I'm back, with news!

and there's a pretty little ring on my finger!

Just a quick post now that I'm back in Australia from my two week trip to Lousiana. 

Yes, if you have me on facebook, you may have seen the news that while I was away I got engaged!

I also took hundreds and hundreds of pictures and have lots of stories to share, so be expecting some blog posts! 

So tell me, 

While I was gone - did anything exciting happen to you? 

 

Taking a back seat

Knock knock.

Who's there?

No seriously, is anyone still reading out there?!

I haven't been doing much on the blogging front lately and I apologize!

I'm just about to head off to Louisiana, USA in less than two weeks time so hopefully I'll have lots of interesting things to share.

Once I'm back home I'll definitely be whipping up some new recipes to share with you all as well, any suggestions?

I'm currently loving working on portraits and petography (is that not the cutest term?) so hopefully I'll be able to share some of that with you too!

Taking a moment

To step back.

To appreciate.

To admire.

To absorb.

To enjoy.

Sometimes that's just what you need in this busy world,

whether it be nature, the world around you or your loved ones.

What's one thing you've taken a moment to absorb lately?

I was lucky enough to have this beautiful view which made me realise,

I am more than blessed to live in such a beautiful city. 

An update of sorts!

Hey! Is anyone still there?!

I thought I'd write a quick post, updating you on everything that's been going on. 

For a while I wasn't posting much at all as there was alot going on,

but alas - I am back! 

....

(source)

Lately I've cut gluten from my diet in an effort to solve some health issues so I've been experimenting with new Gluten Free foods. 

Soon I'm hoping to reintroduce gluten, with the exception of wheat, so I can widen my options a little more. 

But some of my gluten free discoveries will definitely be sticking around! (see below :P)

I-herb has become my latest love as it means I can have so much more choice when it comes to gluten free foods. 

I am so glad I stumbled across I-herb while googling because not only do they have great products, their prices are incredibly reasonable - and that includes shipping!

Let me give you an idea... I was going to buy 3 GF cereals from an Australian online store (which was the cheapest I could find) but then when I looked at i-herb, I could get SIX items (including those cereals) for the exact same price including shipping!

 puppy puffin love

My latest purchase include something spectacular.... PUFFINS!  

and because I think everyone needs Puffins in their life, I want to share an iherb coupon for $5 off your first purchase! 

When you've chosen all that you want, just type in OTO868 at the checkout

and $5 will be taken off your total! :)  

That gives you more money to spend on other fun things, right?!

.....

I've got some pretty exciting news, too! 

A while ago I did a shoot for Pepe's Pastizzi for their new packaging

and it's about to hit Woolworths shelves nationwide!

 As you can probably guess, I'm quite excited. 

It's not everyday you get to see your photos on a real package in a real store, right?

So you can be sure I've been keeping an eagle eye on the freezer section of every Woolworths store I walk into!

But I want to know about YOU!

What's the best thing that happened to you in August?  

and by the way,

I wasn't asked to review I-herb, or puffins.. I'm just a serious fan :P 

and I had to share!

Blogger Confessions Part 1

I'm one of these people who just like to know stuff.

Random stuff, facts, figures, pointless information - I'm just a bit of a sponge!

I love getting to know more about other bloggers,

so I thought maybe you might like to know a little more about me!

I love breakfast so much and have so many ideas for breakfasts that I plan them days ahead. This means it can be Monday afternoon and I'm already anxiously awaiting the arrival of Thursday's breakfast.

I love to bake/cook things people would never think of making. Soft pretzels, you bet! English muffins, why not? 

I used to be scared of baking with yeast because I thought I wouldn't activate it properly and my creation would be a big, flat, fail! Now, yeast and I have become good friends - though I still think it smells like old people.

I freeze just about everything that could possibly be frozen - my freezer is piled with muffins, breads, pretzel dough, cookie dough, fruit (especially banana), pesto, cheese - you name it! I've actually considered buying a standalone freezer just so I can bake more.

I eat spinach like it's my job. I can not for the life of me understand how people eat measly plain lettuce salads - for me its go big or go home! That said, I don't think I could ever drink a green monster, the whole concept grosses me out!

I'm turning into the muffin woman. I think I've baked a batch of muffins at least once a week for the last month or two. I love super dense bran muffins and I've been experimenting with flavours - pumpkin, blueberry, banana, zucchini, carrot, apple, lemon etcetc.

Speaking of pumpkin, I'd never tried it in a sweet food until I made pumpkin muffins. Now I'm hooked and looking for pumpkin recipes left, right and centre. Pumpkin muffins with peanut butter are to. die. for.

