Happy Birthday To Me!

Today is my birthday.
I am 24.
So far I have:
Done washing,
Done dishwasher,
Cuddled my girl,
Cuddled my boy,
Not even seen my hubby yet (he leaves for work before I get out of bed),
Been inundated with messages on Facebook,
Blown bubbles with my girl while my boy slept,
Eaten left over Thai for lunch, forgetting how the spice intensifies overnight.

Yesterday was a big day for us. Mother's Day.
My in laws came over for lunch (the Thai-yum!) and then we took Eve for a quick run to the park followed by a big family dinner at my grandparent's place. It was so lovely to see my family, we eat and laugh together.

Plans for the rest of the day?
None.
Nothing at all.
Does it bother me?
Not really.
I do miss my friends and would love to see them, but it is not possible to do a 5hr drive for a quick visit!
I had planned on making a nice dinner for hubby & I but now I look in the fridge and see it full of leftovers so I can't waste them!

But it's ok, I have had fun playing with my wonderful birthday present from my hubby, my awesome new camera.

I turn around and my big girl is giving my little man cuddles...



Having a chat...



Let's blow bubbles!



Hmm... We have discovered LOTS of baby fish....



We will need to investigate ways of getting rid of them! Willing to give away to anyone and everyone, even pet shops!

So that is my birthday.
Nothing big.
Nothing fancy.
Just lots of love,
The way I like it.

Gazpacho Soup!

I am a fan of the old TV show Red Dwarf.
I have fond memories of gathering in the lounge room with my family to watch an episode together. Many laughs were had. :)
From a certain episode (I won't go into detail, it won't make sense unless you have seen it) I have had an unwavering curiosity of Gazpacho soup....
I had to make it.
I had to eat it.
I.... Just....Had.....To!

In my favourite cookbook there is a recipe, so after years of looking but never quite doing, I finally made it.
Yes it may have taken me a lot longer than it should have, but in my defense I was running from children to kitchen all day.

Sadly I only managed one photo, this is it before adding the final stock....



It was delicious!
The only way I could describe it was like drinking a salad.
So tasty with the tang of vinegar, the crunchy cucumber and saltiness of the olives with a bite of garlic.

I think you should try it, why not?

Gazpacho Soup
Serves 4-6

Ingredients:

750g Ripe tomatoes
1 Lebanese cucumber, chopped (I used a large continental)
1 Green capsicum, chopped (I omitted as I didn't have any)
2-3 Cloves Garlic
1-2 Tablespoons finely chopped black olives (I didn't measure mine, just chucked a lot in!)
1/3 Cup Red or White Wine Vinegar (I used red)
1/4 Cup Olive Oil
1 Tablespoon Tomato Paste

Accompaniments: (I didn't bother with these but maybe next time if I have more time)
1 Onion, finely chopped
1 Red capsicum, finely chopped
2 Spring onions, finely chopped
1 Lebanese cucumber, finely chopped
2 Hard boiled eggs, chopped
Chopped fresh mint or parsley croutons

Directions:

• To peel the tomatoes, score a cross in the base of each tomato. Cover with boiling water for 30 seconds then plunge in to cold water (I used a bowl in the sink with ice). Drain and peel away the skin from the cross.
• Chop the flesh so finely it is almost a puree.
• Mix together the tomato, cucumber, capsicum, garlic, olives, vinegar, oil and tomato paste and season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
• Cover and refrigerate for 2-3 hours.
• Use 2-3 cups of chilled water to thin your soup. (I added about 2 as I liked it strong)
  
• Serve with accompaniments on the side.
  

On My Mind.....

I wish I could spend more time with my mum...
I miss her every day.
Mother's Day is sad when I don't see her.
My birthday is the following day this year.
All I want for my birthday is to see her.
Unfortunately that can't happen, she lives a long drive away and due to work/money we cannot go visit.
Hopefully soon we will!




Inspiration for this post came from Rhonda on her blog Down To Earth.

My Baby Girl Turned 2!

Eve our first darling child, my beautiful little girl, had her 2nd birthday on the 24th April.
We celebrated with a big party with family, lots of food and lots of fun.

I spent most of the week cooking...



And more...



And the cake...(Which everyone loved!)





And we got our first family photo with all four of us...



The time has flown....






I love my gorgeous kiddies!