Mexican night taco bowls and a crazy few days!

As I sit to type this, hubby has just left for the train to start his first day at QCA campus at South Bank, Brisbane. My sweet bubby is asleep, one teen is at school, and another is procrastinating vaccing her bedroom floor. The house is lovely and quiet. I am savouring this moment with a cuppa, and you guys :)

The past few days have been just craaaaayzeee! We had a dose of cyclone panic. A category 5 cyclone sounded terrifying. I was PMS'ing hard core, very emotional and highly offended by whiny parents who had their kids home another day due to school closures while others up north faced losing everything. I was also afraid of the possible damage high winds may have on our home- Kingscliff sustained significant damage a little over a decade ago from a severe storm. Hubby was being his overly cautious self and insisted we have enough non perishable food should the predicted back lash hit us. We had flood warnings, a low depression causing our own rain before the cyclone fall out hit, and I also had a long awaited cosmetic tattoo appointment on Saturday I wasn't sure I was going to make it too due to the weather.

Hubby has been gutted to discover (as have I) that after being told that his past 3 years of Tafe study would knock a year and a half off his uni degree, that that just isn't the case. So, 1.5 years of study looks to be 3 after all. Today- he will know for sure, but it is still disappointing, and does change a lot of plans. And cost way more money.

My sweet bubby has taken another huge leap in her development and that has resulted in the cot base needing to be lowered and the purchasing of a large, soft floor rug to soften the blow to her little noggin when her daddy and mumma can't throw cushions down quickly enough. She no longer wants to be contained in her round and round stationary walker. She is also highly frustrated at her lack of mobility. She is crawling a few paces, then flops down in frustration, or stands at the lounge, only to crack it she can't yet climb up. Adorable, but hectic!

Here is my bubby, pre- cot base lowering. She was having the best time grabbing all the nappies. Too cute!

I did make it to my eyebrow appointment. Hubby was horrified when he first saw them- which gutted me. They were thick. I contacted the gorgeous Lesley of PMU just to assure my hubby that when the swelling subsides, I would no longer look like Groucho Marx. A few days later, he is thrilled! I love love love my new look! I want to wear bright clothes again, purchased red lippy- something I haven't worn in forever, feel more confident and my creative, young at heart self again. New eyebrows are the best boost! It was worth braving a wet, miserable day with swollen creeks and rivers and flood threats looming. The procedure takes a while, but that is largely due to Lesley's professionalism and perfection- something I am grateful for. 

I have wanted new brows for years and years. On my liver treatment several years ago, I lost my brows. After years of over-plucking, they were thinning anyway, and never grew back the same. They were very uneven, sparse and needed constant drawing in to complete. I was over it! That isn't a problem anymore though :) Photo's soon, I promise- when the healing is complete :)

Now that I don't have a backlog of washing, I may actually be able to spend some time planning meals again. But for now, take a look at the past few days...

A stormy sunrise taken on the weekend. haven't seen much morning sun these past several days.

Taking time to appreciate the little things, like this simple flower covered in raindrops. Gratitude really does set the tone of each day.

Our local beach, taken Sunday at noon. Looking a little worse for wear after the rain, king tides and wind. 

A cloudy, dark, humid morning greets. 

My typical lunch these past few days...a rye wrap filled with heaps of veg, and here, a piece of my salmon slice.

Mondays family dinner night: Homemade satay dipping sauce, chicken skewers, minted lamb sticks, grilled eggplant skewers, and salad with eggplant added as well. So good!

Last night's Mexican meal night was Taco Bowls. It was simple, but wowed the fam. I didn't eat it, but they loved it :)

Simply heat an oven to 180 C, lightly oiled an upturned muffin tray, place a tortilla between the cups, bake for 10-15 mins and set aside.

Fill with lightly seasoned, cooked mince and fresh corn...

Top that with chopped tomato, avocado and cheese. Grill to melt cheese...

Then top that with a large dollop of sour cream and taco sauce. 

