First Engagement-iversary

This time last year, I was in Louisiana - we'd yet to embark upon the visa process entirely (though we had already started to prepare and had a "visa" notebook filled with checklists of things we needed to do, information and things we needed to print).

There was a dream in our hearts that had been there for four years - and we weren't going to stop until that dream became a reality.

The spot where Jesse proposed

In the Kisatchie National forest at sunset on May 26th, 2012, I became Jesse's fiance - officially. 6 months after we'd first started looking for rings and a year after we first started talking seriously about getting married. 

It was the start of the next chapter in our lives and it gave us the momentum we needed to finally make our dreams a reality.

Today, those dreams are our reality - and our lives look a whole lot different. Right now as I type this post, Jesse is in our bed fast asleep. We come home to each other and make daily plans together. The only goodbyes we say is when we leave for work or head out somewhere separately - and it's only hours until we say hello again - not months or years.

And it feels incredible.

Today I know that it's possible for your heart to smile, for you to be so incredibly overwhelmed with happiness that words can't escape your mouth and a tear will roll down your cheek. Today I feel incredibly, unbelievably blessed and I am so glad that the prayer I prayed for so long was finally answered.

Today I am so proud of myself and so proud of us that regardless of how tough or how challenging things got, regardless of who said it was too difficult and regardless of the physical, mental or financial costs - we never let go of that dream.

Today is only the beginning.

We have even more dreams - for ourselves, eachother, our families, our future, our work, this blog - and together we're going to achieve them. Now we know that anything is possible if you work hard enough and never ever lose hope.

Five years ago we met on Myspace, weeks later talked on the phone for the first time about how we would be together, some day - even if we had to live in a carboard box. We were fifteen and seventeen, but we knew this wasn't just any relationship - and what we were feeling was something way way more than that.

Today we're planning our wedding which is less than five months away. Today we're working to grow our relationship and build this little blog which has become so much more than that. Today we're planning for the future because it's finally something real. Today I am praising God for everything that he does - for all of the blessings I've received and all the prayers that have been answered - and for all of those prayers and blessings that are yet to come. 

I want you to know that anything is possible. That little dream in your heart? The one you might squash down because it's too difficult or too unachievable - or maybe the dream that you're fighting for, but don't feel like it's going to come true.... don't give up. Let your fears and your worries and your doubts build your desire for it to come true. Work your butt off - because one day, you won't even remember how hard it was.

So whatever your dream may be - achieve it. I have and I will.

Never stop dreaming - and that dream you're thinking just isn't realistic? It's never going to be realistic if you think that way.

Jesse; I love you - thank you for working with me to make our dreams come true - thank you for always being the one to encourage me to achieve my dreams and never questioning my actions. 

Together we can do anything - and we will. 

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Recipe: Zucchini Bread Breakfast Bakes

Hello. My name is Kristy and I am an addict. 

Say what? Yup, you heard me... I'm addicted to breakfast bakes. Seriously, something about eating cake for breakfast has me dreaming up recipe after recipe - to the point where my freezer is now stacked with all different flavours of breakfast bakes. There's the chocolate protein breakfast bake, the banana bread breakfast bake, banana buckwheat breakfast bake, baked banana oatmeal - and then there's these babies.. Zuchini Bread Breakfast Bakes. 

There a few big pluses when it comes to breakfast bakes - they taste amazing, they're portable, freezer friendly, you can make them in advance - oh and did I mention you can eat cake for breakfast and it's totally healthy? That part, is quite satisfying if I do say so myself. 

They're perfect for lazy days, busy mornings and I won't disagree if you want to eat them for lunch or dinner too - you know, brinner? brunch?

I have been eating breakfast bakes almost every morning for the last couple of weeks - because the last thing I want to do after making breakfast and lunch for Jesse and cleaning up all of the dishes, is to make another mess and make breakfast for myself (or truth: I'm just addicted to breakfast bakes). 

I just top them with a dollop of peanut butter, a sprinkling of nuts, yogurt, or a mix of cream cheese and a dash of maple syrup. Perfection. 

Zucchini Bread Breakfast Bakes makes 5 breakfast bakes

Gluten free, low fat, healthy, freezer friendly, clean eating friendly 

1 cup plain flour/gluten free flour/wholemeal flour/buckwheat flour*

1 cup gluten free oats (rolled, quick or oat flour all work)

2 tbsp ground flaxseed or chia seed (optional)

2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

pinch of salt

1 small banana, mashed** (about 1/2 cup)

1 cup unsweetened applesauce

1 med/large zucchini, grated 

1/2 cup greek yogurt/plain yogurt

2 tsp vanilla 

Optional: cinnamon/spices of your choice - I usually add about 1 1/2 tsp of cinnamon

Preheat your oven to 180°C/355°F

In a bowl, mix your flour, oats, flaxseed/chia seed, baking powder, baking soda, salt and spices if using. 

