Sunday, September 26, 2010

**HAIRCUTS & GELATO**




Sunday afternoons.......who doesn't like 'em?!

We had an active start to the morning-well hubby & the kids did.I stopped in to cook breakfast......after a quick run around the block we all sat down together for breakfast whilst watching a flick.....

I baked a lovely choc-mint loaf & gave my youngest a much needed haircut......I can actually see his face now :)

My dahling hubby skipped golf today & treated us to yummy gelato .....I had two scoops-choc & tiramisu........*bliss.Seeing that I have a birthday & our wedding anniversary coming up I decided to spoil myself & bought a lovely dress-it's a soft pink strapless gown & it makes my *girls* look really lush.........lol!!

We are all lounging about this minute.......maybe a bit of UGLY BETTY or some TRUE BLOOD??!!......before we head out for a rib-fest at one of our fave hotels...

On that note I bid you a lovely Sunday......have to run my pot of tea is calling!!

Thursday, September 23, 2010

**HAPPY BIRTHDAY PARTY TYE**




My little nephew Tye was 2 recently & his PARTY is tomorrow afternoon.....

We wish you a great time with all your little munchkin friends & we ALL wish we could be there to hug & kiss you all day long!!

We want to see pictures please!!

HAVE FUN!!

**RECOMMENDED MOVIE OF THE WEEK**


Last weekend I had a laaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaazy time-I served the net,ate too much cr*p & imprinted my arse on the couch watching back to back flicks.........

This week I suggest you grab yourself a copy of MOTHER & CHILD......oh by the way don't forget the Kleenex......

It's an intricate story revolving around ADOPTION.......many seperate lives & how they collide by choice & by default......

As a Mom I related to this story on a very personal level.....some of the characters could have been explained or developed more but that's just ME.......

Great ensemble cast, interesting topic......ENJOY!

**COCKTAIL OF THE WEEK**


WILD NIGHT OUT:
3 measures white tequila
2 measures cranberry juice
1 measure lime juice
crushed ice
club soda

Shake the first 3 ingredients over ice until well frosted
Fill a highball class halfway with ice & strain the cocktail over
Top up with club soda(to taste)

**FASHION ON A FRIDAY**




My dear pal Sarrah stuffed a ticket in my hand last week exclaiming:*You are my date next week* & walked off.......upon closer inspection I saw that it was a ticket to a fashion show scheduled for tonight........oooooooooooooooh la la!!

Fast forward seven days & VOILA!!......only thing is I have not a stitch to wear & it's raining outside........bleh!!


Tomorrow my eldest son is SWEET SIXTEEN........operative word being sixteen-he's going through that awful stage where he hates everything & only see me as as his own personal bank!!??......... hhhhhmmmmmmmm-it's hard selecting gifts for a boy -I did buy him these awesome hi-top sneakers & whatdoyouknow??-he ACTUALLY loves it!!.......I'm prolly going to end up putting some $$$ in a b'day card-I KNOW he's gonna love that.........!!!(oh don't fret he won't read this-all my kids think my BLOG is lame........bless 'em!!:).......with kids like that I tell ya..........lol!!

Hubby is off on some work seminar for the weekend but according to him-"I can't stay away from you for that long"-his words......he'll drive back on Sat night......only to play golf on Sunday.......MEN!!!

Anyhoo......the weekend is upon us-it's pouring in my neck of the woods so buckle up & drive carefully!!The rest of you go on & misbehave........I DARE YOU!!!*wink

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

**SEPTEMBER RECIPES 3**








TANDOORI CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS:

6-8 skinless chicken drumsticks
1/2 cup plain yoghurt
4 tbsp tandoori paste
4 tbsp chunky peanut butter
2 tsp cider vinegar

Combine all the ingredients in a bowl.
Marinate chicken for 1hr in the refrigerator
Grill in preheated oven @ 180C for appx 25min-turning regularly to ensure even cooking



BAKED APPLE CUPS:

4 lrge green apples (Granny Smith)
100g dried dates-roughly chopped
100g raisins-chopped
2 tbsp muscavado sugar
1 tsp mixed spice
1 orange-zest & juice.

