sayonara, so long, adieu, adios, au revoir, auf wiedersehen, bye

This morning I sat down at my computer to blog and I couldn't think of a thing to say. That's been increasingly the case over the last month or two...it appears, sadly, I've lost the will to blog.

Life is busy, busy these days. I've started to take on a bit more work (one of my current projects is setting up a website for my business www.barecommunications.com.au - nothing there yet, but soon will be!), have a few voluntary roles on the go, as well as the usual demands of motherhood. And I figure that when something I began for the sheer enjoyment (this blog) starts to feel like an obligation, it's time to ask why I'm doing it...so, I'm taking a break.

I want to thank you, dear readers, for coming along on this ride and sharing your opinions along the way. I have absolutely loved sharing a little bit of myself with you and I honestly would have gone a little bit barmy over the last six months if not for you. And who knows? I could be back in a month...or a year...or maybe not at all.

Take care...and if you want to keep in touch, you can always find me on twitter (@bugmum) or drop me a line at domesticgoddessonlplates@gmail.com

Amanda
xox

Spring is here!

Spring. A poem by Robert McCracken

Today is the day when bold kites fly,
When cumulus clouds roar across the sky.
When robins return, when children cheer,
When light rain beckons spring to appear.

Today is the day when daffodils bloom,
Which children pick to fill the room,
Today is the day when grasses green,
When leaves burst forth for spring to be seen.

It's been a loooooong winter but Spring is FINALLY here. My favourite season...the mere mention of September is enough to put some bounce in my step. I love the sunshine, the blue skies, the blooming bulbs...ah, sweet Spring.

What does Spring mean to you?

Favourite Recipes: Chocolate Chip Brownies

This week's favourite recipe comes from one of my favourite people - my lovely friend, Rachel. She swears these Chocolate Chip Brownies are so easy and scrummy straight from the oven, or frozen and reheated...or any other way that takes your fancy! Mmmm...chocolatey goodness...

what you need
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 cup plain flour
1/3 cup cocoa
2/3 cup brown sugar
2/3 cup white sugar
1 cup chocolate chips
1 tspn vanilla
2/3 cup vege oil (to make these treats a little lower in fat, Rachel used a tub of pureed apple plus a little bit of oil - around 1/3 cup of each)
3 eggs

what to do

1. The best thing about this recipe is that all you need to do is throw everything in a bowl and mix it up.
2. Then spray and line a 20 x 30cm tray and bake for 25-30mins at 170C. Make sure you watch your oven, though, as these brownies are definitely better undercooked rather than overcooked.
3. Eat. Rub tummy. Yum.
   

Want to share your favourite recipe? Send it to domesticgoddessonlplates@gmail.com

Fashion Smashion: Brights

If they're not already, sunglasses are about to become your can't-live-without accessory for summer - if only to look at the frocks! Acid brights are HUGE at the moment, with saturated hues spotted on many fashion-forward celebs.Will you embrace the rainbow?

Above left: Jessica Stroup in a cute, flowy micro mini and to-die-for shoes
Above right: Beyonce forgets the old 'take one thing off before you leave the house' rule

Above left: Jennifer Morrison wows in a tangerine number
Above right: This violet stunner almost distracted me from thinking how badly I want to give Posh a Quarter Pounder.


Above left: Christina Applegate plays it safe by pairing retro hot pink with a sensible black skirt and shoes.
Above right: Nicky Hilton. The horror.

Above left: A detailed neckline and tricky heels add interest to Maria Menounos' bright red swing dress.
Above right: Renee Zellweger on her way to arm wrestle Madonna for the title of buffest celebrity.

Source: Instyle

What Amanda can't live without...

This week, we find out what Amanda can't live without. No, not me, but my darling friend with the same name. We met about four years ago when, in one of the best moves of my career, I recruited her to work with me. She is not only ridiculously smart and talented, but is gorgeous to boot, with a heart the size of Ayers Rock.

I love her to bits, and you will too - here's what she can't live without.

