Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Nearly Hallowe'en.....OCTOBER!

This month has been very trying. I have tried to do the buy nothing new October.... I say tried.  I normally do very well most months however when I am inspired do something like this I face challenges that I have not considered.   A costume, well that would be simple and if I had looked in my Petal's draw instead of asking her if she had a plain black t-shirt I would have found one. I searched a few op shops and didn't come up with exactly what I thought I needed.  I found a sleeveless one that would work well with the tutu (I forgot about underneath the skirt and that is another story!) however worrying about the weather and my Fair Petal getting burnt decided short sleeves would be better.   I went to Target and bought one... sadly later I found 2 not 1 in her drawer.

I made the rest and sourced most items in the op shop. My Petal was happy and so too were we.  I have asked her in future to look before she says that she doesn't have something. I think we take it for granted that we can just buy it!  I am obviously guilty of this too. Although, I am trying to change this attitude.

Thank you Jorth for the easy tutu tutorial. I had already bought tulle some time back and elastic, not able to source it at an op shop.  Plus any excuse to buy at the lovely material shop in the city, not my favourite which I dare not visit!



Two children's birthday parties too which made it very tricky.  I was able to find some beautiful new books which were perfect however the rest of the items had to be bought.

We also have our 16th Wedding Anniversary coming up. I have not found exactly what I would like. Well I did but unfortunately we didn't have any room in the car and the things had to be left at the op shop.  A lovely little outside table setting for 2 or 4.  So a decision needs to be made, do I really need anything. I would actually prefer if something that I have wanted desperately done around the house was done. I would like to buy all the necessary items for my Other Half to build his shed and have it functioning. How's that for a anniversary gift!  I have sourced the items and well they need to be bought new from Bunnings. If I could find these items elsewhere I would snap them up!  I would love to have the front, painted and finished off including the garden area.  So maybe..... this will be the presents we give each other. Time and resources to complete these tasks?

It makes me happy just thinking about two tasks being completed!  Sometimes you have to think outside the box to find what you really want.

I have also tried to cull and organise the house. Again tried, not making very much progress!

I have tried to do some renovating but hasn't happened either. I know that October is NOT the time to do these things and especially this one.

So now we are trying to help my Petal set up at school an Op Shop.  Her project for school is too set up some sort of business. this was her choice.  I am so impressed and we have been busy doing things to help out.  She needs stands and basket and decorations. I am hoping to make Bunting and have found an amazing tutorial that I will follow.  

We are still looking for something to hang all the clothes on. I don't have anything at home. I might have to beg, borrow or steal at this rate.  We have a few weeks so I will keep looking.

SO for October I am not trying anything new now I am just taking it slowly... I am remembering to breath.











Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Baking again.

I love baking, haven't been doing much in that downward slump that is October. Always such a hard month. Anyhow in September whilst on holidays with the kiddies and driving around the country doing country op shops we managed to find a Vintage Sunbeam Mixmaster. Joy oh joy. Don't get me wrong I love and adore my Kenwood that was a present from my other half half before we were married.  (he also found a wonderful porcelain bowl to go with it to make it perfect.)  This is just one of those things that I have really liked and always looked for but never ever found, except for a few parts which are not elusive to me when I am looking for them.   Here it was sitting waiting for us in the lovely shop. The down side, the cord has been cut.  The upside it was not put to auction and was ready for us to get.  I ummmed and ahhhedddd over it.  Not an expensive purchase but more than we had spent all day except for our lunch stop where the kiddies had to have 2 courses as they do including a large dessert each not to share.  

So I was walking around thinking about it, wondering if we could afford it and if I really NEEDED it, when another women decided that she did ohhhhhhh.... I was so disappointed.  How could I have just walked away a bit?  Well the lovely lady in the shop realised what happened and told the women that it was not working. She was clearing interested in a resell.  She promptly put it down and moved away it was now OURS!!!!!!!!!!

So now this beautiful item is sitting on our kitchen bench waiting for a new lease on life. I follow a facebook site that does these lovely beauties up and shows step by step how to do it. They look quite magical. I have high hopes for this one.  

