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 26 January 2017

Feather your Nest Friday, 27 January, 2017.


It has been a good week. We were really lucky with mild days which helps a lot.

Some of the ways I feathered our nest this week include:

I used my $40 Flybuy points to pay for the groceries and mainly used it on specials so it stretched a long way.
Then I sat and stuck the next weeks vouchers into my diary. Basically there is one a week that if you get it scanned you get lots of extra points. It is just keeping track of them and being organised that pays off. So they are in my planner then I stick them to my shopping list each week before I go shopping. It is like a lot of things... a few minutes invested end up paying off later.

We had a meal using the Pesto I made and so did Lucy. This is what she made... Pesto Chicken!


Basically she cooks some chicken breast, mixes the pesto with cream in the frypan and pours this over the top.  Well, I thought it looks pretty good and will do this with my next lot.  Or make a pesto pizza...

I picked more peaches. I think about 12 kilos. 



We have been eating them fresh but now they are ganging up on us and need using faster.  In the spirit of using things up I gathered ingredients to make a crumble...

I had cereal from when we stayed in a motel plus plain biscuits they gave us each day too, a box of muesli I was given that was rejected by someone else, a jar of random fruit and nuts...


The bits that needed crushing up I just put in a big snap lock bag and belted them senseless with the rolling pin. Then I added butter, flour, brown sugar and cinnamon. I just taste it and if it tastes good then its ready! 

Now I have a huge bowl of crumble ready in the fridge.
Wednesday night I made my first crumbles.  The peach version is beautiful. I am pretty sure it was Lana who got me started on that.


I will be making a lot of these in the next week and freezing them. 

This week I made two trays of scrolls. I have been asked for the recipe so here goes...
I use sour dough starter. So in the morning I wake up my starter for an hour or two. Then I make my sponge from at least  a cup of starter, a cup of flour and a cup of water.  Stir and let that sit until its lovely and bubbly.
When bubbly I add a good splash of olive oil, a pinch of salt, a small spoon of honey and about three cups of flour and knead. I put it in the mixer and let it go. I reserve some flour as there is never the same amount of starter. But you don't want it to be too soft.  I followed a blog called Gully Grove to get going with sour dough and this is based on her recipe. It works so I just stick to it for everything from rolls to focaccia etc.
When nice and stretchy I sit it, covered,  for most of the day to rise.

A couple of hours before I need the scrolls I roll out the dough in a long piece like this:



Then I cover it in my filling which was vegemite and cheese (above). The Aussie girls will know about Vegemite and boy is that hard to explain. It is a bit salty, savoury spread. There is a bakery that makes them and they are really massively popular. I need to check on the prices they are charging!  

The other one I did was bacon and cheese...


You could use some cooked onion, tomato base and make them pizza scrolls... etc.

Then roll them up in a long tube and cut into 12.



Twelve fit into my biggest baking pan which I line with baking paper.
They look sparce at first...


Then I cover them and let them rise again.... and then they bulk up nicely.


I have to say sour dough starter rises better for me than dry yeast ever did. Also with a starter you never need to buy yeast again.  

I brush or drizzle them with butter and bake them for about half an hour.

These make great lunch box fillers. Mobile breakfasts. Serve with soup for a meal. Good for using up left overs! And what I love the most if I have these it is much faster than filling sandwiches or rolls as they are already filled.   On busy mornings this is a big help.
They are really easy and as far as I can see you can use any bread dough recipe. If I had a bread maker I would just start bread and get it out before it gets to the cooking stage, roll and fill.

They freeze well and I just microwave or put them in the oven and they are like fresh.



You could do wholemeal, grain, sprinkle with sesame seeds or basically anything you like.

I altered two tops so I can wear them more often. 

I made Lucy a birthday cake.  While I was at it I doubled the recipe and this gave us a cake as well.

Andy trimmed the hedge and serviced my bike. I told him (after looking up the prices) that he just saved us $219.  As usual he was amazed but happy!

My Vicky Challenge:
The weeks lunches $100.
The fishing trip food and drinks $50
My two tops $25.
Two cakes $40.
Two dozen scrolls at $3 each $70
The hedge $120
The bike service $99 (yes really this is what the stores are charging for the most basic service)
12 kilos free peaches $48
Being the end of the month I add in my hair savings (from doing my own cut, colour, treatments etc) $220
And the same from doing my own pedicure and manicures. $160.

So this made it a big week and I wrote $932 into my savings book! The best week so far!

