House Tour: Our Kitchen and Living/Dining Rooms

A few months ago now Godfrey Hirst asked if they could photograph our kitchen, in particular our floors, which are Godfrey Hirst Vue Laminate in Mountain parchment (thought I would throw that one in, because people are always asking about our floors and what they are)! Of course I was more than happy for them to come and take some snaps. Until, of course, I realised the amount of work that I would have to do to get the kitchen up to a photographable state! Not to mention that we hadn't even put our skirting in our living area at that time! Because, you know, life with 2 toddlers a husband who works really hard and trying to run a business from home doesn't leave a lot of time (or energy) to finish off house projects on the weekend.

But, we pushed through, Joel laid the skirting, and I painted it, because, well, I won't let him do it. Then I made that kitchen sparkle! And the living area too, because I wasn't sure they just wanted the kitchen. And of course, the play room, because we thought they might like some snaps of that too! Phew.

So, when the photographer arrived, she was really lovely, but she informed me that her brief was to include the kids rooms and other areas, because our carpet in those rooms are Godfrey Hirst too.. EEEEEEP! So another mad rush around vacuuming and tidying and trying to sort out the absolute chaos Ez had made in his room since he has been up at 5am.

So, when you see these photos, know, that it doesn't always look like this, actually it rarely looks like this at the moment, I wish I had the time and the energy to make this house perfect, but, it is what it is!!

Our old house had such tiny rooms and everything felt cramped and cluttered, so I was determined with this house not to have 'too much stuff' filling up the dining/living area! So its spacious and a little bare in places, but I like it like that. I like not having cluttered corners or having to squeeze around furniture. And, there isn't much around for the kids to get into or destroy!

Our mint Green kitchenette was an EBay purchase back in 2007. When we bought our last house it didn't have a pantry, so the kitchenette was perfect, and I'm so glad it fits in with this house too! Our dining table is an old one belonging to Joel's Grandma. It is made from American Oak, in the USA and we brought it over here when we moved back. Our dining chairs are some more eclectic EBay purchases, and the Muuto pendants over the dining table are my absolute favourites!

Our fabulous friends built us the giant ply hex shelf on the wall, and we mounted it on with screws in the back, because its so heavy!

I like the mix of retro and new, it gives some old time character to our new house.

The house is still very much a work in progress, but I like the way it is coming along.

Kids Decor for the Rabbit Lovers

Last year at Easter Willow got 'Rab Rab' from the Easter bunny. He is just an Ikea Rabbit toy, but he is still, a year and a bit later, her very best friend! She takes him EVERYWHERE. This is new to me because Ezra was never really into stuffed toys, when he was about 2 he got slightly attached to 'Pup Pup', can you guess what kind of animal Pup Pup is, it might be hard because my kids are super original when it comes to naming stuffed animals. Pup Pup is a dog, der! The Golden Retriever, from Ikea! They have a thing for Ikea animals I guess!

But, her love of Rab Rab started her love of Rabbits. She met a real life Rabbit the other day in our neighbours yard (a pet one), and she proceeded to make it and Rab Rab kiss the whole time!! HA! Hilarious child!

So with the Rabbit theme in the back of my mind I've been noticing some really awesome Rabbit themed kids decor items around lately, and so I thought I would share some of my favourites! I probably wouldn't go as far as to put it all in ONE room! But, its nice to have an idea of what is out there.




1. Piccolo Studio Bunny Garland
2 Little Pop Studios Bunny Pillowcase
3. Miniwilla Bunny Cushion covers in black and white
4. Jimmy Cricket "Little King' Rabbit wall stickers and wallpaper
5. Gold Heico Bunny Lamp
6. Grey Lapin and Me Lamp
7 Miniwilla Hello Poster
8. Miniwilla Rab Love poster

Cuisine Companion - Green Curry Fish Recipe

A few months ago (in Feb) I was offered a trip over to Sydney to check out and learn how to use the new Tefal Cuisine Companion, which is an all in one kitchen wonder machine, pictured above!! Oh my, I was so excited! It was a whirlwind one night stay in Sydney, but I had a blast hanging out with all the other bloggers, and of course testing out the amazing Cuisine Companion! I also was given my very own Companion to take home!  I haven't blogged about it much, but if you follow me on Instagram you would know all about it. And I use it pretty much everyday.

 Around Easter time Tefal sent us a bunch of groceries that were delivered to our door for a Food/ Recipe Challenge!! I had no idea what to expect and the ingredients were a little random! It included things like Nutella, Fish, Leeks, Potato, Honey, Currents, Fish Stock, Easter eggs, cinnamon! But, I like a bit of a challenge,  so Joel and I brainstormed, because we all know he is the one who likes experimenting the the kitchen the most. We came up with what turned out to be an AMAZING Green Curry Fish Dish recipe, made entirely from scratch in the Cuisine Companion.

So, here is the recipe for anyone keen to try it out!

