Rubbish

So... Lets talk about sustainability.

It's a word that gets thrown around a lot. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. I'm sure most of you are rolling your eyes already! But we all know it's a fair point.  Does anyone really make changes in their own life to do anything about it?  We all know that we consume way too much, chuck out way to much, and generally don't think about what happens next.

One of the reasons I've been thinking about this is that a council near me is changing the way their bin system works.  They will be picking up the landfill, recycling, and green waste bins fortnightly, rather than weekly.  As you can imagine, there are a lot of people asking themselves how they are going to deal with this enforced change. Can they live with throwing away less rubbish or unwanted items? How can they, as a household, change their style of living to accommodate this situation.

Some people assume that public dumping will become a problem. Others think people will try to put rubbish in commercial dumpsters, such as the local supermarket.  I heard one person say that the bins are too small, and that if they are not emptied weekly, they will need bigger bins!

I think, as a society, we need to change the way we see rubbish.  Instead of automatically throwing something away, can we ask ourselves, "What could be another use for this item?"  Can we cheat the system in a way and buy things that come with less or no packaging? Then that packaging wont end up in our bins!

I don't have the big answers. I don't know what we can do with every single piece of plastic that gets thrown away. But I do know this ~ if each of us try to re-think our own choices, the problem would become smaller.

I thought it would be fun to share with you what I did today! I know it's only a simple thing, but I thought it was kind of inventive in a way...

I drank my coconut water, made pudding with the coconut meat, and turned the coconut into a pot plant!  I can use the mint that is growing in it for cooking, instead of buying mint packaged from the supermarket!

Fresh Coconut Water

Coconut Pudding
(Saved for my toddler)

Mint Planted in a Young Coconut

I know the young coconut will decay eventually, but isn't that the whole point?


Leave a comment!
Thanks for reading!

Specifically About Spring...

I love spring...

I took my daughter out for a walk and photo hunt this morning at the nature reserve near our home.
Check out some of the photo's we found!  Although some people do feed these ducks bread, we know it's not healthy for them, so we like watch them swimming around and playing in the wetlands.

I know these pics are far from perfect, but we had fun in the sun, wind, and nature anyway!

Take care!

Specifically About Rental Inspections

Right now I am sitting at home waiting for the real estate lady to come and do my house inspection. All you other ‘renters’ will have just died a little inside! You can relate to this. Ohh the judgement! It’s worse than having your mother visit… (Jks)

I’m not sure about other countries, but in Australia, renters get around 4 house inspections per year, and they have the option to be at home for this, but they don’t have to be. I prefer to be at home. It’s easier and you know they haven’t snooped through your stuff.

People who know me, know that I keep a fairly clean home. Everything has a place and a place for everything – quote mother. But I also have an 11 month old baby.  Yep, I can barely keep up with the washing, let alone folding, before she tips the basket over and I start again. I’ve barely mopped the floors and she’s in her high chair throwing banana at the ceiling. She’s a good kid, and a very happy little girl, but it can be annoying! 

Anyway, back to the inspection.

So right before the inspector comes in the door, they are holding all the power. Don’t you want a little of that? Well, I’m here to show you how…

You pay for the space that you rent, don’t you? So, to an extent, you can decide what you do in that space. Therefore, I refuse to bow to anyone who is here to judge my use of this space.

Bear in mind that the agent has probably set aside somewhere between 10-30 minute (usually) for an inspection and have other houses to get to.

Key tips:

1: Distraction! This is the absolute key to winning an inspection.  I don’t care what you use to distract them with, but you must. This is essential. You can do something such as, have a craft out on the table – what are you making? (Don’t say nothing, I got this rubbish out of the draw to distract you, sucker!) Always have some story about some project you have been meaning to get around to doing. They should feel like they are getting in your way.  Or, have a few books and a computer out on the table – you are studying, or you are researching, or you are thinking about taking a trip. These are leading topics of distraction so be prepared to answer questions. They ALWAYS want to know what you are studying! And have they been to Europe? Oh, they have?  Where do you recommend I go? Oh, you prefer Asia, tell me about that! People love talking about their trips! Bam! 10 mins gone! You are not sitting around doing nothing waiting for them, you are ‘getting on with your day as usual’ because they don’t own you! You have power and control over your own time!

