Rubbish is Not a Disposable Item

It all started with this book...

which has some fantastic chapters on shopping, recycling, green cleaning and growing your own vegetables.  As you may know, I am now cleaning with baking soda, salt and white vinegar with fabulous results.  I take bags with me on all shopping expeditions, so there is no reason to collect yet another plastic bag.  I've even taken goods out of bags and left them at the counter.  Do I get a gold star for that? 

This NZ Gardener magazine style book was gifted to my mother after sending them a recipe.  It's such a great read.  I read nearly all of it in one sitting.  Anyway now I am thinking what we can do to reduce wastage, packaging and money and lead a simple life eating more natural products instead of packaged ones. 

My hen hopes have been dashed due to regulations in our area.  Seems you need them to be ten metres from a house and three metres from a boundary fence.  That means they would be in negative space.  Now we wouldn't want that for some feathery friends would we? 

In our area we are all given a huge 240 litre wheelie bin for our recycling.  That's always been a great thing for us, as we sure put out a fair bit of paper and plastic each fortnight.  But I still feel bad about the amount of packaging that goes in there each day.  Honestly the bin is packed to the brim.  So...

from now on when I visit the supermarket I need to remember to take my bags with me, including the bulk bin ones.  If I buy from the bulk bins with recycled bags I will not be consuming any packaging at all.  If I buy other goods in bulk there will be less packaging in the long run.  It's not always cheaper, but perhaps if we make a fuss about it things will change.  And I'm hoping that our bin will be much lighter next collection day.  I'll keep you informed on that one.

I will bake all our bread so I won't be left with a bread bag each day.  I've worked out a really quick and easy way to make the bread too.  I filled five ice cream containers with all the dry ingredients minus the yeast.  So now when I want to make a loaf I just have to empty a container into the maker, add water, oil and the yeast.  All done in 30 seconds!  You can't beat the heavenly smell of it cooking and I know it's better for our family too.

Warning, real life photo ahead!!!!!!!!!!!

These bins now reside on our bench.  It's our food scraps and egg shell collection points.  All scraps, minus fats and meats, end up in here instead of down the sink.  The drain will thank me for that too as it regularly blocks up.  (Hubby too for that matter!) 

The plot to the far right is now my dig-in compost plot.  I'm going for this method as I don't want to buy a compost bin.  It should keep the smells away too.  The rest of the garden is looking pretty flash too after a day in the garden yesterday.  I found 22 self seeded lettuces too under the mass of weeds - bonus!  Oh and plenty of parsley plants too. 

A trip to the garden centre provided me with loads of seed packets.  There is plenty of time to start with seeds instead of buying punnets.  Besides I have so many empty punnets behind the shed waiting to be recycled. 

Shhh, the babies are sleeping in the nursery.  Daughter No.1 helped me plant the seeds and made name tags for them out of recycled yoghurt lids. 

I was finding The Challenge of the Utmost Kind a little unchallenging, (probably because of all the clauses I added!) so I am hoping that this will be more challenging for me.  I'm just going about it quietly and trying to make it a normal everyday life thing.  Feel free to join me if you think you need to improve in this area.

Happy Birthday No.2!

Our No.2 has just turned nine.  A sleepover was requested, but only two special friends were invited, much to her parents delight.  There were a few very lovely presents to open on her birthday morning.  The much longed for quilt was unwrapped with much excitment...

and placed carefully on her bed.  Co-ordinating pillows were added, and it all came together rather nicely.

I have to say that with each quilt I make, a learn a new technique.  OK this is only my second quilt, but still, I've learned so much already.  This quilt called for straight stitching in a criss-cross manner.  I now know how to attach the walking foot correctly (yes it does make a huge difference to the performance of it!).  I know that perfectly cut fabrics make the job of criss-crossing the stitching easier.  I have since learned there is a special knot function on my sewing machine that means you don't have to hand knot every single row ending!!!  (Good grief if only I'd know that one before!)  And I've also learned that I need lots of practice with freehand quilting although I did rather enjoy hand quilting the flowers.

