Vegetarian Paella

Just like *that*, I am back in the meal rut. I experience this lull often and it seriously gets me down. Sticking to the same ingredients, same styles, same recipes. It's monotonous and tiresome. On the flip side, those spare couple of hours required to produce the perfect, healthy, tasty meal, don't exist around here. Organisation and planning are the keys I am thinking, but until such time as I can properly do either of these, I'll have to settle for some simple options like the one I cooked this evening.

I have always loved paella, but never attempted to make it. So the only time I get to enjoy it, is when I have Spanish, which isn't often. When I saw a recipe for vegetarian paella in none other than my new copy of the Women's Weekly 100 Family Meals cookbook (surely I should have shares in these publications by now), it was just begging me to give it a try. I mainly lean towards vegetarian meals, with the exception of chicken and fish and occasionally some mince meat. Therefore I'm forever on the lookout for vego inspiration. However, I am married to one of the biggest carnivores on the planet, so there is generally some tweaking. For this dish, I cooked up a couple of chorizo sausages, chopped them up and threw them into Scott's portion. Everyone satisfied.


The only thing I would add to this recipe to give it a little more oomph would be a sprinkle of fresh chilli or even a pinch of chilli flakes. I was very impressed by the rich colours in this dish. So pretty. Low fat too, with only 6g total fat (1g saturated) per serving. Enjoy!

Vegetarian Paella

2 cups (500ml) vegetable stock

3 cups (750ml) water

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 cloves garlic, crushed

1 medium red onion (170g), chopped finely

2 medium tomatoes (300g), seeded, chopped finely

1 medium red capsicum (bell pepper) (200g), chopped finely

1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric

2 teaspoons smoked sweet paprika

1 3/4 cups (350g) arborio rice

1 cup (120g)  frozen peas

100g frozen baby beans

1/4 cup (30g) seeded black olives, sliced

1/3 cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Combine stock and water in medium saucepan; bring to the boil. Remove from heat

Heat oil in large frying pan; cook garlic, onion, tomato, capsicum, turmeric and paprika, stirring, until vegetables soften

Add rice; stir to coat in mixture

Stir in stock mixture; bring to the boil

Simmer, uncovered, about 20 minutes or until rice is almost tender

Sprinkle peas and beans evenly over surface of paella; simmer, covered, about 5 minutes or until rice is tender

Add olives and parsley; stand, covered, 5 minutes

Blogoversary & Thank You giveaway

One year ago today, Mama of 2 boys was born. 8 posts penned in the first week and not another word written for the next 9 weeks. Probably a good thing, as those early posts are quite cringeworthy different to the posts since I resumed blogging regularly in January this year. But for me, that is what my blog is all about... evolution. I kicked it off at a time when I desperately needed to express my thoughts, feed my hunger for writing and most importantly, begin recording a keepsake for my two wild and wonderful boys. 

As is the case with so many ventures in life, I had no idea I would discover the world I did. Blogging has opened my eyes to a galaxy of beautiful, funny, intelligent, kind, caring, clever, talented women. All I can feel is privileged to be a part of it all. Not only do I have a space where my ramblings and precious memories can reside, I also have an incredible collection of individuals, who seem to understand where I'm coming from. After all, so many of you have been there or are there or plan to go there someday. You have enriched and inspired me. 

On that note, I would like to offer up my first ever giveaway. The blogging world is such a generous one and this is something I have looked forward to doing for a long time. But thought the 1st anniversary would be a good time to start. So I have 3 packs, each represents a bundle of things that I love. What better way to show my gratitude to you lovely followers out there, for your support and friendship.

Pack 1 - Heart of the home: I do enjoy baking a tasty sweet treat. So this bunch contains all things kitchen. A set of babushka nesting cups (which just so happen to also be measuring cups)... too cute; A heart shaped set of 3 sauce and dip bowls in basic white porcelain... I like these treasures very much; A floral print cooking apron... so pretty! And of course... a Women's Weekly 'delicious desserts' cookbook... some ridiculously delicious recipes in this one, 70 of them in fact!

Pack 2 - For the love of stationery: I've always been a stationery hoarder, simply cannot. have. enough. So this lot delivers a Kikki K black cube note pad, with a Kikki K white pen for doodling... very groovy; A Typo stamp set... because stamps are so much fun (hopefully that's not just my opinion!?); And a Typo note book and spotty pen... I adore red, black and white... together or alone, but this notebook and pen satisfies on all counts.

