WIAW - All about balance

First off, welcome to this weeks WIAW. For anyone who want to learn more or to join in the paaartay head over to visit Jenn at Peas and Crayons.





If you guys remember, I may have mentioned a few times that I am trying to increase my protein intake as part of some guidance I recieved from a nutritionist.

To sum it up, it was a pretty strict eating plan where I ate a lot of protein (meat, eggs, protein shakes) and no carbs (apart from green vegetables) or dairy. It was very restrictive and after 3-4 weeks I was noticing I was having insane cravings for really bad foods AKA maccas drive-through (eeek not good).

I decided that this was my body telling me that it needed more variety, I was so bored of meat and veg dinners and when I get home from a crappy day at work I love to relax and make a really amazing, delicious and healthy evening meal.

So I have eased up on my strict eating plan, I still eat pretty much the same during the day as it is pretty quick and convenient for breakfast and work but after work I arrive home and look forward to making something yum for din dins,  hopefully a few more recipes will be popping up over the next few weeks!

Woops I forgot to photograph my snacky snacks throughout the day - don't worry they weren't that exciting.

I hope everyone is having a fabulous week - full of delicious food! To all the US peeps out there, Happy Memorial Weekend, loving the blog posts I have been reading over the weekend about your food and celebrations :)

Subscribe ♥ Home ♥ Instagram ♥ Twitter ♥ Pinterest ♥ Bloglovin'

Monday Delights - Episode Ten

Seriously considering this adorable perfume display for my boudoir ♥

Source: 4.bp.blogspot.com via Lauren on Pinterest

Loving New Girl - Zooey Deschanal is my girl crush of all of time!

Source: 29.media.tumblr.com via Nana on Pinterest

Absolutely adorable coffee guide. I would love to get this print for our kitchen.

Source: etsy.com via Sondra on Pinterest

No point denying I am a crazy cat lady now I guess :P

Source: ffffound.com via Yaypaul on Pinterest

There is so much swoon worthy wedding photography around ... sigh ♥

Source: weddingchicks.com via Emilie on Pinterest

Subscribe ♥ Home ♥ Instagram ♥ Twitter ♥ Pinterest ♥ Bloglovin'

May 2012 Bellabox Review - Pamper Yourself, Pamper Mum

The time has come once again to share my Bellabox review. 

Most months I have been blogging my Bellabox and Glossybox reviews but I have cancelled my sub to Glossybox mainly due to a really poor box in April.

  Bellabox did not disappoint this month, I was actually really happy with what they sent me! Anyhoo let's get into shall we?

This months theme was 'Pamper Yourself, Pamper Your Mum', sorry mum but I'm keeping my items for this month :P

First item is EmerginC Hydra Repair Capsules which are meant to help hydrate the skin and assist in maintaining even texture. I cracked open one of the little capsules and I was very worried it would be too oily on my skin, however it wasn't too greasy and it absorbed well into my skin.
I haven't used it for an extended period of time but I liked how smooth it was after one use.
I think this will be a nifty product to hydration in the winter months.

Next was the Savior Fair Lipstick in the colour 'Opulence', it is a very crimson - vampiresk colour but used lightly it doesn't look too bad on my skintone - definitely a night-time/dramatic look.
The think I loved about this lippy was the scent and how smooth and lovely it felt on my lips like a lip butter! Yum.

Avene Eau Thermale Emulsion Moisuriser and Eye Contour Cream - Both these products boast anti-aging properties so they are probably more aimed at the mums for this month's theme. However I am looking forward to using the eye cream as it is something I have been thinking of starting to use as a preventative product.

Sebastian Penetrait Shampoo and Conditioner - As pictured I haven't opened these up yet but I really like this sample and can't wait to try these out!

My gosh, I was so excited to see a Bobbi Brown sample for this month. Here we have a Bobbi Brown Lash Glamour Extreme Lengthening Mini Mascara. I have been using this every few days and it is lovely, good bristles and easy to apply. To my shock I even got a compliment from the boy about how long my eyelashes looked (and he doesn't usually notice anything!)

Overall Thoughts - I was super happy with the May Bellabox, it has samples that I actually want to use and will definitely consider for repurchase. My fave item is by far the Bobbi Brown mascara and I hope Bellabox will include more big brand items in the future. The only downside to this month is that I would have loved a more everyday shade for the lipstick, but it is only a very small negative. I can't wait to see what I get next month!

