tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24337506058061056092024-03-05T23:17:22.119+11:00twigs & twinea simple and creative life with heartZenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16373747863822737468noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433750605806105609.post-40108124645943661912016-11-16T11:02:00.005+11:002018-03-29T00:06:49.532+11:00beltane samhain<br />
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Another Sunlight Shawl for Sad People, knitted with Misti Alpaca Pima Cotton & Silk Hand Paint yarn. Nice and light, a joy to knit and the variegated colours keep it interesting for repetitive knit/purl patterns that seem to go on in to infinity. I've titled it 'Neptune Unicorn Shawl' and gifted it to my unicorn loving friend Carmen.<br />
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The Southern Hemisphere Beltane is in the peak of Spring and honours fertility and the difference in masculinity and <span data-dobid="hdw">femininity.</span> We intended on making a Maypole for Spring celebrations using a big tree branch however the fierce winds kept us huddled inside. I envisioned them singing, dancing and laughing under the maypole. I had a light bulb moment and whipped up a miniature Maypole for our seasonal table. The children were enamoured with the end result.<br />
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Apparently the veils between the two worlds are thin so we made strawberry muffins for the Fairies.<br />
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When we are in the peak of Spring, our Northern Hemisphere friends celebrate Samhain. Oddly, this is when our supermarkets fill with cheap plastic Halloween <span data-dobid="hdw">paraphernalia that has no relevance to our Spring season in Australia. Everywhere you see signs of life on our farms and backyards at this time of year yet we celebrate Halloween instead of the Easter bunny. We try to live by the seasons truthfully however my eldest showed interest in carving pumpkins at the supermarket (high food miles, eek!). Regardless of the season and price, I thought it was time to finally carve a jack-o-latern. Youtube here we come! Ridiculously you can't get carving pumpkins here in our pumpkin growing season. Crazy, I know. We'll have to grow our own as we'd love to keep up this tradition in our Autumn. After I explained this topsy-turvy celebration to my eldest he suggested we should carve watermelons next year. Love it! We do like to <a href="https://www.honeybeetoys.com.au/celebrate/books/all-year-round/" target="_blank">celebrate all the seasons</a> and join in with our northern hemisphere neighbours.</span><br />
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The children were drawn to the lit Jack O'lantern and were so still and quiet. The opposite of our usual bed time routine. I think a candle and song may accompany our night time rhythm from now on.<br />
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A book week outfit sewed for the little one based on the book Chengdu, for a parade at the local homeschooling gathering. I made the pj's by simply tracing an existing pair and the free mask pattern is from <a href="http://bkids.typepad.com/intro/2013/06/craft-project-animal-masks.html" target="_blank">here.</a><br />
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A felted fox pattern for my eldest who had an RSPCA charity day for animals at his school. Although at school pick up you might of mistaken the day for national 'Onesies Dress Up Day'. When the final bell rang hundreds of kids spilled out of the buildings dressed in <a href="http://www.oneonesies.com.au/">onesies</a> just like a rave party!<br />
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He chose the pattern and bright orange fabric. I tried to veer him towards an endangered species since people here don't care much for foxes due to our vulnerable native animals. But he was determined and don't all our animals deserve protection? And no wonder, I've nurtured his love of animals since he was three in hopes he'll grow up to be a regional vet.<br />
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Joining in with <a href="http://frontierdreams.blogspot.com.au/2016/11/keep-calm-craft-on-crafting-on_15.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+FrontierDreams+(Frontier+Dreams)" target="_blank">Keep Calm Craft On.</a> and <a href="http://www.gsheller.com/2016/11/yarn-along-306.html" target="_blank">Yarn Along.</a><br />
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I've been battling another health issue, this time with my neck and arms. The results came back that I am not neuro compromised and what a relief however this never ending year of quite dramatic health issues is dragging on. This is always an uplifting space to see the positive accomplishments of myself and others. Although I have not been keeping up here I have been checking in on you all.<br />
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Zena xx<br />
<br />Zenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16373747863822737468noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433750605806105609.post-64014410725577117952016-09-15T21:27:00.000+10:002016-09-16T11:33:19.267+10:00winter postcardsSpring takes a little longer to reach us here. There's signs if you look, daffodil stems poking through soil lining the footpaths to houses. Lamb ewes with their mothers dotted across the landscape as you drive by on the Monaro Highway. Right now we are dealing with rain and lingering winter illnesses. The mountain man and I declared this to be one of the worst winters for us in nine years. I was then surprised to come across some photos that showed things might not of been so gloomy after all and that there were some beautiful moments to be grateful for.<br />
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Starting with friendly afternoon visitors...<br />
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The excitement (and relief) when the mountain man brings home another load of wood to be stacked. There's nothing more comforting than being surrounded by piles of wood when you live in a cold region, knowing you will continue to have a warm cosy house and dry clothes in the morning.</div>
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Family skiing at <a href="http://www.selwynsnow.com.au/" target="_blank">Selwyn Snowfields.</a> Finally a year where we could all ski together. We only managed a few days skiing in the entire season due to illnesses and bad weather and the snow then being rained away but it did come back! Unfortunately at the same time our wood piles were pretty low and mountain man had to spend a couple of weekends in the woods chainsawing. But never mind, I was so relieved I could even manage some time on the snow after my health issues this year and to do so with my favourite peeps was bliss. Luckily I took some photos with my phone camera, as you can see our hands are literally full.</div>
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How was your Winter? Are you yearning for Summer? I am! Bring on plenty of vitamin D and mouth watering fruits and salads. If you are heading in to cooler weather, are you ready? Well then, you better get your knit on.<br />
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<br />Zenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16373747863822737468noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433750605806105609.post-18358060310966036782016-09-04T21:40:00.001+10:002016-09-22T23:32:31.592+10:00in the kitchen july august<br />
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<b>Beetroot and Dark Chocolate Brownie</b> from River Cottage Cookbook loaned from the Library. This recipe has been on repeat all through winter. Toss your brownie recipe and get this one. It's totally addictive!<br />
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<b>Buckwheat Pancakes </b>with a Blueberry coulis made with water and a little raw honey. In winter I eat only warm foods for breakfast and keep juicing and smoothies for later in the day. <br />
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<b>Sweetcorn Pancakes </b>with quiona flour and Coriander Pesto from the Endoempowered Holistic Program. These are my go to dinner patties, so quick and easy for when I haven't prepared anything special for me. <br />
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Local organic produce from my bulk healthfood shop, Moontree. I've been getting blood tests done over the past few months for any deficiencies and slowly my vitamin collection is growing and so is my health improvements.<br />
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<b>Ham and Vegetable Frittata </b>for the males in the house. The mountain man took two weeks off work in the school holidays and spent his time taking us to the snow and cooking dinners. Lucky me! He dusted off the <b>CSIRO total wellbeing diet </b>and made several recipes like the above and the following...<br />
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<b>Pumpkin and Spinach Frittata</b> with <b>Kale Avocado Salad.</b> We also took some frittatas to the snow because at <a href="http://www.selwynsnow.com.au/" target="_blank">Selwyn</a> there's an indoor seating area where you can take your own food. It's fun to see the different nationalities and how far they will go to eat their favourite foods such as camping style Chinese Hot Pot and others just bring sandwiches and snacks. Mostly people do this to save money and that is our goal too but also to avoid the really dodgey food sold at the one cafeteria there. Think processed wheat, high salt, vegetable oils and very cheap melted cheese. Otherwise, It's a lovely place for family skiing.<br />
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<b>Tomato Soup with Apple and Walnut Kale Salad. </b><br />
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<b>White Fish with Parsley Relish. </b>From memory I grabbed Basa Fillets from the Supermarket, not something I have bought in recent years due to the mercury and over fishing concerns. The most pressing issue now is <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/business/consumer-affairs/microbeads-are-leaching-toxic-chemicals-into-fish-sparking-public-health-fears-20160816-gqtlpk.html" target="_blank">microbeads</a> and just recently I've read how <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/20/microfibers-plastic-pollution-oceans-patagonia-synthetic-clothes-microbeads" target="_blank">microfibers</a> from the clothing industry is causing more pollution in our oceans! We do eat Salmon fortnightly and only eat white fish when we stay at my mums in Sydney because she shops at local fish markets. But now I really don't feel that it is ethical or safe to eat fish even occasionally.<br />
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<b>White Fish with Char-grilled Vegetables. </b>The last recipe from the CSIRO cookbook. Thank you Mountain Man for the kitchen break! <br />
