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oh to dream…

Posted on January 11th, 2012 by Tracey

I’ve never been to New York, but I’ve already dreamed about being there. To me, it seems like one of those cities where it’s never dull and you’ll always come home with amazing stories.

Discovering New York would be a playground for a photo-nerd like me. I’d be the quintessential tourist, the girl with more cameras than dreams, trying to capture as many memories as I could (though never succeed in capturing the city’s true essence).

Yes, take me to Central Park and let me skate at Rockerfeller Centre (season permitting) but let me try hidden treasures and let me climb to the tallest peak and look over the city.

New York is one of those places that I’ll keep on my list for when there’s a time and a will to go – on my own or with family, it doesn’t matter. I just want to be there!

Do you have any dream cities you wish to visit?

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definately not a MasterChef but…

Posted on January 10th, 2012 by Tracey

i’ve been a very bad girl. well actually, i’ve been extremely good – munching away on ‘clean foods’ and avoiding processed food these past few weeks. but last night, my chocolate craving got the best of me and i caved into temptation*!

searching through our pantry and fridge, i’ve pulled out a few things that would do the job –
* jar of nutella
* two tubs of vanilla custard (the kids snack of choice lately)
* some frozen raspberries & blueberries that i’ve been blending for my morning smoothie
* shortcrust pastry

if you’re familiar with baking tarts or pies, you’ll know the drill. spray your pie tin (or in this case, a muffin pan) with cooking spray so the pastry doesn’t stick to it. cut the shortcrust pastry into big squares (enough to fill each hole and overflow a little bit). on top of each square of pastry, place your pie weights on top of some baking paper, which is on top of the pastry and bake in a preheated oven, on 180 degrees celcius, for about 15 minutes. remove the pie weights and bake for a further 5 minutes.

now you’re ready to fill those cases in! fill them with whatever you want – but i’ve got with Nutella & a few raspberries, and Custard & a few blueberries. i’ve baked them for a further 10 minutes and then taken them out to cool for another 10 minutes.

YUM. all done!

*on the topic of cravings and temptation, i actually think having a treat once in a while is a good thing for your body and your confidence. imagine living in a world of restrictions, you’d go nuts. i’ve been working out calories so i’m educated about where i am, but i didn’t bother counting them for this treat. it’s not a treat if you’re already laying a guilt trip on yourself, is it 🙂

let me know if you’ve made any sweet treats lately too!

we’re all going on a summer holiday …

Posted on January 8th, 2012 by Tracey

well that’s certainly how i’ve been trying to spend these past couple of weeks. isn’t the holiday season AWESOME fun? even though i’m not working, Regan is and the kids are still going to school or therapy – it’s been the best fortnight for good food and good company…


i’ve spent some time with my Dad – he took me to go get eggs and we had a good old yarn with the lady who runs the shop. i remember when i was a kid how much this would of mortified me, but these days it’s something i enjoy and will probably do to my own kids


i’m still eating really well and getting daily exercise (30 mins bouncing around on the mini trampoline is my weapon of choice). i’ve lost almost 2kgs in 10 days so it’s a great start – being able to lose weight in a healthy way and also in a way that doesn’t bother me


Jovie’s therapy is going well as can be – she’s been laughing and smiling to and from our sessions this week, which i can only assume that she’s getting more and more comfortable with going. there’s no therapy this week (OT is on break) but we’ll continue next week as usual 🙂


Jasper has been hilarious and as fun as ever – though we’re still trying to get him to sleep in his own bed… I’ve taken to sleeping on the floor because sleeping next to him is so uncomfortable i’d rather be down there on my own. Oh, 4 year olds.


Today we spent a few hours over at my sister’s apartment for a BBQ and for some IKEA shoe cabinet building – i love putting together that stuff! We’ve all got allergies/hayever today but it was a great day anyway 🙂

So I’m back to regular blogging over at ABB this week and I’ve got to start seriously thinking about what I’m going to do this year…. Not sure if I want to study (I’m thinking child care) but I have to have something underway by at least May unless we win the lottery and I start buying jewel incrusted toasters.

Hope you’ve had a great summer break too!