Bircher Muesli

One thing I love about a good Buffet Breakfast is Bircher Muesli. I've always wanted to make it but never really been motivated enough to do so. Until the other night. I searched the Internet for a recipe but ended up just kinda making it up. I guess the thing with Bircher Muesli is that it has no boundaries. You can put in it what you want to put in it. So here is my version...

Ingredients
2 cups rolled oats
1 cup apple juice
A good bit handful of 'Fruit Medley' (chopped up dried apricots, peaches, pear, sultanas)
Handful shredded coconut
Can Peaches
Tub of Natural Yoghurt

Method
In a bowl (with a lid), place oats, juice, fruit medley and coconut. Stir and cover for at least an hour or overnight.

Place required amount into bowl, serve with yoghurt and peach slices.

Another Year Over...

...and a new one's just begun. Well, just about to begin anyway...

What a year 2006 has been! To say the least it has been terrific for Lyndon, Monet and I. If you had of said to me this time last year, that we would be living in Cairns in 2006, I would have said "No, I don't think so!" Funny how things change.

Our move in early April was like a new chapter in our book of life. We got to see and do so many things that I had never even dreamt I would see or do. We've been to the Daintree Rainforest, Great Barrier Reef, toured both north and south and west of Cairns, stayed at some gorgeous places (Magnetic Island, Townsville, Dunk Island, Port Douglas) and met a whole new group of people. Our hirozons have been broadened and our outlook on life has changed a lot too.

This year made me appreciate how wonderful and diverse Australia is, how to cope without others, how special parents really are and how a little human can fulfill your lives and test your patience (!) at the same time...

Life is great. 2006 was terrific. The 2007 outlook looks wonderful.

Happy New Year everyone. Keep safe and well!!

A Quick Night Away

With some Christmas gift money left over, we decided (rather hurriedly) yesterday to go and spend the night somewhere. We thought that Port Douglas seemed like a good option, considering that we had never actually stayed there and it was only an hour up the road. So Port Douglas it was. We found somewhere via our favourite accommodation web site, wotif.com. We got a good deal here.

An hour and a half after booking, we were in Port Douglas checking into our apartment. Lucky us, we actually got a room upgrade. Instead of a one bedroom apartment, we found ourselves with a two bedroom apartment. I should have invited you along.

We spent our time in the pool in the afternoon. Monet thought that was just wonderful paddling around with her new found independence thanks to the floaties she wears with such confidence. It was nice to take a dip in the pool....

We were literally around the corner from Port Douglas' main tourist strip, so we walked around and had a drink (or two) and a bite to eat.

Since the Little One had not had a nap and had spent a good hour or so in the pool, she was very, very tired and hit the sack (ie. portable cot) early. Yippee. Lyndon and I spent a bit of time sipping wine in the outdoor spa we had on our balcony. We both came to the conclusion that spas are so over-rated!!!

This morning we woke up to drizzle. Not to worry. We knew it wuld be raining in Cairns too. This is the tropics afterall.

It's lucky we only live an hour down the road.

How lucky are we that we live in such a gorgeous part of Australia where we can take a quick trip up to Port Douglas for a night, I ask you?!

**Highlight of the trip happened when we were walking back to the apartment last night after dinner. Monet was walking in the middle of us (I was behind her, Lyndon in front). She had slung over her shoulder a little handbag (such a girl, I know!) All of a sudden she stopped dead in her tracks saying "Where's my bag?? Where's my bag??...." and then realising that her bag was actually on her shoulder, said with great relief, "Ohhh, there it is!!" Lyndon and I got good mileage out of that and laughed ourselves stupid for a good 24 hours. Even today Monet was taking the piss out of herself, pretending to look over her shoulder and asking (cheekily)"Where's my bag??" I think we've got a little comedian on our hands here. **

Because I Can...

Aren't they cute? (The shoes and the legs!)

A Beer, Some Chocolates and Carrots...

When growing up, it was always a tradition to leave at our place a beer for Santa (usually a VB if I recall correctly), a block of Cadbury's Dairy Milk Block of chocolate and a bunch of carrots for Santa's reindeers. I know when Kim and I were tucked into bed late on Christmas Eve, my dad would guzzle down the beer and mum would chomp down the chocolate. The carrots usually would find themselves back in the fridge.