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Back on duty starting with <b>Homous. </b>I've been making a point of cooking the family similar foods from my childhood. Living far from Sydney and the diverse multicultural eats, the kids are not getting the same exposure (like I did) outside of the home either. <br />
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Organic Beef Kofta with herbs from the garden and Lebanese spices from the pantry.<br />
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Kids lebanese plate. I like to think of this as my version of "Nuggets and Chips" but tastes heaps better and has lots more nutrition. Always a winner with the kids.<br />
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<b>Nice Cream. </b>I had a little yearning for "Summer" so I blended up some frozen bananas, honey, coconut cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon in my froothie. I threw on my coat and beanie and found a little sunny spot in the yard to enjoy my little treat. It felt like I was on vacation for ten whole minutes.<br />
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<b>Macadamia Raw Brownie. </b>Based on the one from <a href="https://happyhormones.com.au/recipes/healthy/" target="_blank">Happy Hormones</a>. A much more beneficial treat for when those monthly sugar cravings hit.<br />
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What's been happening in your kitchen? Do you have access to fresh seafood and do you have any concerns about fish? <br />
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Zena xx<br />
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Zenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16373747863822737468noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433750605806105609.post-64355254516781175442016-07-22T14:53:00.002+10:002016-08-12T21:22:40.787+10:00in the kitchen juneStill catching up on my food posts!<br />
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<b>Spicy Apple Quiona </b>from the Holistic Endoempowered Program.<br />
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<b>Squirrel shopping at my bulk health food shop.</b> Being particularly vigilant about pesticide free salads and food I can not peel the skin off. Unfortunately I haven't been able to source my amazing and abundant organic fruit and vegetable box from Canberra anymore - due to the business closing for personal reasons.<br />
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<b>Kale, Avocado and Kiwi Fruit Salad </b>from the Endoempowered Holistic Program. This combo is so different and delicious. <b>Chicken Patties with Herbs and Shallots </b>and<b> Baked Sweet Potato </b>and can't remember what type<b> Potatoes.</b></div>
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<b>Apple Slaw with Walnuts, Tahini Dressing & Orange </b>for a catch up with friends.<b></b></div>
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<b>Spanish Mussels. </b>Working my way through the recipe book, Eat Endo Happy from the Endoempowered program. Oh night time shadow you strike again!</div>
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<b>Gluten Free Sweetcorn Fritters. </b>I used lentil flour instead of coconut flour.<b> </b><a href="https://www.thehealthychef.com/2014/02/gluten-free-sweetcorn-fritters/" target="_blank">From The Healthy Chef.</a><b> </b></div>
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<b>More squirrel shopping from my bulk health food shop. </b>I use to go fortnightly or weekly when we had a Waldorf playgroup in town but these days I go few times a week. Diversifying my organic wheat flour with Buckwheat flour. A little cinnamon sprinkled on my Dandelion Tea; farewell coffee and good riddance high cortisol levels.<br />
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<b>Chocolate Beetroot Brownie</b> a gluten free brownie using Almond Meal. From <a href="http://www.homegrown-kitchen.co.nz/2015/03/23/chocolate-beetroot-brownie/" target="_blank">Home Grown Kitchen. </a><br />
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We're in the depth of Winter here and I usually cook a lot of casseroles, tagines and soups but my health issue has lightened my usual menu plan with a lot of clean eating plant based foods.<br />
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Are you eating comfort foods this season or eating lighter foods due to health issues? Or are you in Summer, frolicking at the beach in warmer weather and indulging in refreshing salads and juicy fruits? If so, lucky you!<br />
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Zena xx<br />
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<br />Zenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16373747863822737468noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433750605806105609.post-20815462386483806202016-07-05T18:07:00.003+10:002016-07-23T10:22:51.186+10:00what's with wheat<br />
<b>Knitting</b><br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TZnCRpPG5Vw/V3tVmtDL_LI/AAAAAAAABbo/NaBzPYWjr9cKcpvf01YQu6IW_p8FzGaAQCLcB/s1600/knittedbear_3653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TZnCRpPG5Vw/V3tVmtDL_LI/AAAAAAAABbo/NaBzPYWjr9cKcpvf01YQu6IW_p8FzGaAQCLcB/s640/knittedbear_3653.jpg" width="640" /></a><b> </b>The little one found the bear pattern in his brothers' craft book and insisted I make it for him. So off we went to the craft shop to buy the yarn (nothing in my stash) and over a few days he watched in absolute awe and "helped" craft its construction. What a beautiful life lesson to teach our young children the beauty of slow hand making in this very fast paced consumer world.<br />
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Incidentally the pattern is incorrect. The bear knitted up quite large and out of proportion. On my third attempt I halved the number of knitted rows and the bear came out just right:)<br />
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<b>More knitting and some reading </b><br />
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Grandma's Favorite Heart Shaped Dishcloth for a dear friend.<br />
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<b>A quilt for Christmas By Sandra Dallas </b>was a quick read with wonderful characters. Centered around Eliza and her life tending to the farm with her two children whilst her husband is away fighting in battle during the civil war era. She took in a widow and a baby who fled violent relatives and later helped save the life of a slave by keeping her hidden on her property. It depicts the strength and compassion of women during incredibly difficult times.<br />
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<b>Watching</b><br />
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This documentary gets a 10 out of 10 from me. Just some of my favourite speakers on real food and transparency in the food industry are in this film: Sally Fallon, Joel Salatin, Cydni O'Meara and Vandana Shiva.<br />
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The film covers the history of wheat, the hybridisation of wheat, pesticides and chemicals in wheat and advertising of wheat products over real food throughout the decades. It depicts how wheat in its new form and mass consumption of it has had detrimental effects at epidemic proportions in the western world. Am I against wheat? No not all. If we all ate slow fermented biodynamic sourdough bread for breakfast and buns for lunch we wouldn't have chronic gut and bowl issues that plagues many of us today. The bread at the supermarket is cheap and nasty and full of chemicals. I can't believe I use to buy it for my children. This film is a public health service.<br />
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<b>Listening</b><br />
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<a href="http://d1tvp2qgzwvidk.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/TheLivelyShowwithAlisaVitti.jpg" target="_blank">Source</a></div>
Getting to know Alisa Vitti, the founder behind the blog, Flo Living <a href="http://jesslively.com/alisavittiallstar/" target="_blank">on this podcast.</a><br />
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Alisa believes that women live in a time where our work schedule, exercise recommendations and nutritional advice are all centered around male hormone patterns. By optimizing our female hormones Alisa has proven through her Flo Living Protocol that we can improve or fix PMS, cramps, unexplained infertility, low libido, PCOS, endometriosis, fibroids, and eczema.<br />
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You can find practical and helpful information on women's hormones through her blog at <a href="https://www.floliving.com/blog/" target="_blank">Flo Living</a>. A dear friend is currently enrolled in the protocol and gives it the big thumbs up.<br />
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Y'all know I'm all about the hormones these days!<br />
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How are my crafty comrades? How are your hormones? We are a special breed us women and we need to look after our precious hormones...and keep crafting!<br />
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Joining in with <a href="http://frontierdreams.blogspot.com.au/2016/07/keep-calm-craft-on-crafting-on.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+FrontierDreams+(Frontier+Dreams)" target="_blank">Keep Calm Craft On</a> and <a href="http://www.gsheller.com/2016/07/yarn-along-287.html" target="_blank">Yarn Along.</a><br />
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<br />Zenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16373747863822737468noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433750605806105609.post-88955447811527236112016-07-03T19:16:00.000+10:002016-07-07T22:04:19.495+10:00in the kitchen May 2016Some highlights in the kitchen from May. Better late than never!<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mx7qY08gceQ/V3izqYiFMzI/AAAAAAAABZ0/poOlhdtveeQfaldW_jCYCzcAQn2kXqKHQCLcB/s1600/avozuchinninoodles_IMG_3401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mx7qY08gceQ/V3izqYiFMzI/AAAAAAAABZ0/poOlhdtveeQfaldW_jCYCzcAQn2kXqKHQCLcB/s640/avozuchinninoodles_IMG_3401.jpg" width="640" /></a><b>Zucchini Noodles with Creamy Avocado Pesto</b> (without the pine nuts) from <a href="http://www.eat-yourself-skinny.com/2016/02/zucchini-noodles-with-creamy-avocado-pesto.html" target="_blank">here</a>. I've been meaning to buy a Spiralizer but for now I just make do with using <a href="http://www.topwithcinnamon.com/2013/06/lazy-girls-zucchini-spaghetti-no-fancy-tools-required-with-peas-creme-fraiche-and-pesto.html" target="_blank">the box grater technique. </a><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yoFYJBdP3mc/V3izv5LBn2I/AAAAAAAABZ4/u2ZgEKWPLfo13WUk5SlUFoEnqRRAzXOUgCLcB/s1600/beetrootsaladandcauliflowersoup_IMG_3455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yoFYJBdP3mc/V3izv5LBn2I/AAAAAAAABZ4/u2ZgEKWPLfo13WUk5SlUFoEnqRRAzXOUgCLcB/s640/beetrootsaladandcauliflowersoup_IMG_3455.jpg" width="640" /></a><b>Carrot and Beetroot Mint Salad </b>from the Endometriosis Holistic Program and my winter staple, <b>Cauliflower Soup</b> with Coconut Milk. A vegan version of the one from Super Natural Every Day.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_k__c6SdmhM/V3iz8OovdCI/AAAAAAAABaA/ZU0uhbWhTUg0Vru59qfZOgRA8ZJb0UmOgCLcB/s1600/carrotpatties_IMG_3447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_k__c6SdmhM/V3iz8OovdCI/AAAAAAAABaA/ZU0uhbWhTUg0Vru59qfZOgRA8ZJb0UmOgCLcB/s640/carrotpatties_IMG_3447.jpg" width="640" /></a><b> Carrot Patties with Coriander Pesto </b>(Brazil nuts, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, garlic, lemon and avocado oil) This is one of my favourite dishes from the Endometriosis Holistic Program and I have made it several times already. I also keep the pesto as a fridge staple.<br />
