Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera !
It grows like crazy in my back yard !
I believe every household should grow it ,either in a pot if short on space or in the garden like I do !
It has so many uses, for sunburn ,skin problems !
There is so much information written about Aloe Vera .I have brought it to take internally , but I have never taken what I grow internally , I should slice some up and put into my juices and smoothies !I'll do a bit more research !The succulent Aloe Vera plant, known to botanists as Aloe Barbadensis, is rich in vitamins, minerals and amino acids, and has long been prized for the cosmetic and medicinal qualities of the gel found in its leaves. Australia offers ideal conditions for growing Aloe Vera, with its rich soil and warm, sunny climate.


Historical documents of the Egyptians, Romans, Greeks, Arabians, Indians and Chinese report on its use for both medicinal and cosmetic uses.
Legend has it that two of the most alluring Egyptian queens, Nefertiti and Cleopatra, relied on Aloe Vera to maintain their youthful complexions, by drinking and bathing in Aloe Vera, and that Alexander the Great conquered the island of Socroto off the east coast of Africa for the purpose of obtaining sufficient amounts of Aloe as a wound healing agent for his soldiers.
The ‘miracle’ of Aloe Vera is in its ability to deliver over 200 essential health promoting nutrients directly into cells. If the cells are healthier, quality of life is greater.

Recommended adult dosage 60 - 120mL daily in water or fruit juice.

Today, doctors also recognise Aloe's powerful healing properties both externally and internally. Dr Ivan Danhof, known as the ‘father of Aloe Vera' is an internationally renowned medical scientist who has devoted his life work to research and education of the healing properties of Aloe. Pro-Ma Systems Aloe Juice is the direct result of consultation with Dr Danhof.
Standards set by Dr Danhof resulted in a juice, which is cold processed, micro pulp retained, filleted inner gel, with an active polysaccharides count of 1200-2000 mg per litre.
Aloe Vera contains over 200 active ingredients in nature's most bio available form, including:
Polysaccharides;Glucomannans including Acemannan.
20 out of 22 Amino Acids.
8 Enzymes.
Vitamins including A, C, E, B6, B12, and Folate.
Minerals including Calcium, Copper, Chromium, Magnesium, Zinc, Iron, Potassium, Sodium, Manganese and Germanium.
The miracle of Aloe Vera is in its ability to deliver these essential health promoting nutrients directly into cells.
Good health starts with healthy digestion, good nutrition and Aloe Juice. If the cells are healthier, quality of life is greater.
Aloe Juice may assist symptoms of: Arthritis, Asthma, Acne, Dermatitis, Psoriasis, High Cholesterol, Ulcers, Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Constipation, Eczema, Rheumatism, Digestive complaints, Eczema, Colds and Flu, Burns, Sunburn, Liver Toxicity, Gastric Conditions.
Note: I've just started harvesting my own aloe vera why spend money buying it when I have it growing in my garden and I can have it fresh every day ! I sliced off a large leaf and cut about an inch & a half off, then I cut off the outer green skin and put the jelly part into blender for my green morning smoothie !
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Tins (My latest mission is trying to find a use for them all)

