Time to retire this blog

I've been toying with the idea that I should retire this blog. Whilst I do enjoy blogging about all manner of things, I'm thinking of retiring this blog and starting a new one, which will focus on all manner of domesticity, food, travel and design. I've decided that I'd also like to curate my blog with great posts from other talented people. I know that a lot of people seem to do this, but I think that having the focus of a new home and all the projects that will eventuate, will give my blog greater purpose.
I feel that a new beginning warrants a new blog. Stay tuned...

I'm Back...

My goodness how the last two months have just flown! I didn't quite realise just how busy I was, until I logged into my blog and realised I hadn't actually penned anything for almost two months! Work is going really well. Busy but great. Huge learning curve but glad to be on the journey!

I have been exercising more, which is great. I like the new gym and I know someone who attends, so we always motivate each other, which as you know, is important!
I have been eating out at a lot of great restaurants. I've also done three cooking classes and attended a Jamie's Food Revolution gathering at my favourite Salumeria - Pino's Dolce Vita at Kogarah.

I was actually thinking about starting another blog with all my experiences in food... but then, I think I'd probably want to contribute to a blog.

I'm also really interested in interior design. Always have been, but now that I'm looking to buy a house, the whole prospect of decorating and designing an interior has captured my interest. I've also been really excited about my Orchids... most number of blooms ever! Promise photos in the next post.

Cooking

Something that I love to do is cook. Over the holidays I spent a little (well maybe a lot) of time reading cookbooks. I have decided to cook a few dishes, from different cookbooks.

I just made the most delicious dinner this evening. I wanted to prepare a vegetarian dish, largely because I have been reading Maggie Beer's "Maggie's Verjuice Cookbook." I was really captivated by her recipe - Eggplant and Lentil Stew with Pomegranate Molasses. It just looked and sounded so appetising that I just had to make it. Well, I did and it was so good! It was so delicious, so tasty and so moorish. I made a little extra so I could take it to work for lunch tomorrow.

I will post some pictures soon. Hope you've had some great cooking adventures.

Long time between posts.

Life has been very busy. Very, very busy. Work, for about the last three weeks has been really, really busy. At times, really forcing me to draw on my inner strength to get through some moments of self doubt. Pleased to say the last week was a great week of term and I'm thoroughly enjoying the holidays. I went to mass for Good Friday and will go again tomorrow for Easter Sunday. I love Easter. It is a great time to allow one to really reflect on life, on sacrifice, suffering and love. John's gospel is by far and away my favourite and given the scriptural passages from John's gospel are used for Catholic masses at Easter, it is a great source of inspiration.
My gorgeous niece enlisted her mother and she put on a play for us. It was indeed very cute. She sang the songs she had learn't during school, about Lent, about Jesus entering Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. It was a really lovely moment, to witness her faith development.

I have also been doing a lot of reading. In the last week I've read The Hunger Games and have now almost finished reading the second book in the trilogy - Catching Fire. Suzanne Collins has done quite well to construct this narrative. It reminds me a little of Phillip Pullman's trilogy, His Dark Materials, which I also enjoyed. I purchased a Kindle to read. I have found reading novels on the iPad a little difficult - particularly when reading for extended periods of time. The back light makes my eyes somewhat tired. Since buying the Kindle, I've been able to read for much longer.

I've also started cooking and gardening. Have caught up with friends and family. Here are some pictures of different aspects of my month that has been... I hope you enjoy and I hope you have a Happy Easter or Happy Passover.

This first picture is of gorgeous sun chairs at our boutique hotel accommodation at Jasper's Brush.

The second picture is a muffin that one of my students made for me, for Easter. 

Something I love about Autumn is the delightful colour of leaves. Taken at Hartzer Park, Bowral

Food trucks seem to be all the rage in Sydney, as they have long been in the USA. This is a stalwart - an icon. Donuts are still wonderful. 

These sliders were an excellent appetiser at Matt Moran's new restaurant, Chiswick at Woollahra. Fabulous restaurant. Go for the Moran family lamb. 

The beautiful menu cover. 

It's a book!

It is our National Year of Reading! Excitement for all English teachers and voracious readers! The inclement Sydney weather is perfect for reading and baking. Hope to do both this weekend! My husband stumbled upon this and shared it with me. Thought you might like it as well!

29th February

Felt I should post today - given that it will be four years time before the opportunity arises. So, in this post I want to remember that on this day I was privileged to attend the launch of the Catholic Education Foundation. It has been set up to assist the poorest of our society, who are Catholic and want a Catholic education to attend a Catholic school.

Today I also want to remember how much I love my new job. I love the many challenges, the steep learning curve and the great responsibility. 

I also am sad for the people of Syria and Egypt. I pray for them each day and hope that when the next leap year comes around, that peace has come to these countries.

I also remember the it has now rained all day long. It was a wet, at times cooler summer.

Sunday morning cup of tea.

Inspired by Melinda's blogpost, I made a warming cup of T2 French Earl Grey Tea. I decided to photograph it using some new films and filters I recently downloaded for my Hipstamatic iPhone app.
Love Sunday morning. Am watching extended news coverage, reading news online and in print. So much happening in the world that I want to read about!