Mademoiselle Slimalicious... A healthy lifestyle inspired by French culture!

Stop Telling Me I Don't Need to Lose Weight

2013-05-24T09:00:00.000+10:00

I have been asking myself many questions lately. A recurring one is: "why do people here always have to tell me that I don't need to lose weight?". I have been thinking about how to write this post to express my frustration for some time now, but I don't seem to be able to formulate my thoughts clearly. I wrote two drafts already, this is my third one (I'll hopefully press the 'publish' button today), none of them I was satisfy with. But it is important for me to share about how I feel because you too may feel the same way.

I'm frustrated because I feel that I'm not getting any support in my quest for a slimmer me. Yes, it is true that I'm not technically 'overweight'. Yes, my BMI is in the normal range. But does that mean I am not allowed to want to lose weight, and should be discouraged to do so? Do people have to wait to be overweight before they can get any support from others? And by others I mean friends, colleagues and even professionals!

It's not about how we look,
it's about how we feel

Of course, it is nice to hear "Honey, why do you want to lose weight, you look great!", but how about if I don't FEEL great - does that matter at all? Does anybody care about how I feel in my own body?

I read once in a French dieting book that you should never tell people you are on a diet. According to the author, if you do, some people will always try to discourage you because they don't want you to succeed where they have failed.

Weight is such a sensitive and subjective topic. As mentioned in a previous post, I carry many traumas from my childhood, I was bullied for being one of the only overweight child in town (well, literally, I was the only overweight child in my primary school)! In France, the vast majority of people, kids and adults together, are very slim (well at least they were still in the 80's & 90's). Some members of my own family even bullied me about my weight and this has left me with enormous psychological scars that makes that the way I look, my body and my weight are things that I care a lot about. I never want to feel the way I felt as a child, and to prevent that from happening, I need to do a lot of efforts to manage my weight. While I'm not overweight, I LOVE food, I'm a sweet tooth, I'm very short (156 cm) and I hate exercising, so I need to be extra careful to maintain my weight - simply because I don't want to hate myself again like I did as a child.

In 1992 - I was 11 and an unhappy overweight child
I never want to feel the way I felt

Sharing this photo means a lot to me, simply because I truly hate it. I hate everything about it. They way I looked, my hair, my clothes, my sad eyes. I hate the memories behind it, the ones that bring tears to my eyes as I type this post.

Oh, and don't get me wrong either, I'm not asking for people to tell me I should lose weight. In fact, I've never being asking for anyone's opinion or approval. I simply wish people in my life could just listen and show empathy. Not more.

Do you feel some people discourage you from reaching your weight loss goals?

Cooking with Macadamia Oil

2013-05-22T14:00:00.000+10:00

I have to confess, before moving to Australia I knew little about macadamia nuts. These creamy, buttery nuts are one of the natural health foods indigenous to Australia, native to north eastern New South Wales and south eastern Queensland. In France, macadamia nuts are found mainly in fancy gourmet ice-cream and not widely use in everyday cooking or snacking.

Macadamia nuts: a healthy food

Like other nuts (see my posts about pecan and pistachios), macadamias contain no cholesterol. Macadamia nuts are know for having the highest percentage of monounsaturated fats of any tree nuts and also containing antioxidants in the form of Omega 3.

Source: Australian Geographic

Cooking with macadamia oil
Macadamia oil is used for pan frying fish and meat, for stir frying, marinades and also in salad dressings and baking. The nutty, sweet aroma enhances natural food flavours. When I was asked if I would review Suncoast Gold Macadamia Oil (the only macadamia oil with the Heart Foundation tick by the way), I had never bought macadamia oil in my life, so I was excited at the opportunity of trying something different (I usually exclusively cook with extra virgin olive oil). I used the oil to make the Chicken Macadamia Stir-Fry with Noodles recipe Suncoast Gold kindly suggested. It was lovely, I especially liked the lime and macadamia flavour combination. Suncoast Gold is a 100% Australian owned and operated cooperative with farms stretching from Cairns in North Queensland, down to Byron Bay in New South Wales.

Chicken Macadamia Stir-Fry with Noodles
Ingredients (serve 2)

200 g of hokkien noodles
1 tablespoon Suncoast Gold Macadamia Oil
100 g skinless chicken strips
1 brown onion, diced
1 carrot thinly, sliced
1 cup of peas
2 mushrooms, sliced
1 cup dry roasted Suncoast Gold Australian Macadamias
1 lime (juice)
3 tablespoons of sweet chilli sauce

Method

Soak the noodles in boiling water for 1-2 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Heat the wok, add the oil.
Cook the onion until brown and add the chicken strips. Stir fry for a few minutes (until the chicken is golden).
Add the vegetables and stir fry for another few minutes.
Squeeze in the juice of the lime and add the sweet chilli sauce.
Toss in the noodles and macadamia nuts.

Bon appetit!

What oil do you use most for cooking?

The 2013 Eco-Friendly Pet Shopping Guide

2013-05-20T09:00:00.000+10:00

To celebrate the arrival of our long-awaited Bengal kitten on Saturday - and because I know a lot of you have pets - I've compiled a list of the must-have products for an eco-friendly, happy and healthy pet! I've spent the last few weeks getting ready for the arrival of Leopatra in our household and conducted lots of research about what pet products are currently available in Australia, especially natural and eco-friendly ones, so I thought I would share my findings with you. While I have listed mostly cat products in this shopping guide, most of the brands below also have a large range of dog products too, which I encourage you to check out.

GROOMING & CARE

Oz-Pet Litter: eco-friendly

Oz-Pet pellets is the ultimate anti microbial litter made from waste plantation timber sawdust. It stops the strong pee pong in your litter tray by eliminating, rather than masking, the smell of ammonia. The eucalyptus oil in the wood pellets stops the bacteria growing that causes the smell of ammonia in other types of litter. This eco-friendly made in Australia litter contains no additives, is ultra-absorbent and suitable for compost! RRP: $9.63 for a 5kg bag

Oz-Pet Cat Loo: the closest thing to being outdoors

The Cat Loo is an easy 1-2-3 solution that provides your cat with a natural odourless toilet that is easy to maintain and economical to use. When the litter gets wet, the particles break down and fall, or are shaken into the base tray. There is no need to change the litter as fresh litter is added to the top section only when required. RRP: $84.95

Fresh Breeze - Hard Floor

Fresh Breeze is a 100% eco-friendly and biodegradable non-toxic odour reduction technology that helps fight pet urine odour (because accidents happen!). Its habit breaker formula completely eliminates odour effectively breaking the habit beyond pet recognition.

Spa by Tropiclean - Shampoo & Renew Cologne Spa shampoo is a coconut derived cleanser with just the right amounts of botanical emollients. Ginger and white plum will leave hair shiny, manageable and brilliantly clean. The refreshing Ginger and oatmeal cologne nourish and soothe, while white tea and plumeria invigorate the senses. Spa bottles are made from recycled materials known as post consumer resin (PCR).

FOOD

Nutrience: feed your pets the best

Nutrience is a fixed low allergen formula. Nutrience uses all natural ingredients with no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. The nutrient dense complete formulation contains minimally processed low GI carbs (brown rice and oat groats) and the best chicken and lamb meal. RRP: $31.45 for a 2.72kg bag of Kitten food or Supreme Adult Cat food.

ACCESSORIES

Becobowls - the eco-friendly pet bowl
Made from waste plant fibre material, Becobowl products are completely sustainable and fully biodegradable. The Becobowl is tough, functional and durable. The range is dishwasher friendly and available in three sizes,depending on your pet's appetite!