Today is lovely and busy! I need to get my linen done, some shopping, errands and so on. 
I hope you found lots of little ways to get ahead, save and get things done this week.
Have a wonderful weekend! xxx




69 comments:

  1. Dear Annabel, I will be back to comment properly but I think you might have fathers on your mind!.check your header please!.love Barb

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    1. Dear Barb, Oh yes... thanks! Fixed now. Silly me. Thank you! Love Annabel.xxx

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  2. Hi Annabel you have been very busy as usual. I can almost taste the juice of fresh picked ripe peaches. I am drooling at the thought.

    With the bread scrolls I have also made cinnamon, apple and sultana scrolls. I sprinkled a good amount of cinnamon sugar, and spread out a cut up apple and a good handful of sultanas. These went down a treat and didn't even cool off completely.

    I fried my lovely electric kettle that I have had for over 5 years. When I fried the kettle, I also managed to burn out a fuse as well. Clever Bluey was able to sort the fuse out. I would have had to call a sparky. So he saved us at least $100. I wanted another kettle the same but when I looked at the price I was aghast. I found a similar looking one at Kmart. This saved me over $100. I just hope I get the same level of service from the cheap one.

    I feathered my nest by cleaning out every cupboard in the kitchen. The kitchen is now organised and unused items have been gifted to those who wanted them. The pantry clean out showed me I had more than I thought. I extended the clean out to include the linen cupboard and the laundry pantry. I have removed a lot of items from my shopping list.
    I am sticking to my 'Use it up' challenge. There have been a lot of lovely sales on but I have managed to stay true to my challenge. I have purchased Christmas wrapping paper, Christmas cards and gift labels. These were on a massive sale at a local store that was closing down.
    There has been some baking and some mending happening. With all of this we have made a saving of $376.
    Life is good.

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    1. Dear Jane,
      You have been very busy plus saved a lot. I like how when theres a good clean out and re arrange how much we find that we can use as we have forgotten about somehow. My use it up challenge has seen me hunt out all kinds of things! Each time we don't need to call in a tradie its a massive savings!
      Have a lovely weekend! Love Annabel.xxx

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    2. Good for you Jane on resisting the sales. I'm loving getting my "stockpile" of fabrics and other craft supplies used up, although sometimes I think that when I'm not looking everything multiplies. Cookie

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  3. I just love reading your posts. Always inpire me.

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    1. Yes, with basil, peaches, baking ..... even a sock knitter like me has picked up a crochet hook! I know what you mean!!
      Regards,
      Rachel

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  4. Dear Annabel and the beautiful blue bird bikies ( BBBB) , ( take 2 of comments!)
    It feels like Monday after yesterday's holiday,
    I HAVE EXCITING NEWS !., sorry for the capitals but I am so happy and so excited and it feathers my nest in a huge way!.i have been going on about something for months and months , now finally it is happening!. I just had a man here measuring up for my new kitchen. The company has to do a quote for the housing department and then they will choose from all the quotes who will do my kitchen. I got to choose colours ( stay tuned.....) , I want it to be a surprise and when it is finish I will send Annabel photos of my properly feathered brand new kitchen. Oh that sounds so lovely!. Anyway other things I have done to feather my nest include receiving a gift of a colouring book , I have enjoyed doing some colouring in. I have four or five books already so haven't bought any more but it is from an organisation who help raise funds and awareness for cancer charities and the book was a gift from a new friend I met through the organisation( she bought it for me ) vc ( Vicky challenge ) savings will be after each item, $10 for book I have also received 2 meals from my parents $12 approx., I have used leftovers to create 3 new meals this week , $25approxinately, I will be receiving some new to me clothes and bed linen but I will count those savings when I receive them. I saved $10 on groceries this week and I am currently meal planning and will now do a pantry stocktake/ inventory and will be eating out of my pantry , fridge and freezer for as long as possible and spend as little as possible on groceries next week for the fortnight.those savings will be added next week. I have saved $70 approximately on a day out yesterday . I found some craft supplies I bought over Christmas , that I had put away , saving me $20 , I am not having my meal planning service today , saving me $7 . I saved $10 for Christmas and $10 in my food slush fund.i was given a craft book ( card ideas for men and boys ) and some cardboard , saving me $35 , I am in credit with my telephone and electricity bills , not only will I not be too worried when the statements come I can suspend a payment ( via centrelinks Centrepay service) any fortnight I like , saving me $290 ( I am in at least that much credit combined ) . I am making myself some treats for the weekend instead of buying them$15 savings.i found in my bathroom cupboard a 500 ml soap refill ( hand wash) I will use this for the next 6 months or so to refill my foaming hand wash pump container saving me $4 a month so $24 approximately , I will count it again when I buy a new refill bottle. I think I better stop Annabel , that gives me a total of $514 at least , not counting my new kitchen!!. I loved the post this week Annabel, you have had a huge week.all your baking looks delicious, I love Vegemite scrolls. I have thought of making them with the Greek youghurt dough, I must do that.have a great weekend Annabel and the BBBB's !. Love another B , Barb W.

