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  

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!