1. Nalle—We adopted our beautiful Husky from Mikulov Siberians just over a year ago. When she arrived at Mikulov she had pneumonia, had severe fly bites on her ears and tails, and her coat was matted from months of neglect. She is now in full health and enjoys bossing us around immensely.
2. Music—I love music of all varieties. I don’t discriminate at all, in fact just last week, I found myself uttering the words “I don’t quite know how to say this, but I think I need Miley Cyrus...”
3. Faith—I regularly reflect on the fact that I always seem to land in the right spot at the right time. So when I say ‘Faith’ I’m not necessarily saying religion. I just have faith that, in life, things will always work out for the best.
4. My family—where to start? My parents gave up so much to make sure that I got the best education, and start in life. And my sister is my hero. None of them like having their photos taken, so excuse my imagery...
5. Exercise—I went through a really crazy gym junkie period, during which a girlfriend and I would do ‘three hours of power’ including running, weights and yoga. Nowadays I’m happy to get a jog in every now and again and play netball twice a week.
6. Being a housewife—OK so I’m not one yet, but I love cleaning, cooking, gardening and sewing (someone else can keep the ironing). I was born in the wrong decade. I’d have made a brilliant Stepford Wife.
7. My partner—He is my rock.
8. Travel—I have the itchiest feet. I want to go everywhere. I am happiest when I have my backpack on and I’m checking in for a long distance flight.
9. My sisters—my urban family, the women around me who inspire me on a daily basis. You know who you are the ones who tell me when to pull my head in, what not to wear and who regularly lead me astray—go on—twist my rubber arm.

If you want to share what you can't live without, just email me at domesticgoddessonlplates@gmail.com

What's your Best Restaurant?

It's that time of year again! Australian Gourmet Traveller has just unveiled their pick of restaurants from around the country and Sydney's Quay restaurant has won the top gong for the second year running.

There was a time when my lovely husband and I used to delight in doing the rounds of the latest foodie hotspots...these days, though, we're more likely to pick something low key and local.

There are a lot of the usual suspects on Gourmet's list of three-hat restaurants...we've been to four of the nine Sydney hotspots and they all deserve their place. Without a doubt, the most amazing dining experience I've ever had was at Tetsuya's...everything (food, wine, service, ambience) was sublime and truly unique.

BUT. What about the other great restaurants out there which don't have million dollar fitouts or harbour views but still have great food? C'mon, share your absolute favourite place to eat...

Favourite Recipe: Potato Bake & Crumbed Chicken

Last week, I invited readers to share their favourite recipes in a new weekly segment...and first up is Carly-Grace, with her Potato Bake and Crumbed Chicken. Perfect comfort food!

If you'd like to share your favourite recipe, it's as simple as sending me an email to domesticgoddessonlplates@gmail.com. You can also send a photo, and even a short blurb telling me what you like so much about your dish. In the meantime, though, give Carly's a whirl!

what you need
crumbed chicken:
500g of chicken breast (preferably pre-diced)
breadcrumbs
flour
2-3 eggs
milk
oil (canola or veggie oil)

potato bake
4-5 large potatoes
1 sweet potato
1 onion (optional)
Grated tasty cheese
Four rashers of bacon, diced
300 ml thickened cream

what to do

crumbed chicken

1. If chicken breast isnt pre-diced, cut into small cubes [you can judge the size - anywhere from a bouncy ball size to golf ball is generally good].
2. Crack eggs in a bowl and mix with some milk.
3. Put flour into a bowl - I find it easier to cover the chicken by using hands - and place chicken into flour. Give pieces a good dusting and remove excess flour.
   
4. Dip chicken into egg, ensuring all surfaces are covered, and into a bowl of breadcrumbs.
   
5. Put oil in pan on medium heat.
   
6. Place all the chicken in the pan, and cook until you can see browning underneath. Turn and cook until both sides are golden brown.
7. Drain on paper towel and serve with potato bake (below).
   

potato bake

1. Preheat oven to 200 degrees C
   
2. Peel and cut potatoes and sweet potatoes into cubes approx 1.5cm
   
3. Dice onion.
4. Layer a casserole dish with the potatoes, sweet potatoes and onion. Pour cream over.
   
5. Place in oven for 30-40 minutes.
6. Sprinkle grated cheese and diced bacon over the top
   
7. Return to oven until the cheese has melted. A great alternative is under the grill.
8. Remove from and stand for 2-5 minutes.
9. Serve with crumbed chicken (above). Enjoy!