It's All Good....

You will not conquer me.

2011-09-04T11:01:00.001+08:00

I have a fear...that's not quite the right word, but it'll do, of the telephone. Not of it ringing, but of me calling people, talking to them.

Now, part of it stems from being hearing impaired. But to hide behind this is a bit of a cop out. It's more.

Some days I'm fine. I'll make a stream of calls. But other days, I procrastinate and avoid even making simple calls (like making appointments).

And then days where i'll hold the phone, write out scripts, give myself prep talks and procrastinate on pinterest looking for images depicting inspiring quotes to boost my confidence.

Meh.

I know it's part of a broader 'socially anxious and somewhat socially awkward' personality I have.
At times it impacts on my life. Lost friends, lost hours, lost opportunities.

In face to face situations I get by. But the phone.....oh my do I hate the phone.

And now I have a job that requires regular phone usage. I'm also co-running a business which also requires using the phone.

This will not conquer me.

All Clear, See You Next Year

2011-08-11T15:07:00.001+08:00

Well Australian Hearing services won't be seeing the girls until next year.

Zoë continues to have perfect hearing, the only one of my four children that didn't inherit my bad hearing.

Lily has no change (yay!). She only has a mild loss in one ear, no need for aids for her.

My boys will go for a check up in November, and hopefully both will have no further decline in hearing. Both have a hearing loss in both ears which they wear hearing aids.

Pic is of my girls enjoying the train trip home. :)

Life Goes On

2011-08-08T09:47:00.003+08:00

So I decided to pull out of TAFE. I'll just be concentrating on my new (part-time) job, my little business and more importantly, being a SAHM.

I'm disappointed. But on the other hand, relieved. I really enjoyed the last two weeks, interacting with grown ups and using my brain/creativity/skills. But the stress of money, the stress of household chores and the stress of not seeing/being there for my babies just didn't make it worth it.

So now I'll only be out of the house one day per week, my little boy will be in daycare on that day and my big kids won't need to go to before/after school care.

On friday and saturday I contemplated what I was going to do, I kept changing my mind. I'm a 'look for signs' kind of person and on Sunday I had a few. Firstly in The Sunday Times was an article about parents needing to make more time for their kids, to not put so much emphasis on material wealth, to be more involved in their schooling.

Then in the liftout magazine was an article on Free Range kids.

Both articles resonated with me because to be the type of parent I want to be, to type of parent I value, I can't achieve if I'm not at home to be with them. I just can't have my cake and eat it too.

Then the deciding factor was the sermon at church. It was the story of Samson and Delilah, but it was the points made by my Pastor that resonated with me. That our strength can also be our weakness. My Pastor spoke about balance, that we all need balance, and he also spoke about failure.

All this was in relation to the Samson story, but I could see the applications in my life at this moment.

So this morning, I dropped my kids off at school. I spoke to my daughters teacher. I held hands with my son as we strolled to the car. I'm sitting on the lounge, cuddling my youngest son, listening to the rain, while he watches Postman Pat and I type on the laptop.

Life may not have taken the direction I had thought it would (looking back on my dreams and hopes), I may be impatient for it to be 'my time', but on the whole I am happy.

Life

2011-08-06T07:24:00.006+08:00

My Sweet Baby Girl

What a hectic fortnight I've had.

I started a TAFE course, started a part-time job, trying to get stock ready for a stall and the kids went back to school.

I really want to do the TAFE course...it's only 18 weeks more to go....but the impact on my kids is already noticeable. My 5 year old threw a tantrum yesterday, she never throws tantrums, and I know it was from overtiredness/early starts/not enough attention from me. My 3 year old gets all whingey (it's not really crying), as we pull into daycare, telling me he doesn't want to go.

My big kids are mostly ok, they are a little older and a little more independent. But the long days do affect them.

The house is rapidly turning into a tip. I have my routines in place, but I'm still doing all the housework, the kids help out, but my husband doesn't. It's not to bad, but I'm finding it hard to keep on top of things.

Then the cost. Daycare/After school care is costing me around $200 per week. I budgeted this in, then had unexpected expenses, and now the budget can't cover the care costs.

So I find myself wondering if it is worth it. I like being busy and active, but I don't like my family life to have such a hectic pace. And although I love the course, I don't really want to work in the field long term. The true cost of the course at this stage is draining.

On one hand I think I know what I need to do, but on the other hand........I really wish I had parents that I could go to and seek advice :(

It makes me smile

2011-07-23T21:12:00.005+08:00

Came across Poppy, Bean and Bloss, what a delightful blog, anyway she has posted what is making her smile so I thought I would join in. :)

This little guy. He's three tomorrow! My last baby is rapidly leaving toddlerhood, this kind of makes me sad, but relieved as well. He's a handful, and he lives up to his name Cadel, which means warrior spirit. He is full of spirit and already showing signs of a wicked sense of humour (and I mean wicked, he has a fondness for playing pranks already!)

Speaking of Cadel, watching Cadel Evans makes me smile. I don't follow any sport in any way, shape or form, but if an Aussie is looking like they have a chance, then I do my patriotic duty and cheer him on.

And yes, I was heavily pregnant, hormone affected, watching Tour De France, three years ago.....hence my sons name. This always makes me smile!

Oh and I found out the other day the job I went for....I got it! It's part time, with the potential of taking full time, part of which I can work from home. This definitely makes me smile.

I start a TAFE course next week, this makes me smile. And the kids go back to school, I love school holidays, but going back to a regular routine....this makes me smile.

What makes you smile?

Things (my) Kids Say

2011-07-21T20:36:00.001+08:00

Mr soon-to-be 3: If a dinosaur comes into my room and does a poo I'm going whack him like this (demonstrates whacking).

Dinosaurs let it be said, you have been warned.

Money for the Jam Jar

2011-07-20T12:00:00.002+08:00

Because I'm a ~~regular, committed blog poster, have nothing else better to do, procrastinate a lot,~~ have vast amounts of knowledge to share (yep I like that one better), I have decided to author another blog! This is going to chronicle my adventures in my previously mentioned goal of reaching a million by 40.

Feel free to come along. I even played with the font to make it pretty ;)

Money for the Jam Jar

xxLela

Because I'm Worth It

2011-07-18T10:46:00.000+08:00

(also known as Operation Bunker Bay)

I am so proud of myself this week! I have done 1 aeirobics class and 4 x 1hour gym workouts this week!!

I am hating the exercising, one of those gym sessions I had to really drag myself down, force myself on the machines and plays lots of happy music on my iPod to get me going. But I made it!

I haven't got an exercise scheldule. I've come to the conclusion I may not be able to scheldule in gym sessions with any consistancy. But that is ok, as long as I'm going, it doesn't matter so much if I don't do it at a certain time on particular days.

This weeks exercise goals are

*head to the gym 5 times

*push myself a little harder in the cardio bit. At the moment I do roughly 5min x-trainer/15min treadmill/5 min bike. I would like to increase the x-trainer because I think it gives me a better workout.

Food wise is going good. It helps that money is so tight at the moment! I’m eating more fruit and vegetables and also made an effort to decrease my meat consumption. This is a financial/ethical consideration as well, but will have positive health implications as well.

My food goals this week are

*Increase water

*Make an effort to snack between midday and 3pm. I find 4pm hits and I’m so lethargic and bleh as well as ravenous.

Looking Good Feeling Good.

I’ve been having a bit of fun with Pinterest this week, pinning all sorts of pics for inspiration. Several of those pins have been hair tutorials, of which I’ve been practicing on myself and also on my daughters.

I’ve also pinned some pics of outfits I want to copy.

My Pinterest profile name is lelacass if you want to join in the fun

2011-07-14T14:37:00.001+08:00

I live in a town that has a bad 'rep'. For years it has been labelled as boganville, low socio-economic, high crime, low prospects etc etc.

Several of these labels are actually incorrect/unfairly distorted in my opinion.

But you know what? I hope the ignorant stay ignorant.

They don't know what they are missing out on. ;)

Saving Money. Making Money

2011-07-13T08:01:00.001+08:00

It's common sense that the key elements of finacial freedom make up a 3 pronged approach.

Reduce Debt
Make Money
Save Money

Now reducing debt is closely entwined with making and saving money, but is deserving of it's own strategy of attack.

So what am I rambling on about. Well I've been totally inspired by Kylie Ofiu who is aspiring to be a millionaire (cash and/or assets) by 30. I would love to be finacially free, so I've started pitting some of her thoughts and ideas into practice.

Firstly I opened a high interest bank account and set up a direct debit. It's only $5 a week, but it is a start.

I've drawn up another budget. This time I used an Excel spreadsheet that allows me to enter a months income/expenses. The single most important money tip (from my readings and experience) is to manage you finances with a budget.
I've brainstormed some money making ideas. Some a short term, some fit in the grand plan. One idea I'm really excited lover is 'The Rusty Geranium'. I'll do a proper blog post on it later, but basically I've started raising a variety of seeds with the view of selling excess stock over spring/summer.

Another area I'm homing in on is saving money. I've disconnected the landlind (saving about $700), I'm menu planning again (this saves a fair bit, my estimate is about $200 a month gets wasted when I don't menu plan). I've devised a plan to get solar hot water installed, thus saving on my energy bills.

Allow the saved $ at the moment are going into reducing debt and only a tiny bit into savings.

I've also pencilled in reminders into my organiser to spend time on this. Time is now set aside for budget, menu and income planning.

The $100 Christmas is also part of this plan.

It all feels refreshing and empowering. I might not get to a million dollars, but I'm giving it a go.

Operation Bunker Bay

2011-07-09T15:26:00.003+08:00

My husband and his colleagues have made the target of something or another at his work. This is great and really important I'm sure (eyes were glazed over when he was telling me the details). As a reward, the company has booked two nights away for all the supervisors (that's what he is) and their partners, including dinner on the friday and a tour of the wineries on the saturday.

When I first heard, I thought this was great, I had vaguely heard of Bunker Bay. Then I looked it up online.

Oh my. It's a 5 star get away. I'm not a 5 star getaway type person. I don't dress for 5 star getaways. I don't even dress for winery tours.

I'm worried. I have 8 weeks to get it together. Which brings me to my blog title, Operation Bunker Bay. I'm going to do an 8 week overhaul with the goal of looking and feeling confident about myself, confident enough to fit in among the other WAGS.

So if that is my overarching goal, my more specific goals are:

*Have 3 different hairstyles that I can do myself over this weekend.

*Have a make up 'look' that I can confidently apply.

*Have several different outfits that are suitable for each outing.

*Make sure my eyebrows are neat, eyelashes sparkle and maybe are fingernails gleaming.

*Restart my exercise and eating regime and loose 6 kgs in 8 weeks. This is perhaps a little ambitious, if I don't reach this, but I'm following healthy eating/exercising, I'll be happy.

After 8 weeks I don't want to stop. Because 4 weeks later, my sister is hoping on getting married and I'm one of her bridesmaids (although I have a feeling she might reschedule), then 4 weeks after that, it is my birthday and I would love to buy myself a great dress and look hot, then 4 weeks later is christmas and again, I wouldn't mind looking hot over the christmas festivities. ;)

So this is my plan of action:

*Youtube. Lots of great people have posted hair and makeup tutorials, my plan is to have a play and experiment with different looks. In 4 weeks I would like to book in for a hair cut (long overdue, my last cut was about 18months ago)

*Collect ideas from fashion blogs and from watching Offspring (tragic, but I love Nina's style). Disect the outfits then recreate out of things I own/can get hold of. Some pieces I can make too.

*I'm already booked in for a beauty treatment because I bought a cheap voucher from scoupon. That is next month. When I'm there I'll book in for another session about a week or so before THE weekend.

*Exercise program has started. I've started Burlesque dance classes (this is more of a reward, they are so much fun, if I grit my teeth and just attend the gym, then my reward is Burlesque classes).

I want to restart the 'Because I'm Worth It' weekly posting, because although my first deadline is Bunker Bay, I want this to be longer term. So stay tuned!

Holiday Wish List

2011-07-09T14:59:00.002+08:00

It's school holidays for the kids in WA. Yay!

This is our wish list of things we want to do. We probably won't make it through all of it, but even if we do half, it'll be fun.

