I drive him crazy

One of my new favorite bloggers, Laurie inspired me last week.. She wrote a very amusing post on being a good wife, you can check it out here, it cracked me up.

It made me think of my lovely husband. And then it made me think about all the ways I drive him crazy. So then I tried to count the ways, so to speak. After a period of self reflection, I have come up with a list. (Note, this is from my point of view, there is probably way more if you were to ask him).

- Battery - When I am on the laptop and the battery gets to a critical level - like, when the warning dialog box comes up, never fail, I start yelling "battery! battery! battery!" at my top volume until he gets annoyed and gets up and plugs the battery in. Lol it cracks me up to think of it, cos even I can appreciate how annoying it is.

- Fridge - I have no idea why. But, for some reason. I very rarely close the fridge door. Either I push it, it doesn't shut, and I don't stick around to check, or, I get distracted and walk away leaving it wide open. So usually 10 minutes later Rob will call out "Meow, you forgot the door again". I think the bloody thing is preferentially weighted or something.

- Driving ticket - I accidentally got Rob his first driving ticket on Friday. We were driving along a main road, and we went to turn left onto another main road. There was a sign that said "no turns" but it wasn't specific in directions, so when Rob said, "are you sure we can turn" and I said "yes" I felt fairly confident. To me, the sign was ambiguous. I interpreted it to mean "No U turns". However, the police officer waiting around the corner, whose sole responsibility is to ping people turning there, did not agree with my "interpretation". I mean, come on, there are people being shot in the arse daily in Houston, and this is your job? Did you piss someone off like in a movie, and you got stuck with that job, or do you just dig being a D-...... wait, I take full responsibility for this one. Just make clearer signs Houston.

- Dancing - I like to think that this drives him crazy in a "man, she is loveable" kind of way. I like to dance. In the middle of an intense football game, when its bed time, in the supermarket, at Target, at the gym, in libraries. Pretty much anywhere. I especially love standing in front of the TV when he is watching it, and breaking into a Nineties-esque boy band dance, that I am choreographing in my head as I dance it.

- Dress buying - I don't know if this makes him crazy, or if it is a useful tool for subduing me. Like, its a hobby/obsession for me. So, in theory, if he ever wanted to get me to do something or cheer me up, dress buying is a handy tool. However, I am sure the phrase "No actually, I don't have a pink colored polka dot dress..... maybe I have one in maroon, salmon and red, but not pink" must drive him a little crazy.

- Random thoughts - When I am not at work or being serious, I have trouble keeping thoughts straight in my head. I think about a lot of different things. So I am constantly asking random questions. Here is what a drive to the supermarket with me is like...
"If you were a cupcake, what flavour would you be?"
"Hey meow, what year were did the Faulklands war start?"
"Where are the Faulklands?"
"Why are they called the Faulklands? did they create forks there?"
"No, that is not a stupid question.. Manila folders come from Manila....
 ..Don't they?"
"Hey Maui, what is the Maori name for Foot? I can think of ear, and nose and mouth, and tummy.. but not foot.."
"What do you think the Maori word for Eel was before white man came to New Zealand?"
"Have you ever tried Eel?"
"Daddy tried jellied Eel once, but he said it was yuck.. Hey what was that corn stuff you tried once..?"
"Hey Meow, don't look but I think we have a tail... Im serious, I think we are being followed. Just kidding, wanna get burgers?"

- Weird eating habits - So, I am a weird eater. I try to only eat foods that I think are calorically "worth" it and that varies every day. My eating is a post all by itself, but I know it drives Rob nuts. Like, he loves a nice breakfast out, and I am a pain in the arse, because I never like the breakfast I order. And I go through phases when all I want to eat is soup. I also have a phase which comes and goes when I get the need to douse everything with Tobasco. Including his beautiful Lasagne.

- OCD - We are both OCD, but in different ways. This will sound straight out mean, but I know if I want to annoy him I just need to move the coasters into an asymmetrical pattern. I very rarely do it. I promise.

So I was aiming for 10 but I think anyone reading this is probably feeling very sorry for Rob right now, and I am about to lose a bunch of friends lol. But seriously, he really is so patient and loving, depsite my insanity.