In another bowl, mash your banana and mix together with your applesauce, zucchini, yogurt and vanilla. 

Combine your wet and dry ingredients, mixing until combined. 

Divide your mixture into greased/lined ramekins and place into the oven. 

Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until cooked through and golden on top.

Allow to cool before removing from the tins. 

Eat immediately, chill in the fridge or freeze for later. 

Other baking options: 
If you don't have ramekins or would rather not have single serve bakes - feel free to bake them in muffin tins (bake for about 15 mins) or a cake/loaf tin (bake for about 40-50 mins)

*Personally, I love buckwheat flour, so that's what I tend to use.

**If you don't want to use banana, you can switch this for 1/2 cup pumpkin/sweet potato puree or another 1/2 cup of applesauce

So tell me, what's your current food addiction? 

anything you just can't seem to get enough of? 

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Super Natural Rebel Sport Giveaway!

I always say, the best thing about blogging is probably the incredible people I get to meet - and the awesome brands I often work with - and it's even better when those two world's combine and I get to spoil you, dear reader, with fantastic prizes!

This Giveaway is an awesome one if I do say so myself. Rebel Sport has just launched a new line of activewear, Super Natural, which is made of a 50% blend super fine merino wool which boasts some pretty awesome technical features. These include moisture reduction, temperature regulation, odour and stain resistance and so much more - not to mention they're super comfy! 

I've got two sets to give away - one in small (size 10) and one in medium (size 14). The prize includes $470 worth of super comfy workout wear that I'm sure you'll adore (as described above). 

To enter: 
This giveaway allows you to have multiple entries after your mandatory entry, so make sure you follow the steps and enter correctly and you could have up to 4 entries!

1. Mandatory entry:

 For this entry: "Like" Southern In-Law on Facebook and leave a comment saying "I'm entering Southern In-Law's Super Natural Rebel Sport Giveaway for a Size (choose your size - small or medium) prize pack!"

Extra entries (valid only after your first entry) 

2. Extra Facebook entry:

For this entry: "Like" Rebel Sport on Facebook and leave a comment saying "I'm entering Southern In-Law's Super Natural Rebel Sport Giveaway at www.southerninlaw.blogspot.com/2013/05/super-natural-rebel-sport-giveaway.html" 

3. Extra Twitter entry: 

Tweet to @southerninlaw Follow @southerninlaw
For this entry: "Follow" Southern In-Law on Twitter and tweet "I'm entering @southerninlaw 's Super Natural Rebel Sport Giveaway #SILwin" 

(Psssst: If you click both buttons above it makes it super easy!)

4. Extra Twitter entry (after your first Twitter entry) 

Follow @rebelsport
For this entry: "Follow" Rebel Sport on Twitter (if you've already tweeted above, you don't need to do it again!)

----

So just to recap, you can get up to four entries - two on Facebook and two on Twitter - and I've made it super easy, all you have to do is click a few buttons!

This giveaway is sponsored by Rebel Sport. Kristy received 

no monetary compensasion to run this giveaway and all opinions are her own. 

The competition is open to Australian Residents and runs until the 22nd June, 2013 at 11:59PM EST. Winners must be a valid liker of Southern In-Law and Rebel Sport's Facebook/Twitter page and must have completed their entry correctly. 

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Recipe: Healthy Chilli Con Carne

There are a lot of misconceptions around healthy eating. You can't eat your favourite foods, you can't eat this or that, the food is bland and boring, you have to eat vegetables all the time, you can never have cake, it's a diet. Stop right there. 

You know what? To me, none of that is healthy eating. 

To me healthy eating is about enjoying foods that nourish your body, give you the nutrients you need, make you feel good, make you perform at your best - and those foods taste really, really good. To me, healthy eating isn't a diet - it's a lifestyle. 

Sure, I love vegetables and I eat whole grains - but I love a little bit of chocolate here and there and you'll never see me cutting out sugar or whole food groups or following fad diet plans - it's all about healthy balance. 

To me, healthy eating is reaaaaaaaallyy delicious - and I want it to be the same for you. I'm passionate about showing my family, friends and those of you reading Southern In-Law that healthy food tastes incredible. 

