SUNNYLAND

Its Time to Move House!

2009-12-30T18:28:00.002+11:00

You can now find all my adventures at: The Life of Sunny.

~See you all in 2010~

x Sunny x

Christian Louboutin for Barbie

2009-10-25T20:53:00.004+11:00

I think it's fair to say Barbie now has everything I've ever wanted from life.

Christian Louboutin has signed up with Mattel to do three limited edition Barbie dolls head-to-toe, that he describes as inspired by Nefertiti and Marylin Monroe.

The three dolls will be released separately. The first, to be released in December, is the jewel thief-themed Barbie; in February, a safari-themed Barbie, & for May, Louboutin designed a Barbie that goes to the Cannes Film Festival. Strangely - none of the Barbie's have the classic blonde hair.

The dolls will be packaged in Louboutin shoe boxes & each come with four pairs of Barbie-size Louboutin heels. I don't think there is much else to be said other than "Damn Barbie, you got it going ooooon".

Graphjam

2009-07-16T20:52:00.004+10:00

Why, hello sailor.

Here is my favourite website for today:

www.Graphjam.com

I cant wait to see the graphs you all come up with!

Love Sunny xxx

A Final Farewell

2009-06-29T21:11:00.002+10:00

Rest In Peace

Robert (Bob) John Spiteri

30th October 1928 - 16 June 2009

Here is a poem written about Bob, my grandfather, a man i love with all my heart & every fibre of my being.

--------------------------------------

The Cattle Whisperer

Take me to a place where the eagles glide
And the cattle run at a call, to be by your side.

They know their names and Bob's gentle touch,
The bread that he brings is never too much.
They hear the bike and a yodelling call.
They eagerly come running
There is bread for them all.
The cows and the bull and a gelding bay
All make sure that some comes their way.
They cluster around for a word and a pat
They love my grandfather, I'm sure of that.
Then its back to the creek
Where the pelicans glide,
Fishing with their babies by their side.

The eagles soar and the creek gently flows
Alive with fish and crabs, that's how it goes.

His favourite of all waits for him there
Its not Blue his cattle dog who sits by his chair,
Its Beverley his wife,
So beautiful and fair.

-----------------------------------------------------

Grand pop, to me you were a lighthouse, illuminating & showing me the right way. You are the star in the fondest memories of my life.

I will miss you. Always.

I will never forget.

Sunny

My Vegetarian Adventure

2009-04-25T14:02:00.004+10:00

Hi, My name is Sunny and I am a meat eater.

Well, at least, I was......

Last Monday I decided that it was time to venture into the strange and scary world of vegetarian living. I have been considering the idea for a few months now, and decided to give it a few weeks 'trial time' to suss out if it was right for me.

Unfortunately, my reasons were quite trivial and vain, but I'm not going to lie to you and say that it was because my conscious got the better of me.

My top reasons for turning were:

1. I have seen my Vegetarian, Vegan and especially Raw friends bodies go from regular to toned, glowing and bouncing off the walls with energy

2. The price of meat seems to only be getting more and more expensive. So I thought, taking out meat from my shopping list will save me quite a bit of money. Its a recession busting idea! And I can put that money towards much more fun things!

3. A vegetarian diet matches the kind of low fat, high fibre diet recommended by dietitians and doctors.

4. Vegans & Raw eaters (if I ever get to that point) are renowned for their youthful looks & great skin.

I'm sure there are many vegetarians reading this and cringing at my reasons, but lets be honest, many more women (and certain men) would be vegetarians if they knew the aesthetic benefits.

After doing a bit of research, I came across the following facts which have completely changed my initial reasons for joining the vegetarian cause:

1. Cut the fat.
While meat provides a lot of protein, it also provides a ton of fat — especially saturated fat. Which means that by cutting out meat, you’ll be cutting out a lot of bad fat, and replacing it with things that are probably not only lower in fat, but that contain some good fats. Numerous studies have shown that vegetarians tend to have a lower risk of heart disease, as well as hypertension, diabetes, cancer and other diseases.

2.Less Food Poisoning.
Food poisoning gets millions of people each year — and many of them from meat, which is a good breeding ground for harmful bacteria, especially if not stored, prepared or cooked exactly right. Cut out meat and you lower your risk of food poisoning (especially if you also cut out eggs and dairy, but that’s optional).

3.You'll live a lot longer.
Vegetarians live about seven years longer, and vegans (who eat no animal products) about 15 years longer than meat eaters, according to a study from Loma Linda University. These findings are backed up by the China Health Project (the largest population study on diet and health to date), which found that Chinese people who eat the least amount of fat and animal products have the lowest risks of cancer, heart attack and other chronic degenerative diseases.

4.You'll give your body a spring cleaning.
Giving up meat helps purge the body of toxins (pesticides, environmental pollutants, preservatives) that overload our systems and cause illness. When people begin formal detoxification programs, their first step is to replace meats and dairy products with fruits and vegetables and juices. "These contain phytochemicals that help us detox naturally," says Chris Clark, M.D., medical director of The Raj, an Ayurvedic healing center in Fairfield, Iowa, which specializes in detox programs.

5. Your bones will last longer.
The average bone loss for a vegetarian woman at age 65 is 18 percent; for non-vegetarian women, it's double that. Researchers attribute this to the consumption of excess protein--the average meat-eating American woman eats 144 percent over the recommended daily allowance; the average man eats 175 percent more. Excess protein interferes with the absorption and retention of calcium and actually prompts the body to excrete calcium, laying the ground for the brittle bone disease osteoporosis. Animal proteins, including milk, make the blood acidic, and to balance that condition, the body pulls calcium from bones. So rather than rely on milk for calcium, vegetarians turn to dark green leafy vegetables, such as broccoli and legumes, which, calorie for calorie, are superior sources.

6.You'll cool those hot flashes.
Plants, grains and legumes--especially soy--contain phytoestrogens that are believed to balance fluctuating hormones, so vegetarian women tend to go through menopause with fewer complaints of sleep problems, hot flashes, fatigue, mood swings, weight gain, depression and a diminished sex drive.

7.You'll provide a great role model for your kids.
"If you set a good example and feed your children good food, chances are they'll live a longer and healthier life," says Christine Beard, a certified nutrition educator and author of Become a Vegetarian in 5 Easy Steps (McBooks Press, 1997). "You're also providing a market for vegetarian products and making it more likely that they'll be available for the children."

Seriously, how can you say no to slimming down, being stronger and healthier, living longer, having an easier menopause and providing a good example for your kids? Needless to say, im sold on the idea!

So in conclusion, I have decided its time for me to take the vegetarian challenge, and I encourage anyone else to give it a try for a week. If it doesnt work, then you havnt lost anything, but you can say you gave it a go! Your body will thank you ;)

Stay tuned for more tales of my vegetarian adventures & some of my vegetarian recipes & beauty benefits.

Super Duper Love,
Sunny xxx

Sources:
Veg Society; Vegetarian Times; Zen Habits;

Kiwi-rific

2009-04-10T11:09:00.004+10:00

There is nothing Australian's enjoy more than the healthy rivalry between us and the New Zealander's (kiwi's). In honour of the great divide, here is some kiwi humour to start your long weekend!

Super Duper Love,
Sunny xxx

The Art of Burlesque

2009-04-08T18:53:00.005+10:00

I absolutely adore burlesque and generally any old world style glamour, so I was sooooo excited when my friend Kylie told me she is having a burlesque themed birthday party!

Needless to say I have been racking my brain inside out as to what I'm going to wear! My problem is more that I have too many ideas rather than too few.... so i thought i would share some of the pictures that i am using as my main influences. Not sure what burlesque is? Wiki will tell you!

Some things in burlesque are compulsory - such as gloves, feathers and a feisty attitude...

Seriously, how cute is this girl! I think she is absolutely adorable! & i love her top hat...

So here is are a couple examples of giant feather fans... i wonder where you get them? I may have to make my own. They make me think of girls dripping in diamonds hiding behind large, soft and feathery fans... what man could resist that huh!

Let me know what your burlesque ideas are!

Super Love,

Sunny xxx

MAD TV makes me laugh - sometimes....

2009-03-28T20:58:00.002+11:00

MAD TV is one of those shows that either hits or misses. Here are my favourite 'hits':

Can I Have Your Number?

Tickle Me Emo

Hyper Love,
Sunny xxx

The Next Big Thing - Serenik

2009-03-26T20:59:00.006+11:00

Most of you already know I have a soft spot in my heart for live music. Well my most recent find is Serenik, whose music is best described as a "heavy pop rock driven by three-part harmonies and tricky guitar work". And it is more than fair to say they give a GREAT live show. Almost topped Snobscrilla's cracka lackin show...... ALMOST. Anyway, this is a band I see going pretty far so keep your eyes out for them :)

Want to check them out?

http://www.myspace.com/serenik

http://www.facebook.com/wall.php?id=2354464687#/group.php?gid=2354464687

Super Love,

Sunny xxx

On My Bedside Table.....

2009-03-24T08:45:00.003+11:00

I've been reading an aweful lot lately. Mostly on a sunday morning, recovering from a big night, on my sunlit balcony with a big mug of my special hot chocolate... living the life! hahaha. It has been a wonderful ritual, I think it will definately be a keeper!

~ Twilight Series - Stephanie Meyer.

I know, its so cliche to be reading twilight right now but I had to give it a try & see what all the hype was about! My little sister had also started reading it so I wanted to make sure there wasnt any unsavoury content that would be innapropriate for a 14 year old girl. Needless to say, I loved it! I thoroughly enjoyed reading it & will definately read it again... yes, im such a lamo :)

~ A Guide To Elegence - Madam Genevieve Antoine Dariux.

This is a book I read over and over and over again. It annouinces itself as a guide "for every woman who wants to be well and properly dressed on all occasions". It is a guide to fashion & ettiquete for the woman who stives for elegance. It has been one of my favourite books since school & i find myself coming back to it on all occasions for which i need to be "well and properly dressed".

On my lap right now: Madison Magazine, Harper's Bazaar Magazine.

In my DVD player right now: Sex and the City - The Movie.