1. Dinosaur exhibit at Per th Museum My youngest son is really into dinosaurs at the moment.

2. Telling Tales Story Telling Festival. This is more for the older two to enjoy. It's only $5 per child and the program looks great.

3. Picnic at Golden Valley Tree Park. The kids are all looking forward to this. The park has walk trails and lots of space to run and wander in.

4. Pinnochio, the play. My daughter has a classmate who has a role in this play. I thought it would be nice to go along and support her. :)

5. Movies.

Plus trips to the library, visit the scitech thing at the shops, spend time with cousins, some cooking (got some chocolate brownie slice in my near future) and a trip or two to the beach for some winter beach combing.

Xmas Planning

2011-07-08T18:20:00.004+08:00

Each year a small part of the christmas gift list is made up of handmade or cheap/2nd hand gifts for my kids and to a lesser extent, my children. This year I want to make it a bigger part, but more importantly, I want to rein in the spending and make it a more financially responsible time.

Now this $100 is everything. Kids, family, friends and the food. Sounds pretty impossible hey. I don't think I'll be able to keep it under $100, but I do have some advantages to help. I'm not hosting christmas lunch this year, so I'll only have to contribute a plate of something. Also my kids are happy with second hand/thrifted stuff and appreciate cool and unique things. They do like big ticket items, but they are also happy with the small things in life. As for family, I do have 5 nephews and 1 niece, but I only have to buy for 4 adults, as we only exchange gifts with the adults on my in-laws side of the family. Another advantage is my extensive fabric collection. If I can make it from fabric, chances are, I can make it cheap/free.

I know from experience that it takes a lot more planning and effort to do these sort of things so I'm making up a list with links and ideas to help me along the way.

My Kids

Dylan aged 10

Lego. Can be obtained second hand.

DS cover and game holder.

Cadel aged 3

Cool little belts, this would be good for the girls too.

Bike. Thinking gumtree or ebay for a cheap but good condition bike. If I can get one this bike basket would be cool.

Lilian aged 8

Zoe aged 5

Nephews and a Niece

Rhylie aged 6

Art caddy/tote I have a binding machine and lots of scrapbooking papers. I can make him some sketchbooks. I can also sharpen up the kids leftover pencils (we always end up with hundreds) from the end of the school year and put these in the caddy.

Evelyn aged 2

Dolls clothes. I'm pretty sure she has a baby born, and I have patterns for baby born doll clothes.

Cooper aged 4

Lochie aged 2

Dragon Slippers

Angus aged 1

Michael aged nearly 1

In Laws

MIL Water bottle holder

FIL

SIL Water bottle holder and Cute Scarf

BIL I'm thinking coffee cup cozy? with a good quality thermos cup as well?

Home Decor

Tree, we already have a base for a 'once was alive' tree. The tree we get erm ahh.... free from my kind brother in law....in an undercover mission to the pine plantation.......well not really the pine plantation itself, my BIL relocates a tree from the side of the road... a tree that has sprouted from seed or something.....he assures me it is not from the plantation....and it is so scrawny and bent, I believe him.

Tree decorations are ones we have accumulated over the years.

Would love to add a christmas tree bunting and some table runners to my home decor

Last year we did a advent calender with each day a challenge to give. We got ideas from 25 days of giving but more ideas here I want to expand on this and make an improved calender system. Perhaps something like these felt pockets

Phew, that's enough brainstorming for now.

My Creative Space

2011-07-07T13:53:00.001+08:00

I love the style of the character of Nina Proudman (Offspring, channel ten). Very much in love. I was very suprised to find that most of her clothes cost a fortune. Considering her style looks like op shop/market finds, it took me by suprise that one of the skirts she wears is around $199.

So my creative space this week is dominated by 'what would Nina wear' sort of wonderings. Nina wears a lot of tiered and circle skirts, matched with funky belts. I picked up this cotton fabric at Spotlight for $4 per metre, and aimed with my Sew What! Skirts book I'm aiming for a Nina type skirt.

I'm not sure if I've chosen the right fabric print to pull off the look, but it's a pretty print anyway.

You can see more creative spaces or add your link here.

2020 here I come!!! or How I dream Big

2011-06-07T10:04:00.004+08:00

I think we all should dream big. Small dreams are good and essential for keeping you motivated, but I think we should all have a big dream to hope for. If you ever get to that goal, achieve that big dream....well I don't think that is quite as important. The important part is the dreaming.

My big dream is to go on a world trip with my close friend in 2020. Why 2020? Well it's going to take that long to save up! But also our babies will be older and (we hope) sufficient enough in life skills that we can leave them behind and have a bit of fun.

A few weeks ago, we decided the achievement of this dream really is important, so important that we opened a high interest savings account, set up direct debits and got started. We have both been been going through/continuing to go through intense personal upheavals in our lives, and we both need this big dream to strive for.

So far we are really having fun with it. So much fun, that we have started a blog Two Mummy Ducks to catalogue our saving adventures, but also our adventures practicing being eccentric traveling ladies! If nothing else, I'm sure our grandchildren will get a kick out of reading it in decades to come!

Our first 'outing' as eccentric travelling ladies is to "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)", of which I've heard great things about. I'm really looking forward to it (it's next week). :)

I'll leave you with a video collage I made a few years ago. I play this when I'm feeling sad and need a boost. Seeing my babies makes me happy, and the song I put to it makes me hopeful :)

(It's Dream Big by Ryan Shupe & The Rubberband)

5 Reasons YOU need to Get Some Chooks.

2011-06-03T20:34:00.006+08:00

My Girls.

1. Chooks Reduce the amount of Garbage you put in Landfill

I could have been gardening god Josh Byrne (and my what a god...I have a celeb-crush on Josh) or perhaps gardening goddess Sabrina Hahn that said something along the lines of "if local councils were serious about landfill they would make it easier for homeowners to keep chooks". Or something along those lines.

And my goodness, whoever said it, was right. Chooks are natural scavengers. They love the cold mushed up weetbix left over from breakfast and your kids don't like crust?, no problems, chooks love them. I have 4 chooks. I think this is a good number for us. We produce enough scraps to feed the chooks, with layers pellets to supplement should the girls get a bit peckish.

I could go on and on about this point alone. Did you know that food waste in land fill is the number 2 producer of methane and that 38% of our garbage is food waste. Shamefull hey. Because food waste needs oxygen to decompose and in in landfill it gets buried, methane is produced. Methane is not so good for the environment. Yet, a simple and practical solution would be backyard chickens.

2. Eggs!

Fresh, produced in a happy environment, yummy scrummy eggs. And even when you factor in buying a chook and the layer pellets, they still work out cheaper than store bought eggs. This blog post from Leanne Daharja @ Hazeltree Farm shows you just how cost effective chickens are :)

3. They add character and warmth.

Even if your not an animal person, hearing the chickens bok and cluck is joyful. Mine see me at the back door and come running to the gate to see if I have any scraps. I love them :)

4. They contribute tothe gardens too.

They don't just produce eggs. They can be very much part of the garden cycle as well. I heap hay, weeds and grass clippings into my chook run in a deep litter style way. The chooks scratch and poop and general turn everything about. When it starts to look like it needs a clean out, I rake it all out and place in the garden and some in compost bins. Chicken poop can be quite strong, so when I clean this out (it tends to build up where they sleep), I pop it into the compost to break down some more. This all adds nutrients to the gardens, the garden produces nutritious food for the humans, the scraps go back to the chooks and it is one big happy cycle.

Just a couple of notes. Some plants and weeds are poisonous, obviously don't include these, or your chickens will be at the end of the cycle of life prematurely.

Also weeds may not die straight away. That is why they are weeds. Transfering them to the garden bed may give them a new lease on life. If in doubt leave in the coop longer, so the chooks can turn and scratch some more.

5.Chooks are an educational experience.

I'm not a fan of the "get a pet to teach responsibility". It's a bit nonsense if you ask me. However chooks can provide an array of teaching opportunities for your kids. You have basic animal care, where eggs come from, food cycles, waste cycles, life cycles, bi-cycles....nah just joking.

Eggs can lead to cooking lessons, scraps can lead to lessons in healthy eating (don't want the chooks to eat bad food).

Don't have kids that need educating? Well share your eggs with your neighbors. Educate them!

So what are you waiting for...go get some chooks.

8 Random Things About Me

2011-06-03T08:05:00.003+08:00

I'm linking up to Stacey's 'linky uppy thingy boppy' and sharing 8 random things about me.

1. Tea. Love it. Some days I go on a bender and all I seem to be drinking is tea. But you can always count on me having a cuppa first thing in the morning and just before I go to bed.

2. I was 28 when I was baptized, along with my 4 children. 5 Baptisms all at once, I'm sure we made a great contribution to the church stats for that year ;) hehe

3. I've lived out of home since I was 16.

4. I have one incomplete degree, one incomplete TAFE certificate. I've just applied for another TAFE certificate.......(actually I'm waiting on news on my acceptance, should know by 24th June).

5. With the exception of working in the South of WA for 8 months when I was 18, I have lived in my town by the sea for 31 years now. My feet are beginning to itch though.....

6. When people tailgate and try and pressure me to speed over the speed limit, I slow down to about 5 under the posted speed limit. I consider this my community service, stopping tailgaters from getting speeding fines or getting into accidents. I'm probably not doing anything for their heart health...

7. I'm hearing impaired. Most people wouldn't know unless told. I can lip read well enough to get by. But I get really self-conscious about what I can't hear and I don't cope well in large social situations, I get all shy. I'm too poor to replace my hearing aids (they cost a lot).

8. I have quite a funny sense of humor, a bit on the sarcasm side, but funny none the less. The angrier I get the more silly my humor can be.

You can read more or play along too by going to Stacey's blog post and linking up. :)

Mummy Daughter Date

2011-05-22T15:27:00.001+08:00

My daughter has been nagging for a few weeks to go to the Quilt and Craft Fair in Perth this week. Now I'm a crafty person and you would think I would love these things. And don't get me wrong, I like going to them....but $22 for myself and my daughter to get in...ouch. And I find that the majority of the stalls are the same stalls that were there last year. And the year before that.
Anyhow I digress.

My daughter had a good time. We ended up strolling through the city, and popped over to the Made on the Left pop up market. Not much was going on, only about 8 stalls.

Then we decided to do some sight seeing. Perth doesn't have a huge amount of stuff to see and look at, but nonetheless, still has some gems.

Photos are of us being goofs and a quote at London courts.

My Creative Space

2011-05-20T10:43:00.003+08:00

Is running a little late, I think it's still Thursday somewhere in the world??

This week I have been doing lots of sewing. More long sleeve hoodies, beanies and a coat for me. But today I'm cutting out bias strips to make bunting flags. For christmas last year I bought myself a simplicity bias binder. What a nifty little machine this is, wind the cut strips on the spool and it will run through the machine and fold and iron it for you. Very cool. My only complaint is my machine gives off a really strong smell. It smells even when the machine is off.

More creative goodness can be found here.

Pleated Skirts for My Girls

2011-05-16T10:47:00.006+08:00

Pattern: Prep School Pleated Skirt by Little Lizard King

Fabrics: Red and Cherry Corduroy and cotton print from Crafty Mamas, burgundy cord from Spotlight.

Pattern Alterations: I added length on the burgundy skirt, my daughter likes them knee length. I also made it so it sits differently at the front, like a solid panel.

Pattern Comments: Easy pattern to follow. I got a bit confused by the elasic bit, but then I hadn't done it like this before. I'll probably use this method of enclosing the elastic again. Sizing is 1y-10y and measurements for a 18"doll too. After making two skirts, I'm confident in being able to measure up a skirt for any size.

I really like this pattern. The skirt comes together well and the instructions are well presented with lots of pictures. I can see more of these skirts being made for my daughters. :)

More on Breadmaking

2011-05-14T13:14:00.003+08:00

Oh Belinda I spoke too soon!

The day after my previous post, I loaded up my breadmaker, pressed all the buttons and left it to make dough. Unfortunately the machine was sitting to close to the edge of the bench and during kneading it fell off the bench. The lid cracked and it couldn't be closed properly.

I recieved the breadmaker for my 19th birthday preasant, I'm now 31, so I have got a good number of years out it. But I was still disappointed.

