Well I've been a total disaster at blogging this last year - lets hope that I can maintain a better blog this year! Can you believe its 2009?? Where on earth did 2008 go to?
We've been extremely preoccupied with the business for the past 12 months but we both feel we can let go a little now and take a breath. The kids have really felt the "lack" of parent presense around the place and this is something both of us want to fix this year.
Our eldest has resumed her studies and will be doing her TPC Tertiary Preparation Certificate - this year. We are very proud of her as it takes a lot to return to study once you've left school but she has decided that she wants to be a primary teacher which we fully support.
We are all relaxing around the house at the moment - one is reading the latest craze to hit our house - the Twilight Series, 1 is playing guitar the other listening to music. I like it when they are all relaxed like this, life feels great.
Anyway - I've determined that I need to make some changes to my life in 2009 - will type them up later but one of them is Project 365 - where I will take a photo every day this year, you will find out more later.
Showing posts with label Things. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Things. Show all posts
Sunday, 4 January 2009
Tuesday, 25 March 2008
What's Happening???
Owning your own business is not all its cracked up to be. I'm exhausted!! The last couple of months have just been a blur - Christmas came and went without a bang - and now Easter has been. I feel like I'm constantly on the back foot and of late have had to make some hard decisions but ones that had to be made. I'm finding my energy level to be at the lowest I think I can ever remember.
We took time off this Easter - well worked the Saturday but took the rest of the days off. I felt we really needed to recharge ourselves. So we spent time cleaning and decluttering the 2 girls rooms, eldest DD was up so she was in the groove throwing things away. It was probably a good thing I was exhausted so there was no fight in me to hang onto anything.
How did we end up with all this stuff?? I've always been a horder and kept things thinking they will fit or suit something later. Having 3 girls I have always passed on clothes from one to the next but now the youngest is 9 there is a stock pile of clothes. So they all got sorted and sent to the Vinnies bin. I look in their rooms and feel better for them - there is space to breath now.
Finally read a book "Odalisque" by Fiona McIntosh which has been sitting around the place for ages, enjoyed it. Wasn't what I was expecting but am now hooked and reading the 2nd book "Emissary".
Looking into more training for myself for the business, I noticed that the NSW Small Business has a Regional Women in Business Program, so am looking into that. Does anyone know anything about it?? I'd love to hear from people who have done it.
Well I guess thats all for now. Time to go and get my classes organised for next week. Hope everyone had a great Easter.
Alita
We took time off this Easter - well worked the Saturday but took the rest of the days off. I felt we really needed to recharge ourselves. So we spent time cleaning and decluttering the 2 girls rooms, eldest DD was up so she was in the groove throwing things away. It was probably a good thing I was exhausted so there was no fight in me to hang onto anything.
How did we end up with all this stuff?? I've always been a horder and kept things thinking they will fit or suit something later. Having 3 girls I have always passed on clothes from one to the next but now the youngest is 9 there is a stock pile of clothes. So they all got sorted and sent to the Vinnies bin. I look in their rooms and feel better for them - there is space to breath now.
Finally read a book "Odalisque" by Fiona McIntosh which has been sitting around the place for ages, enjoyed it. Wasn't what I was expecting but am now hooked and reading the 2nd book "Emissary".
Looking into more training for myself for the business, I noticed that the NSW Small Business has a Regional Women in Business Program, so am looking into that. Does anyone know anything about it?? I'd love to hear from people who have done it.
Well I guess thats all for now. Time to go and get my classes organised for next week. Hope everyone had a great Easter.
Alita
Monday, 15 October 2007
Swap Arrived
Received my parcel today from Darlene in the swap. Thank you so much - what a lovely bundle of goodies.
8 handmade Napkins & 1 Centrepiece, with material spare to add to the collection
A handmade dishcloth
Peanut Butter Sachets - a treat for me next Sunday morning
Stickers
North Georgia Now Magazine
Homeschooling Parent Magazine
And a wonderful CD with information about her home town, jokes, recipes etc.
A great treat!!
Friday, 21 September 2007
Car Accident
I'm currently waiting for DH to arrive home. He was down in Sydney this week and on his way home today when a P Plater slammed into him pushing him into the car in front. It was our old 2nd car (a little Laser) that was given to us by my mother in law when my youngest was born 9 years ago to give me something to get around in.
He is OK - he says. Although I suspect he just doesn't want to worry me. The car is a write off and had to be towed away.
We were only just talking last weekend about what to do about our old car - whether to sell, trade in or keep.
It will be a long wait for him .... I'm looking up how much it will cost to replace it. Thankfully it was fully insured but that will probably take a while to go through.
He is OK - he says. Although I suspect he just doesn't want to worry me. The car is a write off and had to be towed away.