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    1. Barb,
      Yay your getting your new kitchen I am so excited for you and hope we get to see it! Have fun picking your colors!
      XOXO
      Vicky

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    2. Dear Barb, Wow what a good report! It is wonderful out your kitchen and that you even get to pick your colours! I cant wait to see what you chose! The clothes and linen are also fantastic! No wonder you are excited!
      Then all the other things really add up. Well done Barb! I hope you have a lovely weekend to top it off! Isn't it nice to have a review of the week? I think it is lovely as sometimes it is amazing!
      With lots of love Annabel.xxx

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    3. Barb,
      A new kitchen AND getting to pick the colors you want is so exciting. You've had a great week. Cookie

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    4. I am so excited for you about your new kitchen AND all the savings that you have enjoyed this week! Woohoo, Barb! Can't wait to see the finished results of your beautiful new kitchen!

      Jeanette

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    5. Dear Barb,

      I am sooo tickled for you! How exciting and can't wait to read about the progress! xxx Colette

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    6. Dear Annabel and the beautiful bluebirds , thank you all for your excitement and support. I have chosen my colours, I will keep it as a surprise until the kitchen is finished but I promise you it will only be ... Well it could be a couple of months!, but I will give you a few clues, firstly the drawers and doors will have brushed silver handles!, that's clue one. Clue two is I am getting a new pantry ( I think) so I need to do a major overhaul of my kitchen , I am actually up to round two!.i appreciate all of your comments, thank you Annabel, Vicky, Colette, Patti,Rachel and anyone I missed.thanks so much.love Barb

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    7. Barb, how wonderful you are getting a new kitchen! This will make such difference to your life! Not only with how it looks, but also organisation wise and that will end up saving you money. Love, Bridget

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  5. enjoy your new kitchen Barb, and well done on the savings

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  6. no nest feathering or Vicky savings for me this week as I am staying at DD's, will be home Monday afternoon and will get stuck into both nest feathering and Vicky savings for February.

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    1. Thanks for flying by, Meg!! You make good company!!
      Regards,
      Rachel

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  7. Hi Annabel and Bluebirds! First of Yay to Barb for the new kitchen. Nothing like a new kitchen to inspire you on so many levels! Secondly, gosh I miss gluten...lol! All of your lovely photos of scrolls and crumbles, and they're just not the same when done gluten free...sigh. What a great week Annabel (and Barb and Jane. It was my daughters first week back at school, last year for her, so it was a bit of an odds and sods week what with the public holiday in the middle. I did find some meat bargains and harvested figs and mulberries from our trees, so that was a treat. My biggest bargains were in thrifting for some basic pieces for my wardrobe, and I calculated that the $57 I spent, would have run well in to hundreds of dollars had I paid full retail. Two pairs of patent leather shoes, a leather handbag, a skirt, a blouse and a jacket (blouse and jacket new). And all lovely classic pieces. So I am very happy. Love to all, and have a great weekend! Mimi xxx

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    1. Mimi,
      Have you seen the book "Gluten Free Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes a Day"? I've tasted things made from that book and it's hard to tell the difference between it and the gluten free versions. Wow, you really had some great finds. Blessings, Cookie

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    2. Mimi, the last gluten-free baking I did was an experiment! I made a clafoutis, replacing the wheat flour with cornflour (& some baking powder instead of the self-raising flour component!). I used cooked mulberries instead of cherries, and although different, it had a worth while sweet berry flavour, and a texture that was (mostly!!) lovely in a chilled summer dish. I have also been told that adding vinegar to mulberries (2 teaspoons in a pie!) brings out the desirable berry flavour!
      Regards,
      Rachel

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    3. I know what you mean Mimi and I am the one who cannot have it. Funny how you can eat it for years then all of a sudden it is off the menu.

