Monday Message #10

Don't believe the (Christmas) hype

Yes, you read it right - I have pilfered Public Enemy lyrics for clickbait.

At the risk of cementing myself as The Grinch forever, I have to admit that every year I get Christmas fatigue - and I don't even have children. Is it just me? If I'm honest, I think there are two camps: those who LOVE Christmas and wring out every drop, or those who are a bit 'meh' about the whole thing. I'm definitely in the second camp.TO BE CLEAR: I am not anti-Christmas and harbour no judgement on others and how they choose to celebrate. I get into the festivities. It just needs a little perspective.

I swear I'm not the Grinch stealing Christmas...

Christmas day is still only 24 hours long

As far as I know, JC wasn't able to extend his birthday longer than any other day. Yet, we make plans to squeeze in as much as we can: 5am wake up to unwrap gifts with group A. Breakfast with group B then pop in to group C on the way to lunch. Lunch with group D, followed by an afternoon cuppa and pudding at group E, backed up by a 'light supper' at group F (or, if you're still in your 20s - party all night at the Grand/ some other popular venue). WHY DO WE DO THIS? Do what you can - there are plenty of other days to see loved ones and have a nice meal.

Many people will be spending Christmas day alone

In spite of my obvious frustration driving all over town on Christmas day, there are many out there who don't have love ones to rush around and see. Or, they simply can't. The Australian Red Cross has a Telecross service that phones vulnerable people everyday to make sure their OK. Christmas Day is one of the busiest days. They're might be frustrating at times, but it's very fortunate thing to have family and close friends.

Presents aren't the actual point, they're an added bonus

I was at Target recently and there was a woman at the service counter returning gifts she'd bought in July at the toy sale because she'd over heard her children say that they; "don't like Minecraft Lego" anymore, and 'Mignons are so over'. Getting past confusion over what 'Minecraft' and 'Mignons' actually are (and the fact that her kids sound like spoiled brats) I was pretty dumbfounded that she was returning hundreds of dollars worth of gifts to ultimately buy more and possibly spend more. Sure, kids make a Christmas wish list and are seduced by Saturday morning super toys - but if you ask a 10 year old about their favourite Christmas, overwhelmingly they will talk about the day, not what presents they got. Recently, I asked my 4/5 students about this very thing and their responses were 'the time my uncle was visiting and we played beach cricket' or 'that time we drove to NSW and had a fun road trip'. This is the stuff of Christmas memories - not the plastic trinkets made in China.

Don't kill the magic

Obviously, Father Christmas is a fictional character. Yes, Santa Claus was invented by Coca Cola as a successful marketing campaign (the jolly man with a white beard in a red suit ain't coincidental yo) but there's something pretty special about the night before Christmas. Sure, we might technically be lying, but it's fun play. It's imagination and it's important for the little 'uns. I work with adults who still believe in Father Christmas and it's lovely - you can't fake that kind of excitement. Too soon is innocence lost - just go along with the act.

Yours is not the most important Christmas

This is specifically aimed at those who drive like dicks on Christmas day and/ or book lunch out for their loved ones rather than do it at home. Point one I feel like I've emphasised enough. Point two, let me explain further. Nothing wrong with having lunch out, I respect it, but as someone who worked a lot of Christmas days, it's tough putting up with Christmas demands. By all means, bring your individualised Christmas crackers, but don't interrupt me taking someone's order because one is missing. And don't walk into the kitchen asking for bowls for your mixed lollies. It might be pay at double time, but hospitality staff do not get paid enough for what they have to put up with on Christmas day. Not to mention the fact that they ARE WORKING ON CHRISTMAS DAY (and probably worked everyday leading up to it along with their Retail counterparts). Relax people, we're all in it together. No one is going to spoil your 'special day' (and it's not a wedding FFS - this day literally occurs every year).

There are people out there to whom Christmas means nothing

Did you hear about the Starbucks controversy in the US? They changed their festive season coffee cups to all red without the usual Chrissy decorations. Outrage ensued, as if it was discrimination of some sort. Simmer down there sunshine - it was no such thing. It was purely recognition of the fact that not every one celebrates Christmas, and for a variety of reasons; religious (and dare I ask how many out there observe the Christian traditions of Christmas? That chic Nativity scene decoration doesn't count), or out of genuine protest (anti-consumerism maybe?), or they just have better things to do. Christmas might be the most wonderful time of year for some, but not others. Value the true spirit of this time of year and celebrate with a little grace and acceptance.

