A BLISSFUL LIFE // Bremer Bay Getaway

One of the best things about living in the Wheatbelt is the access to some of WAs more isolated regional areas. This Australia Day long weekend we packed the ute and headed south to the stunning Bremer Bay.

Bremer Bay is a coastal town situated on the south coast of Western Australia in the Great Southern region between Albany and Esperance, at the mouth of the Bremer River.

 

With stunning beaches and rugged 4WD tracks, Bremer is the perfect destination for those looking for a bit of adventure - whether that be fishing, 4WDing, Jet-skiing, Scuba Diving (the list goes on). 

We headed south with two of our closest mates and their Kelpy in tow, all set for a relaxing Australia Day weekend.

Where we stayed // Bremer Bay Beaches Caravan Park - a great little spot for those looking for a little more luxurious camping

What we did // We only had two full days so we spent most of our time frollicking along the beach, checking out some of the 4WD tracks, fishing and relaxing at camp

Where we ate //  Self catered most meals and a night at the Bremer Bay Resort - a gorgeous building with great food

Hot tip // Make sure you have a 4WD so you have access to Bremer's hidden treasures.

 

A BLISSFUL LIFE // Happy Australia Day

Happy Australia Day to all my fellow Aussies!

I love this country so thought I would list my favourite aspects of being an Australian. Here we go...

• We live in a clean, safe and peaceful country
• We are lovers of travel and seeing the world
• We have great working conditions
• We have endless opportunities
• On the most part...we're a pretty friendly bunch
• We have the world's best beaches
• The best parts of our country are outside the capital cities...
• Our city's are pretty awesome though (especially you Melbourne)
• We are the worlds best BBQ'ers
• Our summers define us and we live for the great outdoors.

Happy Australia Day!

I took the above photo in Broome, WA. I love the contrast between the red rock & turquoise sea.

EAT // Icy Pop!

Baby...it's hot outside! So lets make Icy Pops!

A simple recipe that I adapted from my smoothie recipe (see here and here) and voila, instant frozen treat!

You’ll need (makes four):  

look familiar?

Mango Mix

• 1 Mango chopped
• 3 slices of Pineapple (plus the natural pineapple juice)
• 3T Natural Yoghurt
• 1/2 cup 100% Orange Juice

 Berry Mix

• 1 Banana sliced
• 1/2 cup Frozen Berries
• 3T Natural Yoghurt
• 1/2 cup 100% Orange Juice

 Plus some delightfully coloured Icy Pop molds (mine were $3.50!)

What you need to do:

1. Blend or StickMaster the Mango Mix (Mango, Pineapple, Pineapple Juice, Orange Juice & Natural Yoghurt)
2. Pour the mix about half way up your Icy Pop molds.
3. While your Mango Mix is getting comfy. Blend or StickMaster the Berry Mix (Mixed Berries, Banana, Orange Juice & Natural Yoghurt)
4. Pour the Berry Mix until your Icy Pop mold is filled.
5. Secure the Icy Pop holder and chill in the freezer overnight.

Serve in the sunshine.

This is a great recipe for the kids to indulge in!

EAT // Summer Smoothies (Summer Stone Fruit)

Smoothie number two in the Summer Smoothie Series! A great one for a lazy summer afternoon when you need a 'pick me up'.

 

 Making the most of summer stone fruits...

You'll need (serves two):

• 1 Mango
• 1 Peach sliced
• 1 Banana sliced
• 1 Nectarine sliced
• 2T Natural Yoghurt
• 1 cup 100% Orange Juice (freshly squeezed is best)
• 3 - 4 Ice Cubes 
• Mint Leaves to garnish 

What you need to do:
Place all the ingredients in a blender (I use a StickMaster) and 'jooosh' until all combined (make sure all the lumpy bits are gone).

I like to serve with a couple more ice blocks (especially on a hot day) and a mint leaf from my garden.

EAT // Febab

I love Sundays! Especially when you can sit back and enjoy a lazy breakfast.

Remember the old bacon and egg burger? An old favourite and regular at fundraisers and roadhouses? Well I have given it a bit of a makeover, and the result? The Febab (made of Feta, Egg, Bacon, Avocado and BBQ Sauce).

What you'll need:

• 2 Slices Multigrain Bread
• 1 Free Range Egg
• 2 slices of Bacon (fat removed)
• 1/2 Avocado sliced
• 3 slices of Danish Feta
• Squirt of BBQ Sauce

What you need to do:

1. Fry bacon on small frypan (I don't add any oil as Bacon tends to have plenty!)
2. Remove Bacon and place on paper towel
3. Fry Egg to your liking (I tend to keep the yolk gooey)
4. Toast bread
5. Construct sandwich (I usually go Egg, BBQ Sauce, Bacon, Avocado then Feta) 

Serve with a cup of your favourite coffee in bed or out in the sunshine.

EAT // Summer Smoothies (Tropiberry)

Hey it's Summer! And with loads of beautiful fruits around, it's just the perfect time for making delicious fruit smoothies!

I have been experimenting with different flavours and over the next few weeks will bring you a series of delicious recipes - all 100% natural and healthy for all those with new years resolutions!

The first is the adorable Tropiberry, a great kick start to the morning.

You'll need (serves one):

• 1/2 Mango
• 2 slices of Pineapple (I just buy the tinned variety in natural juice as I am not good with big knives)
• 1 Banana (thanks Gwen Stefani for helping me spell that everytime!)
• 1/3 cup Frozen Berries
• 2T Natural Yoghurt
• 1 cup 100% Orange Juice (freshly squeezed is best)
• 3 - 4 Ice Cubes 
• Mint Leaves to garnish

What you need to do:
Place all the ingredients in a blender (I use a StickMaster) and 'jooosh' until all combined (make sure all the lumpy bits are gone).

I like to serve with a couple more ice blocks (especially on a hot day) and a mint leaf from my garden.

EAT // Dukkah

Let's make Dukkah...

I love to entertain friends and family, and living in the country you sometimes don't have access to a big range of foods, so I like to make my own. This Dukkah recipe was from my boss who made it for guests at her wedding (how awesome is that!). Anyway it's super simple and will impress your friends.

You'll need:

• 1 cup of Almonds
• 1 cup of Hazelnut Kernels
• 2 T Sesame Seeds
• 2 T Whole Cumin Seeds
• 2 T Whole Coriander Seeds
• 1 T Salt Crystals

(best thing about this recipe is that you can use whatever quantities of ingredients you prefer - just make to your taste!).

What you need to do:

Pile all the ingredients together in a bowl or jug and crush and mix! (I used a stickmaster mixer for my crushing - it took less than a minute).

I like to serve with crusty bread, a good olive oil mixed with balsamic vinegar. Yum!