Monday, May 25, 2020

Coming out of hibernation.


How are you going coming out of lockdown? 

For artists (many of whom would describe themselves as "introverts") this period of seclusion has been nothing short of blissful!

I've been absent (but definitely not AWOL) continuing work with the U.N. and the International Courts so couldn't get back to the blog over the past week or so. It's been crazy busy because "working from home" suits them all perfectly! (They can catch up on filing, for one thing!)

So while I work out where I got to on the blog, I thought I'd spend some time today adding some efforts of artists during lockdown and how they've used it to their advantage.

First off, check out the Royal Ballet's Joshua Junker.

http://www.roh.org.uk/people/joshua-junker

https://www.instagram.com/joshjjj/?hl=en

Do not miss his video. "A Fine Day In Quarantine". Imagine this among your clips or on your reel! 0:)

https://www.instagram.com/tv/B_f9OIJA9mi/?hl=en

Then there are those who have unexpectedly been perfectly adapted to the conditions of lockdown!

How Australia's 'fake genuine Russian choir' Dustyesky went viral during the coronavirus pandemic.



Have you added to your professional knowledge? How many short courses have you completed or have you done anything you can add to your resume or vital knowledge?

Such as how a dancer can help prevent injuries as they work.

The 6 New Injury Prevention Rules


https://www.dancemagazine.com/amp/injury-prevention-for-dance-2639821288?utm_campaign=RebelMouse&share_id=5560512&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&utm_content=Dance%20Magazine&__twitter_impression=true

How about working on your business plan for when you can work more actively?

https://abj.artrepreneur.com/artist-business-plan-guide/

https://www.artworkarchive.com/blog/an-artist-s-guide-to-making-a-business-plan-in-just-6-steps

Have you sat down and had a think about where you are going to go from here with your artwork? With your business? Remember, you and your work are your own product. How much do you appreciate what you do?

Make yourself a coffee/tea, find a quiet spot and consider what you've learned during this time; about yourself and about your Art.

Then give yourself a hug and admire your dedication along with what you've already achieved and in anticipation of where you are going to go from here.

Enjoy!

Ellen 0:)
Ellen F. Walker
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Wednesday, May 13, 2020

Vegetarian & vegan ideas for lockdown or when you are working away from your usual options.



Sorry for the delay in getting this information posted: Work for the International Courts and U.N. had to take priority yesterday.

However, I was not completely ignoring you all! I was checking out what is currently available in local supermarkets for people enjoying (or requiring) vegetarian and/or vegan foods. (I'll cover dealing with restricted diets later, although many matters similarly apply).

First off, these days there is always the option of buying frozen vegetarian or vegan foods which can generally be heated up in a microwave but there are a few issues to be considered if you do this.

1/ They often have large amounts of salt and/or additives included in their recipes. Check their ingredients list in case they include something you do not want to eat.

2/ Keep your food additive number lists handy so you can check what is involved and what you are actually purchasing, wherever you are in the world.

https://www.fedup.com.au/information/information/complete-lists-of-additives
 
3/ Buying ready made meals can be great for an emergency or treat but are expensive and long-term, can hit your bottom line hard!

4/ It is a good idea to make sure you keep some foods (such as frozen) to be used as treats for when you start climbing the wall with boredom and might need a break from the same-'ol'-same-ol' menu!

The key is to know what your body needs and what you want to accept, at what level. Know your basic personal requirements; decide what you absolutely are not willing to eat and what you may be willing to compromise on. i.e. I once worked on a island where the only food available was frozen meat, one tomato and one lettuce. Make sure you get your protein levels daily (including keeping it complete), even if/when you have to use canned goods to supplement what you are choosing. i.e. canned lentils.


A good option is to check out the ready made meals sections at your supermarkets or convenience stores. There are far more options available as vegetarian and vegan requirements become more familiar to businesses both local and otherwise.