Preheat oven to 160C
Halve the apples & scoop out the core & pips
Mix together all the ingredients except for the juice
Fill the apple with the mixed ingredients
Place on baking tray & cover with foil
Bake for appx 15-20min
If tender remove from oven & drizzle with orange juice
Serve with cream/ice cream



GARLIC PRAWNS:
24lrge prawn in shells
80g butter
3tbsp olive oil
50ml lemon juice
4 stalks spring onion,finely chopped
4 cloves garlic,crushed
12 lemon wedges for decoration
salt & pepper to taste

Slit the prawns down the back,open like a butterfly & remove the vein
Preheat the oven at 180C
Melt the butter in a shallow baking dish,mix in the olive oil,lemon juice,garlic & salt pepper
Dunk in the prawns,coating them well and place them side by side ,shell down on baking tray.Grill for about 5mins or until cooked
Place prawns on hot serving platter,pour the remaining sauce over it & decorate with lemon wedges


PEPPERMINT FRIDGE TART:
1 packet digestive biscuits/TENNIS biscuits
1 tin caramel condensed milk
500ml fresh cream(double cream)
2 tbsp sugar
1 large mint choc/PEPPERMINT CRISP chocolate -grated

Spread half of the TENNIS biscuits with caramel condensed milk & layer a shallow square dish with the biscuits facing upwards
Sweeten the double cream with sugar & beat until stiff-do not overbeat
Spoon cream on top of biscuits & sprinkle with grated chocolate
Keep layering until all ingredients has been used ending with a layer of choc



STRAWBERRY MOUSSE:
1 packet rasberry jelly
500ml low fat strawberry yoghurt
1 can evaporated milk(IDEAL)
1 cup boiling water
1 cup cold water

Mix the cold & hot water with rasberry jelly and leave to cool
In another bowl whip the evaporated milk well & then add strawberry yoghurt
Once the jelly has cooled off, add to the ideal milk and strawberry mixture and pour into a mould or individual bowls & refrigerate
*Best prepared the night before giving the mousse enough time to set


MALAY DOUGHNUTS:
1cup cake flour
1cup self raising flour
1tsp salt
1/4 cup butter/margarine
1tsp ginger
1tsp cinnamon
1tsp mixed spice
1tsp cardamom
2tsp soft brown sugar
2tsp white sugar
2tsp instant dry yeast
1 1/2 cups warm water

SYRUP:
1cup water
1/2 cup sugar
3tsp dessicated coconut
1 piece orange peel


In a mixing bowl combine flours with salt
Add butter & rub in gently until it resembles fine breadcrumbs
Add remaining ingredients using the warm water to form a dough
Do not kneed
Cover with plastic & leave in a warm place for appx 2hrs or until doubled in size ,then turn out on a lightly floured surface
Dip fingers & a knife into flour and use your (clean)hands to stretch the dough
Cut into 4cmx8cm strips & deep fry over medium heat in a deep saucepan
Insert fork to check if done & remove one by one-drain in colander or kitchen towel


To make syryp-bring water,sugar,coconut & orange peel to boil in a large saucepan until syrup starts to bubble

Prick each doughnut then lower into the syrup
Add as many doughnuts as the pan can hold
Turn often allowing the syrup to be absorbed until brown
Remove from pan with slotted spoons ,place on platter filled with coconut & cover well
Serve while hot

**JUST KEEP GOING.......**



As I'm sitting here munching on my beans on toast I think about all the people who might not have anything to eat this morning........or worse yet-who lost everything in last night's heavy rains.......?!

You switch on the news & hear all these dreadful stories happening on your doorstep or further away........people succumbing to disease,poverty & cruel acts by fellowmen.....

Everyday we should take the time & express our gratitude.....THANK GOD for blessing us with life,food & everything else that comes our way!!!For it is not a given but a GIFT!!

