13 Typical Dutch Foods

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13 Typical Dutch Foods Italy and France are more commonly thought of as the “food epicentres” of Europe, and rightly so, they produce delicious food. However, amongst the hype of the canals, windmills, clogs, tulips and red light districts, the food of The Netherlands can often get overlooked, which is sad. From mini pancakes to salty seafood, hail on bread and … Read More

Say Cheeeessee!! 400 Years of Dutch Tradition at the Alkmaar Cheese Markets

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Alkmaar Cheese Markets

Cheese Markets – 400 Years of Dutch Tradition Say Cheeeesssseee!!! Gouda, Edam, Beemster, Maasdam, Roomano and more!  Along with windmills, bikes, tulips and family; cheese is certainly one of the first things that comes to mind when I think of the Netherlands. A great deal of history and tradition are held in the making of cheese in The Netherlands. From … Read More

4 Seasons of Tulip Growing

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Tulips in The Netherlands

Tulips and Holland. They go together like salt & pepper, peas and carrots, love and marriage. This year I was lucky enough to arrive in holland right in the middle of the short, 6-8 week, period in Spring when they are at their blooming best! In The Netherlands this is from late March to mid-May each year. I even spoke with a … Read More

Keukenhof: the Epitome of Springtime in the Netherlands

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Keukenhof

The Keukenhof, located not far from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, is a large exhibition of Spring-flowering “bulbs” and the Dutch floricultural sector. It is open only for 8 weeks during the peak flowering period from late March through to mid-May each year and displays a magnificent array of beautiful flowers in all the colours of the rainbow! And, yes, the perfumes are delicious. … Read More

In the Netherlands for Koningsdag? (Kings Day)

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I had the pleasure of arriving in the Netherlands from Hong Kong at 6:35am on 27th April 2016; Koningsdag!! Along with the warm and welcoming arms of my Oom (Uncle) Frits, I was greeted by some crazy orange decorations, from clothes, hats and balls to flags, rings and earrings (orange is the Dutch national colour, if you didn’t know). Koningsdag, or “Kings … Read More

Macros, Micros? Vitamins and Minerals? What, exactly, IS Nutrition?!

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When it comes to the world of health, dieting, combating diabetes & obesity, weight-loss, fitness, nutrition and wellbeing in general, there are many terms being thrown around that aren’t completely understood by the majority of the population. Things like low-carb, paleo, ketogenic, insulin-resistance, nutrient-deficiencies, high-protein and much more. At their heart, these terms are to do with the food (nutrients) we eat and how … Read More

Parents’ Voice

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Did you know that our food choices are not always made by us? Our ability to make healthy decisions is weakened when we’re stressed, anxious, tired or have already made plenty of decisions during they day, or during a shop. This is where “Impulse Marketing” gets you! The placement of unhealthy food “specials” at checkouts and ends of supermarket isles … Read More

Dark Emu, Black Seeds; Agriculture or Accident?

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Dark Emu, Black Seeds; Agriculture or Accident? – Listen to the Interview. How would you change the way you think about Australian Agriculture if you found out that, rather than nomadic, hunter-gatherer tribes, the Aboriginal people were sophisticated agriculturalists when British colonists arrived? The ABC’s Richard Fidler interviews Bruce Pascoe, author of ‘Dark Emu, Black Seeds’ on the true nature of … Read More

Waiheke Weddings

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Waiheke Island, New Zealand. A perfectly pristine getaway only 30 minutes from the hustle and bustle of Auckland’s CBD (plus a bonus a relaxing boat ride to get there)! [photos by The Official Photographers]   Waiheke Island lies almost in the middle of the Hauraki Gulf, East of Auckland’s CBD. It is the most populous of the islands in the gulf with … Read More

Auckland in a Hurry!

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I was recently passing through Auckland, New Zealand’s largest City, with only 2 full days and 1 night to experience her offerings. I tell you now, it was NOT ENOUGH time! I highly recommend making it a longer stay if you plan on visiting, as Auckland is a beautiful city teeming with unexpected entertainment and dozens of things to do … Read More