Depending on where you are working, check out what type of stores are wherever you are based.

https://www.wholefoodsmarket.co.uk/

https://www.lemaxgroup.com.au/

Also consider your local delicatessens; use your walk workout or running to check out the local area and discover what is available.

https://www.thejunket.com/

In terms of sauces or condiments, always remember that you can use lemon juice, orange juice or vinegars on anything. i.e. malt vinegar.

Again, packaged rice is your friend, as are canned goods. Always pack a can opener somewhere in your luggage; don't assume there will be one where you are travelling to or that you will be able to buy one.

An additional source of product is hiking or camping stores.

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/backpacking-food#section10

In terms of take-out/take-away, consider what may be available in the local area regarding foods from other cultures or something you can put together yourself, in your hotel room or car.

https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/veggie-fajitas

Google is your friend under these circumstances! Don't dismiss possible sources of food such as local restaurants: Check out their menus in details. This restaurant in Oakland California, have the best Heuvos Rancheros I've ever eaten! 0:)

https://www.buttercupdiner.com/

In brief, knowledge is power. And this is your chance to expand your palette as well as working out how dedicated you are to your choice of diet. Hint: Don't make yourself ill, remember you still have to be able to work at the end of your isolation. Be responsible to yourself and look after yourself. Know what you need and ensure you cover those needs, even if it takes more work than usual to do so.

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/protein-for-vegans-vegetarians

https://www.veganaustralia.org.au/vegan_farmed_animal_sanctuaries

Enjoy!

Ellen 0:)
Ellen F. Walker
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Monday, May 11, 2020

Recipes for fish as lockdown continues, albeit in an altered state.

How are you going? 

As time goes on, you may be realising that changes you are making may be for the long-term. Which means you may have to make changes to take into account how you are going to work as an artist in ways you have never considered before.

As artists, we tend to work mostly by ourselves (or responsible for ourselves) anyway. But now may be a good time to formalize your life/work balance and daily procedures. You want to come out of this with a fully functioning business able to take advantage of any and all opportunities you are presented with once COVID-19 is no longer such as serious consideration (and even if it is).

How long have you been in lockdown? You may be realising your fitness plan isn't going to cut it long-term. So consider it in terms of what you need to include and revise accordingly; especially if you are more used to tackling your fitness concerns at a gym.


CBS Newspath have passed on some requests for fish and vegetarian recipes. You may be surprised with what I can suggest.

First off, cans of salmon, tuna or other fish are a great fall back position plus they're cheap and travel well.

But for a dose of luxury, try a piece of salmon. High in nutrition, fast, versatile and easy to cook. 

Google "grilled salmon" for additional ideas. Or google "salmon recipes".




My Mum used to make these for community luncheons and they work really well for a variation if you are getting a bit sick of the same 'ol same 'ol!


Consider other types of fish you may not usually check out at the supermarket.


And if you are feeling stressed (and your restrictions allow you to), consider taking up fishing. I know many people who fish who never catch anything or release anything they do catch; they simply find fishing a good excuse to relax and do nothing for awhile!


Back to the cans of fish you can pick up easily and cheaply.

Consider trying out a simple Tuna Mornay.


Tuna Macaroni.




Combine tuna with a pasta of your choice.


Obviously, tuna works great in a salad but try this variation which is fast and effective.


Have a good one everybody! Tomorrow I'll check out some vegetarian recipes based on past (and current) experience.

Enjoy!

Ellen 0:)
Ellen F. Walker

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Saturday, May 9, 2020

Mother's Day special idea anybody in isolation or lock down can use!



Happy Mother's Day to all those mothering others, at this time and always! XO 0:)

And here's my favorite Mother's Day image, talking about the importance of  parenting in a child's life. From Australian author and illustrator, May Gibbs.



So what is an Artist or Arts lover to do if they can't see their mother (or mother figure) at this time? Or if they currently feel they are seeing all too much of their mothers in lockdown?

Take up an idea from those who have gone before: Get creative!

