The only way that we can save any money is to cut back on food shopping! Easier said than done! Everything seems to be getting smaller and yet going up in price. I have never really felt that our shopping budget was over the top. For a family of nine living at home and lots of visitors that join us for meals on the weekend, I was spending $600 per fortnight. Because of my silly spending spree and subsequent debt I now need to get us back on track financially and the only way I can do this is to save on food shopping. I have reduced our budget to $400 a fortnight. I don't know how I am going to go but this week was the start and I was really proud of myself because I finished my shopping at a total of $380.00. I must admit though that I spent another $200 at a large discount supermarket buying bulk items. These items should last at least a month if not six weeks. The things I bought were Dishwashing powder in bulk, Toilet paper bulk, shampoo and conditioner bulk, peanut butter bulk, vegemite bulk, mayonaise bulk, vegeta stock bulk (I couldn't live without that stuff!) Washing powder bulk, windex bulk, soap on tap bulk. I guess if you add this expense to the budget then my fortnightly shopping goes up to $500 but I have a feeling that the vegemite, soap on tap, washing powder and shampoo are going to last for two months............I'll let you know!
My trolley consisted of lots of mince! let's face it, it is the cheapest meat you can buy apart from sausages and it is so versatile. My menu plan looks like this for the next fortnight

Thursday; Home made pumpkin soup with home made rolls and jacket potatos on the side.
Friday; Chilli Con Carne with rice
Saturday; Chicken Stir Fry with Egg Noodles (lots of veg)
Sunday; Shepherds Pie with broccoli cheese
Monday; Home made meat pies with potato top and roasted oven vegetables
Tuesday; Lasagne with either salad or vegetables
Wednesday; Fettucini with zuchini and bacon (Jamie Oliver recipe)

Basically I double these recipes so that the following week we eat the same food as per the previous week.
I would like to eat better food for myself with dieting and everything but I am more focussed on the exercise to help me lose weight at the moment than struggling with strict diets.
I feel a sense of excitement about trying to achieve this. I really hope that I can succeed and see our savings go back up again.
Any ideas from frugal living experts?
For more ideas follow this link www.livingonadime.com

Well, it's Autumn again and time to start thinking about healthy, hearty recipes for those colder days!
We love soup and one of my favourite cook books is "12 months of Monastery Soups", it is inspiring, to say the least! The base for most soups is chicken stock. Yes, you can buy it ready made in the supermarket but the benefits of home made stock are well worth the effort of producing your own! It isn't difficult, just time consuming, as you need to watch it over a four hour period. Here is my favourite recipe for home made stock. I like this because the chicken and vegetables are roasted in the oven before soaking, this makes a particularly tasty stock!

Rich Chicken Stock Recipe

November 19th, 2007 by alice Tags: Chicken, Rich, Stock

INGREDIENTS

1. 4lbschicken bones, chopped
2. 3largeSpanish onions, quartered(skin left on)
3. 1/2headcelery, coarsely chopped
4. 2largecarrots, coarsely chopped
5. 3tablespoonsolive oil
6. salt & freshly ground black pepper
7. 2bay leaves
8. 1/4cuppeppercorns
9. 1bunchfresh flat-leaf parsley, remove stems
10. 6sprigsfresh thyme

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
2. Combine chicken bones, onions, celery, and carrots in a large roasting pan; toss with oil and season lightly with salt and pepper.
3. Roast until the bones and vegetables
   
   are a rich golden brown, about 30 to 40 minutes.
4. Transfer the bones and vegetables to a large stockpot, add 12 cups cold water, and the remaining ingredients and bring to a boil over high heat.
5. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 4 hours, skimming the scum that rises to the top with a ladle every 20 minutes.
6. Remove from the heat and strain through a mesh strainer into a clean pot.
7. Place back on the stove over high heat and cook until reduced by half.
8. Use immediately or let cool to room temperature, cover, and refrigerate or freeze until ready to use.

It's not good looking for math curriculum! I end up on all the home school web pages and start looking at everything else as well as math! Now my head is full of a wonderful looking Australian History curriculum from Adnil Press, some interesting looking Writing books based on great novels and Singapore Grammar!! Why oh why did I have to click on all the pdf sample pages and get absorbed with it all??? I was only looking for Math and now I am full of ideas about everything else. I think I will go back and sit in my cave!