We were only just talking last weekend about what to do about our old car - whether to sell, trade in or keep.
It will be a long wait for him .... I'm looking up how much it will cost to replace it. Thankfully it was fully insured but that will probably take a while to go through.
Sunday, 16 September 2007
Relaxing Weekend??
What ever made me think that I would have a relaxing weekend? Why was I looking forward to it so much?? LOL! DH arrived back Friday night only to complain as there was no dinner for him. I did try to explain that after leaving work at 5.15pm, dropped a work colleague off at her house, pick up youngest DD from grandparents, drop home to pick up eldest daughter - go back into town to drop her off at the movies, wait with her for her friends to arrive, grabbed Macca's, drove to local grocers to pick up a few things and finally got home. He got eggs on toast - and should be grateful for that!
Saturday is always cleaning and washing day -the line was full. After all the rain we've had I'd put on hold washing a few curtains and things but it's now spring and it needs to be done. I love seeing beautiful white curtains flapping around on the line.
Spent a little time on the computer catching up with things. I've joined Face book but am trying not to get addicted and spend all my time on it. But it's good for quick catch ups with friends.
Started my latest book for the book club "Like Water for Chocolate" by Laura Esquirel, so far I love it but have only read the first couple of chapters.
Last night we caught up with our favourite TV Show - Dr Who. The Master is back!!! Had a bottle of bubbly and the cheese and biscuits to celebrate. Both DH and I have been fans since the 80's, I love the new series.
Today we went up to inlaws with our tent to put it up for the first time (our backyard is still too wet). It took us an hour and half to put up and put down - and we broke a pole which we now have to get replaced. Stopped for a drink and some lovely jam drop biscuits freshly out of the oven that MIL had made and then off into town.
I wanted to get a few things more for our trip but couldn't find what I needed but still came home with stuff. I also had to return some clothes that I purchased during the week for myself - when I got home they didn't fit - the sizes are so crazy these days. In the end DH and I were getting cranky with each other so decided it was time to come home. I ended up falling asleep on the couch.
I guess what I do look forward to is spending some time with my family, getting ready to go away and spend more time with them and not being a clock watcher.
Hope everyone is having a great weekend.
Saturday is always cleaning and washing day -the line was full. After all the rain we've had I'd put on hold washing a few curtains and things but it's now spring and it needs to be done. I love seeing beautiful white curtains flapping around on the line.
Spent a little time on the computer catching up with things. I've joined Face book but am trying not to get addicted and spend all my time on it. But it's good for quick catch ups with friends.
Started my latest book for the book club "Like Water for Chocolate" by Laura Esquirel, so far I love it but have only read the first couple of chapters.
Last night we caught up with our favourite TV Show - Dr Who. The Master is back!!! Had a bottle of bubbly and the cheese and biscuits to celebrate. Both DH and I have been fans since the 80's, I love the new series.
Today we went up to inlaws with our tent to put it up for the first time (our backyard is still too wet). It took us an hour and half to put up and put down - and we broke a pole which we now have to get replaced. Stopped for a drink and some lovely jam drop biscuits freshly out of the oven that MIL had made and then off into town.
I wanted to get a few things more for our trip but couldn't find what I needed but still came home with stuff. I also had to return some clothes that I purchased during the week for myself - when I got home they didn't fit - the sizes are so crazy these days. In the end DH and I were getting cranky with each other so decided it was time to come home. I ended up falling asleep on the couch.
I guess what I do look forward to is spending some time with my family, getting ready to go away and spend more time with them and not being a clock watcher.
Hope everyone is having a great weekend.
Saturday, 25 August 2007
Camping and Clubs
Well this has got to be the wettest week so far since we moved here! It was fantastic to see all the water in the creeks and the river came up but no flooding to stop me from going to work :((
Very sad.
I am determined that I am going to have a holiday but looking at the price of a unit to rent for a week is just too expensive so..... we're going camping!! Haven't done it since I was a kid but I do remember we had a lot of fun - except when it rained which is why mum and dad got this little tiny black and white TV that ran of a battery - it kept us entertained and we stopped annoying them.
So - I've purchased a tent - an Oztrail Sportiva Villa 9.
This is it - we got it of Ebay - or rather we are picking it up today. Very excited. The blurb...
Villa 9 Sleeps up to nine + three. The Villa is an extremely practical tent. The Portico Screen Room extension to the central living area negates the need for extra tarps or structures. The perfect family tent with 2 bedrooms separated by the living area.
So we're off down to Newcastle today to pick it up from the lady.