Anyway, on the bright side, my making bread by hand is steadily getting better. Getting the bread to rise sufficiently has been a problem. It takes several hours and the dough is still not that well risen. The inside of my house is too cold, and I live in a coastal town, so although the sun is nice and warm, the wind has a cooling effect on the dough. Not good.

I read on another blog that placing a cup of water in the microwave, then zapping it to boil the water, then placing the dough in the microwave can work. And it does! The steam from the water combined with the contained space, creates a nice warm environment for the dough.

Hmm, I'm off to make bread ;)

Bread Making

2011-05-08T18:45:00.001+08:00

I think I'm finally getting the hang of this bread making thing. I little while ago I set the lofty goal of baking my own bread everyday, then proceeded to make some pretty dismal loaves....5kg of flour later and I think I might be getting it right.

I'm using the recipie from Rhonda over at Down to Earth blog, (i'll add the link in later, not sure how to do it on my phone), with some changes. Firstly, I'm using more yeast that Rhonda. I started of with yeast that is not foil packed and in the stated amounts. The dough was heavy, difficult to kneading and slow to rise. The loaves were too dense, even the chooks weren't that into them.

So then I changed the yeast brand. It helped, but the loaves were still far to dense. So I increased the yeast amount to a while sachet, which I think is 7g. At this point I decided to add in a short cut as well. I have a bread maker, but I hate the shape of the loaf. However, my breadmaker has a dough option, so for the 1st kneading and rise I let the breadmaker do the work.

So far so good. My breadmaker also has a time delay option, so i can load the ingredients, pre-set the machine to be ready first thing in the morning and have fresh bread ready for school lunches in the morning.

Cool hey :)

On a cost comparison, bread can cost generally from $1.20 to $3.50 for a store bought loaf. I usually spend about $2.80 as I prefer to buy loaves I know my family will eat and I tend to buy several at a time, so I buy bread I know will freeze and thaw really well.
Home made bread doesn't keep very long, but then it is so scrummptious it tends not to last long anyway. The ingredients cost around $1.20 for a large loaf, that is a loaf that is white with no extra seeds etc. I know i can get flour cheaper, but have been reluctant to buy in bulk quantities until I'm sure I've got the hang of baking bread.

So on a cost basis, based on my normal buying habits, I'm saving $1.60 a loaf. Not much on one loaf but we go through two loaves a day so that is $3.20 a day. Or $22.40 a week. In the course of a year it is a potential saving of $1164.80.

My next experimenting will be in baking to freeze so that I can have a few loaves in reserve for times when we are running short, too just, kids are sick, I'm sick etc. I also want to play around with making rolls too.

Life is Good

2011-03-21T12:03:00.002+08:00

Because it's all good :)

Life has been busy. Really busy. I'm in a happy place and plodding along.

I started a business which can be found here selling children's products and some mama items. I have some other business venture ideas up my sleeve...not sure if they'll come to fruition, but they are on my brainstorm map for sure.

My hope for The Treasure Tent is to have a decent income source so I can do the things that don't provide income (parenting, volunteer work, studying random units at uni). While this is my goal, I'm open to the timeframe in achieving it. It's hard work, damn hard work, establishing a business. I know this from starting a business with husband in the building industry. The running around, self-promotion, long hours and initially low/no pay. But I'm committed.

On the home front, my son turned 10 recently. 10!!!! A whole decade I've been a mummy! I'm so proud of him, and I know I'll continue to do so. From his various health issues (respiratory illness, epilepsy, hearing and speech impairments) as a toddler, to having to go to a specialist school, experiencing bullying as junior primary student, he has evolved into a young boy I am so immensely proud of. I look at him and see glimpses of the man he'll become .....and I'm getting goosebumps! He is going to be a great dad/citizen/husband when he grows up.

My other children are plodding along fine. My youngest continues to push boundaries, and although he is a trial, I see in him qualities I admire (innovation, persistence, strength). My girls are my babies. They are scrumptious and creative, they are sweet and they are lovely. They shine.

My sewing is going really well. Part of my business consists of my creations and it is so validating to sell things I have made. I got chooks, they were killed (by the dog), so Fort Knox a.k.a the chicken coop was constructed. I have 4 chooks now, only 1 layer, but the other 3 are young. The garden is sort of ok. Ok the vegie patch is dismal, but I have more fruit trees and they are growing lovely.

Life is good

Tech issues

2010-07-26T11:16:00.001+08:00

I can't seem to get Blogger to play nice with Photobucket and post picture is the "Back to Basics" post at the right size. Bah

Back to Basics

2010-07-26T10:12:00.002+08:00

(I had a great post all written up, then Blogger lost it, grrrr, so here we go again)

It's been a while (I know, I know, I think I said that before, at least I'm consistent), but I have been very busy! I Promise :)

In the Garden

Not much planting and harvesting to report.

The big news is that I've almost finished weeding out the vegie patch. Finally! It was infested with Couch and Buffalo grass. Unfortunately these nifty weeds push out runners which can re-grow from the tiny bits of runners that may snap off when you pull them up. I definitely didn't want to resort to chemicals, so I pulled and sifted through the dirt and I think I'm nearly there. I have tried the no-dig method, and although it was piled high, and it did work, I just don't have the money to buy the hay, manure ect, and besides, the dirt that is now there is rich and yummy.

There is one identified plant that I have left. I'm not sure what it is..

Any suggestions. I thought maybe Geranium, but it doesn't have that Geranium smell.

Stuntman helping to put the lattice on. Stuntman has been very intrigued by all the goings ons in the garden patch.

Planning for the Future

My husband hasn't been paid for 4 weeks now, this happens from time to time and it is just the nature of his work (building industry) and the downside of running a small business. So menu planning has had to centre around what is in the freezer/pantry. We are fortunate that both of these were well stocked.....they are looking quite bare now.

I've made up a shopping list for when we do get paid (please be this week, please be this week) and it's a massive one. On the upside, the pantry is nice and tidy and I had the opportunity to give our storage containers a clean. And the menu plan is looking good :)

Working for the Future

The hen house is done! And I'm proud to say it is almost all made from scrap/scavenged stuff. We needed to buy hinges and a latch for the gate and I went to the salvage yard ($2 each) for the nesting boxes (large plastic containers that my husband has trimmed down).

Next week Polly and Esther the Isa Browns will be joining our family!

A few weeks ago I ordered clothing labels and sizing tags....I'm getting things into place to sell some of my sewing. I don't have the time to do this on a large scale, but my first goal is to make a few items and advertise among my friends on Facebook and also on Etsy. My long term goal is to produce enough stock to have a stall at a fair next year. I have no illusions that this could bring in good money, it won't, but I'm hoping that I can produce/sell enough that my hobby pays for itself.

Building Community

Helping to organise a family games night at my church. Asked one of the ladies at church if I can come along to the bi-monthly craft evening at her place.

I've got my Girl Guides doing a "term of service". We are looking at Beyond Blue (youth mental health), Naragebup (local environment centre) and Breast Cancer Foundation. I've organised a guest speaker to talk on mental health and over the term we will look at the three organisations, do activities and raise awareness.

I went along to my local LETS group meeting.

Learn a new Skill

I managed to get hold of the book "Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes a Day" and what a great book!

So easy and simple and the results are wonderful. Nice crusty bread with a soft crumb (inside).

It's also been a great activity to do with my daughter. Here she is, showing off her first loaf!

I've also been playing around with making my own yoghurt. Very yummy.

Big thanks to Belinda for hosting this meme. :) Belinda is a wonderful inspiration.

My Creative Space

2010-07-23T14:03:00.000+08:00

My Creative Space has been taken up with a urge to cook. Can't wait to try the method of bread making in this book "Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day". Looks easy.

Also in the pic is a potato ricer. I'm giving potato gnocchi a go this weekend. I've never even tasted potato gnocchi...but I soon will !

My Creative Space

2010-07-15T09:46:00.001+08:00

In my creative space this week:
P.J's, lots of P.J's! I've started my Christmas gift sewing for my neice, nephews and my children and this year P.J's will be under the Christmas tree.

Handmade Beginnings by Anna Maria Horner. It's a delightful book and with so many pregnant people around me I've started making sweet little gifts.

Hope your all having a creative week :)

Neigh

2010-07-12T18:45:00.001+08:00

Me: Your my beautiful princess girl.
Her: No I'm not. I'm a queen.
Me: hmm, ok, if your a queen, then what does that make me?
Her: (pause) A horse

My Creative Space

2010-06-10T14:27:00.001+08:00

This week I am cutting out 100's of little creatures with my sizzix die cut machine. In two weeks time these cut outs will travel to Bali with a team from my church, where 100 children will be decorating bags. I volunteered to do this part of the activity. :)

(the cup of tea is there to keep me going)

Back to Basics

2010-05-31T09:32:00.001+08:00

It has been a couple of weeks....kids have been ill, I've been ill. Bah, I hate germs.

Garden

This photo is from a few weeks ago, I mentioned making newspaper pots, well the seeds have germinated and will be ready for transplanting soon.

From the bottom, broccoli (not yet germinated), snap peas, more broccoli, stock flowers (only just germinated).

I like this method of seed raising, it is kid friendly and great for the mote delicate plants. You do have to be careful the bottom of the pot doesn't disintergrate though.

I've been back into weeding the vegie patch after not being able to do anything due to illness. The first patch is almost done. My worm farm is coming along really well. So well that I need to get at least a bucket of the castings out to make some room. I'll probably use the castings in the seed raising mix.

Not much harvesting going on, just Basil, Rosemary and Bay Leaves.

Around the House
Continuing to meal plan and try new meals. I have been baking a lot of muffins and cakes. I have a basic recipie, which I add to, things like fruit (dried and/or fresh), cheese, ham, nuts, whatever is available.

Dug out the original details of the house (we built), to find out what colour was used on the fence in the housing estate we live in. Our fence was graffitied, and I have not bothered to repaint the fence. Anyway got the colour and brand of paint, so that job is now on my list of things to do.

Building Community
I asked my husband to dig out my bike and put the baby bike seat back on so I can take my youngest child for a ride. I'm hoping while the kids are all at school we can ride around. I have set up some playdates this week, trying to get out of the house and socialise.
I've also asked if I can have my nephew for the long weekend, so I'll be driving down to pick him up this week too. And my sister asked if we would like to stay for dinner. I'm super excited about this. And it is pretty big too. I haven't seen her since mid-March, or my neice and nephew. And in my memory, my sister has never invited us around for dinner, so I'm plenty excited about that.

Learning a New Skill
It's more consolidating/ updating an existing skill, but I renewed my Senior First Aid.

Life

2010-05-15T20:05:00.003+08:00

Everytime I feel as if life is not fair, I think, after I've allowed exactly 4 min and 59 secs to indulge myself, I should use that last sec to start loading this, and go back to appreciating what I have.

xxLela

My Creative Space

2010-05-13T11:32:00.001+08:00

No machine sewing this week. I've been doing plenty of hand sewing though. I'm continuing on with my hexes, I'm up to about 150, as I use up my scraps. I've also started sorting my scraps into 3 bags, 1 for 2" strips, 1 for 5" squares and 1 for 3" inch squares.

Back to Basics

2010-05-11T07:04:00.001+08:00

Garden
Added soil wetta to the fruit trees and weeded a little.
Made a whole heap of newspaper pots ready for various seeds.
Continued to weed neglected vegie patch.

Working for the Future
Ok confession time. My husband and I have a debt. A big one. Like $22 000. It's not important where or how, but I've been ignoring it, hoping it would take care of itself. We went through a stage of paying it off, and we were doing really well. But the repayments we agreed to were to high and we didn't make enough finacial changes to get on top of it. Now it has come to a point where if I don't do something about it, it will cause major problems.
So I've drawn up a budget. I went through and looked at anything we were not contracted to or absolutely had to have and they have been dropped or modified.
Dog wash man. Cancelled. Save $20 per month
Internet. Plan downgraded. Save $20 per month.
Daily Iced Coffee. Cut out. Save $87 per month. (I've been 2 weeks without one anyway, but I'll still count this).
Private health insurance. Suspended. Save $150 per month.

This brings my budget savings to an annual $3324.

I need to bring down my food, electricity and gas bill. So I'm looking at making changes there too.

I am expecting some rebates to come in around July/August totalling $2850. This combined with the above budget adjustments will total $6175.

