Community Garden Project Begginings

Who else likes tackling projects that are gigantic, you have no real clue on how it will go, yet you're convinced it will all work out?! My hubby and I fit into this category of blind optimists :) 

Our church owns a several acre lot directly behind it. I remember when we all chipped in a purchased it several years ago. Happy days! Sadly, it's been lonely, and a tad unkempt for far too long.  Hubby and I want to inject some life back into it, and have an amazing space for the community to freely use as well. On our wedding day, we tracked through the bush to a clearing for photo's, though at one point, hubby had to carry me over a flimsy, makeshift bridge. I can't wait to see it when it's completed and people choose to visit and have their own amazing memories captured!

You can't start a project without a blank canvas. Earlier in the week, we got our awesome brother in law to slash and ride on mow the bulk of the initial area.

Today, hubby and I tackled mowing. 

I love mowing. However, yesterday, I started back at training. Even though my trainer went gently, muscles were used that have been a little too dormant. This morning, it hurt to go down our 14 stairs. My arms are a bit ouchy too. Perhaps I was a tad too optimistic in my assumption that I could easily mow an acre alone. 

Look below at what we started with...

Before:

A pretty field of weeds and these lovely pink flowers in the foreground. 

And trees. Lots and lots of trees.

Before:

Hubby surveying the main areas he wanted clearing.

Before:

Dense and unkempt- but not for long!

Hubby tagging me out to mow. Grateful! 

Pity the mower billowed smoke. Sorry environment and neighbours! Can only work with what you have on hand.

After:

Mowed! 

...and another shot. I can't wait to get stuck back into this project...after I heal a little first!

Today consisted not only of mowing, but raking up weeds, sticks, rocks and branches, throwing it all in the wheelbarrow, and dumping each load. The ride on mowing wasn't able to get too close to the ground in places, so that meant we worked quite hard doing our best to clear it out from years of neglect, fallen branches and sadly, rubbish dumping. 

With this done, and new mower blades, we are optimistic that the next run through won't be as boggy and difficult. Fingers crossed!

Hubby is contacting the council tomorrow- some environment person (I'm so tired, I can't remember what he said!)- to discuss removing several trees, including the weed trees, and those dropping branches. With permission to remove them, we can not only keep the place maintained with a lot more ease, but do some wise replacement planting of smaller, denser native trees that offer shade and attract wildlife; trees that will also help us start landscaping our new space. 

For now, however, I'm happy to sit here and type, because my fingers are the only part of me that aren't hurting. Amazing really, since they were clinging to a difficult mower for a large part of the day. One thing I did notice today- the intense exercise cured my cranky pants. Yay! I need to mow way more often I think.

What today really gave me was hope. I didn't feel stuck in my crazy lady, perimenopausal head. My brain fog didn't affect my ability to work. Just fatigued muscles did. Today brought back a sense of excitement, and a passion returning. I love challenges. I love gardening, and I certainly want to rediscover my love for others by providing them with something that will hopefully be around for their kids kids to enjoy.

Exercise is good for the soul.

So is looking beyond yourself and doing something for others.

I think I may just get through this crazy season after all :)

Talk soon, lovely readers x

Easy Basil Pesto & Chicken Bake

It is nearly the end of school holidays. Its also nearly Australia Day. We have a big, busy week ahead. That means I need to get myself into some form of organisation and plan ahead for things, like family meals. With a toddler,  a hubby and a 20 year old at home with me, I can't just slack off every night, though believe me, the temptation is great. Especially in the humid summer heat. My family doesn't share my desire for a light, non cooked meal every night, which is most inconvenient.

We are still on a budget. It's challenging making a variety of meals on a tight income, but not impossible. I impressed myself today with making a little bit go a long way. 

What inspired today's creation was a morning well spent. I researched perimenopause like crazy. I'm so glad I did, as it helped me not only identify how far into it I am (the beginning apparently), by reading other women's stories, I realised my feelings are spot on normal. One woman had all the children she wanted, a great job, was healthy and fit, but still grieved the ending of her fertility. I get that. It's a tough thing to come to terms with- the ever progressing sands of time. 

Another bonus to researching like a mad woman was discovering the foods and supplements that have benefit and even greatly assist the descent into infertility. I quickly rushed out and purchased 2 of the 5 supplements I wanted to start immediately. Anything that helps calm the constant PMS symptoms from hormonal fluctuations is worth trying.