What do you think readers? Any other perspective to offer (or am I ranting out on this limb alone?)

Stay safe during the festive season!

E x

Monday Message #9

Riding the healthy train

Hello, Megan here! 

I'm writing this blog post as a reminder to myself on how good I'm feeling at the moment. I plan to refer to it when I inevitability fall off this healthy train that I'm currently a front row passenger on.

I'm feeling energetic, my skin is clearer than ever, I've lost all of the baby weight and then some, I'm enjoying going to pilates and boot camp (WTF who am I?!) and my healthy eating is staying on track. 

My healthy eating is going so well that I'm actually enjoying eating well and I don't even feel like I'm missing out. For me, the key to staying on track is being organised so that I'm not reaching for the junk food. Things like roast veggies, cooked quinoa, nuts/seeds and lots of greens for throwing together yummy salads. As well as frozen bananas and other goodies for smoothies and some form of raw treat or slice at-the-ready for my sweet tooth.

When I start to feel good, I'm spurred on and I'm more and more motivated to continue exercising and eat well.

I'm not really following any rules, I just try to get moving everyday or at least a few times per week. Humidity, rain or a grumpy baby can throw a spanner in the works!

I've pretty much completely cut out sugar, wheat and more recently dairy. I've just found that my body is happier without those things. Plus I've recently read some articles on how the dairy industry operates so giving up diary has been an ethical choice for me too. *Did you know that baby cows are taken off their mum once their born before they even have their first feed so that all of the mum's milk is saved for us humans!

Homemade popcorn with a drizzle of coconut oil and a pinch of sea salt is usually enough to save me reaching for the chips, chocolates or ice cream. All in all, I just try to eat real food - nothing from a packet disguised as food.

So with the festive season upon us I know it's going to really test me but I'll just have to do the best I can and remember I'm setting a good example for Tilly - who is known for stealing kale off my plate!!! She's also a huge cucumber fan! I hope she keeps that up but I'm sure she'll be a fusser toddler soon enough.

1/4 cup kernels, brown paper bag, 1-2mins in microwave

Harry wants my popcorn too!

Delicious salad! Not sure why Tilly's penguin is in this pic....

Cacao and peanut butter smoothie bowl topped with fruit.

Monday message #8

Monday Message #7

Food Love: Chicken Meatballs and Pasta

Let's face it - Spaghetti and Meatballs is the bomb. I don't have children, but if I did this would definitely be a 'all hands in' affair. The meatballs themselves can be prepared then frozen and are an inexpensive way to feed a lot of people at once. I've adapted the recipe and substituted minced beef for chicken. You could even do a chicken/ pork mince combo - pork mince can be so cheap.

I STRONGLY encourage that you get kids involved in creating this dish - hot stove aside, it's a great way for kids to build an appreciation of how food gets in their bellies. And it's fun to ooze the meatball mix through your fingers (who said playing with your food was a bad thing?)

PS. This recipe is garlic heavy. Adjust to taste

Enjoy!

Chicken Meatballs and Pasta

Makes roughly 24 Meatballs

Serves 4

Meatballs

500g chicken mince

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 brown onion, finely chopped

1 cup breadcrumbs

1/3 cup fresh chopped parsley (or basil)

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (extra 1/2 cup to serve)

1 egg

pinch nutmeg

pinch salt

pinch black pepper

2 tbs cup olive oil

Tomato Sauce

500ml jar tomato passata (next to the tinned tomatoes at the supermarket)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup olive oil

1 tsp sugar

1 tsp salt

1 tsp pepper

Method

1. In a mixing bowl, combine all the meatball ingredients

2. Using clean hands, mix together until well combined

3. Roll mixture into ping ping sized balls until mixture is finished

4. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a heavy based pan (stewing pot preferably)

5. Fry meatballs for 30 seconds on each side until browned, but not cooked all the way through

6. Continue in batches and remove meatballs from pan, set aside

7. Add 1 tbs of oil to pan

8. Add garlic, toss for 1 minute

9. Add tomato passata, bring to a simmer

10. Add remaining olive oil, sugar, salt and pepper and bring to a low simmer for 10 mins. 

11. Add meatballs back to sauce. Continue to simmer for 30 minutes

12. Cook desired pasta al dente

13. Serve in pasta bowls, add cheese

14. BON APPETITE

Getting ready for some chopping and grating. Adults do this part

Dry ingredients in one bowl

Wet ingredients in another bowl

The fun part - mix together! All hands in!

