It's see you later, not good bye.

Welcome back! This is my final post, for now anyway. As the title says, it's not good bye, but see you later. Life with a very, very active toddler, a full time studying hubby and my own degree to pick up in a few weeks is sufficient for now, thanks! 

I have crammed as much into this post as is humanly possible. Given my constant state of running after a mini, chubby, adorable human who barely allows me time to cook, you should be impressed people. Heck, I am!

Lets start the day off with this divine, moorish peanut butter banana bread. I purchased a ginormous amount of bananas at Woollies recently on super sale. Obviously, we couldn't eat them all before needing to freeze the remainder. So, what do you do with frozen bananas. This! By halving the whole wheat and adding coconut flour, and halving the coconut oil and adding peanut butter, I made something that ruined ordinary banana bread for me for ever and ever.

It freezes brilliantly and tastes oh so good. 

Regular readers will be aware of my loathing of waste. This frittata was largely made out of large beetroot leaves. Why waste perfectly good food? Granted, the younger beetroot leaves are softer and sweeter, but there is absolutely nothing wrong with the tougher, larger leaves. Just treat them differently, ie, cook them! This was really good, and gluten free too.

Look at this people- 58.5 kilo's-ten kilo's lighter than when I started this blog. Go me!! I made it to my goal weight. Ok, I am half a kilo over, but that was due to a few naughty treats. I feel amazing, have kept this weight reasonably consistently for a few months now. I am proud, and have enough inner strength now to get back on track when temptation visits, via the fridge or pantry :) 

Here is some scenery for your viewing pleasure. I don't always see them anymore. I am always thrilled when I get to capture a gorgeous morning.

I made these for hubby and my soon to be non teen a few nights back. I didn't eat any. Considering how much I HEART pastry, I am a legend.

I purchased a rather large pumpkin last week and almost forgot about it until I opened the pantry and nearly tripped over it. So, here we have it, rolled out ready to be baked...

...and here is the result: pumpkin scones. I did eat these. Yummmm!

Recipe at the end of the post.

Here is the beginning of my chicken hot pot, with my very own home made tomato sauce on top  (sauce recipe at the end of this post).

More pumpkin- this time, slow roasted and ready to be turned into pumpkin soup. Recipe at the end of this post.

The cooked chicken hot pot. Oh my- just too good. I could eat it again and again. Recipe to follow.

A beautiful cloudscape I captured while walking one late afternoon. 

When I said this post had everything, here is my attempt at a selfie! I am feeling so confident in my skin again, I even posted a pic of me with wet curls. I must say, I am liking my eyebrows lots. The fabulously talented Lesley of PMU by Lesley N created these fabulous brows, and touched up my eyeliner too. (Thanks also to my amazing hubby for designing Lesley's website).

I believe that focusing on the good, forgiving, seeking wise counsel, eating healthy food and doing regular, gentle exercise when able has significantly helped me feel confident in my skin again. 

Of course, a bit of cosmetic enhancement is always a bonus, but it wouldn't make any difference if I didn't like the face they were going on.

This journey has really helped me value myself, which has included drastically changing my diet and respecting good health. That change has also filtered into my thinking- I want to feel healthy emotionally too, so I choose to fill my mind with things that build myself and others up. 

Health is like a diamond- multi faceted. No one area is everything. Diet is as important as being emotionally whole, and mentally active.  

And in regards to diet, I have learnt this. No one thing suits everybody. We are all so uniquely different. But, I will say, whether you eat meat, go paleo, are vegetarian or vegan, by cutting processed foods (for me, that also includes bread), added sugars, eat food in portion controlled sizes and in as natural a state as possible (I don't mean only raw- just not packaged, pre-made everything), you will notice a major improvement in your overall health, and waist line. This has worked for me, with minimal exercise.

Another beautiful morning. I have discovered the pre sunrise is my all time fave. The colours are stunning and only last for a minute or two. Love the calmness and the gentle hues of this time of day.

A big brekky for my hardworking hubby. I may/may not have snuck some too :)

A warm, sunny, late autumn day, and this is the beach. Seriously, I live in paradise!

Another glorious early morn. Too pretty.

