Simply Joolz

Meet George the Juicer...

2012-02-13T18:30:00.005+10:30

This is my new Breville Juice Fountain Plus - I shall call him George ...
It came recommended by Aussie Joe Cross from Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead. Do yourself a favour and watch the trailer for his inspiring film and the testimonials. I am not contemplating a juice fast just yet, but can see the benefits of doing a 10 day fast. But I think I love my food just a bit too much at the moment...
RRP is $229 but it was on special in Target for $169
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It has a wide chute for juicing whole fruit and vegetables (fits a large apple whole) ... but I learned that it is still best to cut into fruit to make sure nothing nasty is lurking inside...
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This orange looked a bit 'woody', like the flesh had dried out...
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This is what it looked like inside - yuck! I threw it away and got another one out.
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This juicer extracts heaps more juice from the fruit than my old juicer (the pulp is so much drier). This is 1 apple, 1 orange, 2 carrots, 1/2 small raw beetroot and 2 sticks of celery with green tops on - and it made a good one and a half large glasses full. It is becoming part of our morning routine to juice and I will try and have just veggie juice when I get home from work each day. I need to be a bit careful of having too much fruit juice (the extra sugar won't help with my weight loss). It really is delicious!
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This afternoon I tried silverbeet (chard/kale), celery, cucumber, carrot, beetroot and kiwi fruit (just for a bit of sweetness) - not as nice as the above mix but still drinkable and it has stopped me having any snacks until dinner time.
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Autumn is on it's way...

2012-02-13T07:15:00.008+10:30

You can tell Autumn is creeping in... the mornings are very fresh and chilly and this morning there was a mist hanging around.
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Spiders have been very busy...
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Can you see this one - it was a long single web going horizontally from one bush to another then a 'drop line' to the ground - all dewy. Lucky I didn't walk through it! Erk!
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Have a look at this maze of webs - okay, now I am officially freaked out!
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As if my social life hasn't been busy enough lately, we headed to Adelaide on the weekend to finish up the painting at the unit - well Gus did the painting, we watched! Kirby prepared this lovely salad to go with the King George Whiting Gus prepared.
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Yummy bread crumbed zesty prawns for appetizer.
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Potato and sweet potato bake.
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Kirby had a nasty little visitor in her salad - a spider!
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A very nice Friday night in.
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Saturday night, we dined at Enzo's Ristorante. Unfortunately, when we got there, they had us booked in for the Pizzeria but we had intended to be in the restaurant. We showed great disappointment and were then told if we waited 30 minutes they would be able to seat us. Thank you! Exactly 30 minutes later, we had a table in the middle of the restaurant. Bravo!
Gus chose this white wine because he knows the wine maker... The Lane...
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Breezi...
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Crusty bread with balsamic vinegar and olive oil and a tomato and chilli oil for dipping...
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Kirby's entree - Arancini con polpa di granchio - Saffron risotto balls filled with blue swimmer crab meat, served with Napoletana sauceAngus chose the special - oven baked figs with a gorgonzola sauce...
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Brianna chose Bruschetta al pomodoro for entree - Toasted continental bread topped with fresh tomato, extra virgin olive oil, garlic and basil
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I didn't have entree. I was trying to be very good...
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This was my 'entree' sized main - Ravioli alla Bolognese - Enzo’s own meat filled ravioli with Bolognese sauce. Delicious - and I only ate half!
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Kirby had Linguine con polpa di granchio - Blue swimmer crab meat, chilli and fresh tomato
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Bri chose the Gnocchi alla Napoletana - Potato dumplings hand made from Mondello farm’s royal blue potato with Napoletana sauce. So very tender.
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For main, Gus had Quaglie alla brace - Char-grilled marinated quails, served with a tomato, red onion, cucumber, olive and basil salad
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Brianna's plate...
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Brianna chose a rich chocolate mousse for dessert (sorry, I couldn't find the desserts listed on the on-line menu)
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Now, please don't judge me - but I just had to have the Tiramisu...
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It was the BEST!

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Bri and I got home at 7pm. She has to turn around and drive back on Wednesday as she has a Nursing workshop on Thursday. She will stay in Adelaide for good then as her course starts soon.
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Cheers - Joolz

A morning stroll...

2012-02-09T09:35:00.004+10:30

6.15am Moon over the neighbours house ... the sky was so pretty I ran back and got my camera...
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This is our local swimming lake (man made)... there were a few ladies in swimming - I call them the Icebergs!
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Another shot of the grounds at the lake. Entry is free to this chlorinated pool. It is a very popular spot in summer.
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Walking, walking, walking...
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This is a little bushy track...
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Someone was getting impatient with me stopping and taking photos...
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This is the parklands as you come into town, always beautifully watered and mown lawns...
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This is the main roundabout in our town...
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This is our Traffic School - the local Apex Club originally built it in the late 60's/early 70's. I learned my road rules here, riding around on a big tricycle. It has operating traffic lights and a railway crossing with flashing lights. It was always fun to go there and ride around, using hand signals and giving way to other cyclists. It is still in use today, run by volunteers and it's a popular place for birthday parties.
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Another view of the roundabout, looking towards our main street.
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Our 'Mega Playground' - people come from far and wide to bring their children to play on it.
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It is pretty cool!
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Little birds on a wire...
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Back past the primary school that I went to from 1970-1977 - it's bigger now but the buildings are still the same. It was opened in 1968 so it was new when I was there. They have shade covering the playgrounds and there are covered walkways - no shade when I was there.

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Now we are officially late getting back home (because of my stopping and starting) so he goes on ahead...
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This is a wooded area that the local Rotary Club have cleared and are developing as parkland ...
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Is that the fattest magpie you have ever seen?
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When they cleared a lot of the scrub and undergrowth, a lot of the bigger trees were dead so they cut back the dead bits and left ghostly skeletons...
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This one had interesting marks on the bark, from insects I imagine...
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The Rotary Club is doing a great job keeping the grass mown down. When we get rain, it will green up nicely.
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Yellow banksia...
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Sheoak (Casuarina)
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... is it me, or does this tree resemble an opera singer, arms outstretched...
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Walking under the gum trees...
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The Rotary club have built a nice rotunda with picnic seating...
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... nearly out the other side...
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Callistemon...
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Back on the road to home - it's garbage collection day...(lucky we put ours out last night, we could hear the trucks collecting as we got nearer ...
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Home for a healthy juice to start the day.
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Cheers - Joolz

Dead fridge!

2012-02-08T08:56:00.002+10:30

On Sunday, our 7.5 year old, expensive when purchased refrigerator died. We noticed the freezer was not working at full capacity and things were soft then we tested the fridge temperature and it was at 10C. I salvaged a few things but everything else has been thrown out - we can't risk food poisoning. I should have written down the contents then worked out the cost of the items that were lost. Well over $200 I would think (eg. more than 20 jars/bottles of stuff at say $3 each, plus cheese, butter, tuna, bacon, jams plus all the freezer goods). You just can't trust anything once it has been refrigerated then bought back to room temperature.
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Yup, this is what 7.5 years of fluff and crud looks like under the fridge! Eek!
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So we are left with just our little bar fridge out in the garage for now until we hear if they can source a new compressor for it (it is an Amana brand). If they can't, we will need a new fridge! Eek!
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Cheers - Joolz

Molasses Crinkles...

2012-02-07T18:34:00.002+10:30

I loved spiced biscuits and Marie from A Year at Oak Cottage (scroll down after looking at all the lovely kitchen cupboards, there is a printable recipe) had a nice recipe for these. They have cloves, cinnamon and ginger in them along with gooey dark molasses. I made this batch to give to my Mum and sisters as they are heading to Adelaide tomorrow - something to have with their cuppa (and some for Kirby too!).
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Cheers - Joolz

Chilli Beef on a baked potato with corn bread...

2012-02-06T09:48:00.007+10:30

On Friday night, we dined at The Barn Steakhouse in Mount Gambier, joining our visitors from Melbourne. I had delicious King George Whiting, just grilled (no batter for me!) and it came with a baked potato and green salad (and no, I didn't eat the mountain of tartare sauce, only about a teaspoon full).
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I did lash out for dessert and had Bailey's icecream with strawberries.
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We had another busy weekend with visitors from Melbourne (5 couples this time) who we took four wheel driving through to Number 2 Rocks again. More crayfish on the beach, more oohs and aahs from the guests, exclaiming how lucky we are to have access to beautiful beaches. And so we are, very lucky indeed. The weather was a bit overcast but we still had a lovely time.
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Sunday was spent packing away our gear in Ruby and general housework and rest. I managed to watch nearly all of Season 1 of Downton Abbey in readiness for Season 2. I was in charge of dinner so I decided to try Annette Sym's Chilli Beef (Book 6, page 55). I love, love, love one pot meals where you throw it all in and wait a few hours and smell the flavours developing...
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Chilli Beef
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500gms very lean beef mince
1 teaspoon crushed garlic
1 small onion, diced
1.5 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped (or 1 can)
1 cup capsicum, diced
1 cup corn kernels (canned or frozen)
1 400gm can Mexican chilli beans
1 teaspoon salt reduced beef stock powder
1.5 teaspoons paprika
1.5 teaspoons ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon chilli paste (I used dried flakes for a small kick of heat)
4 tablespoons tomato paste
1 420gm can tomato soup
1 cup of water
crack of black pepper
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On an oven tray lined with baking paper, place as many whole potatoes (scrubbed with skin on) as you need, spray with a little spray oil then slow bake for up to 2 hours (this makes them lovely and soft inside with a nice crunchy skin on the outside). Start them off at 200C for 30 minutes then back the oven off to 140-150C for remainder.
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Brown off the onion and garlic then add in the beef and keep browning off.
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Add in the rest of the ingredients...
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Simmer away for 1 hour or longer, keeping an eye on the moisture level (add a bit more water if necessary)...
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Cut the potato through into quarters and open out so you can stuff it with the yummy Chilli. Top with a tablespoon of grated low fat cheddar cheese and a dollop of low fat sour cream (I used WW brand). Serve with a slice of corn bread. Delicious! (this is Angus' serve by the way, I had about half this serving).

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For the corn bread, there are probably better recipes out there but this is one I found online and eaten in moderation, is a low fat version. It is not something I have tried before but will keep searching for a good recipe.
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Corn Bread
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1 cup plain flour
1 cup of cornmeal (Polenta)
1/4 cup sugar (I halved this amount so 1/8)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup plain yoghurt
2 eggs beaten
1/2 cup corn kernels
1/2 cup jalapeno peppers, chopped (I omitted these)
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Preheat oven to 180C
Mix all dry ingredients together then stir in yoghurt and eggs and corn. Pour into a lined, greased 9 inch round pan (or square). Bake 20-30 minutes, testing with a skewer for doneness.
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Serve warm, buttered (I use margarine).
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Cheers - Joolz

Australia on toast for breakfast...

2012-02-03T08:42:00.006+10:30

I needed to buy more Vegemite yesterday and look what I found! For Australia Day, Kraft changed the name to Australia - a souvenier jar to keep I think!
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I made this dish last night and it was delicious - the flavours really become rich. I didn't add any herbs but you could and I didn't even add salt or pepper.

Beef (or lamb) Chasseur

600gms trimmed casserole beef, cubed
3 rashers of bacon, trimmed of fat and diced
1 large onion, diced
300gms mushrooms (I used Portobello)
375mls beef stock
1 can diced tomatoes
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In a large pot, brown the meat in 1 tablespoon of oil, remove from pan. Brown off onion, bacon then mushrooms until sweated down. Add the meat back into the pan, then the stock and tomatoes. I put my Le Creuset in the oven and let it simmer for one hour, stirring occasionally then removed lid for further 20 minutes to let the sauce reduce. Watch that it doesn't dry out.
I think this recipe would work for a slow cooker too.
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Delicious served with rice and green beans - mashed potatoes would be good too.
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We are going out to dinner at The Barn Steak House tonight with 4 couples who are coming over from Melbourne to go 4WDing then we are off to the beach again tomorrow to maybe I will have some more pictures.
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Cheers - Joolz

I don't know how I did it!

