Life as Kir

Day twenty eight

2012-01-28T20:56:00.002+11:00

Light:

Watching Gossip Girl S05.E12 on the MacBook. Blair Waldorf's chandelier.

Day twenty seven

2012-01-27T13:30:00.000+11:00

Lunch:

Trying to make up for all the bad food I've eaten this week. It didn't work :(

Day twenty six

2012-01-26T13:00:00.000+11:00

Colour:

The stained glass window at the cafe we had brunch in.

Day twenty five

2012-01-25T08:05:00.000+11:00

Something I made:

I made this painting back in 2005.

Spray painting lace over a canvas is about as far as my creativity stretches!

Day twenty four

2012-01-24T21:00:00.000+11:00

Guilty pleasure:

I try to go to the movies once a week, but I don't always treat myself to a yummy Ben & Jerry's cone!

Day twenty three

2012-01-23T19:04:00.002+11:00

Something old:

I love these old Volkswagens!

Day twenty two

2012-01-22T17:25:00.000+11:00

Shoes:

At the Queen Victoria Building

Day twenty one

2012-01-21T14:34:00.002+11:00

Reflection:

Day twenty

2012-01-20T19:33:00.000+11:00

Someone I love:

My wonderful husband

Day nineteen

2012-01-19T13:42:00.005+11:00

Sweet:

Morning tea with Chris

Day eighteen

2012-01-18T06:30:00.000+11:00

Something I've bought:

My new Florence Broadhurst fabric covered lampshade

Day seventeen

2012-01-17T06:30:00.000+11:00

Water:

Lacquered

2012-01-16T17:56:00.002+11:00

Out Loud by Kit Cosmetics

Day sixteen

2012-01-16T15:39:00.000+11:00

Morning

My wet morning walk to work (from the car)

Day fifteen

2012-01-15T16:00:00.001+11:00

Happiness:

A cat and a box!

Day fourteen

2012-01-14T20:12:00.002+11:00

Something I'm reading:

Gourmet Traveller on the iPad

Day thirteen

2012-01-13T22:00:00.000+11:00

In my bag:

Day eleven

2012-01-12T16:00:00.000+11:00

Close up:

Chase S.Mouse

Day eleven

2012-01-11T17:52:00.003+11:00

Where I sleep:

Day ten

2012-01-10T16:00:00.000+11:00

Childhood:

My beloved Care Bears mug

Day nine

2012-01-09T20:16:00.001+11:00

Daily routine:

Drive to work!

Day eight

2012-01-08T13:21:00.002+11:00

Sky:

A plane flying over (near) my house

Day seven

2012-01-07T23:48:00.001+11:00

Favourite:

McDonald's chocolate frappe

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Day six

2012-01-06T20:46:00.001+11:00

Smile:

Friday afternoon: beginning of the weekend!

Day five

2012-01-05T16:00:00.000+11:00

Wore:

benefit benetint

Lacquered

2012-01-05T06:43:00.000+11:00

Banana Split by N.Y.C. Color

Day four

2012-01-04T18:39:00.000+11:00

Letterbox:

Not mine, just a random one that got my attention on the walk from the office to my car.

Day three

2012-01-03T20:41:00.001+11:00

Adored:

My engagement and wedding rings.

I adore the design, what they represent and the wonderful man who gave them to me!

Day two

2012-01-02T20:14:00.001+11:00

Breakfast:

An English breakfast tea at a cafe in Picton.

Day one

2012-01-01T21:00:00.000+11:00

Me:

My favourite drink

Photo-a-day challenge: January 2012

2012-01-01T15:00:00.000+11:00

The lovely Chantelle from FatMumSlim has created the following Photo-a-day challenge and I've decided I am up for it!

* All my photos will be taken on the iPhone using the Instagram application.