In the meantime I am off to make some blondies with figs and some biscuits and a few other things.  Great entertainment for the kiddies whilst on school holidays and watching the storms too.  Thank you lovely Kenwood, I would be lost without you.  I am looking forward to new adventures with the Sunbeam too.



Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Getting Hair done and the savings with students!

So today I set off early to Aveda.  A bit of a slow trip but about the same time it takes me to get to my normal hairdressers.  I had to pay for parking $5.00 which I don't normally so that was a bit different. I walked to the place after parking not very close at all. Parking was not easy.

I had a lovely student. Susan.  Nice start, not the same as the rapport that I have with Emma who normally colours my hair and I was sad about that, however I needed to give this lovely women a chance.  (I must admit that I was very very happy that she wasn't under 20 as I expected)

So we sat down and discussed what I wanted, even though I was booked in for 1/2 head of foils I was able to ask for a full head, lots more colour (I normally only get 1/2 or 3/4 at the most so this was really testing this out)  I felt very comfortable talking to her and allowing her to choose what needed to be done, asking questions that were relevant and easy for me to answer. I felt confident with her ability. The supervisor came over went through all the things that we had discussed and made some minor suggestions to the Susan and asked me a few questions to make sure that I understood and was happy with the procedure.

After working on my colour for a while, it would take over 1 hour to just put all the many foils in, we discussed if I wanted it cut as well. I have not had cut and colour at the same time for so long as it is too expensive to get all at once normally. Today I decided for an extra $15, I was happy to get a cut and blow wave as well.

I am thrilled with the colour, the savings turned out to be much, much more than $200 all up.   The colour is wonderful the cut well it won't be as blunt and last as long as my normal senior stylists fabulous cut but it is lovely all the same. The blow wave, well that was good too. Maybe I am picky or maybe I have had many blow waves in my time and the more practise the better they get. I have paid full price for worse blow waves.  Am I happy? Yes absolutely!

The differences, paying for parking (make sure that you have change available), no lovely salon, no lovely hot chocolate or tea or even water. (I had my own with me, just in case) No biscuits,  No Frankie magazine to read, I will make sure that i take something next time. (Although in saying this my hairdresser didn't have it the time before and the last time someone else had it) No Senior stylist to do the hair cut, however I normally get a junior or the same level to finish off and do the blow wave so they vary greatly.  Lastly the cost no comparison I could easily have afforded to buy a magazine subscription and go out for lunch and have a hot chocolate at an expensive cafe which was all that was lacking.





 I popped off to the bank and put the savings in the bank.

If you need a hair cut and are watching the budget. I would strongly suggest going to see some lovely students and letting them practise.


Getting Hair done and the savings with students!

So today I set off early to Aveda.  A bit of a slow trip but about the same time it takes me to get to my normal hairdressers.  I had to pay for parking $5.00 which I don't normally so that was a bit different. I walked to the place after parking not very close at all. Parking was not easy.

I had a lovely student. Susan.  Nice start, not the same as the rapport that I have with Emma who normally colours my hair and I was sad about that, however I needed to give this lovely women a chance.  (I must admit that I was very very happy that she wasn't under 20 as I expected)

So we sat down and discussed what I wanted, even though I was booked in for 1/2 head of foils I was able to ask for a full head, lots more colour (I normally only get 1/2 or 3/4 at the most so this was really testing this out)  I felt very comfortable talking to her and allowing her to choose what needed to be done, asking questions that were relevant and easy for me to answer. I felt confident with her ability. The supervisor came over went through all the things that we had discussed and made some minor suggestions to the Susan and asked me a few questions to make sure that I understood and was happy with the procedure.

After working on my colour for a while, it would take over 1 hour to just put all the many foils in, we discussed if I wanted it cut as well. I have not had cut and colour at the same time for so long as it is too expensive to get all at once normally. Today I decided for an extra $15, I was happy to get a cut and blow wave as well.

I am thrilled with the colour, the savings turned out to be much, much more than $200 all up.   The colour is wonderful the cut well it won't be as blunt and last as long as my normal senior stylists fabulous cut but it is lovely all the same. The blow wave, well that was good too. Maybe I am picky or maybe I have had many blow waves in my time and the more practise the better they get. I have paid full price for worse blow waves.  Am I happy? Yes absolutely!

