Kids In The Kitchen With Tetsuya

Last week the Doctor and I went on a date. To Tetsuya's.

I know. Right?!

Electrolux invited us to enjoy a Kids in the Kitchen Masterclass with Tets. Who was I to decline?

We enjoyed such a wonderful night learning from the master - two easy recipes - scrambled eggs with ricotta, creamed corn and truffles, and twice cooked chicken with bread sauce. So easy and accessible you can get the kidlets involved cooking dinner. Plus - those eggs, oh em gee peeps. Make them for Father's Day. I am telling you, they are a winner.

As well as enjoying the gentle company of Tetsuya, we learnt about the Electrolux Induction Cooktop. If you are in the market for a new kitchen - check it out. You will thank me. Yes. Yes you will.

There's no use crying over spilt milk, because if you're boiling milk on your Electrolux cooktop it won't bake it on to the stove. The heat is only retained where the saucepan has a magnetic field. Pretty cool if you ask me. Plus it distributes heat evenly which means perfectly cooked pancakes and scrambled eggs. This is clearly a big deal for me because we are a family that loves pancakes and scrambled eggs.

The Doctor got a behind-the-scenes tour of the restaurant with Rich (see bottom two pics by the Doctor). Rich is beyond genius and his passion, enthusiasm and knowledge just blows you out of the water. Not to mention his supersonic hearing abilities.  Big thanks to Electrolux for hosting such a wonderful evening. This was a date night to remember with my little man.

PS - Do not tell Tets that the Doctor's highlight was riding in the hire car. It filled him with such glee. Boys and cars baby, boys and cars.


Please note: This is not a sponsored post. Electrolux invited me for dinner. I loved it. I went. I wanted to share.

Take This Waltz:: Date Night

My Mum and Dad are looking after the smalls for the weekend - Matt and I drove back together on Friday, and I must say, life feels very empty without the little peeps.

So last night we went to the movies. Old school date night. We're fancy and crazy like that. I wore Matt's jumper and my Chucks. Hardly dressed up, but goodness, it was so nice to hang together and not have to worry about our littles.

Anyone who follows PottyMouthMama on Facebook knows that I love Michelle Williams. I never ever watched Dawson's Creek, so I only know her from Heath Ledger love and a great selection of indie films.

'Take This Waltz' is a beautiful demonstration of Michelle Williams.

I felt like I was part of the movie. It's beautiful and raw, sad yet very funny, and it will make your heart ache.

Plus there is the deliciously talented eye candy of Luke Kirby. Say hello to Luke Kirby. His sparkly eyes are tres magnifique (this photo doesn't do justice to the magnificence that is Luke Kirby).

But back to the movie. So, so good. I want to see it again. Visually it's a pleasure. And ever since walking out Matt and I have been talking about it. It was that, that good.

Have you seen any good movies lately?  Next on my hit list is Hysteria.

Some Snaps: Some Week

I have had a crazy busy week and feel as though I have whiplash as a result.

Early to work, late home. Oh man - I have never felt so blitzed. Well I have. But not for a long time. Totally spent. I have barely seen the smalls and Matt his week - and that my friends takes the wind out of my sails.

Date night was Monday night and it was one of our best ever. Without doubt, date night was the highlight of my week.
Matt and I even held hands. ZOMG! WTF!

Outrageous I know. A PDA on date night. Well, around these parts it's mandatory.

Hell-o:: Date Night

It's been a long time between date nights, and thankfully my FIL stepped in and babysat for us so we could spend some very much needed, very overdue time together.

Matt and I headed to the Northern Beaches, following the re(a)d hot tip off by Briar of Sunday Collector that Mexicano was the shiz.

We'd tried to go there a week ago, turned up at 5:50pm - and were DENIED! Fully booked. So there's a red hot tip for you friends, you must book a table or you will drive all the way unhappy, unfed, and unMexicano'd and a big fat fail whale will greet you at the door.