Food is a big, important factor as well. I read up on Dr's articles, educated sites, as well as personal testimonies and menopause links. For me, Mediterranean type eating is the best option, with foods rich in omega 3's, low in processed carbs, high in vegetables. My kind of diet!  My heart health will be protected, my cholesterol stable, and sugar cravings limited with a variety of good oils and simple fare.

Now, it's just a matter of working it into my every day diet and finding the affordable options for me. Lucky my local fish shop sells mullet very cheaply- the poor person's salmon substitute. Glad I love all fish :)

And that leads me to today's creation which then became part of tonight's meal (and no, it's not fish)....

BASIL PESTO 

ingredients

2 cups basil leaves (I grow my own- it's simple to do)

Juice of 1.5 lemons

Salt & Pepper

1/4 cup olive oil

Garlic clove

100g macadamias

method

In a small blender, place all the ingredients and blitz until combined and nuts appear fine.

Place in an airtight container and store in the fridge. 

It's that easy!

The pesto turned out very, very lemony. It was tangy and delish still, and inspired me to create a simple budget family dinner...

PESTO CHICKEN BAKE

ingredients

1 large chicken breast, cut into bite sized chunks

1/4 red onion, chopped

1/4 red chilli, chopped finely

1 small knob butter

250 g pasta spirals, cooked and drained

1/2 cup grated cheddar

2/3 of above pesto

1/2 cup low sugar, whole egg mayo (always check the sugars per 100g- not serving size. The one I use has around 2g of sugar per 100g)

• Preheat oven to 180 degrees. Saute onions and chilli on medium heat.
•  Add chicken, cook until chicken is very lightly browned.
• Lightly grease a baking dish. 
• Add cooked pasta, cheese, chicken mix and pesto/ mayo. 
• Mix well in baking dish. 
• Bake, uncovered, for around 20 mins, or until lightly golden.

Serves 4-6. Serve with salad.

I'm proud to say, this dinner was a winner! My toddler even devoured all but the chicken- it was a little too chunky for her. I will confess- I had tabbouleh and tuna for dinner, but I did lick the serving spoon...Yum!

I hope this has left some of you feeling just a little bit inspired. I look forward to bringing you more nutritionally dense, filling budget meals as I continue to research for my own sanity!

Until next time, thanks for reading :)

Banana Nice Cream

Getting good marks back on a uni subject is the best feeling! I am really challenged by this course content, let alone studying with a family. To be doing as well as I am deserves a celebration. Pity it's storming and late, and we are saving $'s again after a week away.

What makes these marks mean even more important to me is the fact that I have been struggling- for far too long-with a lower than healthy self esteem. When a subject is challenging, requires multiple readings, at times complex referencing,  to be making sound, consistent progress even on sometimes limited study is the best encouragement.

I want to be a skilled writer. 

I want to step into my dreams.

I want to finish what I set out to do.

I also want to start viewing myself in a healthier light.

Sometimes, I'm down on myself for being too eccentric, too different. I don't see the world the way everyone else does. In fact, I dislike the status quo. I desire change, and truly want to have a voice and make a genuine difference, even if only a ripple to begin with.

Perhaps that's why I struggle? Struggle can create empathy. It's also the perfect fuel for motivation. What sculpted gym body was achieved through passive exercise? The same applies to every area of life. The struggle to overcome any barrier or weakness creates strength.

So, what does this have to do with Banana Nice Cream? Fair question! It means, that when I am having a bad day and feel like sugar, or celebrating a good uni result, I'm going to treat myself to something nourishing and sweet. 

And not feel guilty.

It's ok to nurture myself too, even by giving into my cravings at times. As long as I make sure these cravings aren't packaged trans fat/ sugar overload bombs, I have no need to feel guilty. Real food comes first. Always. And if I indulge in the latter- forgive myself, then exercise like crazy!

Here is my simple, quick, healthy dessert, sugar hit, treat, reward...call it what you will...

BERRY NICE CREAM

ingredients

1 frozen banana

1 heaped teaspoon natural (no added salt/sugar) peanut butter

1 tbs coconut water

method

• partially defrost banana (if unpeeled) to remove skin
• throw it in a small blender (or use a stick blender)
• add the peanut butter and coconut water.
• blitz.
• add a little more coconut water if mix is too thick.
• Serve immediately- topped with berries or as it is.

Enjoy!

This is my new fave sugar hit!

I found the berries added a nice tang, as did the tiny hint of mint.

Delish!

There you have it, yet another post with a tempting treat. I hope this has inspired you to freeze those too ripe bananas.

