Puffs Fresh Faces For Winter Relief

When you have a cold that has you wiping your poor nose until it is red and sore, all you can think of is getting something to sooth and relieve. Poor hubby is doing it tough right now.
Disclaimer: Products were received in exchange for an honest review.

Unfortunately, the traditional tissue offers little relief, and the wiping action is inevitable.

With this in mind I can happily recommend Puffs Fresh Faces which come in the form of Nose Wipes with Vicks Scent, and Nose and Face Wipes With Light Lavender Scent. Both scents are light and pleasant.

Puffs Fresh Faces Nose Wipes and Nose and Face Wipes are packaged in packs of 45, and the box is a great size  to leave in the car, pop on the table or throw in your bag or pram. The box is fitted with a great hard tab top, making it easy to open and reseal, keeping the wipes clean and moist.

The wipes are moist, not wet or slimy like other wipes. The wipes are also a generous tissue size and lightly textured for improved wiping.

Whilst designed and marketed as nose and face wipes, I can think of so many situations for these handy wipes such as makeup removal, camping, and sports.

My only complaint about the Puffs Fresh Face Wipes is that although they claim to be "Made with natural saline, aloe and Vitamin E", the ingredients list is full of long, scientific names.

My overall view is that Puffs Fresh Faces Wipes are packaged well, pleasantly scented and conveniently sized. The wipes perform well and will certainly be welcome in our home.

Down The Bumpy Road Together on Thankful Thursday

This week was a little bumpy in every sense of the word for our little family. The weather hit hard, I came down hard at Netball, my daughter learned some hard lessons about friendship, poor hubby was pulled in every direction, and my son and our fur babies have been pushing boundaries. Even though, I feel there is much to be thankful for this week. 

• I have been injured and getting back on my feet this week, and although it is a slow process, I know I am making progress.
• The weekend brought some chilly weather, and a batch of snow which always brings delight to our household.
  

•   My daughter had a sleepover with her bestie. This was something they had been planning for a long time, but quite a bit has happened between them in the meantime. Miss 10 has learned quite a bit about friendship, the games that can be played, and about staying true to yourself in the process. They remain friends and she had a good time at the sleepover, but I think it has been quite a big growth period for her.
• Not only did hubby attend to his poor, injured wife in her time of need and ongoing disability, he also has been rounding up the children, attending to the family animals, keeping our home tidy and our bellies fed, AND responding in less than ideal conditions to calls of distress from the community in regard to the heavy rainfall, winds and flooding in the area. On top of this, he has understandably has come down with a cold of his own!
• Not to be outdone, Mr 6 is the usual ball of energy. He seems torn at the moment, after his recent Parent/Teacher/Student meeting and School Report, between wanting to move forward with his reading and writing, and not wanting to knuckle down to do the work required. Ho hum ..... how many more years of school left?
• Our dogs which you can meet here and here, have been having a ball in the backyard together, shredding the grass, getting muddy and generally enjoying life by making a mess in the rain as only dogs can. The guinea pigs seem quite oblivious to the rain, given there raised homes, but they have been consistent to letting anyone in earshot know, no matter which side of the fence they be on, that they love their food and are always happy for more. 

 Always eventful, but always full of lesson and laughter!

Retail Therapy For Free

Retail therapy is known to lift the mood and is often the go-to activity for girls (and guys too) when life is not so great. I have been known to partake in a little retail therapy from time to time, and quite often it is the online sort. I am not a chronic shopper though, and will often opt out, in favour for doing something else.  There is one sort of retail therapy that is hard to pass up though ..... the FREE sort!

Recently I entered a competition featured over at Be A Fun Mum, and what do you know, I was ecstatic to be told I was a winner. Part of my prize was a Gift Card to spend at Anaconda, which just so happens to be one of my favourite stores.

Hubby and I trotted off on the weekend (completely kid free), with gift card in hand. Hubby insisted, because he is all sorts of awesome, that I treat myself with my winnings.