Tins! I'm trying to find a use for them all .
1. They make great cutlery holders if entertaining just put the tins on the table every one can help themselves , saves washing up because the one left in the tins won't have been used .
2. I covered one with red check fabric to use to serve bread sticks again good for entertaining.
3. The 3 litre tins from golden circle fruit juice make great little rubbish bins they can be covered to suit your decor .I use one in my sewing room and the other for waste paper and pencil sharpenings near the computer desk.
4.They make great pencil/pen holders.
5. I put one on my coffee table the other day to keep all the remotes together . (850ml fruit tin )
6. Use as a kitchen utensil holder near the stove top eg wooden spoon,egg slice, tongs
7. Money boxes.
8. Make little buckets put a hole each side add a wire handle.
9. I made a stubby holder from a bake bean tin you can line it with and insulating fabric ! I used a piece of  thin foam that you find in packaging.I got the idea yesterday when we got out rainwater tank installed they gave us a stubby holder that looked like a miniature metal tank.
10.Great for using in the shed for storing nuts and bolts and screws.
11.Use for pot plants.
12.I store my garlic in one in my pantry.
13. Ash trays for smokers fill them with sand and have them outside. Good if entertaining smokers.
14.Large tins can be made into children drums wet and stretch fabric over the top secure well, when dried it will be really taught.
15. A small tin will make a great scone/biscuit cutters. use a can opener and cut of both ends.
16. I use them for storing my sons chalk ,magnet letters also to be used on the chalk board.
17. Use for a sewing tin.
18. Small tuna tins make into pin cushions. fill tin with stuffing cover with fabric glue around the edge .
19. Store stationary supplies in little tins , paper clips,drawing pins etc.
20. Store little nick knacks/ children's puzzles/games/toys.
21. I'm collecting small tuna tins to make a tin man. I will post a photo when completed.
22. Make an ice bucket, use the 3 litre golden circle juice tin.
23. Make a tea light holder , punch holes around tin for light to shine through.
24. To store your clothes pegs.
25. Small cake tins made from 450g salmon and tuna tins. (I have a earlier post all about this idea)
26. Children can make telephone with two tins and some string.
27. I use the 850 ml golden circle juice tin to stand my solar light outside to charge it up if needed to bring inside for a night light or if power goes out.
28.Years ago we used to make the sunshine milk tins into billy cans add a wire handle and boil water on the fire, they would be ok to use for camping to boil eggs or heat water to wash dishes.
29.Make garden sculptures,great activity for children can nail tins to each other to make animal shapes.
30.Make a garden wind chime drill holes in the bottom of the tins and hang them with either string or fishing line so they all clang together, could be good to keep birds away from vegetable gardens.
I've exhausted my brain now ! If any one can add any please post and share them with us !

Food Hampers (They Are Great Gifts For Any Occasion)

Food Hampers (they are great gifts for any occasion)

My two eldest boys have just moved house and are in need of dishes etc . They love cooking pasta dishes, so I thought they need a colander to strain the pasta. I brought a stainless steel one and filled with ingredients to make pasta ! 

They are very easy to make buy a nice bowl, casserole dish  or colander and fill with ingredients .

Another idea buy a cake tin and fill with ingredients to make a cake , flour,sugar milk (long life) packet of dried fruit ,vanilla essence ,cocoa powder !

The ideas are endless.

They make great house warming gifts or kitchen tea gifts ! Easy, simple and every one eats !

Tomato Relish!

Tomato Relish !
This is a fabulous relish, when tomatoes are in abundance
make a batch or two last ages if kept in the fridge and also it makes great gifts for Christmas !
This recipe came from my friend Margaret, I think it was her mothers recipe !
Ingredients
6 pounds tomatoes.
2 pounds of onions.
2 pounds sugar.
2 tablespoon salt.
4 tablespoons plain flour(to make gluten free use corn flour).
2 tablespoons mustard powder.
3 tablespoons curry powder.
Blanch tomatoes and remove skins then roughly chop, dice onions. (the original recipe you sprinkle with salt and leave3-4 hours or preferably over night pour off liquid) I don't bother with this step and it tastes just the same .add the vinegar and sugar ,simmer until tender approx one and a half hours. mix flour,curry and mustard with a little of the vinegar then add to relish after it has cooled a little, if too hot may go lumpy. then cook gently for another half an hour put in sterilized jars seal Turn the jars upside down for 2 minutes, when you turn them right way up, the little vacuum button should automatically pop 'in' giving a vacuum seal when cool. It tastes great with cold meat, cheese , Kev my darling partner has it with just about any thing ,use in place of tomato sauce .

Chocolate Billabongs!

Chocolate Billabongs! (Sugar Free )
These taste very similar to the chocolate billabongs you purchase from the shop and I'm sure they are a lot healthier for you and your children !
Recipe ! All you need is milk, bananas & cocoa powder . In a blender mix the above ingredients and pour into icy pole moulds and freeze !
Its hard to give quantities as bananas are all different sizes. Start with a few large bananas ,2 cups of milk I add a little water and a heaped teaspoon of cocoa (I use Woolworth's home brand) blend up well and taste .
It makes a wonderful smoothie ,that's how it started I was making smoothies for my son and had some left over and thought I'll make icy poles and then thought this tastes like the chocolate billabongs and Jack and Kev thought they were great !
Today my son was receiving the literacy award and they were having a morning tea to celebrate his achievement. When I picked him up from school I asked him how was the morning tea, he told me he had a piece of chicken and two scones and a billabong he said mum your billabongs are so much nicer ! I was tickled pink after hearing that !