So I had to shop for other stuff - cause all we have is 1 sleeping bag. Kmart has a great sale on at the moment with a buy 1 sleeping bag get 1 free, so saved myself a bit there. Graeme wasn't too happy when I came home with it all - mainly cause I'd spent money.
Anyway, the other news is - we went to the club last night and did a trifecta on the raffles - Meat Tray, Veggie Tray and a Fruit Tray!!! I've just joined the club and they told me to come down on a Friday night - the special at the restaurant is Kids eat free with every adult meal - and they have a special - roast and dessert. So for $30 we all ate a great meal. $10 of raffle tickets saw us walk away with about $40 worth of goodies. Graeme was very pleased - made me take a photo of it all when we got home LOL!! Here are our spoils ...
Also - eldest daughter has found work! She has found a job at a newsagency in Sydney, its on call at the moment but she enjoys it (which is a little surprising) I just hope she stays at it.
Middle daughter is getting an award from school an Excellence award - she doesn't know for which subject as yet. We got the letter yesterday so will have to now organise to take some time off to go.
Youngest daughter had school photo's this week, half her class was flooded in so won't be in the photo's.
Hope you all had a great week! I'm off to get my tent .... how exciting!!!! And tonight we're off to a Trivia Night - maybe some more prizes!
BTW - Hello Mum and Dad - just got your email that your at Narrabri at the moment.
Monday, 20 August 2007
The Memory Keeper's Daughter
Just finished The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards.
The novel starts in 1964 and follows the life of Dr David Henry and his wife Norah who gives birth to twins, a boy Paul and their daughter Pheobe who he recognises has Down sydnrome. He makes a quick decision to sent his daughter with his nurse Caroline to an instiution. He tells his wife that their daughter Pheobe has died during the birth. Caroline takes the little girl to the instiution but is unable to leave her there and makes the decision that she will keep her and raise her as her own, packs up her things and moves to another city. The book then follows the next 25 years of their lives based on this lie.
I enjoyed this book but found it very sad, at one point putting it down and almost deciding not to finish it. It called me back however and I finished it with relish. The saddest part is that the father dies without the truth ever coming out with him to explain his decision and his regret. This I guess made me think about how we often think we have time to sort some things out in our lives, busy with life we never get the chance and then there is no more opportunities. Lost. Forever.
I feel more inspired by this book to not make the decisions that you will regret for the rest of your life.
PS This book is one of the 2007 Books Alive
Thursday, 16 August 2007
In My BackYard a vegetable growing plot!
A great way to get children gardening is to con them! That's the word from In My BackYard.
In My BackYard (IMBY) is a project to encourage, cajole, trick, or use any other means to make the backyard vegetable garden a centrepiece of our urban landscape!
To encourage children into gardening IMBY has created the "Pocket Money Bean" - a special bean seed that kids can use to turn beans into money. They make an agreement with Mum or Dad to grow the beans in the backyard and in return they will be paid pocket money for the beans.
IMBY's founder, Andy Carnahan of Bowral in the Southern Highlands of NSW (pictured above with beans ready for students to shuck into 'Pocket Money Beans'), readily admits that the central concept is based on a playful "scam".
For the kids, they are getting one over Mum and Dad. Getting paid for easy work! For Mum and Dad, of course, the kids are tricked into a healthy activity, and will be more likely to eat their own home-grown produce.
Pocket Money Beans have been road tested for two years, branching out into Pocket Money Vegetables after Yates donated 2,000 packets of seeds to support the project. The beans and vegetables have been distributed at local environment day fairs, an eco show and small farms expo.
Light-hearted Incentive
Children and parents both the love the concept and it provides a wonderful light-hearted incentive to put a small garden in the backyard. Upper primary children (Years 4 to 6) seem to grasp the concept most strongly.
IMBY is based on a simple mission statement: to reconnect children and families to food gardening - one backyard at a time.
It is hard to find anything to criticise about backyard vegetable gardens. They provide food, gentle exercise, botany lessons, a richer eco-system, waste disposal, appreciation of the environment, the value of consistent effort, and of delayed gratification.
Andy hopes one day soon, a backyard vegetable garden will be held in the same high esteem as a daily walk.
'It is ironic in these days of high technology and medical discovery that something as basic as a half hour walk is now the first and best prescription for just about any ailment. I think food gardening will be 'medically proven' to have the same benefits - but my prescription is not to wait!'
IMBY is a simple project - the IMBY website (at www.imby.org.au) contains more details about the project, and details the pocket money beans in more detail. You can ask for a sample packet of beans and download literature and templates to create your own pocket money vegetables.
"I see the website in the same way as I see my garden. The ideas on the website have been 'grown' by me but they are not mine. Everyone is welcome to take their own 'cuttings' and use them to develop their own ideas for encouraging gardening. In return I would love to hear how others have gone in getting the gardens growing".