The differences, paying for parking (make sure that you have change available), no lovely salon, no lovely hot chocolate or tea or even water. (I had my own with me, just in case) No biscuits,  No Frankie magazine to read, I will make sure that i take something next time. (Although in saying this my hairdresser didn't have it the time before and the last time someone else had it) No Senior stylist to do the hair cut, however I normally get a junior or the same level to finish off and do the blow wave so they vary greatly.  Lastly the cost no comparison I could easily have afforded to buy a magazine subscription and go out for lunch and have a hot chocolate at an expensive cafe which was all that was lacking.





 I popped off to the bank and put the savings in the bank.

If you need a hair cut and are watching the budget. I would strongly suggest going to see some lovely students and letting them practise.


Monday, September 16, 2013

Trying a Budget - Reducing Expenses off to Aveda

I have been thinking about saving money. I always try to be proactive but sometimes I ignore something that I need to address. It has been far too long since I have been to the hairdresser. I am so over it, I cannot however justify getting my hair coloured by my hairdresser. Don't get me wrong I love her to bits, she is fabulous and does an amazing job.  It is the cost that I cannot justify.  I have decided to give Aveda in Box Hill a go. I thought that I would ring up and see how far in the future it would be before I get an appointment and would you believe I get one tomorrow morning. So this is it, I have no time to really consider what I am doing and worry about it now. I am off to see the students.

The cost difference is quite significant I would have to say over $100.   They are using the same products as my normal hairdresser and I have read everywhere that they are supervised.  If it works it will be wonderful to finally have my hair looking better again and not take too much of a hit on the budget.

I am really trying to get serious to put money away again in savings. For too long now every cent has been used to pay for expenses and other necessities.

We had a lovely holiday on the weekend. I manage to do quite a few massages which was good.  So it was a bit of a working holiday.  Relaxing all the same.  I was surprised at how easy it was to make this work.  I have more ideas for next time and I have a few great leads for future massages from this.

I have to consider all opportunities to increase the income and decrease the outgoings. Whilst I was busy massaging the kids were busy playing and we were not shopping or spending.   I did sleep very well that night.










Wednesday, July 17, 2013

A bit more progress

We are chipping away at things around the house.  We ordered and picked up some wall features for outside.  I found out to check the price as there was nearly $50 difference with exactly the same thing being ordered from Mitre 10 and Bunnings.

A lovely butterfly light box from Northcote Pottery.  Light box is not really the correct description. Firstly there is no perspex and secondly there is no light. So it is a metal sheet.   I like it all the same and it will become a light box eventually.    Yes yes when we do it I promise there will be photo's. I am slack at the moment or not driven to take photos of the bits and pieces of progress.  I think I would be trying to justify all the work so this way you can just form your own impression in your head.

More sanding has been done. I am over sanding and with the change in weather tomorrow that will be it for a bit.   Thats not to say that there isn't HEAPS more to go!

I have found a nice new door handle (lockwood) for the screen door.  I wanted to replace the door however my other half thinks a bit of work will bring it up nicely and especially with the new hardware too.  I have to remember that we are big about recycling and reusing not just getting all new things and getting rid of the old because i am want new and pretty.  Sometimes I dream about a bulldozer coming in.

I show the children our progress and what we are going to do. They ask questions and show a geniune level of interest and wows, makes me happy.   It also motivates me to do more and show them lovely progress.  Progress which makes me smile when I go outside.  Even if it's only a section of the house it is making a difference.

We made Paella, I have never made it before. I had all the ingredients except stock. I make it the children turn it into chicken soup and then its gone very soon after that.   Bit fiddly the recipe, maybe because it was the first time making it?  It worked well and I have requests to do it again soon.  Nice to have new not too complex recipes that are winners.  Of course now I would like a paella dish, I used a cast iron wok it worked perfectly.



Back to massage tomorrow.










Friday, July 12, 2013

been a long time....

