Peanuts and a glass of pine wine (after a television debut)

Peanuts and pink wine. That was my glamorous dinner following a surreal afternoon. A week and a bit back I did an interview at the Westminster Studios for Australia’s Today Show. It’s the breakfast show that I used to have on in the background while I ate bircher muesli. It’s where the sublime Mia Freedman appears every week.

The interview was about our Baby Bucket List. The collection of mad and hedonistic things that The Hungry One and I set out to do before we become three.

Sitting in the Westminster Studio in London at night, staring at a reflection of yourself in a camera and hearing questions through an ear piece …

Tomato rich spaghetti bolognaise

Tomato rich spaghetti bolognaise

‘Perfect’ spaghetti bolognaise.

Otherwise known as a mine field – and not just  because of regional politics in which a Bologna ragu is rarely served with spaghetti….

More so because like other comfort food classics from schnitzel to french toast, the way you like your meat, tomato and pasta has little to do with adult tastes – and everything to do with how your mother made it for you.

My Mum’s bolognaise was what sustained me from 12- 16. It got me through netball and rowing, flute exams and a curious period when I enjoyed making my own clothes. Hers is a dark collection of browned mince, onion, tomato passata and wine. It’s …

Is this the best fish taverna in Cyprus?

Is this the best fish taverna in Cyprus?

A visit to Aphrodite’s birthplace and a fish mezze at Pissouri Beach, Cyprus.

The road across Cyprus to Aphrodite’s birth place curves through wattle specked hills and is flanked by signs for discounted three bedroom villas and warnings to watch for goats.

The Greek portion of Cyprus occupies nearly three quarters of the island. We came south in search of sun. On a day when they sky threatens grey we’ve driven from one side to the other, in search of something real. Protaras and Fig Tree Bay where we’re staying may have some of the clearest water on the island.

But it’s  also best known as where British folk (and Australians like us …