The Friday Five

#1  Checking In.  

Remember when facebook didn't exist and the only checking in that we ever did was when we actually checked into a hotel?   They were Good Times.  Now it's all about telling the world that you're on a plane, eating out & ducking into the day spa for some hardcore pampering.  Please somebody, make it stop.

#2 Spam.  

Remember when Spam really was just meat in a can?  Now, it's crap that floods your inbox and since I've been giving this blogging thing a red hot crack, the spambots have been in overdrive.  Please somebody, make it stop.

And just so you know what I'm talking about, here's a little gem that was left on my baked chicken enchilada recipe:

Hey there! This post could not be written any better! Reading this post reminds me 

of my previous room mate! He always kept chatting about this.I will forward this post to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read. Thank you for sharing!

So my chicken recipe reminds you of your previous room mate because he was always chatting about it?  Okaaaay then.

PS:  If anyone can tell me how I can Make It Stop, I'll whip you up your very own baked chicken enchilada meal as a thank you.  Cos I'm thoughtful like that.

#3 Birthday Parties The Look Like Weddings.

Remember when you were a kid and it was your birthday and your mum throw some crepe paper around the lounge room,  invite 5 of your friends over and you'd all play games like Pass The Parcel or Pin The Tail on The Donkey and only one person got a prize?  And then you'd run around in the back yard for a while, eat a bit of cake and everyone went home with nothing but a piece of leftover cake?  They were Good Times.  Now it's all about themes & guest lists & favours for everyone to take home (which, sadly, I have been guilty of doing on more than one occasion.)   Please somebody, make it stop.

#4 Selfies In A Mirror

Remember when other people took photos of you?  You know, the ones where you'd stand up straight and not know what to do with your hands while a mate yelled "say cheese" at you and then took the photo at the very moment that you were blinking.  They were Good Times.  Now it's all about taking selflies.  In a mirror.  Please somebody, make it stop.

#5 Housework

Remember when you were in your 20's and housework involved throwing the empty West Coast Cooler bottles in the recycling bin on a Sunday morning?  They were Good Times.  Now it's all about washing, ironing, vacuuming, mopping & scrubbing everyone else's mess.  Please somebody, make it stop.  

On a random side note, can we just all take a minute to discuss the fact that there are now actual CD's  designed just for us lucky women who get to stay at home all day and clean up after our family, cleverly named 'Housework Songs II' 

I don't know what's more disturbing about this...the fact that there was actually a Housework Song CD made or the fact that they sold enough of them to make a second edition.  K&Co. over & out.

How about you?  Got something that's totally giving your the irrits righ now?  Feel free to share....

rocket, fetta & roast pumpkin salad

I don't know about you, but I love a good salad.  This one, like most things around here, is really easy to make, tastes great and looks tres impressive.  Yes, I used the word tres, but without the flicky bit above the s because, well, my keyboard isn't french and neither is my spellcheck.  

But back to the salad...I usually serve it as a side dish when I'm whipping up a lamb roast, because a) fetta and lamb love each other sick and b) it can be made a few hours in advance, leaving me more time for important things like drinking wine and chatting to family/friends/whoever I'm making the lamb roast for.  Enjoy...

PS:  you'll notice there was no Meal Planning Monday up yesterday.  That's partly because I got a little bit excited about the big Kate Spade Reveal and forgot to whack up the Meal Plan but mainly because it's one hell of a week coming up at K&Co HQ, so the meal planning thing has pretty much gone out the window. I have a feeling there will be cheese on toast for dinner most nights this week.  Which will keep me well on track for winning Mother of The Year.  Again.  K&Co. over & out xox

kate spade

So if you follow the K&Co. facebook page, you'll remember seeing a sneak peak of a gorgeous Kate Spade present that my lovely parents bought me on a recent holiday.  Here's what was in that delicious neon gift wrapping...

I know.  Not one, but two beautiful Kate Spade delights.  The first little delight will be perfect for throwing travel size makeup & skincare into.  If I actually travelled anywhere.  And Scott, I know you read this blog....can I just remind you that a four hour round trip to visit your parents, with toilet stops at the grotty old highway servo along the way, is not my idea of travelling. 