I did have to put in quite a few hours in the evenings to complete this quilt as I wanted the finished quilt to be a surprise.  It was a little worrying especially when I realised the amount of handstitching required.

 So even though her birthday was on Saturday and it's now Monday, she's yet to sleep under it.  With her sleepover party in the lounge and then a sleepover at her Grandparents, tonight will be the big night.

 The good thing about having big girls, is they are quite useful when it comes to party planning.  I try and leave the menu up to them and they even make some of the goodies.  You should see what's on the menu  next Saturday's party for our nearly three year old!  Saves me having to do everything and they really enjoy the responsibility.

 White tigers are No.2's favourite animal, so I wasn't too surprised when a tiger cake was requested.  I'm getting a bit slack when it comes to having everything ready well in advance. This was put together the night before and finished off on the day.  The girls were working out how many cakes I've had to make over the years and the number was scary.  Over 40, but probably 50!!  No wonder I'm over the whole party thing!

Another of her gifts was a camera, so you can expect the quality of photo on my blog to improve.  Oh and maybe get more interesting as well!  I also made her a sewing bag out of a tea towel and some goodies to go in it.  I'll have to get her to take some photos of them to show you next time. 

Pretty much all in the spirit of 'The Challenge' as well.  I'm still doing very well with that by the way.  I think I tend to live like that anyway so it's not too much of a struggle.  Oh and we're not counting the renovations in the challenge, that would be too difficult and limiting.

Off to plan the next renovation.  Not kidding either!  Will inform you next time as well.  See you for now, and have fun in your spare time.

A Pause In Advent Part 3

Here we are, late as usual, but feeling suddenly much better about things which is always nice to hear, is it not? So it's the 3rd week in Advent which means Christmas is just around the corner now. Sorry for reminding you, please don't throw that at me.

This week, my topic is to remember that Christmas is also the season for giving. Being on The Challenge I have been rather challenged in this area. I have to admit to buying some items as there is only so much of me to go around and time is of the essence these days. Please forgive me, but golly I have tried.

And speaking of lacking in time, just in the nick of time, guess who arrived on my doorstep on Friday????

Yee Ha!! Yes those wonderful creatures, Santa's elves! And boy have they whipped up a storm around here. I hardly recognise the place. The window frames and the blinds have all been cleaned in every room (actually the dear husband did that!), the floors vacuumed (well some of them), the bathrooms are sparkling (OK the guest one is and now the girls are forbidden to enter it), the entrance way is mopped (because someone peed all over it), and we are trying to keep the place a little tidier (and failing miserably as No.4 is quite against tidiness).

But anyway, look what those dear little elves have baked... Cranberry and White Chocolate Cookies. The smell was truly divine.

Strawberries have been chopped in preparation for Strawberry Jam...

Apricots, bananas, pineapple, passion fruit were prepared for Fruit Salad Jam and apricots for Apricot Jam...

And just look at how nicely they are displayed! Those elves really now how to set the scene for blogging don't they? Bless their little green slippers.

Baskets have been filled with treats for giving to teachers, friends and family... for this is the season for giving. (The school teachers were very grateful for their homemade treats today too! I forgot to take the kindy presents, left them on the table can you believe it??? Yes you probably can actually.)

Sweet little bags with red gingham bows adorn the cookies and Christmas tarts...

And just look at this glorious sight! A fruit cake made and given to us by my Mother, brimming with nuts, (that cost an absolute fortune which nearly caused my mother to faint at the counter!!) whole fruits and all gluten free.

Look what we were gifted from last week's kindy activity. Our third little pasta, button, matchstick, tinsel wreath spray painted in silver made by our clever little No.3. These are my absolute favourite all time decorations. Here they all are, just one more to come in a year or two.

And along with quite a few other bloggers, we put up our Christmas tree in the weekend. The girls did it all themselves and had, well, a grumpy time. No.4 was sent to her room just after this photo was taken because she really was loosing the plot!). It does look rather lovely with the twinkling lights at night. Unfortunately as it doesn't get dark until after 9pm the girls really don't get to enjoy it as much. They do each have a mini tree by their beds which is so festive and special for them.

