Less Is More

I was in the mood for baking biccies this week, and decided to try out this recipe.  They're really easy to make and absolutely scrummy.  Little one enjoyed rolling them into balls and then rolling them into the rice bubbles, but of course, that is all secondary to licking the spoon at the end!

It was also an excuse to test out these colourful kitchen mitts, which are made here in Queensland (yes, locally made, not imported), and available here.  There are also matching double  mitts and pot holders available, which makes a lovely gift set.   

So, am I really just writing a post about oven mitts today? Of course not, there's something else on my mind. Over recent years, and especially in the opening of my business, I have become so much more aware of how convenience dominated my purchasing choices in the past, and how I wasn't seeing that each little purchase I make influences and supports the ethical or unethical practices of many companies and organisations.  

We are so spoilt for choice in this country, with designer homewares and clothing becoming increasingly more affordable to us, but at what price to people and our planet?  It's almost impossible for us to be sure about the working conditions and pay rates of the people who produce these items, but   all too easy, and tempting, to make a decision based on price alone.  But, really, although most of us are on a tight budget, we are in so much more of a fortunate position than many others.  

Where possible, if I can't be sure of where or how an item is produced, I tend to steer away from the item.  Do I really need that pretty set of teatowels  for only $5?  Or would I be better to pay a little more for a better quality one that's made here in Australia or through a Fairtrade organisation, and maybe have less teatowels?  

I encourage you, if you haven't already, to start asking more questions along these lines when you make a purchase, because wherever you can make an ethical purchase, it will count, and we have to start somewhere right? 

Is there a purchase you made recently based on ethical choice?

xSam  

Grateful for the little things

That sound of biting into a warm, crunchy slice of vegemite toast...you know it right? I really noticed that sound this morning and there was something so enjoyable about it..maybe the crispness of this morning air accentuated the sound, but I think it was really more to do with the dead silence of the early morning, before the littlies were up. Most mornings are hectic and noisy, punctuated with sibling squabbles, so it was nice to have a short reprieve from that.  I was up at 4am this morning, which I guess is what you get when you try to cheat your body clock by going to bed early! Not to worry, it's the weekend, there'll be plenty of time to make up for it. 

Enjoying being able to make real coffee at home with my espresso maker (thankyou family for my Mother's Day present), and to drink it from a decent sized mug (I still have a few of these bicycle mugs for sale in my online store, Australian made too).   Although those espresso pod machines aren't very expensive, we've been quite frugal this year, so this was a luxury spend for us.  Have you noticed how much more enjoyable some things are when you go without for a while?  

The little one was not well this week, we're not sure if she had an allergic reaction or virus, but she came out in a rash on her torso and face, thank God for anti-histamines, that's all I can say! So all is well with the world, now that she's on the mend and back playing happily again.

Well, we have soccer this morning, then we're off to check out a second-hand desk for the lad, and maybe a nice afternoon walk if the weather stays fine. 

I think I might throw on a load of washing, it's the perfect windy day for it, and I'm also thinking of cooking up a warm beef pie with this recipe! 

Joining in with Maxabella over at Village Voices for 52 Weeks of Grateful.

What do you have planned for the weekend?

xSam

Sort of Finding Balance

image via

Hello there..Do you sometimes look back over the week/s and wonder where the biscuits the time went? And then wonder where expressions like "where the biscuits" came from?  Ok, maybe that's just me going cuckoo..but I've had a few of these sort of weeks lately..except that I actually do know where most of my time has been spent..and it's definately not been on the computer, yep, ..just catching up on housework. 

I think I've been trying to make up for housework neglect, in fact I possibly (for a fleeting moment) almost missed housework, yes, that's how little housework I did (for a while there)...well lets not worry about exactly how long! The point is, I suddenly have had this feeling of needing to get everything sorted out..almost like that nesting instinct..but absolutely not that!  Something was definately up though one day when I found myself scrubbing the floors on hands and knees, hard bristled brush in hand..and enjoying it!  Not the getting dirty side, no, I think it was more about the getting lost in the moment side of it that I enjoyed, and now that I think about it, scrubbing the floor is just about the only household chore that cannot possibly be multi-tasked, yep, virtually impossible, I'd say!

Hmm, maybe what's really going on is that I'm sort of finding balance.  I spent so much time getting my business up and running last year, that, I admit, other things fell behind just a little.  Now that it's up and running, I guess I feel the need to get things back to normal on the home front, but not just that, to be more disciplined with the days and times that I work in my business, I guess it's all about time management really, which, I have to admit is not exactly my strongest point. 

