The little birds...

If you watch little birds you will see they are busy and happy! Using whatever they can find they create the most gorgeous little nest.
I would be the little bird with some glittery thread in her nest!
We can be like this. Happily working away with the things that are available to us to create a beautiful and happy home.
All the while with a little song in our heart.

Banner by Free Pretty Things for You.

Thursday 1 June 2017

Feather your Nest Friday, 2nd June, 2017.

It just became real to me that we are in June! We have four weeks left to make the most of the first half of the year!
And it is winter! So far we have had beautiful days and really cold at night.

This has been a catching up week.  I have cleaned, re arranged and organised. It is nice to have the house back to pretty much normal and renovations over.  

Finally a few more finished photos...





Just so you get an impression of what we went through this was taking the spa out...


This was when it was gone...


During the clean up...


To be honest, it is hard to be in a good mood when this is your only bathroom (we do have another toilet though!)

Even renovating one room seems to mess with everywhere else as you have to find places to put stuff and dust and mess still manages to escape rather than be confined to one place!  

The finished result is something I am really pleased with and a surprise overtime I walk in!


Apart from cleaning, sorting and setting up my bathroom cupboards this week I got a few more things done.

I mailed out Sour Dough to everyone who asked.  This was quite a job!  I covered the whole dining room table with baking paper then covered that all with a thin layer of starter. You should have seen it!  It looked like the worst mess!  It all dried in 48 hours and then I packed it up,  got all my envelopes ready and started getting the ready to mail.  Then off to the post office on Monday!
I might offer this again sometime but this lot is done!


I tried the Sour Dough to make Raisin Bread. I love Raisin Toast and had not thought to make this.  I also saw ONE slice of Raisin Toast in a cafe is $4.50! I know I can make a couple of loaves of it for under that!

It worked fine but I am not posting the recipe until I perfect it. This recipe was too light on fruit and spices even though I put in extra. So I will do it once more then post the recipe.
Mind you Andy loved it and there is heaps in the freezer sliced ready for toasting.


Lucy gave me more flowers. She is having some kind of clean out and I am the beneficiary! lol I just say yes to flowers!


These will end up in vases in the next week or so. 

I filled the soap dispensers with odds and sods from almost empty containers and a shampoo I didn't like.  (soap is soap)

Things were marvellous until Wednesday night we were in bed and suddenly it started raining.  I thought it was odd as it had been so perfectly clear during the day.  Then it started pouring. Then I thought this is funny as it is pouring but there is no noise on the roof.  !!!  I flew out of bed and Andy remained still as he he deaf as a post (drummer)!  In the passage I could hear it was much louder and I got to the kitchen and it was flooded with hot water and steam everywhere!  I started yelling "Andy Andy turn off the water!"
I had just washed, ready to store,  all the old towels and bath mats. I also had washed up Mum's towels and bathmats because we had been using her bathroom. I grabbed all of these and threw them on the floor and kept grabbing more.   It took over twenty towels and mats to almost soak it up.  Then I was mopping.  
It turned out to be a split dishwasher hose.
Firstly what do minimalists do when things like this happens? I keep reading blogs that say you only need to towels per person, throw the rest out!  Luckily I had so many on hand.
The next day was spent re washing all of these with loads and loads of washing.
The kitchen floor is damaged however.  I hope insurance comes through and it all turns out ok.

I want to show you how the chickens are growing. They are getting more and more blue...  the colour is called blue but obviously it is a grey blue. Still they are getting to be big fluffy blue birds!


If you noticed I am late posting today this will also explain I haven't totalled up my Vicky Challenge yet.  But this week I am adding in my savings on the bathroom.  Going from the cheapest quote we got we saved $6000 and I am counting this in the challenge as it was a lot of work!  But that will boost up my weekly average! 

I hope you had a good week!  How did you feather your nest, build up your home, save money, get ahead? 

Enjoy the weekend! xxx

61 comments:

  1. The bathroom looks fantastic! I do hope you enjoy your baths in there!

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    1. Thank you for your visit! Rest assured that the new bath will pay for itself in no time!! What price can we put on a good, homely soak with beautiful home-crafted bath products?!
      Regards,
      Rachel
      'Blog secretary'

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  2. Hi Annabel,

    The bathroom looks gorgeous! I especially like the floor tiles and vanity - they are the exact same ones we installed in our bathroom last year ha, ha, ha (great minds). The shelving looks fabulous with all your goodies safely stored.