It feels like so much has happened since last I blogged.   We decided to tempt fate and get busy around the house renovating again.... painting, sanding, fixing and trying to make at least some of the outside decent.  I say tempt fate as every single time in the past just over 10 years when we have made a huge effort to do some work on the house someone has died or we have become carers.  This time was nothing different.  Not that long ago we had my mother in law visiting, sitting in the chair outside talking about what we were doing, now we are about to become carers again.  The project will be put on hold like all the others.   This lovely women had a stroke a couple of weeks ago, mild in the scheme of things (she is still with us).  Down her right side and when they say mild is it still amazing what functions cannot be preformed. Basic functions like feeding yourself, getting dressed and walking are all being relearnt. I am so pleased that I have some skills to help and I do massage on that side every time I visit. I just wish that it never happened.

Whilst this lovely lady is in hospital and rehab, I have been between moments trying to work on the projects.  I have been sanding, bit by bit. I break the house up into sections otherwise sanding, undercoating, cleaning, fixing and painting the whole house is just too mammoth a job to even contemplate, even with lots of help from my other half.

So I have moved from the front bit all sanded, to the side underneath the kitchen window.  I am about to get up the ladder and work on the higher bits, then mow. Today is very productive.  My hurricane is busy watching "thunderbirds are go" his new favourite and his sister is at a movie with her best friend.  She finally has found the most gorgeous little girl and they have clicked. Its very exciting watching this happen. They have their own language, the stand close as they can to each other, there goes all my space invader training she says smiling, they enjoy similar things and they are oblivious to the world when they are together.  Her first play date today going off without is to GOLD CLASS to see Despicable Me and then lunch.  She hardly slept last night she is so excited.  My Petal is having a lovely time having a beautiful best friend.  I must say I too am thrilled to bits.

Ok back to sanding!  I will try not to leave it too long.









Monday, April 1, 2013

Family can you choose?

Not many people know this, I have a very large extended family.  I have many aunts and some uncles with 3 or 4 generations over in England, I have cousins, second cousins and other extended family there, some in America, some in Canada and some in Australia including a half sister, nieces and their children.  All blood family and too numerous to mention. To date none of them talk to me. I am alone.

I hear so many people say you cannot choose your family but it seems with mine it is very simple and a little cruel to say the least.  You say nasty things behind their back, you believe the lies,  you then wipe them.   I sit and wonder what I did that was so very terrible that caused all this?  I wonder if I will ever know?

I had no right of reply. No way to justify or rectify problems..... when I visited England I was horrified to see the grudge that was still held with my mum even though she had not visited them in over 35 years and was now dead. The hushed tones, don't tell her, the problems that were still there.  One simple mistake even unknowingly and you are wiped.  I saw over the years the coldness never thought for a minute that it would be turned on me simply because I was her daughter.  I thought that my mother was difficult to live with, that maybe the things she said was just exaggerated but in fact they were a lot worse and much more petty.

I thought I was alright, I had one cousin in Australia that spoke to me however it would seem that has changed too.  I have struggled with the lack of family and that connection. Some one to share the stories with when growing up and swapping memories.   My children do not have that lovely connection either. It makes me sad.

I saw a family tree being done for my Other Halfs family and realised that this would be almost impossible for me as I don't even know my real family name. (thats another story).   I would like to know so many things, I would like to ask questions and hear stories. I would like to share them with my children and partner.  I would like to laugh about history and wonder about all these things.  I have been excluded from this.

Family who needs them........











Friday, March 8, 2013

Super?

What do you think of your Super. Do you have a few accounts and do you read the statements or not if they are lost and just let it go. I have been fairly careful up until recently with my Super.

I  have a love hate relationship with it.

I decided that the account that I had which I had rolled all my super accounts and you can accumulate a few when you spend many years temping as I did that I liked on in particular and that was that. in they all went and when i had a lump sum to invest I popped that in too and grabbed the tax deduction. That was until the next statement and all the money that I had invested was gone. The market had done poorly and it was not there anymore.  A bit of a nasty shock and this is where the hate part comes up it felt like someone had come along and just stolen the money with no recourse.

