My new favourite chef is.....

Matthew Evans and for those that know - NO....he's NOT the ex boyfriend despite sharing the exact same name!!

Whilst "my" Matthew did make a mean Camembert Chicken, I wish that he had the kitchen wizardry of the other Matthew as I am currently devouring his latest cookbook I downloaded onto my iPad (which I must save for another post).

This morning I downloaded - Winter on the Farm - the whole collection and can I just say that saliva has been dribbling down my chin in the post office as I go through the collection of recipes.

Talking of recipes they appear to be simple whilst the photos show the food to be warming, filling and most importantly look delicious - I am already going to spend tomorrow making the Apple and Sour Cream slice and the Brown Sugar Hazelnut Biscuits.

After losing 12kgs after the DWTCS extravaganza I can see myself slipping into old habits very quickly when you are inspired to cook such delicious looking rich decadent food.

In my next life I would like to come back as a Masterchef and spend my days testing food out in my kitchen from which I would then write umpteenth cookbooks and make my fortune!!

Look as these images directly taken from Matthew's Book - the chef remember NOT the Ex!!

Addicted to Technology

Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
Foursquare

I am addicted to them all and it's only at night after I have sat down after dinner that it gets really out of control, so much in fact, that Husband has to sit in utter silence whilst I get down to it - the conversation has ceased in our home - which I agree is a dreadful thing to have happen.

I had resisted for so long but something clicked with me about a month ago and I have not been able to stop logging on continuously throughout the day and night - I even check my phone first thing in the morning to see what has gone on in the techno world whilst Ive been sleeping.

Late last year I did cancel my Facebook account and had a month away from it and I must admit, I coped, I just found other things to do.....

So I have made a pact with myself today - only one social media app per night.......so which one will it be???

I don't think it will be Instagram - I can be arty farty on that one and give pleasure to anyone that wants to have a look at these gorgeous images I photographed from Country Style mag!

The Block 2012 - its nearly over

and I have really enjoyed the unveiling of each of the rooms in this series and have waited very impatiently for room reveals on Sunday nights!! Poor husband has had to endure a bit of whining - I call this "the Dani"!!

Overall build has been throughly enjoyable to watch and I have to say that I love the styling abilities of Sophie and Dale - they can come and deck out my home any day!!

I've loved all the rooms even the Boy's room with all those birds!!! and I can not wait to see who is going to come away with a winning bid on auction day.........after last years auction fiasco hopefully people will want to buy the houses on auction night.

Photos all from Channel site for the Block 2012.

Mike & Andrew's "winning" kitchen

Brad & Lara's Guest bedroom with massive WIR

Dale & Sophies rooftop deck

Mike & Andrew's lounge - very groovy!

Dale & Sophie's Guest room - love those drawers!!

Dan & Dani's kitchen - very high spec

Cromwell House Cooma......

is a delight for all the senses.

My dear friend Steve Allen bought the property 12 months ago and has recently opened the doors of this grand old lady as a BnB and its super stylish.

Husband and I had the pleasure of staying here after my dancing foray in the DWTCS spectacular but it was only for a few hours but those few hours delighted me no end.

Steve is the perfect host - he understand the needs of his guests and his home is welcoming and homey and is a "must stay at" at some stage of your life.

The room we had was just lovely with antiques and original art positioned around the room that had access to the beautiful side decking area perfect for an afternoon tea or two!!

Check out these beautiful images direct from his site - Cromwell House and make sure whilst you are there - make a booking and come to the beautiful and historic Cooma in the Snowy Mountains!

Annie's Room!!

Winter Lounge........mmmmmmm

Informal Lounge

Breakfast anyone??

Perfect spot for a cuppa

Tree Lined Drive

Is there anything more grand for a country home than a tree lined driveway?

I dream of a Machurian Pear and Silver Birch drive for My White Homestead and that dream is nearing its reality.

Whilst we won't build a home on our land for quite some time, we will establish our trees and gardens to make the new build look like its been there for a while.

I've taken in a few of these images of tree lined drives to keep me inspired to dig those holes!!

DH @ Cruden Farm in 2009

We Got Our Land!!

Yes - we finally bit the bullet and bought our patch of the Snowy Mountains.

We are yet to exchange contracts but Stone Park is now well and truly on the move and we cant wait to start this next very exciting venture in the Snowies.

The seller has also told us that we will have naming rights to our road so.....we will be living on Stone Park Road and the property too will be Stone Park - all great things come to those who wait!!!

DWTCS - more photos

I thought you might also like to see what the other Stars and Dancers looked like - the DVD will be coming out soon and it will be a great way to see how we looked and how the audience of over 1000 Monaro residents enjoyed it too!!

She Danced & Raised $180,000k.......

with the help of 10 other beautiful stars and their equally talented dance partners.

Well the last 6 months of my life have been completely consumed with Dancing With the Cooma Stars and the ride was so worth it.

Rehersals several times a week and then every day in the last few days culminated in Luke and I waling away with the Most Improved contestant prize on the Saturday night.

Overall the event has gained statewide exposure thanks in part to Bronnie Taylor and Sarah Allen who have spoken with Ray Hadely on 2GB and also working with the ABC's 7.30 Report for a wonderful 5 mintue story on Friday night.

I have one more performance which is tomorrow - its a thank you to Berridale - Luke and I will be treading the boards just one more time before I put away the sequins and feathers.