I will leave you lovely people with that. I now have to go and prepare for my beautiful German daughter, Babette's return. My non teen is picking her up tomorrow morning, and we are all just a bit excited! She found her way into our hearts and lives during her stay, and to have her come back to visit is the best feeling. I can't wait to hear all about her adventures, including her recent volunteer work in Nepal. And taste some Nepalese recipes! Who knows what will find its way onto my next post! 

Until next time, thanks for reading :)

Apple donuts, a cyclone and a day at South Bank.

Hello dear readers! Welcome back to another look at my life. May I say, it has been quite eventful few days yet again! Above was one of the last sunrises I may capture for several days if the cyclone approaching keeps intensifying. I tried to snap this mornings sunrise but the clouds took over after the first hint of red showed. 

Let me tell you what is causing a bit of concern, school closures, grocery stockpiling and yard de-cluttering; Cyclone Marcia. According to the latest reports, it's gone from a category 2, to a 3, and now is predicted to be a 4 by the time it hits the coast. We aren't in its direct path, but that could still mean  an insane amount of rain with additional potentially damaging winds. 

Can only hope, like many other times, the weather bureau gets it way wrong. Feeling for people up the coast in the brunt of it though- my heart goes out to them. 

I will now get onto some food. I have tried to eat healthy this week, while PMS'ing hardcore. Go Me! Have a looksie...

Beetroot, yoghurt smoothy for breaky. Antioxidant goodness!

'Nude' (no dressing) poached fish and salad. Clean eating at it's best :)

I am expecting this to look lovely and brown, with possible trees floating down it soon. But for now, here is my local river, the Tweed River, looking ever so pretty.

Remember my garden visitor last post? Well, a larger friend decided to pay a visit also. I was impressed! He stayed, explored, climbed up a tree and left again. Glad he did :)

Yesterday, hubby, bubby and I finally made our epic train journey to Brisbane for his uni sorting out. I say epic, because the illness I had lingered, drained me, gave me evil headaches and seemed to affect hubby too. I'm guessing a mystery virus. It wasn't pleasant. Then, when we went to use our car, it wasn't compliant. Thank you NRMA for our lovely new battery, and thanks to myself for being such a good saver! Glad I regularly put money away in our car fund :)

Anyway,  yesterday was the day, made even more special by the rain, a tailgating truck that had to slam his brakes, causing his brakes and tyres to smoke and him to fishtail in front of us as we drove to the train. Grateful hubby is a good defensive driver when people lack wisdom on the road! Then, we encountered much confusion with the under construction, vaguely signed train station when actually in Brisbane. Bonus- my heart rate got up lots, and we exercised like crazy! What was wonderful about the day was my precious bubby- she loved every part of it- the train, people on the train (one day we will teach her about staring, but for now- it's just too darn cute!), visiting South Bank, visiting QCA, hubby's new uni... 

What also made the day great, being at South Bank itself with my hubby and bubby. I have been visiting since its creation. In fact, I worked at the original sight of Expo 88 when 18 years old, and remember the amazing decision the government made to keep the land for the people. It has changed a lot over the years, but in my view, it just keeps getting better. I have many memories of my older two girls here, and now, I am creating new memories. Feeling blessed.

Hubby gets to see this everyday he is at uni. I am just a teensy bit jealous.

Not far from hubby's campus is this stunning garden with Confucius overlooking it. This urban garden has an abundance of herbs and veggies growing. I love it! And what a brilliant idea.

Sunflowers in the city. These tall beauties are growing in pride of place in the urban veggie patch. 

I love these trees. This one is part of a play area. I could only see grown-ups in it. I wanted to join them :)

The day was long-but  I am excited for hubby's commencement at uni. I am also thrilled  that when we got home in the evening, I received confirmation that I have indeed been credited for my whole 3 units of uni! I am starting next semester with a distinction and 2 credits. So thrilled! And if I manage study with a bubby, by the start of next year, I will have 6 units done and dusted of a 16 unit Associate Degree- Yay!  I may even go up with hubby some days and use his campus surrounds as my own study lounge :)

And now, onto my naughty but nice dinner, which is actually a dessert! I experimented with making batter (recipe from here) tonight. I didn't want the sugary meal I cooked the family, but then I got a brilliant idea for...