Thanks Meow xx

Rustic Tart

To all the comedians out there, no this is not an "outfit of the day post" shot while camping. Today I am sharing one of my favorite recipes.

I first made this with my grandmother when I was 14. She found it in an Australian Women's Weekly and ripped it out to try. I have added things, changed things a little, but I still remember the first time I cooked it and now it has become one of my signature dishes at Christmas time. 

Here is why I love it:

It's easy. Like REALLY easy.

It's delish

You can make a bunch and just put then in the oven one after the other

You can change the ingredients to suit your pantry or taste buds

It looks well flash

It's delish

It smells amazing

And in case you didn't get it the first time, it's bloody delicious!

For some weird reason, I only make it at Christmas time - but Rob and I got sick of waiting - so I cooked one up today! (excuse the photos - they are off my phone!)

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Here is what you need for the base recipe (based on one tart):

Puff pastry (I buy it - I'm not ashamed)

2 T tomato paste

1 T water

1 T each - dried oregano, dried parsely, dried marjoram (or any combination of dried herbs)

Red capsicum (Bell Pepper)
Yellow capsicum (Yellow pepper??)
Tomatoes - What ever you have in the fridge or enjoy eating, in Summer in NZ I use a few different types and colors of tomatoes. The more color the better!
Red onion
Fresh Basil leaves
1 T Olive oil
Ground salt and pepper

Feta

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In one bowl combine the tomato paste, water and dried herbs.

In another bowl, combine the chopped vegetables, torn fresh basil leaves, olive oil and salt and pepper. The veges can be diced or chopped into chunky bits. Whatever your preference.

Lay a pastry sheet out on baking paper.

Smear the tomato paste mixture onto the middle of the pastry sheet, leaving a sauce free zone around the sheet about an inch wide. You can either cut an indent so the edges puff up, or fold them over (this adds to the rustic-ness).

Empty the bowl of yummy chopped veges onto the top of the tomato zone.

Crumble Feta on to the top of the vege mountain in front of you.

Bake at 400 F or 180 C for around 30 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown.

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Alternatives:

Now, it must be noted that my Mum and Sister strongly dislike most of those ingredients. So, instead of veges and feta I top theirs with bacon and shredded cheddar.

If you don't like red onion, don't put it in. If you love other things, put them in. Remember, the more color, the more impressive, it looks best with a variety of tomatoes and peppers.Spinach works too.

If you dig the vegetarian-ness of the dish, then eat up! Sometimes, (like tonight) Rob likes me to add something to make it more meaty. Tonight its bacon, but it could be prawns, or it is delicious served with Christmas Ham (glaze recipe coming soon) or with a roast lamb.

 This makes a perfect lunch, dinner, side dish, or, take it from me, it is amazing the next day!


Linking up with Taste of Tuesday below!

Woohoo! New glasses!

Got these in the mail today! I just LOVE them!

They are from BonLook, and they are the HoneyBadger frames in black.. Swoon! 

Snap Happy

Our weekend through the eyes of my phone.. Hope y'all had a good one! 

Finding Fall in Houston - Pumpkin carving

Today I carved my first ever Jack o lantern!

I was meant to go to a pumpkin party on Friday but my ovaries were at war with the rest of my body so I was stuck in bed with a hot water bottle. 

Instead - I decided today was the day! 

I chose the best pumpkin at Whole Foods! His name is Harry. Reader, meet Harry.

For the carving I had no idea where to start so I skyped my Mum and she gave me advice. Her carving knowledge is limited to American movies and Pinterest. So basically it was the blind leading the blind.

I got a carving set from Whole Foods which was excellent till I broke the little sword carver thingy. 

I decided to make a kitty cat pumpkin. Cos you know, why not? And I was wearing a cat t shirt so it seemed appropriate.

Mama and I chatted as I chopped, gutted and carved my pumpkin into submission. And eventually, with much worry and doubt along the pumpkin carving road, a kitty emerged from the orange mess that was Harry. 

Success! 

Well, kind of. I think it is kind of distinguishable as a cat, if not a cat, then a critter of some sort. 

Yay! This pumpkin thing is fun. 

And note to self - I should have got matches for Harry's candle. 

Vegas in Instagrams