Simpleliving

Three Yellow Roses ! A Story To Warm Your Heart ...

2012-01-29T14:29:00.002+08:00

I walked into the grocery store not particularly interested in buying groceries. I wasn't hungry.. The pain of losing my husband of 57 years was still too raw and this grocery store held so many sweet memories... He often came with me and almost every time he'd pretend to go off and look for something special. I knew what he was up to. I'd always spot him walking down the aisle with the three yellow roses in his hands.He knew I loved yellow roses. With a heart filled with grief, I only wanted to buy my few items and leave, but even grocery shopping was different since he had passed on.Shopping for one took time, a little more thought than it had for two. Standing by the meat, I searched for the perfect small steak and remembered how he had loved his steak..Suddenly a woman came beside me. She was blonde, slim and lovely in a soft green pantsuit. I watched as she picked up a large package of T-bones, dropped them in her basket... hesitated, and then put them back. She turned to go and once again reached for the pack of steaks.She saw me watching her and she smiled. 'My husband loves T-bones, but honestly, at these prices, I don't know.'I swallowed the emotion down my throat and met her pale blue eyes. My husband passed away eight days ago,' I told her. Glancing at the package in her hands, I fought to control the tremble in my voice. 'Buy him the steaks. And cherish every moment you have together.' She shook her head and I saw the emotion in her eyes as she placed the package in her basket and wheeled away, I turned and pushed my cart across the length of the store to the dairy products. There I stood, trying to decide which size milk I should buy. A Quart, I finally decided and moved on to the ice cream. If nothing else, I could always fix myself an ice cream cone.
I placed the ice cream in my cart and looked down the aisle toward the front. I saw first the green suit, then recognized the pretty lady coming towards me. In her arms she carried a package. On her face was the brightest smile I had ever seen! I would swear a soft halo encircled her blonde hair as she kept walking toward me, her eyes holding mine.As she came closer, I saw what she held and tears began misting in my eyes.. 'These are for you,' she said and placed three beautiful long stemmed yellow roses in my arms. 'When you go through the line, they will know these are paid for.' She leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on my cheek, then smiled again. I wanted to tell her what she'd done, what the roses meant, but still unable to speak, I watched as she walked away as tears clouded my vision I looked down at the beautiful roses nestled in the green tissue wrapping and found it almost unreal. How did she know? Suddenly the answer seemed so clear. I wasn't alone.Oh, you haven't forgotten me, have you? I whispered, with tears in my eyes.. He was still with me, and she was his angel.

Make Your Own Healthy Delicious Slushies!

2012-01-22T11:02:00.003+08:00

Healthy Fruit Slushies!
I make these most summers, fresh fruit slushies.I cut up fresh watermelon and throw into the blender, until pureed liquid only a few seconds is required. Then I pour the liquid into ice cube trays and freeze.I store them in zip lock bags in the freezer until required, then all I do is put some of the ice cubes (about 8 per cup) into the blender and blend until I have a thick icy mixture, pour into cups and serve. It's a great cool healthy treat on a hot summers day. You can use most fruits, I have a batch of rock melon ice cubes in a zip lock bag in the freezer. You could use mangoes, oranges, apples, kiwi fruit, the list goes on.They are way healthier then those nasty slushies with the artificial colours and flavours you can buy..Yuck...If you use oranges juice them, then freeze in ice cube trays, apples no need to puree first you could peel and cut and store in zip lock bags in freezer until required. You can also use the ice cubes in glasses of water and fruit punches, they look colourful & decorative. Kids love just sucking the fruit cubes ...better then any icy pole for little ones as they often drip....so put a few in a cup ...will keep them cool and happy for a while....

A Great Time To Buy A Simple Savings Membership !

2012-01-16T10:13:00.008+08:00

Now is a great time if you would like to purchase a Simple Savings membership as they are reduced from the normal price of $47 down to $27 until December 31st Offer has been extended . That is for 1 year and to renew every year after that is only $17 a year. They also have a 365 day refund policy if at any time you are not completely satisfied you can get a full refund.So what have you got to lose, you can also signup to their free newsletter filled with great money saving tips.I've been a member for nearly 4 years now and I really enjoy what the site has on offer. I really recommend you take a few minutes and have a look SimpleSavings .