APPLE DONUTS

Ingredients:

(Batter is for coating main meal and single dessert, or for several apples)

1 cup plain flour

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup water

Coconut oil for frying

1 large granny smith apple

Method:

In a bowl, mix dry ingredients. 

In a separate bowl, whisk milk and water until mix coats back of spoon. 

Add to dry ingredients and mix well.

Heat oil in a pan on medium heat.

Peel and core apple (using apple corer) and cut into donuts. 

Mine made 4 chunky ones.

Dip apple slices into batter to coat, then place straight into sizzling oil. Cook 'til golden. If oil is shallow like mine- turn when golden brown.

Place onto a paper towel when cooked.

Serve stacked with a drizzle of cream and berries if desired. I use berries for everything! 

My completed, decadent, refined sugar free dinner/dessert! The perfect balance of sweetness and flavours. I may add cinnamon next time (because there will be a next time!), and experiment with coconut flour.

The apple is the perfect consistency- semi soft. I kindly allowed hubby to sample some- big of me, I know. He loved it! 

To close, I would like to leave you with the face of cuteness. Someone has just discovered how clever she is and likes to stand in her cot now. My busy little bubby is desperately trying to grow up too quickly. I just love watching the new developments each day brings. Such a blessing! Not taking any of this for granted- it goes way too fast.

I hope that has satisfied you for another day or two. Weather permitting, I hope to be back soon. I have cooking plans to attend to! 

Until then, thanks for reading :)

Valentines day, the beach, and so much food!

What a weekend! Floored with a mystery virus, Valentines Day, a full house and a lot of food. Never dull in my house. 

But, of course, I need to start with some scenery. Above is yet another beautiful greeting to the day. Perks of early rising :)

My non teen has been staying over to help out. I have needed/appreciated that so much. When you aren't your best, family, and/or friends, matter so much. I'm going to miss being fussed over, having someone watch bubby while I sleep, and do all of my housework. I truly could get used to this life! Most importantly though, having all of my girls here has been such a precious time for me, one I will never take for granted. For as we know, things do change. Got to appreciate our kids while we can.

This weekend was really special on so many levels, and not just because my amazing hubby spoiled me with 2 bunches of flowers (one 'get well' bunch, and a beautiful, potted one), but because people were blessed in my house. I have a hubby now, but that hasn't always been the case. Romantic celebrations like Valentines Day can be a nightmare for some, and as there were 3 single adult women in my house on this day, it was important to be sensitive and make the day fun for all, not just the romantically involved. 

I also wanted to encourage my newest teen truly feel part of our family. I am aware that it is often a bit hard to transition into a bunch of random's house whose language is not your preferred. So, to rectify this, I included this sweet teen in cooking, as I knew from her letters she does this at home. May I say, since the weekend, the transformation in this girl has been amazing! Including people does so much for them, and may be the very thing that opens hearts and starts new relationships. This goes both ways- I feel uplifted by the experience as well :)

Now, lets get onto cooking! Scroll down for a pictorial journal...

Cherry vanilla cake. After she prepared the cake batter, I asked my sweet newest teen to place the cherries in a layer on the top, and this is what she created. I was impressed! Very cute :) 

Even when baked, the cherry heart is still visible. 

These were supposed to be the chocolate hearts my non teen and I created (see last post for recipe details). But here, I have arranged them into a flower for your viewing pleasure. The coconut coated ones are ginger centres, and the plain choc is coconut mixed through. Seriously yum! That's why you're only seeing this many!

This also happened on valentines Day. Since I wasn't well enough to go far, hubby, bubby and I went for a drive to Fingal. I love this beach.

My sweet bubby. Seeing the world through her eyes helps me appreciate the everyday and the ordinary. Even a quick trip to the beach is enough to fascinate her no end.

Now, let me show you my simple,

Very Veg Mini Quiches. 

