tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17689726438617983802024-03-19T06:44:39.689+11:00fabulous food and a little frolickingeating, exploring and a smattering of exerciseGeorgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05625092172290533884noreply@blogger.comBlogger200125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768972643861798380.post-26653881846899648132013-11-05T18:10:00.001+11:002013-11-05T18:10:27.678+11:00KyotoOf all the cities in Japan, Kyoto is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful. Its narrow alleyways and immaculately groomed gardens are filled with old world charm and are the "Japan" that always comes to mind when I picture the country.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nDKCcV8Cns4/UnduU0amMoI/AAAAAAAAB44/mBrJAIOFYLg/s1600/IMGP8606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nDKCcV8Cns4/UnduU0amMoI/AAAAAAAAB44/mBrJAIOFYLg/s640/IMGP8606.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
There are temples galore in the city - most of which we'd explored during our last trip. This time, we did a few different things.<br />
<br />
Firstly, a fantastic <a href="http://www.kyoto-cooking-class.com/">Japanese cooking class</a>, where we learnt all sorts of traditional techniques starting from the very basic (dashi stock and Japanese omelette) moving through to beautiful, melt-in-your-mouth Kobe beef. Our teacher, Taro, was a talented communicator and very passionate about his country's food. It was a pleasure to work with him and the feast afterwards was the icing on the cake...figuratively - there was no cake! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4LcFBfo994o/UndvDtCEehI/AAAAAAAAB5A/ZSKaiYUTKOk/s1600/IMGP8635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4LcFBfo994o/UndvDtCEehI/AAAAAAAAB5A/ZSKaiYUTKOk/s640/IMGP8635.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9w0kNU49bgM/UndvNo7LXkI/AAAAAAAAB5I/pAvcdoa5oFw/s1600/IMGP8636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9w0kNU49bgM/UndvNo7LXkI/AAAAAAAAB5I/pAvcdoa5oFw/s640/IMGP8636.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We also enjoyed some more extravagant...okay, maybe downright decadent food in Kyoto. There were the Kyoto-style okonomiyaki (by the way, we did eat more than okonomiyaki during this trip, though you wouldn't think it based on my last couple of posts!).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w30KP5V_9nw/UniS4I34UwI/AAAAAAAAB5k/Ywbg4CHs4w4/s1600/IMGP8566.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w30KP5V_9nw/UniS4I34UwI/AAAAAAAAB5k/Ywbg4CHs4w4/s640/IMGP8566.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xZ26QHjD5xM/UniS3Ecai7I/AAAAAAAAB5c/Rgc3_AYwy_k/s1600/IMGP8567.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xZ26QHjD5xM/UniS3Ecai7I/AAAAAAAAB5c/Rgc3_AYwy_k/s640/IMGP8567.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Then there were the desserts. My goodness, the people of Kyoto know how to make a dessert! The first two are actual desserts enjoyed by yours truly. The third is an ever so slightly larger option available to diners.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JVznxUWnpxw/UniTFY3RjUI/AAAAAAAAB5s/jmQdKzUewZY/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JVznxUWnpxw/UniTFY3RjUI/AAAAAAAAB5s/jmQdKzUewZY/s640/photo+5.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QH9lkFWr4a0/UniTkSpbDyI/AAAAAAAAB6E/w8AOLI2swAI/s1600/photo+8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QH9lkFWr4a0/UniTkSpbDyI/AAAAAAAAB6E/w8AOLI2swAI/s640/photo+8.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D5Whe8K22Yc/UniTLFOp_CI/AAAAAAAAB54/fXSH1fE5SG4/s1600/photo+9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D5Whe8K22Yc/UniTLFOp_CI/AAAAAAAAB54/fXSH1fE5SG4/s640/photo+9.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
One cannot write about Japan without at least briefly discussing the toilets. My personal favourite on this trip was in Kyoto. It had so many buttons, features and automatic functions and was quite simply awesome! The in-built motion detector raised the lid in a quasi-ceremonious fashion every time I entered the bathroom. The in-built seat-warmer meant my posterior was never chilly and the trickling sounds of a small waterfall effectively hid the sound of my own...umm...waterfall...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3GbIdCPHmnM/UniV9iKmfuI/AAAAAAAAB6Q/r6fS1joUrVU/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3GbIdCPHmnM/UniV9iKmfuI/AAAAAAAAB6Q/r6fS1joUrVU/s640/photo+4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This baby was in our hotel room - a <a href="http://www.hotelmume.com/main.html">hotel</a> I feel is deserving of a special shout out, as they were simply outstanding - head and shoulders above anywhere else I stayed in Japan (and that's saying something, because Japanese hospitality is second to none!).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oa_s6KGjLeI/UniXJZMxU5I/AAAAAAAAB6Y/QYLl-gfC7RE/s1600/IMGP8599.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oa_s6KGjLeI/UniXJZMxU5I/AAAAAAAAB6Y/QYLl-gfC7RE/s640/IMGP8599.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Another fun thing I did during my time was go for a run along the canals, with a fellow <a href="http://www.upandrunningonline.org/">Up and Runner</a> - my only exercise of the trip, but definitely an enjoyable and novel way to see the the city and, of course, meet a new friend.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CvJGHMDhnR0/UniXoe9sB2I/AAAAAAAAB6g/zW8spj6sa3U/s1600/IMGP8580.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CvJGHMDhnR0/UniXoe9sB2I/AAAAAAAAB6g/zW8spj6sa3U/s640/IMGP8580.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
Then there were lots of walks, lane exploration and just chilling out and watching the world pass us by.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kWbPAUpVmK8/UniYuCwsOaI/AAAAAAAAB6s/cn0VEQxBVHo/s1600/IMGP8616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kWbPAUpVmK8/UniYuCwsOaI/AAAAAAAAB6s/cn0VEQxBVHo/s640/IMGP8616.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05625092172290533884noreply@blogger.com10Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan35.0116363 135.7680293999999334.595911799999996 135.12258239999994 35.4273608 136.41347639999992tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768972643861798380.post-44979732066800849482013-10-15T21:35:00.000+11:002013-10-15T21:35:20.005+11:00Hiroshima Hiroshima is a city that really resonates with me. It is very easy to get around (lots of English signage), is full of stunning flora and satisfies my inner history buff. This was our second trip to the city and instead of visiting the main tourist attractions as we had on our previous trip (i.e. the Peace Memorial Museum and Hiroshima Castle), my beloved and I decided to walk from garden to garden. We spent an entire day walking the perimeter of the CBD from park to park, stopping to explore interesting shops and areas and, of course, to eat.<br />
<br />
Here are some of the beautiful sights:<br />
<br />
<i>Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Bvp5SoD0Jc/Ul0RjsxypDI/AAAAAAAAB3E/xF6qYWxclos/s1600/IMGP8472.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Bvp5SoD0Jc/Ul0RjsxypDI/AAAAAAAAB3E/xF6qYWxclos/s640/IMGP8472.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<i>A-Bomb Dome</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DiRu3S9q5fo/Ul0RoAnevAI/AAAAAAAAB3Q/PAm0ZKbW7XM/s1600/IMGP8475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DiRu3S9q5fo/Ul0RoAnevAI/AAAAAAAAB3Q/PAm0ZKbW7XM/s640/IMGP8475.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hh9JaVYN_yc/Ul0RiyPCdYI/AAAAAAAAB3A/Xl2f1Ae4woc/s1600/IMGP8482.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hh9JaVYN_yc/Ul0RiyPCdYI/AAAAAAAAB3A/Xl2f1Ae4woc/s640/IMGP8482.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<i>View from the CBD</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--7J7ohNU8J4/Ul0RrvXJKRI/AAAAAAAAB3Y/JMTqZ55Ae-E/s1600/IMGP8493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--7J7ohNU8J4/Ul0RrvXJKRI/AAAAAAAAB3Y/JMTqZ55Ae-E/s640/IMGP8493.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<i>Shukkei-en Garden</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wmYK3gXBot4/Ul0TKZUkHYI/AAAAAAAAB3k/0rpFFSS1o1s/s1600/IMGP8524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wmYK3gXBot4/Ul0TKZUkHYI/AAAAAAAAB3k/0rpFFSS1o1s/s640/IMGP8524.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iZoXG9Pw0to/Ul0TLLRGCVI/AAAAAAAAB3s/RMG_5YXcoKo/s1600/IMGP8556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iZoXG9Pw0to/Ul0TLLRGCVI/AAAAAAAAB3s/RMG_5YXcoKo/s640/IMGP8556.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
Traversing a city by foot takes a reasonable amount of energy. This means good fuel is essential. We enjoyed a particularly lovely lunch in the Shukkei-en Gardens - a big bowl of wakame udon soup for me under the shade of some of the garden's established trees. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KrHlPUDU5aw/Ul0Vh1rrf9I/AAAAAAAAB34/eAbU9E_z3YI/s1600/photo+13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KrHlPUDU5aw/Ul0Vh1rrf9I/AAAAAAAAB34/eAbU9E_z3YI/s640/photo+13.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
At around $4, this meal was an absolute bargain!<br />
<br />
Aside from some of the more sobering things that Hiroshima is famous for, its name is also associated with one of Japan's great foods - okonomiyaki. This layered savoury pancake/omelette is available throughout Japan, with each region claiming that their take on the dish is superior. However, Hiroshima is undoubtedly the most okonomiyaki-obsessed city that I have visited - there's even an entire multi-storey building devoted to the food - <a href="http://www.okonomimura.jp/foreign/english.html">Okonomimura</a>. Naturally, we had to sample <strike>one</strike> a few okonomiyaki.<br />
<br />
I especially love the interaction of this food. The chef prepares your pancake on the grill in front of you serve yourself right from the hot plate. A casual, fresh and friendly way to eat.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MGkPBLRRwPM/Ul0XtwxsstI/AAAAAAAAB4I/-eTRE4ALHYw/s1600/photo+10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MGkPBLRRwPM/Ul0XtwxsstI/AAAAAAAAB4I/-eTRE4ALHYw/s640/photo+10.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rJsbwRLbc_E/Ul0XteobAMI/AAAAAAAAB4E/sG24XyZ09fM/s1600/photo+11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rJsbwRLbc_E/Ul0XteobAMI/AAAAAAAAB4E/sG24XyZ09fM/s640/photo+11.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uv_Dx8jJgqQ/Ul0XuJQQGhI/AAAAAAAAB4M/G3fkysfy3XQ/s1600/photo+12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uv_Dx8jJgqQ/Ul0XuJQQGhI/AAAAAAAAB4M/G3fkysfy3XQ/s640/photo+12.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
The mixture of noodles, prawns, pork, egg, spring onions, cabbage, pickled ginger, kewpie mayo, okonomiyaki sauce and various other condiments is an absolute winner. Oh, and there's only one thing better than okonomiyaki after a long day of travelling - okonomiyaki <i>and</i> beer!Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05625092172290533884noreply@blogger.com6Hiroshima, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan34.3852029 132.4552926999999733.966231900000004 131.80984569999998 34.8041739 133.10073969999996tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768972643861798380.post-61858665687079925082013-09-25T21:19:00.001+10:002013-09-26T09:00:00.484+10:00Spectacular Saigon<span style="font-family: inherit;">Dear blog (and readers), I'm sorry for neglecting you, but I have been overseas having fabulous adventures for the last month and, rather than documenting them as they happened, I wanted to enjoy myself and really try to live in the moment. So here we are, some weeks later and it's time for me to start posting about our mischief. Today's first post - Saigon (as the locals call it) or Ho Chi Minh (officially).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We spent five nights in Vietnam's largest city in late August. Originally, we had anticipated a shorter stopover somewhere in south-east Asia before heading to Japan, but we decided to extend our time and really get a feel for the city.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our trip could not have started off more perfectly - an upgrade to business class. We thoroughly enjoyed the (amazingly!) edible plane food and the warm service. If I was able to fly business class everywhere, I definitely would...but I think there are a few financial obstacles in my way right now.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our first impression of Saigon was "crazy traffic". The road rules (as far as I could tell) involved copious horn honking until one is able to push through. This was all well and good in the back of a car, but was a little more nerve wracking on the back of a motorbike or on foot. Crossing the road entailed a very deep breath and a small prayer. We were told the best way to cross was simply to do so confidently and at a steady pace and drivers would swerve around us. That appeared to be the right approach, as we're still here to tell the tale...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FXUzefpxhSU/UkK6U5r4L9I/AAAAAAAAB0M/wAtalsTHXjs/s1600/IMGP8137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FXUzefpxhSU/UkK6U5r4L9I/AAAAAAAAB0M/wAtalsTHXjs/s640/IMGP8137.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So what did we do in Saigon? Well, this portion of our trip was all about relaxing and unwinding after a crazy couple of years of work, study and other pressures (not necessarily all bad, but pressures nonetheless), so we decided to indulge. To eat. To sleep. To be pampered. To take tours. To shop.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
