I've loved reading Christine's blog Slow Living Essentials this year, and have decided to jump on board with her slow living monthly roundups. So here it is, my first slow living post.....
Thanks for inviting us to join in Christine! Looking forward to another productive month.
~~Nourish~~
This month has been very cold, so our family has enjoyed a lot of warm spicy curries. I've cooked many of them in casserole dishes in the oven as I sometimes team them with homemade naan, or follow them with a warm pudding, and the oven makes the kitchen feel warm and cosy. We have particularly loved the Dal Kofta recipe and return to it over and over.
This month has been very cold, so our family has enjoyed a lot of warm spicy curries. I've cooked many of them in casserole dishes in the oven as I sometimes team them with homemade naan, or follow them with a warm pudding, and the oven makes the kitchen feel warm and cosy. We have particularly loved the Dal Kofta recipe and return to it over and over.
~~Grow~~
I've planted cauliflower seedlings (after discovering my kids will eat cauliflower now), garlic and another row of peas. Not much to harvest being the middle of winter, but we have lovely coriander growing (which has been great for the curries), other herbs, leeks, lettuce and silverbeet. And more calendula (it seems to have gone wild!).
I've planted cauliflower seedlings (after discovering my kids will eat cauliflower now), garlic and another row of peas. Not much to harvest being the middle of winter, but we have lovely coriander growing (which has been great for the curries), other herbs, leeks, lettuce and silverbeet. And more calendula (it seems to have gone wild!).
~~Create~~
My crochet hooks have been very busy lately making presents, things for the home and a few items for me. I've been sewing too, making more PJs for the boys and a skirt for me all from Opshop finds.
My crochet hooks have been very busy lately making presents, things for the home and a few items for me. I've been sewing too, making more PJs for the boys and a skirt for me all from Opshop finds.
~~Prepare~~
Not a great deal to put in here.... I'm slowly gathering bits and pieces to turn into stock and Apple peel to make pectin for summer jams. And I'm going to include collecting and drying my calendula flowers which I turned into calendula salve too. (thanks for being so inspiring on all of these Christine!)
Not a great deal to put in here.... I'm slowly gathering bits and pieces to turn into stock and Apple peel to make pectin for summer jams. And I'm going to include collecting and drying my calendula flowers which I turned into calendula salve too. (thanks for being so inspiring on all of these Christine!)
~~Green~~
We gave away our drier! We didn't use it often, but now we just can't. I figure we have enough clothes that we can all just wait for them to dry. It was also chemical audit month for us in our 12 months of greening challenge, so I cleared out some of the remaining chemicals (just boxed and waiting for a chemical disposal day) and made some citrus cleaner and another batch of laundry powder.
We gave away our drier! We didn't use it often, but now we just can't. I figure we have enough clothes that we can all just wait for them to dry. It was also chemical audit month for us in our 12 months of greening challenge, so I cleared out some of the remaining chemicals (just boxed and waiting for a chemical disposal day) and made some citrus cleaner and another batch of laundry powder.
~~Reduce~~
Lots happening here too. I have mended a number of items of clothing and all 'new' purchases were second hand items that I altered to suit our needs. I also have a pile of cardboard leftover from purchased flat pack cupboards (from back in April!) that I've started using as weedmat/mulch.
Lots happening here too. I have mended a number of items of clothing and all 'new' purchases were second hand items that I altered to suit our needs. I also have a pile of cardboard leftover from purchased flat pack cupboards (from back in April!) that I've started using as weedmat/mulch.
~~Enhance~~
I joined the blogging community! I love finding others who choose to live like us. I've also made time to talk to more of my belly dance students and have enjoyed sharing tips with them and discovering we have a lot more in common than dancing.
I joined the blogging community! I love finding others who choose to live like us. I've also made time to talk to more of my belly dance students and have enjoyed sharing tips with them and discovering we have a lot more in common than dancing.
~~Enjoy~~
The best times this month were family times. Our winter solstice celebration. Playing board games and dancing in the lounge room with my kids. TV free evenings with my husband to sit and talk. Op-shopping with my sister in law. Cuppas with my stepmum. And time spent with my best friends - dancing and laughing with some, sharing crafting and parenting thoughts over cuppas with others.
The best times this month were family times. Our winter solstice celebration. Playing board games and dancing in the lounge room with my kids. TV free evenings with my husband to sit and talk. Op-shopping with my sister in law. Cuppas with my stepmum. And time spent with my best friends - dancing and laughing with some, sharing crafting and parenting thoughts over cuppas with others.
~~Discover~~
I have learnt so much from reading blogs this month. I've been inspired by other people's actions and creations and have enjoyed learning how to work my blog and sharing my life. I read the bee book from the library and decided I'm not ready for bees yet. I also read books on crochet and improved my technique.
I have learnt so much from reading blogs this month. I've been inspired by other people's actions and creations and have enjoyed learning how to work my blog and sharing my life. I read the bee book from the library and decided I'm not ready for bees yet. I also read books on crochet and improved my technique.
Thanks for inviting us to join in Christine! Looking forward to another productive month.
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| www.slowlivingessentials.blogspot.com |
Hi Tracey. I had a friend at school called Tracy Wright.
ReplyDeleteI have been browsing your blog and have enjoyed the visit.You have put me in the mood for curry now, after this post. We keep bees, well my husband does, and you do need courage to face the stings. I just enjoy the sweet rewards.
I love it that you dance, and I can see the joy that it brings you. I sometimes dance behind closed doors, but what a delight to be able to dance well.
I'm definately going to keep the bees in mind - for one day when I feel like approaching an apiarist to teach me and also when I am a bit more organised and able to focus on it.
DeleteKeep up the private dancing - so good for you in so many ways :)
I really enjoyed reading this post - so winter and home and comfy...everything nice.
ReplyDeleteThe calendula salve works so well and when you try your hand at soapmaking you will find that calendula soap in unbeatable. Well done on your month.
ReplyDeleteHi Wendy, I have just posted those juggling ball instructions for you :)
DeleteI'm nearly due to make my second batch of soap, and still have plenty of calendula, I might give it a go!
Hi Tracey, Wow! You teach belly dancing! I've always wanted to learn to belly dance. It looks so cool. I really enjoyed this post. You've been doing lots of lovely things.
ReplyDeleteYou should find a class! Belly dancers are usually very keen for new students (I know I'd love some newbies) and it is so good for you.
Delete:)
I absolutely love that crochet teapot cozy :-)
ReplyDeleteBelly dance is such a great occupation...and I love that you teach. I taught before Little B was born (after a misaligned pubic bone), and now I'm back to simply being a dancer. (I love saying that *grin*)
ooooh - no good about the pubic bone, but glad you are still dancing. It is a great occupation, one that (usually) fits around being a mum and homemaker too. I'm not sure where you are, but perhaps one day we'll find ourselves at a belly dance thing together... who knows! :)
DeleteIndian food is by far my favorite. Will check out the dahl recipe. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHi Tracey,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy reading your blog and your amusing writing style.
I am currently conducting research into blogs that focus on sustainable living as part of my Masters at the University of New England, Australia.
We are looking for people to participate in a short online survey
(5-10minutes), link below
http://uneprofessions.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_1MOWwlgbGJlIyJS
If you could help that would be greatly appreciated.
Regards,
Larissa Shashkof
Student Researcher, Master of Environmental Systems, Markets and Climate
Change
University of New England
Email: lshashko@une.edu.au
Hi Larissa,
Deletethanks for stopping by, I'm glad you enjoyed my blog and am always happy to help out people with their (genuine) research. I'll pop over and do your survey a bit later on.
Tracey