Home schooling is amazing. New products come and they generate heaps of discussion! suddenly everyone is changing over to the "new product". Well, I have been out of the home school loop for a while now because I knew that my restlessness with curriculum was due in part to reading about what other people used and then feeling dissatisfied with my choice! I was drawn back into the loop because for nearly six weeks my eldest children have not done Math! They finished their book in MUS and I haven't had the finances to upgrade. With two children using the same book it will cost me $190...........that is a lot of money in anyone's language! So I have spent the past few days browsing math curricula and trying to come up with a solution. I have decided to try Singapore Math with Ben, it has great reviews and to be honest with you, the price is great! Much better for my budget. High school is a bit harder! Both MUS and the very popular Teaching Textbooks are going to set me back financially. Then again, is cost an issue? well, Yes! for me right now it really is! and the frustrating thing is that even the books that are used for math in Australian High Schools don't come close to the figures of Homeschooling Material. I like the format of MUS, I like having the teacher available on DVD!! My kids aren't overly keen on the man that presents the teaching and I must admit he reminds me of a teacher that I didn't like much in High School, but all said and done........it works! But, Yes! that word again...........I need to be wise with my finances (see my post below!!) so right now I am looking at another new kid on the block, Life Of Fred. Wow! the price is very appealing! and I have read the sample pages and they sound great! but I wonder if it will be enough explanation for my children? Will they miss their online teacher? Does Life Of Fred come with an online teacher? All these questions and more!!
Anyone using Life Of Fred? Shall I or not? Then again will it be no math for another term or take a risk? decisions, decisions, decisions..............

I feel so good! it is such a relief to be free of my secret burden. It isn't time to hide and feel sorry for myself! it is time to make changes and move on! YAY!!
I have researched courses in massage and other things that interest me like aromotherapy. There are lots of short courses run by TAFE and most of them have two options, day and night time classes! The night time classes run from 6-9.00pm one evening per week for eight weeks. Obviously I need to do a number of courses like these to gain a certificate four but I am in no rush. I am quite happy to leave the children for a couple of hours until Steve gets home. It won't affect my school duties or anything else at home.
I think I might join a home group at church. Steve isn't keen and this has stopped me from doing it for a few months now, just waiting for him to change his mind. I feel like I need the support of other christians in a small group setting, not so much the Bible study aspect! I hope that eventually Steve will join me but I guess he has his reasons (although I'm not quite sure what they are)
I'm loving the gym! I love the exercise and the fellowship. The instructors are so supportive of me and continually give me praise and encouragement. It does wonders for my self esteem!
I've ordered a book called "Confessions of a former fat girl" By Lisa Delaney. I didn't want any more diet books, I've got enough of them, but I wanted to be inspired by someone who has made exercise part of their lifestyle and has the positive results that go with it!
Life is good, God is good and I am walking in victory!

Thanks Jess for the following link to an article by Pastor Kong Hee. I am absolutely going to get a tattoo now!!! LOL.........."Oops, dad is reading this as I type!"
Always was a rebel without a cause.............might go nice with my new santitary slippers.

What About Tattoos?

Tattoos have become a mark of the 21st century. According to the August 4, 2008, issue of U.S. News & World Report, more than one quarter of those under the age of 30 adorn their skin with at least one. No longer is tattoo something reserved only for gang members, convicts, delinquents or social outcasts. In fact, many of the preachers’ kids of the largest churches in Australia, America and Europe have them on their bodies. And these PKs are by no means rebellious or unspiritual. Most of them are doing excellent jobs leading youth, music and creative ministries. Some are even deliberately using their tattoos as a bridge to connect with the unchurched in outreach efforts. However, for most people, a tattoo is simply a means of stylistic expression. Many middle-aged women may not tattoo patterns and designs, but they go to their aestheticians to tattoo their eyebrows, eyeliners and lip colors.

So, is tattooing a sin? Are Christians allowed to have them?

Those who argue against it often quote Leviticus 19:28, “You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you: I am the Lord.” The word for “tattoo” in its original Hebrew is qa-aqa, which appears only this one time in the entire Scripture. Proper hermeneutic requires us to read any Bible passage with the actual context in mind. Practically all Bible commentaries agree that the context of Leviticus 19 is God prohibiting the Israelites from adopting the religious practices of the pagan nations surrounding them. Adam Clarke’s Commentary of the Old Testament says that the pagans were carrying “marks on the body in honor of the object of their worship … for superstitious purposes … in honor of different idols.” Nelson’s NKJV Study Bible says that the practice “had religious significance among Israel’s pagan neighbors.” But what if there is no religious, superstitious or idolatrous implication? Is a believer allowed to tattoo then?