Mr. Fothergill's Cat Grass & Catnip Kits

Cats like to chew on cat grass as an aid to digestion and to help the elimination of fur balls. Cat grass also provides a ready supply of essential vitamins and minerals, particularly good for ‘indoor’ cats. A lot of cats also adore the fragrant catnip plant! Mr Fothergill’s Seed Raiser Kits are designed to provide a convenient all-in-one solution for seed raising. Each Kit consists of a reusable mini greenhouse, Jiffy® Quick Soil Mix pellet and a full packet of Mr Fothergill’s Organic seeds. RRP: $5.95 per kit

TOYS

ClawBag: the bundle of love that comes in the mail

Every ClawBag is filled with hand selected toys, treats and other surprises that your cat will love! ClawBag is unique and includes a range of toys, food treats, fashion, grooming & health goodies. RRP: $39.50 + $6.50 shipping

Spot Eco-Cat Teaser Wand

These eco friendly cat toys are designed for interactive play and made from all natural materials. All Eco-Cat toys contain catnip to attract your cat to these toys even more! The packaging is made from recycled materials with plant based inks.

Do you have pets?

Are you a cat or dog person?

Hunter Valley Wine & Food Month (+ 2005 Shiraz Wine Giveaway)

2013-05-17T12:17:00.001+10:00

Like bread, cheese and croissant, wine forms an integral part of my culture which I like to celebrate whenever possible. Wine is more than an alcoholic beverage for me, it's a tradition, a savoir-faire, a terroir.

To celebrate the much-anticipated Hunter Valley Wine & Food Month next month, I couldn't think of a better way than giving my lovely readers a chance to win two of my favourite premium Hunter Valley wines!

Organised by The Hunter Valley Wine Industry Association, the 2013 Hunter Valley Wine & Food Month is proudly supported by the NSW Government’s tourism. With more than 80 intimate experiences to tempt wine and food lovers, this event is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the Hunter Valley way of life and join winemakers and chefs at their favourite restaurants, sample the region’s premium wine and gourmet food, and stay in one of the top hotels and resorts and cozy up by the fire.

If you’re looking for the ultimate winter getaway with an indulgent theme, Hunter Valley Wine & Food Month is for you. A full calendar of events is available online at www.huntervalleyuncorked.com.au.

Giveaway

If you can't make it to the Hunter Valley for the Wine & Food Month, here is your chance to sample their beautiful wines from the comfort of your own home! One lucky reader will win a Hunter Valley premium wine hamper, valued at $90 and made of:

1x bottle of Margan Shiraz Vintage 2005
1x bottle of Wandin Valley Estate 2005 Bridie’s Reserve Shiraz

To enter: Leave a comment on our Facebook page

"Why should you win the Hunter Valley wine prize?"

Additional entries: (leave a comment below for each additional entry)

Tweet this Merci @MSlimalicious and @EuropeBox for giving us the chance to win a a Premium Wine Hamper! Visit www.mslimalicious.com
Like Europe in a Box facebook page
Follow @EuropeBox on Twitter
Share this post with your friends on FB and/or Twitter using the buttons below the post Google + (G+) this post using the button at the bottom of the post

Giveaway is open to readers in Australia. The giveaway closes on Sunday 26^th May, 9 pm. One winner will be chosen at random with the help of random.org. The winner will be notified shortly after the end of the competition. If a reply email containing the winner’s name and postal address is not received by May 30th, the prize will be forfeited and awarded to another entrant. The prize was kindly donated by The Hunter Valley Wine Industry Association. Prize value is $90.

Discloser: I did not receive any form of financial nor material compensation for this post.

For a chance to WIN more fantastic prizes,

visit my Competition page!

A Little Bit of France with Bonne Maman

2013-05-15T19:21:00.005+10:00

After over 2 years since my last visit to France, anything that can remind me of home is a treat. Well actually most of the things that remind me of home are treats!

Last week, I was fortunate to be a guest at the Bonne Maman Mother's Day Breakfast at the beautiful Baroque Bistro in The Rocks. It was a fabulous experience!

Our Venue: Baroque Bistro, The Rocks Sydney
Chef Jacques Reymond on the background

I grew up with Bonne Maman on my breakfast table. If you have been to France you may know that French people eat fresh baguette, butter and jam for breakfast, especially on the weekend (sometimes croissant in place of bread!). Bonne Maman is the most famous French gourmet preserve company in France and overseas. Bonne Maman jams are made from traditional recipes featuring high quality fruit and 100 percent all natural ingredients. They are preservative-free, contain no artificial colours nor additives.

This particular event was to celebrate the launch of their newest product: "Confiture de Lait" (lit. milk jam) which they have translated in English by "Caramel Spread". Basically, it's the French equivalent of the Italian "Dulce de Leche". I got to try in a milkshake, it was lovely.

I don't always blog about events I attend, but the Bonne Maman breakfast ticked all of the boxes for me, everything was wonderful:

the live music reminded me of the street of Paris (they had an accordionist!)
the decoration was unreal (and hand-made!)
the food was divine
the people were good company
and I even won one of the door draw prizes! French Chef Jacques Reymond cookbook!

I had a massive smile on my face the entire morning (literally! If you don't believe check out the cartoon! Oh, yes because they even had a caricaturist like in Montmartre in Paris!)

Bonne Maman really knows how to make people happy: through simple but original experiences! No need to over-do things, being authentic and taking pleasure in the things surrounded us is the key to my heart!

Me and some new friends!

Do you eat jam?

What is your favourite flavour?

Top 10 tips to Beat the Winter Blues

2013-05-11T16:29:00.000+10:00

It’s over. Summer that is. I was raised in the south of France where, like in Sydney, summers are long, dry and warm. Actually the climate where I grew up is very similar to here, except that winters are colder in France with temperatures rarely above 10 degrees Celsius in the colder months. When I was in France, what I hated most about winter was “the naked trees”. Trees (and vineyards) without leaves are depressing. What I liked most was snow, but that happened rarely, maybe once or twice a year and didn't last for very long.

Carcassonne in the winter - looking sad!

Now, I’m in Australia and while some trees lose their leaves, many stay green, especially the tropical vegetation (ie: palm trees etc.). After living 23 years in France and 3 years in England, I really can’t complain about Australian winters. While I enjoy having seasons and try to make the most of it (ie: I like changing wardrobe once a year and eating earthy meals!), I noticed my mood still changes in the colder months, and I feel a little less happy.

Around the world, many people are affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of mild depression that occurs at the same time every year - also referred to as ‘winter blues’. Symptoms usually start in the autumn and may continue into the winter months, sapping your energy and making you feel moody. SAD is diagnosed more often in women, but men have more severe symptoms. SAD is rare in Australia (1 in 300 Australians) but in countries like Canada it affects nearly 20% of the population.

My parents' garden in the winter...

My top 10 tips to beat the winter blues

Eat a healthy diet: aim for food with high nutritional value rather than processed manufactured food. What you eat affect your mood and energy.

Be active: exercise isn't only for maintaining weight and staying healthy. It’s great for relieving the stresses of life (well, so I was told!)

Get some sun: go outdoors and suck the sunlight in to increase your level of Vitamin D.

Bring sunshine into your home: keep the curtains open during the day and cut back trees or bushes that block light from your windows.

Make the most of the season: experience new recipes with seasonal vegetables and fruits (Tarte Tatin anyone?)

Change your wardrobe: buy yourself a pretty cardigan, a woollen jumper and some pretty leather boots for a totally different look! You'll feel great!

Rest and relax: make time for the things you enjoy most (ie: playing with your kids, reading a book…)

Swap coffee for green tea: green tea contains anti-viral compounds as well as immune- boosting antioxidants. It's also know to relieve stress.

Put the music on: music is a distraction, when you’re concentrating on the music you hear, you won't focus on other negative thoughts.

Buy a pet: According to research, petting animals (or even gazing at an aquarium) lowers blood pressure and relieves anxiety! It also alleviates loneliness.

Do seasons have an effect on your mood or energy level?