2012-02-02T08:25:00.007+10:30

My weight loss has been slow since I joined our local Weight Watchers group back on November 1, 2011 but last night I finally lost a further 600gms which gave me a total loss of 5.1 kgs - I am super happy. I could not believe that I had still lost weight in the past week, given the Australia Day 4 day weekend that we enjoyed with our visitors from Melbourne.
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I think my juicing has helped my weight loss - the juice is filling so I do not snack between breakfast at 8am and lunch at 12 noon, just a cup of coffee at work usually. The juice also makes you 'regular' if you know what I mean (definitely daily for me!) and I think it flushes unwanted things from your body. It is a bit costly but I guess I am not buying snack foods and I buy the cheapest apples (Sundowners were $1.97/kg compared to Pink Lady's $3.94/kg). I am investing in my good health.
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I have started taking Fish Oil to see if it eases my back and shoulder joint pain. It could take months before I may notice a change. The oil tastes fine and I just have a little bit of orange juice to wash it down. Lets see if I can see an improvement.
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It's a beautiful sunny, clear blue sky day here today. My garden is looking colourful but very neglected. Because I have been having physiotherapy (with acupuncture) on my back and shoulder I am not game to get out in the garden in case I strain something. The weeds aren't taller than the plants yet so that's okay!
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We have a book club that leaves books at work and I was couldn't resist buying Julie Goodwin's latest book - The Heart of the Home. I got it for $20 but it retails for $49.99.
It has some lovely recipes along with her stories of her childhood and growing up and enjoying home cooked food. There are many recipes I will try but will have to modify the fat content in them. Recipes using a knob of butter (100gms) are just not good for you!
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Last night at our WW meeting, we had a small tasting of some low fat dishes that some of the committee members had made. I will cook the Lamb Chasseur tonight - it only has 6 ingredients - lamb, onion, mushrooms, bacon, canned tomatoes and beef stock - it was delicious.
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Enjoy your day - I hope the world is throwing some nice weather your way - it's a cracker of a day here!
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Cheers - Joolz

2012-01-29T19:11:00.011+10:30

$2 bunting to get us into the spirit!
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Do you like our back yard pool - the girls chilled out here all day, listening to Triple J's Hottest 100 on the radio...
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Our visitors arrived from Melbourne at 3pm so they hung out under the pergola...
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Bri got a bit chilly so she chucked on her uggies...
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Aussie, Aussie, Aussie...
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We had an Australian flag hung outside our window.
Angus cooked Rack of Lamb for our dinner....
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We had homemade potato salad, tangy tomato noodles and a tossed salad full of veggies...
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Brianna turned out another winning pavlova which was lovely and chewy on the inside, yet still crunchy on the outside....
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Sitting around the table, just talking...
That concludes our Australia Day but we still have Friday and Saturday with our visitors to go...
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FRIDAY
Gus had teed up to get some freshly cooked crayfish from Beachport so the men went and got them before we headed off to Number 2 Rocks...
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Off we went, over the dunes in Ruby...
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More sand dunes and clear blue skies...
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Nearly there!
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Picture perfect as usual...
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We set up our camp and the girls decided to sit in the shade and play 'Spit' and 'Gin'...
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A selection of rocks and shells that get tumbled by the tide...
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Our camp all setup...
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Two 'you beaut' sheilas...
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Crayfish...
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and salads...
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Delicious!
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Watching the waves roll in...
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Flying the flag of Australia...
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Two more Aussie 'sheilas'...
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Playing beach petanque...
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Bri found some lucky starfish for me...
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We showed our visitors Lake Bonney and the wind farm in the distance...
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Time for home...
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Pizzas at 10pm!
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Wow, that was a big day. Tomorrow we head for Coonawarra - wine tasting and fine dining.
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Cheers - Joolz

Happy Australia Day, Cobbers!

2012-01-26T09:31:00.006+10:30

Today is a day for kicking back and to enjoy the privilege of being safe and free in this beautiful country. We are very lucky.
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Kimmie at The Serendipity Cafe posted a recipe for Lamingtons (along with the history of this yummy cake) - I just had to give them a go. I didn't do the really naughty chocolate and cream (ganache sauce), just mixed icing sugar, cocoa, milk and boiling water. They are delicious!
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You know you're Australian if:
* You believe that stubbies can be either drunk or worn.
* You're liable to burst out laughing whenever you hear of Americans "rooting" for something.
* You pronounce Melb...ourne as 'Mel-bin'.
* You can translate: 'Dazza and Shazza played Acca Dacca on the way to Maccas.'
* You believe it makes perfect sense for a nation to decorate its highways with large fibreglass bananas, prawns and sheep.
* You call your best friend 'a total bastard' but someone you really, truly despise is just 'a bit of a bastard'.
* You think 'Woolloomooloo' is a perfectly reasonable name for a place.
* You're secretly proud of our killer wildlife.
* You believe it makes sense for a country to have a $1 coin that's twice as big as its $2 coin.
* You understand that 'Wagga Wagga' can be abbreviated to 'Wagga' but 'Woy Woy' can't be called 'Woy'.
* You believe all famous Kiwis are actually Australian, until they stuff up, at which point they again become Kiwis.
* All Kiwi's are sheep shaggers. No exceptions.
* Beetroot with your Hamburger... Of course!

* You believe that the confectionery known as the Wagon Wheel has become smaller with every passing year.
* You wear ugg boots outside the house.
* You believe that every important discovery in the world was made by an Australian but then sold off to the Yanks for a pittance.
* You believe that the more you shorten someone's name the more you like them.
* Whatever your linguistic skills, you find yourself able to order takeaway fluently in every Asian language
* You understand that 'excuse me' can sound rude, While 'scuse me' is always polite.
* You know what it's like to swallow a fly, on occasion via your nose.
* You know it's not summer until the steering wheel is too hot to handle and a seat belt buckle becomes a pretty good branding iron.
* Your biggest family argument over the summer concerned the rules for beach cricket.
* You shake your head in horror when companies try to market what they call 'Anzac Biscuits'.
* You still think of Kylie as 'that girl off Neighbours'.
* When working on a bar, you understand male customers will feel the need to offer an excuse whenever they order low-alcohol beer.
* You know how to abbreviate every word, all of which usually end in -o: arvo, combo, garbo, kero, metho, milko, muso, rego, servo, smoko, speedo, righto, goodo etc.
* You know that there is a universal place called "woop woop" located in the middle of nowhere...no matter where you actually are.
* You know that none of us actually drink Fosters beer, because it tastes like shit. But we let the world think we do. Because we can.
* You have some time in your life slept with Aerogard on in the summer. Maybe even as perfume.
* You've only ever used the words - tops, ripper, sick, mad, rad, sweet - to mean good. And then you place 'bloody' in front of it when you REALLY mean it.
* You know that the barbecue is a political arena; the person holding the tongs is always the boss and usually a man. And the women make the Salad
* You say 'no worries' quite often, whether you realise it or not.
* You understand what no wucking furries means.
* You've drank your tea/coffee/milo through a Tim Tam
* You own a Bond's chesty. In several different colours.
* You know that roo meat tastes pretty good, But not as good as barra. Or a meat pie with dead horse.
* You know that some people pronounce Australia like "Straya" and that's ok.
AUSTRALIAN and proud of it!

The Seekers - I Am Australian (Live - 2000)

2012-01-25T13:08:00.006+10:30

(The Seekers - Keith Potger, Bruce Woodley, Judith Durham & Athol Guy)
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This is my favourite Australian song and it makes me teary whenever I hear it.
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How are you spending Australia Day? Kirby is coming home from Adelaide so we will all be together and we have 4 friends arriving later in the day to spend the next couple of days with us. We are having lamb racks and all the trimmings for dinner on Australia Day plus pavlova & strawberries for dessert.
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Friday, Angus & I are doing the very Aussie thing of 'chucking a sickie' and having Friday off work (we won't tell the boss - us!). We are taking our visitors to our favourite beach, No. 2 Rocks. We will have a beach barbecue and we have bought some crayfish (Southern Rock Lobster) which we will really enjoy.
When we get home from the beach, we are having pizza for dinner. Nice and easy.
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On Saturday, we are heading to the Coonawarra to sample some wines and have a lovely lunch at Upstairs at Hollick. We are staying the night in Coonawarra.
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Sunday, we farewell our guest back to Melbourne and we will go home, tired but very happy.
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What are you up to?
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Happy Australia Day~

Waiting in anticipation...

2012-01-24T07:24:00.003+10:30

I pre-ordered Rhonda Jean Hetzel's much awaited book from Fishpond last night. I can't wait for it to arrive ...
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On the weekend, I pre-ordered Downton Abbey Season 2 - can't wait for that either!
I missed most of the first season as it was on while MasterChef or something was on so it's easier to get the DVD to have on hand so I can watch it whenever. I am currently re-watching Season 1 and loving it all over again.
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Joolz

What a guy...

2012-01-23T21:22:00.003+10:30

My poor overworked hubby drove 400kms and spent the weekend painting feature walls and the bathroom at our flat in preparation for Bri to move to the big smoke. It has been hot, hot, hot in Adelaide! He got this wall finished, painted the bathroom, has rubbed back all the wooden doors on Kirby's built-ins and is now starting on Kirb's feature wall. The place will look amazing! It won't all get done this trip so we'll have to go to town once more to get it finished!
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Don't work too hard, Hon!

Homemade Vanilla Icecream...

2012-01-22T16:58:00.006+10:30

QUICK VANILLA ICECREAM
1.5 cups full cream milk (I think it is about 15 years since I bought full cream)
1.25 cups cream (not the thickened kind - hard to get on a Sunday in my town!)
1/2 cup caster sugar (not in picture)
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
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My special freezer bowl was put in the freezer yesterday. I whipped all the above ingredients together in a normal bowl for about 2 minutes then had to refrigerate the mixture for 2 hours.
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Now place the mixture in the special freezer bowl and start whipping for 15 minutes...
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This was at about 8 minutes...
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This is at the 13 minute mark...
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and this is after 15 minutes of whipping and freezing ...
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Brianna wanted Clinkers crushed up and mixed through it so I dolloped out a bowl for me which I will have with strawberries later tonight...
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Did you eat Clinkers as a kid - suck all the chocolate off then try to guess what colour you had in your mouth?
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Clinkers are green, yellow and pink - how funny that the first half of the bag that I tipped out and hammered into smithereens were only green and yellow (?) ...
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There were pink ones in the second half that I crushed...
how good does it look?
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I am super impressed with the gadget so far and can't wait to give a mango/passionfruit sorbet a go but that might be next Sunday - diet wise I can't keep trying all these yummy things!
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Cheers - Joolz

Saturday at home...

2012-01-22T09:42:00.004+10:30

I zipped to Mt.G to pick up my icecream maker attachment for my Breville Mixer (it was on back order) and while I was there, I ran my car through the Wizard car wash. This is the Tri-colour wax that is applied before the final rinse.
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I also had to fill a prescription for Gus' gout tablets - both chemists in our town were out of them and only one chemist in Mt.G had a bottle left. Lucky - he can't go a day without the medication.
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I bought some new bath towels too as we have visitors coming for Australia Day and the weekend. It is 6 years since I bought a set of new towels and it is starting to show! Ugh!
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When I got home I thought I would do some baking so I made my Cherry Shortbreads.
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For something wickedly different I thought I'd plop Rolo caramel chocolates in the centres as well as some cherry ones.
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It was the right decision...
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Gus has gone back to Adelaide to paint feature walls in the flat in preparation for Brianna moving there and Bri was having a night in Mt.G with her friends so I was home alone. Ssssshh! Don't tell anyone.... but..... YAY!
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I made a huge pot of Chicken Chow Mein and ate it when I was good and ready...
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I treated myself to two new CD's - Kelly Clarkson and Tim McGraw so I had that blaring on our new Bose soundwave system...
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I kicked back with a glass of wine and watched a bit of TV...
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Later in the evening I watched a DVD - Easy A - which was okay.
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This morning I had a wander out the back to see how my weeds are growing and yup, there's work to be done.... maybe this arvo!
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Stay tuned for my icecream making escapades this arvo too!
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Cheers - Joolz

Friday night Healthy Lamb Burgers...