The offer has been extended, so it's still not to late if you missed out. I'm sure it will be the best $27 you spend this year, you will save so much money and make some wonderful friendships along the way ! At least please sign up for a free newsletter !

The Winner Of The Earth Garden Magazine Is!

2012-01-13T13:34:00.001+08:00

The Winner is MulipleMum
Please email me at sherriec@westnet.com.au and leave me your details... name and postal address ...
I will post your Earth Garden magazine plus a few other goodies off to you asap...
Thank you for visiting my blog and entering my give away ...
Thanks every one for entering :):):) and sharing with us some great tips.....Sorry for the extra delay as our Westnet dialup
service has been down for a few days...

Growing Coriander + Make Your Own Coriander Seed Packets!

2012-01-10T08:31:00.002+08:00

This is last years coriander crop!
On Friday I planted my summer batch of coriander seeds, depends on where you live, here in the South West of Western Auistralia, best time to plant is summer and spring. Coriander can be quite expensive buying it fresh in the shops for such a tiny bunch, when its so easy to grow your own, even if space is limited grow in a pot on your balcony. Here is the really great tip to save you money and supply all your friends and family with coriander. I buy my seeds in bulk for $1.50 for 250 grams, then you can make up little packets of seeds and give to family and friends, send them in a card for a birthday or thank you gift, this can also be done with lots of other seeds. You can also buy little packets of seeds from your supermarket spice section. After growing your coriander let some go to seed for the next growing season.

Don't Throw Away Your Old Calendar- There Are So Many Uses !

2012-01-06T10:16:00.004+08:00

Reduce-Reuse-Recycle!
Recycle your old Calender to make envelopes & cards for all occasions ! Last Year my lovely friend Kerrie and her lovely family gave us a calender for Christmas of Northern Beaches in Sydney, which I used through out the year. Now that 2011 is over, it was time to put up the new 2012 calender, what to do with it, what a waste to just throw it away ! Well the other day I was looking at the little photos on the back where they show you what's in the calender. Then I thought I will cut them all out to use for what, which I had no idea at the time, knowing I would come up with a brilliant idea.The day before while out shopping we saw my sons friend and his mum and wanted to give them our phone number to organise a play date, my pen wasn't working very well, but managed to scribble the number down.Well that event got me thinking I will use these to write our name & phone number and keep in my purse/bag to use in case we need to give our phone number out again, I could even add my blog address.Well that's the little cards taken care of, now what to do with the pages, I'll make envelopes which I did, I have a template of an envelope that I made some years ago by just gently pulling apart an old envelope and lying it flat, then you trace around it to make new ones, fold and either glue or use double sided tape. I made 11 envelopes from all the gorgeous photo's, then I realised I had strips of each page left over, what to do with them , perfect I will make cards.So I began by cutting some white card stock to size, its a sketch pad I bought a few years back. Then I cut the strips to size and I used double sided tape to stick them to the front of the white blank card. I made 9 cards, could of made 11 same as envelopes but pictures were of car parks that didn't look that attractive. So I have 9 cards which matching envelopes, 2 envelopes & 12 personal little cards (like little business cards) but so much nicer, all made from an old calender that most people just throw away. The cost was about 80cents for the card (you could also use card from packaging which would be free)& double sided tape (I love double sided tape )...I'm very happy with the outcome :) Some other ideas are you could make, gift bags, wrap gifts, frame pictures, cover school books.What do you all do with your old calenders, is this some thing you would do in the future. I would love to hear your comments

Earth Garden ! My New Year Give Away !

2012-01-01T12:17:00.005+08:00

The Latest Earth Garden Magazine !
On Friday 16th of December I received in the mail two copies of Earth Garden magazine and a letter saying I had won a 12 month subscription for my winning tip on low impact living .
So I have one copy to give away to one of my blog members. All you need to do to be in the running to win is leave a low impact house or garden tip and the best one will win. Give away will be judged by myself, Kevan & son Jack. I will also include a bonus surprise with the Earth Garden Magazine so please post your comments and be in the running ! I will announce the winner on Sunday 8th of January. so that's a whole week, enter as many times with a different tip of course.
Sorry but open to Australian residents only...
Below is the winning low impact tip.... Free food

Don't forget to be in the running for the give away you need to be a follower of my blog ! If not sign up now !

