mind focus on one task. I have no plans to mass produce these or anything, I'm just making them for fun.

Here are some examples of my work.

Brooches displayed on a bag purchased at Pick 'n Pay

Cheese squares

2011-03-08T19:11:00.003+02:00

Over the weekend I was inspired to bake something savoury and came across a recipe for wholewheat goldfish crackers on Smitten Kitchen.

Well, I soon discovered that I neither had wholewheat flour nor the patience to shape the crackers into fish, so I made the recipe with cake flour and made squares instead. The results were great!

Here is my recipe for cheese squares:

1 1/2 cups grated cheddar
4 tablespoons butter
3/4 cup cake flour
1/8 teaspoon mustard (or onion) powder
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon table salt (depending on your taste)

Preheat oven to 180°C. Combine all ingredients in a food processor, until the dough forms a ball (should take about two minutes). I actually did this by hand, using a spoon to mix the ingredients and smooth the dough (took about five minutes).

If the dough feels warm or very soft, wrap it plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for 30 to 45 minutes.

On a lightly floured surface, using a lightly floured rolling pin, roll the dough out 3mm thick. Form shapes with a cookie cutter. Gently transfer crackers to an ungreased baking sheet with a 1 1/2cm between them. Bake the crackers on the middle rack for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they are barely browned at the edges. Remove from the oven and transfer the crackers on to a rack to cool.

Enjoy :)

The Bobcats

2011-03-04T08:17:00.001+02:00

I love The Oatmeal. The comics always make me laugh and are a great way to end a week. I especially like The Bobcats.

Happy Friday everyone!

Hipster puppy

2011-02-28T11:10:00.001+02:00

I just had to re-post this - classic!

Source: Hipster Puppies

Spelling mishaps

2011-02-20T07:46:00.000+02:00

Yesterday, my sister and I came across this sign outside our favourite fruit and vegetable shop in Pretoria. We had a good laugh...

It seems that my editing class is paying off already. I'm starting to see spelling and grammar mistakes everywhere!!! But I have to admit, this one is the best I've seen so far.

Have you seen any good spelling or grammar mistakes lately?

Redesign

2011-02-17T16:49:00.001+02:00

Oh boy, I'm so excited about the new look of my blog. The stripes, the fonts, the list goes on! I will be making more changes over the coming weeks - perhaps adding tabs and other media. Sigh, if only this could be my day job!

U2 Rocks Soweto!

2011-02-14T07:48:00.001+02:00

U2 rocked Soweto last night with their 360 tour! It was my first rock concert and boy did Bono and the boys set the bar high. Even the opening acts - Amadou & Mariam and the Springbok Nude Girls were amazing.

The U2 hitlist included, amongst others, Elevation, Sunday Bloody Sunday, One, With or Without You, Hold Me Thrill Me Kiss Me Kill Me, Beautiful Day, Magnificent and Vertigo. The stage looked like a spaceship from the future (where The Edge comes from) and the 360 degree video screen was used to its full effect during City of Blinding Lights. Amazing!

Here are some pics from the concert:

Marvellous Mozambique!

2011-02-10T09:59:00.001+02:00

I finally managed to review our Mozambique photos. What a gorgeous place. When I find myself hyperventilating in my office I close my eyes and think of the quiet beach - it helps!

I posted a few of my favourites back in January, but here are a few more. Enjoy!

Walking tall

2011-02-06T17:31:00.000+02:00

If you know me well, then you will know that I love shoes (especially high heels). I see them as an investment really, which is why I'll save up to buy a really nice pair. Here are a few of my favourites...

Chupi and Bubs's awesome French-Vintage Wedding - pictures by welovepictures

2011-02-04T14:00:00.002+02:00

Go to the link below for my sister's awesome wedding pictures courtesy of welovepictures

welovepictures: Chupi and Bubs's awesome French-Vintage Wedding: "Johnny & Mireille 8th January 2011 Pappa's Real Food, Pretoria. Oh yay! We are so excited to share this wedding with you today! Meet o..."

Anarchy reigns supreme

2011-02-02T19:22:00.000+02:00

I'm a lightweight TV show watcher. I can't handle much heavy stuff (which is why Gilmore Girls is one of my favourite shows). So, when hubby purchased seasons 1 and 2 of Sons of Anarchy I said he's on his own. I was definitely not going to watch a show about a group of outlaw bikers...that was until I met Jax (played by Charlie Hunnam). The hair, the tattoos, the motorbike...

