happy hallowe'en...

I hope everyone has some fun plans to celebrate Hallowe'en. This is me and my friends Jilly and Ken, in London getting ready for a Hallowe'en in 2011.

happy birthday to my mom...

Today is my mom's birthday and I want to wish her a very special Happy Birthday. I wish I could be there to celebrate with you but I am certain that you and the girls will have some big plans made to celebrate.

I love you so much and you really are the greatest Mom ever. You are always there for me when I need it, but you have always given me the space and time I need to grow too.

I can't wait to come home and share some stories and giggles and tears with you. You never fail to make me laugh until I cry.

Have an amazing day.

A super special Happy Birthday to my Aunty Helen today aswell. Cannot wait to come to New Zealand and spend Christmas with you. It is going to be one hell of an adventure.

Lots and lots of love
Elaine. Xxx

berry berry burgundy...

Burgundy is big this Autumn. It's everywhere! In the shops and on the catwalks and I love it. I wish it was Autumn here too but I have found a few pieces that I can also work for Spring/Summer while I'm in Australia.

Why not swap up your old faithful black trousers for some brand spanking new burgundy ones.

Accessorise with a handbag and work the look for night or day.

Keep the winter chills away with a cute chunky knit.

Add a sharp blazer to finish off any chic look.

Not brave enough to go all berry like? Just add a slick of burgundy polish to take part in this seasons hottest trend.

healthy ham quiche...

I think there may be a bit of a pattern forming with any recipes I share, they all seem to be one pot wonders or pretty close to it. It's not that I'm a lazy cook or can't wash up although I'm sure if I didn't have my amazing fiance to wash up after me I might be less inclined to cook, its just that these are the kind of meals I love to eat and love to serve. I'm a massive sharer and even when out for dinner I love to get all different dishes so that everyone can taste a bit of everything else. I also hate waste and love dishes where you can use up any little leftovers that you have lying around. What you might think is destined for the bin can soon be turned into something delicious once you know how. This is another recipe I found in a healthy magazine. I love finding recipes in magazines and then changing them up a little, this usually involves making them less healthy by adding more cheese or cream but hey an extra walk around the park will sort that out.

This one is delicious and can be served up with potato salad, or coleslaw or just a simple green salad if you like.

Ingredients:
2 slices whole-grain bread, roughly chopped
1 large egg plus 5 large egg whites, maybe keep the extra egg yokes to make some homemade mayonnaise for the potato salad. yummy.
1 1/2 cups semi skimmed milk
165g ham, roughly cut into small cubes, you dont need to be too fussy about this. Use up any left overs you may have from a boiled ham in this recipe.
100g low-fat Swiss cheese cut into small cubes, the original recipe called for a little less but hey you only live once, use different cheese for different flavours too, whatever you have lying around.
1 bunch green onions, trimmed and thinly sliced
2 tsp dried sage
1/2 tsp ground black pepper

1. Preheat oven to 190°C/ 375°F/ Gas mark 4.
2. In a food processor chop bread into rough crumbs. You can do this easily using the pulse setting.
3. Put the crumbs in an oven proof baking dish and press the crumbs firmly onto bottom of the dish to form a crust.
4. Bake this for 10 minutes, until the edges go a golden colour.
5. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk egg, egg whites and milk until just combined.
6. Add the remaining ingredients and whisk until well blended.
7. Pour egg mixture over top of crust. Bake for 60-65 minutes or until top is puffed up and golden brown and a knife comes out clean when inserted into the middle.
8. Remove from the oven and let to stand for at least 10 minutes.
9. Run your knife around the edge to try to loosen the quiche from the dish. Then cut into pieces and serve up.

Mmmmm Delicious...

zoo day fun...

The sun was shining last Saturday so myself and Billy decided to go and visit Melbourne Zoo. We had the most amazing day there. We are really like two big kids when it comes to anything to do with animals. There was so much to see so we really made the most of our time there and enjoyed lots of frozen yogurt to keep cool aswell.

I love giant tortoises, they move so slowly and just look so chilled. I bet if we moved that slowly we could live for hundreds of years too.

Lemurs have got to be a zoo favourite. I remember visiting Fota Wildlife Park when we were younger and having the Lemurs run off with all our sweets and lunches. Cheeky little chaps.

Meerkats!!! These little guys are so funny to watch. They are so busy busy and always scampering about everywhere.