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<b>Blueberry Oat and Yoghurt Muffins</b> for the school lunch
box. I made 3 dozens in one week! No one around here seems to understand
what a daily serving is when it comes to baked goods. Recipe from <a href="https://www.donnahay.com.au/recipes/desserts-and-baking/blueberry-oat-and-yoghurt-muffins" target="_blank">Donna Hay.</a><br />
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<b>Chicken Soup.</b> I hear a few sniffles and bam! I'm in the kitchen madly cooking homemade chicken soup (when I don't have chronic fatigue) with free range chicken and organic vegetables. It's disappointing I've not had access to organic chicken for a long while now. For my hormonal health I'm refraining from this immune boosting winter remedy until I can find organic chicken.<br />
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<b>Citrus juice with Olive Leaf Extract.</b> One of my secret weapons for sniffly little peeps.<br />
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<b>Traditional Goulash</b> - a regular winter dish. <br />
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<b>Spicy Red Kidney Beans. </b>I'm rarely eating meat these days so when the boys are eating left over goulash mum is feasting on delicious vegetarian mexican food.<br />
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<b>Shephards Mince and Vegetable Pie</b> (all organic!) for the boys and <b>Tofu Scrambled Eggs with Spinach and Tomatoes </b>for me with fresh ingredients from my monthly farmers market.<br />
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<b>Squirrel shopping at my local bulk health food shop. </b>Raw local honey and organic vegetable cube stock are pantry staples that we go through pretty quickly. The<b> Sprouted Sourdough Bread</b> is one I have bought occasionally over the years when I have felt a bit ergh. You'll find it in the refridgerator section. My current tip is to slice it with a wet serrated knife and place in a container with baking paper between each slice and freeze. I'm not suppose to eat wheat on my Endo diet, so on the days I need something more I toast this. You simply can't fault <a href="http://www.purelifebakery.com/" target="_blank">biodynamic sprouted sourdough bread</a>.<br />
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<b>Tofu Green Curry.</b> Lucky finds at the back of the "fridge abyss" - a block of organic tofu and the good curry from the supermarket for a quick midweek meal. </div>
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Zenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16373747863822737468noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433750605806105609.post-11377133935605457432016-06-07T15:29:00.000+10:002016-06-16T12:04:58.512+10:00on holdLife is still 'on hold' at the moment, while I take each day as it comes in the early stages of recovering from health issues stemming from a few months ago. Here are a few things I've been dabbling in... <br />
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<b>Studying</b><br />
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I've enrolled in the Endo Wellness Technique. The program "<i>helps strong and determined women manage
their Endometriosis successfully by using a holistic approach </i><i>without hormone treatments or surgery."</i><br />
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I'm only in week 3 and it's already a game changer for me. I am learning so much about what Endometriosis really is. I can see that the last 20 years of painful period and allergy sensitivities are all connected to my new diagnosis. Although I have lots of related respiratory problems at the moment (and this only adds to my anxiety) I am hopeful that in a few months time I will feel much stronger mentally and physically. In a year's time even empowered (!) and I'd like to be a source of help to others. I just have to keep the faith right now.<br />
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Check out Melissa Turner's Endo Empowered Program <a href="http://www.endoempowered.com/" target="_blank">here</a>. If you want to know more about the program subscribe to her emails. There's lots of free information on her <a href="http://www.endoempowered.com/blog/" target="_blank">blog</a> too. I do urge anyone who suffers with Endometriosis and hormonal issues to check this program out. I believe it can be life changing.<br />
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<b>Needlework</b><br />
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Another Dropcloth Sampler from Rebecca Ringquist. We had a little chat on her etsy messages and I was telling her how much I love Portland (where she lives) and the show <a href="http://www.ifc.com/shows/portlandia" target="_blank">Portlandia.</a> She replied that just the other day she saw Fred Armisen whilst shopping. I was really chuffed!<br />
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Rebecca has an etsy shop where you can find all her fabulous samplers which incidentally has taken off since she first sold them at a <a href="http://www.squamartworkshops.com/" target="_blank">Squam Retreat. </a>You can listen to her thoughtful and creative journey on this <a href="http://whileshenaps.com/2015/04/podcast-episode-46-rebecca-ringquist.html">podcast</a>. <br />
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<b> Journaling</b><br />
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Prompted by Sophie's<i> Journal Your Heart Out </i>hashtag on Instagram, I took the plunge in to journaling. The words did not come easily at first; however I enjoyed the simple act of cutting and glueing and writing my aspirations, gratitudes and reflections. Now the words come much more easily and I thoroughly enjoy this quiet and soulful time. Sophie guides you with journal writing prompts and collage inspiration on her <a href="http://www.sophieisobelasher.com/search/label/Journal%20Writing" target="_blank">blog.</a><br />
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<b>Making </b><br />
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A cardigan first cast on in (ahem) 2014. Knitted 95% percent of it and then stored in a basket for a very long time. The button band just needs to be finished however I seem to have made my own adjustments and have no idea what my little scribbles in lead pencil mean on the pattern. <br />
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Knitted in Harvest wool from <a href="https://www.bendigowoollenmills.com.au/" target="_blank">Bendigo Woollen Mills.</a> Unfortunately this yarn was a limited edition and no longer available. It's a shame because this 10 ply blend of wool, alpaca and bamboo is perfect for our snowy winters. Also the tweed is so striking. <br />
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<b>Watching</b><br />
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I can't regularly find the fiction books I want at our small regional library so I usually have a long wait from inter-library loans. In the mean time, <a href="http://edwardianfarm.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Edwardian Farm</a> on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcBl4_2FJX4" target="_blank">youtube</a> has been some cheerful watching during my down time.<br />
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Joining in with all the crafty folks at <a href="http://frontierdreams.blogspot.com.au/2016/06/keep-calm-craft-on-crafting-on.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+FrontierDreams+%28Frontier+Dreams%29" target="_blank">Keep Calm Craft On</a> and <a href="http://www.gsheller.com/2016/06/yarn-along-283.html" target="_blank">Yarn Along.</a><br />
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What have you been making, watching, reading?<br />
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Zena xx<br />
<br />Zenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16373747863822737468noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433750605806105609.post-59479425749433304172016-05-09T08:47:00.002+10:002016-06-05T22:41:41.123+10:00in the kitchen April 2016<b>Pizza Night! </b>I love making pizza's on Friday nights or the
weekends. Accompanied with red wine and kitchen tunes, standing (and dancing) in
the kitchen all evening serving them as they come out of the oven and
popping the next one in. Family favourites: <b>Pumpkin, caramelized
onions, feta and sage; Chorizo and roasted vegetables; Roasted zucchini,
eggplant, red capsicum and caramelized onions; Tomatoes, black olives
and fresh mozzarella; Ham and Pineapple </b>(not mum's favourite at all!)<br />
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These pizzas were made several weeks after surgery and I almost collapsed after making them. There was definitely no wine drinking and I made them early in the day. My wild and free pizza making and wine drinking kitchen days are sadly over or at least for a year.<br />
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<b>Sea Shepherd Pie. </b>I'm making lots more vegetarian dinner meals (again) since my health issue. This
one has french lentils, mushrooms, leek, carrot, celery and
nutritional yeast flakes. Recipe <a href="http://kriscarr.com/recipe/sea-shepherd-pie/" target="_blank">here.</a><br />
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<b>Chicken and Mayo Rolls. </b>Left over roasted free range chicken
drumsticks. Chopped up with parsley, squeeze of lemon and pepper on
fresh bakery rolls. The kids enjoyed these the next day.<br />
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<b>Lebanese Picnic </b>for the kids while the big peeps enjoyed
stuffed zucchinis. Kafta sausages are made with lean beef or lamb
mince, cumin, shallots, parsley and white pepper.<b> </b><a href="http://www.sbs.com.au/food/recipes/kafta-skewers" target="_blank">Here's how to do it.</a>
I make the wraps using my old faithful recipe, Flour Tortillas from The
Waldorf Book of Breads. I think these days everyone knows how to make
Hoummous but just in case <a href="http://www.jamieoliver.com/news-and-features/features/best-basic-houmous-recipe/#9ISR6O7BRv4s3bbB.97" target="_blank">Jamie Oliver's hoummous </a>is pretty authentic.<br />
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<b>Stuffed Vegetarian Zucchini.</b> Brown
Rice with Chia, a chopped tomato, fresh coriander, parsley and mint.