I really like William Shatner and I'm not certain why, I guess because he's a genius? But please, lets just ignore his star trek days.

Speaking of Star Trek, I severly dislike science fiction. This may be because my parents reaaaaaaaaaally love it and I've had to endure boring shows like Star Gate and every other show with Star in the title. 

I get really excited over new food finds. Yesterday, I found date spread and it probably made my day. Date and Peanut Butter sandwiches? HELL YEAH!

Nowwwwww,

I think that's enough confessions for one day.

But who knows, I may do another one - what do you think?

But I want to know

What's something the blog world doesn't know about you!

Positive drinking?

Is it just me, or does the sun really need to dust off those cobwebs and come out again?

I'll admit it, I'm the type of person whose day tends to be really affected by the weather.

It's mainly the temperature - I feel the cold really easily, so as soon as its cold, windy or rainy I dread going outside. 

However, lately Spring Valley has inspired me to find the Spring in my every day.

By Spring, I mean that little boost - something that makes you smile or warms your heart.

So, what kind of things put the spring in my day? 

Chanel, my pup - somehow I managed to find the worlds cutest puppy who always manages to make me smile. Whether it be the way she will come up and paw at my leg when I'm working away at the computer or the way she scrunches her face up just so she can play with a toy that is double the size of her head. 

Baking - I love the satisfaction of creating something that works. Lately I've been trying my hand at bread making and experimenting with new recipes. My latest success? Soft pretzels! 

Little kids - Okay, I know that might sound creepy - but I can't be the only one who loves to see little ones running around without a care in the world. The carefree attitude of kids definitely inspires me to be more like that myself! Everyone needs to let loose and enjoy sometimes!

Good Food - Sometimes a delicious meal can give your day that added boost - perhaps its the pancakes you had for breakfast or that sandwich that took your right back to your childhood or the to-die-for cupcake you had for dessert, food has the ability to create memories as well as to take you back to a specific moment in time.

There's a million other things that make me smile, and I'm making it my mission to find at least one thing that adds a little spring to my every day.

It's all about taking note of the little things - maybe it's the smell of rain as you walked out the door this morning (I dislike rain immensley but I love the smell of it) or maybe its the cute old couple who strolled past you on their afternoon walk - I challenge you to find the spring in your every day!

And... DON'T FORGET!

All you have to do is tell me what makes you smile and puts the spring in your day to win a pair of Morrissey Sunglasses! Just click here and comment away! 

Back to Spring Valley, 

I was sent a whole bunch of Banana and Berry Nectar to try as part of the Sunnie Days promotion. 

This juice is super thick with the sweet taste of berries and banana and is a new addition to the Spring Valley Range. 

It's perfect for adding to things like jellies, smoothies or punches or drinking on its own. 

The juice does have a strong banana smell, put don't be put off! the banana flavour definitely isn't overpowering.

It definitely has a Spring Vibe about it and I'm inspired to make some sort of banana berry sorbet! 

But do tell me, 

What has been your latest success in the kitchen?

and What would be your ultimate juice combination? 

and once more - Don't forget to enter the giveaway! 

Happy Birthday Mum!

I LOVE YOU!

Thank you for everything!

 (especially putting up my with my entirely random nonsense)

Readers! 

Tell me one quick fact you know, but someone else may not!

(This way I have more to tell my mum ;P) 

and DON'T FORGET to enter my competition to win a pair of Morrissey Sunglasses

just click here! 

and yes, I did make those cupcakes! 

completely from scratch :) 

 

Is that it?

Are the holidays really over already? 

Christmas and New Years seem to have flown by me

and now they're gone for another year. 

Yesterday we took down all our christmas decorations.

Does anyone elses house feel a little bit duller as soon as the decorations come down?

My loungeroom looks bare without our ginormous 7ft tall christmas tree taking up a huge chunk of the room.

Christmas is definitely my most favourite time of the year,

even moreso than my birthday!

I love being around family and friends,

having excuses to spend hours in the kitchen whipping up desserts or holiday meals

and Christmassy plates, bowls and cups make my meals even better!

But that's okay, 

once one Christmas passes it means I have a whole year to plan for the next! 

and you can guarentee that's what I'll be doing. 

So tell me, 

How was your Christmas and New Years?

and does your house feel empty once the decorations come down?  

Turning over a new leaf

First off, may I just say...

HAPPY NEW YEAR! :)

2010 is now in the past and we're just starting out a new year.

For me 2011 brings a fresh start, a new perspective, change.

