GOLD COAST

Due to changes in family circumstances since last year we had opportunity to stay for free couple of times in family holiday apartment in Gold Coast
That came very handy as after buying our place there is not much money left for holidays/entertainment in our budget
We did entertained that idea very much and stayed there as often as we could
But everything good finishes quick (unfortunately) and we are planning our last trip to Gold Coast this month as it will be sold soon
It was (still is for some weeks) such a great located place with ocean view, tennis court, swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi, bbq, famous restaurant street just around the corner, great fish and chips, walking distance to See World, there is a long list how great this location is
We feel very happy we had this opportunity and feeling sorry to be saying good bye especially that my boy feels very connected to it.
Hopefully soon we will be able to afford our own holiday place for our family ... as it can't get better that this

Some pics from past visits

HIGH TEA

I love high tea and London was just perfect for it, so many beautiful places to try out

I have decided to add a new chapter to my family cooking book for high tea recipes

I got inspired by my mother's in law latest present. She gave us a family silver tea set and I got so excited and promised to organize every year mother's day high tea for her and my mum

Tea set and my first recipe below

Little victoria sponges are made at home usually only for Xmas or Easter I love them the best with fresh wild strawberries
but since we moved to Oz I can't buy them here so I use just fresh berries.
However there is a hope as I have brought with me some wild strawberries seeds and I am trying to grow them in my little garden so hopefully will get some soon:)


2 large free range eggs,
4oz self raising flour,
4oz caster sugar,
4oz salted butter,
1/2tsp baking powder
1tsp vanilla extract,
1/2 cup double cream for filling
fresh raspberries/strawberries/blueberries
icing sugar (for dusting).


Bake for 20 mins

When chilled, cut in the middle, fill with cream and fresh berries, some icing sugar and ready to eat:)

ANDRIC PHOTOGRAPHY

On Wednesdays my boy has always ''show and tell' at school, this week is all about Australian animals so as a good mum I was doing homework and came across this beauty - Andric photography

I love his style and a good photo can say more than thousands words

Xmas in July

XMAS IN JULY

I know how bizarre it sounds but it is the best new thing I came across in Oz.
Maybe because of all Europeans living here who are used to Xmas in winter or maybe an additional business for restaurants whatever it is  Oz is celebrating 2nd Xmas in July

I have to admit it made a difference to have it in the coldest month, felt almost like being back home only snow was missing

We did it first time this year but promised ourselves to do it every year, it will be our new family traditions reminding us where we met and reminding me home.

We headed straight after work to Gillian's Garden Cafe and were pleasantly surprised how beautifully decorated the place was and how yummy the food tasted

I have picked up couple of ideas for my own Xmas lunch and stole some recipes

Merry Xmas everyone

THE CHAP OLYMPIAD

I have been living in London for 7 years and funny enough saw the chap olympiad in BNE magazin this morning What a shame I haven't heard about it while beeing a londoner Hopefully one day we go back only if for hols and I can catch up on all things I have missed I have found couple of pics on line and thought to share it with you - to all my frinds enjoy it while you can:)

HOBART

At the end of May through my hubby's work we have been invited to visit Hobart. As I have never been to Tasmania before it didn't take me long to say yes. It was also first time we were traveling alone without our boy. We loved it and had really relxing time enjoying time on our own again. During such a short time we only managed to see couple of things as 3 days is not long enough for a first visit. Below Hobart through our eyes.

We managed quick visit to famous MONA, couple of romantic walks through the city, Salamanca market (hounting for organic goods) and Tasman Island boat trip ( watching dolphins, seals and beautiful caves). We hope to visit this beautiful place again soon.

ABBEY

ABBEY MEDIEVAL FESTIVAL
Last weekend we made our way to show our boy medieval village it was also our farewell to winter holiday
Everything what is good finishes too quick...
He really enjoyed it and ask to come back next year
It was good to see that people can still have fun and like dress up and be someone else for a day

SLAVA'S SNOW SHOW

SLAVA'S SNOW SHOW

It is my first day at work after winter school holiday today.
We made mistake and due to couple of events (end of financial year, stock take, sickness) we decided to stay home and have winter holiday in the city.
I have to admit Brisbane was well prepared for school break but I have to say it wasn't the best idea as you always have things to do around the house.
We have learnt lesson and won't do it again.
My boy got sick first week and after a battle of canceling tennis classes I managed to take him to Slava's snow show.
I have watched it on you tube first to make sure he will like it and firstly decided not to go as it didn't impress me but after whole week him being locked home we did go and I am glad we did as it was great.
Not only the parts were you get involved in the show: giant balls, paper snowflakes, spider web or bubbles but whole show was very well made.
We have seen last year Cirque du Soleil and you can tell it is coming from the same 'factory'.
I was sad that I didn't have such a good shows as I child, I could see my boy being just amazed.
You always see things different when you are a child especially show like this.
Pics below are found online as it was not allowed to take photos.
I would highly recommend seeing it we were very impressed hours after the show and it has something for everyone.