Organised Crime!

“Order is the sanity of the mind, the health of the body, the peace of the city, the security of the state. Like beams in a house or bones to a body, so is order to all things.”

Robert Southey quote

Well, they say Preachers teach the lessons they most need to learn themselves...I am this way when it comes to organisation!

I'm not being hard on myself, I have come along way over the years. My Achilles heel seems to be my sentimentality. I keep letters, articles items that have no real use, and many a zealous organiser would have a field day, or possibly their work cut out for them, in this area of my life.

I love practicality and I absolutely LOVE the idea of ..."A place for everything & everything in its place" (Mary Beeton), but achieving this fully - has eluded me to an extent! I have bought books on organisation, storage and house-keeping. It seems I love reading about it! It would be a crime, to not develop or maintain your home through lack of motivation, dont you agree?!

Luckily I have storage down-stairs it is not precisely how I would like it, never-the-less it is available so I need to start getting proactive. I think when it comes down to it, you have to know yourself. Know your limitations, and be strong!

My personality type is generally sanguine. My approach is often -"how can I make this fun!" I have forced myself  at least 3 times to attempt to clean what was meant to be the babies nursery! Each time I have gone in there and been overwhelmed...by stuff!

I have made up my mind though and am going to do this thing! I want people to come in my home, and feel WELCOME, when your space is cluttered, you don't want people in there, you want them too shoo away -until another day, not good!

  I love doing a quick blitz clean before my guys get home, I cherish them coming home from a hard day to their Haven, to the smell of dinner, to a tidy welcoming space that they can just relax in!

As I have said before, sometimes you don't need to spend $$$ on decor, you just need to tidy & re-arrange things. My step-mom went on a missions trip in Africa, it was touching to hear her account of a christian home she went into. They were living in poverty, but still amongst their lack, the lady's home she went to was pristine, tidy! Its not about stuff. A home filled with love & great hospitality outshines one that is just fulled with latest of everything, lastly at least people will be able to marvel at your good stewardship!

In terms of tidiness & organisation-there are days that are going to go to custard, you may be unwell, lack sleep, have to spend extra time with children, ecetera, ecetera. Its just a matter of picking things up again when you have the energy, for heavens sake dont beat yourself up over it!  Your home is your safe place to unwind, not a show home, when it's tidy (not perfect) it makes you feel better, that's all.

It is rewarding when you put in the effort, -the more you put into it, the more you get out of it. God made things in an orderly fashion, He also made the world full of beautiful, fascinating things...including you, it is no suprise we thrive in these surroundings, order & beauty.

Speaking of that, a few blogs ago I bought a $20 chandelier, it was in a grose state, I spent atleast 1hr working on it...

Before



After

 When you begin to achieve results, it motivates you keep going in other   area's! Here's hoping that some-how Ive inspired you, to get proactive and make your living space the best it can be!


Blesses,
Storm


Some awesome links:

http://organizedhome.com


http://www.netmums.com/lifestyle/house-and-home/tips-for-an-organised-happy-home#ten

Green fingers... saving green dollars!

I traipsed off to the Organic Nursery again. I  grabbed a whole lot of plants from the bargain section, priced at $1 each. The reason they are so cheap is they often missing a plant or a little distressed...nothing a little feeding and  (root) space cant remedy. I wanted to plant a few more veggie plants namely Mizuna-I have been most impressed with this Japanese wonder. (Easy to grow..full of iron, folate, vita c and flavour!)  I managed to acquire  two punnets of the red variety this time and another Chinese variant  - called Tat Soi.

The main reason how-ever was to get my hands on some Medicinal Herbs. I have had a window planter box for a while - just sitting around. I got it from  $2 Shop for $6, (go figure), and I have finally found the time and confidence to attempt to grow something!  My husband has tonsils, so he still gets sore throats and tonsillitis...he has gargled mouthwash, been on antibiotics, consumed copious amounts of salt and sucked a truck-load of lozenges - all to no avail.

I bought Parsley, Dill, Oregano & Sage. Peruse the information below (from the Nourished Kitchen.Com)  and you will be as amazed and awed as I was by these common kitchen herbs and their hidden benefits!

