Thursday 28 May 2015

How to make school holiday fun with stunts and crazy experiments

if you dare ... OMG the ideas are wicked.

Your kids expecially boys will think you are AWESOME !

Save yourself from the

"I'm bored " and the battle to keep them away from the screens ; after they choose their weapon of mass fun.

I stumbled onto a youtube channel by Grant Thompson - the King of random.
I was addicted to watching video after video .

School holidays will be so much fun with
Mini Matchstick Gun - The Clothespin Pocket Pistol, , micro cross bows (from hair clips) , and squishy ninja balls.

Created with things you have at home, for practically nothing  ...well I'll have to buy the hair clips.

Maybe freaky glowing Fluoro magical mud (from potatoes) or cornstarch if you want a quicker version.

I just want to make this



Warning - many of these projects will need adult supervision - don't let the kids have all the fun.

What are your plans for the school holidays ?

 

Wednesday 27 May 2015

Be part of the cure.

I'm channeling my sadness towards being part of the cure.



As a two times cancer warrior - Breast Cancer in June 2012 and Malignant Sarcoma to my left thigh in February 2014 - I've heard those life shattering words.

I'm running 2015 Sydney City to Surf for National Breast Cancer Foundation NBCF to raise $1000 as a Gold Charity runner - especially in honour of my friend Michelle who passed away last week.

Also for all mothers (sisters, aunts, daughters, nanas and even a few of our menfolk) that have or will face the words -

You Have Breast Cancer ?

However, breast cancer in the breast isn't a death sentence - it is only when it metastasizes to other body parts , like bones, brain, liver or lungs - stage IV that the time bomb starts to tick. Some have weeks or months and the lucky ones years.

I'm running so the 15000 women and 100 men diagnosed with breast cancer this year have a hope for the future , to prevent more families from going through the distressing experience of cancer diagnosis, treatment and in too many cases losing a loved one.

With 37 Australians diagnosed each day and seven losing their battle, there is still much to do.
The value of living each day to its fullest, not putting off until tomorrow what you could do today. After all, one day, there will not be a tomorrow.
Too many lives cut short.

Anything at all counts - be part of the cure - if you can donate or spread the word .

(PS I donated the first hundred as part of my Gold Charity Entry commitment.)

 

Wordless Wednesday : Of scales, claws and the beating of drums.

Our new, beautiful 12-metre long dragon boat arrived !

 ' Champion' racing boat !


With customised dragon scales on the hull in our club colours , a new drum and complete with an ornately carved and painted dragon’s head at the bow and a tail (not shown yet) at the stern. Our old dragon head looks like a school project next to it

I'm not sure when our maiden paddle is and there is a special ceremony to dot the eyes.



It's large; large enough to seat up to 20 paddlers, a sweep stands on the rear . During races a 'drumme' balances upon a small wooden seat on the bow. Then we battle it out to the beating of drums. The paddlers represent the claws. 


Lifting the new boat is a piece of cake (with a few strong women and men) compared to our older boats. They arrive on 40ft sea containers in packs of ten (on a slow boat from China)





Tuesday 26 May 2015

Make your pinky promise ...

It was with great sadness I found out my friend with stage IV breast "terminal" cancer passed away on Saturday.

There is a hole in my heart. I am gutted for her and her family.
She was in her 40's.
I chatted with her via Fb a week before, I planned for a visit in the next 2-3wks. (She lived 2hrs away.)

It wasn't to be .

A teenage son & daughter and a husband whose loss is immeasurable . Who though at peace with her passing , knowing she has gone into God's hands , will grieve her for the rest of their lives.

I don't know the circumstances. It isn't about me and my loss. I cannot imagine how her family is feeling.

It just so happened I was having my radiation in Orange and saw in The clinic her the day she found out her breast cancer had returned.


I was also visiting the day the doctors gave her the raw truth  "how much time do I have" talk . I was shocked they didn't think to have her husband there.

Though , I was asked to leave the room, afterwards - she mentioned it was measured possibly in years. She mentioned her concern for her daughter immediately that it not happen while she was doing her HSC.

Not 11 months.

Eleven months of unplesant treatment , surgery, pain and time away from her family ; for the most part, that robbed my dear friend of all she loved.



I'm not afraid to talk about the big issues on my blog.

I've shared my own personal story and experiences with cancer so others don't have to face it alone.