Anyho, the second little delight is actually something I will use every day, as it's a gorgeous new wallet.  Which, may or may not have presented itself with a teeny tiny first world problem....

Yeah, so you see all of those Loyalty Cards?  They totally don't fit in my new wallet.  Not because I have too many.  And definitely not because I have some sort of addiction to little plastic rectangles that save me money every time I use them. Nope.  They don't fit because the wallet is too small. Yep, that's it.  It's totally the wallet's fault.  A design flaw, if you will.  

To say Scott was shocked at the amount of Loyalty Cards I have would be an understatement.  And there may have been a few comments made by Shocked Scott regarding the correlation between the quantity of cards and my latest credit card statement.  But personally, I don't see what the big deal is.  I mean those little cards actually save me money while also proving that I'm nothing if not Loyal.  

Seriously.  Look at the tight card space I have to work with.  How the hell am I going to fit all of my cards in there?

Help, Lovely Readers.  Help.  Have you faced this major First World Problem? And how did you solve it?  Another wallet just for your cards?  Or maybe a wallet de-cluttering ceremony?  Tell me everything....

wise words

the friday five

#1  //  James St, Brisbane is my latest crush for all things food, fashion & people watching.  I love every single thing about this gorgeous little part of Brisbane and really want to live there when I grow up.

#2   //  My nespresso  Seriously.  She makes a better coffee than most coffee shops and cheers me up no end in the morning.  Every home should have one.  And doctors surgeries.  

#3  //  Nars Lipgloss, in *ahem* orgasm. We all know how much I love a good lipgloss and insist on wearing it everywhere, so you can imagine my horror when last weekend, after finishing a coffee, I went to touch up my lipgloss only to discover I didn't have any in my handbag.  I know.  I'm just as shocked as you are about that little bit of unorganisation on my part.  

Anyho, I ducked across the road to  Mecca Cosmetica James St, and told the lovely staff member that I desperately needed a neutral lipgloss.  She replied with "How do you feel about orgasm?" which, quite frankly, I found most inappropriate and refused to answer.  

She looked at me like I was a total nana/prude (which, let's face it, wouldn't be too far off the mark), swipped the colour across her hand and proudly announced that one Nars Orgasm was sold every 30 seconds worldwide.  I took one look at the shimmery, neutral goodness that was sparkling back at me and told the orgasm obsessed staff member I too would like to join those stats and now am the proud owner of a $40 lip gloss.  Which, I have to say, stings the living hell out my lips but looks amazing on, and I think we all know by now that looking good is The Main Thing.

#4  //  Boyfriend Jeans  They're comfortable, can be worn with almost anything (high heels or flats, tshirts or jackets) and are quite a flattering cut to just about everyone.  Totes winning.

#5  //  LSA, which stands for ground up Linseed, Sunflower Seeds & Almonds.  Sprinkle over fruit, toss through salads, throw it in your baking and BAM!  You've got one healthy form of good fats, fibre and all sorts of vitamins added to your food.  Pick it up in your health food aisle of your local supermarket, or at any good health food shop.

How about you?  Got a few things that you're loving sick at the moment?  Feel free to share...

PS:  This isn't a sponsored post.  Sadly.  Cos how good would it be to get free orgasms in the mail?!

prawn & couscous salad

Today's recipe is really easy, tastes delicious and once again, like pretty much everything around here, looks far more impressive than it actually is.  Lovely Readers, I present to you my Prawn and Couscous Salad.  Enjoy :)

slow cooked chicken pie

So according to yesterday's meal plan, last night I was meant to be whipping up Basil & Lemongrass chicken.  Well that didn't happen.  Partly because I was playing the roll of Nurse Maude all day, looking after a sick boy while also feeling quite poorly** myself but mainly because I couldn't be bothered doing the groceries to get the basil & the lemongrass. So I totally improvised with what I had left in the pantry/fridge, which quite frankly, was bugger all, and came up with this slow cooked chicken pie.  Say what you will about me, but I'm nothing if not inventive!

(**yes, it's a word.  An old fashioned word, but one that's highly underrated & underused in my humble opinion) 

Here's hoping your family enjoys it as much as mine did 

xox

cheese scones

Long time Lovely Readers will know that I'm a bit of a hardcore baker.  And often like to channel my inner Nanna when baking up a storm in the kitchen. Today's recipe is no exception.  It's screams Nanna, but Nanna was one very clever lady, because it's easy to make, tastes delicious AND like most things around here, looks far more impressive than it actually is.  Enjoy....