Exposing IMBY
Andy is hoping to get IMBY 'exposed' on a current affairs show as a good news scam in Spring 2007. "Parents fleeced by their own kids" or "Unscrupulous parents resort to dirty tricks to force vegetables on their unsuspecting children". Hopefully the shows have a sense of humour!
IMBY will continue to give away and promote the Pocket Money Beans and Vegetable idea. For teachers and others wanting to start a project in their area Andy is happy to help. You can email him at andy@imby.org.au or write to IMBY, PO Box 54, Mittagong NSW 2575.
From Sustaintable Gardening Australia
A great way to get children gardening is to con them! That's the word from In My BackYard.
In My BackYard (IMBY) is a project to encourage, cajole, trick, or use any other means to make the backyard vegetable garden a centrepiece of our urban landscape!
To encourage children into gardening IMBY has created the "Pocket Money Bean" - a special bean seed that kids can use to turn beans into money. They make an agreement with Mum or Dad to grow the beans in the backyard and in return they will be paid pocket money for the beans.
IMBY's founder, Andy Carnahan of Bowral in the Southern Highlands of NSW (pictured above with beans ready for students to shuck into 'Pocket Money Beans'), readily admits that the central concept is based on a playful "scam".
For the kids, they are getting one over Mum and Dad. Getting paid for easy work! For Mum and Dad, of course, the kids are tricked into a healthy activity, and will be more likely to eat their own home-grown produce.
Pocket Money Beans have been road tested for two years, branching out into Pocket Money Vegetables after Yates donated 2,000 packets of seeds to support the project. The beans and vegetables have been distributed at local environment day fairs, an eco show and small farms expo.
Light-hearted Incentive
Children and parents both the love the concept and it provides a wonderful light-hearted incentive to put a small garden in the backyard. Upper primary children (Years 4 to 6) seem to grasp the concept most strongly.
IMBY is based on a simple mission statement: to reconnect children and families to food gardening - one backyard at a time.
It is hard to find anything to criticise about backyard vegetable gardens. They provide food, gentle exercise, botany lessons, a richer eco-system, waste disposal, appreciation of the environment, the value of consistent effort, and of delayed gratification.
Andy hopes one day soon, a backyard vegetable garden will be held in the same high esteem as a daily walk.
'It is ironic in these days of high technology and medical discovery that something as basic as a half hour walk is now the first and best prescription for just about any ailment. I think food gardening will be 'medically proven' to have the same benefits - but my prescription is not to wait!'
IMBY is a simple project - the IMBY website (at www.imby.org.au) contains more details about the project, and details the pocket money beans in more detail. You can ask for a sample packet of beans and download literature and templates to create your own pocket money vegetables.
"I see the website in the same way as I see my garden. The ideas on the website have been 'grown' by me but they are not mine. Everyone is welcome to take their own 'cuttings' and use them to develop their own ideas for encouraging gardening. In return I would love to hear how others have gone in getting the gardens growing".
Exposing IMBY
Andy is hoping to get IMBY 'exposed' on a current affairs show as a good news scam in Spring 2007. "Parents fleeced by their own kids" or "Unscrupulous parents resort to dirty tricks to force vegetables on their unsuspecting children". Hopefully the shows have a sense of humour!
IMBY will continue to give away and promote the Pocket Money Beans and Vegetable idea. For teachers and others wanting to start a project in their area Andy is happy to help. You can email him at andy@imby.org.au or write to IMBY, PO Box 54, Mittagong NSW 2575.
From Sustaintable Gardening Australia
2007 Books Alive
Books Alive is an Australian Government initiative that aims to encourage all Australians to experience the joys of reading. Every year, Books Alive runs a nationwide campaign to ignite the country’s passion for books and make it easier to choose a really great ‘read’.
The 2007 Books Alive Great Read Guide: your guide to 50 books so good everyone will want to read them
Whatever you’re into you’re assured of finding a truly great book with The 2007 Books Alive Great Read Guide. Our independent panel of book industry experts from right around Australia has done all the hard work for you, selecting 50 remarkable books across a huge range of genres and styles: biography, crime, fantasy, history, science, children’s books and much more. They’re 50 books so good everyone will want to read them!
Click here to view The 2007 Books Alive Great Read Guide. You’ll also find a hard copy in the August issue of The Australian Women’s Weekly or inside your local bookseller throughout August.
FREE limited edition book
The Ballad of Les Darcy, a biography of the legendary Australian boxer, is the latest book from Australia’s bestselling author Peter FitzSimons and is exclusive to Books Alive. It’s yours FREE when you buy any book from The 2007 Books Alive Great Read Guide.