French Movie Giveaway: 5x Double Passes to Farewell, My Queen

2013-05-09T20:47:00.003+10:00

You may know by now that Mister Slimalicious loves French cinema so we attend the French Film Festival every year and regularly watches French movies on SBS One etc. One of the movies I've most enjoyed at this year festival is Farewell My Queen; so when I was asked if I would talk about it on my blog, I couldn't say no - the movie was truly VERY VERY GOOD.

If you are a francophile, then I can guarantee you will really enjoy this movie. It is based on Chantal Thomas' international best-selling novel of the same name. Farewell, My Queen will not only help you improve your French but you will also learn about France's rich history and be delighted by the beautiful scenery of Versailles.

FAREWELL, MY QUEEN - Les Adieux à la Reine

Release date: In cinemas across Australia from June 6

Running time: 100 minutes

Rating: M (Mature themes and nudity)

Director: Benoît Jacquot

Cast: Léa Seydoux, Diane Kruger, Virginie Ledoyen, Xavier Beauvois and Noémie Lvovsky

Synopsis

1789. On the eve of the French Revolution, those living at the Court of Versailles continue to lead carefree, uninhibited lives, far from the growing unrest in Paris. When news of the assault on the Bastille reaches the court’s ears, the nobles flee along with their servants, deserting the palace… But Sidonie Laborde (Léa Seydoux), a young reader of the Court who is devoted to the Queen (Diane Kruger), refuses to believe the rumours. She is certain that under Marie-Antoinette’s protection she will come to no harm. Little does she know that these will be the last three days she will spend at her queen’s side.

Marking the return of acclaimed director Benoît Jacquot (A Single Girl, Seventh Heaven, Sade, Deep in the Woods), Farewell, My Queen brilliantly captures the passions, debauchery and chaos that engulfed the court of Marie Antoinette in its final days. Moving effortlessly from the gilded drawing rooms of the nobles to the back quarters of those who serve them, this is a period film at once accurate and sumptuous in its visual details and modern in its emotions.

Giveaway

I have 5 x Double Passes to Farewell, My Queen to giveaway (RRP: $38 each pass)! The film will screen in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, Adelaide and Hobart, so if you live in one of those cities here is your chance to spend a free night at the movie with your Beau!

To enter: To be eligible, you must be a Mademoiselle Slimalicious Facebook Page Liker

AND leave a comment here telling me

"At school, what was your favourite subject and why?"

Additional entries: (leave a comment for each additional entry)

Tweet this Merci @MSlimalicious and @EuropeBox for giving us a chance to win a 5x double passes to see Farewell, My Queen! Visit www.mslimalicious.com
Like Europe in a Box facebook page
Follow @EuropeBox on Twitter
Share this post with your friends on FB and/or Twitter using the buttons below the post
Google + (G+) this post using the button at the bottom of the post

Note, if you are an anonymous entrant, please make sure you include your name in the comment so I can contact you via Facebook if you win.

Giveaway is open to readers in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, Adelaide and Hobart only. The giveaway close on Thursday 30th May, 9 pm. Five winners will be chosen at random with the help of random.org. The winners will be notified by email (if available) or on Mademoiselle Slimalicious Facebook page shortly after the end of the competition. If a reply email containing the winner’s name and postal address is not received by June 2nd, the prize will be forfeited and awarded to another entrant. The prizes were kindly donated by Transmission Films.

Total prize pool value is of $190. I did not receive financial or material compensation for this post. I honestly really enjoyed this movie when I went to the French Film Festival in March.

For a chance to WIN more fantastic prizes,

visit my Competition page!

Heart Week & 10 Tips to Reduce your Risks of Heart Disease

2013-05-02T16:05:00.000+10:00

A few weeks ago I was fortunate to be invited to a lovey evening with the Heart Foundation to discuss heart health and heart disease prevention. It was an opportunity for me to learn more about heart disease in Australia. Of course, one may think I'm too young to worry about heart disease, but the reality is that it is a topic close to my heart (excuse the pun). My grand-mother died of a cardiac arrest when she was 60. So young! She died in front of a crowd while doing her fresh produce shopping at our traditional fruits and vegetables market in France. She was obese and her heart wasn't healthy. I've since learn that everyone should watch out for heart disease, not only overweight people are affected, anybody can be really.

The thing that happens on the inside that you don’t see on the outside

Heart disease, like many other illnesses, is something we don’t always see coming. Often there are no symptoms of heart disease. We feel fine, until it's too late. One of the most important things you can do is talk to your doctor about your risk of heart disease. During a ckeck-up appointment your doctor will ask questions about your family history, will measure your blood pressure, talk about your lifestyle and diet and conduct further test like blood cholesterol if required.

Heart Week 2013 & Facts about heart disease
From Sunday 5 May to Saturday 11 May 2013 it's Heart Week in Australia. During Heart Week 2013, the Heart Foundation wants to help improve the heart health of all Australians.

Did you know:

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of Australian women
A heart attack occurs every 10 minutes in Australia
In Australia, heart disease claims 27 female lives every day
Nearly 30% of women aged 30-65 have been told by their GP they have high cholesterol, but only 12% are aware it’s a risk factor for heart disease

Will you recognise your heart attack? Will you know what to do if your loved one is having a heart attack?

My 10 tips to reduce your risks of heart disease

Be naturally active: take the stairs not the escalator, ride or walk to work etc.
Maintain a healthy weight
Avoid highly processed foods (ie: frozen meals, crackers, biscuits, ready to go sauces, etc.). They are rich in salt, fat and sugar.
Eat fresh fruits and vegetables everyday
Eat less red meat and more fish, try also legumes (they are rich in protein)
Stop smoking
Monitor your blood pressure
Get regular check-ups
Exercise 30 min a day (ideally) - but really: anything is good
Stress less: do things you enjoy (except eating sweets!) like listening to music, read a book, buy a pet, start a blog, etc.

For more information about heart health,

visit Heart Foundation Australia website

What is your family history?

Do you have cholesterol or diabetes?

Do you know people close to you who live with heart disease?

Credit photos:

1, 3. Heart Foundation

4. fondacoeur.com

Five Reasons to Eat More Pistachios (+ Giveaway)

2013-04-29T15:46:00.000+10:00

Archaeological findings indicate that pistachios have been around since the late Stone Age. Native to the Middle East, these flowering nut trees spread within the Mediterranean area. Nowadays, the largest pistachio growing regions are in California, Iran, Syria and Turkey.

Five Reasons to Eat More Pistachios

Rich in fibre and nutrients - with only about 3 calories per nut, pistachios are the optimal snack to add to a balanced and healthy diet.
They are an excellent source of copper and manganese, and a good source of phosphorus.
Also a good source of vitamin B6, offering 20% of the Daily Value per serving
The fat content of pistachios comes mainly from the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are 'good fats'.
Pistachios in their shells are the ideal slow food snack: research found that the slow consumption has a satiating effect.

If you have missed out on my post about pecan nuts, you can catch up here: five reasons to eat more pecan nuts.

Giveaway

Mademoiselle Slimalicious and Wonderful® Pistachios have teamed up to give you a chance to win 1 of 3 Pistachios prize pack.

Each prize pack, valued at RRP $24, includes:

250 g Salted & Roasted Pistachios: roasted to perfection with a touch of salt.
250 g Sweet Chilli Pistachios: a slightly spicy and irresistibly sweet pistachio flavour (my favourite!)
250g Salt & Pepper Pistachios: a delicate pepper flavour

Wonderful® Pistachios are premium California-grown pistachios available in Australia in a sophisticated black package.

To enter: To be eligible, you must be a Mademoiselle Slimalicious' Facebook Page Liker

AND leave a comment here telling me

"What drives you nuts?"