Extending it a few more days as so many people are on holidays so please post your low impact living tips now.....Looking forward to reading them all :)

I Made Christmas Boxer Shorts !

2011-12-26T17:37:00.002+08:00

I Made My Son Jack A Pair Of Christmas Boxers!
I finished them off today, only took about 15 minutes to join them together and put the elastic in the waist.They would probably still be waiting to be finished if not for needing to sew a ripped sheet before I washed it, because my sewing machine was threaded with red cotton, from some other Christmas sewing and I didn't want to change the cotton to white then back again to red to finish them. So sheet is mended and washed and on the line and boxers are on Jack's bed.Two tasks done ! The boxers are made from 100% cotton Christmas print fabric I've had there for years in my stash of fabrics. My mission has been not to buy any more fabric until I've used a lot of what I already have. I love buying fabrics when they are on special or something catches my eye. I would have enough to make at least 100 quilts... I've got fabrics from over 24 years ago, every now and then I say to Kev I should have a clean out and get rid of some, he says keep it all, you'll find a use for it one day. You just never know, I made Jack's Ash from Pokemon outfit from my stash. Any one else out there that hordes fabric like I do...What are your plans for it all....

Make Fabric Bags For Christmas Gifts!

2011-12-20T18:10:00.000+08:00

Make Christmas Fabric Gift Bags !
I love making gifts, I made these lovely fabric gift bags to put Christmas gifts in. They can be used for storing things in after wards.eg (pens and pencils) I just cut out the fabric folded in in half inside out then over locked up the side and bottom, then turned the right side and hemmed around the top. Then I used ribbon to tie the present near the top. I think they look really cute, they can be filled with all sorts of goodies. I made one for Jack to give his dad ,that will have his favourite chocolates in which we will reuse and give him every year, saves wasting paper.
They can be made any size to suit the gifts you have.

Popcorn & Popcorn Maker ! Another Plastic Bottle Recycled !

2011-12-19T18:52:00.001+08:00

What to store the popping corn in ?
One of the gifts we bought our eldest two boys who are grown and live together, was a pop corn maker. Anthony our middle son mentioned a few months ago he would like a popcorn maker. I also purchased 2 kilos of popping corn to give them with it, I purchased it in bulk as its so much cheaper $5 for 2 kilos. What to store the popping corn in to give as a gift, the plastic bag it came in would look a little tacky and be hard to pour out. I was looking in my glass jar collection for a big jar but didn't have one big enough then I thought I have some empty 2 litre plastic bottles, from buying home brand soda water occasionally. I thought that will be perfect and its easy to pour out the amount needed. Another great recycled container, I do prefer to use glass but its not always possible. Would be great for storing lots of other dried pulses and so easy to pour out the amount needed at any given time....So what do you think ! Please post and let me know what other things you could store in them....

A Great Time To Buy A Simple Savings Membership !

2011-12-12T17:47:00.003+08:00

Now is a great time if you would like to purchase a Simple Savings membership as they are reduced from the normal price of $47 down to $27 until December 31st . That is for 1 year and to renew every year after that is only $17 a year. They also have a 365 day refund policy if at any time you are not completely satisfied you can get a full refund.So what have you got to lose, you can also signup to their free newsletter filled with great money saving tips.I've been a member for nearly 4 years now and I really enjoy what the site has on offer. I really recommend you take a few minutes and have a look SimpleSavings .

Time To Make Ginger Beer For The Christmas Holidays !

2011-12-08T09:45:00.001+08:00

Today I made the ginger beer plant up which you leave for 3 days then you start feeding it ginger and sugar for a week then you make up your ginger beer !
Recipe for the ginger beer plant !
Put into a screw top jar
1/2 cup lemon juice + 2 teaspoons lemon pulp.
8-10 sultanas
2 cups cold water
2 teaspoons powdered ginger
4 teaspoons sugar
Now leave for 3 days then feed 4 teaspoons sugar and two teaspoons ginger every day for one week !
Here is the link to my recipe to make up the ginger beer on a blog post from last year. My Ginger Beer Recipe I really hope you give it a try it's so easy and so delicious, every one loves it and best of all you know exactly what's in it. Good old fashion ginger beer just like my nanna used to make, so there won't be any nasty colours, flavours or preservatives, how good is that.

