Monday 17 February 2014

Conecting with the community through Storms

A massive tree in a neighbours garden came down this weekend during the storms. It was covering several gardens and garages. We were able to work together with some neighbours to start trimming it back as it was blocking the rear access to properties. It was a brilliant way of meeting and connecting with people in our local community! Although we are all looking forward to the tree surgeon removing the massive remaining trunks!

Before


After

Saturday 15 February 2014

Cakes by Bobbi!

Dejunked a Kenwood Mixer to a friend who makes cakes professionally.

She is thrilled and it will get much more use!

I had it dejunked onto me by my grandmother 3 years ago as she didn't use it either!

It always makes me feel great when something has gone to a good and new home.

Thursday 30 January 2014

Joshua Becker's new book Clutterfeee with Kids

Check out Joshua Becker's new book titled Clutter free with Kids.

Clutter free with Kids is a book about owning less and living more. It challenges parents to reconsider the common more is better mentality. It calls us to reevaluate the role consumerism plays in our lives. It invites us to find new life apart from the relentless pursuit of material possessions. And it encourages us to become not just clutter free, but more intentional in life and parenting.

Joshua has a great blog called Becoming Minimalist.

He is a great writer,  really easy and enjoyable to read.

Its available on amazon as a download or can be ordered as a paperback too.



Thursday 23 January 2014

Rediscovered Families Blog, Choosing to connect: Christmas with the Wallington Family

I enjoy reading the blog rediscovered families www.rediscoveredfamilies.com written by Sharon Harding about presence and awareness for strong family connections.

I recently wrote a piece for it titled: Choosing to connect:Christmas with the Wallington family

Hope it strikes a cord etc!


A Manger Scene in lights at St pauls church, Kingston upon Thames.



Choosing to Connect: Christmas with the Wallington Family - See more at: http://rediscoveredfamilies.com/2014/01/choosing-connect-christmas-wallington-family/#sthash.SFx9VtwK.dpuf
Choosing to Connect: Christmas with the Wallington Family - See more at: http://rediscoveredfamilies.com/2014/01/choosing-connect-christmas-wallington-family/#sthash.SFx9VtwK.dpuf

Thursday 3 October 2013

Summer Update!

Have enjoyed a busy summer!

Lots of sun, cooking and dejunking!

Black Bean Salsa/Salad

black beans 400 gram Carton
red onion
red pepper
tomatoes
red and green chillies
avocado
cucumber
lemon juice
lime juice
ground black pepper

Dice all the vegetables and mix in with the carton of black beans
Add the lemon and lime juice, season.


Baba Ganoush (Aubergine Dip)

Aubergines 2-3
Tahini 1-2 tsp
Greek yogurt 1000 ml
olive oil
cumin tsp
lemon juice
salt and ground black pepper
pomegranate seeds to garnish

Hold the aubergines over a naked flame if you access to one.
If not just put them on a roasting tray in the oven for about 45 minutres or until the skin is wrinkled.
Peel of the skin or cut in half and scoop out the fles.
Mash the aubergine or use a blender to get a nice smooth consistancy.
Add the cumin, lemon juice, tahini and yogurt and stir together.
Add a dash of olive oil  so not too thick a mixture.
Season and scatter with pomegranate seeds for a beautiful pink colour.





Wednesday 5 June 2013

Long time no blog!

Has been busy recently cant believe how long since I last posted!


Beautiful bluebells during a walk in the woods at the Vyne a National Trust place near Basingstoke. Great new kids play area.


De junked, A washing line to neighbours. Our back garden gets minimal sunshine.



Beetroot Hummus for a bring and share church lunch, loved the pink colour.





 De junked more of the kids old school workbooks a few pieces chosen for a special works folder


Made Sweet potato chips seasoned with Peri Peri seasoning for a Friday night treat.


Took the boys to Minet Country park in Southall, was great they enjoyed seeing the butterflies and we did an impromptu litter pick!

Helped a lady start to empty her loft out as building works in progress and the roof was coming off the next day! I am always amazed at people's lack of organisation.  Despite six months of warning it was very full! We did what we could in a limited time.  Always a good way to be kept on your toes though. She has boxes of kids work that she never looks at as she is too busy wading through the rest of her possessions.

De junked a lovely gym top to a friend who teaches Pilate's, perfect for her but not for me as the thick fabric a bad option for cardio junkies!

Returned a free swimming hat to my older sons old swimming club.


The lovely sunny weather has enabled me to help elderly neighbours with their garden and to also get an early start on my suntan!

Saturday 20 April 2013

Contentment Rhythm Take it Personally

I am working through the IF contentment rhythm

One action is to reflect on the verses below:

Philippians chapter 4 verse 11-12 

"Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with  whatever I have.
I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little."

I enjoy eating yummy healthy food and I don't think I would like to go hungry! However, the verses remind us that we can be content with very little. Lots of things don't cause happiness or contentment, on the contry they are often a distraction from the things in life that are more important, people and relationships.