Technically, if one takes the view that Leviticus 19 prohibits tattooing for all people in all circumstances, then for consistency’s sake, one must also abide by all the letters of the law here. That includes no shaving around the sides of the head, and the mandatory keeping of beards for all men (v27), which is a near impossibility for any serving in the military today. That also includes not wearing clothes made of different fabrics (v19). Should we then also continue with slavery and the keeping of mistresses, both accepted practices during the ancient days of Leviticus (v20)? Should we continue the Old Testament dietary restrictions like no eating of pork, shrimp, crab or shellfish? What about headscarves for women? Do we need to enforce that on all Christian women today? Most of us will agree that the answers to all the above are an emphatic no.

Next, is God Himself abhorrent to tattoos? God says in Isaiah 49:16, “See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands. Your walls are continually before Me.” The word “inscribe” in Hebrew means “to engrave.” The scholars of The Living Bible simply translate that as “I have tattooed your name upon my palm.” When John saw a vision of God’s chosen 144,000, they were “sealed” and “written” with the Father’s name on their foreheads (Rev. 7:3; 14:1). Those words in the original Greek mean to “mark,” “stamp” and “engrave.” The book of Revelation also talks about false worshipers receiving the mark of the beast, which were called stigmata among the Greeks. To this Paul refers when he says, “I bear in my body the marks (stigmata) of the Lord Jesus” (Gal. 6:17). Whether the prophet Isaiah and the apostles John and Paul are speaking metaphorically or otherwise, one thing is for sure, body markings are not always repugnant to God. As such, we must be careful not to paint them as evil or sinful in a broad, general stroke.

Theologians, like Tom Beaudoin, have done studies on youths who pierce or tattoo their bodies. They discovered that youths do that when they have had profound experiential encounters. Things that impact them deeply, like when they fall in love, get their hearts broken, graduate, start a new job, achieve something they are proud of, or lose a loved one through death. To the youths and young adults of the 21st century, tattooing (and body piercing) are often not something vain or rebellious, but more like a rite of passage. It is their way of expressing the spiritual in the physical, even at the expense of experiencing some bodily pain.

For most people, tattooing today is simply a means of personal and stylistic expression, much like clothing, makeup, hairstyle, body-toning and fashion accessorizing. There is nothing religious, superstitious and rebellious to the wearer; it is simply for aesthetic value.

Because tattooing is designed to last forever, and removal is painful and expensive, you should enter into it only after much consideration. Ask yourself the following:

• Am I at a legally acceptable age to get a tattoo?
• If I live with my parents, would they support my decision?
• Would I still want this tattoo when I get older?
• Am I really comfortable having it even if people may “unfairly judge” me?
• If my tattoo is visible to others, is it appropriate for my line of work?

Ultimately, tattooing is a personal choice that, more often than not, reflects neither a rebellious nature nor a religious inclination. It is clearly written in the Bible that God looks beyond the surface and sees the heart of a person. We must be careful not to judge a believer with tattoos as loving God less than the one without.

Don't you just love home made gifts? I love looking for new ideas and was so thrilled to find these wonderful slippers made from sanitary pads. I mean, how cheap are they going to be to make? And what a great way to mop floors, just use your slippers and get rid of the mop Fantastic for new mums in hospital. What a wonderful idea. I am going to start on some today for my lovely girls, Sarah, Jess, Beck and Rach. They will be thrilled...........I just know it!


Anyone else interested? Susan? Lisa? Amanda? I can make you all a pair if you like............

As you know, I am very interested in learning about natural ways to increase the happy mood transmitters, or "happy hormones" in our brain. I am intrigued at just how much information is out there and things that I know have helped me are proven to help with depression! One of those things is physical touch. On my worst days I would often ask my girls to straighten my hair for me using a heating iron. It wasn't that I wanted my hair to look nice, I was in much too sad a mood to worry about that! but the physical touch was what I needed. It is hard to explain but I noticed early on that when someone held my hand (a doctor used to do that with me each time he came to talk to me!) or stroked my hair, touched my back......whatever! the depression seemed to be lost in the moment. Physical touch is very important and that is why I am a strong advocate of methods such as massage and aromatherapy in dealing with depression. I am actually looking in to doing cert four in remedial massage at TAFE next year because I feel so strongly that this is a tool that God can use me with to help others. I am also reminded of the scripture where we are told to "lay hands on the sick" and I personally believe that there is much much more implicated in these words than merely laying hands and praying. I believe the physical action of laying hands on someone brings another level of healing aside from the one that we commonly think about.