I remember one Christmas morning, Kim exclaiming, "The reindeers' carrots are back in the fridge!!" and then saying something about Santa not being real. I'm not sure how old either of us were but I know we were shattered. Well, I was anyway. Why were the reindeers carrots back in the fridge?

On Christmas Eve here, we made a big song and dance before Monet went to bed, about leaving some things for Santa. A Corona beer, complete with 'stubby holder', a box of mixed Cadbury Roses chocolates and two large carrots. Monet was very excited, especially about the carrots.

After she went to bed and we put the presents out and assembled the cubby, I replaced the beer in the stubby holder, with an empty one, ripped open the box of chocies (my mum would've been proud!) and scoffed a few, leaving the wrappers in the box. I went to put the carrots back in the fridge when Lyndon said, "Nah, don't put them back, didn't your mum ever break off some of the carrots?" No. She had not. Remember she just put them back in the fridge. What a terrific idea, so Lyndon broke the two carrots in half, leaving the tops back on the ground.

The first thing Monet said on Christmas morning was "Did the reindeers eat the carrots?" We went out into the lounge and she was pretty thrilled to see that the reindeers HAD eaten half of the two carrots. She didn't care about the empty beer bottle or the half eaten box of chocolates. It was the carrots she was most interested in.

I think that was the best part of my Christmas Day. The magic Monet brings into our lives. The innocence of a two year old, believing that Santa feed his reindeers the carrots Monet had left out... *smile*

Did you ever leave anything for Santa on Christmas Eve? If so, what?

Christmas, Cairns style.

So, while our friends and family had a freezing, cold Christmas Day (in Melbourne, country Victoria and London!), we sweated it out. Just the three of us and yes, it was wonderful. (Sorry family and friends, but it was wonderful.) We even went for a swim in the pool, something I had always wanted to do on a Christmas Day since I don't know when. I love a warm Christmas and this year it was guaranteed.

Santa was good to Monet, bringing her an outdoor plastic 'Dora the Explorer' cubby, which we decided will have to be brought indoors. (The little one will probably pass out in it this afternoon, it is that hot and humid outside!) He also bought her some other 'Dora' gear and a 'Little People' Farmyard. Her grandparents and Aunts and Uncles also bought her numerous gifts. So many, we are considering moving. Seriously.

Lyndon and I were lucky enough to receive these gifts. (I got the groovy red Sunbeam Mix master - yay!!!) I don't drink coffee.

Our breakfast consisted of croissants, fresh strawberries and champagne and juice. (Monet didn't have the champagne, don't worry.) It was a nice way to start the day. Even thought Lyndon had like four coffees (of the Latte variety) he seemed to 'conk' out after lunch. He blamed the champagne. I did have a tiny nap, listening to some terrible music that annoyed me, but I was too stuffed to get up and turn the bloody music off! Oh well.

Our Christmas lunch consisted of roast pork and potatoes, salad, ham and chicken. And champagne. Followed by my speciality, trifle. Nice.

Monet spent the afternoon playing with her 'many' toys... It was a great day.

Outside was hot. Sweaty hot. We thought we'd go for a swim in the lagoon at around 5 pm, so we wandered down to find it simply packed with tourists. P A C K E D. We turned around and spent quite some time in our own apartment block pool, with no one else. It was lovely.

All up we had a stress-free, happy day. I hope you guys did too. Cheers.

Is This How You Wear Santa Sotckings?

I swear, we haven't laughed so hard in ages.... (Hope you get a giggle out of this too!)

Ready and Waiting for Tomorrow...

Yep. We sure are busy around here...

Ready and waiting for tomorrow is the following;

Quarter Leg of Ham. Rolled Leg of Pork. Twin Chickens. Layered Garden Salad ingredients ready to be put together today. Potatoes to be roasted. Gravy to be made. Trifle being in the process of being made. Corona Beers cooling. Bottle of champagne. Strawberries and Croissants. Bottles of wine ready. Bon-Bons sitting in the cupboard. All presents wrapped and waiting to be opened. I think that's it. Oh yeah, also a box of Chocolates waiting here for Santa. I'm sure he'll appreciate that. Along with a beer of course.