    You're right about the raisin toast. It's $4.50/slice around here in the cafes too, such a saving on your part.

    Sorry to hear about the burst pipe, I know the feeling - we had a tile slip out of place last week and when it rained, we had a beautiful waterfall inside :-( so there were buckets everywhere until the rain stopped and DH was able to get on the roof and replace the tile.

    Savings this week included several items gifted by DSisIL - a huge pumpkin (roasted some, made pumpkin and chickpea curry and enough for some soup) plus a huge armful of parsley to make tabouli. We reorganised, cleaned and moved furniture to make better use of the slow combustion heater as we've had some really cold nights along with our first frosts. A couple of leftover freezer meals came in handy as it meant we avoided buying takeaway when we were late home one night.

    Have a great weekend,
    Janine

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    1. Dear Janine!

      You said it - the "slow combustion heater"!! Have you ever tried, when it's down to just coals and hot ashes, cooking potatoes, wrapped in foil, on the coals? Delicious!

      Regards,
      Rachel

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  3. Dear Annabel!
    Oh no! Steam and hot water!! You know, if you're trying to advertise city living to a bush girl, this is not very convincing! Ha ha!! I love the hydrotherapy!
    Regards,
    Puddle Duck
    ('Blog secretary')

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  4. Annabel your bathroom is such a serene and calm space. I should have added the word 'NOW', to the above statement. I hope that the issue with the kitchen floors gets sorted soon. Just as well you heard the waterfall and you were able to address it as quickly as you could.
    This week we have been gifted eggs, herbs, 2 avocados and a lovely pumpkin. The pumpkin will be cut up and made into pieces to be frozen, baked, pureed and made into soup. The eggs and herbs were a yummy brekkie of scrambled eggs on avocado on sourdough toast. We did feel very special.
    I drove down to the Sunshine Coast yesterday and overnighted at my folks place. Mum and I went to Ikea and both of us were a tad overwhelmed. I cant see myself going back anytime soon. Sorry Ikea fans.
    Today I went to a favourite Tea shop with Mum and picked up some tea to bring home. Next door I picked up some lovely heels. I have been on the look out for good shoes for a number of months. I have been having a bit of a spend fest after a month of no spending. Oops.
    I'm not going to even bother thinking I have been a money saver this week. I'm home again and am going to have to knuckle down once again.
    Life is good and my shoes are gorgeous!

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    1. Dear Jane! Your new heels sound wonderful! Could we have a heels photo?

      I am thinking, too, that Annabel's new bathroom could inspire other Bluebird bathroom glory boxes!

      I'm glad you enjoyed your avocado!

      Regards,
      Rachel

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  5. Dear Annabel, great to see your finished bathroom, love seeing the chandelier in there hehe.And the fruit bread toasted is my favourite to eat.
    Sorry to hear about the waterfall, do hope the insurance helps out.
    Thankyou for my starter dough, and all your hard work getting it out to all of the Bluebirders.
    Your blue birds chooks are looking very well rounded .
    This week I made more soups for the freezer. Updated both small freezers lists .Looked at bathroom items and did some measuring in our bathroom , first step to doing ours in the future.Had a fiend with me who had done hers recently and that was helpful .
    Used my sewing machine to hem a curtain and so pleased it's working as Ive been procrastinating for a long time , thought id broken it.
    Baked cakes, slices and biscuits,this week has flown.Today we had both our little grandsons here, they had such fun together and havent seen each other in a long time.(the little one has moved back here with his parents).Ive had lots of kisses and cuddles :-)
    Have a lovely weekend everyone, and enjoy your new bathroom Annabel ,Love Maria xxx

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    1. Dear Maria!

      That sense of humour of yours is wonderful!
      The best bit about your week, I think, is that you were at the centre of the home, providing a haven for your loved ones - grandchildren, included!!
      You'll be glad when you've got a happy starter and then some lovely sourdough baking! Enjoy the challenge!

      Regards,
      Rachel

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  6. Big bathroom transformation looks lovely

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    1. Dear Lucy!!
      I agree!! Your mirror and that wonderful chandelier really set off the bath beautifully!! We're very proud of your Mum!
      Thank you for popping in!
      Regards,
      Rachel

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  7. All the positives first -your chickens are so pretty, your storage in your new bathroom is wonderful, and I'm glad your hearing is good. Now, I'm so sorry about the flood and I hope that the insurance comes through for you. It could come an earthquake and my husband couldn't hear it either.