Cumin, coriander, hot chilli, salt and pepper spices and tomato paste
and water. Growing up this dish was known around my house as Kousa
Mahshi and was made with minced beef. Recipe for the traditional dish
can be found <a href="http://www.sbs.com.au/food/recipes/stuffed-zucchini-kousa-mahshi?cid=trending" target="_blank">here</a> including a video episode showing you exactly how to make it from Food Safari. <br />
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To make <b>Kousa Mahshi </b>(stuffed zucchini) you need a <b>Manakra</b> tool to core and scrape out the flesh of the zucchinis. I bought mine from a Lebanese grocery store.<br />
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<b>Cheesy Broc Frits. </b>From the <a href="http://shop.hellolunchlady.com.au/" target="_blank">Lunch Lady Mag</a>
Issue 1. Made with loads of broccoli, a bit of flour, an egg and
parmesan to bind. Scrumptious! Pretty much been making these every
second or third night.<br />
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<b>Keen-wah and Carrot Patties. </b>Another one from the<a href="http://shop.hellolunchlady.com.au/" target="_blank"> Lunch Lady Mag</a> issue 1. Alternating between these and Brocoli patties above. I<b> </b>can't stop making them<b>!</b><br />
<b><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5yI4fN0222o/Vy8Vv-vpDeI/AAAAAAAABX0/q6yGsRSpaK00CMBzWblx3eypbrx-_nvxACKgB/s1600/keenwahpatties.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5yI4fN0222o/Vy8Vv-vpDeI/AAAAAAAABX0/q6yGsRSpaK00CMBzWblx3eypbrx-_nvxACKgB/s640/keenwahpatties.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><b>Bacon and Zucchini Cashew Cream Penne.</b> </b>A packet of organic penne,
one zucchini, footpath growing thyme, all natural ingredients bacon,
local garlic, a supermarket bought onion and a cup of raw cashews loved
by all three males in the house. For this dish I always whiz up a cup of
cashews and a cup of water in my Froothie and add it to the cooked
pasta, then I add the rest of the sauteed ingredients that is bursting
with strong flavours.<br />
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<b>So cooking friends, what have you been making?</b>
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Zenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16373747863822737468noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433750605806105609.post-75143430345626301312016-05-03T16:16:00.002+10:002018-06-18T17:00:44.492+10:00quilted infinity scarves and bereaved mothers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Taken with my iphone)</span></div>
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<a href="http://carlymarieprojectheal.com/the-mother-hearts-i-see-you-project" target="_blank">source</a><br />
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When I had a miscarriage with my middle child that hole was eventually filled when I fell pregnant with my third child. I can enjoy every Mother's Day with a joyful lunch out and get my annual (decent) pic of me and the kids. For others, Mother's Day can bring up feelings of deep sadness, pain and isolation. </div>
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<b><a href="http://carlymarieprojectheal.com/2016/04/international-bereaved-mothers-day.html" target="_blank">International Bereaved Mother’s Day</a></b> was celebrated on Sunday May 1st 2016.</div>
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I am constantly learning what daily life is like for bereaved mothers from my dear friend <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BE2tuxVR7xz/?taken-by=wombatcupcaketree" target="_blank">Carmen </a>who lost her precious full term baby, <a href="https://city2surf2015.everydayhero.com/au/carmen" target="_blank">Walter to Stillbirth.</a></div>
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Through Carmen, I was introduce to <a href="http://carlymarieprojectheal.com/the-mother-hearts-i-see-you-project" target="_blank"><b>The Mother Hearts "I See You Project"</b></a> </div>
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Some very powerful words acknowledging all types of mothers.<br />
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The quilted infinity scarves above were made with much thoughtfulness in every stitch and love for special women who have suffered the unmentionable, child loss. However, not given at the time of the loss just given as loving gifts. Pattern generously shared <a href="http://www.sewhomegrown.com/2013/01/diythe-fat-quarter-infinity-scarf.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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This is more of an acknowledgement post of this important day for
grieving mothers before the celebratory one held next week.<br />
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<b>If you are a grieving mother - I see you.</b><br />
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Zena xx<br />
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Joining in with <a href="http://frontierdreams.blogspot.com.au/2016/05/keep-calm-craft-on-crafting-on.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+FrontierDreams+%28Frontier+Dreams%29" target="_blank">Keep Calm Craft On</a>.<br />
<br />Zenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16373747863822737468noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433750605806105609.post-81810732222953349482016-04-20T21:50:00.004+10:002016-05-09T09:06:29.702+10:00fair isle hat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My first Fair Isle project. How very disappointing you were when I cast off the last stitch. A large stretchy rim and ugly brown yarn for the crown. I ended up replacing it with a more uplifting colour but still ambivalent about whether we could get through a cold winter season together. In haste I gave you a quick rough soaking and rolled you in a towel and squeezed the heck out of you until you doubled in sized. Dried, you hung over my sad disappointed eyes. In pure desperation I threw you in the dryer and hoped for the best. Not once but twice but three times and you came out gloriously perfect! Do you have these roller coaster rides with your knitted garments?<br />
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Noticing we were low in washcloths, I raided my stash instead of heading to the shops for something store bought. I like washcloth patterns for the big peeps in the house and dishcloths for our little peeps - the smaller size pattern is perfect for little hands. <br />
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WARM - a community textile art project is calling out for volunteers to contribute to "an Australian-based large-scale collaborative knitting project
that explores why the earth is warming and what we can do to make a
positive change."
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The designer is tiKKi knits. There's a windmill pattern, flowers, landscape squares, gum leaves, earthy accessories amongst others. Go check out the patterns on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/warm" target="_blank">Ravelry.</a><br />
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Knitted contributions need to be in by Friday 12th of August, 2016. Pieces will be exhibited at the Art Gallery of Ballarat in September 2016. More information can be found at <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/warm" target="_blank">SEAM, Inc. </a><br />
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Reading lots on my newly discovered health issue. Also, the Lunch Lady Mag arrived today - totally addicted. <br />
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Joining in with all the crafty folks at <a href="http://frontierdreams.blogspot.com.au/2016/04/keep-calm-craft-on-crafting-on_19.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+FrontierDreams+%28Frontier+Dreams%29" target="_blank">Keep Calm Craft On</a> and <a href="http://www.gsheller.com/2016/04/yarn-along-276.html" target="_blank">Yarn Along.</a><br />
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What have you been making crafty peeps? <br />
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Zena xx<br />
<br />Zenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16373747863822737468noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433750605806105609.post-81255411941795863272016-04-07T23:41:00.001+10:002016-05-09T08:38:59.429+10:00in my kitchen march 2016Afternoon treats for my boys. <b>Frozen Bananas</b> with dark chocolate,
coconut and walnuts. I've been making these weekly with different nuts.