2012-01-21T12:54:00.004+10:30

I made this bad boy for dinner last night...
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Start with a toasted bun and slather on some caramelised onion relish (I had Always Fresh brand)...
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I made my burgers out of lamb mince and added Masterfoods Tuscan seasoning, 1 egg, 1/4 cup dried bread crumbs, 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped, salt and pepper. Dry fry in a non-stick pan - no need to add extra oil.
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Now slap that burger on the bun and add a slurp of tomato sauce...
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... top with lettuce...
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... sliced tomato...
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... sliced lebanese cucumber...
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... slices of beetroot (it's not Aussie if you don't add beetroot!)...
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... spread avocado on the top 'lid' of the burger bun...
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... add a little bit of cheddar cheese...nearly there! ...
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Shazam! A healthy burger with basically no fat. You could also add a dry fried egg, pineapple slice, fried onions....
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Give one a whirl!
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Cheers - Joolz

2012-01-20T08:44:00.004+10:30

A corella sitting on our roof... cheeky thing!

Most people would turn up their nose at my breakfast - squashed sardines on toast (with worcestershire and tomato sauces). Yummy and good for you.
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(wrap from Shearers Cook Cafe)
Lunch yesterday was this yummy wrap made with Mountain Bread filled with turkey, cranberry sauce, lettuce, carrot, cucumber, red onion, cheese and a little mayo. My favourite combination.
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For dinner I made a rich bolognese sauce from scratch - diced onion, carrot & onion fried off in 1 tablespoon of olive oil, add 500gms lean beef mince and brown. Deglaze pan with a slosh of red wine (cheers!). Add in 1 teaspoon beef stock powder, 2 cloves of garlic and a big handful of fresh basil leaves, chopped. Then tip in 1 can of diced tomatoes (I try and buy the Italian ones when they are on special for .89c/can - best flavour), 1 can of tomato puree and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Add a crack of black pepper and a pinch of salt and a tablespoon of sugar. Stir to combine all this then let it simmer for as long as you like or have time - the longer the better. I used Rigatoni pasta tubes this time. Sprinkle with a little parmesan cheese. Delish!
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Do you like my Evian water bottle - it has quite a story to it.... When we went to Paris in 2010, we went to the Moulin Rouge and we were served Evian water at our table in these Jean Paul Gaultier bottles... I couldn't resist, ahem, pocketing one of them. Into my handbag it went! I wasn't stealing it really as it was just a bottle like any other spring water bottle to them but a very decorative one to me so I had to have it! It travelled all over Europe with us in my luggage!
~

For dessert, I had bought these Weight Watcher individual serve icecreams. We hadn't tried this Toffee Pecan one before. So very good! Who would want to eat real icecream when this diet stuff tastes so good. These are great to have in the freezer as a treat. Someone at our WW meeting said the other day that they buy the Double Choc Ripple ones, tip it out of the container into a bowl, chop it down the middle and add a banana and have a guilt free banana split!
~
Another good idea for a diet dessert is to buy the Nestle Diet Chocolate Mousse (the whole range is yummy), tip into a nice bowl them dip strawberries in the mousse and eat. Yum! You are getting your chocolate fix and eating fruit at the same time!
~
I've had a busy week of full time work so it's time for home and a glass of wine and some TV I think. I think burgers are on the menu tonight so we'll see what I can produce.
~
Have a lovely weekend wherever you are, I am having a 'homey'.
~
Cheers - Joolz

Off to Uni...

2012-01-19T10:00:00.002+10:30

Congratulations to our Brianna! She received her first preference offer to study a Bachelor of Nursing at Uni SA 2012.
She then hopes to study Midwifery after the 3 year course. Our baby girl is off to the big smoke soon! :(
~
Joolz

This week at my place...

2012-01-19T07:50:00.009+10:30

These are the corellas that roost in the gum trees near our house. Noisy buggers, they squawk and squawk and poop on our nice grey roof and leave fluffy feathers everywhere!
~

Sunset on Tuesday night...
~

They have completely stripped the top of this tree bare...
~

This is a mob of corellas about to fly in out the back of our place then make their roosts in our trees.
~

A beautiful sky after a hot day of 36C...
~

Still lots of juicing going on here...

It really does make you feel good. This lot had pink lady apples in it and it was lovely and sweet.
~

Easy dinner after my Weight Watchers meeting - Chicken Phad Thai with the help of a flavour sachet (sinful!). Woohoo! I am 300gms lighter than at my last weigh in on December 21st. I came through Christmas and New Year without gaining any weight! It really has motivated me to keep going. I have lost 3.6 kgs since November 1, 2011. Slow but steady.
~
CHICKEN PHAD THAI
So into a wok, 1 teaspoon olive oil and one onion - toss for 2 minutes then add mushroom, fresh corn kernels and broccolini...
~

Let them cook away for 2 minutes then add 1/2 cup water and put the lid on to steam them.
Then I removed them from the wok and browned off 500gms chicken breast...
~

Yum, it's looking good!
~

This sachet had no artificial colouring or preservatives and I was in a hurry (really, soy sauce, ginger, garlic and a bit of honey and lime would do the trick too). Pour in the sauce and combine.
I used rice noodles so throw them in too...
~

Ta dah! Dinner in under 30 minutes.
~
What's happening in your part of the world?
Cheers - Joolz

2012-01-16T19:46:00.003+10:30

My niece gave birth to a beautiful baby boy on Thursday.

Brax Thomas, 6lb 12oz

They are home from hospital today - this is Brax with his proud Dad, burping him.

He is such a cute little fella!

Proud second cousin Bri having a cuddle.

(This is my prawn and fish cakes, salad and potato bake - Thursday night dinner)

Well, I had a lovely time in Adelaide last week. We saw A Chorus Line then dined out at an Indian restaurant - Hazara India Singapore Bistro on the Parade, Norwood. Delicious food!

(my San Choi Bau)

The flat...

We dined at Concubine on Saturday night - the chilli Barramundi...

We dined at Fish at the Marina Pier, Glenelg for Saturday lunch with friends... I had 6 oysters Kilpatrick then grilled King George Whiting, salad and wedges.

We dined at Mesa Lunga on Friday night... this is Kirby's Churros with chocolate dipping sauce...

Brianna and I had Lemon Citrus tart with blueberries and meringue...

Mini hamburgers were amongst the mains that we ate...

Sangria's...

It was a busy time, lots of good food and catching up with friends with a bit of shopping thrown in...

Cheers - Joolz

Six days in the city...

2012-01-16T14:42:00.002+10:30

I promise I will have a blog post done by this evening! Just can't quite fit in loading up the pictures. We did lots and while we were away, my niece gave birth to a dear little baby boy - his name is Brax! I am going for a visit tonight so I will get some good photos of him. Stay tuned!

Joolz

A Chorus Line

2012-01-10T10:00:00.002+10:30

I am off to see this spectacular production tonight! One of the lead actors comes from our town - Euan Doidge - so it will be great to see him perform.
~

My quick review: ACL provides a glimpse into the lives of 17 dancers, vying for 8 spots in the chorus line. Each character has a story to tell so we go through the motions of that. I was quite surprised and disappointed at the language (the F-bomb way too many times, tits and ass, rape etc) especially seeing there were many young children in the audience (you could tell there were lots of budding dancers there). Obviously that was in the original script but I think many would think twice about letting an 8 year old see the performance again. Maybe I'm just getting old...

Anyway, all in all, a polished performance and Euan did a fine job, he sang brilliantly in his solo.

Cheers - Joolz

Early rising and baking bread and quiches...

2012-01-08T14:56:00.007+10:30

We've had lovely weather all week but this morning we had a real heavy shower of rain and high winds. I was up at 6am, not being able to sleep any longer because of the stupid corellas that sit in our gum trees squawking! They drive us insane! I love this time of morning though, a quiet cuppa, read the paper or a magazine, tidy up, turn on the computer...
~

I've decided to give green tea a go. I've had 2 cups so far today, the second one I added a tiny squirt of honey and that was much nicer.
~

Tina from A Quiet Home posted a bread tutorial so I thought I would give it a go. I couldn't get 'bread' flour today so I just used plain flour. I got out my trusty new Breville mixer, added the flour, oil and salt...

I mixed up the warm water, sugar and yeast and let it bubble up...
~

The mixer (using the dough hook) did a great job making the dough - I let it go for about 5 minutes before turning the dough out onto my bench. I didn't even use flour, it just came together and wasn't sticky at all. I kneaded it by hand for about 6 minutes before putting it in a floured loaf tin to rise. I had turned my oven on then turned it off and sat the bread, covered, on the open door where it was nice and warm.
~

It rose nicely before I put it into a 200C oven for 15 minutes, then turned it and baked a further 15 minutes.
~

When I turned it out, I tapped the bottom of the loaf and it felt hollow so it was done.
~

I am quite pleased with the texture - I will try it with some proper bread flour soon. Visit Tina's blog, she is a beautiful peaceful Scottish soul.
~

Next on the baking agenda were some mini quiches...
~

I use bought short crust pastry and for the filling: 6 eggs, 1 cup+ grated cheese, finely diced bacon, capsicum and onion, sweet corn, sprinkle of dried parsley, 1 teaspoon chicken stock powder, cracked pepper and pinch of salt. Mix all together then spoon into cases.
~

Most of these will go frozen to Kirby for quick lunches and dinners. Nice with a bit of salad.
~

I will leave you with last nights sunset - I missed the best bit by about 10 minutes I think. It was nearly dark when I took this.
~
Hope you've had a nice weekend, it's been fairly lazy for me but that's how I like it.
Cheers - Joolz

Slow day...

2012-01-07T11:01:00.006+10:30

This is how I am feeling today. Can't be bothered doing much so hopefully I will just potter around - there's washing to be done, still some Christmas to put away and maybe some baking for Kirby. We were supposed to go camping in Ruby to the beach but we had rain this morning and that isn't fun for camping. It's quite warm outside but dull and overcast.
~

I am quite proud of how I have kept my linen cupboard de-cluttered. This pic was taken on
Jan 2, 2011 after I had a really good clean up.
~

Twelve months later (Jan 4, 2012) and it is still in pretty good order. I reckon I could spend 15 minutes and have it de-cluttered again. I don't know why, but I collect empty boxes that things come in. I never use them, I just store them! Weird!
~

Thursday night I made a delicious beef lasagne. It was from the Readers Digest site and claimed it was the 'healthiest ever lasagne'. I wouldn't go that far but it was good and certainly not too fat laden.
~

Healthy Lasagne
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 cloves garlic, crushed
350gms lean minced beef
150gms button mushrooms, chopped
300mls salt reduced beef stock
150 mls red wine
400gm can diced tomatoes
2 teaspoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon dried oregano or mixed herbs
1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley
Instant lasagne sheets
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese (I used a bit more)
crack of salt and pepper
.
White sauce - 1/4 cup cornflour
600mls low fat milk
pinch grated nutmeg

~
Saute onion in oil for 5 minutes, add carrots, celery and garlic and cook, stirring, for further 5 minutes until onion softens and begins to colour.
~

Turn up heat and add in beef mince, browning it and breaking up lumps with wooden spoon. Add in mushrooms and cook for one minute.
~

Add in the stock, wine, tomatoes and tomato paste and dried herbs and stir together. Bring to the boil, cover and simmer on low heat for 45 minutes.
~
Put all ingredients for white sauce in small saucepan and stir on low heat until it thickens. Cook off for 2 minutes.
~

Spoon a small amount of sauce into a lasagne dish, top with lasagne sheets then add more sauce, a little grated cheese and some white sauce, top with lasagne sheet and repeat until the top layer has meat sauce, white sauce and cheese. Sprinkle with cheese.
~

This really was delicious as the red wine gives it a rich flavour. We served ours with a tossed salad.
~
We had beef curry last night which I featured here . It was just as good - a real no fail recipe. I packaged up the leftovers for Kirby and froze them.

