Holiday house hunting is a sport I take very seriously. I have quite a few years of training under my belt in this arena and I will stop at nothing to find the perfect holiday house. No rock is left unturned. I have my criteria and I don’t stop

I started Intermittent Fasting (IF) back in June 2020. Two and a half years ago and I am pleased to say that I am still going and I would never think about going back to eating all day long. I just can’t and don’t want to.

Well goodness me… it has been a while between posts hasn’t it! The last one was April 2022 to be exact. That is ridiculous. Anyway, let’s not dwell on that, let’s just get into 2023. How are you? I can’t believe it is the 16th January already, how on

After making Hot Cross Buns at Easter time I had a hankering for more. So I took the hot cross bun recipe and made these delicious scrolls. I drizzled some icing on top and had mine with lashings of butter. I mean seriously – does it get any better

Well, that is it, I am officially a grey (or blonde) nomad! I am hooked. Caravanning is the life for me! On the 17th January I packed up and headed off in the van with 2 of my children - Harry & Clancy. Well, someone had to stay back

My very first job as a teenager - the very day I turned 14 and 9 months - was at a bakery in my hometown of Mudgee in NSW. McDonalds Bakery. Working for Lisa and Peter McDonald - the bakery was at that time in the Town Centre and

This bread is seriously good. You will not be sorry that you have made it. I have made it into a loaf and I have also turned it into rolls. With the rolls I have turned them into cream buns and also just glazed them. They definitely don't last

We have a caravan! It's offical - I'm a Grey Nomad. We have purchased a Jayco All Terrain 19 foot off road caravan and I am officially in love.

On Saturday 28th August we hosted our very first Wild Spark marquee at the Camooweal Races. We hoped to do this last year but covid put a stop to that so we were very excited to finally manage it this year.

Well hello there... it's me... Miss Chardy... does anyone still remember me? Although I must admit I have moved on from Chardy and now enjoy a Pinot Grigio or Rose - shhh don't tell anyone. Gosh it has been a while hasn't it. Every year I make a vow

These are honestly the best burger buns you will ever eat and pretty easy to achieve. I used to be so scared of any recipe that called for yeast or any kneading. I don't know why because it is actually very therapeutic and fun to make. You just need

Well hello there strangers… how on earth are you all? Far out is has been a while between posts, hasn’t it?!?! How is it nearly the middle of April already? How? Our boys are home from boarding school for holidays and it is so great to have them back

Our third annual Wild Spark event in Mt Isa is done and dusted for another year. We honestly can’t believe we are already in our third year and couldn’t be happier. The heart of Wild Spark is us: Dan & Ed, just two crazy ladies who love life… and

I can’t believe it is nearly time for our 3rd annual Wild Spark event in Mt Isa. We are doing things a little differently this year with a fabulous long lunch at Giuseppe’s Cantina Restaurant at the Ibis Hotel. Come along to celebrate International Women’s Day and also raise

I can’t believe it has been a week since Clancy and I left Brisbane. Time really does fly by. Is it just me or does it take everyone else at least a week to settle back into some sort of routine and get things back in order after they

I just replied to an email from a new Jillaroo who is coming up here to start work this year – with a few questions about exactly what she needs to bring. That got me thinking… maybe there are others out there wondering the exact same thing, we have

Happy New Year everyone!!! If, like eleventy billion other people, you have decided that this is the new year that you are going to get healthy, look after yourself and get into shape then I am here for you. We have all tried 50 gazillion fad diets but stick

As I type this I sit here singing along to “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” from the Home Alone 1 & 2 album. I mean seriously, is there a better song? Maybe Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree from the same album. This is sure to get

Gosh it has been a while between posts hasn’t it?!! Sorry about that. We have had a bit on and have actually been going places! Who’d have ever thought. We even flew down to Brisbane! That was fun. Some much needed shopping, saw the boys and went to a

It really does feel like Groundhog Day… here we are, nearly at the end of October… I must say I feel like I am getting a little stale when it comes to cooking… here is another menu, same old same old. But seriously, how is it the end of

Oh my goodness. You guys – this is seriously one of the yummiest things I have ever eaten. I have made it quite a few times now and holy moly it is to die for… And the best part… it is so easy. I am not kidding you. It

Our freezer is looking very empty at the moment, we need a killer and we need it now… we are down to chicken, chicken or mince. But don’t worry – I like a challenge. There is still so much I could trot out… pizza, pies, spaghetti bol, rissoles, roast