Jesse's Chilli dinner, Southern Style
Healthy Chilli on Brown Rice with
Healthy Cornbread on the side

Jesse was stubborn and told me he'd never like healthy food - but it's safe to say I have certainly proved him wrong. Whether it's Chicken and Bacon Rice Bowls, Noodle Stir Fries, Healthy Chocolate Cake or this Chilli - the boy eats well and he never has to suffer through a meal. So even if your man is the fussiest eater of them all, all you have to do is make sure you leave out the healthy word - and they'll be happy as a pig in mud. 

And when you serve it with Healthy Cornbread - even the fussiest Southern man will be happy.

This Chilli recipe will show you that you can still enjoy comfort food - without extra cushioning on your booty ;P 

Healthy Low Fat Chilli Recipe serves 4, easily multiplied
gluten free, low fat, clean eating friendly, freezer friendly, can be vegan

~250g/9 oz lean beef mince or turkey mince* 
1/2 onion, diced (about a cup)
1 clove garlic, crushed
1/2 tbsp cumin 
1 tsp oregano 
1 tsp paprika 
~1/4 tsp chilli powder
~1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (the chilli and cayenne will depend on how hot you like things)
2 tins of crushed tomatoes (it works out to be about 800g/1.8 lb/28 oz)
1 tbsp tomato paste
1/2 tbsp beef stock powder**
1 bay leaf (optional)
1 medium can kidney beans/beans of your choice (about 450g/16 oz)

In a medium saucepan, brown off your mince. Depending on that fat content in your mince, you may need to drain off some of the fat - do this by carefully and gently pouring it out into the sink whilst the water is running. 
Once your mince has browned, set it aside in a clean bowl. 
Brown off your onions with 1 tbsp of water, allowing them to soften before adding in your spices and garlic.
Add your mince back into the pot and stir to combine with the onion mix. 
Add in your tomatoes, tomato paste and beef stock powder and stir until mixed through. 
Bring your chilli to the boil before adding your bay leaf, covering and reducing to a low simmer. 
Simmer your chilli, stirring occaisonally, for about 30 minutes to an hour or until it is thick and flavoursome. If you like your chilli thinner, add in some boiling water until it reaches your desired consistency - or if you like it thicker, allow it to continue to thicken for a while longer.
Serve immediately or allow to cool before freezing for a quick meal or storing in the fridge.

Serve it on rice, pasta, quinoa or with a hunk of healthy cornbread - the choice is yours!

*I use either, depending on what's on sale at the grocery store or what we have in the fridge/freezer at the time. When I'm using turkey mince, I tend to add in the beef stock powder when browning off the mince to give it extra flavour. 

If you want to make a vegan/vegetarian version - simply switch the mince for a vegan/vegetarian alternative or leave it out all together, as well as the beef stock powder.

**If using turkey mince, you may want to use slightly more beef stock powder, but first taste it after it has simmered a while to make sure if you need it or not

So tell me, what's your favourite "healthy" dish? 
or what's something you'd like to see me do a healthy makeover on?

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What We're Loving Right Now! [20th May, 2013]

Photo from our Engagement Shoot by the lovely Lucie Zeka

What we're grateful for and what we're loving right now

Spending time together:
Living at home with our family, whilst we're together, we're usually in the middle of the noise and chaos of my family (Mum I mean lovely noise and chaos - but you know what I mean).

This week Jesse had the day off, so we spent the day together chilling out and enjoying time to ourselves - and we went on a bit of a shopping spree for winter clothes and accessories. 

I mean.. I needed a better option than socks on my hands ;) 

Great doctors: 
For years I went to a doctor who treated me like the boy who cried wolf. Granted, I did have dozens of medical problems - but all of those medical problems were real. 

It wasn't until I saw other doctors who took me seriously that I started getting answers. We found out I had coeliac disease, glandular fever, extreme IBS, allergies galore, chronic fatigue - the list goes on and on. 

I'm lucky that the doctor I have now takes me seriously and knows something is up. She suspected something was up with my B-vitamin levels and had full blood work done - and she was right. I didn't have a deficiency like she first thought, but I am pretty much overdosing on vitamin B6 (that 6090 is no typo, it should be between 35-110). 

I'm thankful for doctors who are excellent at what they do - and who actually take time to listen to your concerns. Gemma will answer all of my questions, look up information for me, send me home with things to read over and she knows when further testing needs to be done. She apologises for all the jabs, stabs and bruises - but I'm grateful for them. 

Tea and Fiance's who make it for you 
Cold weather means I am almost constantly clutching at a cup of tea. English breakfast, green tea, peppermint tea, roobois tea, chai tea - you name it - and I often add hot chocolates to that list too. 

Jesse has recently realised that he can make me tea (he always uses the excuse of not wanting to make me sick as the reason he doesn't get me anything haha) so he has now been fixing my tea of a night. It's the simple things like that which put you in a better mood. 

