Wednesday 29 October 2014

Wordless Wednesday : Inside the box


This is where I found my 8yr old last week !
Flashback to more boxes !

Packing ...


Mum's new dryer ...boys new cubby !

The boat on one of our early Farm visits.
"With nothing more than a little imagination, boxes can be transformed into forts or houses, spaceships or submarines, castles or caves. Inside a big cardboard box, a child is transported to a world of his or her own, one where anything is possible." - National Toy Hall of Fame

What's in a box ?

PS: I've got an exciting new giveaway to go (the hint is in the #1 box ) 



Tuesday 21 October 2014

Wordless Wednesday : I was here





We spent the weekend in Sydney, visiting some friends. They live a short walk away . The sunset was breathtaking. I only had my Sony phone camera - I couldn't capture the magic of the moment.

 

Monday 20 October 2014

Then she ripped my eyebrows off...why I'm not a beauty blogger.

Last week I thought it was time to commence the summer beautification of my body. Any improvement was bound to be a gain.

I loved being hairless during chemo ; the silver lining of the poison that ripped through my veins.

I booked in with a beauty school dropout student 'beautician' . She completed my slightly hairy arm pits with no dramas.

We chit-chatted and I admired her dandelion tattoo . I had just the previous day been envying them on Google images while searching for a post title or quote for my Wordless Wednesday dandelion photos.

I confess my secret desire for a real tattoo but I am too chicken to ink. I have six tiny dots , 2 on my left thigh, my right and left hip and 2 about my pubic bone that were radiation markers.

Then she called her tutor over to ask about my brows.

Oh oh o...kay.

The tutor explained and started the process of waxing my eyebrows. Then she left the BSD to complete the mammoth (pun intended) task.

The waxing itself wasn't painful but then I felt immense stinging and thought , that doesn't feel right. OUCHY.

I came home and they were still burning , red and puffy.

The next morning I had scabby side brows - I'd been eyebrow scalped , skinned alive. It's taken 5 days for the scabs to fall off. To think I paid $7 for this treatment ! I didn't see it coming and never had it happen before.

Was it worth it - no way ! I'm not doing that again, or there. I think I'll try threading.

Lesson #2 - I open my emails this morning - the offer for a free manicure and pedi was too good to be true because I suck at applying nail polish. What could go wrong ?

I was dressed and out the door in 5mins. Same venue different Beauty school student.


The mani was relaxing, I almost feel asleep during the filing , buffing and slight shaping.Then she applied hot pink nail varnish - only not all the way to nail base edge only up to the crescent 'moon' shape and not evenly. I asked why ? and she said they weren't allowed to cover it.

I think my eight yr olds could do better ... I excel at exaggeration !

Well, I loved the neon pink colour and I thought briefly about coming home to fill the ugly gap ...but seriously my nail-polish-applying abilities would be tested. I scrubbed it all off instead with nail polish remover.

This is the look I wanted (after the ugliness of unpainted half moon) - a half moon mani as seen on celebrities and catwalks

http://www.modelcocosmetics.com/how-to/how-to-a-step-by-step-to-half-moon-nails/

The pedicure was reasonable - my ugly runner's toe nails look marginally better in black polish - it covers my hideous bruised black nails from the half marathon. Not many people will see them because I live in my Asics runners due to ongoing Plantar fasciitis in my right foot.

I guess it isn't everyone's desire to handle smelly feet (I wiped mine with baby wipes prior to leaving the car haha) - kudos to her. She did soak them , the water wasn't warm enough for me and the foot spa didn't do anything.

I'm jealous the other ladies got a longer foot massage. I also missed out booking a hot stone massage - hopefully someone else cancels.

Undecided about risking any other treatments - though my friend assured me she has the works 'burger' there ...

Have you had beauty treatment disasters ?
Do you trust students to save a buck ?
On a scale of 1-10 what is your score for nail-polish-applying abilities ?
Got any tips for me ?

 

Tuesday 14 October 2014

Wordless Wednesday : Even when we grow up, we can still whisper

our wishes upon the wind, as a child does in innocence, breathing their wishes at a dandelion ...

Some see weeds I choose wishes

and a little boy's grubby fingers clutching hope
PS: Free dandelions - we have hundreds in our paddock !