Make up some individually applicable coupons, to be redeemed by your mother; at her convenience, of course!


Enjoy!

Ellen 0:)
Ellen F. Walker


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Friday, May 8, 2020

Some extra recipe requests from the U.S. & Australia plus it's time to relax!

 

Thank-you to everyone who have been sending requests for information! Lovely to hear from you. 0:)

Two requests first.

One of my American cast members would like to know how to make an Australian/New Zealand style pavlova if you are cooking in the U.S. Well, from personal experience, I can tell you it's not easy! Chickens are fed a different diet in the U.S. so eggs do not react in the same way as they do when coming from Aussie/Kiwi chooks!

An Aussie friend of mine who currently lives in the U.S., became so frustrated with this, she used to get friends and relatives to send her the Australian White Wings Pavlova Magic to make sure it works when she needs it to. 


Edmonds is the New Zealand version.


Having said all of that, a pavlova is basically a meringue mix. It can be temperamental and there is a reason you learn how to make it from your mothers and grandmothers! So be patient and make sure the sugar is completely dissolved in the egg whites, ensure there is NO yolk in the white at all, let it cool properly and handle the completed pavlova like it is the most precious thing you own; it's delicate! 

And even if it does crack or shatter, who cares? Cover it with cream and fruit. As long as the sugar has been properly dissolved during mixing (it will be gritty otherwise), it will still taste fine. 

Here's a basic pavlova recipe for you to practice with. It's worth persevering and practicing getting the recipe right because there truly is nothing like it! 0:)


Now for the Aussies & Kiwis.

You asked for the American Thanksgiving and celebration dish Ambrosia.

Easiest thing to make in the world but SO GOOD! Every family has their own traditional way of making it, alongside their recipes for honey sweet potatoes or green beans/almonds/bacon and other Thanksgiving accompaniments.

Just as Aussies and New Zealanders dispute who invented the Pavlova, Americans argue over whether Ambrosia is a salad or a dessert; I say both!


Check out this version at the Spend With Pennies website.

But getting back to that argument of who invented the Pavlova; was it Australia or New Zealand? I'm content to allow the Kiwis to claim the Pavlova but the Peach Melba is all Australia's! Not because we invented it but because it was invented to honour our own Dame Nellie Melba: Reflected glory I agree but nobody can argue her town of origin (my hometown of Melbourne). 0:)



Another question which came in was how do I relax when I work as a Senior Executive News Producer, Director and Investigative Journalist for the world courts, the U.N. and ViacomCBS? Doesn't listening to the bad news all the time get too much? 

Yes. It does. It can.

For those feeling stressed at the moment, I can suggest a couple of immediate de-stressors I use myself.

Walking is great! 0:)

Beyond that, I can highly recommend some relaxing music and soft lighting, alongside a bubble bath or soaking in the bath using bath salts or bath oil. Home-made or store bought. i.e. Radox.


If you don't have a bathtub, get yourself one of those luxuriously decadent shower gels then follow that up with a self-massage, using a scented moisturizer. Regardless of who you are, this feels good! 

Climb into freshly laundered pyjamas, wrap yourself in a fluffy dressing gown, don your cosy slippers and watch whatever you want on your Media of choice or even better, read a good book with relaxing music playing in the background!

Beyond that, I can strongly recommend losing yourself in a book of puzzles. 



One more detail, switch off your computer before you do any of that and forget about it for awhile. 0:)

Enjoy your weekend!

Ellen 0:)
Ellen F. Walker

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Thursday, May 7, 2020

Emergency rations & staying in hotel rooms.




CBS Newspath has passed on some requests for information from people currently unable to return home, who are caught living in apartments or hotel rooms (previously provided for them before productions shut down) or journalists covering stories from hotels far from home.

First of all, I checked with a friend who is a chef and this is how he would make a simple hot fruit salad (as opposed to more complicated recipes on-line).