Some brekky parfait preparations: natural yoghurt, topped with fibre mix, topped with pepitas, some fresh passionfruit, mandarin segments, walnuts and organic coconut shreds. Delish!

A big zucchini slice made in a quiche flan. I can't get enough of this slice, it's seriously my addiction when I make it.

I like to pile my warm slice with warm and cold veg; cherry tomatoes, red capsicum, grated beetroot, spinach and cooked mushrooms. Best dinner out.

Lastly, freshly made yesterday, is my nut loaf, aka miracle bread, aka life changing loaf. Recipe is here.

I have found that you can substitute other nuts/seeds, as long as the measurements are the same. I ran out of sunflower seeds and topped them up with sesame seeds, walnuts and pepitas. Still turned out beautifully.

And now, please see below for recipes. And before I post them, I would like to thank each and everyone of you for following my journey to a better outlook and a healthier body and soul x

PUMPKIN SCONES

Ingredients:

30gms butter

1 tbsp rice malt syrup

1.5 cups drained, cooked, well mashed pumpkin

1 egg

2 cups unbleached, whole wheat SR flour

pinch salt

1/3 cup sultanas

milk for glazing

Method:  

Preheat oven to 200 C.

Beat butter and rice malt together til creamy.

Mix in pumpkin and egg.

Mix flour and salt together with sultanas, then add to wet mix.

Knead on a lightly floured board.

Pat or roll out to desired thickness.

Cut into scone rounds and place on a tray with baking paper.

Brush each scone with milk.

Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.

These scones freeze well.

HOMEMADE TOMATO SAUCE (Thank you I Quit Sugar Family Budget Meals)

Ingredients:

2 x 400gm tins chopped tomatoes

1/2 onion, finely chopped

1/3 cup apple cider vinegar

1/2 tsp sea salt

1 tbsp rice malt syrup

1 tsp ground allspice

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp ground cloves

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

Method:

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and simmer for 25-35 minutes, or until thickened.

Blend with a stick blender for a smoother, thicker consistency.

Fridge it for a month in a glass jar, or freeze for up to 3.

CHICKEN HOT POT

Ingredients: 

Coconut or olive oil for frying

500gms of chicken thighs, chopped into chunks

1.5 cups chicken stock (or water)

2 carrots, sliced

1/4 cauliflower, broken into large florets

5 baby potatoes, halved

1 large onion, roughly chopped

1/2 tsp ground allspice

2 bay leaves

1/2 tsp salt

2/3 cup homemade tomato sauce

1 tspn ground black pepper

1/3 cup sour cream

Method:

Cook off chicken in batches.

Bung chicken, and everything else (except black pepper and sour cream) into a slow cooker.

Cook for 3-3.5 hours on high.

Remove bay leaves.

Add black pepper and sour cream. 

Stir through, and turn off heat.

Serve with rice, chunky bread or on its own. 

Word of advice- tastes even more amazing the day after!

ROAST PUMPKIN SOUP

Ingredients:

1 tbsp olive oil

1/2 a pumpkin, cut into wedges (I like skin on)

1 onion, chopped roughly

2 baby potatoes

1/2 a tsp curry powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp sweet paprika

water

Method:

Pre-heat oven to 200 C.

Brush pumpkin segments with oil and cover with salt. Roast for 35-45 minutes or until browned and caramelised.

Ad pumpkin with all other ingredients to a large pot and add enough water to cover well.

Bring to the boil then reduce to a simmer for 35-40 minutes, or until reduced.

Use a stick blender to puree the soup. If too thick- can be reheated and simmered for another 10-15 minutes, stirring often.

Enjoy! 

There you have it, dear readers, a full post to keep you sated until I one day return. As always, thanks for reading!

Lovin my oven!

A beautiful bit of scenery to welcome you back.

I love creek walks at this time of year. Blue skies, cool air and beautiful, crystal clear water. Sigh. Heaven.

As you can tell by the title, I'm lovin my new oven! Seriously, it cooks things in a fraction of the time, is cool to touch, and so shiny and new. I am one happy girl! Before I get onto the amazing delights I have prepared so far, I have once again managed to snap some glorious skies...

View from the back field on a walk with my sweet bubby a few days ago. Pity the heavy machines have now taken residence to prepare this empty space for a massive development. Grateful to have had the opportunity for as long as I've had to enjoy the lush, green space, and this uninterrupted view. 