Don't get me wrong, although I am enjoying the handsomeness of Mr Hunnam, the show is brilliant - really hectic - but very cool. I can't wait to see why Katey Segal won the Golden Globe.

Oh, and here is a pic of Mr Hunnam...sigh...

The beauty of objects

2011-01-25T19:55:00.000+02:00

I love taking pictures of things - buildings, trees, books... the list goes on. Here are some of my latest attempts (thanks to the office's Canon camera). Now if only I could capture people...sigh...

Rhubarb pudding!

2011-01-20T15:13:00.001+02:00

We were fortunate enough to spend New Year's with good friends in Haenertsburg in Limpopo Province. It was an amazing long weekend. We spent most of our time eating, drinking, reading and building a massive puzzle.

I'd bought some rhubarb at the housewives' market before we left and thought it would be nice to bake a pudding to take along as part of our culinary contribution. I was skeptical at first - rhubarb looks like pink celery - but the pudding turned out great. The sourness of the rhubarb complimented the sweetness of the dough perfectly.

For those interested, here is the recipe (an adaptation of Jamie Oliver's recipe from The Return of the Naked Chef)

1 bunch of rhubarb, washed and chopped into 2cm chunks
4 heaped teaspoons brown sugar
5ml vanilla essence
125gr butter
125gr castor sugar
2 large (free-range) eggs
125gr self-raising flour

Preheat the oven to 180C

Put the rhubarb in a saucepan with the brown sugar, the vanilla essence and 4 tablespoons of water. Simmer for 5 minutes and then place into a well-greased and lightly floured ovenproof dish or bowl.

Beat together the butter, castor sugar and eggs until light and fluffy. Add the flour, mix thoroughly and spread over the rhubarb.

Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove from the oven and serve with hot custard or something cold (vanilla ice-cream or creme fraiche works well). Serves 6

And we're back!

2011-01-19T17:28:00.002+02:00

Oh my, it's been ages since I've posted something. Since November I've just been running around trying to finish up my work before Christmas holidays and trying to arrange stuff for my sister's wedding. I got as much work done as I possibly could, the wedding was a big hit and then Chris and I left for nine days in Mozambique. It was amazing (the pictures prove it), and I managed to completely relax - no cellphone, no e-mail, just my books, the sea, the sand and my hubby. More pics to come soon...

Hup Holland Hup!

2010-12-03T12:35:00.000+02:00

It's my last day in Den Haag, and after being here for 11 days I am ready to go back to warm Pretoria. The unusually cold weather in Holland did bring me snow, which I love (while it is pretty and white), but the grey sludge that has now replaced it is ugly, and a pain to keep off my shoes! In between attending a conference and numerous side-meetings, I have been able to take some beautiful pictures of the city. I also managed to go to Amsterdam for a day and really enjoyed walking around exploring some of the city's main attractions, including the Van Gogh Museum.

Everyone said it would be really easy to understand Dutch because I speak Afrikaans - I have to admit I struggled. In some cases, it was actually easier not to speak Afrikaans and just switch over to English. The nice thing about being here is that most people are tall - especially the women, so I didn't stick out in a crowd (although my newly acquired red coat did attract a bit of attention).

Although Holland is beautiful, I am very happy that I live in a country that has mountains and hills (and isn't completely flat).

Mad Men!

2010-11-12T09:33:00.000+02:00

So, hubby has ordered Seasons 1 and 2 of Mad Men to watch over our summer holiday and I am super excited!

Once I've watched a few episodes, I want to co-host (hopefully with Anjo) a Mad Men -inspired dinner party complete with costumes, food and décor. I'll certainly use some of the ideas below from Nonpareil Magazine.

Cat boys

2010-11-01T08:34:00.001+02:00

I am very fortunate to be slave to two beautiful cat boys, Aristotle (Ari) and Totoro (Toto). Ari is definitely the thinking cat and Toto is a very early riser (sometimes as early as 3:30am)!

I have to admit that I love coming home knowing that the boys are waiting by the door (or behind the door) for me. Here are some pictures of my pretty boys...Ari is certainly the more photogenic of the two!