I need to bring in extra money. I'm going around the house and getting together a pile of items I can sell on eBay. Mostly books, but I have some toys and clothes I think will sell. This is only a small amount in the whole scheme of things but every little thing helps. I've started sewing up clothing and gifts to sell too.

Building Community
This relates to community but it also relates to saving money too. I've rejoined LETS. LETS stands for local exchange trading system and basically is club that participants pay for goods and services using an imaginary currrency. Last time I was a member I was able to get eggs, produce, clothes, books, gifts, massages, plants and so much more for no $.
I also volunteered to serve on the fellowship team at church, and we are planning some fun family friendly events. I'm hoping this will also save some money in that we can do some family activities at little or no cost.

The Simple Things

2010-05-07T20:00:00.001+08:00

Sometimes it's the simple things that are so precious and priceless.

My son has had the last week off from school due to a nasty bout of tonsilitis and was feeling a bit sad because he missed out on making mothers day gifts at school. So I told him to just write me a story and that would be fine. Anyway this is what he came up with (an early gift!).

"My Mum XOXO
My mum loves my brother and my two sisters and me.
She cleans the house.
She gets all of the nits out of my hair.
She tucks me into bed.
She makes dinner sometimes.
She cleans the cups and bowls.
She makes my bed.
She reads stories with the rest of the family.
She has an iPhone. It is really cool.
She sometimes walks the dog to school.
She drives me to school sometimes.
THANK YOU MUM XOX"

I love the bit about the nits ;)
What a cool mothers day gift !

Hex!

2010-05-06T11:12:00.003+08:00

I need to make 540. So far I'm up to 41!

In my last Back to Basics post I mentioned I'm attempting a hexagon quilt. I started off from reading Gina's post about using up scraps, this lead me to Melanies blog post about her charm quilt along .

Now as much as I am inspired by this quilting challenge, I just don't own 540 different scraps of fabric. I could do some swaps, but I really want to reduce my fabric scraps/stash.

So I'm joing the quilt along, but just the hexagonal part, not the charm part :)

So far it has been great fun. I like how each hexagon can be basted in a few minutes, and it is something that can be done with kids on my lap on the lounge. I don't know how long this will take to make though and the 'putting the whole thing together' thing will be a challenge, but so far so good :)

Back to Basics

2010-05-03T11:28:00.003+08:00

My son is sick with tonsillitis, so this will be a short post this week.

Garden

I've worked at clearing away weeds in the garden bed as well as tidying up the front yard. For weeds in the pavement I have been using boiling water and salt. It works really well.

I haven't done any planting this week. Harvesting more basil, the last of my tomatoes and bay leaves.

Around the Home

The drain pipe became clogged with gunk, so my husband had to clean and flush that out. It's down the side of the house, an area that we have so far ignored. I've suggested he decks that area, it is long but narrow and in almost complete shade all day long. He thinks that is a good idea, so he'll start collecting the wood for that soon.

I'm continuing on the slow cooker fest, this is a marvelous recipe, really good for using as a base for a meal.

I've also discovered you can freeze celery, and I have been chopping and freezing that for cooking stews.

I have discovered hexagon quilting and how addictive it is. I was inspired by this post about managing your scraps. I hoard my scraps, which is all well and good, but doesn't achieve anything if they are sitting in a box. So I've started making hexagons for a future quilt. I've found that hexagon making is a perfect activity when you have a sick child curled up on your lap ;).

Hope you are all having a lovely week, and thankyou to Belinda for hosting the Back to Basics Challenge.

My Creative Space

2010-04-29T13:15:00.002+08:00

I got a copy of Ottobre in the post this week which was exciting. Exciting because this issue was sold out, but they decided to do a reprint.
I am making up some matching vest and pants sets for Cadel. The vest pattern is a free download from Leila and Ben.
The WC Eagles p.j's below to my son and need mending. The elastic has gone, which seems to be job of the week as we get our winter clothing out of storage bags. This is the third pair of pants that needed new elastic waistbands.

You can join in or read more creative spaces here.

Back to Basics

2010-04-27T11:49:00.004+08:00

This week was a bit of a quiet week.

Sowing seed or Planting -

Harvesting

Basil

Sowing

Trying to sprout Sweet Potato so I can plant as cuttings. So far nothing is happening.

Adding hay to the garden beds to improve the soil. Moved the worm farm to its winter position.

Planning for The Future

Menu Planning, using the slow cooker a bit more now the weather is a lot cooler.

I need to focus on getting the electricity bill down, electricity prices are going up enormously.

Working for the Future

Bulk rubbish gone. Cleaned out a bag of toys from the girls room.

Made Cadel some pj pants, he now needs pj tops.

Building Community

Babysitting.

Participated in ANZAC parade with my Girl Guides.

Learn a new Skill

None this week

Thankyou to Belinda who hosts the Back to Basics Challenge .

Lined Jacket

2010-04-27T11:17:00.003+08:00

I've jumped in and participated in Carolyn's 12 in 12 Challenge and this month it is something lined.

This is a another Avalon jacket from the Sewing Clothes Kids Love book. This time I made the jacket so that it was fully lined (and reversible).

The Back

The Front

Lining

This jacket is just as easy to make lined as it is unlined, you just have to remember to sew on all your trims prior to constructing the whole garment. I also think when it is lined, it looks better.

My Creative Space

2010-04-22T11:22:00.002+08:00

This week I'm sewing up another Avalon jacket, this time for Zoe. In the background is a toy sewing machine. Cadel (bless his cotton socks) loves machines... Including my sewing machine. This week I have learnt more than I want to know about adjusting tension, re-threading and exactly what the numbers and knobs on my overlocker do and mean. Thanks son! (not). So to distract him, I've set him up with some play scizzors and this old toy. It seems to be working.

Join in the fun.

Back to Basics

2010-04-19T06:22:00.000+08:00

It's been a while. I sort of lost my way a little, which is a shame, because this challenge is a wonderful one and brings so many benefits. This challenge is a bit like a stone that is thrown into a lake, the ripples can keep going, wider and wider, in that it benefits me, my family, my environment, 'the' environment and my community.

So here we go!

Sowing seed or Planting -

Harvesting

Baby Rocket Leaves

Sowing

Waltham Broccoli

Creamgold Onions

Mesclun Provencal (Lettuce mix)

Playing around with Sweet Potato Tubers. Heard on the radio you should try and sprout them in a jar first. Is this true?

My vegie patch has been seriously neglected and is now chock full of weeds. *sigh* So my goal over the next week is to spend 15min everyday weeding. From little things, big things grow. Right?

Planning for The Future

Menu Planning, I need to start stockpiling again

Working for the Future

It's 'bulk rubbish' time in my community, that is, you put all your unwanted bulky items on the front verge and the council sends along a truck to pick it all up. So we have done a bit a clear out of broken stuff (not suprisingly, mostly plastic) from out of the shed and behind the shed.

I've gone around and done a bit of a de-clutter of the inside of the house, 3 garbage bags of outgrown clothes and unwanted toys have now gone to the op shop. I've got a small pile of 'good' stuff that I will be listing on eBay, I might get a few extra dollars :)

Cadel needs some winter clothes, mostly p.j's and long pants. So I've been through my stash and this week I'm hoping to sew up some things for him. All four of the kids need a basic, but nice, suitable for winter, church outfit (doubles up for special going out clothes too). I've got plenty of fabric, I just need to make the time to sew some things up.

Building Community

Volunteered to bring in a fruit platter for welcome back morning tea at Zoe's school.

Volunteered at church to help out with making bags for a church project.

Babysitting duties for friends and neighbours (doubles up as a school holiday sanity saver).

Learn a new Skill

Tried a new sewing pattern. Looks great!

Thankyou to Belinda who hosts the Back to Basics Challenge.

Flogging a Dead Horse

2010-04-18T21:07:00.002+08:00

You can't flog a dead horse. Well you can. And it still remains dead. But maybe it's playing possom (I don't advocate flogging any animal, dead or alive, by the way).

I wrote a letter to my sister and sent it to her along with her birthday gift. The letter was long, it was whiney, it had me crying the entire time I was writing it. I tried to say what I was feeling, but it probably came across as emotional blackmail.

You can't flog a dead horse.

Perhaps.

She replied back, she said thankyou for her birthday gift. She apologise for something she did that hurt me. She said, when I'm ready to not be so sensitive, I can call her. *Sigh*

Yesterday my nephew called me. Well actually he called all of us (he's a talkative little 5 year old). But I got to talk to him for ages. I miss the little guy. He said "I'm gonna go to the post man, and he's gonna get my picture, I drew you a picture, yeah, well he's gonna get my picture, and then he's going to post it to you and your post man is gonna come and you'll get it in your box!"

So maybe things will change. Maybe they won't.

Myself, my son, and my poor squished nephew. An old photo, but I love this one.

Avalon Jacket

2010-04-18T20:49:00.002+08:00

This is the jacket I was making in the "My Creative Space" post. I really need to use up some of the fabric I've been stashing away so I went for a dig and found this pink corduroy and patterned cotton.

Lil didn't like it at first...It was too pink (huh? too pink? you can have too much pink? lol), but she fell in love with it after I added the ruffles.

Pattern: Avalon from the book "Making Clothes Kids Love". This pattern is also available as a normal pattern from Farbenmix.

Fabric: From my stash (likely to be from Spotlight).

My Creative Space

2010-04-15T19:56:00.002+08:00

This week I'm tackling a whole bunch of projects from the wonderful "Making Clothes Kids Love".

Today it is the Avalon jacket.

Blooming Lovely

2010-04-12T20:49:00.002+08:00

I came across Miss Madeleine Bloomers over on Colette Patterns several weeks ago. I looked at them, and thought, mmm nice but not so nice on bigger girls. Then a few more weeks later I came across some fabric in my stash which I thought would be perfect for the bloomers, and made these:

Don't they look cute!

And they are really comfty on too. And they look cute on bigger girls too :)

Apples

2010-04-04T19:04:00.001+08:00

I decided to haul my depressed self out of the house and do something fun with my kids for the day. So we drove 2 hrs down to a spot called Donnybrook, which happens to a) have a Apple Festival (they produce a lot of apples and stone fruit down this way) and b) host the BEST playground in WA.

The Apple Festival was ok. Kids had a ball rolling around in giant plastic balls, stared at the weird carnies and ate bad food. I laughed, took lots of photos and bought lots of yummy apples and stone fruit at super cheap prices.

Then we went to the best playground. Ever. I'm told that when a resident of Donnybrook passed away some years back, he left a substantial amount of money 'for the children of Donnybrook', the locals got together and designed and built this playground. And oh what a playground! It has multi-levels, slides, climbing structures, see-saws and swings. Parts of it are shaded, it's fully enclosed and there are BBQ's and eating areas. I didn't take many photos because I was to busy chasing my toddler around!

All in all it was a great day and good pick me up.

Contemplation

2010-04-04T19:03:00.001+08:00

I contemplated deleting the previous post. I read it and I tear up, from the outside looking in, it looks so sad and hopeless. It is so sad and hopeless. This has been going on since last October and just feel as if I'm floundering about, neither here nor there.

Sigh.

Thankyou Belinda.

Because I'm Worth It Update

2010-02-02T11:45:00.003+08:00

While my lap top has been slowing me down, I didn't abandoned my challenge.

I've been eating breakfast everyday as a habit, which is great. The water consumption has been maintained. I haven't been so good with the Lite Iced coffees....However I have started a $10 000 in 2010 challenge over at the Down to Earth Forums . This is a interesting challenge of living frugally and putting what you save onto your mortgage (or savings account), with the goal of getting ahead by $10000 by the end of 2010. Instead of buying an ice coffee, I've been putting the $3 straight on my mortgage. The satisfaction I get from doing that at the end of the day has been really motivating!

Exercise wise, I've been ok. Not great, but ok. I've walked the dog and played the Wii Fit, but not everyday. My biggest barrier is family demands and at the moment I'm finding it hard to find the time. Add that to the crap Perth summer heat, and motivation goes out the window.

So my goals for this week:
*Keep a food diary.
*Exercise EVERYDAY!
*Keep putting in $3 into my mortgage in lieu of an Iced Coffee.

See you next week!

I'm Back!!!