~
Catchya later - Joolz

Juicing...

2012-01-04T08:48:00.005+10:30

I got out my juicer and made my veggie/fruit juice this morning...
(Raw beetroot, carrot, celery, apple & orange)

This is it before I stirred it... pretty, isn't it?
~

A glass full of goodness!
~
We had a chicken Caesar Salad for dinner last night (sorry no pics) and I used Praise 99% fat Free Caesar dressing and it was delicious. I chopped up baby cos lettuce leaves, browned off some lean bacon then my chicken tenderloin pieces and let them cool off. Once cooled/cold, sprinkle the lettuce with bacon pieces and chicken, add the dressing (I don't like to use too much) then sprinkle in some croutons (I buy mine but you can make them too). Finely grate some parmesan cheese over it all and give it a good toss. I find you only need about 2 tablespoons of the cheese and that is not a lot, weight wise. Enjoy!
~
It was a little bit ironic as I had just bought the January copy of Australian Healthy Food Guide and it suggested swapping the normal dressing for reduced fat version. I did that before reading it! This edition is packed full of good swapping ideas so I will share a few over the coming days.
~
Angus & I are walking each morning (40 minutes) and I am really enjoying it. He makes me accountable for going.
~
HEALTHY SWAPS
.
Instead of feeling hungry after only having a piece of fruit for breakfast because you are trying to be good - Add extra fibre and protein by adding a handful of muesli, a tablespoon of LSA (ground linseed, sunflower and almond) and a good dollop of low fat yoghurt to a bowl of fruit salad (chop it up the night before).
.
Instead of getting a pie from the bakery - Make extra dinner and pack it so you have healthy left overs for lunch the next day.
.
Instead of pouring sauce or dressing like it's going out of style - Use a tablespoon or a pump bottle to spray a small amount over your meal.
.
Instead of choosing juice, cordial or soft drink throughout the day - try to choose WATER first. Add some fresh lemon or lime juice or a few sprigs of mint for flavour.

.
Instead of having icecream or custard for dessert - opt for low fat versions. Individual serve packs will reduce the likihood of over doing it. Make a low fat fruit crumble with apples and berries.
~
As you can see, I am back into it! I didn't over-eat over the Christmas/New Year break but I did eat a little too much of my favourite thing - CHEESE! I have it out of my system now and will not be buying any delicious, scrumptious, mouthwatering vintage cheddar (Cracker Barrell!).
~
Cheers - Joolz

Back to the grind...

2012-01-03T09:41:00.004+10:30

We survived the horrible heat of yesterday although our lawns are looking a bit crunchy! We just holed up inside all day with air-con and fans on. I did lots of washing as it dried within half an hour! Kirby had to leave for Adelaide at 3pm so she had a fairly hot trip and her unit was like a furnace she said. Lucky she has air-con too.
~
I did a bit more tidying yesterday and this morning. Picking up and putting away - the story of my life! The Christmas tree didn't get put away yesterday so will have to try and get it sorted this afternoon. I have to work so had better get going otherwise it will be lunchtime and I will still be here! Lol!
~
I hope to get a physio appointment for my back and shoulder - each morning when Gus and I go walking, he has had to put on my socks and lace my shoes because I just can't bend without having a spasm! Once I walk, I am better but still sore, if I sit for too long. My shoulder also is giving me curry, not aching, just grabbing me with a pain like a red-hot poker if I move the wrong way. Grrr! Hopefully the physio will be able to relieve it or suggest some exercises.
~
Have a lovely day, won't you?
Cheers - Joolz

New Years Day at No. 2 Rocks...

2012-01-02T08:00:00.009+10:30

Off we go, over the dunes to our favourite beach spot...
~

We set up and made sure we had lots of shade...
~

Entree - prawns sprinkled with Harissa spice...
~

Risoni salad - boil 1 cup risoni until al dente then drain, rinse and cool, add diced lebanese cucumber, small can of corn kernels, diced capsicum and diced red onion. Add about 1/4 - 1/2 cup of Balsamic Fat Free salad dressing (I use Praise) and a good crack of salt and pepper. Delicious and good for you, too!
~

Lunch... barbecue steak, sausages and salads...
~

Brianna with chocolate cake on her teeth... funny!
~

Bri and her friend, Robert.
~

I can't believe how we fluke such perfect days when we come to this beach!
~

Starfish in the rock pool...
~

Our intrepid diving buddy plucked 2 abalone from the sea...
~

Our camp with lots of shade...
~

Ruby...
~

Petanque...
~

Mucking around in the water... 'blue steel' poses...
~

Our token palm tree...
~

Seagulls...
~

The beautiful people...
~

Time for home...
~

The sun sets over the dunes on a perfect day...
~

Our designated driver for this evening...
(we got home at 945pm!)
~
Cheers - Joolz

Happy New Year 2012

2012-01-01T01:54:00.000+10:30

Last day of the year 2011...

2011-12-31T14:06:00.009+10:30

Last night we entertained Angus' Mum and Auntie Barbara with a pizza party. We cooked the pizzas in the weber with a pizza stone.

~
I used Pioneer Woman's Pizza Crust recipe - it made a nice silky dough (allow about 1 hour for it to rise)

Pizza Crust
4 cups Plain flour
1 tspn salt
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon dried yeast
1.5 cups warm water

~
Pour warm water into a small bowl, sprinkle the yeast over the water, stir gently.
2. Add flour to electric mixer with dough hook, then on low speed , drizzle oil ntil just incorporated. Drizzle in the yeast water and mix until a ball of dough forms. Turn onto floured bench top, gently knead into a nice ball. Spray a bowl with spray oil then dump in the dough ball and let rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours.
~
This quantity made 2 pizzas - when rolled out the base will look quite thin but it rises nicely and makes a good crust.
~

Potato, rosemary and caramelised onion relish...
~

Satay sauce, fresh chicken, red onion, snow peas, mushrooms, bocconcini cheese(baby mozzarella) ...
~

... once cooked, dollop with sour cream and sprinkle with fresh rocket...
~

This is my new pride and joy - I made the dough in this and it was so quick and easy.
~

Margherita - tomato paste, fresh tomato, bocconcini cheese, fresh basil and pizza cheese.

Other naughty things to come out of the kitchen - last Tuesday Kirby made Pioneer Woman's Olive Cheese Bread - so sinfully delicious that I have banished her from ever making it again! I am going to burn that book!
~

~
Last Tuesday we went to the beach so I knocked up this chocolate cake - it is Dana's Cup Cake recipe and can be found here... just scroll down her page a bit. I make it in a lamington tin and it is honestly the best chocolate cake ever! I use Nestle Baking Cocoa (in the red tin) and this makes it really rich and chocolatey!
~

This is a pic of the books I received for Christmas - the curries and cupcake ones were in the hampers and the Australia Women's Weekly Classic Country Recipes was given to me by Kirby and Brianna. It is a lovely book and would make a nice gift for overseas friends.
Finally, after I got everything packed away from Christmas, there was this small lap quilt left over. After a bit of detective work, I found out it was my mothers. She had covered a basket with goodies with it when she came over. She made it several years ago when she went to a craft group - it's a double wedding ring pattern. Anyhoo, she said I could have it! Score!
~
What are you up to for New Years Eve? Both our girls are off to different venues and we... are staying put! Gus is cooking lamb curry for dinner and I think we will have an early night.
See you next year!
~

Cheers - Joolz

Christmas Day 2011 - Part 2

2011-12-29T08:53:00.009+10:30

After our epic Christmas lunch, we headed around to Angus' Mum's house for Part 2. Look at all the presents waiting for us! Angus' sister Fiona suggested we give a hamper of goodies to the value of $50 for each couple.
~

This is Angus, his mum Margaret, brother Duncan, b-i-l Stephen and Auntie Barbara.
~

Opening our pressies!
~

My sister-in-laws - Fiona, Mandy & me.
~

More food! We had oysters, crayfish, salads, Wagyu rump steaks, cheese cake and Pavlova!
~

I think this summed up how we all felt by the end of the evening!
~

This was Duncan & Mandy's hamper to us - a pizza stone, jars of goodies to go on the pizza, flour for the dough, a water bottle with blingy stopper, blingy serviette rings, paper napkins, 6 drinking glasses and 2 tea towels.
~

This hamper was from Fiona & Steve - 2 recipe books (Curries & Cupcakes), hot chocolate mug & mix, Margarita mix, mortar & pestle, spices, oils, hot sauces, quince paste, onion relish, dip sachets, hot spice marinade for pork spare ribs!
~
Angus' Mum gave us a large roasting pan, Lindt chocolates, an apron and candle for me and 2 white serving plates for Angus to use in his culinary pursuits!
~
In my rush, I forgot to take pictures of my hampers for them - mine included mini recipe books, home made jam, pickles, tomato sauce, mint jelly and relish (bought from our local farmers market), 2 different spice rubs that I made up for putting on steaks, a chocolate pudding, shortbread biscuits, chocolates, BBQ tongs, fork and slide, pot holder, jar of M&M cookies mix that I made up and probably something else that I can't remember. They loved it like I loved theirs.
~
That's Christmas over and done. Now we move onto New Year 2012 - I don't think we are up to much and will probably just stay home that evening. Kirby is coming home for the weekend so we might spend it with her if she doesn't have a better offer (lol)! Bri is off with friends to the beach. NY Day we will go to the beach, it's meant to be hot (36C) so should be a lovely day for it. Monday will be spent putting the Christmas decorations and tree away for another year then the house will be back to normal.
~
Blessings to you all for a safe, healthy and happy New Year!
Cheers Joolz

Sisters presents - Wood theme

2011-12-27T19:42:00.007+10:30

Okay, so the theme this year was wood and on a $15 budget... I spied these salad servers (bamboo is wood, right?) and thought they needed a salad to go with them.... so I made a paper tossed salad in a 'disposable' salad bowl.
~

Yes, I know - I'm weird! But it was better than just wrapping salad servers up...
~

Four salads for four sisters...
~
From Marilyn I received this rustic wooden tray, ideal for storing garden tools (secateurs, gloves, trimmers or any other odds and ends actually), some potpouri and a wooden sign...
~

From Janine, I received this jarrah tea box with tea bags - my kitchen is jarrah so it matches beautifully.
~

From Sue, I received this plaque with a cute saying...
~
From my sister, Leanne, I received this amazing outdoor wall hanging...
~

Anyone living in Australia, knows all about 'outback dunnies' (outhouses) and windmills are part of our country landscape, so too are crooked, falling down fence lines.
~
My dear brother-in-law, Snow, fashioned these works of art, with the help of Leanne, creating a rustic treasure. He got handy with the tin snips and she burned the wood for the fences etc. then they pieced them together.
~

(Janine's)
Each of us received a slightly different scene, this one has a corrugated iron tank, another Australian icon (found in many back yards and farms) ...
~

(Marilyn's)
This one had a drover sitting by the campfire under a starry sky with his trusty horse... how good are they??
~

(Sue's)
Looks like the poor old dunny door is about to fall off in this one...
~
It's Marilyn's turn to pick a theme for next year and this was attached to our presents - Metal... hmmmmm, better put on the thinking cap and keep an eye out!
~
What do you think of these pressies, good eh?
~
Cheers - Joolz

Christmas Day 2011- Part 1

2011-12-27T07:33:00.006+10:30

Lots of goodies under the tree...
~

For the first time, in a long time, the girls weren't up so early! Finally, we got to open our presents... I got spoilt with a Breville Scraper Mixer Pro (plus bonus icecream attachment), YSL Yvres perfume, WW Country Classics cook book, a brunch coat and nightie and a Michael Buble Christmas CD which got played to death all Christmas Day and night! Lol!
~

Everyone started arriving at 11.30am...
~

Brianna with Nana B!
~

Thank goodness we had the bain marie to keep food hot...
~

We had roast turkey, 2 muscovy ducks, roast pork, chicken and a glazed ham (which I forgot to take a pic of), new potatoes, potato bakes, roast pumpkin, honey sesame carrots, beans with bacon and peas and gravy and cauliflower/broccoli cheese bake. For dessert we had the pudding, pavlova and Kirby made a chocolate ripple cake too!
~

My beautiful girls!
~

(my sister Janine (top right) with her son Heath and her two daughters-in-law, Toni (top left) and Leica)
Judging by the loaded plates, the food was good!
~

(Kirby, Rylee & Nana B)
~

Table decorations - I barely got time to do the tables before everyone arrived. It was so windy under the pergola that the cloths would have blown off if done earlier.
~

Mum's pudding - it stuck to the basin a bit but it was still as good as ever, served with cream and custard.
~

With so many, it's had to get everyone seated at once.
~

The kids had a Limbo game and this kept them busy for quite a while... I think Tayla and
Sapphire were the champions...
~

and then, from around the corner of the house... Santa arrived!
~

... carrying a sack of lollies and ringing his bell!
~
~

He's a bit scary looking, isn't he?
~

This is the crowd of us - 40 in all...
~

Santa wanted a cuddle from this lady!
~
Here are 14 of Nana's 17 great-grandchildren...(there are two more on the way!)
~
I'd like to thank all my family for helping make the day such a success, for bringing lots of yummy food and all coming together and then helping clean up afterwards. It was a big day!
~
Cheers - Joolz

Twas the night before Christmas....

