Going Organic

I'm a big believer that small changes can make a big difference. Too often we believe that the problems of the world are out of our hands. That the money man will always win. Well, yes, he will if you sit on your hands.

I've had a bee in my bonnet for the past few years about two Australian supermarkets who I feel not only dominate and destroy the market, but who also have a largely negative impact on farmers, brands and consumers a like.

I have ventured to find alternatives, enjoying for awhile the likes of Aussie Farmers Direct and LaManna Direct, but my all time favourite find to date, both for their produce and their philosophy, is Whole Larder Love.

Now, every second Wednesday I place my order for a box of organic fruit and vege. On Friday a farmer plucks my produce from the ground, and on Saturday the lovely Rohan, often accompanied by his delightful family members, delivers the box to one of three locations around Melbourne - the drop off point.

We venture down, meet the people behind the produce, and collect our goods. I take them all home, wash off that gorgeous organic soil and stock my fridge as ideas for meals dance like sugar plums in my head.

Here are some of the delights we found in our box - total cost $48.

6 corn
5 beetroot
30 apples
16 carrots
head of broccoli
silverbeet
kale
4 turnips
4 big potatoes
3 onions
1 red onion
1 head of red cabbage
2 parsnip
1 leek
2 tomatoes

Even though we didn't get much fruit, I wasn't bothered. The kids loved the apples and ate every last one. And besides, I like the idea of moving to be more seasonal. These are but small steps I am taking, perhaps towards even growing my own.

We all know money has power. How are you using yours?

Bloody Good Beetroot Salad

If, like me, you enjoy a little pinot now and then, perhaps balance it out with a little more beetroot in your diet. It helps to cleanse the liver, so you can ruin it again sooner :)

No, seriously, I am taking a much healthier approach to eating lately. Even ordered some organic fruit and vege to be delivered right near our house this Saturday. Apparently the vege is pulled from the ground on Friday and in your hands by Saturday lunch time. Coles and Safeway can NOT beat that people!

One of the yummiest recipes that I have uncovered it this delicious (and super quick and super easy) Beetroot Salad. Try it. Your liver will love you for it.

This is leftover beetroot salad added to my veggie tacos.

Bloody Good Beetroot Salad

1 beetroot

1 large carrots

1/2 red onion

3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped

tablespoon of red wine vinegar

1/2 cup of good olive oil

1/4 cup petita seeds

1/4 cup sunflower seeds

1/4 cup sliced almonds

Toast all your seeds and nuts on a pan then put aside. Grate beetroot and carrot into a bowl. Thinely slice red onion and add to beet/carrot mix. In a bowl add finely chopped garlic, olive oil and red wine vinegar. Mix.

When you're ready to serve, add seed and nut mix to the beet, carrot and onion and then toss through your red wine dressing. This will give four adults a good dose of healthy yumminess.

Friday Ventures

Had a lovely day with my little ones last Friday. My friend was busy getting ready for Finders Keepers market, so we asked her daughter around for a play date. 

 I decided a visit to the park was in order because it was such a beautiful day and also because afterwards I wanted to get my coffee fix at our new local cafe. I had read about it here and thought it sounded worth the trip. It was. 

 The kids received fresh paper and stamps on arrival and an m&m cookie baked by Mario only moments later. I settled down to a coffee and a muffin and the review was right, Mario makes-a-the-good-muffin.

 

After morning tea the kids got to choose from the lucky dip bins. 

This is them holding them up for me.


A quick climb of tree and then home. I love days like these!

 

I'm back!

I realise that it's been a ridiculous amount of time since I was here, but now, I'm back. It's been a busy few months settling into the year and finding our feet schedule wise with kids, work, family, house renos and of course, trying to do things we enjoy for just us. eg. sewing, playing music etc. With the time I have been playing...with fabrics...and dresses...and am close to launching a new (small) business. Details to come. It's sucking up all my time and the preparation for this has been full on. It's included scouting around for fabrics, trying to get a logo in place, coursing a new website, finding patterns that I can adapt and that leave me inspired, and of course, research, research, research. For your viewing pleasure, while I finalise those last minute things, here is my new work space, our newly renovated study. All she needs now is the ottoman I'm in love with and those mustard cushions I am lusting after.