How do you organise your time to keep everything in balance?

xSam

One Of Those Weeks

It's been "one of those" weeks.. constant rain, testing children, unexpected challenges, and copping the brunt of other people's impatience and rudenes..nothing life shattering, just enough to push me to my limits, but nothing a little chocolate (most of a block) couldn't fix!

I'm so grateful to have lovely girlfriends to vent with and to help get my mind off things, amazing what a cuppa and a change of scenery can do!

Grateful for a husband who just takes over when I have "nothing left in the tank", and literally collapse on the couch.  This is rare for me, but it happened this week, everything caught up with me!

I'm grateful for the weekend too..there are no plans in place..no schedules to follow or places to be..I'm hoping to sneak in a little "me time", and maybe a change of scenery with a day trip (no point waiting for the rain to stop, looks like its hanging around for a while).

What are you grateful for this week?

Joining in (it's been a while) with Maxabella over at 52 Weeks of Grateful.

xSam

What We've Been Up To Lately

What we've been up to lately..

It's been a while since I posted anything..what a busy few weeks we've had..

We've settled back into the school routine, yep third week down already! And I've started as playgroup leader one morning a week, which is quite demanding, but rewarding. Man, I feel as though I work fulltime, ..managing to keep things flowing for now..but we'll see how long it lasts, he he!

Baking cheesecake for hubby's birthday, of course not without setting the oven on fire!..and then putting it out quicksmart..with a cupful of sand (somebody later suggested a wet teatowel would have worked too, and probably a lot easier to clean up, but hey, whatever works at the time right?). Anyway, the cheesecake turned out perfect in the end, as it happened, I learned you can pull it out of the oven 3 times, and it makes no difference!  Think I'll make more cheesecakes - Yum!

Oh, and let's not forget that we're getting ready for our very first market..that's right..The Mummy Tree Markets - Chic Inspired Unique..can't wait..there's still so much still to organise, and only one week to go!  Here are the details if you happen to be in Brisbane next Saturday and are looking for a nice afternoon out.

It will be a fantastic afternoon of shopping and family fun, and our stall will be in the undercover area.  I'm looking forward to showing off some beautiful locally made and designed wares, meeting lots of lovely people and doing a little shopping myself.  

How do you like to shop?  Online, markets, large shopping centres, locally?

x Sam

Two Weeks To Go

I can't believe we only have two weeks left of school holidays. For us, the time has been flying by!

How nice it has been to sleep in, not have to organise lunches, uniforms etc, to not have to be anywhere at any particular time. I've been fortunate enough to have hubby home for three weeks, which has made such a difference.  We've had lots of little outings, mostly to stay cool - trips to the beach, to the pool, all ending with an ice-cream! There've been bike rides, bushwalks, inflatable pools, and a little technology thrown in, ok more than a little, but I feel like we have a pretty good balance happening with that.  

It hasn't all been r & r though..my little store has kept me tucked away in my office far longer than desirable, but all so necessary to get set for 2013. It's been a bit of an eye opener, this working from home thing, difficult to draw boundaries, and hard to know when to "put the tools down" so to speak. I expect when school goes back I'll be able to settle into a better routine, something I'll have to work on if I'm to achieve a better level of balance in 2013.

Aside from the challenges, I'm loving my job, especially supporting other little businesses, and being surrounded by beautiful things..things that are made locally, things that are unique and made with love..

Handmade Doll

things that are sustainable and made ethically..

Vroom Fairtrade Toy

When new stock arrives, I'm like a kid opening presents, it feels like Christmas allover again..

But lovingly wrapping them and posting them off to their new home is even better!  

Just over two weeks until school is back..what do you have planned?

xSam

Fresh Start Inside & Out

I love a New Year, don't you?  
It's a fresh start..something that is needed sometimes.  
I love that it coincides with summer too because there's something about summer that spurs me on to put my thoughts into action..

For me, at the moment this means taking better care of myself, on the inside and outside..

For the inside I'm enjoying..

Delicious salads like this one above with salmon and pearl couscous (from Australian Good Taste).

 Can you believe I only recently discovered pearl couscous? I had this salad at my brother's place Christmas day, and had to make it at home, absolutely delicious as a side salad or as a meal.

For the outside, I'm enjoying..

Organic Skincare for face and body

This handy little travel pack from Absolutely Gorgeous is available at my online store, and contains everything you need to kickstart your skincare regime for 2013.  Australian made and owned, it smells and feels delicious on the skin.

Plenty of natural and ethical products in my online store, something I'm growing more passionate about each day.  There'll be lots more of them popping up throughout the year, along with some great offers.

