Monday, September 9, 2013

Monday Musings


I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up.....but I'm working on it.
 
 

 
 
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Sunday, September 8, 2013

Menu Plan

This week I debated whether to 'let' hubby cook all week.  We usually split the work 70/30 with James planning and cooking on the weekend.  He really enjoys it, he puts on a cooking show, pours himself a drink and gets into the prep and cooking.  I on the other hand find it another job to do at the end of the day.
 
I must be crazy but I feel as the part time worker/SAHM that the job should be mine.  We'll see if that changes when I return to full time work out of the home.
 
But for now this is this weeks menu;
 
Thursday
Chicken Laksa
I tried a new kit which included almost everything I needed.  Easy to follow with each sachet numbered and with the instructions printed on the sachet.  It was flavoursome not hot which I prefer.
 
Friday
Roasted Tomato Chicken and Pesto Pasta
 
Saturday
Dinner out
Miss M asked if we could eat dinner out as we usually only do that while on holidays.  We went to Dome and tried their new Belgian Waffles ~ Matilda's first time and she enjoyed them though didn't eat them all.
 
Sunday
Roast Lamb Leg, Beans and Lemon Risoni
This was cooked with honey, garlic and wholegrain mustard.  Thank goodness hubby used baking paper as the honey caramelised in the tray making it yummy but a sticky clean up.
 
Monday
Penne with Roasted Pumpkin and Sausage
 
Tuesday
Omelette Wrap with Spinach and Sausage
I bought crepes to use instead of making the Omelette (I'm not good at making thin omelette's).  We'll see if I did the right thing.
 
Wednesday
Scotch Fillet with Veggies
Scotch Fillet is a lot cheaper than usual at the moment so we are making the most of it.
 
Again, simple, fast and inexpensive.  Can't get much better than that.
 
Feel free to link up with your plan or add your favourites as I'm always looking for new ideas to try.
 
 
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Friday, September 6, 2013

Five reasons to love Cinque Candles

I have never really been a burner of candles or incense.  The ones I've tried have smelt fake.  Full of chemicals.  I found the smell of incense to be too intense.  But recently I've been converted.
 
I can't remember how I found this particular seller but I'm in love.  The seller is Cinque Candles.
 
Cinque means five.  Elisa, her husband and their three gorgeous children make up the Cinque family.
 
Five reasons I'm in love with Cinque Candles
  • The packaging is gorgeous
  • The scents are omg delicious and subtle
  • The jars, candy bowls, vintage tea cups, travel tins
  • The price
  • They match any décor
I really could go on.
 
 
Check out this gorgeous packaging. 
 
Right now I'm burning the Green Tea and Lemongrass, the air is lightly scented which I love. 
 

The beautiful range.
 
Cinque reasons to love Soy candles;
  • CLEAN BURNING -- Soy wax is non-toxic and burns cleaner than paraffin wax with no petrol-carbon soot....
  • LONG BURNING -- Soy candles burn slower and cooler than paraffin wax, creating a longer burning candle.
  • RENEWABLE RESOURCE -- Soy beans are a renewable source.
  • BIODEGRADABLE -- Since soy beans are vegetables, soy wax is naturally biodegradable. Soy wax is also easier to remove from materials and surfaces. Which means, once you have finished burning your candle you can simply wash your glassware in warm soapy water to clean, and continue using it.
  • Soy candles are simply better for you, your family and the environment!

You can find Cinque Candles here

Oh and Cinque celebrates its first birthday in five days so pop on over and say hi.

This is not a sponsored post, I was not gifted product.  I purchased them myself and reviewed because I love sharing beautiful things.  Photos and information on the soy candles are taken from their Facebook page.
 
 
 
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Thursday, September 5, 2013

Bacon, Corn & Chive Rice

As promised here is the recipe for the yummy and super fast Bacon, Corn & Chive Rice.  This was lovely and creamy, similar to a risotto but without all the effort.  Perfect for a midweek after work dinner.


Bacon, Corn & Chive Rice
Serves 4
Prep 15 minutes
Cook 15 minutes

2 teaspoons vegetable oil
4 bacon rashers, rind removed, chopped
1 brown onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed
450g packet microwave brown rice
1 1/2 cups frozen corn kernels, thawed
1/3 cup finely grated parmesan, plus 1/4 cup extra to serve
1/4 cup sour cream.

  1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over moderately high heat.  Add bacon, cook and stir for 3 minutes or until browned.  Reduce heat to moderate.  Add onion and garlic, cook and stir for 5 minutes or until soft.
  2. Add rice to pan, cook and stir for 1 minute or until grains are coated.  Add corn and 1 cup boiling water.  Cook and stir for 2 minutes or until all liquid is absorbed.  Add parmesan.
  3. Serve topped with extra parmesan and chives.

 Recipe is from page 61 September 2013 issue of recipes+ magazine.

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Monday, September 2, 2013

Menu Plan


A new week, a new menu plan.
 
 
Thursday
Sticky meatball stir-fry
This was nice and easy.  Maggi Stir-fry Sauce which has the infusion paste and finishing sauce.  I marinated the meatballs in the infusion paste.  Added the vegies, noodles and finishing sauce.  So simple.
 
Friday
Bangers, Mash and Peas
Yeah, not my favourite.  But it's hubby's time to cook and this is his favourite.
 
Saturday
Butter Chicken
Hubby made from scratch and it was quite nice except I'm always the one to find the cardamom pods with a crunch.
 
Sunday
Beer Can Chicken and Coleslaw
 
Monday
Moroccan Lamb Pie
I always prefer to make individual pies in small ramekins.
 
Tuesday
Bacon, Corn and Chive Rice
This looks super easy and I look forward to trying it.
 
Wednesday
Pork Schnitzel and Vegies
I have just watched Donna Hay top some schnitzels with fresh breadcrumbs and pop them under the grill so I might give that a try.
 
This weeks recipes are a mix from Recipes + and Super Food Ideas.  If there's something you're interested in adding to your plan I'd be happy to share the recipe.
 
 

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