patience

Gosh this 'learning new things' takes concentration.  I'm sure it must be good for my brain.

food and money - my update

Cracker ingredients

Finished crackers - recipe here

 So I must say, I really just felt like having a wee rant back here.  I thought we were doing fairly well with our grocery bill, and I thought I knew most of the tricks that were out there.  But some amazing mamas, doing more with less than us, let me know that I definitely have room for improvement!  So here's what I am going to start/continue doing with the hopes of reducing our food bill.

• Write it all down.  We've started a spreadsheet (yes I know, GEEK alert!) and we're documenting all our food buying.  Groceries, hubby's one bought lunch a week, the odd coffee with friends, fish and chips at the beach occasionally, it's all going on the list.  It will be interesting to see how it works out after we've been keeping track for a while.
• Keep up the porridge for breakfast.  This has got to be the cheapest breakfast option out there.  Luckily I love my porridge (especially with a little brown sugar and milk!)
• Menu plan properly.  I have done menu plans for a few years now.  But usually I only plan 5 nights of the week, and on trips to the supermarket I always pick up extras.  I'm going to follow Ella's lead, and menu plan more strictly (and I'm going to try fortnightly) and stick to my list.
• Make sure I am onto it with washing the cloth naps daily so I don't have to use disposables.  We do use a disposable for overnight.  I also have 12 cloth nappies, but she's just grown out of 6 mediums, so that leaves me with 6 large.  These need to be washed every evening so they are dry by the morning, to keep disposable nappies to a minimum.
• I want to try making some bread, particularly pitas, flat breads or tortillas, and bread rolls.  All recipe recommendations welcome!
• Remember to continue planting year round.  I am always super keen in the spring and the garden is full, but I need to remember to continue popping in a few lettuces every few weeks to keep up the supply.  Am going to put some new silver beet in this weekend.
• Love the chorizo ideas that are around!  We've never tried this, so it's on the list.
• Another idea which was suggested which I already do, and love, it to bulk out meals with beans or lentils.  I never make a lasagna or pasta bake now without adding either grated veges or some legumes to the mince mix.
• I've reserved all of Sophie Gray's Destitute Gourmet books from the library and I'm going to re-read them for inspiration.
• I loved Amy's idea of dishing up a helping for lunch when you dish your dinner, so that you don't have second helpings and nothing left for lunch.  This one should seriously help my diet too!  

 Whew!  Well that lot will be good for a start at least!
I'll also continue to post the odd dinner here on my blog.  They won't always be flash and fancy - but if you are like me, you're always on the look out for a new idea, or one you haven't made for a while.  Thanks to all for your great hints and contributions. xo

Tuna salad, with a few spuds, boiled egg, and balsamic dressing

Afghans for afters :)

a gift

So I said I was making something for Fran, in return for the gorgeous knitted food she made for my daughter.

These are blankets for the her girls to cuddle their dolls up in.  They are made from a re-purposed woollen blanket, and a patchwork top.  I caught the layers together by sewing right through both layers with embroidery thread, adding a button on the back for decoration.  I got the button idea from Amanda's book.  Best of all, I had all the materials at home, and didn't have to buy a thing.  Love that!
I hope the girls enjoy wrapping their dollies and teddy bears up in these blankets.  Our teddy has tested them out, and he approves.

pins and needles

I did some amateur embroidery the other day on some navy linen.  It was fun, and gave me an new appreciation for people who do embroidery!  It was harder than it looks!  And people who cross stitch and count rows etc - I bow down to you.  Something for me to practise this winter I think, on those nights rugged up on the couch.
I used the embroidery to make myself a pin cushion and a needle book.  I also made a wee set for a good friend of mine.

ps.  thanks again for all your comments yesterday!  I'm still working through them! xo

Muesli bars

Good evening.  Thanks for all your comments on my last post!  I'm going to make a cuppa and have another read through them now.  Some good ideas in there!  I thought I'd just pop that recipe up as a few people asked for it.  It is adapted from an Alison Holst recipe I believe, but I got it from my mum.

100g butter
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup peanut butter
Boil these together 8-10 minutes, stirring constantly, until soft ball stage (the longer you boil it the crunchier your slice will be.  If you prefer it more soft and chewy, boil it less).

2 cups rolled oats
1 cup coconut  (often I omit the coconut, as I'm not a big fan of it)
1 cup seeds (I use sunflower and pumpkin seeds)
Toast these ingredients in a dry pan (no oil).  I'd do them separately as they toast at different rates.  If you don't have time, then you could skip this step, but it's tastier toasted.

2 cups rice bubbles
1 cup dried fruit and nuts (I usually use apricots and raisins, the latest batch also has cranberries)

Mix all the dry ingredients well in a big pot or bowl.  Make the sauce mix and pour it over.  Mix well.  Press into a lined tin.  Cut while still just warm (it will be hard to cut if you wait until it is totally cold).

Optional additions I've tried and like:  sesame seeds, crystallised ginger, peanuts, chopped almonds.
Also, the top can be sprinkled with choc chips or spread with a layer of melted chocolate - yummo!

food and money

Groceries, to be exact.  I've just walked down to the supermarket to get mine.  Do you know some days I can fit $90 worth of groceries in a buggy?  That just doesn't seem right (considering there is a baby taking up most of the space)!!  Surely $90 should fill a trolley!?  At least half way?  Not anymore.

Should I be making my own bread?  It's a time vs. money thing...

I'm on the hunt for money saving tips, new lunch ideas, and cheap dinner meals.  Any hints for me?  I'm considering making up milk from milk powder to use when baking, as it would be cheaper than fresh milk.  That makes me a bit sad considering how much milk we produce in New Zealand.  We used to be vegetarian, and still don't eat a lot of meat, so we're not spending up large there...