'Parsley Medicinal Uses: Parsley’s medicinal effects rest in its volatile oils and flavonoids:  apiole, myristicin, terpinolene, appin and others.  These components also account for parsley’s notable flavor.  Parsley is thought to offer therapeutic uses in the treatment of the urinary tract and is approved by Germany’s Commission E – a therapeutic guide to herbal medicine – for use in the treatment of urinary tract infections as well as kidney and bladder stones.  Traditionally, parsley was not only used for treatment of urinary tract and bladder infections but also as an treatment for gastrointestinal distress.  Moreover, parsley is also used as a way to stimulate menstruation.

Dill Medicinal Uses:  Dill and parsley share a commonality: apiole, that volatile oil that accounts for so much of their individual flavors.  Dill is traditionally used to ease stomach upset and to treat gastrointestinal disorders.   In folk medicine, it is also used to treat sleep disorders – particularly insomnia. Some parents give a dill infusion or tea to their young babies as a treatment for colic.

Oregano Medicinal Uses:  Oregano is traditionally used to treat respiratory issues such as stuffy noses and coughs and is an expectorant. In folk medicine, it is also used to treat menstrual cramping and it has very potent antimicrobial activities.

Sage Medicinal Uses: Sage is approved by Commission E to improve appetite and to ease  inflammation, particularly of the mouth.   For nursing mothers who may be experiencing over-production, sage can help to slow milk production.'

It is common knowledge that hundreds, even thousands of years ago herbs were relied upon as trusty treatments to cure many ailments.
In our modern times the medical profession has flooded our veins with synthetic drugs' or hard line antibiotics to rid us of disease and sickness and all the while healthier preventative measures may have protected our health in a gentler more natural way. Although I don't negate the need for medical intervention in the conventional sense, I for one am just keen to venture in God's back-yard first!



If you have read my previous blog, you will know that I adore 'prettifying' our nest and making a home for my guys,.. for now it's beauty on a budget and I'm quite happy with that! I thought my windows were still lacking a certain softness and I was lucky to find almost exactly what I was after for a mere $5.


My "window treatment"
 (I took the pic at night because I ran out of time ...3 guys to nurture!)



Was also chuffed to spot this; the 1st page was all about Alyssum and I'm attempting to grow it from seed!

Only $4 - cant buy a mag for that!

Anyway, as much as I'm sowing plants into my garden, I have determined to sow kindness into my community. Practising patience, and putting others before yourself  sometimes speaks volumes above words. It is so uplifting when people are unselfish... never under-estimate the small acts of kindness - they can make someones day!


Have a BLESSED week,

Storm

The kiss of the sun for pardon,
The song of the birds for mirth,
One is nearer God's heart in a garden
Than anywhere else on earth.
~Dorothy Frances Gurney, "Garden Thoughts"


Links : Interesting Reads on Medicinal Herbs


Check out this interesting link on the properties of Oregano:
dremilykane.com/2008/04/14/oregano-wonder-herb/Cached - Similar

Amazing...
www.home-remedies-haven.com/common-herbs-and-their-uses.html

Weekend Husbandry

My Darling Dearest Doting Husband is turning 30!

He is one of my greatest joys in this world, and every-day feels blessed because he is in my life.

“There is no more lovely, friendly or charming relationship, communion or company, that a good marriage.”  ~ Martin Luther 

We have had a pretty normal weekend, but tomorrow I plan to spoil him with breakfast fit for a King!
I also will make a guy-gift basket, consisting of a torch, economist magazine & speciality tea. He has a book arriving in the post by Professor John Lennox, which he knows about, I must say it looks incredible.

"John Lennox is Professor of Mathematics in the University of Oxford, Fellow in Mathematics and the Philosophy of Science, and Pastoral Advisor at Green Templeton College, Oxford. He is also an adjunct Lecturer at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford University and at the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics and is a Senior Fellow of the Trinity Forum. In addition, he teaches for the Oxford Strategic Leadership Programme at the Executive Education Centre, Said Business School, Oxford University". (TheVeritas Forum).


Today we have been looking at our chandeliers deciding where they will go, exciting for a girl.
He bought me one for my Birthday/Christmas present in one, fairly expensive.
The other I scored at a charity shop for $20! It was filthy and has a few components missing but seriously, what a score.

Grimy, but that's one reason I capitalised, cant complain!

Doesn't look that charming now, but already sparkling after 1hr clean!