Enjoying days at the beach, plenty of sunshine, getting outside and all the naturally good things Summer has to offer.  

Here's to fresh starts and naturally good things in 2013!

xSam

Hello 2013

Today, I'm getting a headstart on 2013, there is no time to waste!

I did Pilates, found some healthy recipes, and gave myself a good talking to..

It's going to be a busy year ahead.and I can't wait, but I need to be just a little prepared.  I'll be working on building my little business, along with being more involved with my daughter's playgroup, also balancing school commitments and focussing on spending quality time with my kids during these early precious years.

In 2012 I really didn't find a balance at all, and in particular didn't take care of myself, as all of the above took priority.

So, this year, I'll be making some changes, so that I can give more to my family, and have more energy to deal with whatever the year has to bring.

No New Years Resolutions, just positive thoughts backed up with actions

I can't control what the year may bring, but I can control how I approach it.

Do you have any tips for me on finding that balance?

Wishing you a very happy and healthy New Year, and thanking you for your kind words throughout the year, it really means alot to have your support.  I hope to see you on the flipside of 2012!

xSam

Grateful for Family Closeby

Grateful for family who live fairly close...

Close enough for most of the family to spend Christmas together..

At the beach

..and in the bush.

Although a couple of little roadtrips were involved, I'm well aware that many people are separated from their families by much longer distances, work commitments, expensive plane trips, and other circumstances, making it difficult to get together. 

This year, our trip was just far enough for us to stay a couple of nights and spend genuine quality time with both sides of the family, to reconnect, cook together, laugh, eat, drink and swim.

What a relaxing time we had..and I realised we could be doing this more often, just a short drive..and so worth it.  The kids enjoyed so much hanging out with their cousins, and over Christmas I realised I need to make more of an effort to keep all family connections strong.

Joining in with lots of lovely people over at Village Voices for the final 2012 52 Weeks of Grateful.

xSam

Grateful for Lovely Messages

"May the spirit of Christmas

 warm your heart

May the joy of Christmas 

give  you happiness

And may the message of Christmas 

stay with you through the New Year"

I'm grateful to have been given a lovely handmade card from a beautiful friend with this message on it this week. 

Over the next week I still have some serious work to do..

4 presents to buy

last minute orders to send out 

A hair appointment to make

Cards to write and send out

Carols by candlelight to be attended

Baking of biccies and rumballs

A few handmade gifts to sew

Doing Christmas craft with the kids

..and somehow deal with tantrums, tears and 

"what are we doing today"s in between! 

I'll admit, I'm not so organised this year..

and with school holidays having just started,

I'm sure I'll need to read that card over and over!

How are you approaching this coming week? 

Joining in with 52 Weeks of Grateful over at Village Voices

xSam

Grateful for Simplicity

I've made a few changes to my blog.

Stripped it back a little,

changed the name,

but it's still me.

It's a little raw, I know..

Things have been rather hectic lately,

So a little simplicity is in order.

Inspiration will come..in time.

These things can never be rushed.

Grateful for simplicity.

Hope you're finding some simplicity
during this hectic time of the year

Joining in with 52 weeks of grateful over at Village Voices

xSam

A Little Store Has Opened - Not Taking Over The World or Anything

I can't quite remember when or how the idea came to me, but sometime earlier this year, an idea planted itself in my heart..the idea of an online gifts and homewares store, with handmade and locally made products.. I wasn't looking to take over the world or anything, just be able to pay some bills and be at home for kids.

What a ride the last six months have been...but we're finally Open!

As I mentioned, not looking to take over the world, just to be able to pay some bills, and be at home for the kids.  I'm finding added bonuses though - I'm enjoying the work, meeting lots of lovely people, and the feel good factor of supporting other local businesses.

It can be a harsh, competitive world, this commercial one, but I'm not getting drawn into all of that, just taking each day as it comes, not overly worrying about what others are doing, just focussing on what I can give.

I'm looking for more handmade products too, maybe you'd like to see your handmade things in my store, or you might know of a great locally made product that is looking for more stockists..I'd love to hear from you!  Check it out here, and see what you think..Oh and we're running an Opening Sale with 15% off this week only, feel free to share with your friends.

Hope your week is kind to you!

xSam

Grateful for Keeping Calm

This pic sums up how my week went down.

Someone let me down BIGTIME. 

 After I got over the initial shock and dissappointment, I decided to move on as quickly as possible to find a solution, there was no time to waste.

Grateful for being able to keep a calm head in a challenging situation.

Grateful for a husband who is supportive and believes in me.

Grateful for family and friends who showed they cared, and jumped in with offers of help and support.