Working with fabulous companies 
Rebel Sport hooked me up with their new Super Natural Range. Whilst the clothes didn't fit me, I wanted to share the love and so I gifted it to a beautiful friend of mine.

There's nothing better than seeing a smile on a friends face and knowing you can share your blessings with the ones who bless you with their friendship. Soon I'll be sharing the blessings with you as Rebel also gave me two sets of the entire Super Natural Range to give away!!

Thumb holes!
I did keep one of the Super Natural 1/4 Zip Tops to test out as it wasn't ridiculously big (I don't like things really tight anyway) and I was happy to see it had thumb holes! Seriously - thumb holes are the greatest invention and I kinda sorta pick long sleeved workout clothes based on whether they do or do not have them. 

The top is fabulous - the fabric is so soft and comfy and whilst it's thin, it really regulates your body temperature. 

Salty, crunchy pistachios
We're pistachio lovers (just look at my Pistachio Ricotta Pasta!) but sometimes the roasted pistachios you buy in the shops just aren't good. Not salty enough on the actual nut, way too salty, not crunchy, too hard to open - but not Wonderful Pistachios. We're obsessed. 

They're always crunchy and just salty enough. You can buy them in Coles and Woolworths and they come in three flavours - Roasted and Salted, Salt and Pepper and Sweet Chilli. We like them the classic way with just salt, but they are perfect for entertaining when you want to put out a different snack. I want to try and come up with a new recipe to use them in - but I'm not sure if they'd last long enough. As soon as we buy them, Jesse demolishes the packet :P 

Family Time 
My sister is currently obsessed with Mario Kart - and Jesse and I have been known to be rather competitive. We spent a couple of hours versing eachother and laughing ourselves silly and it made me realise how lucky I am to have a fiance who fits perfectly into our family. 

I'm also lucky to have a sister who is healthy and happy (this week we found the holes in her lungs have healed - much to our and the doctors delight and surprise!).

St Ive's skincare products
Because of all of my health problems, I still struggle with my skin from time to time. I have the world's most sensitive skin so finding products that are gentle enough but still work well enough can be a challenge. 

I was sent some products from St Ive's to try and I have fallen in love. The Green Tea Cleanser is my absolute favourite - it smells amazing and whilst it's really gentle and calming, it leaves you with that fresh and clean feeling. I've also been using the Apricot Face Scrub which is just as awesome - and I love that everything is 100% natural and so gentle whilst working to clear, clean and calm your skin. I actually love it so much that I've switched to St Ive's instead of the Dermalogica I was using.

Taking time for myself
Lately I've realised that I really need to stop what I'm doing, sit down and relax - because I tend to be going non-stop from about 6am until 7pm every day. If I'm not working I'm on the phone for work/blog calls, writing blog posts, editing photos, testing recipes, cooking dinner, packing lunches, making breakfasts, cleaning the house - or just generally being busy. 

Taking just an hour out of my day to drop everything, relax and read a book is making so much difference in my mental state.

Catching up with old friends
This weekend we've had friends staying over from Adelaide. We haven't seen them in 6 years and we've missed them so much - so it was incredible to catch up once more. You know you have a great friend when you can pick up right where you left of - regardless of how long it may have been.

Kristina is also a coeliac (and the reason I've always known about gluten allergies and coeliac disease since I was little) so it was fun having someone else in the house who gets things. We had a delicious dinner with Mini Brown Rice Quiches and Cheesy Quinoa Bakes, salads and finished off with my Healthy Double Chocolate Brownies which were once again made into a cake and topped with a thin layer of Cadbury Philadelphia - it's always a winner!

So tell me, what are you loving at the moment?
anything we should be buying/watching/reading/eating?

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Kristy and Jesse received Wonderful Pistachios and St Ive's Skincare courtesy of Wonderful Pistachio Australia's and St Ive's PR Teams. There was no obligation to share these products and all opinions expressed are their own. 

Recipe: Healthy Potato Salad (Mayo-less but so creamy!)

Every family has their staple recipes. The recipes which get passed down from generation to generation and are always asked for when the question comes up of "what should I bring?"

My Mum's Creamy Potato Salad is one of those recipes. My Uncle could eat a bucket of it, it appears on the table every Christmas time and is a frequent addition at barbeques. 

Truth be known? I'm not a fan - at all. You see, I hate mayonnaise and I always have. It tastes too eggy, too icky, too ugh. The potato salad was always that dish I avoided like the plague because it was mayo-central. 

So when I wanted to create a healthy creamy potato salad, guess what went first? The mayonnaise - and I promise you're not going to miss it. This potato salad is really good - and everyone liked it (even the yogurt haters - because they didn't know it was yogurt!). Best of all, it's so so simple. 

