151-155/365 Life

Life lately over the past five days.  My biggest daughter had her wisdom teeth out so there has been lots of tablets, soft foods and ice packs.  A little bit of card making for my nephew that is turning double digits this week. Our little mandarin tree has produced quite a bit fruit this year.  We had to pick them as the crows were feasting on them.  Sundays are for relaxing with the newspaper and a lovely cup of tea. And as always Monday's are for baking.  Today on the menu was Honey Biscuits, Choc chip Banana Muffins  and also these yummy treats which I haven't yet made but will do soon. How have you been?

147,148/365 Self care Sunday, Making Monday.

This Sunday I decided to do a bit of self care in the form of this face mask.  I think it's so important to take care of both our mental and physical health.  And it also feels good to do something a little special for yourself.

This Monday I did my usual baking.  I decided to give a new recipe a try it's called Chocolate Prune Brownies.  I have to say it wasn't quite as sweet as I usually like but that's not such a bad thing.  It was very moist and was quick and easy. I have included a link just in case you might like to try it for yourself.  

How has was your weekend?

140-141/365 Sunday, Monday

I have been a little absent from this space each Sunday for the past couple of weeks.  I was recently listening to a podcast that had spoken about the importance of taking a bit of a break from technology and decided to give it a try. Each Sunday I will no longer post here or on my instagram.  When I did it for the first time last week I thought I would really miss it but I didn't as much as I thought which has spurred me on to making it a habit. That feeling of missing out is still there a little at the moment but when log back on each Monday not much has really happened, just ordinary life which is easy to catch up on.  My first photo is of the sweet violas we planted recently and the second is today's baking for the week ahead.  I made my traditional chocolate slice and this yummy maple date loaf too.  Do you like to take a tech free day each week for yourself?  What benefits have you discovered?

70/365 Menu Planning

Sundays are for washing and preparing for the week ahead.  I had big plans today to go and do lots of work in the garden but the weather had other plans for me.  So I got a bit of crocheting done, went to the library, stopped at the craft store for some Easter making supplies, a tiny bit of weeding and menu planning. On the menu this week is

* Chicken, pea and potato curry with naan bread

* Portuguese minced lamb with white beans and rice

* Healthy Meatloaf with vegetables

* Tomato and basil soup

* Roast vegetable pasta

* Vegetable frittata with salad

* Oat and Raisin choc chip cookies

* Coconut, quinoa and pepita slice

56/365 Sunday

It was a pretty slow Sunday here which was really nice. Just the usual preparations to get ready for the week ahead things like menu planning, washing, ironing, and baking muffins. After a warm day, the afternoon brought a storm which saturated the yard even more. I walked around the yard and took a couple of photos that caught my eye after the storm.  And the delicious lemon meringue pie you see, was made by my 14 year old daughter today.  We resisted the urge to have some until dessert time and it was delicious.  I hope your Sunday was a lovely one.

Hello, hello, hello

How are you?  Long time no blogging.  I am so sorry to have been absent from this space for such a long period of time.  In the 6 years (I think) that I have been blogging I'm not sure I have ever left it so long in between blog posts. 

Life has dealt some tricky times since my Nan passed away. There has been lots to deal with.  Sadly things don't always go as smoothly as you hope when someone passes away but I am trying to remember that what happens will be as it is meant to.  It is a little hard to deal with especially when my Nan's wishes may not be fulfilled as she wished, though time will tell.
Lots of great things have happened too.  There has been birthdays and a little anniversary for hubby and I, which we celebrated today on our date; being reunited with my Grandfather which has been a blessing; going to the gym and yoga; crafting; catching up with friends for smoothies and time with my gorgeous family.  My poor camera has been a little neglected sadly, my passion though has ignited today after a visit to the gardens, it was just the medicine I needed.  I am hoping that might mean I will be back to visit this space again soon, fingers crossed.
I hope all is well with you, that this year has been treating you nicely and that you have had some beautiful sunshine to enjoy this weekend.
Thank you for coming by to visit.
Much love.

From last weekend

On Sunday we got up, packed some homemade treats and made the drive west to visit my Mum and Nan.  It's been too long in between visits, life seems to be busy and when the days are free I like to potter around home.  I still miss my Dad terribly when I go to visit my Mum but I don't let on, I am so very grateful to have my Mum and my Nan to visit and so it is important to make that my focus but it is hard.  When I do visit I always enjoy being in the family, surrounded by memories, open space and the free feeling of being close to nature.  Here are a few photos from our day.  I hope you have had the most wonderful weekend.  I'll be back tomorrow with photos of our Sunday. 

54/365

We took a drive together today, the weather didn't look promising but we continued on our quest to spend the day by the beach. With all that happened last month Miss 10 didn't get quite the celebration she deserved so this was for her today. It ended up being a nice day even with the wind and showers which hurried our lunch along.  We even managed to find this hidden jewel called Laguna Lookout Noosa where we stopped to have our lunch a gorgeous view without the crowds. I really enjoyed being out, putting things to the back of my mind and spending uninterrupted time together.

A little Sunday Drive

The plan was to go for a drive to the coast but with a late night the previous night because of one excited little girl we decided to make our drive a shorter one.  Hubby hopped on the computer and found us a lovely spot to go for a walk, Berrinba Wetlands.  We looked up and down, discover little lizards and birds fanning themselves, little pine cones, fuzzy grasses and the sweetest of flowers, a little collection making it's way home. The weather was perfect for walking not too hot and the odd sprinkle kept us cool.  As we made out way closer to the end of the circuit  we got in the car and then it poured, we couldn't have timed it better.  It was just what we needed, a small adventure, exploring somewhere new and finding treasures along the way.

Have you discovered any new places to visit lately?