

This is my third year in TSL land. Sometimes, I surprise even myself.
At the time I started this blogging caper, I was dipping my toe in the waters of things design oriented. I completed a couple of tours at the International School of Colour and Design here in Sydney.
And, I learnt a few things. Mainly, I learnt that I am not a designer. I just have a strong sense of what I like!
Along the way, despite protesting that this is not a food blog, my most popular posts – by a considerable margin – have been those about food. Perhaps I should have read between the lines…
I was lucky enough to grow up with a Mum who is a great cook. She experimented with new dishes. She was making her own taramasalata years before it became fashionable in wee New Zealand at the bottom of the world. And, she had some favourites – as a family, we still think her chicken liver pâté is the best. Every year, my sister asks Mum to make her version of Zuppa Inglese* at Christmas. And, speaking of Christmas, her Christmas mince tarts are widely acknowledged as THE BEST IN THE WORLD. (No bias here.)
Until I left home, I never really appreciated that not everyone ate like we did.

(Image from here)
As a result, I have always appreciated good food. But, it has taken a bit of time, not to mention a reasonably circuitous road, for me to understand just how important food is in my life, and how much I enjoy cooking for those I love. Sounds a little hokey when I see it written down, but it’s true.
Here at Casa TSL, over the past year or so, we have been evolving the way we eat. This is the direct result of a few niggling health issues – mainly LM’s strong allergy to all things cow juice, and my intolerance to gluten. I have done a serious amount of reading in an effort to understand what it all means, not to mention how it happens.
And, you know what? – It takes work. Putting nutritious and delicious food on the table takes work. But, when you add the removal of all things gluten and dairy, it complicates the cooking experience further. And, dining out becomes MUCH more of a challenge.
The more I learn, the more I realise that these allergies to food are on the increase. They are not going away. So, rather than fight it any more, this year TSL is going to have a change in direction. The focus will be more towards food – both here in at Casa TSL, and dining out in Sydney. I haven’t quite worked out what it all means in blog-terms, but I promise you’ll be the first to know!
I hope you’ll stick with me for the ride…
* My Mum’s Zuppa Inglese is nothing like the linked recipe. But, hers is a safely guarded secret!
You had me at food! Happy new year TSL – looking forward to it 🙂
BCD! How are you? Are you & the bump coping with this heat?
…and cheers for the continued support. You and Sparks are two of the originals!
Heat is killing me but only a few weeks to go! Looking forward to meeting the little fellow! 🙂
Can’t wait to see a wee pic of the littlest BCD 🙂
Sounds exciting – good on you, TSL! Very much looking forward to reading more about your foodie adventures. 🙂
Sparks – trust you and BCD to be in my corner. Cheers Possum.
Good Chrissie?
LM & I watched ‘the Way’ and thought of you…
awesome Syders! Food is so crucial to place!! Enjoy the new direction 🙂
Awww, lovely M – how was Russia with your Mum????
Great! Thank you! Speaking of food, did you see my latest foodie post from the motherland? Wonder what you’d be game to try from that selection!?
ALL the Zakuski, M. And – LM loves borscht. YUM!
I love zakuski too! A grand buffet!
Thanks and I can’t wait to see what you come up with. I’ve been changing my diet too and welcome all ideas and suggestions.
Cheers Jill! Let’s see what unfolds…
I do love your food related posts although I’m sure that drool is no good for my keyboard 🙂 The redirection sounds exciting and wonderful, looking forward to 2014 with you.
Cheers my friend 🙂
Dear TSL, that sounds marvelous! Isn’t wonderful when all seems to become clear. I was speaking with a mother yesterday and her teenage son is now gluten intolerant – your new direction, will be a godsend, as it is all alittle confusing sometimes. Bless, Kx
Lovely K – you’re always so positive. Missed home these Chrissie hols… X
I’m not a foodie, but it’s great to see someone following their passion and their nose. All the best of luck with the new direction.
My problem? – too many damn passions! Let’s see where this one takes me. Happy New Year!
Well I’ll be along for the ride – I know exactly how complicated it gets when you have to take gluten and dairy out of the cooking equation. I’ve had to take sugar, gluten, dairy, starch and all grains and all processed food out! I’ve sort of given up on cooking and food has become fuel, so I look forward to where you go this year – you might inspire me to start caring again. I’m relatively new to your blog, and appreciate the diversity of your posts but it’s always been clear to me that your main love is food. I think it’s a good direction to be going in – who knows where it will take you? – and I shall look forward to traveling alongside.
PMB – thanks for your lovely comment! Made me feel all warm & fuzzy inside!
For the record, sounds like our eating regime is similar. Maybe we’ll get you back into the kitchen, yet! Here’s hoping. 🙂
Food is a wonderful, exciting adventure. Can’t wait to see where it takes us!
Happy New Year, TSL! We’re looking forward to your new direction in the new year. It is amazing how blogs can help “hold up a mirror” and help you see/discover things about yourself that you just didn’t notice during an everyday busy life!
DW – Happy New Year to you, too! You’re so right about that mirror… 🙂