 

Saturday 11 October 2014

This is their story ~ Relay For Life

Once a year , all through the year , communities across Australia come together to walk (run and wheel) alongside carers, survivors and supporters - fun and friendship ensues.While there is a truly sad side , it also is a time of celebration.

The Cancer Council took to the track to ask our Relayers to explain in their words - What is Relay For Life?

This is their story and this is Relay For Life #ThisIsRelay


Whether you Relay to honour a loved one, to show how proud you are to have survived cancer or simply because you want to make a difference. Every Relay has a story.

I am sharing this because I am passionate about Relay for Life -



 

Friday 10 October 2014

A Scoby of Kefir Milk - What the ?

A friend from the local group of women (& kits) I run with offered me a Scoby of milk kefir.

I had heard of it but until this week I had no idea what it actually was, what it did or what it looked like. Kefir is a delicious probiotic beverage.

A Scoby is a symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeasts !


It has opened up a whole new world to me ! 

I took her up on the offer Wednesday afternoon and I am hooked. She also shared some of her garden with me - raspberry and strawberry plants , peppermint and I have more offers of plants when my garden is ready. As she showed me around her garden and her chooks - I was most envious and ready to stick a cracker under my husband inspired to dig deep .

Now - I've joined the local Plants and Gardens Facebook group. More plant , garden and information sharing.

There is also so much to learn and the community of fermenters (not a bit like dementers) is so supportive. So what are kefir grains ?

Alex Lewin, ‘Kefir grains are combinations of yeasts and bacteria living on a substrate made up of a variety of dairy components.’ 
The live kefir grains look a bit like cottage cheese or cauliflower florets. They have a gelatinous in texture - mine was a soft blob. Don't be put off. 

credit - wki pedia.

 Milk kefir , rich in beneficial bacteria, contains phosphorus, vitamin K, biotin and folic acid - all essential nutrients to health and well-being.

The best site for information I have found - which has everything you need to know about fermenting and preserving is Cultures for Health - this is about Kefir


Another Facebook friend added me to this Australian group when I asked - PRESERVING, FERMENTING and HEALTHY EATING - Australia.


This was my first batch - last night.



 You can get Water kefir too - I didn't get any of this yet because it is much slower to grow.

My interest is the research (I admit I've only just started reading the literature ) that Cultured dairy foods potentially play a role in the prevention of cancer as they exhibit anti-tumoural effects.

Tell me have you heard of Kefir ?
Do you ferment or preserve food ?


 

Wednesday 8 October 2014

Tuesday 7 October 2014

5:2 Baked Parmesan crust Chicken Schnitzel with no oil

I recently started the 5:2 lifestyle with 2 days of fasting* (loosely followed at the moment).

After, watching the full documentary Eat , Fast and Live Longer from Michael Mosley and the science made sense to me with my nursing background. It is also recommended for those who want to reduce their cancer risk.

You can forge your own 5:2 path with any type of healthy 'diet' - Paleo , Vegan / Vegetarian using this basic plan. Google it , there is so much to learn.

There are 5 days of week to eat normally (obviously not pigging out excessively if you want looser pants) and 2 days of only 500* calories (women) 600 (men).

I am also joining in with Kirsten and Co for #operationloosepants - be careful with the #hashtag though #operationlosepants sounds more fun.

Last week was #4 and I'm late to the party - the mission to get looser pants by Christmas.

I've been following my own #operationskinnyjeans path and already have weeks 1-3 nailed.

I am in perpetual motion - doing 70,000 steps a week running , walking and incidental exercise. Plus I've been following a 30 day (day 25/30)  challenge involving sit-ups, lunges, push-ups, planks, wall sits and tri-dips. I've passed 600,000 in only a few months.

Paddling training will also resume 3 days a week now it's daylight savings (if I make it to all sessions). 

As Kirsten says - it's all about little steps…that don’t lead me to the fridge ;)

 I digress - Week Four:  Try A New Recipe = get in the kitchen and give a new recipe a go!

Without a drop of oil ...I made healthy Chicken Schnitzel with Parmesan crust

I used this 5:2 recipe found at Lavendar and Lovage - for inspiration -  around 300 calories a serve (about 2 pieces because I used tenderloins here).