So I happily strolled around at my leisure, looking at sports clothing and accessories, and every item you could need for enjoying the great outdoors.

I had the best time, and soon my trolley was full (diligently being pushed by Hubby) and my winnings were spent. I am happy with my pickings, chose items that I needed but hadn't quite reached the top of the priority list yet like some tops and pants, a new bike helmet, a PFD for the Kayak, a new Netball, some Snow Boots and a super-huge insulated mug.

Yippee for me!

Are you addicted to shopping of any sort?

Wordless Wednesday: Cape Raoul - Ship Stern Bluff Track

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There is nothing like getting outdoors amongst nature and sucking in the crisp, fresh air to help you feel alive and provide some stress release from the daily grind. Add an invigorating walk, some breathtaking scenery and the sound of the ocean crashing against rock.

We have wanted to walk out to Ship Stern Bluff for some time now. Ship Stern is located at the South-east tip of Tasmania, and the walk takes about 2 hours return (depending on how long you stay to admire the view). You can also access the tracks to Cape Raoul (5 hours return) and Tunnel Bay from the same point, which all have their own amazing views. The track is easy to find, and clearly marked as you turn off the road past Port Arthur, just before getting to Nubeena.

 The track to Ship Stern was relatively easy, with mostly a good path. There was a little up and down, some exposed trees roots, rocks and overgrown sags, but generally the going was easy.

The track to Cape Raoul is longer and a Grade 4, and is generally a little hillier in sections.

 When you get to the clearing where the view is at it's best, Ship Stern Bluff is breathtaking. The beauty of the sheer cliffs against the surging ocean, backed up with that thick, green foliage is just magic.

 Speaking of magic, there is just as much to see and admire along the way. Nature has provided some beautiful specimens in the area.

I daresay we will be going back for another look. Hubby and I are keen to take the children.

Linking up with these AMAZING bloggers

Pause! Mummy Can't Handle You Getting Older.

I have wished for my own personal remote control for many things in the past. 

Haven't we all! There have been many times when I have wished to slow down how fast my children are growing. It does not sit well with me that it is going so fast.

My daughter has just turned 9 years of age.

SHRIEK!!!!

Not only does this mean that she is getting older, but so am I.

No longer is she my little girl, as she is growing so tall, she is about to pass her grandmothers.

She has also had reason to recently borrow a top from my mother, as they are similar in size. This is just way too scary for this mother.

She is asserting her preferences in the area of clothes, hair and how she spends her time.

Miss 9, as she will now be referred to, is also maturing quickly. This is starting to bring on some of those awkward questions and conversations. On the other hand, I am enjoying the recent chances to have some amazing discussions with her. Being able to talk and discuss things on a higher level is helping us communicate and understand each other better. 

Hubby, on the other hand, is struggling with the thought of Miss 9 maturing. The hormonal changes and the constant moods of a growing girl have him quite in a spin. He lacks experience with growing girls, having only one brother and no sisters.

In my mind, she will always be my little girl. She stills takes opportunities to let me know she needs my comfort, guidance, and occasionally, loves to be fussed over.

She is now taking the opportunity to inform me that she is not a baby anymore, and has more mature tastes (if you don't mind).

 

 

An Entertainer, I Am Not

I love a good party. I love the atmosphere, the socialising, the chance to let down my hair, the chance to enjoy a bevy and a nibble. I am not a natural entertainer though. I stress too much and worry about the really little details. I don't enjoy all of the preparation and am not a natural cook.

It is amazing what you do, though, when it is for a loved one, and you stepping up to the plate is the difference in the likelihood of there being a party for that loved one, or not. Thus, I have just been involved in organising and throwing my 2nd 60th Birthday bash.

Luckily for my dear Mum, and also my mother-in-law, they both fall into the category of special people in my life.  Otherwise, you would NEVER have seen me organising either of their 60th Birthday celebrations. 