Super Love,

Sunny xxx

You Tube Fun

2009-02-07T19:30:00.003+11:00

OK, whenever my friend Sam comes over he always shows me some new You Tube videos that he's found & they ALWAYS have me on the floor with laughter.

These ones are our favourites & I've been meaning to put them for ages! So here they are... but be warned... they contain many sexual references :S hahahaha. Coincidentally they both have Justin Timberlake in them :)

Firstly - Jizz in my pants.... god i love this one!!!

And secondly, Dick in a box. Seriously, I was crying with laughter when I saw this & just could not get the tune out of my head for a week!

I have loads more to put up but I'll space them out... I'd hate for you all to jizz in your pants :)

Love & kisses on both cheeks,

Sunny xxx

Fried Brie

2009-02-01T16:49:00.007+11:00

Photo taken by John Paul Urizar

Ok, let me start by saying - if you on a diet, dont even look at this!

I have seen many fried brie recipes but never dared to go there... however Valli Little inspired me to give it a shot. I used one of her recipes but over time it has evolved into my own no-fuss version!

Remember with this recipe - a little goes a loooong way! I usually serve a couple small wedges next to a lightly dressed salad. And for the record - its the sweet chilli sauce that makes it, so please please please use it!

Ingredients:

2 cups breadcrumbs
2 tbs of either finely chopped fresh parsley or basil (or none if your not a herb person)
3 tbs plain flour
1 egg, beaten
2 tbs milk or cream (whichever you have on hand)
350g (aproximately) of brie or camambert cut into 8 small or 4 large wedges
Oil for frying - I use sunflower or vegetable buti've tried with olive and still tastes as good
Sweet chilli sauce - my favourite brand is Trident.

Method:

1. Mix breadcrumbs & parsley together. Place breadcrumbs and flour in seperate bowls (or plates). Whisk the egg & milk/cream in another bowl.

2. Toss wedges first in flour, then egg mixture, then in the breadcrumbs.

3. Place on a plate & chill in the fridge for 30 minutes (or up to four hours ahead).

4. Pour enough oil in a pan so that it reaces a few milimetres up the side. The oil should be hot enough that it turns a cube of bread golden in 30 seconds.

5. Fry the cheese on each side until golden. Drain briefly on paper towel. Serve immediently with sweet chilli sauce.

I tend to flip back and forth between brie and camambert (which ever is on sale) and it comes out perfect every time! This recipe makes enough for four people.

Valli recommends using Panko breadcrums, a coarse & light japanese breadcrumb variety. Personllay, i like the regular stuff :)

Enjoy!

Sunny xxx

Things That Make Me Laugh

2008-12-13T15:50:00.009+11:00

I thought I would put up some things that have been making me smile/laugh hysterically this week.

Firstly comics from Pictures for Sad Children... this guys always has me in stitches!

Hahahahaha someone is totally gonna try slap me for that one.

Cheese factory....

The apartment that eats girls.... genius.

And this video makes me almost fall off my chair laughing!

Hope i made you smile! :)

Love & kisses on both cheeks,

Sunny xxx

Racing Day Love

2008-12-08T22:49:00.006+11:00

Ben & I in the stands

My gorgeous darling friends Suzie & Georgie, who you will remember as my party planners, decided to hold their joint birthday party at the races! We were there a couple days after Melbourne cup so it was pretty full & all the fashionistas of Sydney were out in force!

Ben, Ben, Me & Suzie! If you look closely you can see that i have three drinks in my hands... Its not my fault everyone kept buying me one and i suddenly realised i had too many to hold! (so i was generous and gave them away! hahaha)

We spent many weekends in preparation & shopping for that perfect races outfit. I already had a dress that I was dying to take out on the town so I just needed a great hat & some fabulous shoes (and a couple odds and ends to complete it) and I was good to go!

I had such a great time. We spent the day with friends sipping champagne ever so elegantly in the stands, only stopping our chitter chatter and laughter every half hour or so to watch the horses go by.

Suzie & I on Ben's balcony - seriously, this is the view from his apartment! I have a bit of double-chinage going on but i love it! hahaha

After a very civilized day, a few of us carried on into the night.. well, it was more like the late morning! Either way, high five to Suzie & Georgie for a cracking birthday party!

Suzie & I

We met this guy at like 3am when Ben and I were the only ones left standing. This guy made me laugh so hard I just had to take a picture! My friend the next day was like "who's the guy in the helmet?" and Ben goes "there was a guy in a helmet! why didn't you tell me???" note to Ben - you took the picture crazy man!

The next day Ben & I went to the Newtown festival and nursed our hangovers sitting on the grass in the sun & eating gozleme. BEST.......HANGOVER..............CURE...........EVER! Hahaha.

On our way to the festival... looking a tad puffy eyed!

There were awesome stalls and I was about two millimetres away from getting my face painted like spider man but the line was huge and gozleme was calling me....

The festival - before it got way packed (facing away from the stages)

Anyway, that's was the eventful weekend that welcomed in Suzie & Georgie's 23rd year. Oh and i swear i will eventually get a better camera! one day... hehehe

Love & kisses on both cheeks,

Sunny xxx

My Christmas Wishlist

2008-12-07T08:29:00.003+11:00

Its the time of year when everyone is buzzing around trying to figure out who wants what for Christmas. Well, while I will probably ask for practical stuff like a rice cooker (For some reason, cooking rice is a skill that eludes me!) what I really want is.....

Drop earrings turquoise & purple Turquoise Cabochon & Amethyst Cabochon Drop Earring; Pink & purple shoes Purple Amber Platform by Georgina Goodman from my-wardrobe.com; Hello Kitty Ring Hello Kitty Glam Ring at Bag Borrow or Steal™; Boom box bag Dollydagger;
Blue, clear & purple bangles Andrew Hamilton Crawford Set of 3 Bubble Bangles at Bag Borrow or Steal™; Lace Fan Lace Fan - Bridal Accessories : - Designer Fascinator Hats and Hair Fascina...; Pearl Corsage Miss Selfridge - Flower Corsage Pearls Bracelet; Green apple ring Dollydagger; Purple button earrings & ring claires.com; An ice cream sundae!; Dell laptop in Flamingo Pink Dell.com.au; Gold & purple bangles eShakti - Designer Tops, Dresses, Skirts, Pants, Yogawear, Caftans; I love me top (we all need a bit of self love now and then!) Garage; Blue crystal necklace stylife.co.jp; Bright blue belt bluebanana.cc; Top shop skirt Topshop - Plain Tier Mini Skirt; Top shop piano clutch Topshop - Piano Keys Long Purse; Butterfly hair clips Forever21.com - Accessories - Hats / Hair - 1053604412; Cupcake earrings Juicy Couture Shop Online Accessories & Jewelry Women Jewelry; Diasy (which is my current perfume & I LOVE it! DAISY - Women's Perfume - Discount Designer Fragrance Online - The Perfume...; Red Love heart bag The Fashion Police: Ugly shoes, bags and prom dresses; Bright feather earrings yhst-50958542405417_2019_2383939874 (JPEG Image, 400x600 pixels).

What are all of you asking for this Christmas?

Love & kisses on both cheeks,
Sunny xxx

On My Bedside Table.....

2008-12-07T07:56:00.003+11:00

Alright, so here is the wrap up of the books on my bedside table at this very moment... But as promise dto Ladybreeze I will be adding a Terry Pratchett this week... I love broadening my written horizons! Maybe i'll add something festive too :) tis the season!

~Across the Wall – Garth Nix.
I cant provide much feed back on this one as I literrally started it today and havnt even gotten past the preface! Basically, it is a collection of short stories with a few of them relating to his Old Kingdom Trilogy which I started reading a couple years ago. Fingers crossed its a goodie!

~Poirot the French Collection – Agatha Christie.
I know, I know... But she's written so many books that I will have to have one on my bedside table for the rest of my life just to get through them all! Hahaha

~Nostradamus, The Complete Prophecies for the Future- Mario Reading.
I've been reading this book in bits and pieces for a few years now. Mostly because im an ancient history buff more than wanting to know what the future holds. But hey, I love a good conspiracy theory!

On my lap right now: Delicious Magazine and i'm savaging it with a blade by cutting out my favourite recipes to stick on my fridge... K's Aunty Marie would slap me if she knew I was doing it!

In my DVD player: Hairspray

Love & kisses on both cheeks,

Sunny xxx

More Flight of the Conchords!

2008-10-27T20:07:00.003+11:00

Okay - just one more! Its the hiphopopotamus vs. the Rhymenoceros. My favourite and in honur of Michael! (because their aint no party like his nannas tea party... hey... ho)

Enjoy!

Love & kisses on both cheeks,
Sunny xxx

Flight of the Conchords

2008-10-22T11:59:00.005+11:00

OMG I have loved Flight of the Conchords for years now. Ever since i saw them at the comedy festival. They are simultaniously my favourite comedy act & band! I have so much love for them. I have a massive crush on Brett :) Their claim to fame is being New Zealands fourth most popular parody duo.... Classic.

Anyway - let me leave you with a taste of their extreme awesomeness. Enjoy!

Brett You've Got It Going On

Hahaha "that doesnt mean that i want to bum you!" so funny....

Im Not Crying

He's just making a lazagna - for one.

Business Time

Thats why their called business socks!

If Thats What Your In To

Most Beautiful Girl In The Room (Live on Letterman)

And Finally - Issues (think about it)

I hope they have made you laugh as hard as I have been laughing!

Love & Kisses on both cheeks,
Sunny xxx

On My Bedside Table.....

2008-10-12T14:18:00.009+11:00

As those of you who know me are aware, I LOVE reading. I get fully engrossed in a book (or several) and cannot put it down till im done. So here is a list of the books currently on my bedside table:

~ The Complete Battles of Hasting Volume 1- Agatha Christie
What can i say? Im a sucker for Hercule Poirot! He would bethe first person on my list of "If you could pick anyone, who would you pick to have dinner with?" followed by his creator Agatha Christie - she is a pure genius born in an era of femal suppression.

~ The Clarkson Collection - Jeremy Clarkson
You may know Jeremy from Top Gear. K is car mad and watches it religiously. So when i saw his book at the airport (one of my many trips interstate!) I couldnt pass it up. It was riddiculously cheap, only AU$17.00 on sale. It is a collection of his three books which are in turn a collection of his work from his colum in The Sunday Times (UK).