The kids can't get enough of them. Thank you<a href="http://www.hellolunchlady.com.au/words/chocnana-pops-are-good-for-you/" target="_blank"> Lunch Lady!</a><br />
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Afternoon treats for me! <b>Raw Chocolate Coconut Bites</b> inspired from <a href="http://blog.freepeople.com/2012/10/almond-coconut-chocolate-bites-vegan-glutenfree/" target="_blank">here.</a><br />
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<b>Spaghetti Bolognaise</b> made with organic beef mince and loads of Rob's
homegrown garlic and our fresh garden herbs. Organic pasta for the boys
and organic zucchini noodles for us. <br />
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<b>Free range chicken wings </b>with garlic and oregano and thyme and drizzled in Australian
Olive Oil.<b> Coleslaw</b> with a tasty garlicy <b>sunflower seed sauce.</b><br />
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We had a cold spell so I made the gang <b>Coconut Curry Chicken and Vegetable Pie. </b>Mostly organic from the pastry flour to simple vegetables. The
sauce is made with a cup of homemade chicken stock, a small can of ayam
coconut milk and some natural arrowroot powder to thicken up and pepper for taste. Wholesome and comforting family food.<br />
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<b>Vegan Mexican Bowl</b> with brown organic rice. Red kidney beans sauteed with onions, paprika, cumin, garlic and fresh oregano. I have started to prioritise "clean eating" foods after my ambulance trip to the hospital. The delicious vegan <a href="http://www.feastingathome.com/veggie-burrito-bowl-w-creamy-vegan-cilantro-sauce/" target="_blank">tofu coriander dressing</a> really accentuates this dish. <br />
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<b>Chickpea, Spinach and Pumpkin Curry </b>with organic rice for the whole family. Similar recipe to <a href="http://www.cookrepublic.com/chickpea-and-coconut-korma-curry-with-pumpkin/" target="_blank">this one.</a><br />
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My mum came to stay after my surgery to cook and look after the children. She prepared all this food the night before a 7 hour bus and train trip from Sydney to the Snowy Mountains. Stashed in her suite case: <b>Babaganoush</b>, <b>Tabouli</b>, <b>Serbian Cheese and Spinach Pie</b>, a ball of <b>Lebanese Shanglesh</b>, A big piece of <b>Prosciutto</b> from Fairfield, <b>Lebanese Bread</b>, and four <b>Lemons</b> cross lime cross grapefruit from her tree. Her description not mine. Dinner was sorted the first night! Oh, and she carried a big <b>curry plant</b> on her journey too!<br />
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The next night, Bubba Masa (my mum) made <b>traditional schnitzels</b> served with Rob's delicious <b>wild fermented saurekraut. </b><br />
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The day after she made traditional <b>Serbian Cheese and Spinach Pie</b>, also known as Burek, before anyone woke up!<br />
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What have you been cooking folks? Or like me, is someone else cooking and giving you a bit of a break.<br />
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Zena xx<br />
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<br />Zenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16373747863822737468noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433750605806105609.post-69665536273753702882016-03-29T23:38:00.000+11:002016-04-03T22:15:06.986+10:00a craft swap and hormonal health<br />
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So happy my <a href="http://ayullamakemyday.blogspot.com.au/?m=1" target="_blank">craft swap partner</a> in Israel, received her package in time for Easter. I sewed a scrappy pouch from an organic Japanese fabric bundle, HAIKU by Monaluna. The pouch pattern is from <a href="http://sewdelicious.com.au/2013/09/scrappy-fabric-strip-zipper-pouch.html" target="_blank">Sew Delicious</a>. A bar of natural Australian Lemon Myrtle Soap, a local beeswax candle and good quality <a href="http://www.snowycookies.com.au/" target="_blank">Snowy Mountain Cookies. </a><br />
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Thank you Mamashara at <a href="http://onegreyelephant.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">One Grey Elephant blog</a> for hosting <a href="http://onegreyelephant.blogspot.com.au/2016/01/january-14th.html" target="_blank">the Project Bag Swap.</a><br />
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From my swap partner Jodie at <a href="http://jellywares.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Jelly Wares blog.</a> I absolutely adore my Autumn themed project bag. Inside an exquisite crochet washer almost too good to use; delicious cinnamon black tea; gorgeous Noro yarn I've always wanted to try; and a fingerless mitts pattern. A big squeal on the handcrafted buttons Jodie made from wood sourced on her property. Feeling so spoiled! I found this package on my doorstep on our 4 hour return drive from Calvary hospital in Canberra. It was a lovely surprise to come home to such thoughtfulness after a health scare.<br />
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Venturing in to <a href="http://ravel.me/zenacrafts/srz4j" target="_blank">Fair Isle </a>and stranded work. Ripped this back several times due to the pattern being out of sync until I finally realised that all a long it was <i>me </i>that was out of sync! <br />
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Aside from lovely crafting, I have been on one heck of a roller coaster ride these last few weeks. Rushed to hospital by ambulance and then surgery 10 days later for removal of a cyst on one ovary and a "clean up." The diagnosis is endometriosis. I am so thankful it is not something worse. This concludes months of exhaustion, depression and an unexplained muffin top that grew from <i>not</i> over eating.<br />
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So begins a lot of research in to the world of women's hormones and excess estrogens and xenoestrogens. The surgery, although a laparoscopy<b> </b>has really taken it's toll on me mentally and physically and I never want to go through it again. Being this sick is a burden to my partner and family members that have to travel up to a day to help look after the children.<br />
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Even though I lead a pretty good wholefood and natural lifestyle I was extremely tired and depressed and plagued with health issues for over a year. Now I know that the imbalance of hormones has caused this. I keep thinking I'm still 29 years old when in fact I'm a 40 year old mum with young kids which means 40 year old health issues.<br />
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Among all the craft and foodie posts on my blog it looks like women's health care will be popping up quite a bit but in some ways it's all related.<br />
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Now back to dodging paper airplanes in bed. <br />
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What have you been making dear crafty friends? Are you dealing with a women's health issue? I would love to hear your story. If you would prefer to share privately, please email me using the link next to my profile picture.<br />
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<span class="st">Joining in with all the crafty folks at <a href="http://frontierdreams.blogspot.com.au/2016/03/keep-calm-craft-on-crafting-on_29.html" target="_blank">Keep Calm Craft On</a></span> and <a href="http://www.gsheller.com/2016/03/yarn-along-273.html" target="_blank">Yarn Along</a><br />
Zena xx<br />
<br />Zenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16373747863822737468noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433750605806105609.post-45554605304194912092016-02-10T21:18:00.000+11:002016-02-10T23:19:23.574+11:00in my kitchen february 2016Joining in with <a href="http://www.orgasmicchef.com/in-my-kitchen/in-my-kitchen-february-2016/" target="_blank">In My Kitchen</a> at Orgasmic Chef, previously Celia's invention from Fig and Lime Cordial blog.<br />
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Rob's fermented sauerkraut on proscuitto and mountain bread. This was a delicious hit, unfortunately the ones in the back were misses. But you loose some and win some with fermentation; it's just part of the learning process. Rob is a big fan of <a href="http://www.fishpond.com.au/Books/Art-of-Fermentation-Sandor-Ellix-Katz-Michael-Pollan/9781603582865" target="_blank">Katz Sander's</a> wild style of fermentation. A prosciutto shoulder piece was gifted to us from my mum. Ordered months ago from Liverpool, Sydney. A delicious treat for us every day to the last bite. Until next year!<br />
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Tomato Sauce especially for Mr Eight. I used what I had in the fridge - an assortment of tomatoes
approximately 600grams, 1/4 onion, cumin, cloves, mustard seed, salt,
brown sugar and apple cider vinegar on the stove top for an 1 hour,
cooled and wizzed up in my new <a href="http://froothie./">Froothie.</a><br />
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Sunflower seed condiment especially for Rob and his month detox from the Christmas holiday excess. I can't find the recipe link! One cup sunflower seeds, juice from one lemon and some Himalayan salt and home grown garlic to taste. <br />
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Warmer weather means lighter food. Vietnamese Spring Rolls: Tofu, carrots, cucumber, coriander wrapped in Rice Paper. The dipping sauce is made of <a href="http://www.aussiehealthproducts.com.au/seasoning.php?id=32545&Bragg-All-Purpose-Seasoning-473ml" target="_blank">Bragg All Natural Purpose Seasoning</a> and fresh ginger.<br />
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Haven't made the move to the capsule craze and although tempting for the convenience, I won't for environmental reasons. However, for a change, I would like to try a different ethical and fair trade brew. Any suggestions? I like my coffee strong and sweet.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dti7qDkk5QQ/VrFBQTJIMNI/AAAAAAAABSQ/d5XPNk75AB8/s1600/thumb_IMG_2749_1024%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dti7qDkk5QQ/VrFBQTJIMNI/AAAAAAAABSQ/d5XPNk75AB8/s640/thumb_IMG_2749_1024%2Bcopy.jpg" width="640" /></a> Pumpkin, fetta, caramelized onions and sage pizza. Our toddler's favourite. I absolutely love rolling out dough; I actually find it liberating. This is how I feel in action, shown <a href="http://www.booktopia.com.au/radical-homemakers-shannon-hayes/prod9780979439117.html?source=pla&gclid=CjwKEAiA3Ou1BRDso5XyhduuwFASJABP3PEDsT6Zrdmv5WQ3ORZv9gaxI-nLyg0WcTSps97CDqhY4BoCO07w_wcB" target="_blank">here</a> on the Radical Homemakers book cover. <br />
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Lots of Juicing over the warmer months. Celery, apple, pear and lemon recipe inspiration from <a href="http://www.rebootwithjoe.com/recipes/" target="_blank">Reboot with Joe.</a> Incidentally, I have put on a whole dress size over Summer eating "lighter" foods! Zero excercise and perhaps two servings of dinner and baked goods may have something to do with that!</div>
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Last night I made everyone Chicken Korma, since a cold has claimed us one by one. Free range chicken, organic carrots and good ole dependable frozen peas, fresh coriander on a bed of organic basmati rice. I always add a cup of homemade chicken stock and a can of Ayam coconut milk to my curries for nutritional benefits and delicious natural flavours.</div>
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Warm and nourishing Chicken Korma with homemade chicken stock and Ayam coconut milk enjoyed by the toddler of the house. I just can't get enough of his little pudgey hands. </div>
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Lunching on Red lentil organic curry spice soup with potatoes, carrots, onions, homegrown garlic, homemade chicken stock and a little Organic Vegetable bouillon. Our saviour - Rye bread ordered weekly from our little local Bakery. </div>
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What a great way to showcase your cooking. I must make an effort to capture the actual cooking around here and take note on night time shadows. So, dear fellow cooking friends, what's in your Kitchen?</div>
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Zenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16373747863822737468noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433750605806105609.post-58850369830285093842016-02-03T12:24:00.004+11:002018-06-18T17:07:28.179+10:00embroidery, a shawl and cushionsThe Original Dropcloth Sampler, by Rebecca Ringquist.<br />
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I have
embroidered since I was a teen but never such a vibrant sampler and learned a few new fancy stitches along the way. Instead of stitching fabric around the edge, I stretched the sampler over a piece of
foam core and framed it. I smile every time I walk past it. <br />
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New year, new cushion covers - Buzoku Cotton Canvas and Buzoku Cotton
Duck from Spotlight. I had a little mental breakdown in there. I only
get a chance to go once year and it's always at a new location so I
don't know where anything is. Usually the family are waiting in the car and I have a very short time limit to frantically get what I need. I get so overwhelmed and distracted by
the huge selection of craft from every category that my eyes scan each
item desperately trying to take it all in and I get a little dizzy. Must
make more trips to the big city Spotlight store to feel "less dizzy".