2010-01-31T13:22:00.003+08:00

Yeah I know..... I've been MIA (again). I promise, it's not because I've started something (again) and lost interest (again)! I have a good excuse! My son, AKA as Cadel the Stuntman decided mummy needed a new laptop. So on the floor with the old one, twice. Not suprisingly, my old laptop didn't like it's close encounter with the floor, and even though it was still working, i.t w.en.t r.e.a.l.l.y s.l.o.w.

So thanks Stuntman, I'm now typing on my sparkly new laptop and it goes much faster than the last!

And should my new laptop be found on the floor.....believe me, no cute photo with a love heart in it will be put on this blog.

Because I'm Worth It

2010-01-11T13:35:00.004+08:00

Well I'm back from Girl Guide Camp, and phew, I'm glad to be back! No place like home, especially a my nice comfortable bed.

I generally ate well on camp, but as food was catered, choices were limited. I could have eaten more fruit, but I drunk plenty of water and didn't have any iced coffees. The closest toilets were about 200m away and the showers were 1km away (I'm not joking). The dining tent was about 850m away.

I'll let you do the maths, but put it this way, I did a hell of a lot of walking!

Despite the several litres a day of water I drunk, I think I'm still dehydrated. I got sunburn on my legs and arms on Wednesday, and in general I developed a tan several shades darker than my normal skin tone (I know this, because I wear over-sized sunglasses, and I'm now sporting a very attractive over sized 'panda eyes' tan line). My skin feels dry and leathery and I seem to have an unquenchable thirst at the moment.

On the up side, I jumped on the Wii and I have lost 900g. I was kind of disappointed, I was expecting more. But it has only been a week, and realistically, 900g is good weight loss for one week.

So, my goals for next week.

*continue to drink water

*walk the dog for 30min x2

*30min of exercise on the Wii fit everyday

*try one new recipe, that is healthy, and share on this blog.

Hope you are having a lovely week. :)

I Love a Good Challenge

2009-12-31T14:54:00.002+08:00

This year I'm going to take part in Carolyn's 12 months of sewing challenge. Well at least I'm attempting to.....

The first one is "something for me". I think I might go for the Valeska skirt by Farbenmix. It looks like a sweet pattern and I'm in need of a new skirt. This is going to be a bit of a challenge to complete as I'm going away on a massive big Girl Guide camp in a few days, and although I get back on the night of the 11th of January, I'm sure I'll be greeted with "the washing pile to end all washing piles" along with a fair amount of catching up to do in the sleep department.

On the up side, the skirt does look fairly simple to construct. Stay tuned. :)

Links to Share

2009-12-29T19:36:00.002+08:00

Want free, unencumbered graphics?

The Background Fairy has backgrounds and banners for your blog, as well as a few tutorials to get them on your blog too.

The Graphics fairy has graphics that can be used for various things.

Because I'm Worth It

2009-12-28T09:49:00.003+08:00

Well it has been a while hasn't it...... I kind of fell off the wagon and all the great lifestyle changes went out the window and the weight has crept back on. Whilst on my 'diet' I got down to 87 kg and I was feeling great. Now I'm up at 94 kg and not feeling so good.

So what happened.....I guess family stress got in the way, along with uni and a busy lifestyle. It was too easy to feel unmotivated and to comfort eat. It was also easy to slip into the thought mode that "hey I'm losing weight, I can afford to have a treat".

Well enough of that! It's time to get back on the wagon. We bought a Wii along with a Wii Fit for christmas for the family and I was disgraced to find I'm in the obese category with a BMI of 36. According to wikipedia , I fall into the severely obese range. This is sad.

So it is time to do something about it, and being the end of the year and the traditional time to set goals and make life changes, I am starting my "Because I'm Worth It" Challenge.

(I'm going away on Sunday for a week, so this post applies for the next two weeks.)

Goals for the Fortnight

Drink 2 bottles of water (min) per day.
Eat breakfast everyday
Eat at least one piece of fruit per day
NO Iced Coffees or Coke or any beverage that has to be bought (water being the exception).
from today through to Saturday, do one 45 min session on the Wii Fit.

I think that will do for now. :)

Now being part of a team can really work wonders in getting you over the finish line, so in the spirit of team work, I've set up a Mr Linky. If you want to share you health goals and/progress, please do! I would love to read them.

Foodie Friday

2009-12-28T09:15:00.004+08:00

(4 posts in a week! Don't fall off your seat Cathy!)

Once upon a time BK (Before Kids), I really enjoyed cooking. I was vegetarian for about 4 years and I use to have to cook separate meals for myself and nothing delighted me more than finding new recipes to try out. Enter the joys of parenthood, with it sleep deprivation, fussy eaters and operating as the family short order cook, and well.....my enthusiasm kind of dropped off.

So I'm starting a meme of sorts in an attempt to get my cooking mojo back and hopefully to expand my recipe collection. . I would like to state that I thought I had an original idea, until I did a google search and found Designed by Gollum has already started one! Never mind. So come join us for Foodie Friday.

Honey and Garlic Corn on the Cob

Ingredients

Fresh Corn Cobs

2 Cloves Garlic, peeled and crushed

2 T Honey

1 T Olive Oil

Method

Peel the corn and place in a pot of boiling water for 12 minutes.

In a small bowl, combine garlic, honey and oil.

Drain corn and pat dry.

Place under your grill or on the grill plate on the BBQ, baste with honey and garlic. Grill for several minutes on each side.

(Don't mind the spelling mistake..woops!)

Verdict: Yummo!

My Ceative Place

2009-12-03T11:33:00.004+08:00

I'm participating in Kootoyoo's Creative Place.

Clockwise from the magazine

*Ottobre magazine, I made Lily a cute skirt and my other daughter has requested one too.

*Pink fabric for the cute skirt.

*Snap press. I've been playing with this nifty toy. Beats doing button holes ;)

*Letters. I saw in a home decorating magazine a lovely decoration for christmas trees; Oversized Letter. So I bought one each for my children (first letter of their names) and we'll decorate them this weekend as a christmas craft activity.

My Creative Place

2009-11-26T10:32:00.003+08:00

This week I'm joining in My Creative Space over at Kootoyoo. This is my first time in participating too :)

(Clockwise, starting top left hand corner)

1. Stack of fabrics waiting to be ironed. All from Crafty Mamas.

2. Apron. Xmas pressie for Lily. Just need to iron and trim off loose threads. I've got her a book of crafty things to do, and I'm going to make her up a 'craft kit' to go with the book and apron.

3. Two hats. Made from Ottobre 4/2007 #25. More xmas gifts.

4. Enig Gilchrist pattern book, Ikea 'Hearts' fabric. Making cotten p.j.'s.

5. T-Shirt for Cadel all cut out ready to go.

6. Make it Perfect Little Explorer Overalls cut out ready to go.

Felt Fun

2009-11-25T13:18:00.007+08:00

Over at Crafty Mamas, Lisa is running a special buy on eco felt. At 5oc a square, I've felt(haha) the urge to buy, but then wondered what I'm going to make with all my yummy felt. So I've been doing some searching and thought I might share.

First off, Felt Food.

Felt Food Tutorial from One Crafty Place has some wonderful ideas.

Bperry042 check out direct link: Felt Food Tutes

Yummy enought to eat!

Source: http://www.bhg.com/crafts/kids/rainy-day/kids-felt-crafts/?page=9

Aren't these letters cute? They would also make a sweet gift for a child with an unusual/uncommon name.

And baby booties, Heather Bailey share her Bitty Booties PDF, and these are so darn cute. Toddler booties are not made from felt in the tutorial, but you could easily make them from felt.

Source: http://juicy-bits.typepad.com/juicy_bits/2008/09/32-felt-birthday-crown-tutorial.html

What little prince or princess would like crown.

source: http://craftlog.org/craftlog/?p=2145

Or you could use your felt to get organised!

The possibilities are endless!!

What you Reading

2009-11-17T11:07:00.003+08:00

It has been a trying couple of weeks with extended family relationship problems causing much stress, angst and tears. Sometimes I think some people could even list 'stirring up family drama's' as their hobby.

So to console myself I have been keeping busy, sewing lots, pottering about and enjoying the company of some good books. I thought I might share my latest stack of good reads with you.

The "Sew What!" series continues to impress me. I think what I love about this series is that it deviates from teaching people a recipe for making something, instead the series sets out to show readers

how to draft a pattern to fit your proportions then go on to make the garment. I own a copy of Sew What! Skirts and I was excited to find a copy of Sew What! Fleece at my local library.

Bend-the-Rules Sewing is another library gem. I've borrowed this book before, but decided to borrow again for a little bit of inspiration.

Talking of inspiration, Caft Inc. is a very how to guide on starting your own crafty business.

Choosing Eden came free with Gardening Australia magazine and I'm looking forward to curling up with a cup of tea and getting into this book.

On the edge

2009-11-01T19:46:00.003+08:00

What puts me on the edge....

1. People with double (seat) trolleys with NO CHILDREN. Like hello people??? They are for people with multiple small children. And don't give me this "I need more trolley space, because I buy lots of food". I have 4 kids and a hungry husband. I shop fortnightly. I buy lots of food. And when I shop with no kids, I use a normal trolley, and you know what? I manage.

2. Tailgators. Seriously, do you want me to brake suddenly, because take it from me, my insurance people will chase your insurance people and they will make you pay.

3. Family members. Need I say more.

4. People who think they are so special that they have to park their special cars in two parking bays (line going up the centre of the car). Your just asking me to park my special car 2cm away from your special car. Park properly or leave it at home.

5. Check out chicks at Myer. An ongoing bugbear. Lovie, I don't really care where you work, I'm the one with the money, I'm the customer, the customer is always right and get off your pedestal. You are no different to the check out chick at Coles.

I think I'll leave it at 5 !

What puts you on the edge?

I Have No Words

2009-09-26T19:52:00.002+08:00

I have been reading Jeanette's blog for some time. She is a lovely lady and shares warm tales of her family and her sewing.

Back in July I read her post about Florence. It has taken some time for the intensity of grief to subside enough for her to resume blogging, but I am ever so grateful that she has returned to the blogging world.

I have no words to adequately describe the sadness I feel for Florence and her family. However I feel grateful that she is sharing Florence with us.

Read a little more about Florence and her short life.

I'm Still a Loaner

2009-09-18T21:28:00.002+08:00

Just made my third Kiva.org loan.

Ndèye Sophie Mbodj will be using her loan to bolster her business which involves dyed cloths. Ndeye, with her husband, supports five children, one of which is at school.

"Give a Man a Fish, Feed Him For a Day. Teach a Man to Fish, Feed Him For a Lifetime"

I Made a Nice Top

2009-09-11T14:17:00.003+08:00

My little sister needs some maternity clothes, but she is a big girl, making it hard for to find any. So I made her this top; Jalie 2788 Twist Tie Top.

Front

Back

Ta Da!!

2009-09-10T13:37:00.005+08:00

I've finally finished my sewing space! Kind of. Well enough to be happy to post pictures anyway. J I still need a sewing table as the one I had in mind was sold out when I went to Ikea. Very disappointing, especially as I wasn't able to get the table before the price went up by $129!!

Corner study unit. The doors all close up, so everything can be shut away, nice and tidy. Also keeps little fingers out. This room also has to double up as a home office, so this corner unit was the perfect piece of furniture.

Storage!

Two Expendit shelves put together to make a cutting table with storage underneath. This cutting table is not quite tall enough, but that's ok. I'm going to eventually get a glass panel and get hubby to raise the level so it is more comfortable. I got the idea from someone posting on the Crafty Mamas Forum where someone (sorry couldn't find the forum post) commented on this blog post.

A Blank Slate

2009-09-03T13:43:00.003+08:00

Alright, the before shot was a cluttered horrible mess, so here is the 'blank slate' shot. ;)

Stay tuned !

I’m Nesting

2009-08-27T16:48:00.002+08:00

Before Shot

Can you not be pregnant and still be in a nesting mood…..

I'm definitely not pregnant, but lately I have been increasingly frustrated with my home. I live with an enormous amount of clutter and I take on so many roles that I never have enough time to clean properly. This is a bad combination. Add to that my love of buying fabric and patterns, together with my lack of suitable storage and you can imagine how my home looks most days.

I don't actively invite people over because I'm embarrassed by the state of my home. This is insane.