Almond Milk !

Almond Milk !
I used to make almond milk a lot when I wasn't eating any dairy products. I made some this morning, this time I used almond meal
I usually soak the almonds in hot water and slip all the skins off. I only had almond meal so I used that it was so much quicker.
Recipe!
1 cup of almond meal
5 cups water ( I used rainwater)
1/8 teaspoon Himalayan salt
1 dessert spoon honey
Blend well and then stain and bottle. This will make 1.4 litres.Any pulp that is left add a piece of fruit and a cup of almond milk blend up and you'll have a smoothie ! Great for people who cannot tolerate dairy, use on breakfast cereal or in place of other milks !

Book Week ! Jack Dressed As Ash From Pokemon

This Is my son Jack dressed as Ash from Pokemon for book week at school ! The parade will be on Wednesday ! He is happy with the costume I made him! I'm quite pleased with how it turned out myself ! Jack told me today after school his best friend Ralph was wanting to go as Squirtle but his mum said that was too hard to make ,so apparently he is also going as Ash !

Here is a picture from the book Pokemon Get Well. Pikachu!

Ginger Pears !

Ginger Pears !
These are delicious and simple to make .
Pears are in season now and are a good price so a great time to make, and on a cold winters night they make a lovely dessert. The bosc are the best pears to cook with , but I have made this recipe with others as well and they have all tasted great.
I like mine served with coconut cream!
Kev likes them with a scoop of ice cream, what
am I saying, half a tub of ice cream I mean !
In my sauce pan I put about a cup of water and a teaspoon of powdered ginger then I peel the pears then put in sauce pan bring to the boil and simmer until tender about 10 minutes. I used to add honey,
I don't any more and they are sweet enough .
You can remove the pears and reduce the liquid to make sweeter syrup !

Stubby Holders ! (Made From A bake Bean Tin ! )

Stubby Holders ! (Made From A bake Bean Tin ! )
So now when you have a tin of bake beans for breakfast ,lunch or dinner ,don't throw the tin in the recycle bin , make a stubby holder ! They make great Christmas gifts !
Or the children could make one for dad for fathers day !
And it's free ! All I did was line it with that very thin foam sheeting that usually comes in packaging, cut a circle to fit the bottom and cut a piece to fit inside I glued it around the top edge and down the side where the two sides meet to keep it firmly in place !
How simple is that !

Boston Bun !

Boston Bun !
What a great way to use up any left over mashed potato !
Ingredients
1 cup of mashed potato
1 cup mixed fruit or sultanas
1/2 cup of sugar
2 cups S.R. flour ( I used wholemeal)
1 cup milk
1teaspoon. Mixed spice
You can ice it, add a little bit of vanilla to the icing and sprinkle over with coconut .
Pre heat oven to 190C. I lined a 20 cm cake tin with glad bake . Mix the potato and sugar together first then add all remaining ingredients and mix well. Cook for approx 35-40 minutes until firm to the touch in the centre and beginning to leave the sides of the cake tin. Remove from tin and cool. Top with the prepared vanilla and coconut icing if you like,I didn't want extra sugar so I didn't ice it .It's a great way to use up any left over mashed potato, or if you plan to make it make extra mashed potato a head of time. In the recipe it said 3/4 cup of sugar I felt it was too sweet so I changed it to 1/2 cup the next time I made it ,and it said warm mashed potato I used potato from the fridge and it tuned out great . Sliced and toasted with some butter it was absolutely delicious !

My Lace & Rose Patch Bag!

My Lace & Rose Patch Bag!
I love sewing, and I really love making bags!
This one is made using a piece of lace curtain fabric and a rose fabric.I lined it with a pink and white gingham. It's very easy to make all you need it to make 18 squares, that's 9 squares for each side.All seams are 1/4 inch & all the strips are 2 & 1/4 inch wide .First I cut the curtain fabric into strips then I cut white fabric to line the lace fabric and join it together, then cut the rose fabric. Now join the strips together rose fabric in the middle and lace either side .Then I cut into squares 5&1/2 inch square and join them together. Then measure the finished size and cut fabric to line bag, you will need to sew across the corners to give it the bag shape. Handle cut rose fabric  into 2 strips 22 inch long and width 3 & 3/4 inch. fold each piece and sew up the side and fold inside out ,you can line it with batting to make it firmer join handles to bag where you would like them mine are 3 &1/2 inch from sides. Now put the lining inside the bag and fold top over about and inch and sew neatly around the top. You can also line the bag with wadding to make it firmer !This bag I didn't put batting in the body. I hope if you decide to make the bag my instructions are clear , if not post and ask !

