Uncle Joe's Mess Hall.

This Saturday I returned to Uncle Joe's Mess Hall because I felt it was an undying need that must be fulfilled. Once again, the service had a strange feel to it. On this particular day, that was fine by me. For the first time since I can remember - I had a bit of a sore head (drank too much grape juice) and needed some kilojoules/oomph ASAP.

I ordered poached eggs on sourdough, a skinny cap (extra shot, no sugar) and a fresh juice. The girl assured me the OJ would be fresh and is delivered daily. I was pleased by all of the above items and enjoyed my experience there. When I paid the bill, the girl engaged in chit-chat, which was lovely and sealed the deal for me. There really is nothing better than the seclusion of a inner city laneway during the hussle and bussle of a Saturday morning. And yes, if you are wondering... I ordered a muffin to take away because that is what I do on Saturdays!

What Makes You Feel Alive?

For me, I feel alive when I ride my motorbike (see cheesy grin below). I would say that's probably the case because there is so much adrenalin pumping through my body and I am so busying processing thoughts like "ooh", "ah crap", "that was close", "UH OH". However... there comes a point (every time) where I am flat on my back with the bike on top of me. But - I am okay with that. Mr. BB is usually there and tracks back to find me.

 
You can see some shots of our most recent trip below. I had been away living the city life for a while so it was great to head home to Dayboro and enjoy what is important to me - quality time in the middle of nowhere with Mr. BB.

 

It was a great afternoon topped off by a swim in the creek. The water was so icy cold but it didn't matter one bit. I am sure there are things in your life that make you feel alive. If you want to share, feel free to leave a comment!

Love BB,

X.

Gordon St Garage, Perth WA.

If, at any time, on any day, you are in Perth and are hungry/thirsty/require inspiration/happiness boost - go here: Gordon St. Garage - it is worth the extra lap around the block if you happen to miss it (you probably will).

The first time I went to Gordon St Garage, it was late afternoon on a Sunday. I was with a good friend and ordered a ginger beer and the cheese platter to share. We asked if it was possible to make the breads in the platter gluten free, basically the response was "easy done". The atmosphere was something unimaginable, table arrangements were very cosy and the food that was coming out looked unbelievable. We ended up staying for a few hours.

Then the second time I went, the 'tide had changed'. It was mid morning on a Sunday and boy oh boy, the place was buzzing. There was a queue for tables so Mr. BB and I naturally opted for take away being tight for time. As it was the weekend, I was more than ready to redeem my muffin allowance. One skinny cap, one fresh juice with carrot/orange/lemon/pineapple/ginger and a berry and white choc muffin. Deluxe!

I wonder what my third visit has in store for me...

V.I.V - Very Important Visitor.

Firstly, a big sorry to you all. I have not been around here as much but I hope to change that from today. I have since kicked off a Facebook page dedicated to House On A Hill, so please click through here.

I have been in Perth since February so I have so much to post about. However I would just like to share last weekend, when Mr. BB came to visit me! 

On Saturday, we kicked off with breakfast. Naturally, I wanted to take him to Uncle Joe's Mess Hall but they didn't serve breakfast from a menu. Such a shame as I was so desperate to try Uncle Joe's. If you know Mr. BB you will understand that a fresh croissant will not suffice, he needs the BIG brekky. So we stopped at Tiger, Tiger Cafe.

We then jumped on a bus tour and headed for the Swan Valley wine district. We stopped at 3 wineries, a brewery and a chocolate factory. It was a great day and left us very tuckered out by sundown. Never fear, we still made it to the Casino.

On Sunday, I took Jack to Gordon St Garage. It was so busy, I couldn't believe it, but totally understand why. It is a great place. Anyway, I would not let my ritual down so I ordered take away coffee, juice and a fresh muffin. 

We then went to visit my family (including new second cousin!) for lunch. We had grand plans for dinner but by the time we got back to my apartment we couldn't see how it would be physically possible to fit anything else in.

We called it a day. I dropped Mr. BB at the airport and my weekend blurred into the working week.

Love BB, X.

Weekend.

At House on a Hill, we have many creepy crawlies. More often than not, they are huntsman spiders. On this particular occasion, we were graced with this huge huntsman spider (spider-phobics hold onto your seats!). It was bigger than my outspread hand for sure. To soften the blow, you'll see some cute little flowers I picked from a big bushy weed outside the front gate. 

On Saturday we headed to Ballina in northern NSW for a little getaway. Ballina is such a sleepy, quiet and not-much-to-do kind of town. Suits me just great I say - I've been flat out lately. The view was of the river which I thought was nice. A little different to the typical.

Much to J's dismay, I insisted we go for a walk to have a look around at what was going on around Ballina. This is Ballina Manor, a heritage listed property which plays host to a boutique hotel. I thought it was just gorgeous - it seems it has been restored very well.

On Sunday after devouring a nice hearty breakfast at one of the local cafes, we set out for the Gold Coast via Lennox Head and Byron Bay. Fell in love with Lennox Head along the way.

Finished off the weekend by watching Flight. I think it is a good movie and worth a watch. It just so happens that I will be flying tomorrow. Perhaps a good idea you don't follow suit - watch it on another day.

BB

X

Friday Flowers 1/2/13.

Snacks.

Paleo Carrot Cake

1 1/2 cups almond meal

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp cinnamon 

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp nutmeg

3 free range eggs

1/4 cup raw honey

1/8 cup coconut oil

1/2 cup seeds/nuts 

1/2 cup dried fruit

1 1/2 cups grated carrot

1. In first bowl, combine dry ingredients

2. In second bowl, combine wet ingredients 

3. Add carrot, seeds/nuts and dried fruit to the wet mixture

4. Stir wet mixture into dry mixture and scoop into loaf pan

5. Bake at cake cooking temperature until golden brown and knife springs back

Mountain Bread "Chips"

1. Cut desired amount of Mountain Bread into squares

2. In a bowl, drizzle a small amount of olive oil (or oil of your choice) around and add salt and pepper

3. Coat Mountain Bread squares in oil mixture and place on baking paper

4. Grill/bake until golden brown - beware! - watch this step closely

BB
X