tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post555468034470612680..comments2024-03-26T00:26:19.756-07:00Comments on The Bluebirds are Nesting...: Feather your Nest Friday, 10 June, 2016.Annabelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comBlogger63125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-7717242176671042122016-06-13T01:01:33.752-07:002016-06-13T01:01:33.752-07:00Dear Maria,
Oh thank you Maria I can't wait to...Dear Maria,<br />Oh thank you Maria I can't wait to see your card! That will be lovely. <br />It was great to get away for a break! <br />I know how nails get when card making! Glue, glitter and so on do wreck nails. That was a nice treat to enjoy.<br />It was great you got more panels done for your rugs. They soon add up. It is the right weather for woolly crochet. I am working on a blues, grey and cream rug. So ok for a man too. I had these colours left over and quite a bit of it... that decided it!<br />I am so glad you had a nice trip! With love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-67547620378485021742016-06-12T14:05:07.865-07:002016-06-12T14:05:07.865-07:00Barb, I agree with Jane! I'm glad you found b...Barb, I agree with Jane! I'm glad you found baskets that will work for you! Teri :)Teri Snoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-92107435366519042292016-06-12T13:58:17.327-07:002016-06-12T13:58:17.327-07:00Dear Annabel,
I made my chocolate zucchini muffins...Dear Annabel,<br />I made my chocolate zucchini muffins and they turned out great. However, I'm new to baking with plain yogurt (I used my homemade yogurt, which I freeze in 1 cup containers), and have a question. This is a new recipe. It called for eggs and yogurt, no oil. Do you use oil in your muffins, cakes when baking with yogurt? Sorry if this is a silly question! The muffins are very moist and yummy. I was just wondering about why no oil/butter was called for. :) I know using no oil (or a substitute for it) is healthier plus less expensive, so this is possibly a very good thing!<br /><br />Also, I'm thawing pumpkin to make biscuits/scones because yours looked so delicious!! :) This is new to me also. lol<br />Love, TeriTeri Snoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-6847687087844058892016-06-12T13:43:53.707-07:002016-06-12T13:43:53.707-07:00Dear Kelsey, Thank you!! I just wanted you to kn...Dear Kelsey, Thank you!! I just wanted you to know that you are doing a great job with your pantry. It's taken me years (with lots of trials and errors) to have lots of extra food/supplies in our pantry. My biggest piece of advice is to store foods you eat and rotate regularly. From your comments, you are doing a terrific job!!<br />Love, Teri :)Teri Snoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-72235183882938983052016-06-12T13:24:51.359-07:002016-06-12T13:24:51.359-07:00Dear Glenda,
A few years ago, we grew more lettuce...Dear Glenda,<br />A few years ago, we grew more lettuce than we (or others) could use, so decided to dehydrate it. Then, I thought "so how am I going to use it"?! I decided to grind it and add it to my veggie powder. This goes into my homemade "shake and bake" mix, dry salad dressing mixes, sauces, etc. I figured it would get used this way, add the nutrition and not be wasted. This year, we have a bunch, so what we don't eat will be dried before it gets too hot.<br /><br />I also add the ground lettuce (and spinach) to my celery salt mix. It makes it look a little greener. I use celery salt in place of plain salt for lots of cooking. I know you can't use it like fresh. Hope this helps! :)<br />Love and hugs, Teri :) Teri Snoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-68162611893107441002016-06-12T04:05:28.453-07:002016-06-12T04:05:28.453-07:00Dear Annabel , thankyou for the pumpkin tip,IM bee...Dear Annabel , thankyou for the pumpkin tip,IM been away and have a pumpkin waiting to be used except like you my arms and thumbs are sore from use.Even though we've been away a week and Ive had a rest from laundry, baking and housework I have been crocheting and made a heap of cards , one is winging it's way to you now ;-)<br />I was able to buy some card bits while away so started on Christmas cards and had a play with ideas and very pleased with myself .Some were fiddly but others were very simple ideas which worked .