I can't take all of the credit though. Hubby is always there to do what he can in organising and pitching in on the day. We also have some pretty special relatives who are more party savvy than I, when it comes to feeding a large group of festive friends and relatives.

Despite my lack of experience, and my dislikes, my mother-in-law's recent birthday party went really well. 

The cake was great, there was WAY too much food, the kids had a great time, many people were chatting and laughing, and some choose to bust a move to the music. Amazingly, there were no disasters!

A successful event!

Protect The Land Of The Free

The President of The United States did what he had to do. Barack Obama has used his executive powers to sign off on 23 actions, with more to be voted on by Congress, all in the effort to protect the people of his country.

In my mind, it is long overdue. The gun laws have been too loose for too long. As in Australia in 1996 at Port Arthur, it has taken the mass loss of innocent lives in Connecticut to spur the leader into action. I see no reason for high powered guns in society. There are many people who are too irresponsible or unstable to have firearms at their disposal at all.

"This time must be different" said Obama. "This is the land of the free and home of the brave and always will be".

Certainly, too many people have had to brave the loss of loved ones, taken by the miss use of guns in The United States. Too many have had to endure the terror they have experienced in the many mass shootings across the US, being haunted by visions and sounds forever more.

The people of "the land of the free" should not live everyday in fear. That is not being free! The people they vote into Congress and as The President, to lead their country and make the big decisions, have an obligation to set this right. They must ensure the safety of the people.

I am not anti-guns, if that is your thought. I think they have their place.
My husband owns several, each with a purpose. He uses them to shoot game, which we then use to feed ourselves or our dog. He has also helped a relative cull wildlife on farming land from time to time. He has been taught to shoot and handle guns responsibly, and also that firearms are deadly weapons. We both grew up with our fathers using guns, stored in our homes. Hubby also plans to teach our children how to use guns.

The current gun laws in Australia insist that a gun holder is licensed. To get this license, you must pass the test, both written and practical. You must also give evidence that you have a reason and a place to use your firearm. The firearms must be purchased from an authorised dealer, be registered, and followed by a 21 day cooling off period. The firearms must be stored in an authorised, lockable, gun safe. These are a just a few of the hoops to jump through to be allowed to possess a firearm in Australia. All are necessary. These laws were introduced after The Port Arthur massacre in 1996, which also saw a mass buy-back enforced for all firearms which would now be unlawful, being semi-automatic and automatic guns.

I hope that the new laws for firearms in The United States help to protect the people and help them to feel safe. Guns have no place in day to day living in modern society. These are my hopes and beliefs.
Please follow this link to read more on Obama's Gun Package.

What are your thoughts on the new actions Obama has signed off on? Will they help to make a difference? What is your view on firearms? Please share your opinion, which will not attract judgement.

Joining in with With Some Grace

Looking Under The Surface

As 2012 is ending, so is my 2012 To Do List. So I think it is fitting to tick one more thing off the list as completed.

Number 84. on the 2012 To Do List is Try Snorkeling.

Hubby likes to dive, but does not get to do this as often as he likes.
He was very keen to set me up with a mask, snorkel and flippers and introduce me to the world under the water's surface.

I had a good time, and daresay I may go back for more.

If The Music Is Good, You Dance

This weekend hubby and I are treating ourselves.  We are escaping the world of parenting and cutting loose.

As much as I love my children, and doing things as a family, there are times when hubby and I need to be people with interests, and be together without a child between us.

We have been looking forward to this weekend for months now.

We will drive, enjoy the glorious weather, indulge in splendid food and be whisked back to a time when we were youthful, with the joy of music of days gone by.

Source: louboosandshoes.blogspot.com via Bright Side Up on Pinterest

 






   




     

Can you keep a secret?

Tomorrow is hubby's birthday. But that's not the secret.