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    1. Thank you, Vickie, for the laugh - about good hearing being a positive!!
      Those blue chickens really match the bathroom so well!
      Regards,
      Rachel

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  8. Dear Annabel, the bathroom is an absolute triumph! How beautiful and what a space in which to recline and relax! And ahhhh....a split dishwasher hose...can I tell you the havoc that wreaked for us (only ours was the washing machine) in our holiday cabin last year? It happened when we weren't there, and by the time we discovered it, the whole place had been sitting in several inches of water for weeks in the middle of Summer. Can you imagine the mould....arrrrrgh! So I feel your pain. I'm glad it was remedied quickly for you. The things that happen according to Murphy's Law...honestly. Beautiful flowers from Lucy. I imagine you'll work your magic on them as always. Have a lovely weekend. Love, Mimi xxx

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    1. Dear Mimi!
      I love how you write with such a flourish! You're so full of beans!
      We can hardly wait to see your new kitchen! There's no hurry, of course! Annabel will be soaking for quite some time!
      Regards,
      Rachel

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    2. Thankyou Rachel! Mimi xxx

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  9. Oh no! Isn't that always the way though - you get one thing done, and then something else goes wrong. The bathroom really is gorgeous now though, hope the kitchen floor is fixed soon.

    As for what the minimalists do in an indoor flood situation, the answer of course is that in a picture perfect minimalist life pipes do not burst, roofs do not leak, and no one ever gets a D&V bug.... Ha!

    Serious answer though - I have been in a situation where I've owned two towels and had a burst pipe, not cos I was a minimalist but cos I was skint, and the answer is a mop, a bucket, and a lot of wringing out...

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    1. Ha ha, Allegra!
      Another answer could be that a minimalist may not have the water hoses and such in the first place! Just bucket in the water, and wash up in a small basin, recycling the water on a tree at the end!!
      Regards,
      Rachel

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  10. Dear Annabel,

    Your bathroom is so beautiful! What a mess with your kitchen, and thank goodness for all those towels! We have more company here for a week, so I will keep this short. Have a wonderful weekend!

    xx Jen in NS

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    1. Thank you, Jen, for being a valued Bluebird!
      After seeing your bedroom makeover, I am wondering how you would decorate your own bathroom! It would be pretty, I am sure!
      Regards,
      Rachel

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  11. Hi everyone! I've been so busy at work and at home both, that I'm just doing a drive-by posting to thank you all for your wonderful comments on my crocheted shrug, my beautiful youngest daughter, and my home! The pattern I used is so very simple, it is crocheted in a rectangle and then the two ends are partially sewn together, length-wise. Here is the link to the free pattern: http://www.mamainastitch.com/easy-blanket-sweater-crochet-pattern/ This kind lady has shared some awesome free patterns! I am currently crocheting another for my oldest daughter in an olive green.

    Love,

    Jeanette

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    1. Thank you very much, Jeanette, for sharing the shrug pattern with us! I've had a look, and it's simply beautiful! There is an elegance to it!
      I do hope you'll show us the green shrug when you're ready! There's nothing wrong with repeating loveliness! We might see some other shrugs around here, too!!
      Regards,
      Rachel

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  12. Dear Annabel,
    The new bathroom is lovely and peaceful looking.
    Raisin bread is a real favorite in our home. Unbelievable what some cafes charge for it. The flowers from Lucy are beautiful and I look forward to seeing what you do with them.

    Thank goodness you heard the water and were able to take care of it immediately.

    As for nest feathering, we made a trip to the military base to the commissary, and Costco after that as they're in close proximity of each other but still 30 miles from home, took out the summer clothes and put away the winter ones, inbetween raindrops got some of the vegetable garden planted and will finish tomorrow as it's finally stopped raining here. Wishing everyone a beautiful weekend. Blessings, Cookie


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    1. Dear Cookie!

      Peaceful, relaxing, lovely .... Annabel's bathroom has got all the right appeal!
      Planting your garden in your part of the world is a very exciting task!! I hope you do very well, and keep us informed of the journey!!