We also snuck in a little garden work, the Hubby mowing lawns and myself tending to my roses...destroying the beginnings of some nasty aphid infestation. Pretty awesome solution -dish washing detergent watered down.It kills existing bugs and acts as a repellent. Its quick to prepare & pretty cheap too- a winner all round!

Anyway, its short & sweet as we're off to watch some rugby, my country of origin vs my new beloved country, INTENSE!

God bless

Storm

PS Treasure your treasures- the people in your life!

Out & About

The weather is beautiful, sunshine galore!

Baby and I strolled into town for his lunch (avocado), and  I purchased some curtain wire to complete a bathroom project. My other agenda was to snap some shots of some interesting places & shops. So there will be a whole gamut of photograph's below!

First stop is ALLSORTS I frequent this place, it has cute home decor and well...all sorts of things. We make our way through town, its a pleasant walk. People sitting outside of Cafes, young and old people going about their day to day tasks. Helensville has a mixed demographic of people. According to New Zealand Statistics 41.9 percent are couples with families in Helensville, while couples without children make up 36.1 percent of all families, 22.5 percent of families in Helensville are one-parent-with-children families. The predominant ethnic group is European  but we are lucky enough to have other cultures amongst us . Apparently there are around 2,500 residents & I honestly love the small-town feel.

The other day  while on a walk, I noticed an elderly lady about to climb a ladder, I offered assistance which she politely refused. We started chatting and  got onto the subject of the 2nd World War. She shared some memories, it was wonderful to connect with her, and learn about her life and hear about historic events from some-one who had experienced it first hand.

I think it is very important to have a community where people are supported not only by government agencies, but by each-other. The local churches here are wonderful, Noah's Ark (meeting of parents and babies U2,  happens on Tuesdays at Life Church, Helensville Community Church  offers cake & coffee and fellowship on Friday's, as well a meeting at Black Pete's restaurant, on Wednesdays, offering crafts, art work etc and lunch for $4.  These get together's keep people from feeling isolated and enrich people's lives.

Helensville will be celebrating its 150th birthday in October and they are hosting alot of events in honour of this, Ill keep you posted.

Below are cute quaint little shops and miscellaneous from our walk today....




Have a blessed weekend all,



Storm



Allsorts (green shop).Confession I had to look on the Internet
for this shot!




Then we went to Kaipara River Walkway, it is so lovely  in the sunshine.

We made our way to the old Post Office, its grand and provides a helpful community service








Now is home to Heartland Services

The Studio offering pottery classes -LOVE!



Some pottery creations -pretty cool.

Fairly new, has some lovely pieces, cant wait to go in!

Cute Vintage Styled Clothes Shop

From Gillaz Flowers -excuse the reflection of the glass.

 

Some lucky persons project, even in this state, gorgeous!



Another place, I cant wait to check out!

From Global Antiques

Cute set from Global Antiques



Thus we see that the all important thing is not killing or giving life, drinking or not drinking, living in the town or the country, being unlucky or lucky, winning or losing. It is how we win, how we lose, how we live or die, finally, how we choose

R.H. BLYTH



The Kaipara River & Harbour

“Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it. The river was cut by the world's great flood and runs over rocks from the basement of time. On some of the rocks are timeless raindrops. Under the rocks are the words, and some of the words are theirs.

I am haunted by waters.”

-Norman Mclean, A River runs through it.

This is a picture of the Kaipara River.
For some reason I find it fascinating. I imagined it to be like a water wilderness, left to itself.
Well, I was definitely wrong about that!

Atleast 150 years ago the local Māori called Helensville as Te Awaroa – “The Valley for the Long River”. They had inhabited the area for many centuries, some say as much 9 centuries ago! They had their settlements along river. Back then it was teeming with life,  and was said to be a rich food source, as well as having an expansive amount of kauri trees.


Nowadays, the according to the Auckland Council Marine Report Card
*"(Marine water quality monitoring began in 2009). The water quality of Kaipara Harbour has been ranked as ‘fair’. This ranking is due to ‘fair’ water quality found at four sites, ‘good’ water quality at two sites, whilst the Kaipara River was ranked as ‘poor’". One hopes the situation is not irredeemable!