Fire Lighters ! From citrus peels !

Fire Lighters !
From citrus peels !
When we finish eating citrus fruit , I pop the skins on top of the slow combustion fire to dry out, they make great fire lighters . I got this tip years ago from my grand father. Use lemon, orange, grapefruit, tangelo, mandarin or lime or any other citrus I haven't mentioned !

Another great way to recycle and it's free !

Kitchen Scourers ! (Made From Plastic Mesh Bags)

Kitchen Scourers !
(Made From Plastic Mesh Bags)
Some times when be buy oranges they come in plastic mesh bags ! What to do with them ! I folded then in half I then zig zaged down the side with my sewing machine then rolled them down like you would a sock !Now you wont need to buy scourers to wash all those pots and pans again. So you can save money and the environment by reusing something that most people just throw away !
So happy washing up to you all ! I've never owned a dishwasher, I told you all I live a real simple life. As we are on rainwater tank the water is too precious to waste .I wash my dishes in a tub in the kitchen sink and then empty on the garden .
Note: Another great idea these scourers are great for cleaning between the prongs of forks just push the fork through the scourer couldn't be easier !

Making Apple Cider Vinegar !

Making Apple Cider Vinegar !
To make your own apple cider vinegar !
It will cost you nothing  because all you use is apple cores and apple peels and of course water . All you need to do is put all your apple scraps in a jar cover with water,you can keep adding each day until you notice the contents of the jar starts to thicken after a few days and a grayish scum forms on top. When this happens, stop adding scraps and leave the jar for a month or so to ferment.
Put a piece of old stocking or something similar over the top . I have used a piece of old stocking and put an elastic band around to keep it firmly on! After about a month you can start taste-testing it. When it’s just strong enough for you, strain out the apple scraps and bottle the vinegar. Great to use to make pickle onions, salad dressings, relish or for cleaning ! Note:It’s ok if your vinegar is cloudy, there will be some sediment from the apples and what’s known as "the mother". It’s all good. If you don’t like the cloudiness though, straining it through a paper coffee filter will remove most of the sediment. I remember years ago my mum buying apple cider vinegar from a health food store I think it came from the U.S it was in a lovely big flagon style bottle and months later she noticed a cloudy looking shape in the bottle she thought it had gone off ,so she tipped it all out . Later she read that it's whats called "the mother" the best part ! oh well you learn new things all the time !

Wear Glasses When Peeling Onions!

When peeling onions wear a pair of glasses it really helps !
On my fridge I have an old pair of sunglasses that I use when peeling onions !
I always forget ,I start peeling onions and my eyes starting burning and watering like crazy !
So I will always remember in future to put them on before I start cutting and peeling !

Lemon Tree (Urine Best Fertiliser )

My Lemon Tree !
(Urine Best Fertiliser )
My dear friend Vicki brought me this lemon tree in 2001.
First I had it in a pot then I decided to plant it in the ground ,then when me moved house in 2002 we dug it up and planted it where it stands today.I didn't think it was going to survive it took a while to get going again , then a few years ago animals started eating the tree and the fruit it was either possums or kangaroos or probably both ! I find the best fertiliser for lemon trees is urine , having 3 sons and a partner I always used to say pee on the ground around the lemon tree it really works ! If you haven't tried it give it a go . Best fertiliser and its free ! I will often pee in a old plastic jug and water the tree. Why pee once in the loo and flush what a waste of water. When I was growing up in our household we only flushed the toilet when we did poo ! On our toilet wall I have a sign if its yellow let it mellow if its brown flush it down ! You will be surprised how much water you will save. We are on rainwater tank water here,so our water is even more precious. If every one followed this practice we would have plenty of water ! I challenge you all to give it a try ! At least a few pees before the toilet gets flushed.

Glass Jars & Glass Bottles 43 Uses !

