Finding joy in the everyday

Every morning I heat a 1/2 a glass of milk (40 seconds in the microwave) and add one tablespoon of Chai Seed and I drink it (by the time I am near the end of the drink it has become quite thick). Chia seed is full and overflowing with goodness (one of those superfoods) and includes my daily dose of fibre plus many other good things. If you have never eaten chia seed, its very similar to tapioca and the longer it is in liquid the softer it becomes and it starts to thick the liquid. The tiny seeds expand more than 4 times their size. One of my favourite summer desserts is chocolate chia seed pudding, which looks just like the photo above. It is both healthy and yummy which is always a great combination. There are many recipes on the web for chia seed pudding and I have attached a few of them. Most recipes tend to use coconut milk, however you can use cows milk (as I do) or any of the non-dairy varieties, it doesn't really matter. To sweeten the dessert you can use honey, ma...

“It is in vain to say human beings ought to be satisfied with tranquillity: they must have action; and they will make it if they cannot find it. Millions are condemned to a stiller doom than mine, and millions are in silent revolt against their lot. Nobody knows how many rebellions besides political rebellions ferment in the masses of life which people earth.  Women are supposed to be very calm generally: but women feel just as men feel; they need exercise for their faculties, and a field for their efforts, as much as their brothers do; they suffer from too rigid a restraint, to absolute a stagnation, precisely as men would suffer; and it is narrow-minded in their more privileged fellow-creatures to say that they ought to confine themselves to making puddings and knitting stockings, to playing on the piano and embroidering bags. It is thoughtless to condemn them, or laugh at them, if they seek to do more or learn more than custom has pronounced necessary for their sex”. ...

I don't like the word "frugal" living as it doesn't sound like a lot of fun.  It sounds like drudgery to me.  I much prefer to use  " smart living " instead, now that sounds like much more fun. Smart living isn't just about making your money stretch further, but: not wasting what you have using what you already have valuing what you have thinking careful before adding to what you have.  It doesn't mean you can't go out and spend (and have fun), it just means "think twice" and ask the question "do I really need it" (what is driving my decision - the heart or the head). In todays society were we replace items long before they need to be replaced, we don't repair or mend, we don't use what is in season, we don't make the best of what we already have, we spend out time lusting after what we don't have and we just go and buy more.  And if we don't have the money, we rely on credit, bank lo...

Art Friday: Jamie Heiden Whilst last week's art was all about cuteness, these are quite the opposite. I think these are beautiful in a very lonely sort of way, nevertheless I do really like them, particularly the one at the top. I find them quite emotional and sad, very empty. How do they make you feel? ****

I think this world has forgotten about the simple pleasures in life. Too many are rushing about to meet deadlines and too busy to stop and enjoy the simple pleasures in life. When they do, they think they need to spend lots of money, dashing about and make a great deal of noise - not true. Simple pleasures can be found without much effort and no money at all. Here are some of my favourite "simple pleasures" that can brighten up any day. *** Sitting quietly in a comfortable chair with a book is a perfect way to spend an hour or two. Having a sleep-in on a rainy day and listening to the rain fall. Sitting and watching the birds sing. Looking through old photos and remembering the past. Having a good laugh with a friend. Reading the bible in a quiet place. Baking a cake and sharing it with someone dear. Going for a walk in the evening when the sun is just setting. Hold hands. Going on a picnic. Making someone smile. Playing in water. Lying on ...

When someone in the family becomes a vegan is does take some re-adjustment. My son became a vegetarian some time ago and more recently a vegan (however he does stress he really loves his cheese).  My only contact with vegan food wasn't a great experience and therefore I had a very stereotypical  idea of what vegans ate and I all I could ever think of was lentils, loads of lentils! The first thing I did was go and buy a stack of cookbooks for him and do some research online. In the era of blogging there is just so many great websites and I will now admit that some of the recipes look fantastic. Here are two of my favourite blogs that have simple recipes that anyone could cook, I am sure there are plenty more out there that are as good and yet to be found! http://bitofthegoodstuff.com   http://blog.fatfreevegan.com However when a young person becomes a vegan (and not around other vegans for advice) it is so important to guide them down a balanced diet and m...

Some old cookbooks stand guard near my front door.  I thought they looked nice on display Outside my window I am writing to you from my study which overlooks a lovely enclosed side garden full of green trees where the birds love to play in and Ruby (cat) loves to look watch.  Today will be very hot (37C//99F) but this morning there is still a cool breeze blowing in which I am taking full advantage of. I am thankful for I am thankful for having such wonderful supportive friends (and that includes you!). I am wearing Clothes, aren't you relieved!!  A red cotton dress ready for the heat. From the kitchen The fridge is clean and its looking good (thanks Roxy for the reminder!). I found a few questionable things at the back and anything past the use-by date has gone to the bin. I like Roxy's idea of doing a clean out the day before shopping day. The chest freezer was defrosted this morning, taking advantage of the warmth in the house. T...