2011-12-24T23:45:00.003+10:30

It is Christmas Eve and I have had an enormous day, preparing for my family Christmas lunch tomorrow. Everything is set with not too much to do in the morning - mainly last minute tidying etc. before the crowd arrives and final decorations to be added to the pergola area. Kirby patiently hung all these baubles today (in the heat too!). In the morning we will set the tables with Christmas cloths and add tinsel and some decorations and crackers and trim the lovely fresh pine tree that we have - funnily, attached to my rotary clothes line and hiding it beautifully! More pics later.
~
To all my dear bloggy friends, here in Australia and over the water, around the world - do have a Merry CHRISTmas!
~
I heard this quote last year when the Today show was interviewing children about Christmas . One little boy, very innocently said:

"Christmas is the love in the room, when you stop opening your presents....
and listen."
~
Merry CHRISTmas to you all - Joolz & family

Finally getting organised...

2011-12-22T08:24:00.004+10:30

I made these Cheats Mini Christmas Puddings and some other yummy stuff on the weekend. These were so easy - they are from The Organised Housewife ...
~

I made Florentines which are easy too...
~

I made Shortbread, dusted with caster sugar and you can also see a batch of Cherry shortbreads too. All wrapped up ready to gift to friends and family.
~
Not too many sleeps now. I think we are pretty organised for our family lunch on Christmas Day. We have a boned out, stuffed 4kg turkey and half a leg of ham which we will glaze and bake (Cranberry, Dijon mustard and Balsamic Vinegar). I have given each family a food task to bring so it should all come together on the day - roast pork, chickens, more turkey, vegetable bakes etc. We have never starved before so I am sure this year will be no different.
~
Have I told you how lucky I feel to have my family all together at Christmas. It is really cool because we have my Mum, 4 sisters, brothers-in-law, neices & nephews (aged 18 to 37 years old), great-neices and nephews (aged 2-10 years old) and 2 babies waiting to be born in the New Year! There will be a crowd of us and the weather is expected to be about 32C - I just hope it isn't humid.

~
Brianna got her school results yesterday and while a little disappointed, she got a good result and this will get her into Nursing next year with no problems. We went shopping yesterday afternoon and I think we are all done now so I can tick that off my list too!
~
My garden is looking quite good out the back, considering the neglect it has had over the past few months. Amazing what a good weeding and trimming back can do. I have planted some 'pots of colour' petunias in the bare spots (probs should have done that a month ago) but they will fill out. The pergola will get a hosing out tonight, we have de-cobwebbed and the windows just need a quick clean then we are set! Kirby comes home on Friday - she is excited to catch up with all the family. Phew, can't wait for Sunday now!
~
Cheers - Joolz

Reindeer Poop & Noses...

2011-12-17T10:52:00.004+10:30

These are good fun to make - I will be delivering these to my great-nieces & nephews under the cover of darkness in the lead up to Christmas...
~
The verse reads:
I woke up with such a scare when I heard Santa call...
"Now dash away, dash away, dash away all!"
I ran to the lawn, and in the snowy white drifts,
Those nasty reindeer had left 'little gifts'.
~
I got an old shovel and started to scoop
Neat little piles of 'reindeer poop'.
But to throw them away seemed such a waste,
So I saved them, thinking you might like a taste!
~
As I finished my task, which took quite a while,
Old Santa passed by and he sheepishly smiled.
And I heard him exclaim as he rose to the sky,
"Well, they're not potty trained, but at least they can fly!"
~

Aren't these cute?
~
Joolz

Our Sister Christmas...

2011-12-16T19:09:00.007+10:30

For several years now, my 4 sisters and I have been
exchanging inexpensive gifts with a theme.

.
So far we have had ...
Paper in 2007

I made each of my sisters a wall hanging, made out of scrapbook paper with embellishments...
~

These are the gifts I received - decoupaged box, paper decoupaged tissue box, scrapped paper blocks with our photos on them and a Sisters book (with lots of childhood pictures stuck in it).

Material in 2008
.
Round & Shiny in 2009
.
Garden in 2010
.
then last Christmas I chose...
A Sisters Recipe Book
.
Well that just didn't happen! Too hard!
.
So, I a few months back I thought of a new theme...
and I text them with this ...
.
Hey, Sisters! Christmas time is here again -
I wracked my brain and got a pain
from trying to think of a theme!
So I had a good think,
like I knew I should and came up with the theme of
WOOD.
For inside, outside, kitchen or dunny -
make it serious or make it funny!
Pick a gift that's made of wood,
spend no more that $15 - that would be good!
~
Now what will my present to them be???
~
Hmmm... a wooden leg?
~
Wooden bowl...
~Wooden Spoon?
~
Wooden chopping board?
~
Toothpicks?
~

Wooden box?
~
Who knows - that's the fun of a themed gift!
~
Cheers - Joolz

Cheers - Joolz

Reindeer Food...

2011-12-15T16:57:00.004+10:30

I love this idea for little kids! I am fresh out of little kids at my house but I do have some great-neices and nephews who will get a surprise when I drop a bag of this Reindeer Food on their doorsteps tonight (under the cover of darkness).
~
The idea comes from Katrina at The Organised Housewife...
her blog is awesome and full of good tips and hints and giveaways...
~

It was so easy - print off the downloadable bag toppers from the blog site (I used A4 photo paper for a professional look), bag up some rolled oats and glitter (or you could use green or red jelly crystals or coloured sugar). Staple the bag toppers on and voila! Reindeer Food!
~
I sorted out our Christmas menu today so that's another thing to tick off. Now to wrap my 4 sister's wooden presents!
~
Cheers - Joolz

The Christmas build up...

2011-12-13T20:53:00.002+10:30

Do you put a wreath up at your door each Christmas? This is a new one I bought at the cheap shop ($7.95) then I added the red berries $2.95 and the jingly bells in the centre $3.95.
~
It's time to think of Christmas lunch preparations so we all know what to do on the day. We are having hot lunch so I have a bain marie organised to keep our food hot. Must get to and work out what everyone needs to do...
~

This is the Shepherds Pie I made last night for dinner. Instead of topping it with mashed potato, I made a puree of cauliflower (with milk and margarine, salt & pepper added) then topped it with a little cheese. It was delicious and carb free!
~

I thought I had better test that "Cookies in a Jar" recipe so I made a batch this afternoon. I added an extra 1/4 cup of flour as the mix was a bit sloppy. The turned out perfectly and I couldn't resist trying one. Deeeelicious! Crunchy, oaty, fruity and chocolatey! I plan on removing them from my house tomorrow!
~
Cheers - Joolz

Christmas baking...

2011-12-11T17:41:00.003+10:30

I made up this "Cookies in a Jar" mix in about 5 minutes and even printed off the label and recipe too. This would make a great 'teacher' present for kids to give their favourite teacher.
The recipe is from Taste.com here. I have several 200gm Moccona coffee jars and they are the ideal size and have a glass stopper lid which seals really well.
~

Kirby has a few Kris Kringle gifts to give so I made some Cherry Shortbreads (adding green cherry for the holly leaves)...
~

and Candy Cane Choc Cookies from The Pioneer Woman - how good do they look?
~

Crunchy chocolate biscuits, white chocolate and crushed candy canes. Very easy and so effective.
~
These are all bagged up to go to Adelaide tomorrow for her. I am sure they will be enjoyed.
~
Cheers - Joolz

Life can change in a split second...

2011-12-09T10:22:00.004+10:30

The woman who has been taking our Spruce Up
For Life fitness program over the past 7 weeks is dealing with her worst nightmare.
On Sunday past, her husband had a motor bike accident (trail bike I believe) and has
fractured his neck and back (2 places) and has facial injuries. He is recovering in a hospital 400 kms away and will need months of healing and rehabilitation. Fortunately, there appears to be no spinal damage from the fractures but only time and strength will heal him. Sheryl has been by his side since then but has had to leave her two small boys at home with her parents. She is heartbroken to be away from her boys and they surely must be wondering where Mum and Dad are.
~
Sheryl has been an absolute inspiration while leading us in our fitness campaign. I have only really got to know her in these past few weeks. What a bundle of energy!
This woman just does not stop - even when she had a horrible cold and sore throat, she still took the exercise class and she always has words of encouragement and a sunny smile. I know she will be a tower of strength for her husband but I can't help feeling she must be crumbling inside.
~
Living in a small community, the family will be well supported and it is evident on Sheryl's Facebook page that there is plenty of love, support and comfort coming their way. It just sucks that it has happened at this time of year or indeed, happened at all. They don't deserve this.
~
If you are inclined to pray, send one their way - to Sheryl, Dan, Toby & Evan - for continued healing in the months ahead.
~
Added Dec. 11th - X-rays have come back clear so just lots of rehab to get him back on his feet again.
Thanks - Joolz

Asian Oven Baked Risotto...

2011-12-08T07:54:00.006+10:30

OVEN BAKED RISOTTO
.
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sweet chilli sauce
1 tablespoon barbecue sauce
10g Flora light margarine (I used 2 tspns)
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon crushed garlic
200gms Arborio rice
1/2 cup red capsicum, diced
1 small zucchini, diced
1/2 cup corn kernels (you could add peas or green beans too)
1 carrot, grated or fine diced
1 small onion
1-2 cups mushrooms, chopped small
1 stock cube, dissolved in
2 cups boiling water
.
Method: Chuck (Aussie slang for 'throw') everything listed into a large ovenproof casserole dish. Cover with a lid and bake in a hot oven (200C) for 35 minutes or until rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir.
~

After 35 minutes, I added a cup of chopped cooked chicken (I had a cold chook in the fridge) and added 1/4 cup water, gave it a stir and cooked a further 10 minutes.
~

Here it is, a delicious risotto with no stirring - just bake and forget - oh, and there's basically no fat in there either!
~
Cheers - Joolz

"The Serendipity Cafe's Online Biccie/Cookie Exchange"

2011-12-07T16:55:00.002+10:30

Kimmie at The Serendipity Cafe is having an online biscuit/cookie exchange so pop on over and view her comments for other links to yummy recipes! Good one, Kimmie!
.
CHERRY SHORTBREADS
.
180 gms butter, softened (please don't use margarine)
1/3 cup icing sugar
1 tspn vanilla
1/3 cup cornflour
1 cup plain flour + a bit
100 gms glace cherries, halved
~
Cream butter, vanilla & icing sugar together until pale and creamy, using electric beaters. Stir in both flours to make a soft dough. Add a touch extra flour if you need. I place my dough in a piping bag and pipe the biscuits onto a lined tray. You could also roll them into balls then squash flat with a fork or similar. Add a cherry to the centre and bake for approx. 12-15 minutes until just golden. Watch that they don't brown too much.
~
This is a recipe I came upon a few years back and it is a never fail recipe and a favourite in our house. Try stopping at one! I hope you enjoy them- Joolz

Hand Dance - Something to make you smile...