I finished the shopping for his pressies today.
While the gifts themselves are nothing too exciting for the average blog reader, they are things I hope he will like and enjoy.

So tonight, as he was visiting a mate, I got the kids to write in his card, and we placed his pressies in a big gift bag.

The kids love surprise presents, and even though we ask each member what they would like for their birthday, what they will eventually get remains a secret until they open your gift. So hubby knows he is getting a new Shimano Fishing Reel (because he picked it out himself), but he doesn't know what else is in the gift bag.

When hubby returned home tonight, the kids were in their PJ's and I was reading a story before tucking them into bed. As we heard him coming in the door, I put my finger to my lips to remind the children (mostly Master 5) not to talk about the presents in the gift bag.
Hubby poked his head into Miss 8's room (where Miss 8 and Master 5 were snuggled under her doona, waiting to hear whether Ariel and Prince Erik live happily ever after) to say his Good-nights.

Master 5 could sit still no longer, and was absolutely busting with the knowledge of what was in the gift bag. He sprang out of the bed, and with many giggles and hushed whispers, he pulled Hubby into the hallway.
Master 5 whispers quite loudly, so it was not hard to hear "Daddy, we got you a new Fishing Reel for your birthday".
Hubby played the part and acted very surprised and excited.

The cuteness of this act pardoned Master 5 from disclosing our secret.
It seems he is closely following in his father's footsteps, as Hubby could never keep a secret as a child either, according to his family.

Curiosity may have killed the cat; but it puts a big grin on the faces, and a twinkle of mischief in the eye of the two males in this family.

So, can you keep a secret?

Grateful to see the good side

Sometimes I look at my children, really closely. I pull them close and peer at them, studying their every feature and touching them, memorising every bump and crease. What am I looking for? Evidence of their horns or tails of course.

My husband is constantly calling me at work to say how well behaved the children have been. I pick them up from their grand-parents', who tell me they hardly knew the children were there, that's how good they were. I hear this time and time again, but have not witnessed the children they speak of.

I walk in the door, and I swear their little eyes glow a strange, fluorescent red. They rush toward me like they might devour me before I even set down my handbag. It isn't long before Master 5 and
Miss 8 are growling and clawing at each other like wild dogs.

Maybe I give off a bad energy? I haven't quite figured this out yet. My husband looks at me bewildered, wondering himself what force has possessed the children. I throw him the "yeah, sure they have been good" look.

Today was nothing out of the ordinary. I fed the kids their usual breakfast, dressed them and dropped them at school. I went to work, performed the usual weekly tasks. Drove the same route to and from work. Arrived and finished at the same time as usual. So, when I walked in the door, I braced myself for the usual mayhem.

Things felt different as soon as I got out of the car. I couldn't quite put my finger on what it was. I walked in the door and looked around. The children were sitting nicely, one on the lounge, the other at the computer. Both smiled and greeted me. Hubby greeted me and asked about my day, like what I was seeing was normal. It was anything but normal and I realised the strange feeling I had felt was from the absence of arguing as soon as I was in earshot.

Hubby gave me a wink as he headed out the door toward the garage. Ahhhhh .... this is where things return to normal, and the joke is over? I enquired about the day with the children and they excitedly took turns to tell me about footy colours day at school, that they both had someone in their class with a birthday, and then I witnessed the darnedest thing. The children sat together at the computer visiting their Moshi Monster sites in turn and giving each other tips and praise in their accomplishments.

It was quite surreal to say the least. I went about looking through the mail, checking on tea, making a cuppa for hubby and myself while enjoying the pleasant banter between the children.

I could get quite used to this! I didn't dare ask myself how long it would last. I just wanted to soak up the moment and stopped short of grabbing the video camera so I could watch it again and again.

I am still in shock - as this behaviour has mostly been maintained the whole evening until bedtime.

I still haven't felt their horns or tails by the way

So to say I am grateful would be an understatement. I have ended the week on a lovely high.

Do you answer the phone during the night?