Glass Jars & Glass Bottles 43 Uses.
I hate throwing any thing glass away they all go in my kitchen cupboard they are so handy for so many things. My mum is the same, I must get it from her.
Here is a list of so many uses for them .
1. I store all my herbs and spices in jars .
2. Bottles make great rolling pins can fill with cold water when working with pastry!
3. When making jams,relish,pickle onions etc.
4. I buy my coconut oil in bulk and store in glass jars. I like using the Dolmio dip jars as you can get it all out easy as they are wider !Great for giving as gifts. I use a permanent black marker to cover the writing on the lid.
5. Glass jars make great vases for flowers and bottles look good with just one flower.
6. You can make snow domes.
7. Use them as memory jars fill with things collected on holidays eg shells,rocks,
8. When I make my lemon cordial I use bottles I have collected !  I give for Christmas gifts.
9. When making mint sauce / chocolate sauce.-
10. They make great tea light holders .
11. Make candles in the jar, cover with lid when not using.
12. They make great gifts filled with lollies brought or homemade.
13. Use for a money jar .
14. Give as gifts filled with cake or biscuit dry mix, plus instructions on how to make.
15. Make lovely herbal vinegars and oils.
16. Make bath salts store in lovely jars . Make nice gifts.
17. Use a bottle for a candle holder.
18. Make gift jars filled with what ever you like. girl ones filled with hair accessories, boy ones little cars/toys.
19. Make a great bug catcher. One for children to observe bugs up close. and one to use to catch bugs/spiders to take them back outside. I don't like killing things.
20. Big jars make great biscuit jars.
21. Use to store all your buttons.
22. Use to store sewing supplies eg sewing pins, safety pins,cotton bobbins.
23. Preserving fruit.
24. I use glasses for smoothies and juices, if you are full put lid on and put in fridge for later. Saves waste and spills and also you can add a little bit of water and shake to get it all out.
25. When making piklets or pancakes I put the left over mixture in jar or wide mouth pasta sauce bottle for using the next day just give it a good shake.
26. Make an ant farm with a large jar and cover with old stocking feed and water them .
27. Make a terrarium with a large jar.
28. Just for fun put a letter in a bottle seal and send it out to sea , put email address or phone number and ask person to contact you to see where it ended up . Could be lots of fun  !
29. Store any unused paint in jars that way you can see what colour it is , great for little touch ups.
30. I store my cotton balls in a jar in bathroom cupboard.
31. A tooth brush holder.
32. Use a large jar for sprouting sprouts.
33. Little jars are great for storing stationary supplies eg paper clips,drawing pins,elastic bands.
34. Use a jar to whip up whipping cream, just shake until done. Free exercise or get DP to do it. It really saves mess and washing up just pop lid on and put into fridge until ready to use.
35. This tip is any tin/packet you open and don't use all the contents ,store it in a jar I think glass is more healthy then plastic and saves using plastic wrap because you just pop lid back on and you can always see whats inside.
36.I also use a large jar under the tap of my worm farm to catch all that wonderful fertilizer.
37. I use the tiny bottles  for my rose water perfume, just add a spray top.
38. I 've seen people build walls in their house made from recycled wine bottles.
39. Make music, get a row of bottles or jars fill with different amounts of water, take a tiny super ball poke a skewer into it to make the stick to gently hit the bottles. great science experiment for children to do .
40. Make your own lantern fix wire around the top of jar then attach a handle made of wire put a tea light candle inside then you can carry it around like a lantern .Good if power goes out ! Or if you celebrate Halloween they may be great to make.
41. Use a glass jar to listen through walls, put it up to your ear. Another good science experiment for children to do .
42. Use a glass jar to soak your paint brushes in.
43. Clean  hair brushes and combs soak them in soapy water in a glass jar.
Well that's forty three fabulous ideas for using glass jars and bottles, please post and share with us any more ideas you have!

Cottage Pie !