So I decided to either suck it up and get over it, or do something about it and get over it, and happily for me I've chosen the latter. I've decided to tackle two rooms, the front room, which I use as a study and I'll use as a sewing space and the games room.

So far:

donated unwanted/unused furniture to freecycle

booked carpet man

made a list of what I want for both rooms

bought curtains for study/sewing room

To do:

Go to Ikea to buy items to fit out the rooms

Organise fabric, patterns, laptop

So I'm kind of in nesting mode. J

Pay It Forward

2009-06-20T20:11:00.001+08:00

I will make a handmade gift for the first 3 interested people who comment on this post. I have 365 days to do it in…What it will be and when it will arrive is a total surprise!The catch is that you must participate as well: you must have a blog and before you leave your comment here, write up a pay it forward post on your blog to keep the fun going.(just cut and paste this one if you like!, which I did.

Pay it Forwards are fun, go on, comment, you know you want too ;)

Little Giveaway from Little Munchkins

2009-06-20T19:52:00.002+08:00

Little Munchkins is a delightful blog and she has a giveaway going on.

Two Oliver + S patterns are on offer, just leave a comment in this post.

Sew Mama Sew Meme

2009-06-20T10:05:00.001+08:00

Sew Mama Sew have made June "Sewing Machine Month" and this is my meme (better late than never hey!)

What brand and model do you have?
Janome My Excel 18W

How long have you had it?
5 years

How much does that machine cost (approximately)?
$299

What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)?
Mostly children's clothing, some bags, toys and sometimes I use my sewing machine for scrapbooking

How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get?
I lost my ‘sew-jo’ for a while, but now I’ll use my machine at least every few days.

Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name?
I love my machine. It is basic but perfect for the level my sewing is at. It doesn't have a name.
What features does your machine have that work well for you? I love how the lid flips up with important information printed on it. Like what foot to use with what stitch type and recommended stitch length/width as well as tens
ion.

Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine?
Button hole. I can’t seem to get the hang of doing button holes nice and neat.

Do you have a great story to share about your machine (i.e., Found it under the Christmas tree? Dropped it on the kitchen floor? Sewed your fingernail to your zipper?, Got it from your Great Grandma?, etc.!)? We want to hear it!
Not with this machine, but I would like to share the story of my first machine.
I got my first machine, a Pinnock (brand), when I was 15 years old. My teens were are challenging time and were also years spent finding myself and (sometimes) being angry with life experiences I could not change. One of those experiences was watching my cousin deal with grief and depression associated with the murder of her two children. Her children, Rachel and Shane, were my play buddies, and were killed by their father in tragic circumstances. Needing a way to deal with all this I wrote a letter to Rachel and Shane, mostly just letting know how much I missed them and what sort of things we would be doing together if they were still alive.

Then I sent the letter to a magazine which paid a fee for true stories. I was paid $250 for my letter which I used to buy a sewing machine. I don’t use the Pinnock anymore, but I often think of Rachel and Shane when I sew and this makes me happy.

Would you recommend the machine to others? Why?
Definitely. I would recommend this machine to all beginner sewers as it is a great first machine. It also comes with several feet, which as you grow in knowledge and confidence, can really improve your sewing.

What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine?
Does it come with a hard case? This is important for protecting your machine from bumps, dust and small children. How much and how readily available are the machine feet? Have a look at the user manual, does it have pictures/diagrams and easy to read language? Does the shop you buy it from offer classes in how to use your machine?

Do you have a dream machine?
My dream machine is a super dooper Janome Memorycraft 11000. It also happens to be $8499......My realistic dream machine is probably a Janome Memorycraft 9700.

Enid Sew Along

2009-06-12T18:02:00.002+08:00

I finished the Enid Sew Along on Crafty Mamas

The fabric I used kind of needed some bling so I added the heart.

Enid was one clever lady

2009-06-03T11:32:00.003+08:00

I'm participating in an Enid sew along on crafty mamas . Enid Gilchrist was a very resourceful woman, who via New Idea, publish many magazines for the home sewer from 1950-1970's. And I personally think she rocks!

So anyway, the first part of the sew-along is to pick out the pattern. I chose a basic sun dress in size 5. The next part was to draft the pattern. I've only ever done this once before and it can be a little tricky. Basically Enid has the pattern drawn up with corresponding measurements in inches. Starting at the nominated point you use the various measurements to get the pattern shape and then sort of fill in the gaps. I found it easier with my cutting mat as it has inches all drawn up, and along with my ruler I was able to draft the dress in no time.

Next step is to choose some fabric :)

Some other Enid lovers are Alesha and Tracy and a group Enid Blog

Because I'm Worth It Update

2009-05-31T15:02:00.003+08:00

Food
Not a bad week, I've been snacking on fruit, making nice dinners and drinking water. I had to buy lunch two days in a row but I chose a healthy option. I'm finding the tea drinking is up, probably because the cool weather has finally arrived, but I'm continuing the sugar ban, so I'm not to concerned.

Exercise
I wasn't able to do the fitness class this week, due to some volunteer work that took up all of last week. But that (the volunteer work) was quite full on and I was on my feet almost all day, so I'm sure I burnt up some calories that way.

Thoughts and Actions
The volunteer work I did was organise the school bookfair. So each day, I dressed the part and I also put make up on. And I felt really good about myself. I looked professional and felt professional. I did a really good job, and I received many compliments for the job that I did, so this was a huge self-esteem boost. I didn't get to spend my bra voucher or get my nails done, but that's ok, hopefully next week.

Goals
*Go to 2 fitness classes this week
*Spend my vouchers!
*Weigh myself and see how I'm going weight wise.

Because I'm Worth It Update

2009-05-20T12:19:00.002+08:00

I have been majorly majorly slack. I haven't abandoned my "Because I'm worth it Challenge", I'm still progressing really well. I just haven't been inspired to blog it lately. :)

Food

Food has been doing well. I'm now down to no suger in my tea! I've gone from 3 cups back up to 4 or 5 cups a day, but thats ok. I'm comfortable with this. I now can not stand drinking full cream milk, and it only gets bought if we run out and my DH has to get it (he hates HiLo). Take-aways are fortnightly for the kids, sometimes I get some, sometimes I don't. If I do get it I try to select healthier options or at least find out what the nutritional panel says and try and opt for a meal that has 10g fat per 100g or better. I have been looking at nutritional panels a lot lately.

Exercise

Ok get ready for it.......I HAVE BEEN EXERCISING!!!!

At the moment it is just jogging around the backyard and walking the kids to and from school, but today I started a fitness training class. It works out to be a real bargain. A parent (fully trained in fitness stuff) has started classes down at my kids school for only $8. The classes are small, and she gives heaps of one on one help, a bit like having your own personal trainer.

Thoughts and Actions

I have broken through the 90kg barrier, which I am super please about! So far I have been losing weight but it has been slow and steady. I know that's what health professionals recommend but....well I guess it just takes a long time. I am now about a size 16/18 and this is even more exciting than the weight loss! This week I'm off to spend my Mothers Day gifts ($100 voucher to bra shop and $50 voucher to get my nails prettied up). I'm really excited about the bra's as I've been wearing my maternity bra's....they aren't very supportive and they are really quite ugly.

Goals

* Keep a tally of the 5 veg and 2 fruit. Make sure I get the 5 serves of veg.

*Continue with the workout class and aim to participate twice a week.

Because I'm Worth It Update

2009-03-06T11:04:00.002+09:00

Ok this time I'm really back into it!

Food
Hmm progress so so. I'm not being strict enough with the breakfast, however water intake is good. I haven't had an iced coffee for 9 days!! So that's really good, but then I've had extra tea (craving caffeine/sugar maybe?).

Exercise
I'm still walking to and from school when I can. And I'm starting to think about going for walks again with the dog.....

Thoughts and Actions
I've started at Tafe, so every Thursday I make a special effort to dress up nice and look like I'm off to work. It makes me look forward to Thursday. I realise I could do this everyday, but why bother, I mean, dressing up to hang out the washing is not really to appealing. I've also started (externally) at uni. It feels great to be doing something for me, something that is challenging my mind and to be doing something to develop my post-SAHM goals.
I had a friend comment to me this week that I look good (she commented on a Thursday though) and this felt nice.

Goals
*get back into morning breakfast.
*go for two walks besides school drop off/pick up

I love Fabric!

2009-02-23T09:49:00.000+09:00

48m of fabric goodness for $50. !!!!

Because I'm Worth It Update

2009-02-13T11:43:00.002+09:00

I'm getting back into this challenge after being on hiatus due to illness. I lost 2kg whilst being ill, not really good, but hey I'm not complaining. Not being able to eat for 4 days and throwing up will do that to you ;)

Food
I've been getting back into the 'eat something, anything for breakfast' routine. If I don't have cereal, then I try to have toast and a cup of milk. Apparently studies have shown that a cup of milk with breakfast will help curb the 'i'm hungry' feeling you get mid-morning. I'm still going strong with the water.

Exercise
I'm happy to report that I have been out walking! Well to and from school anyway. And as the kids want to ride their bikes, I've been trying to set a brisk pace and keep up with them. It's not enough, but it's a improvement on what I have(n't) been doing.

Thoughts and Actions
Well I had to cancel the beautician appointment for my hairy legs due to illness, but I'm going to re-book it soon. I've bought some moisturiser with a SPF15+ in it and I've been trying to remember to apply that each day. I've also started weaning my son off the breast. When he's all finished I'm going to go and be fitted for some decent bra's.

Goals
*Get back to eating a healthy lunch each day.
*Continue to walk kids to and from school.
*Re-book that appointment.

How has your week gone?

Back to Basics Update

2009-02-10T11:23:00.002+09:00

Well I'm back! I have been really sick with a nasty bout of Mastitis, but after a course of anti-biotics I think I'm on the mend. However I've come to the traumatic (well for me anyway) decision to wean my baby off breast and switch to bottle. I've had several blocked milk ducts this time around and this time a full blown infection resulted. I've exclusively fed my baby for 6 1/2 months now, so an introduction to solids is now due, but I don't think it will harm him to have a bottle for a little while.
So anyway on to my update!

Not much has been done due to illness, in fact, in some areas we seem to have gone backwards :(

In the Garden
Sowing
Nothing new planted.
Harvesting
The very last tomatoes have been picked.
This week I feel a little discouraged as it seems I don't harvest nearly as a much as I sow. Not even close. If it's not the slugs/snails it's the slaters. If it's not the unrelenting heat then it's a bout of frost. Or I forget to put the bore on, or one of the kids leaves the gate open and the dog tramples through. Know what I mean?
But it is all a learning experience and I have had some success (tomatoes, zucchini, potatoes). So I guess I'm learning what really works and what doesn't.

Planning for the Future
Prior to getting sick I set up several direct deposits with my bank to make fortnightly contribution to my utilities, land/water rates and some other regular bills. The idea is that when bills come in they are either paid or almost paid, resulting in better family finances. This is the good news. The bad news is that while I was sick, nothing else got done and my husband did the shopping. (Can you hear my kids whoop with joy over this?). In other words lots of junkfood, heaps of junkfood was bought. The kids were happy. And whats more, much of the 'frozen dinners' and stores I have been saving up, have been used up. Oh well, I guess thats what it's there for.
So this week, it's get back on top of the budget week.

Working for the Future
I ended up enrolling in that Business course at Tafe. It's 6 months full time (I'll be part-time), and will build up and recognise my computing skills. I started last Thursday.

Building Community
Myself and another girl guide leader are helping our guide unit organise a massive garage sale to raise funds for the Victorian bushfire survivors.
I have also rung to make an appointment to give blood.

New Skill
none to report.

Sick

2009-02-07T09:46:00.001+09:00

Due to illness I haven't been able to blog, nor have I been able to follow my challenges. :( I'm almost back to my normal self.

I hate being sick.

Because I'm Worth It Update

2009-01-23T19:34:00.003+09:00

Possibly to much information, but no graphics. Promise.

