Bucket List: Meet Sponsor Child

Oh how I would love to do that one day.

Check out this great post from The Lettered Cottage about how they’re currently on a trip meeting their Compassion sponsor child… heartwarming.

Read it here

By Request: Leek, Feta & Spinach Tart

I don’t remember what initiated my craving to make something with leeks and feta recently… but I found myself with the ingredients in my fridge and of course had to find a recipe that would satisfy.

So finally I took the chance yesterday and cooked up this yummy Leek, Feta and Spinach Tart with Parmesan, Thyme and Pine Nuts.

Ingredients

200 g feta
1 leek
20 g butter
160 g baby spinach leaves
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup thickened cream
3 eggs
1 Tablespoon of fresh Thyme
Shaved Parmesan
Handfull of pine nuts
cracked black pepper
1-2 sheets frozen puff pastry

1. Preheat oven to 200°C.
2. Remove pastry from freezer and place on baking paper to defrost (keep the plastic on and that side ‘up’).
3. Cut the leek in half and thinly slice the pale part after washing, to achieve 1 cup.
4. Melt the butter in a saucepan and lightly saute the leek over medium heat for 4 minutes.
5. Add the spinach to saucepan, cover and cook until wilted, remove from heat and remove excess water by using a strainer or placing on paper towel.
6. Combine in a bowl sour cream, cream and lightly beaten eggs. Mix together. Season with cracked black pepper. stir well.
7. Line a non stick, rectangular quiche pan or tart pan with the pastry, over lapping, gently pushing down in the centre.
8. Gently push the pastry into the sides of the pan then trim excess pastry.
9. Place the pastry lined pan onto a baking tray and lightly prick the base with a fork.
10. Spread the leek and spinach over the pastry, and pour the prepared cream cheese mixture into the pan.
11. Crumble over the Feta, sprinkle with fresh thyme, shaved parmesan cheese and pine nuts.
12. Bake in the middle of the oven for 30-35 minutes until firm and golden.
13. Remove from baking tray before serving or cutting.
14. Serve with a light green salad and some caramalised balsamic vinegar… YUM!

Here is where I got the original recipe from: http://australian.food.com/recipe/feta-spinach-and-leek-tart-374407?oc=linkback

I like this one…

“Sweat is your fat crying.”

Quote Of The Day

“Don’t feel bad if people remember you only when they need you.
Feel privileged that you are like a candle that comes to their mind when there is darkness.”
(Unknown)

(photo from Style Me Pretty)

Busyness vs Happiness

I read a quote on a page today that read “The busiest people are the happiest people”.

Now I’m a fairly busy person, but I definitely don’t think that being less busy would make me less happy… probably the opposite.

I like to try to find ways to do the things I do more efficiently and with less effort so I can enjoy more of life’s simple happiness.

Think about the ‘simple life’ a few years back, before all the gadgets and gizmo’s that we have now. People were ‘busy’ going about life, but nothing like the pace of life and distractions of todays world.

Sometimes I wish I could turn back the clock and enjoy quieter times where we actually picked up the phone to talk to a friend, or just dropped over for a cuppa and cake. When ‘snail mail’ was our first choice and when we couldn’t wait for that once a month phone call to the friend living overseas.

Many may find this strange coming from me as I seem to be a very busy person… yes, I do have lots of things on my plate (and I’m consistently training myself how to take them off, or not put them there in the first place). But I think it’s that I like to be ‘productive’ not just busy. If I’m being busy and not getting anywhere (and that doesn’t have to be tangible), that’s when I’m frustrated.

I like being happy whilst doing things. Being happy at the park with my kids, being happy cooking dinner, being happy catching up with friends, being happy working, and even being happy up late with a sick baby night after night.

Happiness is a choice.

The end and beginning

It’s been a tough week, hit with a nasty head cold that my boys had thrown around for a while now, as well as lots of work to do, a very busy hubby too and a getting better toddler and a getting worse (colds too) 4mth old.

But it’s the weeks end now, and after a lovely visit from my parents I’m ready to start a new one.
My fortnightly meal plan is done.
The groceries are ordered with only fresh things to buy.
I’ve planned the calendar with hubby. Most of my washing is done (big thanks to my Dad for helping out).
I’ve quickly revised the things I need to do tomorrow and I’m ready for the week.

I don’t know what it is but if I’m not organized at the beginning it just seems to go downhill from there and the stress increases. That’s not to say that things change, they always do, but the fundamental things (or pressure points) I need done are sorted… Meals, food & housework.

So it’s with that little thought that I tuck this bub in my arms in for the night & count some zzzzzs myself.

All the best for your week, praying it’s a good one : )

Rebecca

Swimming – Part 2

Following on from my last post I didn’t mention that Mr3 had said that he wanted a “cap like that” whilst we were watching the swimming. So that morning at his swimming lesson Daddy bought him one, “a blue one”.
He then proceeded to wear it the entire lesson much to his teachers awe, as it’s very rare for kids his age to want to wear one let alone leave it on the whole lesson.
Hubby took some photos for me, and video too of him going “paddle kick, weally fast!”.
Perhaps I do have a future Olympian in my midst? Oh well… At least I don’t mind early mornings!