Well it has been a while between meal plans, hasn’t it? The crew have been to campdrafts the past couple of weekends so meals were hit and miss and not really worth planning for. The poor buggers haven’t really been anywhere for months on end so it was great

Well, I have been intermittent fasting for just over 13 weeks now. It honestly feels like I only just started. Actually it doesn’t really feel like anything because it is SO EASY! I honestly can’t believe how easy it has been. This is my new normal, it is just

Wow, I feel like I have been missing in action forever! We were in town all of last week for a school week. Clancy had not really been anywhere since the beginning of March so it was super exciting for him to get to town and mix with other

I have a little side kick here with me this week. My friend & Wild Spark partner in crime – Ed – is up here visiting. So excited that she is finally here. But it has upset my whole routine, ha ha ha. But in a good way! So

How are you all this morning? I am great, sipping on my black coffee, wishing I was still in bed. I managed a sneaky little trip over to Trek West on the weekend. Turns out that my holiday destination of choice for 2020 is Trek West, I don’t seem

Hello there… how are you all? It is seriously groundhog day here. I feel like I have done pretty well over the past 5 months. I have been happy and just cook cook cooking but that seems to be wearing thin. So this is what the past 5 months

I started intermittent fasting around the 15th June. Like so many people my weight has yo-yoed over the years up, down then up again plus some, down a little then back up plus some more. Before we get right into it I would just like to share some of

I know I say this every single week, but seriously – where is the year going? How can it be the 10th August already? I managed a little getaway over to my friend Shelly’s Trek West Stockcamp last week and gosh it was good. Turns out it is my

Well things seem to be escalating again pretty quickly with Brisbane now being a COVID hotspot. NT have now closed their border to people coming from Brisbane meaning you have to quarantine somewhere in QLD at the moment before coming into the NT – I think I have that

[iframe style=”border:none” src=”//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/15417686/height/90/width//thumbnail/yes/render-playlist/no/theme/custom/tdest_id/2003246/custom-color/ff00aa” height=”90″ width=”100%” scrolling=”no” allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen] Dan talks Intermittent Fasting – she has lost 4.6kg since starting – and Ed just rolls her eyes out loud.  Just our usual chit chat this week and recommendations.  Oh and Dan shares tells us about the first

Good morning how are you today? I am great – sitting here sipping on my black coffee. I ditched the milk about a month ago now – went cold turkey -straight into black coffee and I am loving it. But we are not here to chat about coffee (or

Here we are again… you know what it is time for – our weekly meal plan and I reckon you could even guess what is up for dinner tonight – yep that’s right, good old fashioned corned beef, veg & white sauce. We hosted a surprise 40th birthday for

[iframe style=”border:none” src=”//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/15239366/height/90/width//thumbnail/yes/render-playlist/no/theme/custom/tdest_id/2003246/custom-color/ff00aa” height=”90″ width=”100%” scrolling=”no” allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen]   This week we had some technical difficulties and editing it was like trying to piece together a puzzle so it you make it to the end you definitely deserve a medal.  Sorry in advance for the poor

Here we go again… definitely same shit, different week but it is what works, so if it aint broke, don’t fix it… right? Thought I had best post this tonight as I will be up and at it at 3am in the morning for a 3:30am departure to take

[iframe style=”border:none” src=”//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/15155318/height/90/width//thumbnail/yes/render-playlist/no/theme/custom/tdest_id/2003246/custom-color/ff00aa” height=”90″ width=”100%” scrolling=”no” allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen] Well, my goodness – nobody told me Podcasting would be so hard sometimes.  It has taken me about 6 hours but I have finally managed to upload the podcast!  So it is ready to go my friends.  Can

What a fabulous day we had on Saturday down at The Barkly Homestead Roadhouse on Saturday for Barkly Women’s Day! As soon as I heard NT was lifting the restrictions within the NT I couldn’t email Kate at the roadhouse quick enough to see when we could hold a

Well my friends… I GOT OFF THE STATION on the weekend!!! It was a little surreal to tell you the truth – we had Barkly Women’s Day down at the Barkly Homestead (a roadhouse in between Camooweal & Tennant Creek). What a fabulous weekend but that is a whole

Well here we go into our 16th week of not really going anywhere (apart from that one time Tom broke his arm and we had a quick impromptu overnight (literally – arriving at 11pm) trip to Mt Isa. That was fun! I mean things are so desperate that I

[iframe style=”border:none” src=”//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/14968976/height/90/width//thumbnail/yes/render-playlist/no/theme/custom/tdest_id/2003246/custom-color/ff00aa” height=”90″ width=”100%” scrolling=”no” allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen] I honestly can’t believe that A. it is Friday already – gotta love that – and that means it is Fakeaway Friday with Pad Thai and Chicken Penang – yippeeeeeeeeeeee – I can’t wait for dinner.  And B.