On my lap right now: The most recent Donna Hay magazine.

Whats in my DVD player: The Vicar of Dibley -The Immaculate Collection

Love & Kisses on both cheeks,
Sunny xxx

My 21st!

2008-10-12T13:55:00.003+11:00

Firstly, a big thankyou to all those who sent me birthday wishes! It was very touching :)

Secondly - pictures of K & I progressivly through the nigh (notice my makeup dissapearing!). It was held at Capitan Torres in Sydney. 60 People turned out to wish me a Happy 21st and 4 family members flew in from interstate to be there! It was loads of fun and as always, the food was delicious!

I totally tried to take this picture myself like 5 times but i think my hand was drunk, ergo Ziggy took it for me :)

And Suzie & Georgie were my party planners and helped me enourmously. The theme was Black & Red and you can see most people complied!

This last photo was after some black sambucca shots and at about 3am so my makeup is pretty much all gone & i got changed into some different clothes because a floor length dress is suprising difficult after a couple drinks!

And that concludes it! You can see the complete collection of pictures on my Facebook page!

Love & Kisses on both cheeks,
Sunny xxx

Hair Extensions - My Before & After!

2008-10-12T13:09:00.002+11:00

This is me Pre-Entensions -

And this is me the day i got my hair extensions. The lamp in my bedroom makes it look really yellow so i have included another pic as well...

And voila.... this is me at my 21st a few weeks ago (about 1 months after having them done)

Love and kisses on both cheeks,
Sunny xxx

Maya's Hair Extensions!

2008-10-12T12:36:00.003+11:00

So, Maya used to have long locks, then progressed to a Posh style and then after a couple months went - what the hell, I'll just cut it all short. While Maya can rock every look and looked wicked cute with short hair it wasn't long till she was wanting her long hair back.

I cut my hair short about 2 years ago now (wow, its already been 2 years!) and i have been looking into hair extensions for a while. So it wasn't long before we found a place we liked and went - what the hell, lets just do it! The following is a peek into Maya's extension experience!

This is Maya's before shot! You can see it is quite short at the back and on the top, so it was lucky we got such a good stylist because you can barely tell afterwards!

The first few strands of hair! We both opted for human hair... barbie hair just isn't the look we were going for!

A close up of the micro-bead system... you could barely tell they were in there.

With most of the hair on!

And Voila!!! The finished product! Doesn't it look wicked natural!! If you would like some more info on the place we got it done, the cost or the experience please comment or email me and i will help you as much as i can!

Love and kisses on both cheeks,
Sunny xxx

A Heartfelt Apology

2008-10-12T12:14:00.010+11:00

Let me start by giving my sincere apologies. I know I have been absent for quite a period of time but i swear, i have a reason! (or several.....) It was mostly due to not having a suitable Internet connection, then party due to thinking we had to move house - which is still up in the air - and finally due to being so immensely busy lately! I give you my word i will start putting much more effort into it! especially with Christmas coming up & K visiting family in India & Dubai over Xmas & New Years (so i will have LOADS of free time!).... Needless to say i will be bringing you updates of all my holiday season mischief!

Anyway - there is plenty to look forward to! I will post pictures of Maya's & My Hair Extensions(yay!!), Pictures of my 21st and all my shenanigans in the last few months!

Also, you can see some of my Cupcakery at my sweet toothed blog - Sugar by Sunny.

Love and kisses on both cheeks,

Sunny xxx

Tim Tam Cheesecake - For K's 23rd!

2008-06-15T22:59:00.005+10:00

Wednesday the 11th of June was my gorgeous, wonderful, lovable partners birthday so we spent the week sick with chest infections in Melbourne - isn't that what everyone does? hahaha.

Luckily i freighted his birthday cheesecake all the way down before we were sick so it wasn't contaminated with my evil sick germs.

Either way, the cheesecake turned out great! I can thank Kel from Sweet Treats for the pic and the recipe as i was in no condition to take photos :) Although it looked almost exactly the same so that shows what a great recipe it is!

For all those Tim Tam lovers and cheesecake lovers find below Kel's recipe from her blog. it was delicious!

Base Ingredients:
1 250g packet Chocolate Ripple biscuits (these are a plain chocolate cookie, for those international visitors!) - I couldn't find these elusive chocolate ripple biscuits so i used half scallywags (my fave) and half butterscotch snaps. worked really well!
130g butter,melted
50g milk or dark chocolate,melted

Filling:
3 tsp gelatin powder
1/4 cup of water
2 x 250g packets Philly cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup caster sugar
1 x pkt Tim Tam biscuits ,chopped (OK, so maybe you international people may have trouble finding Tim Tams...but seriously, these are the best bickies EVER)
1 x 300ml carton thickened cream, whipped

Method:
Process chocolate biscuits until finely crushed. Add butter and process until just combined. Press biscuit mixture evenly over base of a 20 cm spring-form tin. Cover and refrigerate while preparing filling.
Sprinkle gelatin over the water in a small heatproof jug.Stand jug in a small pan of simmering water and stir until gelatin is dissolved. Leave aside to cool slightly. Beat cream cheese & sugar with electric mixer until smooth. Stir in gelatin mixture, then chopped Tim Tams. Fold in whipped cream. Pour filling into prepared tin. Drizzle choc in parallel lines (about 1cm apart) across cheesecake. Pull a skewer backwards & forwards through choc to create a lovely pattern on the top of the cheesecake. Refrigerate cheesecake for about three hours or until set.

Love and kisses on both cheeks,

Sunny xxx

I heart CIA Network

2008-06-01T13:05:00.002+10:00

I really like thi slady and i think she's onto something with those flowers.... my nanna will love them for her b'day.

Hmmm cookies. I love anything i can just shove in the freezer and forget about! hahaha Now - lets jump to some savoury...

This recipe was first given to me by my friend Scott from work who is the typical aussie bloke. This was the only recipe he could always guarentee would work :)

And of course, everyone loves soem tempura :) especially tempura broccolli... yummers!

Love and kisses on both cheeks,

Sunny xxx

B's House Warming Cupcakes - made from leftovers :)

2008-05-25T19:53:00.003+10:00

These are the cupcakes i made to take to work tomorrow. They were leftovers from Pamela's order and i was sitting here thinking: "How on earth do I get rid of these?" and voila, B from work is moving house this weekend.... I'll give her the cupcakes! mwahahahahaha.....

Anyway they are vanilla butter cake topped with a layer of chocolate icing and then vanilla icing piped onto them. I was also trying to use up the rest of my icing! Then topped with the remaining blue white chocolate stars.

They turned out pretty well considering they are leftovers :) If only all my leftovers were as pretty!

Love and kisses on both cheeks,

Sunny xxx

Flower Nail - My Newest Purchase

2008-05-25T16:41:00.003+10:00

Here is a demo of how to use it:

I wish I had her skills! Check out how fast this next guy does it -

This next one i like mostly because she mentions the odd number system which i find many people don't follow anymore!

Anyway I can tell my new flower nail will get much use over the next couple years :)

love and kisses on both cheeks,

Sunny xxx

My First Catering Job! Happy Happy Joy Joy!

2008-05-24T16:18:00.004+10:00

Well this week Pam from work asked me to cater for a baby shower she is throwing. I was honestly taken aback! I have no formal training other than a Creative Cake Design class i took at school for a couple years (i went to a creative arts school which gives you an extra 3 classes per week called 'Nova'). Anyway after i gave her some options she chose a double/triple decker cake and a batch of cupcakes. The only specifications were that the cake had to say "Tina and Vik's Baby Shower" or "Baby Shower".

This is the triple decker cake.Here is the lay out:

~First Layer - Chocolate Mud
~Chocolate Icing
~Second Layer - White Chocolate Mud
~Vanilla Icing
~Third Layer - Chocolate Mud

Then i covered all of it in chocolate icing.

I was nervous about the writing, as i don't have the best piping script, so i decided to do it in white chocolate. I piped the chocolate onto a piece of baking paper with a piping bag using a small writing nozzle. The hearts were a practice go with the piping bag to see how it would turn out, obviously it turned out well and i ended up using them! (and eating one :) ).

I let the icing set in the fridge overnight before i piped the border and stuck the letters on. I could have made it smoother but decided a few strokes here and there can hide any movement when placing the letters and hearts on the icing.

Cupcakes!! Here are the blue and white cupcakes. Both are vanilla icing. I piped the icing on all the cupcakes using a star nozzle. i decorated them with:

~White chocolate stars (i coloured them with some blue chocolate powder when cooking them)
~Blue Sparkle Sugar
~White Sprinkles
~White Sugar Paste Bows
~Yellow and White Sugar Paste Ducklings - although they look more like birds :S

The white and pink pallet - my personal favourite :) Again vanilla icing, decorated with:

~White Sugar Paste Bows
~Yellow and White Sugar Paste Ducklings
~White Sprinkles
~Pink Sparkle Sugar
~Pink Cachous

Here is a close up of the pink pallet.... see what i mean about the ducklings? I think the beaks aren't big enough. Either way they are cute!

I love the colour of the white chocolate stars. They really came out gorgeous and took like ten second to make - literally! Oh and FYI the cupcakes were Vanilla Butter Cake.

The Sugar Paste Bows are better in real life as they are sparkly and looked very formal and pretty at the same time.

I felt bad that she gave me money for it as i absolutely LOVED making them, I am a cake decorating-aholic. I would do it every day if i could!

So who knows, this may be the start of a change in career! Stay tuned to find out how i develop and better myself in the cake world :)

Love and kisses on both cheeks,
Sunny xxx

Sunny's version of Chocolate Truffle Snowballs

2008-05-18T13:10:00.004+10:00

Ingredients

2 Packets of Milk Arrowroot Biscuits
2 Cans of Sweetened Condensed Milk
4 Tablespoons of Cocoa
2 Cups Dessicated Coconut or chopped white chocolate

Method

1. Smash up the milk arrowroot biscuits. By smash, i mean really hack into them. I prefer to put them in a freezer bag and have at them with a meat mallet or rolling pin. Picture your boss's face in the bag and that will get you going! You can also alternatively put them in a blender and blend until there are small chunks about the size of a fly. You can completely process if desired but i prefer a bit of texture in them.

