Elsja Down Under

Masterchef July 25, 2010

Masterchef… oh how I will miss thee.

You brought joy and happiness to my life 6 nights a week. SIX nights! You inspired me to perfect my pizza dough and add a pizza peel to our wedding registry. You’ve given me an immense desire to make something…ANYTHING out of spun sugar. You inspired our friend Yorky to go out and buy a food processor for the sole purpose of making this Frangipane tart.  Your macaron tower challenge inspired Sara and I to take a trip to the Lindt cafe so Sara could try (and LOVE) her first ever macaron. I’ve started using fresh garlic rather than the jarred or powdered stuff and I’m very tempted to buy a mortal and pestle so I can grind my own spices.

Some people don’t get the Masterchef craze, but I totally do.  I think you have to like cooking and enjoy food to really appreciate how awesome this show since I love cooking, this show is perfect for me! I actually feel like I learned a lot about cooking and general food knowledge that I can use in my day to day life. That’s not to say I’d actually eat half the stuff they made but at least I feel more educated about it all!

For the most part, I loved all of the contestants. I would have been happy with several different people as winners, but I think the right person won in the end… even if I once thought it should be Marion.

I am so happy that I was able to watch the whole season. Last season I was out of the country for most of it (and I didn’t have tivo so I missed most of the episodes anyways). It really couldn’t have ended at a more perfect time… right before I take off to the States. Speaking of the States, I hear Masterchef is coming to America. Woohoo! Something else to download from itunes, although 6 days a week might get a bit pricey. My only concern is that Gordon Ramsay is evidently hosting and I have a feeling he won’t be quite as nice as the Australian judges. Regardless, check it out. If it’s anything like the Aussie version, it will be an enjoyable show to watch and learn from.

Airplane Food June 16, 2010

Did anyone see last night’s episode of Masterchef? The one where they cooked for Qantas?

I just have to say… are those judges kidding with their criticism? Alan Joyce actually said something to the effect of “the prawns are not bad but they definitely are not Qantas.” Really? Have you tasted your food? While business class meals definitely are much tastier than economy, I still wouldn’t say they are anything phenomenal. I can probably count about 2-3 meals that I’ve really enjoyed enough to remember them but for the most part, airplane food is airplane food.  No one expects it to be gourmet; I think even business class passengers don’t expect anything overly exquisite.

I did like that the judges were served their meals on black plastic trays by the blue team and had to use those horrible wide handled Qantas spoons to eat their food. Classy.

All in all, I’m pretty sure that the episode was a fancy way for Qantas to promote the A380. Well, I say do whatever you need to do to increase sales Qantas because Andrew would like to be flying one of those giant airplanes soon!

And Masterchef… keep the wonderful episodes coming. I love you and I love that you are on 6 nights each week.

Silver Linings – May 27 2010 May 26, 2010

Silver linings of the day…

1.  I found out one of our friends is now planning to come to the wedding when originally we thought she wouldn’t make it.

2.  I’m not feeling like crap anymore!

3.  We get to pick up our wedding invitations from one of our friends today. He was so kind to bring them back from California after his last trip out there. I finally get to see the finished product. I can’t wait!

4.  It isn’t raining today. After a day of non-stop rain, blue skies are nice. Oh… I take that back. It has just started pouring. I swear I see blue skies off in the distance. We need some sunshine after a week straight of rain. Ok… maybe scratch this one.

5.   I just got an email saying that Muse will be coming to Sydney in December. YAY!

6.  The Grey’s Anatomy season finale was woooonnnderful… as always.

7.  The American Idol season finale is actually live right now in Sydney rather than being delayed until 8pm tonight. I guess they figured there would be too many spoilers online so they’re just playing it live. The fact that I have the ability to watch it live at 10am is just one of the many perks of working from home. Five more minutes until I find out the winner.

8.  Veronica (and her mum) so kindly donated TONS of jars to our wedding centerpiece fund. So nice of them- now I just have to figure out how to get them all back to California.

That’s enough for today. Just wanted to post a little something nice to smile about.

Missing Australia June 22, 2009

I’m definitely happy to be home, and I’m loving spending time with my friends and family- but there a a few things I am missing.

1. Andrew. Feels like I haven’t seen him in forever and it’s only been 5 days! I still have almost 2 weeks before I see him again.