And once again, that is your lot for now. Until next time, thanks for reading :)

 

Our idyllic mountain escape

Picture this: Mountains, stunning scenery, cool breezes, lush gardens, a spa suite... Sounds like the perfect getaway, doesn't it. Add a toddler to that. Maybe not so appealing now, am I right? Add an injured husband, who, on the day we set off couldn't walk properly. It's getting less tempting now, I hear you. And then, throw in a woman who is dealing with her own companions- the 7 dwarves of menopause: forgetful, achy, teary, psycho, sleepy, bloated & irrational, and you have the perfect setting for a movie. 

Only, this is no set. It was my week away. 

The day we set off, my hubby had a flare up of an old injury. A severe flare up. I mean, not being able to walk without a walking stick and knee brace kind of pain. Each step was torture for him. I was ever the gracious wife and couldn't believe the timing. I'm amazing, I know. 

The first night at our beautiful retreat resulted in me getting a combined 4 hours of sleep. I hadn't planned for teeth to come through right then and there, but come through they did. Even with the teeth through, it was agreed- holidaying with an energetic, curious toddler was just plain, hard work, even without hubby's injury. It also meant a trip to the local grocery store was the plan for evening meals, and not eating out. We should be grateful- she saved us a fortune!

It was also challenging walking at 0.5k's an hour everywhere due to hubby's injury, and not being able to see as much as we'd hoped.  However, as we have some pretty epic gardening plans being developed for a rather ambitious 7 acre project this year (details to follow in the coming months!), it perhaps was a blessing in disguise, as many walking tracks were grossly under-estimated in difficulty, and at one point, prevented an elderly gent from progressing further than the first 20 metres. 

Hubby even found that some garden paths were impossibly difficult to walk on with an injury, and even hard to push a pram on. In today's politically correct about everything society, limiting access for certain individuals was actually quite eye opening and distressing- as in the case of the elderly gent prevented form enjoying what he thought was a gentle, easy 1.4 k walk through a forest.  

It was still an amazing break.

The retreat was beautiful, and excellent value for money. Our suite had a wrap around veranda on 2 sides, perfect sunrise over the mountain views, a 2 person spa and kitchenette. I would recommend Aaronlee Retreat to anyone, and we will definitely visit again. Perhaps not with a toddler!

My little girl discovered horses. She now calls them horkies. In fact, she loves horkies, and even talked about them the first night back when I put her to bed.

We had the pool to ourselves for 3 days. My baby loves the water as much as her mumma does. It was so much fun splashing around with her and seeing the pure joy on her sweet little face.

I relaxed- despite everything, because I was surrounded by trees and less people. My heart is in the mountains surrounded by nature. Reconnecting with who you are is good for the soul. I'm a country girl at heart who adores the sound of the wind in the trees above the sound of the ocean any day. And the cooler mountain air was perfect. How I miss sleeping with a blanket in summer! 

Hubby was blissfully happy, despite being Limpy. Seriously, he had so much bacon! Every day. Quality, thick cut and plentiful. It made me feel bloated and nauseous, but not him. My man was in bloke heaven. I am now on a vegetarian diet for a couple of days. My poor arteries! 

Below are a few snap shots of our week...

Mother and child ponies, or horkies to my little girl.

A stunning garden entrance and pathway at Mt Tamborine Botanical Gardens.

Ten minutes of bliss as my little cutey enjoys milk froth and chocolate powder, otherwise known as a baby cinno :)

Stunning view of the Gold Coast from atop our retreat.

Love Aussie bush scenery, like this at the very top of Cedar Creek Falls.

Hubby pushing our little girl into the Glow Worm cave tour. She lasted 5 minutes before the darkness terrified her. I'm glad hubby took her out and let me stay- it was a surreal, magical experience.

Sunrise from our veranda. Not bad.

Bush walking with a toddler. She was screaming because her mumma wasn't carrying her. Who needs a gym when you can carry a toddler through a difficult 1.4 k track!

I fell in love with these hedges of agapanthus. I have never really been fussed on them before. That was until I saw how stunning they look when mass planted. Mt Tamborine had so many stunning landscape gardens- I'm inspired!

And there you have it, your lot for now.

Until next time, thanks for reading!

Menopause & My Chocolate Bliss Balls

It is fair to say, I feel like I'm going crazy. 

