Christmas Rocky Road

Make these individual serves of Rocky Road as a little gift for your friends.  Melt some good quality chocolate and mix in whatever lollies they like.  I use marshmallows, fruit jellies, nuts, clinkers and smarties but you could use whatever you like really. I like to use silicone moulds as it is easy to turn them out and you can get some great shapes. Then I top them with a ripe raspberry and some spearmint leaves.  Finish them by placing them in cellophane bags and some tinsel.

Ho Ho Ho!

Chalk Art

Looking for an inexpensive gift for all ages? Don't forget an old classic.  Chalk!! My teenage children still like to find a shady spot, play some tunes on their Ipod and draw a work of art.  It is a very relaxing thing for them to do.  It isn't permanent and best of all ... it can keep the busy for hours.  A tub of sidewalk chalk is around the $5 mark.

Good Fun!

Farmer Louie

Have a look at my haul for today.  Broad beans, corn, cucumbers, cherry, roma, and apollo tomatoes, capsicum chillies, and beans.  Even the girls from Pecker Palace came to the party with eggs.  So happy it is ridiculous.

Do you grow veges?

oh Yeah - We love Christmas

Light the candles, put on the carols & pour the eggnog.... 

Santa is on his way.

Chicken Feed

If your chickens are lucky (like mine) and get to roam the garden, why not plant some of their favourite snack foods around the place?  Pigeon pea, chicory, kale asian greens and lettuce are easy to grow so put extra seeds in so you can share with your chickens.

Also, don't forget to give them the vege scraps from the kitchen i.e. cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower etc.

They will love you.

Busy Honey Bees

Check out this little bee coming in to enjoy my garden.  I am in the process of encouraging bees into the garden to promote pollination of my flowering plants. Bees see all colours, except red, apparently, and have a keen sense of smell.  They are able to use these senses to locate flowers and collect pollen.
Not only is  the pollen used as a food source for the bees but they drop some in flight resulting in cross pollination.  Bees are wonderful to watch so take the time to sit and appreciate how hard they work.

Bees are a good sign

Bowl of succulents

Here I filled a large pasta bowl (that I never used) with sand and planted some of my favourite little plants in it.  Add a little sculpture and you have a great step decoration.  Buy these plants once and keep breaking bits off and spreading them around your garden.  They don't need a lot of water so let them dry out occasionally.  Use them to make gifts for friends.

Don't give them too much love!! 

Growing Sweet Corn

The instructions for growing corn are always on the packet or seedling tag, however, here is a trick I learnt from a Gardening Sage.  Plant peanuts at the same time around the base of the corn.  This keeps the corn roots cool and makes good use of  the area under the tall stalks.

Looking forward to the crop!  

Flowers in the vege patch

My husband builds the garden beds for me so I can plant "Money saving veges" and I am not supposed to plant anything else.  I have convinced him of the benefits of inviting bees into the garden for pollination.
Don't they look great. Well I have to enjoy myself down there in the garden and flowers give me a lot of joy.
Now I am planting edible flowers like, dianthus, nasturtium, chives, borage, rosellas etc. so everyone is happy.

There is always a way around the rules.

Spring Blooms

The air is full of the scent of flowers and fruit at the moment.  I just love it.  Turn off the TV and take a walk just on twilight.  The smell is intoxicating.  Do it, you will come home with more energy and drive than before you left.

Be Happy

Easy Crunchy Vanilla Biscuits

I always make a double or triple batch of these biscuits because otherwise there would be none left when the kids get home from school.
Ingredients:
1 1/3 cups of plain flour
1 Tsp baking powder
125g butter
1 cup sugar
2 eggs beaten
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
Method:
Preheat oven to 180 degrees. Cream butter and sugar.  Add eggs and vanilla. Fold in combined flour and baking powder. (At this point you can add nuts, fruit, choc bits or M&Ms).
It is a difficult mixture to shape so just drop teaspoonfuls on to baking paper and bake for about 8 mins or until slightly browned at base.

Enjoy 

Gifts from the garden.

I know that I am always going on about succulents and how wonderful they are but look ... yet another application. Grab a glass bauble thingii from one of the junk shops, just add a couple of tablespoons of sandy soil and pop your little plant in.  They make great gifts.  I made this for my friend Andre as a little thank you for inviting me to her home.

Imagine what you could do...

Spicy Love

Imagine my surprise when I pulled this radish out of my garden.

Thank you universe, you make me laugh.

Cauliflower Surprise

I almost had tears in my eyes when I came across these babies in my vege patch recently.  I am so proud of myself.  They actually taste better than bought ones.  Is it my imagination????

