Home of Slightly Cracked Dreams

And it wasn’t pretty.

M&M started school today, and surprising everyone, including myself, I didn’t need the tissues I’d carefully stashed in my bag.

We’ve been preparing for weeks. I’ve spent every day in the last week naming, labelling, packing, repacking everything including stationary supplies, spare clothes and lunchbox snacks.

M&M has been beside herself with excitement. The first thing she asks every morning is “Am I going to school today?” and the look on her face when we tell her no is priceless.

I was worried about not being up in time. Living in the next town over from school we have a minimum 20 minute drive, and since I don’t recall the last time I did this trip in “peak hour” (ie peak 5 minutes when everyone from one town drives to the other, and those from that town drive back) I was worried a little about traffic. Then parking.

And yes, I’m anally over-organised, why do you ask?

So it was no surprise to me that after a 4:30am wake up call from Miss Moo I was unable to sleep. Not only was I excited that trying to sleep would have been futile, I would have been so worried about sleeping through my alarms that any sleep I did get would have been restless and useless.

I needn’t have worried, M&M emerged from her bedroom at 6:30am and ate breakfast without complaint (a rarity in these parts), though I think it was just because she was so eager to put her uniform on and I wouldn’t let her eat breakfast in it.

Hey, I only have one set of uniforms so far.

Despite having to wake Kiki & Miss Moo (who are usually the early risers) at 7:20, we were ready to go at 7:50am - 10 minutes before my scheduled leaving time, which would still have allowed 25 minutes for mishaps along the way. The classroom opens at 8:15, and we can drop off anytime from 8:15 - 8:45 when the bell goes.

We had plenty of time for a barrage of photos for Mummy’s brag book.

So we left just on 8am. And as I drove, feeling my heart swell with pride watching M&M in the backseat talking to Kiki, I realised that this was going to be the next 17 years of my life. School, sport, swimming, music, exercise books, text books, P&C meetings, parent helper mornings, show and tell finding, homework, lunches, uniforms.

That was when I nearly cried. 17 years is a long time. Especially when I can’t even remember 17 years ago.

Although that thought cheered me up. At least I won’t remember this feeling of dread in 17 years when I wave Miss Moo off to year 12 and she rolls her eyes and throws her bag over one shoulder and hides her face so no one knows I’m her mother.

I remember when my step-mother finally graduated her last child from high school. After 28 years of at least one child at school.

Hell, I’m 28 years old! That’s an awful lot of back to school shopping, lunch making and everything else that goes along with it all. Though she is a teacher, so I guess she was paid to spend a lot of time at school.

By the time we arrived at the school I was ready. Ready to start this 17 year journey. And as M&M ignored me and ran to the reading or dressup or block or whatever corner it is this week, I knew she was as well.

So, M&M, here’s to the next 13 years of your schooling. May we both survive to tell the stories!

First things first - it’s Australia Day

So I need to “fly the flag” so to speak.

The menu this will will have a distinctly Australian flavour. And Australian’s are nothing if not lazy.

Monday: Meatloaf - the second of the ones I made last time.

Tuesday: Haystacks. Ok, so I don’t know if it’s particularly Australian, but it’s cheap and yummy. That’s all I need.

Wednesday: Out for dinner. The other Great Australian Tradition - having someone else cook for you.

Thursday: Sausage Casserole

Friday: Fish and Chips. Friday night fish and chips is about as Australian as you can get. Especially down at a beach, feeding the seagulls or watching the kids build sandcastles or play on the playground.

Saturday: Roast Chicken.

Sunday: BBQ Rissoles. Probably some sausages for the kids served with bread (for the kids) and salad for the big people. Served out the back by the barbie (not the blonde stick doll either) and downed with a bottle (or two) of beer. My idea of heaven.

It’s also “back to school” week here in Queensland, or, as it is for us, starting school week (otherwise known as  “oh my goodness, my baby is growing up and it’s all too much and I need to remember to put tissues in my handbag when I take her in for her first day and then spend the rest of the day a blubbering mess and get there 20 minutes early to pick her up” week. Hency the easy meals this week - I doubt I’ll be in any condition to cook much in the after school rush.

What’s on your menu plan this week? Do you have a menu plan? If not, check out my How to Menu Plan post and then head over to Orgnaizing Junkie and post your menu and see what everyone else is eating this week.

I stuck my hand up over at Lightening’s blog to have her send me 5 interview questions for me to answer here on my blog. She didn’t disappoint with the questions, so I guess now I’ve got to answer them.

1. If you were Prime Minister of Australia for a day, what one thing would you want to change/implement?

This is kind of cheating, but it’s something I’ve felt for a long time, but the one thing I would change would be the constitution. It generally has served us well, but we really need to update it to reflect how our government actually works as opposed to how people over 100 years ago thought it would. It would also give us the opportunity to centralise things like health and education to ensure we’re getting the best we can and reduce the beaurocracy associated with these things. And going on further we could also do things like become a republic (if we so chose) and include certain freedoms within the constitution.