So lets get to the recipe!

Healthy Potato Salad 

gluten free, low fat, vegetarian, clean eating friendly

900g/2 lbs new potatoes, washed and chopped into pieces

1/2 tbsp lemon juice 

3/4 cup greek yogurt (I used Chobani 0% Plain) 

2 tsp dijon mustard 

1/2 tsp garlic salt

A handful of fresh parsley, chopped

Optional: boiled eggs, peeled and chopped (you can use the whole egg or just the whites - I used a mix of both)

Boil your potatoes until tender. Drain and run under cold water to cool. 

Gently mix your lemon juice with your potatoes and place into the fridge to cool in a mixing bowl.

Mix your yogurt, mustard, parsley and garlic salt in a bowl until combined (and eggs if using). 

Mix your yogurt mixture through your potatoes, stirring until all potatoes are coated. 

Pour your potato salad into a serving bowl and serve immediately - or place into the fridge until ready to serve. 

So tell me, what's your family's staple recipe?

and are you a mayo fan?

Other dishes that are staples in our house are my Apple Crumble Cake, Healthy Chocolate Brownies, Mum's Curry, Pumpkin and Feta Salad (almost like the couscous salad!)

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Recipe: Roasted Pumpkin Couscous Salad

If you follow @southerninlaw on Instagram, read the meal plan in our weekly newsletter - or even follow us on Twitter or Facebook - you'd know I have a bit of a problem. 

That problem is an addiction...... to Freelicious' Gluten Free Couscous.

Before going gluten free, I'd never tried couscous - but when Freelicious came out with their Gluten Free Corn Couscous - I knew I had to try it. Since first trying it, I haven't been able to stop eating it. It's so good! 

To the point where I have to stop myself from eating it every. single. night. and I think it's okay to eat it four nights in a row, because duh I changed the pumpkin to roasted sweet potato so it's different. 

The other day I asked Jesse what I should have for dinner and he said "not couscous" because I'd had it so often - and I'm buying 6000 tonnes of feta cheese just because it tastes so good with it. Mum said the other week "Kristy, why is there 4 blocks of feta cheese in the fridge?" and that was because a) it was on sale b) I need to feed my addiction, literally.

I know what you're thinking - you saw raisins up there and you're thinking.. "Oh wow.. now she's really lost it".... Bear with me, you won't regret it. 

The chewy, sweet raisins give this couscous salad a whole new level of deliciousness. We had a dinner party on Saturday and my Dad saw me putting raisins in the couscous and said "Oh yuck Kristy... I don't think anyone really wants that except you" (because I am known for odd combinations) only to eat the couscous that night and say "you're pretty smart aren't you - you think outside the box and it works, I love the raisins"

But then again - I won't say anything if you leave them out other than WHAT ON EARTH ARE YOU DOING THEY TOTALLY MAKE THE DISH!

It's safe to say this Pumpkin and Feta Couscous Salad is perfect for entertaining as everyone loved it! I'd even call it amazeballs good, but Jesse hates when I say that ;P 

But enough yapping and onto the recipe, huh? 

Roasted Pumpkin and Feta Couscous Salad - serves 4-6 

Gluten free, low fat, vegetarian, clean eating friendly 
1 1/2 cups Freelicious Corn Couscous*

1 cup boiling water (you can also use stock for extra flavour)

1/3 tsp garlic salt

1 1/2 cups butternut pumpkin, diced and roasted** 

~1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese 

3 cups baby spinach 

1 clove garlic, crushed

Handful of raisins

In a saucepan, cook your couscous with the water and garlic salt according to the package directions, fluffing with a fork as you go.

Once your couscous has cooked, pour it into a mixing bowl to cool off. 

In the same pan, add your spinach and crushed garlic and cook over a medium heat until wilted, stirring constantly. 

Once the spinach has wilted, remove from the heat and mix your spinach and roasted pumpkin through your couscous. 

Place your mixing bowl into the fridge to chill. 

Once the couscous has chilled, mix through your crumbled feta and raisins. 

Serve cold or warm slightly. 

*If you don't have the corn couscous, you could also use regular couscous (though you may need to adapt the seasonings as the flavour will be different)

**I roast my pumpkin in garlic and herbs at about 200°C/400°F until caramelised and browned. You can also use roasted sweet potato if you prefer!

So tell me, raisins in a salad - yay or nay? 

and what's your crowd pleasing dinner party dish?

Kristy purchased the Freelicious Corn Couscous herself and has not had any communication with the company about this recipe or post. She's just an addict.

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