This is most probably the billionth blog post raving about the Grounds of Alexandria located in Alexandria Sydney on 7A/2 Huntley Street. I’ve even read that this is one of the most instagramed places in Australia so I’ll admit it now -I did do a foodgram and it doesn’t even do justice to how delicious and lovely the dish was!!!


So the love story goes something like this....
Despite the overcast day, my girlfriend and I still made the journey (my first visit) to the Grounds with an empty stomach ready for some feel-good food. We actually had an outfit planned the night before (don’t judge) because 1. Alexandria being in the inner city is full of hipster, stylish people and 2. We were going to head into the city afterwards to check out the new Sephora store and for a little Chrissy shopping!

I know what you’re thinking, cut the talk and show the pictures which I totally agree! So instead of boring you with my attempts at describing how lovely the whole place was, just enjoy the pictures (cause I know we all skip the text for the photos)!
Note: I did refrain from taking too many photos because that was waaay too mainstream there :D

A little florist on site with displays just
spilling onto the walkway - so lovely!

This was the sink for the bathroom, as if
this isn't so country old fashioned I love it!

The courtyard lies beyond with a fountain
where the little kids play

Yes they have a small animal farm and yes
Kevin Bacon is the resident pig :P

Guess who!

There are a few choices for eating at the Grounds, you can choose to dine in the restaurant-style cafe or buy from the little kiosk and enjoy your munchies at the courtyard. Service was so lovely at the restaurant-cafe we ate at (including tres good looking waiters). You get a little buzzer like at the bistro that will buzz when your table (no need to reserve) is ready for you = keep exploring instead of waiting in a queue! Peerfect!

The menu was organised into Breakfast – small and substantial (til 11:30am),Brunch and Lunch (both from 12pm)! They were quite strict (in a kind/reasonable not “you die” kind of way - don’t worry) with the times so sadly one could not order a lunch at 11:30am L

But we did spend a good 10 mins having a long think about what to order because man that was a tough decision! Too many delicious choices!!! We had a look the other tables on the way in to see what dishes looked yummiest – which was all of them!!

My friend's "Petuna Salmon" order for brunch = MEH!!

Oh Lordy - behold the "Healthy Plate"
It definitely packed a punch for the sweet tooth too! I mean check out
that little shot cup of green juice! How do you say no? 

Along the main walkway there’s a wagon selling fresh fruits and homemade lemonade in yellow, pink and peachy colours! We also saw a donut wagon but it wasn't in business at the time!

Now let me put my two cents worth here – that Grounds Granola (as it was called) was actually the substance of my wildest dreams. You tip in the mini milk jug and that’s when the party at the taste buds began. It was your ordinary breakfast transformed into a breakfast of the Gods. Despite the name Healthy Plate and the appearance of assorted fruit and the granola – it was definitely filling!


So what are you waiting for, book a brunch/lunch date with your girlies or mum/grandma on your next free day. Boys take the special women of your life (girlfriends, mums and grandmas) to impress! The place is literally a little archaic, rustic world of its own in the midst of the city and my friends have been raving about this place since forever. We used to fantasize the time when we would finally make the visit (how else do you get through boring uni - you think of your food tours of course)!!!


This is just one of those places you hear so much about and need to see for yourself! There's something for everyone!
Go on a little adventure this weekend!

Until next time!
Mimi xoxo

The Summer To-Do: Suggestions to keep you sane during the long break

No one really owns these types of calendars I realised!

There's a hundred and four days of summer vacation and school comes along just to end it! But the annual problem of our generation is finding a good way to spend it! Like mayb-

Only joking two problems with the above: 1. As much as we wish we were Phineas and Ferb -we're not cool enough (duh!) and 2. Countries like Australia don't get all our holidays in one massive dump!!


So how do we spend said holidays! More like how do we spend said holidays on a budget? We don't want to be dreading how bored we will be after surviving exams! No! No one wants that because look you will be regretting that when school/uni comes back!