Eat.</span></h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Let's start with the bit I'm sure everyone wants to know about first - food.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I think I consumed a phở a day (you know what they say....) while in Saigon. Our hotel offered a delicious array of local and western breakfast options. I wasn't interested in the latter, but gobbled up all the Vietnamese treats. I should add here that we did not try the street food except for one evening during which we participated in a street food tour (where the places had been carefully vetted for hygiene). Ordinarily, I'm not quite this careful, but as we had 2.5 weeks planned in Japan after Vietnam, I didn't want to take any chances.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Anyway, back to phở (because all roads lead to phở!): the stuff is so darn fortifying, not to mention delicious. I'd continue to happily eat it for breakfast regularly, even in Melbourne. The soup in Vietnam had a slightly different flavour to the broths I enjoy at Vietnamese eateries at home. It was a little more herby and healthy tasting - really nourishing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MqR7mC-QW-w/UkK66pjHIwI/AAAAAAAAB0U/9gtF3zGfkB8/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MqR7mC-QW-w/UkK66pjHIwI/AAAAAAAAB0U/9gtF3zGfkB8/s640/photo+5.JPG" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Vietnamese drinks also proved to be fantastic - freshly cut coconuts spilling over with juice and my new favourite coffee, cà phê đá (pronounced "cafe da", as far as I could tell), were slurped up in generous quantities at breakfast time with my soup. Come to think of it, there was lots of slurping going on at breakfast!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bwut42x5NaQ/UkK7JNapSxI/AAAAAAAAB0c/FF3vsSB_YK8/s1600/photo+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bwut42x5NaQ/UkK7JNapSxI/AAAAAAAAB0c/FF3vsSB_YK8/s640/photo+6.JPG" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We also enjoyed spring rolls, Vietnamese omelette, bánh mì (i.e. Vietnamese pork rolls) and rolled rice noodles among other things.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XQMLb_3PBmA/UkK8B_5F38I/AAAAAAAAB0o/hSulh_sbY2Q/s1600/Vietnam+food+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XQMLb_3PBmA/UkK8B_5F38I/AAAAAAAAB0o/hSulh_sbY2Q/s640/Vietnam+food+collage.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">...not to mention canapés with a view thanks to our hotel's happy hour.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CAuvbKPL7GU/UkK9TXb9YyI/AAAAAAAAB0w/YFamSVCkhwc/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CAuvbKPL7GU/UkK9TXb9YyI/AAAAAAAAB0w/YFamSVCkhwc/s640/photo+4.JPG" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DhkFGXSfOaE/UkK9VtpI2xI/AAAAAAAAB04/WuaXAv1bE6g/s1600/IMGP8118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DhkFGXSfOaE/UkK9VtpI2xI/AAAAAAAAB04/WuaXAv1bE6g/s640/IMGP8118.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Thanks to Saigon's large Chinese population, there are some outstanding Chinese options also. An entire Peking duck prepared three ways at our table at a 5-star international hotel for less than $20? Yes please!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BJr2lfRnqV0/UkK9scv1_pI/AAAAAAAAB1A/A1JqmGDny5I/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BJr2lfRnqV0/UkK9scv1_pI/AAAAAAAAB1A/A1JqmGDny5I/s640/photo+1.JPG" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WQpYolDV6nY/UkK9sWHvbTI/AAAAAAAAB1E/4SbfDCQ2Fac/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WQpYolDV6nY/UkK9sWHvbTI/AAAAAAAAB1E/4SbfDCQ2Fac/s640/photo+2.JPG" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I mentioned that we participated in a food tour - <a href="http://xotours.vn/Our_Tours/The_Foodie.html">this one</a> specifically. During the tour we were able to sample some food that is a little less accessible to tourists. Bún bò Huế was a personal favourite of mine from the evening - a spicy beef noodle soup with a strong hit of lemongrass.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SrKZK2z75qE/UkK-OFK6ttI/AAAAAAAAB1Q/jykq_0KmlsI/s1600/CIMG2387.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SrKZK2z75qE/UkK-OFK6ttI/AAAAAAAAB1Q/jykq_0KmlsI/s640/CIMG2387.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My beloved was even brave enough to try the balut (if you're squeamish, skip ahead now). Basically this is a cooked egg with a semi-developed foetus inside. Yeah, told you...kinda gross, right?! I pride myself on being adventurous with food and was intending to try this, but after peering inside and being confronted with the bluish-yellow mush, I just couldn't. The beloved claims it tasted of "chicken-y egg", which may solve the age old question of which came first...or perhaps not.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BBvFxhnc_6k/UkK-kGPhACI/AAAAAAAAB1Y/Oh1pSAkjXzE/s1600/CIMG2401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BBvFxhnc_6k/UkK-kGPhACI/AAAAAAAAB1Y/Oh1pSAkjXzE/s640/CIMG2401.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We also enjoyed barbequed okra and frog, as well as lots of seafood and were transported to each destination on the back of a motorbike with our guide, which was great fun.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aeOizqww1kg/UkK_aNJ993I/AAAAAAAAB1g/gANbhOolouc/s1600/Steet+food+in+saigon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aeOizqww1kg/UkK_aNJ993I/AAAAAAAAB1g/gANbhOolouc/s640/Steet+food+in+saigon.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vjjPZ8eO3JI/UkK_6Bbv4TI/AAAAAAAAB1o/8tTVAn6CQH0/s1600/CIMG2393.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vjjPZ8eO3JI/UkK_6Bbv4TI/AAAAAAAAB1o/8tTVAn6CQH0/s640/CIMG2393.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
Shop.</span></h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We didn't anticipate we'd buy too much in Vietnam (it's certainly no Hong Kong, Singapore or KL as far as shopping is concerned), but I had heard that tailoring was very cheap and of a reasonable standard. As such, we signed up for <a href="http://xotours.vn/Our_Tours/Shopping_Spree.html">another tour</a> (again with XO tours - they were really fantastic!) to take some of the hard work out of the day for us.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We were met at our hotel by our drivers and guide and were asked what we wanted to buy. I mentioned that I wanted some dresses made for work and we were off to their recommended store. I tried on a variety of samples (where it was loudly noted by the employees that "You have very big bottom, but white skin. So lovely." Umm, thanks. I think?!). I was happy with the outcome at $40 a garment! We were also taken to a real lacquerware factory after stating that we would like to look for some home wares (there's a lot of poor quality imitation lacquerware in Vietnam, so it was good to get a better understanding of what to look for). Later in the day we were taken to a local market (not the dreaded tourist trap of Ben Thanh), as well as a shoe manufacturer. The bargaining was all taken care of by our guides and we walked away with some really good buys and great memories.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
Pamper.</span></h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When massages are only $20 for 90 minutes (at an upmarket place), it is imperative to enjoy more than one. Likewise, when manicures and pedicures complete with nail art come in at under $10, there's no excuse for shabby nails.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-crkM-yRMHoY/UkLAxYIKOpI/AAAAAAAAB10/3068519Moks/s1600/nail+art+in+vietnam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-crkM-yRMHoY/UkLAxYIKOpI/AAAAAAAAB10/3068519Moks/s640/nail+art+in+vietnam.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
Tour.</span></h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">One of the coolest things we did during our time in Vietnam was a <a href="http://www.vietnamvespaadventures.com/">Mekong Delta tour</a>, complete with cooking class (because clearly I haven't spoken enough about food yet!). This tour was marketed as the "risk-takers" tour of the Mekong Delta region, as it involved travelling on a Vespa, which is quite easy for the unacquainted to tolerate around the city, but a little more challenging for hours and hours on end. I loved being in the open air and whizzing past my surrounds. In particular, I enjoyed being able to go off-road (i.e. on paths too narrow for cars or trucks to use).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RbmpJmo0Agw/UkLBZhPCW-I/AAAAAAAAB18/W4mkTZgLprs/s1600/IMGP8270.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RbmpJmo0Agw/UkLBZhPCW-I/AAAAAAAAB18/W4mkTZgLprs/s640/IMGP8270.jpg" width="424" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HiYiHKPp4Dc/UkLBoSyxJVI/AAAAAAAAB2E/pVHF37m26dI/s1600/IMGP8306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HiYiHKPp4Dc/UkLBoSyxJVI/AAAAAAAAB2E/pVHF37m26dI/s640/IMGP8306.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The cooking course was a highlight of the day. Ingredients were used that I hadn't even thought would be incorporated in Vietnamese cooking - for example, black pepper. We learnt some tricks to making perfect rice paper rolls, enjoyed well-seasoned greens, an array of shellfish and some very tasty pineapple fried rice.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U93S6WEZNNE/UkLCanWxecI/AAAAAAAAB2Q/P1NK-ymaqIM/s1600/Mekong+delta+cooking+class.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U93S6WEZNNE/UkLCanWxecI/AAAAAAAAB2Q/P1NK-ymaqIM/s640/Mekong+delta+cooking+class.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">At the various other stops on the tour we soaked up the day-to-day lives of the locals at cafes and their places of work and worship.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ucELyOUGWGw/UkLC7WRnl6I/AAAAAAAAB2Y/Pic77W9Zvs0/s1600/People+and+places+of+the+Mekong+Delta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="452" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ucELyOUGWGw/UkLC7WRnl6I/AAAAAAAAB2Y/Pic77W9Zvs0/s640/People+and+places+of+the+Mekong+Delta.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Aside from formal tours, we of course did a tonne of self-directed exploration. We took ourselves to the War Remnants Museum (a very interesting and harrowing place to visit), the Reunification Palace (a completely retro blast from the past), Notre Dame Cathedral and simply wandered the streets stopping as we pleased.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o50MpkKc93o/UkLD0WG-sTI/AAAAAAAAB2k/cO1k9F_nT-o/s1600/Touring+Saigon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o50MpkKc93o/UkLD0WG-sTI/AAAAAAAAB2k/cO1k9F_nT-o/s640/Touring+Saigon.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I loved lots of things about my brief time in Vietnam, but most of all I loved the genuine warmth of the people we encountered, who were just so happy to engage with us and impart some of their culture. From the fruit sellers on the streets to cab drivers to hotel staff and tour guides, we were always greeted with big smiles, their very best English and a healthy dose of cheek.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Would I return to Saigon? I would certainly stopover in the city for a couple of nights, but I feel that I have explored it sufficiently (at least in the short term). However, now that I have both a literal and figurative taste of Vietnam I am totally excited about the prospect of returning in the near future to see more of the country. I hear Hanoi and the beaches of the east coast are particularly special and will make it a priority to get there in the next few years.</span>Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05625092172290533884noreply@blogger.com9Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam10.8230989 106.62966389.8248079 105.33877030000001 11.8213899 107.9205573tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768972643861798380.post-81740543462704842122013-08-23T00:13:00.001+10:002013-08-23T00:13:47.881+10:005km best-to-dateI mentioned when I ran my <a href="http://fabulousfoodandalittlefrolicking.blogspot.com/2013/07/the-age-run-melbourne-10k-race-recap.html">10km event last month</a> that I was training to try to achieve a 5km personal best (noting that a PB for me is probably <u>much</u> slower than for most people)...and I'm pleased to report success on that front.<br />
<br />
I headed to the very pretty Beach Road with a speedy girlfriend last weekend, for what I thought would be a flat and easy run. Boy, was I wrong?! Melbourne has been experiencing some <a href="http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/strong-winds-ease-across-state/story-fni0fit3-1226698074844">crazy weather</a> of late and the coast, typically the windiest of all locations, was probably not a prudent choice in light of this. The bureau even issued a wind warning (which sounds like something I issue after eating too much curry...). I digress! It was certainly a very picturesque spot, despite the wind.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NrW69uZJJpI/UhYaXN7Y6QI/AAAAAAAABzo/9c4tUaOjcD0/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NrW69uZJJpI/UhYaXN7Y6QI/AAAAAAAABzo/9c4tUaOjcD0/s640/photo+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
The run was an out and back portion of the road and the <u>entire</u> way out (2.5km) was slightly uphill with an extremely strong headwind. I was utterly stuffed by the time we turned around and contemplated easing into a walk. I knew, however, that I'd be disappointed with myself if I did so, so persisted with my slow waddle.<br />
<br />
The second half of the run should, theoretically, have been easy - tail wind and slightly downhill. While this was indeed a welcome relief, I was so exhausted from battling the wind on the first half of the course that I could barely pick up any pace. <br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The outcome? Well, I didn't crack the sub-32 minute goal I had in mind, but was only seconds off it at 32:37. Yes, it was considerably slower than many of my training runs, but still a good'un and a personal best (given my training tends to be divided up into intervals that include walking segments).<br />
<br />
Upon reflection, maybe it's a good thing that I didn't crack the illustrious 32 minute mark - gives me something to continue to work towards and aspire to....<br />
<br style="background-color: #f2f2f2; color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.1875px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />
Onwards and upwards! </div>
Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05625092172290533884noreply@blogger.com2Mordialloc VIC, Australia-38.0065242 145.0863336-38.0315497 145.04599309999998 -37.9814987 145.1266741tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768972643861798380.post-13740546773468217032013-08-17T07:48:00.001+10:002013-08-17T07:49:43.945+10:00August updateThings have been busy for me in the last month - more time at work, more time running and less time blogging. That's why I thought I'd share some highlights of the last couple of weeks.<br />
<br />
<h4>
1. A new toy.</h4>
Our rice cooker recently had a meltdown and committed suicide in fairly dramatic fashion. I knew he (she?) wouldn't be long for this world the day I bought him...for $9! This time around, I opted for a device that could do more than just steam rice and bought a pretty sexy five-in-one contraption that steams, pressure cooks, slow cooks, fries...and has some soup function that I'll never use (this one's definitely a "she"!). We've been experimenting with the slow and pressure cook functions over the last few weeks. Highlights have included flaked lamb shank ragout, a slow-cooked American-inspired chicken dish (that was, among other things, cooked in pickle juice!) and a Moroccan lamb stew (pictured).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jw1U5tpNlck/Ug6bgC6goPI/AAAAAAAABzE/-PS1qeHMhEc/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jw1U5tpNlck/Ug6bgC6goPI/AAAAAAAABzE/-PS1qeHMhEc/s640/photo+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<h4>
2. More cycling.</h4>
We have enjoyed some warmer weather down in Melbourne and my beloved and I have seized the opportunity to squeeze some more cycling into our lives.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ly4I6CrVRDo/Ug6bpN1m9CI/AAAAAAAABzM/SkvX5SZJKbQ/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ly4I6CrVRDo/Ug6bpN1m9CI/AAAAAAAABzM/SkvX5SZJKbQ/s640/photo+5.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Bikes pictured in Southbank, Melbourne.<br />
<br />
<h4>
3. Markets. </h4>
We're about to head overseas for a few weeks (fear not - there'll be updates, as always!) and find markets to be great places to stock up on presents for our OS pals. Locally made products always seem to please....not to mention the benefits for the shopper - sunny weather, beautiful scenery and crepes smothered in Nutella!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uTn7d0_TymY/Ug6cy8JKJfI/AAAAAAAABzY/rIOUbqHOhA4/s1600/Southbank+Sunday+markets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uTn7d0_TymY/Ug6cy8JKJfI/AAAAAAAABzY/rIOUbqHOhA4/s640/Southbank+Sunday+markets.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Images from the Southbank Sunday market, Melbourne.Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05625092172290533884noreply@blogger.com2Melbourne VIC, Australia-37.814107 144.96327999999994-37.814107 144.96327999999994 -37.814107 144.96327999999994tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768972643861798380.post-85289679004559456992013-08-08T11:42:00.003+10:002013-10-17T11:13:25.819+11:00Chicken soup and chocolateI haven't been feeling 100% these past few weeks. The weather's been cold and wet and my body has taken that as its cue to morph into a dribbly snot-monster. Whenever I'm struggling with a cold, I crave two things - milk chocolate and chicken soup.<br />
