Amanda Brooke

White, no sugar thanks!

I have noticed recently that there has been a healthy shift away from sugar as seen in media stories, new book releases, blogs and even speaking to people I know. I don't know whether this is because of the recent media stories or just one of those things where it feels like 'everybody' is doing it. We try to avoid sugar where we can opting for naturally occurring sugar, sugar alternatives (not artificial sweeteners) and choosing how much sugar we add to our own baking.

I do however have a confession.

I take my tea, white, one sugar.

But...that was until last week when I decided to do a little experiment, which I knew before I started would make me stop adding sugar to my daily cuppas.

 

This is on average how much sugar I was consuming over a 1 month period in just my cups of tea alone! This is just 1 teaspoon per cup...equalling 2 cups a month...just imagine if you are a two spoonfuls per cup person! I added a teaspoon for every cup of tea I have per day into the measuring cup and it amounted to a 1/2 cup per week. Even though I kind of knew that this sugar was adding up per day, per week, per month, per year it wasn't until I actually 'saw' the mound of sweet crystals in the bowl that it really hit home.

Refined sugar has no nutritional value and is so altered from its original plant that some refer to it as a poison or a drug and label it addictive. Some natural substitutes are stevia, agave, pure honey, pure maple syrup and you can use dried fruits in baking such as raisins, sultanas and dates. Some sugars are better than others and it is best to avoid white sugar altogether...but I will still continue to bake with it occasionally.

So now if you ask me how I take my tea...it's white NO sugar, thanks.

Thanks for visiting,

Amanda x

 

Bring back Notebook magazine!

I have hesitated writing this post, as I may be going crazy. But sometimes all it takes it the power of one...and no-one else is doing it...so I'm taking a leap!

I have been using Facebook for Little Eco to connect with mums, share ideas and promote specials and new products being added to the store. I am still getting used to using Facebook and although I have a different opinion on it for some types of personal use, I believe it can be richly engaging and an important part of customer contact for businesses, especially those that are online only.

So I have taken a leap using this platform and it's power to reach potentially lots of people, to start a...let's call it a 'petition'.... by creating a Facebook page called:

'BRING BACK NOTEBOOK MAGAZINE'

I blogged about my disappointment in this magazine ceasing publication here. I don't have many store bought copies of the magazine having only discovered it a couple of years ago, but I have picked up quite a few issues now from local op shops. Recently I picked up quite a haul of past issues and the op shop lady thought I was crazy being so excited about the magazines...but that excitement grew into frustration as I've been pouring over the past issues these past few weeks.

This is a magazine I believe that came and went before it's 'time'. This is a magazine I believe should be here today. I want it to come back or at least let the editing team know how many readers miss it. I think that the lack of readership (I think that is why it stopped publication) wouldn't be a problem now? Maybe I am not right, but tell me if you think the following articles would interest you in a magazine?

• Find yourself
• Organising
  
• Money saving tips
• Debt reduction
  
• Stop food waste
• Being thrifty
  
• How to live in the moment
• Being grateful
• Recipes from 'Nana's'
• Real women and real stories

The magazines had monthly tips, how to's and real ideas for living. Stories that move you to tears, motivate you and encourage you to find out more. Sure it had some expensive fashion recommendations and beauty tips and advertising (minimal though) but it was balanced with shopping at the Salvo's fashion ideas, and do it yourself beauty tips. There were no stories about Hollywood break ups or what who is doing with who and how...it was all real and done in a beautiful and inspiring format.

Again this magazine helped me to discover Rhonda and she has inspired and contributed to many positive changes in my life.

I may be going crazy...but I think if they can bring back "Hey Hey it's Saturday" (Entertaining t.v show for those that aren't familiar) because of a Facebook page and the interest it created...well you never know, maybe there are enough of us out there who can bring this magazine back or at least inspire a publisher to do something similar?

If you are on Facebook and loved this magazine or know of anyone that did and want to tell the world that you are disappointed it disappeared, then...I feel silly saying this, but...LIKE the Bring back Notebook magazine page and we'll see what happens!

Thanks for visiting,

Amanda x

 

 

Remembering to be Grateful

Sometimes I need reminding to be grateful, especially when I feel overwhelmed or worried. Or if I am just simply thinking too much and need to be more mindful, to live more 'in the moment'.

Yesterday was one of those days. So I grabbed my camera and tried something new. I took photo's of anything, I just went around the house and snapped away and being in that moment, smiling at the images that made my heart sing...I forgot about my worries and became grateful.

I am grateful of the wonder in his eyes...

...and the joy in his laughter.

I am grateful of the old soul that is our best friend when we need one most.

I am grateful for the colour in our garden...

...even if the blossom of the lilac is only fleeting...

...and the petals of my favourite rose will soon turn brown.

I have to admit I really had to 'look' hard at first, but after I took the first photo the others flowed and I have selected only a handful to show you here. It was an empowering experience, my photo's had a purpose, I was on a mission and I was in the moment.

Over the years I have captured treasured moments, simple things and lifes every day moments that might otherwise be forgotten. I only need to look through this blog and our photo albums.

Today I am grateful for my camera.

UPDATE 20th October: Please take a look at this link The 365 day project if you need some inspiration for being grateful. Any wonder I felt enjoyment from taking photo's, as this woman found it life changing doing it each day, over the course of a year. I might just make this a 'to do' next year in 2012, instead of documenting things I am grateful for in my journal.

Thanks for visiting,

Amanda x