So yesterday and today we have been wizzing around the country side leaving little parcels on doorsteps. No Christmas cards have been written around here, but presents have been delivered instead. Well you can't do everything can you?

Now I really must be off and cook some dinner. Senior Prize Giving tonight and husband is taking No.1 to sing in the choir, and who knows about the prizes.

My wish for you this week is for your Christmas shopping, card writing and present wrapping
to be finished and you are sitting back relaxing with a mince pie and a glass of wine.

Welcome...

to my not so perfect, but very happy with, life. Please feel free to have a wander and poke your nose into places you may later regret.

First up we have a very lovely parcel that arrived in the mail this morning. I'm not one to wait until the moment is just right, and the camera is handy to photograph the parcel first. I'm more the sort that just makes it to the car before ripping the tape off wishing there were a pair of scissors handy. Gosh I love parcels! And I love the contents of them more!!

This parcel was from Pomona who wanted to swap tea towels for one of my jeans bags. Very nice tea towels they are too. Just look at the pretty new ones below. Could you get cuter than those? I don't think so. Please note my really awful bench in the top photo. I really hate it but it does the job and is probably way bigger than most people have. It's also clean and tidy from a wee session yesterday. Big gold star for me!

And with Pomona also on "The Challenge" she went out and found some thrifted tea towels for me too. Also very lovely and I'm sure they will make a lovely bag or two.

And if that was not enough, she also popped in a few fabrics. Very generous indeed. Now did you notice the non ironed and non cropped photos of imperfection? Lovely and homely aren't they? Well that is reality. I'm sorry but I'm not going to get the iron out, even for you.

And all this loveliness was all tied up with these very beautiful gingham ribbons. One can never have too much gingham ribbon in one's good enough life.

Remember this? I finally got the dear husband to help make hangers for the advent calendars last night. One is ready for us to hang on the 1st of December and the other I have just dropped off at my Mother's. She organises a grief programme for children and adults who are going through grief. I thought it would be nice as a raffle prize this Christmas. Oooh that reminds me, I must start organising some goodies to fill our calendar.

Look I even made a tag for it! Just trying to look a bit professional. Funny looking really but it does the trick as the other side has some care instructions on it.

And here is the photo of the day from our house...

A very common scene in the corner of our lounge of washing, bag hook, a cubby house and a secretarial nook. These will remain this way until I decide the room really is getting out of control. But leaving this untidiness means I have been able to visit my Gran, the dentist for two fillings (ouch), picking up my babies from Nana's, eating lunch and writing a blog. See I can't do everything but I did do the dishes before I left home at 8.30 this morning. Now that's not happened in about a week. And I'm completely OK about all of it.

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Right, now I need to get the little ones in the car ready for the big girls to have their swimming lesson as soon as they get home. Have a good enough day today!

A Little Bit French

I met up with two friends for a cuppa this morning, one has just returned from England. And look what I received! Two lovely cushion covers all the way from a lovely French Market of all places. Are they not completely and utterly me??? Lovely linen embroidered with a heart, cotton lace and red cotton gingham. Like a dream come true they are. Thanks sweetie, you are too kind.

And now on to some lovely pictures (well actually my photos of them are trash, but you get that at times I'm afraid) of some Christmas ideas. You've probably seen them before in that lovely English Country Living mag from last year.

I'm liking these festive little pots of herbs and flowers, complete with gift tags...

And some very gingham, patchworky stockings for Santa's gifts...

I think this gardening apron is a real winner for myself. Who says you can't get yourself a present? I have some lovely linen fabric and a lovely off-cut of fabric from my kitchen apron
that should do nicely.

My preserves will look dapper with little hats like these ones... I love the simple string ties too. Maybe I could make up some little hampers with my homemade goodies for certain people.

I'm thinking about a little tree similar to this one out by the front door, or in the entrance way maybe. Perhaps with some bows and plump little hearts hung on the branches.

