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

Busy Bee

Today the sun was out & so was I.
Baby & I walked into town for some odds & ends. Curtain hooks to be precise ...almost finished putting up the last of our sheer voile's only one to go. By accident we had ordered too many of the wrong size for our 3 bedrooms. I converted  the extras & our lounge, kitchen and dining room have benefited!

My Husband has been such a sweet-heart; I have lost count on the amount of times  he has made me breakfast in bed; so I'm planning to make my own adapted version of Eggs Benedict for him tomorrow for breakfast, mmm.

Today  has felt busy...worked on an old book-shelf, it was gross & now it's cute & 'cottagey'. All it took was some prep work, and a coat of white paint. I should have taken a before shot...



Not a good shot, but an idea of what I'm on about.




I also painted some shutters, and a bench.

Why I find setting up a house so much fun...well...I guess it's innate, women the world over enjoy creating a haven, a welcoming safe comfortable place for their family and friends.

To reward myself , we had some lovely french sausage's roast veg, couscous,spinach  and vino! Dessert was gooseberry crumble with lemon curd, so delicious!

Don't you just love Spring, my wildflowers are beginning to sprout, wonderful!
No-one said it better...

"Look at the flowers beneath your feet. They neither card nor spin . . . they neither sow nor weave;
yet King Solomon shone less brightly than they".

—Jesus Christ

Have a wonderful weekend all!

Storm

P.s My thrifty find today

Stunning Self-paste Wall paper (10m) for $4!

Looty & Thrifty

As I had previously mentioned some blogs ago, I was going to my Sister's for lunch & loot. She knows I treasure her company, & I'm sure she was sick of me complaining about the lack of storage, so she was more than happy to pass on some of Mom's antiques.I'm sure she felt obligated to cart them from one property to another. At one point some of the furniture had to be stored in an open garage, where weather damage is quite apparent, but it really is beautiful. The pieces bring a sense of nostalgia,  especially of our last home & years in Africa. It was a busy home frequented by all sorts of character's - my parents were lovers of people and we have many a happy memory of these experiences.




Mom's beautiful Oak Barley Twist Dresser

 

It has beautiful Shell Drop Handles

It needs work,for sure but may never be restored to it's former glory, but it is still beautiful (& has sentimental value) to me!
I have some other bits and pieces my Sister was kind enough to gift me with, but I would run out of time.


Have I mentioned that I LOVE THRIFTING, that is what Americans call it, in New Zealand we call it Op-Shopping.  There are some incredible finds, antiques, collector's pieces and just bargains. I have been on a mission to find baskets, and countrified objects for my kitchen. Today I scored all these three lots for the change in my purse, $1 to be exact.  Better than spending it on a chocolate,hehe.

50c Basket

Free Pottery Mustard Server



Ahhh...Books -must have in our house! (50c for the lot).


Anyway I have to scoot!
Blessings All,

Storm



Sew Fantastic!

I have had a bit of a blog holiday...tired and really have just been tidying and doing domestic bores...er I mean chores!

So anyway...I found my sewing pedal! Such fortunate timing...as the weather has been a little dismal lately. Last night my Delectable Husband got busy with his new drill (after helping our eldest son with Home-work). Sigh, he is a keeper! He put on our first new kitchen cabinet handle. He will finish the rest tonight. I believe it really is the little things that create an over-all look. I think they are going to look gorgeous!

Mock Antique... yet oh so pretty!

I got busy with my toy, the sewing machine. I was gifted  two beautiful luxury pillow cases, by my sister, they are an usual size...so I transformed one into a kitchen curtain. The material is luxurious & thick -and the ornate design fits in perfectly, but I may add a tad of lace at some point.

There are a few minor changes I want to make over time, to really transform the kitchen, one is a antique/vintage sink & tap set. Similar to the one pictured below:

I will post some pictures of our workmen ship later...(if you can call it that)

I really am in my element, I seriously love being creative!
I have some other projects for the House just waiting for the rain to clear, so I can get painting!

Blessings to those reading out in cyber-space,
Storm

P.s

"Everybody has a creative potential and from the moment you can express this creative potential, you can start changing the world". Paulo Coelo

A reminder to self - that although it is wonderful to build my nest, my home, out there lies the potential to bless & build into others, what can be more valuable than sharing love, ... life's truest treasures are the souls of people!

