Friday 31 May 2013

A few of my favourite things...

When it comes to Pinterest I do tend to get a bit obsessive, it's crazy how such a simple concept can be so addicting but hay ho it's just a fact of life it's my guilty little pleasure.

Now sit back and enjoy a little peak into my every evolving wish list.





Home sweet home- It's coming to that time of year when I miss the simple pleasures of home. And one major trigger is food bbqs, seafood, sushi the list is endless. And two things I crave on a regular basis are these two babies sausage rolls and lamingtons. Now you should know what sausages are but for those of you who are unfamiliar with lamingtons, it's a sponge cake which is dipped in chocolate then smothered in coconut. Their so goooooood! Makes me proud to be Aussie!
Fashion- Loving this combo, it's just so cool and chilled. Can picture this as the perfect Sunday outfit if your heading out for breakfast or something.

















Perfect start to the day- Since starting my new healthy lifestyle breakfast has become one of my favourite meals of the day, and to wake up to something like this well that's just even better!





Mean green fighting machine- Came across this pin the other day and was so happy I did! It's basically a giant list of different green smoothies. I never use to like the idea of green smoothies until I did my 3 day detox a few months back and since then my eyes have been opened to the wonder of the colour green!









My space-It's crazy to think in a few months time I'll be moving up to London with my partner Dan. We haven't found a place to live yet but we're for ever searching. Now I do live in the real world and understand how expensive it is to live in central London, but that's why I'm coming up with so many handy tips and ideas to make even the smallest of apartments a perfect little hideaway.














Things that make me giggle- Ha! Don't you just love this! Would be the perfect addition to any couch as a little reminder for those days when you'd just prefer to be a couch potato hehe












1) http://www.whatkatieate.com/recipes/macadamia-apricot-apple-and-sage-sausage-rolls/
2) http://theplumbucket.tumblr.com/post/39519023935
3) http://healthygirlskitchen.blogspot.co.uk/2011/10/big-list-of-green-smoothies.html
4) http://www.adoremagazine.com/blog/2013/3/18/the-woodsfolk.html
5) http://www.vau.lt/alexandraferguson/product/GOGYM-148?campaign=type138&medium=HardPin&source=Pinterest


Monday 27 May 2013

Creme Caramel recipe!

So just a normal night sitting on the couch watching tv and what do I get a craving for, Creme Caramel. But with no motivation to walk to the shop like any normal person I decided to make it from scratch. I've been wanting to make this recipe for ages and with a cartoon full of eggs in my fridge I couldn't think of a better time!

Now as my partner doesn't like creme caramel (crazy I know!) this recipe is for a single serve and at only 200 calories I think this is the perfect treat for a hard days work.

Creme Caramel-

2Tbsp- 4 tsp of caster sugar
1 egg
1/2 cup of milk
1/2 tsp of vanilla

Preheat oven to 150c.

Now I know the idea of making caramel is scary but trust me this was my first time and it was fine, just make sure not to take your eyes off the sugar! Now place 2 Tbsps of sugar in the pot and cook over a medium heat until the sugar cooks and starts to turn amber, quickly pour the caramel into the ramekin and make sure the entire base is covered. Next combine egg and the rest of the sugar and whisk until the sugar is dissolved. Then heat milk in pot to the point you cant keep your finger in the milk for more then a second (just before boiling point). Then while whisking pour milk into egg mixture and then pour this into the ramekin. Place the dish into a larger dish and pour boiling water into it creating a bath for your little dish (about half way up). Then place in oven for 20 minutes or until the centre has a slight wobble. Then cool and enjoy your well deserved goodie for one.

Was amazed how simple this was to make and I'm beyond proud of myself, will definitely be making this again!

Before the big revel, This is the scariest part of the recipe!

And presto! Was jumping up and down like a little kid in my kitchen when this beauty popped out.


And I'm proud to say it tasted as good as it looks!

xx

Healthy Bites

Cant believe my Summer body challenge is nearly at an end. It feels like just yesterday the countdown said 60 days to go now it says 4! How time flies...

Well I'll be sure to post the much awaited before and after photos very soon! But enough of that onto my healthy bites of the week. It's funny how I've got so use to eating healthy, so much so that when it comes to my cheat day I really struggle to let go and I find myself excited about hoping back on the waggon the next day, I'm weird I know..

Little midnight snack, how bright and happy does this look!

Hummus on brown bread was a big favourite last week, got a tad obsessive hehe

Though I eat healthy these days I've been unable to give up my sweet snack at night. But gone are the days of eating large bars of chocolate and whole tubs of Pringles, now moderation is the key and this low calorie vanilla hot chocolate with biscuits are a very yummy alternative! It's the little changes that show the biggest results.