We had such a blast, and I had one too many mojitos. Ouch. You know when it's fun at the time, then you go - oh dear, I had to take it that one step further. Yep. That's me. And in the morning - aye carumba. I even succumbed to my age-old hangover cure that I've not used in almost eight years, Coke with a bazillion slices of lemon. It was that bad.

But ANYHOOOOOOO - the beverages - they were not bad at all. I can't deny it. And the food - fresh, taste-a-licious, I'd do it again in a flash.

Mexicano

Shop 2

209-211 Ocean Street
Narrabeen

Make your bookings peeps - 9970 8975

We're (Re)Living The Dream

Last night was so good for the soul!

So good.

Matt and I guffawed our way through the movie. Oh man. It's so funny. And silly. And there's Jon Hamm. And there's the hot Chris O'Dowd from The I.T. Crowd. And by the way - did I mention it's funny.

We've been reliving it today, recounting scenes to one another. Steamy undercarriages and all.

I love date night. I wish we had date night more often and consistently than we do. It was exactly what I needed to just hang out.

Rose Byrne was hilaire. I loved Rebel Wilson.

And after the movie, we went for a tres romantique dinner at McDonalds. Classy. Yep. We go to all the great places around town.

It's DATE NIGHT!

I'm beside myself excited because after an uber crummy week, we're heading out on a date.

Just Matt and I.

I've had such a crap last few days that I think I've cried every single day. I think the supermarket incident just tipped me over the edge, and I'm sporting some really pretty bruises from that too.

So we're going out to see Bridesmaids. My choice. I need a big belly ache. Seen it? Magic or tragic?

So What Can I Tell You About This Week?

Oh man. Phew-eeee!

It's been a heck of a week. I've been body-slammed at work with lots on and I'm pooped. So I'm grasping at straws as to what to share.

- One more sleep 'til our habit forming starts, but ladies - can we start on July 2? Saturday? That is much better for me, but if you're busting to bust out your new habits, start tomorrow, I can dig it.

- It's rainy in Sydney. I love this shot of The Beatles. It reminds me of my Dad who introduced me to them - well their music, when I was around 9 or so. I loved lying on my tummy, next to the record player, listening to them, reading their lyrics. I think I was completely obsessed with the Sgt. Pepper's record cover and used to stare at it for what seemed like hours.

- Seeker Lover Keeper have released their debut album is out. You should get it. It's amazeballs.

- Bon Iver's new album is out. It's beautiful. You should get that too.

- I've eaten way too much cake.

- Matt and I are going on a date tomorrow night. Quelle romantique.

Anything to report? I'm listening.

Date Night:: It's Love

My littlies have gone for the week up to visit my Mum and Dad. They were BUSTING to go. They love spending time with my Mum and Dad. And I cried.

I welcome the chance for date night, but the house is unusually quiet, and life feels awfully empty without my smalls.

We've called. We've Skyped. I've missed them. I've even kind of missed Tiny's midnight visits.

Nevertheless, Matt and I have enjoyed hanging out together. Date night. Dinner at Fratelli Fresh, meandering the streets afterwards. Window shopping after the shops are all closed. Chatting. Hanging out in book shops. Curling up on the couch watching a movie uninterrupted. An impromptu dinner in the city together.

Tomorrow the little peeps come home and I'm so excited to be spending all weekend with them. I can't flipping wait.

Date-a-rama

I have snuck off. While Matt's reading in bed, I am sneaking in some time on the computer-tutor. I am some book-ish nerd, only with computers. It's the zing and the zap that gets me.

We're just back from a night out for dinner and a meander through our very favourite of all time, ever and ever and ever and then some book store, Ariel. If I was flush to the gills with cash-a-roo I would go absolutely berko in that book shop. As it is, I bought some Haigh's frogs for my lover and a funny little card. They have the very best selection of cards.