2. Combine condensed milk, smashed arrowroot biscuits and cocoa powder in a bowl. Make sure your hands are clean and then get in there and get dirty mixing it all up. You can try and do it with a spoon or utensil of some variety but I'm telling you, its futile. Hands are the only way to go!

3. When the mixture is well combined and nice and sticky (and your hands are completely covered in it!) roll them into balls and then roll the balls into the dessicated coconut or chopped white chocolate until evenly coated.

4. Chill for about half an hour and them eat until your heart is content or your chocolate craving is gone :)

Makes about 30-50 truffles depending on the size of the balls.

I made these today for my work friend who is giving me driving lessons in exchange for food. I'm sure she will love them and the rest of the office will love the leftovers!

Love and kisses on both cheeks,
Sunny xxx

Mud Cake for Morons

2008-05-17T14:18:00.007+10:00

Ingredients (serves 8)

200g butter, chopped
300g good-quality dark chocolate
1/4 cup hot water
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup caster sugar
3 eggs, lightly beaten
3/4 cup self-raising flour
pure icing sugar, to serve

Method

1. Preheat oven to 160°C. Grease a 6cm deep, 20cm (base) round cake pan. Line with baking paper.

2. Place butter, 200g chopped chocolate and hot water in a heatproof, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave, uncovered, on HIGH (100%) for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring every minute with a metal spoon, or until smooth.

3. Add cocoa to warm chocolate mixture. Stir until smooth. Stir in vanilla, caster sugar and egg. Sift flour over chocolate mixture. Stir gently to combine.

4. Pour half the batter into cake pan. Chop remaining chocolate and sprinkle half over batter. Top with remaining batter and chopped chocolate. Bake cake for 55 to 60 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre has moist crumbs clinging.

5. Allow cake to cool completely in pan. Remove and dust with icing sugar. Serve.This cake keeps well for up to 1 week stored in an airtight container lined with baking paper.

I hope you enjoy it as much as i did! i like to heat my slice in the microwave for 40 seconds and then top with cream or ice cream and suddenly nothing else in the world matters!

Love and kisses on both cheeks,

Sunny xxx

Parmesan Chicken Tenders - Aka. better-than-sex-food

2008-05-17T14:08:00.005+10:00

Ingredients
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 stick unsalted butter (1/2 cup or about 250g), melted
1 cup dried bread crumbs
2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt or chicken salt (which ever you have on hand)
A large pinch of dried Italian herb mix
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
600g (approx) Chicken Tenderloins

Method

1 Preheat oven to about 210/220 Celsius in a fan forced oven.

2 In a bowl, combine the minced garlic with the melted butter. In another bowl mix together the bread crumbs, Parmesan, parsley, salt, garlic salt, Italian seasoning, and pepper. Dip chicken pieces into garlic butter, then into crumb mixture to coat. Double crumb if you want a crunchier finish.

3 Place coated chicken pieces on to a baking dish. Try to leave a little room between each piece. Drizzle with remaining garlic butter and bake uncovered 15 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and juices run clear. Note that the chicken will get much more browned on the bottom side than on the top.

Serves 4-6 - or two very hungry people :)
Try it for yourselves and you'll see what I'm talking about! The original recipe (which i have altered a little) came from http://www.elise.com/recipes/.

Love and kisses on both cheeks,
Sunny xxx

Recipe Resolutions

2008-05-17T14:02:00.004+10:00

This past week i made three of my recipe resolutions:

1. Parmesan Chicken Nuggets - and oh my lord you have never tasted a better nugget! i made mine as tenders rather than nuggets using tenderloins from my local deli (they were on sale). It was like heaven in my mouth. Even the minions scoffed them down and asked for more - and that's saying something seeing as it had green herbs on it :) this one is going in the must cook again list!

2. Scones - these went down extremely well at work. Everyone loved them and were amazed at how easy they were! I ate them with strawberry jam and whipped cream (the morning tea of kings!!)

3. Chocolate Mud Cake for Mothers Day - my mum (and minions) loved this and i couldn't believe how simple and tasty the recipe i found was. It took me all of 30 minutes to make and looked brilliant. This will definitely be one of my regulars.

What have your resolutions been like these past couple weeks?

Love and kisses on both cheeks,
Sunny xxx

Recipe Resolutions

2008-05-04T12:24:00.002+10:00

Here are my recipe resolutions for this week or so:

1. Scones - see recipe below
2. Chocolate Mud Cake - for mothers day
3. Parmesan chicken nuggets
4. Matchsticks - Puff pastry goodness!

Keep tuned to see how these resolutions shape up!

Love and kisses on both cheeks,
Sunny xxx

The Easiest Scones Ever

2008-05-04T12:12:00.004+10:00

Nearly everyone loves scones. I know i love to have some scones with jam and cream for a weekend brunch. They are so yummy that one is never enough. So for all you scone scoffers here is my favourite recipe:

Ingredients

4 cups Self Raising flour

300 ml Thickened Cream

350ml Lemonade

Method

1. Sift flour into bowl and make a well in the middle.

2. Pour cream and lemonade into the well of flour.

3. Mix until it makes a firm dough

4. Roll out and cut into rounds with a scone or cookie cutter.

5. Bake at 180C in a fan forced oven (200C if not fan forced) for about 10 - 20 minutes depending on the size of the scones. When they are golden on the top and fully puffed up take them out of the oven and cool on a wire rack.

6. Serve with strawberry jam and whipped cream when they are still warm.

7. Stuff face.

Love and kisses on both cheeks,

Sunny xxx

Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Oat Cookies

2008-04-20T20:05:00.004+10:00

I got this recipe of the back of a packet somewhere. However its still yummers! And everything i love in a cookie! Here is the recipe...

Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Oat Cookies

125g Butter
1/4 cup Peanut Butter
1 cup Brown Sugar
1 egg lightly beaten
3/4 cup S.R. flour
3/4 cup plain flour
1/2 cup rolled oats
1 cup choc bits

1. Preheat oven to 180C. Line two baking trays with baking paper.

2. Combine butter and peanut butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook stirring frequently, for 3-4 minutes or until melted and well combined. Transfer to a large bowl and let cool for 5-10 minutes.

3. Add brown sugar and egg. Mix well. Add combined sifted flours, oats and choc bits. Mix well to combine.

4. Roll tablespoons of mixture into a ball. Place onto prepared trays and flatten slightly with a fork. Bake for 12 - 14 minutes or until golden and firm to touch. Stand 5 minutes on tray before transferring to a wire rack to cool.

Then take them to work/share with family/hide and keep to yourself.... and enjoy!

love and kisses on both cheeks,
Sunny xxx

My Crappy Work Diet This Week! - But i loved every minute of it.

2008-04-20T19:46:00.004+10:00

OK, your all shaking your heads at me going "oh sunny, will you ever learn?" but the answer is probably no!

Wednesday Lunch and a combination of laziness and an empty fridge result in a sausage roll from Michel's patisserie. Good old Michel's catering to all my fast food needs!

Thursday meant buying up big on multi vitamins... I have a thing called gout (no its not just for old Lady's its hereditary!) which means my body cant process uric acid which is found mostly in red wine, red meat and seafood. Therefore i don't get much Iron and Omega 3 at all. So.... introducing the woman's multi vitamin! The down side is that they are like horse pills! absolutely massive! Next on the list was some berrocca to give me back my B-B-Bounce! And because my lack of iron makes me very lethargic and without much energy some days. Hmm tropical flavour!

Fridays lunch was bacon and mushroom tortellini from the place down stairs who uses environmentally friendly take away bags... or so it says! We had a few drinks the night before so it was definitely what i needed to get me through the afternoon!

And of course, the watter bottle i told you about. I like red and thought this would look good on my desk. a whole $1.50 at the reject shop! Hopefully with the transformation challenge starting Monday it will get a work out this next month!

Anyway that's all for my bad eating at work this week!

Love and kisses on both cheeks,

Sunny xxx

How to work a Dress

2008-04-19T17:19:00.004+10:00

I am very committed to bringing back femininity. I love the way a dress makes you feel girly, sexy, flirty, free and of course lady-like. So in the interest of spreading the gospel here is something i whipped up to encourage you all to jump in and be fabulous!

A Night on The Town

Nothing beats rocking a little black dress, but to make sure you don't look like the 20 other girls who are wearing LBD's spice it up with some colour. Don't forget a scarf - because no one wants to be caught outside in a LBD in winter. I just LOVE the feminine lines of this dress... I'm only going to say this once MEN LIKE CURVES!!

Pink Lady

A new twist on a classic. Note the classic lines of the dress - high cut and A-line. Chuck on a beige trench and some gorgeous drool worthy beige heels and your already dripping with class. A few girly accessories like this rose ring and the quilted pink bag and your the picture of femininity.

Sunshine During Winter

I'm loving this umbrella and the combination of the bright bold colours. Nothing makes you feel better than wearing bright clothes on a dreary lazy day. To really warm up on a cold day whip on some opaque stockings and a bondage style belt (corset style as everyone else calls it!). Just remember - open toed shoes and stockings don't work. I don't care how popular it becomes - its still tacky.

Cleopatra Eat Your Heart Out

I'll be the first to admit i love fancy dress in everyday life. In other words outfits that are inspired by a character/era/movie/cliche such as Cleopatra! note the masses of gold and green and arm bands. I love the neckline of this dress and its just SO perfect. Also don't forget matching nickers and a cocktail!

Child of the Fifties

Again, work the femininity in a big way. Pearls scream femininity no matter what. Love these heels from LAMB - Gwen Stephani - too bad they were $350.00!! The dainty jewellery sets the perfect scene... and a light pink dress just screams lady!

Child of the Sixties

Bright and flowing fabrics. work this as a mini dress and pile on the bright colours! Ready for a freak out yet?

If i were a princess...

This is totally what i would wear to my ball. Again, I'm in love with this umbrella! And the tiara is so Anastasia that it makes me squirm. Pair it with an elegant up-do or a half up half down with curls look. Throw in a shrug to keep your dainty princess shoulders warm and your ready to go. (I also threw in some orbit mints just in case you meet prince charming!)

