Kitchen top homesteading

Dear Prudence,
Autumn is becoming well-established with sunny days, blue skies, but a hint of the cool that is to come in the air.

My vegetable growing has always been a bit hit and miss, as you know, so with the cooler weather coming I am back to the kitchen ‘farm’.
I want to make sure that we have a supply of greens and herbs as they are so nutritious. Not only do they brighter up the dinner plate, but they give the winter a kitchen a ray of sunshine.

I don’t know how well the strawberry plant will go in Urbipod (that white contraption with the light), but we shall see. Also in the Urbipod I’ve planted chives and basil.  I think it best to keep the slower growers in there and the quicker ones in the flat trays.
I have some radish, beets and broccoli in the flat trays.  In the blue ceramic pot is parsley, a great addition to many dishes.

I did manage to salvage a few of the lettuce seedlings I bought a few weeks ago at the Bowral markets, but didn’t get in the ground. They are now safely in the garden bed, along with some sweet pea seeds around the bean poles.

Also, after many years break, I am giving sourdough baking another go.  Today is day one of developing the starter, I’ll let you know how I go.  Who knows, you might even be the beneficiary of some home-baked bread!

Your (canine) sister is having her daily siesta, and it is time for lunch, so will sign off.

Love,
Mum.

The journey begins again

Well, Dear Prudence,
Seven years ago on December 15th, 2010, I started this blog (you can check the first post here).

And here I am, on the 24th March, 2017, after a five year hiatus, rebeginning the journey I started on this blog.   I went back and read my first post and was reminded that I wanted somewhere to share with people of similar interests to me.  A place to connect, make friendships, and feel a sense of belonging, perhaps.

But now I realise, while all these things are true, noble and valid, that the best person to record these things for is - you.

When my mother died one year ago, an extremely crafty woman with never an idle hand, I was quite surprised by what was important to me.  It wasn't expensive jewellery, or the best furniture, or a financial legacy.
What became to me the most precious cherished object, the thing that I had maybe disdained while she was alive, was a battered old Pringles tin, that she kept all her crochet hooks and paraphernalia in.

Who would have thought?

She loved to sit in her armchair, watching her favourite shows on the telly, crochet in hand and Pringles tin at her side.  It became an icon describing something about who she was.  She was happy as long as she could busy herself in one creation or another, making objects of beauty, but her surroundings were simple.

I know I told you that you could have gran's crochet hooks, but Prudence, the truth is, when I held that tin and looked at the contents - every memory of her seemed to be held in that tin and those hooks.  The emotions run deep each time I hold that tin.

So forgive me, Prudence, but you will be the beneficiary of that tin, one day.  But not this day.  And when you do hold them in your hands, maybe it will also contain my crochet hooks and paraphenalia.  Perhaps as you hold it you will feel the connection to the life blood of past generations, as I did.

Prudence, I am starting this journey again, so that you will have a connection.  So that you will have reminders of where the truly important things are.

Some things were never meant to be lost.

Love
Mum.

When the sun shines.....

....then it's time to take a stroll to my local - coffee shop, that is.

 

I love living in a small village.  Life is so casual.  I don't have to dress up, just saunter down the road in my daggy trackies (now that is definitely an australianism - translation - tracksuit that's seen better days).

 

The local butcher has his santa flags flying outside his shop.  Nice and cheery.

 



 

 

 

 

Oh good, plenty of spots to choose from.  One in the sun please.



 

 

This one looks good.



 

 



 I wanted to put in a photo or two of my barista Daniel making my coffee, but he went all camera shy on me...drat.

When I go on a coffee stroll, I like to pack my bag with the essentials.  Check.

 

 

 

 

You can tell I like to hang on to my British Edition Country Living mags - just look at the date on that one!

 



 

 

 

and of course, I always have my little sketchbook on hand, with pencil inside, ready to jot down any brilliant ideas I get, brought on by the coffee high.

 

 



 

 

 

But basically, just to doodle away in.  Always a folk artist at heart.

 

 

 

And to plan my little shop space I have at the local Cheese Factory.  They rent spaces out to different people (for an extremely reasonable amount, and I don't even have to be there to mind the shop.) which gives it a real 'emporium' effect.

 

 

 

I've got some photos of the space in my camera.  I'll show you in a few days time what I did with it.  In fact, it now looks very much like the sketch above.  I want to paint up a shop name sign to hang on the wall.  And I have to make a lot more stock, but, as usual, time is the issue.

 

 



 

 

Thanks for sharing my stroll with me.

 

 

cheers

Fi

It's beginning to feel a bit like......

After what seems like an eternity, I did actually get my crochet hook out the other day.

I really didn't want to think too much, you know, straining the brain about what to make.  I just wanted to feel the comfort of a familiar friends, wool and hook - shared with tea, blankets and the dog.

What better spot to call in at, but our dear Miss Lucy.

 

I knew she had tutorials and patterns for quick little numbers like this flower.

 

 

 

I didn't care if I didn't finish it (which I haven't yet......), it was just for the fun of it.  Which is often the best way, no pressure, no time limits.  Bliss.