Choose your favorite fresh fruits and chop them into bite sized pieces. Make a sugar syrup, seasoning it with whatever spices you have to hand or have in your cupboards. i.e. nutmeg or cinnamon. Pour the hot sugar syrup over the fruit and let it stand until cool enough to eat, to let the fruit cook a little and for the spices to infuse into the fruit. Serve with cream or ice-cream (or without)!

How to make a sugar syrup.

Secondly, what do you do if you are living long-term in a hotel room or accommodation that doesn't have cooking facilities? First off, take a deep breath, your world perceptions are about to change: Eating take-out (takeaway) wears thin and you do get a tad tired of eating at establishments; you need something home-cooked or at least cooked by you personally! Everybody needs some variety to their days.

So let's take a look at your options. What is near where you are currently based? Is there a supermarket within walking distance? Is there a convenience store? 

Next, you need to find their website on-line and consider what your options are.


Then you need to think about what you need to eat each day in order to stay healthy; long term.


Think about the healthy eating food pyramid and compare what you are currently eating to what you should be eating under the conditions.




Think about what you've got available in your immediate area and make your food choices accordingly. Consider what is going to help you look after yourself and will help protect you from getting sick. i.e. choose the packet of fruit salad rather than the donut; keep donuts for an occasional treat.

I realize it's difficult but consider this alternative if you have a small supermarket nearby.  Try getting yourself some dehydrated vegetables such as peas, carrots, potatoes. Pour them into your hotel room's mug or cup, cover them with boiling water from your kettle, place a saucer on top then wait for 10 minutes. Voila, re-constituted vegetables. Or in the case of Deb potatoes, remember you don't need to eat the entire packet plus you can make it up using boiling water and nothing else. Bon appetit! 0:)


Soups are your friend! You can make up your own soup by getting a stock cube and dissolving it in boiling water. Add tinned or dehydrated vegetables to your mix.

Pre-cooked rice is also an ally. Re-heat if you have a microwave at your disposal but it can be eaten cold as well. Add some canned vegetables and tuna or chicken or potted meat (such as Spam): Instant salad! 

For a protein hit, try an egg flip! You can mix it using a spoon and cup; you don't need a blender. The only necessary ingredients are an egg and milk; the other ingredients are adding flavour.


For breakfast or a quick dessert, you can't go past packets of porridge. Make them up in a cup, using boiling water from your kettle.

Check out your local convenience store or supermarket; you may be surprised what you find and what you can use, once you re-think your food strategies.

Enjoy! 

Ellen 0:)
Ellen F. Walker






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Answering more requests to CBSNewspath for my cast & crew members; including some meat tips and simple dessert ideas.



It gets complicated working on a 24 hour clock in both hemispheres! Sorry for the delay in getting this information posted. 0:)

A couple of hacks to note from the recipes I posted yesterday.

* The rissoles are great cold and used in salads but can also be heated up in gravy: This can be done with cooked sausages as well.


* Packet gravy mixes are cheap and take up very little room in your cupboards. But they can be used for multiple purposes; many include easy recipes and solutions for use of leftovers. i.e. doing a simple curried sausage dish that can be stretched by using added vegetables.

Another quick, cheap fix for a meal (and using up leftovers), is to combine leftovers or tinned foods (such as baked beans or canned spaggetti in tomato sauce) with jacket baked potatoes. As long as you've got your potatoes, you can add whatever you want (or whatever is in your fridge or supplies).

https://www.taste.com.au/recipes/baked-jacket-potatoes/f7f45471-ed48-4cc7-b07b-d1de5a161403

Now on to something sweet!