And what will be doing tomorrow? With all that food and alcohol we have here you'd be expecting us to be having a load of guests, but nah, its just us three. And I can't wait!!

May you and your family have a wonderful Christmas, as we are hoping for ours.

Ho! Ho! Ho!

Happy, Happy, Happy Birfday.

Post #50 on this blog belongs to Lyndon.

It's his birthday today.

Happy Birthday Lyndon.

We hope you enjoyed your three person birthday party we held at lunch time. We both know who had the best time, don't we? I hope you enjoyed the chocie cake Monet and I whipped up this morning. It sure looked good!

Have a great year year ahead my love.

Melody xx

Online Postage

This is brilliant.

I just received a Christmas card from my big sis and noticed the postage was a bit different. Printing your own postage? Wonderful idea. I don't know how many times I have been to the post office to be at the end of the queue that is out the door. Not that it worries me that much as I have time, but I know a lot of people don't have time. Just brilliant. Yes, I'm impressed.

Now, if only Australia Post could take a note out of Royal Mail's book!

Beep Beep *said in Road Runner style*

Monet loves to bake and gets very excited when I suggest we make something.

Today I popped on a Christmas record via my iPod, hooked up to our surround sound, and suggested to Monet that we make some 'Donkey Drops'. (To view the recipe click here.) As fast as Road Runner, she zoomed into the kitchen, to 'her' big drawer where her plastic cups, plates are stored, along with her two cooking aprons. On went one apron and up on her little chair she climbed, the chair she stands on for height.

Well, you should have seen the circle of coconut surrounding her by the end of the activity. It was like it had been snowing in our tropical climate kitchen. I swear she got most of the mixture into her mouth and on her hands than what we ended up with.

She rolled (to her best ability) the mixture into tiny ball-like shapes and popped them in the coconut. (Can you spot the Monet made ones?) I was quick enough to place them in the fridge to set before they were all gone.

I doubt there will be any left for Lyndon when he returns home from work this afternoon. (Donkey Drops are his sworn favourite!) There won't be any left if Monet has her way.

Donkey Drops

We call this recipe 'Donkey Drops' but you might know them under another name. They are very easy to make and eat! Monet thinks they are wonderful...

Ingredients

250g plain sweet biscuits, crushed. (I used a 200g pack 'Marie' biscuits)

1 cup desiccated coconut

1 1/2 tbs cocoa powder

1 tin condensed milk (390-400g can)

Desiccatted coconut, extra

Method

Mix the biscuit crumbs, coconut and cocoa together, then stir in condensed milk. Mix. Roll into walnut-sized balls, roll in coconut and refrigerate. Eat and enjoy!

Makes quite a lot - just depends on how much you eat when you make them!!

As They Say, Out of the Mouths of Babes...

The day? Sunday.

We decided to go for a stroll along the boardwalk to the Kiddies playground, Muddys, and have a look at the new skate park.

Remember the city of Cairns, does not have a beach. Only the man made one, at the lagoon. The city lines the ocean (Coral Sea) and mud-flats, when the tied is out. Sometimes it smells a bit. Not that noticeable, only if you take a whiff. Mud + sunshine + heat = Pooh-weeeee

Monet: Pooh-weeeee. Stinks.
Melody: Monet!
Monet: Stinks likes Mummy's poo.
Lyndon: Hahaha...
Monet: Stinks like Daddy's poo.
Melody: Hahahaha....
Monet: Stinks like Monet's poo.
Lyndon, Melody & Monet: Hahahahahahahahaaaaaa

To be honest with you, we all hadn't laughed so hard in quite a while.

Out of the mouths of babes hey?

Potato Salad with Crispy Bacon

I made this tonight and it was delicious and very, very tasty. I did not add any chives (for lack of them), nor did I have any flat parsley! (Next time, next time!!), but instead added dried dill in place. I highly recommend this recipe next time you plan on making a potato salad. Trust me. *wink wink* It will be a hit.

