Our Kitchen And Part Of Our Living Area In Our Home !

Our Kitchen And Part Of Our Lliving Area In Our Home !
The other day Jack was using my camera to take photo's of me without me knowing. So when I went to download my photo's I saw these two photo's and thought I will post them on my blog then people can see where I cook and part of our main family living area. You'll be able to see some of my glass jar collection on the ledge as I use them a lot some times they never all get put away , to tell the truth the cupboard under the sink where I store them all is just about full ! You'll also see heaps of drawings done by my little artist Jack, they are stuck up all over the place looks more like an art gallery, looks very homely !

 

Tote Bags !

Tote Bags !
I love making bags of all kinds this one is made of lovely
100 % cotton roses fabric ! Great to use for shopping bags, library bags great to give friends and family for gifts, you could make them and sell them like I do.They are very easy to make and use half a metre of fabric each bag ! I also nearly always buy natural fabrics I love 100% cotton fabric best, great to work with and will be composted when its worn out . I think it looks great. To make the bag you will need half a metre of fabric more if you want to add pockets inside and out. All my bags I make them with french seams for extra strength. The finished size is width 49cm x depth 45cm and the finished size of handles straps are 48 cm x width 3 cm. If you need any extra help with making them just post and ask ! Happy Sewing !

Lemon Cordial !

Lemon Cordial !
My son Jack loves my lemon cordial he is often asking "mum when are you going to make lemon cordial " Well I just made a batch, when I make most recipes I always either double or triple the amount .I figure since I'll be making a mess in the kitchen any way and I only want to clean up once so it saves lots of time in the long run !Thank goodness I only made the one batch I didn't have enough lemons to make more as I just made a batch of ginger beer and used them. I had a slight mishap with my recipe It called for tartaric acid and I thought I've got that, I used cream of tartar thinking it was the same thing then about 30 minutes later I thought that wasn't the right thing to use ! I know it is similar but I don't know what I was thinking well obviously I wasn't thinking was I, brain definitely wasn't switched on .Oh well then I added some citric acid Kev thought it was great he thinks every thing I  make is great, I could feed Kev anything and I mean anything as long as it comes from the pantry or the fridge or garden he is a willing participate to eat any thing I wish every one had a partner like him, He reminds me so much of my grandfather who my dad would always say he would eat sh*t on a stick if it was disguised right ! Well that's my darling Kev ! The cordial tasted just the same as usual so no great harm done !After all that here is the recipe I have been using for nearly 20 years it was passed on from a friend, it was her mothers tried and tested recipe she has since passed on but her recipe lives on .2 lemons 1 &1/2 lbs sugar (I always use raw sugar ) 1/2 oz tartaric acid (I used citric acid) 1pint of boiling water . Pour boiling water over lemon juice and zest of lemons and sugar stir then let stand for 12 hours covered,strain then add tartaric acid or citric acid and strain again leave for 8 hours then bottle ! keep in the fridge and dilute with water or soda water ! You can also add half a teaspoon of epsom salts to get a little extra magnesium in your diet and keep you from ever getting constipated if you like I personally like the taste with the lemon cordial !

Healthy Chocolate Coated Bananas !

Healthy Chocolate Coated Bananas !
They are dairy and sugar free !
I made these last night I have been thinking about creating a recipe in my mind for a few weeks ,So last night I tried it and today I had two of them they are divine,I found it really hard to stop at two. My son Jack had one for breakfast and he said it was great, I feel they are way healthier then any breakfast cereal. Here is my Recipe
The bananas they were quite big I cut them in half and pushed wooden pop sticks up the middle. Then you mix two tablespoons of cocoa powder(woolies home brand) or a healthier option use raw cocoa powder two tablespoons of raw honey or agave syrup to taste and 1 tablespoon of extra virgin coconut oil together over a bowl of hot water until lovely and creamy and coated the bananas and put them on a plate in the freezer. Mine stuck to the plate had to gently pry them off the plate so my tip for you and myself next time I will put them on glad bake so they do not stick. They are so divine I want to make some more and stock up the freezer with them . I might... I will have too ! I buy my raw cacao powder, coconut oil & agave syrup online from http://www.lovingearth.net/  When and if you make them you will know what I mean :):)If you make them please post and leave a comment ! I hope you don't get too addicted ! very easy to do I cannot tell you how many I had of them today lets say way too many . I need to make another batch or two or three I need to buy more bananas .When we have been to Carnarvon there is a family owned business called Bumbacks they sell chocolate covered bananas which are delicious ,I have to say mine are so much better and way healthier I'm so pleased with my recipe !Tip: this mixture would make a great topping for chocolate cakes saves using icing sugar, way healthier I will try that next time I make chocolate cakes.