Aristotle

Totoro

Foodtography

2010-10-19T10:05:00.000+02:00

I really enjoy taking pictures of food. Food, unlike people and animals, usually doesn't flinch (unless it's still alive), which makes it much easier to set up the perfect shot (even for an amateur like me).

Here are some food pictures from a recent bachelorette party I hosted. I especially like how the cupcake photos turned out. Good enough to eat!

"Hegter"

2010-10-07T09:12:00.000+02:00

"Hegter" explores destructive dimension to relationships

Posted on 28 September 2010

"Love and sex are like politics: it's not what you say that matters, still less what you mean, but what you do..."

On its surface, Hegter is brisk, urbane, witty, obscene, modern, quotable, slick: beneath the skin, it is deeply felt, painful, sad and wise…In this close circle, it is about sexual jealousy and sexual desire; it addresses human isolation in a very alert way – even within intense relationships. Anyone who has loved and lost, anyone who has experienced infidelity or felt love die, will watch Hegter with stomach churning pangs of recognition.

Patrick Marber is a British playwright. His second play, Closer (translated as Hegter), premiered at the Royal National Theatre in 1997. It won several theatre awards including the Evening Standard Award for best comedy. In 1999 Closer opened on Broadway where it won the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award for best foreign play.

Director André Stolz completed his drama studies at Pretoria University in 1981 and in the same year had his TV debut in Anton Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard. Since then he worked as a professional actor, director, producer and translator. As director and translator he tackled classical playwrights the likes of Ibsen (Hedda Gabler) and Anton Chekhov (Oom Wanja). He directed new Afrikaans plays from the pen of van Rian Malan (Die Nagloper), Harry Kalmer (Parkamampoer), Deidre Venter (Verwagtings) and Hans Pienaar (Kom terug, Saartjie and Drie Dosyn Rose).

Hegter is a production that will run during the Woordpoort Art Festival at the University of Pretoria that takes place from the 6th of October to the 10th of October 2010.

The production will take place at the University of Pretoria, Masker Theatre from Thursday the 7th of October to Saturday the 9th of October 2010 at 20:00, and with a matinee at 15:00 on Saturday the 9th. Tickets cost R50.00 for adults, and R40.00 for students and block bookings of 10 people or more.

UP Arts will provide technical support.

For further information contact:

Yvonne Rabie: yvonne.rabie@up.ac.za or 012 420-2558

For Bookings Contact:

Marielle Labuschagne: production@postino.up.ac.za or 012 420 3644

Cupcake couture!

2010-10-01T08:30:00.001+02:00

I came across these adorable Hello Kitty cupcake wrappers on Cupcakes Take the Cake. They're currently being sold on Etsy by Animated Cupcakes, but they only deliver to the US!

Sigh :(

Source: Animated Cupcakes

Boozy fruit

2010-09-22T08:56:00.000+02:00

Source: Andrew Scrivani for the New York Times

I came across an interesting article in the New York Times about an alternative way to preserve fruit. Rather than spending hours making jam, you simply mix fruit, sugar and enough hard spirit to keep everything covered, and let the concoction sit for three months.

Amy Pennington has a really simple recipe you can follow.

The boozy fruit can now be used in a variety of ways:

As a marvelous dessert topping, spooned over ice cream, poundcake, panna cotta or ricotta.
As a boozy fruit tart: line a tart pan with sweet tart dough and fill with frangipane. Top with pieces of fruit and bake until golden.
As a cake glaze: mix the liqueur with enough confectioners’ sugar to make it thick and creamy, but still runny enough to pour, then spoon it over simple cakes.
In pies by adding pieces of boozy fruit to fresh fruit.
As a fruity apertif: put a piece of fruit and a little of its liqueur in the bottom of a flute and top with sparkling wine.
Or in an upside down tipple cake: sprinkle a well-buttered cake pan with brown sugar, then layer with slices of drained fruit. Cover with your favorite butter cake batter and bake until done. Serve with cream whipped with a little of the fruit liqueur.

The biggest challenge is figuring out which booze suits which fruit! Boozy fruit also makes a great Christmas gift!

Symphonicities

2010-09-06T09:58:00.002+02:00

I was fortunate enough to attend a preview of Sting's newest album Symphonicities when I was in New York in May. I remember "running" 40 blocks to see him perform outside 30 Rockefeller Center - best free birthday present to myself ever!