We had dinner at Fratelli Fresh Sopra. It is very, very good friends. I recommend everything on the menu. But not all at once. Tonight I had parmesan encrusted chicken, a side of brocollini with lemon and olive oil. For dessert, chocolate and hazelnut praline semi-freddo. A cappuccino tipped me over the edge and I had to make a fast getaway to grab some fresh air.

This time five years ago we were enjoying our first night as a married couple. Tomorrow we would be travelling to Byron Bay for our honeymoon, with our sweet little five month old firstborn snuggled in close to us.

Man I love the love.

Holy To The Smokes

My littlies have gone up to my parent's house for two nights. It's the first time I have spent time way from them like this. I got home to an empty, quiet house and Matt. Then together we stumbled through the evening. We thought we'd go to a movie. But nope. Unless we were primed for an 11:10am or 5:32pm screening, we were out of luck.

Thankfully we found a movie to go to. Not what we were after - but anything. A mercy movie. Which turned out to be a really funny movie and a nice impromptu night out together.

Have you seen The Other Guys?

When we walked in, we were a little late. We were being SPONTANEOUS! LASTMINUTE.COM! WE'RE CRAZY! What could be crazier than an impulsive date!? So I thought, oh no, I've brought us to the wrong movie - this is not what I thought it was going to be like. But dudes, it is totes funny. I am a mad keen Will Ferrell fan. I regularly bring Will Ferrell DVDs home, much to Matt's bewilderment. Some are good. Some are not so good. But Will Ferrell and I are kindred spirits. Just like Anne of Green Gables and Gilbert Bligh.

And yowser - Eva Mendes is HAWT! Look at her. Man she is amazing. PHWOAR-A-LICIOUS!

Shall I give a star rating? Yes I think I will. I'll go for FOUR STARS! It was the perfect remedy to feeling forlorn about our small fry being away.

And if you don't think this movie is for you, well this might just be right up your alley.

Date Night:: Feeding The Big Love

Did you read the article in Sunday Life about date nights? It happened to coincide with our long-awaited date night - and I've just managed to read it while the smalls enjoy their evening bath.

Date night was blissful. Date night was a lazy lunch together. Chatting. Non-stop. Uninterrupted, save for the waiter, a glass of wine sitting in the sleep inducing sunshine, followed by a sneaky pre gig beer (no alcohol, all ages). Date night was all sorts of awesome.

I am so looking forward to our next date night. At the beginning of the year we vowed we'd go on a date at least once a month, but sometimes the month slips away and before we know it, we've missed three date nights. But not again (well, we will try harder!).

My favourite kind of date night involves some good food and a glass or two of vino. Ah yes - cheers to that.

Date Night

As daggy as date night might sound, date night is something I always look forward to, and tonight I am pretty darn excited. Which has also been exacerbated by the fact that Tiny is on a terrorising tirade of tantrums. Wah wahs aside, I'm keeping my eyes on the fries - lunch where we were married almost five (!) years ago, followed by Angus & Julia Stone.

It's been a pretty stinky, no good, very bad week, so today is most certainly the highlight. Woot woot!

Tiny and I were in the city on Friday. She thought the tall buildings were castles and went into some princess induced type crazy excitement.

Happy Sunday dear reader. It most definitely is here. Except for Tiny tantying.

I Am So Excited

Only 15 sleeps until Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland is released. The Doctor and I are going on a date. Uh huh. Can. Not. Wait!

Hawt or Hot?

Today is the day we go to the wedding. Wipe that sweat from your brow. I found a babysitter. I said wipe that sweat from your brow. I bought my dress. Why haven't you wiped that sweat from your brow? Oh it's because it's too darn hot. Yep right. Roger that.

I found a babysitter via here. Pop in your post code and away you go. Giddy up. PHEW!

Here's a pic from Matt and I and our date night. We are really hitting the high notes on our dates this month. Probably not so good for the bank balance, but good for us, yes uh-huh. I may or may not have had a few sherbets under my belt at this stage.