 

 

And on the seasonal front, I've been 'tizzing up' daughter's bedroom. 

 

 

Found these gorgeous hand made baubles in the local Cheese Factory shop.  The lady at the post office made these.

 

I fetched some twigs from the garden and hey, presto!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hope you are having a 'non-frantic' lead up to Christmas.

 

 

 

 

cheers

Fi





For Cindy Bee....

Gosh, Cindy, it really must have been a while, I very nearly forgot my login password!!!!!

Since I took on the Night of Christmas Hope project, (we are raising money for HIV/AIDS orphanage in Thailand this year), teaching the women in my church how to make paper bead jewellery to sell on the night, etc. life has been a bit of a squeeze.

 

 

Although I must say that I have determined to not get as stressed this year as last year.

What is done is done, and what isn't done - well, isn't.


But, having said that, in the continual search to reclaim a modicum of health, I have just started my family on a 30 day raw food programme. 

We definitely do not intend to go vegan, or even vegetarian, but I feel we will benefit enormously from this 'clean out'.

I am now spending soo much time in the kitchen, getting my head around the whole thing.
I've got the dehydrator back out, and have two batches of flax crackers (different varieties) on the go as we speak.

I've got seeds sprouting all over the kitchen - gosh! am I running out of space!!
There is also a couple of trays of wheatgrass sprouting near the window.

The cupboard is now well-stocked with all the pantry items like nuts, seeds, spices, dried fruits, etc, I buy them bulk and have them delivered.

We've joined the juices and green smoothie brigade - now there is something to throw your body straight into a detox!

I've spent too long lately feeling awful and not sleeping half the night, no energy etc. that I had to take desperate measures. 
So far, I must say, the food has been very tasty.  Lots of variety.


Oh, and the other thing I have squeezed in this year, is that I took a small space in a shop at the Old Robertson Cheese Factory.  It is only $20 for rent, and someone else mans the shop - I don't even have to be there! 
Perfect.

I have sold quite a few of these crochet flower brooches.

 

 

Also some jewellery items I've made and handmade soap.  The lavender and patchouli have been very popular.

 

I must pop over to your blog now and see what you've been up to.

 

cheers

Fi



I wandered lonely as a cloud.....

....but first of all....

found...

...'nuff said.

Ok, moving right along.

I've had this for a few weeks, but, because of the issue with the aforementioned implement, I haven't shown you.

Dearest Claire, from over at Sweet Birdy Love, made me this beautiful, and much appreciated item.  I saw a similar one in one of her posts about her market stall.  That one had blue check fabric on it, which I adored, but knew I had to have it in green. 

 

"And then my heart with pleasure fills

and dances with the daffodils."

W. Wordsworth.

I ordered one, and within a couple of days, it was in my letterbox, would you believe.  Boy, that girl is quick!  But don't think that she sacrifices quality... oh no, this is one well-made item, lined and everything.

Thankyou Claire.

On another note, this is what the weather looks like today.

 

 

After nearly two years of no summer (to speak of), this Spring is already shaping up to be sunny, and it's only 4 days in!

 

 

Happy Spring all you Ozzies,

 

Cheers

Fi

If anyone out there.........

knows the whereabouts of the battery charger for my camera - please tell me where it is!!!!

I have been searching for weeks, but all I remember is that I put it somewhere that I would be able to put my hands on when needed.........hah!


cheers
Fi

Paper Bead Jewellery..

Well, it has certainly been a busy few months.

Why is that, I hear you ask.

Well, do you remember this post from last year?   Scrub that, I can't find the post I'm talking about.

Anyways, I was telling you about the charity event we held at Church last Christmas that I organised.

I taught the women how to make paper bead jewellery, which we then sold at an end of year Christmas event.  We raised the money to help with the building of a women's hospital in the Afar region of Ethiopia.

So, we are putting the event on again this year, but raising the money for an HIV/AIDS orphanage in Thailand.  A friend of mine takes a mission team over there each year, to create a holiday at home for the kids.
That might not sound like such a big deal, BUT, I can assure you, for those kids, it is huge.
Because they have HIV they are pretty well ostracised in the community (for fear of contracting the disease).  They can't even go to the local swimming pool in the heat of summer.  They can't go to school, or take part in other normal kids activities.

Here are some of the pics of the first lot of jewellery made for this year.

By the way, I've started a website for the night and a facebook page, to show some samples of the paper bead jewellery and to give peeps an inkling of what to expect on the night.

Lariat necklaces are such fun.  I love to add in charms like teapots and keys.

The pendant isn't a paper bead (in case you're wondering), but the rest are.

All the bead start off as white paper, and are handpainted.

Paper bead earrings don't drag on your ears.

I love the purple chunky beads.  And because they are paper, they are so lightweight.

The lettering was all painted on to the beads by hand.

Paper beads mix well with other sorts of beads, like crystals.

So many beads to make, sooooo little time.

Christmas will be here before you know it!

cheers

Fi

Coooooeeeee......

as they say in Oz.

That just means 'hello', really.  Or 'hey, how are you going'.

I've been suffering from a bit of 'after-holiday-itis' lately.  Probably heightened by the fact that it is winter in Ozland.

