Showing posts with label Food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Food. Show all posts

Sunday, May 25, 2014

If you change nothing nothing will change.

FAR OUT!! 
I love that saying. 

If you change nothing nothing will change.

If you've read my blog for ages, you would know I'm a bit of a gonna not a do-er, but lately I've been just bloody doing it! Lots of things in my life feel so bloody good right now. 
I signed up for Michelle Bridges to start in Feb, dismal failure, I think I lasted one week, school went back, Brenton had his operation, he was home for a month, talk about being thrown way off track. And to be honest I found Michelle's recipes way too hard. Too many little amounts of little things, it was painful to try and cook meals for myself.
Oh well, I moved along. I have been really conscious this year of the food going in, and the alcohol going in. I have cut back so much, I'm loving the clear heads that are a result, and really noticing that my body doesn't really like it too much. I've found one type cider that doesn't upset my tummy and other than that I'll drink vodka with soda water and lime. My stomach is telling me enough is enough.
I've been eating ok for most of the year but will still have a snitty at the pub, mainly for the chips!! Felt guilty but still ate it, and truth be told, probably still will here and there. And put up with the indigestion and heartburn from all that grease… 
Lately I've been cooking out of a mag I've seen around for ages, Australian Healthy Eating Guide, but only bought once before. To say I'm inspired is a bit of an understatement. Good, yummy, quick, easy meals. I can still have pasta, rice, not that I really crave those things, but enjoy them in the way they are used in the mag. I have hopefully inspired others on Instagram too. 
Here are some of the things I've made this week.
Find them in the latest issue.
 (the May issue, I just saw the June one today which also had a free back issue, woohoo)








Another thing that is making me happy, is having the hugest purge of our house. Why the hell do we keep so much 'stuff' Or is it just me? Too many bathroom products, platters, bowls, toys… crap crap crap. I wanted to sell a sideboard that was in our dining area so there was more room to move in there, I was able to clean it all out and I won't miss the space at all. That is crazy. I've sold a heap of stuff on buy swap and sell, and am putting the money away for another holiday to Bali! 
(that is another post, I LOVE BALI)
I cleaned out my pantry and threw the biggest garbage bag of food out. Out of date stuff like you probably wouldn't believe. And I have cleaned out my pantry not that long ago. Maybe not properly. Lexi's shoes, my clothes, the fridge, that drawer in the kitchen that we all have, you know the one. OMG I could hardly shut it. Pure bananas. And it feels so good. And I have heaps more to go. The list is still there. I should have taken before and after pics. I think it has helped that the weather has been so spring like, so the windows have been thrown open, candles and incense lit, music on, and I'm off like a rocket. Peter Walsh would be loving the shit out of me!! 

I'm loving my little job, it's the most minimal of hours, but I was sort of thinking it was a bit hard with Brenton away, The Family needed me, blah blah blah. Letting myself be a little influenced by other influential people in my life, when all of a sudden I thought, SHIT!! I REALLY LIKE THIS JOB!! And so I just went, I'M DOING IT!! I told the person that was a little bit in my ear to stop it, that I liked it, and that I was going to keep doing it, I love going down the street, grabbing a coffee, going into the paper shop, perusing the mags, saying hi to half the street, and going to work. I just really like it. I love the girls I work for, they are passionate, and I am there to help sell their wares!! So get your asses into Lincoln Kidz Wear. Some people seem to have the perception that it is expensive but it's not, the quality is so there, it's a local business supporting local people, and it's really heartwarming to see people pop in from up the bush, or in for a baby gift, all sorts of things. I love it! 

Exercise. I'm amping it up. I had been doing 2 PT's a week with KD since August last year and I have loved it so much, even though the night before I tell myself I don't want to go, and in the morning, I say  to myself, 'oh shit, i have to go to the gym' but it really is great, and I've started doing some things at home too. The gym did slide for a while while I put others first, but I'm back in a good rhythm with it now and loving it. I had Mia doing glute bridges tonight, and leg lifts, and she tried a hover. I think she thought they looked easy but she was laughing so hard when she realised she couldn't do them very well at all… I told her it's a good time to start doing a few little things, don't leave it til you are old like me. I'm feeling lean(er) and on my way to being strong. I like it. And I'm feeling very motivated at the moment. Must be something to do with the moon's phase, but I'm running with it. 

Me last week.
 If you stand up straight, and with your legs apart a bit, and hide your tuckshop lady bits behind your upper arms, it's all good! I'm getting there, slowly. I'm still 3-4 kg off the mark, just want to be stronger really. I don't want to run distances, I don't want to have muscles popping out all over the place. Just be fit and strong. 