Although quality of River may be questionable; the harbour is said to be an important fish nursery for West Coast snapper, grey mullet, flounder and rig. It also provides feeding grounds and roosts for thousands of migratory birds. It's river estuaries provide inanga spawning areas. Even the sand flats and sub tidal channels support diverse communities of sand dwelling organisms and large sea grass beds. (Auckland Council).




Kaipara Harbour (2nd largest in the Southern Hemisphere!)


Once upon a time, it was a significant trading post, and milling was  predominant due to the abundance of kauri. Unfortunately, many a ship was sunk due to a harbour mouth & sandbar that was obviously dangerous to navigate through. It's nick name was 'the grave-yard'. (Some speculate at least 100 ships were lost,...with them lives, a sad thought).When the tide is down, Shipwrecks are apparently still visible! Historically, as far back as 1300, Rongomai a Maori Chief was said to have drowned coming across this expanse on his canoe, his body was eaten by trevally and his ancestors to this day are said to steer away from eating this fish!

The milling trade eventually ended 1890's, & in 1947 the port was officially closed.

From 1940's to late 1950's fishing was a lucrative trade. Shark fishing in particular, (eek). No more fantasies of swimming there freely for me! In 2008, there was some exciting talk of an energy company wanting to put turbines into the water to create power for 100,000 homes, but I am uncertain as to how that is developing. These days cruises, regatta's, recreational boating and tourism are the main attractions to these mysterious waters.




Boats

Hope that wasnt too boring, I love learning new things about my surroundings! The links below have loads more information and the Helensville Pioneer Museum has beautiful old pictures from the 1800's.
Im thinking about going to the Museum; either by myself or with my Darling Hubstar!
Hope your week is going well,
Storm

Excerpts & Information taken from :

Helensville Pioneer Museum www.helensvillemuseum.org.nz/harbour/index.htm
About Auckland Website
*Auckland Council
www.northlandnz.com
and some Wiki, yes I know!

* Boats: last picture by Dave Addison, Dash Design.



Progress with the produce

So it's been a somewhat quiet day.
I sneaked a peek at my Garden.
Tomorrow she will require some attention.


Weeds, sinister little things creeping up so quickly. Also I noticed some-one or rather some-thing has been nibbling my veggies. I put down some more slug/snail bait.


About 2 weeks after planting




The humble beginnings

 Really quite happy, having our first little harvest...

Stir-fry plum & pork with veges, yum!
                                                    
Planning to walk into Helensville tomorrow and meet some other locals. Possibly take some shots of our charming little town, and do a write-up as I had promised to begin with! It has turned somewhat into a DIY blog which wasn't my intention, as I would love to actually explore this place more; it has intrigued me.

Anyway I'll save my blah blah's for another day !


Be Blessed,


Storm


Quote of the day

The sole art that suits me is that which, rising from unrest, tends toward serenity.
Andre Gide

Probably not innovative...but resourceful.

I have been thinking about shutter's for months!
Absurd, I know.

I have an inkling for English...(possibly french) cottage houses. (Sigh,...I envision roses, lavender...just flowers in general - greeting you as make your way into "Cottagey Cuteness").
Just because our House will never be a Cottage, doesn't mean it cant have some extra dressing!
Well, I tried to look up prices for shutters on the inter-net to no avail, and even on trade-me. There was only one entry, but it was too far away. I even tried the demo yard, still none, Nada.
While I was handling my old kitchen cupboard doors...I started thinking...well these look like the deal, I would have to saw them in half, but  hey presto, a few coats of paint -they would do!

So I sawed them...oh dear, I didn't get it right even after measuring (eek) so my pretties are a bit uneven, but still rather quaint.  I don't have the time or money to learn every skill that I would like to...but there are some thing's I can attempt. Of course you do everything within reason..ie the electrical stuff I will leave for the electrician!

My Hubby was only too happy to use his new drill,  hoping the novelty will not wear off anytime soon!





Oh, cutsie! Hopefully those roses will off-set them &bloom beautifully!



Ok, a bit kitsch but the white roses, sigh!



Other than that, Sunday what a day, its God's day. Fellowship, rest, food, ...mmm!

Hope your upcoming week is AWESOME,
Maybe in some small way Ive encouraged some ingenuity, I hope so!
God bless
Storm

 ”The man who makes no mistakes does not usually make anything.”
Bishop W. C. Magee