This man never ceases to amaze me. The orchestral arrangements on this album seem effortless - although a lot of work and thought went into this album (the CD includes an essay that explains the whole journey).

My favourite song on this album is The End of the Game. It instantly lifts my spirits and reminds me of when I was a child and I'd spin around in a field until I was so dizzy I'd collapse and watch the sky spin over my head...pure bliss!

Symphonicities Tracklisting:

Next To You
Englishman In New York
Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic
I Hung My Head
You Will Be My Ain True Love
Roxanne
When We Dance
End of the Game
I Burn For You
We Work the Black Seam
She's Too Good For Me
The Pirate's Bride

Mini-projects

2010-08-17T08:48:00.000+02:00

My first bag

So, in a bid to beat the post-M slump, I decided that I would keep myself busy with small (affordable) projects. I've tried my hand at mosaic tiling (at only R10 I couldn't resist). Last Friday I decided to tackle something a bit bigger, and with the help of Jodi Kahn, I completed my first tote-bag! Yippee!!! It required little-to-no sewing and really turned out great (just like the picture in the book). Very chuffed with my first effort. Once my sewing machine is up and running (and I've learned how to use it) there will be no stopping me!

Life after M...

2010-08-13T11:20:00.000+02:00

Well, I finally completed my Masters (better known as the dreaded 'M') in July, much to the delight of my family and, of course, my husband (who had to live with the academic disaster I had become by the end of this whole process). After the initial euphoria subsided I was left with this anti-climatic feeling - my tortuous journey had finally ended, it was all over. I no longer needed to feel guilty about spending my time on other things (which had always been my default procrastination technique), I was free to do whatever I wanted, free from the guilt...

Boy was I wrong! Now that I supposedly have all this free time I still feel guilty. Not sure what I feel guilty about exactly. I have also forgotten all the things I had planned to do once my thesis was done. All those ideas I daydreamed about while I was supposed to be writing have disappeared. It appears as if I am now in the post-M phase, not quite free from the feelings attached to the M and not quite ready to let them go. My husband is trying to convince me that this feeling is normal, and that it can be overcome by spending a whole weekend watching House or reading a non-academic book, but I'm not ready to go there quite yet. I suppose I will get to that point soon enough. In the meantime, I'm ridding the study of all M evidence, which is already making me feel better. One step closer to freedom from the dreaded M!

smitten!

2010-08-04T16:58:00.000+02:00

Source: smittenkitchen.com

I admit it, I have fallen in love with a food blog. I know there are many food blogs out there, but this one takes the cake (excuse the pun...he he he)!

I am, well, smitten with Smitten Kitchen! This humorous food blog is simply about "fearless cooking from a tiny kitchen in New York City" and features a range of lovely recipes (all tried and tested by writer/cook/photographer/occasional dishwasher Deb and her husband Alex). This blog features some of the best food photography I've seen online or even in my favourite cookbooks. Deb is also incredibly interactive with her readers, replying to nearly every comment and question, which makes this blog all the more personal. Check it out for yourself (http://smittenkitchen.com).

...like show business!

2010-07-29T09:22:00.003+02:00

The University of Pretoria's annual Krekvars Student Arts Festival holds many good memories for me. It's where I met my husband, and where I had the opportunity as a political science student to share my amateur acting skills with the world (or at least Pretoria)...

I try and watch at least one show every year, and this year I saw the same show twice - just because I enjoyed it so much the first time!

Quite simply, ...like show business! is a gem. With her vast experience in the industry, writer/director Michelle Ayden provides the audience with a personal 'behind-the-scenes' snapshot of the 'business' - with hilarious and heart-warming consequences. Her fingerprints are all over this story, which is why it works so well.

If you're in Pretoria on 31 July, go and see this show at the Masker Theatre, UP Campus, from 21:15-22:00. Tickets are only R10!

spot the cookie...

2010-07-28T09:55:00.001+02:00

Spiral Cookies

I buy the Pick 'n Pay Fresh Living Magazine every month (at only R13.95 it's a bargain) and have tried out several recipes - all with great success. So, I thought I would try making the super easy spiral cookie recipe and voilà! They're delicious and very addictive. I especially had fun rolling the two doughs together to form the cream and brown spiral.

You can find the recipe in the August Issue.