2: Have the sweet spots, spotless. Yes, clean your bathroom, laundry, kitchen, and make your bed (yes, mum).  These are a must. This shows that you have taken time to adhere to cleanliness. You haven’t done this for them, you’ve done this for yourself. You like to live in a clean, germ free home.

3: Greet them at the door as if they are a guest in your home. Make them feel from the moment you open that door like they are there for a coffee and chat (Don’t actually make them coffee though!). Dress neat casual to let them know you are the sort of person who is organised, motivated, and is probably going out later in the day, or has just arrived home. The first thing they are likely to ask is, is there anything that needs fixing or attention from their side. ALWAYS SAY YES!  The tap is dripping a little, the cupboard door hinge needs looking at, I’m not sure what is going on with the back fence. This is the biggest distraction and best chance you will get of them not looking closely at your vents. This also gives you some power – asking them to do something for you. They will write this down and make a note to check it, meanwhile they’ve already been into the kitchen and ignored the oven that didn’t quite make the chore list.

4: Have a little bit of clutter. I’m not taking dirty washing all over the bedroom floor and a trashed lounge room. I’m talking washing on a drying rack, (and a conversation about how the weather has been terrible so you can’t hang it on the line and doesn’t it take so much longer to dry inside!) I’m talking, a few bits and pieces on the end of the kitchen bench, a few toys left in the middle of the room, some mail on the coffee table – you get the point.  This is your house. Yes, it’s clean, but it’s clean in the way that you, as a tenant and someone who pays for the space, want it.  The ball is in your own court!

As for the weeds – tell them they’ve been sprayed but haven’t quite died yet! This only works every second or third time. Don’t be telling that same lie every time they come!

I think the biggest thing is to keep it chatty, keep it friendly, and walk around the place with them, distracting them at every turn. They are not used to the chatty, friendly, tenant.

It also helps to put the baby to bed around the time they are expected to show up so they have to be quiet and can’t be powering all over the house, being all judgy! Alternately, if they baby is awake, they can serve as a massive distraction! No one can be in a bad mood around a happy baby, and no one wants to stick around for a crying, fussy baby. If you don’t have a baby, rent one? Joking! Don’t ever rent a baby!

Good luck with your next inspection and I hope some of these tips will help!

*note that these tips are not guaranteed to work, and I am not held responsible if they don’t work or if you didn’t pull it off! Some agents are just meanies and nothing will ever be good enough for them! They’ve always worked for me though and I haven't failed yet! (Fingers crossed)

Specifically About Over-thinking It

Let’s set the scene… 

You and your family are invited to a new friend’s home for dinner. You arrive on time, you are on your best behavior, (and really hoping your husband doesn’t say anything embarrassing). You don’t know the family all that well, but both husbands work together.  You know you have a few things in common, but you are still unsure how well you will eventually get along. 

You knock on the door, and the wife comes to open it. She is done up all pretty, and bubbly, and welcomes you into her warm home. “Hi, how are you?” “Did you find the place ok?”, you know how it goes – all the pleasantries.

Then comes the awkward part… “Would you like something to drink?”, she asks. “Yes, please, that would be great!” You answer, like you’ve not just had a drink before you got in the car!

“What would you like?”, she asks sincerely.

Ummm…. Such an unexpectedly loaded question!

What would you like to drink? 

Now here is what I mean by awks… She hasn’t offered any options. Does she mean tea or coffee, or wine, or soft drink, or something completely different?

You are not about to say, “A shot of Tequila please, my kids have been driving me mental all day!”  But you are not really gunning for a cup of weak herbal tea either.

Do you ask for a glass of wine, knowing you brought over a bottle to share? Or does she think you bought it as a gift?

You realize you've shot yourself in the foot because you can't change your mind now - you've already said you wanted something! Backing out would seem crazy weird!

Meanwhile, as these thoughts are rushing through your head, you are suddenly conscious that you haven’t said anything at all yet and everyone is starring at you in a deafening silence, as if to say, “it’s only a drink – say something!”

Startled you blurt out, “Oh, water for me thanks!”, “Really, are you sure?”