INGREDIENTS:
Curry Paste:
1 Leek
2-3 Green Chillies (remove seeds for less heat)
4 Cloves of Garlic
2 TBSP Lemon Grass Paste
1 TSP Ground Coriander
Bunch of Fresh Coriander
1 Cup of Fish Stock
2 TBSP of Soy Sauce
1 TBSP Canola/Olive Oil
1 TBSP Ginger
1 x Lime

For the Curry:
2-3 Cups of Butternut Pumpkin
2 Cups of Potato (I like skin on)
1 x 400ml can of Coconut Cream
2 x Pink Ling Fillets
1 Bunch Asparagus

Step 1 : Make Curry Paste
1. Put Ultrablade in Cuisine Companion
2. Add to bowl: 1 x Leek (roughly chopped), 2 x Green Chillies, 4 x Garlic cloves, 2 TBSP Lemon grass paste, 1 large tablespoon grated ginger, Lime Zest, 1 tsp Ground Coriander, small handful of coriander stalks, 2 TBSP fish stock,  2 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp Canola oil

3. Pulse to blend on speed 12. Periodically open lid and scrape ingredients off the side.
4. When a paste is formed, put in separate bowl and set aside

Step 2:
Cook Veggies and Steam Fish
1. Remove Ultrablade and replace with mixer
2. Add to bowl 2-3 Cups cubed Butternut Pumpkin, 2 Cups of cubed Potato, 1 x 400ml can of Coconut Cream, 200ml Fish Stock
3. Coat Ling Fillets with some of the Curry Paste and place in steamer basket. Place steam on top of bowl and fit lid, with steamer half open.
4. Use Slow Cook Program 2 for 45mins.

Step 3: Combine Curry
1. Break fish apart in steamer basket, and put fish into bowl (scrape all curry paste in as well)
2. Add the curry paste into bowl
3. Roughly chop asparagus and add to bowl
4. Slow Cook on P3 for 20mins

And then you are done!
To serve
- Garnish with Fresh coriander leaves
- Serve on Jasmine Rice
-Squeeze of Lime

Everyday Flatlay

http://www.yellowdandy.com.au/collections/clothing/products/popupshop-tiger-gym-piece

On Instagram (@yellowdandyshop) lately I have been loving doing outfit flay-lays! Its nice to mix and match brands and help with a little bit of outfit inspiration if parents aren't quite sure if some clothes will go with others! And really, I just love a little bit of flat-lay fun!

So, I thought I would share some of our outfit flat lays here, all in one place.

Mini Rodini Croc Map Tee

Children of the Tribe Denim shorts 

 Mini Rodini Fish Scale Sweatpants

Mini Rodini Fishes Sweatshirt 

Nununu Flame Patch Leggings

Nununu Plus T.shirt

Quinn and Fox K West Trousers

Quinn and Fox Mothers tank

Beau LOves Gold XO Davenport Pants

Beau LOves Pistachio Ants tee

Popupshop Dolphin Swimsuit

SwimFin  Red

Popupshop Tiger Baggy Pants 

Beau Loves Hero Tee

Bandit Kids Splat Tank

Bandit Kids Palms Rah Rah Skirt 

Gardner and the Gang Abrakadabra Sweatshirt

Beau LOves Ants Leggings

Quinn and Fox The Earth Without Art Tank

Popupshop Flower Leggings

Gardner and the Gang Bolt Leggings in Pink

Mini Rodini Mermies T.shirt in Apricot

Bandit Kids Flamingo Tee

Bandit Kids Parrot Short Shorts

Mini Rodini Killer Whale Bodysuit

Beau Loves Hero Loves tee

Mini Rodini Crocodile Sweatpants

Beau LOves Ants bodysuit 

Beau LOves XO Bodysuit

Nununu Patch Tee in Olive

Quinn and Fox Contrast Harem Pants

Nununu Skull Slippers

Easter Outfit Ideas for Girls

With Easter just around the corner, I thought it would be nice to do a series of Easter outfit idea edits! So, first up we have Easter outfit inspiration for Girls!! Including dresses, skirts, leggings, tees and sweatshirts. I know a lot of people have events and family get-togethers over the Easter long weekend, and sometimes its nice to have something special to give them, rather than boatloads of chocolate,  so its a great time to get the kids a special outfit!

So, if you are looking for outfits that aren't run of the mill, are a little more edgy and things you don't see everyday!! We are here to help! And many of the kids clothes we stock are made from organic cotton and they are also fair trade (yep Chocolate isn't the only fair-trade thing to think about this Easter)!

1. Mini Rodini Mermies Dress (in Green & Apricot)
2. Popupshop Earth Dress
    3. Bandit Kids Empty Pools Dress in Emerald
    4. Mini Rodini See You Later Alligator dress in Navy
    5. Iglo & Indi Laura Flamingo Dress (also comes in Long sleeve for younger girls)
    6. Gardner and the Gang Bolt Dress in Pink
    7. Iglo & Indi Tania allover Panda Dress
    8. Beau LOves Rabbit Mask Raglan Jumper in Dusty Pink
    9. Popupshop Flower Leggings
   10. Mini Rodini See you later Alligator Sweatshirt in Pink
   11. Mini Rodini Dolphin Tee in Pink
   12. Bandit Kids Palms Rah Rah Skirt in Emerald

Porkchop Baby Sleeping Bags and Wraps

Stop carrying on like a Porkchop!!!

