Author: mimbles

Family & Parenting2 Comments

Maiden flight

mimbles

Adam has a new toy, a radio controlled model aeroplane. Ariane’s other half did a heap of on-line research tracking down the best deal on the various bits and pieces and got them all shipped in for himself and us. Adam picked up his share on Christmas Eve and built the plane on Christmas Day. Then he had to wait till we had the chance to go somewhere with a sufficient lack of trees to give it a go. This morning we all piled in the car and went to a park near Ariane’s place. The launch was successful, the … Continue reading Maiden flight

Miscellaneous4 Comments

No more mindless consumerism

mimbles

Just before Christmas I was driving somewhere with the kids in the car and I began to talk to them about some thoughts I’d been having on the subject of stuff. The endless stuff we accumulate, buy, covet and horde. The stuff that takes over our home and gets in the way of living. The stuff that we don’t need, don’t use and wouldn’t miss if it wasn’t there. I said to the kids that it was time for us to stop spending money at the drop of a hat, that we really need to get out of the habit … Continue reading No more mindless consumerism

Family & Parenting, Keeping the Masses Entertained1 Comment

So far so good

mimbles

Sink – still shiny.Laundry – all clean, dry and folded. Still some to be put away and LOTS of ironing to do.Exercise – weights training on track every second day, need to get moving on the cardio. I should be able to get another swim in tomorrow. Hey, I know it’s early days, but I’m celebrating every little success thankyouverymuch! My bike hasn’t arrived yet, I rang the shop this afternoon and they said Monday hopefully. I was hoping to have my first ride on the weekend but it’ll have to wait. David has written 2 blog posts in the … Continue reading So far so good

Food Glorious Food2 Comments

Thinking ahead

mimbles

I like having a meal plan, shopping is more efficient, the 5:30pm decision making is done and there are less arguments with the kids too. I aim for one scare the kids night each week where I cook something that broadens their culinary horizons a little – it doesn’t always happen though. Planning a week ahead at a time seems to work best, anything more and life ends up getting in the way and making the plan redundant, and less means too many trips to the shops. I’ve been known to plan 3 meals and snacks sometimes, which works quite … Continue reading Thinking ahead

Fat Acceptance1 Comment

Resolutions

mimbles

I’m not much of a fan of New Years resolutions normally but I do have a few things in mind this year. I’ve already made a start on all of them which makes me feel more comfortable talking about it because I figure I’ve avoided the New Years resolution jinx, you know, the one where anything you resolve to start in the new year is guaranteed to have fallen by the wayside within a week at best. So, first up is my shiny sink (FlyLady code for a clean and tidy kitchen) . It’s been shiny for a week so … Continue reading Resolutions

Family & Parenting3 Comments

Wheels and worries

mimbles

Yesterday we did something we’d been planning on for some time now, we went to the local bicycle shop and bought bikes for the whole family. Both Dave and Caitlin had small bikes when they were younger but neither of them ever rode much and they never really got the hang of doing without the training wheels and Tom has only ever had trikes and his scooter. Adam and I had been thinking that going for bike rides as a family would be a great way to get all of us active and this seemed like a good time to … Continue reading Wheels and worries

Family & Parenting, Food Glorious Food, Things We Should Talk About at the Dinner Table1 Comment

Roast pumpkin and couscous salad – party sized

mimbles

I served this at our Christmas party and then made it again today to take to a friend’s Boxing Day party, it seemed to be well received so I thought I’d share it here. I took this photo using what was left over after the party, there was lots more to begin with! 1kg butternut pumpkingarlic powdermild paprikanutmegolive oil3 cups couscous3 cups chicken stock (I make mine from Massel cubes and make it less than full strength – 1 cube for the 3 cups instead of 1 cube for 2 cups)2 red onions diced1 red capsicum diced150g snow peas sliced … Continue reading Roast pumpkin and couscous salad – party sized

Family & Parenting, Things We Should Talk About at the Dinner Table1 Comment

Merry Christmas!

mimbles

Fruit mince pies and a glass of milk sit on the coffee table. Carrots, apples and a big bowl of water await the reindeer on the front deck. The yard is alight with strands of mostly working fairy lights. The lounge room is filled with the smells of Christmas, cranberry and vanilla candles, gingerbread and mangoes. Presents nestle under the tree. The kids have been threatened with dire consequences if they wake each other or us before sunrise. Santa will be along shortly. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night 😀 Continue reading Merry Christmas!