<br />For the first time ever DH not buy coffees or treats en route, my suggestion which in the past fell on deaf ears. I took a thermos of coffee and simple nibbles travelling to destination, and we stopped at a friend's on the way back and had lunch with her.And we did not once go to a coffee shop , instead we bought items at the supermarkets ,the opshop and several other shops for simple takeaways in between the meals I cooked. .So I feel we still supported the town we stayed in.And we've been going there for decades where we did go out for a dinner and coffee and to markets and shows when our family were growing up.But then I use to work a lot baking and making meals as well as laundry so this was the first time Ive done very little of the usual.<br />Since I got home,Ive updated our small kitchen freezer contents and planned the next 6 days meals so I use up whats there .Gave DD a soup block (how I freeze it), used a bean nacho mix on pizzas for family lunch today and some for our lunches tomorrow.Cooked up 2 lots of cookie dough from freezer .Then looked at and planned this week as I have a few things that need doing like my cars wof and service.Servicemen coming to do an installation, a class to makeup,meet an online friend woohoo, and several other errands I managed to get done today instead.So feel ahead of myself now phew! Its pouring outside and quite windy , as was Friday when we got home, I was lucky to get 3 loads of washing done , between line, dryer and airing racks.<br />One treat I did get done before our break away was my nails and it was so worth it ! as my nails got so mucky with cardmaking and have been in water a lot and the gel manicure has preserved them as far as I can tell.I couldn't believe the lady had a special on when I enquired, that sold me :-).Ive been doing my own nails for decades .I could get addicted to this haha. <br />Hope everyone had a good weekend, love Maria xx Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-5845624983356604262016-06-11T20:54:37.518-07:002016-06-11T20:54:37.518-07:00Barb the wire baskets sound like a lovely idea. Gl...Barb the wire baskets sound like a lovely idea. Glad you were able to find a solution.<br />Janehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06964345893499561504noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-61007370815291788862016-06-11T18:40:08.913-07:002016-06-11T18:40:08.913-07:00Hi Annabel, yes dentist is over-for now. I still n...Hi Annabel, yes dentist is over-for now. I still need 2 wisdom extractions and other work done. I have heaps of freezer room so I'll cook some up as suggested, thanks!<br />Hi Kelsey, exactly this is too good a deal! I normally pay $7 for 10 kilos, this is the cheapest way to buy. So 29c is just an amazing deal. Hubby put me off buying more because he is worried about shelf life and them sprouting. I will try putting some in the fridge. Thanks!Melhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00535442579149449469noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-73216816976074053082016-06-11T18:22:06.239-07:002016-06-11T18:22:06.239-07:00You got a deal! It's pretty sad when you walk ...You got a deal! It's pretty sad when you walk by things slowly so you don't create a breeze and blow dust! LOL!! You have such pretty things I doubt I would consider it a chore though!<br />XOXO<br />VickyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-31008348709153822762016-06-11T18:06:42.490-07:002016-06-11T18:06:42.490-07:00Dear Teri,
Thank you for complimenting my bench! T...Dear Teri,<br />Thank you for complimenting my bench! That means a lot, as I aspire to have a pantry like yours.<br />Love, KelseyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-69427631279784872702016-06-11T18:04:06.971-07:002016-06-11T18:04:06.971-07:00Hi Mel,
My local grocery store will sometimes run ...Hi Mel,<br />My local grocery store will sometimes run a special on potatoes, two dollars for a ten pound bag. It is just me and my husband, but that is too good a deal to pass up! I store them in my refrigerator and have had them last months without them turning into a garden :) Hope that helps!<br />With love, KelseyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-39414983543116165302016-06-11T17:57:34.570-07:002016-06-11T17:57:34.570-07:00Thank you for thinking of me and my "uses for...Thank you for thinking of me and my "uses for whey" request, Rachel...I will go and have a look! JenJennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-52909173804582904492016-06-11T17:51:22.625-07:002016-06-11T17:51:22.625-07:00Dear Elaine,