This gorilla looked like she wasn't to be messed with. She was pretty happy though just picking leaves.

Look at this little guy. I know my mom will be cooing over the computer at how cute he is. Such an adoreable little face. I want him.

The Orangutans were so beautiful. They were real posers too.

This tiger was seriously difficult to photograph, we got there just before feeding time so he was pretty restless.

I love playing the tourist. We have a Melbourne bucket list so are slowly but surely making our way through it all.

fun friday facts...

It's Friday and that means it's time for some more fun friday facts.

did you know...

Coca Cola was originally green.

Every person has a unique tongue print.

Leonardo da Vinci could write with one hand and draw with the other at the same time.

A 'jiffy' is an actual unit of time: 1/100th of a second.

The first couple to be shown in bed together on prime time television were Fred and Wilma Flintstone.

Clans of long ago that wanted to get rid of their unwanted people without killing them used to burn their houses down - hence the expression "to get fired."

The dot over the letter 'i' is called a tittle.

Hope everyone enjoys the weekend! Xx

rings that bling...

I was asked the other day for some ideas for finding a nice ring that could be worn every day comfortably. The lovely lady who was asking is quite like me, an outdoors kinda gal who likes nothing more than hanging out with her ponies but also loves to stick on a good pair of heels and get dolled up for the right occassion too. It got me thinking and searching and between us we came up with a few ideas.

notonthehighstreet.com has to be the most fun website ever. You go on here to look for something specific and can spend an entire afternoon looking up everything else. For presents this really is a one stop shop.

Here are some of my favourite ring picks from this website. The prices vary aswell so there is something to suit every budget which I just love. If you are looking for a fashion ring for a special event or something that you can wear for life you will be able to find it here.

I love a good cocktail ring and the bigger the better. This one is a real statement piece and would look fab with an all black outfit or would look just as good with some jeans and a white t-shirt.

I love this cute little perspex ring, and think this would make the cutest engagement ring. Even if it was just a stand in until you helped pick out the real deal.

Stackable rings are in right now but I just love the simplicity of these three rings. They would look just as good worn seperately too.

These little love knot rings have been in the press of late too. They are really sweet and I think a nice fine silver one would be just beautiful.

I love silver and gold together. I know people think you should just stick with one or the other but I always love to mix and match between the two. This ring is just stunning and would definitely gather a few admirers.

I love the brushed look of this ring. It is so simple and the finish of the metal really sets it apart from other similar styles.

This Black Onyx ring is amazing. A slick of black nail polish would really set this beauty off.

Such a pretty little flower ring. The lines are so simple and so clean and fresh looking, this ring really makes me smile.

How sweet is this ring? I love the design of this. It is so different and such a lovely shape.

You really cannot beat a classic silver band. The hammered effect on this one makes it look even more amazing.

Again I think my eye was drawn to this ring because it is a mix of silver and gold. If it was just the one metal it wouldn't look half as striking as it does.

This ring is amazing. It is cut straight from quartz crystal. The colours are so beautiful too.

Here is another stone ring but with a different view. I love how the top looks like lots and lots of crystals all pushed together. I can't decide if I like the blue or the pink better.

When it comes to choosing a ring there really is sooooo many to pick from. I find you really can't be sure until you have tried a few on too as you really cannot be sure until you see it on your hand. Happy ring shopping and don't forget to check out notonthehighstreet.com too.

trick or treats...

So I know that around this time of year in almost every restaurant, cafe and bakery there will be pumpkin inspired recipes on every menu and blackboard. I like pumpkin, but there's only so much pumpkin soup or pumpkin pie that one can eat, so I went in search of a pumpkin recipe that I hadn't tried or even heard of before and I think I came up with a real gem.

It's fair to say I'm a bit of a chocoholic, so this one satisfies both my chocolate desires while also using the delicious pumpkin that is up for grabs everywhere right now.

Pumpkin and Nutella muffins

Ingredients:

2 cups of all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda
1/2 a teaspoon of salt
1 cup of canned pumpkin
1/2 a cup of granulated sugar
1/2 a cup of brown sugar
1 large egg
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
2 tablespoons of milk
2 teaspoons of vanilla extract (not essence)
nutella, yum, if you're like me you will use a lot.