Food
Breakfast is still going good. Lunch, hmm so so. I haven't had as much salad in my sandwiches as I would have liked. I guess the biggest reason is that I haven't had salad foods pre-prepared, ready to go in the fridge. I must get on to this. Water intake is going well. I'm drinking 1.5-2L a day and it is a comfortable amount. Snacks...not bad but could be better. I've tried cut fruit, popcorn and muffins. I like the muffins, the popcorn just makes me hungry but the fruit is good too.
Exercise
Oh man do I hate formal exercise. So I thought "hmmmm what can I do that could count as exercise". Which leads me to the 'to much information' bit. Did you know for 1/2 hour of sex you burn 13o calories. Not much but about the same as a half hour walk. And I know which one gets my heart racing more ;) Hehehe. So anyway, hubby is liking this new health fad I'm on and I can say I 'exercised' several times this week.
On a more serious note, I have been trying to make an effort this week and although it's still not 'work up a sweat' exercise, it's better than nothing.
Thoughts and Actions
This week I got my eyebrows waxed and I've booked an appointment for my legs to be done too. It's funny how I baulk at spending $10 on an eyebrow wax, yet don't think anything on a $30 splurge at Spotlight..... But as I've said before, this challenge isn't about loosing weight. It's about feeling good about myself. Tomorrow I'm going to the city with a friend to shop for something to wear on Sunday for church. The kids are being massed baptised and I want to look nice up there in front of everybody.
I've cut out several 'projects'. But haven't been able to finish anything yet (see other update post). Will post pics of creations when I've completed them.

Goals for this Week
*Continue moving. Try and get in 2 walks with the kids.
*Get my legs waxed.
*Continue with healthy breakfast, lunch, snacks and drinking water.
*Eat 1 super healthy dinner.

Back to Basics Update

2009-01-20T13:19:00.003+09:00

In The Garden
Sown: None to report
Transplanted: More sunflowers, Giant pumpkin, tomatoes
Harvesting: Potatoes, various herbs
Applied a soil wetting agent to back lawn. It's looking very sad, and not surprising with the heat wave Perth has been going through. General weeding.

Planning for the Future
I borrowed a copy of 'Peak Oil Survival' by Arie McBay, and I have been reading through that to see what self-sustaining changes we can make around our home. I'm entertaining the idea of enrolling part-time into a course at TAFE. It's only 3 hours per week, and it is in Business Administration, which would really help me not just to have my skills certified, but in helping me do my husbands bookwork better. Enrolment is next week.....

Working for the Future
Tidying up around the house continues. Cleaning out the pantry, using up old/forgotten food. Still sewing away. Making clothes for winter and also handmade gifts, so they are on hand when I need them. Made some games (Bingo based), for the kids to help them in language areas that they aren't so good at.

Building Community
Gathered up some clothes that my daughter doesn't need to donate to a family in need.

Because I'm Worth It Update

2009-01-16T09:27:00.003+09:00

Week Two! been and gone. Wow that went quick, here's my check in:

Food
Again, a couple of slip ups but some progress too. Breakfast is going well and I'm eating a healthy lunch too. I've added more fruit to my diet and my water intake is up to 1.25 (a water bottle size) per day. In fact my body is craving that water. Yesterday I went out and left my water bottle at home, so from 9am till 2pm I didn't drink any water, and had such a terrible head ache by last night.
I've cut my tea and sugar (in the tea) right down. In fact, I'm consuming around 3 tsps of sugar now instead of 6-8 tsps. If I continue this for a whole year I will be cutting out 5kg of sugar from my diet. Pretty cool hey.
I'm not doing so well in the snack department. As soon as 3-4pm hits I'm ravenous, so this week I'm investigating healthy snacks. I also need to be better prepared for when I go out. I need to remember to take my drink bottle with me and I need to remember to take healthy snack/lunch alternatives, so I'm not forced/tempted to buy unhealthy food.

Exercise
Arrgghhhh. I hate exercising. It's set to hit 40 degrees today. Only crazy people seek out exercise in that sort of weather. I bounced on the trampoline a few times, and walked to the deli for milk instead of driving. But again nothing to be proud of.

Thoughts and Actions
I've started on a multi-vitamin supplement this week. Just a general all rounder. I've also been cutting out sewing patterns and getting a list of projects happening. I don't generally sew clothes for myself, I never look like the chick on the pattern envelope. So I've banished the self-hate talk this week and I'm determined to make stuff for me. One item of clothing that is a must is a hat. The essence of this challenge for me looking after myself as a whole. I could loose all the weight in the world, but it wouldn't really matter if I'm looking old and crusty because I don't wear a hat or apply sunscreen.

Goals
*Cut my sugar content in my cups of tea to 1/2tsp.
*Find some healthy snack alternatives
*Be prepared when I leave the house. Make taking a water bottle just as important as taking my purse.
*Include 3 x 30min exercise sessions in my week
*Apply sunscreen and wear a hat if I go out in the sun.

How did your week go?

Just Tricking You

2009-01-15T14:57:00.002+09:00

I had an interesting conversation with my son (he's almost 8 years old) which started off with him asking why does Cricket Australia advertise with KFC if KFC is a sometimes food, and if all the cricket players ate KFC they would be big and fat.
I was so proud of him as, it lead on to me pointing out that many foods and products are endorsed by characters and famous people. He commented in a rather annoyed tone "But they are trying to trick me into buying stuff"
Finally! My parenting is paying off and he realises why I refuse to buy many of these products.

Then today we had another conversation about slogans and jingles and how companies use them to try and get you to remember their products, and we had a go at making our own.

I'm not anti-advertising or against slogans and the like, by the way. But I'm not a fan of companies using children to manipulate them into pestering parents to buy stuff.

1 down, 3 more kids to go :)

Back to Basics Update

2009-01-13T08:18:00.002+09:00

Another slow week. Swimming lessons is now over, so I'm hoping to get a bit more done this week.
In the Garden
The seeds I've sown from my last post have germinated (mostly) and coming along well. The sunflowers will need to be transplanted this week though to a sunny spot. They are in jiffy pots so that should be easy done.
Harvesting: More zucchini, tomatoes and potatoes.

Planning for the Future
We (my husband and I) have been discussing future plans for our house. We live in a 4 x 2 home which, size wise is fine for us at the moment. But it concerns me that when the kids get to their teens they will be living on top of each other, in particular my daughters. They share and their room size is not big enough for single beds (they sleep in bunks). I want all my children to stay at home as long as they need to, and I don't want them to feel they have to move out because they need privacy or space to study etc. I had to move out of my home when I was 16 and support myself and it was so hard sometimes. So we've decided on a long term goal/plan. Our goal is to re-visit this issue in 5 years time. By then we will have no debts (apart from the house) and should have a sizeable savings account. Then we look at renovating and extending upwards. My husband is a roof carpenter, his dad is an electrician and two good friends of ours are plasterers, so the cost of this project could potentially be greatly minimised. And my husband has done many of these sorts of projects so he knows a great deal about doing ourselves.

Working for the Future
My husband has been given a whole heap of pavers, so we can pave a section in our backyard that is to shady for grass and not ideal for garden beds. We have also been cleaning out broken junk that can't be re-purposed, as it is almost bulk rubbish time in my area.

Building Community
Continued to clean out old children's clothes. Borrowed out the crib :( (My baby is growng up so fast). Acquired some more age appropriate toys for my baby in return. Set some dates to babysit so a friend doesn't have to pay for daycare, and so my kids can have a play.

Learn a New Skill
Learnt how to gather properly! I was very pleased with myself!

I'm Feeling Proud

2009-01-11T13:11:00.003+09:00

Today I witnessed an older gentleman topple off his bike, stagger a little, then collapse. So I pulled over and offered assistance. He was disorientated and had a medic alert bracelet indicating he was diabetic. I called the ambulance then and continued to give 1st aid. Fortunately he didn't pass out as a) he was bigger than me and I'm not sure if I could of managed him and b) My baby was in the car with the air con running. But all in all I feel proud of myself and hopefully the gentleman will have a good outcome.

Because I'm Worth It Update

2009-01-10T17:26:00.003+09:00

From Family

Before Shot! Please don't mind the 'around the house clothes' or the toys or the baby.

Week One
Well week one has been good, several positive changes but also a few slip ups. But overall I'm happy. I think I need to set my goals out though, so they are more measurable. At the moment I'm feel what I'm hoping to achieve is a little vague. So here is a update;
Food
I've eaten breakfast each morning for 6 out 7 days. I feel much better by mid morning and I'm not getting a 'oh my I'm going to pass out if I don't get a sugar fix' feeling by lunch time. I've tried to have a healthy lunch, but I still need to work on this. I've cut down how much tea (and therefore sugar in my tea) down to 3 cups a day (3 tsps sugar). I'm also getting in the 6 glasses + of water too. I have slipped up a few times though. I have had take-aways twice and I've had 5 x 500ml iced coffees this week. So thats something I need to work on.
Exercise
Hmmm does it count as an excuse that we have been having 35 degree + days and thats why I couldn't formally exercise this week? Ok, probably a crap excuse. It has been hot, so instead of sitting on the beach during swimming lessons, I have made an effort to get in the water for a splash. I really need to work on this area.
Actions and Thoughts
I've been reading up on tips and ideas on dieting and healthy living and I have started to implement some of them. I've switched to low fat milk, I've started having a glass of milk with breakky (it helps fill you up), I've made an effort to have pre-prepared salad foods in the fridge (sliced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, grated carrot, all in containers) so I'm more inclined to make a healthy sandwich and I'm trying to get in the habit of carrying a water bottle with me.
Week 2 Goals
*Continue with breakfast, healthy lunch and drinking water
*Cut out the Masters Iced Coffees
*No excuses, exercise for 30 min x 3. Minimum.

Back to Basics Update

2009-01-05T14:04:00.003+09:00

In the Garden
Sowing
My Diggers Club seeds arrived, so I've got sunflowers (Giant and a variety called Teddybear), pumpkin, capsicum, cherry tomato and corn.
Planting
Eggplant seedlings, marjoram
Harvesting
Tomato, zucchini, carrots
Maintenance
Seaweed extract over all the pots and garden beds, snail hunting, trying to keep on top of the couch grass invading the garden beds.

Planning for the Future
Making a list of friends and relatives birthdays and I'm trying to create a timeline with handmade gift suggestions so I can be prepared when birthdays come around. I have been through my fabric stash and I've mentally compiled a list of ideas for clothes and gifts. Just need to get it all on paper now....
Ordered some fabric from crafty mammas for clothes for the kids including school uniform colours. My kids like to layer there clothes and I can't seem to get long sleeve tops in the right green. So a special buy came up and I've ordered some stretch knit for long sleeve tops.

Working for the Future
Making my mother-in-laws birthday present. Making a bunch of easy but oh so pretty twirly skirts for my girls. Freezing excess tomato's (whole), for use in casseroles/slow cooker meals. I want to have a go at sun dried tomatoes but this week has been super busy with swimming lessons, I haven't had a chance yet. Maybe next week...

Building Community
Discussed with a friend about the possibility in doing a co-op type arrangement with grocery and meat shopping and buying monthly for maximum benefits. We both agreed we can't do it this month (need to save up the money for a biiggggg shop!), but could possibly start in February. In the mean time we are going to look into bulk buying butchers and FAL (they supply IGA in WA).
Doing some cleaning out of kids clothes ready to donate to charities/people having babies.

Because I'm Worth It

2009-01-02T09:49:00.004+09:00

Me and 3 of my children on Christmas morning

Earlier I blogged about ditching the 'I want to lose weight' new years resolution and I decided to replace it with the 'I'm going to love myself' goal. Well I've decided to take it one step further and make it a challenge! I have been following Belinda's Back to Basics Challenge and I have found it incredibly motivating.
So I'm doing the "Because I'm Worth It" Challenge. Each week, on Friday I'm going to update my progress on how I am respecting myself, how I'm treating my body and spirit with kindness. All sounds wishy washy I know, but hell, the "I want to lose weight' yearly statement/goal is just not working!

So I've decided to break it up into categories (bit like the Back to basics Challenge):
Food
What I eat, what I want to eat, new foods, new recipe's.
Exercise
Similar to food, and total minutes exercised
Actions and Thoughts
Changing my thought process, how I'm changing my attitude, what little things am I doing to show self-respect.

If I think of more, I'll add them!

So here goes....
Food.
I need to eat breakfast everyday. This is a bad habit for me...the breakfast skipping. This morning I had porridge with a little maple syrup and banana. Also I'm aiming for 1L of water per day.