Cottage Pie !
So very easy to make and very delicious !
Here is my recipe for cottage pie !
500 g mince meat.(Use meat of choice)
2 large onions
4 medium carrots
1 large zucchini
2 sticks celery
1 teaspoon Italian herb mix
1 tablespoon flour (rice flour to make gluten free)
2 kilos potatoes
1 cup grated cheese.
salt to taste
finely chop all the vegetables except potatoes fry onion in a little olive oil, then add mince fry for about 10 minutes, then add all the finely chopped vegetables mix well then cover and cook for about 15 minutes I then added flour and Italian herbs mixed well cooked for another 5 minutes add salt to taste ! I put this mixture into a oven proof dish!I use the same pot again to cook the potatoes (saves on washing up)  Then I peel and cut up potatoes cooked them until tender and drain most of the liquid, them mash well add a little salt to taste then spread over top of mince and vegetable mixture then put grated cheese on top and bake until top is golden brown. Serves 6-8, or you can reheat the next night for dinner.
Note: Keep liquid for either soup stock or gravy or for cooking rice or for other recipes or when cool I sometimes just drink it! why tip it down the sink what a waste !I used to tip it down the sink until I became smarter! You could also freeze it in cubes for later use,do this with any vegetables you boil or steam I love drinking the liquid after I steam sweet potatoes it is so lovely and sweet!

Worm Farms !

Worm Farms !
We've had our worm farm about 18 months and it's great.They are thriving,we feed them teabags,tissues   cardboard,paper,egg shells, fruit and vegetables peels,
also sandwiches that don't get eaten for lunch at school. They love just about anything except onion, citrus and garlic. I love putting the worm juice on our vegetables and herbs. I keep a large glass jar with the tap on all the time to catch all the worm juice ! We keep them in a cool place and make sure they are well fed , and they pretty much look after themselves ! Another great way to recycle ! I never put any food scraps into our wheelie bin !When the worm farm is full I put the excess in our kitchen scrap bucket for the garden. If you haven't got a worm farm I would recommend one they are so great and exceptionally low maintenance !Actually no real maintenance just feed them !
You could even make your own there are plenty of websites that show you how! I came across a company advertising in the grass roots magazine selling worms mailed to your door Australia wide $43.00 for a 1000 worms!The company is called kookaburrawormfarms
Visit them at their website  www.kookaburrawormfarms.com.au/   or to place orders   orders@worms.net.au

Gum Leaves ! (A great decongestive)

Gum Leaves !
( A great De congestive )
If you have the flu and feel all stuffed up !
This could be very helpful for helping to clear up all the congestion. Does every one remember years ago when we had colds and our mum would put Vick's in a bowl with boiling water and we put our heads over the bowl with a towel over our heads to keep the steam and heat locked in and took deep breathes to help clear all the mucus lodged in our head,nose and chest . Well this is a really healthy alternative as I wouldn't use Vick's as it's petroleum based . Use gum leaves (full of eucalyptus oil ) they are free grab a big handful pour boiling water over them in pot on stove and stand over it and breath in the steam and vapors it really unblocks and clears all the sinuses. You may need to put the hot plate on to get it boiling to create more steam !I did it the other day and it really cleared my nasal passages and gave myself a facial cleanse at the same time ! really worth trying !

Macadamia Nut Cracker !

Macadamia nut cracker !
We love eating macadamia nuts and now that we have our wonderful nut cracker it has simplified our life ! We used to use a macadamia cracker called a BONK which stands for Bart's Original Nut Kracker!which we brought when we were in Queensland . But after so much use the thread wore , my dad said it was made with the wrong type of thread in the first place, he was going to fix it for us.But now we have our deluxe super dooper one no need ! Actually I will get him to fix it ,then that can be our travelling one !We took a drive yesterday and brought more macadamia nuts as we had nearly run out,we brought 20 kilos of macadamias that should last us a while they are new seasons so will last a while. I had done a draft  blog about a month ago to put on here ,but other things keep on popping into my mind. After reading Grass Roots magazine that I got from the library the other day I saw our nut cracker and thought I will put blog on very soon and we were going to buy some more macadamias so perfect timing today ! If you have read the article in grass roots you would have seen the photo like above. We brought them from macnutswa.com.au  we purchased 4x5kilo bags which cost $5.50 per kilo so we spent in total $110.00 that is the cheapest way of buying them !I should of asked for a discount since we brought so many I thought of it on the way home ! your probably thinking well that was handy ! lol :). The price of the nut cracker in case you are wondering was $74.00, some may say that's expensive but I can honestly say, money well spent !Also comes with a lifetime warranty ! We always have them on the table so are always munching , our guest also think its great and have a few as well ,kids love it ,better then a toy and they get to eat a healthy snack ! They are very healthy I read an article saying that research has shown that macadamia nuts are high in monounsaturated fatty acids, the" good fats" and are beneficial in reducing blood serum cholesterol levels if you eat 6 a day ! That's good news! So if you would like to read more information on the health benefits of macadamias then please visit www.macnuts.com.au/nut-benefits
If you haven't tried them before please do, they are creamy, crunchy and delicious !
Also I wrap all the shells up in a few sheets of newspaper and put them into our slow combustion fire !
free fire wood ,So no waste at all ! This is where we purchase them from the address is 213 Doghill Rd Baldivis WA 6171 phone number is (08) 9524 2223 Their website is http://www.macnutswa.com.au/