New Handle For Old Garden Spade !

New Handle For Old Garden Spade !
When our two little garden spade handles had broken beyond repair, Kev had some PVC conduct in the shed left over from another project he cut it to size and screwed it to the spade , they are still going strong and that was eight years ago so my advice is before throwing things away rethink ,can it be fixed or used for some thing else. we live in a real throw away society.  I'm really pleased when I can prolong the life of some thing or find another use for it . Stopping stuff going to landfill I say Yay !

We All Need More Greens !

We All Need More Greens !
Green smoothies are a great way to get all the greens you need ! Here is a recipe I made today, I'm always trying different combinations some taste better then others if it's harsh add a bit more fruit to make it more palatable ! In my blender I blend them all up, you will need a pretty good blender to handle some ingredients like parsley stalks and whole apples and  lemons.
So in my smoothie to day was some fresh picked mint, parsley, 6 dandelion leaves and aloevera a few sprigs of each a medium aloevera leaf I cut the edge sharp bits off ,then a whole apple, third of a cucumber with skin on and a good hand full of celery tops and the top stalks add water and blend up really well then add a squeeze of lemon juice and enjoy. That should help get your cells jumping for joy !
When mangoes are in season I will post a delicious raw green delight dessert that I came up with some years back, that you and your children will love its a great way to get extra greens into your children and they won't even know they are eating vegetables ! Come on mango season I adore fresh mangoes !

Chair Cushions !

Chair Cushions !
I made these quite some years back for my eight kitchen chairs. Jean an old friend of mine gave me some pieces of tapestry fabric what to do with it, I cut smaller squares of the tapestry fabric and  put a border of blue and white check fabric. Some times we don't have enough fabric to make something but by adding another fabric it can look quite lovely, it can enhance the over all effect .

Make Your Own Fresh Nut Butters !

Nut Butters !
The other day I made macadamia butter from fresh cracked macadamia nuts , then I made brazil nut butter and today I made almond butter ! All are delicious and very easy to make ! Just put nuts into processor and process until a spreadable consistency is achieved . The macadamia one that was made from fresh nuts didn't get really creamy as it has less oil in the nuts then when you use the ones you buy already shelled. You could add a little bit of another oil if you like , the brazil nut butter was made using nuts purchased already shelled , that was really quick to make . The almond butter was from organic shelled nuts I added a little coconut oil just to get it to a spreadable consistency. The one you purchase in the shops from melrose are made from roasted nuts, raw nuts are much more healthy for you, they are more acidic once they are heated .The brazil one I have been using it to dip apple pieces in really yummy the macadamia one tastes great with celery, also I make a garlic dip/sauce using macadamia nut butter a clove of garlic and a little filtered water and a little celtic salt its really delicious ! So many ways to use them I love having a spoonful with a fresh peach ! When we have guests for dinner, for dessert I get peaches cut them in half remove stone put a spoon of macadamia butter and pour over fresh raspberry sauce ! A great way to get extra protein, vitamins and minerals in your diet !Many years ago when my 2 eldest sons were little I used to make my own peanut butter. You can use just about any nuts to make nut butters I hope you give them a try, you could mix them with honey and cocoa or carob powder !

Lemon Bath Salts !