      Regards,
      Rachel

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  13. Dear Annabel,
    Your bathroom turned out lovely. I am so glad, for you and Andy, that it is done. Renovations take a toll on one's schedule and routine. You had a huge amount of savings by doing so much of the work yourselves.
    Your sourdough raisin bread looks delicious!
    Have a wonderful and blessed weekend.
    Love and hugs,
    Glenda

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    1. Dear Glenda!
      I think we all breathed a sigh of relief when the bathroom was completed, and what a fine result! Some say that the secret of success is constancy of purpose!
      Since life is always full of new challenges, I wonder what Annabel will be up to next? .... a good soak, of course!!
      Regards,
      Rachel

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  14. The bathroom is beautiful and looks so calming. I'm so sorry to hear about the water line bursting! What a mess, and at night too when you were tired already! Keep us posted on the ins. claim. Best of luck with that!

    I'm starting my sour dough starter tomorrow. I hope I can catch some natural yeast. Everywhere I've read says it isn't hard to grow your own, and I thought you'd have a lot of people to send dried starter to. I may gave to be on your next list if I'm unsuccessful, but I think I can do it!

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    1. Dear Amy,
      I think this is your "tomorrow", so enjoy the wild yeast starter project!
      I have my own trials to run, so we might be able to compare notes sometime!
      Thank you for the comment!!
      Regards,
      Rachel

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  15. I'm so happy for you, your bathroom is amazing! I love before and after photos. And I'm sorry about the dishwasher pipe, what a pain. I hope this doesn't sound terrible, but I must admit that as I was reading I actually felt relieved when you said it was the dishwasher, as I thought you were going to say the sound was coming from the beautiful new bathroom! I hope it can be sorted quickly with insurance.

    We have a long weekend here, and I really feel I need it to catch up. I reorganised my linen cupboard and the cupboard that houses my present stash and craft supplies this week, and feel organised when I open them. But other parts of the house make me cringe when I look at them, so I will continue to improve these areas. We've now been in the house long enough that I know which things aren't where I'd like them, even if I'm not quite sure where to move them yet!

    I look forward to your raisin bread recipe when it's ready, I made some scrolls with butter and golden syrup melted together spread all over, sprinkled with brown sugar and cinnamon, and then sultanas. They were fine, but a bit bland. I like the idea of the spices going into the dough, more like a hot cross bun dough.

    I hope you have a relaxing weekend, you deserve it after many busy ones! And I hope Andy is enjoying his new job.

    Jen in NZ

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  16. UGH! We had a hose break under the sink several years ago. Fortunately I was standing in the kitchen and heard it go and then water was pouring out of the cabinet under the sink. It was amazing how much water came out of that hose in such a short time! And what if I had not been home? After that we turn the water off to the house anytime we are gone overnight. I hope your insurance covers your floor!

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    1. Dear Lana,
      It looks like we can all learn from these hose-breaking episodes! What a worry!
      Thank you for participating!
      Regards,
      Rachel

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  17. Such a beautiful bathroom remodel! Grateful you heard the water and investigated before it became much worse! When our 75 foot tree fell down last July and knicked our roof and gutters, etc, our insurance came out within 24 hours and checks were quick to pay for the clean-up and replacement of things damaged/destroyed. Hope yours is as forthcoming!
    This has been a great week - 2 eggs a day from our 2 hens and my local grocer continues to let me fill up an empty banana box with 40+ pounds of their produce discards- this week there was: spinach, organic kale, lettuce, endive, radishes, beets and peppers! Because of this supplementing their dry chicken feed, it has stretched their dry food much longer than if that was their only food!
    I bought 4 flats of strawberries- 98 cents/pound and cleaned and froze them whole for smoothies! And "recycled" the strawberry leaves and tops into eggs!!! Lol!!
    I am 2/3 done with our new brick walkway outside - 4-1/2 foot wide by 25 foot long. We are using free bricks that we have previously used in other parts of yard that were available- so the only cost was the sand to level the bricks! This would have easily cost $300 if we hired someone to do it for us, maybe more!
    I harvested posts more greens for salads,sandwiches, tacos, etc from our garden. Also picked the first 2 cups of peas and balanced and froze them!
    With my brown bananas, I made a batch of strawberry banana muffins and a batch of banana chocolate chip muffins! Quite yummy!
    I also ground up some wheat and made 2 loaves of my 9 grain whole wheat bread in an hour. Sliced 1, froze the other.
    I took dinner over to friend whose husband just came home from hospital after his heart stopped several times and he was given emergency surgery. Made Texas style chili, homemade cornbread and carrot cupcakes with cream cheese frosting. All from my pantry!!!
    My supply of home canned beans- kidney, black and pinto- was getting low and they are so handy and easy to use, so I pressure canned 16 pints this afternoon!
    Made another baby quilt using scraps to go into my gift cupboard.
    We finished another custom wood order- a storage bench with seating and got paid for it!
    We were invited to a co-workers's housewarming and made one of our pallet trays that we monogrammed and added a loaf of fresh baked bread and home made honey butter as a gift! Again, so glad to have materials/pantry foods here at home!! Last minute presents can be put together quickly without having to go to the store!
    Ketchup was on sale over this holiday weekend and so I bought enough to last the year!
    All in all, a very good week