That's a nice meatball

Heat that pan

Get your sauce on!

I was so obsessed with eating that I forgot to take a snap of my serving! Take my word for it, no picture could be as good as it actually tasted.

Let us know how you go!

E x

Monday Message #6

The big chop!

Sometimes you just need to change it up!  Bye-bye ponytail!

Bendigo - a visitor's guide

Recently Max and I attended a wedding in Bendigo. I was excited for two reasons - one: watching two great friends, Lauren and Alex, tie the knot. Two, I straight up fricken LOVE Bendigo.

I'd made two previous trips to this regional Victorian city, to see exhibitions at the Bendigo Art Gallery - The Golden Age of Couture and Modern Love: Fashion Visionaries from the FIDM Museum LA (do you notice a pattern here?) Literally, I had only been to this Gallery and left Bendigo almost immediately. So when another opportunity to visit and see a little more of this regional Victorian town came up, I grabbed it. I was dropping hints for a wedding invite all over the place (sorry LG).

Here are my top recommendations for Bendigo:

Where to stay - The Schaller Studio

There were a few options of places to stay for this weekend getaway but of course I waited til the last minute and most were booked. Except The Schaller Studio. Located on the fringe of the city centre, it's a pretty cool, modern place. Tiny rooms, but awesome amenities (EVO hair products anyone?) and a pod coffee machine per room to boot. It was the vibe that got me though - artist Mark Schaller, who the hotel is named for, has his works on display throughout and it's pretty great. Guests are even encouraged to get arty in the cafe/ bar downstairs. Top notch.

Artwork by Mark Schaller

Sculpture by Mark Schaller

Amenities!

How to relax - Get a massage

We made the bold move to drive from Yorke Peninsula to Bendigo - one rural area to another - which took 10 hours each way. Great road trip, not so great on the back. Before we left, we booked a massage at Refresh Day Spa to work out the kinks. Blisssssssss.

Where to eat brunch - Old Green Bean

My perfect eatery is one that combines food with vintage delights. Old Green Bean does this very thing. Coffee then browse - is there no greater cafe experience?

Where to eat hungover - Grill'd

Burgers and the like. Sweet potato fries. Grease upgraded.

How to spend a day - Attend a Wedding!

There is truly nothing better than celebrating love. This was especially true at this event, given there was a nasty racist rally occurring that same weekend in Bendigo. It felt important to send out the loving vibes into the world to diminish what is needless hate that people harbour. The couple chose a lovely little church in Axedale, conveniently located next to the Axedale Tavern - the most idyllic little country pub, and we watched a thunderstorm come over the sunny blue sky before heading to Bendigo for the reception. Then we drank and ate a degustation menu to die for! Truly an awesome celebration.

Church on a hill in Axedale

Getting ready to degustation

Just a little something...

How to spend half a day - Visit Castlemaine

Only 30 minutes from Bendigo, Castlemaine is a cute little historical town with botanic gardens and old buildings. The Old Castlemaine Gaol atop a hill is worth a look and sit down for a cold beer or cider to look over the town. 

Golden oldie

Castlemaine Botanic Gardens

Steel bars at the Old Castemaine Gaol

How to spend half a day - Bendigo Pottery

Bendigo Pottery is the oldest working pottery in Australia, but offers so much more than that. I mean, ceramics are pretty cool anyway, but there is a vintage flea market, artist's studios and demonstrations. Easily could spend a whole day there - half a day works too.

Bendigo Pottery

How to get a round - Wander

While having a car was helpful, it's so easy to get around Bendigo by walking or by bike. It's a city, but it's not huge. I love wondering around, finding hidden treasures. I discovered great little op-shops. I got side tracked by all the weather board houses (what is it about Victoria and weather board? Like, as soon as you cross the boarder) I got confused by the palm trees. It was awesome.

It could be Hawaii... it's not.

So get to Bendigo if you can readers - try and time it with an exhibition. Or a wedding.

E x

Monday Message #5

Happy Monday everyone!

Food love: Curry veggie muffins

Savoury muffins are so handy to have stashed in the fridge or freezer. Anything that can be eaten one handed is favourable when looking after a little one and if it's protein packed it'll keep me fuller for longer too.

