You know how much I love spending the UK winter in Byron Bay, in New South Wales.  This year, as I am working so much more on the blog than a year ago, I moved from my usual rental into a place with air con.  Much needed at this time of the year!  After morning exercise outdoors: walking, cycling & swimming, I feel like I'm in a little world of my own for the rest of the day..... hiding from the midday sun till it cools down & listening to the radio from the UK (usually Chris Moyles on Radio X,  or Radio 4 or podcasts), while I work, rest or play!

I am such a huge fan of the Aussie breakfast, even more this year as it's become the most important meal of my day, while I'm here.  I am trying the 16:8 fast regime this year, instead of the 5:2.  (That's eating at 7.00 pm the night before and not eating again till 11.00 the next morning, making it a 16 hour fast.) I have to get the hell out in the morning, before it gets really hot, so most of my exercise is all done before 11.00 a.m. latest. I am swimming and cycling nearly every day.......The Best exercise, especially for us older folk, that I wrote about last year, as well as walking 10,000 steps along the beach & round Byron as often as possible. (I also do a 15 minute HIIT programme nearly every afternoon, more on that another time.)

I am like a magpie nowadays. Always on the search for something up-cycled, re-cycled, retro and vintage.  I so enjoy owning something that isn't brand new, hasn't been mass marketed or made in China..... and something that has memories, has been put together with love and, most of all,  unique, eco and often much, much cheaper than something designer or new!

I know this isn't brilliant for anyone living in the Northern Hemisphere at the moment, but I just had to share this delicious cold soup/smoothie recipe with you because of the amazing veg available here in Byron Bay.... all grown locally, from the Farmer's Market, all organic and just a joy to use for gazpacho, especially as I am doing a detox at the moment. (Blog on that coming soon.) And just look at the shape of this cucumber - the EU wouldn't allow one of those to be sold in the UK!

Instead of concentrating on the crazy, mad & slightly depressing year it's been for us all, I am kicking off 2017 with my top ten personal, behind the scenes, highlights of 2016.  The positives and accomplishments rather than the bad news, failures & the negatives. Hope you enjoy. There are only a max of 3 photos per highlight!

I am sharing  yet another yummy and nutritious Jamie Oliver recipe, with my own vegan & vegetarian version for non-meat eaters. I have tried both options and they're delicious, easy and can be prepared well ahead of time.