2. TV that doesn’t include the Tru TV station. Don’t get me wrong- I truly enjoy the vast variety of stations here and I’ve been excited to flip through them all over the last few weeks- but why is it that everyone here (i.e. my dad and brother-in-law) ONLY want to watch Tru TV??? I just would like to say that is the worst TV station EVER! “Tru TV, not reality, Actuality.” I’d like to change the slogan to “Tru TV, not reality, just plain SHIT.” Operation Repo is satan’s latest crap contribution to cable TV and I do NOT understand how ANY civilized human being can enjoy that show. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve enjoyed my fair share of reality shows and pointless TV in the past- but this show has to take the top prize for the worst thing on air. I cannot believe those fat, ghetto, painted-eyebrow scum are probably making WAY more money than me. Why did I go to school again?

For those of you who may not have been blessed enough to see this show yet… here is one of the cast members:

I think I liked her better in her first movie, The Little mermaid:

3. Yoga. I haven’t been in weeks!! Oooh how I miss it. Sure I could go here, but that would involve paying money- and I don’t like paying money for classes. I’d rather vacuum and wash mirrors for free classes! Then I can spend money on other non-essential items like Ugg boots, giant packs of orbitz gum, grape vodka and a pocket pie maker.

That’s all really. I’m happy with everything else here… the weather (finally), the comfy guest bed I’m sleeping in, they gym (for some unknown reason I find the gym here MUCH more tolerable than the one at home), Pei Wei, Panera, cheap brewed ice tea at every restaurant I go to, free refills!!! I just want Andrew back here. Either that or I want bring 3 months worth of Strawberry Poppy seed salad home with me and then just fast forward a few months so I can skip the Sydney winter all together. Oh and if they could open a Pei Wei or Panera in Sydney, that would be awesome. It’s not a far fetched dream- they did after all open up a Counter Burger.

Sunday Movie Day May 25, 2009

On Sunday we spent the day at Andrew’s dad’s house watching movies.  Are you looking for some feel good movies to watch this week? Well, these are NOT what you are looking for, but they ARE good!

Movie number 1 was Gran Torino. I knew NOTHING about this movie other than the fact that Clint Eastwood was the star and some friends and family said it was really good. Literally, that’s it. Well, I do agree that this was a very good movie even though I thought the acting was HORRIBLE. Not so much from Clint, but from pretty much every other person in the movie (especially the Asian neighbors). Seriously, where did they find these actors? 

Anyways, Clint is Walt, is a SUPER racist and lonely old man who fought in the Korean war and pretty much hates anyone who isn’t white, but ultimately finds unlikely friends in the Asian kids next door.  I have to admit that  the random racist remarks and stereotypes that came out of Walt’s mouth actually made me laugh because they were SO over the top.  Is that bad?  Overall it had a good storyline and was pretty touching and entertaining. Not the best movie in the world, but definitely good and I would recommend it if you haven’t seen it already.

Movie number 2 was “The Boy in Striped Pyjamas.” All I knew about this movie was that it was about the holocaust. (I’m telling you, I usually know NOTHING about movies before I watch them. Australia has sheltered me from seeing a million movie trailers on TV). This movie is about a family who moves to a house right next to a concentration camp. The father is part of the Nazi party (odd since he was clearly English) and has been relocated there to manage this camp. The 8 year old son Bruno is curious about the “farmers” in the striped pyjamas so he goes exploring and finds a new Jewish friend on the other side of the electric fence.

Wow… here’s a downer movie if you’re ever looking for one. By the end of the movie I actually felt physically sick.  I actually don’t understand why I cry when I watch Grey’s Anatomy but I didn’t during this film because it definitely warranted a few tears. But apart from the disturbing subject matter, the story of the children’s innocence and is actually quite uplifting at times. It had this really great quote at the beginning which was brilliantly depicted throughout the movie and I thought I would share it…

Childhood is measured out by sounds and smells and sights, before the dark hour of reason grows. —John Betjeman

So true isn’t it?

I highly recommend this movie. You may need a tissue or two, but it’s definitely worth it!

UGH May 7, 2008

I had a whole Idol review typed out last night. Hit post and then went on my merry way. Well this morning it has disappeared. Damnit! All that work for nothing. SO here’s my revised SHORT review.

David Cook: Song 1 was fine, song 2 was good. He’s still the leader I think.

Syesha: She has really stepped up! So much personality and a great voice! I really like her now, but her second song was still quite boring to me.