So I've collected a few ideas because I don't think Google does a good enough job when I search 'things to do for teenagers in Sydney'. I get the zoo, Westfield tower look out and apparently need a lot of money just to enjoy myself. Mr Google how wrong you are here!

So here are some ideas that should hopefully hit the right spot for most of you (hopefully doesn’t hit the pocket too hard either)! I cry if I've made you read all this to no resolve of your boredom dilemma!!


1. For the uni student: Catch up with high school friends over a cafe lunch cause you’ll have too many stories to share about uni survival (Bear Grylls style) the last thing we want is hot food going cold and cardboard consistency! Cafe’s are great and there are plenty of healthy options which I love and which totally gets cancelled out by that milkshake you order but hey, caramel milkshakes for the win!

I just wanted to say here that QUINOA is the
BOMB!

2. Catch up over shared frozen yoghurt! The sort where you get to choose the flavours, portions and toppings! Or even ice-cream for any froyo haters who think it’s overrated and that three froyo stores on one street is overkill! Tip: go halves in pay, eat three quarters: P


3. Sand proof Picnic at the beach! There are a few beaches in Sydney or most places that have grass and shade at the back and sand and waves just a 2 minute walk in front. Get dumped a few times then come in for non sand assaulted eats. Someone also bring a ukulele and a Frisbee/rugby ball/soccer ball/volleyball or cricket set!!

Can't decide between ice-cream &
froyo are one of my first world problems

Coogee Beach date with more eating and no
swimming (I know it's a sin :P)

4. Try to discover a new eating place/cuisine with friends or family. I challenge you to order something different to Pad Thai when you go for Thai (that’s right, I went there). Visit a new food scene from an unfamiliar suburb, easily shared food works best so you get a taste for everything! It’s also a nice excuse to dress all snazzy with your girlfriends and broaden your profile picture horizons (lol).

5. Go bike riding on an old or new track! It can be hard to plan the weather for this and when its Summer it can get really hot! By biking I mean the tracks in the parklands not hardcore on the roads (that’s scary). Pack a non perishable lunch and water bottle kept overnight in the freezer to defrost over the time and grab a few friends for some exercise bonus!

If you're like me, it will take an AGE before
I get to "Level Crochembush"

6.  You know what takes time – cooking! Choose a recipe, then your weapons and get ready to whip up a storm and be proud of your baby as it’s plated. Since we don’t all have the time to plate ourselves a continental breakfast before we run out the door why not treat yourself to a feel-good (your own creation!!) and taste-good brekkie worthy of an instagram snap!!

7. Dare I say it but here goes nothing...... catch up on a TV series (or three) or discover a new series. Friends are great for giving you a quick lowdown (hopefully without spoilers) and for suggesting a gazillion shows bound to tickle your fancy! Just don’t delve too deep into the fandoms, you may find yourself a changed person...if you survive it. 

8. This may cost a smidge more buuuutttt.....Go to the cinemas or even better a DRIVE IN CINEMAS if your city has it! Sometimes in bed with a laptop and your blanket tepee = sore neck and arms + coke bottle glasses in the near future. Go for a change of scenery but seriously drive in cinemas are the bomb but there not that common and may be seasonal! Soooo worth it though! 

9. Be a tourist in your own city! Unless you know your whole city upside down (convince yourself that you don’t), recruit some keen companions, jump on a bus/ferry/train and see where it takes you! Look for every opportunity to take the scenic route and soak in the history whether it is nautical, industrial or whatsoever!

