Some Weekend Links

Let me start this post by saying - have a great weekend and I'll see you on Monday. Because I am unplugging! Macbook is to be switched off, iPhone is likely to be also switched off and I will do my absolute best to ignore the itch to just quickly check my emails or have a little look at Instagram. Believe me, it will not be easy. I'm feeling the need to be fully present at home, and with my son. Plus some time away is always good, as I'm sure you well know.

But enough about that. Here's some wonderful things from blogland this week, plus an inspiring speech from a politician. Yes, I just wrote that.

I can't get enough of the wholehearted wisdom from Lisa at Celebrate the Rhythm of Life - talking here about sending kids off to their room.

Jules is having a lovely giveaway on her blog Little Woolie - check it out if you like your yarns and your crochet.

A topic close to my heart, Trisha at Veranellies has a little write up on why phthalates are bad for you. They are. Stop buying anything with fragrance added. Specially those 'air freshener' things!

And here's the politician thing. A speech from Greens Senator Scott Ludlam, if you haven't already seen it. There is hope for our future.

Wishing safe and happy weekends to all.

Sunday Outings: Sustainable Houses

We've been getting in the habit of a family outing on the weekends lately. It's a habit I'm loving. And I'm determined to capture us in family portraits, even if that means setting a timer on the iPhone and getting us all to stand a bit awkwardly in random places. Anyway, this weekend saw Sustainable House Day roll around again and there were a couple of places we visited for ideas and inspiration.

The first place we looked at was a small reverse brick veneer place, with only passive heating. Let me repeat - only passive heating. No wood fire, no split system, no gas heater. Just relying on the sun, and storing the heat from the sun in the structure of the house itself - thermal mass. This place was also fully off grid using solar panels for electricity. Plenty of north facing double glazed windows and a concrete floor. Not fancy, but beautifully simple and self sufficient.

The other place we looked at was a new strawbale build. I'm a bit of a lover of the strawbale look, I especially love deep window seats as wide as the bales themselves - what better way to while away some hours dozing in the sun [ok that is totally a pipe dream in my life right now but one day it will happen again]. Anyway, it wasn't my cup of tea the way this particular place had been done, but it was nice and rustic all the same. It had solar and wood heating, and was connected to the grid.

I definitely learned a few more things about building a sustainable house after visiting these places. I've always wanted to build a strawbale house but the logic in reverse brick veneer is hard to beat [ bricks on the inside, timber on the outside]. If there's one idea that I've taken away it is this - thermal mass, thermal mass, thermal mass. All added to the growing list of things we now know about the sustainable house we plan to build. You've got to know what you want to make it happen, right?

Oh and orange pants again. Do you know how long I've waited to be able to start wearing these things? About 12 months, that's how long. First spotted in Target when I was very pregnant, then they were still there half price after William was born, so I took a punt and bought a pair in my old size. Of course they didn't fit so I tucked them away in the back of the cupboard but I knew [hoped] that one day... I'd be able to get my legs into them. I am making the most of it!

A Trip to the Nursery

As a child I remember my mother taking me to endless nurseries. For the most part I didn't mind; they usually offered interesting landscaping and abundant greenery and exciting twisting paths leading here and there and everywhere. And it seems our son is going to suffer the same fate. We've spent the last two Sunday's visiting nurseries. Our local for some basics - a replacement westringia, an apricot tree [just in time] and a climbing rose, to be grown over the chook shed. Then a trip to Lambley, which we've been talking about doing for a long time now [talking about it and actually doing it with a 4.5 month old baby are very different things]. But we got there. 

I find a world of inspiration at Lambley. Not necessarily because I want our garden to be as ordered and structured as the gardens at Lambley are - I don't. There is room for chaos and disorder in our garden, so long as it is confined to perfectly structured and crafted beds. But I do appreciate very much the attention to detail and exacting precision of the Lambley garden layout. Browse the following images and you'll see what I'm talking about. We were lucky with the weather - it rained most of the drive to get there, it rained while we had a nappy change and got rugged up in the car. And the rain stopped for long enough that we got to enjoy a wander through this beautiful winter garden. 

We took home some daffodils, and seeds of marigolds and nasturtiums. We're hoping for another visit Lambley in spring, just to see the pretty blossoms and tulips and expansive vegetable garden. 

Some Saturday Fun

The lovely Sarah from Exploring Woods nominated me for a Liebster award. Now it's happened a few times in my blogging life and I've never played the game. But what the heck, how about I sort of half play by my own rules today? 

So I have to share 11 random facts about me. Here you go:

1. I'm not very good at following rules. The more there are, the less inclined I am to follow them.

2. I'm very particular with how I like my porridge prepared. There are steps to be followed, in the correct order, and I do not deviate from this. And no honey, it has to be raw sugar that caramelises on top.

3. I have an annoying cowlick in my hair that has been a source of irritation since I was a small girl.

4. My name is Jacqueline but the only person who really calls me that is my mother, and usually in that tone of displeasure [you know the one?].