And I'm sure my girls will love to stitch up some felt decorations to decorate the bare tree branches...

And I'm quite certain Daughters No. 1 and 2 will want to spend a day in the kitchen baking star shaped cookies to give out as gifts. Very lovely dusted in icing sugar and wrapped in cellophane, tied with a pretty Christmas bow.

I would very much like to be wearing this lovely dress come Christmas Day...

The fabric and the style are fabulous! Might just have to try and make a pattern for one. Not sure about the belt colour, will have to give it some thought.

Whilst on The Challenge, one has to make everything, so one is finding herself rather busy these days. It doesn't help when other little people see what I've made for others and want one as well! I lost another present just this morning to this problem. I'll have to keep everything hidden I think.

Well off I go to have a bit of a tidy up. I haven't even emptied the dishwasher and it's 2pm! Goodness me, terribly slack aren't I? Oh well, I'm sure I'll get over it.

Markets, Boot Sales and Parties

How much gingham can a little girl wear? Clearly not enough!

My mother, who incidentally has just got a work computer and is now able to read my blog which she has heard so much about (everyone say a big 'Hi' to my mother!), has just had a big clean out and discovered some of my long lost treasures. These are among them. I made these egg cup covers when I was probably 12 years old. The wool ties were just awful so they have now been replaced with snazzy ribbons and braids. The first two are vintage, yes my mother's. Golly I hope people don't call my things vintage when I'm older. Talk about aging!

My little two year old and I were invited to a party on Sunday afternoon. The other three went to the movie 'Up' with Daddy. I had completely forgotten about it until Saturday when I received a text message. What on earth do you make a three year old boy at the last minute? Remember I wasn't able to buy anything.

A monster of course!! Out of a tea towel I had which was still new. The 'E' on it's bottom is the initial of the birthday boy. Good fun to make, will have to make some more I think. Another page for the '100 Uses Of A Tea Towel book'.

Well three of the girls and I attended our first ever boot sale on Saturday. My mother was there selling the family heirlooms. I took back a few doilies I thought might be useful. Maybe for adorning an apron?

We picked up this game which is a take on Scrabble...

And look at these divine broiderie anglaise laces! Metres of some of them and all for only $1.50. Bargain I say. I'm thinking nighties. For all of us!! Well maybe not Daddy.

A sweet basket that I've been looking for, for a Christmas project...

And we had yet another party on Saturday afternoon. A McDonald's afternoon tea and play. My aunt was having a birthday this time. I made her an apron just like the one I made for myself last week.

The girls looked dirty after all that playground playing and ice cream, so we whisked them home for a bath with the promise that we would have a pyjama party afterwards. How else would you get them all showered and bathed at 4.30???

Curry and rice followed by self-saucing chocolate pudding. It was served with ice cream and melting marshmellows. Yummy! All eaten at the coffee table with candles, even Mummy and Daddy wore their PJ's. It was very good fun.

Some before and after shots of my front entrance way. I managed to pick up some red Salvia's at the boot sale at only $3 for 12 plants. Plenty for this area. With a few white Petunias in the pot, I'm hoping that by Christmas it will provide a festive welcoming for our guests. Well, that's if the jolly neighbourhood cats will stop digging them up!!

And there was a little friend to help me. She made sure that everything was really wet. Really wet.

I made a dressing for my salad today. I haven't done that since I went to a cooking for singles course many years ago. Actually I remember that, because that's the recipe I used! Tasty too.
The salad I picked up at Market Day on Saturday, after the boot sale, during dance class.

My little girls have had busy mornings so we came home after lunch and made pink playdough. Very girly and pretty. I'm sure the big girls will also spend some time with it after school. One is never too old to play with dough.

It's so lovely and squishy!

They've been making cupcakes with it and having a lovely time.

Well now I guess it's time to hang out the sheets or they will never get dry. I have to make the most of any dry times we get. The rain just seems to come so suddenly and I really don't like wet washing! I'll see you all a bit later on. Have a good day!