Just as much as I hate getting calls during the night, I also hate making those calls. When you are pulled from your sleep by the ringing of the phone, it always sounds urgent, and I always fear the worst. I mean ... who doesn't? People don't usually call you at 3am to chat. Not to me anyway!

So, I got hubby to make the dreaded 3am phone call. I could see the pain in his face that said "Please, don't make me do it". My hands were tied, Master 5 was hanging off me - Literally!
We had already administered a dose of Paracetamol which had eased his earache enough for him to go back to sleep. This only lasted a bit over an hour though. He woke up screaming for Mummy. We tried to comfort him, but he was having none of that. "Do something Mummy!" was his demand.

What were our options? With the After Hours Dr closing their doors at 10pm, which is the same time the last Chemist in the South of the State closes, we were considering a trip to the Emergency Department in the city. Knowing that an Earache would be listed low on the Emergency list, though, with a possible all-night wait, while my son screamed and thrashed around on my knee, I was not at all tempted. Our only other option was to administer another medicine, of which the only sort in our possession which would have any effect on the problem was Phenergan. At best, this would only make him drowsy, possibly allowing him and us a bit more sleep, but it would not take away the pain.

So, the time had come to make the call. Thankfully we have a great support system of family and friends living close by. Hubby logged into Facebook first, to check if anyone was online to whom he could plead assistance. Not so lucky! That call just had to be made.

With Hubby's brother and family living close, and the possibility of them having a suitable medicine, hubby made the call while I tried to subdue Master 5. We held our breath until the call was answered. With confirmation that help was only minutes away, Hubby was out the door and back relatively quickly while I distracted Master 5 with games of Angry Birds. The dose of Ibuprofen did the trick and Master 5 was lulled back to sleep, in the comfort of our bed, no less.

The knowledge that he was no longer writhing in pain was a huge comfort to us. We are thankful that we have reliable support close by. We are thankful they are always willing to answer that dreaded call, and help if able. To us, this support is more valuable than any view a change of address could ever bring.

How I shocked the hubby, and myself

It's not very often that I get to shock my Hubby with my capabilities. We have been together for 18 years, so he has seen, heard and experienced my skills, talents and abilities. Needless to say, he also has a grip on what I am not so good at.

Under his guidance, I decided it was about time to learn something that he is good at. I love learning new things. Anyone who knows me or has been reading Bright Side Up for a while will have heard my motto - Have a go! I love learning new skills and tackling a challenge.

My 2012 TO DO LIST  has been great to add things that I want to try. Being the wife of an avid Fisherman, I have observed and watched as my husband has backed the boat trailer time, and time again. I also have watched others do it while he has observed. I have learned from watching others and from the frustration that Hubby shows from seeing them have trouble that this is a skill to master, not just a menial task to be done without thought and concentration.

With the boat trailer hitched behind the Ute we set off to the local boat ramp. I listened to Hubby's instructions and practised approaching from different angles, and learning the effect that steering and speed can have on the position of the trailer.

I was quite happy with myself that I was taking it all in, but it was the look on my Hubby's face that said just how well I was picking it up. His expression was full of amusement, disbelief and pride that I was able to do this task on my first lesson to an acceptable standard.

I knew this was a valuable asset to have. It meant that I could back the trailer so Hubby could launch the boat into the water. This would save Hubby a lot of work of going from Ute to boat to Ute. I would now be contributing to the trip, not just be the passenger.

With my first lesson done, I was feeling confident with my new skill. We headed home to unhitch the trailer. Hubby asked if we should swap seats so that he could reverse the trailer up our driveway, which has a steady incline and a little bend in it, with gateposts on either side. I wanted to at least give it a go, so Hubby accommodated me.

I did it ....much to his shock, as well as mine.

I know that this sort of skill needs to be practised and am in no means cocky enough to think I will get it right each and every time. Having a good first experience though, has assured me that I can do it, and given Hubby the knowledge that I am able to do this.

