New Years Resolutions

Oh yes, just like everyone else, I have foolishly made New Years Resolutions...I have a proven track record that clearly shows I don't stick to them, yet here I am with a fairly long list and a hopeful, positive attitude.

So why should this year be any different? It probably shouldn't be - but damn it I am going to give it a red hot go. Again.

Wondering what's on the list?? Exactly what you would expect from a person who makes New Years resolutions.

There's the obligatory weight loss (at the top of the list every year - though with a 35th birthday looming I am definitely making this a huge priority - 20 Kilos in 12 months...EEEEEK!!!!)

There's the overseas holiday (An actual possibility seeing as though we have said yes to a trip to Sri Lanka)

The home makeover (Already started - but will it be finished?)

Remembering birthdays anniversaries and special occasions before they happen not after (Already failed at this one)

Being more giving of my time and my heart (Making a good effort thus far)

swearing less (Never, ever going to happen)

Praying and reading my bible everyday (I only have 10 days to catch up on...wait, what date is it today? The 10th? oops!)

Prioritising God, Church, Husband Family and Friends over Work (Already setting a cracking pace on this - lets hope it lasts!)

Making sure I make it to date night, which is once a fortnight (Husband does not like date night without his date and I don't like date night being spent with my computer or work colleagues!)

So there's the list. It's fairly long but you know what this year I am determined to keep and achieve at least half of them and I shall blog about it to keep me honest!

That reminds me - last resolution - to blog about resolutions...Tick!

SuperSize TakeOver

It started with a simple line "Do you want fries with that" and then it became "Do you want fries and a coke with that" and then the whole super size phenomenon took the world by storm.

Is it just me or is this completely out of control and now, it's not just confined to the fast food chains. I can't even walk into a service station to pay for my petrol without being asked if I want any 'specials' from the counter - two chocolate bars for the bargain price of $4 or two packets of mints for the price of one - what? Do I have bad breath?

Even the supermarkets are out to get me with their sneaky two for the price of one or two for $4 routines, and let me tell you - here, I do get sucked in. Of course I'll get two bottles of hand wash for $4 especially when you've noted, quite clearly, that buying one on it's own will cost me $3...i mean it would be rude not to...wouldn't it?

In a world where one is not enough and just going out for a bottle of milk is never really that, it seems that someone somewhere is always leave me wanting more, sucking me into thinking one is not enough, never being satisfied with what I've got.

Well I'm fighting back - I'm saying no to the fries and coke no to the two for one or reduced prices for multiple hand wash, NO, NO, NO! I have enough stuff!

However, I'll never say no to two for one cocktails, shoes or handbags.

What I learnt from Matt Preston

I currently have a 'no dessert' rule at work. Our caterer, Zee catering serves up beautiful food and everyday they serve up delicious desserts. Now these are not your low fat variety, these are tasty, suger filled, high caloried fabulousness on a plate.

But one day after weeks of holding out and sticking by my 'no dessert' rule, I caved. I caved for a lemon delight pudding with ice cream. As I walked out to the area where the cast and crew have lunch George asked loudly what I was doing - this caused the entire crew to start chanting 'Don't do it Laki' - embarrassing to say the least! Then Matt Preston appeared.

With a booming voice he asked 'Laki - what are you doing?' He then promptly asked me to hand over my bowl of dessert. I did so...reluctantly. He walked away and gave my dessert away to someone else, returning with just one spoonful for me. Matt explained that one spoon full is all I really needed. He suggested I swirl it around my mouth, that I savour taste. And so, in front of the crew, I did so. And Matt was right. I savoured the taste, I swirled it around my mouth and I got my sweet fix, minus the mega calories.

I was given a little insight into how Matt approaches tasting so many dishes during MasterChef and I am quietly grateful he showed me that I don't need the whole bowl of dessert - I can enjoy the taste with a spoonful. Sure I will always want dessert, but if I am feeling weak, I'll go for the spoonful.

MasterChef Made Me Do It!

That's right! MasterChef made me do it - the cry from households all across the country! Cooking is the new cool and we have MasterChef to thank. The family dinner table has been set and dinner now comes with garnish. Kids are not only eating their greens but demanding better food from parents and eating out is all about discovery rather than simply being the easier option.

Whether you cook or not, if you watched MasterChef, then you too were probably hit by food stick too.