      Lynette

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    4. I wonder why my photo has disappeared from my thingo next to my comment...hmmmm...gotta love Blogger sometimes! Cookie I haven't seen that but I think I've seen some pins on Pinterest. I'll give it a try. Thanks! Rachel, that sounds mouth watering! Lynette...yes I think we feel one anothers pain ;-) Mimi xxx

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  8. Dear Annabel,
    Your scrolls look delicious. Hard to believe what they charge at the bike shop.

    As for nest feathering, I've been cleaning, sorting, and rearranging the cabinets in the kitchen and other food storage areas and in the process making more space. Lots of things I've kept but haven't used for years went in to the donation box. Some grocery shopping got done this week and was shocked at how high some of the prices had gone to over this last month. All but one meal was taken at home. 3 dozen scones got baked. I got all sorts of Email alerts from the fabric stores about sales both brick and mortar and online. which promptly got deleted. Happiness is using what I have. I did a bit of decorative painting on repurposed containers for the gift closet and finished a quilting a quilt and will make the binding today. Wishing everyone a beautiful and peaceful weekend. Blessing, Cookie

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    1. Cookie, you did well resisting all that fabric! If I was in your shoes, I think it would be so much easier to unsubscribe!! I'm chomping at the bit to see your decorated containers, quilt and other beautiful work!!!!
      Regards,
      Rachel

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  9. Hi Beautiful Bluebird Bikies! (It's fun, Barb!)

    Well, Annabel, let's all enjoy the excitement of your new grandchild!!!! At the same time, let's enjoy the anticipation of Barb's new kitchen! What blessings are ahead for you two!!

    As for me, we've been enjoying enough rain that plants are growing -- and growing! I have now identified three zucchini plants to add to my humble collection of kitchen garden plants! I hope my cucumber plants that grew from scraps don't get too high above my head! How on earth will I pick the cucumbers then?!

    I would like to know if Beautiful Bluebirders are familiar with the following lemon juice secret for use in bread baking? I certainly was not!!
    http://www.thefreshloaf.com/node/33316/lemon-juice-secret

    Jane, I hope we'll get to see photos of your sourdough baking! Cinnamon and apple scrolls sound delicious! I hope Bluey puts on good condition on account of this!

    I hear some pitter patter on the roof!

    With very warm regards,
    Rachel Holt

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    1. Rachel I am very envious of the pitter patter on the roof. It is dry, brown and crunchy here. Keeping the garden from completely dying is proving to be quite difficult. According to last nights news we had a high chance of getting some afternoon showers. Nope, it's bright blue skies.

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    2. Jane - well, you know we've come from a season of brown and crunchy. You're having a long wait. You might like to see a picture of what is now beautiful long, green grass! I can verify that rain still exists, after all, and it is wonderful!
      Regards to you both,
      Rachel

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  10. As always Annabel and fellow Bluebirders, I am loving all the inspiration . A question for all- how do you spread Vegemite on the dough for scrolls? The only time I tried my hand at scroll making the Vegemite was impossible to spread and I even tried microwaving it for a few seconds to soften it. I don't keep it in the fridge. Any suggestions ladies please? Xxx

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    1. Dear Derek, I think you are the first man ever to comment! Well I found it a bit tricky so it wasn't very thin or even but thats fine. I think try mixing vegemite in a cup with some softened butter then spread it. I put butter over the top so it could go inside instead... it would make a kind of vegemite spread. You could go global with this in jars! I hope that helps! Many thanks, Annabel.x

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    2. Dear Annabel and Derek, would a palette knife or spatula ( small one) work for spreading the Vegemite ? Also a hot knife/ spatula ( heated up with boiling water ) help?.i hope you can find a solution that works, Annabels idea is great too. Barb

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    3. If you have the time, you could also try chilling the dough so that it is firmer - more like spreading the vegemite onto toast! Annabel's butter mix sounds grand! Also, Dick Smith's Ozemite (which is also gluten free and salt free) tends to be softer than Vegemite, while still tasty! .. if it is still stocked!
      Regards,
      Rachel

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    4. ohhh Marmite is much nicer....say the kiwi here ;-)I use an old fashioned spatula blade knife or the back of dessert spoon is good for softer spreads. Cheers Maria .

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  11. Your crumble, or crisp in the US, looks wonderful. I have apples that need using so I think it will be a crisp here this weekend.