Cauliflower Soup
I just cut it up into small pieces and microwaved til soft.  I added 2 cups of chicken stock but you could use vege stock.  Blended til smooth and added 500mL of cream.  Season with salt and pepper and serve with crispy bread.

Yummy

Easy Quick Cookie Dough

Ingredients:
250g butter
2/3 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 egg
2 cups plain flour
Method:
Cream butter, sugar and vanilla. Add eggs and fold through sifted flour. Add choc bits, fruit, nuts or whatever you want and shape biscuits into teaspoon sized balls.  At this point you can push a pecan into the top as I have done in one of these photos.  Bake at 180 degrees for 10 - 15 mins.  Allow to cool and dust with icing sugar if you wish.

Have fun with these!

Healthy Chickens

I read this somewhere recently and thought it was a helpful hint to pass on to my Bloggies. Garlic is a natural remedy for intestinal worms in chickens as well.  Just crush a clove and place in a piece of cloth or stocking and steep it in the chickens water for a few days.  Do this about four times a year to keep your girls happy.
Growing parasite repellent plants in and around your coop will also benefit your chickens. Lavender, Rosemary and Geraniums are perfect and small sprigs of these can be placed in the nesting boxes. Keep them happy so they can keep you happy.

Cluck Cluck Cluck

Quick Easy Naan Bread

We love eating curries in our home and never seem to have enough Naan Bread.  So I decided to make my own authentic style flat bread.  This is quick and easy and is ideal for dipping into your favourite Indian or Middle Eastern meal.
Ingredients:
1 Tsp Dry Yeast
2 Tsp sugar
3/4 cup warm water
1 1/2 cups plain flour
1 Tsp salt
1/4 cup veg oil
3 Tblsp plain yoghurt
Method:
Mix yeast, sugar and water in a cup and set aside for 5-10 mins.
Combine all other ingredients in a mixing bowl and then add yeast water mix. Knead for 5-10 mins until dough forms. (At this point you can add chopped herbs, grains or dried fruit)
Cover bowl and set aside for about an hour in a warm place. Preheat oven to 180 degrees.
Divide dough into 10 -12 pieces and roll out onto floured surface.
Place on trays lined with baking paper and cook in oven for 8 mins or until lightly browned and puffed up.

Give it a go.  Sooo Goood. 

My Girls

Here is yet another photo of my chickens.  Peony, Petunia and Primrose. (long story) They are happy and easy to train.  They have brought a lot of joy to our home.  And Eggs!!! 108 in  fact but who's counting.
One of my favourite things to do is grab a glass of wine and seek them out so I can just watch them enjoy life.

Get some chooks!!

Potted Colour

Pot up some flowers and disguise the pots in some nice planters. These allow you to move the flowers around easily so you can bring colour to wherever you are sitting.  This is an easy way to brighten up those cold areas around the home.  If you are having someone over for tea - you can place the planters around your outdoor setting and enjoy the pretty setting.

I love Petunias

Take a Walk

Meeting a girlfriend for coffee and cake is one of my favourite things to do.  But why not go walking together occasionally?  You'll find that you talk about different things entirely and feel good about yourself.  This is healthy for both body and mind.

You can have cake too!

Lime Puree

Have you had a bumper crop of limes or like me was given a bag with about 3kg in it.  What do you do?  You may want to make a heap of Mojitos of Margaritas  OR  find a fast use for all of them.

You can make a lime base good for any number of uses.  Just boil the whole limes for about 10 mins ensuring they are fully submerged.  You should be able to prick the lime with a toothpick.  Don't be tempted to cook for too long as they will burst.

Drain & Cool.  Cut into quarters and puree in a food processor.  (skin, juice and all)  Add 1/2 cup of sugar to each cup of puree. Process again. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 6 weeks or as I like to - freeze in a shallow tray, slice up and return to freezer until I need it.  You can then make lime frosting, margaritas, lime tarts, chutney, liqueur or whatever and whenever you want.

And no Scurvy for you!!

Felt & Hot Glue

This is a light that I bought a while ago.  I bought it because it is functional but I hated it and hid it out of view.  Then one day I had a "light bulb" moment and after a quick spray paint job, some felt and help from my friend (the hot glue gun) the makeover was complete.

I love felt

Yummy Mayonnaise

Recently I came across some mayonnaise that is just soooo gooood.  It is so good I can eat it off the spoon.  Yeah... My family all have their favourite mayo so I decided to make them up from the good stuff.
Wasabi-naise ......  Mayo with wasabi
Aioli ..... Mayo with crushed garlic
Chilli-naise .....  Mayo with sliced fresh chillies
Dijon-naise ..... Mayo with wholeseed mustard
The quantity of flavour to be added depends on the mayo you use so just experiment.

