Anyway here it is, I have a severe obsession with yellow and grey atm, I love the colour combo, it brightens up my day.
KB
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Quilt cover obsession: Yellow & Grey flower burst
I don't recall the exact name of this Sheridan quilt cover, what I do know is that I bought it for a ridiculously cheap price I am talking $53 dollars. I am a Sheridan member and that makes sense given I have a problem with purchasing quilts (refer to my previous posts). This was heavily reduced and with shipping only costing $6 it was logical to place a call to the outlet store and get them to ship it out.
Anyway here it is, I have a severe obsession with yellow and grey atm, I love the colour combo, it brightens up my day.
Yes, I know another random post, but that me...random.
KB
Anyway here it is, I have a severe obsession with yellow and grey atm, I love the colour combo, it brightens up my day.
KB
A day of fun! Mornington Peninsula, Dark Knight Rises & Mama Baba
Its been sometime since I had a entire day with the hubby so we managed to really back in everything in one day. We woke very early to head down to Mornington Peninsula (6am thank-you!) for a drive down to the beach house, we ended up spending the afternoon there and enjoyed a nice breakfast at a local cafe then some massages and then to kill some time we ended up watching the Dark Knight rises at Rosebud cinemas.
The cinemas were nice and cosy, I think we were one of four people in the theatre. I have to say this movie exceeded my expectations, in fact I really didn't have any so maybe that is why I was so impressed. I thought this movie was amazing, for a boy film; I loved the effects, the story, the actors, everything was great so a 9/10 for the movie. I am more of a romance movie chick so thats why it didn't get the full 10/10
I felt very inspired by the Dark Knight and decided that the wintering Melbourne evening was perfect for cape wearing. So pulling the cape I bought last month and wearing my super high heels we made our way out for the evening to enjoy a bite to eat with some friends. We had late dinner reservations at Mama Babas, we found this obscurely tucked away restaurant and I instantly fell in love with the rustic warehouse dining space and the funky tunes coming from the dj tucked away in the corner of the bar. This place is super cool, reminds me of some of the restaurants that you find at Meatpackers district in NYC.
The cuisine concept is based on being part Greek/Italian cuisine, which seemed fitting because the couple joining us were Italian and hubby and I are of greek background. The Mama being the Greek part of the menu and the Baba being Italian cuisine. The menu is loaded with pasta which suited me just fine.
We waited at the bar for a few minutes and ordered some Olympic themed cocktails, I ordered the "Asia" I cant remember what was in it but the Lychee sold it for me. After having a brief conversation with George Calombaris, actually using my "elevator pitch" and asking him for a job and reminiscing on a time that we worked together about 8 years ago, he was lovely and for someone with so many things on the go had time for a quick chat. George resumed his duties clearing table, which goes to show that this is one hard working man.
We all decided to go with the "let us feed you" option for $55 each which combined a mixture of some chefs favourites on the menu. It seemed the easiest option and we got to taste 14 different food items on the menu across the snack, entree, main and dessert sections. It takes away the hassle and stress of thinking what to order and the food keeps flowing from the kitchen.
Okay from memory this is what we ate
Snacks
- Parma (loved them)
- Proscutto marinated in honey
Entree
- Ricotta in byzantine vinaigrette (loved it)
- Smoked tuna
- Beef carpaccio
Salad
- Fennel Orange, spring onion
- Pea: mint, ricotta
Pasta
- Tortellini: Prawn Saganaki, tomato feta
- Makaronia: White balsamic braised lamb, chestnuts, oregano
Mains
- Mulloway fish: parsnip puree, dutch carrot, wasabi lettuce
- Beef Cheek
- Polenta side
Dessert
- The Italian mess
- Cinnamon bomboloni with nutella
Not to bad for $55 a head, the portions where small, but we didnt leave there starving, some dishes were more of a hit than others, my favourite was the balsamic ricotta, the lamb makoronia, the beef cheek and the cinnamon bomboloni. I asked the table for a score and we all agreed on a 7/10, the let down was the portion size and the speed out of the kitchen, we were still eating 3 hours into our seating, which is fine if your not in a hurry.
Anyway get out there if your looking for a cool spot to go to, the music is crazy and the ambience is worth a visit.