5. I'm a big fan of the Twilight saga. I have all the dvd's, and I watch them. And of course I've read the books.

6. I'm good at statistics. I failed my first year statistics unit when I first went to uni, the only thing I ever failed, but then I got it. And it turned out to be my best subject, spanning different courses and different uni's.

7. I really enjoy cycling in the heat of summer. I like it to be hot. 

8. I drink too many cups of tea. But I haven't had a coffee since last October. I might have one soon though!

9. My favourite colours are bright orange and olive green. 

10. I dream of having an Etsy shop, or a stall at a farmer's market, or both.

11. If I ever have trouble falling asleep [ha! no trouble these days, I'll take what I can get], I get up and eat cheese and do sudoku. Works a treat.

Now answering 11 questions that Sarah has chosen:

1. If you drink, what's your all time favourite drink?

I don't drink much anymore, but I do appreciate a good wine. All time favourite - a pinot noir from Central Otago in New Zealand.

2. Are you growing any plants inside or out?

There is a plant called 'Jacqueline' in our library/office/TV room, which is somehow still alive. I have lots of plants outside, mostly vegies, herbs, westringias and pittosporums. And a dwarf orange tree. I would like to have more flowers growing though. One day. 

3. What would you bring in your picnic basket?

Probably a quiche or frittata [loaded up with lots of feta], a sharp cheese and crackers, some fruit, maybe some nuts. And something sweet of course [which in my imagination is something decadent like a homemade cheesecake type of thing, but in reality is more likely to be homemade muffins or biscuits or banana bread].

4. What's the last book you read?

Down to Earth by Rhonda Hetzel. I read it cover to cover, it was wonderful.

5. What colour is your bathroom?

There is a lot of white, with a maroon colour in the tiles, and a beige bath and vanity. Not what I would choose but it's what we've got right now. 

6. Favourite mythical creature?

Probably a centaur. But more like Mr Tumnas from Narnia, who I believe is part deer and part man.

7. Early riser or night owl?

Both. There just aren't enough hours in the day to do all the things I want to do.

8. What's a word or phrase you use a lot?

'Do you reckon...' which is in the context of being stationed on the couch feeding a baby, and wanting something [drink of water, macbook, cup of tea being moved to within arm's reach] but aware that my husband must be getting very tired of me asking for things: do you reckon you could just [insert request here], please? Thank you...

9. Current desktop picture?

The stock standard image that came on the macbook - the milky way galaxy I think. I've never felt the need to change it, it's pretty cool.

10. Do you like watching and or playing sports? If so, what's your favourite?

Yes, selectively. I like watching Aussie rules and the Tour de France [on at the moment!]. I ride mountain bikes and have competed on and off in cross country mountain bike racing for over 10 years now. 

11. If you had to choose between a million dollars and the ability to fly, which would it be?

Not sure. Being able to fly would be pretty cool, but I like being grounded, so I guess I'd choose a million dollars.

Now this is the part where I'm supposed to come up with 11 questions of my own, and tag 11 other bloggers. And this is where I'm deviating from the rules! So rather than tag people, I would love to hear some random facts about the readers of this blog, because I love knowing who reads and a bit about you. Leave a comment and tell me something about yourself! Or leave me a link to your blog so I can go take a look. I'd really love to hear from you. Yes you!

It's The Weekend

And after a busy, wonderful, tiring, busy week, I'm really happy it's the weekend. We're off on a two night getaway to the coast with our 3 month old baby - our first little trip away since William arrived. We can't wait to show him the ocean. A beautiful, grey, pounding winter ocean. I'm taking a bag of crochet projects [hello hands free time in the passenger seat!] and some wonderful books. And we're taking popcorn and our perfect popcorn-popping pot. Because we like our popcorn and we're fussy like that. And hot chocolates, we will be drinking hot chocolates, and cups of tea. And my camera.

See you all on the other side of the weekend. Have a great one!

Saturday Morning

It was a few days ago now, but this is what happened.

Our baby woke us up early. Hardly surprising? Well actually it is surprising. He's a good little sleeper, our William. Which probably makes us very lucky parents. But on this Saturday morning, he decided 6am was time to get up. I actually love being up early [preferably with a solid sleep behind me], seeing the daylight creep across the sky. Easing into the day, enjoying a hearty cooked breakfast. This is one of our staple breakfast foods now. Potatoes and egg are the base ingredients, and cheese of course. Then we add whatever else we have on hand for variety. And a dash of Worcestershire sauce. Carbs plus protein plus vegies plus cheese. When I was pregnant I couldn't stand to eat cheese in the morning. It was totally off the list. I'm fully back on the program now. I don't think I could ever be vegan, I love cheese too much.

A little look at our new kitchen too. I am in love with this space in our house now, which is wonderful since I really, really disliked it in it's old state. 

Did your weekend get off to a good start?

Around Here

A hectic week. We've been having a new kitchen installed this week. I'm not going to complain but I'll just say it makes life with a 7 week old baby that much harder. It is all worth it though. More on that another time. 