Feel free to substitute with whatever veg you have in your fridge to use up. I had some leftover roast carrot and pumpkin but zucchini, spinach and sweet potato will work well too. You could even omit the bacon if you don't have any.

I served them with coriander on top but incorporating it into the mixture would be yummy too.

I decided to create this recipe without gluten and dairy because I've learned in recent years that my tummy is happier without these things. Using almond meal and almond milk ups the protein content anyway so that's a bonus!

4 eggs
1/4 cup almond milk
1 teaspoon of curry powder
1 cup almond meal
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 french shallot
2 rashes of bacon, diced
1 cup of chopped or grated vegetables
Salt to taste

Whisk together the eggs and milk, then add the curry, almond meal and baking powder. Once combined, stir through the veg, bacon and salt (if using).
Spoon into a muffin tray and bake in a moderate oven (180°C) for 30 minutes or until browned on top and springy to touch. Allow to cool in the tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Note: I use silicone muffin moulds when baking anything eggy to make cleaning up quick and easy!

Monday Message #4

How a simple hobby can be surprising

Since moving to Yorkes, unless you're prepared to play sport - all the sports - finding things to do in your down time that are social can be tricky. So when my friend and neighbour, Rachel, told me about weekly art classes, I was in like a rookie during the ping pong draft (or some other sporting analogy).

So you know how you may have dabbled in art at high school, but the teacher didn't think you had any 'perspective'? (actual art teacher said that to an actual friend of mine). So you weren't sure you had the goods to continue on trying. This has been me since high school. Not necessarily because I was told my perspective was skewed (poor Chelsea has to live with that memory) but more because my grandmother was a crazy talented, successful artist. This talent has no apparent genetic connection to me.

BUT (there's always a but), since doing weekly art classes I've thought about my dear Nana Hilda and her own artistic journey. Hilda only discovered her own talents around my age. Well, I should say rediscovered - much like Chelsea, Hilda had a bad experience with a teacher at a very early age, over a drawing that she did. It wasn't that she didn't have talent - she did. The teacher simply didn't believe that a child could be that capable and accused her of lying. She was so admonished by this teacher that she never attempted art until much later - her 30s. Funny how these single moments shape the course of someone's life (#teacherlyfe - the power to crush children's dreams is pretty scary).

Anyhoo, my point here is that although there never appeared to be any artistic inheritance from Hilda to myself, I do owe all my creativity to her. While wondering if I should've been paying more attention to her when she was painting or sketching, or even just asking her to show me a thing or two, a realisation came to me. Unlike her teacher, or Chelsea's, the single most important thing she did was to not teach me anything all. I'll explain.

As a child, my sister and I were pretty fantastical. We spent a lot of time with Nana Hilda. We played crazy, elaborate dressing up games - her house was our cubby house, our stage, our dressing room, our studio. We helped ourselves to everything. Her clothes, her jewellery, her art stuff. Nana would often be our third character in a grand hotel we made up and (I can't believe I'm admitting this in a public arena) we would make her the maid and ring a little bell when we wanted something (argh, so bratty). Incredibly, she let us and went along with it. No game was too big - if we wanted to create the City to Bay tram, complete with ticket machine, then Nana would provide the expired tram tickets (to this day, I'm unclear on why she never threw them away). We used all her art supplies, but she always left us to it. And kept everything we did - she thought what we did was wonderful and told us so. This encouragement is worth more and means more than any lesson ever could.

So while I may not be successful in the way my amazing Nana was, in the two months that I've had art as a hobby, other funny little successes have popped up instead:

Socialising - the big one really, as it was the motivating factor to begin with, but the opportunity to meet new people in the area who share the same interests is so great. And we have amazing chats over tea and cake.

Mindfulness - I am all about the mindfulness. Seriously though, whilst paying attention to something detail-oriented like sketching or painting, you can pay attention to nothing else. Empty head bliss (except for lines and shapes and colours and all that).

Opportunity to unwind - not too dissimilar to mindfulness, except that with a glass of red (or two) and two hours in a relaxed environment, the pressures of the day are well and truly passed.