Happy baking!

butternut flapjacks

2010-07-22T19:34:00.001+02:00

my dislike for butternut runs deep. i've slowly become accustomed to eating this vegetable in soup-form, but that's about it...until now...
this afternoon i made the most heavenly butternut flapjacks (thanks Martha Stewart for the recipe)
they're absolutely delicious, especially smothered in caramel syrup.

RECIPE:

For a spiced treat, whisk 1 1/4 cups all- purpose flour; 2 tablespoons sugar; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon each cinnamon, ground ginger, and salt; 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg; and a pinch of ground cloves. In a separate bowl, stir together 1 cup milk, 6 tablespoons canned pumpkin puree (or boil approx 6 tablespoons of butternut until soft then drain water and mash the butternut till it forms a puree), 2 tablespoons melted butter, and 1 egg; fold mixture into dry ingredients. Melt some butter in a skillet over medium heat; pour in 1/4 cup batter for each pancake. Cook flapjacks about 3 minutes per side; serve with butter and syrup. Makes 8 to 10.

food i love

2010-07-12T17:39:00.000+02:00

i made a gorgeous french apple tart yesterday. i love its simplicity, the sourness of the apples, the sweetness of the apricot jam and the thin pastry crust. perfect with a cup of rooibos tea!

New Music!

2010-07-01T09:40:00.000+02:00

I have been struggling the last few weeks to find some new music to listen to and finally came across Civil Twilight a trio of South African guys who moved to the US in 2005. They have been compared to Muse and Pilot Speed because of their musical style, but they certainly have their own distinctive sound.

The band consists of brothers - Andrew and Steven McKellar and Richard Wouters. Their song "Letters from the Sky" is currently getting airplay in SA. For more info on the band visit: http://civiltwilightband.com

spotlight on: Meaghan Smith

2010-06-14T15:36:00.000+02:00

Meaghan Smith is a Canadian singer-songwriter and guitarist. While her independently-recorded debut album, The Cricket's Orchestra was picked up by Sire Records/Warner Music Canada and released in early 2010, she received a great deal of exposure by contributing a cover of alternative rock group Pixies' Here Comes Your Man to the soundtrack of 2009's (500) Days of Summer.

Check out her visual biography in the video below:

today's interesting link...

2010-06-08T13:30:00.002+02:00

Cousins

We are Anna and Annoushka.

We are long lost cousins who live in Brisbane and Brooklyn respectively, and we are remarkably similar people. The catch is, the two of us only ever knew eachother as children until this year Facebook helped us get in contact again as adults. Since then our daily exchanges have turned into mile long conversations and visual treasure trades, and one day, we decided to start a blog.

Each day we take a photo of whatever we decide to be our daily topic and we post it.

Brisbane - Brooklyn - One Photo - Each Day

http://posterous.com/site/profile/9626deventures

Back in SA!

2010-06-07T08:47:00.000+02:00

So, I got back from New York last week. Very very happy to be back and glad to see that hubby and the cats managed to survive without me!

Returned to find SA has full-on World Cup fever! Feel like I've got to catch up a bit. Well, I've picked my team - Brazil (and of course I'll keep shouting for the home team). Kick-off is on Friday - whoop whoop!

The Met!

2010-05-24T01:11:00.002+02:00

Went to the Metropolitan Museum of Art today. What an amazing and vast collection of art! I especially loved the Japanese exhibition. I also found out I have a thing for armour...

On my walk back to the subway station, I managed to acquire three gorgeous asian animal prints from a local New York artist in Central Park.

Overall, a good day for my soul...I miss home a little less now.

Live from New York

2010-05-21T22:57:00.000+02:00

So, I've been in New York for three weeks now and I only have one more week before I head home. I have to admit that certain elements of this place have captured my heart. A leisurely walk in Central Park, window shopping in Soho and crossing Brooklyn Bridge at dusk...but this city also inspires moments of extreme loneliness. Like many of the residents here, I have succumbed to the trend of listening to music (earphones firmly placed in my ears), content to let the lyrics of The Temper Trap keep me company on my journeys around this fascinating place. The saddest part of being here alone is knowing, that after a long day at the UN, I have to go to my empty apartment with only a Mrs Potato Head to greet me (unfortunately, she always has the same expression on her little round face).

I miss my husband and our cats...I miss my home life...my real life.