Yep, it is that time again. We are over half way through the year. Yep June is nearly over. Which reminds me, I really should get last years tax return sorted, ha ha ha. (Oh can I just say, if my son – Tom – was standing over my

Hello there my friends. How are you? How is life out there in the land of the living? I wouldn’t know because the last time I was in town was that quick trip I did when Tom broke his wrist. I have nearly lost count now but I think

Here we go again… another meal plan. I would love to just get back into bed, to tell you the truth, but it is Monday morning and time to do it all over again. So here it is… this is what will be cooking in my kitchen this week:

[iframe style=”border:none” src=”//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/14701004/height/90/width//thumbnail/yes/render-playlist/no/theme/custom/tdest_id/2003246/custom-color/ff00aa” height=”90″ width=”100%” scrolling=”no” allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen] How do you get things fixed at your place?  City v’s Outback this week is all things tradie related.  Dan has been waiting since October last year for a new air conditioner in her kitchen, but you learn

Well would you look at that – my website must have needed a little holiday and it is now letting me publish a post. Turns out a little time in the “too hard basket” actually works. Burying your head in the sand sometimes really works. So here we go

[iframe style=”border:none” src=”//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/14593259/height/90/width//thumbnail/yes/render-playlist/no/theme/custom/tdest_id/2003246/custom-color/ff00aa” height=”90″ width=”100%” scrolling=”no” allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen] We needed to cheer Ed up today, in the end there were lots of laughs and a few snorts from Ed.  In “Getting To Know You” Ed chats to us about her work and about the eye surgery

Remember on my meal plan from last week I put down “day off” for the Sunday because it was Mother’s Day? Well guess what – I really did have the day off. I think it was my first real full day off in about 8 weeks and gosh it

[iframe style=”border:none” src=”//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/14287961/height/90/width//thumbnail/yes/render-playlist/no/theme/custom/tdest_id/2003246/custom-color/ff00aa” height=”90″ width=”100%” scrolling=”no” allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen] We are starting to find our podcast groove after this – our 4th episode.  Today we chat about the difference in how we get our power – city v’s outback.  I am sure it is way more interesting

Yep… we are here again… look I am not going to lie – things aren’t great. As we head into our 8th week on the station I am feeling pretty flat and not that excited about anything really. 8 weeks for goodness sake – I reckon even the most

[iframe style=”border:none” src=”//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/14224175/height/90/width//thumbnail/yes/render-playlist/no/theme/custom/tdest_id/2003246/custom-color/ff00aa” height=”90″ width=”100%” scrolling=”no” allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen] In todays episode we get to know a bit about Ed and find out where she grew up. In our second segment: Spot the Difference – we talk all things grocery shopping and how that looks different for

Yep here we are again – another Monday. It is definitely like groundhog day as we head into our 7th week stuck on the station. I have been doing pretty well but I can feel myself tipping over the edge… the cracks are starting to appear. It is not

[iframe style=”border:none” src=”//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/14102621/height/90/width//thumbnail/yes/render-playlist/no/theme/custom/tdest_id/2003246/custom-color/ff00aa” height=”90″ width=”100%” scrolling=”no” allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen] Check out this episode! Well guys – here is is – Episode 2 of the Wild Spark podcast! It can surely only get better from here. This episode is totally up to shit in the sound quality department.

Is it really that time of the week again? Seriously you guys it is beginning to feel like groundhog day here. Same thing different day. In a normal world I would have been in the car at 4:30 this morning with Tom and Harry to take them into Mt

[iframe style=”border:none” src=”//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/14019935/height/90/width//thumbnail/yes/render-playlist/no/theme/custom/tdest_id/2003246/custom-color/ff00aa” height=”90″ width=”100%” scrolling=”no” allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen] Wow guys – we did it – our very first episode of Wild Spark, the podcast, has dropped.   We are on a very steep learning curve so please hang in there as we find our feet.  There

With all that is going on in the world of Coronavirus it seems that everyone is living the isolated life I have been living for around 20 years! I have been doing my own hair colour and eyebrows for 15 years and thought I would share my hints and

Before we get started with our meal planning I just wanted to let you all know that I have sorted the website to take pre-orders for the second “improved” edition of my cookbook. Don’t worry I have left the taco mice and ham farts in but have tried to