Arty/craft stuff.
Still love crocheting. I have a huge Granny Stripe blanket on the go for Mia. I think that's why I'm going so hard in cleaning out the house, so that when winter hits and Brenton is at work, I can sit on the lounge, crochet and power watch all the tele series I have in the cupboard waiting for me. I have dreams of making a big quilt out of Lexi's baby clothes. And finishing the 986 part (not really that long but almost) quilting series I have bought from the newsagent in weekly instalments, actually only having completed 10 squares, one which needs re-doing, as it's crooked as. (why can't I sew in a straight line?) I still drool over scrapping, not that I do much of it, but i miss it, and am feeling mighty inspired lately by actually watching tutorials which I have never done before. Ahh Wilna Furstenburg, I'm in love with her style, easy looking but oh so clever at the same time. I'm slowly working my way through her youtube lineup of videos… Yummy stuff. I do believe I have bought quite a few new scrapping tools/accessories since watching her use them. Inspiring.. I've got a project life album on the go for my Bali photos. Over 800 pics in 10 days, you got me? Crazy! (Down to 300 for the album, including my favourite photos of my friend's and her daughter) What a magical place. I'm so excited that the portrait that I bought myself for my upcoming almost 40th but not quite birthday could quite possibly allow me to find and cut the perfect lettering for the Bali PL album.. And anything else I might fancy for it too! Very excited.

My garden has gone to shit.
 Rocco thinks it's his personal playground.. Dig dig dig. There are still some things surviving… I was really upset about the asparagus plants but two seem to have survived but don't tell the dog, he might go and dig them up tomorrow. He's tipped over a lot of my plants.. Some that I have had for years. Chews wood, chews toys, Lexi lost two pairs of mini havvies in a week. you just can't leave anything laying around like that outside. Brenton lost a pair too, they both left them outside somewhere where they 'thought' they were safe, but no place is safe. Not the edge of the tramp, not the middle of the table. I keep telling myself he'll grow out of it. And he will. One year. He's getting desexed next week, I'm not confident it will help calm him down but at least he won't be responsible for any offspring. He's lucky he's cute and doesn't talk back. He's my naughty little ragbag. But we all love him so much. Let's hope the desexing helps.. Can you all cross your fingers. The whole two of you that might actually read this? Funny aren't I! 

It has seriously been a long time since I have blogged, and I wondered why I didn't feel like it. I guess I just didn't have the urge, but I got it back today, let's see what happens. I do love blogs, and reading about people. People who are honest and open about their lives and what they are doing. We are all so different, and I love that. So thanks for reading my massive ramble, I am feeling good, I hope it lasts, I'm definitely on 'an up' at the moment and I don't want it to go down… My kids could be more loving to each other and Lexi's squealing is really pissing me off a bit, but hey, you can't have everything, can you?
xx

Monday, May 28, 2012

Meatless Monday Porotos granados

Feeling enthused all over again about eating less meat, I saw that Tatum been busy in her meatless kitchen and I felt all inspired yet again. 

Today I feel so tired and exhausted from a quick weekend away with HeartKids, to Pichi Richi Park just south of Quorn, SA. (A fantastic spot for large groups) 

I plucked something out of Hugh's Veg book and grabbed the ingredients from Woolies after school drop off...

The recipe.... 
It looks quite thick in the book but mine is very soupy... 




I would say NOT to add the whole litre of stock unless you want it loose and soupy, which I happen to love. I added a can of kidney beans after this photo, purely because I can. They beans are like a velvety surprise in the soup. Great! 




Also in the bread maker at the moment, to be pigged out on later is Veggie Mama's rye bread. I can officially say that I'm in love. I can eat lots of it today while it's fresh and yummy, and toast it for days to come!! Win/win!! 
 I highly recommend you make this bread. Highly.



Yeasty goodness foaming away in the bread maker. I popped the warm water in last and sprinkled the yeast on top, it foamed up a treat!! 


Happy Meatless Monday..
Leave me a comment or leave your bloglink so I can come and visit.....


p.s. I didn't re-write the recipe, I'm pretty sure if you click on the photo, you should be able to read it, but I truly think that if you love eating Meat free sometimes or are a vegetarian, you should buy Hugh's book, it is a fantastic investment!! 

Monday, May 7, 2012

Meatless Monday

It's Meatless Monday, except it was last Thursday!! 

I've fallen in love with Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall all over again lately... 

I fell in love with I'm years ago when he used to do a food show called TV Dinners where he would go into peoples homes while they hosted dinner parties. The dinner parties were usually a bit out there and unusual and he would get right into the thick of it. Lots of fun and quite entertaining.

I've been watching River Cottage over the years as he has established a sustainable lifestyle...

I noticed about a month ago a show of his on Lifestyle called Rover Cottage Veg Everyday. All vegetarian cooking, he challenged himself to a Summer of only eating veg. Fantastic recipes, and looked like they had lots of flavour too!! So, egged on by Tatum when I updated my status on Facebook one Saturday night, we both have bought the book, along with Lauren who wants it, and Kate and Mardi who both have it coming too. I've cooked two things from it, and am on the lookout for more yummy things to try....

Yesterday was the Beetroot Tarte Tatin but last Thursday was this.....