*Taken from Karen Martini's 'Where the Heart is'*

Ingredients
8 medium Desiree potatoes, cut into 1 cm thick slices (I used Golden Delight)
50 ml extra virgin olive oil
1 red onion, halved and sliced
1/2 cup (140g) mayonnaise
1/2 cup (120g) sour cream
salt flakes and freshly ground pepper
8 sprigs flat-leaf parsley, coarsely chopped
4 large eggs
1/2 bunch chives, finely chopped
6 sprigs tarragon, leaves picked and coarsely chopped (I used dried)
6 rashes bacon, fried until crisp, then broken into pieces

Method
Place the potatoes in a saucepan of lightly salted water over medium heat and boil for 15-18 minutes or until tender. Drain. Transfer to a large bowl and drizzle with the olive oil. Set aside to cool for 15 minutes, then add onion.

To make the dressing, mix mayonnaise and sour cream in a small bowl. Season well and stir through the parsley.

Boil eggs, covered, over medium heat for 6 minutes. Drain and refresh in cold water for 1 minute.

Add mayonnaise dressing, chives and tarragon to the potatoes and toss gently to combine, then top with the bacon. Slice off the pointy end of the soft-boiled eggs and scoop eggs out onto the salad. Finish with a grind of black pepper and scatter salt flakes over.

Serves 6-8

Ohh La La!

According to the youngest member of our household, it is trendy to wear your hair like this, along with homemade braclets made out of colourful pipecleaners.

So when this look hits your town, well, you know where you saw it first, don't you? *grin*

What trend is happening where you live?

Skate Park

I seriously need to applaud the folks the Cairns City Council. Someone has gone and done something good for this city in regards to looking after the teens that reside here. I am a firm believer in keeping young people, especially teenagers, entertained. This keeps them off the streets and looking for trouble...

Opened, just last week, is the new Cairns Esplanade Skate Park. We went for a wander yesterday to have a look and it was amazing! I'm sure you'll agree... I have seen a few skate parks in my time, but this one is far better than the ones I have seen. (The landscape too is very picturesque!)
Well done, whoever it was, that approved this park. Job well done.
Thanks too for Lyndon taking these photos!

The City of Cairns Christmas Present to Lyndon and Melody

Yep, all of our dreams have come true!

It is about time that Cairns had a BIG bottle shop like this one named '1st Choice Liquor Superstore', with a HUGE variety of wines and spirits and loads of European and Australian beers, which we had been unable to buy up here. Good thing too, is that the prices are very good. (Beer up here can be awfully expensive when bought in a Bottle Shop...)

Attached to this building is a new flash looking bar, which looks very inviting. So inviting in fact, we might just have to have a visit there in the next few hours.... You know, just to check out if the beer tastes better there than at one of the pubs we usually visit on a Sunday afternoon. *grin*

And the best thing? It is literally around the corner from our place! Yippee...

A Reminder...

...that I also blog over here. (Just letting you know in case you wish to drop by sometime and take a peek around!) *smile*

A Post About Cookbooks

I love Cookbooks and I know I am not the only one (am I Sarah and Marianne?) I find that most women like a good cookbook but it is something that men don't seem to understand. We women might buy these lovely books but not necessarily cook from them, because we like the idea that we can or could. I would love to own many more than what I currently do, but the majority of them are just too expensive. (Since when have Cookbooks have hefty A$60 price tags I ask?)

My favourite cookbooks read like novels. Jamie Oliver's 'Jamie's Kitchen' and Nigella Lawson's 'How to be a Domestic Goddess' for example. I like the fact that not only can I cook from their recipes I can also read them. You know what I mean.

My last Cookbook purchase was written by Melbourne Chef, Karen Martini's 'Where The Heart Is'. Her recipes are easy to understand and most look very yummy. I am yet to make something from it yet but will do soon...

I do really like the wonderful cookbooks that the Australian Women's Weekly release and are great value for money. (Usually RRP A$12)

I have been meaning to subscribe to Super Food Ideas magazine, for about five years now, but I never have. Released each month I don't think there has been an issue when I haven't made something from it.