Love and kisses on both cheeks,

Sunny xxx

Transformation Challenge

2008-04-19T17:00:00.003+10:00

Hello my lovelies. I'm going to change.

I hear you mumbles "frikkin change screwing everything up". But no need to worry! I'm actually participating in Gala Darling's (she's my favourite Internet Celebrity - and i don't use that term lightly!) iCiNG Transformation Challenge.

Here are my goals:

1. Drink lots more water - i started already by buying a big jug of water to put on my desk. The main reason i don't drink much water is I'm too lazy to walk from my desk to kitchen. I know, I'm lazy as hell!

2. Keep my room in a decent state - I did a MASSIVE clean out today, we are talking sun up to almost sun down. The tricky part is maintaining it.

3. Do at least 20 hours of driving - I have always lived and worked right next to a station, but now that my learner licence is about to run out (after about 3 years!) I'm thinking i don't want to have to start from the beginning!! I seriously must be the oldest person to still have their L plates - i cop a lot about it at work :)

4. Generally be more positive, happy, clean, productive and good for myself!

So anyway... that's where I'm at. It starts Monday and i will keep you updated on how I'm going!

Love and kisses on both cheeks,
Sunny xxx

Ebay-tastic

2008-04-13T20:37:00.003+10:00

My Name is Sunny, I'm a long time eBay buy-aholic - first time seller.

After the painstaking deliberation of should I? Shouldn't I? for about six months I've decided to jump into the dark hole of selling on eBay and so far i have my fingers crossed i don't make some massive mistake and end up losing everything and take to a life of crime and sleeping on benches.... its a very possible fate :)

Anyway, back on topic, i am now proud to call myself and eBay seller and am sitting at computer eagerly pressing the refresh button hoping someone will bid on my item before the 10 days finish. This is where my obsessive compulsive side kicks in. So far 2 people are watching a Portmans hat and 2 people are watching a Free Fusion dress i was given that my boobs are no where near fitting into so it still has the tags on :) But unfortunately no body is watching my Stila Foundation in shade J - about ten million shades darker than my 'albino' complexion!!

Anyway, I'll keep you updated on how i go... and whether i end up on a park bench throwing cats at people. Yes, that's me you passed on the way to work this morning.... :)

Love and kisses on both cheeks,
Sunny xxx

Looks I'm Loving/Rocking This Winter

2008-04-13T20:27:00.004+10:00

This outfit is something to work or possibly a weeknight dinner with friends. Its got a yummy warm jumper (as the nights are getting colder and colder here is Sydney!) and my new love, purple leather driving gloves!! My love of skull patterns and keyboard/music patterns comes out in the bag and shoes... love love love!!

This number is one of my Jackie Onassis looks that i love. I'm all for J-girl. She had it going on in a big way hahaha. This outfit is also VERY Chanel, as seen in the shoes, bag, glasses, lipstick and the ever timeless pearls (a girls best friend in my eyes). I am absolutely loving this jacket... check out the flattering cut and subtle pattern of the fabric. Let me put this simply.... If a girl was wearing it, I would date her.

This is another look i would rock at work. My favourite part is the bright blue parker... tell me it doesn't scream LOOK AT ME!! I SAID LOOK DAMMIT!!! The trick is in the femininity of the outfit (Sweet nude/pink lip gloss, simple silver jewelery and a beige bag) in contrast with the loud jacket. As soon as you take of that jacket your in appropriate office attire.... but why not make a statement on your way in??? huh??

Love and kisses on both cheeks,
Sunny xxx

Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm, Melbourne

2008-04-11T19:17:00.009+10:00

I am a lover of the small, red, seductive fruit we call a strawberry! My grandma used to cut up strawberries and dust on some icing sugar and we would all hoe in like there was no tomorrow! I have also had a few seductive nights with the little passion berries!

Therefore I am sure you all can understand my excitement when K says "Hey, you want to go to the strawberry farm?" yes yes YES I DO!

The front entrance... and a few random people in my way... all of them carrying arm fulls of strawberries.... i did consider just stealing theirs but i was far to curious and wanted to go inside.

Interesting that you can buy blueberry plants at a strawberry farm.... why don't they just call it a berry farm? huh?

Once you go into the farms HQ you have the option of the gift shop or cafe - i chose gift shop first where i picked up a nice strawberry jam... hmmm my favourite.

Here is the cafe - its where K and i had MASSIVE strawberry sundae's and i had a hot chocolate to balance out all that cold ice cream and topping. Hmmmmmm toppings.... (drools). This is also where they had their wine/liquor tasting. I tried most things - i cant help myself. All it costs is a gold coin donation to a good cause, and its always best to try before you buy. I ended up getting a strawberry port - which I'm saving for a special occasion and a Sparkling Strawberry Wine and oh my gosh i almost drank the whole bottle. I absolutely loved it!!

After you've stuffed yourself and have bought up big in the gift shop you have the option to just buy the strawberries or to pick your own. I obviously picked my own! It cost about $8.00 for a very large container full. You go out the front and down some well disguised paths and finally reach the actual strawberry farm! This was the first sigh we saw and thank god otherwise I would have been cramming those babies into my mouth dirt and bugs and all... or not. I, fortunately, have common sense.

Anyway this is the strawberry farm. Rows and rows of plump red strawberries. And you can see all the people foraging for strawberries to fill their baskets. Their were a lot of paddocks behind it which were strawberries they used to make the jams and wines and other goodies.

And here is our bounty! Gorgeous plump red strawberries! and a huge container full of them. We did get some pretty massive ones so the box looks smaller than it was! All around it was a fun day and we had a great time mucking around in the fields and helping each other out with our foraging! I encourage all you berry lovers to give it a shot! The name is so fitting too!

Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm

Corner Mornington-Flinders and Shands Road Main Ridge,

Victoria Australia 3928

Phone - +613 5989 4500

Fax - +613 5989 6263

Email - info@sunnyridge.com.au

Love and kisses on both cheeks,

Sunny xxx

The Best and Easiest White Sauce Ever

2008-03-28T20:27:00.008+11:00

My dad always told me you should never trust anyone who says "trust me" (unless of course it is my dad that is saying it... odd rule i know). But when i say trust me, i really mean trust me.

I learnt this white sauce from my Nanna and i assume its as popular in other homes as it is in mine! I like to pride myself on simplicity in recipes and this one is the simplest cheapest way to make vegetables more yummers. I love this recipe on a weekend/Friday night when you don't want to cook all day but you want a meal everyone will love. If that's what your yearning for then trust me ;)

Nanna's White sauce (over broccoli)

1-2 Tablespoons butter
1 Tablespoon Flour (i used self raising because i very rarely have plain flour in my house!)
1 cup milk
small handful of grated cheese (or just break up some of your favourite cheese into small-ish pieces)

1. Melt butter in a pot over a medium heat.

2. Add flour and whisk until all flour is absorbed by the butter.

3. slowly pour in milk. you can do this in two ways. a) pour the milk into butter & flour mixture in a steady thin stream whisking the entire time. or b) pour in the milk slowly in a risotto fashion. Wait for the sauce to thicken before adding the next small batch.

4. Keep whisking until the sauce thickens. Any lumps will disappear with the whisking so don't stress.

5. pour over some cooked broccoli and top with cheese. Then pop the whole thing in a medium heat oven and let it brown and melt. Hmmm white gooey goodness!!!

Love and kisses on both cheeks,
Sunny xxx

Wish List

2008-03-17T20:58:00.003+11:00

1st wish list!! Wish list is a list of things i want madly truly deeply!!! Enjoy!

1. Fish Bubbles Wall Mountable Fish Bowl Tank 3.6L - seriously, how cool is it? i used to have a Siamese Fighting Fish and that would have been the most awesomest tank. Unfortunately, i am so lazy/busy i would never get time to clean it!

2. Bakers Edge Brownie Pan - everyone loves the edge of the brownie.

3. Victoria's Secret Naughty Products - i want want want all their Booty Parlour range with: add magic lube, Kissable body shimmer and play with me massage oil. LOVE the discreet packaging!

4. These Steve Madden Shoes - In black white multi. Its so 20's that it makes me squirm with delight!

5. Baby girl Boutique - cute rockabilly cream sweater. Would love to be able to wear it like the model. Plus these cute panties.

6. Dermalogica Total Eye Care - gotta look after those lovely eyes ladies! Don't want to get to 50 and look 80!

Love and kisses on both cheeks,
Sunny xxx

To Quiche, Or Not To Quiche?

2008-03-17T19:51:00.004+11:00

Well, I'm a bit late in writing to you all, but i did reach another of my weekly recipe resolutions!! Wooohooo!

I made Mini Impossible Quiche's... Impossible you say?

Let me inform you- impossible quiche is a quiche where you don't use a pastry. It has self raising flour in the egg mixture which sinks to the bottom and creates a sort of pretend pastry. Great for us lazy girls who don't feel like coming home and making a big batch of pastry shells!!!

Anyway my quiche's were Bacon & Broccoli because i love broccoli and because what is a quiche without bacon???

Here is the recipe I used and it made 12 Large Mini Impossible Quiches (yes i get that that sentence is an oxymoron!)

Mini Impossible Quiches - Makes 12

3 large eggs

1 cup of Milk (I used full cream)

1/2 cup of thickened cream (optional - you can just add half a cup extra milk instead if you like)

6 large broccoli florets chopped roughly

1 hand full of bacon pieces (or about a cup)

1 cup of cheese (I used tasty)

1 cup self raising flour

Oil spray (yes my lovely Woolies home brand again!)

1. preheat oven to 200C

2. Cook bacon for a couple minutes to your liking - i like mine well cooked. I used frozen broccoli so i cooked mine in the microwave until tender. Whisk together milk, flour, eggs and cream.

3. spray a cup cake tin with oil. Evenly portion the cheese, broccoli and bacon between cup cake moulds. Pour over egg/milk mixture.

4. Cook in oven for about ten minutes or until skewer comes out clean. Please please please don't over cook this as like any eggs, its horrible when its not light and fluffy.