I live in Sydney but I rarely get to see the
Harbour Bridge :(

10. Sleepovers! I know how it gets and sometimes it’s inevitable but don’t let that spoil all the fun; friends ask for WIFI password, friends stay on laptop/phones, non awkward silence as you all check your social media every 10 or so minutes, non-existent pillow fights.
So here are some suggestions to keep it traditional:
- Pizza PARTAY with movie marathon
- Everyone helps cook dinner (or microwave the dinner I don’t know :P) which allows for good socialising at the same time!
- Call me boring but Twister the Game, Cards Against Humanity (exactly as the name suggests), charades, Cluedo etc.
- Just Dance PARTAY which really packs a workout

11. Hit the markets for a new wardrobe! You can literally buy some pretty neat pieces for less than $50! The store sellers are fashionable so you can be sure their legacy continues with you and there are interesting conversations all round! You can also enjoy the live music in your lunch break then finish exploring the rest of the markets! Rozelle and Glebe Markets in Sydney are my favourites!

Don't EVER be afraid to dig right through
the crowded racks - you may discover a
great bargain!!

Warning: Your eyes may hurt from all the shops
and stuff for sale everywhere you turn
It's more busier than it looks in the snap :P

12. Read a good book. I’m sorry if I sound like Jane Austen but books can change you. Believe me, I am no fandom girl. I don’t have a separate Tumblr devoted to Finnick’s “sugar cube” from The Hunger Games or Will Herondale’s “dragon tattoo” from The Infernal Devices Series. 
It lifts your mood, keeps you thinking about the plot and characters at times during the day and most importantly aren’t all the boys in books more IDEAL AND SUPER SENSITIVE! If I haven’t won you with that I don’t know what will! (Some suggestions: Mortal Instruments series and infernal devices series by Cassandra Clare)  


13. Try (emphasis on try) to sketch something from either a photograph or the scenery in front of you! Put that shading and eye sketches into good use not just when bored in class. Let’s go that one step further and try to sketch your favourite famous figure or celebrity!  Either cry over the beauty of your final artwork or it becomes the next “nailed it” meme sensation:P.

13. Be the next James Cameron or Christopher Nolan just for the holidays IE. MAKE A FILM! This is a great way to collaborate with friends and live out your fashion styling, directing, filming and acting dreams. Or even try your luck at penetrating the YouTube/Vloggers sphere :P

14. Plan a workout day with friends either at the gym or at the park (even better if there’s public exercise equipment). Not only can you done your Lorna Jane/Lululemon headbands and your flashy Nikes, working out as a small group makes you less inclined to be viewed as the “weak one” so keep pushing yourself! 


So hopefully I've inspired a few ideas to keep you busy! Try not to lounge at home for too long and for too many as appealing as the cool air con or the heater may seem (but we do all need our solo chillouts at home) !

So stay safe, don't get sunburnt and come back invigorated, knowing you had a killer break to daydream about during those boring times in class  :P

Shake it up Breakfast

Do it right and breakfasts can be the desserts of the morning (naturally sweet of course!!). We all know breakfasts are the most important meal of the day and if I ever have the chance to sit down and enjoy it most days, it’s my favourite meal of the day! Regardless of the weather I like to choose my breakfasts and ingredients seasonally and I do like to put in that extra effort just to start the day I want. You know you’ve achieved success when the plate looks instagram worthy and you’ve used mostly natural and minimally processed ingredients! Start healthy!

So here are some ideas to spice up the morning – of course you don’t need to be Jamie Oliver to accomplish any of these:

Added some stewed fruits after draining them
from the saucepan :)

1. Porridge – Maybe save this more for cold-cool mornings like from Autumn to Spring. While the sachets from the supermarket may seem enticing with all the fruity flavours (Porridge in 90 seconds they claim!!) I would rather see all the sugar that goes into these products and add them to their utmost minimum while still keeping it nice!

Start with your basic porridge then dress it up how you want (some of my favourites are suggested below):

¼ C quick oats
½ C skim milk or water
1. All in the microwave for 1 minute to begin with then 30 seconds thereafter until the individual oats have softened (watch out for the bubbling – cleaning the microwave dish after is the biggest trek!)
OR
Combine into a pot and cook on low-medium heat until oats look softened! Keep stirring when it bubbles (we don’t want a layer of porridge at the bottom – also very hard to clean!)