    We are still in heart attack recovery mode here but are feeling more rested. Finally! We haven't really spent any money since we have not gone anywhere. We also haven't done much but sit together on the couch but that is alright.

    Have a good weekend!

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    1. That's great news Lana. So glad the recovery is continuing. Big hugs.

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    2. Dear Lana, Go along slowly it takes time. It also takes re building confidence and eventually little outings and so on which will seem big and be tiring. We have been through this with Dad. It is like after a big surgery each step is a step in the right direction but it is easy to over do it which is no good. I had a big surgery once and I was told to expect it would take a year to fully recover. And it did! The first couple of months were so slow. But then each month were improvements. Think of it as the season you are in, the season of building back up. With love Annabel.xxx

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  12. Annabel,
    What a good week you've had and everything looks so good. It has been nothing but rain here so instead of snow we have mud everywhere. I didn't do anything fantastic as far as feathering, but it was a good week. Rick did a few jobs and I used some coupons this week and it was a good week for samples I got quite a few! And when we took the recycling to the dumpsters I fished out some coupons and Rick a grinder that was a great find! Of course if it's broken he can fix it and he uses grinders quite a bit so all in all our savings for the week was $602. Which in the winter for us isn't a bad week.
    I hope everyone has a great weekend! Happy saving!
    XOXO
    Vicky

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  13. Dear Annabel & Bluebird gang,

    Your week was so productive! I haven't posted in a while but you can believe I've been following along! It's been very busy in my little nest and I've had a great week/month. This month I've been having a grocery challenge with myself and I went over a little bit but I'm so happy with my progress. I've made all meals this week, including two double batches of soup that I broke down and froze many portions. I've had a huge purge (I always do after Christmas decor is put away). Each of the kids bedrooms have been swept out and dusted completely (kids did about 90% of that, Annabel! I mobilized the troops just as you've told me to)! This is super important where I live in Arizona as the dust.never.ends....EVER. Even in keeping our home tidy regularly, we have to pull things out and deep clean more often than when I lived in the midwest due to the dust from the desert, it's just the way it is here. For over a month I've been practicing my bread baking. In over one month, I have not bought any bread products, I've made all of them for my family. Bread, dinner rolls, hamburger buns, pizza dough, etc., This has been a huge money saver, and it has definitely taken patience to practice but I'm on a roll (no pun intended lol) and I intend to stay with it. It's part of my routine now. I do it in batches and freeze some stuff, it thaws beautifully and works for my wallet! Currently, I'm painting the laundry room. The walls will be completed today, the cupboards next week. All of your painting made me get moving with it!!!

    With Love to everyone,
    Colette xxx

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    1. Colette, a blessed kneading bowl is a real blessing, indeed. Well done!
      'Blog secretary'

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    2. Dear Colette,
      I am so happy hearing from you and that you have mobilised the troops too! Kids have a lot of energy. Harness some of it for good I say. Plus they learn and one day will know what to do in their own houses. All good!
      Well done on your bread making! And on your grocery challenge!
      With the laundry painting as well I have to say five stars ***** for a great month! I wish I could make the stars gold so imagine!
      Your year is off to a good start! With much love Annabel.xxx

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  14. Hi Ladies/Gentlemen You all seem to have had a wonderful week of feathering you nest. I find it simply amazing that you find so much worth in what you do. When I read all your posts, the ideas are simply amazing. I too have a bike, but it will be a couple of months before I am able to use it. It needs air in the tires. I also am not sure how many Miles I will go as I have arthritis in my hip and knees. Time will tell.
    This week (as every week), I took All Bran Buds to eat in the car on the way to work. I carefully measure out the serving and get about one month of Monday to Thursday of eating it. The box costs me $6.79 per box, $1.72 per week and .43 cents per day. I take water to drink. If I purchased breakfast everyday, it would cost me roughly $6.00 x 4 days = $24, saving me $22 per week. I also take my lunch with this week being two days with peanut butter and banana sandwiches (home made bread) and two meals from the Birthday fruit, vegetables. Yes we have a lot of birthdays in January at work. If I ate out every day I would average $11 per day x 4 = 44. It costs me about 80 cents per loaf of bread, bananas I paid 95 cents four 4, and peanut butter would have cost around 10 cents for the tablespoon. Again the cost of my meal would be .43 cents saving me $ 43.60 for the week. I had purchased a family size salad at the beginning of the week. That did my suppers and it cost $5.89. So my suppers only cost $1.10 per day. If I had cooked meals all week, I am sure I would have looked at about $2.50 per meal. I was so starved for fresh veggies, it was all I needed for supper. I drove very carefully this week and will still have enough gas for one more days driving to and from work. So saved one day worth of gas. A tank of gas costs $55. So again another $10 savings. I scored a 50 load container of clothes washing soap for $3.98 as compared to $13.98. With what I had already made, I now have enough for about 3/4 of the year. Those were my savings this week. I had two spend days, one for gas and one day I bought 1 orange. It's not the first of February so no food shopping yet.