Click here to check out my other Bellabox reviews

Subscribe ♥ Home ♥ Instagram ♥ Twitter ♥ Pinterest ♥ Bloglovin'

A to Z - Get to know me!

A is for age: 

I just turned 23, last month!

B is for breakfast today: 

I had my regular and most favourite breakfast. Scramble Eggs and Veggies! It is easy to make and keeps me satisfied until well into the morning. Oh and of course a very necessary coffee :)

C is for currently craving: 

I am generally not that keen for ice-cream but I am craving some Cold Rock icecream - peanut butter ice cream with peanut m&m's are calling my name.

D is for dinner tonight: 

I am home alone tonight as the boy is away for work. I think some leftover chicken, pumpkin and spinach curry is in the cards tonight... my only dilemma... naan bread or not?

E is for favorite type of exercise: 

I have to be honest and admit... I kinda hate cardio.
My favourite type of exercise at the moment would have to be strength training. In fact, I am doing sets between each letter of this survey! 

F is for an irrational fear: 

I don't think it is very irrational... I have an crazy phobia of spiders and earwigs. I hate them more than anything!

G is for gross food: 

Celery is so gross! It tastes like pesticide. I don't understand how anyone can even put it in their mouth... Urgh!

H is for hometown: 

My hometown is 5 hrs north of where I live now. I grew up in a town near the beach - sadly my paleness makes me non-beach friendly.

I is for something important: 

My little family is so important to me! Of course my mum, dad and sis are also very important. I love them all to bits!

J is for current favorite jam: 

Haha when I first read this I immediately thought of strawberry jam...
My favourite jams at the moment are...

• Lonely Boy by The Black Keys (great to dance to - watch the film clip if you haven't all ready)
• Call me Maybe by Carley Rae Japsen (mainly because it is stuck in my head) 
• My all time favourite bands are Placebo, Camera Obscura and She & Him
  

K is for kids: 

No kids, just one very needy fur baby!

  
L is for current location: 

Le office at my humble abode, Queensland, Australia, The World

M is for the most recent way you spent money:

Urgh bills - car registration and council water rates

N is for something you need: 

A holiday! If anyone can bankroll a 6 month trip around Europe just let me know :)

O is for occupation: 

Let's just say I work in a hospital - I don't really want to get into it too much here :)

P is for pet peeve: 

I have a slight case of OCD so I probably dislike it the most when people are disorganised or relatively untidy... aka my whole family :P

Q is for a quote: 

Source: Uploaded by user via Lindsay on Pinterest

R is for random fact about you: 

I secretly love really crass jokes. When me and my sister get together it is on like donkey kong haha.

S is for favorite healthy snack: 

I love carrot sticks and home made hummus!

T is for favorite treat: 

Apple Crumble - I love cooked apples!

U is for something that makes you unique: 

I have a really high pain threshold. Even as a child I couldn't judge pain very well but it kinda comes in handy when you are washing up dishes in boiling water or donating blood :)

V is for favorite vegetable:

It is a toss up between mushroom and asparagus, both are ridiculously delicious.

W is for today’s workout: 

Today... Triceps and Shoulders and guess what? I did 50 pushups so worries :)

X is for X-rays you’ve had:

I have had a few back xrays - but nothing since I was in primary school.

Y is for yesterday’s highlight: 

We had breakfast at our favourite cafe... I adore their lattes.

Z is for your time zone: 

UTC + 10? 

Subscribe ♥ Home ♥ Instagram ♥ Twitter ♥ Pinterest ♥ Bloglovin'

WIAW - A Very Healthy Saturday

I haven't done a WIAW at all this month - Being super busy during the week makes it hard for me to remember to take pictures and then to have time to post!

So for this WIAW I decided to share my eats from Saturday. If you want to learn more about WIAW then visit Jenn over at Peas and Crayons. Hope you join the party :)

Scrambled eggs with veggies continues to be my favourite and easiest breakfast to make.
Baby spinach, mushrooms, tomato and chives helped to start my day and I found some sliced avocado too!

I love this picture of my lunch - I think I might play with my food too much!
I have been making homemade turkey patties and they are sooo good.
I make a bunch on the weekend and freeze them ready to thaw for lunches through the week.

Dinner was super easy to make but still yummo.

I marinated some chicken thighs in Portuguese marinade and served with sauteed sugar snap beans, halved asparagus and sliced capsicum. 