I love this saying !

2011-12-07T13:35:00.001+08:00

MOST PEOPLE SPEND MONEY THEY DON'T HAVE

ON THINGS THEY DON'T NEED

TO IMPRESS PEOPLE THEY DON'T LIKE.

Earthing -The most important health discovery ever !

2011-12-05T14:06:00.006+08:00

Earthing-The most important health discovery ever ! Authors Clinton Ober, Stephen T.Sinatra & Martin Zuker.
I read the Earthing book in November last year , wow I cannot believe that was over 12 months ago. I borrowed the book from our local library. I would recommend any one with any health concerns to read the book. Here is the link to their website barefoot healing then you can either purchase the book or read all about earthing on their website. I just received my grounding thongs today which I decided to buy as a birthday gift for myself .I will do a blog about them soon.When my son isn't feeling very well, I sit or lay outside on the lawn with him and usually in 30-40 minutes he is feeling much better. I have also purchased an earthing sheet , so I can earth while I'm asleep. Jack came home from school a few weeks ago not feeling very well , I suggested he lay on my earthing sheet on my bed, after about 30 minutes , he was up feeling much better and started playing his wii.When it's not convenient to have our feet on the earth, there are some great alternatives. I hope you enjoy reading about them all.Happy Earthing Every one !

This Is Our Fair Dinkum Aussie Barometer !

2011-11-25T13:52:00.001+08:00

Aussie Barometer !
We brought this barometer when we travelled around Australia in 2007, this one we bought when we were in Darwin . I brought a few and gave them for gifts when we got back home. We have this one on our outside wall near our back door, always good for a laugh, when we have new visitors. They would be very easy to make, get a piece of wood a piece of string , you could write on with a permanent marker and drill a hole to put the string through.They could be great for the kids to make for family and friends for Christmas gifts.

Free Phone Number !

2011-11-23T13:45:00.003+08:00

Free directory service number !
If you cannot find the number you want in the phone book, or just haven't got the time, then ring 1223 its a free call to get the number you want , just don't let them connect you, because that will cost you, write it down.A lot of you may already know this number, but there may be a few of you that don't , so this blog is for you and perhaps a few of you who have forgotten. Telsta don't advertise this number as they wouldn't make any money , but they need to provide one. I've been going to do a blog about this last year some time, but just never got around to it for some reason. As they say better late then never....doesn't apply from mobile phones. Australian residents only , but I'm sure most countries would have a free number provided by their phone supplier....

Re-Use Old Tooth Brushes !

2011-11-21T14:41:00.000+08:00

Re-Use Old Tooth Brushes !
When your tooth brushes are ready to be replaced, instead of throwing them away, I store them in my laundry cupboard for cleaning things like my kitchen and bathroom drains, they are also great for scrubbing around your water taps around the sink ,bath and basins. They can also be great to use when scrubbing the shower recess, they clean the grout; in the corners and around where your shower screen is, they can also be used to clean vases and other items that are hard to reach by any other means.They can also be used to clean and polish shoes with, they can get in all the nooks and crannies. I would also imagine they would also be great to use to clean jewelery, by gently scrubbing around stone settings and between the links etc.I figure I might as well get as much use out of them as possible before they go to landfill. Another use I just thought of, you could cut the bristle head off and use as icy poles holders ( buy all the same brand to get the same shape the small children's ones would be great like the red one in the photo ) I would wash them in nice hot soapy water before using them.You could also use them to make toy flags ....to stand them up use blu-tac or something similar.What other things do people clean with their old tooth brushes,or other uses for them,please post and share with us all.

Seven Wonders Of The World !

2011-10-19T14:35:00.003+08:00

Don't Forget To Ask For A Rain Check !

2011-09-22T15:40:00.001+08:00

Don't Forget To Ask For A Rain Check !