<br />
The former is somewhat, but not entirely, surprising. You see, at practically any other opportunity I opt for dark chocolate - the darker and more intense, the better. When I lose my sense of taste though, intensity doesn't do it for me and instead, I'm after a physical reaction. The more sugar and fat, the greater and quicker the physical high.<br />
<br />
Thankfully, my German mum came to the rescue during my time of need and, without even being told of my ailing condition, sent me a huge parcel or German goodies containing, among other things, enough milk chocolate to feed a small village.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O8XWXPRmgEE/UgLY9SDUphI/AAAAAAAAByg/MlheZwvz7MY/s1600/german+chocolate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O8XWXPRmgEE/UgLY9SDUphI/AAAAAAAAByg/MlheZwvz7MY/s400/german+chocolate.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
My other default comfort food is chicken soup. I've been a fan of chicken soup since...well...probably since being in utero. My Nana was the best chicken souper of all time - the queen of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kreplach">kreplach</a>, the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matzah_ball">matzah ball</a> messiah, if you will. Since her passing, my mum has inherited those titles. Though I try to contest, I'm resigned to the fact that I will never be able to top her soup. But that doesn't stop me trying!<br />
<br />
I cooked up a big batch of chicken soup over the weekend. I don't really follow a recipe, but simply throw a chicken frame or two into a big soup pot, along with chopped carrots, celery, a parsnip, onions, parsley and 3-ish litres of water. After it comes to the boil, I skim off the layer of fat that rises to the surface, whack in a stock cube (to intensify the flavour) and leave it simmering for a good few hours (at least 3 - more, if possible).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1xPC0ZN-P_U/UgLeJzCZddI/AAAAAAAAByw/CY6v2rf67LE/s1600/chicken+soup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1xPC0ZN-P_U/UgLeJzCZddI/AAAAAAAAByw/CY6v2rf67LE/s400/chicken+soup.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
While it doesn't look pretty (my mum always peels her carrots and strains her soup, resulting in a much more aesthetically pleasant consomm<span style="font-family: inherit;">é</span>), it tasted fantastic. I love my chicken soup with noodles or matzah balls (as pictured above). Mind you, these are cheat, packet matzah balls and they're really best made from scratch.<br />
<br />
Best bit of all of this? I'm feeling better - woop! Who said chicken soup's medicinal properties is <i>only </i>folklore, eh?Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05625092172290533884noreply@blogger.com7Melbourne VIC, Australia-37.814107 144.96327999999994-38.6164245 143.67238649999993 -37.0117895 146.25417349999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768972643861798380.post-33373350425031965992013-07-22T21:26:00.000+10:002013-07-23T08:37:10.795+10:00The Age Run Melbourne 10k - race recap<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">As promised, here's my recap of The Age Run Melbourne 10km event held on Sunday. </span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The weather was absolutely horrendous on Saturday. I believe it may have been one of the coldest July days on record in Melbourne. It was certainly one of the wettest...not to mention the icy winds! I was absolutely terrified we'd have a similar day for the run, but by the evening, the weatherman was assuring me that rain would be, at worst, light. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I woke up with a sore throat and achy glands, but I wasn't going to let that deter me. Although it was dark and chilly, I could tell the day was going to be an okay one for running. Win!</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I forced my beloved to get up early with me. As my live-in barista, his mad espresso skillz have rendered me dependent on a nice brew to start the day, and this day was no different. Along with my flat white, I had two pieces of chia bread toast - one with peanut butter and the other with Vegemite (Aussie gold, for any unacquainted readers) - a glass of water and my usual vitamins. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Then it was off to meet one of my friends who was also competing and, quite fortunately, lives only 15 minutes (by foot) from the starting line. Car park win! We rugged up and wandered down St Kilda Rd to Federation Square in the heart of the Melbourne CBD. There, we collected our race packets and spent the next 45 minutes huddled for warmth and queuing for the toilet. After dropping off our bags and additional clothing, we headed towards the start line and this happened:</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BdUI0x2aIj0/Ue0PXvWT37I/AAAAAAAABxA/kHv7WTltfFs/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BdUI0x2aIj0/Ue0PXvWT37I/AAAAAAAABxA/kHv7WTltfFs/s640/photo+1.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IfhJs3OLROs/Ue0PYvlKqGI/AAAAAAAABxI/i8UdoPelYog/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IfhJs3OLROs/Ue0PYvlKqGI/AAAAAAAABxI/i8UdoPelYog/s640/photo+2.JPG" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sunshine!!</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">There were thousands of participants in the 10k event alone (nearly 8,000, I believe) - plus there were also 5km and half marathon events on the day. As such, there was definitely a little waiting as wave after wave were started and we shuffled our way forward. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">At one point, the announcer made the comment that in the wave ahead of me, the leader of the Australian opposition was about to start the 10km event. Now, I am not, have not and will never be a supporter of this man. However, irrespective of political leanings (and, let's face it, there's no longer a way to lean in this country - grrr!), I thought about how blessed we are to live in a nation where our political leaders can feel comfortable enough to complete a fun run with the rest of us. I honestly cannot see that happening in many other developed countries.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_gnhiDkKH-k/Ue0PmNKYPmI/AAAAAAAABxQ/E14cayMmlqk/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_gnhiDkKH-k/Ue0PmNKYPmI/AAAAAAAABxQ/E14cayMmlqk/s640/photo+3.JPG" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And then....we were off! </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As I'm training to achieve a few personal goals in a 5km event next month, I wanted to take this event pretty casually and decided, with the help of<a href="http://www.upandrunningonline.org/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"> coach extraordinaire, Julia</a>, that I would walk a minute of every kilometer of the race. Well, that was all good in theory, until I couldn't work out how to get my Garmin to display time elapsed and had to guesstimate. As a result, I applied my own run/walk approach. I ran the first two kilometres (I was going to walk at the end of the first, but remembered that virtually the entire second kilometre was downhill and it wouldn't be very strenuous to jog) and, at the first hill, I thought "uh huh, this is my new plan - walk the worst hilly bits"...and that's exactly what I did. About 7 or 8 times through the event, I conserved my energy by walking up the steepest hills.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Now, I know this was a timed event, but I'm going to report on what my Garmin told me....because there was a MASSIVE bottleneck under a bridge next to the Yarra River in Richmond (along the northern bike path for anyone who rides into Melbourne from the east), where not only were we all forced to walk, but there was even a period where I came to a complete standstill thanks to a whole bunch of walkers blocking the narrow pathway. I didn't personally have a problem with the stop (though couldn't help myself turning to the bloke next to me and informing him facetiously, "that's it, PB is shattered"...teehee!). I estimate that this delayed me by about an extra minute, which is reflected in my Garmin times, but not in the overall race times.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Anyway, let's back track a little. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Kilometre 1: 6:19</span></b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The adrenalin kicked in as soon as I heard the starting gun and I jogged off feeling great. There was one hill in this first part of the course, but aside from that, it was largely flat. I listened to my breathing and simply felt great to be participating in this event with the extended Melbourne community. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Kilometre 2: 6:08</span></b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Downhill!! This portion of the course was almost entirely flat and downhill. I definitely could have pushed harder, but Coach Julia's words were echoing in my ear - 10km is a long way - you need to conserve energy at the start of your run. I was feeling simply sensational at this point!</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Kilometre 3: 7:27</span></b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My first walk was during this segment - up a pretty steep hill. I then recommenced jogging, turned a corner and was faced with yet another hill (right next to the Royal Botanic Gardens). Instead of forcing myself to jog up it, I slowed to a fast walk again. I was grateful, as it meant I could fly <b>down </b>the notorious Anderson St hill and make up a bit of lost time.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Kilometre 4: 6:41</span></b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Kilometre 5: 6:47</span></b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The next two kms were an out and back section along the south bank of the Yarra River (i.e. down Alexandra Ave for the Melburnians). This was one of my favourite sections of the event last year and it remained so this year. It's long and flat, with a couple of music stages and a drink station. As I approached the turn around point (probably around 4.5km through), the musical duo were playing an acoustic version of Easy (i.e. like Sunday morning). I kid you not, I got teary. Why? I cannot tell you - I just felt so blessed at that very moment to be out running in such a beautiful city. I do wonder if running somehow heightens your emotions - any thoughts on that?</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I finished 5kms in 33:22 and felt fresh, happy and invigorated. I certainly hadn't pushed to my limits and I'm thus pretty stoked with the outcome of the first half of the run. As a consequence, I'm going to modify my 5km time goals for next month accordingly. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Kilometre 6: 6:45</span></b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It was during this segment that the aforementioned bottleneck/standstill incident occurred. Towards the last part of this section of the course, I started to find that moving from a walk to a jog was increasingly difficult. Once I started jogging, I was fine and moving from a jog to a walk was also okay. However, getting back into that bouncy gait after walking was tough. I think my butt, calves and feet were beginning to feel the distance. No matter, I just kept up the jogging lightly and soldiered on.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Kilometre 7: 7:17</span></b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">All was going along relatively smoothly. And then this happened.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5R8m-q8cDt8/Ue0RRpv3O3I/AAAAAAAABxs/-yPYUTJhg_M/s1600/busted+knee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5R8m-q8cDt8/Ue0RRpv3O3I/AAAAAAAABxs/-yPYUTJhg_M/s640/busted+knee.jpg" width="442" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">That's right folks, your favourite "unco" did it again. My foot landed on an uneven piece of curb, my ankle rolled and, no doubt, hyper-extended, and then over I went. I grazed my "good" knee pretty impressively, but I was more annoyed about putting holes in yet another pair of expensive leggings (any Lululemon executives reading this, please note that you should definitely send me a new pair of running leggings...with a zip waist pocket, if possible. Pretty please!). </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The fall was a bit humiliating. Everyone around me was so lovely and concerned, asking if I was okay and needed help. I pulled myself up, dusted myself off, thanked everyone for their concern and shot them the biggest grin and thumbs up that I could muster to let them know I'd be okay. The knee wasn't too painful at the time - I was far more concerned about my ankle, which was a wee bit tender. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So, what's a girl to do when she falls over spectacularly? Jump right back up and start walking/jogging again. I knew from prior basketball experience that I hadn't sprained anything, but that once I cooled down I'd likely be a wee bit sore - i.e. best to keep moving. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Kilometre 8: 7:07</span></b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I think it's around the eighth kilometre mark of Run Melbourne that the course takes you over a long foot bridge in the heart of the Richmond sporting precinct. This may well have been the toughest part of the course for me. I knew that slowing down to walk would mean it would be difficult to get back into a jogging rhythm and the overpass, while not especially steep, was looooong (and virtually all uphill!). I waddled my way over it (by this stage, I wasn't lifting my knees much and I'm sure I could have walked faster!) and was glad to come down and out the other side.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Kilometre 9 and 10</span></b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I chugged along and was beyond relieved to see the marker for the final kilometre of the run. I remember from last year that there's one mammoth hill (Wellington Pde South) before a 500 metre downhill/flat dash to the finishing line. I made the decision to walk up the hill (evidently the correct one, as I was even passing some stubborn joggers who refused to walk!). Once at the top, I knew all the tough bits were over and I could enjoy the last 500 metres. I bolted down that last hill and sprinted to the finish line. It never ceases to amaze me that even though EVERYTHING hurts, I somehow have enough energy to sprint to a finish line - just goes to prove that you can always push a little harder than you think you can. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My final time? Garmin says: <b>68 minutes, 44 seconds</b></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In the back of my head, I was hoping for a sub-70 minute result, given that I knew I'd be walking throughout (mind you, I had told myself that it would be very unlikely). My official race time is also sub-70 - yesssss! </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Upon reflection, I am super dooper proud of myself, especially given how sore I am today in all sorts of places I didn't know could hurt! </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9oE1uODHIPE/Ue0WC572j6I/AAAAAAAAByI/nUMA8LBAnjo/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="446" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9oE1uODHIPE/Ue0WC572j6I/AAAAAAAAByI/nUMA8LBAnjo/s640/photo+4.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">After collecting our swag we wandered back to the apartment, I cleaned up my knee and it was time to relax and recover - a big bubbly spa bath, followed by pizza and beer. Bliss! </span></div>
Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05625092172290533884noreply@blogger.com7Melbourne VIC, Australia-37.814107 144.96327999999994-38.6164245 143.67238649999993 -37.0117895 146.25417349999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768972643861798380.post-90651749466209086882013-07-17T11:32:00.000+10:002013-07-17T11:32:14.043+10:00A frolicking updateYou may have noticed a little badge on the side of my blog that links to some of the "frolicking" I've been partaking in of late - namely, an online running course for women of all abilities - <a href="http://www.upandrunningonline.org/">Up & Running</a>.<br />
<br />
Until my knee reconstruction nearly two years ago, "just running" was always in the too-hard-no-fun basket. Basketball was fine, as was bike riding, but running? No way! I even recall informing a former colleague that my body was "not designed" for distance running, like his - I'm too tall (nearly 6 foot), all sorts of bendy flexible, a tad knock-kneed and my legs are too long. Crazy, right?! He, and my other friends who ran, all had a lower centres of gravity and were just a bit more compact/sturdy-looking than yours truly. In any case, it's a ridiculous assertion - I'm clearly aware that the top marathon runners in the world are long and lean (that lean part is still a work in progress for me, mind you!). <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ym0HhAu4w5I/UeXu0rgmcUI/AAAAAAAABwM/8vAY9nVF9EM/s1600/refusal+to+run+funny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ym0HhAu4w5I/UeXu0rgmcUI/AAAAAAAABwM/8vAY9nVF9EM/s400/refusal+to+run+funny.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
It wasn't until I was told by my surgeon that I had to temporarily steer clear of sports with lots of sideways movements (e.g. basketball) that I even considered running as an exercise possibility. These instructions coincided with increased reading of some great blogs, whose authors happen to be avid and very talented runners - like <a href="http://mealsandmiles.com/">Meghann</a> and <a href="http://runeatrepeat.com/">Monica</a>.<br />
<br />
As a result, in the last year, I've participated in a handful of fun runs (around five) - all of which (perhaps with the exception of <a href="http://fabulousfoodandalittlefrolicking.blogspot.com.au/2013/02/un-fun-fun-run.html">one</a>) I've really enjoyed. However, my training was, at best, sporadic and, at worst, non-existent. I simply relied upon the fact that in a previous life I was vaguely sporty and that I was doing a couple of group fitness classes each week and could therefore push myself to move a little faster than a walk.<br />
<br />
To be honest, I have been pretty disappointed with my results (there's probably a reason they didn't appear on this blog...at least not with any sort of transparency!), but that's unsurprising. What did I expect? I wasn't putting in the hard work and, while I could achieve the distance, my times were slow (I think my best 5k attempt was a wee bit over 35 minutes - i.e. a slow jog the entire way). I realise that this may represent a good time for some, but being a (then) late-20s, historically sporty person meant I had and continue to have higher expectations.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yQRUUt8lMPc/UeXxNqnYqqI/AAAAAAAABwc/_IKsjpkuEtA/s1600/unfit+running+funny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yQRUUt8lMPc/UeXxNqnYqqI/AAAAAAAABwc/_IKsjpkuEtA/s400/unfit+running+funny.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Fast forward to today - five-and-a-bit weeks into my Up & Running 5km course. I've been completing three running workouts per week (typically coupled with two strength-focused group training sessions with my friends at work), with each pushing me slightly further than the week before. I am totally in love with the amount of support I have received through the program, both from its administrators and participants. These ladies actually make you want to get out there and have a crack, in spite of the many obstacles life throws in our way.<br />
<br />
Wanna know what else is really cool? I'm actually looking forward to my runs. For the first time in my adult working life, I'm excited for 4:00pm to roll around so I can get out of my work clothes and head out into the fresh air and spend some undisturbed time with me, myself and I. Mind you, I imagine my colleagues are less than impressed when I wander back in 35 minutes later smelling like a sewer and continuing to work!<br />
<br />
With another few weeks remaining of the program, I have booked myself into a 5km fun run and have a clear time goal in mind that I'm working towards. The thought of this makes me simultaneously excited and nervous (What if I don't achieve my goals, in spite of all my hard work? What if I do?).<br />
<br />
This weekend, I have another challenge - one I signed up for well before Up and Running was on the horizon and thus before establishing my 5km goals. Months ago, a girlfriend asked me to run/walk with her in the Run Melbourne 10km event. I was happy to oblige, feeling somewhat confident that my fitness abilities would be slightly higher than hers and that I could offer her the support and encouragement needed to get through the event. Since this time, she has injured herself and will not be participating and so, I'm going it alone.<br />
<br />
I have a set run-walk plan in place and I'm just going to enjoy the atmosphere of the event - i.e. not push myself. I intend to conserve energy at the start of the race and try to complement rather than derail my 5k training. So...watch this space. I shall report back in the not too distant future and hopefully won't be caught doing something as silly as this...though you never know!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3WVomkaeJzw/UeXy-ey873I/AAAAAAAABws/xyoSYo4N7aA/s1600/running+doing+it+wrong+funny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3WVomkaeJzw/UeXy-ey873I/AAAAAAAABws/xyoSYo4N7aA/s400/running+doing+it+wrong+funny.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05625092172290533884noreply@blogger.com4Melbourne VIC, Australia-37.814107 144.96327999999994-38.6164245 143.67238649999993 -37.0117895 146.25417349999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768972643861798380.post-319887083143579882013-07-12T12:42:00.001+10:002013-07-12T12:42:25.459+10:00A birthday treatBecause my beloved is super, awesome, cool and knows I like all things related to food, day spas and surprises, he whisked me away to Daylesford to celebrate my 30th birthday weekend. I was pampered all weekend long (it was like 48 hours straight of eating, drinking, massage and sleep - I kid you not!) and thought I'd share some of the food highlights.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VSwKpWuzykA/Ud9kmXQhJxI/AAAAAAAABuo/U8L08sif5VU/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VSwKpWuzykA/Ud9kmXQhJxI/AAAAAAAABuo/U8L08sif5VU/s640/photo+1.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
We arrived just in time for dinner at <a href="http://www.kazukis.com.au/">Kazuki's</a> on Friday evening. The restaurant aims to team the owner's Japanese heritage with locally sourced produce. The meal was lovely. We started with the light and refreshing <i>Yasai no moriawase</i> (literal translation: a shitload of yummy stuff on a plate) and moved onto spatchcock and pork belly mains. There were liberal pourings of sake, which took me straight back to Japan and got me all excited about our forthcoming trip. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GmOGS_1Xv74/Ud9ksKNuRTI/AAAAAAAABuw/aPbVhh3S03Q/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GmOGS_1Xv74/Ud9ksKNuRTI/AAAAAAAABuw/aPbVhh3S03Q/s640/photo+2.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Yasai no moriawase </i>(please excuse the poor lighting!)</div>
<br />
The food was great, but just not quite special enough to make us stay for dessert. I can't quite put my finger on it - flavours were subtle and well thought out and the ambiance and service were excellent. Maybe we were just in the mood for more hearty, winter cuisine on such a cold night...I just don't know. For me, Kazuki's doesn't quite match other local, similarly priced establishments like <a href="http://fabulousfoodandalittlefrolicking.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/30-before-30-spend-time-in-daylesford.html">Mercato </a>or <a href="http://www.darmagi.com.au/">Darmagi</a>, but is still definitely worth a visit.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8cxaDOdT1Do/Ud9lhrURYoI/AAAAAAAABu4/8o73Nf2qfXQ/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8cxaDOdT1Do/Ud9lhrURYoI/AAAAAAAABu4/8o73Nf2qfXQ/s640/photo+3.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/346/1617755/restaurant/Victoria/Kazukis-Daylesford"><img alt="Kazuki's on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1617755/biglink.gif" style="border: none; height: 146px; padding: 0px; width: 200px;" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Our next eating highlight was courtesy of <a href="http://www.wombathillhouse.com.au/">Wombat Hill House</a>, which I've <a href="http://fabulousfoodandalittlefrolicking.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/wombat-hill-house.html">blogged about previously</a>. My beloved and I don't like to order the same dish, but neither of us were able to fathom foregoing the breakfast pizza, so we agreed to be "different" by ordering one with bacon and one without (genius, right?!).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2hNmv_objC0/Ud9msnqn7TI/AAAAAAAABvE/DH4ccT06mI0/s1600/photo+(8).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2hNmv_objC0/Ud9msnqn7TI/AAAAAAAABvE/DH4ccT06mI0/s640/photo+(8).JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
As usual, outstanding food and a great, relaxed feel!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/346/1608104/restaurant/Victoria/Wombat-Hill-House-Daylesford"><img alt="Wombat Hill House on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1608104/biglink.gif" style="border: none; height: 146px; padding: 0px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
<br />
Our afternoon snack was courtesy of the <a href="http://www.chocmill.com.au/index1.html">Chocolate Mill</a> - vanilla ice-cream topped with beautifully tempered, dark spiced chocolate. Umm.... yum!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o07SUFFF6e4/Ud9olrdyfxI/AAAAAAAABvU/PHQiOy9JzBM/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o07SUFFF6e4/Ud9olrdyfxI/AAAAAAAABvU/PHQiOy9JzBM/s640/photo+1.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/346/1484276/restaurant/Victoria/Daylesford/Chocolate-Mill-Mount-Franklin"><img alt="Chocolate Mill on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1484276/biglink.gif" style="border: none; height: 146px; padding: 0px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
<br />
Because we weren't full enough, dinner was booked at <a href="http://www.darmagi.com.au/">Darmagi</a>. I must have driven past Darmagi fifty times since its establishment (it's been there for well over two years!), but had never noticed the minimalist eatery nestled in the heart of Hepburn Springs. As soon as we walked into the place, we were treated like old friends. I have never dined anywhere where I felt as genuinely welcomed as at Darmagi. Not only were the waiters <u>delightful</u>, but the kitchen staff were open to a chat too (thanks to a very cool open kitchen set up).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dw59Pgc7dnA/Ud9qLBKoRpI/AAAAAAAABvk/JJNKjMHfI38/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dw59Pgc7dnA/Ud9qLBKoRpI/AAAAAAAABvk/JJNKjMHfI38/s640/photo+2.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
At a dollar a pop, my beloved couldn't go past half a dozen oysters to start. I went for some absolutely beautiful prosciutto. Both were incredible (even if the hairy arm in the above turns you off, take my word on that!).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zh1j38xRamc/Ud9qvswqTII/AAAAAAAABvs/bWV-DWjHtIc/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zh1j38xRamc/Ud9qvswqTII/AAAAAAAABvs/bWV-DWjHtIc/s640/photo+3.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Mains were stunning - beautifully refined comfort food - a lamb ragout pasta for me and a slow cooked beef cheek for my beloved (the latter unfortunately was not captured on film).<br />
<br />
Dessert came in the form of tiramisu. My beloved has a pretty high tiramisu benchmark. He reckons he's never had any tiramisu (even in Italy!) that comes close to that made by my mum (my <i>non-Italian</i> mum, I should add). This dish was as close to tira-perfection as either of us have had and was washed down by more grappas than I'd like to admit.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-frhiYxmB3MM/Ud9ryiY_kMI/AAAAAAAABv8/pC7Qd0AcIfc/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-frhiYxmB3MM/Ud9ryiY_kMI/AAAAAAAABv8/pC7Qd0AcIfc/s640/photo+4.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Darmagi was well and truly the dining highlight of our time away. The food was sensational, the restaurant flawless and the staff simply outstanding. What more could a girl ask for to kick off her third decade?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/346/1661741/restaurant/Victoria/Daylesford/Darmagi-Hepburn-Springs"><img alt="Darmagi on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1661741/biglink.gif" style="border: none; height: 146px; padding: 0px; width: 200px;" /></a>Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05625092172290533884noreply@blogger.com6Daylesford VIC 3460, Australia-37.3439242 144.14226159999998-37.444907199999996 143.98090009999999 -37.2429412 144.30362309999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768972643861798380.post-1679803784032895752013-07-10T12:00:00.001+10:002013-07-10T12:00:54.571+10:00...and so I'm 30<br />
<div>
It seems like yesterday that I was struggling to think of 30 things to do before turning 30. Heck, it seems like yesterday that I was a 10 year old. Where did 20 years just go?!<br />
<br />
Anyway, I thought I'd update you all on my 30 before 30 achievements and provide an indication of those things that may have to wait and/or never happen (colour-coded for your convenience, using a traffic light system because, let's face it, I'm a nerd!). Here goes:<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
1. <strike><a href="http://fabulousfoodandalittlefrolicking.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/30-before-30-1-and-10-crafty-seamstress.html">Make something crafty for the house</a></strike></div>
<div>
2. <a href="http://fabulousfoodandalittlefrolicking.blogspot.com.au/2013/02/30-before-30-2-make-colourful-pasta.html"><strike>Make colourful pasta from scratch</strike></a></div>
<div>
3. <a href="http://fabulousfoodandalittlefrolicking.blogspot.com.au/2013/04/30-before-30-3-travel-out-of-state.html"><strike>Travel out of the state</strike></a></div>
<div>
4. <strike><a href="http://fabulousfoodandalittlefrolicking.blogspot.com.au/2013/04/30-before-30-4-participate-in-fun-run.html">Participate in a fun run</a></strike></div>
<div>