Yes, that's just what the doctor ordered for one overwhelmed crafty
mama from the bush. <br />
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I started another lace shawl but found it too hard to
concentrate on while everyone was home on holidays. So I frogged it and
cast on the Sunlight Shawl for Sad
People (and I do get sad!). There's lots of mistakes I didn't go back to fix as I
wasn’t use to working with slippery lace needles and such thin yarn. In
saying that, Malabrigo yarn has a wonderful feel and mesmerising colour way. I’m not bothered by the mistakes because they
remind me of special
moments in time, mostly difficult times. However aren't those times important
for personal growth, realisation and reflection?<br />
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From my iphone. Threw on a hat to disguise bedridden hair from a head cold and sore throat.<br />
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Over the Summer holidays I (over) indulged in Netflix viewing. (One of the perks from moving out of Kosciuszko National Park) Currently knitting and cross stitching through Downton Abbey episodes. WW1 has just been declared over. Hurrah! Oh I do hope Lady Sybil and the chauffeur can fight against class barriers to be together...Aren't these British drama's - Call the Midwife, Land Girls and The Paradise - just the bees knees?<br />
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Have you discovered the <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b007qlvb" target="_blank">Women's Hour</a> podcasts? If not, please click through. Intelligent interviews and discussions on <span class="st">current issues from a female perspective. </span><br />
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<span class="st">What have you been crafting, reading, listening and watching? </span><br />
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<span class="st">Joining in with all the crafty folks on <a href="http://frontierdreams.blogspot.com.au/2016/02/keep-calm-craft-on-crafting-on.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+FrontierDreams+%28Frontier+Dreams%29" target="_blank">Keep Calm Craft On</a></span>
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<br />Zenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16373747863822737468noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433750605806105609.post-67827801357879034592016-01-04T16:28:00.001+11:002016-01-08T22:12:00.036+11:002016, intentions and handmade gifts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm so happy we made it back home just in time to bring the New year in quietly and peacefully. Just us. Yes, so very glad to be home after the whirlwind of Christmas. </div>
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I've been told it gets better as the children gets older; easier travel, less cheap massed produced toys and presents from well meaning givers. Certainly less stressful if we lived closer and saw everyone on a regular basis. </div>
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I was not on top of my game at the end of last year so we cut short our travels to visit all the family from 10 days away to four. </div>
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What are my intentions for this year? To be connected through local community work. I have a deep desire to be once again back in the community through professional employment. In my previous life (before children) I worked for a municipal Council with a strong community and sustainable focus. Currently I'm studying a Bachelor of Information Studies in Librarianship and I can't wait to get back in the community and make a professional contribution locally.</div>
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Now on to happy birthday makings!</div>
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Our littlest peep turned 3 a week before Christmas. Keeping with my tradition of birthday hand makings, I knitted him a Shaun the Sheep toy. He had a lovely <a href="http://www.themagiconions.com/2010/02/discovering-waldorf-kintted-toy.html" target="_blank">Waldorf look</a>; after a few days Archie noticed he didn't have eyes, so I hot glued two big crazy googly eyes, just like in the pattern. Details raveled <a href="http://ravel.me/zenacrafts/wg1ge" target="_blank">here.</a></div>
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I also made him a play quilt with 2 packs of 5 inch charm squares. <span class="savedInfoText">Happy Sunshine by Keiki
for Moda and Bella Solids Porcelain. Backing fabric is
a Michael Miller one and the batting is natural cotton/bamboo. </span>The quilt pattern is a charming baby quilt with no binding just turn inside out and stitch around the edging. Embroidery thread is used to tie the quilt together.<br />
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<span class="savedInfoText">I took </span><span class="savedInfoText">a class on Craftsy by Amy Gibson from Stitchery Dickory Dock. I've </span><span class="savedInfoText">made a couple of small quilt projects however I loved learning from such an esteemed
teacher.</span><br />
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Felt breakfast food for Archie's birthday gift - a wooden kitchen from Bubby (grandma). My supply of 100% wool felt comes from <a href="http://www.indigoinspirations.net.au/" target="_blank">Indigo Inspirations</a>; always a joy to work with. The pattern for the breakfast food is from <a href="http://www.sewmamasew.com/2015/03/easy-felt-breakfast-food-set/" target="_blank">SewMamaSew.</a><br />
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A bowl of felt ravioli: I cut 3cm x 3cm squares with my pinking shears and stuffed them with some polyester filling and sewed them up with a simple running stitch. Now I'm inspired to make a fresh batch of ravioli! </div>
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How was your Christmas/New Year? Was it stressful or relaxing? What are your intentions for 2016?<br />
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Joining in with all the lovely hand makings at <a href="http://frontierdreams.blogspot.com.au/2016/01/keep-calm-craft-on-crafting-on.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+FrontierDreams+%28Frontier+Dreams%29" target="_blank">Keep Calm Craft On.</a>Zenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16373747863822737468noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433750605806105609.post-62036842478166209082015-11-17T14:36:00.000+11:002015-11-19T10:24:46.755+11:00rainbow rag rug<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I bought the zpagetti rug kit from <a href="http://www.zpagetti.com.au/" target="_blank">Hoooked Zpagetti</a> a few years ago.