So I decided after another bit of temping that I would change my super into this new account as soon as I got a moment, it had to be better than the one i had right?  I have the paperwork all piled up and the first statement of the account.  Great, you say. Well you always should read the fine print and no you have to nominate NOT to have the insurance come out of your account.  If you say nothing it's automatic and all the other things that they can pile on your little tiny super.  My account in 2 months it went from just over $130 to $0.00 and closed. Done and dusted, so much for member protection and so much for the government looking after these small accounts.  I rang and spoke to them, I asked about the deductions how could someone just steal from the account without my permission, we sent you a member pack!  I asked how they could charge so many fees, they told me that they didn't even though the statement was being looked at which clearly stated, Account keeping fee, (charged on a weekly basis), Member protection fee, which I have no idea about and still wonder what they protected?  So forth.... you get the picture.

I could write to them and they would evaluate if I could have MY money back.  Amazing isn't it!

I think I have learnt a very valuable lesson, do not go with a new super account until you have all the facts, do not trust the super to just look after your money it will go and make sure that you read the details.




Thursday, February 14, 2013

things that we do differently.

My other half has been retrenched twice now and although we have some time now between these retrenchments some things have changed permantly. We know that income can cease and savings disappear and life can become very tough.   We also know how to do things differently now.....

Things that have changed......


We look for cheaper options and review our electricity and gas on a yearly basis. All insurances can be reviewed too!


We can get things at an Op shop or second hand place for a fraction of the price, sometimes still new with tags.   Jeans especially are about $20 - $30 instead of $100 plus on sale. These jeans are labels and designer ones too.  Recycling is good!



Making from scratch often tastes better and is much cheaper option not slower and painful as many people might think.  We have eliminated a lot of take away simply because of taste not just cost.



Savings are VERY important and anything that can be contributed towards them should be.  You never know when you will need these important little nest eggs.



We find out what we can claim on our health insurance. We didn't know that our children's swimming lessons are one thing that we can claim.... exciting to get a bit back .



Books have been an ongoing cost that was very expensive.  We now below to libraries.  We go to the libraries on holidays, we go to op shops for books and second hand shops.  We also take back books to the second hand shops to get credits, when you have a child that chooses 10 books a time this all adds up very quickly and saves quite a bit. Recycling is good!



Research, we do more research to find out the cost of things and how much we should pay if we have to buy new.  We question the quality and find out what we need to know.



Libraries are very important, lots of wonderful things go on there!



Making things is good fun and saves money. It might be clothes, food, craft or anything really.


Finding ways to generate other income is very important too.









Tuesday, February 12, 2013

I found Pink Pyrex.... wonder what is next?

On the weekend we went Op Shopping with the kiddies. It has become a tradition it would seem.  They loved it and beg us to go not just once but lots.  I had a whinging hurricane so we changed our mind on where to go and went somewhere new.  Croydon, we haven't been there for a while and thought it would be good fun. There are a few op shops there and a reasonable size shopping centre as well.  My other half used to work in that area so has a bit of knowledge of where to go.

The first place that we stopped at was quite good, we didn't realise they were closing and normally would have shut 1/2 an hour earlier lucky for us they were staying open a bit longer. My girl had great success at this place and I was pretty happy with my find.

The next place, was BIG, I thought a little over priced but upon further investigation they had amazing things and not too bad, (there has been lots of recent discussion amongst blogs about the prices of things in charity shops) . I had SUCESS here, butterfly plates perfect for the caravan, japanese retro tapas pots and my all time favourite thing PINK PYREX, I cannot tell you how long I have been looking for something pink and not found anything.  I was following the advice of one great op shopping blog, "look up, look down...."



I was sitting down waiting for the children to finish, my back is hurting at the moment (a massage today will fix that). I was looking at this big place wishing that i could really have a good hunt however not happening.  I looked under a shelf on the floor and there it was.  I couldn't believe it, happiness thank you lovely op shopping fairy.  (Made in Australia too)

This one was coming home with us.

One more op shop or maybe 2 as we were on a roll.  My boy found his fishing lures that he desperately wanted and a lucky 8 ball. That was telling him to ramp up the pester power. I am sure they can smell weakness!

A pink princess plate for My Petal, we really need to donate the teddy plates that are far too young for them so I am gradually replacing them with more appropriate things.  Not too matchy, matchy just what they like.   My boy is requesting polka dots plates bright and colourful that we have seen in Coles, I am sure they will come on special soon enough.

Last place, Red Cross.  I found a wonderful top, new shoes, my first ever pair of red shoes!  A chunky bracelet, a silver scarf and I am done.

