Jadex Adventures: Christmas Gifts

Woah, guys, I've missed you! It's been so long since I've had a minute to myself, and actually had a chance to write anything down. But, fear not, I'm hear to fill you all in!

This weekend, Alex and I went adventuring, looking for Christmas presents. Now, I'm sure you all know by now, we love making hand made gifts, and this year will be no different. We wanted something that would either be tasty or useful, be quick and easy to make, and be able to be wrapped nicely (presentation counts here people!).

Sadly, I can't share the actual presents with you till after Christmas, cause, well, spoilers, duh. But I can share our shopping adventures! 

Our first stop was Food Factory Sales in Bayswater. They actually have another store in Shepparton, but that's waaaaaay to far away for my liking. The Bayswater store is pretty new, so isn't listed on their website yet.

So, in we went, full of excitement... I was mainly there to have a look at the jars, as I like to make and can my own pasta sauce and salsa. I also want to start making my own jams and chutneys, so this seemed the perfect place to look for canning goodies. They did not disappoint!

Clearly I was excited to buy ALL THE JARS. Not even kidding, I came home with probably 40 jars in different sizes. Not sure what I'm going to do with them all yet, but I will work it out!

Alex was excited by the flavour, 'Sasquatch Coconut Ice', what the hell does a sasquatch taste like, and why are you mixing it with coconut?!?!

We had a lot of run walking around looking at all of the different things. They have a lot of canned goods, pasta, jars of sauces, spices, cleaning products, and obviously jars. We went home with a small collection of things, which I was impressed with. I spent $99 in total! Granted it wasn't stuff I would normally buy, but because it was in bulk, I can store it at home, and not have to worry for a while about having to go out and buy it.

Next on our agenda was Bushy Park. We were looking for good priced fresh fruit and veg, and we were not disappointed! 

Alex was very excited by the nuts... and spaghetti quash, what ever that is!

After Bushy's, we popped part Alex's mums house so I could steal some eggs, then it was off to my house to start experimenting!

Now, as I mentioned above, I can't show you any photos, or tell you anything about our present idea, but keep your eyes peeled after Christmas for more information.

For now my sweets, have a great day!

Love

J xx

I Can Smell A Change In The Air

Ah, the sun is out, the birds are chirping, Summer is on it's way! Which means it's time for me to hide indoors somewhere with air-conditioning. My body and heat, just aren't friends. I have nosebleeds every day, I chafe, I sweat, I hate it. Seriously. I hate Summer. I am not afraid to say it;

I HATE SUMMER!

Bring on Winter or Autumn or Spring. Any of them, as long as they aren't Summer.

Anyway, Summer has nothing to do with this post, just thought I would tell everyone of my dislike for Summer.

So, as many of you know, I have an amazing best friend Alex, who features here and on my YouTube channel. Well, Alex has become a bit of a gym junkie the past couple of months, and mentioned her want for a 'gym buddy' when we were cooking the other night. 

Hmmm, me, go to the gym? Well, stranger things have happened!

We had a bit of a chat, about the benefits of going to the gym, and how fun it would be, and how motivating we would be for each other. We were looking at all of the classes available,  and though it took me a minute, I've decided to take that positive step forward in my life, and get healthy!  

Here is my before shot (shudder)

I'm meeting with one of the trainers from the gym tonight, to discuss membership options, and what might be suitable for me. Then hopefully, I can sign up for 12 months, and kick my lazy butt into gear! I've never really been excited about being active, but right now, I am anxious to leave work and head straight to the gym. I mean, I even packed my brand new gym gear (thank you Kmart!) and my runners. 

I just feel like it's the right time to make a change. I'm feeling better about myself more now than ever before, I'm in a really good place in my relationship, I love my job, the only thing I'm not 100% in love with is my body. 

The state of my body is entirely my fault. I can't blame my mother for feeding me crap, or my friends for being bad influences, I make my own choices, I decide what to eat and when to exercise. Still, it's kinda difficult going from a sedentary lifestyle, to one of constant movement. But, it's much easier taking little steps.

I've already started to change some of my bad habits. This morning, I had stevia in my coffee, instead of sugar. It tasted exactly the same, but without the empty calories. Which is handy. 

I also went for a walk during my lunch break, then did sit ups and my planks. My abs hurt, but it is so worth it. I already feel more energetic and full of life!

So, stay tuned for me making a fool out of myself as the gym, and remember, if I can do it, you can do it!