Click here to learn more about the book.
The Books Alive campaign period begins on Wednesday, 25 July 2007 and finishes on Friday, 31 August 2007. The free book offer is only available from participating booksellers and only while stocks last.
The 2007 Books Alive Great Read Guide: your guide to 50 books so good everyone will want to read them
Whatever you’re into you’re assured of finding a truly great book with The 2007 Books Alive Great Read Guide. Our independent panel of book industry experts from right around Australia has done all the hard work for you, selecting 50 remarkable books across a huge range of genres and styles: biography, crime, fantasy, history, science, children’s books and much more. They’re 50 books so good everyone will want to read them!
Click here to view The 2007 Books Alive Great Read Guide. You’ll also find a hard copy in the August issue of The Australian Women’s Weekly or inside your local bookseller throughout August.
FREE limited edition book
The Ballad of Les Darcy, a biography of the legendary Australian boxer, is the latest book from Australia’s bestselling author Peter FitzSimons and is exclusive to Books Alive. It’s yours FREE when you buy any book from The 2007 Books Alive Great Read Guide.
Click here to learn more about the book.
The Books Alive campaign period begins on Wednesday, 25 July 2007 and finishes on Friday, 31 August 2007. The free book offer is only available from participating booksellers and only while stocks last.
Tuesday, 17 July 2007
One of my Favourite Places!
This is one of the best places in the Manning Valley - you have to come and try it!!
Welcome to Bent on Food
Bent on Food is a multi award winning specialty food store and café located on the NSW Mid North Coast in the heritage township of Wingham just 3 1/2 hours north of Sydney.Situated adjacent to the store is Duck under the Table, a purpose built cheese making and cookery school offering a wide variety of classes taught by qualified chefs and instructors.Bent on Food carries a vast range of local produce along with regional specialties from all over Australia. We also have a great range of kitchenware.Come in and have a coffee or some lunch and peruse the shelves for inspiration.
Whats new
Woll Cookware - This German made product is wonderful to look at and excellent to use. The pots have a 7mm thick cast iron bottom with lids and handles that are ovenproof to 220 degrees. Oh and the lids are glass, so you can see what's cooking, very nice indeed!
Disaster Bay Chillies – Disaster Bay Chillies' product range is from Eden on the NSW South Coast and includes a wonderful chilli marmalade, great on your morning toast to launch you into your day, or try it as a glaze for fish and poultry.
Recent Awards
November 2006
2006 NSW Tourism Awards for Business Excellence. Winner -Tourism Retailing Category.
November 2006
2006 Small Business Awards Champion of Champions.Champion of Regional Business
August 2006
2006 Mid North Coast Tourism Awards for Business Excellence. Winner - Cafes and Takeaways Category Award of Distinction - Tourism Retailing Category.
Welcome to Bent on Food
Bent on Food is a multi award winning specialty food store and café located on the NSW Mid North Coast in the heritage township of Wingham just 3 1/2 hours north of Sydney.Situated adjacent to the store is Duck under the Table, a purpose built cheese making and cookery school offering a wide variety of classes taught by qualified chefs and instructors.Bent on Food carries a vast range of local produce along with regional specialties from all over Australia. We also have a great range of kitchenware.Come in and have a coffee or some lunch and peruse the shelves for inspiration.
Whats new
Woll Cookware - This German made product is wonderful to look at and excellent to use. The pots have a 7mm thick cast iron bottom with lids and handles that are ovenproof to 220 degrees. Oh and the lids are glass, so you can see what's cooking, very nice indeed!
Disaster Bay Chillies – Disaster Bay Chillies' product range is from Eden on the NSW South Coast and includes a wonderful chilli marmalade, great on your morning toast to launch you into your day, or try it as a glaze for fish and poultry.
Recent Awards
November 2006
2006 NSW Tourism Awards for Business Excellence. Winner -Tourism Retailing Category.
November 2006
2006 Small Business Awards Champion of Champions.Champion of Regional Business
August 2006
2006 Mid North Coast Tourism Awards for Business Excellence. Winner - Cafes and Takeaways Category Award of Distinction - Tourism Retailing Category.
