Tuesday 26 July 2011

This weekend I...

  1. Enjoyed watching the Blue Bulls play (and win) rugby at Loftus Stadium with the hubby.
  2. Had a lovely braai in the sun and am sooo looking forward to the summer!
  3. Had a french manicure, of which most is now slowly chipping away..
  4. Realised how much in common I have with Wilma Flinstone! Love the Flinstones :-)






Saturday 23 July 2011

Quote of the day...

Have a fun Saturday everyone!


The golden rule is that there are no golden rules. George Bernard Shaw

Janice's favourite recipes...

Scones



Ingredients
225g self-raising flour, plus extra for dusting
1 tbsp baking powder
2 tbsp caster sugar
50g cold butter, cut into cubes
1 free-range egg
75ml milk
Whipped cream and strawberry jam for the filling

Method
Preheat the oven to 200C
Place the flour, baking powder and sugar in a food processor and pulse briefly to combine. Add the butter and pulse until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
Transfer the mixture to a bowl and make a well in the centre.
In another bowl, beat together the eggs and milk, reserving a tablespoon of the mixture to use as an egg wash. Add the rest to the flour mixture, stirring until the mixture comes together to form a dough. Turn out onto a floured work surface and knead briefly until the dough is smooth.
Gently press the dough out to a thickness of about 2.5cm and cut out circles using a biscuit cutter. Arrange the scones on a baking tray, spaced slightly apart, and brush the tops with the reserved egg wash.
Bake the scones for 10-12 minutes, or until golden-brown and risen. Transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly.
To serve, cut each scone in half and serve with cream and strawberry jam.




Friday 22 July 2011

Today I'm grateful for...

Bubble Baths



I love taking long bubble baths sometimes with a glass of bubbly. I've had some great thinking sessions, ideas and made some of the best decisions of my life whilst relaxing in a bubble bath.
There's something so soothing that helps you think so clearly and logically, unlike when one is not in a relaxing bath...I could rule a Country from a bubble bath..


Places I've been...

The Vale Karoo Farm

As my husband and I have just moved back to South Africa after being away for around 8 years, we decided to take a road trip from Pretoria to Cape Town one long weekend, and yes, it was worth the 16 hours of cheesy songs and losing all sensations in one’s butt. This is why we stopped over for a night somewhere close to Beaufort West a charming lodge called The Vale Karoo Farm.


Although we found this place on a whim (it is literally off the beaten track) so I was not sure what to expect. Once we arrived the staff was so warm and welcoming and went out of their way to accommodate us.



Our room was clean and spacious, with all the necessities (big comfy bed, coffee, tea, minibar, shampoos, lotions, clean fluffy towels, and a huge hot streaming shower - heaven)



We unfortunately did not make full use of the wonderful facilities and activities available as we had to hit the road quite early the next morning, but we could easily be tempted to try the horseback riding. I would recommend The Vale and would definitely go back if we were heading that way again, a true gem in the middle of the Karoo!
For more information see www.thevale.co.za


Quote of the day...

Have a wonderful weekend..

beautiful, beauty, cute, daffodils, dancing, dancing in a field of flowers

Human beings, vegetables, or cosmic dust, we all dance to a mysterious tune, intoned in the distance by an invisible player - Albert Einstein

Thursday 21 July 2011

Today I'm grateful for...


My health! I'm thankful Im healthy physically and mentally and if I ever did need support, I know I have amazing family members and friends who will be there for me no matter what, because they know I'd do the same in a happy healthy heart beat xx

Janice's favourite recipes...

Spaghetti with sardines
Last night I cooked this healthy pasta dish. It is sooo quick and easy and oh so very tasty, serve with red wine and enjoy! Heres the recipe..


ps. As I only cook for two, I halved the ingredients and instead of tinned sardines, I used fresh ones bought at Food Lovers Market.



Ingredients
400g spaghetti
1 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves , crushed
pinch chilli flakes
227g can chopped tomatoes
2 x 95g cans skinless and boneless sardines in tomato sauce
100g pitted black olives , roughly chopped
1 tbsp capers , drained
small handful parsley , chopped


Method
Cook the spaghetti in a large pan of boiling salted water according to pack instructions. Meanwhile, make the sauce. Heat the oil in a medium pan and cook the garlic for 1 min. Add the chilli flakes, tomatoes and sardines, breaking up roughly with a wooden spoon. Heat for 2-3 mins, then stir in the olives, capers and most of the parsley. Mix well to combine.
Drain the pasta, reserving a couple of tbsp of the water. Add the pasta to the sauce and mix well, adding the reserved water if the sauce is a little thick. Divide between 4 bowls and sprinkle with the remaining parsley.



Things I'm loving right now...



  1. Loving the winter sun, warming me from inside and out
  2.  We're on the house hunt again, cant wait to move in the spring
  3. Eating oranges, stocking up on my vitamin c and love that refreshing smell
  4.  I love that my husband and I are currently reading lots of books
  5. SATC, cant get enough of my dvd's especially when its 'me' time!








Janice's favourite recipes...

Chicken Cacciatore


Looking for something real quick and tasy for dinner tonight? It doesnt take much ingredients. This is a favourite in the Johnson household!


 


Ingredients
1 onion , finely chopped
2 garlic cloves , crushed
olive oil
2 x 400g tins cherry tomatoes
4 tbsp mascarpone or cream cheese
a handful basil
6 chicken breasts , skin on


Method
Heat the oven to 190C.  Fry the onion and garlic in 3 tbsp oil until softened but not coloured. Add the tomatoes, season, then simmer for 10-15 minutes or until thick and glossy. Take off the heat and stir in the mascarpone and half the basil, roughly torn.
Heat a little oil in a pan and fry the chicken on both sides until golden. Transfer to a baking dish and pour over the sauce. Cook for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Scatter over the rest of the basil.


Serve with short pasta, roasted potatoes or as I prefer some warm italian bread, enjoy!


Image via bbc good food

Some cute hair styles...





Wednesday 20 July 2011

Quote of the day...




Orson Welles
My doctor told me to stop having intimate dinners for four. Unless there are three other people.

Three songs that are currently on repeat...


Three songs..
1. Cage of the elephant - Shake me down
2. Florence and the machine - Dog days are over
3. Black eyed peas - Just cant get enough

A few of my favourite things...





 
From left to right,

1. Photography is a hobby of mine, I love looking at my photos over and over again

2. Watching French movies, with English subtitles of course

3. My nails are always painted, I feel naked without nail polish on

4. I love the freedom of travelling, discovering something new and making new memories

5. Cooking and trying out new recipes, especially French dishes, yum!

6. I enjoy listening to music on my pink iPod J


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