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    1. Jean, you are certainly conscientious in your saving! I am thinking of the saying "Look after the pennies, and the dollars will look after themselves"! You sound determined, so I hope you also feel encouraged as you pace yourself through each day! It's good to read your work!
      Regards,
      'Blog secretary'

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    2. Jean I too have arthritis in my knees. I also have it in my lower back, which can make life very interesting. My physio suggested a bike as a means of helping me get healthier. He suggested one that was more upright, rather than one where you lean over the handles more. It helps me.

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    3. Dear Jean, You are doing really well! All your savings are adding up to a lot! Taking your meals to work is a he saver. Imagine over a whole year! It is easy for earnings to go on this and that but you are saving such a lot! With love Annabel.xxx

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  15. Hi Annabel and lovely ladies,
    It has been a good week with savings. We ate 2 meals out as we thought the frig was going out. The freezer was working and frig.
    not cold. So we did some You tube and were able to get it going
    again after a couple of days. We put every thing in the freezer
    to keep it from spoiling except eggs,fruit,veggies we added ice
    and to the frig to keep it cool enough for the fresh stuff. We did a clean out of the freezer and found some wonderful meals
    already to go. We shopped at 99 Cents Only and the new Grocery Outlet prices were great. We are very happy to have this store.
    Annabel the baking looks wonderful! Mimi I too miss Gluten. Ladies thank you for the suggestions on the gluten free things. Cookie good for you not buying anymore material. I inherited my Mom's stash and I don't know if I will ever buy material again :) or notions or ribbon or yarn. Cookie what kind of paint do you use for your decorative painting?
    It is a huge blessing to be able to sew.Oh Barb I am so excited for your new kitchen. Have a lovely weekend ladies.
    Love,
    Patti

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    1. Hi Patti,
      I use Plaid FolkArt Multisurface. It's acrylic, waterbased, non-toxic. It can be used on everything and over any other kind of paint. Do you paint? Cookie

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    2. Thank You Cookie :) I used to paint and it was so fun and relaxing. I would like to start again.
      Hugs,
      Patti

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    3. Dear Patti,
      I love the sound of a 99c store! It is wonderful you have so many supplies and can sew. That will keep you in gifts and things for your own home too for such a long time!
      I am glad you sorted out the frig. alright! With love Annabel.xxx

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  16. Happy Friday Annabel and all the ladies in the Bluebird Nation! Thank you Annabel for posting your scrolls recipe I am going to have a go this weekend on making them... can't wait they look so Yummy! Super job ladies on all your accomplishments and savings you are all so inspiring...have a wonderful weekend love Gaila in Washington state USA

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    1. Dear Gaila, I am thinking it is cold there... if it isn't warm I put the baking tray into the oven for a few minutes to warm it up or else wash it in really hot water then pop the schools in and wrap it all up. That warmth is enough to help them along. I think in winter I will make a hot pack especially to sit under my baking tray as my warmer. If they rise well they are fabulous. Good luck! With love Annabel.xxx

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  17. Dear Annabelle, I was just asking a friend for a sourdough recipe today. 😊 Amy

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    1. I hope you love this one Amy. I also add seeds for a wholegrain version. I soften the seeds first in boiling water for a few minutes. Good luck! xxx

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  18. Dear Annabel and the wonderful blue birds we are having NBN trouble ( our connection keeps going) so I cannot even consider giving a long update on the week that was.

    Suffice to say that I have been busy, main thing was the reorganization of the 1/2 container at the local school that houses everything needed if we have to deal with evacuations or people not able to leave here due to flooding or fire issues.

    We have shelves up, stretchers counted, bedding packs counted (pillow, towel and blanket (similar to those used in hospitals)), stationary items and a few other incidental items. We have a copy of what is in 2 massive bags - just need to check up to make sure that the contents are as should be. The backpack first aid kit I found has barely anything in it. There are also boxes of basic items that people would need, sanitary pads for women, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, soap and a face washer, well that is what is supposed to be in them. Some packs appear to have been 'got at' and items are missing. Have also had to do some research on sanitary pads and if there is a connection with them and toxic shock syndrome. Depends on what you read and who has put the information together.