At the time all I could crochet was chain stitches as long as infinity. I
watched the Crochet Rag Rug tutorial taught by Cal Patch on Creativebug
for only a few minutes and had a ‘aha moment’ and the rest is crochet
history!<br />
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<span class="st"><i>Zpagetti</i> t-shirt yarns are considered sustainable. They are made with off-cuts from new fashion garments sourced from </span>European
textile manufacturers. The colourful cones are perfect for upcycling in to your favourite crocheted projects.<br />
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I found the yellow and purple ribbon yarn quite thick and the pink, red, green and aqua ribbon yarn quite thin. At the start I had a lot of curling in to a bowl shape and ruffling when I tried a looser tension. Eventually I found a nice tension, although the finishing row does not sit very flat, the rug turned out great. Ravelled <a href="http://ravel.me/zenacrafts/elk6h" target="_blank">here. </a>As you can see Archie is delighted and the rainbow rug gives a lovely atmosphere in his room. <br />
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I borrowed The Dressmaker book from the library to hold me over until I can see the actual movie. Yes, it's true; right now I do want to see the movie more than read the book! I mean for starters, Kate Winslet plays the main character and she is such a wonderful actress. The movie is set in dry, sparse outback Australia; there's spaghetti western music; 1950's haute coutre to squeal and dream about for weeks; and who doesn't love a good makeover for an underdog. Oh and some of the best Australian actors I've watched since childhood - Judy Davis, Hugo Weaving...<br />
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What have you been making, reading or watching crafty friends? Crochet peeps, any tips on how to finish a rag rug so it stays flat on the last row?<br />
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Joining in with all the crafty folks at <a href="http://frontierdreams.blogspot.com.au/2015/11/keep-calm-craft-on-crafting-on_17.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+FrontierDreams+%28Frontier+Dreams%29" target="_blank">Keep Calm Craft On</a> and <a href="http://www.gsheller.com/2015/11/yarn-along-254.html" target="_blank">Yarn Along</a>. You can too.<br />
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Update: This post was written just before the tragic Paris and Beirut attacks. More than ever <a href="http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/tv-shows/walked-aly-hits-out-at-isis-over-paris-attacks-calls-them-weak/news-story/e884afd6dd7781d6f7a105b321ca5d2d" target="_blank">we need to stay united.</a><br />
<br />Zenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16373747863822737468noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433750605806105609.post-17574139659823869502015-11-10T21:20:00.002+11:002015-11-12T23:22:44.301+11:00the imposter shawl<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Imposter Shawl taken with my phone camera.</div>
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The boys playing with <i>my</i> new toys - a swift and ball winder.</div>
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Ready to get my knit on!</div>
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Archie "gently" immersing the shawl in tepid water with a drop of wool wash.</div>
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Using a salad spinner to remove excess water.<br />
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Blocking mats coveted over at Small Things and bought from Knitpicks. </div>
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I couldn't resist a quick Instagram post before blocking.</div>
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Named the Imposter Shawl because the stitch patterns mimic crochet and weaving but is all sneakily knitted including the “faux-crochet” scalloped edge. Overall the shawl was quick and easy to knit with a few new to me techniques. You can buy the pattern on <a href="http://ravel.me/zenacrafts/ua7ee" target="_blank">Ravelry</a> or check out the online class at Creativebug. Amber and Jaime are a lot of fun.<br />
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I used the recommended 2 skeins of Heirloom Romney and you knit all of it so there's no left over yarn. This coarser yarn is not as soft as merino or alpaca but will make for a long lasting garment and from a 'slow fashion' perspective this is a step in the right direction. After soaking the shawl in wool wash and blocking, it was much softer and quite dreamy in fact. I can't wait to wear The Imposter Shawl for many wintry seasons. My new swift was hand made by Mary's husband in the Cooma-Monaro area. Thank you Mr Mary.<br />
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I'm reading the Spring chapter in the Way of the Happy Woman.<br />
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Sara says Spring is an opportunity to bring to life whatever lies within. Awaken your creativity and let it be know. Encouraging right?<br />
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Break out of Winter Stagnation by getting up early and get moving - at the gym, on the mat, running or walking. The key is to be persistent!<br />
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Declutter to make space for new opportunities. The more clutter you have (including files on your computer) the more energy gets dissipated. Ask yourself is the item genuinely useful? Did I use it last year? Does it reflect who I want to be this year. I did a massive declutter when we moved to a smaller house but it's a constant thing with a growing family, crafting hobbies, bikes, skies, snowboards, gardening, tools...so many things!<br />
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Time to start eating lighter foods after winter stews and oatmeal. Sara offers a Spring green smoothie recipe, Cinnamon Amaranth Flax Porridge, Quiona and Asparagus Tabouli Salad. Yum and seasonal!<br />
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There's also yoga and meditation sequences especially for Spring detoxification - yin yoga for PMS, hot flushes and mood swings. Vigorous yoga flow to stimulate digestions and lymph, break up winter stagnation and loose weight. Sounds good to me!<br />
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What have you been making lately? Have you been Spring Cleaning?<br />
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Joining in with other crafty folks at <a href="http://frontierdreams.blogspot.com.au/2015/11/keep-calm-craft-on-crafting-on_10.html" target="_blank">Keep Calm Craft On </a><br />
and <a href="http://www.gsheller.com/2015/11/yarn-along-253.html" target="_blank">Yarn Along</a>.<br />
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Zenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16373747863822737468noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433750605806105609.post-33691294506028743422015-11-01T16:17:00.002+11:002015-11-01T16:21:37.304+11:0044/52<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><br />Max: </b><i>Mowing on his own now.</i><b><br />Archie: </b><i>Ear muffs - safe protection for outdoor work and fun for indoor play!</i><br />
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Joining with <a href="http://www.practisingsimplicity.com/2015/11/4452.html" target="_blank">the 52 project</a><br />
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<br />Zenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16373747863822737468noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433750605806105609.post-715676834290726112015-10-29T21:41:00.003+11:002015-11-08T14:31:39.599+11:00baby hat and booties<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Our 'free range' friends moved from the Snowy Mountains to the seaside and gave birth to a beautiful little girl. I sent a small package in the mail - a beeswax candle and knitted baby hat and booties in Rowan softknit cotton; silver and sunset for a colour dipped look.<br />
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I borrowed Buddhism for Mothers by Sarah Napthali from the library. I've wanted to read this book forever.<br />
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"Mothers of small children are on their own. We often become painfully short of people we can turn to. In
our premother lives working or studying, we probably had a community
of people around us, including allies ever ready to discuss grievances
or joke about difficulties.We may be feeling unheard, or worse judged."<br />
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These words would of been great comfort for me eight years ago when I had my first child! I like how this book is centered on the mother and illustrates an accessible form of Buddhism for every day life. <span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer890679418"><span id="freeTextContainer11722902493638007740"> I've order a copy for home so I can </span></span>take my time and read, pause and reflect mindfully, especially on the following chapters: Worrying about our children, Creating loving relationships and Finding happiness and loosing self-image. All very relevant for mums who often put themselves last!<br />
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So tell me, what have you been making and reading? Have you read this book?<br />
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Joining in with <a href="http://frontierdreams.blogspot.com.au/2015/10/keep-calm-craft-on-crafting-on_27.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+FrontierDreams+%28Frontier+Dreams%29" target="_blank">Keep Calm Craft On</a> and <a href="http://www.gsheller.com/2015/10/yarn-along-251.html" target="_blank">Yarn Along</a>.<br />
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Zenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16373747863822737468noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433750605806105609.post-13123463044120612982015-09-29T22:14:00.000+10:002016-01-05T11:57:16.540+11:00the craft sessions<span class="date"><time class="published" datetime="Invalid Date"><span class="timesince" data-date="1443014527813"></span></time></span>
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Natural dyeing workshop, using native Australian plants.</div>
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Botanical dye pot using Eucalyptus Obliqua Messmate also known as Stringy Bark. Belinda Evans checking our progress.</div>
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Carmen gently drying fabric and yarn samples. Jars of mordants to help fix colours to textiles.</div>
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Display of our botanically dyed samples using Stringy Bark. An example of how to record your yarn dyeing results and underneath a basket of Belinda's botanically dyed yarns. </div>
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Samples from other students in the workshop of botanically dyed textiles extracted from Argyle Apple and Wattle. </div>
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Beattie Lanser demonstrating how to sew "The Beattie" dress. The pattern cutting workshop. </div>
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Sewing pleats on the Beattie Dress. The Beattie dress in linen and cotton chambray.<br />
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I knew I was at the right event when I
heard the heartfelt and teary introductions the first night at <a href="http://thecraftsessions.com/2015-workshops/" target="_blank">The Craft Sessions</a> weekend retreat of creative workshops, inspiring people and all things handmade. <br />
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I first discovered The Craft Sessions last year, over at <a href="http://tinyhappy.typepad.com/" target="_blank">Tiny Happy</a> and incorrectly thought it was held in New Zealand. I was so over the moon when I realised earlier this year that it was held here in Australia, <a href="https://instagram.com/wombatcupcaketree/" target="_blank">my friend</a> was eager to go with me, and we were able to get tickets 'by the skin of our teeth' as registration sold out in 40 minutes!<br />