Lemon Bath Salts !
This smells just devine ! It's made with epsom salts,
rock salt crystals and very finely grated lemon zest.
The more lemon zest the brighter yellow it will be.
Recipe is about 4 cups epsom salts, 1 cup of rock sea salt smaller crystals so it disolves quicker in water and very finely grated lemon zest until the desired yellow .I use about half / to one cup in the bath water great for tired sore aching bodies or use as a foot soak in a tub for tired sore feet !Also another way to use those lemon skins. Makes a great gift, fill some nice jars with the mixture and write on the label directions for use !

Ginger Beer !

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Here is my Ginger Beer recipe !
I have been making my own ginger beer for a few years now ! I remember making it with my dad many years ago as a child about 10 we bottled them all and then we realised we had forgotten the sugar so we had to tip it back into the bucket and add sugar ! I also remember my Nanna making it and mum opening a bottle and the top hit her on the jaw bone with such force she had the biggest bruise there for weeks and most of the ginger beer ended up on the ceiling in  my Nanna's kitchen ! And another time in our brick pantry it exploded and there is still glass embedded in the walls to this very day ! And another time I opened a bottle of ginger beer mum said open it outside and it all went over her clean washing , No wonder she wasn't happy with me ! Now as a parent I can understand why she was really cross with me ! I cannot remember if she rewashed the washing or not I was probably at school ! So after all that who wants to make ginger beer ! Well I always use the plastic bottles a lot safer option ! Yesterday I made the ginger beer plant up which you leave for 3 days then you start feeding it ginger and sugar for a week then you make up your ginger beer !
Recipe for the ginger beer plant !
Put into a screw top jar
1/2 cup lemon juice + 2 teaspoons lemon pulp.
8-10 sultanas
2 cups cold water
2 teaspoons powdered ginger
4 teaspoons sugar ( I use raw sugar )
Now leave for 3 days then feed  4 teaspoons sugar and two teaspoons ginger every day for one week !
To make up the ginger beer
In a large container dissolve ( I use my 15 litre stainless steel pot )4 cups of sugar and 4 cups of boiling water
Add the juice of 4 lemons =1 cup
Squeeze the ginger beer plant through an old clean stocking!
Now add 28 cups of cold water stir well and bottle up and leave in a cool place to brew ! check it in a few days. I feel the bottles and if they are really hard I know its ready ,then I put it into the fridge until ready to drink ! Don't leave it too long or when you open the bottles it will just fizz every where . I find in the warmer weather it only takes about 4 days ! check it every day !
To make further batches you can divide the plant pulp into 2 lots and put into 2 jars add 4 teaspoons sugar and 2 teaspoons of ginger , 2 cups of cold water and feed for a week you may like to give to family and friends for them to make a batch ! Makes 12 x 740ml bottles ! Its very refreshing in the warmer weather !
I love ginger beer but you cannot buy any without all the nasty additives, that's why I like to make my own that way I know exactly what's in it !It's a great drink to serve on Christmas day & New Years Eve !If you would like it not so sweet add an extra litre or 4 cups of water, I usually do ...

Note: I use the plastic brewing bottles and just the ordinary plastic bottles cool drinks come in ! I got my friends Vince and Vicki to save them for me as Vince loves pepsi ! I would imagine once in the fridge because the brewing process stops , it would last quite a while I would think ! We never have ours long enough for me to tell you how long it lasts ! If any one has made it and had it in the fridge a long time please post and tell us !

Note: I just did a costing for a batch of ginger beer and it cost me  $1.60 to make .
I buy homebrand raw sugar 2 kgs $2.49 which is enough to make 2 batches and I buy a 1 kilo bag of ginger at a cost of $10.00 and I use 35 grams a batch and I get my lemons free+ rainwater free !

Avocado dip & Vegetables !

Avocado dip & Vegetables !
I have been having this the last 4 days for lunch.
I keep saying I'll have some thing different but I just enjoy it so much I keep having it. Very easy to make. You will  need 2 avocado's a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a teaspoon of sweet chili sauce (it's not raw but it's only a teaspoon ) Then I just cut up fresh vegetables broccoli, tomatoes and cucumber, I had zucchini slices also yesterday . So many different vegetables to choose from carrot sticks, celery sticks way too many to mention them all . I sprinkled a little bit of celtic salt over the tomatoes simply delicious, then I sat in the sunshine and dipped and crunched my way through it all ! Could really serve two for lunch or for when guests drop over or as an entree to your main course ! Lots of vitamins,minerals and lots of enzymes to keep us healthy !