Exercise
This week the aim is to do 3 x 30 min of exercise per week. My concrete blocks stopping me doing this is the heat. We are in a heat wave of 37 degree days at the moment and I hate exercising when it is hot. However, kids are doing swimming lessons down the beach, I could pop the two year old in the big floaty doughnut thing and just walk up and down the beach. The kids lesson goes for 45 min so I can probably get a couple of 30 min sessions in.

Actions and Thoughts
In my earlier post I said I wasn't going to hide myself when I go to the beach anymore. Well I did it! Twice! I swam in just bathers, I played chasey with the kids, I built sand castles and generally splashed about. With no boardshorts to 'hide' me and without venturing out to the deeper water to 'hide' my body. It was very liberating!

Check out Lizards Tips and Tracy's Journey .

Back to Basics Update

2008-12-29T14:19:00.004+09:00

The Back to Basics update is a little on the slim side due to Christmas :)

Garden News

Nothing new planted this week. My husband rigged up some shade for the second veggie patch. As I grow different plants I'm learning what works, what needs to be tweaked and what doesn't work at all. I've found that in veggie patch 1, which is in full sun, grows wonderful tomatoes, zucchini's and corn. Lettuce, potatoes, watermelon and pumpkin do ok here too. But cucumber just die. So the idea is to shelter the 2nd veggie patch from the harsh day/afternoon sun, and see what works in there. I'll keep you updated ;)

Planning for the Future

The budget is being drawn up. And next pay is when we start. I'm reverting to a 'cash' only budget in that I will be using envelopes to put money aside and using cash for purchases. I will be removing the key cards and leaving them at home. Fortunately we have no credit cards, so they are a non-issue.

I've got one shade sail up! My husband went to the hardware store and did it himself. We just need a few more, but it is a start.

Working for the Future

I've signed up to complete two modules as part of my leadership training (I'm a girl guide leader). This, I hope will all count when I eventually re-enter the work force and also make me a better guide leader.

Building Community
Via http://www.kiva.org/ I've made my first loan. Maria is from Peru and will be using her loan to finance her clothing business. It feels wonderful to be part of a team of 25 people working together to help people less fortunate to get a leg up. One Maria pays her loan back, I'm going to re-invest the money with someone else.

New Year Resolutions

2008-12-29T13:50:00.003+09:00

This year I'm not going to make the goal of losing weight. I'm not going to set myself up to fail, I'm not going to beat myself up because I'm not thinner and prettier than an airbrushed model in a magazine ad. Nope, no more, zilt, end of story.

This year I make the 'new years resolution' to just be me. To buy clothes that fit, without moaning over the size. After all it is just a number. This year I'm going to where bathers. Just bathers. I'm not going to 'hide' my body in board shorts.

This year I am going to be proud of the body I have, the body that looks like it has produced 4 children.

This year I'm going to feed my body good food and lots of water, not because I want to lose weight, but because my body is beautiful and deserves to be treated that way. This year, when I indulge on chocolate and other treats, I'm going to enjoy them, and I'm not going to feel guilty, because the feeling of guilt is bad for my body and my spirit.

Back to Basics Update

2008-12-22T09:46:00.003+09:00

Sowing Seed or Planting
Sowing: Beans, tomato, rockmelon, pumpkin, lettuce, capsicum
Planting: Strawberry
Transplanting: Luffah and Rosella
Harvesting: Tomatoes, zucchini
General Garden News: Finished mulching. Liquid fertilised (Seaweed based stuff) and applied wetting agent to all pots and garden beds. Weeded and removed some snails.....need to use snail bait but I feel so bad killing them....
Planning for the Future
Ordered some more seeds. Collecting lettuce and parsley seeds. I have stuck to a spendings diary all week. It looks scary! However it is the week before Christmas (not really a good excuse) and I did pay the mortgage and service the car so the amount spent looks worse than it is. I did buy a NO JUNK MAIL sticker which I think is a wise investment. I have felt so overwhelmed with Xmas spend spend spend pressure that I needed to do something pro-active. I can't really reduce the pressure from friends and family, but I can eliminate the junk mail/advertising pressure. And as an added bonus it will reduce paper waste, and the junk mail lady still gets paid regardless. Sweet.
I have also set aside time between Dec 26th and Jan 1st to really attack the household budget. I'm continuing the spending diary, but I haven't made any deliberate changes. However, I have started questioning the worth of my purchases, if I really need it and could I do without? I find budgeting very challenging as my husband's income is up and down all over the place (he's self-employed). Any tips?
Working for the Future
Nothing t o report
Building Community
I have been making an effort to connect with the great blogs I read via the comments.
The biggie for this week though was I DISCONNECTED THE FOXTEL, without discussing with my husband I might add too. Now the reason I put this piece of news here is because this one act has really connected us with our community and with each other. We have done more stuff together as a family this week than we have done in the past 6 months. We have gone for walks, attended Christmas Carols, visited friends, worked together in the garden, laughed, went to the movies (never have we done this as a family) and generally spent time together. The kids are also getting along better and are amusing themselves with normal kid activities like cubby house building and crafty pursuits.
New Skill
Nothing to report

Xmas gifts for the Teachers

2008-12-20T19:36:00.002+09:00

This year my two school aged children have eight teacher/teachers aides between them. Thinking of a gift for each without breaking the bank was a challenge, however I came up with these a while ago and thought they could be adapted for teachers too. Basically they are teacher quotes, rolled up, popped in empty capsules and placed in a baby jar.
I bought the capsules in bulk from a medical supply store online (but they are available in smaller quantities from health food shops), and all up cost $30 for 8, with about 750 empty capsules left over......ahhh well next years gifts are covered too.

Picasa picasa picasa

2008-12-15T10:50:00.001+09:00

I have downloaded Picasa and oh boy, for something completely free, I'm am so impressed! Having said that, I never edit my photos (partly because I haven't had the software), but that could soon change.
Here is a picture of my baby girl 12 months ago. Ok the only editing I did was rotating it, but I had forgotten about this sweet photo. So now I'm off to edit then print it.
Have a sweet day :)

Basics Update

2008-12-14T19:29:00.004+09:00

Planting
Didn't do any planting this week. But did mulch. Also found that all the seeds in the second vegie patch were baked due to lack of mulch and full sun position. Hence the mulching. Also hubby started on a little pond in one of the garden beds. We are attempting to encourage frogs to our garden. :)
Plannng for the Future
Hmm spending diary is hard...in that I keep forgetting. But I have been trying to reduce spending. In the short term I'm resisting the urge to buy more toys the kids don't need for Christmas. This is hard to to do, especially when I'm feeling bombarded by junk mail, tv ads, pressure from family/friends to buy more and more Christmas gifts. Mid-term, we are getting the money together to put shade sails along the back of the house. This will help reduce temperature in the house (I hope) as this part of the house gets the full afternoon sun.
Building Community
Put my name on the church roster. Also got the pattern for the St John teddies. My goal is to make 4 before school goes back next year.

Let's Get Back to Basics

2008-12-04T11:54:00.004+09:00

I have been terribly naughty when it comes to spending and conserving. I admire Rhonda and Eilleen and many others so much. They make thriftyness and frugalism a lifestyle rather than a hobby and although I aspire to be like them, I have, in recent times fallen off the wagon a bit.
So when I saw Belinda's get back to basics challenge I thought 'yep I'm in'. But then it never even made it to the blog. So here we go! Better late than never :)

Sowing Seed or Planting
Planted two rows of corn. Also planted a citrus tree. Need to investigate making up some sort of bug spray as the capsicums got attacked, there is no capsicums now.
Planning for The Future
Doing a spending diary to record where all the money is going. Meal planning has changed in that I'm trying to include more meals tha can be 'recycled' into meals the following night or making two meals in one night so dinner is sorted in one go rather than spread over two days.
Working for the Future
Continuing handmade gifts for christmas.
Building Community
Last week of Girl Guides next week! Meeting with the other leader soon to discuss ideas for next year, including teaching them life skills and including more service.
Learning a New Skill
I'm attempting to make more dishcloths, but this time with patterns in them to make pictures.

Things kids say!

2008-11-19T10:09:00.002+09:00

Scene: Walking in the city. Bird does a poo, just missed us!
Me: Watch out Lily, there is poop (pointing).
Lily: Doesn't God have a toilet.

Scene: Walking home from school. Explaining to kids that the cat is going to get fixed up tomorrow, so we all have to be nice to the cat when he comes home.
Dylan: What sort of operation?
Me: He's going to have his testicals removed (trying to keep a straight face).
Dylan: Are you turnng him into a girl?

29 Forever!

2008-11-19T09:48:00.003+09:00

It's my birthday today and boy did I do well! Like most grown up's, I see my birthday as really just another day and don't really pay it much mind. Sometimes I get good pressies and sometimes I might not get any at all (being 5 weeks from christmas doesn't help!). But this year I hit the jackpot!

I got a big frame that I've been wanting for a large portrait (mental note: next time I feel the urge to get portrait photo's of my kids, think about how much frames cost!), a portable iPod docking station (not what I need or wanted, but now I've got it I will definately use it! I love my podcast's), a Mandarin tree, a Blueberry bush and my sister has ordered me a copy of Little House on the Praire by Laura Ingalls Wilder.

Every year I always by something for myself, so this year I ordered some books and more importantly I bought some chairs for my dining room. This may sound mundane, but I detested my dining chairs. Two had structual issues, all were stained and manky, but they were free and did the trick. However I saved up the money and decided I was going to by myself some new dining chairs and not only that I was going to be environmentally consious and go second hand and also be mindful of budget and not spend more than $50 per chair. Oh and they had to be all wood (removeable covers ok, but no permanent fabric), they had to be solid and I needed at least 6 chairs.

Well I finally got them and at $43 a chair I'm a happy camper.

On the eleventh hour..

2008-11-11T14:11:00.003+09:00

It's Rememberence Day. I was in the city with my son when the minutes silence commenced and it saddened me that several people were still chatting/walking about during this minute. One whole minute. 60 small seconds. Was whatever they were talking about/destination they were aiming for, so important that they could not take out one minute to quietly reflect and be thankful?

Musings

2008-11-04T11:10:00.003+09:00

Down by the Farm:Perhaps I'm a little dense, but it only occured to me last week when I harvested half my vegie patch, that I didn't have much growing anymore, and I need to be planting something new each week. Hmmm derr. So my new goal is to plant at least two different varieties each week. Last wekend I planted watermelon, pumkin, cucumber, basil, tomatoes, capsicum, rosella and loofah.

This week I got my digger seeds and I'm planning on another row of carrots and some capsicum. I also need to work on the second vegie patch. It got neglected in the post baby recovery and I need to get it functioning.

Makings: My iron fell off the ironing board (my fault) and cracked across the top. So I need to buy another iron before I do any major sewing. However I did finish my Incredible costume for myself and my husband for a halloween party. We looked awsome!

I need to finish off xmas cards, hats and start my Felix dresses for my girls

2008-10-24T09:02:00.004+08:00

My spuds! And a lettuce too. My potatoes got hit by frost and after that they just weren't the same. So I harvested them and I needed a lettuce that day to. I seem to be having a lot of problems with snails and slugs. Time to crack open the snail pellets I think!

This is kind of neat. Download http://www.teachers-pet.org/ software, open up Microsoft words, and make worksheets, cross words, flash cards and more for your kids.

I'm back

2008-10-20T12:56:00.002+08:00

Cadel Andrew. 14 days old

Well after a long break I am back!

Much has happened. My beautiful baby boy, Cadel is now here and is now 3 months. It hasn't been 100% smooth sailing with Cadel. He spends much of the day crying, but I'm blessed in that he sleeps well at night.
My garden is plodding along well, still only one patch in progress, but the other patch is in the pipeline.
I've seemed to have my sewing mojo back! I have been on a sewing frenzy, inspired by many of the ladies at http://www.craftymamas.net .
My sustainable living lifestyle is not where i want to be, but we are trying.

So I'm hoping to get back into blogging and reading blogs too!

Hair Lackey's

2008-06-16T13:41:00.002+08:00

I wanted to buy my daughter a whole bunch of hair ties and give them to her in a pretty box, but my goodness, they don't come cheap. So I made these for a fraction of the price and in her favourite colours too.