Two cookbooks on my 'to buy' list is the new Jamie Oliver one, named 'Cook with Jamie' and the new biggy released by the Australian Women's Weekly named 'Cook. How To Cook Absolutely Everything'.

How about you. Do you enjoy reading cookbooks? Who is your favourite author? What cookbook would you recommend to me?

Butter Wouldn't Melt In Her Mouth...not much!

"Beautiful earrings", she says to me, spying my dangling earrings.

"Beautiful hair", she says to me again, twirling my hair with her finger.

"Beautiful eyes", again, to me.

"Beautiful face". What could I say back to her, except the words "I love you, Monet".

"I love you" was the comment I got back.

Talk about buttering me up for something.... That made up for all the crying and screaming she's been doing over the last couple of days. Our terrible twos have landed with a big THUD in our apartment. She's still cute. Even if butter would melt in her mouth.

Choc Oatmeal Cookies

I got this recipe from my sis-in-law, Sarah (again) and it is a big hit in this household. Not that Lyndon eats biscuits but Monet and I surely can. It is a very easy recipe and Monet likes to get involved with this one. The mixture, before it is cooked, is scrumptious so maybe keep the kids away before baking!!

*Taken from a Bill Granger Cookbook*

Ingredients

150g unsalted butter, softened

230g (1 cup) soft brown sugar

1 egg, lightly beaten

2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

125g (1 cup) plain flour

1 tsp baking powder

Pinch of salt

175g (1 cup) chocolate chips

235g (2 1/3cup) rolled oats

Method

Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius.

Cream butter and sugar in a bowl until fluffy and smooth. Add the egg and vanilla until smooth. Sift flour, baking powder and salt into bowl and mix lightly. Add oats and choc chips and stir to combine.

Roll tbs of mixture into balls and place on baking paper lined trays. Flatten balls with a fork dipped in flour. Bake the cookies for 10-15 mins until pale golden in colour. remove from oven and let cool on trays for 5 minutes.

Makes about 30-36.

Vegemite Princess

Monet certainly can make me laugh. Even if she's driving me steadily up the wall I will always manage a smile. She knows how to press my buttons, that girl of mine.

She sneakily came up to me before, with something she took from the kitchen bench. I had left a jar of our favourite spread on the bench and here she was standing before me, big cheesy grin across her dial, her finger dipped in the small jar of 'just about empty' Vegemite. She smiles at me and says, "Mmmm...Nice." Cheeky monkey.

She loves Vegemite on toast and quite obviously she loves it without being spread on anything....

A Sudden Loss

The world of blogging is certainly a wonderful one. I feel like I have so many friends across the world it is truly amazing. And then you find out that your blogging friend's daughter has passed away suddenly and unexpectedly. Sarcasmom, from Wednesday's Off, suddenly lost her daughter, Star. Star was 33, like me. My heart and thoughts are with Sarcasmom and her family at this time.

Thank you to Marie for alerting me of this.

Reindeer Antlers and Santa Hats

We made these yesterday at Playgroup and Monet just adores them. I don't know how many times the Santa hat went on and off her head (and our heads too!) last night, but I'll tell you, it was a lot. The reindeer antlers were also a big hit. Don't you just love them? Monet's hand prints, painted in brown paint. Very clever eh?

Last week we made special Christmas paper ornaments, but I didn't get to photograph those in time. Why? Well, Monet thought it was good fun trying to get the glued stars off and the coloured matchsticks off too. Oh well.

I bought during the week, a 'proper' Santa Hat from a local shop which Monet has been wearing around the place. When I mean around the place, I mean here in the apartment, down the street, in the shops etc., etc., It is soooo cute and we get lots of smiles. I need to decorate her pram in tinsel like I did last year, as I do like to make people smile! *smile*

And because I can, here is a photograph of the 2006 Christmas Bear I bought for Monet. She spied it in the supermarket and wouldn't let go! He was on special for a whole $5, so that was okay that she wouldn't let him go....

It's Beginning To Feel A Lot Like Christmas...

It rained here on and off for most of yesterday. This is not 'un-typical' here, since we live in the tropics. But it can be very annoying when you were planning on going to the local 'Carols by Candlelight' that evening....