Additional entries: (leave a comment for each additional entry)

Vote for me on woman.com.au Gen Y Founder series
Share this post with your friends on FB and/or Twitter using the buttons below the post
Tweet this Thank you @MSlimalicious for giving us a chance to win a Wonderful Pistachios Prize on www.mslimalicious.com #giveaway #nuts #healthy
Like Europe in a Box facebook page
Follow @EuropeBox on Twitter
Google + (G+) this post using the button at the bottom of the post
Follow me by email or RSS feeds
Share the link to this post on your own blog

Note, if you are an anonymous entrant, please make sure you include your name in the comment so I can contact you if you win.

Giveaway is open to readers with a delivery address in Australia only, and closes on 12th May 2013 at 9 pm (EAST). Three winners will be chosen at random with the help of random.org. The winners will be notified by email (if available) or on Mademoiselle Slimalicious Facebook page shortly after the end of the competition. If a reply email containing the winner’s postal address is not received by 16th May 2013, the prize will be forfeited and awarded to another entrant. The prizes were kindly donated by Wonderful Pistachios. Total prize pool value $72. I received 750g of pistachio samples for the purpose of this review.

For a chance to WIN more fantastic prizes,

visit my Competition page!

I Love You Chicken and Leek Pies + Balsamic Strawberry Delight (Guest Post by Reality Chick)

2013-04-26T14:19:00.000+10:00

Today I'm thrilled to welcome one of my favourite bloggers ever: Rachel from Reality Chick! Reality Chick is one of the first blogs I started reading after I relocated to Australia in late 2009, way before I became a blogger myself. It's also on Reality Chick that I won my first blog giveaway, back in May 2010. I remember how excited I was about winning something. I had never read blogs when I was living in Japan, in the UK nor in France, and this was a whole new world to me. I love Reality Chick because I find that it's one of the only sites in Australia that openly talk about relationships and sex, with no taboo. I relate to the way Rachel writes her site, with straightforwardness and humour. I read it regularly and like to take part in some of the hot conversation topics! Now place to Rachel!

GUEST POST: Reality Ckick’s I Love You Chicken and Leek Pies + Balsamic Strawberry Delight

I’m an advice columnist blogger, for those of you who don’t know me. Those of you who do – hi!

Something I don’t really bang on about on my blog is my passion for cooking, but it’s an ongoing love affair for me and the best way I know how to chill out. I generally keep it yummy but healthy, because I sit on my butt far too much than is good for me (as do most writers, probably).

I’m not really a slavish recipe follower, but I’ll dip in and out of cookbooks for ideas, and I get my telly fix from the likes of MKR, Nigel Slater, Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay. I’ve even learned new tricks from those Junior Masterchef kids. Who the heck are these freaks of nature? At their age my repertoire consisted of pikelets.

Things have changed in my kitchen these days, but I still had a moment of panic (or ten) when Mademoiselle Slimalicious and I cooked up an idea for a romantic guest post. Dealing with questions about sexless marriages and dating dilemmas – no dramas. Creating a dinner menu for a lover befitting one of my favourite blogs? I’ve never changed my mind on a menu quite so many times.

In the end, it had to be this two-course winter warmer. I can’t quite claim credit for the dessert; it’s my friend Victoria Hannaford’s recipe, but it’s such a lovely end to the meal after tucking in to what’s quite a rich little chicken pie. Overall, this meal is more rustic than posh, but it’s perfect for a cold night cosying up on the couch. You can also inject a bit of romantic fun into it by including a pastry ‘message’ on top of the pie like I did – like ‘I love you’, ‘Eat me!’ or just a pet name. You’ll want to see your lover’s face when you bring it to the table! Never fails to delight. Enjoy.

Rachel

I Love You Chicken and Leek Pies

Serves 2 in 400ml oven dishes, or 4 in 250ml oven dishes

You’ll need

1 large leek, trimmed, sliced thinly
2 chicken breasts pulled from a roast chicken and roughly chopped into bite-sized pieces
2 tbs plain flour
1 slurp of olive oil
½ to ¾ cup (185ml) of chicken stock (or 2 Massel stock cubes dissolved in boiling water)
½ to ¾ cup (185ml) of evaporated milk (or actual full-cream milk)
2 large sheets of puff pastry
1 egg, lightly beaten
salt and pepper

Instructions

Preheat oven to 190 degrees C (or 375 degrees F).
Slurp the oil into a wide saucepan over medium heat and add the leeks. Stir and cook until the leeks soften – about 3-5 minutes.
Tip in the flour and stir all through the leeks to combine – it should look like dry, floury leeks.
At this point, gradually add the chicken stock and evaporated milk and stir until the sauce thickens.
Add the chopped chicken, stir, season to taste. Add more liquid if it’s too dry – you don’t want it runny, but quite thick and saucy.
Remove from heat and spoon the chicken and leek mixture into ovenproof dishes. I use two 400ml Ecology terracotta paella bowls with handles because Mr Chick and I are too greedy for our own good. However, the mixture would easily stretch to 4 x 250ml dishes.
Cut a strip from the pastry sheet and stretch around the top of the dish. Then, cut a ‘lid’ for the top of the pie, making sure you keep some extra pastry aside. Place lid of pastry onto the pastry strip, and seal the two layers together all the way around the dish by pressing down with the back of a fork. Cut a cross in the centre of the pie for steam to escape.
Take the remaining pastry and roll into long thin pieces. These can be used to create letters and the message on top of your pie, which will puff up with the pastry as it cooks. As you can see in the photo I put ‘RC’ and ‘Mr Chick’ on top of our pies.
Brush the pastry, the edges and the letters with the beaten egg and pop pies into the oven to bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Serve pies on their own or with a green salad.

Balsamic Strawberry Delight

Serves 2 in martini glasses

You’ll need

1 punnet of strawberries, washed, hulled and chopped in half
2 generous tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
2 heaped tablespoons of slivered almonds
2 heaped tablespoons of vanilla bean yoghurt

Instructions

Get two small pans on the hob on a medium heat. In one, sprinkle in the slivered almonds and toast until brown. Keep an eye on them, because they will burn easily! Once brown, take off and set aside.
Pop the chopped strawberries in the other pan along with the vinegar. Stir, turning, until the strawberries soften a little and caramelise on the cut side – about 2 minutes.
Divide the hot strawberries into martini glasses, top with the yoghurt and then, the warm toasted slivered almonds.
Serve. For a healthy dessert, this is seriously yum.

Bio: Rachel Smith is a health journalist and advice columnist at www.realitychick.com.au. She tries to shoehorn mentions of cooking and food into her blog wherever possible, although there have been no 9 ½ Weeks-style posts. Yet.

What is the most romantic meal you've ever cooked?

The Challenges of Planning a Destination Wedding

2013-04-24T10:00:00.000+10:00

It has been a while since I haven't mentioned anything about our wedding. Since our engagement party in fact. That's simply because I haven't progressed with anything yet. Organising a wedding is not an easy task, organising a destination wedding is...pretty damn difficult! Oh yes, because of course, we are having the wedding in France!

We are a little stuck because we don't want to book a venue without visiting it first. Luckily, the wedding is on 6th September 2014, so we have plenty of time. We are going to France for a holiday in August (2.5 years since my last visit) and are hoping to progress with the wedding planning while we are there. I have a shortlist of venues that we will go visit and the goal is to have a venue booked-in by the end of our 3 week holiday.

Source: Style Me Pretty

Wedding things that would need to be purchased/organised from France

Venue
Catering & Wine
Wedding Cake
Ceremony
Flowers
Hair & makeup
Music
Photography
Car

Wedding things I would like to buy in Australia

Save the date (hoping to send those in October 2013)
Wedding invitations
Wedding dress
Wedding shoes
Wedding rings
Guest Favours

Source: Bakers Royale

I'm probably forgetting some items. The good thing at least is that in France we don't have bride maids nor groom men so at least I don't have to worry about that. We only have a couple of witnesses and they can wear whatever pleases them!