Connecting with my grandmother - when my Nana passed away, she had dementia. Not uncommon for someone her age, but it was particularly distressing because she forgot how to paint. She forgot her greatest joy. I felt really sad about that for a long time. I don't know why, but now that I'm having a go at art myself, I feel less sad. I feel like she's around me, offering that same gentle encouragement. And no matter how terrible my attempt is - I know she thinks it's wonderful.

Who knew that a simple hobby could give so much?

E x

Making a mess!

Joint project - there's a horse head somewhere in there...
(tilt head right)

Those old gum trees

Make of this what you will - some kind of fire dancer? 

I was so proud of myself to sketch, from real life, the outline of a human - even if it slightly resembled that weird doll from Lift Off

So the head is little and the body is ginormous - but it's a person! Could you tell?

What hobbies are inspiring you dear readers? Leave us a comment below, or at our FB page x

Monday message #3

Happy Monday everyone!

Photo Friday: Roast Dinner

Last Sunday, hubby thought we'd cook a chook (organic of course) in the chiminea and MAN was it DELICIOUS!!! Hats off to him!

A chimenea also spelled chiminea, is a freestanding front-loading fireplace or oven with a bulbous body and usually a vertical smoke vent or chimney.

The bonus of having a cook up on a Sunday is the leftovers! Roast chook for lunch anyone?

Survival Guide: Travelling with an infant

My daughter Tilly, now 7 months old has been on 4 domestic flights so far. Not long flights, just 2 trips to Adelaide (from Brisbane) of just over 2 hours to visit family.

During our first trip Tilly was 4 months old and I have to say the younger they are the easier it is to travel with them as they require less entertaining. Feeding and snoozing was really all she did so it was a piece of cake...that was until we had a 'poo-explosion' during descent! To make it worse the seat belt sign was on so we couldn't do anything about it until we disembarked! (Gross!)

Poo explosions aside...the actual flight is not too tricky and the cabin crew will do anything to help you.

The tricky bit is the lead up to the flight, being super organised is key. My top tips are...

1. Enquire with the airline as to what they will let you check in when flying with an infant. Most will let you check in a porta-cot, a car seat and a pram for no extra cost. However they won't let you check in an extra suitcase, therefore you'll have to make space in yours.
2. If you're not taking the child's car seat with you, arrange for a friend or family member to drop you off at the airport in your car so that your bubba can be in their own car seat. Booking a cab with a baby car seat can be tricky, especially if your baby is still rear-facing. Likewise for leaving the airport at the other end. 
3. Take your usual nappy bag on board, including enough nappies and wipes for a day or two. Then buy a packet of nappies when you arrive; don't waste valuable suitcase space with a weeks supply!
4. Pack medicine even if your child isn't sick. Paracetamol, teething gel, etc as you never know what you might need. I learnt this the hard way! Lucky for me, my folks ducked to the chemist for us.
5. Wear an easy to use baby carrier or sling throughout the airport. Once checked in, your pram-less and if your bubba is anything like mine they'll get heavy real quick! The reason I say to wear an easy to use baby carrier is because your bub can't be in it when you go through security (annoying!!!) so it's best if you can get them in and out quickly and easily. Practice at home a day or two before, especially if flying alone.
6. Packing a spare outfit for your bubba seems obvious (we always have one in our nappy bag) but I think its a good idea to pack a spare top for you too. Plus a little towel or rug to have on your knees as protection during the flight...because yes, poo (and vomit!) happens!
7. When packing your suitcase don't forget sheets for the porta-cot, little towels (spew rags), bibs, hat, sunscreen, bathers and bath supplies. Pack plenty of clothes too but don't over pack as you still need to fit some of your own things in the suitcase too!
8. Protect baby's ears when the flights descending. As adults we can move our jaw or block our nose to pop our ears but babies don't know how to do that. For this reason it's recommended that you feed your baby when the plane starts it's descent. Its perfectly acceptable to breastfeed as I did or the cabin crew can help you to prepare a bottle.
9. If possible borrow baby gear when you get to your destination. Cots, car seats, walkers, toys, etc. (This is of course if you're travelling somewhere to visit friends and rellies.) The more you can borrow, the less you have to pack!
10. Book morning flights as bubbas are much happier earlier on in the day. You don't want an overtired little darling kicking the back of someone's seat!

There you have it! They're my top tips! I'm sure I've forgotten something, nevertheless I hope you find it handy.

Megan x

Ps - Some happy snaps of us with loved ones from our last trip. A few favourites missing though x