Tada!! Mini Impossible Quiche! You can also do this in one dish and bake for about 20 - 30 minutes. I was quite surprised how easily these slipped out of the pan. I also like to sprinkle cheese over the top of the quiches because I'm a cheese-oholic.

Love and kisses on both cheeks,

Sunny xxx

Can one family make a difference? Part 2

2008-03-11T19:43:00.003+11:00

Update time! And i have some good news!!

My work has agreed to have a pink cupcake bake sale! I even have quite a few people offering to donate their cupcake making skills to the cause.

Hopefully we can get it going in our Melbourne and Brisbane offices (Canberra office doesn't seem to be the kind of office that is very interested in cupcakes!). I'm really pumped and i already have huge plans to make it fantastic!

I'll keep you updated with the plans and everything! Yay!!

love and kisses on both cheeks,
Sunny xxx

Marlboro Man's Second Favourite Sandwich

2008-03-10T19:52:00.008+11:00

I'd like to inform you all that i am a legend.

I am a legend because I actually made dinner today! I was horrendously tired after work and wanted more than anything to curl up in front of the TV. But what did i do instead? I made a detour to Coles and bought the ingredients i didn't already have in my cupboard. I then lugged it all back home on the train and on the walk home from the train station while dodging spider webs. Pure legend material!

But the real hero of this story is Marlboro Man's Second Favourite Sandwich. My god was it good!!! I used fresh foccacia bread (By fresh i mean freshly bought from Coles not fresh from my oven!) and dijonaise sauce. I also used Jarlsberg cheese and nibbled at it the whole time!

I would seriously recommend this recipe and it was so quick and easy. It took me about half an hour from putting the bag of groceries on the table - which is saying something when your me!! (I'm a bit pedantic about my cooking and it stresses K out all the time!) Either way it was so good i could only take one or two pictures before the scent won me over!

^ Here is a snap of my stove top - That's the chicken after i just put it in the pan and to the side you can see my cooked bacon (mmm bacon) and my No Frills Cooking Oil Spray - what can i say, I'm all class :)

^ Here is the chicken half cooked - i had just put on the bacon and Jarlsberg cheese. Please note that my pan isn't as filthy as it looks! it is the grime created by the lemon & pepper seasoning and the bacon. Don't worry though, If you wash your pan after your done (or wait maybe 10 minutes like i did - the amount of time it takes to eat this yummy dinner!) than you wont have any problems cleaning the pan.

^ Voila! My Marlboro Man's Second Favourite Sandwich on Foccacia with Jarlsberg. Pure genius! This is my favourite sandwich now! So i say to you, go forth and cook sandwiches!!

Love and Kisses on both cheeks,

Sunny xxx

Recipes Resolutions

2008-03-09T15:04:00.006+11:00

I am constantly reading recipe after recipe in the hopes of finding something to cook for dinner and also something to please K (apparently my 'Australian' food is bland! huh! bland indeed!).

Lately I've been so busy with work, gym and other commitments that i have found myself eating less than nutritious meals - like instant mac n cheese and two minute noodles. I bet your all squirming at the sodium and carb levels of my recent diet!

No more! From now on i will at least attempt to cook a couple new meals a week. Here are this weeks Recipe Resolutions:

1. Marlboro Man’s Second Favorite Sandwich - from Pioneer Woman Cooks. it sounds great in its chicken-bacon-cheese goodness!! your probably all thinking: "didn't she say she wanted to stop eating junk?" but seriously, this is so tasty it makes the cut!

2. No pastry quiche - with bacon, cheese, broccoli and perhaps tomato's. either way its a bit of an experiment! hahaha.

3. Three Ingredient Scones - the recipe is from the book '4 Ingredients'. I've been going on about scones over the last week and i think i will take the plunge and try these! hmmm scones.... If anyone knows where to get a good scone cutter let me know!

Lets see how far i get with these ones! I'll post pictures (where possible - depends on how fast I eat) and give you a review of what they're like.

PS. My nose stud is starting to feel a bit normal now... less like i have a booger up my nose :)

love and kisses on both cheeks,

Sunny xxx

Can one family make a difference? Part 1

2008-03-09T11:58:00.006+11:00

OK, this is the kind of article that people will probably skip but I'm putting it up anyway! HA take that!!

Last year my (then) 11 year old little brother held a bake sale. I know what your thinking - is this a sign, a little boy wanting to hold a bake sale? but in fact it was for a great cause. He held it to raise money for the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF).

Unfortunately for us and for millions of families like ours, our mother was diagnosed with breast cancer a few years ago. Again unfortunately for us, it has progressed to many other places in her body including tumours in her spine and brain making it terminal. Fortunately for us, our mother is the most stubborn person in the world! She never lost her hair, still works building her own company and never let an 'illness' stop her being a human being.

The sad part here is my mother (who had me when she was a teenager - Just so i can make it clear I'm well past puberty and well past high school!) is only 38. She has had cancer for about 4 - 5 years. CHECK YOURSELF ladies! i cant stress it enough. Don't take any chances when it comes to your health.

You must see how proud i was of my little punk brother who thinks skateboarding is the only important thing in life. He talked to his principle and she agreed that it would be a good idea and tada! a bake sale was born. I don't remember the exact figure but they raised a few hundred dollars (a great effort considering he goes to a school with the population of about 100 students).

This made me think... if minion 2 (as i so aptly named him a couple years ago) can have so much passion to raise money for this cause, what the hell am i doing?? The answer is nothing. My Mentor once told me that if you want to change something then you have to DO something! So what can i do?

Upon some research as to what i can do to help i came across what other people were doing.

-Anyone who watches cricket will know that Matthew Hayden and Andrew Symmonds are definitely doing their part for the Aussie women. Together, the Aussie batting duo raised $14,580 for breast cancer research during the Ashes Test Series, using distinctive, specially made Pink batting grips in support of the cause.

-You can purchase a business shirt from MCM studio here and 5% from the sale of each Breast Cancer shirt will be donated.

- Jill plans to ski across Antarctica to raise $100,000 dollars for the NBCF find her website here.

- From November 2007, 5% from every wedding planning service provided by Dream Day Weddings will be donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Find there website here.

- Mr. Rose has created a Pink Classico shirt and will contribute 10% of the sales of this shirt to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Find their website here.

For the full list of the fundraising activities going on check here. One of my favourites is the couple who got everyone to wear a pink ribbon at their wedding. Great Idea!

Lately in the shops you can find a few things like Tim Tams, Moccona Coffee and Mount Franklin Water in pink bottles to raise money. I know my cupboards are full of pink products at the moment! hahaha. Oh and i love the OPI Pink of Hearts Nail Polish! For a full list of Pink Products click here.

With all these people stepping up and trying to make a difference I'm more inspired than before to do something. My main thought at the moment is my minion 2 inspired bake sale but on a bigger sale and with pink cupcakes, cookies and any other kinds of pink desserts i can think of! I'm going to putout my feelers and see what i can muster up!! Perhaps we can even get pink themed market's going somewhere!

Let me know your ideas - I'm always eager for suggestions!! Stay tuned for my findings and new ideas. Every cent counts!

Love and Kisses on both cheeks,

Sunny xxx

Saturday Surprise - yes thats food

2008-03-08T20:58:00.007+11:00

Saturday Surprise - wow that sound unappealing! sounds like when i lived in Sevilla, Spain and my host mum served up 'surprise' patties for dinner which made everyone in the house sick for a week! My surprise is better don't worry!
Saturday surprise is the name i give to those "whats in my fridge/pantry" recipes! Sometimes its Sunday Surprise and sometimes weekday surprise. It all depends on when i have those "oh crap i haven't been shopping in a while" moments.

Today's surprise is one of my best so far... its really yummy, and i say that with my mouth full of it. Here is a big of a dodgy pic -

and here is the recipe! Please note that this is a Ad-Hoc recipe so there are no set measurements.

Saturday Surprise - Bacon/Tomato Pasta

Ingredients:

Egg Noodles

Diced Bacon Pieces

about 6 vine ripened mini Roma tomato's (chopped to preffered size)

1/2 teaspoon of minced garlic

a decent splash of red wine - i used Shiraz

Approx 2 tablespoons of tomato paste

1/2 Cup of cream

sprinkling of 'Italian Herbs' (from a bottle)

1 heaped teaspoon of sugar

Parmesan cheese for serving (i like loads)

Nob of butter

Method:

1. Cook the egg noodles (any noodles will do but i prefer the texture of egg noodles) in salty water. Drain and put to the side.

2. In the same pan (at low-medium heat), pour in a good helping of oil and throw in minced garlic (i have jar of the stuff lying around just in case and used this).

3. Once the oil and garlic have had a minute to meld together add the chopped tomato's and let them fry for a little while. Pour in the red wine and let the tomato's soak it up.

4. Once the liquid has reduced a bit add in the diced bacon, Italian herbs, sugar and about two tablespoons of tomato paste. let this all fry and mix up together.

5. After a couple of minutes (when the bacon is cooked) add in cream and stir in. Add a nob of butter and an extra dash of salt then toss through the noodles.

Feel free to add whatever you like. It was so yum and I'm so full! I'm glad this surprise was a good one :) I've had a few dodgy ones!!! hahaha

Love and kisses on both cheeks,
Sunny xxx

Food i am absolutely LOVING right now!

2008-03-08T17:35:00.003+11:00

1. Bags of lollies. My grandfather came over today and bought me a big bag of lollies from his trip to Melbourne. God bless him and his lolly hunting skills. The way to my heart is definitely through lollies - more specifically: Smarties, Pineapples, Strawberry & Cream's, Banana's and jersey caramels. Anything in that list that may have sounded like a fruit is most definitely not. Please do not turn up to my house with baskets of banana's and pineapples- they wont get the same reaction!

2. My Carbonara Pasta. Seriously its death by cream and god is it good. Always a winner when it comes to easy-peasy dinners and i promise you all next time i cook it i will definitely put up pictures and the recipe.

3. My killer baked potato's. No where will you find a crunchier potato that is still so moist on the inside. This one is a favourite with my partner for good reason. Its a must when it comes to comfort food!!

4. Pizza. As previously mentioned i had pepperoni pizza for dinner last nights dinner compliments of my chef Dominos.com. Loving their cheesy garlic bread at the moment!