[iframe style=”border:none” src=”//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/13972727/height/90/width//thumbnail/yes/render-playlist/no/theme/custom/tdest_id/2003246/custom-color/ff00aa” height=”90″ width=”100%” scrolling=”no” allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen] Just 2 crazy ladies who love life and love a chat over a glass of wine.  Here is a quick intro.  We can’t wait to share this podcasting journey with you.   Check out this episode!   Oh

We finished our first sensor sweep of the neutral zone. You did exactly what you had to do. You considered all your options, you tried every alternative. Did you come here for something in particular or just general Riker-bashing? And blowing into maximum warp speed, you appeared for an

We finished our first sensor sweep of the neutral zone. You did exactly what you had to do. You considered all your options, you tried every alternative. Did you come here for something in particular or just general Riker-bashing? And blowing into maximum warp speed, you appeared for an

Did you come here for something in particular or just general Riker-bashing? And blowing into maximum warp speed, you appeared for an instant to be in two places at once. We have a saboteur aboard. We know you’re dealing in stolen ore.…

Well geez, that sure did escalate quickly. Turns out you guys really did want the crap edition cookbook. Thank you to every single person who got in super quick to order a cookbook, we sold out in just over 24 hours! I honestly can’t believe it and was definitely

We finished our first sensor sweep of the neutral zone. You did exactly what you had to do. You considered all your options, you tried every alternative. Did you come here for something in particular or just general Riker-bashing? And blowing into maximum warp speed, you appeared for an

We finished our first sensor sweep of the neutral zone. You did exactly what you had to do. You considered all your options, you tried every alternative. Did you come here for something in particular or just general Riker-bashing? And blowing into maximum warp speed, you appeared for an

We finished our first sensor sweep of the neutral zone. You did exactly what you had to do. You considered all your options, you tried every alternative. Did you come here for something in particular or just general Riker-bashing? And blowing into maximum warp speed, you appeared for an

We finished our first sensor sweep of the neutral zone. You did exactly what you had to do. You considered all your options, you tried every alternative. Did you come here for something in particular or just general Riker-bashing? And blowing into maximum warp speed, you appeared for an

We finished our first sensor sweep of the neutral zone. You did exactly what you had to do. You considered all your options, you tried every alternative. Did you come here for something in particular or just general Riker-bashing? And blowing into maximum warp speed, you appeared for an

We finished our first sensor sweep of the neutral zone. You did exactly what you had to do. You considered all your options, you tried every alternative.

We finished our first sensor sweep of the neutral zone. You did exactly what you had to do. You considered all your options, you tried every alternative. Did you come here for something in particular or just general Riker-bashing? And blowing into maximum warp speed, you appeared for an

We finished our first sensor sweep of the neutral zone. You did exactly what you had to do. You considered all your options, you tried every alternative. Did you come here for something in particular or just general Riker-bashing? And blowing into maximum warp speed, you appeared for an

Good morning lovely people, how are you all today? Well, you have been asking how you can get your little paws on my “mistake edition” (or “most f**cked cookbook ever” direct quote from my husband) and it is finally ready for dispatch. You can get it right now my

We finished our first sensor sweep of the neutral zone. You did exactly what you had to do. You considered all your options, you tried every alternative. Did you come here for something in particular or just general Riker-bashing? And blowing into maximum warp speed, you appeared for an

We finished our first sensor sweep of the neutral zone. You did exactly what you had to do. You considered all your options, you tried every alternative. Did you come here for something in particular or just general Riker-bashing? And blowing into maximum warp speed, you appeared for an

I still can’t believe how quickly everything has happened. These posts are more for me to keep a journal of what is happening in our world right now, sorry if they bore you to tears but lets get into it… I am going to start with a quick run

Ok let’s get back into our meal plans. This is what I will be serving up to our fabulous crew this week. I am only cooking for 11 people in total – that includes my 3 boys. A big shout out to my good friends – Flick & Sal

Well that escalated quickly didn’t it. One minute I was in Mt Isa for our Wild Spark event and the next I am back at bum truck nowhere, flying the boys home from boarding school. Then next minute they have closed the QLD/NT border. We got the boarders over

Well I honestly can’t believe that our 2nd Wild Spark Mt Isa event is done and dusted (Read about Wild Spark Mt Isa 2019 HERE). Where does the time go? Gosh we were lucky that we had it when we did, if it were any later we would have

Well we all know how bloody hard it is to get off our station during the wet season. These so called wet seasons have definitely been few and far between of late. The only time is does rain is when we either want to drive out or if I