Jason: BLEW tonight. Song 1, SUCKED. Song 2 was better but still wasn’t good. He needs to get out of his cloud of pot smoke and get his act together. I’ve accepted that he won’t win, but I still hope he makes it in the music world- I’d like to hear more of him.

David A.: Song 1- GREAT. I loved it! Song 2- boring as shit. But he still has a great voice, especially for a kid! He’s come around and I’m starting to like him again, I still don’t think he has enough personality to be a real star though.

Predictions:

Syesha and Jason will be in the bottom 2. Jason will be out for 2 reasons. 1. He blew tonight. 2. Syesha is always in the bottom 2 but she never loses, so I’m sure it will be the same tonight.

Finally May 5, 2008

Did I mention that I’m SO happy the writer’s strike ended awhile ago and that shows are finally back on. I’ve already watched 2 new Grey’s Anatomy and some new Gossip Girl (oh yeah, did I mention that’s my new secret love). I still have 1 or 2 LOST episodes to catch up on, so I’ll watch those on Wednesday when Andrew goes on an overnight trip. Oh… after American Idol of course Oh… and after my Spanish class that I’m finally starting on Wednesday! I really should’ve taken a Spanish class years ago, better late than never I suppose!

Did I also mention that I’m going to Maui on Saturday? Andrew and I are very excited that we finally get to go on a real trip together. There’s always a slight fear that we won’t get on our flight since we have staff travel… but when tickets from Sydney to Maui cost $358 bucks round trip, you really can’t complain!

What else have I been doing?? Getting my booty kicked at the gym by a trainer. I’ve been two times… trying to finally burn off some of this Aussie flab that has started to creep up on me since moving here. I just don’t know where it’s all coming from!! My best guess is the higher quantities of wine that I’ve been consuming in the last few months! Friday I did an upper body work-out, but that just couldn’t compare to the agony of the lower body workout today. Pretty sure I might not be able to walk tomorrow, but it’s all good. Should’ve started this a few months ago… seeing as how I’ll be hanging out in a bikini all next week!

Oh and I finally found something else to eat at lunch! I pretty much eat the same exact thing every single day. Turkey and cheese sandwich on a big bread roll.  I decided last week that I needed to find something else with less cheese and less bread. I wanted to mix it up a bit and try something that could be a tad healthier. So thanks to Leighton and Julz, I discovered these rice wrap things. They are kinda like really thin square tortillas, but they are made from rice. Anyways, I got some tzatziki and some shredded chicken and cashews and tomatos and wrapped it all up and had myself a delicious new lunch for my tummy. Very healthy and very satisfying. I can’t wait until lunch tomorrow, where I will eat the same exact thing.

Mmm I’m hungry. I should go to bed.

I Love Neil Diamond April 30, 2008

Maybe it is just because they are what I listened to when I was a kid (or what I was exposed to via parents)… but something about Neil Diamond songs makes me happy and it makes me even happier to watch the American Idol top 5 them. Ok maybe not, but I am glad they aren’t singing any more Mariah Carey! A whole night devoted to good ol’ Neil. 10 whole songs… and that means 10 whole reviews from Moi.

So here are my thoughts on tonight’s performances:

Jason- Forever in Blue Jeans: Didn’t wow me, but I did like the version. I pretty much like any of Jason’s versions of anything. He just has that style that I like.

David C.- I’m Alive: Sounds like all the other David Cook songs, raspy, raw and growly… but it was fine. Not my fave.

Brooke -  I’m a Believer: This was shit… just sounded like she was singing the annoying Shrek song. Sounded shaky and blah. And WHAT is she wearing? She just needs to go.

David A. – Sweet Caroline: Wow… he finally had some personality and livened up a bit. Maybe someone gave him the 411 that he’s usually boring as shit… it was kinda cheesy, but he sounded good and I give him props for actually moving and smiling for once.

Syesha – Hello Again: Kinda boring version- but I’m not sure you really CAN make this song un-boring. I do like Neil’s version much better though. Ok but to give her some credit she’s really good. I feel bad she’s been in the bottom so often. I know I said I wanted the girls all booted, but she has a good voice- she’s just nothing new to me.

And WTF is wrong with paula abdul? She’s losing it.

OK round two.

Jason- September Morn: Mmm his voice makes me melty. Me likey. I can see why people think he’s “just ok” but he’s only been “just ok” in the last few weeks. What happened to him? Wheres the hallelujah/over the rainbow singing Jason we once knew and loved? I’d still buy his album over anyone else.