Sita - Enviromental Solutions
Our Services
SITA Environmental Solutions (SITA) industry knowledge and experience combined with our comprehensive service range enables us to provide cradle to grave’ environmental and sustainable waste management solutions.With operations in all mainland States and the Australian Capital Territory, we provide integrated waste management solutions for more than 43,000 commercial and industrial customers and more than 800,000 households each week.Our commitment to our customers, existing and potential, is to be the "First and Only Choice for Waste Management", be it for:
Recycling
Transport
Equipment
Disposal
Consultancy
Assessment
Information and Knowledge
As part of our commitment to customers, we offer integrated waste solutions managing all forms of waste, such as:
Solid (general, commercial/industrial, building/construction, domestic)
Recycling (paper and cardboard, plastic, glass, timber, steel)
Hazardous (Prescribed)
Landfill (domestic, inert, putrescible, prescribed hazardous, soil, asbestos)
Liquid (grease traps, triple interceptors, prescribed, oils, photographic)
Security Disposal
Product Destruction
Builders’ Bins
Temporary Bins
Hygiene Services (sanitary, nappy, flushers, dispensers, deep clean)
Medical (sharps, pathology, pharmaceutical, clinical)
Low level Radioactive
Fluorescent Tube collection and recycling
Printer Cartridge collection and recycling
Wednesday, 11 July 2007
How you can become a little greener
Took this from SheSaid
How you can become a little greener
By Simone Trimble
The Live Earth concerts made big news over the weekend with some of the biggest names in the music industry getting together to raise environmental awareness. Australia kicked off first, leading the rest of the world with an entertainment extravaganza to be remembered, with Missy Higgins, Sneaky Sound System, Wolfmother and Crowded House. Madonna rocked the stage in London, while The Police headlined the New York concert. Be a part of the Live Earth cause and lodge an environmentally friendly pledge here at www.greengeneration.com.au
Learn more about Recycling
Remember the days when we had no dedicated recycling bins and all we had for our weekly garbage was one big green bin. These days our recycling bins are larger than our ordinary waste bins and recycling has become a part of our everyday lives. But recycling has evolved in recent years and there is a lot more you can do and a lot more products you can recycle. Did you know that you can recycle water, batteries, white goods, cars and car parts, clothing, furniture and plastic shopping bags? Find out some great recycling tips from actnow.com.au
Turn your Pet Green
Did you know that your pet’s lifestyle has a big impact on global warming? The average dog creates 1.92 tones of greenhouse gas each year. That’s more pollution than six months of driving a 4WD car generates! By purchasing Easy Being Green’s Carbon Neutral Cat and Dog products, you can make sure your furry friend is doing their bit to tackle climate change, and ease your own conscience at the same time. In return for your environmentally friendly gesture, you'll receive a Carbon Neutral feeding bowl sticker, a gift card and an official certificate confirming the greenhouse gas pollution reduction on your pet's behalf. Go to www.easybeinggreen.com.au for more info
A Green Wedding
Your big day is a massive production – the celebrations, guest travel (including the odd overseas visitor), accommodation and the honeymoon. Did you know that the average wedding creates around 10 tonnes of greenhouse gas? That is about the same amount generated by two return flights from Sydney to London! By buying one of Easy Being Green’s Carbon Neutral Wedding packages, or putting one on your gift list, you can give the planet a present as you start your life together. To learn more visit: www.easybeinggreen.com.au
Make your home green friendly
More than 500,000 Australian households and businesses support GreenPower - now you too can be part of the solution to climate change. Switching to GreenPower is an investment - the more households and workplaces that make the switch, the bigger the return for the environment. Switch your home to renewable energy sourced from solar and wind. Check out www.greenpower.com.au
Turn your Business Green
Breathe Easy is an Australian-based, premium carbon offset product that not only provides lasting environmental change on a large scale, it is also robust enough to comply with any government-introduced carbon trading scheme in the future. Breathe Easy offers corporations and individuals the opportunity to create premium carbon offsets, and is backed by Greening Australia; an organisation with 25 years experience and the capacity to deliver lasting environmental benefits such as transforming landscapes and nurturing biodiversity.” For more information, please visit www.breatheeasynow.com.au
Plant a Tree on National Tree Day
Planet Ark's National Tree Day is Australia's biggest community tree-planting event. Since Tree Day started in 1996, over 10.5 million native trees and shrubs have been planted by more than a million volunteers! Tree planting makes a positive difference to our environment, and the benefits reach into schools and communities, and also help our precious native animals and plants survive in Australia's diverse natural settings. This year Schools Tree Day falls on Friday 27th July, with National Tree Day on Sunday 29th July and as ever, there are many ways you can get involved. For more information go to www.planetark.com
How you can become a little greener
By Simone Trimble
The Live Earth concerts made big news over the weekend with some of the biggest names in the music industry getting together to raise environmental awareness. Australia kicked off first, leading the rest of the world with an entertainment extravaganza to be remembered, with Missy Higgins, Sneaky Sound System, Wolfmother and Crowded House. Madonna rocked the stage in London, while The Police headlined the New York concert. Be a part of the Live Earth cause and lodge an environmentally friendly pledge here at www.greengeneration.com.au