<span style="color: red;">5. Go vegetarian for a week (including one day of veganism) </span>- nope, this one isn't happening. I'm all about intuitive eating and listening to my body at the moment and I'm in a really good head space when it comes to food. I certainly am not messing with that! If my tummy says meat, then meat it is. </div>
<div>
<span style="color: orange;">6. Read at least one fiction book </span>- womp, womp. Epic fail! This didn't happen, as anticipated, though I'm planning to take a light, girly read overseas with me next month. Any recommendations for this non-fiction lover? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
7. <a href="http://fabulousfoodandalittlefrolicking.blogspot.com.au/2013/04/30-before-30-7-attend-live-sporting.html"><strike>Attend a live sporting event</strike></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
8. <strike><a href="http://fabulousfoodandalittlefrolicking.blogspot.com.au/2013/07/30-before-30-8-try-5-new-to-me-beers.html">Try 5 new (to me) beers</a></strike></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
9. <a href="http://fabulousfoodandalittlefrolicking.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/30-before-30-9-make-sweet-pie-from.html"><strike>Make a sweet pie from scratch (including the pastry)</strike></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
10. <strike><a href="http://fabulousfoodandalittlefrolicking.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/30-before-30-1-and-10-crafty-seamstress.html">Sew something</a></strike></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
11. <strike><a href="http://fabulousfoodandalittlefrolicking.blogspot.com.au/2013/07/30-before-30-11-lose-5kg.html">Lose 5kg</a></strike></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
12. <strike><a href="http://fabulousfoodandalittlefrolicking.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/30-before-30-spend-time-in-daylesford.html">Spend at least one day in Daylesford</a></strike></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
13. <strike><a href="http://fabulousfoodandalittlefrolicking.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/30-before-30-13-do-some-sort-of.html">Do some sort of physical activity every day for one week</a></strike></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
14. <strike><a href="http://fabulousfoodandalittlefrolicking.blogspot.com.au/2013/04/30-before-30-28-and-14.html">Go on a substantial day hike</a></strike></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
15. <strike><a href="http://fabulousfoodandalittlefrolicking.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/30-before-30-15-have-picnic.html">Have a picnic</a></strike></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
16. <a href="http://fabulousfoodandalittlefrolicking.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/30-before-30-16-completely-replant-one.html"><strike>Completely replant one of our garden beds</strike></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">17. Watch 5 movies on the <a href="http://www.imdb.com/chart/top">IMDb Top 250</a> list that I've never seen</span> - I'm currently at 4 of 5. The fifth is planned. There will be an update! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">18. Bike ride into Melbourne and back home</span> - all the running I've been doing of late, coupled with the inconsistent winter weather has meant that I haven't found the time to go on <strike>many</strike> any bike rides. I think this one will definitely be ticked off the list in the next few months though.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
19. <a href="http://fabulousfoodandalittlefrolicking.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/30-before-30-19-splurge-on-fancy-meal.html"><strike>Splurge on a fancy meal out</strike></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
20. <strike><a href="http://fabulousfoodandalittlefrolicking.blogspot.com.au/2013/04/30-before-30-20-attend-live-performance.html">Attend a live performance of some sort</a></strike></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
21. <strike><a href="http://fabulousfoodandalittlefrolicking.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/30-before-30-21-25.html">Donate to charity</a></strike></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="color: orange;">22. Redecorate/reconfigure our "formal" lounge room to make it more usable </span>- nope. Just didn't get around to it. Most of the boxes in here have been unpacked and the room is neat and usable; however, we haven't made it "ours" in the same way we've transformed other rooms in our house. I think this may be an ongoing project over the next few months. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="color: orange;">23. Learn how to decorate a cake</span> - goal on hold until my cake-maker extraordinaire buddy has the time to fit me in. Again, there will be photographic evidence and much scoffing!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
24. <strike><a href="http://fabulousfoodandalittlefrolicking.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/30-before-30-13-make-meal-for-my-parents.html">Cook a meal for my parents</a></strike></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
25. <strike><a href="http://fabulousfoodandalittlefrolicking.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/30-before-30-21-25.html">Send letters or parcels to my closest friends in other countries</a></strike></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="color: red;">26. Go technology-free for 24 hours</span> - sadly this is currently in the too hard basket. The last time I went tech-free was during a holiday to Vanuatu, where there was no TV, no phone reception and definitely no internet. It was an incredibly liberating experience, but is simply not feasible right now with work and other commitments. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
27. <strike><a href="http://fabulousfoodandalittlefrolicking.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/30-before-30-27-buy-new-handbag.html">Buy a new handbag</a></strike></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
28. <strike><a href="http://fabulousfoodandalittlefrolicking.blogspot.com.au/2013/04/30-before-30-28-and-14.html">Learn how to take really good photos with our DSLR</a></strike></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
29. <strike><a href="http://fabulousfoodandalittlefrolicking.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/30-before-30-29-visit-winery.html">Visit a winery</a></strike></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">30. Knit a scarf for winter</span> - the finishing touches are happening as I type (figuratively, clearly...I don't have four hands!) and there shall be photographic evidence. </div>
Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05625092172290533884noreply@blogger.com6Melbourne VIC, Australia-37.814107 144.96327999999994-38.6164245 143.67238649999993 -37.0117895 146.25417349999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768972643861798380.post-62666221333792783632013-07-05T10:46:00.003+10:002013-07-05T10:49:30.463+10:0030 before 30: #11 - lose 5kgWhen I came up with my <a href="http://fabulousfoodandalittlefrolicking.blogspot.com.au/2013/02/30-before-30.html">30 before 30</a> list, I thought achieving my 11th goal of losing 5kgs would be the hardest of the lot. Since my knee reconstruction, I had let my eating habits get the better of me and was no longer listening to my body about what it needed in terms of energy.<br />
<br />
I am pleased to say that I'm down over 5kgs (WOOHOO!) and would ideally like to drop another 5kg to get smack bang into the middle of my healthy range (according to BMI).<br />
<br />
I attribute my success to two key factors:<br />
<br />
<h3>
1. Sessions with my <u>wonderful</u> hypnotherapist... </h3>
...who has helped "reprogram" (for want of a better term) my habits and behaviours with respect to eating. Seriously people, get yourself a hypno. Pronto!<br />
<br />
I'm now eating (and, for that matter, living) much more mindfully and in the moment. I find myself listening to my body and more frequently asking if I'm *really* hungry, or just reaching for the biscuit jar out of habit. More often than not, it's the latter. There are no rules or calorie restrictions - it's all about eating when I'm hungry, enjoying my food and not over-eating. You can't get any more simple than that, right?! The changes I've made are both empowering and liberating, and I'm glad to be back in a healthy and sustainable head-space when it comes to my eating habits.<br />
<br />
<h3>
2. More moving!</h3>
I am close to half way through completing the <a href="http://www.upandrunningonline.org/">Up & Running</a> 5k program. This is the brain child of the brilliant <a href="http://www.shaunareid.com/">Shauna Reid</a> and coach extraordinaire, <a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/womens-running/il-corso-di-corsa?page=single">Julia Jones</a> and provides a virtual training program for women with the goal of completing a 5km run at its conclusion. I cannot endorse the program highly enough - the support and bonding of the women involved keeps participants accountable and, on a personal level, keeps me striving for success.<br />
<br />
Although I have run a number of 5km runs (i.e. doing the course wasn't about achieving a distance goal), my times have been extremely slow. This is unsurprising given that in the past, I've done no more than about two training runs before every fun run. However, this time I've set myself a time target that I'm working towards and have a fun run locked in in mid-August.<br />
<br />
In between my three running sessions per week, I'm participating in work-run group fitness classes twice a week and the odd game of basketball here and there. I realise that this is a lot of activity and am very carefully monitoring my body. I expected that I'd be feeling sore and run down as a consequence of all this moving (especially through this cold winter), but instead I'm feeling energised and very healthy. Win!<br />
<br />
As an aside, one of the coolest parts of my three weeks of regular running has been seeing the definition that is developing in my thunder thighs. They are still thunderous, but there are muscles under the thunder. Muscles, I tell you!<br />
<br />
Anyway, enough rambling. To sum it up, I'm feeling fit, healthy and positive - a good place to be when one is about to enter their thirties, me thinks!Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05625092172290533884noreply@blogger.com8Melbourne VIC, Australia-37.814107 144.96327999999994-38.6164245 143.67238649999993 -37.0117895 146.25417349999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768972643861798380.post-2790361071836977022013-07-02T13:48:00.001+10:002013-07-02T13:48:05.463+10:0030 before 30: #8 - try 5 new (to me) beersIt's probably no surprise that I smashed this goal out of the ball park (is that the correct baseball parlance?). It's a truth universally acknowledged that I do like beer (Jane Austen meant to write that. True story.). I'll even go as far as to say that I prefer beer to wine. It's probably not my most feminine attribute, nor my most cultured, but heck, I'm going to embrace my inner <a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=bogan">bogan</a>! Mind you, I particularly like matching beer with food...so perhaps said embrace should cover my inner <a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=hipster">hipster</a> as well.<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In any case, here be my <strike>five</strike> six beers:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
1. Cantina Pura Cerveza (El Salvador) </div>
<div>
Crisp, refreshing and good value for money. Paired well with some home made Mexican grub.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IMBiPIBwiYk/UdJMg9AN3OI/AAAAAAAABto/eLKnKEZBngI/s1600/Cantina+beer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IMBiPIBwiYk/UdJMg9AN3OI/AAAAAAAABto/eLKnKEZBngI/s640/Cantina+beer.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
2. Hitachino Nest White Ale (Japan)</div>
<div>
Very drinkable and props for the cute bottle. Enjoyed at<a href="http://www.estellebarkitchen.com.au/"> Estelle Bar and Kitchen</a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QTFszEw1Kmk/UdJMl1pXXXI/AAAAAAAABtw/dbdTMHvnOMo/s1600/Japanese+beer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QTFszEw1Kmk/UdJMl1pXXXI/AAAAAAAABtw/dbdTMHvnOMo/s640/Japanese+beer.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
3. Lord Nelson Brewery Pale Ale (Australia)</div>
<div>
Very easy (too easy... ;) ) to drink - paired with some spicy Thai at <a href="http://www.sailorsthai.com.au/">Sailors Thai</a> in Sydney.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rz6PetzFX4A/UdJMqUpcqsI/AAAAAAAABt4/dpaUy5LQ3ic/s1600/Lord+Nelson+beer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rz6PetzFX4A/UdJMqUpcqsI/AAAAAAAABt4/dpaUy5LQ3ic/s640/Lord+Nelson+beer.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
4. Steam Rail "The Gold Digger" Golden Ale (Australia) </div>
<div>
Probably the least impressive of all the beers tried. At least it was shared with great friends and weather! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ukEHSZQC140/UdJMvgLsxHI/AAAAAAAABuA/nWDrycCT4s0/s1600/Golden+ale+picnic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ukEHSZQC140/UdJMvgLsxHI/AAAAAAAABuA/nWDrycCT4s0/s640/Golden+ale+picnic.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
5. Mirboo Madness American Red Ale (Australia)</div>
<div>
Limited edition. Smooth on the way down, but the aftertaste wasn't great. Value for money was also questionable. Just as well my home-made, crumbed barramundi with fresh coleslaw made up for it! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XVuP-XpEcZo/UdJM1HCSgQI/AAAAAAAABuI/sjcOdL9Yr_M/s1600/Mirboo+madness.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XVuP-XpEcZo/UdJM1HCSgQI/AAAAAAAABuI/sjcOdL9Yr_M/s640/Mirboo+madness.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Perhaps not the best beer, but definitely the best nails of the lot!</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
6. So remember how I said I smashed this goal? Yep, I tried six, not five, but six new beers. and I've left the best until last. It was so good, in fact, that I forgot to take a photo of it while drinking it...on two occasions(!!), but that's surely a good sign. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Behold, my new favourite beer: the Alhambra Negra (Spain). Enjoyed at <a href="http://movida.com.au/">MoVida</a> and at <a href="http://theblacktoro.com.au/">The Black Toro</a>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TZ47FwgC0Uo/UdJNBfQr1JI/AAAAAAAABuQ/Hf-RnTdapW4/s680/Alhambra+Negra+beer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TZ47FwgC0Uo/UdJNBfQr1JI/AAAAAAAABuQ/Hf-RnTdapW4/s640/Alhambra+Negra+beer.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://bythepint.com/alhambra-negra"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Source</span></a></div>
Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05625092172290533884noreply@blogger.com9Melbourne VIC, Australia-37.814107 144.96327999999994-38.6164245 143.67238649999993 -37.0117895 146.25417349999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768972643861798380.post-73563388512043614122013-06-25T13:59:00.001+10:002013-06-25T13:59:32.415+10:0030 before 30: #15 - have a picnic<br />
<h3>
<i><span class="vk_ans vk_bk">pic·nic</span> </i></h3>
<div class="vk_sh">
<i>/ˈpikˌnik/</i><br />
<div id="pronunciation_flash" style="height: 0px; position: absolute; width: 0px;">
</div>
<i><span class="speaker-icon-listen-off" data-s="picnic.mp3" id="speaker_icon" jsaction="dict.l" style="margin-bottom: 1px; margin-left: 6px; margin: 0;"></span></i></div>
