Amanda Brooke

Christmas cats and Birthday celebrations

Wow...has it really been more than a month since my last post? I have had a wee break, but didn't mean to take this long! I had more Christmas posts planned too...a Christmas cake recipe and some more handcrafted gift ideas...but time got away...Christmas disappeared and I doubt anyone would want me to post my Christmas cake recipe now? Look out for it this year. I have all of the step by step photos, so I can get it posted up well before Christmas arrives.

This is a little snippet into our Christmas last year!

A family member made this custard cake using layers of cake made on pizza trays, sandwiched with custard!

Ben exploring some of his gifts.

Introducing Holly! We adopted Holly in the week leading up to Christmas from our local Veterinary clinic. As we lost Basil at this time last year we decided it was time to replace him and we chose to adopt a homeless kitten instead of buying from a private owner. Holly will hopefully make a great mouse catcher and deterrent and we just love following her kitten antics!

However I had to keep more of an eye on her than Ben around the Christmas tree!

Naughty...but cute!

As regular readers would know we welcomed our son Benjamin into our family this time last year and we had a wee party to celebrate with our family. There was plenty of handmade treats and a few quick craft projects. As Ben loves owls we had an owl themed party and it was a long day, but fun!

Ben's Birthday cupcakes.

Owl cookies!

Ben's first Chocolate cake eating experience!

A special gift we gave Ben to celebrate his first Birthday. A print from the amazing Melbourne artist Brigitte Dorey...it even has a wee owl sitting on the 'Apple Tree Farm' sign. I'm very favourable of art for children over licenced characters that often adorn nursery walls. However having said that Ben's big brother Max painted him a picture of 'Hoot' from the ABC KIDS show "Giggle and Hoot" for his Birthday...so yes, there will be one licenced character picture in Bens room after all!

The nephews went home with a cookie and a pinwheel...or at least they were supposed to...I forgot to give some out! Anyway this is a simple thank you gift and is a nice alternative to lolly bags.

Hope your Christmas was wonderful and that you were able to share some special time with family and friends. Also a big Happy New Year to all!

I am completely occupied mentally and physically making plans for our wedding in March. I will be posting some of the goings on in coming weeks. This was the wedding that was supposed to take place last year in March, but a wee baby turned our lives upside down and we decided to postpone it. The invitations have gone out now...so it is really happening!

Thanks for visiting,

Amanda x

Worcestershire Sauce

As requested here is the recipe I used to make the Worcestershire sauce. It is truly delicious and I will never buy this sauce again.

The recipe is adapted from a CWA (Country Women's Association) recipe book.

WORCESTERSHIRE SAUCE

2 litres of brown vinegar

600ml of malt vinegar

(I used the above combination of vinegar but alternatively you can just use 2.6 litres of brown vinegar)

220gms of caster sugar

6 green apples, peeled and chopped

60gms of minced or chopped fresh garlic

1/4 tsp of chilli powder

1 tsp whole cloves

1 tsp peppercorns

25gm ground ginger

25gm salt

500gm treacle

1. Place all of the ingredients, except for the treacle, into a large pot. Cover and boil for 2 hours, then strain. (I used a fine sieve)

2. Return the mixture to the heat again and bring back to the boil. Add the treacle and stir for 10 minutes. Pour into steralised bottles and seal.

3. Allow 3 weeks for the sauce to mature before use (however I couldn't wait and used some in a meat dish after a couple of weeks. It was delicious!!!!)

Shake well before use.

This recipe made approximately 10 cups of sauce. To steralise the bottles I washed them first in hot, soapy water then rinsed with freshly boiled water. Place them in a cold oven and then turn oven on to 120 degrees. Turn the oven off after 30 minutes. I kept them in the oven until they were ready to use.

When the sauce was ready I stood the bottles on a tea towel and then used a plastic funnel to pour the sauce into each jar.

This is so simple to make and makes a large batch making it perfect for gift giving. I hope you enjoy making this as much as I did! I will post my 'new' Christmas cake recipe next, but I haven't made it yet, so when I do I'll pass the recipe on.