Father's Day

Fathers Day

Father's day at Church was pretty awesome, the kids did a little show, and the preacher was dressed like a pilot from Top-gun.

We went for lunch at my Sister's -it was lovely. Family time is sacred,it's  fun, it's real, such a vital part of what keeps us all grounded.In the evening it was a Father's day Dinner, very enjoyable, wonderful to get together relax, eat and enjoy each-other's company.

There are many out there, who don't spend time with family, they don't even know their own Father, or may have lost him. I was brought up by my Step-Dad, who I call Dad. He basically adopted me & brought me up as his own. I love him dearly...and then there is my Heavenly Father...well He basically did the same going much farther...please read on...and consider that this is especially for you, from Him;

My Child,

You may not know me,
but I know everything about you.
Psalm 139:1

I know when you sit down and when you rise up.
Psalm 139:2

I am familiar with all your ways.
Psalm 139:3

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered.
Matthew 10:29-31

For you were made in my image.
Genesis 1:27

In me you live and move and have your being.
Acts 17:28

For you are my offspring.
Acts 17:28

I knew you even before you were conceived.
Jeremiah 1:4-5

I chose you when I planned creation.
Ephesians 1:11-12

You were not a mistake,
for all your days are written in my book.
Psalm 139:15-16

I determined the exact time of your birth
and where you would live.
Acts 17:26

You are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Psalm 139:14

I knit you together in your mother's womb.
Psalm 139:13

And brought you forth on the day you were born.
Psalm 71:6

I have been misrepresented
by those who don't know me.
John 8:41-44

I am not distant and angry,
but am the complete expression of love.
1 John 4:16

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you.
1 John 3:1

Simply because you are my child
and I am your Father.
1 John 3:1

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could.
Matthew 7:11

For I am the perfect father.
Matthew 5:48

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand.
James 1:17

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs.
Matthew 6:31-33

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope.
Jeremiah 29:11

Because I love you with an everlasting love.
Jeremiah 31:3

My thoughts toward you are countless
as the sand on the seashore.
Psalms 139:17-18

And I rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17

I will never stop doing good to you.
Jeremiah 32:40

For you are my treasured possession.
Exodus 19:5

I desire to establish you
with all my heart and all my soul.
Jeremiah 32:41

And I want to show you great and marvellous things.
Jeremiah 33:3

If you seek me with all your heart,
you will find me.
Deuteronomy 4:29

Delight in me and I will give you
the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4

For it is I who gave you those desires.
Philippians 2:13

I am able to do more for you
than you could possibly imagine.
Ephesians 3:20

For I am your greatest encourager.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

I am also the Father who comforts you
in all your troubles.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4

When you are brokenhearted,
I am close to you.
Psalm 34:18

As a shepherd carries a lamb,
I have carried you close to my heart.
Isaiah 40:11

One day I will wipe away
every tear from your eyes.
Revelation 21:3-4

And I'll take away all the pain
you have suffered on this earth.
Revelation 21:3-4

I am your Father, and I love you
even as I love my son, Jesus.
John 17:23

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed.
John 17:26

He is the exact representation of my being.
Hebrews 1:3

He came to demonstrate that I am for you,
not against you.
Romans 8:31

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19

His death was the ultimate expression
of my love for you.
1 John 4:10

I gave up everything I loved
that I might gain your love.
Romans 8:31-32

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus,
you receive me.
1 John 2:23

And nothing will ever separate you
from my love again.
Romans 8:38-39

Come home and I'll throw the biggest party
heaven has ever seen.
Luke 15:7

I have always been Father,
and will always be Father.
Ephesians 3:14-15

My question is…
Will you be my child?
John 1:12-13

I am waiting for you.
Luke 15:11-32

Love, Your DadAlmighty God

Redeeming Rubbish

So there is the old adage "One man's trash is another man's treasure".

Well today we went treasure hunting!

I'm actually really happy with the outdoor set we redeemed from my in-laws farm.

When we arrived there was a gorgeous 3 week old Highland Calf,  as we drove slowly up the drive-way; it got up too feed.