Gahhh… so you get your boring water, and have to shut up about it!

All the awkwardness of this moment can be avoided.

After all, you have been invited over for dinner. Now, I’m not saying the hostess needs to list any and all of the beverages in her house for you to choose from, but a simple guide would be great!

A simple phrase such as, “Red or White?” would be a great indication. Another great hint could be, “Would you like a cold drink? I have…” after which the guest can develop a picture of something sensible to ask for.

“I’ll join you with a glass of red, please.”


There, done. How hard was that?! 

...and the evening goes on!

Specifically about juicing

I always forget to juice, but when I do, I always feel 100x better. 

I’m not going to lie though, I think I’m just lazy and don’t want to clean up the mess.  But in saying that, if you make a few serves in one go and put some in the fridge or freezer, the benefits totally outweigh the hassle! 

Green Juice

Recipe:

·         Kale – about 5 branches.  I always cut the stems out though as I find it woody and bitter.

·         Baby Spinach – about 1 ½ handfuls - high in iron, fibre, and antioxidants, and increase liver function

·         Carrot – one whole, not pealed - high in Vitamins A, C, E, as well as the B group vitamins and potassium

·         Cucumber – 1 whole Lebanese cucumber - extreme hydrating effects, which boosts cell reproduction and growth

·         Ginger – 2-3 inches - has a positive effect on speeding up digestive juices, improving absorption, reducing flatulence, settling the stomach, and helps relieve joint pain

·         Kiwi – 1 whole, skin on - nutrient dense fruit, which aid in maintaining healthy skin, reduces blood pressure and heart disease

·         Pineapple – ¼ chopped and pealed - add flavour to the juice and are high in Vit C. They also contain anti-inflammatory properties, aid digestion, are a natural antioxidant, boost energy, and promote kidney health.

Method:

Juice everything in order of appearance in the recipe.  I tend to juice the most “juicy” ingredient last so that it cleans through the machine and any thicker juices get washed into my container, making the most of every ingredient. 

Serving Suggestion:

Serve straight away, with a handful of ice cubes.  It is very green so feel free to add some water or added pineapple juice to thin it down. Alternatively, if you are not that keen, just leave out the kale.

Or

Freeze for another day.  Do not leave it in freezer for too long, though – it can’t help you there!

Health Benefits:

(Note:  I am not a health care professional, but have done research in this area. If you have any individual concerns, speak to your health care provider.)

Collectively, this juice is amazing for anyone suffering from joint pain, such as arthritis, or in pregnancy.  This juice also claims to aid the function of your liver, kidney, skin, digestion, lower blood pressure, and boost energy.  

After drinking this juice, I felt so much healthier, more vibrant, and definitely had more energy – a certain reminder to myself to get juicing more often!!

I hope you have found this information helpful.  I would like to know how you got on, if you attempted to replicate this recipe. Did you feel any of the health benefits described? 

Specifically about Dads

Dads. When did being a good dad become acting like a mum? Think about that for a minute. 

There was a movie recently that referred to the Father as a “Farmy”! Really? Father crossed with taking care of his kids is called a Farmy? Father who acts like a Mommy? How did this happen? A dad should not have to feel weird about acting like a dad.

Mr Mum.  Where did this come from? A dad who takes care of his child, is a dad, not a male mother. Yeah, yeah, we hear it all the time. 'A mum has breast milk and gave birth, so she should be the primary care-giver and stay with the child and take care of them untill they are school age, and then she might think about going ‘back to work, part-time’'.  Such a common misconception. But, last time I checked, breastfeeding is generally accepted in Western cultures until the child is 1 years old, and then maybe a night time ‘feed’ until they are 18months or so.  That time frame may differ between household, but it is rare you see a 4-5 year old breastfeeding anymore. So why is it up to Mother to be the main care-giver? Anyway, I digress. 

There is no reason a dad should be made to feel embarrassed or awkward caring for his child.  No one would point out a mother pushing a pram and say, ‘Oh how nice of you to get the baby out of the house for a while – lovely to see a mum with her baby, giving Dad a break. Aww blessss…’

When you do see a Dad with his kids, how easy is it to assume he is following orders from a strung out mum who is at her wits end with kids and their behavior whilst being swamped with chores and needs him to ‘GET THEM OUT!’

