Monday 29 April 2013

Superscrimper make

Ok, so enough of the household focus for this little piece. This week it is a recipe we have tried!!

This is what ours looked like:



I have also done a cost analysis for this pasta recipe, I halved the quantities stated because there is only two of us for dinner. I sent Andy to work with the left overs for lunch. This meal cost us .....

Thursday 25 April 2013

Late nights and new things

Isabelle is teething up a storm at the moment, she just doesn't seem to stop! Her two front teeth look set to appear any time now, she has white blocks in her gums :) it does mean that her nights are quite fitful though.
She tried to crawl for the first time tonight, she is so clever its unreal, she is eating more food and is feeding herself with amazing coordination. I thank God everyday for her. I thank Andy most days for her.

I made the most amazing Mango Chicken yesterday, I honestly could eat it everyday - it has become a favourite after one make! But I have been looking for a favourite food again so maybe this is just coincidence.

Andy and I also made some Oreo cookies and some Brownies in a clean eating style that turned out really well. So far, going paleo/clean has been costly but exciting. We aren't completely there but making progress, which I am so, so grateful for because it is a long time coming.

Today  I managed to finish the typography for a display I am working on for our bedroom, I will share it once it is completed. It has only taken .... 2 years.... to get around to doing!

I finally got around to adding another item to my shop, keep checking in as I am continually developing ideas - I am really into notebooks at the moment.

Monday 22 April 2013

Superscrimper make

Next of course on the list had to be fabric conditioner!

How did your washing powder go? I haven't done it yet.... I really will though! I need to!

I think for this fabric conditioner I will want to compliment the lemon I chose for the powder so I will be picking a conditioner that isn't too strong.

Saturday 20 April 2013

Paleo, work and the thought inbetween

The good news to report is that this recipe was a great success! Both Andy and I enjoyed it immensely. I made some squash fries to go with it and it was the perfect compliment. Andy enjoyed the flavours and the experiment certainly pleased him! (I am quite shy with herbs!)

On the work front, I have some decisions to make soon and thinking about even making them brings me to tears. I don't really leave Belle at the moment - or enjoy the thought of leaving her. I just love having her around and she isn't any trouble. I know I would enjoy time with Andy but her little routine at the moment allows us time/me time to recharge that I don't find myself 'needing' a break.

Doing something creative from home whilst looking after Belle has always been my dream. Now it just comes down to finances. Which is awful.

Diet wise, this transition is going well. Who knows how I would manage it with work too - then it was all about convenience for me. I guess it would just mean being super organised all the time. I feel like with Andy on shift we would see each other less, which I hate the idea of.

I think most women end up in this debate when they have children, before this job offer I felt like I had made my decision. We both know our budget is tight but it could work. I spoke with my Mum and a dear friend about this little blip and I just don't think I can give up seeing Isabelle's firsts, or even give up being the one to teach her. To top it off I have been looking at learning at home and I believe Montessori is more akin to our family beliefs than the way a Nursery would go about things. Gah...... decisions............

Friday 19 April 2013

HOME BIRD ECONOMICS - The Shop

Huuuraahhhhhhh! I am sure that is what Isabelle would say if she was speaking, alas we are not there just yet!!

However, I have (finally) launched my shop! There isn't much in it and I am beavering away every nap time, developing ideas, costings and creating to get this space where I want it to be.

I have had my first order, a sweet lady who wanted to use the hearts at her Vintage inspired wedding. Such a lovely idea! She has agreed to send me pictures too so that I may show off the little creations!

Here is what her packaging looked like .....



I included some extra bits that from our conversation I think she will like. 

So if you are interested, take a look at The Shop, if you use code 'launch10' you will also receive 10% off of your first purchase with me! Happy buying

Wednesday 17 April 2013

Quotes


The aftermath



Following Isabelle's christening - last month! I have been making my thank you cards during Isabelle's naps to send out and I am finally done!!

Just got to post them off now.

Monday 15 April 2013

Superscrimper make

Yes, I am obsessed with making my own washing powder. I have seen so many recipes out there and never given it a go. So, I will be attempting this recipe soon! I promise, I will also take photos so that I can come back and review it!

Such a simple recipe for washing powder I am sure it will be beneficial to our family to not only pay less, but know the ingredients on our skin. I will need to keep a container ready for this too....

Friday 12 April 2013

Working out

Since this little lady of mine appeared I have been achieving all kinds of goals for myself, around the home, budgeting and getting myself back into shape. Shape I didn't even get married in!

So far, Jillian has been kicking my butt. I am aiming to do the 30 Day shred 3 times a week. So far so good I am up to 2 times, which is progress!

My mum found these problem area mini workout that I have been attempting! Again, I aim for each night before bed. Yet to get there, but I know I will once I have printed the sheet I made myself. Except the printer is right next to nap time in mummy's bed!

Other than that I try to walk as much as possible - cutting our petrol costs and my waist.

Food wise I have been trying Clean eating and Paleo recipes. These help my imagination and have enabled me to 'diet' on budget, my meats aren't grain fed organic but they are what they are. One day I won't worry about money as much.... maybe... but that's not for right now.

I am not really up for sharing before and after photos just because that feels a little too personal for me. However, I have gone from a horrible size to a not so bad size to working on a I am ok here size.

Monday 8 April 2013

Superscrimper make

I was going to write my own tutorial for these paper hearts I saw on the show but instead, this link will take you straight to it!

I found them really straight forward and I don't measure mine, I can get 2 hearts from 3 pieces of paper. They are a seriously inexpensive way of decorating any cabinet, wall, nursery, kitchen well, in my opinion they look cute anywhere.

Once I have decided with Andy what the theme to Isabelle's birthday will be I am sure I will make some up as a decoration for some part of the house. My baby is 1 in September? :(

Friday 5 April 2013

Finding my way back to you

Every now and again I think I am getting the hang of things, then something changes and goes out of the window. Life I guess.

Anyways, Andy and I took a walk through Mutley Plain charity shops today - one of my favourite places for bargains. Andy managed to find a baby sign book I have been toying with buying for us for about 6 months now, and it was £1.50! Originally on amazon this costs almost £4. So not a huge saving but I was certainly pleased not to pay post and packaging too!

I am coming to the end of my maternity pay now and this is when the real budget has to kick in, to see if we can make it on one wage. I think this budgeting will get me back into blogging a little more simply because I need to be even thriftier than ever, with food, presents, clothes. Everything. Life in general has to become less about things and more about making the most of what we have. I know we can do it, it is daunting though.

I don't know if anyone else watches Superscrimpers on UK channel 4? If not use the link! You will be amazed and inspired. It is one of those programs I feel like I need a notepad next to me to keep the ideas ready for research later. Andy and I never fail to find something new to have a go at - even if it is just the beauty tips!!

I make no promises for this space, but I think I will be keeping my ideas here and I will try to keep this space up to date with as many tips as possible - provided I am saving enough money!