    Today my husband and I did a large ALDI shop - first time I have done a decent shop since November.

    We are still struggling with the hot humid weather, very little rain. Most has gone around us.

    Hope everyone is having a good weekend.

    Barb you will not know yourself with a new kitchen. Don't forget the painters will have to come in and repaint the kitchen.

    Lynette
    XXXXX

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    1. Dear Lynette,
      That is wonderful work on the local emergency preparedness.
      Humidity is very hard I think. We rarely get it but when we do its very draining.
      Most of those we know going over to the NBN has been nothing but problems and nightmares. So far we have not been notified in our area.
      I hope it sorts out!
      Have a good new week! With love Annabel.xxx

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  19. Dear Annabel,

    Those peaches are huge! We are keeping an eye on our tree on the side of the road. I think it will be another month before they are ready.

    I often have crushed weetbix on stewed fruit, it is yummy with homemade Greek yoghurt. I will save your mix and give it a try.

    Your sourdough breads look delicious! Mine has been really successful this time around. I think I got a bit impatient with mine to start with. Now I have it coming out my ears! I have found some recipes for brownies etc using sourdough so I am going to try them some time soon :)

    My nest feathering included;

    Cleaning the carpet last Monday when it was in the 40's. I used the new to me Bissell cleaner (got it for free). Instead of the name brand shampoo I used a vinegar and a drop of wool mix. It worked really well. My carpets still need another going over as they get a lot of traffic and get dirty. I may do this again next Monday when it is another scorcher!

    I made sourdough again. A loaf of bread and some rolls are in the oven as I am writing this.

    Sold our excess eggs.

    Made a yummy dessert using some of my homegrown rhubarb.

    Picked 8 kilos of figs from our friends tree through the week, then another 2 kilo today and probably some more tomorrow morning. We have frozen them to make jam. I will give some back to our friend and some to mum.

    Still picking heaps of tomatoes and I have some drying outside in the racks.

    I am just starting to pick nectarines. And there are a few grapes ready also.

    My fig tree will have fruit very soon. These are the white figs. I am going to search for some fig recipes.

    Used some of our rain water to water plants for the first time this week. Phil is going to set up a pump to make it easier.

    Continued on with organising my craft space. I found some shelving in the op shop that will come in handy.

    A while ago I found a heap of knitted squares in the op shop. I thought some poor old dear has knitted these and never got to finish her blanket. Today I laid them out on the spare bed to see what it would look like. I need to knit five more squares so I can finish it. Lots of sewing then to put it together.

    I had quite a few no spend days this week.

    Sweet blessings to you and all the bluebirds,

    xTania



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    1. Dear tania, You are so productive! I loved your photos of life, crochet, cooking etc. just glorious! With love Annabel.xxx

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    2. Hi Tania, if you have peaches as well, there's a really nice and very refreshing in such hot weather, peach and fig granita. it's easy to make too.
      Wendy

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  20. Dear Lynette!
    The following link refers to the toxic bleaches and other chemicals you are referring to.
    http://joybileefarm.com/herbal-tea-for-painful-periods/
    I highly recommend making the household cloth change for potentially much better health! You'll see!
    Also, if you don't mind, I'd like to know whether people who are diagnosed with gluten intolerances actually improve after eliminating gluten from their diets. I am observing!!
    Regards,
    Rachel

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    Replies
    1. Hi Rachel,
      For me I think it helps. They say you need to have no gluten for at least 4 weeks.
      Blessings,
      Patti

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  21. Annabel, what a handy way to make crumbles, I had never thought of that. You are so inventive with ways to use your sourdough. I love reading how you use it each week.