Meat Trays ! What To Do With Them !

Used Meat Trays !
First of all I wash them really well in hot soapy water to make sure they are really very clean !
What can we do with them ! I take a lot of them to my sons school , they use them in the art room for paint palette's. I use them if my son Jack needs to take a plate of food to school, that way it doesn't need to come back home, Saves loosing plates ! Can be used for serving dishes at parties and BBQ's. They are great to use if making craft projects and using glues, saves getting glue on table where you are working . They are also great if you are beading, keeps all the beads in the tray. They can be cut into shapes for making stencils. Put home made chocolates ,cookies and cakes etc on the trays and wrap them in cellophane they make lovely gifts.( I'm thinking chocolate covered strawberries). I love serving my sushi on them they look more impressive on the black tray ! Also you can make model planes, doll house furniture. So many uses ! The large ones are great when children are building with the really small leggo blocks. You could use them for make up trays. Storing all sorts of things from nail polish to nuts and bolts ! Please add any others you can think of !

Toilet Rolls For Growing Seedlings !

Toilet rolls For Growing Seedlings !

Use them like little jiffy pots. I cut them in half put them in a tray fill with soil, then plant seeds, water and when they are seedlings plant them in the garden. The cardborad will break down in the soil .

A great way to recycle loo rolls !
What do you do with your loo rolls !

Slow Combustion Fire !

Making the most of your slow combustion fire !
I love lighting our fire in the winter to keep us warm and cosy ! I always have our kettle on the fire,then I always have hot water when I need it for our hot water bottles to do the dishes or make a cuppa.
I some times cook potatoes in the fire. I wrap them in grease proof paper then in alfoil and put them in the fire. They taste great with butter! We cook on top as well, we make toasted cheese sandwiches on a tray. We cook using our fry pan, we cook steak, fish eggs, really just about anything. We warm up left overs in a pot on top ! I guess we are lucky all our wood is free! We live on a 25 acre bush property ! Well sort of free still had to hire a chain saw, a few weeks ago Kev cut enough wood for this winter and hopefuly next winter also ! $85 for the hire of the chain saw. Thought about buying one, but worked it out would be better off hiring one each couple of years !

Recycling Newspapers !

Recycling Newspapers !

As I have said previously I love finding uses for things that just get thrown away !
So today's subject what to do with all those newspapers ! Besides reading them ! Some of you have probably heard a lot of them already but hopefully there may be a few that you haven't heard of yet , so lets begin !