2011-12-07T09:26:00.002+10:30

I have days where tapping my fingers on the desk is enough for my brain...

It's up...

2011-12-05T06:24:00.003+10:30

I got our tree up yesterday - it took about 4 hours! I have so many ornaments and yet, this year, I kept thinking there should have been more. I see bare branches when I look at it. Anyway, that's how it is for this year.
~
Things to do this week...
- post Christmas cards out (I don't do many, maybe 10)
- finish off my 4 sister's gifts - this year I chose the theme 'wood'.
- finish off 2 gournet barbecue hampers I have been making up for my S-i-L and B-in-Law
- attend end of year dance concert for Bri's friend, Maddy
- attend our work Christmas show (bus trip and dinner at a Steak House)
- today I have a final weigh in and assessment with Sheryl for the Spruce Up For Life program that has been running since October 17th.
~
That should keep me busy! Enjoy your week - we had a windy weekend here but it seems calm and sunny out there this morning, hope it continues for the rest of the week!
~
Cheers - Joolz

Weekly roundup...

2011-12-02T07:44:00.009+10:30

Before we went away in Ruby last weekend, I did some baking for Brianna. She spent a few days away with some school friends as her 'Schoolies Celebration'. I made Weekender Biscuits which have cornflakes and choc chips inside.
~

For Kirby, I made 3 lasagnes for her freezer. This weekend when Gus goes back up to the city I will send Chicken Chow Mein pasties with him. These make easy dinner meals for her after a 'hard days work'.
~

Our monthly farmers market was on last Saturday and I came across a lady making these Christmas decorations. It is made from flowers folded using scrapbooking paper, just held together by paper clips. The ball is made up of ten flowers. It is a real work of art!
~

Yummy dinner last night - fresh crumbed flat head fillets, oven baked potato slices and salad.
~

Whilst in Adelaide, Brianna spied a Dutch Pancake maker (they are called Poffertjes) in KMart for $12. She googled a recipe and it is really good.
~

Poffertjes

1 cup plain flour, sifted
1.25 teaspoons baking powder
1 tablespoon caster sugar
pinch of salt
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup water
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 teasoon vanilla
.
Whip all together then let stand for 10 minutes before spooning into the poffertje maker (or fry pan, sprayed with oil)
~

Wednesday night after we got home from Adelaide (4 hour drive) I made myself a little Weight Watchers Tuna Mornay. I was going to have a Lean Cuisine meal and looked at the Tuna Bake one then thought - I can make one myself and it will be much tastier... and it was!
.
Tuna Mornay
1 tablespoon Flora light margarine
2 tablespoons plain flour
Skim milk (I use Pura Tone with has nearly zero fat)
180 gm can Tuna in springwater, drained
125 gm can corn kernels
1/2 broccoli florets
1/2 cup green beans or peas
1/2 sachet of Continental Chicken Noodle Cup-O-soup (or 1/2 teaspoon chicken stock)
sprinkle of dried parsley
salt and pepper to your taste
1/2 cup grated tasty cheddar cheese
bread crumbs to top
.
Make a white sauce by melting margarine in a saucepan, add flour and cook off for a minute. Slowly add in enough milk and keep stirring quickly to get rid of any lumps. Keep adding milk until the sauce thickens nicely (probably more than 1 cup). Add in chicken noodle soup, half of the cheese, salt and pepper and parsley. Then add tuna, corn and other vegetables. Once it has thickened up well, pour into a small casserole dish - remember this is only a one person mornay.
Top with remaining half of cheese and sprinkle with bread crumbs. Bake for about 20 minutes until bubbling.
.
I served it with some spiral pasta and ate half for dinner and then half the next day for lunch. It was yummy and much nicer than a pre-packaged meal.
~

Thank you for all your Birthday wishes to Kirby - we went out to a lovely restaurant in Adelaide for her 21st. We gave her a Tiffany & Co silver bracelet which she loved. Because she has just started her new job she couldn't get home for her birthday so she will catch up with family and friends when she comes home for a few days over Christmas.
~
I will post about my weight loss in my next post.

Cheers - Joolz

Happy Birthday!

2011-11-29T08:02:00.004+10:30

21 years ago at 8.32 am, I gave birth to a little girl - today she turns 21! Wishing Kirby all the love and happiness in the world, today and always.

Love Mum & Dad

Beach camping in Ruby...

2011-11-27T15:08:00.006+10:30

We were empty nesters this weekend so we decided to take Ruby to the beach and camp over night. Over the dunes we go...
~

While the weather was overcast when we left town, it was nice and clear when we got to the beach...
~

This is one of our favourite spots for a beach barbecue but this time we would stay over night.
~

Hmmm, the skies are starting to look threatening...
~

The tide was way out and it was fun to explore the rock pools which were covered in a green seaweed that looked like lettuce...
~

This little crab was the only bit of wild life I saw...
~

More dark clouds and the wind started to pick up... we could be in for a rough night!
~

These are sea anemones and as a kid I used to love gently poking a stick into these creatures. They close up and squirt water!
~

Seaweed salad...
~

and my salad - much more palatable!
~

Gus got the fire going but the wind was against us (that and the wood we bought with us was so hard to get going). We cooked an entree of sausages but by the time Gus went to cook the chops it had started to drizzle...
~

So we resorted to the little gas cooker and pan fried the chops and potatoes.
~

We snugged up inside Ruby's tent and ate dinner and talked the evening away.
We bought new Swag Bags for our bedding. They are so much better than having to make up a bed with sheets and doona up there - I nearly blow a valve trying to get everything tucked in!! Two zip together so you have one big pouch and they have cosy flannelette inside. Needless to say, we slept like logs, even with the tent flapping in the wind!
~

Brekky this morning was toast on the grill...
~

scrambled eggs and bacon for Gus...
~

and eggs and bacon for me (a treat!)...
~

More toast and a cup of coffee made from water boiled in the billy...
~

We were all packed up by 10.30am and left only our footprints. We will be back again soon!
~
Cheers - Joolz

Making the Christmas Pudding with Mum...

2011-11-26T10:46:00.006+10:30

All the dry ingredients...
~
With such a lot of ingredients to mix up, Mum needs a hand to get it all together so I helped out this morning. This is a recipe that is on the back of the Tandaco Suet Mix packet and is the one Mum has made for more than 50 years. Mum usually adds the brandy to the fruit and lets it soak for a few days before making the pud, which is usually about a month before Christmas.
.
Traditional Christmas Pudding
1 pkt 250gms Tandaco Suet Mix
1/2 cup plain flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2.5 teaspoons mixed spice
1/2 teaspoon ginger
4 cups mixed dried fruit
1/3 cup mixed peel (we omit this as there is peel in the mixed fruit - you could add
some more glace cherries)
1/2 cup chopped almonds
1.5 cups brown sugar
2 cups fresh breadcrumbs
4 eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 cup brandy (we used 1/2 cup!)
1/2 teaspoon bi-carb soda
1/4 cup boiling water
.
Combine all dry ingredients, except carb soda and including the fruit, in a large bowl. Add eggs and then the carb soda dissolved in the boiling water. Mix thoroughly until combined.
.
Spoon into a lightly greased 2 litre pudding steamer. Cover securely with lightly greased, pleated greaseproof paper and a tight fitting lid.
.
Immerse in a pan of boiling water. Ensure water comes half way up the sides of the steamer. Steam for 5 hours. Be careful not to let it boil dry.
.
Remove from water and refrigerate until needed. Serve with brandy custard and cream.
(If, and it is not likely, there is any left over - it freezed really well (wrap in foil). Microwave to re-heat and enjoy some in the New Year - Yum!
~Mixed fruit, cherries, almonds and peel are soaked for days in brandy and is nice and plumped up ...
~

All combined...
~

Add in the eggs and boiling water and carb soda...
~

Press the mixture into the pudding basin - Mum has used this one for every Christmas pudding I can remember..
~

Press down 2 layers of baking paper to keep moisture off the pudding while it is steaming...
~

Now cover the basin with a layer of baking paper and tie off with string. We also put a layer of foil over the paper just to make it water proof....
~

The the basin gets put into a stock pot of boiling water then is simmered for 5 hours (keeping the water level about half way up the basin)...
~

This is how nice and dark the pudding turns out (picture taken of Mum & my niece, Christmas 2009) - serve with brandy custard and cream (and I sprinkle mine with a bit of sugar.. wink, wink!)

~
Now I am off for another adventure in Ruby - I think we are going to the beach and will sleep nestled in the dunes somewhere. Piccies later!
~
Cheers - Joolz

More school daze....

2011-11-25T08:40:00.007+10:30

Kirby - Kindergarten ~ 1995

Reception ~ 1996
.

Year 1 ~ 1997
.

Year 2 ~ 1998
.

Year 3 ~ 1999
.

Year 4 ~ 2000
.

Year 5 ~ 2001
.

Year 6 ~ 2002
.

Year 7 ~ 2003
.

Year 8 ~ 2004
.

Year 9 ~ 2005
.

Year 10 ~ 2006
.

Year 11 ~ 2007
.Year 12 - 2008

Now she is a city girl who has completed a 3 year Bachelor of Marketing (Management) and landed herself a full time job with a media agency which she started at this week. She is really enjoying it so far - meeting with lots of interesting people and doing lots of different things.
~
Bri has also landed some temporary work, relieving at an office while a lady is away on bereavement leave. It is general office work, phone answering, collecting mail, banking and other assorted jobs - she is loving it too! One client who rang was very impressed with her phone skills and told the boss that he would love to have her work for him in his city business next year (Saturday/weekend work) as he liked country kids and their work ethics/values. So she may have a temp job for a bit of pocket money lined up already!
~
Needless to say, we are so proud!
~
Cheers - Joolz

A good day....

2011-11-23T07:56:00.005+10:30

I started yesterday off with a 30 minute walk. I did some tidying around the house and ended up getting to work rather late. Oops! Home for lunch, I had left over Cottage Pie - even better than the night before! I cut up watermelon and pineapple and dolloped on some yoghurt - banana & creamy honey Forme (no fat, low sugar). So good!

I went out to a pub for dinner last night with my WW committee friends. We all chose sensible meals - no Schnitzel Parmy & Chips for us! Instead we chose rump steak or grilled chicken breast with either vegetables or salad. I had tossed salad, rice salad and beetroot. No creamy noodles or potato salad.
~
As a treat and to save us making poor choices for dessert, I made Annette Sym's Wicked Chocolate Cake. I made it in a paper lined 'sponge roll tin' so it was less than 2cm high. I cooked it in the oven at about 170C, not the microwave. I was in a rush to make it because I didn't get home from work until 5pm and I had to be at the pub at 6pm! I whipped it up and had it in the oven at 5.15pm - it was cooked by 5.30pm! I slipped it out of the tray and onto a chopping board - into the fridge for 10 minutes to cool (which it did because it was so thin). Out of the fridge - whacked the icing over it, sprinkled hundreds & thousands over it, back into the fridge for 10 minutes then out again to cut it into squares, onto the plate and out the door! Phew!
~
It was so gooood! Just a small piece is packed with lots of chocolatey goodness to satisfy any dieter craving chocolate. The trick is just to have ONE piece as a treat! Moderation, girls!
We each enjoyed a piece and I bought leftovers home so that is going to work today for 'smoko' for the menfolk! It is a lovely moist cake.
~
I'm off to work today then tonight is weigh in night at WW so fingers crossed for another loss. I had someone tell me I had lost weight yesterday so that has boosted my spirits a bit! I can see a bit of difference in the mirror - my aim is to be able to see my 'caesarean' scar when I look down - Lol!
~
Looks like it's going to be a cracker of a day here ~ I enjoyed my 30 minute walk this morning ~ enjoy your day where ever you may be~
~
Cheers ... Joolz

Cottage Pie and a Lazy Lady...