View from my bedroom window; a sunset brightening the burbs. 

With hubby so incredibly busy with study and travel, I am trying to keep on top of healthy, convenient lunches. These wraps were some of several I made to grab and go.

This was a big week for my sweet bubby girl. She started Family Daycare one day a week. Here is my big girl, playing in my walk in robe, before her big first day.

And here she is sitting in a big girl chair as morning tea was served.

 I had such mixed feelings before sending her to care, but after the day, I was put at ease. My sweet girl is such a social bub who loves company, is extremely curious and energetic. With her settling into care, when uni starts for me next month, I will at least have one dedicated day to study. I desperately need that, because with her home- study just won't happen. This blog barely happens. What toddlers lack in size, they make up for in every other way- they make noise & mess, need cuddles, attention & food, a clean nappy quite a lot, more food, then some distraction & games. Then times it all by a zillion each day...!!! Hectic. And wonderful. Just not study friendly. I am extremely grateful to have found a local Family Daycare with a lady I know well, trust and respect. My sweet bubby is in very good hands.

I shall calm myself down from that toddler description with a lovely sunrise.

I have also had to keep on top of my protein balls for hubby. Gotta say- I like these! May have to make another secret batch just for me :)

Another beautiful sunrise, taken 2 days ago.

Now, lets get onto my oven! To be quite honest, I haven't made a huge amount in it yet. What I have made though, has cooked in no time at all! Fan forced awesomeness right there. Take a look at what has been privileged to be cooked in this amazing new appliance... 

A weekend treat pizza. Not only did it cook in no time, but the ingredients were dirt cheap as well. The flour for the base was inexpensive, the tomato sauce was a drained tin of chopped tomatoes, seasoned. The mince was on special, as was the cheese. Whole ingredients that are budget friendly make great guilt free family meals.

This is a slice of the first new oven lasagne. It cooked perfectly! My bubby loved it too :)

To go with tonight's dinner, I needed this fresh basil growing in my yard.

Before I show you what I did with the basil, I managed to finish this today- colouring in my Mother's day card from hubby :)

I love the cards my sweet man gives me- always homemade, always beautifully unique and containing precious words that melt me. Yes, I am spoiled, and grateful.

The basil went on to make the middle bowl of fresh pesto. The other bowls contain fresh hummus and avocado dip. They perfectly complimented roast sweet spuds. Great Autumn dinner to share with my girls.

I must say, dear readers, I am truly unsure how to keep this blog going. I welcome feedback if any of you want it to continue. My weight is stable- 59kg's this morning. I had managed to get down to my wedding weight of 58 kg, but then, a birthday happened and eating naughty treats occurred, For a few days. Oops. Back on track this week though!

I thank everyone for the feedback I have received thus far. It blesses me immensely when people have told me they have made certain recipes, sometimes again and again. 

Look forward to hearing your thoughts. And, as always, thanks for reading :) 

Time marches on.

Time marches on. Far quicker than most of us want at times. I'm not quite sure where to begin after a few weeks absence, so I'll start with a beautiful autumn days beach scene from noon today. 

I know, I live in paradise.

My sweet baby girl turned one whole year old on Saturday! My baby girl is also now a toddler! Oh dear- where has the time gone?! My sweet little one took her first steps at 10.5 months and is now a mini turbo top who started walking at 11.5 months. Busy, busy days indeed! That is a fair indication of what has distracted me from blogging lately.

My hormones are another reason. Since my thyroid test revealed that it is now functioning normally again (relief!!!), I still knew something wasn't right. I'm fatigued often, despite eating well, getting 8 hours average sleep and exercising gently a few days a week. My PMS has become crazy, and my periods irregular (though that is quite common for me). I'm a teensy bit vague at times, and rather anxious and moody, despite doing everything I can to fight it. I have a supportive hubby, a beautiful home, have great older daughters, am in love with my sweet baby girl...Enter the hormone test that revealed where I'm at. On my way out of fertility. Entering a new stage of life, a stage I'm actually confronted by. Time marches on, whether we like it or not. In my case, I'm in the NOT category-not liking it at all! 