Enjoying life
KB
The cinemas were nice and cosy, I think we were one of four people in the theatre. I have to say this movie exceeded my expectations, in fact I really didn't have any so maybe that is why I was so impressed. I thought this movie was amazing, for a boy film; I loved the effects, the story, the actors, everything was great so a 9/10 for the movie. I am more of a romance movie chick so thats why it didn't get the full 10/10
I felt very inspired by the Dark Knight and decided that the wintering Melbourne evening was perfect for cape wearing. So pulling the cape I bought last month and wearing my super high heels we made our way out for the evening to enjoy a bite to eat with some friends. We had late dinner reservations at Mama Babas, we found this obscurely tucked away restaurant and I instantly fell in love with the rustic warehouse dining space and the funky tunes coming from the dj tucked away in the corner of the bar. This place is super cool, reminds me of some of the restaurants that you find at Meatpackers district in NYC.
The cuisine concept is based on being part Greek/Italian cuisine, which seemed fitting because the couple joining us were Italian and hubby and I are of greek background. The Mama being the Greek part of the menu and the Baba being Italian cuisine. The menu is loaded with pasta which suited me just fine.
We waited at the bar for a few minutes and ordered some Olympic themed cocktails, I ordered the "Asia" I cant remember what was in it but the Lychee sold it for me. After having a brief conversation with George Calombaris, actually using my "elevator pitch" and asking him for a job and reminiscing on a time that we worked together about 8 years ago, he was lovely and for someone with so many things on the go had time for a quick chat. George resumed his duties clearing table, which goes to show that this is one hard working man.
We all decided to go with the "let us feed you" option for $55 each which combined a mixture of some chefs favourites on the menu. It seemed the easiest option and we got to taste 14 different food items on the menu across the snack, entree, main and dessert sections. It takes away the hassle and stress of thinking what to order and the food keeps flowing from the kitchen.
Snacks
- Parma (loved them)
- Proscutto marinated in honey
Entree
- Ricotta in byzantine vinaigrette (loved it)
- Smoked tuna
- Beef carpaccio
Salad
- Fennel Orange, spring onion
- Pea: mint, ricotta
Pasta
- Tortellini: Prawn Saganaki, tomato feta
- Makaronia: White balsamic braised lamb, chestnuts, oregano
Mains
- Mulloway fish: parsnip puree, dutch carrot, wasabi lettuce
- Beef Cheek
- Polenta side
Dessert
- The Italian mess
- Cinnamon bomboloni with nutella
Not to bad for $55 a head, the portions where small, but we didnt leave there starving, some dishes were more of a hit than others, my favourite was the balsamic ricotta, the lamb makoronia, the beef cheek and the cinnamon bomboloni. I asked the table for a score and we all agreed on a 7/10, the let down was the portion size and the speed out of the kitchen, we were still eating 3 hours into our seating, which is fine if your not in a hurry.
Anyway get out there if your looking for a cool spot to go to, the music is crazy and the ambience is worth a visit.
Enjoying life
KB
Casa de Babs pasta making class
Most of you know that I finished up from my day job a week ago so in the quest for self discovery, I have been getting more and more in touch with my creative side. As part of this I managed to convince my good friend Allira to come and join me in a day of making pasta.
Armed with her Empire Red Kitchen Aid, which was a gift from her work colleagues (after convincing her that this was a staple for her kitchen) we set our little ladies on the bench top with the pasta attachments.What I thought would be a fun day in creating pasta and gossiping led to 6 different pasta types. Ricotta Ravioli, Spinach Fettucini, Spaghetti, Lasagna Sheets, Rigatoni and Spiral pasta.
Allira managed to capture a few images of the pasta once we had spent a few hours going through the pasta. If anyone loves homemade pasta the kitchen aid attachments are amazing, they are stainless steel and extremely durable, after years of use my pistachio lady is in desperate need of a service up against Allira's mixer she didn't sound so good, I have to make sure I drop her off a week were I am not going to use her
Armed with her Empire Red Kitchen Aid, which was a gift from her work colleagues (after convincing her that this was a staple for her kitchen) we set our little ladies on the bench top with the pasta attachments.What I thought would be a fun day in creating pasta and gossiping led to 6 different pasta types. Ricotta Ravioli, Spinach Fettucini, Spaghetti, Lasagna Sheets, Rigatoni and Spiral pasta.