So to those of us who are struggling with small disasters-like my dear friend A-who had her purse snatched whilst doing a chore to help the community-at a PTA meeting.......!!?? (of all places) or my sweet friend P who are silently struggling to come to terms of moving country.......starting afresh.......

*THE MOST BEAUTIFUL DISCOVERY TRUE FRIENDS CAN MAKE IS THAT THEY CAN GROW SEPERATELY WITHOUT GROWING PART*

Just keep going......this too shall pass!!

Monday, September 20, 2010

**LOVELY MORNING FEELINGS**





I am almost fully recovered after an intense funfilled weekend...........:)

It all started on Friday night-involved two pitchers of mojitos & two pitchers of strawberry margheritas.........Saturday was less taxing on my liver but Sunday oh well Sunday.........lol!!

Anyhoo it's amazing how much easier life becomes if you surround yourself with good,happy people!!!

There is far too much strife,sadness & unhappiness in the world outside-no need to bring it in your home,inner circle or personal space.....

To EVERYONE reading this-I am sending you the BIGGEST smile ever....in hopes that you'll have a BEAUTIFUL day!!

Saturday, September 18, 2010

**CLOSE TO YOU**


Just back from the charity CANCER concert-we had so much fun on stage.I can hardly say the same about the rehearsals all week........May is the ultimate perfectionist & really drilled me to the bone for most of it.....:-)!!

We sang a golden oldie by the CARPENTERS......I readily admit I was very nervous & stood grinning on stage whilst trying to do KAREN & RICHARD justice.....lol,despite all the drama we make a rather formidable duo onstage.....if the applause & accolade after are anything to go by!!The song CLOSE TO YOU definitely brought us more closer tonight.....

I am still on a natural high almost an hour after our performance.....I had to make a quick stop at Mickey D's for a choc cone-my reward as I was far too anxious to eat since brekkie today.......**happy face**

All the acts tonight were amazing & unique........but most of all a very personal tribute to a very worthy cause.Everyone truly poured their heart & soul into this event.......

Thursday, September 16, 2010

**WEEKEND ALREADY**





This week has flown by.......I don't recall doing anything too significant,except for lounging about the house eating too much chocolate & watching one too many emotionally draining movies.....lol

Like most people I get exceptionally fired UP when the weekend arrives-YAY!!

A dahling friend of mine is relocating in a few days to nearby shores-I take solace in the fact that it's only CIAO for now & not FAREWELL........we might pop a toast together later tonight.....you know any old excuse...lol!!

Hubby is playing a golfing tournament tomorrow & then of course at night we have the concert-mind you we only rehearsed the once.....??!!*nervous laughter*......on Sunday I am meeting my girls for sundowners.....ALWAYS A TREAT!!.....*wink

All I can say is the sun is out........the weekend is here.......so be merry!!

BON WEEKEND!

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

**CHARITY........begins at HOME**




It's common knowledge that across the globe OCTOBER month is listed as official CANCER month-you know when all the major magazines & big fragrance houses-REVLON-hand out pink ribbons, pamphlets & special promotions to the mass population......!!(mainly for breast cancer but it's synonumous with cancer in general)

The same is happening over here-the local Cancer facilities are lacklustre......not enough funds to create better awareness let alone bare essentials for ailing patients,bare essentials such as beds....things we all take for granted.

We attended a cancer benefit dinner recently & was shown a rather sad & dismal peak into the lives of the patients.It's a well known fact that without public funding & input not much can be done actually........I am pleased however that on that night enough money was raised to add a few more rooms to the new hospital wing @ MAHARAGAMA-a small step but it will make the last days of a few sufferers more comfortable.Several beds were bought/sponsored as well ,so no more sleeping on mats in the corridor.........!!!

This weekend my daughter is performing at a charity concert in aid of all the young cancer patients.Somehow I got roped into all of this & we are now feverishly rehearsing our chosen song......CLOSE TO YOU by the CARPENTERS.....we chose this song because the topic is very close to our hearts.I lost my grandpa to cancer a few years back,I have friends who lost family too,I have a very dear friend who is fighting a very good fight as we speak & another who's nursing her Mom with constant LOVE & dedication........so CANCER affects us all........the least we can do is give them HOPE......& our time!!