5. Uncle Toby's Heathwise Digestive Yogurt (strawberry). Its supposed to be good for me. I haven't noticed anything new going on with my digestion but i have noticed it is totally yummers. PS. Strawberry is always the best flavour!!

6. Aunty Rina's mince & cheese toasted sandwiches. OK, so she's not actually MY aunt, she' my partners aunt but still, that woman can toast a sandwich. Most of her food has an Indian influence in it and she makes this delicious spiced beef mince and toasts leftovers in sandwiches with those old-school cheese slices (we used to call them plastic cheese at school!) and it is like 'So You Think You Can Dance' in your mouth. In other words.... freaking awesome.

7. My mums tomato sour cream chicken. Just brilliant. She makes it so tasty and goes down well after a hard day at the office!

8. Last but seriously the best... SCONES! there is a debate in my office at the moment on whether you should say them as sc-own-s or sc-on-s. Its quite a difference apparently! Scones with cream and strawberry jam is my most loved food group at this point in time.

EAT EAT EAT! and be merry of course!

Love and Kisses on both cheeks,
Sunny xxx

Gumboot Revival

2008-03-08T14:30:00.008+11:00

Gumboots? you say. Yes gumboots. In all their plastic glory.

The brilliant idea of making gumboots fashionable again came to me on many of the wet days this summer (stupid global warming and its unpredictable weather) when i was walking along with frozen feet in my latest pair of ballet flats that had been ruined by the rain.

Thinking back one day on how many pairs of flats I've had made me realise the only reason I've ever thrown out a pair is because they were heart-breakingly destroyed by puddles of mass destruction!!!

Ergo, cue the gumboots. I'm looking forward to a winter of dry feet and un-destroyed shoes. Its gonna be great. My favourites (that i had found AGES ago and decided i would one day buy when my funds were more promising) are these two from http://www.stevemadden.com.au/

See how cute they would be to wear to work? Upon googling the topic i found some other related links. New Woman magazine (AS) had this on their web page. I also found an online department store called puddle beach (oddly fitting!) which had quite a range of them.

So i encourage you all go forth and preach the gospel of the Gumboot! and pray for a dryer winter than the summer just passed!

Love and kisses on both cheeks,

Sunny xxx

My Morning Pre-Work Make-Up Regime

2008-03-08T11:18:00.027+11:00

I am always in a rush due to my love of a warm bed and sleep. So consequently i almost always end up doing my make-up on the train on the way to work. Its about a forty minute trip and i usually have it done in about 10 minutes give or take how awake i am!

I start off with my moisturiser - I use OLAY Complete Defence SPF30+ Daily UV Moisturising Lotion (75ml - for normal skin but it also comes in sensitive skin). I love the fact that this has SPF30+ UVA/UVB broad-spectrum protection as being as fair as i am you get an appreciation for sunscreen! I really like it as its light, non-greasy formula with vitamin E, aloe and green tea extract absorbs quickly into your skin to replenish moisture, without leaving skin greasy. I have had many trials and tribulations with moisturisers but this one is a keeper. It is definitely light enough to use everyday and never too heavy. I use it all year round (as the sun's harmful rays can burn you just as much in winter as it can in summer) and i have had no problems with it.

Step 1: Apply moisturiser liberally to face making sure you don't forget the neck and decolletage and of course don't forget your ears and behind your ears. Wait at least 1 minute before applying next layer to give the moisturiser time to soak in.

Next is my Primer. I use Napoleon Perdis Auto Pilot. Scientifically formulated to allow your makeup to “automatically” glide over the skin, Auto Pilot helps to prime and soothe the complexion for that flawless finish and helps makeup last even longer. I also find it very hydrating.

Step 2: Apply a thin layer of primer to skin covering all areas covered with moisturiser excepting ears on this one. Remember with a good primer a little will always go a long way. Wait at least one minute before putting on next layer to allow primer to do its job and give you a smooth base.

Next is your green concealer (if you have red skin or are prone to looking a la tomato like me). I use a cover girl green concealer which is in lipstick style packaging. I haven't as yet found one green concealer better than any others but i do know Napoleon Perdis has one, as does most other large makeup brands.

Step 3: Use your fingers or a sponge to conceal your reddest part, for me its my cheeks and the sides of my nose. Don't worry that your face is green, it wont show under your makeup. I use quite a thin layer as i hate that 'caked on' look. Also, a quick note that green concealer can show up under black lights looking like bruising. So avoid it when going to raves or possibly disco bowling :) And again wait a good minute or two to let it grab hold of your skin.

Finally we reach foundation. I use Napoleon Perdis Minimal Make-up in Look B1. I have mountains of trouble with foundations as my skin is so fair. Finally i went into a NP store and asked if they had anything that could match. Believe it or not they did. It was love at first sight from the first moment i looked in the mirror. Its a barely-there foundation that gives a light flawless coverage that doesn't appear cakey. Perfect!

Step 4: Use either a brush or sponge ( i would very much advise against fingers as it tends to lend an extra oiliness to your foundation and you also get yucky hands afterwards!) to cover your face evenly all the way down to the base of your neck and slightly behind your ears. Take your time and do it right. Also try and apply it somewhere with natural light or at least good light so you can see where the make up cakes or clumps and needs to be smoothed out. Once you have done this wait a good two minutes at least for it to smooth into the shape of your face. And that also gives you a couple minutes to make sure its perfect. I cannot stress enough the importance of BLENDING!!!

Now is a great time to apply your skin coloured concealers. I also wait until now to apply my yellow concealer under my eyes to avoid any bags or purple-ness that appears and also to apply some extra coverage in a tone matching your skin to red areas and pimples, zits etc. I use Napoleon Perdis Pro Palette Concealer. I find this to be quite good but i haven't tried a huge amount of others before. But it has three colours - a yellow tinged one which i use under my eyes and dark and light tinged palettes with the idea that you can use them to blend the right colour for you anytime of the year no matter how tanned or fair you are.

Step 5: smooth a little yellow over purple under eyes or puffy under eyes. Smooth some concealer mixed to match your skin colour over any nasty things you want to hide!

After the crucial concealing step i use a great pressed powder. Its Napoleon Perdis Camera Finish in Look 3 (Look 3 is fabulous for anyone with the above mentioned redness as it has a green under colour). Its a silk-finish powder foundation compact 3-in-1 that conceals, covers and sets. Me and a couple girls have spent our lunches preaching the gospel of this product. It is great for days when you don't want to wear makeup but you do have to venture out of the house. I simply put on some camera finish, lip gloss and big sunnies and I'm ready!

Step 6: Using a large brush - I prefer NP's bronzing brush as its lasted me ages and it very rarely sheds - pick up some pressed powder and apply evenly over foundation. I like to bring it all the way down to where my top starts (usually showing some cleavage) to make the foundation look less obvious. Make sure you have given yourself a nice even coverage just as you did when putting on your foundation.

OK so we are almost done now. The rest are kind of extras you can choose and change at your own pace. I like to include:

Step 7: Apply your YSL Touche Eclat in two small triangles under your eyes. Then blend using a finger up to your eye line and down about a quarter way of your cheek.

Most people use their YSL Touche Eclat completely wrong! do not use it as a concealer unless you have perfect skin as it is too thin. Its an illuminator not actually a concealer. Use it after your pressed powder and it will illuminate your whole under eye area. Trust me you will end up loving it just as i did! For a more in depth explanation check out how Fruit Beauty explained it at http://www.fruitybeauty.com.au/ and check November posts.

I finish my make-up look off with some liner and a lavender eyeshadow to bring out my fair eyes and some of my fav gloss and liner from Face of Australia. Its a steal at something like $3.50 or something equally crazy. My shade of love is Jasmine (lip gloss pot and liner) i bought mine from priceline. I'm not a huge fan of blush on myself but that's just me.

Anyway go wild with your make up and try something new! Also a huge encouragement to go and try makeup before purchase!

Quick Note: Napoleon Perdis has a store at Hornsby where i find the service appalling. The girls would much rather talk to their friends on the phone/in the store than serve you even if your the only person in the store. However Chatswood NP girls are MEGA helpful and great. Also Hornsby DJ's has a great NP counter - talk to Kat there and she will hook you up with a gorgeous new style.

Happy shopping Sunnylanders...

Love and kisses on both cheeks,

Sunny xxx

Lazy Saturdays

2008-03-08T10:54:00.005+11:00

Its Saturday morning and I'm sitting at my desk in my PJ's watching cartoons. Yes, you would think i was 5. I also happen to be eating left over pizza for breakfast - a sin I'm guilty for whenever we get pizza which is quite rarely. The flavour is Toni pepperoni and a piece of leftover garlic bread. I bet my partner is thrilled about garlic breath :)

I love it. There is something about a lazy weekend that melts my heart! The thought of not rushing anywhere or doing anything of great importance is sooo relaxing. You'll often find me on a Saturday rushing around to all my beauty appointments (I'm a tiny bit of a workaholic and therefore never have time on a weekday!) which are usually never near my home and at ungodly hours when they have a free spot. I do love to get my beauty treatments i find it very soothing and confidence boosting (come on girls, how much does a great hair colour perk up your day!) but its also quite nice slouching around without make-up on!

Therefore this weekend will probably consist of cleaning and washing and eating yummy cooked goods (my work mates have been bugging me for brownies but it seems unlikely they will make it past my family!).

With Easter also coming up i have been booking my flights to Melbourne (it feels i am always in Melbourne and i absolutely HATE flying!) and trying to figure out exactly how early you can buy the eggs. A week before? A month before? what if they melt on a hot day? If i put them in the fridge will they get white marks? Lindt or Cadbury????? so many chocolate related questions... hmmm chocolate... perhaps a chocolate mousse would go down well this weekend?

Back on the topic - lazy Saturday (as apposed to a lazy Sunday) is my day of catching up on everything i let slip over the past fortnight like my bills that haven't been filed or my room that needs a good vacuum! Well... enough procrastination. Time to get my clean on :)

Hope you all have a lovely Saturday!

