About Us

So savour every bite!

If the saying is true I wish to savour the moment that first bight and immortalise it.
I enjoy experiencing new foods and like to share my foodie adventures.

Blogging history

I have been blogging since 2000, starting out with posting to a livejournal foodporn community. Later, in 2006 I created Illawarra Food Reviews to share local Illawarra (Wollongong, Shellharbour and South Coast NSW) foodie adventures, as well as new product reviews and my travels.

A few years later I created Illawarra Gluten Free with blog posts journalling my gluten-free foodie experiences. In 2011 I created An Instant on the Lips.

Gluten Intolerant

I am sensitive to gluten so most of my recipes will include gluten-free flours and gluten-free carb-based options. My stomach didn't develop properly and cannot digest the gluten protein.

My symptoms of gluten sensitivity include bloating, abdominal discomfort or pain, and diarrhoea  I also   experience 'mind fog' and low energy.

Gluten is a protein composite found in foods processed from wheat and related species, including barley and rye. It gives elasticity to dough helping it to rise and to keep its shape. I have been experimenting with gluten alternatives when baking. 

Recently I found a product by Orgran - gluten free - gluten substitute which contains:

• rice flour
• maize starch
• pea flour
• vegetable derived stabilisers & cellulose
• guar gum

There are so many gluten-free products available in supermarkets, health food stores and online that I no longer feel like I am missing out. I will be providing an index of products as I add them to An Instant On The Lips. 

If you know of any products I should try, please send me an email at aninstantonthelips@gmail.com

Healthy OptionsI am attempting to steer my way towards the more healthy options when it comes to dining out and often politely ask the waiter if the chef to create special menu items. Sometimes it is as simple as adapting a current menu item but without a sauce or ingredient. On the whole I have found that staff and the chefs adapt well to a few small changes, especially when I make repeat visits.  I recommend you try the same. You are paying good money to eat out. You should get what you can actually eat and not pay for later.

Cleveland, QLD
In late 2011 I moved to Cleveland Brisbane South, Queensland after holidaying with family after selling our house in Lake Illawarra, NSW. It was exciting to try so many new restaurants and cafes, as well as my travels to Brisbane and around Australia.

My husband I both love the resort-like location of Cleveland, with the trendy Raby Bay Marina only a 1km walk. We are close to the Gold Coast and Brisbane. It is wonderful to embark on another adventure and explore the surrounds. There is so much to see and do, and the weather is an added bonus!