1. Making gift bags and wrapping gifts.(also wrap a bottle of wine)
2. For lighting fires.(Can also make brickettes)
3. Paper mache.
4. Used to make insulation.
5. For washing and drying windows (they really sparkle)
6. Lining bins.( Saves using plastic)
7. Wrap up scraps.
8. Wrap things to keep them cold.(If dad gives me crabs/crayfish I wrap them in newspaper to keep them cold until I get home also absorbs any liquid from spilling)
9. Can cover tins to make them look decorative for pen/pencils etc
10.I keep a newspaper in the car boot. (If someone has muddy shoes put down a few sheets on the floor)
very handy you just never know, use for mopping up spills while travelling.
11.Line a bird cage.(catches the droppings then can be disposed of in compost)
12.Finely shred for packaging.
13.Put on the floor when toilet training animals.
14.Put under potty when potty training toddlers.( in case any mishaps)
15.Make paper chains?paper lanterns.
16.I use if we spill any liquid on the floor.(just place on spill it will absorb the liquid, then mop/wipe up .
17.Line pot plants saves potting mix coming out the holes.
18.Line wood box/basket.
19.Shred up and add to compost.
20.Put a thick wet layer over the worms in the worm farm keeps them moist in the hot weather.
21.Put thick wet layers down to stop weeds growing, great when starting a vegetable/herb garden.
22.Line cupboards.
23. wall paper.(We used to go to a Mexican Restaurant and the restrooms were wallpapered with newspaper.
24.Put a thick layer where you park your car to absorb any oil leaks. (hold down with a brick )
25.When toddlers are feeding themselves put on the floor underneath to catch all food scrapes.
26.Put under mats to catch any excess sand/dirt .
27.Use to make sewing patterns.
28.Put a few layers in the bottom of your wheelie bin helps absorb any liquids.( helps keep it smelling OK )
29.Make little pots to grow seedlings in.
30.Use for place mat.
31.Stuff inside wet shoes or boots absorbs the moisture helps them dry quicker.
32.Wrap up breakables when travelling.
33.Put down if you are doing a messy craft project.
34.When defrosting freezer put some on the floor to catch any water.
35.Shred up for animal houses , mice and rats will make homes and nest in it .
36.Use to line potato,onion or fruit basket/box.Saves any mess if one goes mouldy or rotten
37.Origami making. .
38.Put a layer in green shopping bag to catch any blood that leaks from packaged meat.
39.Use to wrap a bunch of flowers.
40.Use to remove registration stickers from car window. Soak a sheet of newspaper then fold about double to size as sticker press on leave 20 minutes. stickers comes off easy with no mess left.
41.Cover a brick and use for a door stop.
42. Roll it up and use as a fly swat.
43. Children can do their paintings on sheets of newspaper.
44. Make a hula skirt (we used to make them when we were children)
45. When you haven't any curtains for your windows yet stick up newspaper.
46. Cover children school books. Use the cartoon pages.
47. Use to make recycled paper add with other paper scraps
48.I have heard of people using it for toilet paper ! I guess desperate times call me desperate measures.
I think it would be a little harsh on my tush ! I 'm not prepared to even try that one!
I remember watching movies like Angela's Ashes and they had their hot fried chips in newspaper !
I don't fancy that either . I wouldn't recommend that they come into direct contact with food without shells or other wrapping eg lollies in packets !

Well that's about all I can think of at the moment! I will probably post this and think of another one !
If anyone has any more ideas to add, for using newspapers please post and share them!

Newspaper Gift Bags!

Newspaper Gift Bags!
I made them in three sizes. They are very easy to make from old newspaper, I used our local papers which are free, even better ! I used jute string for handles that I brought from bunnings . Then all you need is some glue and newspaper and a box that you will need to use for the shape of the bag . I used two sheets of paper for double thickness for more strength . To start making you need a box about the same size as the bag you want to make , the large bag I used a cornflake box , the medium size a box of biscuits and the small one a rooibis tea box ! I'm sure you will find some around the house . I first folded over the top about an inch twice then you wrap it up like you would a present but you leave one end open and you fold the bottom in like photo below .
Then finger press all the sides to give it a sharper finish. Then you will need to get a punch and punch 2 holes each side to thread the jute through (you could use ribbon if you like ) for the handles or scraps of fabric or rope  and then tie to secure ! that's it how simple is that ! Then you decorate if you like , if you want to add gift card thread it on before securing the knot. To make bottom a little stronger you could fold a piece of paper a few times to make it thick and sit it in the bottom or scrap cardboard to keep the shape better with a heavier gift inside . I made a few of these years ago but I used fancy paper not newspaper .

They are great to use when your children go to school friends parties ! Give it a try they are fun to make ,get the children involved, teach them that recycling can save money !

 

My next post will be heaps of uses for newspaper !

So stay tuned for the next exciting adventure !
Yes you guessed it using newspapers ! How exciting is that !

Free Giveaway ! Enviro bags !

Hi all I have a free give away today !
The first 2 people to post I will send them one of my enviro bags !
So please read my post on Enviro bags and choose which colour you would like .
I will get back to you and get your mailing details and will send you one asap !
So what are you waiting for !

HELP SAY NO TO PLASTIC !










Dream chaser & Selina
I hope you both have received your envirobag
and are using them or have it  in your bag ready to use it ! Thanks for visiting my blog :):):):):)