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    1. Dear Gardenpat,
      You had an amazingly productive week! It sounds like you really built up your home through your efforts and resourcefulness. Thanks for the good example!
      Love, Kelsey

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    2. Dear Gardenpat!
      A very good week!!!!!!!
      It sounds like you have your chickens streamlined -- free greens to complement their feed; recycling strawberry hulls (I liked that!); and laying eggs, of course!!
      Your bread sounds wonderful? You might share it sometime!
      Your house-warming gift was excellent! There's nothing quite like something homemade, edible and practical! That was a good, nourishing meal you gave elsewhere, also!
      Maybe we'll see some of your woodwork in Show and Tell sometime? That would be fun!
      Yes, a very good week you've had! Wonderful!
      Regards,
      Rachel

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  18. Hi Annabel,
    Very lucky you heard the "rain" and woke up when you did!
    Your bathroom is beautiful.
    Cheers Jo

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    1. Dear Jo!
      Yes, good ears make life more beautiful!!
      We'd better look out for chandeliers now! What a difference they make to a bathroom!
      Regards,
      Rachel

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  19. Oh, dear!! It's posts like the dishwasher mess that make me think my hyper-vigilant friend isn't so crazy! He changes all the hoses on his washer, ice maker, & dishwasher about every year or two. He once had a washer hose break on the 2nd floor and run downstairs. I'm now wondering how old our hoses are! I hope it's all taken care of. What a mess! Go sit in your beautiful new bathtub and concentrate on that! Much more peaceful. It turned out lovely!

    I think those are about the prettiest chickens I've ever seen!

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    1. Dear Debby,
      Yes, a few Bluebirds are telling of experiencing the need to change water hoses!! Talk about learning the hard way!!
      The bathroom is lovely; the chickens are beautiful .... I wonder what their names are? ....
      Regards,
      Rachel

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  20. Love the bathroom and chandelier, what a great place to indulge with a little self care. I' have never seen blue chickens before, I think we have given up at the moment on having chickens as the foxes around here like them too much. Shopping for bread flour this morning so I can wake up my starter, Thanks Annabel. Have a great weekend everyone.

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    1. Dear Jo,
      I hope your starter wakes up! Im sure it will! I was away for the weekend, I just posted some more sour dough information, some things that I have just found out that I hope will save further money!
      Thank you re the bathroom and chickens. Foxes are a bad problem. We are noticing this is a bad year for them already as at the farm there are a lot. They have to have chicken houses and runs with wire right around and underneath, thats the only thing.
      Keep us poster on your bread making progress! With love Annabel.xxx

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  21. I've never seen prettier chickens or bathroom!!!! And, the amount of money you saved renovating the bathroom yourself-AMAZING!!!! Enjoy the beauty (and forget about the floor)! ;-)

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  22. Our pipe in the crawl space that brings in water from the well broke a few years ago. I had no idea when we turned the water off that we would go three weeks without water. I learned just how much water we actually use. We don't have extra towels for everyday use but we always keep old towels for just that kind of emergency!

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    1. Dear Brenda,
      Oh that would have been bad! Some of these leaks and things can go unnoticed or we could have been away from home, imagine that! The whole house would be wrecked! Well or tank water is especially precious. At the farm it is 100% rain water so if you lose it thats it!
      The insurance are assessing the floor tomorrow.... with love Annabel.xxx

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  23. Beautiful bathroom and chickens! Maybe a Minimalist would have taken advantage of the water on the floor and rolled in it for a bath? I like your idea of slicing the bread before freezing, then one can remove a slice or two at a time and not thaw out the entire loaf of bread. I'm looking forward to your perfected recipe of raisin toast... do you add cinnamon? We love cinnamon raisin toast.