As to ultimate comfort food, there is nothing like hot, stewed apples; Especially with vanilla ice-cream and a sprinkling of cinnamon or nutmeg on top!

https://www.womensweeklyfood.com.au/recipes/stewed-apple-16724

Or you can get creative with your own combination of favorite fruits and added extras.

https://www.eatwell101.com/stewed-fruit-recipe-dried-stewed-fruit

If you want to try for something more (and have access to canned fruit), try your hand at a hot fruit salad!

https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/hot-fruit-compote/c0c8a643-5034-4f3e-97f2-26b8a6288d86

Another favorite of mine is baked custard. You can add some sultanas or cooked rice into the mixture before you bake it, to stretch the recipe further.

https://www.womensweeklyfood.com.au/recipes/baked-custard-15070

A standard of teachers giving children something to cook in class (beyond popcorn) is the 1970s Chocolate Ripple Cake; the recipe can be adapted to other biscuits/cookies as well.

Otherwise known as an "Icebox Cake".

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Icebox_cake

https://www.taste.com.au/recipes/choc-ripple-cake/ec490c9f-2a0e-40ea-b741-0606d08a5947

There are many variations.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSC_TmEUorM

Or for something else to make with your children or other family members, nobody has to be a cook in order to make a fresh fruit cake!

https://www.kidspot.com.au/kitchen/recipes/fresh-fruit-cake/kouqw2qw

If you want to go dairy free or want something fresh, try your hand at a fruit sorbet, using your favorite fruits.

https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/lemon-sorbet

Enjoy! 0:)

Ellen 0:)
Ellen F. Walker
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Tuesday, May 5, 2020

ViacomCBS pass on request for more recipes for lockdown.



ViacomCBS (CBS Newspath) have passed on requests from my various cast and crew members, for recipes relevant to their individual situations. So here we go!

Q: What can I do with cheap cuts of meat? 

A: Stew!


Q: What is "dripping"?

A: A by-product of every roast! If you don't want to use or eat the fat, dig down under the fat and try the meat juices gathered underneath! Especially on crust of bread: Luxury!

From the dictionary.

Q: What can you cook in dripping?

A: Anything you would normally use fat for such as frying. i.e. sandwiches toasted in a frypan. You need to bear in mind that it will add the flavour to your dish of whatever roast meat the drippings came from.

Here's one the recipes my mother used to use dripping for.


Rissoles:
Add an egg and a packet of dry chicken noodle soup ingredients (straight from the packet, no water added) to 500 grams of minced/ground beef. Mix with hands, roll into small balls, flatten then cover in plain flour (salt and pepper added to taste). Fry in fat of choice (dripping/oil/butter). Cook through. Take off heat and lay on paper towel before serving with sauce or gravy of choice.


Sausages are also great fried in dripping! However, they are also a far more useful  and cheap source of protein than merely frying and cooling them to use in sandwiches later. Here's some sausage recipes to inspire your menu planning.

Crumbed sausages.

Curried sausages.

Bangers and Mash.


Q: What is potted meat?

A: Cheap cuts of meat turned into an economical spread. Your own personalised version of products such as Spam.

Potted Meat.

Jellied meats.

My grandmother used to serve this to me with a salad and I still love it! It's a great way to stretch leftovers.


The ultimate leftovers recipe! Bubble and Squeak.


Tomorrow I'll post some extra dessert ideas.

Enjoy!

Ellen 0:)
Ellen F. Walker
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Haircutting when times are tough.


Feeling like Prickles the sheep waiting to get shorn?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qgKC5wkAGY

There is an answer, without doing yourself (or others) any harm! 0:)


First off, decide on exactly what you need to do. It's best to aim at something you may be able to achieve rather than aiming too high. i.e. trim off a little rather than trying to create a whole new style; leave that to the professionals. And this is not the time to get creative, unless you are willing to live with the potential consequences!

Secondly, invest in a quality pair of hairdressing scissors. 
https://www.priceline.com.au/hair/home-hairdressing/scissors

Or if you are planning on giving yourself a crewcut (or going all out bald), make sure you invest in the necessary equipment to make that happen.
https://www.shavershop.com.au/hair-clippers/

Next, do your homework! Preferably before you start cutting.
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/hair/g23602022/how-to-cut-your-own-hair/

Then make yourself a cuppa and think through what you want to do and why. In other words, you have head shots and when the lockdown is over, you do not want to be going to auditions looking like something from a horror movie (unless that's your deliberate intention). You want to look vaguely like your headshot, rather than the Bride of Frankenstein!


