Finding joy in the everyday

My mother, as a Christian, does not believe in Mother’s Day (as she reminded me on Sunday, commenting that no one understood her feelings on this) and as a result we have never celebrated the day. In saying this, as an adult, I do send her a card (a humorous one this year) and call her on the photo to say hi.  Likewise, I send my dad a card and as I always do (twice weekly), I give him a call. I have never encouraged (or discouraged) my children from making a big deal out of the day (and nor has my husband), however they have always liked to do something special (but I am yet to get breakfast in bed!). Now that they are both adults they like to take me out for meal somewhere nice (this year, on the Saturday, we went to a lovely place for breakfast). I enjoy these special moments and I have no plans to say no to these and see no reason to, as they are lovely times together that create wonderful memories. We don’t go overboard and don’t get carried away with the commercial hy...

We always ate orange carrots (which my husband was never a big fan of) until recently, when I discovered purple carrots and now I buy these when I can get my hands on them.  The ones I buy come from Tasmania and I have only ever seen them in my local Woolworth's. They are around $3.95 for 6 so much more expensive when compared to the standard orange carrot but we like the taste, colour and being different (!!). Like all veg, they are very healthy for you but like blueberries, have the added antioxidants that orange carrots don't have.  One website called them the a "superfood" - a term that I think is over used these days -  and I would argue that all vegetables are super foods!! One website suggested they will assist in weight loss - won't all vegetables if you remove foods like greasy takeaways!! Regardless of their superfood status, they are just as nice eaten raw (I like to grate them in salads), steamed, boiled and added to casseroles. Like beetro...

Every year, about 1 million babies die on the day they are born  Almost 3 million die within the first month of life 6.9 million children die before turning five And every year 287 000 mothers die during pregrancy or childbirth Most deaths are preventable and treatable. 65% of newborn deaths (in the first month) occur in just 10 countries: India, Nigeria, Pakistan, China, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Afghanistan and Tanzania.  These mothers often deliver their babies with no trained assistance's, no equipment or simply on their own at home. If something goes wrong, there is no one to help either the mother or baby and many die.  Improvements to health systems, better trained health workers, more health workers on the front line and basic equipment would make such a differences. The major causes of newborn deaths are preterm birth (35%), infection (25%), asphyxia (23%) and 17% other causes.  This could be reduced considera...

I love Autumn, how couldn't you love these colours.  This year has been particularly good with the colours lasting much longer and I think much stronger. I have included a snippet of photos I have been taking in recent week. We have been enjoying beautiful weather, sunny days (to enjoy at lunchtime with a walk in the sunshine) and cold nights (perfect for snuggling up with a blanket and a bowl of soup). When we lived in the tropical north, it was Autumn that I missed the most - the lack of colour.  Autumn is the second spring,  when every leaf is a flower Albert Camus Autumn's the mellow time. William Alligham Autumn, the year's last, loveliest smile. William Cullen Bryant Every leaf speaks bliss to me,  fluttering from the autumn tree Emily Bronte How beautifully leaves grow old. How full of light and colour are their last days. John Burroughs ** All photography by Joluise **

Do you know what dads talk about at work? I don't think the team I work in is completely unique, I hope it isn't, but the dads in our team love to talk about their children. Two of our dads have young children (4 [girl], 3 [boy] and a baby [girl] combined) and we often hear funny (or sometimes sad) stories about their children. . . the new things they have learnt, places they have been, the new words they are learning, problems they might be having, funny stories etc . . . but most importantly it is very clear that these dads love being a dad and they love their job as "dad".  These dads love talking about their children both between themselves but with the rest of the team and we love to hear the latest stories.  Other team members have teenage children and young adults (three are turning 21 this year) and stories are shared about all the joys and dramas of having teenage children. There is a misconception that once at work we don't think about o...

Cooking competitions have been run for 90 years by the Country Women's Association The Queensland arm of the Country Women's Association (CWA), best known for their wonderful home cooking skills have decided to create a "packet cake category" in their cooking competitions at local shows. "CWA has always been known for its cooking," Jan said. "It was in the war years that CWA became so important. "We provided meals for soldiers and their families." Jan understands the mixed reaction to the new category in the competition. "We're becoming more inclusive," she said. "Now you don't have to be a member to enter. "Many mothers are busy working these days and may not have the time to make cakes from scratch."  Jan said packet cakes offered numerous benefits.  "Sometimes you can't even tell the difference," she said. "And there are economic benefits.  "Even some of our older members a...

Do you use wheat bags? If yes, read on, its very important. We use them all through winter to keep toes warm in bed.  If you do, there are a few things you need to know.  In New South Wales alone there have been 31 fires as a result of wheat bags ( news article ) - injuring 11 people and killing one elderly woman.  In the UK, the number of fires caused by wheat bags have jumped 500% in 2010 compared in 2009 ( source ).  Both store bought and homemade bags are a risk it your wheat bag is: over heated  in the microwave. placed in beds and under blankets when they are very hot (they can smoulder without you being aware of it). (see video link at bottom). heated without adding a mug of water when heating the bag which results in the wheat or barley drying out. old and worn are a risk - replace the bags often. made form fabric that is not fire retardant. Its very important to read the instructions and ONLY heat as per t...