I am still trying to increase my protein intake (I have started weight training too!)

I am trying a few protein shakes at the moment - Let me just say Lean Dessert by BSN (pictured right) is delicious!

It tastes just like chocolate pudding. 

Well this is my super healthy WIAW post - I have been trying to eat like this most days but sometimes ice cream or chocolate might sneak in. 

Subscribe ♥ Home ♥ Instagram ♥ Twitter ♥ Pinterest ♥ Bloglovin'

Monday Delights - Episode Nine - Comfort Food

As it gets colder, my body craves warm bowls of delicious home cooked curries, casseroles, soup and Italian food. Foods that warm me up from the inside - out.

Here are a few of my favourite comfort foods, I am betting they will make you as hungry as I am feeling right now :)

Source: postteenageliving.com via Emilie on Pinterest

Source: taste.com.au via Emilie on Pinterest

Source: mydesignhearth.com via Emilie on Pinterest

Source: foodgawker.com via Emilie on Pinterest

Source: cookincanuck.com via Emilie on Pinterest

Subscribe ♥ Home ♥ Instagram ♥ Twitter ♥ Pinterest ♥ Bloglovin'

Hungry Recipe - Stacked Beef Fajitas

I thought I might share a staple recipe with you guys today... Stacked Fajitas.

These are seriously delicious but also really healthy and simple to prepare.

Fajitas are perfect for when you have visitors for dinner too! You can setup a fun little serving area and everyone can pick and choose ingredients to create their own stacked fajitas.

Makes 12 fajitas - enough for six peeps  

(adapted from skinnytaste.com)

For your meat...

• 500g of beef steaks (chicken breasts/thighs would work too)
• 2-3 cloves of garlic
• 1 tbsp of cumin
• 1 small onion or 2 green onions
• salt and pepper to season
• oil for the BBQ

 For your onions and capsicums...

• 3 onions, halved and then sliced
• 3 capsicums, halved and then sliced (I prefer red capsicum)
• salt and pepper to season
• oil for the BBQ

Fajita stacking sides...

• tomato, sliced or diced
• avocado, sliced
• cheddar cheese, grated
• sour cream
• shredded lettuce or baby spinach
• most importantly - 12 tortillas (I use multigrain tortillas)

Get Preppin'

1. Marinated your meat for at least a few hours with the garlic, cumin and onion. (it is best if you can do it overnight)
2. Combine your onion and capsicums in a bowl ready to BBQ
3. Prepare your fajita sides to serve

Fire up the BBQ!

1. Make sure the BBQ is about medium to high heat. Drizzle oil over the BBQ.
2. Cook your capsicum and onion mix for 15-20 minutes until the onions begin to brown and caramelise, remove and keep warm.
3. Pop your steaks onto the BBQ and cook until medium rare or to your personal taste.
4. Once your steaks are cooked, remove from heat and allow to rest for about 5 minutes. Slice into small strips for serving.
5. To serve, stack your tortillas with the meat, capsicum-onion mix and all your delicious sides!

Subscribe ♥ Home ♥ Instagram ♥ Twitter ♥ Pinterest ♥ Bloglovin'

Guest Post ~ Layered "cup" cake Recipe from Pinkscript

Please welcome Essie from Pinkscript! 

She was kind enough to share this mouth watering recipe with us. 

Hello! I’m Essie over at Pinkscript. You might remember me (or my blog) from the last time Emilie posted about her own guest post on my blog. Today, I’m returning the favor with one of my favorite quick-treats!

We all have a little obsession with sweets, whether it’s ice-cream, cinnamon, chocolate cookies, or cupcakes. For me, it’s unfortunately all four of these. Today I decided to share with you all one of my proud “inventions” that I like to call the layered “cup” cake – or rather, a mini sized cake in the form of a cup. It’s a way smaller portion than a normal sliced cake which makes it not only tons healthier, but also better for your self-esteem (in the way that you won’t feel guilty after eating it!).