Love and kisses on both cheeks,

Sunny xxx

I am a big sook + Nose bling Luurve

2008-03-07T20:01:00.010+11:00

OK, strange way to start a post i know but yesterday evening i got my nose pierced. Let me tell you the story.....

It started as a lovely night of late night shopping with one of my BFF's Maya. We were laughing and enjoying the night markets and some killer deals like our matching gorgeous scarves!! (Your thinking MATCHING??! but yes, matching. It was such a gorgeous scarf for such a good price we jumped in to the tweedle-dee tweedle-dum part of our friendship and took the plunge!).

ANYWAY.... we were happily strolling through the shops when my girlfriend from work Em sent me a message saying she had gotten her nose pierced, naturally i screamed "stay exactly where you are we are coming to see what it looks like!" Away we ran to Starbucks to see her new nose bling. Needless to say it looked great as she is gorgeous and could wear a potato sack like a pro.

Somehow in the next 30 seconds my friend Maya and my work mates convinced me to get my nose pierced. Now don't get me wrong, I love a good nose ring but i am freakishly afraid of needles, bugs and anything to do with pain. I am the biggest sook ever! Probably not the best seeing as i live in the country holding nearly every one of the worlds most deadliest animals, insects and crawly things.

Anyway my friend Em is a big fat liar. She told me it was a small prick. liar liar liar is all i have to say! hahaha.

The lady told me to lay down on the bed (OK, that should have been a giveaway!) and then goes "I'm going to put this big cold metal tube into your nose" naturally i said yes. The rest i cant really describe because my eyes were shut tightly and my hands were grabbing the sides of the doctor-like examination table. OH MY GOSH that needle hurts!!! I obviously swore like a sailor and was later told my pain was as obvious as Michael Jackson's plastic surgery.

Then i thought to myself "its OK, the worst is over, we can make it through this!" she tells me that there will be some very slight uncomfortableness as she threads in the stud. Slight uncomfortableness my ass!!!! it was as painful as the piercing! Can you see why i am the worlds biggest sook now? i bet your nodding your head and agreeing with my childishness! LOL

In the end it looks great and feels a bit like i have something in my nose and still a bit tender. I love it! its very 'me' i think. Honourable mention goes to Lord of the Jewels in Chatswood Westfield where i got it done. The lady was extremely nice and was cracking up laughing at my screaming and scardycat-ness! They also had a great range of rings to buy that were crazily well priced and gorgeous. My favourite is the crystal star that is oh so tiny yet so sparkly! i will be paying the $5.00 for one of these after my six weeks of pain is up hahaha.

Hmmm my new major Idol and also nose-bling-love mentor is Joss Stone - I love everything about her and think she is fabulous. Funny Fact: Victoria Beckham mentions a fashion no-no in her book when she wore a dress that was way to small for her and it burst open in the bathrooms and all of a sudden someone came to her rescue with safety pins and fixed her up, when she looked behind her it turned out it was JOSS STONE! see- she really is awesome... and I'm so obsessed with her hair!

PS. I also had a scone afterwards... i just had to mention how much i love warm scones with strawberry jam and cream... melt in your mouth goodness! It so made the pain worth it...

Love and Kisses on both cheeks,

Sunny xxx

Victoria Beckham - That Extra Half an Inch

2008-03-02T13:44:00.007+11:00

I recently went shopping with one of my BFF's and we both bought a copy of Victoria Beckham's new book "That extra half an inch". My boss did mention that it may be a book he would like to read until he realised it was about fashion! hahaha. - PS. It refers to shoes having an extra half an inch.

I know Victoria has received a lot of criticism (partially from me) but I'm completely turned around! I thought at first this was going to be a book of a million and one things I already knew or had already read, but believe it or not- I was wrong! its actually quite informative and well set out. Its a book that can be enjoyed from a school girl to a mature (there is no OLD in my vocabulary!) aged woman. Its broken up into 11 main chapters.

Jeans & Trousers

Tops
Skirts & Day Dresses
Accessories
Parties
Vacations
Winter
Special Occasions
Pregnancy & Post Pregnancy
Lingerie
Hair & Make-up

I'm so glad she devoted a chapter to winter as I think its the season where most fashion is on show (instead of summer where all you want to do is rip off your clothes and not in the way my partner would like!). Winter is also the season sneaking up on me at the moment in lovely Sydney!

The book has a lot of artwork which I LOVE in a fashion book and also has a recap at the end of each chapter on every product and type of clothing she has mention - again a brilliant idea for people like me that get to the end and go "wait where was that cream she recommended?? Or those tips for a smooth backside??". Now while all the shops she mentions are London stores a few of them do have online shops or can simply be found on eBay! (eBay is my life!). All through the book are quotes from her designer friends about her and subtle pushes towards her new fashion line. This does usually annoy me in a book but not so in this case.

I was really glad to see that she was realistic about the price of products she suggested. While some of them were reaching the triple zero's (in other words WAY out of my budget) she did include a lot of regular priced items which proves my theory - Money doesn't equal beauty or youth (unless you have a great plastic surgeon).

In summary - I am now proud to say I am a Victoria fan. I enjoyed the book quite a lot and would recommend it to my friends. 4/5 total score- She lost a point for me not living in the UK. I bought my copy from Borders and it set me back about $AU35.00.

Love and kisses on both cheeks,

Sunny xxx

Eyelash Extensions - Friend or Foe?

2008-03-01T18:10:00.011+11:00

Hey lovelies!

I have been getting eyelash extensions for about 6 months now. Eyelash extensions are the newest IT thing and EVERYONE has them at the moment (celebrity-wise that is) from J-Lo's mink extensions to Dita Von Teese's sexy retro inspired extensions.
I have wanted them for ages and I spent about a month researching them before Iactually went for it. But this was harder than I thought as not many places in Australia do eyelash extensions (why wasn't I born in Japan or Korea??WHY???).
I found helpful reviews on the vogue forums and a few other random places but nothing hugely substantial. Anyway I thought I would provide some insight for those wanting to get the gorgeous look of luscious lashes!
Anyway I searched around until I found Karen who works from her home in Gordon. I sent her an email and asked her loads and loads of questions (as I had visions of walking out with either no eyelashes whatsoever or lash's that made me look like a clown!). She was very patient and went through everything with me.
I turned up at Karen's home for my first extensions experience. She was lovely and I got along with her really well. She led me into her home salon which was very clean and tidy (which is what you should look for in a beauty salon or any where that gives you a beauty treatment) and told me to lay down on the salon bed.
She then got to work tinting my eyelash's first so the extensions would blend with them perfectly. She attaches each individual lash separately and it feels slightly like someone is playing with your eyelashes but mostly I felt nothing.
In total it took about 2 hours as it was my first time. I got the glamour set which was $150.00 but the usual set only costs $100.00. Infills cost me $50.00 and I get them dome every two - three weeks (but this really depends on how fast your eyelash's fall out). The extensions come in 3 sizes - short, medium and long. I get long because I love the retro glam look!
The end result was gorgeous and I felt like a million dollars! people always comment on how gorgeous my lashes are and I knowingly thank them and give myself a pat on the back for thinking of getting them done!
The upkeep isn't too bad in my opinion. I use a special mascara and makeup remover as they advise against using anything oil-based on the lash's, as it somehow affects the glue. The mascara set me back $30.00 and the make up remover about $25.00. they can bend to a funny direction if I sleep on them funny and if your one of those people who constantly rub your eyes you may not like them as much as they do feel slightly stiffer than normal lash's. I had no problem with them though and I haven't met anyone else who has.
Karen also provides other beauty services - she's my eyebrow guru at the moment! She has a legion of fans that trek all the way to Gordon from far away places to see her but she can always make room for a new client. Her web page is http://www.beautyinhealth.com.au/beauty-in-health-index.htm but I would encourage you to speak to any beauty therapist before deciding to choose.
Feel free to share past beauty experiences and I'd love to hear other peoples reviews of their extensions! Oh and here is a picture of mine - it was taken a little while ago but you get the gist!

Love and kisses on both cheeks,
Sunny xxx

My new favourite OPI

2008-03-01T17:30:00.012+11:00

Okay, I'll admit it. My name is Sunny and I'm an OPI addict.

I love the way the OPI polish lasts, it's gorgeous finish and HUGE range of colours. I have a problem.

Seeing as nearly all the women in my immediate and extended families are Beauticians and my mum is a nail artist, I am well versed in the ways of the nail. And after trial and error with many other brands I find that I always come back to my first love- OPI.

My newest OPI fix is GORGEOUS!!!!! Its called Azure for Sure and it was part of the Brights Collection. While its been around for a while - blue nail polish hasn't been as fashionable until now.

The colour is this shimmery two-tone blue that actually ends up the same on your nails! (yes, a feat that many a nail polish hasn't achieved!). I'm looking down at my fingers now as I'm typing and I love it. Love love love.

I will admit it did take me three (thin) coats rather than two but that extra five minutes dry time was sooooo worth it!

I am also seriously considering giving it my Aunt named Azure but not so sure she would jump on the blue wagon with me. But either way it gets a 5/5 from me. Seriously if I didn't have a life this whole blog would be totally dedicated to this nail polish. Or to nail polish in general LOL.

My other faves atm from OPI (you will see me wearing these non stop!) are:

La Paz-itively Hot: a really bright fuchsia with just the right amount of sparkle (which is little) and

Senorita Rose-alita: A beautiful moody pink with a gold shimmer through it that just screams Bollywood to me!

Let me know what you think of my faves or feel free to introduce me to yours!

Love and kisses on both cheeks,

Sunny xxx

Welcome to Sunnyland

2008-03-01T16:57:00.011+11:00

Welcome all you gorgeous people!

Today is the official opening of Sunnyland - a place where there are no strangers and everyone is welcome.
The main focus of Sunnyland community is to provide a wonderful forum for us all to share our knowledge and help each other out. I have, on more than one occasion, gone to a few of my internet idols to lap up their advice and lifestyle... i ony hope that i can pass it all on to you lovely citizens!
For a peek at who inspires me take a look at my "While out of town..." section. Lots of places for you all to holiday!
I hope you enjoy your stay at Sunnyland and let me know how i can make your stay more comfortable.
I look forward to seeing you all around the village!

Love and kisses on both cheeks,
Sunny xxx