Slow Living May 2012

Well , June already. Our lives are so full and I wouldn't want it any other way. There are so many wonderful things to do. I'm joining in with Christine again this month and sharing what it's been like for me in May. I am so inspired by Christine and Evi and Linda and Cath and all the others that link up for the Slow Living Month. Be sure to wander on over there to see what everyone's up to.

                                                           Nourish

Of course we must have bread every day and yoghurt every week. Mark makes his beautiful sourdough daily and I make 6 jars of yoghurt for the week. We have been enjoying the cooler weather and eating lots of soup-- pumpkin and vegetable mainly. If someone pops in unexpectedly we just bung on a soup. Another cold weather favourite is porridge. We purchased an oat roller and have been enjoying freshly rolled oats every morning - the difference in taste is remarkable.

                                                         Prepare

We picked up our 2nd bulk order this week. Thankyou to Wendy and  her helpers for providing this wonderful service.Our bulk order will supply most of our dry goods for the next 3 months. Saves us money and trips to the shops.

                                                            Reduce

Buying in bulk means less packaging. We reuse the plastic bags and use the little cliplock bags for freezing. I've started using cardboard underneath the bedding in the guinea pigs cages. It absorbs more moisture and can  be added to the compost when finished with. We had a great visit to the dump shop a few weeks ago and were very happy to be able to repurpose a few items found....

A trolley to bring produce up from the garden

...and a pony for Evan..

                                                      Green

Mad another batch of laundry liquid as per Down to Earth blog. Made 9lts for about $2 total cost which should last me a few months.

                                                       Grow

Loving the winter veg. at the moment, lots of greens- kale, mizuna, tatsoi and bokchoy, and the beetroot has been yummy too.

                                                       Create

Enjoying the longer evenings because that's when I get my knitting done. And what fun I've been having knitting for my grandson. I've also found a little time for some sewing, completing a few outfits for friends toddlers.

 I have been asked would I make some similar to sell. I have had such fun making them- sourcing the fabric from Op shops and using vintage patterns and adding some applique.Could I find some time???
I've created Purple Pear Farm Birthday parties. Parties without Hype, waste additives, junk etc. Going well with really great feedback from parents and children.

                                                                Discover

Rediscovering my love of novels. It seems an age since I sat and read just for pleasure, but over the last month or so I've been popping into the library and picking up some light reading!

                                                                Enhance

This month has seen Mark and I involved in presenting composting workshops for a neighbouring council. the council pays us for the workshop but offers it free to residents and they get to take home a free compost bin also.

                                                                Enjoy

I sure did enjoy having all my girls together when the oldest and youngest came up to visit their new nephew. Oh and I am enjoying my new grandson and spending some lovely time with him and his mum. It changes the relationship when your daughter is also a mum.

What a wonderful month. I look forward to June and all it's wintery blessings. Happy June to you all!!