1. Preheat the oven to 190°/ 350°F/ Gas mark 4.
2. Line a muffin tray with liners or if your using a silicone muffin tray there is no need to use the liners.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, bicarbonate of soda and the salt together
4. In large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin, sugar, and brown sugar. Beat in the egg, vegetable oil, milk and vanilla extract.
5. Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet mixture and whisk until there are no lumps.
6. Fill the muffin trays until they are 3/4 full.
7. Top each muffin with about 1 teaspoon of Nutella and use a toothpick to swirl it into the batter. If the nutella is quite hard pop the jar in the microwave for a few seconds to soften it a little. If like me you love nutella then why not pop some nutella into the middle of each muffin too before filling the muffin tray.
8. Bake muffins for 14-16 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Serve warm but do be careful as the nutella will be hot after cooking so be sure to allow enough cooling time.

These are delicious served with hot chocolate too. Mmm very Autumnal.

Enjoy.

cambodia is calling...

Earlier this year I was fortunate enough to be able to live and teach English in Siem Reap in Cambodia for two months. This was one of the most amazing experiences of my entire life and I loved almost every minute of it. I didn't love the mosquito bites so much but I guess they come as part of the package. We met wonderful and inspiring people every day we were there. A lot of these people have nothing, the children have two sets of clothes, one being their school uniform, they go without shoes, they go without meals and they work, they work hard, at home, in the fields, helping parents and guardians and yet they used to come to school smiling and full of life and love for everything and everyone around them.

This was my last day at school with the kids. They love having their photograph taken and I was lucky enough that a few of the girls took my phone for me and filled it with over 100 photos of the day. Lots of amazing memories to look back on.

They also love showing the peace sign! As soon as a camera appears in Cambodia kids are flashing the peace sign in your direction.

A little downpour isn't going to dampen these guy's spirits. I'd told Reaksmey to stay in out of the rain but he couldn't help having a splash about in the puddles before coming back to show off the damage.

We went to see the Temples at Angkor Wat for sunset and sunrise and the sights were mind blowing. The heat was pretty mind blowing too. Good job we had packed plenty of water and sugary snacks to keep us going.

I could not get enough coconut water while I was in Cambodia. It cost a dollar at most and it was so refreshing and so good for you too. I stayed a few days with some families in their homes and they used just knock a coconut out of the tree and chop the top off for me. When we had drank all the water we cut the coconut up and ate the flesh. Yum.

If you ever have the chance to visit Cambodia do not miss out on all this amazing country has to offer. I'm hoping to tie in a trip back there on our way home from Australia. Would be a shame to be so close and to pass it by.

op shop shopping...

I have found a new love in op shop shopping. Op shops and charity shops are full of hidden opportunities just waiting to be discovered. I was always a fan of charity shops when I lived in London and over the years have found some really amazing pieces for even better prices and since I have come to Australia have found an even greater love for op shops.

Since I've been travelling for the last few months and know that I have a restricted weight allowance on my luggage I am a little more thoughful when shopping and that is why op shops are the perfect solution. I'm able to pick up amazing bargains for a snippet of the original price. Some of the pieces I will just leave behind when I have to move on again and others I will be sure to make room for in my bags.

Some people think that they could never been seen in an op shop and can't imagine wearing something that has already seen a bit of the world but you find some real hidden treasures in op shops.

I first go and look at the shoes. So many people buy shoes and try them on, only to discover they don't fit or they can't walk in them. I have bought at least five pairs of brand new shoes over the years and rarely paid more than £10 for them.

Next I look at the belts. I love leather belts and people part with nice leather belts far too easily in my opinion. Again you can pick these up for only a couple of dollars a piece where you might spend a lot more in a high street shop for them.

Finally I do a scout of the rails. Depending on the mood I'm in or a particular piece I'm looking for it could be a quick browse or I may end up spending half and hour in the changing room. Sometimes it will be just my luck that I spot the perfect dress only to find it is two sizes too small but I guess that is the luck of the draw! I especially love finding clothes that still have the shop labels on them because then you know you are really getting a bargain and if you're really lucky like I was the other day you may turn up on a 50% off day which means you get even more value for money.

Here are some of my many op shop finds...

This leather belt was £3 in a charity shop in London.

These shoes were brand new from Zara and they were only $10

These leather boots were only $8. Perfect for work with tights and a dress.

These shorts still have the tags on and were $14.99, however it was 50% off day so I got them for $7.49. What a bargain!

I also love a good clear out and it's great to bring your unwanted items to an op shop where the proceeds will help someone else. Don't just dump them unless they really are beyond saving.

choco banana toasties...