Thanks for visiting,

Amanda x

 

 

Baking Baking Baking

Quick mix biscuits

Pink salmon patties with leftover pasta, tomatoes and peas

Date scones

Coconut cake

Apple delicious pudding drowned in cream

Worcestershire sauce for Christmas giving

There is loads of baking happening here and these are just some of the yummy treats to come out of our kitchen this past week. I must admit that I do bake more at this time of the year with edible gifts and extra food for family gatherings at Christmas. I am yet to make the Christmas cake and have decided to shy away from our traditional chocolate and fruit cake and go with a recipe I tried last year which was simpler, cheaper and delicious....I think it will go best with our simpler Christmas this year!

Thanks for visiting,

Amanda x

Another Christmas stocking on the mantle

I hung our stockings on the mantle last week and made space for another stocking. As Ben was born shortly after Christmas last year he didn't have a stocking, so I set to work making him one last week. Even though they are only 'used' once a year I like to enjoy them for a bit longer and make them part of our Christmas decorating.

I cut out four stocking shapes (two for the outer and two for the lining) I use calico for the lining and trim the tops with co-ordinating fabrics on the outer. Double the height of the trim fabric if you wish to trim the tops so it is visible on the inside and out. Eg If you want a 2in trim at the top cut is at 4in x the width of the stocking opening.

Join each set right sides together at their tops and so the feet face the same direction. Sew across the edge. Pin the two sets right sides together and sew around the entire shape leaving an opening at the lining end for turning.

Clip edges, turn right way out and sew opening closed.

Stuff lining inside stocking and then press.

I then cut a simple hanging loop from wool felt and attach with a button to either side.

Hang and enjoy!

Thanks for visiting,

Amanda x

 

A Change of Heart and Mind

I've changed my mind.

I know I said that I was reducing the amount of Christmas decorations this year. But I started to set up the simpler version and looking at the remainder of the decorations in their boxes, filled with memories of Christmases past I couldn't stop at just the balls and the beads. I couldn't not use my children's decorations, the tree decoration in memory of my dad, the hand carved santa's gifted to me by a special friend and the handmade quilts and soft handcrafted Santa.

I set up all of the decorations that meant something to me and our family. There is still no front door decoration or lights along the verandah to announce to all that we are celebrating Christmas here....the celebration and decoration is inside with our family and I am glad I chose this year to embrace our Christmases past.

Happy Christmas decorating!

Thanks for visiting,

Amanda x

 

Book Review | Shiny Objects

As we head full swing into the Christmas season so too does our spending on gifts, food for celebrations and the accumulation of stuff designed only for use at this time of the year. I am feeling that less is more this season and don't want to fill our home with all of the Christmas paraphernalia I normally pull out of the garage at this time of the year. I have made a space today for the tree which will go up tomorrow and I will clear the mantle for our Christmas card display. A space will be made on the dining table for a Christmas candle and a vase of flowers and that's it. No wreaths on the front door, no decorations around the windows and walls and no outdoor lights. Our Christmas will be about our family and spending time with loved ones, family and friends. Gifts will be exchanged, but I have tried to fill needs this year and not pass on unwanted gifts that will just add to another home's (or ours) clutter!

A timely request for me to review a new book 'Shiny Objects' is a perfect reminder of our relationship with acquiring material objects. Author James A. Roberts explores the behaviours of consumption and explains tools and methods to help break the cycle of mindless consumerism and be truly happy with less. He also details how our obsessions with 'things' impacts on our health.

In the beginning of the book one paragraph that impacted on me was:

"When asked what we really care about and what we consider to be the most life-giving elements of our existence, the vast majority of people respond in terms of the lasting value we place on our relationships with family and friends. And yet our consumer behaviour contradicts such professed values. Our real habits - the time and resources we devote to accumulating more stuff - tell a different story.'

This paragraph made me question my actions and if they really reflect the values I truly care about. James then goes on to say:

"It's time to bridge the gap between what we say and what we do. It's time to recommit ourselves to the kind of pursuits that are the true source of our well-being: spending time with loved ones, reaching our full potential as human beings, and participating actively in our world."