Enjoy!

Floral Gifts

Next time you are racking you brains trying to think of a gift for the person who has everything - why not consider giving a flowering plant.  I received this plant last year for my birthday from my friend Meredith and it flowers all year round.  Every time I walk past it I think of her.  I love that plants can jog your memory of good friends and good times.

This is called a Lipstick Plant - how cute!

Easy Curtains

This is one of the easiest ways to decorate a window.  I have used some inexpensive rod pocket sheers and then tacked a contrasting sheer fabric on the front.  To achieve the draping effect, I used a beaded garland as a tieback.  There are many variations to this theme so just use your imagination.

So Pretty

Ladies Lamp

Do you have matching His and Hers bedside lamps?  Why not personalise your side of the bed.  Here I have used a silk flower brooch to decorate mine.  It may not be your cup of tea as a main bedroom is often decorated in a symmetrical way.  I like to mix it up a bit.

Personalise your home to create warmth.

Rose Care

Now (June /July) is the time to prune your roses.  Aerate the soil around the base to allow water and fertiliser to get to the roots.  Spray with an insecticide/ fungicide and spread some sugar cane mulch around the base.  You should have some beautiful blooms by spring.

Don't forget the gardening gloves.

 

Winter Veges

I have been forced to slow my life down a bit this year and part of my therapy has been my garden.  I have the best vege garden that I have ever had.  I have been growing everything from seed this time to make the process more economical.
At the moment we are growing peas, radish, garlic, cauliflower, leek, zucchini and tomatoes.  Just loving it - it has been a rewarding and positive change for our whole family.  We are eating new food combinations to handle whatever the harvest.

Ever had Chicken and Radish Pizza?

Take a walk

Take a walk in your garden.  Make a cup of tea or grab a beer, depending on the time of day and take a walk.  You may be surprised with what you will find.  Check out these tiny little (3-5mm tall) fungi.  I found these after a long period of wet. Sooo cute.
The garden is constantly changing and I can almost guarantee you will be surprised by something out there.  It is a great time to enjoy some "me" time.

Take the time to enjoy nature. 

Quickest Pumpkin Soup

Peel and roughly chop your pumpkin and cook in microwave for about 10 mins.  Add 1 -2 cups of chicken stock.  Use a wand mixer to puree the mix.  At this point I season and add a can of coconut cream.  Serve with any toasted bread and the kids (adults) will love it.

Enjoy! 

Warm Winter Idea

During these cold dreary months it is difficult to open up your home and allow fresh air to flow through.  Especially if you aren't getting home until it is dark and really cold.  So I like to have a scented candle on hand to replace stale cooking odours.
There are some really yummy ones out there.

Shortcrust Dippers

To make these biscuits all you have to do is defrost some shortcrust pastry, sprinkle with seasoning, cook and serve ........... so easy.

I cut the pastry into preferred shapes as soon as it is defrosted enough.  Brush olive oil over the whole sheet then I add the seasoning.  You can use dukkah, lemon pepper, chili powder, fresh herbs or a combination of any.  You can just use salt and pepper and a flavour  infused oil.  Sometimes I sprinkle with Parmesan too.

Cook in moderate oven until golden.

Fast, Fun and almost guilt free!

Decorating Pecker Palace

I know what you are thinking..... "What is she thinking?"  Well owning chickens can be yet another chance to decorate.  I'm telling you - you should never let a chance go by.  I happen to know that my chickens, Peony, Petunia and Primrose love their home.  Especially the egg wreath.  Stay tuned there will be more......

Are your chickens as happy?

Keeping Chickens

I have been a Chicken Herder for one week now and I am obsessed.  They are so interesting and the whole family is talking about them.
In goes kitchen scraps out comes the best eggs ever.  I don't know why it took me so long.

Do you have chickens?

Quick Chicken Pie

I often have leftover chicken from doing a roast or even a store bought BBQ chicken.  Don't leave it in the fridge for a week and then throw it out as waste.

Take the meat off the bones and add to a couple of eggs and cheese.  You can add veges, (even frozen veges) and seasoning.

Line a muffin tin with puff pastry and pour in chicken and egg mix.  Cook in hot oven for about 20 mins.

Excellent afternoon tea snack for the kids.

Do you waste a lot of food in your home?