In other news, I didn't make the Basil and Lemongrass Chicken dish that I had listed on my meal plan for this week.  Bailey's sick with the flu and I'm coming down with it too, so I just couldn't be bothered cooking tonight.  Instead, I've thrown everything into the good old slow cooker and will make a hearty chicken pie instead.  Recipe will be up tomorrow.  K&Co. over & out xox

what's for dinner

Monday  //  Basil & Lemongrass Chicken*

Tuesday  //  Prawn & Couscous Salad*

Wednesday  //  Balsamic Beef & Chickpea Salad*

Thursday  //  Roast Lamb

Friday  //  Slow Cooked BBQ Beef Ribs*

Saturday  //  Open Steak Sandwiches

Sunday  //  Leftovers/Help Yourself/Mum's Done For The Week!

* Recipes will be up on the blog throughout the week!

wise words

comfort food

I don't know about you, but I've never really cooked with rhubarb before.  I bought a bunch of it earlier this week and had no idea what to do with it.  So I googled recipes and up popped this one.  

I tweaked it a bit (less sugar, more butter.  less apples, more juice), threw all the ingredients together and BAM! Before I knew it, I had a delicious Apple & Rhubarb Crumble baking in the oven.  Perfect for the cold winter nights we've been having of late, here in Australia.  Enjoy...

Have a lovely weekend.

See you tomorrow for more Wise Words

xox

the friday five

So you know how I'm just a little bit addicted to all things Social Media?  Well, I also love to drive people nuts by taking far too many photos than is socially acceptable.  People, food, local attractions...you name it, I'll photograph it.  So you can imagine my excitement when I discovered Instagram earlier this year.  

For those not in the know, it's yet another way of stalking others that involves photography.  I know.  Social Media Stalking AND Photography.  It's a match made in heaven for this little blogger....

#1 Yellow //  Yes, I have a borderline unhealthy obsession with all things yellow at the moment.  Can't get enough of it.  But I'm fickle with colour so no doubt there'll be another fave colour in the not too distant future.

#2  Shellac Manicures //  I used to bite my nails when I was a kid.  And as a result, I now have shocking nails as a grown up.  I never really look after them and they're always breaking and cracking.  But since discovering the magic that is Shellac, my nails are totes looking 5 star every day.  30 bucks for a mani that lasts nearly two weeks is a bargain people.  You'd be mad not to get on board the Shellac Train at that price.

#3  Westfield Carindale  //  Ok, so it's no secret that I love to shop.  I've been doing it for as long as I can remember and let's face it, everyone has a skill.  Shopping just happens to be mine.  I've been frequenting Westfield Carindale on a regular basis since we moved to Brisbane in 1989 and OMG the latest renovations are blowing my mind.  If you live in Brisbane and haven't been already, you need to get yourself there asap.  Just don't stay any longer than 3 hours, or the tight arse peeps in management will charge you a parking fee.  I know.  So tacky.  Fancy having to pay to spend your own money?! (think about that one...it's a bit of a shopping brain teaser)

#4  Brisbane and her beautiful sunsets  //  I don't mean to brag, but I totally live in the most beautiful city in the world.  I mean just look at the light show she gives us every night.  Amazeballs.

#5  Coffee  //  I never used to drink coffee.  Ever.  And then I had kids.  And that little cup of warm, silky smooth goodness helped this sleep deprived mumma stay awake to do all sorts of glamourous things like change nappies and burb babies.  Now I drink it because if I don't I'm a bit of a grumpy cow be around.  That and I'm ever so slightly addicted to it.  Meh.  Better to be addicted to caffeine than hardcore stuff like say, vodka, red wine or end of financial year sales. Um.....

All of the above photos were taken using Instagram on my iPhone.  If you're on Instagram and you'd like to have a good old snoop through the rest of my pics, you can find me by searching for the handle kandco.  And I'll totally follow you back.  Cos I'm good like that.