Anyway, cute creatures aside, some soap and sewing, and a bit of DIY and the outdoor set will be right as rain. Its going to go on the deck area at the back of our section.

 Yes, we will have to take a short hike up there, but it will be so worth it! I'm thinking of doing some 'french transfer art' on it, which excites me beyond words, or waterproof  frill (country) covers, equally as endearing . I'll post some pictures, but to understand what I'm on about it's best to go another blogspot called the Graphics Fairy.



Basically you print off a graphic (ink jet)




A little technique & product ... & Voila!


There are a lot of amazing talented people out there and they are kind enough to let us glean from them. For now I cannot afford original french pieces, I have other priorities...but I can have fun making my own french inspired pieces. The wonderful thing is that the images from Graphic's Fairy vary, so there are cute labels, pictures art to suit different tastes.

I also finally picked up an old antique cabinet (for lack of better words). It has seen better days, but it makes a charming outdoor feature. It may suit being a cute garden station, we'll see. At the farm my baby boy had cuddles (and whinges) with Grandma, while my husband & I looked in the shed.
There were some very old books, one at least 127 years old! The previous owner  of the farm had left some bits and pieces. Including some old poultry crates, which I have my beady eyes on, hehe.

My Husband also fetched the rest of his drill set and he is so chuffed, ( gosh so am I, think of all the  things I can get him to do, hehe). So we left with oodles of things, amongst them my sewing pedal, I'm over the moon about this, but will have to share my intentions in another blog! My Mother-in-law also gave us a jar of lemon honey/curd, delicious!!! I will get her best recipe and share.

Very excited, as we are finally going to my Sister's house, YAY!
Hope your weekend has been blessed,

Storm.



Ill leave you with an all-time favourite quote :


“I have lived through much, and now I think I have found what is needed for happiness. A quiet secluded life in the country, with the possibility of being useful to people to whom it is easy to do good, and who are not accustomed to have it done to them; then work which one hopes may be of some use; then rest, nature, books, music, love for one’s neighbor-such is my idea of happiness. And then, on top of all that, you for a mate, and children, perhaps-what more can the heart of man desire?”

Leo Tolstoy

Necessity the Mother of Invention

If you're like me, you may like saving a buck or two. I like also get a thrill out of being creative.
At different stages of my life, I have  enjoyed sewing, painting, cooking and more recently gardening.
Another area, is looking after and creating a home. In some regards its easier when you own your own home -as you do have a little more freedom to knock things about and adjust them to your liking, but this also means you have to learn and acquire new skills. (If you rent -it's the land-lords problem :)

Painting is a good one to use as an example! It seems simple but there are still things you need to know in order to get reasonable results. Sanding down, establishing if  a primer is needed, knowing the properties of the paint you're using - as it may require different setting times or painting technique's. The importance of using tape for edges and  especially the art of 'cutting in'. It is worth all the effort & quite incredible how a room can transform in atmosphere, and appear bigger or smaller -just because a different colour has been applied.

Anyway, I digress... my project for today is transforming my nappy change-table into a chef trolley!
I just have never really formed a habit of using it to change the baby. It sits in the nursery and gathers stuff!

An idea of what my "cart" looks like.

Chef trolley's are dear. Alot of modern ones are metal. They can be appealing but I like that the change-table cum trolley  will  be in wood.  I do feel tempted to paint it white, ( my Husband would laugh, he thinks I want to paint everything white...mmm). I will play around with ideas a bit.  The top needs a wood or stone chopping board &  I cant decide whether to add that cute french frill curtain or charming country baskets. Either way, it's fun to get creative!  Below is a little inspiration;

A french country cart

I will be post picture's of the transformation, but they're subject to change :) I'm female it comes with the territory.

It does need a lots more re-arranging- but you get the idea.

Machinery, Family and Tests.

I thought  I would sort out a few storage problems. I don't recommend my  spontaneous attempt at DIY - to anyone! I rationalised it - it would be quick & simple...all I needed to do was saw off a bit of mahogany and some mdf and voila! No! I sawed it 3 or 4 times possibly 5, ( if not more) it wasn't simple.

The evidence!

