Inspiration on a Monday: Bonjour Tristesse - Elsa

I love this film - not just for the story and location - filmed on the Cote de Azur - but for Elsa - the "brilliant" flame of Cecile's father, Raymond. In the 1957 film she is played by Mylene Demongeot - an actress that I was unaware of until I saw the film.

This flim, and Elsa's wardrobe make it feel like summer already.  I am sorry there are not more photos showing her amazing dresses.  Costuming and wardrobe were by Hope Bryce (costume coordinator) and May Walding (wardrobe)

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Menu Plan

Ok, so I know I promised a Nigellissima heavy menu this time but after reading my way through it last night there were not enough recipes that I could do for the fortnight without having most of them featuring meat and spending major dollars.  I think it will take some planning to adapt the non-pasta recipes to a veggie option so maybe next time.  This fortnight's recipes come mainly from Annabel Langbein's Free Range in the City.  As she has just released a new book (I almost bought it too yesterday) I thought I should give this one a fair run before I get the new one.

From here

Week 1

Friday
B - Yoghurt and Muesli
L - Leftovers
D - Cajun Fish Tacos - from Annabel Langbein's Free Range in the City p 125

From here

Saturday
B - Baked Beans on Toast
L - Ryvitas with cream cheese
D - Wedding!

Sunday
B - Poached Eggs on Toast
L - Tuna melt
D - Orzo with roast pumpkin and curried mayo dressing

Monday
B - Oats with tamari, umeboshi and nori
L - Tuna melt with crudities
D - Ginger Chilli Sweet and Sour Chicken/Tofu with Jasmine Rice and Greens from Free Range in the City p 134

Tuesday
B - Muesli and yoghurt
L - Tomato and cheese melt and crudities
D - leftovers

Wednesday
B - Oats with banana, maple and chia seeds
L - Miso soup with brown rice bowl
D - Burgers (beef and TVP)- based on the ones from Nigella Express

Thursday
B - Brown rice bowl
L - Salad box with leftover burger patty
D - Quesadillas

Week 2

Friday
B - Toast with cream cheese and dukkah
L - Out for the day - helping set up a wedding near the DJ’s Foodhall - so something naughty for lunch!
D - Leftovers

Saturday
B - Oats with banana, maple and chia seeds
L - My Baby Shower - yummy afternoon tea
D - will probably be too full still

Sunday
B - Coffee and muffins
L - Chopped salad
D - Spinach and Ricotta Gnocchi - from Free Range in the City p 192

Monday
B - Toast with tuna
L - Leftovers
D - Prawn Laksa

Tuesday
B - Boiled egg and toast soldiers
L - Ryvitas with salad and tuna
D - Tandoori fish kebabs with Basmati Rice and Cucumber Yoghurt from Free Range in the City p 169

Wednesday
B - Miso soup and Oats with tamari, umeboshi and nori
L - Ryvita’s with cheese
D - Pork Ribs with Baked Potato and Toppings

Thursday
B - Toast with jam and coffee
L - Shopping Day - out
D - Leftovers/Freezer Meal

Nigellissima

I have just finished reading the first chapter of Nigellissima and I have had it in the house for about 30 minutes!

For some reason I have been feeling like spaghetti almost day - I even made it for breakfast the other day - with a tomato-y sauce and the whole first chapter is dedicated to - as you would expect - pasta.  And even better news is that apart from one or two of the recipe's, being a pesce-tarian I can eat them all.  Not too heavy on the pancetta (unlike some other Italian books I have).


Go and get it!


Look out for my new menu which no doubt will heavily feature from this book.

As I read more of it (and put off doing the baby room) I will update you.

PS - If you are in Australia I got mine (and Mum's) for $28 from Big W - where they say the RRP is $49.95! I was going to post the link to buy it online but it doesn't seem to be available online yet.

Coming into Spring

I have been working full-time for the last two weeks and now that I have had a few days to recuperate I can't help to notice that Spring is here!

I love this scene from Seven Brides for Seven Brothers - so here it is for you to enjoy:

Now that I am on "maternity leave" I will post some pictures of going on's around here: weddings, baby room changes, food, maybe an outfit post or two and proper menus again!