Life is a Journey – Page 175 – The life and times of Libby Withnall

Let’s Juice

Posted on November 24, 2011November 9, 2026 by Libby Withnall

It’s hard to believe but just one month ago I didn’t think I liked fresh juices. In fact, I couldn’t tell you if I’d ever tried one or the last time I might have. I’m not a fan of bottled juice (even orange) so just assumed I wouldn’t like fresh juice. Then suddenly every other blog I read or vlog I watched was doing fresh juices. So I decided to try one. And even with a bit too much celery I LOVED it. Within a week we had our own juicer (Kevin informs me he bought one MANY years ago but I donated it when it didn’t get used!!!) and were doing fresh juices for breakfast nearly every day.

Amy’s favourite is a basic apple, pineapple and carrot. Sometimes with some freshly squeezed orange juice.

My current obsession is the above – apple, pineapple and carrot, with the addition of some celery (because it’s good for you) and beetroot (which makes this oh, so, delicious…and red)

YUM!!!!

Upon reading the instructions I discovered the jug has a froth excluder – I had no idea what the part was for…. now I just have to find it. I don’t mind the froth though because I drink it with a metal straw.

Does anyone have any favourite juice combinations for me to try?

The Week that was

Posted on November 22, 2011November 9, 2026 by Libby Withnall

Oh, dear I’m late getting this post up again. So sorry. It’s been a little crazy around here – bit and pieces happening PLUS lots of pain from my arthritis and heal spur. It’s not very fun to be me at the moment :-(.

But back to last week. It was the week I stated treatment for my heal spur (it’s got an 80% success rate so let’s hope it works for me – then I only have the arthritis to deal with 🙂 )

It was the week I recieved an order from Whittards..

no idea why I did photograph everything, including my new fav cup, but I did photograph the Christmas tea. I’ve had this before and LOVED it.

It was the week Rosie chewed her tail and had to wear the cone of shame….

It was the week we started picking lettuce and tomatoes from the garden…

which is growing like crazy with all the sun and rain we’ve been having….

It was the week Kevin bought a new toy to wash his car… and didn’t wash mine….

he did, however, run lots of cables so my gate remote control in the car works better….

It was the week I wondered if Christy would have tennis lesson…. then I looked at the radar….

It was the week fresh flowers brightened my home again…. along with some fresh eggs….

It was the week of salads enjoyed outdoors….

and lunch with some old friends from the kids playgroup days…

featuring this yummy vegetable rissoto cake from Lisa at Bike Bake Blog…

It was the week we enjoyed cookies made by Amy and her friend, Milly…

and quesadillas, made by me …..

And it was the week Bailey maintained his position as the world’s craziest dog….

It was also the week of seeing Cesar Millan and meeting Vanessa and her family at East Beach.

A Wonderful Weekend

Posted on November 21, 2011November 9, 2026 by Libby Withnall

Had a lovely weekend. Spent Saturday morning out the pool enjoying the sunshine and cool water, and doing some gardening.

Then in the afternoon Mum & I headed up to Sydney…

to see this….

Cesar Millan (the dog whisperer) was fantastic. The show was funny, moving and educational. We had 3rd row tickets and got to stay behind after the show for a special question and answer time.

Then on Sunday, after doing some paperwork in the morning we headed down to Kiama to meet one of my online friends, Vanessa of Little Retro House( they were staying at East Beach – you might remember our stay here). We’ve been trying to meet up for a while now so I’m so pleased we finally managed it. And like always when I meet blogging friends we hit it off straight away. It ALWAYS amazes me there is no awkwardness, just instant real-life friendship.

Her daughter, friend and Christy took off for a swim at the pool (also instant friends) while we chatted and enjoyed some afternoon tea. We then took all the girls (including Amy) down to the beach for a swim. Though it was overcast it was still very warm.

While we were sitting here a Southery came through and it instantly turned cold. I think it dropped around 10deg. Just crazy.

When we could see the big grey clouds moving in we headed back to their van…

and tried to stay dry.

We really enjoyed our visit and it was a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Of course, it’s essential to have ice-cream if you drive through Kiama. Mad, I tell you, as it was rather cold.

Christy didn’t end up eating her’s as it was “too cold”. What, ice cream is cold? Who knew?

Me, being the sane one, opted for a nice hot tea :-).

We then headed home and since Kevin wasn’t keen on going out again to the basketball, I took Christy with me.

We had a nice time, though the Hawks lost (due mainly to bad sportsmanship by the other team).

It was a certainly a very enjoyable weekend. Hope you all had a good one.

Foodie Friday – Christy’s Fried Rice

Posted on November 18, 2011November 8, 2026 by Libby Withnall

Another very yummy and simple dinner. Christy made this recipe a few weeks ago and it instantly became a family favourite, and it’s a great way to use up extra rice.

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Ingredients

2 Tbl olive oil

1 tsp sesame oil

4 eggs, well beaten

4 Spring onions or shallots, chopped

1 red capsicum or 1 carrot, diced

4 cups cooked brown rice

1/2 cup frozen peas

1/2 cup frozen corn

1 tsp minced garlic

1 tsp minced ginger

Soy Sauce – to taste, min 2 Tbl

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1. Heat large frying pan, add 2 tsp of olive oil. Pour in the eggs and cook like an omelette. Remove, set aside, and dice when cooled slightly.

2. Add remaining olive oil to pan (I just use the same one). Add ginger, garlic, spring onion and capsicum.

3. Cook for a few mintues.

4. Add the sesame oil and rice and cook until rice is heated through.

5. Add omelette, peas and corn. Cook for a few mins until heated through.

6. Stir in soy sauce.

7. Serve and enjoy.

**** Recipe adapted from Ready, Steady, Spaghetii by Lucy Broadhurst – a really great book full of recipes suitable for kids.