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    1. Dear Patsy, My container of crumble is getting used then grows again when I think of something to go into it... I added some crushed nuts since. It is handy to just sprinkle on.
      I am having oven problems but when resolved I am making sticky buns! With love Annabel.xxx

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  22. Dear Annabel and everyone, You had another wonderful week. I love the idea of making savory scrolls! I've made cinnamon rolls but never thought to make them with cheese, ham, etc. What a great addition to soup!! I often make open faced cheese sandwiches with soup (just toast, cheese and then popped under the broiler for a couple minutes). Also, Andy servicing your bicycle! How wonderful. My husband has saved us lots of dollars with car maintenance, repairing the snow blower (3 feet plus snow makes lots of "mountains" by the driveway!) LOL And our son changed out brakes and changed oil in both our cars! Such talent!! :)
    Today, I made two peach/apricot cobblers from our bottled fruit. We serve it with a little half and half, so yummy!! One is being sent home with our son.
    Barb, so excited about your new kitchen. And prayers to all!! Hoping all is going well with Lucy!! Have a wonderful coming week! Love, Teri

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    Replies
    1. Dear Teri,
      Thank you! Well the savoury scrolls are a great fast thing and a way to make a small meal into a good one!
      I am working on peaches still and now have oven problems. So Im over to stewing and the crockpot. Thats fine... as long as I keep up with them and get lots into the freezer. You are reaping the rewards of yours now in winter and thats wha I hope to do too.
      With much love Annabel.xxx

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    2. We were having oven problems my daughter went on You Tube
      watched a video ordered the part and replaced it very simple. I hope you get yours fixed soon.
      Hugs,
      Patti

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  23. Your cooking looks amazing! I can't believe all the delicious things that are coming from your sourdough starter. Incredible. We once tried to make sourdough, and we made the starter, but it was a fail. Nevertheless, a lesson! I am so impressed with what you are making. You are such a good cook~ I love to give food. I actually love to receive food. So when Mum gives us a meal or some cake, it is the best gift ever lol. So it is so nice you often give some of your delicious creations to family etc. I can't wait to hear about the arrival of your next grandchild. I am thinking (and praying) for Lucy. She is doing so well to be at the end of her pregnancy and making such gourmet, and delicious dinners! YUM pesto chicken! I have had a good week, though a busy one, starting back at my outside work job. I have been embellishing baby singlets. I also had a good look around a lovely shop- bath salts, calendars, baby milestone cards, bath bombs, looked like such lovely gifts...so I took some notes. However, I am realising more and more that small things add up- using rags instead of paper towel, or making your own foaming hand wash and yogurt are all little things that add up! So it feels good to make small changes. Lots of love, Bridge

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    1. Dear Bridge,
      I think getting a starter that is good and healthy is the key. I don't think I could have done it without Nanna Chel sending me the starter...
      I love the sound of your embellished baby singlets! I hope to see a photo of those!
      Yep, little changes equal big things! As we learn new things we can add them and it is amazing! Many thanks Bridge, Love Annabel.xxx

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    2. Dear Annabel and bluebirders ,Im late again, other things on my mind and the days seem to fly away.
      Your yummy looking scrolls inspired me to google a quick recipe (no sour dough here yet)and aftre reading some reviews I took those into account and made some savoury scrolls with cheese, ham and pineapple.They came in handy for late lunch for myself and DD later when she popped in and hubby is taking the rest for his lunch tomorrow.
      Ive been adding up my savings and getting more into the swing of it now.This last weeks total I included what we saved by negotiating for the car we bought .We'd been talking about this last year and family circumstances meant doing this sooner rather than later .But we were prepared to walk away and fortunately we came away with a newer car to last us a long time and saved $2k, and my week of savings with baking, lunches, my nails, hubby polishing and waxing the car , meat savings,and savings on a dress for a wedding came to $433.
      Barb- I can feel your happiness over the new kitchen in your words,look forward to seeing new kitchen in all its glory.
      Love Maria xx

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  24. Yay for Barb's new kitchen! How exciting! Many congratulations and best wishes for retaining sanity in the midst of the changes, but oh, won't it look nice when it's done!
    I read this post earlier but waited until now to comment since I decided to give scrolls a try. I used my go-to pizza crust recipe as the bread. Ordinarily I'd make meat sandwich filling into hand pies and saved the spiral shape for cinnamon rolls, but the scrolls looked like they'd go together so much more quickly...and they did! Thanks, Annabel, for the suggestion!
    Blessings, Leigh

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  25. Hello Annabel, I had a good laugh about a male writing to you- I am actually female and Derek's wife!! I have to use his account to be able to access your comments section. Thankyou to you and fellow nesters for ideas about spreadable vegemite. I will certainly give them a whirl. Congratulations on your gorgeous addition to your family. Best wishes Lorraine

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I really appreciate your comments thank you! The aim of my blog is the be a place of encouragement and happiness. Very rarely is anyone rude. Actually only twice so far! If you post a rude or aggressive comment I will read it but not publish it, thanks for understanding.xxx

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