David C. – All I Really Need is You: Why did he have to go and pick the 2 songs most people don’t know? It’s like he had to just be original and different…whatev! Ok I admit it… he’s the best. Ugh. I don’t like to say that- but he’s just been putting Jason to shame these last 2 weeks.

Brooke – I Am I Said: I think she redeemed herself on this one. I actually liked her for once. I give her credit for not only learning to sing the song, but also learning it on piano as well!

David A.- America: Except for the voice crack- it was good. Didn’t give me the chills, but it was good. He’s back in the running for me.

Syesha- Thank the Lord for the Nighttime: She definitely has the most personality but I didn’t like this song. Sounded like a gospal choir. Over it.

SO there you have it… my professional opinon.

My prediction for the loser tomorrow is Syesha or Brooke. I base this on the fact that they are always in the bottom 2/3. I still think if I had to pick, I’d get rid of Brooke. Gotta keep the guys in the top 3 like planned. Well, my plan at least

And YAY… Neil Diamond will be back AW DAMNIT… I JUST REALIZED I WONT BE HOME TO WATCH IT. damnit damnit. nobody spoil it for me. I’ll have to watch the repeat when it shows again on Friday.

Ciao Carly! April 24, 2008

I’m glad it was one of the girls who went home tonight… but WHY THE HELL wasn’t it Brooke? I don’t understand how that girl is still in the top 5. She always seems to choke. Probably just has a lot of friends who call 34095834 times. Carly was so much better than Brooke in my opinion. Sure Brook plays piano and guitar- but this is a singing competition.

I think I’ve changed my votes this week and these are now my top Faves in order (really I only have 2 faves, the rest don’t matter):

 

I really thought Jason would be in the bottom 2 due to the judge comments…but when they said he was safe, I literally threw my hands in the air and yelled out “YEEEES!” Jason is still great in my eyes, but this week he just acted like he didn’t give a shit and he wasn’t my fave in terms of his song. I still think that if he put out an album, I’d buy it before I buy David Cook’s.

Is anyone else REALLY excited for Neil Diamond week? I freaking love Neil Diamond. Way better than stupid Mariah Carey last week.

GO JASON AND DAVID C!! Woo.

Your One and Only Beaver April 17, 2008

These are the kind of commercials we have here in Australia… I see it a few times/week. Do you think this would ever make it in the US?

I highly doubt it.

Idol April 13, 2008

I love American Idol this season. It’s the only season I’ve ever fully watched. Is anyone else really sad that the Aussie got voted off? Awww poor Aussie boy. I’m watching the results show now (because I missed it the first time). I don’t think I can watch when he gets cut, it may just bring me to tears, or not. He was really damn good, one of my faves. Then again, I had 4 faves, so now I still have 3. The girls all blow. Ok, they don’t…but I’m just over them. The girls should all get axed so the boys can be in the top 3.

Jason Castro is my absolute fave. David H. is really really good as well… but Jason is just more my style. He’s pretty unique and picks some awesome songs- like Hallelujah (Jeff Buckley) and Over the Rainbow (Israel Kamakawiwo). I noticed that after Jason sang these songs, they jumped into the top 10 downloads on itunes. (Yeah, I’m a geek who notices these types of things). None of the other idols had songs that did that (that I noticed).

David A. is one of my faves too… but he has fallen to number 3. Sorry dude, maybe next week you can change my mind and jump back to number 2.

Soooo… Jason gets my vote. Not really I guess, I don’t actually vote. But in my head, he’s the winner to me. Plus, he’s cute.

PS. It’s POOOOURRRING rain.

AGAIN.

Weekly Thoughts February 11, 2008

This blog has no point other than to mention some things I’ve thought about or experienced in the last week or so.

1. I pretty much like any dough/batter better than the actual baked end-result. But usually the end result is quite delish as well. Just check out my latest lemon glazed flower cupcakes that I made the other day (from scratch). They tasted as good as they look My thighs and ass have decided that I’m not allowed to bake anymore. ever.

PS… that’s lime zest for decoration if you were wondering why there is green shit all over the plate. It was beautiful.

2. I still recite “righty tighty, lefty loosey” in my head every time I need to open something.

3. I’m worthless at math. 1 kilogram = 2.2 lbs. Yet when I go to the gym and the machine asks me to enter my weight- I have no clue what to put.