Makes 8 mini quiches

Ingredients:

1 medium sweet potato, roughly chopped, 

1 red onion, roughly chopped,

1 cob corn, kernels removed,

1 small head of broccoli, chopped,

1 small red capsicum, roughly chopped,

2 medium carrots, roughly chopped,

1 thin stick celery, roughly chopped,

Fresh parsley,

Salt & pepper,

Sweet paprika,

(Garlic, crushed),

1/4 cup water,

small knob butter

1 tbsp olive oil,

Little extra olive oil for greasing muffin tin,

2 sheets puff pastry,

1/2 cup cheese,

4 eggs,

1/3 cup cream,

1 tbsp coconut flour,

Method:

Steam the chopped sweet potato. Add butter and olive oil to frypan on medium heat. Add steamed sweet potato and other chopped veg, and saute to lightly brown, then turn heat down low. Add herbs, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic and water. Stir regularly as the veg cooks.

Place in a mixing bowl to cool.

Pre-heat oven to 220 C. 

Place puff pastry sheets on a bench to defrost.

Grease a 6 hole texan muffin tray.

Cut defrosted pastry into quarters. Place a square in each of the muffin holes and gently press down.

In the bowl of cooled veg, add eggs, cheese and cream. Mix thoroughly. Add coconut flour and mix well.

Spoon into muffin moulds until the veg reaches the top of the tin. 

Cook for 15 minutes. Turn down heat to 180 and cook for ten minutes more, or until filling rises slightly and is firm.

Cooked veg- there really is a lot. So grateful my sweet newest teen, and my non teen helped with the chopping so I could rest.

Cooked mini quiches. Filling and veggie-ful!

Hubby had a slightly larger one in a small spring-form tin. I used 2 quarters of pastry to make this.

There you have it- Valentines Day done and dusted. I might add, my hubby is amazing. He made and also wrote a beautiful card for me. I'm a words of affirmation gal, and he really nailed it :)

Now, lets get onto Sunday. I was still too fatigued to attend church, so the family went without me, except our newest teen. She vanished just after the others left. I was all for a long rest in a silent house, when around 45 minutes later, I heard someone return. And then I heard clanging, banging and could smell burning toast.  I instantly thought, wow- she must really be hungry! Is this what she does when we're out?! However, when I went downstairs, I was blown away. This sweet girl had zipped down to the shops, on foot, purchased ingredients and was making us all lunch! 

I texted the others to let them know of our lovely surprise, and to make sure they didn't detour to a junk food outlet on the way home. Look below for what our sweet, newest teen prepared...

 Toasted bread topped with a divine tuna, cream cheese, vinegar sauce and tomato slices...

And delish bruschetta. Everything got inhaled. 'Twas rather yummy :)

Later that day, despite still feeling rather worn out, hubby, bubby and I headed to beautiful Hastings Point. Even a little walk exhausted me, but with scenery like it has- so worth it!

I love this scene- lush greenery and wildflowers overlooking rocks and waves.

Just watching the waves roll in...sigh. Stunning!

I was so inspired by lunch, I decided to use the simple share food as an easy idea for dinner. There were some leftovers, and as I was in no state to cook, this was perfect...

Our dinner spread: a plate of nectarine wedges, grapes and red capsicum slices; green stuffed olives; cheese slices, left over tuna dip/sauce; water crackers; chopped seasoned tomatoes; my corned meat. 

It was the perfect way to end the day!

My first serve. It was such a tasty dinner, I may have had a few more platefuls :)

Now, to today. No dinners to show off. The family had a big lasagne tonight, with salad and garlic bread.  I had turkey meatballs and miso soup. An odd combination, but a filling, low carb, tasty one. I do need to reduce my carb load since the weekend, where a little too much may possibly have been consumed. Oops :)

Let me walk you through my day...

Bubby is sleeping much better- grateful mumma here! So waking to the sunrise is actually a welcome treat. Love this one with the palm tree draping across the sky.

My breaky- a simple egg and cottage cheese omelette.

My non teen's breaky- same omelette but with gluten free bread and fried cherry tomatoes. 

One of the stunning flowers hubby gave me- it is so delicate and beautiful, and I had to immortalize it on camera :)

A heavy downpour this morning saw this guy seek shelter under cover in my yard...