Croydon great for op shopping, great variety and prices have a look when you can.








Friday, February 8, 2013

First Week

It's the first week back to school for the children, the beginning of another year of learning and discovering and amazing journey.  This week has been long and happy for them.  I have been dreading Friday all week. I was thinking about it today and talking to my lovely friend in America (he's visiting there for a holiday, we all miss him dreadfully).  I was worried about how exhausted they would be when we collected them and sure enough tears happened very quickly.

We have been so stressed and be bogged down in the mindset of yelling and being grumpy lately. It was such a hard year last year and letting go has been so very difficult.  Anyhow today we resolved as best that we could that we would try REALLY hard not to yell.  To be more positive, to be a lovely happy family again which has not been happening for a while.  So we dashed around doing what we needed to and tried hard to enjoy the moments.  First the library, a quick visit for the boy to play on the computer and have a chat with his friends and get his daddy to help with his favourite game.

Next stop, the swimming pool not to swim but change my Petals' class time so that she can start dance (finally).  We saw on of the favourite teachers there all good.

Last time with 2 very tired and Hungry, Hungry, HUNGRY kiddies is going to be challenging. Lets hope that we only have one place that we need to visit to get everything. Fish and Chips for dinner.  Luckily they have taste testing lady who takes a shine to my children and gives them extra tests.  Disaster averted for a moment, now lets get the fish and dash.  My Hurricane has other ideas and put in his urgent request for Prawns.  We have to make, now let me correct this, he has to make prawn cocktails like Nanny.  He needs, prawns, lettuce, little tiny tomatoes, sauce, avocado and pomegranate for dressing. Ok we are happy to go along with this.

So he has his plans and he is running with it, no stopping him. Full blast when we get home, he is so happy.  He makes a beautiful cocktail and even has to have the table set properly, he chooses all the things including some new vintage placemats. It's gorgeous, we have to have candles, we have to have these plates.  He chooses the bowls for the cocktail and the jugs for the mocktail and cocktails for us.   He chooses the ingredients and is so busy.  I think he has totally forgotten how tired his is.  He is in control and having a ball. Photo's we need Photo's for Mummy's blog.

Everyone is given tasks. I am chopping spring onion, very very fine so it doesn't overpower things. I have to cut the avocado so that it looks pretty in the bowl.  I am told that I have to make the sauce too. How do I?  He gets the ingredients.  He is smiling and happy no tears no tantrums just fun.  My Petal is a different story however being taken along for the ride too.

Then all too soon it's READY.  He is overjoyed when we score him 10 out of 10 for everything. It is a lovely little started and he is extremely proud of his achievement.



Thursday, February 7, 2013

JUDGEMENT!

I am finding that some days I don't want to talk to people.  I get like this when I am sick of being judged or just over others judging people in front of me.

I like our life, it's not easy..... its an amazing journey. I find that sometimes I just say "NO" and rant and rave at the kiddies too much and then other times it's just peace.  It's cuddles and tickles and baking and reading stories together and making things and fun.   I love my friends, they are amazing people!

I see so much judgement.... I hear it too!

Do you work?
Did you breastfeed?
Natural birth?
Have you finished your assignment?  I did mine in a week!
I don't think your daughter has special needs, she looks so normal!
You don't eat diary?
You don't go to McDonalds?
Do you buy things at an Op Shop?

The list goes on and on. How do they know when you are down to lay the boots in?  I sometimes go to places and don't say a word..... imagine how lovely it would be if things that we said were positive.  That people just helped friends.

Do you have days where you don't want to face the world!


------------

We have been working on the house. I have totally changed my mind about the colour, actually I have been brave enough to admit that I didn't want the lighter colour for the house, I do love it, I just have something different that I would like. I know others will say why?  I know that many will not agree with my choice, however we are the ones living with it and I really like it. "Enigma" is the colour choice. A dark charcoal colour and lighter trims. We are keeping the green roof as it goes nicely with the charcoal.  Planting a lot more green the same colour as the roof plants around the edging and trying to add more colour with purple doors perhaps an eggplant purple or something rich and lovely and then still working out more details. One area is nearly completed. I am so happy with the colour and my other half has decided that it's growing on him....  I think he was shocked with how dark I wanted the colour after he had lived with the other lighter colour for a while. I am not willing to do any photo's until it's finished I am taking progress photo's for us and will share when we are done or at least one area is done.