Banana & Raspberry Ice Cream !

Banana & Raspberry Ice Cream !
Very delicious and healthy and very easy to make !
You will need frozen bananas and raspberries .
If you have a champion juicer with the blank on and just push through the frozen fruit ! If you don't have a champion juicer you can use a food processor it will be easier to chop the bananas into smaller pieces before freezing them and process quickly then refreeze . For every banana I use a few berries ! It's fat free, dairy free, sugar free, preservative free, colour free, gluten free !
You can serve in ice cream cones or bowls !
Great on a hot summers day/night or really any time !

Stuffed Mushrooms (Rawfood Recipe)

Stuffed Mushrooms (Raw food Recipe)
My health hasn't been too flash this year well that's the understatement . So I have decided I will eat raw food again and I'll share some of my recipes with you all .Even if you don't eat this way you could use them as a side dish or just add to your daily eating plan. I made these for lunch they are very filling I was full after eating just two of them .
You will need mushrooms, the filling I used the mushrooms stalks and fresh herbs from my garden oregano,basil and thyme .A spring onion, 1 tomato a few slices of zucchini finely dice up all ingredients add a splash of extra virgin olive oil and celtic salt to taste mix up well and fill the mushrooms cups they were absolutely delicious. I served them with some fresh rocket from my garden .I had extra filling left over which was delicious eating it just like that.I hope you all give them a try! I will post some raw recipes now in my blog  from time to time ! Kev had some of the left over filling on toast !

A Tyre Rim Makes A Great Hose Holder !

A Tyre Rim Makes A Great Hose Holder !
Tyre rims they are great for storing your hoses neatly away ! All it cost was for two dyna bolts from the hardware to fix it to the wall of the house near the water tap. It is so easy to use when you need to use the hose you unwind it off and when finished with it you wind it back on the rim ! The rims where free I got them about 10 years ago I cannot remember where I got them I think I got them from where I purchased my car tyres. So if you would like to do this ask your tyre provider if he has any !May even find some on the kerb side rubbish pick up days !
We also have one out the front on the lawn which is attached to a wooden post next to the front tap !

Jacks Birthday Cake The Number 8 !

Jack's Birthday Cake The Number 8 !
Joining the two round plates together to look like the number 8 ! I made chocolate cup cakes instead of a large cake for two reasons, you don't need a knife and plates to serve it and cup cakes are so much easy to handle every gets one ! I think they look great Jack helped me decorate the faces with jelly beans ! The recipe is a chocolate simplicity cake I 've had and made for many years and always tastes great !
I doubled the recipe and it made 42 cup cakes !
This is the recipe if you want to double it please do so but only use 3 eggs !
1 1/2 cups SR flour ( I use wholemeal flour)
1 1/4 cups of sugar (I use raw sugar )
6 level tablespoons cocoa powder
1 cup of milk
2 eggs
4 tablespoons of butter ( I always use extra virgin olive oil)

Mix every thing well bake in preheated oven 160  degrees I have a fan forced oven !
for 15 minutes for cupcakes and about 1 hour for large cake !
The icing I made with a heaped teaspoon of extra virgin coconut oil ,about 3 tablespoons hot water 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder and add enough icing sugar to make a spreadable consistency !
I iced them and decorated them with jelly beans ! I cut the jelly beans in half to make eyes and noses
and I cut the red ones in half length ways for the mouth !
I had a few comments on how nice they tasted !




                                                                             

Lolly Jar Guessing Competition !

Lolly Jar Guessing Competition !
I printed a sheet out with all the children's names that are coming to Jack's Party and they need to write next to their name the amount of lollies they think are in the jar at the end of the party the child with the correct number or the closest to the correct number wins the jar of lollies ! The lollies cost me $2.49 and I had a few left over, and the jar is from my collection of jars . If any one has read my earlier post on uses for glass jars you will know how I cannot throw glass jars away they always come in handy ! Can you guess how many lollies are in the jar ?
Answer: 64.