Oh and a huge THANKS to the lovely instagramers who have been whipping up meals from this blog and posting the pics. I mean, I still can't believe that anyone actually reads this blog, let alone cooks the recipes!  Thanks Lovely Readers, for making it all worth while xox

39

So can we all just take a moment to discuss being 39.  
And having skin like an effing teenager.  
What is with that???  

Jessica Simpson called.  

She'd like to offer me a life time supply of proactiv.  

I know.  So kind.

If I wasn't so up myself I'd totally take a photo of my lip, yes my lip, to show you exactly what I'm talking about,  but I just can't bring myself to do it.  Instead you'll have to rely on this charming written visual to get you through because right at this very moment, I have the most unattractive, hardcore, red, angry pimple erupting on my upper lip.  Yes, my upper lip. 

I'd like to think it kind of looks like I've been gently stung by a bee, or maybe had just a little bit of work done, you know, Real Housewives of Wherever style, but no.  I totally look like an old Nanna with a great big, dirty old zit on the top of my lip.

Do you reckon these lovely ladies ever get zits on their lips? Somehow I doubt it. 

Anyho, in other news, these lovely little things arrived in the post yesterday...

Yep, things are getting totes professional around here....if only I had someone to actually hand them out to.  Maybe my local dermatologist???  K&Co (and her volcanic sized zit) over and out xox

How about you?  Are you a housewife who wears high heels and cocktail frocks all day long or are you more of a casual, pimply kind of girl, like me?...

nothing like a bit of shameless cross promotion....

If you live in Brisbane and you're not doing anything on Saturday 1st September, you totally need to come along to the Redlands Womens Expo, run by the lovely people from  the Redlands Centre for Women

Believe it or not, I'll actually be working there on the day, helping Scott out on the Cargroomers stand.  I know.  I'm just as shocked as you are about that one. Although, talking to people and giving away goodie bags is right up my alley, so I'm actually really looking forward to it.

There will be over 70 exhibitors at the expo, interesting workshops, and tons of giveaways happening throughout the day, including 4 car details by our fabulous Cargroomers detailers! So if you are coming along to the expo, be sure to swing by Stand 50 (right near the main stage) and say hi...we'd love to meet you!!

For more info about the Redlands Women's Expo, head to their facebook page  

For more info about Cargroomers, head to their website and/or facebook page

This has been an unsponsored post.  Although, I'm sure you will agree it's been one very shamless attempt to drum up business for both The Redlands Women's Expo and Cargroomers.  Sorry about that.  K&Co's normal random nuttiness will totes resume tomoz xox

really easy chicken drumsticks

I don't know about you, but my kids love eating chicken drumsticks.  Which is a good thing because they're cheap, easy to prepare and can easily be made to look far more fancier than they actually are.  Totes winning.  Here's a drumstick recipe I threw together on Saturday night, which the kids inhaled in record time.  I hope your family enjoy them too xox

How about you?  Do you have a recipe that your kids love to eat?  Tell us everything....

what's for dinner?

Monday  //  Beef Rendang*

Tuesday  //  Quiche with salad

Wednesday  //  Steak Sandwiches

Thursday  //  takeaway (no judgement peeps.  The kids have karate until 7pm, Scott's away, I'm usually shattered after flying solo yet again...takeaway it is)

Friday  //  Prosciutto Pasta

Saturday  //  Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce*

Sunday  //  leftovers/get it yourself/mum's done for the week!

*These two recipes are from the latest Donna Hay magazine.  Pages 103 & 105 respectively.  It's been ages since I've given any sort of Asian food a crack, so I'll be sure to let you know how I go.

wise words

This one's printed out and stuck to my study wall.  It's one of my faves.  And it comes from the source of all great things,   pinterest xox

friday nights

I don't know about you, but I love Friday Nights.  They're lazy, relaxed and a good excuse to sit on the couch with a sneaky glass of red (or two) and spend some quality time with the family.  I usually knock up something easy for dinner and last night it was the delicious goodness that is Bacon, Leek & Brie Tart.  I put a pic up on Facebook and a few of you asked for the recipe.  So my friends, here it is.  Enjoy...

And because I'm a caring, sharing kind of gal, I've thrown in a little Blind Baking tutorial.  So today's post is totes a 2 for 1 deal.  Winning. 