At this time of the year I think now would be a good time to recommit yourself to spend less, acquire less and focus on your family and friends.

 Although most data and facts presented in Shiny Objects reflect the American's lifestyle, Australians share similar behaviours when it comes to consumption and the facts are quite startling! James explores the thinking behind the American dream, our relationship with possessions and money. The belief that we need more to be happy is proven otherwise with results from a study on life satisfaction from groups ranging from 'rich Americans' to the Amish and African Masai. The Masai live very simply with few amenities and yet they are just as happy as the rich American. James concludes that luxury is not a requirement for well being.

Shiny Objects presents 25 ways you can 'tweak' your environment to encourage desired behaviours and achieve financial tranquility. Amongst the 25 tweaks are some suggestions that we already practice, but there were a few we don't (like borrowing more books instead of buying...James says we need to break the mindset that we need to 'own' most things) and some that I hadn't thought about like communicating more with my partner about some purchases.

I quite liked this book and thought that James presented his research well in an easy to read format. Again it is a good book to read at this time of the year and offers readers solutions, explanations and information. Whether you are looking to understand the behaviours that drive your purchases to achieve your 'material' dreams or looking for guidance on ways to reduce spending, save money and simplify your life, Shiny Objects may be a book to look for on your local book shelves...or better still...the library!

Please note: This book was given to me to review by TLC Booktours. All of the opinions expressed are in my own words.

Thanks for visiting,

Amanda x

P.S I have been having a wee blogging break and I apologise for not advising my readers. I'm back now!

 

 

 

SAVE 25% | Little Eco Sale!

I am exhausted and I feel like I have really neglected my blog, therefore my readers this past week. I haven't been to visit my favourites to leave comments of support and friendship and I feel neglectful of my family also.

Little Eco has consumed me recently with updating and loading new products, cleaning up and refreshing the website. Most nights I have been up until the wee hours of the morning and I feel it all catching up with me now. Managing your own business is hard work and this is the hardest I have ever worked....but I do love it so!

Little Eco has been the best career decision I have ever made...possibly not the best financial one, as I keep spending profits on extending our product range, but I am happy and really passionate about the products we sell. There is much more room for improving content on the website and I have to set aside some time to create more pages of information, as this was important to me from the outset for Little Eco to be a resource as much as a shop.

I have found support and a great community at Connect2Mum's (a free community) and Ausmumpreneurs (a small fee to join paid monthy) and once I get my head around how to best utilise these resources I am certain that I will feel more comfortable and perhaps get more sleep!

As I have mentioned before I don't want to post too much here about Little Eco, but I do want to share an offer we have at the moment as it may appeal to seom of my readers. Actually... I am not going to apologise for mentioning Little Eco anymore! It is a big part of my life and the business and the products are something I am very passionate about. Little Eco is an extension of me and so is this blog, so it makes sense for me not to feel guilty each time I mention it!

So this is the offer...

and these are some of our new products that I just love!

 

 

My favourite is the habitat house in the centre (above)! I love that it is made from timber and wire mesh, making a refreshing change to the plastic varities! It is hard not to want to put one of evrything aside for my kids for Christmas...but I am being very self controlled!

Thanks for visiting,

Amanda x

 

 

 

 

Cleaning with lemons

Lemons are so versatile! Not only for cooking, but cleaning too. There are many recipes out there using lemons for all types of domestic cleaning, but I'll just share a couple of my favourites here.

TAP AND FAUCET CLEANSER

Mix the juice of one lemon with 2tsp of bi-carb soda in a bowl. It will fizz up so don't mix in too small a bowl. Use an old toothbrush to apply thoroughly and then rinse clean with a damp cloth.

Dry the taps and faucet with a microfibre cloth and everything will sparkle like brand new! This mix should be enough to clean a few taps and faucets in your home.