Homemade muesli bars, cheaper, healthier and no packaging.  And they taste better!

I really don't know how some families are managing.
Sorry for the whiny post xo

make my week

So I'm joining in with the uber-talented and lovely Dee this morning and showing you something I've been making.  You saw the beginnings here...

A little blanket for the dolls and teddy bears!  I'm really pleased with it.  It's helped me really get the hang of crochet, and get good tension and what-not.  Onto bigger and better things!  I'd like to make myself a scarf-y cowl thing next.  I have found crochet so much more enjoyable than knitting, I think because I feel like I am using my hands more to make the work, rather than the needles.  What have you been making?

harvest

A total of 18 beautiful plums.  A vast improvement on last years harvest of 3!  The variety is Hawera, and this is its third year in our garden.  I have high hopes for a big crop next summer.  If you are in NZ and looking to plant a plum tree, these red fleshed plums are delicious.

a sneak peek, tattoo envy and a weigh in

Do you have a tattoo?  What's it of?  Will you get another one?
I love these.  And these! But something is holding me back.  I don't know what it is!  Sigh.
Here's a peek of something I've been makin'.  Will reveal all when it's been received.

And the second weigh in.

Right.  Back to the crochet. xo

I can do it!

I can crochet!  It is amazing!  This is my first ever granny square, made all by myself.

It was soon joined by more! 
But they left just as quickly as they arrived.

I'd like to thank my mum, and Pip for helping me learn to make these addictive little squares.

can you help?

I'd really love it if you would take the time to read Stella's post here, and check out her facebook group, and join it!  New families NEED to be together!  It's that simple. 
Thanks ♥

more food

Last nights dinner was a vege bake/quiche/frittata type concoction. 

Purple potatoes, feta, sun dried tomatoes, topped with a mix of carrot, zucchini, beans, capsicum, onion, egg, flour, parmesan, herbs and salt and pepper.

Topped with tomatoes.

Bake.  Serve with broccoli or salad.  Maybe some fresh bread.

Try not to act surprised when it slices nicely and comes out of the dish in one piece.  (Usually when I make something like this it slops everywhere!) 

muffins

Red currant and blueberry, with just a little white chocolate thrown in for good measure.  Mmmm.

Knitted food

A while ago Fran posted about some gorgeous knitted food she made for her girls.  When she was visiting a couple of weeks ago she was lovely enough to bring some for my daughter!

It is so beautifully made, and has been admired by everyone to visit my house since.  I can see it being played with for years to come.

A true treasure!  Thanks Fran!
I am working on a little gift for her girls and hope to share it here soon.

I embraced the silence of the moment and took it with me into the afternoon. 

current favourite outfit

The stripes have gone a bit funky in the photo (that's why people on TV never wear thin stripes), but this dress is totally my favourite thing at the moment.  I bought it just before Christmas and I must have worn it ten times already.  Very comfy, a little pretty, but casual too.  And all for $40.  Thanks Postie Plus!  My beautiful brooch from Fran, and yes, those lovely shoes again.  If you'd like to share an outfit, remember Miss Bonnie has revived Wardrobe Wednesdays over at her blog. xo

the first weigh in

Of the challenge that is.

Pay it forward 2011

I promise something handmade to the FIRST 5 people who leave a comment here. However, to be eligible, you must re-post this message, offering something handmade to 5 other people. The rules are that it must be handmade by you, and it must be sent to your 5 giftees sometime in 2011. Ready, set, GO!
(via Frangipani)
*remember to leave me your email address, if it's not linked from your comment profile 

stuff I won and other things

I've had a little luck in the giveaways lately.  Actually before Christmas, but I'm only just getting round to sharing.  I won a gorgeous wee giveaway over at Ruby in the Dust, and got a cute felt ornament kit!  I've yet to begin, but I'm really looking forward to some nights stitching on the couch to make up these little beauties.  You could buy one here if you like.  I also won some awesome earrings over at City Birds Nest, totally one of my favourite blogs.

You can get some here if you love them too!  You should totally go check out City Birds blog, especially if you love bike riding!

I've tidied up my craft room and I'm pinching Melissa's resolution of giving it a tidy up once a month or so.

Not much else happening round these parts.  Still getting back into a post holiday routine.  Eating heaps of blueberries.  Realising that I shouldn't feed the baby too many blueberries.  Sewing.  Trying to embroider.  Walking.  Swimming.  Planning.  Looking forward to autumn (boots! cardis! cozy-ness!).  Picking tomatoes... 

just a little wip

every year I'm still a little shocked when they actually appear.  and I take it as the first sign of a new season waiting in the wings. 

Goals and golden shoes

I noticed a bit of a yellow theme going on today, and thought it was as good a reason as any to post.

From the top:  Gold Nugget tomatoes from my garden, my beautiful new shoes, and a pretty brooch (made for me by Fran).   I'm spending my new years day reading, eating bbq leftovers, and writing more goals in my new journal.  So far today I've added, watch 12 movies, go out for a yummy dinner at our local fancy sushi restaurant with my best friend, learn to crochet, and train for the sea swim series which will begin next November (my Dad is currently doing it, and I want to try it too).  In the past I've always thought that having 'goals' was a bit geeky, or selfish, or self-indulgent or something.  But I realised in 2010, that spending time working towards things that make you happy is not selfish, that when I am busy I get more done, and that challenges are good for me.  I'd love to hear any of your goals for the year.  Inspire me!  (I have a whole journal to fill!) xo