Finding joy in the everyday

I can do all things things  through Christ which strengtheneth me.  Philippians 4:13 Not all women have the luxury of being at  home all the time. Whilst many women would like to be at home, it isn't always possible for many reasons and these reasons are generally not about buying a second TV or going a grand holiday, its about paying the bills. I work full-time. I am no superwoman.   But I have found ways of making sure my family comes first, that my husband’s needs are met, that my home remains my responsibility and that I don’t walk through the door at the end of the day and collapse on the floor – a wreck after a busy day. How you may ask? I am very organised, my home never looks like a cyclone has gone through it. I keep on top of my housework (which is much easier and quicker when the house is tidy) and I don’t let things slip.  I follow a routine so I know when things need to be done. But most importantly I have a job that doesn...

This is the easiest bread to make at home, and even I, who works full time outside the home, can make this once or twice a week for my husband and I.  This is a no-knead bread recipe and requires very little effort, in fact, probably no more than 5 to 10 minutes!  It is cheap to make, smells wonderful and tastes so good to eat + it only contains 3 ingredients (no sugar which makes it far better than anything you can buy in the bakery).  3 cups bakers flour 1 teaspoon of dried yeast (this loaf is made from fresh yeast) 1.5 cups of lukewarm water Mix by hand and cover.  I usually cover mine with plastic wrap and drape a tea-towel over top. Leave for as little as 8 hours or up to 20 hours on kitchen shelf. How hard it that. Check out the full recipe HERE at Streamykitchen.com Once you have made this, you will never want to go back to shop brought bread again. We had the freshly baked bread with Kale, sausage, chorizo and bean soup (a slight modi...

What's new in your kitchen? Do you like to add new things every now and again?  I do, but have to be careful not to get carried away as there are so many wonderful things available these days that I would love, BUT . . . I only have so much space in my kitchen. Here are a few new items that have found there way to my kitchen over the last few months.  None are expensive and all have been used and found to be very handy.  Do you remember your grandmothers using these, often chipped and well used? Its great to see them back in the stores again and in a variety of sizes. This one is from Woolworths and cost $10. Perhaps larger families would need a bigger one but this is perfect for two (for two meals).  And below is the pie dish in action - a traditional beef and potato pie with suet pastry made by my dear  husband. Didn't he do a great job! Always wanted to try proofing my bread in a banneton. This isn't a true banneton basket and nor ...

I thought I would share some photos of the Sulpur-crested Cockatoos that are current in our neighbourhood. Opposite our house is a tree covered in seeds, these birds just love the seeds and on some evenings there can be up to 10 to 15 birds all trying to get their share of dinner. They aren't even afraid when I walk up close and they take no notice of Charlie Cat (they are way too big for her).   These are highly intelligent mischievous birds that can problem solves and do the naughtiest of things, such as eat anything wooden on your home or drop sticks on your head!  These are the ones that can talk, if taught and are often found in captivity. However I much prefer to see these in the wild like this. They can live for more than 70 years - a big commitment if you have one as a pet! When a group they can make quite a noise as they "chat" to each other.  Interestingly, whilst they can talk "human" (if taught), they will never copy the sounds of any other b...

One of my readers (Mary) loves strawberries so I am going to dedicate todays art friday to the humble but very delicious strawberry (best eaten with a dollop of thickened fresh cream).   Just for you Mary. Art Friday: Strawberries You might feel rather hungry by the end of this delectable collection of strawberries. Poetry and music are very good friends.  Like mummies and daddies and  strawberries and cream - they go together. by Nikki Giovanni Painting by Johan de Fre Painting by Joseph Decker Source  - Still life with strawberries, tea cup and lace  by Jacqueline Gnott Painting by George Henry Hall Painting by Jeffery T Larson John Arbuckle Painting by James Aponovich Painting by Dona Gelsinger One must ask children and birds how cherries and strawberries taste by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Painting by Stanley Maxwell Brice ****

I am big on getting outdoors and exploring (beyond the backyard) — every child should be allowed to go on adventures and make discoveries. So I was pleased to see this list of 51 things a child should do before turning 12 (in an newspaper article ) .  It’s a great list and one that is more than achievable for most children — in fact, many of these things can be done well before a child reaches 12.  It’s all about getting outdoors, with the fresh air and sunshine and enjoying nature. Looking down the list I could tick off  many of these which I did as a child and have encouraged my sons to do likewise.  In fact I would argue that adults should be getting outdoors and doing some of these things themselves, they look like fun at any age.   And , this list isn't just aimed at boys, please allow girls to climb trees and get dirty, I did growing up on a farm and had a ball as a child - these are some of my fondest memories! There is a few of my favourite th...

My son needs to look for new rental accommodation as soon as possible, unfortunately rent here is very expensive (one of the worse in the country) and as a result this will be a difficult exercise. This is something he really doesn't need to face at this time, and I know it will completely stress him out.  In turn, it will cause me to worry and stress too - I already have a headache just thinking about it. However, knowing this even before the problem starts, before the panic sets in, before the stress starts to make me feel ill - I can do something about it. I can pray and call out to God for help. It means that I can skip the worry and fear and more straight to having faith. A verse like this one says so much, all we need to do is TRUST and have FAITH and He will take care of us.  It couldn't be simpler, however we (or is it just me) seem to struggle with this.  " Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you "  There are so many verses in the ...