Allira managed to capture a few images of the pasta once we had spent a few hours going through the pasta. If anyone loves homemade pasta the kitchen aid attachments are amazing, they are stainless steel and extremely durable, after years of use my pistachio lady is in desperate need of a service up against Allira's mixer she didn't sound so good, I have to make sure I drop her off a week were I am not going to use her
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Saturday Night: Meatballs with Tomato Risoni
I am on mission to start using the items in my pantry
and kitchen to before they expire or wilt, not only because I am now unemployed
and need to be more thrifty but because its simply a waste. Before I could
blame it on a busy schedule but now that I am a lady of luxury I have plenty of
time to plan out meals, with that in mind, I decided that I would cook a
favourite; meatballs.
This is a adaption of a recipe that I found on the
back of a packet of stock but also discovered the recipe online.
Enjoy!
Needless to say both my husband and Dad were
absolutely thrilled with the meal. also makes for a great meal the next day.
One word of advice risoni always tastes best warm so you may need to zap it.
TOMATO RISONI MEATBALLS
PREPARATION TIME
20 mins
COOKING TIME
25 mins
SERVING SIZE
4 people
INGREDIENTS
500ml Litre Stock -
Beef
500g beef mince
2 clove garlic, crushed
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 cup dried breadcrumbs
1 tbsp oil
4 tbsp no added salt tomato
paste
1/2 tsp rosemary dried or
fresh
1 1/2 cups risoni pasta
2 ripe tomatoes, diced
chopped parsley
Shaved parmesan, to serve
DIRECTIONS
Combine 1/2 cup stock with mince, garlic, egg, parsley
& breadcrumbs. Roll into balls.
Heat oil in a large frypan. Add
meatballs & cook until browned all over. Pour over remaining stock, tomato
paste & rosemary. Bring to the boil, reduce heat & cook, covered, for
10 mins, stirring occasionally.
Stir in risoni & tomatoes. Cook for
8 mins, uncovered, stirring occasionally, or until pasta is al dente.
Garnish with
parsley & parmesan.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Farewell, Goodbye, Adios, Giasoooouuuuu!
I hate farewells more than the average girl. People who really know me, know very well I try to avoid them at all costs, I hate going to airports and seeing people off before they leave, I prefer to call them or text them anything than standing across the room staring at each other waiting for "that moment".
With all that, as this week comes to a conclusion, the farewells are inevitable as my employment comes to an end after 6.5 years. Most people may not understand why I might get so sentimental after all its just a job right? Well not in my eyes. I was 22 years old baby when I joined the business, I had limited professional experience and I was working with the "big fish". I lacked confidence, never thought I would reach anything spectacular.
Ultimately I was really taken back by the friendships I made, the people that believed in me more than I had ever experienced in my life time. It is these amazing people that made working such a pleasure. I had the opportunity to travel Australia, did way too many Sydney trips for my liking, I learnt the in's and outs of "airport etiquette" or should I say lack of, and how to persuade airport staff to let me on a earlier flight home. I learnt how to drink with the men to get "the next job" or at least keep up appearances. I learnt how to be engaging in presentations, how to deal with conflict, and how to befriend senior executives who were on more money that I would ever see in my entire life-time and at the same time learnt how to respect all workers across every division and in every role. I was truly the go to person.
In my time, I have had the opportunity to really forge my career and I am incredibly grateful for all the opportunities that have been provided to me, making fantastic friends, having the opportunity to continue with my studies.
As the week concludes I have been treated to many farewell lunches and lovely gifts I am looking to have a short break, re-charge find myself now that I am not Katie- Senior Operations Manager.
I am not sure what I will do next, but rest assured when I do return from my break look out, I will back with the force, energy and charisma you all know and love.
With all that, as this week comes to a conclusion, the farewells are inevitable as my employment comes to an end after 6.5 years. Most people may not understand why I might get so sentimental after all its just a job right? Well not in my eyes. I was 22 years old baby when I joined the business, I had limited professional experience and I was working with the "big fish". I lacked confidence, never thought I would reach anything spectacular.
Ultimately I was really taken back by the friendships I made, the people that believed in me more than I had ever experienced in my life time. It is these amazing people that made working such a pleasure. I had the opportunity to travel Australia, did way too many Sydney trips for my liking, I learnt the in's and outs of "airport etiquette" or should I say lack of, and how to persuade airport staff to let me on a earlier flight home. I learnt how to drink with the men to get "the next job" or at least keep up appearances. I learnt how to be engaging in presentations, how to deal with conflict, and how to befriend senior executives who were on more money that I would ever see in my entire life-time and at the same time learnt how to respect all workers across every division and in every role. I was truly the go to person.
 |
| The Work Crew in better times |
In my time, I have had the opportunity to really forge my career and I am incredibly grateful for all the opportunities that have been provided to me, making fantastic friends, having the opportunity to continue with my studies.