How about you?  Do you blind bake your tart?  Or do you have some other baking tip we should know?  Tell us everything...

The Friday Five

Country Road //  Wow.  Their new collection is amazeballs.  Pastels everywhere with a touch of fluro thrown in for good luck.  Me likey.  A lot.  And I may or may not have purchased that top as a result.

My Heart Rate Monitor //  There's nothing like slapping this baby on your wrist to give you some hardcore motivation at the gym.  It tracks how many calories you've burnt and your heart rate, so you easily know if you're 'in the zone' while you're sweating like a pig to end up looking like a fox (totally stole that line from the interwebs)

Structured Jackets //  You can dress them up or dress them down.  They're great for the school run (paired with a tshirt, jeans and ballet flats) and perfect for a night out with the hubster (paired with a blingy shirt, black pants and a killer pair of heels)  Versatile people.  Fashion needs to be versatile. 

Mumm Champagne //  Look, I'm not going to lie.  I'm a little bit up myself when it comes to the bubbly goodness in a glass.  I used to be a hardcore Moet girl, but now I don't mind a drop of Mumm.  It's pricey (45 bucks a bottle) so it's definitely not an everyday drink, but it's nice to help yourself to when you're at your mums and she's just loaded up the wine fridge.  Or maybe that's just me.

Pinterest //  Massive time waster or huge source of inspiration?  That's the big Pinterest question.  Personally, like all good social media, I think it's both and I can safely say I'm a little bit of a pinterest addict.  If you haven't checked it out already, you totally need to.

How about you?  Got 5 things you're loving sick atm?  Share them with me.  I'd love to read all about them...

PS:  Sadly, Country Road, Polar HRM, Jacqui E, Mumm Champagne and/or Pinterest did not throw great wads of cash and/or products at me in exchange for this post.  Which is a shame, because I could totes do with sipping on a glass of the good stuff right about now, while doing some hardcore pinning, checking my pulse and wearing fancy clothes. 

slow cooked pork

Today's recipe is brought to you by my BFF, Lis. She served it up at her place a few months ago and it tasted so good I may or may not have inhaled it in 5 minutes flat, before announcing "Holy Crap, that was amazeballs.  I totes need the recipe ASAP."  Yes, after a few wines I do actually talk like a 15 year old. Sad, but true. Anyho, because this blog is all about sharing, I'm passing the recipe for this delicious dish onto you.  Enjoy...

chewy choc chip cookies

Long time readers will know that I'm a huge fan of baking.  And while I have posted a Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe before, today's version would have to be my all time favourite.  It's really quick to make, uses hardly any ingredients and keeps you well on track for Mother/Wife of the Year.  Winning.  So much with the winning.  So why not give these a crack yourself.  Your family will love you sick for it.  Really.  They will.

dinner schminner

Meh.  

This week I'm living on the edge and not planning a single thing.

I know.  I don't know who I am anymore either.

K&Co over & out

xox

wise words

I don't know about you, but I think they're quite possibly the wisest words I've ever read.

xox

magic mike

So last week, my bestie and I went and saw Magic Mike.  Look, I'm not going to lie. It wasn't great.    The acting was pretty average (and I should know acting.  I mean you don't land a 4 line role in the end of year performance in Primary School without gaining some sort of acting knowledge), the storyline was a bit weird/in your face (again, another concept I'm more than familiar with after being hit up by weirdos in Kmart on a semi regular basis) but the eye candy?  Yeah, that was pretty bloody spectacular.

And strangely enough, watching such corny, cheesy beefcakes over act the hell out of the movie,  kind of reminded me of my husband.  And got to me thinking about a little game I like to call

Yeah, so I don't want to alarm anyone, but I'm fairly sure I've married the Aussie version of Magic Mike.  Without the stripper bit, but definitely with the 6 pack, the cheesy one liners and the dodgy white shoes.

chorizo and potato soup

Here's a little dish I whipped up last night for my meat loving, non vegetable eating husband.  It was really easy to make and tasted delicious, even though it's mainly just fancy sausage and good old spuds.  

I found the original recipe here, tweaked it a bit, whacked it in this week's meal plan and viola...delicious mexican/spanish style soup in under 20 minutes.  Gotta be happy with that!