I love toasties. They are always a massive winner with me. I remember when we were young and I'd come home from horse-riding and it would be so cold in the winter and toasties would always hit the spot and warm my fingers too.

I'm a sucker for a ham, cheese and mushroom toasty as I love mushrooms with everything. Sometimes it's a struggle for me not eat them all raw before I even manage to cook them.

I also love any toasty with leftover turkey or chicken, add some cheese and onion, maybe a few mushys too. mmmmm yummy. Toasties are such a great way to use up all those odds and ends in the fridge too which is another one of my favourite things to do. Clean out the fridge and slap it all between two slices of bread. Delicious.

I've tried a variety of toasty combinations but all were savoury until I discovered this little gem. Great as a breakfast toasty, or a kind of healthy snack too.

Choco Banana Toasties

Ingredients:
4 slices of bread
1 Banana, cut into slices
Nutella

This one probably doesnt need any instructions but here we go, make a banana and nutella sandwich and toast until golden and gooey. Leave to cool for a moment or so as the nutella can get very hot and you don't want a burnt mouth. Nothing worse.

Cut up and enjoy. Yummy. Perfect with a mug of hot chocolate on a cold winters night snuggled up watching a movie.

friday feeling...

Yippee it's Friday!! Let the weekend begin. I cannot wait to enjoy some sunshine, hang out with my amazing fiance and catch up with my brother too.

I decided as it's Friday it might be fun to learn some fun facts. I have a crazy memory and remember none of the important stuff but will always have a fun fact on hand to get me out of a sticky spot.

Here we go... did you know...

It's possible to lead a cow upstairs...but not downstairs.

Dogs have four toes on their hind feet, and five on their front feet.

Polar bears are left handed.

No word in the English language rhymes with month, orange, silver, and purple.

If you put a raisin in a glass of champagne, it will keep floating to the top and sinking to the bottom.

Have a great weekend everyone.

roadtrippin...

Nothing says fun filled weekend like a road trip. It was my fiance and I's anniversary this weekend so we decided to hire a car and hit the road. I get super excited about the tiniest of things so this had me buzzing before hand. Plans galore.

I'm not a massive route planner when I'm driving as I believe you find the best places when you are "lost" not that I ever get lost! I generally just find more exciting ways of getting to my destination then the original advised route. One time Claire and I talked so much on a journey to Bantry that we ended up in Kerry. It was pretty hilarious although Claire was not too impressed with our detour, even less so when I decided the fastest way back would be over the hills. It wasn't but we did laugh quite a lot on our adventure and we did get there in the end although we were about three hours late.

Billy is definitely not someone who enjoys my little driving adventures but he tries to stay calm and not frown too much in my direction. He has been told on more than one occasion that if he doesn't like how we get there just go to sleep and he'll be woken once we land. Luckily enough this weekend was just perfect and if he had slept he would have missed some of the most amazing sights in the world. With only one route to take there wasn't much chance of us getting lost either.

For those that do not know, The Great Ocean Road is the largest war memorial in the world. It was built by returned soldiers between 1919 and 1932 and is dedicated to soldiers killed during World War I. The road stretches from Torquay to Allansford and is 243 kilometres (151 miles long). Most people travel just a small section of the road but nothing would do me but to travel the whole road, both ways.

Here is the Great Ocean Road Memorial Archway. It was built as a tribute to the soldiers from the First World War who were involved in the construction of the Great Ocean Road.

We stopped at Torquay for lunch and couldn't help but have a little run around on the beach in the sunshine. The weather was perfect for a road trip. We were so lucky.

This is the Grotto. It was so breathtaking. Just beyond the arch there is a pool of still water, it looks so calm and then right behind that you see the sea crashing against the rocks. It was such a contrast and just really beautiful to see.

This is the arch. It was so amazing to watch the waves crashing through here.

This is London bridge. There used to be another arch connecting this rock formation to the mainland however it collapsed in 1990. Fortunately nobody was injured however there were two tourists stranded on the remaining piece that had to be rescued by helicopter.

I have loads more pictures of the twelves apostles but unfortunately they don't want to be uploaded at the moment so I will have to pop them up later. For anyone travelling in Australia please do not miss out on this amazing trip. You can book a day tour really easily or do what we did and hire a car and book somewhere nice to stay and make a weekend of it.