Serving Suggestions (The fun part)

Pantry Ingredients Sprinkle a pinch of desiccated coconut then drizzle with honey/maple syrup Sultanas, some flax seeds stirred through and drizzle of honey/maple syrup Crushed Brazil nuts (Low in GI, full for longer!) with drizzled honey/maple syrup Light dust of cinnamon with drizzle of honey/maple syrup (simple but good :D) Dried apples sliced , sultanas and a dust of cinnamon! 1 tsp cocoa powder stirred through porridge with a drizzle of honey/maple syrup and sprinkle of desiccated coconut (just like a lamington :P)

Fresh ingredients Flaked almonds, half a banana thinly sliced with a drizzle of honey/maple syrup Top with softened apple (slice into saucepan), drizzle of honey/maple syrup and dust of cinnamon! Diced peach slightly softened in a saucepan onto the porridge with a sprinkle of desiccated coconut! Small handful of frozen mixed berries with crushed brazil nuts! Caramelised pears (slice into saucepan with some water and sugar) with halved pistachios

Of course there are many more toppings and infusions!!

Take every opportunity to add seasonal  

2. Mixed Muesli and dried fruit with milk – Simpler and much more refreshing for the hotter days!
Most supermarkets sell already mixed muesli with the fruit which is such a time saver but feel free to customize your own with rolled oats, seeds and your chosen fruits and sliced nuts! Any milk will do, the sweetness of the muesli flavours it so well and I’m recently getting into having it with my soy milk – on point!

Personally I like to let my milk and muesli sit for about 3 mins before I dig in just to get the oats softened just that little bit J




3. All Natural Yoghurt with whatever the heck you want – So so so refreshing and addictive that yoghurt by the 2 kg load always stocks my fridge!

Let your kitchen become a yoghurt parlour for the morning! Load up on 4 tablespoons of yoghurt and then comes the toppings! Choose from fresh and dried cut fruits, nuts, bircher muesli, mixed berries, honey and fruit syrups (watch the sugar in these)!!

4. Brekkie smoothie on the GO – You can still enjoy a good brekkie on the run, just transition into the sippy kind with a straw! There is no one recipe for this since ingredients are seasonal! Just stick with the base ingredients – 1 cup of milk, 1.5 tablespoons of quick oats, sweet fresh fruits sliced up first (strawberries, banana, peaches, apples, apricots to name a few) all into a blender and watch it go like a kid in a candy store! I haven’t experimented with cocoa smoothies yet so I can’t advise you here!

While Up and Go’s were my best friends in my dark times of braces and early school mornings I would much prefer to mix my own in the blender before heading off! Up and Go keeps long for a reason – that’s right preservatives and emulsifiers! So how hard can it really be?

Add to the blender: 1 cup of skim milk (or any milk), 2 weetbix, 1 tablespoon of caramel syrup and a quick squeeze of honey. Optional: add 1 tsp chocolate powder and 1 tsp coffee powder for a mocha creation!

"Forever Alone" Egg Fritter with a green juice last weekend
Great meal to check your social networking to :D

5. Toast with mashed avocado- let's get one thing straight here, your avos are filled with all the good sorts of fats and are lower in carbs than a banana! From now on avocados will be your friend!

Just mash a small cut enough to spread over the whole toast (even the edges)! Crack over some salt and pepper or even a drizzle of honey/syrup and voila!







6. Egg fritter - this is one of my sisters creations (here she is) which we cook for one in this little "forever alone" (as we like to call it) saucepan we got from IKEA!

All you need:
- small portions of chopped tomato, chickpeas, diced ham (or any left over meat)
- 1 egg pre whisked in a bowl with a tbsp of milk and pinch of mixed herbs.

1. All into a small saucepan or egg template (toppings first for a little sizzle then egg mix last) with some canola oil spray!
2. Turn off heat and cover saucepan with foil to completely cook the egg.