I didn't have time to style my food because my husband thinks eating food is more important than instagramming or photographing it.
Serves 2

250 - 300gms Chicken Breast or Tenderloins
1 egg white lightly beaten.
2-3* Tablespoons Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese
2-3* Tablespoons Dried Breadcrumbs (I used homemade with wholemeal bread toasted)

(I prefer more crumbs and to have some over then trying to get every last crumb)

  1. Slightly flatten your chicken breast or tenderloins until they are an even thickness.
  2. Lightly beat one egg white.
  3. Rub breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese together - put them on a plate.
  4. Dip the chicken schnitzels into egg white , then crumb mixture and coat evenly.
  5. Place the onto a non-stock baking tray or onto baking paper (then bake in the oven until golden and cooked through (depending on thickness of chicken used) . I used my Actifry and they took 12mins.

I decided to use lightly beaten egg white to bind my breadcrumbs because the Actifry has a grooved base. I skipped the garlic and herbs this time because of my fussy lad.


Parmesan Crusted Chicken Schnitzel passed the particular husband test too !Served  with steamed vegies or grilled tomato - it was so delicious.

The ActiFry 2 in 1 made it so easy and it took 12 mins. I have used a similar recipe in my oven before. 

Today, I made a tasty chicken schnitzel, avocado and rocket sanga for lunch with leftovers.
Linking up to #IBOT and Essentially Jess

  

Thursday 2 October 2014

What I think about Pink.

I celebrate the diversity of life and that we make up our own minds when we make a purchase.

It's Pinktober again.

I've come to dislike the plethora of pink merchandise  - commercialism of pink ribbon and breast cancer for profit.

I'm just over two years out from my Breast cancer and two days into October I've seen some bizarre campaigns to promote awareness or in the name of donating to research.

Several breast cancer bloggers I follow are disgusted about one hotel chain's plan to raise money and awareness for breast cancer - by promoting a woman in a provocative pose with their  “Get into Bed for the Cause” campaign offering guests luxurious pink sheets, pink robes ...

I am just as appalled.

Each year an increasing number of pink products are being pumped out and pimped with a pretty pink ribbon.

Breastless and bald doesn't make an advertising campaign. The all things pink and pink ribbon has been hijacked by some  unscrupulous and well meaning companies whose purpose is to boost sales, push products on the public because they will donate 10 cents to cancer research or awareness.

Yes, while contributing only a fraction of the profits they proceed to lure people into buying for a good cause - yet are you really donating to charity or to the cure ?

Make a bigger difference by donating directly to your Cancer charity of choice.


We're aware. Please find a cure for my friends diagnosed with 'terminal' secondary (breast and other) cancers that will ultimately cut short their life and give them grief and suffering trying to outlive the treatment.

Many were diagnosed early and it made no difference. The cure is what we need.

This is what breast cancer really looks like, not a woman in bed, legs in the air - adorned in a pink robe.



 I'm a survivor of life,  and all its challenges so far . I don't know if I will survive my two different cancers. I say I had Breast cancer , if someone wants to know and I'm a warrior not quite a survivor. I will live in it's shadows always.

My battle scars from the storms and wars I've weathered remind me every day. There is no avoiding it I feel even when my clothes cover the scars. 




 

Wednesday 1 October 2014

What makes the Mirage Sedan a perfect family car ?

Brought to you by Kids Business and Mitsubishi

Two weeks ago I took the wheel of a new Mitsubishi Mirage sedan. A zippy affordable and fun family car to drive, with great maneuverability. I loved it right from slipping into driver’s seat with it’s easy slide, recline and height adjustment .

Once comfy I adjusted the power door mirrors in seconds, plugged in my music and for two days I drove it in and out of Sydney’s crazy, chaotic traffic system.


I do not miss Sydney traffic one iota. I felt very safe knowing it had a 5 star ANCAP safety rating ! The kangaroos are more predictable than some drivers.

Then I drove home to Dubbo. The week whizzed by all too soon and sadly it was time to head back to Sydney for them to pry the Smartkey from my fingers.

Safety is my biggest concern when choosing a family vehicle – my cargo is precious.


Mirage’s has 6 SRS airbags -driver and passenger front airbags , side and curtain airbags – so driver and passengers are super protected in the event of collisions along with all this very technical gear...

* Brake assist. A system that monitors the swiftness of a driver's brake pedal application and applies additional braking force if it determines that a panic stop is occurring...thankfully not required during my test drive.