I walked into a room the other day and the table was covered in kids craft. I was horrified and instantly went into panic mode, and then I cried. Every feeling is completely overrated; joy, sadness, anger...all on steroids. And don't you dare leave a mess anywhere- that is a catastrophe! ABC Kids has a painfully annoying show called the Furchester Hotel. One of their catch phrases is, "It's a catastrophe!" I am now convinced a menopausal woman wrote the script. How very progressive of ABC to allow that :)

All of this is giving me an insatiable craving for chocolate. Perhaps its the constant hormonal shifts that are driving it, but whatever the reason- I need some! As most of us already know, heading down menopause highway is counter productive if you don't eat for an aging body. 

Another preventive measure was bumping into my trainer at the supermarket yesterday. I wasn't aware he was a local, and the instant shame I felt about what, at times, accidentally slips itself into my trolley was quite overwhelming. 

So, here we are, craving chocolate, just not allowed to eat it. But wait- there is hope after all! Enter My Chocolate Bliss Balls. Packed with fibre, low GI carbs and heaps of protein with minimal fat, these beauties take the sting out of the chocolate craving issue. 

And look, they are super easy to make!

My Chocolate Bliss Balls.

ingredients:

1 heaped tbs peanut butter

1 tbs chia seeds

1/4 cup coconut flour

1 tbs LSA

1 tbs Macro Gentle Fibre (a mix of psyllium, oat bran & linseed)

1 tbs sultanas (or 4 dates)

1 tbs rice malt syrup

1/3 cup grated beetroot (yes, you read right, beetroot!)

1/2 cup oats

2 tsp cinnamon

vanilla extract

Natural protein powder (soy based for me)

Coconut for coating

• Bung all of this into a blender. 
• Blitz until smooth.
• Add 3/4 cup of boiling water.
• Go make a cuppa.
• Come back to mix in 15-20 minutes.
• Using a teaspoon, roll heaped lumps into balls and then roll into coconut.
• Note- mix will start out pretty darn sticky. have clean warm water on hand.

Makes approximately 20 balls. Store in the fridge- cover if you don't want them to dry out too much. Will last a couple of weeks, if you don't inhale them first :)

Ok, so I admit, these aren't the creamy, addictive & heavenly bliss of sugary chocolate. But they are antioxidant packed, fibre filled nutrient bombs, which your body will thank you for. 

These babies are perfect pre work out or for that afternoon slump when sugar cravings kick in before dinner. 

 

As a bonus, look below- I have been using the My Fitness Pal app and have discovered it is perfect for getting the facts on exactly what nutrients are in the foods I make. 

My statements were spot on- go me!

Once again, that is your lot for another day. I hope this inspires some of you.

Until next time, thanks for reading :)

Pulled Pork, Sweet Chilli & Fetta Pizza

My hubby is addicted to pizza. Well perhaps addicted is a tad harsh. It's in his top 5 foods of choice. Rum & raisin chocolate would be his ultimate weakness. However, as I know he wouldn't knock back a pizza every day, and I'm not making rum & raisin chocolate, it pays that I get good at making his other addiction. 

I am not a huge pizza fan. Don't get me wrong, the odd one here and there is fine. But love is a many splendid thing- it makes us do things for others, and not just ourselves. Like not only making my hubby's fave food, but adding a sugary topping- sweet chilli- to the base. In the big scheme of things, I've eased slightly in my 'zero sugar' militancy. I now have a 'low sugar' approach.  We rarely eat processed breakfast cereals- brekky's at our place usually have eggs, bacon (another of hubby's top 5 foods), maybe a beetroot smoothy (though hubby doesn't think this qualifies as being called food) and vegemite on wholemeal toast. Our processed carb content is fairly low, so when I use the odd bit of sweet sauce, I cut some myself some slack. We generally eat real food. 

Another thing I should be telling you is this- just because I make it, doesn't mean I should eat it. Approaching the big M (menopause!!!!!!) is a scary thing for me, and knowing what it does to a metabolism (slows it down), muscle tone (prone to losing some) and heart health, I really don't want to indulge my emotions and comfort eat, only to regret the health issues later. I am in control of what goes into my mouth. I can still eat with my family, but am very aware that I have to cut processed carbs, sugars and giant portions. I am finding by making a vat of veggie soup ahead of each new week means meal times are easy- a big bowl of high fibre, low cal/carb soup before my main and I'm satisfied with a sensible meal.