I Wish You Enough !

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I wish you Enough !

My friend Vicki sent this to me the other day I felt is was worth sharing with every one.

Recently I overheard a Father and daughter in their last moments together at the airport. They had announced the departure. Standing near the security gate, they hugged and the Father said, 'I love you, and I wish you enough.' The daughter replied, 'Dad, our life together has been more than enough. Your love is all I ever needed. I wish you enough, too, Dad.' They kissed and the daughter left. The Father walked over to the window where I was seated. Standing there I could see he wanted and needed to cry. I tried not to intrude on his privacy, but he welcomed me in by asking, 'Did you ever say good-bye to someone knowing it would be forever?'Yes, I have,' I replied. 'Forgive me for asking, but why is this a forever good-bye?'.

I am old, and she lives so far away. I have challenges ahead and the reality is - the next trip back will be for my funeral,' he said.. When you were saying good-bye, I heard you say, 'I wish you enough.' May I ask what that means?'He began to smile. 'That's a wish that has been handed down from other generations. My parents used to say it to everyone.' He paused a moment and looked up as if trying to remember it in detail, and he smiled even more. 'When we said, 'I wish you enough,' we were wanting the other person to have a life filled with just enough good things to sustain them.' Then turning toward me, he shared the following as if he were reciting it from memory.
I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright no matter how grey the day may appear.
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun even more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive and everlasting.
I wish you enough pain so that even the smallest of joys in life may appear bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye.
He then began to cry and walked away.
They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them; but then an entire life to forget them.
Take Time To Live..
To all my friends and loved ones, and every one who reads this ,I wish you Enough !

What To Do With Large Plastic Water bottles !

What To Do With Large Plastic Water bottles !
Last year we had a problem with the taste of our rainwater, because Kev was away and we had a huge down pour of rain and he hadn't cleaned the gutters. So we needed drinking water I purchased a few large containers of water from the shop ,now after drinking the water what to do with these containers. They are great if you go camping you can fill and take your own water with you , great for picnics for a large crowd . I have some out side that I filled with worm juice. This one I will use for Jacks Birthday Party on Sunday I will fill with lemon cordial brought from the shop ! He wanted my homemade lemon cordial like last time. I haven't had time to make it yet this year, I need to get some fresh lemons my tree has only a few on it ! Then the children can just help themselves to a drink on the day, I thought to myself what a great idea Sherrie you are an ideas woman, Yes I am . To fill they can be a little difficult , I will make a cross in the top with a knife and put the funnel in the hole and fill up ! Then I can just put a little bit of tape over that ! I haven't done it but I just had another thought why not cut the top off and fill with soil and grow herbs make a few holes in the bottom for drainage ! If any one has any more great ideas please post and share so we all can read them !

Free Lolly Bags Made From Magazine Pages !

Free Lolly Bags Made From Magazine Pages!

I know you can purchase plastic lolly bags they cost $1 for 6 and I would need to buy 4 packets costing me $4 and more plastic to pollute the environment , I don't think so !Some could say why not use brown paper bags I could, I have some in the kitchen draw, but they are way too big for a lolly bag .But I say why waste more resources when I have a pile of magazines just sitting there ! So I made my own from using the pages from the Delicious Magazines.I used all the pages that had desserts on them, I gently removed the pages and cut about 2 inches off the bottom then I folded them and glued the back seam together then folded the bottom and cut off the corners and glued. I then added the contents and folded the top over twice, it took about an hour ! So the cost was nearly free as I brought the magazines from the library for 50 cents for 6 and a little bit of glue from sons glue stick ! The contents which is a fredo frog a lolly pop a natural wrapped lolly 2 fizzers and a balloon cost me 60 cents for each bag ! I made one extra so a total of 23 bags @ 60cents each cost me $13.80. And way less plastic to pollute the environment ! My son Jack thinks they are great , that's the main thing !I think they are great also and very colourful much nicer then those you buy from the shop that's my opinion ! I love home made things they are filled with lots of love !