Pack 3 - Have fun and relax: I think this collection might just be my personal favourite. Filled with items that make me feel good. A pack of 2 Kikki K candles... lime blossom & lime coconut... lovely! More coconut, in the form of an Evodia fragrance roll-on... I LOVE coconut scented anything and it reminds me of the freshness of the beach... double bonus; iTunes $20 gift card... I am a music lover and a self confessed iTunes addict... couldn't help but share that joy around; Summer scarf in what looks like red and white, but is actually coral and white... I'm a big fan of the scarf; And a cheeky red, card holder... purely because I thought it was rather nice, I bought one for myself and I believe you can never have too many purses, wallets or cardholders in the rotation.

I really gained much enjoyment in finding these bits and pieces to put together for you delightful followers out there and I'm very excited to be running this little thank you giveaway. Just a few Terms and Conditions:

• Thank you giveaway will run until next Monday 14th November.
• All followers (new and old) who leave a comment on this post will be in the running.
• Only residents of Australia may enter... big apologies to my lovely overseas contingent.
• 3 winners will be chosen at random and announced on the evening of Monday 14th. 

Celebrations, Sculptures & living in the moment

On paper, we had a brilliant weekend. Powder blue skies, abundant sunshine, warm gentle breeze everywhere we went. Birthday celebrations for a very special one year old gal, who's mama is a dear friend of mine. Then an excursion to see the magnificent Sculptures By The Sea, in keeping with our annual family tradition. All good, happy times, lots of fun and yet this evening, I feel somewhat unsettled. It may have something to do with the general over-tired, over-stimulated, over-emotional mood about the place. Sort of leaves me a bit overwhelmed, for want of a better word.


Upcoming dates, times, events, commitments, appointments, decisions. All swirling around like a vortex in my head. And of course the every day bump and grind. Scott at work for 60+ hours per week, a spirited almost 4 year old determined to cross swords with me daily and a cranky 16 month old who is sprouting teeth faster than the speed of light. Sometimes it is easier just to look at things on paper. And enjoy life for what it is... living in the moment.

Little Adventurers

Sometimes I wonder just when I became SO soft. The air-con in our car was on the blink for all of 5 days. Despite enjoying the sensation of wind in our hair, stereo blaring, singing loudly... exhaust fumes and noise pollution through the open windows was not so enjoyable. It's rather convenient that the car was due for a service anyway, because it made me feel a little better when including an air-con repair on the 'to do' list. Having the car at the mechanics is not one of my favourite things. Aside from the inevitable costly expenditure it entails, it leaves me stranded without a car and two little big men to cart around. It makes me nervous, as part of the benefit of the car is having a quick getaway if the boys turn on me while we're out and about.

Angus is big on adventures at the moment. He often talks about us going on adventures as a family. The six or so hours we needed to occupy while waiting for the car, presented the perfect opportunity for an adventure. My decision to keep it outdoors and active worked a treat, as the cloudy skies cleared and burst forth with toasty sunshine for the duration of our travels. We boarded a bus to the city, a ferry to Manly and stepped back in time with a walk down the Corso to Manly Beach. It has been years since I visited Manly. And I was reminded of exactly why I loved it so much as a teen and young twenty something. 

The boys delighted in the change of coastal scenery. Angus mesmerised by the funny little popping fountains all about the place. My best efforts to keep him out of them were to no avail, as before too long, sandals were off and feet were splishing and splashing in all their bare glory. A lovely little park discovery, chippies in the sun, a dreamy midday siesta for Felix and an eye-poppingly tasty Copenhagen vanilla icecream with sprinkles for Angus, bulked up our adventure nicely. Then, an exhausted Mama and two boys were homeward bound. On the Manly ferry, cutting it's way to Circular Quay. And I seriously, could not. stop. singing that Australian Crawl classic and 80's favourite of mine, for the rest of the afternoon. 

