LIVING GRACEFULLY

TASTE OF SYDNEY FESTIVAL 2011 PART 1
In this post, as promised, I’ll be sharing about my visit last weekend to the Taste of Sydney Festival 2011.  But first, I need to share some evidence of Greek generosity, which I talked about here a little while ago.
Our Greek friend Arthur (who was mentioned in that post) and his gorgeous wife invited a small group of friends to try out one of their favourite Greek restaurants in Annandale, called Scorpios Taverna. I really must be generous with my recommendation for you to try this restaurant, because we left there feeling full in more ways than one – not just in our bellies, but in our hearts.
It was a night filled with generosity. The Greek restaurant staff were generous with their great service and hospitable attitude, even taking time out to do some traditional Greek dancing with our friends (which was so much fun to watch – OPA!!)  The Greek families eating in the restaurant were generous with their smiles and their joy was contagious. And our dear Greek friends were generous with their friendship and reminded me how blessed I am to have people like them in my life! Of course, our Maltese friends who were with us that night are also a blessing (in case you’re reading)!!

 

Read more

/by

I HAVE A VOICE

Instead of sharing any cupcake creations or other sweet treats this week, I feel like sharing my Fish Curry recipe, which is one of my family’s favourite meals. Sometimes life calls for serious foods rather than sweet ones!  Whenever I’m not feeling energetic or am troubled by goings on in the world and simply can’t concentrate on cooking anything too complicated (or too sweet), I know that I’ll be able to throw all of these ingredients into my slow cooker, and without another thought, have a nutritious meal on the table for dinner.


You really must try it…..


Read more

/by

GENEROSITY: A DIVINE ATTRIBUTE

I was thinking back on my niece’s Kitchen Tea last week, and I recalled how generous people were.  Generous with food, generous with gifts and generous with their love for the bride-to-be.  Generosity is a phenomenon that makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside!

 

Photo courtesy of stock.xchng

 

Read more
/by

JUST DO IT

Spoilt again this week, I was taken to lunch by a friend on one occasion and on another, one of my nieces took me to lunch at a place I’d been wanting to try for ages!



Not only was it a blast to catch up with this friend who I hadn’t seen for about 3 years, but our lunch was followed by the most exquisite Caramel and Macadamia Nut Slice for dessert (which we shared by the way):



Read more

/by

MY FIRST “BEST OF THE BLOGS” BROADCAST

My first “Best of the Blogs” broadcast at Hope 103.2FM with Katrina Roe and Carla Gee Schneider was the top news item on the Hope 103.2FM website on 23rd February, 2011!

/by

TAKE OFF THE MASK

It was so lovely to catch up with a couple of great friends last week.  I was very spoilt on one of the days by a lovely lunch with a friend I hadn’t seen for well over a year.  She is an amazing cook and besides my mum, I think she makes the best Lebanese food I’ve ever tasted.  This is one of my favourite Lebanese dishes she made – Chicken & Rice with Pine Nuts , Almonds & Cinnamon…..

 

Read more
/by

CHERISH THE LOVE

Last week was filled with lots of fun outings and, of course, lots of eating! While the kids were at school camp, I got to spend some romantic days with the love of my life.

We enjoyed two days at Austinmer beach, north of Wollongong, New South Wales. We found the best salads for lunch from a cute place called Shell’s Diner, which I think is worth a visit if you’re ever wanting a very affordable bite to eat at Austinmer…

Read more

/by

GET REAL

Last week I went shoe shopping for my niece’s wedding! What girl doesn’t love shoe shopping? But for me, it’s a little hard since breaking my ankle a while ago. I can’t wear anything higher than an inch anymore, which is difficult when my niece has honoured me with the task of being her Matron of Honour! She’s been so gracious though, stipulating that it would be great if the shoes were silver, but to choose whatever style is comfortable for me.

I must admit, I was not feeling very positive about finding a nice pair of shoes that would be formal enough, without a 4 inch heel, which is all the go at the moment! But a friend told me about a Gary Castle Shoe sale at Woollahra, so we decided to check that out before going anywhere else. I’m so glad we did, as I found the perfect shoes (silver, strappy, with a tiny 1 inch wedge heel) and my daughter also found her perfect shoes (cream, strappy, with a towering 4 inch heel)! Oh to be a teen again!!!

Anyway, that done, we were free to explore beautiful Woollahra a little, before going to my brother’s place for lunch. We stumbled upon a quaint florist with the most amazing flowers….

Read more

/by

NOW HEAR THIS

In my last post, I promised that I would start introducing you to some of the interesting people I meet in my day to day life.  I treasure old friends, but love meeting new people as well.  My kids are always laughing at me (lovingly of course), as I’m forever chatting to random people we meet apparently.  Whether it be a lady at the supermarket checkout, a guy who serves us when we’re out for dinner, or someone just walking by minding their own business, I always seem to find a way to strike up a conversation with them. 

My kids find it hilarious that I’m forever telling them not to talk to strangers, but that’s all I seem to do!  I’m not sure what happened to practising what I preach in this instance, but I am always sure to be wise about who I talk to.  I certainly wouldn’t walk down a dark alley and strike up a conversation with the first person I met!  I only chat to new people in a safe environment when the opportunity arises, and have been fortunate enough to have come across some really interesting people.

The first interesting new person I met in 2011 (literally) was on New Year’s Eve.  I would like to introduce you to Amanda Bradford, who made these lovely cupcakes for the New Year’s Eve Party we both attended:

 

I had heard about Amanda from my friend who invited us to the party, but never had the pleasure of meeting her until that night.  As soon as I saw those delicious cupcakes on the table, I just knew that Amanda must have been there, so I asked around and was pointed in the right direction. 
Read more
/by