Chachouka, 
which is an African stew of Capsicums and Tomatoes with eggs then cracked in and baked in the oven.... I added a few chickpeas too, and it was really really good. The next day I got my toasty machine out and made a yummy little parcel in my machine with the mixture which was left over....


It's Meatless Monday over at Veggie Mama, so even while I'm not linking up, go and check out her page!!  xx


Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Day 5, 6 and 7 and 8....


Day 5 10am.
Although I read the prompt after ten so this was about 10:50... The girls licking the spoons after making cupcakes...





Day 6 Dinner. 
Whiting, chips, salad and a sort of home made tartare. I used bought mayo... Oh well! Was yum!



Day 7. Button.
Hopefully pushing this ENTER button will lead me on a new path soon. Scary but so needs to happen.
(and excuse my filthy keyboard... who knew???)


Day 8. Sun.
Mia reading a Bessie book that she borrowed from the school library in the afternoon sun on my bed.
Back when it was Mia's birthday Lucy sent Mia a Bessie book or two. She LOVED them, and it opened my eyes that there were little novels that Mia could read and be interested in. So thanks to Lucy for that little revelation about Mia and her reading capabilites... Although, I just realised Lucy's blog is open only to invited readers... Where's my invite??! Although I do understand about privatising your blog, but it made it too hard for the people I care about to read.... So I made it open again. I digress, (maybe the Strongbows making me a bit talkative this evening). I do love this photo of Mia... 
 



Tommorow morning I set off on my own to Adelaide for the day with Tatum, then off at 10pm to Darwin for a weekend with my sister-girl Amber. I am so excited. It's come at a good time. I am looking forward to being just 'me' for a few days with my best friend. No kids, no husband, just me. I love my family dearly, but I do think it's good to have time away from it too. I feel overwhelmed at times at the groundhogness of days... Get up, have a shower, make lunches, get breakfast, make beds, put a load of washing/dishes on, make things run smoothly, keep it all happening, go to work, pick up Lexi, pick up Mia, organize who is having who at what time, think about tea,cook tea, clean up, bath time, story time, reading the reader, watch a bit of tele then go to bed and do it all again. I'm not so good at coping with it all all the time.
That's honesty right there.
I need to be just me too. 
The sleep in that I fantasize about won't happen, my bodyclock is too far gone for that. But it's going to be just me for 5 days. And I make no apologies for that. I admire people who seem to have it all together but I know as well as anyone else that we all have our moments and none of us are perfect. Least of all me. 
I wouldn't swap Brenton, Mia or Lexi for all the billions of millions of dollars though. How blessed am I? Bloody oath I am. But I have to look after me too... So that's what I do, although I know that in the last 12 months I have had it really fantastic with breaks from life. But I'll always come back. 
x

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Feb Photo a Day

I'm going to be doing the Feb photo challenge with Fat Mum Slim.. She is going to be doing it all year so I'll play as long as I can be bothered... Which probably won't be long. I won't promise that I'll upload them everyday but I will be taking them!!




Day 1 
Your view

 This was my view as I left work at 1pm... I loved how the sky looked.


Day 2
Words
Something that is stuck to my fridge...






Day 3 
Hands.


These hands constantly work.... Pick up, put away, hug, work, wash, scratch, wash.... The whole shebang.... 




Day 4
A Stranger




A stranger driving past my house... As about inspirational as I'm going to get today after a few too many strongbows last night. Was a ABSOLUTELY fabulous afty though. A girl that I went to school with came around with her gorgeous two daughters, we had a couple of drinks and a chat about some stuff, I had invited her to pick her brains about a few things. We had the best time, and got on so well, we all can't wait for our next catch up in a fortnight once I'm back from Darwin!! Who knew that a new but old friendship could be made/rekindled?? Feel really good about it. 
Then when Tam and her little lovlies went home I loaded the kids up and we walked to a friends house up the road a bit for a few more drinks. It was a good night, one of my friends got a bit crapped off with her husband so they all left, but Cin and I just talked and talked and laughed, it ended up being such a fun funny night. More laughs.. Lexi Loo feel asleep on her Dad's lap and we all walked home at midnight. Life is for living isn't it, but we all feel pooped today. Seize good times with both hands. 




AND I SCRAPPED. again. I have had a big clean out of supplies, and mainly sorted things together and wrote in big black texta on the outside of my expedit boxes (they are called something else, but I'm calling them that!) what was in there so I put things back where they belong. Let's see if I make it work!! LOL!! 


 


Kinda wish I didn't outline so much in black but by jingoes it felt good to just sit and scrap.. More will be happening. I'm ready for the Feb E2C challenges ladies!! LOL!! 






And for something different entirely I'm calling this vegie medley!! We have a lovely lamb roast in the weber for tea, and because I feel a bit poorly wanted to have lotsa veg aswell!! 
This is it on the way in. Corn, zuc and tomatoes from our veg patch. Locally grown (or so they said) garlic, potatoes, carrots, sweet potato, onion, red capsicum... Drizzled with olive oil and lots of salt and pepper. YUM YUM!! 
Hope you have a good Sat night!! x