Getting Your "Me" Time

Next time you take the family to the beach, (or anywhere in nature) try to get away on your own.  Tell them you are going for a walk.  Just get out of view and sit and watch what comes into view.  Take time to listen, smell and feel your surroundings.  Even ten minutes will make all the difference to your day.

Do you get enough "Me" time?

Quick Choc Pastries

Need a quick and easy snack for coffee?

Just spread a sheet of puff pastry with a thin layer of Nutella and roll up.  Slice the roll at 1cm intervals and place on a lined  biscuit tray.
If you want to be adventurous... roll in from both sides and create heart shapes
Cook in preheated oven at 180 degrees for about 15 minutes.  Keep checking after that.  They need to be golden.
Allow to cool and dust with icing sugar just before serving.  These are perfect for picnics too.

Enjoy with friends or not!

Tomato Harvest

My husband and I  decided to start a vege patch this year and these are our first haul.  He has done all of the work and as usual I am the designer.
Not bad hey?
In the words of my sister Rosemary "Eat your Heart out!"  She knows what that is about.
They are a lot of work as we haven't sprayed and have been keeping the bugs and caterpillars off by hand.  It is rewarding and the taste is amazing.

Do you grow veges in your garden?

Autumn Gardening

My herb garden is looking quite ratty so before everything goes to seed or dies, I have made some cuttings and placed them in water.  The idea is to get them to grow some roots and be able to replant them into prepared soil.  Basil works really well with this method of propagation.
Not every piece will grow roots so make sure you start with more plants than what you will need.  You can always pass extras on to family and friends.
This is an excellent way to save money and you will get a real kick out of it.

Do you love to get plants for free?

Kookaburra .. King of the bush is he.

Sometimes I sit on my back deck and just wait to see what comes into my garden to share the oasis we have created.  My husband and I play a game where we count to ten and within that time something always seems to pass through the pool garden.  It may be a butterfly, a skink, a dragonfly, a bird, a waterdragon or even a leaf but there is always something.   I sometimes wonder where they visit next.  This is very relaxing.  A meditation of sorts. 

Do you meditate?

She's so cute

This is our pooch... "202".   She was named after our first dog..."102".  (If that helps)  She is a very lovely, loyal and lazy dog.  My children just love her (so do I .. don't tell anyone) and I find photos on my camera all of the time.  

This is one of them. She is an outside dog and she understandably hates the approaching colder months.  We spend less time out in the yard with her in winter and when we get home, we shut the doors behind us.  Make allowance for your outdoor pets at this time and try to be outdoors on weekends and maybe let them sneak inside on those colder nights.  

Do you let your pets inside?  



Angels

My home is full of art, sculpture, curios and junk.  My husband says...."WHY"  and you know, I don't have an answer other than, I LIKE IT, I WANT IT, I'LL TAKE IT.  This is my mantra.  I am over forty and if I can't have what I want now...... when.  These wings make me smile and that is enough.  I have them sitting on the piano with a collection of family photos in gilded frames.  They remind me how blessed I am. AND of my mantra.

Do you get what you want?

Bangles

Does any one in your household have a fetish for all things sparkly?  My daughter has so many bangles that I had to come up with a unique way to control them.  This is a paper towel holder and it works really well.  You will find a holder like this in a kitchen shop, hardware or junk shop. Just tip it up to select the one you want and load the others straight back on.  I think we need another one soon.  Ooh then we could get more.

Where does she get it from.... I wonder?

Succulents

It is now a great time to separate and prune your succulents.  By spreading them out and transplanting to other pots and areas in your garden, they will flourish and multiply.  This is also a great time to pot them up and give them to a friend.  They will survive in just about any receptacle so get inventive.

If you don't have any succulents yet....get some.  You will be hooked too!

Gardening in the drought

One of my promises to myself for the new year is to spend more time in the garden.  So out I go to investigate the baron wasteland that used to be a lush garden.  It is bad....so bad.  I know there is little point watering the dry twigs or replanting until this heatwave is over so.... I figure .... this is a chance for garden sculpture to come to the fore.
Brass peacocks will do the trick.  They will survive the drought and make little noise.

Is your garden looking sad?

Sunset

Take a photo of your family enjoying their time together.  Before you know it we will be back at work, school and uni.  Every day is precious. 

Capture it and keep it.

Xmas pack up

Happy New Year to All... and so it begins again.  Time to clean up the house and our bodies.  Pack away the baubles and the bubbles and get serious again.  It is one of those jobs that have to be done so when do you do it?  Is it a New Years resolution or rule of thumb?  I don't know either...

Let me know how you do it