We've recently been enjoying afternoon walks in the bush. The image above is in the range just behind our town. The last of the paddocks on one side, and bush stretching up the other side into a long ridge in the Pyrenees ranges. I have such a strong urge to be out there, it used to be on my bike, but now I walk with William and the dogs. It's a nice way to spend an hour.

In other news, we have 3 baby chicks. George the rooster [who is still here] has done his job, not that we wanted him to, and Gloria chicken has been sitting on eggs for weeks now. Finally on Tuesday morning we found the three littles. Does anyone know anything about raising baby chickens? As we don't.

Looking forward to a weekend with sleep-ins, cups of tea and some baking in our new oven. That part is pretty exciting. What have you got planned for the weekend?

Favourite Reads This Week

I would love to be eating some of these right now [an early attempt at the ultimate sugar-free apple and cinnamon recipe, perfected here]. I'm not, as our kitchen is being pulled to pieces this weekend. The only consolation is that it will be awesome when it's put back together.

Somehow I'm still finding the odd minute to read this blog and that, thankfully, and there have been some really inspiring reads this week. I thought I'd share them with you. 

Home Based Economy at Down to Earth. Inspiring and reminding me of why I am where I am.

A topic near and dear to my heart, Educate Yourself About Birth over at The Married Couple.

Happy weekend reading!

Saturday Snaps

I've been enjoying an inside day today. Finally it feels like autumn is here, and there have even been sprinkles of rain. Not enough, but it sounds lovely on the tin roof all the same. Tomorrow we start collecting firewood, our first time for this season. I won't be doing much heavy lifting, I don't think. I can't wait to light the fire, once it gets cold enough!

What has your Saturday looked like?

Community Garage Sale Day

This weekend just gone, our little town hosted a Community Garage Sale. Basically, a few kind people organised it and advertised far and wide, so that lots of garage sale lovers/bargain hunters would flock to town. The idea was that if you wanted to participate, you paid $5 to the organisers for their efforts and then put all your stuff out for sale, and lots of people turn up and buy it! 

There were about 20 houses participating in the end, which is pretty cool - if you like your garage sales it would make the trip out to our town pretty worthwhile. And there was a morning tea/sausage sizzle thing happening as well [I dream of the day when it isn't a 'sausage sizzle' but is instead a selection of good vegetarian foods on offer..] Anyway, we participated, we had a ton of people turn up to our place and we sold a lot of 'stuff' from the house that we no longer wanted or needed. Win.

My Maxwell & Williams 'Cat and Mouse' mugs didn't sell! Back to the cupboard for you guys.

We ended up making $133 in sales. We're happy with that, since we had no idea what to expect from the whole day. We sold a remote control helicopter [we can live with only having one in the house], a bunch of books [that was a little bit hard for me, but I'm going with it] and our microwave. Yep, we decided that we're going to live microwave free. Since we don't really like what it actually does to food in the heating process. And we gave away a few things too - a stack of folders, kitchen goodies, battery rechargers.

The really interesting thing for me, was meeting all these random people. I like people, I like people watching, and all these different people with different stories were turning up and browsing our wares. A few locals came for a look, one of whom was born in our house, back in the day. Others who remembered our house from a different era, before it went to 'rack and ruin' [apparently, but it's been tidied up again now]. A lady who chatted to us about meditation for ages [trigger = prayer flags] and a young couple who had also been looking at buying our place when we did [slightly awkward!].  

All up it was a great day. There are definitely benefits to living in a small community like this, and days such as this are one of those. We didn't sell everything we wanted to, but now we have a pile of things to advertise in other places to get rid of. The timing was pretty cool too, we're totally in the 'nesting before baby arrives' stage and having a big house clean out was just what we needed. It was even worth the 8.30am start on a Sunday. I suppose we should be getting ready for more early starts pretty soon...

On The Weekend

I treated myself to a small pack of coloured pens. Ok so that's not the most exciting thing in the world, but I'm happy about it. It gives me something to draw with, or doodle with. I love colour, bright colours that pop off the page. When I see these pens I want to draw with them and it doesn't matter what ends up on the page.

I also treated myself to a laminator. Why am I even telling you this? Well I've had a little project in mind for a while now, and it really needs a laminator. So that project will be happening this week, and I'll share it with you when it's done. I'm pretty excited for it.

And, in the process of making room on my desk for new things, I had a major 'declutter' and got rid of heaps of old stuff that had been sitting around - in folders, piling up in drawers, gathering dust on my desk. I was ruthless. I got rid of a whole bunch of paperwork, some of which went back to 1999. Yes. 14 years ago. Not sure what I was hanging on for, but it's gone now, and I really feel like I've lightened the load! I tend to think that the amount of physical 'stuff' we accumulate is a physical reflection of how much 'stuff' we're carrying around in our minds/bodies. I've thrown out/burned/given away a heap of stuff from my workspace in the past year, I guess I was down to those last bits and pieces that I couldn't quite part with. It's not all gone by the way. I still have, and am keeping, every tax return I've ever done, all neatly filed away. We all have our things that we keep! What are yours?