Someone told me recently
" ...readers are often looking to your blog as a source of advice, inspiration or empowerment, much like turning to a friend "

So as a friend I am sharing this ...

Pink Hope, breast and ovarian cancer prevention charity, have launched their first Pinky Promise campaign – an initiative to encourage Australians to make a pledge with their best friend to reduce their risk of preventable cancer.



Pink Hope believe making a simple pledge or ‘pinky promise’ with a friend is a great way to keep each other accountable.

I would love you to take the pledge and share on your social media sites.

.... you can pledge to get regular screening tests, to maintain a healthy diet, or to stop smoking or reduce alcohol – all of which reduce your risk of preventable cancer.

Not that I think all breast and ovarian cancers can be prevented , but we can make a difference by reducing our risk and early detection.

During the month of May ~ Pink Hope wants to see more than 100,000 people register their pledge at pinkypromise.com.au by the end of June, to prevent more families from going through the distressing experience of cancer diagnosis, treatment and in too many cases losing a loved one.
There is just a week left in May - will you join me ?
The value of living each day to its fullest, not putting off until tomorrow what you could do today. After all, one day, there will not be a tomorrow. 

Time is ticking. Please think about the preventative steps you can take to reduce your risk of cancer this Pinky Promise month.

Excitingly, people who register their pledge at pinkypromise.com.au will go in the draw to win a trip for two to New York City, donated by Emma & Roe by Michael Hill – a wonderful experience to share with a best friend.
Take a selfie with a BFF making a Pinky Promise and upload it to Instagram using our hashtag, and you could laso both shine in the full Pink Hope collection  by Emma & Roe by Michael Hill worth $1,000!
#bffpinkypromise

PS: I'm going to give my friend's daughter a Mother's love Rose plant.Hopefully I can track one down and give her a pinky promise ring.

My pinky promise is to modify my diet and alcohol intake to reduce my risk of reoccurance.

Wednesday 20 May 2015

Wordless Wednesday : Take time to ...

smell the roses ...truly the fragrance filled the Pavillion shed.

It is times like these I miss my beautiful ~Charlotte's~ Garden.

Show Champions - the Flower on the left was STUNNING !




We are happy to announce that now inlinkz supports the use of  Instagram photos, in two simple to follow steps.  All you need is an instagram account and at least one photo in your collection.
If you want to use a photo from your collection, firstly type the ‘Link‘ you want to add and
then click on the instagram icon.
- See more at: http://blog.inlinkz.com/2014/05/inlinkz-now-supports-the-use-of-your-instagram-photos-as-link-thumbnails/#sthash.dtj3fl6F.dpuf



PS Inlinkz are happy to announce that inlinkz now supports the use of  Instagram photos.
If you want to use a photo from your collection, firstly type the ‘Link‘ you want to add and
then click on the instagram icon.See more here

Tuesday 19 May 2015

The Life Train

One Monday, a few months ago, I went to the funeral of my friend's mum.

Cancer.

They played this short presentation and it resonated with me. I waited to share it.

I'm feeling a little weird right now, sad for dear friends with terminal diagnoses , a little boy in my FB feed having surgery today , my uncle recovering from major surgery for throat cancer (not related to smoking) and other dear friends about to undergo serious surgical prodecures.

I hate cancer.

I think about my own cancers every day. I worry too much about every odd pain or ache.
Overwhelmed by statistics and others with sad news in groups I belong too, I struggle with anxiety for them and me.

It isn't that they make me sad per se , it's feeling all feels with them and their carers.

Empathy.
Today, I'm feeling all the feels.

"I don’t know what’s in my future, but right now, just for a moment, I don’t need to think about that. I can enjoy this moment of feeling happy.”


                 

 Life is a one way journey- enjoy the ride !
Thank You for being on the train with me. I appreciate all that you add to this ride we call life.



 

Tuesday 12 May 2015

Wordless Wednesday : Show Time

(#legless reptile warning - because I have a dear friend with a serious snake phobia)

Show Time In Bourke
I do love this denim quilt - Bourke Show

Not my kids - they would love it !

Yes, it's a deadly brown snake and it was too close even in this enclosure.

Epic Darren - Dare devil !
The BEST part of the day - 1st Lucky Gate ticket ticket drawn -  Hubby wins this ...I completed his entry !
Our local show is this Friday , Saturday and Sunday.

PS - You can now Link up via your Instagram account - so no blog -no worries - anyone can join in
!