No longer am I dreading the start of the new school year

or starting to write lists of all the books, pens and tools I'll need for the year ahead.

Hey, I won't even have to go looking for the calculator I always seemed to lose! 

A new year is also a time for many to come up with lists of resolutions for the year ahead, but not me!  

How many people actually keep their new years resolutions?

Sure, I could say "This year - I want to practice yoga every single day" but I know that will never happen,

because I'd soon tire of it.

I'd much rather have a goal, a broad goal at that - but a goal all the same.

This year, my goal is to embrace the new year and whatever comes with it. 

So starting from today, I'm turning over a new leaf and starting fresh in the hopes that this year will have a lot in store!

But do tell me,

What are your hopes for this new year?

and do you make new years resolutions?

 

Merry Christmas!

I hope you all have an amazing Christmas,

filled with family, friends, food and fun. 

Enjoy!

and for those of you who's Christmas involves traveling, 

Stay Safe! and Keep Calm :)

Love always, 

Kristy xo

 

It's party time

 So exams are over and it's formal season 

hair, makeup, dresses, suits, ties, killer shoes and lots and lots of hairspray!

Yesterday I took some photos for my gorgeous friend Monique before her formal, 

here are just two with her beautiful pup, Bella. 

I have a couple more photos i'm going to share with you in another post so keep your eyes peeled!

This week has gone pretty fast for me, 

I think the enthusiastic attitude I talked about in my last post helped alot!

The rest of my week will involve cake baking,

party organising and lots of cooking! 

Talk about a perfect week :D

I'm getting more and more excited for christmas as the days pass,

santa in the shopping malls,

christmas music in stores,

christmas goodies lining the shelves

this is definitely the best time of year!

But before I can fully immerse myself in christmas spirit,

I have to get past my sister's birthday (which is this saturday)

but... I may have to secretly eat out of my brand new christmas dinnerware before then :P

But do tell me, 

what's your favourite time of year?

and how do you feel about the silly season?

Bouncing into the week

Why hello there!

I hope you all had a fantastic weekend!

Once again, it's a new week

and this week, I'm bouncing into the week full of life

and ready to take on whatever gets thrown at me. 

The weather doesn't seem to be sharing my enthusiasm, however.

But that's okay!

I'm excited for this week,

It'll involve lots of cake making 

and party preparations because it's my sister's birthday on the weekend. 

I love having people over

and having an excuse to try out new recipes and spend hours in the kitchen.

I don't know how anyone could say they don't like cooking. 

When I was younger I always looked forward to my birthdays,

I don't think I had many birthdays that weren't themed

or planned right down to the smallest detail. 

I had an American themed birthday party, countless fairy parties, disco parties

and I even had a pirate themed sweet sixteenth.

And the best thing about birthdays as a kid?

Getting to spend hours looking through Australian Women's Weekly cookbooks trying to decide which cake i'd get mum to make me that year

and then going through other party cookbooks begging my mum to make me ridiculous party treats. 

As I get older, birthdays have become less important

and now my excitement is focused on dinner parties and other people's birthdays.

Any excuse to plan a party is fine with me! Even if its just a few family friends coming over for a BBQ.

So tell me, 

What did you look forward to when your birthday came around?

Have a fantastic week! 

:)

Busy as a bee

Friday already? Now that's what I like to hear!

I've been a busybusy bee this week,

but don't you worry - I've let myself have some time to soak up the sunshine.

THAAAAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNKKKKKKKKKYYYYYOOOOOOOOUUUU

mother nature, I have regained all respect for you!

a round of applause for mother nature, please

So i've said before that i'm a snacker

and it's true. 

If I didn't snack, i'd probably be gnawing my arm off by lunch time. 

I'm not good at the whole "eating 3 large meals" deal.

My stomach can't handle lots of food all at once,

so I'm much happier eating 6 smaller meals. 

A while ago I posted a review of some snacks from Healtheries and I'm back with more! 

 These are more products from their Wiggles range

and yes, I'm eighteen but hey! the Wiggles are as old as me!

So what do you do when you have a bunch of kids snacks to review? 

Well you gather together a bunch of big and little kids to try them!

These fruit fills are made with real fruit and wholegrains

and they taste good enough to fool fussy little ones :P

We decided they'd be a perfect on-the-go or lunch box snack

perfect for busy bees! and not messy to eat!

I knew these Ricey Bites would be a hit when I opened the box of products,

and I was right!

Crunchy and flavoursome, these share packs are a perfect snack!

and they're free of  MSG and artificial colours and flavours.

The cheese flavour was the clear winner out of my taste testers

and the eight share packs quickly disappeared!