Learn more about Recycling
Remember the days when we had no dedicated recycling bins and all we had for our weekly garbage was one big green bin. These days our recycling bins are larger than our ordinary waste bins and recycling has become a part of our everyday lives. But recycling has evolved in recent years and there is a lot more you can do and a lot more products you can recycle. Did you know that you can recycle water, batteries, white goods, cars and car parts, clothing, furniture and plastic shopping bags? Find out some great recycling tips from actnow.com.au
Turn your Pet Green
Did you know that your pet’s lifestyle has a big impact on global warming? The average dog creates 1.92 tones of greenhouse gas each year. That’s more pollution than six months of driving a 4WD car generates! By purchasing Easy Being Green’s Carbon Neutral Cat and Dog products, you can make sure your furry friend is doing their bit to tackle climate change, and ease your own conscience at the same time. In return for your environmentally friendly gesture, you'll receive a Carbon Neutral feeding bowl sticker, a gift card and an official certificate confirming the greenhouse gas pollution reduction on your pet's behalf. Go to www.easybeinggreen.com.au for more info
A Green Wedding
Your big day is a massive production – the celebrations, guest travel (including the odd overseas visitor), accommodation and the honeymoon. Did you know that the average wedding creates around 10 tonnes of greenhouse gas? That is about the same amount generated by two return flights from Sydney to London! By buying one of Easy Being Green’s Carbon Neutral Wedding packages, or putting one on your gift list, you can give the planet a present as you start your life together. To learn more visit: www.easybeinggreen.com.au
Make your home green friendly
More than 500,000 Australian households and businesses support GreenPower - now you too can be part of the solution to climate change. Switching to GreenPower is an investment - the more households and workplaces that make the switch, the bigger the return for the environment. Switch your home to renewable energy sourced from solar and wind. Check out www.greenpower.com.au
Turn your Business Green
Breathe Easy is an Australian-based, premium carbon offset product that not only provides lasting environmental change on a large scale, it is also robust enough to comply with any government-introduced carbon trading scheme in the future. Breathe Easy offers corporations and individuals the opportunity to create premium carbon offsets, and is backed by Greening Australia; an organisation with 25 years experience and the capacity to deliver lasting environmental benefits such as transforming landscapes and nurturing biodiversity.” For more information, please visit www.breatheeasynow.com.au
Plant a Tree on National Tree Day
Planet Ark's National Tree Day is Australia's biggest community tree-planting event. Since Tree Day started in 1996, over 10.5 million native trees and shrubs have been planted by more than a million volunteers! Tree planting makes a positive difference to our environment, and the benefits reach into schools and communities, and also help our precious native animals and plants survive in Australia's diverse natural settings. This year Schools Tree Day falls on Friday 27th July, with National Tree Day on Sunday 29th July and as ever, there are many ways you can get involved. For more information go to www.planetark.com
Tuesday, 15 May 2007
Groundhog Day (Again)
Do you ever feel that your in "Groundhog Day"?
My life is slowly becoming the same day in and day out. Work, kids, clean, cook - I need to do something!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Even reading is becoming boring - there I said it!!
I am currently reading Mao's Last Dancer and finding it a little hard to finish. Not sure if its the book or my mood??? But I have to finish it before the next book club meeting in 2 weeks - normally not a problem but this time, ummm it just doesn't do it for me.
Anyway - news to report is I'm being very careful with my recycling. We have a much smaller wheelie bin here (about 1/2 the size) and I have learnt the hard way that we need to keep an eye on the recycling - which of course is a good thing.
I'm also waiting to hear back from freecycle about starting a group up here but haven't heard anything as yet - they did say it might take a couple of weeks. The closest group is 2 hours away and I think it would really take off well.
I went to a women's meeting the other month and plan on going again this month, great women and the talk was really interesting - Called The Manning Net - the next meeting is the 24th May and could be very interesting - plus its at Tellers - somewhere I've been dying to go to for a meal.
So ok - its not all groundhog days!! Just feels like it sometimes. Anyway - have to get back to the washing up now ~
Take care
My life is slowly becoming the same day in and day out. Work, kids, clean, cook - I need to do something!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Even reading is becoming boring - there I said it!!
I am currently reading Mao's Last Dancer and finding it a little hard to finish. Not sure if its the book or my mood??? But I have to finish it before the next book club meeting in 2 weeks - normally not a problem but this time, ummm it just doesn't do it for me.
Anyway - news to report is I'm being very careful with my recycling. We have a much smaller wheelie bin here (about 1/2 the size) and I have learnt the hard way that we need to keep an eye on the recycling - which of course is a good thing.