If you love pumpkin then you will lo...Dear Elaine, <br />If you love pumpkin then you will love pumpkin soup and scones. I add sweet potato to mine. It is my favourite by far. <br />When we have 117 or so I have umbrellas I put over some of our plants. They just get so burned. I hope your sweet potato grows too! That would be wonderful. Many thanks Elaine, with love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-87820732029579514312016-06-11T17:49:06.097-07:002016-06-11T17:49:06.097-07:00Dear Mimi, Cutting up pumpkins has always been a p...Dear Mimi, Cutting up pumpkins has always been a pain in the neck to me! My arm simply won't do it hence my progress on this!<br />I do not like dry cleaning at all. It is so expensive and then you get to smell chemicals and have them in your house. No thanks. I do hear there are now chemical free dry cleaners but I will just stick to our home ways that smell lovely and cost almost nothing!<br />Beautiful cooking as always. Somehow I didn't know about your sister with the big family. I am so glad she has you to help when she needs it. <br />We are loving soups, curies, stews etc. Shepherds pie is on the list this week. You really feel like them in the cold. I am loving it too.<br />I hope you have a lovely long weekend. With much love, Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-52717788884415979502016-06-11T17:41:43.159-07:002016-06-11T17:41:43.159-07:00Dear Mel,
I am so pleased to hear from you! I know...Dear Mel,<br />I am so pleased to hear from you! I know you are very busy and Im sorry about you needing surgery. Well done on how you dealt with that.<br />You have done a lot! I don't blame you for being tired with long hours and everything else it takes to keep a household and children going. So all your extra achievements are a lot! <br />That was good with the shoes. I love era shoes and need comfy decent shoes or my feet ache. Getting them resoled will probably give you a long time more out of them. Did you see my Ziera shoes that I got for $8! They are for good occasions but I was so thrilled with them.<br />I love the sound of your tablecloth! That will be a lovely project. Feel free to show us the end result!<br />Today is a perfect day to get some washing dry so I am doing that and hope you are enjoying a sunny Sunday. I hope too that tomorrows holiday is good for you and a bit of extra time to enjoy.<br />It was so nice to hear what is happening and that made my day Mel, with love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-88972331949272560342016-06-11T17:35:02.179-07:002016-06-11T17:35:02.179-07:00Dear Kelsey,
I think you will be moving soon the w...Dear Kelsey,<br />I think you will be moving soon the way you are going! Imagine the first night sleeping and then your old house will be the one you visit to get it ready to sell. Its a big process but you are getting heaps done.<br />The baskets sound just lovely. I find baskets so useful, for gifts, storage, organisation... even one in the car is handy. <br />I hope you are having some rest over the weekend. We have a long weekend here and also the sun is shining today (Sunday) so that is really nice. Lots of love from Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-80157276263211492412016-06-11T17:31:25.394-07:002016-06-11T17:31:25.394-07:00Dear Tealady, yes your homemade food was probably ...Dear Tealady, yes your homemade food was probably superior to the tins anyway! Here was are, we COULD buy canned baby food, I stand there and look at it, read the ingredients and feel no we can do better and for much less. Well done to you! I bet your son was a healthy baby too! With love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-2974330541337027182016-06-11T17:29:38.021-07:002016-06-11T17:29:38.021-07:00Thanks Barb. Everyone is so kind and helpful! xxxThanks Barb. Everyone is so kind and helpful! xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-13992615283722590202016-06-11T17:29:02.015-07:002016-06-11T17:29:02.015-07:00Dear Vicky, I don't like dusting either. It is...Dear Vicky, I don't like dusting either. It is never ending! I love to have the house opened up, breeze flowing through. I however don't iron. Ever. lolI line dry everything on hangers. I could do your dusting and you could do my ironing!<br />I hope you are having a good weekend. We have sunshine today! (Sunday) which is lovely. Lots of love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-47654304526579137832016-06-11T17:25:08.027-07:002016-06-11T17:25:08.027-07:00Dear Ginger,