About last night

2012-01-01T11:00:00.000+11:00

The last night of 2011!
Chris and I spent the night at home: alone, together.
I cooked a three course meal comprising prosciutto wrapped scallops, prawn and vodka pasta and mini banofee pavlovas. I started drinking before making any of the courses and I was a bit worried, however they all were a delicious success!
I drank a lovely bottle of Tempus Two 2010 Moscato while Chris drank Rekorderlig cider.
We watched Drive and How Do You Know. I much preferred the Drive storyline, however I prefer Paul Rudd to Ryan Gosling.
It was a lovely way to ring in the New Year. It's the sort of night I hope we get to have lots of this 2012.

Happy 2012

2011-12-31T23:59:00.000+11:00

http://www.facebook.com/Sudtipos

Microfinancier

2011-12-31T12:17:00.000+11:00

A few days ago I had favourited a friend's tweet about a microfinancing organisation called Kiva. It's something I had been intrigued by since I first read about it years ago when working for the Australian Financial Review.
"Microfinance is a general term to describe financial services to low-income individuals or to those who do not have access to typical banking services" ~ from the Kiva website.
You can lend as little as $25 to help someone you'll never meet, in a country you'll never visit. I know that I won't miss the money I donated. But I know that it could make a big difference for the borrower.
The money is repaid to you through instalments, not without it's risks, but you are updated along the way.

Australia is the lucky country, and I certainly don't mind doing something very small to try and help someone who is trying to help themselves. And I thought this was a nice way to end the year!

The only hard part is choosing your borrower!

http://kiva.org/invitedby/kirrily2865

New Year's Resolutions

2011-12-30T20:05:00.002+11:00

I know most people say they aren't going to do these, and I usually do too. But deep down there is something a bit special about making a plan, a dream, or a wish for the new year.
It's nice to begin the year with some hope.
Most years I want to lose weight. And this past year I have managed to, slowly, lose about 15kgs. Trying to hold on to that 15kg loss over Christmas hasn't been easy though - food is my downfall (of course) but I have managed to lose this weight without exercise - so far. So hoping to continue that next year with the addition of some exercise. But I think I can do a little better than that resolution-wise.
So what do I want 2012 to hold for me, something that's within my capability to achieve through some hard work: I'd really just like to be comfortable.

Comfortable walking out the door and holding my head high. Comfortable in a room full of strangers. Comfortable shopping for new clothes. Comfortable sharing a seat on public transport. Comfortable in photos. Comfortable sharing my opinions and not caring what others think. Comfortable at the beach/pool.

Comfortable to be me.

Greeting card I purchased from Etsy seller Laura George

Lacquered

2011-12-29T10:30:00.002+11:00

Coralicious by Rimmel

Happy Christmas!

2011-12-26T10:26:00.000+11:00

Yesterday was a lovely day surrounded by family, laughing and reminiscing (good AND bad) - and there was lots of good food and drink!
One of the highlights of my day was the VS Sassoon Big Hair Styler that my Mum got me, this was just my first attempt on a new (and unliked) haircut. I am hopeless at doing hair so this is a huge improvement!

And my Caramel Banana Trifle was a big hit (again) - it is a variation on this Taste recipe.

Christmas has come early!

2011-12-24T10:30:00.000+11:00

Last night my husband and I celebrated Christmas together. Chris has to work on Christmas Day and since my family lives in Newcastle and I'll go and spend the day with them (rather than staying home alone) we won't get to see each other on the day. So we decided to make last night a substitute - I made a delicious traditional baked dinner (and a lovely dessert too!), and we sat around the Christmas tree and exchanged our gifts.
I was very spoilt (again!) and received a Kindle Keyboard 3G, a red Kindle case with a built in light, a Moleskine diary and the Masterchef series 3 cookbook.
Chris had been a good boy all year, so I spoilt him with a punching bag, sparring pads (forgot the actual boxing gloves but we'll get those ASAP), a T2 jug with matching summer teas, 2 pairs of running shorts and 4 t-shirts, a water bottle and a Moleskine notebook, and the PS3 Pirates of the Caribbean LEGO game.
Our little boy Chase (the cat!) didn't miss out either - not only did he have empty bags and boxes to play in, but we had got him a little cat nip scented toy bunny.

But I think the real joy came in getting to spend the night together as if it really were Christmas day.