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

**I HAVE FOUND THAT IF YOU LOVE LIFE......LIFE WILL LOVE YOU BACK**





Read the topic again........slowly & let it sink in for a bit-let it stew.........!!!

Are you agreeing with me??or do you have a different theory......

It makes me think of that age old adage.......*WHAT YOU REAP IS WHAT YOU SOW*.....it's actually very simple.....think happy-be happy!!

I had an average childhood,we weren't rich,my Dad did not drive a fancy car & we had no maids or drivers or other necessities of today......

Infact I grew up on a council estate-semidetached house.......two bedrooms,kitchen,bathroom & lounge.We lived modestly not excessive.My Dad worked during the day & studied at night,my Mom held a fulltime job & I was left to do the cleaning & some cooking after school......I never moaned-it was the norm-all my friends were doing it.We made use of public transport or simply walked until Dad saved enough to buy us our first little car........a white Toyota ::))

When my kid brother was born we moved into a bigger house-in a more affluent neighbourhood.....the car got a little bit bigger but only because we were 5 now instead of four.......Dad was qualified by now & spent more time with us!!

I was a happy kid-my teenage years was eventful.......I loathed school-always felt I should be somewhere else doing what I wanted to do :)-just like half of all my schoolmates....lol

Now as an adult I live a very good life......I have amazing,smart, kind children & a wonderful supportive husband.....it's not ALWAYS easy-a house filled with 6 opinionated,strong-willed individuals,different temperaments & personalities........lol-top that with the fact that we are living an expatriate lifestyle with various degrees of adaptation(a whole new blog:).......oi!!!-life can get a wee bit crazy...lol-but in general we are HAPPY.....our house is always filled with laughter,loads of hugs & lounging on the sofa vegging out......our fave family pasttime:)

To make a long story short.......LIFE is what you make of it!!You either CHOOSE to be happy or NOT!!??........no inbetween........so I say STOP moaning-do what makes you happy -as long as it does not involve hurting others-GO FOR IT!!

Live your BEST life!!

Sunday, September 12, 2010

**RECOMMENDED MOVIE OF THE WEEK**




WHY DID I GET MARRIED 2.......

I must admit I could not wait for the 2nd installment of this TYLER PERRY production & after almost 2years it was worth it.......!!

The cast was unchanged-always a good thing-but the characters sure have......Janet Jackson gave a stellar performance-I loved how she let it rip in the scene where she confronts her husband!!.....

I giggled & cringed at some of Angela's antics....Lord knows we've all been there?!......lol

My fave pair still have to be Marcus & Sheila....their story is more relate-able to me & I simply think they make a gorgeous couple!!

Some of the scenes are reminiscent of WAITING TO EXHALE.......I did not particularly like that-maybe the writers could have done something else as oppose to steal scenes from a GREAT MOVIE & put their own twist on it!!??........just sayin' :)

I know african american movies is not to everyones taste.......too much cussing,dissing,but the topics are always closer to home than the fanfare we see on the mainstream......boy meets girl,fall inlove,happily ever after *dull*.......maybe it's just me??but I crave some drama........lol!!

Go on ,get a copy & see for yourself.....!!

**GOOD MORNING BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE**




So my heartache was shortlived.........actually I lie-I drowned my sorrows in a big bag of chocolates & lotsa cuddles from my boys!! :)

My parents arrived safely back home in Cape Town.......I gave them a quick call & they were both still buzzing off a great family holiday.........MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!

Today my life jumps back to normal,back on the schoolrun,homework checks & packing lunchboxes.......what's a Mother to do??!!.....lol

After the Summer holidays you need atleast a full week to catch up with all your friends to hear about their Summer escapades,where they've been?what they did?& just how much shopping did they do?!.......