Congratulations on getting to a homes...Dear Ginger,<br />Congratulations on getting to a homeschool graduation! That is a big achievement.<br />Your cooking sounds beautiful and also your BBQ celebration.<br />60 spare eggs is a lot! I wonder if you could sell some or barter with them. A few of the ladies sell a dozen a week or so and this helps wth money for something else. Eggs are a great thing to have. <br />Thanks so much Ginger! You are saving a fortune with your beauty services. And the house sounds clean and fresh which is so nice. Well done on it all as it is a lot of work but very satisfying. With love Annabel.xxx<br />Annabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-63862151782027355242016-06-11T15:46:42.359-07:002016-06-11T15:46:42.359-07:00Rachel I am about 1/2 way between Brisbane and the...Rachel I am about 1/2 way between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast. Not too far off the highway that takes you north and you can turn off it to head to the Island ( attached to land with a bridge).<br /><br />My husband has just had 3 weeks worth of work up far north Queensland. I have been up there a couple of times but know that I couldn't live there in the summer when it is so hot and humid - here was bad enough last summer.<br /><br />The show is called Farm Fantastic - and while we found it great the first year we attended the past couple of years it hasn't been as good - probably because it seems to be when it rains.<br /><br />LynetteAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-8027532983590543232016-06-11T12:14:16.961-07:002016-06-11T12:14:16.961-07:00Dear Annabel,
Your cooking looks delicious! I love...Dear Annabel,<br />Your cooking looks delicious! I love pumpkin,but have never tried pumpkin soup. Isn't it fun making food and special clothing for your grand baby? She is such a little doll! I know Lucy appreciates the help, as well<br />Our weather is the opposite of yours---record breaking heat and dry. It reached 117 F a few days ago. Thankfully, it has cooled a little. Funny how 107 or even 110 seems better.<br /> We are making a shade cover for my garden. All of the plants are in containers. I am picking cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, basil, a few asparagus beans and mint. We were gifted a few heirloom tomatoes. I'm saving seeds from them to plant next year. After several failures, my sweet potato slips are growing and putting on roots so I have been able to plant them. I had good luck with them a couple years ago. They love the heat and make pretty vines along with flowers, eventually. I'm hoping these will thrive. It's hard to keep plants from turning into crispy critters in the heat.<br />I need to get going, so will update more next time. I hope you are having a good <br />weekend! ElaineMrs. Gillamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12291243154053490970noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-64884367740282005012016-06-11T09:48:02.736-07:002016-06-11T09:48:02.736-07:00Dear Teri,
I have dehydrated a lot of vegetables, ...Dear Teri,<br />I have dehydrated a lot of vegetables, but never lettuce. Would you mind sharing how you use that once it's dehydrated? If you have already shared that in a previous post, please forgive the redundancy, but I missed it. That would be a wonderful way to have the greens in winter.<br />Love and hugs,<br />GlendaGlendanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-53369999898268756642016-06-11T06:06:52.500-07:002016-06-11T06:06:52.500-07:00Dear Rebecca, Thank you for this tip. I will certa...Dear Rebecca, Thank you for this tip. I will certainly try it.<br />I know that on the farm Dad has split pumpkins for Mum with the axe. They are seriously hard work to cut up! Also I can imagine smashing pumpkins to be therapeutic at times! <br />Many thanks! Love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-86652526777889517612016-06-11T06:05:09.179-07:002016-06-11T06:05:09.179-07:00Dear Lynette, Thank you! With a sore arm its been ...Dear Lynette, Thank you! With a sore arm its been a matter of adjusting a lot and doing what I can do rather than being upset about what I can't do (which would be lifting and painting etc!)<br />It is good your husband can come home, have a break, see his Mum and so on and then go back for another weeks work. Yes I think some home meals too.<br />I am using up in the freezer too. i made a start so far this weekend have already used up some bits and pieces. Long way to go though!<br />I am very doubtful about the NBN. Here it is not faster at all as it is connected to bits that slow down the speed so complete waste of money I think around here at least. Sound questionable there also...<br />The drumsticks sound good. It is disappointing when theres a lack of bargains. I see mark downs and sometimes they are not worth looking at! A bit of a markdown isn't a markdown to me! Other times it will be great luck and truly decent markdowns, half price or under. Then Im interested!<br />Have a lovely weekend. With love and thanks, Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.com