Saturday 9 May 2015

Breakfast in bed and recipes to tempt mums.


I am so glad my Live below the line challenge is over.

Just in time , as you know Mother's Day is tomorrow, flavour was the thing I missed most and a little wine.

I had sugar and savoury food withdrawals and I will take that lesson away - I'm so grateful for the condiments, herbs and spices in my pantry.

Anyway, I hope you're well and ready to be treated like a Queen tomorrow or at least get a rest and lots of hugs or back rubs.

To celebrate Woolworths created some delicious recipes for Dad and the kids to treat us Mums to breakfast in bed ! A sleep in and peace and quiet would be nice too.

Suitable for all taste buds these recipes offer a sweet, savoury, and healthy option -

The recipes are include:

  • Pancake Recipe with Banana & Maple Syrup
  • Hollandaise Sauce with Poached Eggs
  • Quinoa Breakfast Fruit Salad

We made the pancakes together as my celebratory breakfast - I was craving them.

The team from Woolworths arranged for me to collect these groceries (today) and test the three recipes.




whisking the egg whites makes a really light batter.

Bubbles ..(i prefer mine in a glass)









WE nailed it - (we didn't cut them into stars because we were too hungry and there is no waste here)
TIP - Put the mixture in a sauce bottle you can get the kids to make their own shaped or creative pancakes
(You tube video here)

Tomorrow, will be Dad's challenge with "Kids in the kitchen" - can he make
Hollandaise Sauce with Poached Eggs ???



The video It is supposed to be fail safe ...we'll see.

Monday - It's back to a healthy breakfast options for me -  Quinoa Breakfast Fruit Saladif I can get fresh strawberries and blueberries tomorrow.



This afternoon , I ran 5.5km to counteract the pancakes and the indulgence today. It's the first time I've run on the farm in months due to recent sickness, soreness - dodgy knees & hips and a truckload of laziness.

In other good news - Sam gave me shoulder massage tonight and boy he has the moves. I'm going to have to pay him more or just not tell them the iPad passcode.

Disclaimer - I was gifted the basic groceries as above (via Click & Collect -no delivery in my area). I am donating the same amount back to my Live below the line fundraising.


PS - The WW Website has weeks worth of recipes I want to try. All opinions are my own and I love that we have click and collect - I've used it a few times. You can click and collect the whole box and dice of  -ingredients for the recipes.The other major supermarket does not have it in my area !

Why God made mums !


An oldie but a good laugh 

WHY GOD MADE MUMS

Answers given by 2nd grade school children to the following questions:
Why did God make mothers?
1. She's the only one who knows where the sticky tape is.
2. Mostly to clean the house.
3. To help us out of there when we were getting born.


How did God make mothers?
1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.
2. Magic plus super powers and a lot of stirring.
3. God made my Mum just the same like he made me. He just used bigger parts.


What ingredients are mothers made of ?
1. God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and one dab of mean.
2. They had to get their start from men's bones. Then they mostly use string, I think.


Why did God give you your mother and not some other Mum?
1. We're related.
2. God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's Mums like me.


What kind of little girl was your Mum?
1. My Mum has always been my Mum and none of that other stuff.
2. I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy.
3. They say she used to be nice.


What did Mum need to know about Dad before she married him?
1. His last name.
2. She had to know his background. Like is he a crook? Does he get drunk on beer?
3. Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores?


Why did your Mum marry your Dad?
1. My Dad makes the best spaghetti in the world. And my Mum eats a lot.
2. She got too old to do anything else with him.
3. My Grandma says that Mum didn't have her thinking cap on.


Who's the boss at your house?
1. Mum doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because Dad's such an idiot.
2. Mum. You can tell by room inspection. She sees the stuff under the bed.
3. I guess Mum is, but only because she has a lot more to do than Dad.

What's the difference between Mums & Dads?
1. Mums work at work and work at home and Dads just go to work at work.
2. Mums know how to talk to teachers without scaring them.
3. Dads are taller & stronger, but Mums have all the real power 'cause that's who you got to ask if you want to sleep over at your friend's.
4. Mums have magic, they make you feel better without medicine.


What does your Mum do in her spare time?
1. Mothers don't have spare time.
2. To hear her talk, she pays bills all day long.


What would it take to make your Mum perfect?
1. On the inside she's already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery.
2. You know, her hair. I'd die it, maybe blue.