One of the things on my 29 before 30 list was to go to a wedding expo. That's just about to be ticked! Mr Slimalicious and I (okay, I'm dragging him along) are attending the Ultimate Wedding Planning Party.

Benjamin Roberts dress

The Ultimate Wedding Planning Party

The annual event, now in its fifth year, will be held on Wednesday May 8, 2013, at Opera Point Marquee, Sydney Opera House and promises to be an extraordinary event. The event organisers say: "Guests at the ‘Ultimate Wedding Planning Party’ will be treated like the stars they’d like to emulate and are inspired by, with a unique catering experience of champagne and canapés". I look forward to that!

In addition to be delighted, we are hoping to gain valuable, inspiring ideas from Sydney’s wedding industry specialists. The theme of the event this year is the ‘Vintage and Classic’ bride, which is great because I'm planning on being a "French Classic Bride" - see my Pinterest boards for more photos!

Source: Ultimate Wedding Planning Party

How long did it take you to organise your wedding?

Did you do it on your own?

Vintage Cellars International Wine Fair (Sydney, Perth & Melbourne)

2013-04-23T09:30:00.000+10:00

If you love wine as much as I do, the one event you shouldn't miss is Vintage Cellars International Wine Fair.

I attended the event last year and had SO much fun. I went with a friend and we played a game: when you arrive you are given a booklet with all of the wines, per country, per wineries. We decided to "travel to every country" and "to mark each wine we tried"! By the end of the afternoon we had tried something like 50 wines and the last ones were 10/10! I confess I was not totally sober by the end of the day. It was fantastic to meet with wine makers from all around the word and learn about the latest trends and products.

I'm excited the event is approaching and even more excited because this year I'm going with Mr Slimalicious, who's a wine connoisseur. With more than 45 wineries from nine countries (including France, Spain, Italy and Portugal), and 300 wines to taste, the Vintage Cellars International Wine Fair is one of Sydney’s most important wine events. The experts at Vintage Cellars have travelled around the world and handpicked a stellar line up of international producers, who will come together for two days only at the Overseas Passenger Terminal, creating an event unlike any other in Australia. 2013 marks the fifth year of the Vintage Cellars International Wine Fair.

Whether you’re a genuine connoisseur, or just starting on your wine journey, this is an exciting way to discover new wines, experience emerging regions and meet the people behind the labels. So if you are Perth, Melbourne or Sydney - cheers!

For more information watch this cute little video!

Do you like wine tasting?

Expat Life: Five Reasons Why I Left London

2013-04-22T09:00:00.000+10:00

I lived in London for 2.5 years. I moved there after graduating from Uni in France, in July 2006, in order to find my first job. I have learnt a lot while in London, I learnt to speak English, I learnt new cultures (I flat shared with Brazilians, Sicilians, etc.). I also discovered new foods (I never had sushi nor Thai food until I moved to London). I partied hard too, well I was 23, what do you expect! Most importantly, London is also where Mr Slimalicious and I met. So despite some challenges and hard times (lack of money, limited English proficiency), I keep many good memories of my time there.

Me, when I first moved to London, I was single, just turned 23 and 5 kg lighter.
Note: the travel postcards covering the wall!

This was the tiny room I rented when I first arrived to England,
on my own, in July 2006. I couldn't afford more. I lived there for 10 months.

So why did I leave London if I was having such a good time?

Five Reasons that Made me Leave London

I didn't feel safe any more. Every day I was reading about stabbings in the newspapers. The "chav's culture" in addition to the high risk of possible terrorism attacks used to scare me a lot.
Mr Slimalicious' work sponsorship came to an end and after 4 years in the UK he was really to go home to Australia. And I wasn't going to let him go on his own!
I wanted to explore a new part of the world. While travelling from London is made easy by the many low cost airlines and its proximity to most European countries, North Africa and the Middle-East, I wanted to discover Asia. And Australia too, of course.
I was sick of the weather. Even in the summer I wore stockings!
I hated my job. I was stuck into a job that I really didn't enjoy doing and that was not for me. But it was my first job out of Uni and I could barely speak English at the time. I was working for a large recruitment company and hated the sales aspect of the work. I was underpaid too which didn't help!

Daily life in London: going home from work - that's a busy city, Sydney isn't!

The GFC kicked in the week before we left in 2008. Well we had actually already planned our departure 6 months before it happened, so it wasn't a reason for us to leave. Let's say it was just good timing. I wonder if we would have lost our jobs. Mine, most likely, and it would not have necessarily be a bad thing!

I was so happy to leave the 2.5 year job that I hated so much
that I displayed a sign on my desk all day. My best day at work ever!
(November 2008)

If we return to Europe one day, London is most likely where we would end up living again. It's a city that I love, I find it beautiful. I'm sure that I would have an even better time now that my English is fluent. It would be a totally different experience for sure, and it would be nice to be living only a 2 hour flight journey from my family as supposed to 24 hours!

One of my many favourite places in London

London Icon

My favourite European wild creature!

Have you been to London?

What did you like most about it?

Photo copyright: These photos are property of Mademoiselle Slimalicious. Do not use without obtaining prior consent. Pining on Pinterest is allowed.

The Parisian Diet by Dr. Jean-Michel Cohen (+ Giveaway)

2013-04-19T09:00:00.001+10:00

I started this blog because I wanted to share about my love of food and my obsession with not putting on weight. I started this blog nearly two years ago because I am French, but I live overseas, where the food culture and body image are perceived differently from back home. Us, French women are raised to be beautiful, slim, smart and independent (not to be gentle, kind or funny - lol). It might sound pretentious or superficial to Anglo-Saxons' ears, but please accept it as "cultural differences". Because it truly is cultural differences. It's just a way of thinking that has been transmitted from generation to generation through France's history and it's what also makes us, French people, unique. It doesn't mean we are evil, it just mean somethings are more important to us than others.

I've talked a lot about the French paradox on this blog, also about the French obsession with weight, and about obesity in France. I have interviewed some best-seller authors including Mireille Guiliano (author of "French Women Don't Get Fat") and Sally Asher (author of "Losing it in France"). I've also talked about the latest French fad, and shared some controversial weight loss advertising campaign. This blog is full of healthy recipes, delicious treats and French culture - and it's what makes it unique.

Now, when one of the most famous French nutrionists, Dr Jean-Michel Cohen, asks if I would read his latest book which is now available in Australia, indeed I accept! I said yes, firstly because I want to learn so I can share information with you. Secondly because as always I'm alternating between period of clean eating and indulging. And I'm in a clean-eating mood at the moment, so reading a book about nutrition comes in timely to boost my motivation on shedding of some weight.

What is the Parisian Diet?

It’s the diet that Europeans are flocking to. Over half a million French men and women have followed the advice of Dr Jean-Michel Cohen to find their right weight and then maintain it. With The Parisian Diet, the promise is that you’ll enjoy eating with a French twist, drawing from a European tradition of regularly spaced meals featuring delicious, healthy and easy-to-prepare recipes.

Dr Cohen starts with the premise that one size does not fit all. It may be an impossible ideal to aim for size 8, so finding the right weight for you and setting that goal is the first important step.

Modelled on healthy French eating habits, The Parisian Diet is a three-phase solution. Start with the Café phase, move to Bistro and end up on the Gourmet plan! And on this diet, even ‘taboo foods’ are allowed in a controlled way: pasta, potatoes, bread, and, of course, a glass of wine - Sounds good to me!

Giveaway
I am giving you the chance to win 1 of 3 copies of The Parisian Diet (RRP: $29.99, hardcover book).

To enter: To be eligible, you must be a Mademoiselle Slimalicious' Facebook Page Liker

AND leave a comment here telling me

"Is the way you look important to you

and what do you do to improve it ?"