Puffed whole wheat oats, these things are great as a mix in with your yogurt. And be sure to add some honey great combo!

An oldie but a goodie.

Hope you guys are having a great week, if your as lucky as me be sure to get outside and make the most of this beautiful weather. Can finally see Summer showing itself, just in time for my mum and nan who are flying over next week!

xx




Healthy Chocolate Ripple cake!

As a kid my ultimate birthday cake was the chocolate ripple cake. If your unfamiliar with this cake its an Aussie favourite which has only two ingredients, whipping cream and Arnots ripple biscuits. Now your probably looking at these two ingredients going ummmmmm no eggs no flour how is this suppose to make a cake! Well it's magic or that's what I use to think as a kid, in actual fact its quite simple.

Recipe- Chocolate Ripple cake!

-Low Fat Whipping cream ( The lower in calories the better just make sure your able to whip the cream into stiff peaks)
- Plain chocolate biscuits ( Originally this recipe calls for Arnots ripple biscuits which are around 60 calories per biscuit! which is a big no no for my low cal version so instead I found chocolate biscuits for 30 calories each)

First stage is whipping up the cream into stiff peaks, but make sure you don't whip for too long or it will turn to butter! With a knife spread a thick dollop onto the first biscuit and get another biscuit and make a mini sandwich cookie. On a plate place the joined cookies on their side and grab another biscuit and do the same but this time sandwich it with the two cookies on the plate. Keep repeating this process until you have made a long cylinder snake like cake shape. Then with the remaining cream carefully spread it around the entire outside of the cake until it is completely covered. Then the tricky part, pop it into the fridge and wait over night. This is when the magic happens the next morning when you cut into the creamy goodness (make sure to cut on an angle!) you will find that the biscuits have turned into an amazing cakey master piece!

My mum use to decorate this cake with smarties and other goodies turning it into a snake for my birthday which always made me squeal with delight. So the options are endless with this cake, you could try different flavoured biscuits or even flavoured cream what ever you want! But be sure to start with the original and in my heart the best, you wont be disappointed!

Wednesday 22 May 2013

Lsmt audition in London

So this weekend I had an audition at LSMT for their one year course and as this was my final audition the pressure was on! The first part of the audition consisted of me singing two contrasting songs, after which I would find out if I was successful in moving on to the call backs or not.

My morning didn't start off too well as I woke to a migraine but I was determined to plow through. Once in London we got ourselves some highly needed caffeine and started the long treak over the Thames to Southbank where I bought myself a naughty little pastry to kick start my engines for the morning audition.  The audition itself was really great, unlike other schools I felt very relaxed and not at all nervous making it much easier to concentrate and get in the zone. The panel consisted of two men who were both welcoming and knowledgeable. I was so chuffed with my songs and how they went and I was beyond thrilled when they told me on the spot that they wanted me to come back for the call backs! They gave me heaps of tips on what they wanted me to do for next time, including chucking on some heels and embracing my height which I couldn't be more happy with!

So I've got two weeks to learn a new song and a new monologue, but I love the pressure so bring on the call backs!

Now for some instagram moments of course!

 

Mid day pick me up from Whole Foods, Banana honey and granola so yummy! Also bought a ginger drink to settle my stomach seems migraines tend to make me fill ill.

Seems to be working!

One of my biggest fans keeping me company on a very stressful day hehe


Been wanting to try a goodie from this bakery forever! It's called The Outsider Tart and after a successful audition I rewarded myself with a snickers brownie.

Filled with caramel, peanuts and chocolate whats not to love!

Finished off the day with a little visit to the Queen. The gods were definitely smiling down on me that day!

Love and hugs to all xxx

Thursday 16 May 2013

Healthy Bites

Hay guys hope your all having an awesome week!

Today is a special day as Dan finally finishes uni as well. I am currently sitting in our living room waiting for his return with a fridge full of goodies which have taken me two days to make! The reason behind this is because the recipe needs dulce del leche, and being me I decided to grab a can of condensed milk and make some myself. It took around 4hrs to cook in the simmering water and if you want to do this yourself at home make sure to poke some holes in the top of the can or it might explode. Yes given the sound of a caramel flavoured explosion does sound temping... but the clean up is so not worth it!

They may look simple but these things are a family favourite in my house hold so no judging! I used hobnobs and in the oven i warmed them till they were soft enough the mold into little cups then I spooned in my yummy caramel and then topped it off with whipped cream. Note to all, you've probably gathered these are so not low fat but as a treat to yourself I highly recommend them! Best thing is there so rich you'll only need one to be fully satisfied.