Have you shocked someone, or yourself lately with an achievement? I encourage you to Have A Go!

Word for word, they are listening

When the adults are gathered around, talking about their day, going through various topics and voicing their opinions, where are the children? Oh, it's OK - they are busy watching their favourite television program, they are not taking any of the chatter in.

I have witnessed first hand that this is not always the case.

Children may be fully focused on the television screen, they may be laughing along to the antics on their favourite show, they may even not respond when you say their name several times. They are, on the other hand, still taking in parts of the conversation in the background, ears pricked and brain sucking like a sponge. Admittedly, they keep one ear cocked purely so they don't miss out on any opportunities, but it is amazing the things they remember about who said what and the exact context with which it was used.

I have various examples.

Hubby and his mates often gather in the shed, also know here as "the man cave". They sit and reminisce, telling jokes and ribbing each other. Occasionally, they may be doing something constructive as well.
They were doing this one particular day when hubby called his mate some descriptive words that he reserves for adult conversation only. But this was OK, because the children were not in the shed. They were playing in the adjacent yard. He could hear them jumping on the trampoline, laughing and chatting.
A while later the children came out of the yard, just as hubby's mate exited the shed. My son and hubby's mate got in each others way. My son, only 3 at the time was quick to say "Out of the way", but then added the descriptive words, just as hubby had phrased them awhile back in the shed.
It was unmistakable that he had heard hubby's words exactly, and had now used them in the same context. It's funny how kids learn words and where they should be used so quickly. Hubby and his mates now speak in hushed tones in "the man cave".

Another example involves my father-in-laws love of boating.
He has two boats, but loves his Huon Pine Motor/ Sail boat. He speaks with passion about his boat, mostly to the grandchildren, as they are a much more accepting and engrossed audience, as he tells stories of his hopes and dreams for himself on boating adventures.
On our way past a bridge recently, our son must have been thinking about "Pop's boat". Hubby and I were discussing our agenda for the day when, quite out of the blue, Master 4 piped up with "Pop's boat is just right you know? Not too big, not too small. Just right." Hubby and I looked at each other with a grin. It was as if my father-in-law was in the car with us. The description were his words. My son had obviously heard him say this many times in one of his raves to his friends.

Children are learning all of the time, and a great way for them to learn is through listening to others and hearing how words are put together. Unfortunately, they may hear conversation that is not meant for them. This can and should be avoided where possible. Other times, they pick up some great use of language in words and tones.

They key is to remember, that children are always listening. 

Have you found your kids have been listening when you thought they weren't? Or do they say things word for word that they have picked up from others?

NEW DISH NO.1 - BEEF BOURGUIGNON

When was the last time you put food in your mouth and had to close your eyes and groan in appreciation? It doesn't happen very often in our house when I cook, but I am happy to say I cooked a winning dish recently.

My 2012 TO DO LIST included learning how to cook 4 new dishes, so this is the dish to start it off.

My mother actually cooked the dish for us first, and by the end of the week hubby was begging me to give the recipe a go. He even used the puppy dog look.

So I begged and borrowed my Mum's recipe and set off to the Supermarket with a list of ingredients in hand. I love recipes that don't require things I don't ordinarily use, or wouldn't use for any other dish. So this recipe is great, as I am familiar with all of the ingredients.