CLEANING THE MICROWAVE

Mix the juice of one lemon with an equal quantity of water into a large microwave safe bowl. Zap on HIGH for around 3 to 5 minutes. Remove the bowl and wipe the microwave clean with a damp cloth. Your kitchen will smell lovely and fresh after doing this too!

 CITRUS CLEANSER

This recipe came from Just Like My Nan Made - from the Australian Womens Weekly. I haven't tried it yet but I have started the mix. Just pour vinegar into a wide mouthed jar and add citrus peel as you eat it. I only 3/4 filled mine with vinegar to allow room for the citrus peel and would say you just stop adding peel when it gets reasonably full. Leave for two weeks, strain and then pour into a spray bottle.

Using lemons for cleaning is a cheap, chemical free and effective way to clean. We really don't need all of those products that line the supermarket shelves... the companies just make us think we do with clever marketing. For example the other day I noticed there are disposable wipes to clean your stainless steel appliances with....are they serious???? Just wipe over your stainless steel appliance with a damp cloth then wipe with a microfibre cloth...done...and the results are amazing!

Thanks for visiting,

Amanda x

 

 

Little Eco Sale

Together with 11 other businesses and Connect2Mums, Little Eco is particpating in an Exlusive Online Sale tomorrow evening. There will be giveaways and prizes and it is a great time to pick up some discounted gifts for Christmas or try your hand at winning some great giveaways.

This is the info you need and I hope to 'see' you there!

Thanks for visiting,

Amanda x

P.S We have some amazing art and outdoor products for kids arriving from New Zealand this week. I can't wait to show you, as these are the types of products I love most for childrens gifts!

Cooking with Lots of Eggs!

Sometimes we end up with loads of eggs and we just can't seem to use them up! We give some away, but often have more than we actually need. I do cook with eggs on a regular basis but when the egg supply is high I look for recipes that use them up in large quantities.

A new recipe I discovered in the archives of Taste was a Spinach and Feta pie. It was delicious and made a large enough pie to create plenty of leftovers.This recipe recommends 6 eggs. But I used 8!

SPINACH & FETA PIE

Adapted from a recipe on Taste.com.

1 large bunch of silverbeet (shredded)

6 to 8 eggs, beaten

1 cup of uncooked rice

2 cloves of garlic

1 cup of tasty cheese, grated

1 cup of feta cheese, crumbled

1 handful of chopped parsley

1/4 to 1/2 cup of olive oil

4 sheets of Frozen puff pastry or homemade pastry

Salt and Pepper to taste (I didn't use salt as the feta was salty enough)

Mix silverbeet, eggs, rice, garlic, cheeses and parsley in a large bowl. Add enough olive oil to coat the mixture without being over oily.

Cover the base of a  lasagna size dish with two sheets of pastry. Pour the spinach filling over the pastry and then top with the remaining pastry sheets. Prick holes in the top of the pastry and then coat with egg wash or milk.

Bake in a hot oven for 30 minutes and then reduce the oven temperature to a moderate temperature for 30 minutes. Bake until golden brown and filling is coked through.

Serve warm or cold!

LADY FLO'S BAKED CUSTARD

One of my all time favourite dessert recipes also uses a large amount of eggs. This recipe is by Flo Bjelke-Peterson and it is a baked coconut custard which is rich and perfect for entertaining. I love this cold the next day!

1 can of condensed milk

1 300ml bottle of cream

8 eggs, beaten

1 can of coconut milk

1 tsp vanilla extract

Nutmeg

Mix coconut milk, cream ,eggs, vanilla, condensed milk and 1 condensed milk tin of hot water in a bowl. Beat very well. Pour into a greased oven proof dish (you will need a large one for this recipe) and sprinkle with the nutmeg.

Stand custard dish in another baking dish of cold water that comes halfway up the sides of the custard dish. Bake in a moderate oven for 1 hour or until set.

This is delicious served with stewed fruit and lasts several days in the fridge.

I would love to hear how you use up your eggs if your supply is high. Please link to any recipes you know of too...I can never have enough eggy recipes!

Thanks for visiting,

Amanda x