another end; another beginning

H I G H   F I V E   2 0 1 4

You have been a wild adventure; An ongoing lesson; A whirl of unexpected events.

And in these last few days before you slip out of my life and become another file of memories, I want to reflect, smile, perhaps shed a tear, and thank you.

Thankyou for starting in Queensland; and ending in South Australia.

Thankyou for four months of funemployment.

Thankyou for my European Adventure.

Thankyou for all the stories I made with my sister, and partner in crime.

Thankyou for the lessons. And lessons. And lessons.

Thankyou for the friendships. Old and new.

Thankyou for allowing me to finally unveil the most authentic version of myself I have ever been.

T H A N K Y O U

Because when I look back - I can honestly say that 2014 was an incredible year.

And I'm ready for an equally unpredictable and fulfilling 2015.

xx

pies with nuts #notdirtystreetpie

Tis the season for delicious foods and Christmas parties.

It's also that time of the year when you've had enough of work; you're feeling a little fed up with the losers who can't navigate a shopping centre carpark; and you are struggling to find anything suitable for that one person you always struggle to buy for. 

And now you're scrambling to think of something to take to that neighbourhood barbecue or family gathering this weekend.

Don't worry. I've got your back.

M I N I   P E C A N   P I E S

Mini Pecan Pies

These are the perfect, "easy to make, bite-sized so everyone gets a taste, but still delicious enough to impress" dessert. 

Can be served as they are; or with a dollop of cream or scoop of icecream.

To make pastry

200g (1 + 1/3 cups) plain flour

Pinch of salt

125g chilled unsalted butter, chopped

1 egg, lightly beaten

Combine flour and salt in a large bowl. Add butter and, using your fingers, rub into flour mixture until it resembles fine breadcrumbs. Make a well in centre of flour mixture. Combine egg and 1 tablespoon iced water in a small bowl, then pour into well. Using a round-bladed knife, stir until mixture forms a dough.

Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 200C. Place dough on a lightly floured work surface and roll out

Use a cookie cutter (or a wine glass if you’re like me and didn’t have a cookie cutter handy!) to cut dough to fit muffin tin moulds.

Bake for 10 minutes or until light golden. Reduce oven to 175C.

To make the filling

50g unsalted butter, chopped

150g (2/3 cup firmly packed) brown sugar

160ml (2/3 cup) golden syrup

3 eggs, lightly beaten

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

240g (2 cups) pecan halves

Place butter, sugar and golden syrup in a small saucepan over low–medium heat and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until butter melts and mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly. Add eggs and vanilla, and whisk to combine. Fill mini pastry cases with pecans and pour over golden syrup mixture. Place on an oven tray and bake for 20 minutes or until filling is browned and firm to the touch. Cool in pan to room temperature.

Here's a little behind-the-scenes snapshot, including my ever diligent Supervisor - Miss Emmy.

Miss Emmy supervising my photoshoot

xx

how do you cope when it rains?

I am still buzzing from a Personal Development Workshop I was privileged to be a part of last night.

Twelve hours later I am bursting with inspiration and smiling about comments from women who, before our 3 hour gathering, were complete strangers.

The workshop was the FIRST EVER hosted by Nereeda of The Nereeda Network.

This post is not to promote her brand new business (although I believe in it 110% and absolutely encourage you to pop across to her website and facebook and insta accounts);

Or to disclose any detail of the Workshop itself.

No... this post is off the back of something I have been thinking about for a while; a topic which I was able to discuss openly with these perfect strangers last night.

W H O   A R E   Y O U R   P E O P L E  ? ?

They say "You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with"

So we must choose these special people wisely.

After moving interstate last year; and then moving back again... I have come to learn about the importance of your inner circle. Those whom we surround ourselves with. The special people who get to share the BIG moments of your life; those from whom we seek support; and those with whom we can celebrate our victories.

Are your top five inspiring and challenging you?

As The Nereeda Network Workshop reminded me - "There is no rewind button on the game of life";

So it is our responsibility to choose/change/eliminate the main characters in our story to make sure we are living our best life.

There are endless motivational posters encouraging us to surround ourselves with positive people; But I think this one here says it all -

Daily Positive Quotes

And those perfect strangers? Well, I think the universe is very good at aligning people in the right place at the right time; and I have the feeling that this is just the beginning of some wonderful friendships. 

xx

you are not the lampshade

xx