2011-11-22T07:58:00.005+10:30

I made this yummy Cottage Pie from the Australian Institute of Sport Survival for the Active Family book. It's a quick and easy, cook in one pot, bake in another dish which will fill up any hungry family.
~

Firstly, cook 4-6 medium potatoes ready to be mashed. I steam mine in a double boiler saucepan - I think it retains more nutrients than boiling.
~
In a large saucepan, add 1 tablespoon olive oil and brown off
.
1 onion
1 medium carrot, diced
1 stick celery, diced
150gms button mushrooms
1 medium zucchini, grated
(here you could also use sweet corn, peas and green beans)
~

Now add in 500gms of lean beef or lamb mince and brown that off too.
~

Add 2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons Soy sauce
1.5 cups good beef stock
1 good tablespoon plain flour to thicken the sauces
~Add in 1 can of brown lentils...
~

Stir to combine and let simmer for 15-20 minutes until your potatoes are cooked - mash together with 1/4 cup skim milk and 1 tablespoon butter or margarine (I use Flora Pro-active)
~

Pour the mince mixture into a large lasagne dish, top with mashed potato and sprinkle with 1/2 cup grated reduced fat cheddar cheese and bake for a further 15-20 minutes.
~

I served ours with a puff pastry wedge to give it a pie feel or you could serve more peas and carrots with it. Totally delicious!
~

On the weekend, I made this very easy slice (from Fiona at Inner Pickle) for Kirby to take on her first day of work...
~

LAZY LADY

125g butter, melted
1 cup brown sugar
1 egg, beaten
2 tbsp cocoa
1 cup self-raising flour
½ cup desiccated coconut
~

Method
Make this in one saucepan, save the dishes. Melt the butter, stir through the sugar and then then egg. Stir through the cocoa and then the flour and the coconut.
.
Spread in a slice tin and cook 15-20 mins at 180°C.
.
Ice while still hot.
.
Icing:
1 cup icing sugar
2 tbsp cocoa
2 tsp softened butter
1½ tbsp milk
.
Mix all together in a bowl and spread on top of warm slice. Sprinkle with coconut.
~
Have a super day - I went for a quick walk this morning, a bit later than usual but I still got there!
~
Cheers - Joolz

Crunch time...

2011-11-21T13:31:00.006+10:30

I have been at my fitness program for 5 weeks now. I have lost small amounts of weight each week but have fallen into the doldrums... I do not like the exercise classes because it makes me sore and I hobble around groaning in pain... I am not drinking enough water, I am not eating enough fruit and vegetables each day and I have not been walking and last week I didn't even go to the two exercise classes!

I have been eating okay (read not eating the cupcakes that Kirby made) but just not enough of the really good stuff. This is where I fail everytime! After a few weeks, I tend just not to eat - instead of having a healthy snack between meals, I don't have anything at all and even at dinner time, I don't eat enough salad and veggies, just meat. This is not good for a working body! It needs good fuel!

So... I am starting out all over again from today. I did the exercise class this morning, I have been drinking water and I intend to buy some nice fruit and veg and get stuck into that! I am going to cut up a chunk of watermelon, rock melon and pineapple when I get home so it is there if I need a snack. It is time I had some pasta for a treat so I am making a healthy lasagne for dinner tonight - stay tuned! And I need to halve my alcohol consumption - at least! :(

Tomorrow night, I am meeting with my Weight Watcher committee members for dinner out at a pub - what should I choose for dinner? I think my best bet will be a small rump steak and salad (no creamy mayo dressings or potato salad- I might take my own balsamic low fat vinagrette). Would it be rude to take some kind of low fat dessert with me to share with the girls?? I might make an Annette Sym Wicked Chocolate Cake and take some small squares as a treat.
~

This is me!
~
How you approach food situations, either social or at home can have a huge impact on the end result. Here are some excuses and the correct answer for them:
.
I can't let it go to waste... Vs ... If I eat this food, it will go to my waist!
.
I shouldn't have seconds, but who cares... Vs ... Thank you, but I really have had enough!
.
I paid for it so I'm going to eat my moneys worth... Vs I know there will be a price to pay later on the scales...
.
I didn't have a choice so I had to eat what was offered... Vs I always take healthy food with me to share...
.
Go on, you deserve a piece... Vs No thank you, I am full!
.
It's my birthday... Vs Everything in moderation is okay.
.
No one is looking, no one will know... Vs But I will know!
~
Each week I get given positive printed handouts so I think it's time I sat down at read them!
~

I hope you have a lovely week - I am off for a walk tomorrow morning - rain, hail or shine!
Cheers - Joolz

Graduation...

2011-11-19T16:48:00.007+10:30

Doesn't she look a picture? You wouldn't know she had a bout of tonsillitis that started on Tuesday (I thought she was heading for Gladular Fever again! - huge red infected tonsils). The doctor prescribed large doses of penicillin and her throat was much better Friday morning...
~

My favourite pic...
~

Sisters...
~

Off to the Grad ceremony...
~

Kirby and Brianna... we had some more professional pics taken that I will blog at a later date...
~

Brianna and Maddy...
~

... on the dance floor...
~

... dancing the night away...
~

Bri with her proud father...
~
Me and Gus...
~
So we have successfully schooled our children - now it's time for the next chapter...
~
Joolz

Dolly - you're amazing!

2011-11-14T18:28:00.005+10:30

Last weekend, I travelled to Adelaide with 2 of my sisters and my brother-in-law to see Dolly Parton in concert.
~

What an entertainer! She is 65 years old now and still fills the stage with energy and vibrance! She sang songs from her new album as well as some oldies...
~

... my pictures aren't that great because we were quite a way back from the stage, but you get the idea...
~

She is still very buxom....
~

The finale... I am sure everyone came away feeling well entertained by this lovely lady. She sure can talk - almost as much as she can sing!
~

(L-R Sue, Joolz & Leanne)
We ended up at Windy Point (took a wrong turn!)...
~

I got to meet up with my eldest sister, Maz, too! She and her hubby went to Dolly also.
~
A fun weekend was had by all. I got to come home with Kirby and she is now on a weeks break before starting her new job. Exciting!
~
Cheers - Joolz

Lest we forget...

2011-11-11T07:11:00.004+10:30

Remembrance Day - at the eleventh hour, on the eleventh day, of the eleventh month in this eleventh year of the 21st Century - we will remember them...
~

Why do I wear a poppy?
I’ll tell you if I may,
because I believe remembrance is not only for one day.
.
I wear it for the fallen,
And for those falling still,
for those who come back broken in body or in will.
.
For the parents, spouses,
siblings where bereavement takes its toll.
Whose pain will never leave them, It eats into their soul.
.
For the wino on the corner, in a life with nothing left,
he wishes when in battle he had died a hero’s death.
.
For the lad who loved a kick-about in the park with all his mates,
But now his legs are held together with pins and metal plates.
.
For the selfless men and women whose final journey home
Is in a Union flag-draped coffin on comrades’ shoulders borne.
.
For all those marching proudly In Remembrance Day parades,

My poppy’s worn in gratitude for sacrifices they have made.

~
(Author Unknown)

Outback Tania had this verse on her facebook page the other day and I just couldn't help sharing it with you all. Thank you, Tania!
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Today at 11 minutes past 11 o'clock it will be 11.11am 11/11/11

School Daze...

2011-11-08T08:57:00.005+10:30

Can you believe I sent this little cherub to school when she was not quite 5 years old?
Reception - 1998 (1 term)
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Reception 1999 (4 terms)
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Year 1 - 2000
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Year 2 - 2001 (oh, those poor teeth!)
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Year 3 - 2002 (braces fitted to correct crossed teeth)
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Year 4 - 2003 (that's better!)
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Year 5 - 2004 (don't ya love that smile?)
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Year 6 - 2005
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Year 7 - 2006
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Year 8 - 2007 (High School or (College)
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Year 9 - 2008 (braces again, to fix overbite and alignment)
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Yr 10 - 2009
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Yr 11 - 2010
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Yr 12 - 2011
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Today is the very last day of Bri's secondary schooling - she has a Biology exam (3 hours) this morning then it is all over! No more blue shirts and uniforms to iron - ever! Looking back on these pictures, my kids are fortunate that they only attended 2 schools in their lives (two very good Catholic schools, although we are not Catholic). They have grown up with the same people and are still friends to this day with most of them. Very lucky indeed.
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Good luck Breezy!
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Love, Mum xxx

Sunday at home...

2011-11-06T17:10:00.005+10:30

All this enjoyed with a thin scotch fillet steak last night....(the potato bake was a healthy one)
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Breakfast this morning - 2 poached eggs on toast - I like to chop them up and have them with tomato sauce and worcestershire sauce... (looks like a dogs breakfast?)
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I have pottered around today - vacuuming, dusting, tidying and washing laundry - drudgery, but I have enjoyed it...
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I made these Oatey Cookies from Lucy's blog Attic24 - they are just delicious. I will have to limit myself to one a day!
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Taken last night on dusk...
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and today...
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It really is the most stunning rose (McLeod's Daughter's) - big. bold and blousey!
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A line full of washing - towels, darks and coloureds...
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What I am up to now - jammies on and enjoying a wine.
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Enjoy the new week - I have fitness class in the morning then a Weight Watchers meeting on Wednesday evening. Not much else planned except work so we will see how we go!
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Cheers - Joolz

So proud!

2011-11-05T07:53:00.003+10:30

Kirby has just completed her Bachelor of Marketing (Management) and has one exam to sit later this month, just before her 21st birthday. She has produced exceptional grades throughout her degree.
Out of the blue, last week she was asked to submit her CV to apply for a Media Assistant position with a leading city media company, by the Program Director at her School of Marketing. This is a fantastic opportunity and Kirby emailed through her CV and it was in turn, forwarded immediately to the company.
She was granted an interview for Thursday at 1pm. The interview went very well and she was called back to meet the CEO of the company yesterday at 10am. One hour later she was given the job!

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We are so thrilled for her! This kid has worked solidly for the past 3 years, living away from home, family and friends but has excelled at her course. This is the pay-off! We hope it is a job she enjoys - from what she has seen so far (on the whirlwind tour of the office and staff) she said it has a lovely feel to it and the staff seem really friendly. She starts in 2 weeks!
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Well done, Kirby - we are so proud and love you so much!
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Mum & Dad

Seeing some results...