If you could change one thing about your Mum, what would it be?
1. She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I'd get rid of that.
2. I'd make my Mum smarter. Then she would know it was my sister who did it and not me.
3. I would like her to get rid of those invisible eyes on the back of her head.

WHEN YOU STOP LAUGHING 
Maybe ask your own children and see what they say !

Wednesday 6 May 2015

Wordless Wednesday : The Mighty Darling


Old North Bourke Bridge - Friday !





Paddle boats were the major transportation means with wool and other produce, travelling all the way from the rail head at Bourke to the Murray junction at Wentworth. 
  PV Jandra is a faithful reproduction of the original 1894 steam paddle boat. We didn't get to cruise it.
It has been badly affected by drough, salinity and runs through very flat country and plains ...hence the murky , muddy look.



The Historic wharf is very impressive. The three-tiered wharf is a reproduction of the original wharf built in 1897.

The Darling River was busy with boats carrying wool bales and prodcue -

Port of Bourke was once Australia’s busiest inland ports.

Sunday - I ran across here - not to the end as it has been barricaded. The Bridge opened up here - from the look of it.

Last weekend we headed to Bourke to give the enthusiastic folk of far Western NSW a try of Dragon Boating, on the Darling River - the outback's most famous waterway.
The Darling River is the third longest river in Australia, 1,472 kilometres from its source in northern New South Wales to its confluence with the Murray River at Wentworth, NSW

Officially the Darling River begins between Brewarrina and Bourke at the confluence of the Culgoa and Barwon rivers. Wikipedia
 

Tuesday 5 May 2015

Season of Salt and Honey

How very appropriate when I am living on $2 a day that I finally get around to this delightful book review.

Hannah Tunnicliffe brings us a heart-warming novel of love, grief and antipasto.
Yes please !

I adored reading Season of Salt & Honey. I've savoured it, drooled over it and I could read it again and again.

I see nuts ...oh my giddy gums.
Season of Salt and Honey takes us on an inspirational, mouthwatering journey of the senses, set in the idyllic Washington forest and accompanied with gorgeous Sicilian-American recipes.
Yes, food features promimently and I am going to try the recipes ...spring rissotto and the banana bread. OH I AM so Hungry for both right now!!
This is one of those rare books that warms you from the inside out (like a warm bowl of porridge or apple crumble) , a delightful read that will inspire all foodies

...or those who like to eat it.
Francesca 'Frankie' Caputo had it all figured out , but a tragic, freak accident cuts her fiancé Alex's life short  . Frankie's future plans disintegrate and her world is shattered. Drowning in grief, Frankie flees to an abandoned cabin in a remote part of Washington forest.

Seeking comfort in solitude, Frankie is hesitant as she connects with her forest neighbours - the effervescent, flame-haired Merriem, quiet , tenacious Jack and his highly spirited and sprite-like daughter, Huia.
Frankie discovers freedom and finds hope , both exhilarating and unsettling as her heart slowly begins to heal ;  broken relationships are mended. Then Alex's secret haunts her, Frankie realises her once perfect life was a lie, life crashes around her. Oceans of grief threaten to take Frankie down until

...now you'll have to go buy the book.

"A beautiful exploration of love and loss, and the ways in which unexpected family, new and old friends, and even a spring risotto and warm banana bread can bring comfort, change, and hope." --Mia March, author of The Meryl Streep Movie Club

I am going to track down The Colour of Tea - Hannah's first novel.

 
So my live below the line on $2  a day -34 /120 hours down.

 I realise a lot of time I just think I am hungry - although now I am hungrier thinking about all the recipes and things I love to eat.

It's both unsettling and unsurprisingly an experience I couldn't imagine living every day . Food or eating is life altering - our lives revolve around it -not just depend on it. Choices and abundance, I am blessed with a full plate (except this week)

Obesity is preventable and I do acknowledge that choosing healthy food is a privilege of those who are cashed up. So is affording chocolate , fine wine, cheese , fruit and vegetables. Those who live below the line might not always be hungry but their choices are limited.

Many of the $10 diets posted in the Live below the line group are full of white carbs - pasta, white rice and white bread. It is all we afford. Do you buy one red apple or a packet of pasta to feed five people ???

Salt , sugar and even honey is a luxury too - it must be calculated in the $2 equation ...I allow for 2g brown sugar on my morning porridge / 30g rolled oats.