Articles

A hug a day keeps the doctor away
Laura Barton | July 31, 2007

"EVERYBODY NEEDS TOUCH, especially the elderly," says Beata Aleksandrowicz. "Very often they are alone, their partners have gone or have died or they're sick, and nobody is touching them." Aleksandrowicz, a massage therapist, is speaking about a project she launched last month that saw therapists across England give free hand massages to elderly people in nursing homes. The response was heartening. "I had reactions such as, 'Oh, I had no idea that I need touch so much' or 'Oh, it's like I'm in fairyland!' "

Bertrand Russell once wrote: "Not only our geometry and our physics, but our whole conception of what exists outside us is based upon the sense of touch." But our experience of touch is dwindling. Increasingly we live alone, have virtual friends, shy away from any kind of physical contact with strangers for fear it might be unhygienic or inappropriate or could become violent.

The effects of not touching can prove detrimental to our wellbeing, both as individuals and as a society. "When you touch or are touched, you get the feeling of being connected with yourself and with others," Aleksandrowicz says, placing one hand on my arm. "When I touch you, you feel my touch - so by my touch you feel that you exist and you can connect with me. It is a feeling of being important, of being taken care of."

A 1997 study into the amount of touching and aggression among adolescents looked at the behaviour of 40 teenagers in McDonald's outlets in Paris and Miami. It found American adolescents spent considerably less time stroking, kissing, hugging and leaning against their peers than their French counterparts did.
Interestingly, the Americans showed more self-touching, such as playing with rings on their fingers, wringing their hands, twirling hair, wrapping arms around themselves, cracking knuckles, biting their lips, and also behaviour that was more aggressive, verbally and physically, towards their peers.

These findings are worrying, particularly because research suggests an absence of touching and physical interaction during adolescence may result in violent behaviour in later life. Touch deprivation appears to lead to a depletion in norepinephrine and serotonin, which, with dop-amine, are neurotransmitters affecting mood. When levels of norepinephrine and serotonin fall, levels of dopamine are left uninhibited, leading to the impulsive, often aggressive, behaviour associated with high levels of dopamine. (Research also suggests that levels of norepinephrine and serotonin may be increased through touch.)

Even though we're isolating ourselves from it, humans crave physical touch. It is one of the reasons people keep pets, Aleksandrowicz believes. "Because they can touch them, they can exchange warmth with them."

Well we have all heard of Jack in a box but today I introduce you to Joel in a box!
This is baby Joel's favourite game at the moment, putting himself inside a box and jumping up and down with excitement! I tried a number of times to lift him out but he only managed to jump right back in again so I left him!

It has been three months since I joined the gym. To be honest with you the scales are disappointing! I have had to re-think my original weight loss goal as now it seems ridiculous!! but the main thing that has kept me going has been that I just feel better! My clothes are fitting me more comfortably and certain things make me realize that the weight is coming off. The other day as I was putting my foundation on I could feel that my face was thinner! it sounds strange but it was true!! also my legs are firmer and my very big post baby belly is actually starting to get smaller..............slowly but surely! I haven't had any comments from anyone, not even my husband, but on the weekend a number of people commented that I had lost weight and Steve finally chipped in and agreed!! LOL. It felt good, I am not dependent on other people's comments to inspire me and keep me going but it sure does feel good. With the end of daylight saving the nights are much longer! At 5.00 p.m it is getting dark! By 7.00p.m I feel like going to bed! but "NO" I go out and take a brisk walk instead!!! The evening coolness is much more pleasant for walking in and it certainly makes for a better evening than sitting in front of the t.v! I also have a good excuse now as I bought myself a good pair of running shoes by Adidas.........Pump..........and they make me feel like I am walking on air! (picture above!)
This exercise is getting addictive!

It was a beautiful Easter, the weather was great and we had some lovely family time together. On Good Friday we went to Point Walter for a picnic. Joel got his first experience in the water! you should have seen the smile on his face as the water hit his body for the first time! He was wearing his clothes at the time which made for a messy baby but the happiness was worth it!

I copy and pasted this article because it was so interesting!

A health treatment that is not classified as standard western medical practice is referred to as "alternative" or "complementary." Alternative treatment for depression

refers to health-care practices considered outside the scope of conventional Western medicine. Many are being integrated into traditional-medicine settings as their safety, effectiveness, and scientific validity are recognized.

Alternative treatments for depression rely on the fact that depression, at crux, is a biochemical illness. Whether the main triggers are physical or emotional, these triggers then induce a broad range of neurochemical changes that, in turn, leads to the feelings of depression and to the physical and psychological disruptions that being depressed then causes.
Once one thinks about the biochemistry it should not be surprising that alternative treatments for depression often play an important role.