Additional entries: (leave a comment for each additional entry)

Vote for me on the Best Australian Blog Competition
Vote for me on woman.com.au Gen Y Founder series
Share this post with your friends on FB and/or Twitter using the buttons below the post
Tweet this Thank you @MSlimalicious for giving us a chance to win a copy of "The Parisian Diet" on www.mslimalicious.com #giveaway
Like Europe in a Box facebook page
Follow @EuropeBox on Twitter
Google + (G+) this post using the button at the bottom of the post
Follow me by email or RSS feeds
Share the link to this post on your own blog

Note, if you are an anonymous entrant, please make sure you include your name in the comment so I can contact you if you win.

Giveaway is open to readers with a delivery address in Australia only, and closes on 12th May 2013 at 9 pm (EAST). Three winners will be chosen at random with the help of random.org. The winners will be notified by email (if available) or on Mademoiselle Slimalicious Facebook page shortly after the end of the competition. If a reply email containing the winner’s postal address is not received by 16th May 2013, the prize will be forfeited and awarded to another entrant. The prizes were kindly donated by the publishing company. Total prize pool value $89.99. I received a copy of the book for the purpose of this review.

For a chance to WIN more fantastic prizes,

visit my Competition page!

Credit photo: 1) digital-art-gallery

Organics Only: Fruits & Vegetables Home Delivery - Review

2013-04-17T16:26:00.001+10:00

I don't have a car. This makes grocery shopping difficult sometimes. Firstly because I can't easily go to places I would like to shop at (ie: fresh food markets), secondly because it's always a challenge to carry the stuff back home.

When we were living in Mosman we had Harris Farm across the road which made it easy to do fruits and vegetables shopping, but since we moved house, the only shop I can get to is...Coles. I have been ordering grocery online through Woolworths but had a couple of terrible customer service experiences (I'll spare you the details). Be let's be honest, does anyone like the 'fresh' produce from those two supermarket chains, anyway? Hell NO! The quality is below average and their price are not even attractive.

So because enough is enough, I decided to start to get high quality fruits and vegetables delivered at home...because it's convenient, it tastes better and it really doesn't cost that much more!

Organics Only: certified organic produce delivered to your door

Last week I received my first fresh produce delivery. Organics Only is a family owned and managed business that delivers certified organic fruits and vegetables fresh from the growers and markets to your door, in Sydney.

My box was delivered while I was at work, and it was very exciting coming home to a fantastic box of fresh organic fruits and vegetables. The box included grapes (red and white), apples (red and green), bananas, plums, peaches, avocados, tomatoes, broccoli, lettuce, mushrooms, pumpkin, potatoes, courgettes, ginger,carrots (purple, yellow and traditional ones), onions (red and brown), capsicums (red and yellow), baby spinach, mixed leaves etc. How delicious!

The fruits and vegs are organic too so no nasties! Just healthy delicious produce.

My Organics Only delivery (Mixed Fruits & Vegs Family Box)

What I like about Organics Only

♥ Produce purchased from the markets the day you receive it

♥ Pick and choose what goes into your box

♥ Various box sizes (family, standard, single)

♥ You can order veggies only, fruits only or a mixed box

♥ No more battling supermarket queues for poor quality produce

♥ All fruit and vegetables are certified with an Australian Certification body and are grown in compliance with the National Standard for Organic production.

♥ Great storage tips on their website

I'm still going through this fantastic range of fruits and vegetables

VERDICT: A big OUI from Mademoiselle Slimalicious!

For more information about this service, visit Organics Only website

Do you eat enough fruits and vegetables?

Where do you buy yours?

Controversial: Plastic Surgery & Medical Tourism

2013-04-13T22:24:00.000+10:00

It has been a while since I last wrote a controversial post. It's been actually over one year. The reason I haven't written a controversial post for so long is because my last one was a bad experience: a reader got very offended and cracked it up for days. It started a guerrilla on the blog between readers, the situation was so bad I had to close the comments section. But well, I'm French, and French people like controversial topics. Just look at French cinema, it's all about controversy with adultery, homosexuality, racism, workplace bullying etc.

Today's controversial discussion is about plastic surgery and medical tourism. These are quite common things in France (yes, not all French women are naturally pretty and skinny) and French women talk about cosmetic surgery quite frequently. But here, in Australia, I find that, like many other things (ie: adultery, sex, religion etc.), plastic surgery is a taboo topic.

Liposuction is the most common form of plastic surgery: it represents 23% of world‐wide surgical procedures performed by plastic surgeons (source: International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery).

According to the same study, the fifteen countries who practice most plastic surgery are:

Countries by Total Number of Surgical Procedures

U.S.
Brazil
China
Japan
India
Mexico
Italy
Korea, South
France
Colombia
Germany
Turkey
Spain
Russia
Canada

Australia is 23rd.

So while I was conducting some research about the topic of plastic surgery, I found heaps of information on "Get the Body of your Dream" type holiday packages. Countries like Thailand, Malaysia and even Bali seem to be the top medical tourism destinations for people on this side of the planet. In France, people in quest of an enhanced body go to North Africa, mostly Morocco and Tunisia, because cosmetic surgery is more affordable there. In the US, I believe Brazil and Mexico are the top holiday destinations for surgical procedures, this must explain was Brazil is number two on the list of countries with the most surgical procedures!

Anyway, after a while looking at price lists, before and after photos etc. I had to stop my research because...it became too tempting!

Is plastic surgery something you have ever considered?

Why or why not?

If you've missed my previous controversial posts, you can catch up here:

Photo credits:

1. Health Pathway International Centre

2. soterhealth.com

Five Tips to Grow Strawberries in Pots ( + Benefits of Growing Your Own Food)

2013-04-12T10:00:00.000+10:00

Since we moved into our new apartment, I've been very busy... gardening! After living almost 3 years without even a balcony, one of the first things I did after we moved into the new place is buy plants! Of course I didn't know anything about plants, nor gardening and it has been a learning curve over the past few weeks (still is).

I decided to go with growing food rather than simply having "green plants". I have been growing my own herbs on the window sill for a while now and I decided to go one step further with growing strawberries! (baby steps, yes, I'm a novice gardener!). For all of my plants I use Eden Self Watering Premium Planters. I like their minimalist, Scandinavian design. They are great to create a contemporary look. The pot self-watering system ensures the plant has a steady supply of water, and generous water storage means you don’t have to water as often.

Five tips to grow strawberry in pots

Strawberries should be planted with their crown just above the soil surface.
Make sure your containers will receive at least 6--8 hours of sun to get plenty of flowers and fruits.
If the sunlight is coming from only one direction, rotate the container every 3-4 days.
Water your strawberries whenever the soil feels dry.
Feed your strawberries every 3-4 weeks with an organic liquid fertiliser, ideally high in phosphorous.

I love the Eden Self Watering Premium Planters

The benefits of growing your own herbs and food

My herbs, vegs and fruits are organic, free from genetic modification, chemical pesticides, fertilisers, herbicides and pesticides.
They are also fresher, more nutritious and more delicious
Free unlimited supply (especially true for herbs)
Pride of producing your own food
Gardening is a gentle, relaxing and stress-lowering form of exercise
Home food production connects you with the seasons and the cycles of nature.

Do you grow your own fruits, vegetables or herbs?

Any gardening tips to share?

The French Paradox in Action (Guest Post by Seana Smith)

2013-04-11T15:00:00.000+10:00

Many of you may know my good blogger friend Seana. I have been following her blogs since she won my Sketchers Shape-Ups giveaway, we met in person a few times and are regularly in touch to share about life, food and...how not to put on weight! I'm delighted to have her guest posting here today!

The French Paradox in Action

Oh, Ms Slimalicious, I have to tell you something! I have seen the French paradox in action and it’s thrilling. And delicious!!