4. Speaking of the gym… I LOVE the treadmills that have their very own built-in fans! Sorry Kent, I gotta knock our 24 hour because this equipment at my new gym is just so much better! (however; I think I’d rather go back to lower prices and lower quality).

5. Andrew’s brother Paul is staying at my house in California for the next few days. It’s weird that he gets to see my family, house, dog, etc. and I’m not there. Thanks to my dearest friends and family who are going out of their way to hang with him while he’s there!

6. I want a new camera. A nice one. I tried to take a picture of a purrrty Rainbow Lorikeet on my balcony the other day. My camera was so slow that I missed a perfectly good shot and was left with two shitty ones. Every time I tried to get one with his head up, my camera would lag and wouldn’t get the shot until mr. birdy moved. Ugh. Then he finally flew away. Stupid slow camera.

I’d like to point out that I think it is very cool that people have to go to the Long Beach Aquarium to see exhibits of these beautiful (yet horribly loud and annoying) birds and they just fly over to my balcony to say g’day to me.

9. I’m afraid to admit that I’m hooked on Gossip Girl. It’s practically the only show that didn’t get cut off in the strike. So over the last month I’ve downloaded the whole season. Doing this caused us to go over our gay Australian download limit and now my internet is slow until the month re-starts tomorrow. I should go download a crapload of stuff today so that it doesnt eat into next months retarded limit.

TV December 10, 2007

Things I’ve learned about TV in Australia… and other topics of interest.

1. Cable didn’t even arrive in Australia until 1995. Yes… 1995! Andrew said that in high school people used to go to the US and come back and tell tales of how there were 80 channels. No one could believe it or understand it. Weird. I guess Australia just lags in the TV department.

2. There is only one cable company. This means- no competition and no selection of satelite or digital blah blah. Not that I really care that much- but it does mean that prices are high (what’s new?)

3. Shows here have different names. For instance, “The Girls Next Door” is called “The Girls of the Playboy Mansion”

4. On the topic of the Girls Next Door I have two words… NO CENSORSHIP! Lots of cussing and boob action all over the place!

5. Can someone please tell me when the hell LOST is going to start? Did it already?? I just have no idea what is going on in the TV world in the US. And is Heroes still on? That was on here and then it just stopped. And thank God for itunes because I can download Grey’s Anatomy. I really cant wait around for lagging Australia to put that on the air.

I’m Confused December 4, 2007

Huh??  I don’t get it.

But you know what we DOOOO get??

CABLE

Finally got some cable today after not having any for a month. Too bad it doesn’t work on my stupid USA TV. Dang Americans make their products nearly impossible to use anywhere else in the world. I was smart enough to buy a voltage transformer, but not a cable adaptor. I’m learning way more about technology than I ever cared to know. So now we have to buy a video converter to convert the video from NTSC (American) to PAL (Australian). GET IT?? 

So in the mean time, we’re borrowing a TV from Andrew’s friend so we can actually watch the cable that we are paying for.

Posh Rules! July 16, 2007

I don’t really care for reality shows at all… that’s Jen’s forte! And I’ve never even cared for Victoria Beckham (a.k.a. posh spice). She never smiles, blah blah… I don’t follow up on those celebrity blogs (again like Jen). All I really know about Posh is that she was a spice girl, she is super skinny, British and she has a hot husband. But seriously, – I LOVE HER REALITY SHOW! I’ve been hearing about it FOREVER and i had NO intention on watching it EVER! But I just had this channel on while I was working this evening and so I’m watching it and I’m only 30 minutes in and I love it so much that I’m blogging about it before it’s even over!

I don’t know what’s so great about it. She’s just super funny! Really, I mean it.. super funny. Actually – some of the stuff she says isn’t even funny, but the fact that she says it with an accent makes it so much funnier! I keep laughing and laughing. I think it’s great watching a foreigner come to L.A. and adapt. She cares so much about her family and keeps talking about them- it’s sweet. This is so great. I won’t go into too many details, really no one probably cares, but I just want to put it out there that I’ve become a celebreality fan! I can’t even believe it! I’m totally tivoing this show and it will finally give me a show to look forward to.

UPDATE:

DAMNIT!!!!!!!! I just found out this is just a one hour special and it’s not even a new series. WTF! I can’t even believe this shit. All that build up for 1 hour? See… shows just how much I knew about this new reality show. So much for my plans of an exciting summer of Victoria Beckham.