And my baked dinner: pork, roasted potatoes, mushy peas, onion rings and gravy!

Christmas card wreath

2011-12-23T08:00:00.000+11:00

A couple of years ago I made this Christmas card wreath. It's a Martha Stewart project and I just loved that there was something different to do with my cards other than put them on the mantel (which I'm sure you'll agree with me is cluttered enough!)

Lacquered

2011-12-22T06:30:00.000+11:00

Spearmint by Witchery

SMSS spoilt!

2011-12-21T17:33:00.000+11:00

Today I received my SMSS gifts from a lady called Jo.
It's such a weird (but wonderful) concept to receive a gift from someone you don't know.

All wrapped up:

And the goodies inside:

Spoilt with:

* Some lovely smelling soaps

* A magnet

* Some Argan hair oil (I am so excited by this!)

* Notecards and envelopes

and *The most delicious smelling Pineapple Mango candle

Celebrity spotting

2011-12-21T13:00:00.000+11:00

This morning my colleague came in to the office and told me they were filming a segment downstairs with Jason Segel of How I Met Your Mother. Now, I don't watch that particular TV show, but I do like his movies (Knocked up; Forgetting Sarah Marshall; I Love You, Man).
PLUS what she left out was that Kermit the Frog was there too!
They are both in Australia to promote the new Muppets' movie, and they were filming a New Year's Eve promo for Channel Nine.

Chocolate and Kahlua Truffles

2011-12-21T06:30:00.000+11:00

Yesterday we had our monthly morning tea at work to celebrate recent and upcoming birthdays and this month to also celebrate Christmas and swap Kris Kringle gifts.
I always try to make something to take in and share but this month I knew I was going to be pressed for time so decided on something super easy: truffles!

Chocolate and Kahlua Truffles

It was my first time making them and I don't think I did too badly - but they were VERY rich and the cocoa was a little bitter. They were nice and simple though!

Share a Coke with me!

2011-12-20T21:32:00.000+11:00

This afternoon I went down to my local Westfield and visited the Share A Coke kiosk where they make you up a little (200ml) can of Coke with your name on it! For someone like me with a very uncommon name this was like a little piece of heaven!

I got one for Chase too! (but they wouldn't do Chase, it had to be Chasey!)

Work Kris Kringle

2011-12-20T17:00:00.000+11:00

Today at work we exchanged our Kris Kringle presents and had a morning tea (a post about my truffles tomorrow!)
I was so lucky this year (not that I wasn't last year either) but this year I actually received something that I had been eyeing off to buy for myself - and really, that is a truly great unasked for gifts!
Thank you Santa! :)

O Christmas tree

2011-12-20T06:30:00.000+11:00

I bought this removable fabric wall decal Christmas tree from Love Mae a couple of years ago and decided to frame it (on thick textured paper) inside a gold gilded (also DIY) frame (from Ikea). It's great that it is portable (I am considering taking it in to work today for our office Kris Kringle swap) and I love that there is nothing to do other than take it out of the wardrobe in the spare room and just lean it up against a wall in the lounge room!

Next step: add gifts!

My Christmas mantel

2011-12-19T06:30:00.000+11:00

As I was saying earlier, it is looking very much like Christmas at our house now. It's such a lovely, albeit busy, time of year.
I really haven't gone overboard this year: I've misplaced our wreath and we've gone with a very simple Christmas tree (which I'll post about tomorrow) and to be honest, without little ones in the house it kind of feels right to just keep it to a minimum.
So, without further adieu here is my mantel, decorated with a simple paper banner and some stockings - and our Christmas card which always bring a smile to our face!