Thank the sweet Lord, I used my initiative and a bit of boldness, the new neighbour is undergoing renovations...I waltzed over and asked if the builder would attend to my DIY blunder in his lunch break.  He sorted it! $20 later and we have room to add more storage. The truth was I used the wrong equipment think skill saw), and was way to quick to get stuck into it.  I need training, a night class, or something!
 I think Ive learnt my lesson- for now.

( Later on, my Husband was impressed and rather kind about it, I'm a lucky girl!)


We also had lunch across the road at our Auntie's Villa. Lovely!  My son was able to meet his great grandmother, and great uncle, we found them very doting.



Great Granny Joy, aptly named.


In our Auntie's 1917 Villa, there were many charming pieces of furniture, of note; an ornately hand carved coffee table - beautiful flowers, plants and ...bats!. She used to live in Singapore with her husband, and they would encounter bats on their walk home. She said it was a novel reminder of the time they had spent there, and I agree!

On coming home I received a call from my Husband with some unnerving news. However the problem was being (& is being) dealt with. The reason I even mention it is that I am so grateful for the Hand of my Heavenly Father, I am truly carried with every-thing I face, every test. Things in life may throw you, but in Him you always have a place to turn too, a person who is dependable, faithful to carry you, strengthen and love you!  (I was fortunate enough to have supportive, mature people around too!).

If you don't know God, and you are facing tough times, or even just feeling lonely, please know He wants to be there for you.

Godbless!

My Garden Experiment

                              Earth laughs in flowers. 

                                  ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

So I'm new to gardening.
Last year I planted some flowers and they bloomed. It was glorious. All I had to do was nurture them,...spray for pests, weed, water & feed! My reward was living art. I guess gardening is like art, when you approach a canvas sometimes you can be hesitant, lack confidence... but once you dive in - the  'creative process'  allures & captivates you -it is both challenging and relaxing. So it may not turn out as well as you expected ... I remind myself that I haven't really  failed if Ive learnt something from the experience.  Yet most of the time there is something to show for your efforts!

This year I have taken on Roses, Wildflowers, and some other variety;( it has a scientific sounding name, and  I cant for the life of me, remember it!).
The other gardening venture is my vegetable plot.
I plodded off to the Organic Seed & Plant store. Reasonable prices and the plants were not heat treated, this I assume makes them hardier to the cool weather. Its only a hop, skip and a jump away from Darling Spring, but she is not quite here yet!

Anyway, I have been reading up and doing my homework, I confess in order to find easy hardy plants that give good results. I can give a few hours here & there but I have a house-hold to run, &  a baby to mind so - I'm looking for minimum input and maximum output :)

In "The Cook's Salad Garden", I read up on Mizuna and Mibuna. They are Oriental vegetables, and very versatile, in terms of cooking. They can be used in salads and soups, hot dishes, e.g casseroles.The awesome thing is that they are a very hardy plant, easy to cultivate and have all-year-round availability. Big Plus! At our local Organic Store Mizuna costs $2.50 for 6 well established seedlings. I also tried some other varieties that I hadnt even heard of but which are closely related to standard veg. I have always wanted to grow my own, its cheaper, it's fresher, you know what's going into it, and there will be a definite sense of achievement of providing for & nurturing your family.

Two other areas of interest...I am also looking forward to cultivating are more herbs, and edible flowers. Herbs are fragrant, delicious and even said to have medicinal properties.Thyme for example has antiseptic qualities and is good to drink for sore throats.  As for Edible flowers, well...they're just pretty!  Imagine the extra pizazz the flowers add to your dish when you entertain.

 I will post a picture of my veggie plot and other such experiments as they grow,bloom & produce. Maybe I can encourage you to go out there & give it a shot, if plants can survive a Storm -they can survive  almost anything!

(Just a subtle thought :)

Here are a few pic's:

*Excerpt from Health.Com

Mizuna
One of the mildest mustard greens, mizuna -- often found in mesclun mixes -- is high in immune-boosting vitamin C, folate and iron. It also contains powerful glucosinolates -- antioxidants linked to decreased cancer risk, says Tanya Zuckerbrot, R.D., author of "The F-Factor Diet." Cultivated in Japan since ancient times, mizuna brings an exotic, slightly spicy flavor to the table.