Now I must warn you before revealing the recipe that in our household ingredients are not measured accurately, as we like to splash a bit in and maybe a bit more. Luckily, this is a recipe that you can do that with and it still tastes great.

source

So the recipe we used was:

BEEF BOURGUIGNON
1.5 kg Diced Beef
2 tablespoons Olive Oil
175g Rindless Bacon, coarsely chopped
2 Medium Onions, finely chopped
3 Garlic Cloves, finely chopped
2 tablespoons Plain Flour
500ml Red Wine
2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
1 tablespoon Fresh Thyme, chopped
250g Button Mushrooms
1/3 cup Fresh Parsley, chopped
4 medium Carrots, roughly chopped
1 cup salt-reduced Beef Stock
salt and pepper to taste

Brown the diced beef in a large fry pan with olive oil. Remove the meat from the pan to rest.
Put bacon, onion and garlic in the pan to cook, stirring occasionally for 5 minutes or until golden brown. Add the flour and tomato paste. Cook, stirring for 1 minute. Gradually add the wine, stirring constantly, until well blended. Add the browned beef, thyme, parsley, carrot and mushroom, salt and pepper. Bring to the boil; reduce heat. Cook covered for 30 - 45 minutes or until meat and vegetables are tender.

This recipe can also be used in the oven.
Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Prepare the ingredients as above. Instead of bringing to the boil in the pan, transfer the mixture to an oven proof dish. Bake, covered for 2 hours.

The aroma that fills the kitchen with this recipe is mouthwatering.

Serve with vegetables of your choice, rice or just mash potato.

Veg and Mince Patties with zing

I don't claim to be a great cook - maybe because I am not. I don't think I have bothered to include much of my cooking here on my blog either. Cooking is something of a chore for me usually, not something I get a lot of joy out of. Occasionally I might pull off a meal that is "pretty good", often it is "OK".

I do like to try new things though, as long as it's not too technical or time consuming. So when I was given the opportunity to receive some great Garden Gourmet goodies to add to our family meals, I felt a little excited about cooking all of a sudden.

Whats not to like? These herbs and spices are so convenient. They are kept in the fridge and ready to use, someone else has done the growing, chopping, and cleaning up for you.

My hubby is the talented cook of the family, and I have seen him eyeing off the Gourmet Garden goodies.I have promised he can have them after I have finished testing them for my blog. The man is always keen on adding some garlic or herbs.


So I thought I would go with a family favourite and add a bit of zing to it.

Veg and Mince Patties


500g Quality Beef Mince
1 sml Carrot grated
1 sml Zucchini grated
1 red onion diced
2 eggs
1 squirt of Gourmet Garden Hot Chilli
1 tablespoon of Gourmet garden Chunky Garlic
1 tablespoon Gourmet Garden Basil

The quantities of chilli, garlic and basil really are up to your own taste.

Put mince in a good size bowl (you want a bit of room once all the ingredients are in for mixing).
Place the grated zucchini and carrot, and the diced onion in with the mince. Add the 2 eggs and the required quantities of Gourmet Garden Hot Chilli, Gourmet Garden Chunky Garlic and Gourmet Garden Basil. Mix well.

Place your Pattie mixture near your pan, as well as a bowl of flour. Add some olive oil to the pan and switch it on to a low to moderate heat. If the pan is too hot, the Pattie will burn on the outside before cooking inside. I prefer them to have a golden look. Start rolling the Pattie mixture into a ball between your hands, then roll lightly in the flour and add to the pan. The size of your patties is personal. I find a ball I can hold loosely in one hand works well for my family.

 And the verdict? They were delish!
The family had no trouble gobbling them up. I grinned watching the kids enjoying their patties, knowing that they are eating wholesome vegetables without whinging. The added chilli and herbs were great, and just enough for a burst of flavour. The smell was awesome!

My Gourmet Garden goodies were popped back in the fridge for our next flavour burst. No mess, no fuss. Definitely my sort of cooking product.

www.gourmetgarden.com.au

*disclosure. This post is my own opinion of the product which I received for free. The contents of this post will be considered for a competition.

Stay-At-Home-Dad .... where are you?

The house is a shambles.
    I need a roster to tell me what to do.
       I keep looking for back-up, when there is none.
          I am over Master 4 letting the dog out to roam the neighbourhood.
              Tomorrow is technically only day 3 of my week in the twilight zone.

My hubby (aka Stay-at-home-dad) is missing from the house this week. BOO HOO! Come back Daddy!