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    1. Dear Joy, I did use cinnamon but I think not enough... I am working on this recipe!
      hahaha! the floor would have made a nice hot bath anyway. Thank goodness I had all those old towels. What a mess.
      All our breads, slices etc I slice and freeze in either bags of two or stacked with bits of baking pair in between. I hear of people throwing out bread is its not fresh, I wonder why they don't freeze it as it toasts perfectly or thaws perfectly.
      Ill get this new recipe up soon! Many thanks! Love Annabel.xxx

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  24. Dear Annabel, What beautiful blue chooks!
    Your bathroom remodel is wonderful I love the new tub.
    I'm sorry to hear about the dishwasher and the kitchen floor, hoping the insurance comes through for you.

    We have had quite a week since we came back from our vacation, first the microwave went out; we replaced it but have a spot on the wall where the backsplash will need replacing now. Need to see if I can match up the color since it was put in several years ago. Then the washer decided to leave us too. Thankfully Lowe's was having a Memorial Day sale and we were able to pick up a washer and dryer pair for very reasonable amount.
    Looking forward to your new post on the raisin bread.
    Hugs

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    1. Dear Laurie, Oh no! We feel like appliances conspire to go out together as thats what it seems like! I am glad you found what you needed on sale!
      We have the insurance man coming tomorrow... so I can only hope this works out with out floor. As it has dried out it only looks worse!
      I think I have the raisin bread worked out so hopefully I can re post that soon! With love Annabel.xxx

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  25. Dear Annabel, Your bathroom sure turned out lovely, and so organized! So glad this is behind you now and you can enjoy a long soak in your new tub!!
    I'm so glad you heard the water and were able to have the towels to get it cleaned up. Hope your insurance will cover the damage to your floor.

    Your blue chickens are absolutely gorgeous! Thank you for sharing a picture. What color are the eggs?

    Your raisin bread looks delicious! Amazing what the shops charge! Have a good weekend. Love, Teri

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    1. Dear Teri, I think the eggs are boring white but it will be a while before we find out for sure! They are getting fluffier, cuter and bluer by the day!
      Sorry for a slow reply! It has been a circus here! With love Annabel.xxx

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  26. Dear Annabel and beautiful bluebirds.
    I am a bit late , read that as very late this week to comment on the nest feathering I have done this week but I have had a pretty quiet week. I have added to my pantry this week by buying two boxes of my favourite tea bags on good special , I saved $5 per box so $10 has gone into my Christmas savings. I received some ham, some lemons, some homemade soup and some bread from my parents , saving me $12 approximately, so another $12 will go into my Christmas savings or my slush fund on pension day. My phone charger broke this week some I got out my cheapie phone charger that I keep as an emergency backup up, saving me $25 approximately on buying a new one . I used $10 rewards $ at the supermarket , saving me $10 . I bought a hot chicken to have for many meals instead of going out for dinner on Friday night, a saving if at least $45 when you include taxi fare etc to go out . I received an unexpected gift in the mail ,a very practical gift which will save me at least $25 . I saved $6 on a beautiful plush feeling mink like blanket , I paid $14 instead of $20 , the $6 saving has gone into my gift fund as I have two birthdays coming up in the next 6 weeks. I had two hours subsidised cleaning , saving me $40 on what I would pay a private company. I had one hour social support which was for my Centacare care lady to go and do errands/ shopping for me saving me $15 on taxi fares . I also had an hour meal prep this week saving me time And effort .
    I think that is it Annabel, as I said a fairly quiet week but still a saving of about $188.
    You have certainly been kept busy Annabel, between bathroom renovations and split dishwasher hoses life has indeed been interesting for you, I hope things are settling down now?.
    I hope everyone enjoys the rest of their weekend and has a great new week .
    Love Barb W.

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    1. Dear Barb,
      That was a good week! I love to have a good supply of teabags and this is something that I think we all have a favourite one which is so much nicer!
      The Friday night meal at home was a massive saving. I honestly think when its cold it is so nice to stay in the warm and have a home made meal. Possibly even in pjs!
      Have a good new week Barb! With love Annabel.xxx

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  27. Annabel, oh no ! A burst pipe is no fun! Loving the time you store things in. You inspire me with these blogs. Many people out there Think what we do is madness but that's where my fellow blue birds come in. ! I've not posted for awhile i had a day surgery. The lord provided for me with doctors who just took insurance no gap ! I'm working part time and hope to get into nursing soon. Love sonia