Restaurants featured on MasterChef commented on the increase in bookings from new customers, food suppliers ran out of Croquenbouche 'cones' and groceries ran out of whatever core ingredient was featured on the show the night before. But will this new-found relationship with food last? I hope so!

It's unsure why MasterChef was such a hit - was it the upbeat, positive, encouraging tone? Was it the excitement of wandering what on earth contestants would cook with those Mystery Box ingredients? Was it the passion the wannabe chefs showed. Whatever it was it worked. In these 'Difficult Economic Times' staying in is the norm and so is cooking at home. Perfect timing for a show like MasterChef!

The Friday night MasterClass was a hit - giving viewers the opportunity to learn recipes & tips from 2 of Australia's top chefs. It was an opportunity for contestants to pick the brains of the very people judging them. There was something for everyone.

The contestants were passionate and knowledgeable, competitive but caring. Their goals were clear and I hope they all go on to do great things. What the public wanted was more positive role models and That's what they got. Everyday people with a love for food, pushing themselves, jumping way outside their comfort ones and putting themselves firmly in the firing line but all the while smiling, laughing and simply trying harder every challenge!

And so, MasterChef has left an imprint on households across the country and we hope it's a lasting one. Eat up peeps - it's good for you!

A blog about potential Blog Topics!

Whilst husband and I went on road trip I wrote a small journal, which eventually turned out to be more of a food diary than a journal. Here is a list of blog topics that i did manage to note and will hopefully actually blog about... eventually.

1. MasterChef Made Me Do It: How the MasterChef phenomenon has taken Australia by storm - Adults and Kids are spending more time in the Kitchen, at the dinner table, being inventive and creative, trying new things. Cooking is the New Cool!

2. Ten Tips for a successful Road trip (How to not kill your partner when in a car for long periods)

3. I've Married a man Exactly like dad: Dad Jokes, Love of Cricket... it's all starting to seem eerily familiar!

4. Road Trip Music I swear by!

5. Women in TV - the Behind the Scenes ladies who make it all come together!

Ok - So these are the topics I am hoping to cover this week before i start work again. And given my procrastination (writing a blog about writing blogs!) it could all fall in a heap!!

Hellenic Republic

I was in Melbourne for one night. I landed at 2130 - starving, after a long day of travel and filming in 'Radelaide'. George had said I should go to Hellenic - he had called them to let them know I'd be in. To be honest, whilst I was starving I was a bit reluctant to head out let alone on my own. But my stomach made the decision easy for me. 

From the moment I walked through the door, to the moment I left, I was glad I had made the effort to go - The staff at HR looked after me so well. I took a seat at the bar - this way I could chat t the staff and have a good look at the inner workings of George's Restaurant. The food came quickly and I was brought out a selection of food to try and boy was it good. The Saganaki with figs was better than  any Saganaki I had ever had, the Taramasalata was divine the squid and the octopus cooked to perfection and the pork and rice dish beautiful. There was enough food to feed an army! It was fabulous. To finish off this gorgeous meal I had a digestive (Some alcoholic drink) and a turkish coffee...and some Greek doughnuts!!! 

Masterchefs youngest contestant Aaron was working and I was happy to see him there - working hard, learning and really putting his all into something he loves. I had a good chat to him and was so pleased to hear him sounding so enthusiastic. 

I can't wait to take husband there in a couple of weeks when we head to Melbourne for  post Masterchef holiday. 

Life's Little Questions

Why is it that we always want more than we have, even when we already have everything we need? Will we ever be truly fully satisfied? When will the wanting end? 

I took a good hard look at my life this week and realised that I take my blessed life for granted. Not once did I have to go without something I wanted. Not once did I wake up unhappy about getting to work or starting my day. I have all I could ask for yet I always want more! That's the truth of it. 

I want more time, More money, more clothes, more shoes, more everything...all the things that aren't important. All the things that don't mean anything in the end. 

On my flight to Adelaide this week, I met a lovely lady - we talked the whole trip - she's an author. One of her books is called 'Ordinary People, Extraordinary Lives'. It made me wander - what is extraordinary about me? What am i doing to make a difference in this world? What mark will I leave? How will I make change? Will I? 

So many deep questions - I'll need a glass of wine to get me through this post!