Three dates in as many weeks is a terrific way to start the year.

I've also re-ignited my walking. Pre-Christmas I went back to Weight Watchers as my weight was ever so slowly creeping back up the scales after a lengthy go at comfort eating. I'll talk more about this over the weekend.

Anyway friends, have a tops weekend, I salute you.

Since you refuse to wipe your brow, how about these sweat bands?

PS - US and Canadian friends, last chance to enter le giveaway to win Le Creuset.

Beautiful

Last night was super supreme. Well it did start with a few hiccups (Le BunBun went for le snip and it took one hour of waiting to finally take him home from le vet, which meant that I came home snappy, manically jumping in the shower and getting dressed, slapping on some make-up and getting the smalls sorted). Other than that, Matt and I were free as two love birds.

We had a couple of beverages at the Opera Bar (which coincidentally is KERAZY busy), bumped in to an old friend, then skipped off to catch the divine sounds of Brian Campeau (to who we were so compelled we snaffled his CD then fought about who had to carry it all night).

Joanna Newsom was positively dreamy and ridiculously cute wooing the audience (we didn't actually need wooing, we were already hers). It was her birthday so the whole audience sand 'Happy Birthday', it was fun, it was mesmerising, and she is even better in real life. She wore the most awesome killer heels and a beautiful dress. What a knock out.


In fact, I can't stop listening to her music now (and Brian's). What music are you listening to right now? I mean, right this very second.

Date Night:: Joanna Newsom

Matt and I are hitting the town tonight (but not the tiles) and heading to see Joanna Newsom at the Opera House. I am very much looking forward to seeing the girl play the harp. It's so romantic. If I had even one singular musical bone in my body, I would love to play the harp. Alas, much to my parent's disgust, at the age of 9 I squandered my piano lessons, after 6 weeks or was it 6 months?? It felt like months, but did I really sit through that many lessons playing that same damn song in D minor? I can't remember. I still can't read music. I ditched those lessons. I hated practising and I hated that I couldn't read music. I can feel the 9 year old angst right now.

Anyway, it's date night. How much angst can that breed? Not much. Not much at all.

Love and Happiness:: Tea Salves

WOW! Wow to the power of WOW! Matt and I went on date night. We visited Bambini Wine Room* which is without doubt one of my favourite little night spots to visit for a quiet vino pre-show.

And then we meandered our way to the State Theatre to see the Reverend Al Green.

The Reverend was in the house. What a night. What a mixed bag the crowd was. The best thing? Everyone adored the Reverend. He handed out a lot of red roses. He sang his heart out. An incredible voice. Everyone cheered, stomped, cried 'more! more! more!' - but after what must have been two hours, they didn't come back on stage.

Either Roy or HG was sitting in front. I'm not sure which is which.

When we walked out to catch the train home (why bother with parking the car?) I was walking side by side with the bass player. Matt wouldn't let me follow him into the Hilton for a night cap though. Now everyone should say, Matt, where's the funshine?

Thankfully today we three are happy to play it low key. Tea is the perfect salve for squabbling siblings. Try saying that ten times fast.

For any of my Twitter pals or Facebook friends, I didn't go with the leopard cat suit.. Too hot to handle. Maybe next time?

* Bambini Trust - 185 Elizabeth Street, Sydney. Go for a glass of wine or go next door for dinner. Tell them PottyMouthMama sent you. Actually - don't. That won't get you anywhere.

Date Night

Tomorrow is date night. Matt and I are going to see Al Green as part of the Sydney Festival. I was lucky enough to win a double pass to a show of my choice via Twitter. Big ups to Sydney Festival, it is absolutely one of the best to date - so many brilliant acts, it's difficult to decide what to go to (everything? yes please!).

So tomorrow night Matt, Al Green and I. The Reverend is in the house. Aye aye aye!



And you know what? It's not too late to get tickets (or head to a free show), check out their website for more deets.