Making my own food isn't such a chore. If it's spag bol, I can put mine on veggie 'pasta', or as with the pulled pork pizza, I can just have the pork with a salad. Things change. Bodies age. Considering I've had over 40 years of eating pretty much what I wanted- I'm not missing out!  I'm just being a diva if I buy into that lie. I like feeling healthy. I like feeling strong. I want this body to carry me well into my future years, not dependent on medications to fix my poor health choices. I look at my little energiser bunny and marvel at how fast a 20 month old can run! I want to keep up with her, and future grand babies. That makes it worth while.

And now, the pizza!

This is the best base recipe I've found. It's quick, easy and you'll be eating pizza in no time. Thanks taste.com for this :)

Thin & Crispy Pizza Bases

ingredients:

• 250ml luke warm water
• 1 7g sachet dried yeast
• 1 ts sugar
• 3 cups p flour
• 1/4 ts salt
• 1 tbs olive oil
• 3 tbs sweet chilli sauce (optional)

method:

• Preheat oven to 220 Celcius.
• Place yeast and sugar in water. Set aside for 5 mins or until yeast foams.
• Place flour and salt in a bowl. Make a well.
• Add oil and yeast. Mix well.
• Turn onto floured board. Knead for several minutes until smooth.
• Split into 2. Roll into balls, cover with oil, cling film and a tea towel for 5 mins.
• Roll out.
• Place on grease proof paper on an oven tray. 
• Cover with half the sweet chilli sauce. Cook for approx 8 minutes.

Pulled Pork Topping:

• 2-3 cups pulled pork
• 200g fetta, crumbled
• 1/2 cup grated cheddar
• spinach, rocket and other salad leaves
• greek yoghurt

Divide mixture and place on both pizza bases- except salad greens and yoghurt.

Cook in a 200 celcius oven for around 10-12 minutes.

Cut into slices and top each piece with salad greens and a big dob of yoghurt.

Enjoy.

And there you have it, another recipe to inspire you. have a great weekend, and thanks for reading :)

Super Easy Tahini Free Baba Ganoush

Can you believe it- I'm back after 2 days! Miraculous, I know. Now that uni is over for a few weeks, I can think again, and utilise my currently scattered thoughts (thanks perimenopause) and blog recipes again. Aren't you glad?!

As always, I shall start with a little scenery, of my garden this time. To be more precise, my new (reclaimed) potting table. I love having a little spot to grow some colour in an otherwise small yard.

It makes the perfect spot for morning cuppa's.

I have been so good these past several days with eating, 

that I gave myself a cheat breakfast- a high sugar one. Natural sugar of course. Sitting in bed and enjoying a red paw paw half, filled with a hint of natural greek yoghurt, a few sprigs of fresh mint and fresh raspberries was just divine, especially as my little energiser bunny (my toddler) was still asleep. 

I am trying my best to eat well because we are all off, except my middle non teen, for a much needed holiday soon. This holiday destination has a pool. I haven't been particularly disciplined over Christmas, so if I would like to swim in said pool without purchasing a whole new set of swimwear, I need to eat a little better and be far more proactive with my health and diet. 

I have been making a large vat of low carb veg soup each weekend to see me through the week. The only starchy veg I include is pumpkin. As lovely as this is, I need a little bit of variety. I almost forgot I had an eggplant in the crisper, and as I wracked my brain thinking what to do with it, I suddenly remembered a dip with a name I could never remember how to spell with tahini in it. I have a love/hate relationship going on with tahini, and as I'm trying to cut down on fats (not go low fat- just reduced portions of the real stuff which our bodies need). So here is my non-tahini version of...

BABA GANOUSH

ingredients:

1 500g eggplant

1 tbs fresh lemon juice

2 cloves garlic, crushed

ground rock salt & pepper to taste

1 tbs olive oil

method...

Pre-heat oven to 200 degrees celsius

Pierce eggplant with a fork all along it and around it.

Place on a lined tray- no need for oil.

Cook for approximately 40-45 mins until it looks sad and wrinkly.

Leave to cool.

Once cool, peel skin off- this is quite easy. 

Can be covered and placed in the fridge if you aren't ready to make it yet.

Place the eggplant pulp into a bowl with all the other ingredients.

Mix well with a fork.

If you want a fluffier/creamier dip,

use a blender.

 Rustic with chunks works fine for me.

Cover and store in fridge for several days.

Enjoy :)

And there you have it, another post, done and dusted. Go me! 