I'm also waiting to hear back from freecycle about starting a group up here but haven't heard anything as yet - they did say it might take a couple of weeks. The closest group is 2 hours away and I think it would really take off well.
I went to a women's meeting the other month and plan on going again this month, great women and the talk was really interesting - Called The Manning Net - the next meeting is the 24th May and could be very interesting - plus its at Tellers - somewhere I've been dying to go to for a meal.
So ok - its not all groundhog days!! Just feels like it sometimes. Anyway - have to get back to the washing up now ~
Take care
Tuesday, 8 May 2007
Can't Stop the Serenity
"Last year, we did the impossible.This year, we top it."
The 2006 'Can't Stop The Serenity' screenings for Equality Now were an unqualified success. Organizers held events in 47 cities around the world, raising over $65,000 for the women's rights advocacy group. Almost immediately, the organizers wanted to make plans to do it again the following year.
Organizers in fifty cities have committed to holding CSTS screenings in 2007. Please visit the FAQ for more information.
The 2006 'Can't Stop The Serenity' screenings for Equality Now were an unqualified success. Organizers held events in 47 cities around the world, raising over $65,000 for the women's rights advocacy group. Almost immediately, the organizers wanted to make plans to do it again the following year.
Organizers in fifty cities have committed to holding CSTS screenings in 2007. Please visit the FAQ for more information.
If your in Sydney - here's the details and link to purchase:
Tickets for Sydney can be purchased here
23rd June 2007
$12.00 per person
Last year in Sydney we raised over $2000, with auctions, prizes, costume competitions, etc, this year - we're doing it again!
Come in your Serenity/Firefly/Whedonverse outfit and win a prize!
Door prizes!
Auctions of signed posters! T-shirts! other cool stuff!!
Please buy a ticket, come see Serenity, and support this great cause!!
Scrapbooking
If your a scrapbooker then you need to check out the hugely talented ways of Scrapping The Scraps
My very talented girlfriend Kathryn does a "makeover" of our makeover girlie day together.
Their moto:
Don't throw your scraps away. Come and take up the challenges here, and SAVE your scraps!
My very talented girlfriend Kathryn does a "makeover" of our makeover girlie day together.
Their moto:
Don't throw your scraps away. Come and take up the challenges here, and SAVE your scraps!
Monday, 7 May 2007
Which Serenity Character are You??
Your results:
You are Zoe Washburne (Second-in-command)
Click here to take the Serenity Firefly Personality Test
You are Zoe Washburne (Second-in-command)
| Dependable and trustworthy. You love your significant other and you are a tough cookie when in a conflict.  |
Click here to take the Serenity Firefly Personality Test
Sunday, 29 April 2007
We have Moved!
Well, we have finally moved to the country! It's not quiet what I expected as yet but the adventure has only just begun. The plan to have a place where we could grow our own vegies and have some animals is on hold till everything gets a little bit more settled - hence the "Chooks" part in the title of this blog.
We chose to rent for a little while until we rid ourselves of our house in Sydney. I'm working about 15 mins from home now - no longer a 45 minute drive to work and its a nice drive through the country side.
The girls have now settled into their schools and making friends and having fun. Thanks to the internet they can still keep in contact with their old friends without it costing me an arm and a leg.
Because we're renting I can't start any gardening, only maintaining what we rent - which was beautiful when we first moved in but needing some work again now, just cleaning up the leaves. It's a tropical garden with lots of frangapani's, hibiscus, palms and a very nice green lawn. Something I haven't seen in Sydney without a ridiculous water bill attached to it.
With just getting the computer back I haven't been on very much but going back to some of my forum's to see whats been happening. I've been a member of Freecycle for sometime but it doesn't look like there's much up here - do I start one?? I'm trying to be careful not to put my hand up for too much at the moment and just enjoy life for a while.
Well - I think that's all for now
Alita
We chose to rent for a little while until we rid ourselves of our house in Sydney. I'm working about 15 mins from home now - no longer a 45 minute drive to work and its a nice drive through the country side.
The girls have now settled into their schools and making friends and having fun. Thanks to the internet they can still keep in contact with their old friends without it costing me an arm and a leg.
Because we're renting I can't start any gardening, only maintaining what we rent - which was beautiful when we first moved in but needing some work again now, just cleaning up the leaves. It's a tropical garden with lots of frangapani's, hibiscus, palms and a very nice green lawn. Something I haven't seen in Sydney without a ridiculous water bill attached to it.
With just getting the computer back I haven't been on very much but going back to some of my forum's to see whats been happening. I've been a member of Freecycle for sometime but it doesn't look like there's much up here - do I start one?? I'm trying to be careful not to put my hand up for too much at the moment and just enjoy life for a while.
Well - I think that's all for now
Alita
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