Pink Babycakes for Breast Cancer

If there's a cause I am sincerely passionate about, it is cancer research. Every form of cancer, every type of event, every single charity established to raise funds and awareness. I'll raise my hand to support and encourage, in whatever way I possibly can. Because this cruel and wicked beast touches far too many of us, in numerous ways and varying degrees. For me, it is more than fighting an evil presence, it is about realisation of my blessings. For every minute spent getting involved or each dollar out of my pocket, I am acknowledging my own good fortune. Giving thanks for my health, in the here and now. Who knows what the future has in store, but at this very moment, I am lucky. And I want to share that luck, in what is honestly the simplest of ways.

On Saturday, I attended a pink ribbon breakfast/girl's morning in fundraiser. Hosted by a friend who's own Mama is continuing her battle against breast cancer. A more uplifting morning, I could not have wished for. This friend has a beautiful way about her. Strong, clever and so inspirational to me. On Friday I was at work and upon my travels in IGA, on my lunch break, I stumbled across a mud cake with bright pink icing. It was a McGrath Foundation specific cake... though only 40 cents of the sale was to be passed onto the foundation itself. I picked it up, wandered around the store, pondered whether to buy it or not. It was definitely an easy option... but it's not always about the easy option. So I took my lazy hat off and booted myself into action on Friday evening. Baking a batch of butter babycakes to take along to the fundraiser instead. With an ever-so-subtle pale pink icing for effect. It's the least I could do. 

Babycakes

125g butter, softened, chopped

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2/3 cup (150g) caster sugar

3 eggs

1 1/2 cups (225g) self-raising flour

1/4 cup (60ml) milk

Preheat oven to 180/ 160 degrees for fan forced. Line mini muffin pans with paper cases

Combine butter, extract, sugar, eggs, sifted flour and milk in small bowl of electric mixer; beat on low speed until ingredients are just combined

Increase speed to medium; beat about 3 mins or until mixture is smooth and changed to a paler colour

Divide mixture among cases; bake about 20 mins

Turn cakes, top-side up, onto wire rack to cool

Meanwhile, make vanilla butter cream

Butter Cream

125g butter, softened, chopped

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups (240g) icing sugar

2 tablespoons milk

Beat butter and extract in small bowl with electric mixer until as white as possible

Gradually beat in half the sifted icing sugar, milk, then remaining icing sugar

Add a drop or two of pink food colouring for pale pink icing

Getting back to nature

As time goes by, priorities consistently change. Which keeps life interesting and gives purpose to the every day. For the first 3 years of marriage, Scott and I were footloose and fancy free. Doing what we liked, when we liked. Each year, we marked our wedding anniversary with a weekend away or a holiday. Good times that we will always look back on in the same hazy, romantic way we look back on most things we did, prior to starting a family.

Yesterday, we celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary, in true family style, with the afternoon spent at one of our favourite parks. The sun finally escaped the heavy clouds and shone through in spectacular form. The boys ran and crawled and discovered. They played hide and seek, finding secret spots in the trunks of large trees and underneath low lying canopies of leaves and branches. Felix experienced pine needles for the first time and delighted in scrunching whole handfuls of them between his chunky little fingers. A perfect setting for exploring nature to their hearts content. And whilst it wasn't quite as relaxing or near as indulgent for us, as anniversaries passed, it was in every way as memorable.

Joining in with the lovely Kellie at 1000 Homes of Happiness, working through the playlist, encouraging outdoor, imaginative, free-ranging play.

Seven Years

A wedding is a beautiful celebration. The fun, fashion and romance. Food, drink and dancing. Smiles, tears and all round euphoria in the air. But wedding's can also be almighty hectic, stressful and nerve wracking. An hour prior to departure from my parent's place, on my wedding day, I freaked out. Excitement and anticipation culminated in a rather emotional reaction to my hair and makeup. The expectations I placed on these two things were not met, in my critical eyes. I remember shakily walking into the bathroom, collecting my thoughts as I fought back tears and just. breathing. Deep and long. From that point onwards, I was fine. And apart from making Scott wait almost half an hour for my fashionably late arrival, he was fine also.

Seven years ago today, I married the love of a lifetime. A man who I've shared a strong affinity with from the moment we met. Someone who makes me laugh heartily and love passionately. Dream big and reach for the stars. A husband who's devotion grows stronger with each and every year we're together. And a friend who challenges me enough to keep the spark alive. If I had my time again, there are certain things I would change about our wedding day. Choices made by my somewhat naive and impressionable 25 year old self. Though a wedding is but only a day. A marriage is forever and that decision, I wouldn't change for the world.