I never really imagined that it would come to this, I really did think that I would be with my employer until I was grey, but all good things must come to an end.
My biggest achievement and joy was managing staff, this was only a recent duty, but I certainly enjoyed seeing the growth and talent of a certain young lady over the last year, whilst I am most sad that our working relationship ends, I am confident that the skills "the girl" has learnt will lead her to bigger and greater roles outside of Perpetual (Yes, Allira I mean you).
I have seen many friends get married, have babies, and even get divorced and all the conversations we shared over coffee and the career/ professional and personal advice you have each given me has been invaluable and has shaped the person I am today, so Thank you!
I am really honoured and feel privelaged to have worked with them all over the last 6.5 years, you are all great individuals and it made turning up to work each day worthwhile. Thank you for each teaching me something about work or life or maybe just about achieving a work/life balance.
I will be sad to leave behind my friends but mostly Ms Toula who has been driving me to and from work for 5 odd years, please all make sure you take care of her, as most of you already know, she is the most kind hearted person and I will miss our drives, however I doubt that she will miss my frequent mood swings and ranting and raving at 7am in the morning. I am also sure that she wont miss having to wait 20 minutes outside because I slept through my alarm again.
One last thank-you to all the leaders (past and present) that inspired me and believed so much in me even during the times where I didn't.
My biggest achievement and joy was managing staff, this was only a recent duty, but I certainly enjoyed seeing the growth and talent of a certain young lady over the last year, whilst I am most sad that our working relationship ends, I am confident that the skills "the girl" has learnt will lead her to bigger and greater roles outside of Perpetual (Yes, Allira I mean you).
I have seen many friends get married, have babies, and even get divorced and all the conversations we shared over coffee and the career/ professional and personal advice you have each given me has been invaluable and has shaped the person I am today, so Thank you!
I am really honoured and feel privelaged to have worked with them all over the last 6.5 years, you are all great individuals and it made turning up to work each day worthwhile. Thank you for each teaching me something about work or life or maybe just about achieving a work/life balance.
I will be sad to leave behind my friends but mostly Ms Toula who has been driving me to and from work for 5 odd years, please all make sure you take care of her, as most of you already know, she is the most kind hearted person and I will miss our drives, however I doubt that she will miss my frequent mood swings and ranting and raving at 7am in the morning. I am also sure that she wont miss having to wait 20 minutes outside because I slept through my alarm again.
One last thank-you to all the leaders (past and present) that inspired me and believed so much in me even during the times where I didn't.
The most important lesson I learnt in my career was to pay it forward, all the opportunities that were given to me, all the support, confidence instilled in me I wanted to give to others. I hope to some small extent I was able to do this, especially to those people who deserved it the most.
As the week concludes I have been treated to many farewell lunches and lovely gifts I am looking to have a short break, re-charge find myself now that I am not Katie- Senior Operations Manager.
I am not sure what I will do next, but rest assured when I do return from my break look out, I will back with the force, energy and charisma you all know and love.
Will be seeing you all soon, I do not plan to lose touch with these special people after all we share a special bond, perhaps "infinite" one.
Thanks for the memories PPT.
KB
Burgundy (a.ka the new black) for fall 2012
I am huge fan of Nina Garcia, ever sinced she graced the screen on Project runway years ago, this 47 year fashion director for some the greatest fashion magazines is a huge fashion icon, she always looks effortless ans is absolutely rocking it for her age.
I have purchased a few of her fashion advice books, not that they have helped me a great deal, however I still consider her fashion tips invaluable. So when Ms Garcia says that burgundy is the new it colour, I listen and take note. I spotted the trend whilst following her pinterest page, granted I havn't been pinning for at least 6 months, however these days I have a few more minutes up my sleeve and was affoded some pinning minutes. It looks like all the huge designers are sending burgundy designs down the runway for fall.
By a freak of nature prior to spotted the trend I wore a burgundy scarfe for my last day of work. You be the judge of the colour trend. Dig through the wardrobe and revive the rich wine colour, if your feeling a little sheepish try accessories, but I am thinking a hot pair of skinny burgundy pants or a LBD (little burgundy dress) would be amazeballs, and perfect for the Melbourne freeze, 5 degrees the entire week is not pleasant.