And for those hairdressers currently sitting around wondering how long it's going to take to get back to your salons? I'd suggest you get your rest while you can. Because once you are back in business, you are going to have all those home job hair coiffure examples to fix. i.e. all those who didn't bother to read the instructions. 0:)

Have a good day y'all!

Ellen 0:)
Ellen F. Walker
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Monday, May 4, 2020

Visual diaries & sketchbooks.




So, where are you going and what are you doing with your day? There you are, living and working in a new reality.  How do you adapt yourself and your Art?

What did other artists and writers do in that situation?

Beatrix Potter created sketchbooks and visual diaries.


They became the basis for her publishing output.

https://www.illustrationhistory.org/artists/beatrix-potter



Give it a try! 

Ellen F. Walker
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Sunday, May 3, 2020

A few bits, bob, answers to questions and some more recipes.



First off, let's answer a question from one of my actors. What cookware do I always have on hand?

A frypan. You can cook anything in it; just make sure you keep the book that comes with the frypan and tells you how to do so. If you don't need a large frypan, think about getting a skillet which will take up less room when you travel.


Plus collapsible plates, buckets and folding cutlery. You can throw them in your car or backpack so you are not relying on what is in the accommodation wherever it is you are performing.

I also want to note some wonderful rehearsal pieces and choreography I've been catching up with on-line. If you are getting bored with what you are seeing on your social media and/or news feeds, shake things up and add some different content!

From Houston Ballet. Dance of the Clean Cygnets.
https://www.facebook.com/houstonballet/videos/597601977775206/

The National Ballet of Canada. Bach to the Barre. Love the curlers!
https://www.facebook.com/13986327142/videos/230299371405409/

Watch out for threads asking for your favorite movies. Consider your choices carefully and check out the clips you recommend before posting them so they capture exactly what you admire about the film you are recommending. I love these two!

Most people noting "Singing in the Rain" would post the famous Gene Kelly dance scene.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1ZYhVpdXbQ

But how about these?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SND3v0i9uhE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wI4jJq98tU

You could also reveal yourself as doing something more than watching your favorite films repeatedly.

Donald O'Conner tap dancing on roller skates.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGlaPXQyfyM

Kermit and Steve Martin play "Duelling Banjos".
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gNuj8UkyC4

As well as the original brilliant scene from "Deliverance". Lessons in lockdown!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5s73flj1t38.

My personal favorite movie of all time is Gene Kelly's "Invitation to the Dance."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCoo3nTdpXk

Some of my "Star Trek" cast and crew have asked me to suggest some dessert recipes I've used personally.

I generally eat fruit for dessert and if I need a break from that when performing or travelling for a production, I buy yoghurt or fruit in jelly for a treat.

Having said that, I do keep some recipes "up-my-sleeve": in case I need them or I need something sweet beyond that.

Here's two recipes for Blanc Mange: Simple but effective.
https://www.womensweeklyfood.com.au/recipes/blancmange-8874

https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/38210/blanc-mange-english-style/

Pavlova.
Buy pavlova shells. Fill with canned whipped cream. Spoon tinned or fresh fruit of choice over the top.

Fruit Sundae.
Buy favorite fruit (tinned or fresh), favorite ice cream (small tub), favorite chocolate and packet of nuts. Place ice-cream and fruit in bowl. Sprinkle nuts and broken chocolate over the fruit and ice-cream.

Trifle.
Buy fruit in jelly, mini jam rolls and cream. Slice jam roll and layer in bowl with fruit in jelly and cream.

Enjoy!

Ellen 0:)
Ellen F. Walker
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