full bellies, sunshine, long weekends and...germs

Cute huh? This is what happens when you feast at a Bounty Day picnic (we're talking first, second and maybe third helpings here, plus dessert) and then you sit around in the warm sun afterwards, allowing everything to slowly work its magic. This photo taken last weekend really should have been my Friday Favourite...but I didn't remember it until now!

We are having yet another long weekend! Because of Bounty weekend, Norfolk is celebrating a belated Queens b'day...I hope she doesn't mind. Two looong weekends in a row - I could get used to this. Lucky for me I've a few extra days up my sleeve as I'm just emerging from the sick tunnel. I won't give away too many details...but let's just say, I spent SO much time in the bathroom over the past 48 hours that I considered setting up camp in there! Now I'm crossing fingers and toes that no one else here falls victim to my pathogens!!!! When I get up tomorrow (with renewed energy I'm expecting...as I finally ate something tonight) it will be Operation Germ Kill!

spur of the moment: breakfast on the beach

Ben left to go fishing before the sun came up, sneaking out while myself and the smalls continued our journey through dream land. Much later we awoke to a spectacular morning, full of sunshine and the promise of adventure. I couldn't bare the idea of being inside for a single second. Bundling up the munchkins I asked them to grab their hats and jump in the car...staying indoors wasn't an option, we were heading out for breakfast! Nothing exciting, just cereal, fresh fruit and yoghurt - everything thrown hastily into a basket. The best experiences often require the least amount of fuss I think. And how about this glorious location....all to ourselves. This is what holidays are about...spur of the moment decisions that lead us to doing things a little out of the ordinary.

Iron Chef: By the Sea

Remember Iron Chef? I won't bore you again with a run down of 'how it works'. I've written about it here and here. This just may have been my favourite Iron Chef so far...lunch instead of dinner...plus we headed outdoors. It was magic.

Breakfast at Bumborus

I'd definitely put Bumborus on my list of Top 5 favourite spots here on Norfolk! It's really VERY pretty. The prefect place for breaky on the sand, followed by dam making in the creek and fossicking for treasure! One may even be lucky enough to find a crab claw, an owl, pirate patch or washed up blue bottle (ouch)!?

PS Did you spot a ring-in?

Put your glad rags on!

It's been a big six months - Ben and I have both been working full-time! Whilst the house went to ruin, our kids have been incredible. They have spent many hours at work with us, during the week and over the weekend. Ben and I have really appreciated their patience. So we took them out to dinner, to say THANKS! Our restaurant of choice was Norfolk Blue. The atmosphere was warm and cosy, the service second to none, but most importantly the food was scrumptious!

The Explorers

We have just had such a glorious afternoon. It started with a picnic lunch at Two Chimney's Reserve, followed by a long walk that led us to parts of Norfolk we have never explored before. Far out this place is picturesque! Hence why you are about to be bombarded with photos - I just couldn't pick.

Citrus and couscous for lunch - simple but yummy!

We followed a creek which led to the cliff and a spectacular view!

Don't get too close to the edge folks!!!!!!!!!!!

Rock hopping is hard work - time for a rest!

That's a jumper shoved up Till's shirt (saved having to carry it apparently)!!!!!! I laughed every time I looked at her. She was such a good sport this afternoon.....just as we set out for our walk, we had to cross a creek. Till of course managed to step one foot into muddy water which left her with a dirty wet foot for the remainder our trek. 

NB. So it seems I've published a blog post everyday this week. Ah school holidays.....how I love thee.

The Perfect Picnic Spot

Here in our third year on Norfolk Island, we are still discovering hidden treasures. It seems incredible doesn't it, when you consider how small this place is. Oh people had told me about Simon's Water and how lovely it was....but somehow I'd never managed to seek it out. That is, until last Sunday when a impromptu picnic arrangement was made with friends.  We needed to celebrate....together we'd been impatiently awaiting the news of the arrival of a very special baby! And what a place to propose a toast, wouldn't you agree? I think Simon's Water may just be my new favourite place on the island. And what a bonus that I'll always associate this picture-perfect spot with the birth of a friends sweet baby boy!

Breathtakingly beautiful scenery!

Anyone for a spot of juggling?

Will you read me a story Nalani?

NB. You may have noticed our lovely Harry missing from this picturesque scene...he was busy at Pony Club....this boy of ours (who is just a few months off turning 10!!!!!!) spends a considerable amount of time perched on the back of a horse these days! Yes, he LOVES it!!!!

Holidays: Day Twelve

Ben and I started the day with breakfast at our favourite cafe the 'Golden Orb'. An almost hidden path squeezed between the butcher and jewellery shop leads to the cafe, which sits snugly, practically incognito, amongst a thick rainforest-like garden.  It's really a very pleasant place to eat and more importantly, the food is quite delicious!

Harry and Till spent the day at the Montessori Kinderhaus.  Till attended three days a week last year and loved it.  They were both keen to have a day at the Kinderhaus these holidays, which might sound odd, but here's the reason why.... the setting is glorious, the playground equipment challenging and the indoor Montessori materials fascinating. Harry has been raving about something he played with for hours called the Roman Arch. Till spent her time getting re-acquainted with friends who didn't start school this year.

Ben and I are up to Day Four of our sugar-free diet.  There have been a few hidden traps however.  Last night we had oyster sauce in our stir-fry and low and behold, it contained sugar.  Today we spread Aioli on our chicken sandwiches and once again, were dismayed to read on the jar label that it also contained a small amount of sugar.  Even the plain sea-weed crackers we buy on a weekly basis have sugar in them.  So strictly speaking, we haven't been totally sugar free, but  are certainly trying. I am craving sweet food, that's for certain. I mostly feel the urge for a little sugar hit in the late afternoon, and immediately after dinner.  I did buy some sugar-free jam but I'm holding out, saving it as a treat.  I did have a small amount of manuka honey on my toast yesterday, but I've stopped adding it to my morning herbal tea! 

I can't say I feel healthier yet, or happier.  I've actually had a slight headache for the past 24 hours (hmm....I wonder if it's related somehow?).  Ben and I aren't sure how far we'll go with this. For now though, we are both enjoying the challenge and it's worthwhile in the sense that when you start looking at what you eat, you become so much more aware of what's actually in the foods we consume on a regular basis. We have always avoided eating foods containing preservatives, additives, soy lecithin, artificial flavours etc, but I've never really paid much attention to sugar, mostly because I just assumed the products we were buying didn't contain it.

I suppose you are wondering if Harry and Till are taking part in this sugar-free experiment of ours? Well the kids aren't really participating but they do enjoy being part of the process and are learning important life lessons too. And ultimately, they will end up eating less sugar. Till is particularly affected by a feast of sugary foods. There has been many a breakdown in the aftermarth of a birthday party.  She herself, has come to learn just how sugar makes her feel and she doesn't approve one bit.  It's difficult for her though, as she has a real sweet tooth.  We often joke about how she can smell sugar a mile off. 

It's funny how people react when I explain what we are trying to do; they either become hugely defensive about their own diet or they tell me I'm crazy and what I'm doing is impossible!! But to be fair, some family and friends have been hugely supportive. I even have a friend here on Norfolk attempting the same diet, in fact she's doing it tougher - giving up sugar and wheat!!!!!!!! 

If you feel compelled to join our journey, I suggest you check out this website. Once you start looking, you'll find there are so many great websites with ideas and explanations for why sugar is indeed, so bad for us! 

PS I don't think you can go past this book. We have owned it for several years now and it's definitely the most used recipe book in our kitchen.