Here is a photo of a close up to see the front and the back they are very easy to make !I hope others make them instead of buying plastic ones!

Free Party Invitations !

Free Party Invitations !
It was quite by accident that I decided on using an old cheque book to write out party invitations for Jacks birthday . I was lying in bed thinking of ideas for invitations , last year Jack received an invitation from his friend Ralph that was made to look like a ticket printed on a card . It had Ralph's 7th Annual Royal Show Party. I reached into my cupboard next to my bed to get something to write all my ideas down , it was an old cheque book and I thought that's an idea I'll write the invitations on the old useless cheques ! What another great way of reusing what you all ready have ! I know invitations aren't expensive you can just print them yourself on the computer but I love it when I can reuse something I all ready have for something else ! So be creative and reuse what you have. Great for the planet and your wallet in the long run. Jack gave them all out to his friends yesterday at school. I hope this gets people thinking of other great ideas for all sorts of things and for party invitations if you have any others please share them for all to read ! As I write my blog I'm becoming greener and greener which is great for me the planet and our bank account !
Note: I thought of this later if anyone decides to do this keep  the stub/butt attached and write R.S.V.P and the children can give back the stub/butt if they are coming to the party, saves people ringing to R.S.V.P and saves money on phone calls !

Growing Mint In An Old Washing Machine Bowl !

Growing Mint In An Old Washing Machine Bowl !
I have to admit I love it when the shire have their kerb side rubbish pick ups. When we are usually driving past I always say to Kev go slow so I can see what they have ,I'm sure Kev speeds up because I don't get to see hardly anything , I'm sure he's thinking what rubbish does she want to pick up this time. I hate good things going to waste . So when I saw this washing bowl from and old washing machine I thought that will make a great pot plant for my mint , and which my mint is happily growing in ! So before you throw something out, think a little harder could it have any other uses !

Cover Over Washing Line !

Cover over washing line !
I don't know if others have this problem, when I hang my white sheets on the line I get little orange brown coloured insect droppings on my sheets . I find it really annoying, I have been thinking about getting a cover to go over the line for some years now ! You cannot rush these things lol ! My Nana gave my two eldest sons some linen when she had a clean out , I noticed a pink shower curtain I thought perfect that will do the job nicely and its free even better ! When you live in the bush you encounter more problems with insects and animals  then when living in suburbia ! Obviously  they must drop their dropping on my other clothes as well but I've never noticed it . I only notice it on my white sheets and it stands out like dogs "you know whats" ! It rained lightly the other day and it saved my washing getting wet so that was an added bonus ! I'm pretty sure they drop their droppings as they fly over my washing ! So I hope it works, time will tell !

Fairy Bread ! For Jack To Share With His Class !

Fairy Bread !
Tomorrow is my son Jacks 8th Birthday, So because its their faction sports carnival tomorrow
he took his plate of fairy bread to share with his class today. When he said he would like to take fairy bread I thought that's great that's a lot easier and quicker then making 24 cupcakes !It's made with wholemeal bread ,Jack has never eaten white bread ok in saying that he may have eaten it at a party not at home I refuse to buy white bread ,so glad he has never asked.When my middle son was in his teens he always said why can't we have white bread and why do we have to always eat healthy food .  Any way that's another story ! back to the fairy bread and I use real butter , I never buy margarine haven't for many years now. I used to buy nuttelex margarine as my son couldn't tolerate dairy in his diet, and of course 100's &1000's not healthy with all those nasty colours but hey a little bit won't hurt from time to time ! I know you can buy them with natural colours now but Jack has a friend who has a severe peanut allergy and they are the only ones made in a peanut free factory !

Banana & Raspberry Smoothie

Banana & Raspberry Smoothie
Now the days are getting warmer it's smoothie time again !
I love making smoothies, my son Jack just loves them .
I made this one today for him after I had picked him up from school as he wasn't feeling well .
2 large bananas
half a cup of frozen raspberries
cover with rain water and blend them serve .
If there is any left over which is very rare here you could pour into icy pole moulds and freeze !
You can also make a fruit pudding, blend it up with out the water !