But I've also been having technical equipment issues.  Aren't these things supposed to make our lives easier?
To save time, not suck up your time?
Hmmmmm.......

My camera wouldn't work, so had to take the photos with my phone (which takes better pictures anyway), then I couldn't get the pictures off the phone and onto the computer (some software issue).

I think I have the camera sorted now, so should be back in business. (If truth be known, all that was wrong with the camera, was that I had inadvertently flipped the little thingy on the memory card to the 'locked' position, but, shhhhhhh..... don't tell anyone).

I really wanted to show you the photos I took just before I went on holiday.
It was the 'day my kitchenaid mixer died' episode.


I make my own sourdough bread.

It saves money, but, largely it's for health reasons.  Breads made with refined flours and refined yeast (bakers yeast) don't sit well with me.

Sourdough starter fermenting away

Dough being kneaded in my now defunct mixer

Bread in tins waiting to rise

I wanted to share the process with you.

I made the bread, taking photos of all the stages (the ones above are only a few of them).

The bread was kneading in the bowl (the kitchenaid has a dough hook).

I just popped out the back for a minute.

I came back in to a horrible labouring sound coming from the mixer and a horrible smell.

Goodbye mixer.
Sob.

It looked so pretty.

So, for mothers day, my sweetheart bought me a new mixer to make my bread in.

It is a Bosch.

So far, I am not convinced of its capabilities in bread kneading.

I'm considering going the 'no-knead' variety.

Or giving up bread.


Cheers
Fi

A few updates

Well, I'm off on a holiday tomorrow for about 9 days.

I'm not going too far, just up to a property near the Foster/Tuncurry area, where dear one and I plan to just chill out, doing nothing in particular.

I have added in a page for natural tips, which I will be sorting out proper when I come back, maybe categorising the info, not sure yet.  But for the moment, I have just uploaded the tips as you gave them to me.

I leave you with a farewell to a hardworking friend.....

R.I.P

Well, try and behave while I'm gone, see you soon.

cheers

Fi

Naturally nurturing ideas

Hi folks,

After feeling sick for the last few days (must have been all that blue sky and sunshine....... ;) , my mind has turned to natural alternatives to nurture ourselves.

You know, things like what beauty products do we use - are we predominantly using the story bought ones, or are we coming up with natural alternatives? Or using the tried and true methods hadn't done from the past.

Maybe we could share some of these healthy beauty/wellbeing ideas, and I could list some of them on the blog, a bit of a resource for ideas (with links back to your blog, of course).

I must admit, I'm not a great one for fussing with my appearance too much.  Too busy with crafty things for that. 
But, I do love natural products.

For a moisturiser I have a little squirty bottle that I fill with oils like Jojoba and a little rosehip oil, which is great for the 'mature' skin.  Jojoba, apparently, is very close in composition to the skins oils.

Actually, I think that technically it isn't an oil, but a wax - I could be wrong.

I then add in a few drops of essential oils, depending on my mood.  I often add geranium, or carrot seed, neroli, that sort of thing.

I am a huge proponent of essential oils

In fact, after the rainy, soggy Summer, I have discovered the benefits of clove essential oil in getting rid of mold.


In the last few days of being sick, I have been drinking elderberry syrup, elderflower tea, sipping on lemon, ginger and thyme tea and, even, wait for it, swallowing raw garlic!! 

Yes I know, yuk, but I hate being sick and will go to these lengths to get better without resorting to antibiotics.

I also believe in the power of prayer, which has been put into practice in the last few days (to great effect).

I ended up with pneumonia a few years ago, and believe me, I don't want to end up there, so, as they say - an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

Ain't that the truth!

So, come on, out with it.....

What's your favourite remedy, natural beauty treatment, etc.

cheers
Fi

Sorry, can't talk..........

....... because of this.

After complaining and whining all summer about the miserable weather, I'd better take advantage of this glorious Autumn day, by actually getting outside in it.

So........see you when I get back from my walk with dog, which may or may not end up under an umbrella at the local cafe.

'nuff said.

cheers
Fi

Selfsewn's Package Arrives!!.......

It arrived!!!!

Don't you just love the excitement of receiving something in the mail? (or post, for the Brits).

There is something about the anticipation of a package sitting there, waiting to be opened.

And I knew that this one held something special from a wonderful lady and talented artist - Clare from Selfsewn Blog

It held the prize I won at her new blog address giveaway.

Thankyou Clare!

And this is what I found when I opened up the package.

What a beautiful touch, with the note written on the star, and the crocheted heart tie - bonus!

Here is a close up of the heart and ribbon.

So, without further ado, here it is, Selfsewn's EPP (English paper piecing) star block.

With fabric pieced note.

What a wonderful colour sense she has.  The seed head fabric is a personal favourite of mine.  It reminds of walks along country lanes on Autumn days.

And the mark of true professionalism - a special touch on the back.

Thankyou Clare - you are a wonderful person and true craftswoman.

If you want to learn how to make your own EPP star block, Clare is hosting a flickr group and has tutorials on it.

Here is one of her tutorials here.

cheers

Fi