 Snacking gets a bad wrap, 

but i'm all for it. 

Maybe I should start a PRACTICE SAFE SNACKING campaign!

or not

But do tell me! 

Are you a 3 square meals kinda person?

or are you a snacker like me?

andddd... 

what's your snack of choice? 

I'd definitely have to go with homemade trail mix or wholegrain crackers with cottage cheese or avocado 

Kristy was sent Healtheries products courtesy of www.healtheries.com.au

If you'd like a review of your products, send an email to ksayerphotography@gmail.com  

Rain, rain - would you make up your mind?!

Wet miserable weather calls for one thing,

nope.. i'm not talking about an umbrella here,

it calls for a nice comforting cup of tea!

Lately I don't think the weather has a clue what's going on.

One second it looks like the heavens are going to up,

the next its ridiculously humid

and then two seconds later the sky is roaring with thunder

before once again returning to a pretty blue hue.

The weather is actually currently proving my point.

 I started to write this post expecting it to start raining

and the sun is now starting to stream in through my window. 

But back to the tea, 

at least that's reliable!

I've never been a fan of "traditional" tea, so to speak. 

Milk and sugar stays out of my tea cup as I much prefer herbal teas. 

A while ago, I was sent the Madame Flavour range to review.

The first thing I noticed was how gorgeous the packaging was!

Now, from left to right...

The White with Rose had a delicate, feminine flavour and a gorgeous aroma. It'd be perfect for an afternoon tea with friends because of its subtle sweetness. 

Next, the traditional English Breakfast was a favourite with my traditionalist taste testers, made that little bit special by the fancy infuser pods.

The Green Jasmine with Pear was one of my favourites as I'm a big fan of green tea. The subtle flavour of the pear was a welcome change.

Sultry Chai was sweet, spicy and full flavoured. It'd be a perfect winter warmer - or anytime warmer really, especially with this weather! I liked the little Australian touch this tea had that makes it different from other chai teas I have tried. Sweeten with a little honey and you're good to go. 

Earl Grey Twist takes your everyday (boring) Earl Grey and makes it a little special by adding a twist of Australian Lemon Myrtle. But don't worry, the lemon myrtle isn't overpowering. I think it definitely made me think twice about passing up more "traditional" milk teas. 

I think the combination of the packaging, wonderful flavours and aesthetically pleasing infuser pods combines to make Madame Flavour teas a little bit special and mystical. It's more than just a cup of tea.

These would be perfect for when you're having friends around and they're so easy to get your hands on! Just head to your local supermarket or you can order online!

Now, I still don't know what this weather is doing.

Sunny, yet cloudy, yet humid, yet cool...

But I do know that I am thoroughly enjoying my white with rose tea and hoping that someone will whisk me away to a tropical island with more favourable weather :P

But before you go, 

do tell me...

What would your ideal weather be?

hot, sunny, rainy, stormy?

and

When you're out (or at home!) what's your beverage of choice? 

Kristy was send Madame Flavour teas courtesy of www.madameflavour.com.au

If you'd like a review of your products, send an email to ksayerphotography@gmail.com  

It was bound to happen...

On halloween, I didn't carve a pumpkin.

$25 for a pumpkin?! you've got to be kidding.

Plus, mother decided I'd make too much of a mess (killjoy)

But, just like when I don't have cereal for breakfast,

and end up eating cereal for dessert (cereal is without a doubt one of the best foods ever)

I eventually took to a vegetable with a knife.

When I saw the lone capsicum sitting on my kitchen bench I was struck with a brilliant idea.

Eat the capsicum? Oh heck no. 

Grab a serrated knife and freehand a face on the capsicum? You betcha! 

Carving a pepper was probably 110, 000 times easier than carving a pumpkin. 

Though, you couldn't stick a candle inside, because:

1) It wouldn't fit

2) You'd probably kill your lungs with capsaicin

 This was a much better idea than eating the capsicum in my opinion.

They seem to be one of the few vegetables which I can't stand.

But anyway, 

I hope my utterly random dorky post distracted you for just a few moments

and you have an excellent start to your week!

Keep your eyes peeled, 

because I have some things planned for the rest of the week! 

But before you go, 

do tell me...

If you had to pick one food that was your absolute favourite, 

what would it be?

Mine would have to be cereal.

I'm not one of these, eat the whole cereal box types, 

but I would rather eat some dry cereal than snack on chips or candy :P 

Any cereal is good as long as it's not too sweet,

I don't know how froot loops would go down.

Plain cereals are my favourite, because it means I get to add whatever I feel like!