Freaks and Geeks

June 24 2014
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by emma

freaks and geeks
Does anyone remember this late 90s show?  It was way ahead of its time, yet seriously underrated, which is probably why it only ever lasted one season.  I love revisiting old shows and watching this now makes me realise how funny and heart warming, yet dark it was.  The writing, comedic timing, characters and storylines were subtle and insightful and practically everybody was in it!  Much like Seinfeld, part of the fun in seeing it years later is spotting so many familiar faces.

I kind of think if it was made now, it would almost certainly last a few seasons; our perceptions and tastes have changed so much when it comes to pop culture.

Oh and possibly the best dance scene of all time:

The cute cast reunited below – look how tall Sam got!  See more at Buzzfeed.

Top 3 images the property of: TV series Freaks and Geeks, 1999-2000, USA,  Apatow Productions
Video from: Chris Baldaia
Lower 2 images via: Buzzfeed

Raspberry rhubarb galette

June 22 2014
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by emma

Galettes are a super easy, delicious way to make pie, basically.  A few years back I made a cherry and peach galette which turned out to be one of my favourites desserts.

However.  Ahem.  This is what happens when you use too many raspberries.  I had 400g of raspberries left over in the freezer and thought I’d just throw them in the bowl and, well, as you can see, major fruit explosion (the recipe reflects a more appropriate amount, never fear).

It tasted wonderful though, picture this; a cold day, the lounge, cuddly blanket, and a bowl of warm, luscious, sticky, tart-sweet fruit topped pastry with a dollop of cold cold cream.  Bliss.  And I promise the adapted recipe won’t be quite as messy looking but will taste just as wonderful and the pastry will have a chance to shine through a bit more.

rhubarb raspberry galette
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Carlotta (ABC telemovie)

June 16 2014
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by emma

I’m really looking forward to watching Carlotta this Thursday.  The ABC TV movie spans the early formative and difficult years of Les Girls Cabaret female impersonator, then transgender pioneer Carlotta through the socially turbulent 1960s and 70s in Kings Cross, Sydney.  The role of Carlotta is played by Jessica Marais of Love Child (another great TV production this year!).  Carlotta is said to have inspired the very funny and awesome 90s movie Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (FYI the soundtrack to this movie is epic, a few years later it became a staple soundtrack to our sharehouse living room dancing on many a party night).

I also fondly remember my parents talking about seeing Les Girls a few times in the Cross in their 1970s partying days, they loved it.

carlotta

Movie poster is the property of:  ABC Television, TV series, Australia, 2014

Chorizo & caramelised onion scrambled egg brekkie wraps

June 15 2014
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by emma

chorizo brekkie wrap

I love scrambled eggs on their own but in a wrap they’re even more awesome, like these spicy, flavourful, Mediterranean inspired egg wraps; they’re perfect for a Sunday brunch when you have people over.  And if you’re not keen on chorizo, you can always leave it out and add sliced vegetarian sausage with a few chilli flakes instead.

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Lazybones (Australian made)

June 12 2014
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by emma

I just love this store based in northern NSW I’ve recently discovered, which features carefully chosen pieces such as wallpaper, cosy throws, cushions and bed linen as well as gorgeous 1940s/50s inspired women’s wear.  The thing I love about small business owners such as this one (and Etsy comes to mind), is the attention to detail; the friendly personal customer service, the packaging, the little hand-written thank-you cards sent after you’ve purchased something and the beautiful photography on their sites which don’t look like stock photos taken in a studio.

So I purchased 2 sets of vintage inspired pillow cases from Lazybones recently; colourful pillowcases are an economical and easy way to brighten up white bed linen, which I love for it’s freshness, however it does need a little something to break up the monotony.

Their packaging just kills me, it’s so beautiful (it’s literally brown paper packages tied up with string, how classy is that?).  Receiving this in the mail yesterday was a real treat.  And check out my sweet new pillowcases!  I really recommend this store for it’s lovely products and great customer service.

Click on the first 5 images for more information about the products.

Lazybones Allegra dress in BroadwayLazybones Edith skirt in NancyLazybones Euphemia 4 wallpaper

Lazybones Rosette Bedding in ConfettiLazybones Pillowcase Set in Forget Me Not

Lazybones

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Top 5 images belong to: Lazybones

El Niño

June 10 2014
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by emma

Despite autumn starting months ago, up until last week I was wearing shorts and t-shirts, my allergies were playing up and my herbs were flourishing with unseasonal warm weather.  Here are some pics I took this past weekend around our neighbourhood to show how spring like everything still looks.  The cute house across the street has some lovely trees and shrubs I covet, I’m sure my neighbours wonder why I’m always lurking around taking photos of their plants but I’m sick of taking photos of ours!

robinson st

robinson st

Raspberry crumble loaf cake

June 8 2014
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by emma

I suppose this would be called a coffee cake in the US; I love that name actually, coffee cake always brings to mind sunny, friendly mornings with friends.  In this case, it’s a morning tea cake, rustic, plump and soft, perfect to freeze if you prefer, to take to work buttered for morning breaks or to have at home when you feel like it.

Despite the raspberries, this is more of a warm, cosy, cool weather inspired treat with spices, brown sugar, walnuts, oats and a crumbly topping.  Sliced warm out of the oven, it’s at it’s very best.

raspberry crumb loaf

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Chocolate & caramelised banana baked French toast

June 1 2014
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by emma

caramelised banana nutella french toast

Nutella and banana on toast is a no-brainer but in baked French toast is even better.  You’ll need about an hour’s advance planning to make this but it’s so worth it.  Rather than the crispy, pan cooked French toast I’m used to (which is fabulous by the way), this lush, gorgeous dish ends up pleasantly crunchy on the top but velvety soft, sweet and custardy underneath, more like bread pudding really, with a very distinct banana and chocolate flavour.

It’s not a breakfast I’d have very often as it’s far more of a dessert, but one serving as a main meal or even a decadent brunch won’t be too guilt inducing.

french toast GIF

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