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    1. Dear Sonia, I am glad to hear from you! I am hoping you are all recovered from your surgery and it was wonderful about the insurance. What a relief that would have been!
      Getting into nursing would be fantastic! Keep us posted on that! Thank you so much for the update! With love, Annabel.xxx

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  28. Dear Annabel,
    I'm so sorry about your dishwasher hose breaking! How terrible. I hope your insurance company comes through and everything can be repaired quickly and efficiently.
    Your bathroom looks lovely. That is quite the transformation! I would be going in there all the time just to look at it :)
    This week was a big savings week for us. We have some new expenses (and more on the way), so I am doing my best to really save and budget. I haven't been diligent in keeping up with the Vicky Challenge, but I am determined to start again.
    Some of our major savings came from purchasing baby things second hand. We purchased a pack n play and a lot of cloth diapers and liners. (If this sounds gross, don't worry. They have no stains and I am going to wash them REALLY well.) The diapers retail for $20 each, and I picked them up for $3 each. This saved us a total of $348 just on baby things alone. Plus it will save us nearly a thoudand dollars in the long run.
    Other savings include cooking breakfasts, packing lunches, and sending coffee with my husband on work days, purchasing groceries on sale, making specialty coffee drinks at home, and returning a few things I no longer needed to the store. We also enjoyed a couple of meals with friends, and we were given eggs and tomatoes as well.
    A few weeks ago, my husband's family threw a baby shower for me. It was a huge blessing. There is no telling what people thought, but I saved all of the tissue paper from my gifts. I ironed and folded it this week and put it in my stash. We also went to a garage sale and I bought a box of lace, ribbon, trim, and strung beads for $6. When I got it home I measured it up and found it was nearly $50 worth of supplies. So that is now in my stash as well.
    The other way I saved was by using free Amazon points to purchase part of a wedding gift and floor mats for our new vehicle. Yes, we got a new vehicle! Well, it is used but new to me and I really like it. It has room for a car seat, stroller, and groceries :)
    My total for this week comes to $655.47. I'm very happy with my total! I am encouraged to start next week's savings challenge. I hope your new week goes better, Annabel. Take care, Bluebirds!
    Love, Kelsey

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    1. Dear Kelsey,
      I am so glad you had a baby shower thrown for you! That is lovely! I would have saved the paper as well!
      Your savings are great! It is also good about your new car and that you are set up for a baby seat and everything.
      I am always soaking and bleaching something. I have buckets in the laundry. Also I really believe in hanging things out in the sun. The sun is a wonderful bleacher and freshens things unlike anything else. I have had mattresses, quilts, all kinds of things and I put them in the sun as it has a sanitising effect. For free!
      Your savings are excellent! You have to feel pleased! This is the beauty of the Vicky Challenge, when you look at your week and see this it is very encouraging! Your efforts amounted to a lot! It all adds up so much!
      I hope this week will turn out to be just as good! With lots of love, Annabel.xxx

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  29. Yeah! The dance of joy is in order. Your bath looks lovely! You both did a tremendous job.

    So sorry about your dish washer. Boy, have I been there:all clean laundry and a huge water spill.
    Have a good week.
    Blessings to you all,
    Leslie
    Excited about Lucy's blog.

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    1. Dear Leslie, Good news... the insurance will give us new floors. The mess is cleaned up in the meantime. Thank you re the bathroom! At least that area is looking nice! With love, Annabel.xxx

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  30. Thank you so much for all the comments on the bathroom! And on my flooded kitchen! The insurance man is coming tomorrow...
    We have been away at the farm for Dad's 80th Birthday. It has been lovely... but I haven't written my replies yet! I hope to catch up in the next few days! xxx

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  31. 2 weeks later, as I save up my favorite blogs to read on a free Sunday afternoon. Along with everyone else, I love your bath, am sorry to hear of the dishwasher mess (one of my biggest fears--inside water floods!) and great minds on the Raisin Bread. Just today I made a loaf in my Automatic Bread Machine. I priced a loaf, on sale (!!) at $3.00 USD last evening. I just could not bring myself to purchase that when I can make bread at home for much less. It smells wonderful and I have breakfast for the week (along with homemade yougurt.)

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    1. Dear Kay, I love the raisin bread! We sliced it up and froze it and its been beautiful. We are waiting on our floors being fixed now! What a mess it has been! Have a good new week Kay! with love Annabel.xxx

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