Baked oatmeal has been my go to breaky this week! With a combo of berries, bananas and hazelnuts this was a yummy meal to wake up too.

How good does this look! A simple egg white omlette with tomatos and strawberries on the side.

Major bread craving this week so I decided to head to the shops and pick up some good quality soda bread. Peanut butter on one and cheese and turkey on the other. This got rid of the cravings and made me a very happy girl!





Late night tonight just got home from watching The Great Gatsby (Left this post half undone from this morning so wanted to finish it off lol). This was a visual master piece! I loved how they made it current to younger audiences with music and costumes, very clever indeed. Buy your tickets asasp, this is a must see for lovers of class and elegance.





Tuesday 14 May 2013

Pb2 Popcorn and fitness progress!

Hey guys happy Tuesday!

If you remember from my trip up to London I bought a bag of Gourmet popcorn from Whole Foods and I've been itching to use it ever since. Luckily last Friday Star trek opened in our local cinema and I couldn't think of a better excuse!

To make this as guilt free as possible I didn't want to use any fat to cook the corn, so I tested out a few kernels and when they popped I knew it was hot enough.

The key in making sure your corn doesn't burn is to shake the pot every now and then, and what ever you do don't take your eyes off it!

And like magic I made popcorn! I felt like a little kid giggling as the popcorn jumped and popped Dan found the whole thing very amusing. For the movie I decided to add Pb2 and a tbsp of melted choc chips. Two cups came to only 100 calories! So I added half a cup of Cheerios into the mix hehe Was a great success and with The Great Gatsby opening this week I cant wait to try a new combination. Any suggestions??

If you follow me on Instagram you would of already seen this but I couldnt help but show you a photo of my progress so far. I dont want to post a full body shot until the end of my bikini challege but I thought this would give you guys an idea of how far I've come. It's nice to see these photos and know that all the early mornings are really paying off and to know that this is only the start of my journey!


Kisses and big bear hugs! xx


Sunday 12 May 2013

Summer Ball!

So here it is as promised!

The day started off with a much awaited trip to the salon. Now as a girl who has quite a bit of hair I prepared myself for a long appointment , seems I was getting a full head of foils and a cut and finish. But much to my surprise it took little over 3 hours! Though I was not one to argue as the finished product was fantastic!

On the bus over to Chichester doesn't my hair look great!...

And presto! Everything about my hair I love, I got it shorter then usual to keep it nice and healthy. If you have long hair like me this is a must as it keeps those scary split ends at bay!

Now on to the Summer ball!

I've had this dress since I was 17 and I'm proud to say that this is the best its ever fit me!

My sexy man in his sexy suit hehe

Silent disco! You get a pair of headphones and have two stations to choose from. It was so funny watching everyone dance and sing, without a doubt the best part of the night!

 
 
 

Sadly you cant see but for my makeup I went with an amazing combo of different golds to match my gold accessories. I also went all out with low lights and highlights to really bring out my cheek bones.


All in all it was a great night! The only down fall being that pesky British weather showing up around midnight leading to an early departure home. But we made the most of it with a sneaky late night food shop where I picked up some green tea, kiwis and low fat gelato, as any normal student does after a night out!...



Thursday 9 May 2013

Last day of university

So if you read my last post you'll know as of this morning I am no longer a university student! I completed my last performance assessment mid day, which if you wanted to know was a fully devised musical by me and a few other girls. I was in charge of set design and I was thrilled with how my work turned out!

This is only a rough draft of what I did, but I'm so proud  I even got this software to work cause I am by no means a tech wiz.

After the assessment I rewarded myself with some goodies!
My stunning new bag arrived which was an awesome surprise! Got this off asos, been wanting a tote for ages!

Soy Latte from Dan hehe

New earrings and scarf. Love the shape of gold these earrings, definitely my go to accessory this summer.

Healthy Bites

Been awhile since I posted one of these! Been crazy busy with my last week of uni but I've got my act together and am here to show you all the lovely bits and pieces my tummies enjoyed this week.

Simple and clean what more could you want!

Greek yogurt, banana, berries, granola and PB2. Wow what a combo!

I've replaced my bread with whole wheat pitas, I find I don't bloat as much when I eat these.

My go to combo before every workout, then after my workout I have my breaky. This wakes your body up without dragging it down with way too much food.

Roasted hazelnuts were the star ingredient of this meal so yummy!

Excited to say I officially finished university today so as a present to myself. I grabbed a yummy teriyaki salmon with black rice it was delicious.

Hope you enjoyed my post! Stay tuned because tomorrow I  will be going to my Summer Ball and will have my camera at the ready to document every part of the day!

xx