Hope to chat again soon. Until then, thanks for reading :)

Chinese BBQ style Pulled Pork

How time flies! I know last year I made promises of keeping you all updated sooner, but that, dear readers, was before realising that taking on another student, moving our toddler back into our room, and me trying to complete a summer unit of university was perhaps, well, madness. A full house with many different wants and needs going on all over the place, and a toddler who was thrilled to have her mumma and daddy so close, why bother sleeping all night? Yes, I'll say it again. Madness. Exhausting too.

That's all over now, mostly. *Insert sigh of relief here*. Today, I handed in my final assignment for this semester of study. I desperately hope I've passed, but if not, I'm going to really, really know the subject well should I need to repeat.

When I say mostly, I feel it only fair to warn you, perimenopause has hit with a vengeance. Cry. It's such a taboo subject, Google doesn't even recognise it as a word. Well tough. Now it's here, I'm talking about it. It feels awesome to have PMS symptoms non stop, or the vague, emotional roller coaster feelings of pregnancy without the hope of a baby. Yay to getting older. 

Its utterly vital that more than ever, I focus on what is important. Take a little look at my sweet baby girl, now a 20 month old cheeky, adorable, curious, energetic toddler. She does my soul good, and I am grateful for her daily.

Immune boosting and just plain fun, playing in the bird bath and filling it with dirt :)

It's also important I choose to find little snippets of joy in the every day, like this discovery on a walk...

A random photo I took on a walk one afternoon, but I love how pretty and intricate grevilleas are.

And where would we be if we couldn't see the treasure under the trash?

My amazing hubby made this! Well, he actually up-cycled a damaged rocking chair we both spotted on the roadside for council clean-up, and he turned it into this stunning chair just for me. 

I am spoiled.

I am working on getting back into a gym routine, though it hasn't been easy. My trainer is doing his Master's and not very available, and Christmas, with all of the above mentioned thrown in has put a huge dampener on my enthusiasm and commitment. Lack of sleep isn't particularly conducive to long gym sessions, or any at all really! 

The good thing about a new year is they tend to bring with them a sense of renewal, and for me, a new sense of motivation. The diet is back on track, the exercise is happening regularly, albeit slowly until I get my fitness back up there. I like new beginnings. I have permission to start all over. And with the big CHANGE already in progress, I need to age well. Exercise, diet and a healthy outlook will all play an important part in getting me there.

Now, let's talk food. I actually hate paying full price for food- supermarkets are often so overpriced, and it makes buying fresh a little off putting. But bargains can be found, as I discovered when I purchased 2 rolled pork roasts for a ridiculous 80% off! Instead of the $31+ dollars they were originally, I scored them both for less than $7! The best before date was a day away, but as the store assistant told me, Woolworth's actually makes their best before date 2 days earlier to ensure freshness. So, my meat had 3 days to go, and could have been frozen anyway to extend the shelf life for months. I instead chose to make use of them with my slow cooker, and here is the recipe (adapted from Sarah Wilson's I Quit Sugar recipe)...

SLOW COOKED CHINESE BBQ PORK

ingredients:

1.5 kg pork, trimmed of fat

black pepper

2 cloves garlic, crushed

2 tsp mixed spice

1 tbsp grated ginger

1 tsp ground ginger

1 tsp chilli flakes

1/2 cup tamari or soy sauce

1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

1/4 cup chicken stock, or water

2 tbsp fish sauce

1/3 cup honey or rice malt syrup

juice of 2 lemons

After you have trimmed most of the fat from the pork, place it in a slow cooker and, after mixing ingredients in a separate bowl, pour over the pork. Place the cooker on high and leave for 3.5-4 hours. (I have a $20 slow cooker that only took 3.5 hours to cook two 1.5kg pork shoulders completely. Of course, I doubled the seasoning too).

When cooked- test, it should fall off the fork fairly easily, transfer meat only to a plate and, using 2 forks, pull the pork into shreds. 

The cooked lumps of pork. Not terribly attractive, but oh so delish!

Grab one smallish lump at a time on a separate plate, and as you hold with one fork, pull the tender meat shreds off with the other.

Unless you are feeding a family of 20, or seriously need to cut down your portion sizes, there will be an abundance of left over pork, which can be stored and frozen. 

Our family has had pulled pork wraps, pulled pork and salad, pulled pork and pastry, and maybe tomorrow, pulled pork spring rolls.

Budget cooking at its best!

I am almost hesitant to say I'll chat again soon. With uni over for several weeks, I really shouldn't have too much of an excuse.

I hope this has inspired you, and I do look forward to being able to bring you more recipes soon, and let you in on my exciting year of change :)

Until next time, thanks for reading!