Mandy from Oz

about me

Melbourne

I live on a 5 acre property in the Dandenong Ranges of Victoria Australia having moved from the "burbs" when I became pregnant with my now two year old daughter Alyssa.
Here is a couple of pics of my property, one from the front & one looking towards DD's cubby house in the backyard:


Once Alyssa was born I became a stay at home mum as I couldn't bear the thought of putting her in daycare.
She is the light of my life, I never imagined myself as a mum when younger but now wouldn't have it any other way.

Alyssa was very ill when she was born & we almost lost her so consequently now she is spoilt beyond belief..LOL but is happy & healthy, thank goodness:




I love cooking and experimenting with new recipes so have quickly become addicted to Zaar & it is now a part of my everyday life, I'm addicted to tagging & swaps and of course the beverage forum..




In addition to zaar & being my daughter's taxi :lol: I also spend my time, reading, gardening and of course shopping.



I'm lucky enough that we have the space & so love growing our own fruits, vegies & herbs, this also means we have plenty of room for animals & at the moment have 2 dogs, Jack & Benji (Jack Russells), 3 cats, Salem, Cougar & Snowpea, 4 chooks, Henrietta, Heather, Happy & Helen & a rabbit, Pepper.




We also have lots of native animals around including resident echidnas, kangaroos, wombats & possums not to mention the birds, galahs, rosellas & of course Cockatoo's hence the name of where I live..


My husband & I are what you would call childhood sweethearts, we attended pre-school together & have known each other for approx 28 years. We have been married for almost 5 years.

This picture at the top is of me and my husband on our honeymoon in Vanuatu.
My icon is of Alyssa at about 4 months old in the bath.


I love swapping and here is a list of the swaps I've partcipated in & my partners:

Regional Swap: BLUE ROSE
Fall/Autumn Swap: Iceland
Regional Swap (Aust): Calms79
Christmas Stocking Swap: Alskann
Chrismas Swap (Aust): Kookaburra
Can't live without Swap: Susiecat too
Candy Swap: bcfdwife
Herbs & Spices Swap: Chef mamma
ABC Swap "B": TasteTester
Easter/Spring Swap: Borealis Beegirl








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Favorite Foods:

I love coffee & have a cappucino maker at home, always looking for different ways to make it, flavouring combos etc.
Other favourites include anything cinnamon, coconut, chocolate, vanilla or lemon flavoured.
Mexican and Italian foods are also pretty high up there & lately have become really interested in indigenous Australian ingredients & recipes that include them thanks to Mark Olive & "The Outback Cafe"

Things I'm not too keen on are olives, tea, aniseed flavoured licorice, brussel sprouts,

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