Well I am here to be fully transparent and tell you all of my epic cookbook fail.  I have learnt a very hard lesson this week: don’t get 500 cookbooks printed without asking 1 or 3 people to proofread it. Seriously guys, why do I think I can do EVERYTHING

This time last week I was on my way to town with Mr Chardy. I was pretty excited about the impromptu very quick trip because, as you know, I hadn’t been anywhere for at least 50 days! Things didn’t get off to a great start though with a crying

The second Wild Spark Mt Isa Event will be held on Friday 13th March 2020, at the Civic Centre from 9am – 5pm. Wild Spark is all about connecting with like minded women, hearing from inspirational guest speakers and walking away with a real bounce in your step. Celebrating

Hello there fabulous people, how are you all? I am doing pretty well I reckon for an extrovert who is going into her 45th day of being on the station… ok that’s a lie – I have been over to my friend Shelly’s house (you know Shell, she lives

Are the school holidays over for you? Have you had fighting kids who have turned particularly feral in the past couple of weeks? We sure have. Tensions were running high here – as they always do – in the days leading up to the boarding school return. The boys

Hi There. How are you? We are still waiting for rain. I see there has been some lovely rainfalls around the traps and I really hope you have managed to get some. I think today might be our day – but then I am a glass half full kind

At the end of November 2019 we holidayed on Magnetic Island with our good friends and neighbours – Shell & Clint and their boys Ben & Lachie. It was such a great week & more memories were made with our dear friends. This holiday to Maggie Island was our

Wow… here we are in a whole new decade. The older you get the faster time goes by, don’t you think? Well gosh I was slack with blog posts last year and every year I promise to be better but never am, so I am going to make no

After our Ladies Day in Brookfield QLD (in case you missed it you can read all about it here – we will wait while you do) we loaded up Ed’s car and did a massive road trip down to Mudgee in NSW for our second Wild Spark event in

Well goodness, it is hard to believe that it has been 1 whole month since our Wild Spark Ladies Day in Brookfield. I honestly have no idea where the year has gone but somehow we are nearly half way through November. I feel like I have started every single

In October this year we will be holding 2 Wild Spark Ladies Days. The first is in Brisbane on 12thOctober and the second will be down in Mudgee, NSW on 19thOctober.  For more information on what Wild Spark is all about and these fabulous days read THIS post… we will

I am really not quite sure where to start and still can’t believe this monstrosity is sitting in my house. Mr Chardy bought drums! As you can see I am not kidding – REAL drums… He has been saying for ages now that he is going buy some drums

In October this year we will be holding 2 Wild Spark Ladies Days. The first is in Brisbane on 12thOctober and the second will be down in Mudgee, NSW on 19thOctober.  For more information on what Wild Spark is all about and these fabulous days read THIS post… we will

It seems I am not the only one who thinks the year is disappearing before my very eyes. I mean where on earth did July just go to? Here we are in August – HOW? How I ask you! I mean just the other day I was asked to

We are just beside ourselves with excitement about our up and coming Wild Spark events in October. Now before we go any further and just in case you are new around these parts, please let us use our manners and introduce ourselves… What is Wild Spark I hear you

I don’t know how kids Birthday Parties work these days but back in the 80’s you used to get dropped at a kids party, eat your body weight in cocktail frankfurts, fairy bread, lollies and chips, play pin the tail on the donkey, pass the parcel & musical chairs

Now, don’t fall off your chairs my friends but as promised I am back on a Thursday to try for this thing called consistency – now it is only day two (and I have been trying it for the past 4 years but we won’t even go there)… I

Golly gosh it has been a while since we had a chat hasn’t it.  Every year I think to myself “right – this year I am going to get my shit together and pump out 2 blog posts a week, Tuesday & Thursday”… you know because consistency and everything,

This week I am doing one of my favourite things… packing up and heading over to help Mrs Savvy B with one of her big loop hikes. Mrs Savvy B started Trek West Tailored Hiking Tours over on her station a couple of years ago. This came after I

I just finished reading (and of course by reading I mean listening to an audio book) called No Shortcuts to the Top by Ed Viesturs.  Ed is a living legend of extreme mountaineering and the book follows along as he conquers one 8,000 metre summit at a time.  He

Well here we are again, approaching another month gone. 27th May, what the heck? It feels like this is how I start all of my blog posts lately… another month gone by, just like that. May has been a busy month. A couple of weeks ago Miss Chloe, Clancy

Last week I had the best couple of days in town. I headed in on Wednesday evening for the WiRE (Women in Rural Regional & Remote Enterprises) Business Women’s Bootcamp in Mt Isa. It was a two day affair and I can’t even begin to tell you how wonderful