{Forrest Gump Party}

Each year for our birthdays we do a joint themed fancy dress birthday. Since we are 2 years and 2 days apart, it's easier to celebrate together and we have been doing so for many years now.
This year was a movie theme and we chose Forrest Gump.

 

We were in awe at some of the costumes! The film gave so much scope for imagination and our guests definitely took advantage of the many ideas! We had people dressed up as peas & carrots, a shrimp, hippies, a box of chocolates, the feather, waitress Jenny, the bus driver Dorothy, we even had (an almost) naked Jenny! 

{The Fairy Is Coming : Part 2}

I shared before {here} about how the tooth fairy is coming to our house soon. The infamous tooth is slowly getting more wobbly and so I decided to have a play at the sewing machine and with no real plan, attempt at creating a tooth fairy pillow with NO budget, using only scraps.
I have an ever growing stash of fabric, bits and bobs. So, "shopping the stash" wasn't a challenge. I even had an old pillow insert left over after a cushion cover ripped. I cut it open and used the batting to stuff the little creature. 


Its not my best sewing attempt, I didn't even change my thread over to green to match the fabric, but my 6 year old loves it and it was more just a trial run to put what was in my mind into reality.

There is a cute little mouth sewn into the cute monster that doubles as a pocket for the tooth and money.  
 

I am not 100% happy with it, and think I might try another kind of design just to mix it up. 

Q: How does your house celebrate the tooth fairy? Glass of water? Under the sleeping pillow? In a special place? 


Lauren x 

{Food Diaries : Part Two}

Here are some other ideas I've played around with and are having great results!


Asian Beef and Vegetable Soup with Soba Noodles.
1. To make soup, use a stock that suits your requirements (I used a veggie one I had on hand). Simmer with some finely chopped carrot, the stalks (thick solid part) of some bok choy, fine zucchini & yellow squash ribbons (I used a mandolin but you could peel with veg peeler and then slice thin), an onion diced, a few cloves of garlic chopped. Add 1 tsp of curry powder and simmer until veggies are soft.
2. Stir fry broccoli florets in sesame oil & sesame seeds.
3. Sear off some beef in some garlic (and S&P) and let rest with fresh coriander torn on top (you could also use other meat or seafood if preferred).
4. Prepare some Soba noodles to packet directions. Sprinkle with coriander also.
5. Serve in separate dishes and then you can 'build your soup' as your taste desires. Great for family dinner if there are different tastes/ requirements.


Dairy Free Spanish Omelette
1. Whisk 2 or 3 eggs and add some S&P. Place in a well oiled and hot pan.
2. Place some chopped onion, capsicum, tomato and goats cheese on one half.
3. Fold the omelette over and slide onto your plate.
4. Top with fresh herbs and/ or rocket, a drizzle of olive oil and fresh cracked pepper.

Lauren x

{Food Diaries : Beef Bolognese with Quinoa Pasta & Eggplant 'Garlic Bread'}

So, as per a previous post, some of you will know I am now on a limited 'anti-candida' diet for a long term digestive issue. If you know me personally or have been reading this blog for any length of time you'll know I love to be in the kitchen baking, cooking and usually to share around.

The last week or so has been very interesting as I am getting used to eating restricted food. No yeast, no gluten, no white rice, no caffeine, no cows milk or soy dairy, no corn, pumpkin, potato or sweet potato, no sugar (even natural substitutes like honey and fruit...yes NO FRUIT!).
I am actually feeling great because of it. I've started toning up, skins clearing up and I feel 'cleaner' if you know what I mean.

It has been making me very creative for sure, and whilst I'm still on a massive learning curve,
here are some of the staple ingredients I am living on:
- water
- herbal teas (peppermint, rooibos, chamomile)
- meat & fish (no smoked or deli meats ie smoked salmon / ham)
- green veggies (esp broccoli, spinach, asparagus)
- garlic & onions
- herbs and spices especially cinnamon (these are unrestricted!!!)
- eggs (shout out to my 6 Isa browns here - thanks girls)
- natural yoghurt with live cultures

Here are some of my recent attempts at playing with my new 'pantry'.
Idea Number One:


Beef Bolognese with Quinoa Pasta and Eggplant 'Garlic Bread'

1. Simply stir fry onion, garlic and fresh tomatoes with some olive oil and S&P.
2. Once softened, cook meat in the chunky 'sauce' and stir through some pure tomato paste. 3. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and basil from the garden.
4. Serve on quinoa pasta. This is easily found in health food isle of supermarkets.
5. Optional Extra : Cut some thin egg plant slices and fry until crispy with fresh and finely chopped garlic and Olive Oil. YUM!

Lauren x

{Mini Desserts & Hot Choc Bar}

I don't have great photos, but I did some catering for a women's event last night. The brief was desserts, your choice! My creative brain went into overload!
Here's what I came up with. Firstly a Hot chocolate Bar:



I filled jars with
- hot chocolate powder
- marshmallows
- white, milk and dark choc chips
- crushed butterscotch and peppermints
(not pictured) I also included a can of whipped cream and vanilla malt syrup.
Logistics: as this was for a crowd, I had to think about heating milk safely and easily. I heated the milk behind the dessert table in my slow cookers on the warm setting so it was gentle. Then at serving time I decanted it into a jug on the table.
Linking the hot chocolate to the desserts, I filled a giant glass jar with choc chip cookies.
The dessert table had 4 'dishes'
1. A Chocolate Mud cake with buttercream ruffle icing. SO cute!




2. Individual Homemade Lemon Curd Pavlovas
3. Individual Vanilla Blueberry Cheesecakes
4. Raspberry Jelly & Choc Mousse Cups
I might post the recipes for some of these soon, so stay tuned!
Lauren x