Out to lunch

One of the great benefits of living in the city, is that I can occasionally meet Husband for lunch.
Eating out sans naughty kiddies is a rare treat, because since our babysitter went back to France, we don't really know anyone well-enough to trust them to look after the kids. And of course, the nearest relative is across the ditch! So that pretty much rules out Date Night for a while.
Luckily, Aucklanders are spoiled for choice when it comes to affordable, but delicious fare, so Husband and I often take the opportunity to meet up in the city for some child-free time while the kids are at school.
My Bento box from a hole-in-the-wall Japanese place, not far from Husband's work.

Teriyaki chicken, fried rice, tempura vegetables, sushi, edaname beans, and salad. There was also a miso soup, which I couldn't fit into the photo. How much for all this? NZ$10. And it was so fresh and delicious. Who would choose junk food, when you can eat this well?



Hungry husband splashed out and pay NZ$15 for his. He had everything I had, plus seafood.
Just delicious.
Oh and the company was pretty good too!

Our weekend at home (not away)

With our beach weekend cancelled, due to illness, the challenge was to entertain the kids while keeping the Princess quiet. Because she had asthma, that meant no pool or spa, although we did go to the park a few times. (Though keeping her from racing around was a challenge).

On Sunday morning, the kids and I woke early after H. had a coughing fit. Unable to get back to sleep, we got up and put on the DVD we had planned to watch in the car on the way to the beach. It was one the Little Dude had chosen at K-Mart when he was splashing around his pocket money the other day - E. T.

Now, I haven't seen E. T. since it first came out, and I'd forgotten what a great film it is. Despite the relatively old-fashioned special effects, we all enjoyed it. The kids were spellbound. So great to see films (and music and books) which span generations.

After that, H. and I. had a cooking fest. I usually make snacks for their lunchboxes, for several reasons - it's cheaper and healthier than pre-packaged, high sugar, high fat muesli bars and other snacks. But also, because of C's nut allergy, it's really hard finding snacks that are safe (and yummy-enough) for him to eat.

This weekend, it was vanilla cupcakes, chocolate weet-bix slice, and cranberry and date loaf.

K. finished off the weekend by cooking our now-traditional Sunday Roast. This time it was New Zealand lamb, Yorkshire Pudding, gravy, roast vegetables and all the trimmings.

And finally, the Wine Of The Week, goes to an oldie but a goodie (much like E. T.)

Little bubbles of love that dance on your tongue!