Love,

J xx

WTM: Vegie Bar

Looking for a top notch vegetarian restaurant,  but don't want to pay through the roof? Head on down to Fitzroy, and keep your eyes peeled for Vegie Bar.

Vegie Bar has been running for over 20 years, and offers a delicious selection of contemporary vegetarian food. They also offer vegan, gluten free, and raw food. Everything is cooked fresh to order, to the highest quality. 

Alex and I went in for a very late dinner, one Friday night. We were greeted by very happy smiley staff, and served delicious food!

Alex had melt in your mouth tomato and cheese gnocchi, and I had scrumptious caramelised onion and paneer pizza. 

If you want more information, head over to Vegie Bar. 

They're located at 380 Brunswick Street Fitzroy VIC 3065. Tram route 112- Stop 17 is right outside their door!

They're open:

Breakfast

Available 9am – 11:30am Saturday & Sunday


Lunch & Dinner 
Available from 11:00am Monday – Sunday

They do get pretty busy, so I would suggest giving them a call to make sure there is a table free 9417 6935

Even if you think meat belongs in every meal, go check them out, you won't be disappointed!

Much love,

J xx

WTM: Old Melbourne Gaol Walking Ghost Tour

You know when you are so bored, and cannot think of anything to do, but just want to get out of the house and adventure? Well Alex and I were stuck in that exact situation a couple of weeks ago! We scoured the interwebs to see if there was anything interesting to do, when we stumbled upon the Old Melbourne Gaol.

Did you know they do night time ghost tours? Well, I didn't! I've done a walking ghost tour before, I'll chuck the link at the bottom, but nothing like this.

The tour begins on the ground floor, of the remnants of the old gaol. An actor, portraying the hangman, walks you through the different areas, telling stories of the different inmates that once served time there, explains the conditions they would have suffered through, all by candle light.

We werent allowed to take photos during the performance, so the photos below are once the lights went on, and the tour was over. 

Waiting for the doors to open and the tour to start. I thought I would share it because, well, everyone likes chins.

Our guide and hangman!

There are a whole heap of student displays at the gaol at the moment.

The mask of silence, leather mitts to stop masturbation, and iron shackles

This has only just been found, it's another entrance to the womens section of the jail

All in all it was a great night out, tickets were $35 each, and it was a night filled with education and murder. 

We're also interested in going back and doing the Watchtower tour as well!

Let me know what you think!

Love 

J xx

Challenge 2014 - Week 12ish - Potato, Pumpkin & Leek Soup

It's coming into those colder months, where I just want to snuggle on the couch with a bowl of delicious soup, and listen to records.

Thankfully, soup is one of the easiest things to cook! I was going to make just plain potato and leek soup, but realised I had a chunk of pumpkin in the fridge too, so thought I'd throw that in as well.

The base recipe for this soup came from Alex, who loves soup even more than I do (I didn't think it was possible).

Potato, Pumpkin & Leek Soup

700gm Potato, chopped into small cubes
200gm Pumpkin, also cut into cubes
2 leeks, finely sliced
2 cloves of garlic, crushed
2tbsp oil/butter
4 cups vege stock
1.5c cups water
seasoning

1. Soften leek and garlic with a bit of oil and butter, until sauteed.
2. Add diced veges and cook down for 5-10 mins (depending on the size).
3. Add stock and water, mix to combine.
4. Cook everything down, until veges are soft, about 15 mins
5. Take off the heat and blitz with a stick mixer until desired consistency is reached.

We add extra garlic!

Diced pumpkin

All the ingredients!

Action shot!

Now, I'll be honest, it's not the prettiest soup in the world, but it sure is hella tasty!

Got a favourite soup receipe? Let me know! I'd love to find some new creations to add to my collection.

Love

Jayde xx

My Favourites: Food

Okay, so if you've ever tried to compile a list of your favourite foods, you'll know it's no easy feat.
So instead of trying to tell you just a few things I love, I'm going to break it down. Because I'm a freak and I love lists...

Winter Food:

I am absolutely in love with potato and broccoli soup. It's so thick and delicious, served with Parmesan croutons, it's near on the greatest soup I've ever made. I have Alex to thank for that. Alex is my vegetarian friend. I tell you this, because she helps widen my culinary horizons, and is a good great cook.

Next I love my mums beef and barley casserole. There's just something about how simple and amazing it is. The meat is always cooked perfectly, tender and falling apart. The barley is always cooked just right and it's never soggy or gross. I friggin love it is what I'm trying to say.