My own waistline has expanded somewhat over the last few months and my winter clothes are uncomfortably snug. Reluctant to  waist  waste money on new clothes when my others are still in good condition , I'm going to re-think how full my plate is and reduce my portions. I'm already quite active.

So today's menu
Breakfast -as above.
SNACK - 1 zucchini and carrot slice/muffin (I made 6 from 2 eggs, carrot, zucchini and 1/2 onion)
LUNCH - pre-made pumpkin soup (I slow roasted pumpkin for flavour) - 1 slice wholemeal bread.
DINNER  -brown rice and vegies for dinner.

I'm re-using my tea bags (4 is my daily allowance)  and drinking black tea every 2nd cup (the re-used bags). Lots of water .

What would you choose an apple or pasta for 5 meals ?

If you would like to donate - even $5 counts ...


https://www.livebelowtheline.com.au/me/trish_taylor


*Released 1st April by Pan Macmillan.

Monday 4 May 2015

Live below the line

I must confess , though this is the 5th year of the Live below the Line - an anti poverty initiative - it's the first year I've heard about it, let alone contemplated what it means to live on $2 day food.

So I'm challenging myself to eat on $2 a day for five days; raise funds and help end extreme poverty.


Live Below the Line is the annual fundraising campaign for Oaktree, one of Australia’s largest youth-run organisations. It is a tough but meaningful challenge.


As well as gaining a unique insight into some of the challenges faced by those living in extreme poverty - it might help me reduce my waistline.

Strictly planned meals, a few hunger pains and the odd whine because a $2.49 Aldi vino couldn't be squeezed in. Though I went over a year without wine or any alcohol after chemo, I confess that I will miss it this week.


It will be tough, there is no denying I will feel deprived and h'angry.
The decisions about what to include in my $10 has felt overwhelming.
Yes, I exaggerate.

My cup of tea was not negotiable - I budgeted for 25 cups of tea @ 3.5c per bag.
Milk each drop must be counted too.

I got out my scales and calculated 2g (per day) of brown sugar would suffice on my warm 'creamy' porridge -using 30g rolled oats with 20mls of milk.

Free range eggs x 5 , it is my choice not to go against my principles and use cage eggs - though I'd get more for my money. I realise others don't have this choice.

Wholemeal bread too - though my 10 slice allowance will equal the cost of 85c white trash bread.

Brown rice @ 14c per 100g - easy.
Carrots x 6 - under 50c !
Zucchini x 3  = 97 c

I will make my own tortillas and maybe pancakes using flour. The challenge itself it to make people, as privileged as we are, more understanding of the challenges people who earn very little face when it comes to feeding themselves

The rest of my plan is still under construction depending on what bargains I find shopping today. I do need to add fruit. 

Oaktree works in partnership with local organisations in Cambodia, Timor-Leste and Papua New Guinea. Oaktree’s overseas partners train teachers, fund scholarships, renovate schools and provide educational resources for thousands of young people.

Credit - Live below the line.

The spirit of the campaign is to raise money and awareness. My husband was not a willing participant and sons are not participating with me. I decided to just calculate what I'll use from my pantry. So 10g of brown sugar is in and so are my 25 teabags.

Stay tuned for updates.



Credit - Live below the line.


My fundraising link is at the bottom if you would like to donate the cost of one of your favourite meals or even a cup of coffee.



Credit - Live below the line.

What luxury food would you miss the most ? 


https://www.livebelowtheline.com.au/me/trish_taylor




Friday 1 May 2015

The Best Night Ever

Last weekend we had the best night in .

Huddling under blankets and scoffing Popcorn we enjoyed the new release DVD Night at the Museum - Secret of the Tomb.
Sam and Joel's favourite character (and mine) is Dexter the mischievous monkey.
It was also very poignant seeing Robin Williams in his last movie . Ben Stiller's all star cast embark on a London adventure to save the magic tablet that brings the museum's exhibits to life.



There is no better way to spend time together than laughing , eating and monkeying around.



The movie pulls a few heart strings with the script and pants wetting hilarious takes on famous scenes in history ...watch out for Dexter in Pompeii .


Own the Best Night Ever on Digital HD Today

I received a review copy (and my boys love the promotional material ) plus 5 additional DVD copies to give away of this 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment family favourite -NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM SECRET OF THE TOMB (third installment to the NATM films).

To win leave a comment and tell me your favourite character or scene in the NATM films.

Australian residents only.
Ends Friday 8th May.
Most creative answers win.