No it's not that bad. I have been taking note, though, of how different it is at home without him here. And bloody hell, have I noticed how much he does around the house! I knew, of course, but I am really noticing.
I sound like such a typical working parent.

He has been leaving early and getting home about the same time as I usually do. So the first thing I noticed was the empty space in the bed next to me. Nothing to cuddle after I hit the snooze button!
I then had to run around like a mad woman getting the kids here and there, and make sure I wasn't going to work in my pj's with muesli around my face.
I have to keep reminding myself of what happens at what time, lest I forget something important ... like school drop-off.

Tomorrow is officially my day off. I will be home for a full day. Alone!

Well ... actually Master 4 has a bike-a-thon tomorrow at school, so I'm thinking that will take up some of my day. The rest will be gone with the blink of an eye.

I miss Stay-at-home Dad!

Grateful for a hubby who cooks YUMMY soup

I know I am lucky to be married to my husband. He has many great qualities.

If I ever doubt it, he occasionally comes up trumps with one of his many skills to remind me.

Today has been chillier here in Tasmania, going from mid-twenties this week to 14 degrees Celsius today. 

Definitely time to bring out the comfort food.

Hubby thought he might "whip up" a big batch of Pumpkin Soup.

And whip it up he did!

It was all I could do to keep Master 4 out of the pot!

Linking up with Maxabella and Kidspot 

Playing Grown Ups

Being a family on limited budget, and with a youngster that draws lots of attention in public, we very rarely go to a restaurant. We tend to visit the quick and easy establishments known for their cheap food which does not look like the pictures on the billboards. Otherwise a counter meal is an option, as long as there is play equipment for the kiddies which means slightly less indigestion  after the meal for us.

Today hubby and I were traveling without children. The perfect time to try something grown up.

We were lured to the taste of something different to the usual, or just something with taste!

We walked into an Asian restaurant.
There was authentic music playing in the background, not loud pop music with film clips.
There were fancy gold tablecloths, and gold chair covers with bows. Very swish!
There was cutlery and napkins on the table already, instead of help-yourself trays near the register.
The waiter pulled out my chair for me. Very rare indeed.
We ordered and waited. We found the need for conversation. No Keno here.
The meal was lovely and very relaxed.
No talking through gritted teeth. No cutlery dropped on the floor. No food or drinks spilled.

Perhaps too relaxing?

Again, I blame it on the fact that this was a very rare outing for me, as I told the waiter at the counter the meal was lovely and headed out the door.

He was hesitant but managed to get out "Excuse me, would you like to settle the bill?"
WHOOPS! How bloody embarrassing.
I'm so used to paying for things as I order.

As if I wasn't embarrassed enough, hubby then had a chuckle to the waiter, and blurted out, "You know mate, she was saying at the table she was going to try slipping out the door without paying".

Nervous laughter and a swift jab to the ribs.

Maybe I should try eating out solo for the ultimate restaurant experience?

Laughter Lives Here - Sight for sore eyes

My hubby found something today.

Something I have been looking for at our house for quite some time now.

He didn't even tell me he'd found it - but let me come across it on my own.

I was on the way to the toilet (ahem) when I stopped in my tracks in amazement.

It had been such a long time since I had seen it, I sucked in my breathe at the sight.

I stepped closer, blinking to make sure it wasn't a mirage.

But no, it was real, and such a great sight after being lost for such a long time.

What an amazing find by my hubby, what a clever man he is.

I peered all the way down, soaking up the view.

image source

The bottom of the Laundry Hamper - Oh I have missed you!


So, what's making you laugh lately? Has somebody done or said something that has given you a good giggle? Add your funny post to the list below (and please try to follow the theme and not just link up a random post) and pretty-please add a link back to my blog. Then pop over to visit other bloggers who are spreading a little sunshine. The Laughter Lives Here Link will be open Monday to Friday.