Summer Food:

Justin and I recently came across Moroccan chicken seasoning, and instead of doing a boring seasoned chicken breast with vegies, we decided to mix it up a little. Along came our (going to be world) famous Moroccan Chicken Salad. Pretty much, we just chop up red, green and yellow capsicums, throw them in a bowl with some lettuce, cucumber and cherry tomatoes. Then we crumble in some Aussie feta, dress it with our home made dressing, tear up the chicken and toss with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Divine.

You can't go past a classic food, and Caesar Salad is just one of those things. Almost everywhere I've had the salad, it's lovely. Something that is filling, yet light, and delicious.

Comfort Food (excluding ice cream or chocolate):

Growing up as a kid, the main meals I remember are steak and vegies, and spag bol. For those of you that have no idea what I'm talking about, it's spaghetti bologna. A rich and hearty meat sauce, with freshly cooked pasta, topped with grated cheese. It's just delightful. My mum taught me pretty much everything I know about cooking, and her spag bol is one of my favourites. Of course, over the years, I've perfected it. Added a little red wine here, some bay leaves there. But now, it's a classic in my house hold. And when I have kids, they will fall in love with it too. They will have no choice.

Desserts:

There can be only one selection in this category. Cheesecake. I'm sure this needs no explanation.
But here are my favourite flavours (mostly made by mum): Cookies and Cream, White Choc, Double Choc, Caramel Swirl and French Vanilla.

So there you have it, just a quick post tonight, because I'm about to watch American Horror Story.

Lots of Love!

Jayde xx

Op Shop Bonanza!

As you may or may not already know, I love Halloween. I mean LOVE it. Sometimes to the point where I want to move to America for the month, just so I can celebrate it. But sadly, I still live in Australia, so I just try to do my best.

This year, my friend Dan is hosting a party at her house, and my other friend Alex and I are helping to organise it. Now when I say helping, I actually mean taking over and going all OCD on their asses. What can I say, I'm a massive control freak and I shouldn't be allowed to make lists.

Anyway, for this super amazing party, we're theming Dan's house, like a House Of Horrors. 
So far we have guts, gore, ghouls and grossness. I don't want to ruin anything in case one of the party goers happens across this post, but I will update you after the party so you can see the amazingness that is me. 

In preparation for the party, Alex, Justin and I went shopping. Op shopping to be precise. We started in Fountain Gate at Savers, where we picked up some Styrofoam heads, a black velvet skirt and a couple of other bits and bobs. 

Then we headed out to Narre Warren and Cranbourne, in which we came up blank unfortunately. But not all hope was lost! 

We ventured to Dandenong, and came up chips! Alex found $8 Chuck Taylors in her size, and I found a leather jacket, which suits me, and my costume perfectly.



We ended up in Stud Park, where we found a black top to complete Dan's costume.

So all in all a very productive day! I'm so excited about the party and can't want to take all the photos to show you!

Love

Jayde xx

Recipe - Potato & Broccoli Soup

You already know I love Winter, but you may not know that I love soup.

Soup embodies everything that is awesome about Winter. It's warming and delicious. Soup is one of the easiest meals to make, with very little needed to make something delicious.

Here is my Potato & Broccoli Soup. It's been given to me by my friend Alex.

Potato & Broccoli Soup  

1brown onion/leek - sliced

2tbsp oil/butter

4 garlic cloves, crushed

1kg broccoli – finely slices, florets kept separate from stalks

1kg potatoes – diced into 1-2cm cubes

4 cups vege stock

2 cups water

2/3 cup parmesan

300ml Sour cream

Salt/Pepper to taste

2tsp stock powder

1. Soften leek/onion & garlic, sauté for 4-5 mins until soft and aromatic
2. Add potato, broccoli stalks, stock and water, bring to the boil, turn down and simmer for 15-20 mins covered.
3. Add broccoli florets and steam for another 15 mins, or until vege’s soft
4. Take off heat and blitz
5. Add cheese, sour cream and seasoning.

*great to serve with crusty parmesan croutons*

*can be portioned and frozen for 1 month*

Crusty Parmesan Cruotons

1 Vienna loaf, sliced on the angle, thickly

Garlic oil

Grated parmesan cheese to cover

Lightly season bread with garlic oil, top with grated cheese and bake for 10-15 mins on 150 deg C, or until lightly golden.

Hope you enjoy!

Jayde xx