 Yep, this saying was definitely flung around a lot during my childhood, and I'll even admit to using it myself from time to time! It certainly gets a bit of a giggle out of my kids when they are in melt-down mode!

It is also the inspiration for the name of a great new Australian company,  Porkchop, that produces the most incredible baby sleeping-bags and swaddle wraps I have ever seen! When I first saw these designs I knew immediately that we HAD to have them! I've never seen sleeping-bags for bubs that look as amazing as these! The designs are just WOW!!

Porkchop, as you can tell by their name, are all about having a bit of fun! They say, there is no need to be all serious about babies, so why not trade in the bland and the boring for some sizzle & squeak!!

But.. of course, safety first, and you would be happy to know that these baby sleeping bags & wraps have been tested and adhere to  Australian standards!

You can find Porkchop Baby Sleeping Bags and Wraps at Yellow Dandy online, of course.

Shop Porkchop Baby Sleeping Bags and Wraps here at Yellow Dandy

Quinn & Fox Organic Kids Clothing: SS15 The Blackbird Collection

Quinn and Fox is one of those companies that always goes the extra mile, and then some. Children's clothing is everywhere, but, it can be challenging to find kids clothing companies that are not only passionate about great design, but also about great quality. And to top that, it is even harder to find businesses that really care about HOW their clothes are produced, and the impact it has on the earth and on those producing it.  Quinn and Fox isn't a huge corporation, they are a Husband and Wife/ Mum and Dad duo that work so very, very hard to ensure AMAZING quality and ethically produced children's wear, that highlights global artistry and they produce some of the coolest kids clothing on the market!!

 I love that they are so passionate about how their clothing is produced. I love that it is not made en masse in a sweatshop in India on China, or bought pre-manufactured, but their clothing but is actually milled from scratch in the USA from Organic cotton, and recycled materials and hand dyed with low impact eco-dyes. In a world where ethical clothing is hard to find/source, it obviously takes a lot of passion and hard work to produce a clothing line of this calibre, that is made for children, not by children!! I am constantly inspired by their commitment to producing ethical, organic and seriously amazing clothing for kids!

Quinn and Fox are bold, mod and always unisex!! They  are the epitome of globally inspired Children's wear! This collection is about paying tribute to Rock and Roll and how they want to teach their children. Create Art, Not war. Promote Peace. Silence is sometimes the better answer. A way to remember the past, for our future.

You can find Quinn and Fox's New SS15 The Blackbird Collection which launches Tuesday 17th Feb at Yellow Dandy, an Australian stockist, and trust me, this is a collection you do not want to miss out on.

Shop Quinn and Fox at Yellow Dandy 

Family Dinner Ideas: Chicken Rice Paper Rolls

I haven't written up any family dinner posts for a while, but, obviously we are still cooking family dinners almost every night of the week! With two toddlers in the house now, dinner time is certainly busy and a little chaotic, but we try pretty hard to have dinner together as a family. And seeing I don't have very much extra time, I still only like making one meal for everyone, it has worked well for us so far!

A couple of weeks ago I thought about trying out Rice Paper rolls for dinner. I had no idea how they would be received by the toddler duo! But, HURRAY, they were a hit! I know how frustrating it can be when you think, 'Oh they will love this for sure.' And, you put so much time and effort into making this great dinner, only to have little noses wrinkle up and declare, 'I don't like this', before they have even tasted it!! From Ez mostly of course, now that he is so aware of what everything is, and very wary of NEW things. Thankfully Willow eats everything and I mean everything, and LOTS of it. But still, trying new recipes can be a little daunting sometimes, and can open you up for a dinner time disaster.

These rice paper rolls are super easy, and great for the whole family! But, I am terrible at wrapping them, so just have a little giggle at how munted my rice paper wrapping is. Especially because this time I tried to cut them in half to make mini ones for the kids, I think leaving them whole and just putting less filling in would probably have been a wiser move on my part.

I've made them twice now.

The first time I used:
-Rice paper
-1 Chicken Breast (cut into small pieces & cooked in shallow water with a little soy-sauce)
- 1-2 cups bean sprouts
- 1-2 cups cabbage (thinly sliced)
- 2 medium carrots (grated)
- handful of coriander (chopped)

This made two large rolls for 2 adults and one each for the kids!! I just added a little bit of everything in each one and wrapped them up, with a little soy dipping sauce. I also added some Brown rice for the kids!

The second time (pictured)
-Rice Paper
- 1 Chicken breast (cut into small pieces & cooked in shallow water with lemongrass & a little soy-sauce)
- 1/2 a large Zucchini thinly sliced and cooked with the chicken
- 1-2 cups cabbage (thinly sliced)
- 2 medium carrots (grated)
- handful of coriander (chopped)

I served them with some Jasmine rice for the kids this time!

A relatively easy dinner, and I think they will start on the regular dinner rotation!