Having followed this blog for a good while, I think I’m fairly well clued in now to what the French paradox is, and why it works. And the idea of eating really well, and loving what you eat, whilst not pigging out, works really well for me.

But I didn’t expect to see this French paradox played out on a recent trip to Bali. My young twins and I recently went to stay for a few nights at Club Med Bali. Now of course I knew that Club Med was originally a French company. So it wasn’t a surprise to hear lots of French accents and to find that the manager we met was French (and young and tall and handsome and fit and incredibly well dressed, might I add!). Nor was it a surprise to find lots of excellent French patisserie items at the buffet and delicious French breads.

French breads

Mmmmm...chocolate croissants

The food at Club Med Bali really was terrific, so many cuisines on offer, catering well to the Asian clientele and thrilling my tastebuds. Thrilled I tell you! There were so many cuisines: European, Japanese, Korean, Indonesian, Indian and Chinese, and more!

Fish sticks

Tofu with bonito broth

I was spellbound by banana bread with avocado, coconut and hazelnut nougatine, coconut muffins, cold salmon soup, congee for breakfast, orange and hazelnut brioche, pear and blackcurrant mousse, tomato bread, walnut bread and – gasp – white chocolate bread.

White chocolate bread

Coconut muffins

But after a walk along the beach when I passed through several other resorts, it came to me with a blinding flash that there was something unique about Club Med Bali. No obese people. Not one. In fact, when I looked around, I could swear that my thighs were the wobbliest and would win the prize for best cellulite, had there been one.

And the more I looked, the more I noticed how fit and active the Club Med patrons were. Of course there’s so much to do at Club Med, I guess it would attract an active type of holidaymaker. There’s tennis, archery, the famous circus with its flying trapeze, the water sports, the gym, golf course and more. Lots of people dash around in sports gear, but heaps lie by the pool too.

The food and drink are all included in the price of the holiday at Club Med, and you’d imagine that people might really eat and drink to excess. But no. Plates are not piled high with greasy fatty food, as I’ve seen (and done, I must confess) at other buffets. There are so many healthy options and they are so appealing.

healthy options

Anyway, it’s great to be surrounded by people who seem to be fit and healthy and active, makes you feel like getting that bit more exercise yourself. Or perhaps later after another snooze by the pool?

Club Med Bali - Gym class

No seriously, I did swim a lot in the pool, and in the sea, and visited the fitness centre, did some classes and even had a swing on the flying trapeze.

Seana on the flying trapeze!

And ate well, really, really well.

And came back just the same size and shape that I went. But a hell of a lot more relaxed!

About Seana Smith

Seana Smith is a mother, author and blogger. You can find her at Sydney, Kids, Food + Travel. Her latest book is ‘The Superfoods Index’ published by Jane Curry Publishing.

Have you been to Club Med before?

Do you exercise during holiday?

Four Health Benefits of Having a Pet (+ Introduction to My Bengal Kitten)

2013-04-09T15:30:00.000+10:00

You may have heard the news, I’m soon to crossed off one more item from my 29 before 30 list. I’m getting a cat! Now that we have our own place, we are finally free to have pets. Both Mr Slim and I are “cat people”. My parents had many animals when I was growing up, in the south of France. We had a dog, several cats, chickens, fish and even a rabbit. The last time I had a cat was about 15 years ago.

The addition to our family is a female Bengal kitten… and I’m so excited about it! This pedigree breed was born in the early 1980’s. Bengals result from crossing a domestic feline with an Asian leopard cat (therefore a hybrid breed of domestic cat). Bengals have a very unique personality that sets them aside from other cats. They like water and to climb, they are talkative (with a unique voice I'm told) and have a gold dusted coat. Check my Bengal Cat Pinterest board for photos of the breed.

Our Bengal kitten - Leopatra (3 week old)

4 week old (she is growing so fast!)

Look at this little cutie!

Four health benefits of having a pet

According to research, petting animals (or even gazing at an aquarium) lowers blood pressure and relieves anxiety.

Having a pet alleviates loneliness

Some pets, particularly dogs, encourage their owners to exercise, whether it involves a daily stroll, or playing with the pet.

Pets are great conversation starters (especially if you don’t have kids!).

Three extra benefits for kids …

It teaches responsibility, promotes self-esteem and give kids a sense of accomplishment.
According to research, the exposure to a pet during infancy may mean less chance of developing such allergies, asthma, and eczema later on.
Kids with pets are more likely to interpret nonverbal communication and body language correctly.

Of course pets aren’t for everyone, but all of these are great reasons to get one. I just can't wait for our little kitty to be home with us at the end of May! :)

Do you have pets?

Are you a cat or a dog person?

Creme Patissiere au Chocolat (French Custard)

2013-04-08T09:00:00.000+10:00

Crème patissiere is a thick, sturdy custard used in France to fill choux, profiteroles, éclairs and on fruit tartes. The crème on its own is also delicious!

I made the crème to fill some éclairs au chocolat. It was my first time making éclairs and unfortunately my pastry shells burnt in the oven! I'll have to give it another go and will post the éclair recipe once I master it.

Ingredients

500 ml milk
50 g plain flour
100 g sugar
2 egg yolks
1 tsp vanilla essence
50 g dark chocolate

Method

Heat the milk in a saucepan over medium heat until small bubbles forms.
In a bowl mix egg yolks with sugar.
Add flour in one go. First mix slowly, then quickly.
Pour half the hot milk onto the egg mixture and mix rapidly. Add vanilla essence.
Pour the mixture back into the saucepan with the other half of the milk
Cook for 15 to 20 seconds stirring continually with a wooden spoon, or until the mixture thickens.
Remove from heat, let cool before refrigerating.
To make chocolate crème patissiere, simply melt 50 g of dark chocolate and add to the vanilla crème.

Bon appetit!

Giveaway: Camille Rewinds Preview Screening - 10 Double Passes to Win Melbourne & Sydney

2013-04-06T18:29:00.000+11:00

I'm fortunate that Mister Slimalicious is a real francophile. He is Australian but he really enjoys French culture, French food and French language (he never uses to, only since he has known me!). He especially loves French cinema. Every year we go to the Alliance Francaise French Film Festival in Australia and we watch French movies regularly at home (with subtitles because Mr Slim doesn't speak fluent French). It is for me one of the only ways I can stay up-to date with what is going on in France (I watch French news occasionally but the unemployment and crime stories tend to depress me too much!).

French cinema is famous all around the world and is very unique: most French movies touch controversial topics and, unlike American productions, French movies focus on dialogues and character interactions rather than action.

Camille Rewinds (comedy)
A few weeks ago, we watched a movie called "Camille Rewinds" at the French Film Festival. The movie will open nationally in Australia on May 2nd.

Synopsis
Noémie Lvovsky stars as Camille, a 40-year-old Parisian drowning her sorrows in booze after splitting up from her former childhood sweetheart Éric (Samir Guesmi). In the depths of her drunken despair, at a snowy New Year’s Eve party in 2008, she collapses and in a fairy-tale flashback wakes up in 1985. She is sixteen again, her late mother is still alive, and she is back at school. This second chance at life and the wisdom of hindsight see Camille try to re-write her own history and resist the advances of her classmate Éric to hopefully save her adult self from future heartbreak. Will she succeed to change her destiny?

Giveaway

I have 10 x Double Passes to the Preview Screening of "Camille Rewinds" to giveaway! The preview screening will take place at the following cinemas:

Thursday 18th April – Cinema Nova 6.30pm
Monday 22nd April – Hayden Orpheum 6.30pm

To enter: To be eligible, you must be a Mademoiselle Slimalicious Facebook Page Liker

AND leave a comment here telling me

"If you could learn a foreign language, what would it be and why?"