On Monday we went shopping at Woolworth's, they had the naturale toilet rolls on special, which are the ones we always buy, but they didn't have any on the shelf, so I asked a staff member if they had any in stock, he said they were waiting to be unpacked. I told him we were on our way home and couldn't wait, so could I get a rain check, he said yes and so I got one for 6 packets at the sale price of $4.55 usually $5.57 so a saving of $6.12 , better in my pocket , or towards another purchase of something I need. So just a reminder not to forget to ask for a rain check if its a good special. The rain check is valid for 4 weeks, so we have plenty of time to get them when we are shopping next. So check where you shop to see if they have them if something is on special and they have run out of stock, I know Coles also has them.

Body Scrubber Gloves !

2011-09-19T16:43:00.000+08:00

Body Scrubber Gloves !
These gloves are fantastic for using in the shower to remove all you dry dead skin, after using them all my body feels silky smooth and luxuriously soft. Saves so much money on body scrubs and lotions and potions, I use envirocare body wash. I just put a few drops on my gloves lather them up and give my body and face a gentle massage all over. They also help promote good blood circulation. After using them I hang them up in my shower recess to dry. They cost me $2 and they last me years, when they are getting worn out , maybe a few holes in them I use them to scrub my shower, and bathroom basin & bath, saves me using any other cleaners.
So much better for my health and a great money saver. They can be purchased from cost plus and the $2 shop and red dot, they come in lots of different colours. They would make a nice gift with some body wash or pretty soap !

Free Food !

2011-09-16T17:41:00.000+08:00

Free Food !
When I buy beetroot, before I cook them I cut the tops off and plant them, as they grow I harvest the leaves as required. They are great tossed through salads the red stalks add a lovely colour to your salads. They are also very nutritious, so I say why waste the tops when you can grow them and get free food. This can be done with some other foods, that you buy.

Pain Free - Remove Nightshades From Your Diet !

2011-09-13T15:01:00.000+08:00

Pain Free - Remove Nightshades From Your Diet !
Are you sick of being in pain , it could be the nightshade family that are causing all your problems. Try removing potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants & chili peppers from your diet and see if all your body aches and pains disappear like magic. Some time back I went on an alkaline eating plan because I was told by a doctor my body was too acid , after only about a week I was aching all over I thought that was strange but kept eating that way for another week or so, but the aching was getting unbearable so I stopped eating the night shade foods and my body felt so much better. So if you have unexplainable aching joints etc I recommend reading this book Nightshade Free Pain Free by author Michael Fowler. I got my copy from our local library. Also tobacco is from the night-shade family so giving up smoking would also be advisable for so many more health reasons.

365 Thank Yous !

2011-09-12T13:55:00.000+08:00

How Daily Gratitude Changed One Mans Life !
Such a simple act of gratitude has the ability to transform ones life. I really enjoyed reading this true story about how John Kralik changed his life from writing simple thank you notes to all the people who did any acts of kindness for him.I found it a very enjoyable book to read. I'm sure we could all learn a few things from reading this book, I got it from our local library.

Fresh Cabbage & Herb Salad !

2011-09-05T17:33:00.000+08:00

Cabbage & Herb Salad !
I made a big bowl of this salad yesterday, it's really fresh and crunchy. I had it with cooked free range chicken it was delicious, here is my recipe.
Half a large cabbage finely shredded.
1 onion finely diced.
Fresh parsley, coriander and mint finely chopped.
Juice & zest of 1 medium lemon.
A splash of extra virgin olive oil.
Mix well and serve.

Rice Paper Rolls !

2011-08-21T16:51:00.002+08:00

Rice Paper Rolls !
They are so easy to make, they are great for a light lunch or dinner or are great to make if entertaining family or friends. You can fill them with lots of different fillings but these ones are filled with fried cabbage, onion, carrot, mince with a splash of tamari (wheat free soy sauce) and fresh basil leaves.You will need to buy some rice paper wrappers from your super market or Asian food store. You need to soak each rice paper wrapper in cold water for about 30 seconds until soft, lift out and fill with filling and roll up. You can serve with tamari or chili sauce for dipping. They are great to serve to gluten free family & friends. They are great if you need to take a plate to a family gathering, they are also great for the failsafe eating plan.