Grateful for an inner strength, and perspective on this situation, it is not the end of the world, just a stumbling block to be overcome, and probably will work out for the best in the longrun.

What are you grateful for this week?

Joining in with Maxabella Loves over at 52 weeks of Grateful, why not grab a cuppa and pop over there!

xSam

Grateful

Grateful for Minimalism, Op Shops, & Clever People!

Look what I made!! Ok, technically I didn't actually make it, but an unknown clever and patient person did, and I am so very grateful for it!

As mentioned in my previous post, we went camping last week, but I think I forgot to mention that come night time, it was freezing! Oh yes, and the tent we bought last summer..not so good in the cold weather.  But mostly, due to my husband's minimalist approach (to everything) and a complete lack of room in the car, we didn't take enough blankets, so I certainly froze my tooshy off that first night, ending up with an extra 2 layers of clothes on.  As luck would have it, the nearest town was but a fifteen minute drive away, so off we went the next morning (my sister-and-law and I), on a mission to gather warm blankets for the remaining two nights of our camping trip (chocolate too, along with water, bread and other stuff you're supposed to take along apparently).

Within about one minute of entering the town's local op shop, I snapped up a couple of handy beige flannel blankets, but when my sister-in-law pointed out this crochet one, I have to admit, I hesitated at first.  I've had all intentions of crocheting one myself, did I really want to buy one someone else made?  Hmmph, who was I kidding? I'm still struggling to finish a granny square cushion I started at the beginning of winter!  Needless to say I relented, and purchased the piece of snuggly, retro goodness, glad I did too, it is lovely to snuggle under with my first coffee in the morning, the kids adore it too.

Even though some other clever, patient person crocheted the blanket (thankyou whoever you are), it no longer feels like someone else's blanket.  The smell of campfire has replaced the smell of mothballs (can't bring myself to wash it yet, plus I have enough washing to do as it is at the moment), and there's memories in there too, stories, from our wonderful camping trip. Oh, and I will make one of my own..one day!

What are you grateful for this week?

Joining in with Maxabella over at Kidspot for 52 Weeks Of Grateful

xSam

The Absent Blogger

Lately, I feel like I've faded into the background of the blogging world.  

My blog has been so quiet, I haven't been posting or leaving comments very often, I've wanted to, tried many times, how I miss it, but it just hasn't happened.   

I wish I had more time to read your blogs,  I think about you all often, and wonder what you're all up to, 

So many things have taken my focus lately, including those dreaded winter bugs, which are still lingering. 

With the time I've have to spare I try to keep things running in the household, not sure I'm doing such a great job of that at the moment either.

I'm sure this is all temporary though..

Lots of decisions are being made,  staying focussed on what I believe in, 

how this is reflected in what I do, where I want to go, 

and working with what I have.

I hope you understand and still tune in to my blog when you can, as sparse as my posts may be of late. 

 There is an exciting venture in the making, which I can't wait to share with you when the time comes..

We're off camping for a few days tomorrow, so I will be forced to cut ties with my computer, switch off and just be with my family...

 I think this is much needed right now.

I really don't like the number of I's used in this post, as it's not all about..well ..you know!

Have you been absent from blogging for any length of time?  Have you lost followers from this absence or found that people just lost interest in your blog? I'd love to hear from you, even just a Hello!

By the way, the above photo is of the mountain "The Ship's Stern", which is located in the Lamingong NP, Qld, taken by my husband on a bushwalk he went on recently with a  group, not bad for a point and shoot camera!

Open For Business

Open for business

Well hello there! Seems I took an extended and unscheduled break from blogging, I really don't know where the time goes, but I do know that I missed blogging and visiting all of your lovely blogs!   

Here's a few things I've learned over the past month or so:

- Starting up a business takes way longer than expected - I'm starting to wonder if I've bitten off more than I can chew!  Have I dived in too quick? Maybe, but then it's all part of the adventure right? 

- Nothing gets done once your little one drops their daytime nap, in fact it's better to get out of the  house rather than be driven nuts having everything pulled out and thrown on the floor as you're trying to tidy up the house.  And if I think I can get some quiet time to myself, I'm just asking for trouble, so it goes without saying that blogging has gone out the window during the day.

- Sleep is good and necessary, as I've learned since going to bed at a half-decent time (so again, no blogging).

- Birthdays are really "birthweeks", there's the actual birthday, then there's cakes to be baked for school or daycare, then of course the family get togethers.  So with both of my kids' birthdays within two weeks of eachother, this has been kind of a busy time for us!