Monday, January 7, 2013

ideas.

I love the idea of the jar with the 365 grateful things that occurred during the year, I am not doing it, I have the blog for that, I am trying to keep upbeat and well just enjoying amazing things that are occurring.  New clients, new things, happenings and progress.

The first part is the progress on the house. It has been so lovely having the insulation in the lounge, kitchen area done.  Makes a huge difference, also the awnings love having 2 now.  The sanding has been done, the undercoat was attached by all the family and then fell to my other half to complete. I dashed off to do a massage, our kiddies just dashed off.

A trip to Savers proved very very positive.  The first find was the cast iron fry pan.  We have not have a frypan for a while that we have been happy with.  We have bought and paid good money and watched them destroy themselves for no no reason. So I researched and found that the best one could be a cast iron as long as we can handle the weight.  It is HEAVY.  Nice and even cooking.  It had no price thought there was a smaller one being sold or $30.00 we held our breath, asked and was given a wonderful surprise of the price of $10.00 SOLD!

My other half cleaned and seasoned his new friend twice! Looks as good as new.  We are yet to use it but I am sure that it will be very exciting when we do.  Probably tonight.

We also found some nice designer jeans for my other half in his size and length.  Sometimes it pays to shop second hand as the alterations have been done.   These brands would have been close to $200 mark each if we had bought them retail then alterations on top.  We spent  just over $40.00 for both.  So a very happy man.  

This is the start of the new year and well it is progressing alone nicely.

A dinner with a good friend last night and he bought dessert Macaroons amazing treat.

A dinner with Nanny and a few quiet drinks has been really lovely.

Now all I have to do is choose the paint colour, yes I know I said I already had however I have changed my mind, opps.

Photo's to come, my silly phone camera is not behaving at the moment.



Wednesday, January 2, 2013

A new year drinkies

What happened one minute I was counting the days until Christmas and feeling like they were racing by the next it's New Year.

So we are working on renovating as we normally try to around this time of the year unless the weather is just too hot to do anything.  We are coming up to a heat wave however we have made the most of it the last couple of days.

I have wanted to work on this part o the house for so very long. The outside front or side whatever your view is. Anyhow, it is being done. Happy dance occuring. The insulation is in. The boards are all replaced and the holes filled, the 2 awnings are up. (One still needs to be wired but it's happening)  I have sanded the boards ready for painting and that is it.  The heatwave is on the way and I am going to catch up and finish my assignments and hand them in.

My Petal has been driving me made to make a special drink.  So I decided to combine this with something that mummy and daddy would enjoy too.  With her little Pink (made by her Auntie) apron on my Petal was busy starting with the spice syrup, the house was filled with amazing smells so lovely.


an Almost Hercules Morse’s Apple Spiced Pimm's & Dry.
• Apple juice with Mandarin
• 15ml spice syrup*
• Pimm's (we added a bit more)
• (recipe called for gin we left this out, didn't have any in the cupboard)
• Schweppes dry ginger ale
• Ice (lots)
*Recipe for syrup
Method:
Pour the Pimm's, juice and syrup into a cocktail shaker along with ice. Shake until cold, then pour over a glass filled with ice and top with Schweppes dry ginger ale. 
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 2 cinnamon sticks, broken up
• 6 whole cloves
• 1 star anise ( the recipe said 2,we decided that this might be a little overpowering) 
• 3 all spice berries
• 1 cardamom pod
• 6 black pepper corns
• 1/8 tsp chilli flakes
• 1 cup sugar
Method:
Bring water to boil, add spices. Boil for five minutes, then add sugar and stir to dissolve. When sufficiently cooled, strain and pour into sterilised bottles. Store in fridge. 
We kept the Pimms seperate and another little jug of Lemonade for the children. So they had a version without Pimms and with lemonade to taste. We had the Pimms. YUM

The syrup is wonderful and will be flavouring many more drinks in the near future. 

Cheers, Happy New Year.