A to Z

2011-12-18T15:45:00.002+11:00

Age: 34
Bed size: Queen
Chore you most hate: Putting dishes/groceries away
Dogs: None
Essential start to your day: Check email and Twitter
Favourite colour: Red
Gold or Silver: Silver
Height: 158cm
Instrument you play: None
Job title: Data/Information Officer
Kids: None
Live: Sydney
Mothers name: Michelle
Nicknames: Kirra, Kir, Kiki, Kizza
Overnight hospital stays: Gallbladder removal (October 2011)
Pet peeves: Bad drivers
Quote from a movie: 'You can't handle the truth!'
Right or left handed: Right
Siblings: Two sisters and a brother
Time you wake up: 0618 Mondays-Thursdays and 0735 Fridays
Underwear: Cotton, boy leg
Vegetable you hate: Pumpkin
What makes you run late: My husband
X-Rays you've had: Ankle, back, chest
Yummy food that you make: Caramel and banana trifle (always requested by family)
Zoo animal: Penguins

* Taken from Nikki's blog A Million Rambles Of My Life

1920s style

2011-12-15T17:25:00.000+11:00

Yesterday we had our work Christmas party.

This year's party was a 1920s theme complete with a jazz band, Masterchef competition and a trivia contest.
It was a pretty successful party for me - my trivia team, the Screening Jets (I work in Cervical Cancer screening), came first tied with another team and then took out the contest after a tense elimination question.
And my dessert of Caramel Parfait with Candied Popcorn* was also judged the best vegetarian dish.

Here I am all dressed up and ready to party**!

* I am going to make this dish again and share the recipe, I didn't get to take a good photo on Wednesday.
** I'm not much of a dresser-upper so a headpiece, some red lipstick and fishnet stockings was me going ALL out! :)

Lacquered

2011-12-13T22:16:00.001+11:00

Thanks So Muchness by OPI

Newcastle Farmers Markets

2011-12-11T14:45:00.001+11:00

Today I went, with my sister and her two kids and one of their friends, to the Newcastle City Farmers Markets at the Broadmeadow Showground.

I had the most amazing lamb and gravy bread roll from vendor Drover's Choice Saltbush Lamb, and I bought the following take home purchases: a garlic infused EVOO and a caramelised balsamic vinegar from Pukara Estate, a jar of pickled mushrooms from Bites 2 Savour (same couple as Pukara Estate) and a jar of Summer Berry Vinegar from Tar10.

And the girls enjoyed a good old-fashioned Snocone!

SMSS reveal

2011-12-09T08:00:00.000+11:00

Following on from my post on Wednesday, since my gift has been (hopefully well) received and I can reveal what was inside.

The butterfly (which is carved from a vintage saucer, and is designed to be hung on the wall) comes from Lightly, and the key ring loop is from Witchery (I have one of these and it makes finding your keys in your bag SO much easier!)

Lacquered

2011-12-08T08:30:00.000+11:00

Off With Her Red by OPI

Social Media Secret Santa

2011-12-07T06:30:00.000+11:00

This year I have participated in Fat Mum Slim's Social Media Secret Santa (SMSS). Thanks Telle for creating and organising this.
I love shopping for presents, wrapping them up really pretty and best of all - giving them to somebody whom I hope they are a perfect fit for!
I will be back later to reveal what is inside...

The wrapping paper and letterpress gift card both come from Bespoke Letterpress Boutique.

Christmas 2011

2011-12-06T11:35:00.001+11:00

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in our house.
More of that to come soon - but for now, my first wrapped Christmas gift!

Eminem

2011-12-03T09:00:00.000+11:00

Last night my sister and I went to the Eminem concert at the Sydney Football Stadium. I was expecting it to be awesome, and it really lived up to my expectations. There was a great atmosphere within the stadium and, although the sound was a little disappointing (a little soft at times), Eminem sounded amazing.

Momofuku

2011-11-22T23:30:00.000+11:00

Last night Chris took me to David Chang's newly opened Momofuku Sydney restaurant at The Star. It was a belated birthday dinner for me (since it took a few gos to get a reservation). But it was definitely worth the wait - 15 courses (with matching sake and wine) of amazing dishes.

Christmas in Sydney

2011-11-19T09:00:00.000+11:00

Last night I had dinner in the city after seeing a movie (I Don't Know How She Does It - which was actually not too bad!) - we ended up at an Italian restaurant in the Queen Victoria Building and it was the perfect opportunity to check out the newly erected (and Swarovski laden) QVB Christmas tree.