<div>
<table class="vk_txt ts" style="margin-top: 20px;"><tbody>
<tr><td><div class="vk_gy vk_sh">
<i>Noun: an outing or occasion that involves taking a packed meal to be eaten outdoors.</i></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0PY6AJ6Sgus/UckUFa5oU2I/AAAAAAAABtE/BiZSyiYW6kI/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0PY6AJ6Sgus/UckUFa5oU2I/AAAAAAAABtE/BiZSyiYW6kI/s640/photo+1.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Okay, so maybe it wasn't *technically* an outing and maybe it didn't *technically* commemorate an occasion.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S2WBVc88FjI/UckUY6ZuQkI/AAAAAAAABtM/DJ1exOqsT_Y/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S2WBVc88FjI/UckUY6ZuQkI/AAAAAAAABtM/DJ1exOqsT_Y/s640/photo+2.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
But in my books, breakfast may as well be an occasion (a fairly regular one at that!) and when the view from your backyard with winter sun streaming through is this pretty, I'm calling it a picnic. So is she.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zIgozAUMK6k/UckU0iFshMI/AAAAAAAABtU/Pg5P94V4qvE/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zIgozAUMK6k/UckU0iFshMI/AAAAAAAABtU/Pg5P94V4qvE/s640/photo+3.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Consider <a href="http://fabulousfoodandalittlefrolicking.blogspot.com.au/2013/02/30-before-30.html">#15</a> complete!Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05625092172290533884noreply@blogger.com4Melbourne VIC, Australia-37.814107 144.96327999999994-38.6164245 143.67238649999993 -37.0117895 146.25417349999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768972643861798380.post-56801247391821254102013-06-19T11:13:00.000+10:002013-06-19T11:13:00.351+10:0030 before 30: #21 & #25I've lumped these two <a href="http://fabulousfoodandalittlefrolicking.blogspot.com.au/2013/02/30-before-30.html">30 before 30</a> goals together, because, let's face it, they are not inherently interesting to read about. However, I can report that I have both donated to charity and sent goodies abroad.<br />
<br />
The former was accomplished through a fun run earlier in the year - the <a href="http://mothersdayclassic.com.au/">Mother's Day Classic</a> to be precise. I was initially entered in the 4k walk with a girlfriend, but bumped into the 4k run after she pulled out a few days prior, due to a medical issue. As a result, my beloved accompanied me (thanks to Start to Finish for allowing the late change!) and we enjoyed a rather nice waddle around Melbourne's Botanic Gardens.<br />
<br />
I have to say, in the scheme of fun runs, this one seemed a tad disorganised and frenetic, probably owing to the size of the turnout (over 130,000 across 74 locations). In any case, I was glad that my registration fee went, in its entirety, to cancer research. I'm constantly astounded at the number of events that do not donate a penny of the entry costs to charity.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0_eJO-CLP_U/UcD9_0Zs9EI/AAAAAAAABsI/hTt1oyXHN7M/s1600/MDClogo13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0_eJO-CLP_U/UcD9_0Zs9EI/AAAAAAAABsI/hTt1oyXHN7M/s320/MDClogo13.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
With regard to my goal of sending letters/parcels to my nearest and dearest abroad, I'm pleased to report that I've sent three of my OS besties wee parcels over the last few months.<br />
<br />
The first, who has just given birth to a gorgeous baby girl in Japan, received a stripey ensemble, complete with matching shoes (because, let's face it, baby shoes are probably the cutest thing <u>ever</u> invented!). Want to know what's even more exciting? In around 2.5 months we'll be seeing said outfit again in person - that's right, we're off to Japan!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sUi9B-G83Tk/UcEFJFqK-uI/AAAAAAAABso/ZafN8L45iTw/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sUi9B-G83Tk/UcEFJFqK-uI/AAAAAAAABso/ZafN8L45iTw/s640/photo+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GiBGuqKrOUc/UcEFJIBDbpI/AAAAAAAABss/kT-ZrBDby1g/s640/photo+2.JPG" width="640" /><i>These are some pictures from our time in Japan over 5 years ago...ahhh memories!</i></div>
<br />
The second, a close girlfriend in London, received a big bunch of flowers for her 30th birthday.<br />
<br />
Thirdly, my non-biological German "mum" has been sent a beautiful, locally designed and woven scarf (below) for her 70th birthday. As an aside, you can check out my very talented friend and weaver's Etsy store <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/YesJackieMadeThis">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OA_fGIo1oW0/UcEBTl9kGII/AAAAAAAABsY/Y90V2zZJlJc/s1600/anna+woven+scarf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OA_fGIo1oW0/UcEBTl9kGII/AAAAAAAABsY/Y90V2zZJlJc/s400/anna+woven+scarf.jpg" width="281" /></a></div>
<br />
So, eleven of my <a href="http://fabulousfoodandalittlefrolicking.blogspot.com.au/2013/02/30-before-30.html">thirty goals</a> remain, with only a few weeks of the challenge to go. Can I do it?Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05625092172290533884noreply@blogger.com3Melbourne VIC, Australia-37.814107 144.96327999999994-38.6164245 143.67238649999993 -37.0117895 146.25417349999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768972643861798380.post-30173813791969898182013-06-17T15:47:00.000+10:002013-06-17T15:59:20.045+10:0030 before 30: #29 - visit a wineryEscaping to the Yarra Valley (one of Australia's premier wine regions for those who aren't local) for a day or more is something I often think about, but rarely do. Silly really, because the trip there takes little more than 45 minutes. More importantly though, there's something about those rolling hills and perfectly straight lines of vines that has an instant relaxing effect (my beloved likes to think it's my rather OCD need for symmetry. I prefer to think that it's because I'm getting closer to nature...whatevs!).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SvQApH5SlUk/Ub6bA4Dcj6I/AAAAAAAABqU/7imFM5rp5ns/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SvQApH5SlUk/Ub6bA4Dcj6I/AAAAAAAABqU/7imFM5rp5ns/s640/photo+1.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Fellow blogger, <a href="http://misschievously.wordpress.com/">Miss C</a> and I decided to head to the region with our obliging other halves at rather late notice on the weekend. I was delighted to learn that the <a href="http://www.yering.com/farmer-market">Yarra Valley Farmers' Market</a> coincided with our visit. Yering Station is a very picturesque location for such a market and the produce did not disappoint - beautiful cheeses, breads, meat, fresh produce and lots of ready-made things to sample and buy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3ED74edhyd0/Ub6bHL8RbkI/AAAAAAAABqc/FwsW2qwlpLg/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3ED74edhyd0/Ub6bHL8RbkI/AAAAAAAABqc/FwsW2qwlpLg/s640/photo+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
After a market wander and cup of coffee, we made our way over to <a href="http://www.zonzo.com.au/">Zonzo </a>- the main event for the day. We were seated right in front of the roaring fire, complete with bovine adornment.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PVQC3GZAH7M/Ub6bRZjph0I/AAAAAAAABqk/1QWSPHBW5ak/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PVQC3GZAH7M/Ub6bRZjph0I/AAAAAAAABqk/1QWSPHBW5ak/s640/photo+3.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
A bottle of Sangiovese came as we admired the view of gnarled vines outside, complemented beautifully by the rustic, but elegant interior decor.
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CrI3orKkE1U/Ub6bVPchtMI/AAAAAAAABqs/ERqAw5qvV7g/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CrI3orKkE1U/Ub6bVPchtMI/AAAAAAAABqs/ERqAw5qvV7g/s640/photo+4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
We opted to share all dishes and started with a couple of deep fried morsels.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HPniBZGj63Q/Ub6bsN6rEbI/AAAAAAAABq0/10ze8Ao1TMA/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HPniBZGj63Q/Ub6bsN6rEbI/AAAAAAAABq0/10ze8Ao1TMA/s640/photo+5.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Arancini 15</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d7wJQLk7-Jo/Ub6b1v4ngYI/AAAAAAAABq8/WT5CwB4x4I4/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d7wJQLk7-Jo/Ub6b1v4ngYI/AAAAAAAABq8/WT5CwB4x4I4/s640/photo+1.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Carciofi Fritti (crumbed artichoke hearts drizzled with vincotto) 13</i></div>
<br />
Both starters were excellent - crunchy and comforting. However, the real stand out of the day for me was the pizza. This was the best pizza I've eaten in a very long time. Maybe even since <a href="http://fabulousfoodandalittlefrolicking.blogspot.com.au/2011/09/eurotrip2011-day-47.html">Italy</a>!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3vhqmK5JGpU/Ub6cmamkLTI/AAAAAAAABrM/AOngNP-BnZE/s640/photo+3.JPG" width="640" /><i>L-R: Pizza con Melanzane; Pizza con Porcini; Pizza con Bresaola 23 each</i></div>
<br />
The base was thin and a perfect balance of crispy, but maintained that requisite chewy "thang" that all good pizza must have.<br />
<br />
My personal favourite was the Pizza con Bresaola (nearest below), which was topped with slightly salty, finely sliced Wagyu, basil, buffalo mozzarella and olive oil.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tnwoUDn7TOc/Ub6dc0MkaMI/AAAAAAAABrY/ejKMoKpns3w/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tnwoUDn7TOc/Ub6dc0MkaMI/AAAAAAAABrY/ejKMoKpns3w/s640/photo+2.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Because no <strike>dinner</strike> lunch is complete without dessert and I have a deep passion for all things ricotta (I swear, my love affair with the stuff knows no bounds!) a ricotta calzone was ordered.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UVj8H405Y0U/Ub6d7zFKfBI/AAAAAAAABrk/pDgdvpBDa2s/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UVj8H405Y0U/Ub6d7zFKfBI/AAAAAAAABrk/pDgdvpBDa2s/s640/photo+4.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Calzone alla Ricotta (foreground); Calzone alla Fragola (background) 14</i></div>
<br />
After early morning wine tasting, followed by a bottle of wine, it was clearly time to slip next door to Train Track winery and get stuck into a bit more vino, right?! When in the Yarra Valley...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XDcVG7D5eTs/Ub6gEF5DoLI/AAAAAAAABr0/pl1qlkoBK6s/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XDcVG7D5eTs/Ub6gEF5DoLI/AAAAAAAABr0/pl1qlkoBK6s/s640/photo+5.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
All in all, a fantastic day out with even better friends. Zonzo: we will be returning!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/71/1452778/restaurant/Melbourne/Zonzo-Yarra-Glen"><img alt="Zonzo on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1452778/biglink.gif" style="border: none; height: 146px; padding: 0px; width: 200px;" /></a>Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05625092172290533884noreply@blogger.com8Yarra Glen VIC, Australia-37.657207 145.37471000000005-37.7577825 145.21334850000005 -37.5566315 145.53607150000005tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768972643861798380.post-13894939546440467382013-06-11T19:47:00.002+10:002013-06-11T19:47:31.134+10:0030 before 30: #1 and #10 - the crafty seamstressThere are some rather ill-conceived goals on my <a href="http://fabulousfoodandalittlefrolicking.blogspot.com.au/2013/02/30-before-30.html">pre-thirty bucket list</a>. Number 1 and number 10, for example, both have substantial overlap and, while I know that months ago I had lofty ambitions of completing these exclusively, I am now lumping them together and calling it success. Some would call it lazy, others a study in efficiency...<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In any case, I'll start this post by letting you in on a secret. I'm a pretty poor seamstress. I was never taught how to sew or use a sewing machine at school, nor did I have a mother or even grandmother who sewed. Knitting, yes; but never sewing. However, I love most crafty-type activities. To me they're like a form of therapy - a way to escape and immerse myself in my thoughts and some quiet time. Based on this logic, a couple of years back I purchased a sewing machine, with grand ambitions of cladding myself in all sorts of fabric awesome. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I made a delightful wrap skirt and a vaguely acceptable pair of pajama bottoms, but my sewing career came to a screeching halt when I went all out and attempted a maxi dress that made me appear seven months pregnant (I'm not exaggerating at all here!). It's not that I made a conscious decision to give up, but my *epic fail*, coupled with a bunch of other goings-on rendered my time very limited, and so I put the sewing machine to rest for a little while.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_mfMCz2PXLw/UbbvZ-lSxWI/AAAAAAAABpU/GOXf6wzx9yw/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_mfMCz2PXLw/UbbvZ-lSxWI/AAAAAAAABpU/GOXf6wzx9yw/s640/photo+5.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Now that time is a little freer (post-MBA completion - huzzah!), I made a decision to dust off the white plastic lump that is my sewing machine and make something I <u>can't</u> mess up - cushions. A trip to Ikea was first required in order to procure the cushion insert and, while there, I discovered that Ikea is a one-stop-shop for pillow-making, as they boast a pretty <a href="http://www.ikea.com/au/en/catalog/categories/departments/living_room/10655/">funky range of fabrics</a>. I opted for a <a href="http://www.ikea.com/au/en/catalog/products/50228963/">grey print</a>, hoping that a neutral pallet would mean that any flaws wouldn't be as obvious, and $25 later we were on our way (and yes, I understand that I could have simply purchased two ready-made cushions from Ikea for this price, but where's the fun in that?!). </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After a wee bit of fabric pressing and measuring, it was time to get my sew on - a bit of machine work, followed by some hand sewing. I'm pretty happy with the outcome, especially given my disaster maxi of 2011!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MeVF41YZZiI/UbbvHEykakI/AAAAAAAABpM/IxdqZox5r28/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MeVF41YZZiI/UbbvHEykakI/AAAAAAAABpM/IxdqZox5r28/s640/photo+4.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
At least one of the cushions is actually destined for our replica George Nelson Coconut Chair, which is being made somewhere in the world as we speak. I think it'll look pretty swell...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zienB0pooII/UbbxMeUXpkI/AAAAAAAABpk/yBg3--jC4-o/s1600/coconut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zienB0pooII/UbbxMeUXpkI/AAAAAAAABpk/yBg3--jC4-o/s400/coconut.jpg" width="378" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Overall, not *sew* bad, right?!</div>
Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05625092172290533884noreply@blogger.com4Melbourne VIC, Australia-37.814107 144.96327999999994-38.6164245 143.67238649999993 -37.0117895 146.25417349999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768972643861798380.post-88404114174563047212013-06-08T07:30:00.000+10:002013-06-08T07:30:16.999+10:0030 before 30: #27 - buy a new handbagBuying a handbag is not an easy quest for yours truly. While I have a strong, unyielding passion for shoes, bags just don't get the juices flowing in quite the same way. Moreover, I'm particularly fussy about the need for a bag to sit across my body (the hands-free option) at an appropriate point (on my left hip more specifically - no easy feat at 177-8cms!). The item must also be good quality, soft leather and made somewhere where it is not likely that people were used/abused in the process of its creation. A tough list to satisfy, right?!<br />