When the skies began to clear at 5:30pm we loaded up the pram with the 'Pub Bag' (Monet's back-pack she's had since she was really little, full of favourite little board books, Little People, stickers and the like, which occupy her when her parents are having a drink!), Monet's raincoat, my bag and the waterproof backed picnic blanket.

Lyndon and I, being Lyndon and I, had a couple of beers first at a lovely bar near the Marina, just to make sure the rain was going to stay away. We then headed off to Cairns 'Fogerty Park' with another 300 odd people to enjoy the Carols.

It was drizzling on and off, which is a pity, as it would have been a lovely scene to see 1000 odd people singing and picnicking on the lawns, instead of huddled under waterproof sheets and umbrellas. Lyndon actually went off to a souvenir shop to purchase an umbrella as we had neglected to take one with us.
Monet had a terrific time dancing about with herself. Lyndon had bought for her a $2 candle-torch which glowed green and she thought it was fabulous...

The highlight of the evening was Monet witnessing the Australian Legend, Humphrey B. Bear come onto the stage and entertain the audience. Lyndon took her off towards the front of the stage to view him from a closer range.

We decided to leave after Humphrey left, which was just as well. When we were walking back home it began to rain and by the time we were back inside the rain was pouring down.

Is it beginning to feel a lot like Christmas where you are? Why?

Splish, Splash

After dinner the other night, on the spur of the moment, the three of us went to the Lagoon, a quick 10 minute walk from our place. The day had been hot and humid (like most days!) and we thought it would be a good idea to have a dip in the beautiful waters the Lagoon offers.

The Lagoon is set on the Esplanade of Cairns foreshore. It has a man-made beach and is supervised by Surf Lifesavers from 6am to 10pm at night. The Lagoon is 4 hectares large and can accommodate up to 1000 swimmers. It is simply stunning to look at on the perfect day. On a hot and balmy night it looks just as inviting as it does during the day. The best thing too, is that it is free! Yippee.

Monet had a wonderful time in the Lagoon the other night, splashing around but having a firm hold onto either her mum and dad. She'll happily go hopping "like a kangaroo" in the shallower waters without a firm grip but otherwise....

We went again on Friday night, though this time Monet had a new pair of 'floaties' that she simply shouldn't wait to try (neither could Lyndon or I!) *See photo below, aren't they funky?* Well, our little girl's confidence soared with her arms firmly in the floaties. She thought it was wonderful having the freedom (so did we!) but we were never more than an arms reach from her. She did wonderfully with her little arms flapping and those gorgeous legs of hers kicking underwater.

If Monet had her way we would have been back down at the Lagoon last night, but she went nappless yesterday so she was a bit tired (and just a bit grumpy!) Maybe during the week we'll be back down for a splish, splash.

"I'm Not Sure Monet", is my usual answer, either that or I make up names!

"Who's this? Who's that?"

That's all I'm hearing lately out of the mouth of my 2 year old babe. Now I'm just waiting for the "What's this? What's that?"

So tell me, when does that start?

**UPDATE** I wrote this post a day early! Yesterday in the supermarket, Monet was asking me "What's this? What's that?" Yeah, I spoke too soon didn't I?

Our Tree Is Up and Decorated By You-know-who

On Monday morning, Monet and I put up our (pathetic) little Christmas Tree, much to Monet's delight. She thought it was so very exciting when I pulled the plastic tree out of it's storage box and assembled it.

Monet insisted on putting all the balls on the tree and I did the tinsel. She did a pretty good job I thought, for a 27 month old girl, though I did help her place some on the tree branches.

She was very proud of herself, especially when she put the Star on the top (I think it was the 4th thing she put on the tree!)

I already have a number of gifts here for her, from relatives, wrapped, ready and waiting. I'm not sure when I will place them under the tree as I'm scared I'll wake up one morning to find all the gifts unwrapped! I have put a 'tester' present under the tree, which has been sitting there for two days now, untouched. She said herself, she has to 'Wait for Santa', before she opens her gifts, but she's honestly got NO idea when Santa is coming... Don't worry, I'll be keeping her informed when the jolly man in red visits, as personally, I can't wait. To see Monet's face on Christmas day light up, that's what I can't wait for.