2011-11-04T08:21:00.007+10:30

I stopped to take this picture on my way into town this morning before my walk. Low fog drifting along the ground, lit by the sun...
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It's been a great week so far - I have walked 4 mornings for half an hour, I have had two days of solitude at home (Gus and Bri went to Adelaide), I have been busy at work and yesterday's fitness workout was quite enjoyable. We only did a bit of aerobic stuff before getting down on the mats for some strength work. Leg lifts, butt lifts and crunches. This sort of routine, I like! Afterwards, we had a personal trainer speak to us about strength training and nutrition to fuel the body. It was good to hear that what Sheryl had been telling us was backed up by this guy too! We all came away from it very empowered and rearing to go again.
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I weighed in and had a 1.0 kg loss which is just fantastic. It is slow, but that is a 2.0 kg loss since 17th October. I am on track and have not felt the need to break out and be bad with my eating habits. Sheryl has set a goal for the group to lose 5% of our body weight, therefore I should lose 3.82 kgs. I think I can achieve more in the 7 weeks - 5kg would be incredible!
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Today, my muscles are aching once more but I powered through my walk, even doing 2 short bursts of jogging to elevate my heart rate. This is all important for healthy weight loss.... but I think I need a sports bra! He he he!
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A few samples of what I have been eating and the portions. Monday night when we got home - a pork chop seasoned with Tuscan seasoning, small serve mashed potato and peas and carrots and corn.
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Yummy dinner last night - Angus and Bri bought home some King George Whiting fillets which I had pan fried, sprinkled with Lemon Pepper seasoning, lettuce, cucumber, tomato, olives, baked potato and sweet potato and also tomato, onion and zucchini bake topped with wholemeal bread cubes and the tiniest bit of cheese. Delicious!
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I freeze our wholemeal loaf of bread in 2 slice portions - this will last us 4 mornings for breakfast and no wastage. I buy 1/2 loaves of white bread for Brianna.
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Around the garden - this Blue Moon rose has been neglected so badly - hasn't even been pruned the past 2 years and this is what is produces!
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More McLeod's Daughters...
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Yellow carpet rose...
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Hot pink carpet rose...
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Coral, single petal carpet rose...
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Petunia...
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Our front porch area - could still use a bit of spruce up...
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We had a power spike on Wednesday evening and when I got home from my meeting, the computer and printer were off. I turned them back on but the printer was as dead as a maggot! Yesterday I bought a new one - $99 for a Canon Pixma MX410 - printer, copier, scanner and FAX and its a good one for printing photos too! There was a promotion going to enter a draw for $20,000 cash plus you got 10% discount on the purchase so it only cost me $89.00! Yay!
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Anyhoo, last night I proceeded to install the new printer - I first disconnected the old one from the power and pc points. Phew, I had to get in under the desk (bum up!) and sort out the tangle of cables...
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As you can see, there is not a lot of leeway once the pc is connected to everything. It only comes out so far...
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S0 much for wireless technology! I finally had it hooked up so I proceeded to 'Read The Manual' (yes, gentlemen, women sometimes to RTM!). The printer can be 'wireless' so I went through all the steps, page by page, until I got to the part of 'detecting the machine'. Do you think I could get the modem to detect the printer? No way, no how! The modem wouldn't accept the WEP Key number that I was keying in... (hey, I sound like I know what I am doing!). Anyway, I gave up and attached the USB cable to the printer and computer (more bum up!) and away it went!
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I shall call him Darth Vader... very similar black plastic exterior and who knows what lurks inside!
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We are in for a cracker of a day - blue skies and warm temperature - spring is definitely in the air today!
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Cheers - Joolz

Two weeks down...

2011-11-02T07:31:00.004+10:30

(Tuna salad plate for lunch)
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(Chow Mein for dinner last night)
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It is two weeks since I started the Spruce Up For Life fitness program and I am struggling. This old body just doesn't like jumping around like a mad thing! I did not even walk on the 5 week days last week. My hip hurts, my back hurts and my shoulder hurts. My muscles are stiff and ache. Gee, I am having a good pity party, aren't I?
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We headed into Victoria for the weekend and cooked all of our meals instead of eating out. Dinner in Ruby - chicken skewers and salad (Sunday night)
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Pan fried potatoes (microwave until nearly cooked then slice into rounds and fry in pan sprayed with oil)
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Lettuce, tomato, cucumber and mango salad with Balsamic vinaigrette.
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Lamb cutlets on the barbecue with the above salad and chips... so much better than a pub meal or a take away pizza! I munched away on fruit and nuts during the day when I felt hungry.
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As far as healthy eating goes, I have been very, very good (see above). Apart from Sakata rice crackers (Seaweed flavour), barely a processed food has passed my lips. But I just hate the exercise because I know I will hurt afterwards. Don't get me wrong - I am not even over-doing it... I have been especially careful with my shoulder while doing light weight routines and Sheryl is not pushing me to do more than I am comfortable with. I walked yesterday morning (30 minutes) and today (probably 20 minutes because it was raining) - walking seems to be my exercise of choice - my muscles burn it's tolerable. I missed the Monday session because we were on our way back from Pt Fairy then didn't attend the free 'Step' class yesterday morning because, quite honestly, I detest 'Step' class and fail to see the point of getting frustrated with my 'unco-ordinatedness'. I have never played sport in my life and I guess my body likes it that way! When I exert myself, I hurt!
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Okay, rant over. Back to the Thursday morning outdoor class tomorrow with a mind to participate as best I can. I will weigh in tomorrow and would hope to have lost another 1kg. Here's hoping!
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Cheers - Joolz

Friday roundup...

2011-10-28T08:59:00.004+10:30

I have been struggling with muscle aches from my fitness classes but I am persevering. Yesterday's class was held out of doors. We did 30 minutes of quite easy cardio then took our yoga mats under the shady gum trees and did leg lifts and tummy cruches with hand weights included. Wow, I can feel all those muscles today! It was so lovely, lying on the ground looking up at the sky through the trees, with an Enya CD softly playing in the background. We all go at our own pace so I didn't do some of the arm/weight exercises so my shoulder doesn't get aggravated. That is the good thing about this class - we can go at our own pace without feeling like we are failing. Sheryl is a bouncy, very energetic coach and sometimes I just march on the spot if it gets too hard and fast. But that is okay.
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Tomatoes on toast - a favourite breakfast of mine...
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Turkey, cranberry and salad lavash bread wrap - delicious!
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Fresh fruit and yoghurt...
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On the mornings that I have exercise class, I come home and have scrambled eggs on soy/linseed toast. Good protein.
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We had to go out for dinner on Wednesday night and I chose a healthy option. The King George Whiting was supposed to be battered and come with fries but I asked for it to be grilled and said no fries please! It was delicious with just the salad. I didn't even touch the tartare sauce.
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My roses are just starting to pop...
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The garden has filled in since I weeded all those weeks ago...
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Bonnie likes to walk the balance beam...
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McLeod's Daughter's rose...
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We are off on a Ruby adventure for a few days to a pretty part of Victoria so I hope to get some nice pictures to share with you.
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Enjoy your Friday wherever you may be. I am off to work then home to pack! I will need to take some healthy snacks/food with us. We will be having barbecue and salad Saturday night and Sunday we will make salad rolls so that shouldn't be too bad.
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Cheers - Joolz

Oh, my aching bones...

2011-10-25T14:38:00.004+10:30

It is a week since I started my 7 week fitness campaign. I am aching all over!
We have a Monday session of aerobic activities for 45 minutes then we listen to a guest speaker. Last week it was a personal trainer who spoke to us about nutrition while training. Some things that I got from the talk were:
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* Fuel your body for the job it needs to do - a good breakfast with low GI foods to keep you full until mid morning (fruit, water and yoghurt that is low in fat and sugar) then protein at lunchtimes. Eat carbs at midday to see you through the day and less carbs in the evening. Drink lots and lots of water - carry it with you always.

* Eat 6-8 smaller meals a day to keep you satisfied and less likely to binge eat.

* If you eat early dinner with a young family and find yourself hungry again at 8pm - only eat half of the meal early then reheat/eat the remainder later when you feel hungry again, that way you are not snacking on extra food or make a healthy choice and have fruit/veg snacks.

* Steer clear of processed foods - muesli bars (full of sugar), cheese slices in plastic (real cheese is better for you), salty snacks like savoury biscuits, dips and chips.

Plan what you will eat - pack healthy snacks and water so you are not tempted to buy takeaway foods and soft drinks.
.
* Plan ahead for what you will have for lunch and dinner for the next day. That way if you are prepared you won't be tempted to grab quick and unhealthy takeaway food.
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On Thursday, we did a session at Sheryl's house - outdoors on her paved driveway. She lives 15kms out of town in a lovely bush setting. About 15 of us skipped, hopped, jumped and shimmied our way through 45 minutes of loud, pumping music and felt so good afterwards! But OMG, how I ache now!
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Monday 24th October we had another full Zumba Gold session and I must say, after the tiring weekend I had, I did not feel like even being there. I am sure that showed on my face each time Sheryl looked my way. I was so depleted of energy that I basically marched on the spot instead of launching myself in every which way direction that she had the group going. I am so very uncoordinated and Zumba calls for total coordination! Anyway, at weigh-in I had lost 700gms which makes my total loss 1 kilogram (2.2 lbs) since my assessment.

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Food wise, I have been very good. We had pizza on Saturday night for a quick dinner before Brianna's 18th Party started but I only had 2 slices (instead of the usual 4-5) and when we had some supper, I only had one little vol au vent.
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When I start 'eating healthy' I tend to be good with eating good snacks/fruit between meals then into the second week, I do away with snacks and therefore do not eat all my required fruit/veg for the day. Yesterday, because I did the class at 9am, I only had a tub of yoghurt for breakfast. When I got home (after taking Mum to the hairdressers etc) it was nearly 11.30am so I had 2 slices of wholemeal toast and 2 scrambled eggs. This became breakfast and lunch combined because it seemed unnecessary to eat again at 12.30pm. I was busy at work and only had one cup of coffee in the afternoon then nothing until I had my homemade spaghetti bolognese (with microshaved parmesan on top) for dinner. I need to have those healthy snacks so I don't bust out when I am hungry. Do you have the same trouble?
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Really, why is it so hard to work out that this crap above is so bad for you compared...
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to this display of goodness?
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Well, this has been a long post but I hope you get something out of it. I do feel better for not eating processed food and less bread (only 2 slices a day and no white bread at all).
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Cheers - Joolz

My baby turned 18 years old!

2011-10-24T18:53:00.006+10:30

Brianna's birthday cake...

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18 years ago we had a second bundle of joy...
~Me think someone in Taiwan can't spell...

Brianna & Kirby. The theme for Brianna's 18th party was Bad Taste Op Shop... friends were told to go and spend about $10 on an outfit (as tacky as you like) - the charity shops did a roaring trade!
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Brianna and Maddy
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A family portrait...
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The guests (all of which were Bri's Yr 11/12 school friends) danced, yelled, sang, drank and ate until the wee hours - it was a very long, long night...
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Brianna and her cake...
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After lunch on Sunday, we were sitting out on the lawn when a bird flew over and ahem... shat on Brianna! I have always considered this to be lucky - she did not! It reminds me of a little rhyme -
Birdy, birdy flying high
dropped a message from the sky.
As I wiped it from my eye,
I said 'thank the Lord that cows don't fly!'
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It was a huge weekend but Brianna had the best time with all her school friends who were for the most part, very well behaved. I have vowed never to throw another party at our house, however, for my health and sanity.

Cheers - Joolz

A pretty walk around town...

2011-10-20T07:24:00.013+10:30

(sunrise 6.10am)
Hello peeps! Sorry I have been missing in action since last week. Wow, where do I begin. After my sister's 60th lunch, on Thursday Bri and I headed to the city to see Kirby. We got home Saturday. Sunday was spent cleaning out the shed and garage in readiness for Bri's 18th party this coming weekend.
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Monday I started my 7 week 'Spruce up for life' fitness program. After 45 minutes of aerobics I was red in the face and out of breath. Best thing was - so was everyone else! I think this is going to be fun.
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On Tuesday, I attended my uncle's funeral which was a sad time but it was good to catch up with cousins and family that we don't see a lot of.
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On Tuesday night I attended a meeting to form a SA Weight Watchers Assoc. group in our town. A committee was formed and the meetings should commence in a few weeks time. It is mainly a support group where you can come and be weighed each week, share tip and hints and recipes and support each other in living a healthier life. I am on the committee and am really excited to get it all going!
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These photos were taken last Thursday morning on my 45 minute walk around town.
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Our main street (shopping precinct)
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I walk through the street then along the main road that leads through town...
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Bottle brushes (Callistemon) ...
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Unsure what these are but they grown well here (I have since found out that this is an Echium (thank you, Ali at Quiltingorchardist)...
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Okay, now I have turned the corner and head up this road - the council have provided us with a nice smooth walking path...
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Prunis blossoms...
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This is a Guelder Rose (so I found out when reading Little Jenny Wren's latest blog) ...
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Arum lily...
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These pretty flowers are in the Old Folks Home garden...
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More pretty blooms...
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Just keep walking, just keep walking...
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Now we have come full circle (or square) since the first picture at the top...
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More smooth footpath...
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These natives (Grevilleas, I think) are in the bowling green garden...
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More of those spikey purple flower heads (Echium) ...
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Past our pristine parklands - our council does a lovely job of maintaining our civic area...
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Even the local pub has pretty flowers planted in beds...
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So pretty, I may have snapped of a piece to plant at home...
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Past our Cross of Sacrifice...
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Then back home for porridge and fresh squeezed orange juice.
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Dinner last night was Annette Sym's Macaroni Beef - yummo!
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Cheers - Joolz