Level up from scrambled eggs! Score!



That's all for now! Of course give these a go with your own personal spin and let me know what you think! For now I'll be working on how to master the overnight oats and incorporating tea infusions to the porridges! It all has to begin with some sort of disaster!

So stay cool for the summer and go find yourself some seasonal fruit to kick start your day! 

Home is where the jaffle is

Aren't the shapes just Art? Great if you like your
bread cut in triangles like me :P

We all have that distinct smell in our homes of a Saturday morning, when most parents are at home having a well deserved sleep in and the kids open one eye to catch the sunlight dancing on their bed, snuggling further into the recesses of their pillows and blankets. The house is serene, basking in the early sun almost like a lazing lizard on a spot of rock on this great earth. Paint begins to peel and flake on its exterior, signs of the Australian sun at work. For now the sun is modest, it rises above the trees to warm the leaves the pavement. For me, sunlight would explode into the bedroom and I would lie awake for a while watching the rays catch the dust swirling stealthily about the room. An occasional magpie would venture to perch on the window sill crooning over its shoulder into the rows of roses and pumpkins that was our garden below. The parents are already out of bed and that is when the first sounds are heard from the kitchen.

The time had come and was marked by the sweet smell of butter instilled in the air. The ingredients in their isolation smell of nothing until layered into the jaffle hot plate to pop out as crisp, golden sandwiches that break effortlessly to form triangle slices. The machine even imprinted neat lines on each triangle and you would know when it was ready by the flick of the green light and the sizzle as the edges finally gave way to the cheese.

Its contents ooze a little though the sealed edges, cheese comes first and maybe some toasted sliced tomato. We used to make ours with ham, cheese and tomato – simple yet it endured every Saturday, a welcoming change from porridge in winter and cereal in summers before school. It transcended all seasons and my sister and I would pick them up with little fingers and nibble cautiously in case the goodness scolded our tongues (yes too much goodness can harm you :P). You simply could not leave it on the bench to cool! 

I know what you’re thinking. It’s a jaffle maker, it makes jaffles (duh) and so what? Do we not link smells to a time in the past, an exact place and location? A place that may not be present or standing anymore as in my case? How times have changed when you look back and see how our breakfasts have evolved (just an odd thought), often the first smells and sounds of the morning amidst the rush to start the day. The fact is childhood memories manifest in different ways that we often don’t realise and recognise. Little does that magpie know that it is instilled in a childhood memory, wherever it may be now.

Nowadays I make the jaffles for the household. We used to call it “Breville” after the brand of our jaffle maker. “Breville” itself sounds kind of snug and homey just like the sandwich itself. Now in our teens we promoted ourselves to adding a little salami too but the classic from the past always has a place on the hot plates. I thought it was important to put this simple memory into writing – in a few decades it may be a lasting memory to sustain us all!

I’ll leave you with some thoughts for jaffle toppings I’ve tried in the past. You may soon realise the jaffle maker is one of the best kitchen investments you’ve made (no exaggeration here :P )
No more boring sandwiches and toast!!

Just top up one slice with either (you choose the ingredient portions):
- a few spoons of canned baked beans and some cheese :P
- a few twirls of canned spaghetti
- Tomato, diced (or slice of) ham and cheese (any cheese!)
- Avocado, tomato, ham and cheese
- leftover macaroni cheese (dare I say- which some like but I still can’t warm up to after trying!)

Nothing beats the "Big Cheese" everrrrrr!!

Well I hope the above won’t be the first quirky thought you’ve encountered today but I think its nice thinking about our childhood every now and then (even though I’m not that old yet!). Some we can recall with remarkable clarity – a chain of thoughts and senses that string together – and I love the excitement as you and your friends/family can fill in the details together and remember the exact same memory as it happened J

See if you can recall something from your childhood! The trick is not to think too hard!

Toodles for now!
Mimi