18 more sleeps to go Monet, 18 more sleeps!

Food Safari

Did anyone catch the new show on SBS last night named 'Food Safari'? Hosted by Maeve O'Meara (the old cooking host on Better Homes and Gardens), the show concentrates each week on a different culture's food. Last night (the first episode) was about delicious looking Moroccan food. Oh My.

Here is a link to the web site, full of wonderful recipes and photos from the show.

Wednesday nights, 7:30pm SBS

Play Dough (uncooked)

Okay, not exactly a food as such, but you still have to make it like you would a biscuit recipe. I find this recipe easy and the play dough turns out wonderful, just like the expensive shop one! Yippee... Good recipe to get the little ones involved...

Ingredients

1 cup plain flour

1/4 cup salt

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1/2 cup water, combined with food colouring (colour of your choise)

Method

Place the flour and salt together in a large bowl. Add the oil and stir. Gradually add the coloured water into the dry ingredients.

Turn the dough out and knead until soft. Store in an airtight container.

I Treasure Moments Like This

A Question...

Do any of you check over at my other recipe blog? If so, do you mind going over and answering some simple questions for me? Thanks... Click here.

Questions...

I have a few questions for you in regards to this recipe blog of mine. If you could spare a minute or two, please comment.

1. How often to you check this blog?

2. Do you use these (few) recipes I have added?

3. What type of recipes would you prefer to see in this blog?

4. Would you mind me doing posts on food in general too? If I did, would you check in here more regularly?

Thanks guys...stay tuned for a new aspect in regards to this blog!

Our Weekend Wrap Up

One and a half hours drive south of Cairns, in the beautiful blue waters off Mission Beach, lies Dunk Island. Dunk Island is one of those tropical islands you only dream about and I have been since I was eight years old. Repeat. Eight years old. I'm now 33.

I actually never thought I would be fortunate enough to visit, let alone stay there but when the opportunity arose, well, Lyndon grabbed it with both hands.

Lyndon's work Christmas Party was to be held for a night on Dunk Island, all expenses paid. We were actually given the opportunity to stay an extra night at the exclusive resort, at a reduced price, because we are a family unit. (Only families with young children were offered this - how lucky were we?)

We caught the Water Taxi from Mission Beach and a quick 20 minutes later we were standing on Dunk Island. A tropical island with swaying palms, sandy beaches with lots (& lots) of swept in coral from the Reef.

The resort was fabulous, with 2 large swimming pools (one had 3 layers), a huge undercover Bar Lounge and Restaurant with deck. Lots of activities to be done too, including horse riding and water activities. Our room was nice, though the walls were a little on the thin side (we could hear the baby next door screaming at 4 am in the morning).

On the Saturday afternoon, the children had their own Christmas party which included a visit from the big man in red. Monet was actually really excited and cheered him on. Too cute.

Monet was rapt to receive a character from her favourite show 'Hi-5', a puppet called Jup Jup. She even thanked Santa a little later on for getting her Jup Jup. She makes me proud sometimes.

The children even had a full-on dinner which was pretty hilarious! I don't think Monet has ever seen a full-on chicken breast on a bed of chips and salad before. It was a huge meal for a little kid. This was followed by a dessert of ice-cream, marshmallows and a decorated ice cream cone, presented upside down so it looked like a Christmas tree. Not only were the kids impressed with this but you should've seen the parents!!

We had a babysitter for the night, our first time she had been left with someone not related. Admittedly she was fast asleep when I left her, but she was a perfectly behaved child who slept the night through without waking. Phew.

The adults Christmas party was held around the front pool with lovely set-up tables and the full bar on offer. The smorgasbord food on offer was wonderful and oh-so delicious. Mmmm....

We spent yesterday in the pool where Monet had a terrific time jumping up and down and pretending she was a Kangaroo. It was very funny.

All up we had such a wonderful time in paradise. It was sooooo relaxing and very indulgent. I seriously can't wait to return to this tropical getaway and feel so lucky to have spent a few days there....

Too Tired At The Moment...

...to do a post on where we have spent the last three days, but here's a sneak preview...