Then not too long later, this guy appeared. Lucky he didn't become a kookaburras lunch!

And there you have it! Three days done. Hope you all enjoyed walking through my weekend with me. And once again, thank you for reading.

Until next post :)

Dr's again, and my day on a plate.

Not a stunning beach scene or sunrise, but a cute visitor to my garden, found on the underside of a leaf. I have been trying to spot these guys all summer, and finally got lucky after dinner tonight. 

These little guys are two of many, but they are just way to quick to snap clearly. All the rain we have been having lately is wonderful- lots of baby frogs everywhere. I am a happy girl :)

My non teen stayed over last night. I wasn't feeling particularly brilliant, and as she is such a caring soul, it would be wrong of me to say no. I am not sure if she enjoyed being woken at 5 something by her bubby sister, but I feel my breaky made up for any inconvenience. 

Before I show you how fabulous breaky was, I should perhaps tell you that I had a tingly, numb face today. The same side as my weird eye yesterday. It was a concern. The family thought so too. I admit, that though I was still fatigued despite sleeping well, after I took my sweet bubby to swimming lessons, the cool water did make it feel  better for a little while. Then I made a weak cuppa, and I put the cold milk to my cheek and it relieved it too. Confused, I felt it best to revisit the dr- but due to the time of day, I ended up at a medical centre in Tweed. I was once again thoroughly checked out, given antibiotics for a suspected sinus infection (my temp was a little elevated) and sent home with strict instructions to REST for 2 complete days, then revisit my own dr next week.

Not happy I have to take antibiotics without proper confirmation that I do in fact have a sinus infection despite the lack of other symptoms, but I will just eat well, rest, and do as I am told for now. 

The result of this is,  my non teen is staying all weekend. Her choice :) The family have been helpful, and thankfully, hubby's virus was a brutal but short lived affair. 

I am still treating this as a time to restructure/re-prioritise my world. Having my non teen pick up the housework slack has been a Godsend. I can't believe how much I actually do when I have seen her hard at it yesterday and today. 

But I can't be super mum for ever now, can I? Other people need to shine, and I will gladly let them :)

Now, onto this breaky...

My simple Breaky Omlette for 2

Ingredients:

2 eggs

1/3 cup cream

handful baby spinach

50gms fetta

olive oil

Method:

Heat olive oil in a pan on medium heat.

Beat egg and cream together.

Pour into pan and cook until bubbles form. Remove from heat.

Add spinach and crumbled fetta and place under a griller to brown the top.

 

The simple breaky omelette was served on my gluten free bread

which I pan fried first. The drink is a mango, pear, mint, cinnamon smoothy with 2 coconut milk/avocado ice cubes and extra water thrown in. 

This was such a delish, filling, nourishing breaky for 2. 

Lunch today was another healthy, tasty treat: Roast pumpkin, fetta and very veg wraps on chia mountain bread. I even picked fresh herbs from my garden. So satisfying.

By adding hot roast pumpkin to my wrap made it absolutely divine! A 'must do this again!' meal. Sharing lunch with my non teen is also fun as she appreciates similar foods to me. Sigh. At least one family member is a die hard convert :)

Tonight's dinner, complete with the aesthetic appeal of the humble paper plate. The medium cooked , seasoned steak was accompanied by an iceberg lettuce, fresh corn, cherry tomato, red onion, avocado salad dressed simply with fresh lime juice and olive oil. I heart this kind of food!

And now, some Valentine's Treats, homemade, guilt free chocolate. If my bowl licking is anything to go by, these babies are GOOD! Although I am not sure what to make of my non teens chocolate peanut pizza? 

Maybe it needs to be sampled tomorrow?

The yummy chocolate treats for tomorrow are setting happily in their molds in the fridge. 

The recipe for this is simple:

1/2 cup rice malt syrup

1/3 cup coconut oil

3/4's cup cocao 

Mix thoroughly and spoon into molds, or, spread onto baking paper, like the above peanut/chocolate pizza.

And that is your lot for today. Enjoy your weekend :)

Until next time, thanks for reading.