<br />
It took a few months of searching, but I finally found what has proven to be possibly my favourite handbag ever.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GkJZmIMGtsk/UbJPgpgXiTI/AAAAAAAABo8/3wLtgCmlzuU/s1600/bag+side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GkJZmIMGtsk/UbJPgpgXiTI/AAAAAAAABo8/3wLtgCmlzuU/s400/bag+side.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It's made by <a href="http://www.nat-nin.fr/en/">NAT & NIN</a>, a company founded in France by sisters who shared a passion for leather goods. Some of their range is available at <a href="http://www.morrisonshop.com/">Morrison</a> stores in Australia. For the quality and place of origin (Italian leather, made in France), they're extremely reasonably priced, in my opinion.<br />
<br />
A couple of months since purchasing and I'm still as in love with this incredibly functional, soft, pretty handbag as I was the day it was purchased - it's definitely a favourite item that I know will get worn until it's hanging in shreds over my shoulder!Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05625092172290533884noreply@blogger.com0Melbourne VIC, Australia-37.814107 144.96327999999994-38.6164245 143.67238649999993 -37.0117895 146.25417349999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768972643861798380.post-6380608020370968922013-06-06T15:03:00.002+10:002013-06-07T08:44:53.097+10:0030 before 30: #12 - spend time in DaylesfordHowdy bloggerinos. I may have taken a short spell of absence from the blogging world, but fear not, I have been slowly but surely working my way through my <a href="http://fabulousfoodandalittlefrolicking.blogspot.com.au/2013/02/30-before-30.html">30 before 30 list</a> (only roughly a month to go - eeek!). <br />
<br />
A few weeks ago, my beloved and I headed off to our favourite part of regional Victoria - Daylesford (and surrounds). We love this part of the world so much, that a year prior, decided to get<a href="http://fabulousfoodandalittlefrolicking.blogspot.com.au/2012/06/holy-connubials-wedding-at-lake-house.html"> married there</a>. It seemed fitting that one year on we would return to celebrate the anniversary of this momentous occasion.<br />
<br />
Our eatery of choice for a relaxed Sunday lunch was <a href="http://mercatorestaurant.com.au/">Mercato @ Daylesford</a> - a contemporary, yet homely eatery only a short walk down the street from Daylesford's weekly Sunday market. We were early to arrive and snapped some pictures of an empty restaurant, which very quickly filled. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--sDZm1m8SaI/UbATkYoaZVI/AAAAAAAABn4/OQGitMRjnw4/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--sDZm1m8SaI/UbATkYoaZVI/AAAAAAAABn4/OQGitMRjnw4/s640/photo+1.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLDWg7aauqo/UbATjw-ohqI/AAAAAAAABnw/wmy0QdzC3ig/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLDWg7aauqo/UbATjw-ohqI/AAAAAAAABnw/wmy0QdzC3ig/s640/photo+2.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
The meal was, without a doubt, one of the best I've had all year. I'll let the pictures do the talking:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jRXdOJUiT98/UbAUOmfrTOI/AAAAAAAABoA/w8TcGepntkw/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jRXdOJUiT98/UbAUOmfrTOI/AAAAAAAABoA/w8TcGepntkw/s640/photo+3.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Eye fillet of aged Kyneton Black Angus beef, sauteed mushrooms, kale, horseradish infused potato puree, caramelised shallots, cabernet sauce 42.50</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K4oOLNvp9S4/UbAUi90MXFI/AAAAAAAABoI/hbcwuo5sSxE/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K4oOLNvp9S4/UbAUi90MXFI/AAAAAAAABoI/hbcwuo5sSxE/s640/photo+4.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Roasted breast of duck, truffle polenta, Swiss chard, pear salad, red currant jus 39.50</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MtO47fcYPnU/UbAUvwLViyI/AAAAAAAABoQ/yVyKyarQvAc/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MtO47fcYPnU/UbAUvwLViyI/AAAAAAAABoQ/yVyKyarQvAc/s640/photo+5.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Roasted Brussels spouts, crisp Istra pancetta, hazelnuts 8.50</i></div>
<br />
To round out the meal, we couldn't go past a date pudding, made all the more irresistible by the idea of ginger beer sorbet. I'm going to go out on a limb and say the combination of flavours in this dessert may be as close as I'm ever going to get to dessert Nirvana. My only regret? That I didn't insist on one of these all for myself!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x8vJdqKLlEk/UbAVguDATPI/AAAAAAAABoY/_8yH3l7vgs8/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x8vJdqKLlEk/UbAVguDATPI/AAAAAAAABoY/_8yH3l7vgs8/s640/photo+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Steamed date pudding, ginger beer sorbet, apple, salted caramel sauce 16.50</i></div>
<br />
Suffice it to say: YUM!<br />
<br />
After our delicious lunch we drove to Lake Daylesford and waddled our way around the Lake.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jhTOo2UnZgI/UbAWLs8lBxI/AAAAAAAABog/PcDhBAHsc_Q/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jhTOo2UnZgI/UbAWLs8lBxI/AAAAAAAABog/PcDhBAHsc_Q/s640/photo+2.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Now that we've done it twice, I'm going to proclaim that this walk is now an annual tradition. We even stopped on our way round (as we had a year prior) to take some shots of our favourite tree (oh yes, we have a favourite tree...we are *that* couple).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G-5kjbrVTA8/UbAWcbj_3vI/AAAAAAAABoo/Ogltx5zcpVg/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G-5kjbrVTA8/UbAWcbj_3vI/AAAAAAAABoo/Ogltx5zcpVg/s640/photo+3.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
It gained preferred status, due to the rainbow of autumnal colours it bore on our wedding day. It was mainly a cherry colour all over this year, but still very pretty.<br />
<br />
All up, a wonderful lunch and an even better husband. I'm one lucky gal!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/346/1491944/restaurant/Victoria/Mercato-Daylesford"><img alt="Mercato on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1491944/biglink.gif" style="border: none; height: 146px; padding: 0px; width: 200px;" /></a>Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05625092172290533884noreply@blogger.com2Daylesford VIC 3460, Australia-37.3439242 144.14226159999998-37.444907199999996 143.98090009999999 -37.2429412 144.30362309999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768972643861798380.post-31646268542146631612013-05-03T17:57:00.003+10:002013-05-03T17:57:41.307+10:0030 before 30: #13 - do some sort of physical activity every day for a weekMost of my 30 before 30 challenges are fun, achievable goals. Some are less achievable and some are less fun. My latest accomplishment probably falls into the latter category. It started off as fun, but ended with the need for a massage and a pretty shattered body.<br />
<br />
My goal to exercise every day for a week started strongly with the inaugural Melbourne Glow Run (which I posted about <a href="http://fabulousfoodandalittlefrolicking.blogspot.com.au/2013/04/30-before-30-4-participate-in-fun-run.html">here</a>). This activity was followed by a day spent doing quite intensive work in our garden in preparation for Winter (I'm claiming it as exercise irrespective of what anyone says!).<br />
<br />
Days three and four comprised a 3.5km run and a 1.5km run followed by an intense strength session respectively.<br />
<br />
Day five was when the pain *really* kicked in. I was required to do some fitness testing for a bootcamp-like program in which I participate twice a week (it's kinda like a bootcamp with very malleable, nice instructors). The testing comprised the dreaded beep test, some timed suicides, flexibility testing, max push-ups, planks etc. You know, the usual array of torture...<br />
<br />
Although I knew that I had really improved in my fitness over the last couple of months, my body was so utterly wrecked from its five-day slamming that it just shut down and my results did not reflect any improvement. My calves cramped well before I could attain a strong (for me) beep test result and my upper body couldn't handle any of the tests - I think I held my plank for less than a minute(!) - I just gave up. I was pretty devastated and frustrated by the whole experience. On the plus side, my flexibility continues to be well above most of my teammates (yay for years of dancing when I was much younger and much more slender!).<br />
<br />
The last two days of exercise were less intense. A couple of shorter walks and a remedial massage to end the week, complete with dry needling (which made a serious difference, might I add).<br />
<br />
So, what did I learn? Well this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UqCj-jEKjVg/UYNqq4PkvyI/AAAAAAAABm8/rrr0HUhAwT4/s1600/Burpees+not+fun.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UqCj-jEKjVg/UYNqq4PkvyI/AAAAAAAABm8/rrr0HUhAwT4/s400/Burpees+not+fun.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.someecards.com/usercards/viewcard/MjAxMi02ZDI2MDJlYjZjM2EzYzZl">Source</a></span></div>
<br />
...and also that this sort of goal is probably not conducive to my wellbeing...unless my plan is to limit my ability to walk post 30! I think recovery and rest is so important for my health and is rendered even more so by the fact that only 19 months ago <a href="http://fabulousfoodandalittlefrolicking.blogspot.com.au/2011/11/why-ill-never-do-another-spin-class.html">my left ACL was reconstructed</a>. I think that at most, a couple of days "on", with at least one rest day is ideal for my lifestyle/body. Whether I can stick to such an activity schedule as the weather gets cooler is another matter altogether though.... Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05625092172290533884noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768972643861798380.post-57701255928959494672013-05-02T10:07:00.000+10:002013-05-03T17:58:55.670+10:0030 before 30: #24 - make a meal for my parentsCan you believe that I managed to strike two more <a href="http://fabulousfoodandalittlefrolicking.blogspot.com.au/2013/02/30-before-30.html">30 before 30 goals</a> off my list last week and not manage to take a single photo of my accomplishments?! Terrible, I know.<br />
<div>
<br />
<div>
Because of the lack of pictures, you're just going to have to believe me when I tell you that I cooked a pretty delish meal for the "parentals" - my first crack at *filled* pasta from scratch. Basically, I used my <a href="http://fabulousfoodandalittlefrolicking.blogspot.com.au/2013/02/30-before-30-2-make-colourful-pasta.html">colourful pasta dough </a>approach for the pasta, but instead of spinach, used heaps of basil picked straight from our garden. For the stuffing, I used fresh ricotta, button mushrooms and spinach and seasoned to taste. Our nifty little ravioli press (which looks pretty similar to the device below), rendered the creation of these delicious morsels extremely easy.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oArOCfV8l30/UYGda1KnnHI/AAAAAAAABms/y2JJ4YZcYps/s1600/ravioli+press.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oArOCfV8l30/UYGda1KnnHI/AAAAAAAABms/y2JJ4YZcYps/s1600/ravioli+press.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://cookinstuff.com/products/Ravioli-Maker-with-Press-by-Norpro.html"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Source</span></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The filled pasta was topped with a simple sauce of olive oil, garlic, a handful of sun dried tomatoes, a punnet of <a href="http://www.kumato.com/en/Kumato.aspx">kumatos</a>, fresh chili and some more basil from the back yard. All in all, I was impressed not only at my ability to make a dish I've always assigned to the too-hard-basket, but also at how simple making ravioli really is. I wouldn't recommend making stuffed pasta varieties for a first-time pasta maker, but after a couple of attempts, it's not a very big leap to move to the filled variety. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The parentals seemed to be impressed. The fatherland was more reserved with his opinion (my guess is because of the absence of meat). The mothership, on the other hand, was effusive with her praise, insisting that I make the meal for her again. My beloved now wants stuffed pasta every night. Carb loading much? </div>
</div>
Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05625092172290533884noreply@blogger.com4Melbourne VIC, Australia-37.814107 144.96327999999994-38.6164545 143.67238649999993 -37.0117595 146.25417349999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768972643861798380.post-90020085845028945042013-04-26T22:49:00.001+10:002013-04-26T22:51:12.322+10:0030 before 30: #20 - attend a live performanceMy <a href="http://fabulousfoodandalittlefrolicking.blogspot.com.au/2013/02/30-before-30.html">30 before 30 goal</a> of attending a live performance was smashed out of the ball park earlier in the month. And it's probably not hard to work out why. The Melbourne International Comedy festival (the third largest laughfest in the world) lights up the faces of Melburnians each April and there truly is an array of talent to choose from.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In a previous life (when I worked in the thick of the CBD), I would try to attend at least two shows per week. Now that a commute is required, I'm more strategic about my show choices. This year, I managed to get to three performances:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Hannah Gadsby</li>
<li>Tom Gleeson</li>
<li>Mark Butler</li>
</ul>
<div>