There is no reason a Dad can’t think to himself that, god forbid, he might actually want to spend time with his kids! And yet, at the park, he feels the watchful eye of the ‘mummy pack’ as he takes a picture of his kids playing nicely together (for a change!).  They are making memories together.  He is about to message this photo to his wife, but he’s asked what the hell he thinks he’s doing using photography in a public place (who knows what he’ll do with it, right?!). Meanwhile, the next mum is uploading 17 photos to Facebook!

When a dad is made to feel like this, it’s taking away from his role, responsibility, and love for his child/children. We are being told everywhere that ‘kids need a Father Figure’ in their lives.  The harsh reality is that many children grow up without a father.  This is why society is always saying they ‘need male primary school teachers’.  This is why there are big brother/little brother programs. This is one reason people send their kids to Scouts, or join them up to sporting clubs etc. When kids grow up unbalance adults, society is quick to blame it on them not have a reliable ‘Father Figure’ to depend on or lead them by example.

You can’t have it both ways. 

If a kid is lucky enough to have a dad around, let’s encourage that family when we see them out. Let’s call him ‘Dad’, because that’s what he is.  Let’s not call him ‘Mr Mum’ for changing that nappy, or ‘Farmy’ because he took his kid to play group. Let dads be dads.

Specifically About Travel

I have been thinking a lot about travel lately: where I have lived, where I have visited, where I would one day like to go.

Thinking about the time I lived interstate, and attempted my first degree (that’s another story). The time I went to Scotland, to Wales, when I lived in England, the time I visited Amsterdam, or my time in France.  Sure, I’ve been to a lot of places, but I haven’t been to anywhere near the amount of places I would like to go one day.

I know it is definitely cliché, but to me, travel isn’t about the destination, it’s about how you get there and what you do once you are there. 

Travel is about the people you meet along the way. In Spain, I met a girl from Malaysia, Liyana.  We visited so many different districts and sites together.  We still keep in touch.  Also, while I was in Spain, I met another girl, Marily.  She ended up visiting me in Adelaide and we have become friends, even though she is from Quebec, Canada! When I lived in Prague, Czech Republic, I made friends with so many people from all around the world, and we have stayed in contact.

Travel brings people closer together.  Travel humanizes countries. Where ever I have been, I have always met someone I can now call a friend.

 Travel is not only about the experiences you have with those new people, but also the experiences you have by yourself. I spent the day exploring the canals in Amsterdam, walking in the footsteps of many other souls and meditating on the city I was currently in.  The art, the history, the lives lived, and yet to be lived.

Travel, to me, is about discovering and re-discovering aspects about my life which I didn’t know were there, or haven’t seen in a while.  Travel is very freeing and it opens your mind to new ideas, and ways of doing things, not only going to new places you have never been before.  Waking up in the morning wondering what the day will bring. Planning your day, with the freedom to change those plans.  Being independent, but sensitive to what is happening around you, and maybe crossing paths with others on a similar journey.

Travel teaches you to be patient. I remember being stuck on a train between Amsterdam and Prague.  It was meant to be an overnight train, boarding at 7PM, and arriving at 7AM.  Instead I ended up stuck on the train in the middle of the night, alone with strangers, somewhere in Germany for 4 hours and ended up getting to Prague at 12 noon the next day.  I’m still not entirely sure what had happened, but it makes you realize that, even if you will never understand, some things happen that are out of your control and you have to roll with it and make the best of the situation.

Although I have put big travel plans on hold in this current season of life, I’m realising the joy and beauty of the place I am living in right now.  Travel has taught me to appreciate time, to be observant, and to make the most of experiences because you may will never get that same experience again.

Take notice of days going by. Enjoy that afternoon spent at the beach, or the time you got to spend doing something you love, with someone you love.

Right now, I’m traveling with my family, in my suburban home, helping my baby to grow and experience the world around us. Seeing her mature and change is all the awe and wonderment I need.

I’m not going to sit here and only dream about my next big adventure. Life is about finding adventure in the little things, as well as the earth shattering moments.  And believe me, I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.