Adios KB
I have purchased a few of her fashion advice books, not that they have helped me a great deal, however I still consider her fashion tips invaluable. So when Ms Garcia says that burgundy is the new it colour, I listen and take note. I spotted the trend whilst following her pinterest page, granted I havn't been pinning for at least 6 months, however these days I have a few more minutes up my sleeve and was affoded some pinning minutes. It looks like all the huge designers are sending burgundy designs down the runway for fall.
By a freak of nature prior to spotted the trend I wore a burgundy scarfe for my last day of work. You be the judge of the colour trend. Dig through the wardrobe and revive the rich wine colour, if your feeling a little sheepish try accessories, but I am thinking a hot pair of skinny burgundy pants or a LBD (little burgundy dress) would be amazeballs, and perfect for the Melbourne freeze, 5 degrees the entire week is not pleasant.
Adios KB
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Book Review: The Siren by Tiffany Reisz
My Ratings
Characters: Likable and in Wesley's case simply adorable
Writing Style- Clever, Witty and Very Entertaining
Plot/Storyline- Excellent! I have never read anything like this!
Steam Factor- High. Very Steamy!
Overall- I LOVED IT!! A MUST READ!!! Not sure what to say at the moment about this one other then thank you Tiffany Reisz for writing this remarkable book.
Okay. I've had some time now to digest my initial thoughts and am starting to conjur up a review. I know this story was amazing. It was different and was beyond erotic. The biggest effect it had on me was that it pushed my comfort zone, if you think Fifty does The Siren is on a complete different scale. It wasnt the BDSM, or the explicitness of some of the scenes, but some of the revelations revealed in the story, not only shocked the hell out of me, but I was surprised at how at ease I was with them.
This book had me enthralled from the very first page to the very last! My favourite quote, so much so I highlighted on the kindle for safe keeping. " There are only two reasons why you leave someone you're still in love with - either it's the right thing to do, or it's the only thing to do". -Nora in The Siren
This is not a romantic story wrapped up with a happy ending. It is a story of love, lust, loss, yearning, discovery and left me wanting in such a bad way. The Siren in one word: masterpiece. When reading this book, it’s okay to put it down to breathe. Use your safeword. Then pick it back up again. I'll be anxiously awaiting Book 2, but right now, I'm just heartbroken.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
What about a bob?
I have been walking around the last few weeks thinking that its time to get rid of this (my) hair. Perhaps its about changing myself, or maybe I want to be seen as the person I feel today and not the 17 year old high school girl. Also undergoing a fair bit of change in the last few months I feel like I need it to be reflected as much on the outsides as its affected me on the inside.
What ever it may be, I am ready for "a change" so this is part of my "embracing it and moving forward" motto. Three weeks until my next hairdresser visit (unless I cut it myself, which I am really contemplating more and more each day) tell me what you think of what I want to do, the below is celebrity inspiration. I am seriously in love with Olivia Palermo's hair. If only I was sure that it would look that good.
Hair Inspiration- The Long Bob
What ever it may be, I am ready for "a change" so this is part of my "embracing it and moving forward" motto. Three weeks until my next hairdresser visit (unless I cut it myself, which I am really contemplating more and more each day) tell me what you think of what I want to do, the below is celebrity inspiration. I am seriously in love with Olivia Palermo's hair. If only I was sure that it would look that good.
Hair Inspiration- The Long Bob
Really need some advice but thinking that this will be the length, I just need to decide on the colour.
Babs
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
My cape obsession
I have been in search for a cape for sometime, and I am not talking about the superhero cape, I am talking poncho cape, and to my delight I found the perfect one in Myer. The only thing that stoped me from buying it was the fact the entire department store was on sale besides the one item that I wanted. So I left the store empty handed on Sunday.
For the past few days I havnt been able to get this coat out of my mind so I raced over in search to see if it was on sale and to my suprise it was 70% OFF in the Laura Ashley store at Melbourne Central.....I love a bargain as much as the next girl but seriously 70% off common, its a no brainer.
Check it out and tell me what you think, its not the most practical but I figure it works as a great weekend and work jacket and I definetly think I will be getting a $1 a time use out of it.
xoxo Babs
For the past few days I havnt been able to get this coat out of my mind so I raced over in search to see if it was on sale and to my suprise it was 70% OFF in the Laura Ashley store at Melbourne Central.....I love a bargain as much as the next girl but seriously 70% off common, its a no brainer.
Check it out and tell me what you think, its not the most practical but I figure it works as a great weekend and work jacket and I definetly think I will be getting a $1 a time use out of it.
xoxo Babs
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