Additional entries: (leave a comment for each additional entry)

Tweet this Merci @MSlimalicious and @EuropeBox for giving us a chance to win a 10x double passes to see Camille Rewinds! Visit www.mslimalicious.com
Like Europe in a Box facebook page and leave a message on their wall
Follow @EuropeBox on Twitter
Share this post with your friends on FB and/or Twitter using the buttons below the post
Google + (G+) this post using the button at the bottom of the post

Note, if you are an anonymous entrant, please make sure you include your name in the comment so I can contact you via Facebook if you win.

Giveaway is open to readers in Sydney and Melbourne only who are able to attend the preview on April 17th and 18th. The giveaway close on Sunday 14th April, 7 pm (EAST). Ten winners will be chosen at random with the help of random.org. The winner will be notified by email (if available) or on Mademoiselle Slimalicious Facebook page shortly after the end of the competition. If a reply email containing the winner’s name and preferred cinema (ie: Cinema Nova, Carlton or Hayden Orpheum, Cremorne) is not received by 16th April 2013, the prize will be forfeited and awarded to another entrant. The prizes were kindly donated by Umbrella Entertainment.

Total prize pool value of about $390. I received a screener of Camille Rewinds for the purpose of this review.

For a chance to WIN more fantastic prizes,

visit my Competition page!

My Lunch with Julie Goodwin & Childfund Australia

2013-04-05T08:00:00.000+11:00

Last week I attended an intimate lunch at an African-inspired restaurant with ChildFund ambassador and MasterChef extraordinaire, Julie Goodwin, to talk about her recent trip to Uganda where she met her sponsored child for the first time.

With Di from Childfund and Nigel, CEO.

As some of you may remember I went to Africa (Kenya and Tanzania) not long ago, in June 2012, and was very touched and overwhelmed by the local children. We visited an orphanage in Kenya and the conditions there broke my heart. We also visited the School of St Judes in Tanzania and met with people who really make a difference.

Lunch was at restaurant Out of Africa in Manly. I had never been there before but after looking at their website and menu I was keen to try it out. The food was lovely, it brought back many memories from my 4 month expatriation in Morocco in 2005. North African food is really a cuisine I love!

Our Venue

Julie showed videos and photos from her Ugandan adventure and told to us about her rewarding and memorable experience visiting her sponsored child and some of the communities ChildFund works in.

Julie Goodwin sharing her stories with us

Group Shot - it was nice to meet Blogger star Mrs Woog too!

About Childfund Australia

ChildFund Australia is a child-focused, not-for-profit organisation that works directly with community leaders and families to create lasting and meaningful change. By empowering people to voice their needs and supporting them to address the issues that affect their daily lives, ChildFund is actively supporting sustainable community development.

Why sponsor a child

Sponsoring a child is one of the best and easiest ways to make a real difference to children living in poverty. Your support will help to change the future not only of your sponsored child, but also their family and local community by providing:

Food & Clean water
Sanitation
Education & Healthcare

Over time, sponsors are able to build a long-lasting relationship with their sponsored child by exchanging pictures and letters – and gain a deep understanding of how their support is making a difference.

For more information, visit Childfund Australia's website

Wine & Cheese Tasting: Bimbadgen 2011 Shiraz Viognier & King Island Dairy 'Huxley' Washed Rind

2013-04-03T10:00:00.000+11:00

How to make a French girl happy? Give her delicious wine and cheese!

I'm always on the look out for high quality gourmet cheese as they remind me of home. I've just discovered a new product from King Island Dairy called Black Label 'Huxley' Washed Rind. And what a better wine to pair it with than my Australian favourite Bimbadgen!

Be careful, this is a "smelly cheese" but how SO delicious!

Huxley Washed Rind Tasting Notes

The mellow Huxley Washed Rind comes from Tasmania. It is a subtle, fully washed rind cheese, with a shiny cream centre and strong flavour. Delicious on its own, a slice of Huxley Washed Rind may also be accompanied with fig jam or quince paste for the sweetness to balance its strong taste. French cornichons could also compliment well the earthy creaminess of this cheese. Made without mould, the distinctive flavour and striking orange coloured rind come from the blend of selected cultures that are cloth washed over the cheese by hand during maturation. This cheese pairs well with sourdough bread, hazelnuts and dates.

About King Island, Tasmania

King Island is the most remote island in Bass Strait. The pristine coastal environment and wind-swept grass on which 9,000 dairy cows graze create the rich, sweet milk that gives King Island Dairy products a unique taste and texture.

Wine pairing
Pinot Noir, dessert wines and beer are the ideal drinks to serve alongside this semi-soft cheese. I've chosen to pair it with a 2011 Shiraz Viognier blend from Bimbadgen Estate. Bimbadgen is a traditional style winery located in the Hunter Valley, NSW. This wine displays floral and mixed berry aromas with some vanillin sweetness. A medium bodied palate full of dark cherry and sweet spice flavours with integrated fruit and oak tannins.

What is your favourite cheese?

Do you like strong/smelly cheese?

Read my previous Wine & Cheese Tasting post

Photography credit: these photos are the property of Mademoiselle Slimalicious. Please do not use without obtaining prior agreement. You are welcome to pin them on Pinterest.

How to Make an Eco-Friendly Citrus Cleaner with White Vinegar - DIY

2013-04-01T06:00:00.000+11:00

Last year I reviewed some eco-friendly house care products but as I get older, I look more and more for grand-ma's recipes and natural remedies rather than highly manufactured goods. So in an attempt to be more self-sufficient and greener, I decided to start making my own cleaners. It must be what we call "getting wiser". It's fascinating how blogging is all about promoting old values via the use of new media and technology.

As you know, I've completed a 3 day juice cleanse not long ago and the 6 juices a day came in 500 ml glass jars, so I have plenty of these to recycle and up-cycle.

Here is how to make your own (scented) cleaning product! It's really not hard to DIY!

Infused for 2 weeks

Ingredients

White vinegar
Lemon peel

Method

Simply place the lemon peel (not the pulp, nor juice) into a mason jar.
Filled with white vinegar.
Leave for 3 weeks, shaking the jar every few days to redistribute contents.
Transfer the concentrated scented vinegar into a spray bottle and mix with 50% water

Yes it's that easy!

You can store your mixture for up to one year. White vinegar is great to clean toilets, coffee and tea making appliances, and most surfaces. It is effective for killing most moulds, bacteria, and germs, due to its level of acidity.

Have you made your own cleaning products before?

Do you have a recipe to share?

Australian Fitness & Health Expo {+ Giveaway}

2013-03-29T16:27:00.000+11:00

Last year, for the first time, I attended the Australian Fitness & Health Expo in Sydney. Packed with all the latest gym equipment, training aids, apparel, music, boxing equipment and nutritional products, this event is the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere!

This year the Australian Fitness & Health Expo will be held on April 20-21 at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre and I'm definitely attending again!

Last year highlights were for me the Healthy Eating Zone and the Zumba Main Stage with live demonstrations. It was also great fun to try and discover many new health foods and by the end of the day I had collected quite a few samples and brochures!

Visit the Expo website for more information

Giveaway

Like last year, I have teamed up with the Australian Fitness & Health Expo again and have not one but 3 double-passes to giveaway to three lucky Sydney-based readers to attend the event! Each double pass is worth $59.

To enter :

Head-over to Mademoiselle Slimalicious’ Facebook Page (make sure you LIKE the page if you haven't already) and leave a comment on my Facebook page wall telling me why you would like to attend the expo and who you would like to go with!

Giveaway is open to residents of NSW (Australia) and closes on 10th April 2012 at 9 pm (EAST). The winners will be announced on Facebook shortly after the end of the competition. Prizes kindly donated by Australian Fitness & Health Expo, total prize pool value: $118

Image credit: Australia Fitness & Health Expo website