Today is not that much different......I'm catching up with two amazing gals later this morn-one left for bonnie Scotland & the other for Canada......both stories are going to be super interesting-I am sure!!!

Not sure what YOU have up your sleeve for today.....but like always I wish you much love & laughter!!

HAPPY MONDAY

Saturday, September 11, 2010

**GOODBYE........FOR NOW**




Nobody likes saying GOODBYE........I sure as hell don't!!

After 5weeks of absolute bliss & family fun Mom & Dad left for SA last night!!I am absolutely heartbroken.......I was strong,had to be for my kids but.........my tears won in the end.As we loaded them in the minivan I broke down........both Mom & I were balling our hearts out.

No matter how many times we do it it NEVER gets any easier........!!!!

I barely slept last night,waking up at 3am-lovingly concerned whether they made it through customs okay?!(we had to get an extra suitcase:),if they had enough $$ to grab a bite at STARBUCKS in Dubai??,are the seats comfy enough for them to rest in between connecting flights from UAE??!!....all silly worries but I had them nevertheless......:)for a while I felt like the parent & they were my children.......amazing how life evolves & roles sometimes temporarily shift!!!??......

Now as I sit here drinking my coffee.....I look into my garden & Dad is not roaming around,Mom is not making my first cup of coffee.......& my eyes well up again.....:(

I know my parents are OKAY......I know they are very sad too-infact they both mentioned wanting to stay a little bit longer-I wish it was that easy :) but I take comfort in the fact that they are going home to my kid brother & sister-who loves them JUST as much as we do.......to all their friends awaiting their return,ready to pop in for a cuppa tea & listen to all their amazing stories the photos just don't convey fully......

THANK YOU LORD for the amazing holiday we shared together......for the beautiful memories we created & the LOVE you bestow upon us ALWAYS.....

Blessed Sunday to you all........!!!

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

**LAST MINUTE SHOPPING SPREE & EXCESS LUGGAGE**





Mom & Dad are flying back to SA on Sat night......:(!!!not a happy chappy at all........they are by far the easiest houseguests ever!!......no fuss,no frills & they eat EVERYTHING I prepare........lol

Today we are taking a trip to Duplication Road for some retail therapy.....we'll worry about excess luggage later.......lol

Shopping in SL is not that easy-well if you wanna stock up on spices & sarees you are in for a treat!

Buying clothes for real women-such as myself......:)proves rather difficult.Sizes are aimed at the asian market,a XL anything barely covers my left leg........what can I say-I have a whole lotta junk in my trunk!!!

I'm not too sure how Dad feels about the planned shopping trip?!.....hope there is a coffee shoppe nearby.....*wink

Happy shopping......Happy hump day!!

Monday, September 6, 2010

**SEPTEMBER RECIPES 2**




TOMATO & BACON SALAD:

2 large tomatoes,peeled & quartered
4 slices bacon,diced & cooked until crisp
1 tbsp bacon drippings
3 hardboiled eggs,quartered
4 cups mixed salad leaves
french dressing
salt & pepper to taste

Toss all the ingredients together-do not damage tomatoes/eggs
Drizzle with french dressing



GRILLED CHEESE SARMIE:

4 slices whole wheat/white bread
5 slices of cheese-I prefer cheddar
butter

Place bread on work surface
Top with cheese
Close the sandwich
Butter the outsides only

Grill sarmie in a non stick skillet
No oil required.
Grill until golden brown & cheese melted



MINUTE APPLE TART:

1 sheet puff pastry-thawed
2 granny smith apples/2 peaches,peeled,cored & sliced paperthin
1/2 cup apricot jam
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 chopped pistachios


Roll pastry in floured surface
Place in desired tart moulds
Prick the pastry with a fork and coat with apricot jam
Fan the apple/peach slices over the jam


In a small bowl combine the cinnamon & sugar & mix well
Sprinkle over apple/peach slices

Bake in a preheated oven @ 165 C for appx 10-12 min,until the apples are crisp-tender & pastry golden brown.


Serve hot with vanilla ice cream