You Will Need:

• 1/2 cup crushed Oreos or Chocolate Cookies (without cream)
• Marshmallow Paste
• 1/2 cup of any flavored ice-cream you desire
• 1/2 cup of vanilla low-fat yogurt
• Sprinkles or cinnamon bits (optional)
• Plastic cups (any size)

To Make:

1. In a plastic cup, pour in a handful of crushed chocolate cookies or until it fills up a quarter of the way. Using marshmallow paste, “glue” the cookie crumbs together and pinch towards the edge of the cup.
2. Add in 1-2 scoops of ice-cream, or until the plastic cup fills up halfway. The amount of ice-cream should be about the same as the amount of cookies.
3. Freeze the cookies and ice-cream in the cup for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
4. Once taken out, remove the plastic cup carefully. It’s fine if the “cup” cake isn’t exactly the form of a cup just yet.
5. Add in vanilla yogurt, again approximately the same amount as the other two layers. Then, top with sprinkles or cinnamon.
6. Bring the cake onto a plate if you haven’t already, the top the plastic cup on backwards so the bottom is facing the cinnamon/sprinkles. Freeze for another good 30 minutes to 1 hour.
7. Take out and remove the cup; you’re done!

Enjoy!

Subscribe ♥ Home ♥ Instagram ♥ Twitter ♥ Pinterest ♥ Bloglovin'

Monday Delights - Episode Eight - Winter Style

My fingers are freezing and my toes are cold... 

The electric blanket is out and my slippers are on...

Gone are the days of summer dresses and flip flops...

Winter is here!
 

Source: katiejeanne.polyvore.com via Emilie on Pinterest

Source: birdsnest.com.au via Emilie on Pinterest

Source: polyvore.com via Emilie on Pinterest

Source: polyvore.com via Emilie on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Emilie on Pinterest

This year, my winter style is all about comfort. Cute scarves, piles of jeans and big cozy jumpers. 

I am also adoring the winter hats around this year how cute is the cat beanie!

Subscribe ♥ Home ♥ Instagram ♥ Twitter ♥ Pinterest ♥ Bloglovin'

April Photo-A-Day ~ Day 22-30 ~ Late and Final Edition

I have been super slack with getting my final April Photo-A-Day pics up! Better late than never I guess :)

day 21 ~ bottle of vinegar used in dinner prep
day 22 ~ shopping spree @ harbour town
day 23 ~ red capsicum would have to be one of my fave veggies
day 24 ~ i am super grateful for such an awesome sista

day 25 ~ looking down on my elliptical trainer during workout
day 26 ~ pretty roses
day 27 ~ pub for dinner
day 28 ~ trying my new curling iron out :)

day 29 ~ one of my fave necklaces (pressie from the boy)
day 30 - I am sooo sad when I get a parking fine :(

Of course, you can find my photos every day (when I remember) on Instagram, Pinterest and on my twitter, just click on the links below to find them :)

I don't think I will be following May this month... I just haven't been able to keep up for April so I might pick it up again in June.

Subscribe ♥ Home ♥ Instagram ♥ Twitter ♥ Pinterest ♥ Bloglovin'

Hungry Recipe ~ Beef and Veggie Kebabs

These kebabs are super easy to make and so healthy!

Perfect for an easy lunch or dinner or great at a BBQ gathering.

Makes 16 kebabs - approx 80 calories per kebab

Add this to your grocery list...

• 500g of beef, diced (chicken or prawns would work too)
• 2-3 large zucchini, sliced into 32 1/2cm rounds
• approx 32 cherry tomatoes
• approx 16 button mushrooms, halved
• 2 onions, cut into eighths
• 2 capsicum, cut into 2cm pieces (red or green) 
• oil for BBQ

Get Preppin'

1. If you are using wooden skewers then you need to soak them for about 1/2 hr, this stops them burning when your cooking and helps stop splinters 
2. Start threading your prepared ingredients onto the skewers, capsicum - mushroom - zucchini - tomato - beef - onion - beef - tomato - zucchini - mushroom & capsicum (recommended combo)
3. Repeat for all 16 skewers

Fire up the BBQ!

1. Make sure the BBQ is about medium to high heat. Drizzle oil over the BBQ.
2. Cook skewers for about 10-15 minutes turning to avoid burning.
3. Devour!

Subscribe ♥ Home ♥ Instagram ♥ Twitter ♥ Pinterest ♥ Bloglovin'

Go visit my Guest Post - Nom Nom Anzac Biscuits

Heya guys and gals,

This month I have partnered with my good friend Essie over at Pinkscript blog and provided a yummy guest post.

Here is a little hint to guess what it might be about...

To find the recipe and read the full post go visit http://pinkscriptblog.blogspot.com.au/

Subscribe ♥ Home ♥ Instagram ♥ Twitter ♥ Pinterest ♥ Bloglovin'