* Active stability & traction control. This maintains stability and control when cornering by automatically recognising under-steer and over-steer. It applies brakes to the appropriate wheels to keep you online through corners...not that I tested it will my usual rally driving.

* RISE body . Reinforced impact safety evolution: This provides a reinforced body construction, coupled with a four-member battery frame directly connected with the chassis, strengthens the entire body and improves collision protection. I trust them at their word – I doubt they wanted me to review this feature.

* ABS . Anti-lock braking system. Delivers lock-free braking power and control in emergency situations and on slippery roads. Happy to know it was there , not that I needed it in the Mirage . * EBD. The electronic brake-force distribution system distributes braking force to all four wheels to enhance braking performance. Braking felt so smooth at the lightest touch .

Occasionally I drive my husband’s very thirsty 4WD . I was really surprised at Mirage’s fuel efficiency - best in it’s class. Up until 18 months ago I drove a medium hatch back style family car (we purchased it new) for 5 yrs with less features , a heftier price tag and not as fuel efficient as I would have liked.

Mirage has so many features I don’t have time to list them all and to pick a favourite – impossible. Here are a few :

The model I tested was LS – which had a few additional features – my favourite the Keyless operating system with one-touch start system –the ignition starts by pressing the button located in the dash panel and the brake pedal at the same time. I was familiar with this in my ‘expensive’ husband’s 4WD.

Also, once the key is in your handbag or on your person – you can lock/unlock and operate the vehicle at the press of the button. Very handy when the key is buried like mine in the bottom of a Mary Poppins bag filled with junk.

The dusk sensing headlamps sense when it gets dark or when traveling through a tunnel –on they go. Rain /moisture sensing wipers add up to fewer things to distract the driver from the road ahead.

All Mirage sedans are equipped with all the latest technology and igadgets we all expect –
Bluetooth® phone connectivity with audio streaming and voice control,steering wheel with audio and phone controls , USB input and four speakers – the sound system was music to my ears.


CONVENIENCE AND FEATURES The Mirage Sedan comes in two model variants. The Mirage Sedan ES, is available with manual transmission or automatic CVT. Mirage Sedan LS has higher specs with automatic CVT.

While the top of the range– the LS Mirage Sedan I drove offers options that you might not expect in a car of this price range , the standard features are a neat package too.



The electric power steering made city parking and driving a breeze.

Equipped with 15-inch aluminium alloy wheels , the Mirage is very sporty with lots of shiny chrome

Who doesn’t love power windows with driver side auto up and down! Not so much for the kids.

My boys are almost out of car safety seats for their age but not for height and weight . Mirage sedan is gives a choice of three tether anchorage points and two Isofix hooks - so you can fit two child seats easily. The drop down console with arm rests and drink holders definitely impressed my dynamic duo.




Over , a Lindt dessert lunch with my friend in Sydney , I told her my reason for a second visit in a week . She was very impressed and commented she owned her Mitsubishi Colt for 18 yrs . I had her when I mentioned the price.


Best Hot Chocolate ever !


Competitively priced within the light car segment ranging -from $15,990 to $19,485 drive away - The Mirage Sedan range has a stunning array of inclusions – the only thing I missed was cruise control. I was very aware of how zippy the car was and I noted the presence of many police vehicles on the motorways .


As the miles kilometres ticked away I knew the promised fuel economy of 4.9l/100km was no advertising spiel – it’s very honest and economical.



I loved the comfortable low beltline and slim front pillars that contributed to superior all-around visibility especially out the front windscreen that enhances driving safety. Better , I think than our large 4WD. 

I stopped for a break and coffee – (love the extra cup holders –so I can have my water and coffee within easy reach. Just as I hit the open road again , I remembered I needed fuel - along with the fuel gauge and there is usage range meter. Uh oh- I had to turn back to Mudgee and fill up once I realised I might not make it.

From the outside the large 450-litre boot storage isn’t obvious – pop the boot (with the keyless press button) and it is massive –It will fit all your groceries, prams, toys or luggage for a weekend getaway. I could easily have fit inside too not that I tried because nimble I am not.





Thirty years driving, many , many different models and car brands – this was one of my favourite medium family cars! The value for money is sensational and it is a very sophisticated package.



The Mirage Sedan is designed for families looking for affordability and value for money without compromising on standard features, latest technology, safety and space. For more information visit the Mirage Sedan Showroom here !