Hannah's was an outstanding show. Indeed, a better stand-up gig I have <u>never</u> seen. She connected with her audience on an emotional level. Her show was poignant, funny and offered great flow and narrative, which is often not achieved at stand-up gigs. I believe my comment to our friends as we left her show was something along the lines of: "I think we've just witnessed comedy nirvana". Her <a href="http://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/comedy/hannah-gadsby-happiness-is-a-bedside-table-20130405-2haow.html">5-star reviews</a> were certainly deserved.<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_k77jp2LL-M/UXp2gyJecSI/AAAAAAAABmA/bvq9ElYehMU/s1600/hannah+gadsby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_k77jp2LL-M/UXp2gyJecSI/AAAAAAAABmA/bvq9ElYehMU/s640/hannah+gadsby.jpg" width="466" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/comedy/mrs-chuckles-20110408-1d6oh.html"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Source</span></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Tom's show was predictably good. The guy is in his element on stage with a microphone in hand. He handles hecklers with aplomb and a very sharp tongue. His suggestion of inserting a "porn nugget" in lieu of the copyright warning at the start of DVDs still makes me giggle. A solid show indeed.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-txmz86Z-uqQ/UXp2ukud6iI/AAAAAAAABmI/iivEG8Y1xDg/s1600/tom+gleeson.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-txmz86Z-uqQ/UXp2ukud6iI/AAAAAAAABmI/iivEG8Y1xDg/s400/tom+gleeson.jpeg" width="285" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.girl.com.au/tom-gleeson-tom-on-comedy.htm">Source</a></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Our final show of the festival was also excellent. Lesser known performer, Mark, is a thinking man's comedian. His show was witty, well-scripted and engaging. It was full of puns, wordplays and general etymological gold.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Of3xf89r3c/UXp24tRRz2I/AAAAAAAABmQ/F8U88T6uCtg/s1600/mark+butler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Of3xf89r3c/UXp24tRRz2I/AAAAAAAABmQ/F8U88T6uCtg/s400/mark+butler.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/special-reports/review-mark-butler-in-word-vampire/story-fncv4qxa-1226610975596">Source</a></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So, in the words of Borat, this year's MICF was, in my opinion: </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qcZvHuf-AS0/UXp3EOleHpI/AAAAAAAABmY/kcyQQzDVEWQ/s1600/borat+great+success.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qcZvHuf-AS0/UXp3EOleHpI/AAAAAAAABmY/kcyQQzDVEWQ/s640/borat+great+success.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05625092172290533884noreply@blogger.com0Melbourne VIC, Australia-37.814107 144.96327999999994-38.6164545 143.67238649999993 -37.0117595 146.25417349999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768972643861798380.post-52870830236396532582013-04-23T11:29:00.000+10:002013-04-23T11:29:12.441+10:0030 before 30: #4 - participate in a fun runAfter my "<a href="http://fabulousfoodandalittlefrolicking.blogspot.com.au/2013/02/un-fun-fun-run.html">un-fun fun run</a>" earlier in the year I resolved that fun run redemption was required. I wanted my next group run to be in a totally pressure-free, enjoyable environment...so, when I saw a newsletter advertising the inaugural Melbourne Glow Run, I knew it was meant to be.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V3Hsx_0fb0I/UXXjcslc0-I/AAAAAAAABlg/_3jcnfpZphs/s1600/Glow+Run+logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V3Hsx_0fb0I/UXXjcslc0-I/AAAAAAAABlg/_3jcnfpZphs/s1600/Glow+Run+logo.png" /></a></div>
<br />
This race was exactly what I needed. There were no timing devices, lots of ridiculous glow-in-the-dark paraphernalia and fantastic DJs pumping out music at around half a dozen spots on the 5k course. The atmosphere was absolutely buzzing and, despite the crisp temperature, people kept warm by boogieing by the main stage. The average age of the crowd was slightly younger than a typical group run, where most people seem to be about my age (read: late 20s, early 30s) - I guess the prospect of being in the city late while listening to loud clubbing music appealed to the underage crowd.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4bqhPskKzUw/UXXjkUdpoWI/AAAAAAAABlo/8lJ5nMoVbcM/s1600/glow+run+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4bqhPskKzUw/UXXjkUdpoWI/AAAAAAAABlo/8lJ5nMoVbcM/s640/glow+run+3.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
It was just as well the run wasn't timed, because there were some issues in the first kilometre, where the trail narrowed (under the Swan St bridge) and created a real bottleneck, slowing everyone to a walk for about 50 metres. It didn't matter though - people weren't at this run to PB - they were there to chase down the party!<br />
<br />
I personally felt great throughout the run and, with the exception of the aforementioned spot of walking, managed to jog the entire way at a comfortable pace. In fact, with hindsight, I realise I was so conservative in my efforts that I didn't really get puffed at any stage of the run and could have definitely pushed a bit harder.<br />
<br />
The Garmin said we finished in about 35 minutes. I'm pretty stoked with this given a) how comfortable I felt; and b) the fact that we stopped and boogied momentarily at each of the DJ tents on the course. It was also the first time that my beloved has run a 5km event and I'm so very proud of him! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--FlE2iJJJxU/UXXjtQyRDWI/AAAAAAAABlw/SJq4vYDDQ4E/s1600/glow+run+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--FlE2iJJJxU/UXXjtQyRDWI/AAAAAAAABlw/SJq4vYDDQ4E/s640/glow+run+2.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
This event has definitely spurred me on to participate in more runs throughout this year. There's something about the buzz of a group run that is definitely motivating and inspiring and each time I find myself in a pack of runners, I can't help but feel blessed - thankful that my body can carry me over distances and thankful that I live somewhere where running is a pleasure and not a means of survival.<br />
<br />
Of course, no run is complete without pizza and I'm pleased to report that after completing the event, we left the dancers dancing and headed to our favourite local pizza joint for a good carb-fat fix.<br />
A great night on all fronts!Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05625092172290533884noreply@blogger.com3Melbourne VIC, Australia-37.814107 144.96327999999994-38.6164545 143.67238649999993 -37.0117595 146.25417349999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768972643861798380.post-43755258553292370812013-04-17T15:32:00.001+10:002013-04-17T15:32:37.816+10:0030 before 30: #28 and #14This post ticks off two of my <a href="http://fabulousfoodandalittlefrolicking.blogspot.com.au/2013/02/30-before-30.html">30 before 30</a> goals:<br />
#14 - go on a substantial day hike<br />
#28 - learn how to take really good photos with our DSLR<br />
<br />
We spent our Easter break in Australia's beautiful red centre. During our time in the desert, we enjoyed two long-ish hikes, as well as a number of shorter walks.<br />
<br />
The first of our two longer walks was through Kata Tjuta (or the Olgas). Known as the <a href="http://www.environment.gov.au/parks/publications/uluru/pubs/katatjutawalks.pdf">Valley of the Winds walk</a>, the track took us to what felt like very secluded and peaceful parts of this beautiful rock foundation. We were lucky to be in Central Australia for a rare rainy period and, although the rain prevented us from doing a third walk (the Uluru base walk), we were able to experience some exquisitely lush scenery...in the middle of the desert.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P1lx_YCNYMo/UW4wkOUdjNI/AAAAAAAABko/WqZrNPlqdC0/s1600/Olgas+hike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P1lx_YCNYMo/UW4wkOUdjNI/AAAAAAAABko/WqZrNPlqdC0/s640/Olgas+hike.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Our second long walk was the <a href="http://www.ntsearch.com.au/kings-canyon/">Kings Canyon Rim Walk</a>. This was done as part of a group tour. While it was a fun day, group tours aren't really our kettle of fish (we were given virtually no choice if we wanted to see Kings Canyon, as the car hire company placed such tight kilometer restrictions on their vehicles). We did manage to catch about 10 minutes of alone time to reflect on the beauty surrounding us...and eat chocolate (naturally!).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OqAwog7CQzI/UW4y-L-WR2I/AAAAAAAABkw/rNgmra-0Jps/s1600/kings+canyon+egg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OqAwog7CQzI/UW4y-L-WR2I/AAAAAAAABkw/rNgmra-0Jps/s640/kings+canyon+egg.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
With respect to the 28th goal on my list - learn how to take really good photos with our DSLR - I'll let you be the judge.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HgCfl9vREH4/UW4zdVky-gI/AAAAAAAABlE/iH1H7Vq720U/s1600/Olgas+cloud.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HgCfl9vREH4/UW4zdVky-gI/AAAAAAAABlE/iH1H7Vq720U/s640/Olgas+cloud.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hc0NOo3yuUY/UW4zdCumoTI/AAAAAAAABk4/qjkzbx3C9y0/s1600/Rain+at+Uluru.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hc0NOo3yuUY/UW4zdCumoTI/AAAAAAAABk4/qjkzbx3C9y0/s640/Rain+at+Uluru.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OnI4L_Zu5cI/UW4zdWT7-YI/AAAAAAAABlA/NL0JVZ5vIyY/s1600/Uluru+cloud.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OnI4L_Zu5cI/UW4zdWT7-YI/AAAAAAAABlA/NL0JVZ5vIyY/s640/Uluru+cloud.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0PziMYLAQHA/UW4zd2nXZUI/AAAAAAAABlI/cVexayv44yM/s1600/Uluru+sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0PziMYLAQHA/UW4zd2nXZUI/AAAAAAAABlI/cVexayv44yM/s640/Uluru+sunset.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Yes, they're no where near outstanding, but are definitely good enough for me!Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05625092172290533884noreply@blogger.com2Ayers Rock, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Uluru NT 0872, Australia-25.3444277 131.03688220000004-25.3731282 130.99654170000002 -25.3157272 131.07722270000005tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768972643861798380.post-3730255815903888022013-04-15T10:52:00.000+10:002013-04-15T10:57:57.033+10:0030 before 30: #7 - attend a live sporting eventIn terms of religion, I tend to say I'm agnostic for roughly 50% of each year.<br />
<div>
For the other half of the time I'm firmly in the "Cult of Collingwood". </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zv2m_2Qiv3c/UWtOVvX6oHI/AAAAAAAABkQ/M5rexECBq3E/s1600/collingwood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zv2m_2Qiv3c/UWtOVvX6oHI/AAAAAAAABkQ/M5rexECBq3E/s320/collingwood.jpg" width="244" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In Melbourne, football (that's Aussie Rules, not soccer) does hold a religion-like status. Indeed, Sunday's game probably saw more attendees than the city's churches! I was personally indoctrinated from an early age - said indoctrination included the repeated singing of "Good Old Collingwood Forever", regular trips to Victoria Park atop dad's shoulders and the force feeding of gristle-filled meat pies. The result? A one-eyed, slightly feral Magpie, with *wait for it* all her teeth!<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Now that I've needlessly polarized all of my readers, I can tell you that I've ticked off another <a href="http://fabulousfoodandalittlefrolicking.blogspot.com.au/2013/02/30-before-30.html">30 before 30 goal</a> - attending a live sporting event. We will not talk about the outcome of yesterday's game, but we will admire the pretty rainbow that formed over the spiritual hub of football - the MCG. Ain't it pretty?! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lAaxtajGheM/UWtOc-BzhUI/AAAAAAAABkY/a6RhdSnMxFg/s1600/Footy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lAaxtajGheM/UWtOc-BzhUI/AAAAAAAABkY/a6RhdSnMxFg/s640/Footy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05625092172290533884noreply@blogger.com0Melbourne VIC, Australia-37.814107 144.96327999999994-38.6164545 143.67238649999993 -37.0117595 146.25417349999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768972643861798380.post-18646143055043939392013-04-09T14:14:00.000+10:002013-04-09T15:02:37.968+10:0030 before 30: #3 - travel out of the state<span style="font-family: inherit;">A rather delayed
post to demonstrate my achievement of another of my <a href="http://fabulousfoodandalittlefrolicking.blogspot.com.au/2013/02/30-before-30.html">30 before 30 goals</a> -
traveling interstate. So delayed, in fact, that I have traveled
interstate twice since my last post. However, today I'm only going to
talk about one of those adventures - our brief trip to Sydney to visit
family. <br />
<br />
As a Melbournian, some degree of Sydney-loathing is requisite.
Obviously, we are more cultured, sporty, edgy and cool than our northern
cousins. Oh, and did I mention that our CBD vaguely makes sense? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">WARNING: naughty words ahead. Proceed with caution!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5KS-GkiClIE/UWOTEQCTawI/AAAAAAAABiw/YkcPStO8QwU/s1600/Sydney+roads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5KS-GkiClIE/UWOTEQCTawI/AAAAAAAABiw/YkcPStO8QwU/s640/Sydney+roads.jpg" width="472" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
Joking aside, Sydney
turned it on for us and I was able to somewhat reluctantly forget its
foibles...at least temporarily... (no seriously, I jest - you guys up
north are just as awesome as us). The weather was perfect in every way
and a nice break from the heatwave going on in the south of the country.
We enjoyed some time being tourists in the CBD, which naturally
involved taking snaps of iconic landmarks. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zTYuwh0WOUI/UWOTQd-2TQI/AAAAAAAABi4/56ySXlmsT_Y/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zTYuwh0WOUI/UWOTQd-2TQI/AAAAAAAABi4/56ySXlmsT_Y/s640/photo+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d98CH4alP08/UWOTQm5tg_I/AAAAAAAABi8/QjwpbcMsKO0/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d98CH4alP08/UWOTQm5tg_I/AAAAAAAABi8/QjwpbcMsKO0/s640/photo+2.JPG" width="480" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Another fantastic
experience was our day trip to the Blue Mountains with family. If the
weather had been slightly cooler and we were <i>sans</i> toddlers, I
would have loved to have ticked off another of my 30 before 30 goals -
hiking - but it was not to be. Instead, we did some shorter walks to
popular lookout spots and enjoyed this vast and colourful landscape.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hxEO42TaEGk/UWOTa-6D2RI/AAAAAAAABjI/G9F92sfcmRo/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hxEO42TaEGk/UWOTa-6D2RI/AAAAAAAABjI/G9F92sfcmRo/s640/photo+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rPre2Gwmpo4/UWOTbEVVp6I/AAAAAAAABjM/DLwmrkx-V1I/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rPre2Gwmpo4/UWOTbEVVp6I/AAAAAAAABjM/DLwmrkx-V1I/s640/photo+3.JPG" width="480" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ir5ugVnfNaw/UWOTbMpklpI/AAAAAAAABjQ/7fEufvLletE/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ir5ugVnfNaw/UWOTbMpklpI/AAAAAAAABjQ/7fEufvLletE/s640/photo+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MdjdT1pEGOo/UWOTbkSYskI/AAAAAAAABjc/Tkg5lNzwS1M/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MdjdT1pEGOo/UWOTbkSYskI/AAAAAAAABjc/Tkg5lNzwS1M/s640/photo+4.JPG" width="480" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
A final highlight of our
brief stay (of only 2 nights) was our meal at <a href="http://www.sailorsthai.com.au/">Sailors Thai</a> in the CBD. A
fabulous view of the water, a cool casual vibe, great food and icy cold
beers. I was one happy camper! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M9lAjCBvxoA/UWOTwIXzVqI/AAAAAAAABjo/qRbDI5EruXM/s1600/photo+2+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M9lAjCBvxoA/UWOTwIXzVqI/AAAAAAAABjo/qRbDI5EruXM/s640/photo+2+(2).JPG" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Crispy skinned salmon with green mango and chili lime dressing 28</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-phfjsyGE3MI/UWOTw9BcsRI/AAAAAAAABj4/WhDI4qZ31Ac/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-phfjsyGE3MI/UWOTw9BcsRI/AAAAAAAABj4/WhDI4qZ31Ac/s640/photo+3.JPG" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Dry red curry stir friend with pork fillet, wild ginger, green peppercorns and apple eggplants 27</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/70/751950/restaurant/The-Rocks/Sailors-Thai-Sydney"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img alt="Sailors Thai on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/751950/biglink.gif" style="border: none; height: 146px; padding: 0px; width: 200px;" /></span></a>Georgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05625092172290533884noreply@blogger.com2Sydney NSW, Australia-33.8674869 151.20699020000006-34.712017900000006 149.91609670000005 -33.0229559 152.49788370000007