I'm not quite sure why this upsets me as much as it does. Really though, I'm not keen of being confronted with growing older. I can dye my greys, hide my wrinkles, but ceasing to produce eggs is something no woman can escape eventually. Really, I'm incredibly blessed to have 3 beautiful girls, and to have literally fallen pregnant instantly with my sweet baby girl just before turning 44. I am blessed, especially when, as a 40+ woman who was labelled high risk, monitored religiously throughout her pregnancy and given countless scans because my baby was deemed small, today, at the Dr's, my sweet one year old is in the top percentiles for height/weight. I have a robust, healthy, active, thriving little person. Go me! 

So now I will have to look at this as forewarned is forearmed. The unknown is scary. But I've tackled scary before, and look who is still standing! Yep, moi :)

Now, though not exhaustive, I'll show you through the missed days...

A vegan feast: zucchini slice, avocado balls on spinach, steamed zucchini, red capsicum and salsa- a lunch fit for a queen :)

A weekend brekky for me and my amazing hubby- a veg filled fluffy omelette.

An abundance of banana pancakes for my sweet bubby. Simply made with mashed banana, milk, an egg and whole wheat flour. They froze well and she finished the last few on the way home from the Dr's today.

One of my favourite spots by the creek, taken on a late afternoon walk.

A stunning sunset taken from my bedroom window.

Being prepared is vital when going healthy. Here are some of my brekky parfaits several days ago: plain yoghurt, chia seeds, pepitas and berries. Too good!

A lovely family dinner with my girls last Monday: Rice paper (or spring rolls) with steamed broccoli and dipping sauce (tamari, rice malt syrup and sesame oil.

These babies were my vegan lunch rolls ready to devour. I wasn't going to let them see the public eye until I had done a 'how to wrap things in rice paper like a pro' masterclass. Alas, that could take a while, so enjoy their unique shapes.

And this is the raw ingredients- too healthy and so delish!

This is my sweet bubby girl, enjoying her new big girl pram/trike at her party on Saturday.

My little girl loves attention. Here she is thriving on the attention the Happy Birthday song brings (that is my dear daddy in the background).

Notice the cake- a basket of strawberries. Thank hubby for that- we wanted something different and he certainly delivered. I do admit, I wouldn't let her eat any- not sure a belly full of sugar and red food colouring was a great idea.

I will say- though i can't believe I forgot to take pictures- I am impressed i managed to pull off a birthday party with 20 or more guests that had an ubundance of healthy food. Thanks to a newly acquired Pintrest addiction (thanks for that Leanne !), I was able to get incredible inspiration. My fave was cucumber slices, spread with cream cheese, and topped  again with a half cherry tomato cut in half again to form an opened winged body. Then, a halved kalamata olive made a head, some chives made feelers, and tiny bits of chopped olive made the lady bug spots. Who said healthy food wasn't fun! 

I made a big variety, and had mini water bottles for kids to drink. Gotta say- I'm proud of standing by my convictions. 

Back to some scenery- a beautiful sunset to end an amazing day of celebration.

And now, we hit Mother's day, celebrated yesterday- Sunday 10th May. These beautiful flowers were from a talented local florist, gifted to me by my beautiful non teen; one of the many gifts I got spoiled with yesterday. Feelin the love people.

Now that all these celebration days are out of the way, I am getting right back into strict healthy eating. I haven't taken photo proof yet, but some of my clothes have begun falling off me. Oh, what a feeling! I will get back there very soon. Cutting out certain foods, like bread and pasta, but increasing others, like whole dairy, nuts and heaps more veg, I am not only feeling better inside, but the weight has been melting off, with only walks and a couple of gentle weight days a week. It is quite fair to say I fell of the wagon when presented with a dozen choc chip cookies from Tasmania upon my non teens return from a grandma visit. And party preps (that strawberry cake had a lot of leftovers!) may have been too tempting to bare. 

But, today is another day. Back to health and well being again. That reminds me- I will have to share my successes with my new, brilliant $20 toy- a slow cooker. Everyone now loves that I purchased it. And considering our oven has died and we are waiting for either a major repair or hopefully- a replacement, the slow cooker is invaluable.

Stay tuned lovely readers- more soon- I promise!