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The event was held in Melbourne's wine growing region at Yarra Valley Estate, an award winning venue for their commitment in environmental and social sustainability. We were served delicious meals three times a day which meant no cleaning up or eating cold foods for all the mothers! Fresh organic fruit and raw sweets from <a href="http://www.harvestfoodstore.com.au/" target="_blank">Harvest Cafe</a> for morning and afternoon tea just an arm stretch away. In the evenings, cosy lounges, wine in hand and coffee tables covered in crafting books to peruse at your pleasure after a glorious day of crafting. It really was bliss and the perfect 40th birthday present from the hubby.<br />
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The first two days, Belinda Evans taught us how to naturally dye plant and animal fibers with Australian natives. In my early 20's I tie-dyed vintage lingerie slips worn as outerwear for a Retro Clothing store in Darlinghurst, Sydney. When it was 'Hippie Day' at my son's school last year, it ignited my interest in dyeing and more importantly to explore natural dyeing techniques that fit in with our families journey in natural and conscious living.<br />
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I have a bit of a crafty crush on Belinda not just on her natural dyeing and weaving pursuits but on her personal health journey too. Apparently she has a huge following, you'll understand why when you check out her blog, <a href="http://elementsofalchemy.blogspot.com.au/search?updated-max=2015-04-22T19:20:00-07:00&max-results=7" target="_blank">Elements of Alchemy</a> and her instagram account, <a href="https://instagram.com/iamalchemy/?hl=en" target="_blank">I am Alchemy</a>.<br />
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Belinda showed us how to prepare textiles for dyeing by gently washing the fibers. This is known as 'scouring' however that implies aggressive washing which you should definitely not do especially with wool. Adding mordants to the dye process to help fix colours to the textiles and how to record your botanical dye results. Animal fibers such as silk and wool are much easier to dye with than plant fibers such as linen and cotton. Natural dyeing is a waiting game and is full of surprises and fits in wonderfully with the slow crafting movement. <br />
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Sunday I spent the entire day in the Beattie Dress workshop, an original design of Beattie Lanser. Beattie is a skilled textile designer with a bubbly almost theatrical demeanor. I was a bit stressed out with airline issues in safely transporting my brand new expensive sewing machine (another birthday present!) but at the last minute, the organiser Felicia was able to arrange for me to use Beattie's demonstration machine. So relieved! In the workshop we learned how to cut out a pattern, sew darts, raglan
sleeves, invisible zipper, elastic sleeve casings, neckline binding and
pleats. I sat next to Claire from Harvest Cafe and we had a good chuckle about my chambray fabric resembling the dresses Amish women wear. I was delighted as I watch Amish documentaries and movies and I find their needle work and pie making inspiring.<br />
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Beattie circled the room helping people with the sew-along and at one point when she passed my table she cracked up laughing at the dozen of pins I used on just one side of the skirt. She removed them and placed two pins at the top and using her arms gracefully said "and let it flow." I love her to bits. She is so sweet and fun and super talented.<br />
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I had such a good time in that class. Some of us did not finish hemming our dresses, which is no biggie and easy to do at home, we were tired but elated. Sewing your own clothes really makes you appreciate the hard work that goes in to garment making. For me personally, sewing my own clothes is one small way of dealing with the awful fast fashion industry and the terrible treatment of the garment workers. <br />
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I feel truly blessed to have been part of The Crafts Sessions 2015. I'm still processing it all. So much more happened in that jammed packed weekend including free demonstrations - spinning, blocking with knits, spoon carving! It definitely deserves another post. Carmen and I snapped pics using only our phones but the lovely <a href="http://www.theconsciouscaterpillar.com/theconsciouscaterpillarblog/the-craft-sessions" target="_blank">Xan</a> took some great photos with her DSLR camera and be sure to scroll down to see the swoon worthy examples from the Textile Collage workshop. <br />
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The Craft Sessions creator, Felicia Semple created this wonderful 'unstyled' event to bring women together to learn, create and make. Her thoughtful words on mothering and
crafting such as 'how intention is more important than mistakes and
imperfections', can be found on <a href="http://thecraftsessions.com/" target="_blank">The Craft Sessions blog</a>. This is also where you can be on the look out for The Craft Sessions 2016 event. Maybe I will see you there!<br />
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Joining in with <a href="http://frontierdreams.blogspot.com.au/2015/09/keep-calm-craft-on-crafting-on_29.html" target="_blank">Keep Calm Craft On </a>at Frontier Dreams and <a href="http://www.gsheller.com/2015/09/yarn-along-247.html" target="_blank">Yarn Along</a> at Small Things.<br />
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Zenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16373747863822737468noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433750605806105609.post-57726057775360614972015-09-20T15:20:00.001+10:002015-09-26T15:27:55.788+10:0037/52<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Max:</b> <i>Pirate for a day</i><br />
<b>Archie:</b> <i>Digs holes all over the yard and tries to chop down trees with his shovel.</i><br />
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Joining in with <a href="http://www.practisingsimplicity.com/2015/09/3752.html" target="_blank">the 52 project</a> at Practising Simplicity.<br />
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<br />Zenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16373747863822737468noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433750605806105609.post-31164773459690815282015-08-31T21:26:00.000+10:002015-09-01T11:34:13.177+10:0035/52<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Archie:</b> <i>Making friends with the neighbours.</i><br />
<b>Max:</b> <i>Helping his dad stack wood for our wood stove.</i><br />
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Joining in with the 52 project at Practising Simplicity.<br />
<br />Zenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16373747863822737468noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433750605806105609.post-79366355586237145802015-08-26T14:38:00.000+10:002015-09-27T21:50:29.202+10:00beanies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Red slouchie</div>
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Better colour shot here.</div>
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Chestnut slouchie</div>
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Two knitted hats for me and one knitted hat for a friend.</div>
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That's sounds like good knitting karma to me!</div>
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We've all been out with the winter plague for the whole of August! The big one was off school for two weeks. Croup, fevers and constant coughing; one after the other, week after week till lucky last me. </div>
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A broken oven and a grill that turns off and on every five seconds I am really over winter and can't wait for Spring or <a href="http://www.littleecofootprints.com/2015/08/sprinter-and-sprummer.html" target="_blank">Sprinter</a>. Have you heard about this? I always assumed early seasonal changes were a sign of global warming. </div>
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I'm so relieved I had homemade chicken stock frozen in portions to add to slow cooked meals. I can't emphasize enough the health benefits of homemade stocks for gut issues, eczema, arthritis or as preventative health... If you don't already make your own stock and would like to, I've pinned a 'simple how to' by Natural New Age Mum on my <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/350928995941325121/" target="_blank">Pinterest board</a>. Once you start making your own you can't go back to store bought. I've also pinned Nourished Kitchen's explanation on <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/350928995941354460/" target="_blank">Bones, Broths and Stocks.</a> Very subtle but yes I want to be Pinterest friends and I want you to eat yummy homemade nourishing stock.</div>
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Out of the kitchen, I'm on a quest to find the perfect beanie. After learning how to knit in the round with Caddy Melville Ledbetter on Craftsy the possibilities are endless. No more knitting flat hats and sewing up the side seams for this little knitter right here. I'm an insanely tight knitter so I cast on the large with 4 extra stitches. I love the big slouchie outcome which incidentally hides my inner highly strung, tight knitting tendencies. Details ravelled <a href="http://ravel.me/zenacrafts/2f3gz" target="_blank">here.</a></div>
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How are your crafty projects and seasonal transitions tying in together?</div>
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Joining in with crafty peeps at Frontier Dreams for <a href="http://frontierdreams.blogspot.com.au/2015/08/keep-calm-craft-on-crafting-on_25.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+FrontierDreams+%28Frontier+Dreams%29" target="_blank">Keep Calm Craft On</a> and Yarn Along at<a href="http://www.gsheller.com/2015/08/yarn-along-242.html" target="_blank"> Small Things.</a><br />
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Zenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16373747863822737468noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433750605806105609.post-45190260931846509712015-07-20T11:06:00.003+10:002015-09-24T18:14:09.534+10:0029/52<br />
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<i><b>Max:</b> Sawing wood for the wood pile. He's a great help to his dad.</i><br />
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<i><b>Archie:</b> Climbing boulders and rocks and hop, hop, hopping on flat ground. He's a delight to watch.</i><br />
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Joining in with the <a href="http://www.practisingsimplicity.com/2015/07/2952.html">52 project</a><br />
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<br />Zenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16373747863822737468noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433750605806105609.post-68417578132845867442015-06-07T20:00:00.004+10:002015-09-01T11:33:10.761+10:0023/52<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i><b>Archie:</b> playing in the early morning snowfall, on the first day of winter, in the Southern Hemisphere.</i><br />
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Joining in with the <a href="http://www.practisingsimplicity.com/2015/06/2352.html#more">52 Project </a><br />
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<br />Zenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16373747863822737468noreply@blogger.com7