There are many alternative treatments available for depression. Each of these alternative treatment of depression

addresses human suffering in different ways, but generally they seek to re-establish a balance or harmony within the body and in the lifestyle of the person being treated.

Alternative treatments for depression are as follows:

• Acupuncture - The World Health Organization lists depression among the conditions for which acupuncture is effective. Some studies have shown it markedly lessens symptoms. Acupuncture can be a valuable alternative if you are unable to take antidepressants or have not found them helpful.
  
• Biofeedback
• Homeopathy
• Ayurveda
  
• Dietary factors - Because depressive symptoms can be exacerbated by nutritional deficiencies, good nutrition is important. Pay attention to eating a well-balanced diet. Quitting smoking is also advised.
  
• Aromatherapy - an alternative treatment for depression - Aromas can lower stress levels, affect mood, and even change perceptions of pain. The simple scents of fruits and flowers may lighten mild depression; try inhaling the aromas of jasmine, rose, or clary sage to ease your symptoms. Frankincense and sweet marjoram, inhaled or used topically, may be helpful in reducing stress, while lavender and German chamomile oils can bring on a relaxed state.
  
• Vitamins and Depression: like Vitamin-B(folic acid) and other supplements
• Colour Therapy
  
• Diet and Depression - it affects physical health and many aspects of mental health. A vitamin or herbal supplement might promote recovery of physical or mental health and/or help manage symptoms.

Colour Therapy, for example - Warm colors of yellow, orange, and red stimulate mood in color baths, lighting, room decor and clothing. People with hypertension should avoid too much red. These same colors in food provide anti-oxidants that reduce the effects mood swings brought on by allergies. Other research has found that using a negative air ionizer to lessen indoor allergies helps reduce mood swings.

Faith and spirituality have always been important in mental and physical healing. Today many spiritual leaders incorporate psychotherapy, offering professional counseling

tailored to a belief system.

Back to Depression Treatment.

Have I told you how much I love exercising? I can't even believe I am saying this! I thought people who liked exercising were crazy. Now I am one of them! Instead of sitting in my comfortable chair this evening watching t.v I was on the treadmill!!! Joining Countours was the best thing that I ever did. I love the friendship, the support, but most of all the adrenaline pump that causes me to walk with a spring in my step and a smile on my face!
I wish I had done this years ago.............

We have had Foxtel for a couple of years now. Steve and I enjoy watching the shows "Miami Ink" and "LA Ink". Before this we were both totally against Tattoos! but now we realize that every tattoo tells a story! Some of the stories are sad, some are happy but each tattoo represents a moment in someone's life.
Now, good old conservative "moi" has just announced to my husband that when I reach my goal weight I am going to get a butterfly tattoo on my ankle! The butterfly symbolizes a metamorphosis in my life that is so much more than just weight loss. It is something that I really want to do! My husband thinks I am joking, like the time I told him I was going to get a belly button ring!! But I'm not joking this time....................
I found this picture today and it is just what I am looking for. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and tell me what you think!
http://www.squidoo.com/real-butterfly-tattoos

On a blog that I read recently someone asked how long readers have been homeschooling. It will be 11 years in July for us! As I reflected on those 11 years, Bilbo's famous speech at the end of his birthday party came to mind, "I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve"
What does that mean? Well (laughing to myself!) It is hard to explain but for me that is how I would sum up my homeschooling thoughts! When I think Of homeschooling there has been a lot that I haven't liked! (I'm not talking about homeschoolers but homeschooling in general!) So if I feel that then why have I been doing it for 11 years? well, for me it is a bit of a revelation. Homeschooling is a bit like church life. It can be almost "institutional" ......if we let it! we can get caught up in the programmes, the curriculums, even the views of other homeschoolers! just like church!! and I guess that is the part that I like the least. Homeschooling, like my relationship with Christ has to be a personal thing. When I see it as a personal lifestyle choice then I feel different about it, I feel possitive and happy! Without the constraints of rules, programmes, opinons of others I am free to enjoy what has become the best family experience of our life! We are closer as a family than I believe we ever would have been without homeschoolng. My children are free to be who they are without fear or predudice. I have been able to enjoy my children's company and feed into their lives on a daily basis. We have had fun!
So don't ask me about what curriculum I like, what phylosophy of education I believe in, what homeschool groups I belong to because I will probably respond with an answer that sounds negative. If you ask me about my experience over the past eleven years with my children being at home each day, some of the activities that we have done as a family, the positive outcome of "graduated" children then I will talk your ears off!