- And lastly, how filthy is my house? How have I let things go like this?..the glass doors, through which I saw clearly..once!  So what am I doing here then, blogging?  Hmm, I guess I'm going to have to step things up a notch if I'm to become a work from home mum!

Anyway,  all that aside, I finally have my own madeit store open and would love for you to pay a visit over here.  I'm also in the process of setting up my own webpage which will feature an extended range of items, handmade along with lot of other unique goodies from various places.

In the meantime, I can be found "frolicking"on facebook so why don't you join me there, drop me a line and keep updated on new products and giveaways. 

Now I'm looking forward to visiting your blogs to see what you've all been up to!

xSam



My Creative Space

Working on a few designs for my online store opening up soon.  The personalised name cushion is going to my nephew as a christening present, but I'll be whipping up a few more for my shop, I just love the three little pigs fabric and I'm really enjoying hand embroidery at the moment.  

I'm hoping to get this store open very soon, but there's still a little work to be done, a few things to nut out, it's all very exciting, daunting, but very exciting!

The idea of being able to work from home sounds good to me, it means I can do more of what I love, work around the kids and be home for them. Too good to be true? Maybe..well atleast I'll have fun trying!


Tell me, do you work from home? Any tips for me, just starting out in this business?

Joining in with My Creative Space over at Village Voices today.

xSam

Grateful

Grateful for pets and the kindness that they bring out in my kids.

Lately I've caught quite a few moments that made me stop and smile and just feel so grateful..moments where my kids are being so gentle and loving with their pets.  

I have to admit that since having children, our pets have kind of taken a back seat.  Not to mention how they've put up with their fair share of tail pulling, chasing and general noise from the kids, but lately I've really noticed my kid's have developed a very special relationship with their pets.  They are forever checking up on their furry friends, making sure they have enough food and water, that the dog has his warm jacket on, and often let him inside to warm up (well afterall, the cat gets to be inside whenever he pleases).  

I often catch the kids enjoying quiet moments having a chat with their furry friends and patting them gently, worrying about them if they are sick or injured, which restores my faith in their kind and caring spirits. 

It really warms my heart to see the trust that the kids have built up with their pets, the love that they express and the satisfaction that it brings them to be with their pets.

I admit that I have often questioned whether we made the right decision of having pets, with the responsibility, extra work and costs involved, but I just can't imagine our life without them, or how my children would learn the valuable lessons of friendship, kindness and responsibility that come with owning a pet.

Joining in with villagevoices for a Grateful reunion today, why not pop over there?

xSam

  

My Creative Space - Completed Granny Square Cushion

You may remember I was working on a spiderman granny cushion for my son last year.  I decided against applying a spiderman applique to it (couldn't find one anyway), however, I couldn't decide or find the right buttons for it.  So it's been floating buttonless around the house for months, and really annoying me as the insert keeps hanging out and getting pulled out by the kids.  Well I finally found some buttons and finished it off this week.  

I'm still not sure that I like the wooden buttons but I think they do enhance the vintage feel and are practical for fitting through the large holes.  I could have sewn up the opening, but this way the cover can be removed and washed.

This is one of my first granny square projects, and being impatient as I can often be, I made the mistake of not sewing in some of the ends, so please don't look too closely..I had to go back and fix up those loose ends..BIG Lesson for me - Don't cut corners, it just means going back and fixing later (that's if it's not too late and hasn't become unravelled or lost it's shape).

So have you tied up any loose ends this week? Maybe you finished something that you've been putting off.  

Joining in with lots of clever and crafty folk over at My Creative Space today.

xSam

And The Winner Is..

It was one of those mornings, lots of arguing, yelling and teasing, all before breakfast..   


However, after enjoying some lovely free range eggs from my mother-in-law, numerous coffees, and some fresh air at soccer, things are starting to look up!    


So now it's time to draw the winner of my giveaway!
Little one assisted with much enthusiasm..

and the winner is..

Congratulations Miss Mandy from A Little Space Like Home! 
Please email me your address at samantha.hardt@bigpond.com so I can send out your prize right away!


Thank you for all your lovely bloggy birthday wishes, 
and thanks for entering my giveaway!

The sun is shining, and although we don't have any set plans for the weekend, this is how it's looking so far:

 I'm off to look for a new (pre-loved) sewing machine this afternoon 
 Family Wii night tonight (suggested by my son)
If the weather is kind, a little country drive tomorrow
A little baking 
A roast dinner
A little crochet
Loads of washing (but lets not think about that)
Plenty of snuggles, hot choccy & lazing around in pj's (hopefully)


What's your weekend looking like?

xSam