2. What is your favourite thing about Parenthood?

Ooh, that’s tough. Is it a cop out to say my kids? They are so wonderful, funny, innocent, caring and beautiful, I can’t imagine life without them. I don’t write about them a lot on my blog because my blog isn’t about them, but if I had to pick one thing it would be them all joining us in bed in the morning for some pre-breakfast cuddles. I did it with my parents as we got older and it was a wonderful time of the day when everyone was well rested, happy and content just to be with each other. Or start a tickle/pillow fight. But I wouldn’t do that to my kids. Much.

3. If you were evacuated to Mars and could only take 5 things (not including people), what would you take?

Another tough one. I place a fairly low value on my “things” so there’s not much I would worry about. Having said that I would be lost without my laptop, so we’ll say that’s number one. A box of books, number two. Beyond that I have no idea. I would say things like my cross-stitch, mobile phone and my kitchenaid, but really, I could live without them without stressing too much.

4. What is your favourite recipe?

Favourite?  I would have to say my chocolate rum balls - love em!

5. If you found a “genie in a bottle”, what would your 3 wishes be?

Another tricky one. Do I be ultruistic and ask for things for everyone? Or selfish and ask for things for me? If I was selfish I’d want enough money for me and my family to live comfortably without working, for my family to enjoy good health, and a packet of tim tams that never runs out. Ha. But if not, I would want all the religions of the world to settle their differences once and for all, enough food and shelter for everyone, and then I’d reverse global warming

If you’d like to get involved, all you have to do is put your hand up (via the comments section or contact form) and I’ll send you 5 questions for you to answer on your own blog. Once you’ve done that, you also include the offer to interview any of your readers and that way the meme goes on and on and on (as memes have a tendency to do). If you don’t have your own blog and would like to participate, let me know and I’ll publish your interview here on my blog.

Welcome back to another week of frugal menu planning. After last week’s quieries about the fried rice I had Hubby put a little something together for you, and you can find it here.

I raided the freezer this week, which will help keep costs down a lot. Here’s what we’re having.

Monday: Chicken pasta bake. Late last week I got coerced into buying two roast chickens at the supermarket for $3 each, so we have some chicken left over that will make a tasty pasta bake with some pasta, cheese and sauce. Easy, cheap and yum!

Tuesday: Spaghetti Bolognaise. Always a favourite and easy to boot.

Wednesday: Crumbed Chicken. I pick up the crumbed chicken in bulk lots at the butcher. 4 meals for $14. Served with potato & sweet potato mash and a selection of steamed vegetables. Yum!

Thursday: Steak & Pasta. This is one of my favourite meals. Simple and when you pick up steak for half price, cheap as well.

Friday: Fried Rice. Something nice and simple to finish of the week (more importantly something nice and simple that I don’t have to cook!

Saturday: Leftovers. I’m not sure how many leftovers there will be, but hopefully enough for dinner. Otherwise toasted sandwiches it is.

Sunday: Roast Chicken & vegetables. Last week I managed to pick up a couple of roast chickens for $4, so a quick and easy way to feed the family.

What’s on your menu plan this week? Do you have a menu plan? If not, check out my How to Menu Plan post and then head over to Orgnaizing Junkie and post your menu and see what everyone else is eating this week.

Garage sales can either be hugely successful or an abysmal failure.

I’ve had a fair few garage sales in my time and unsurprisingly have learned a few things along the way. As we look down the barrel of moving again I’m thinking now might be a good time to have another crack at it. Before I get stuck into it I thought I’d make a list of the things I’ve learned to make it a success.

1. Have prices for everything. People don’t like to guess how much you want for something. Put a price on it to give people an idea.
2. Be prepared to haggle. People like nothing more than thinking they’ve got a bargain. The main focus is to get rid of stuff, not make your first million. If people are going to take two boxes of linen if you drop $1 from the price, do it. They’ll be happy thinking they’ve got a bargain, and you’ll be happy with less stuff.
3. Welcome early visitors. Most people say the opposite, but the most successful garage sale I had made $280, and $200 of that came before the official opening time in the ad.
4. Group products together. A box of linen for $5 is more likely to sell than a box of linen with a 20c each label on it. People will spend the money and take what they want, discarding the rest or using it as rags. Rather than fussing over people trying to find sets and counting out their 20c pieces, you get rid of a whole box in one hit.
5. Band together with neighbours for a neighbourhood sale. This increases the number of visitors and decrease the amount of work. This is very effective if you’ve only got a few things to sell.
6. List your larger items in the newspaper ad. If you have furniture, list it. In my experience furniture is what will get people to your sale in the first place and where the majority of your money will come from. Bookshelves and desks are especially popular at the beginning of the school year as parents try and snare bargains for their kids. Also list if you have kids toys and clothes as a lot of people try and save money by buying those things at garage sales.
7. Have enough change. This is a common recommendation but an important one. Always have enough change. How much is enough? I would suggest $50 - $100 in notes and at least $30 in coins. Last time I started with $80 and it was only just enough.
8. Get help. Friends, family, older children. Anyone who can cover for you while you go to the toilet, stash the big notes or simply to keep the cups of tea coming is going to be welcome.
9. Make plans for the items you can’t sell. Are you going to try again next weekend? Or do you need to book the local charity in advance to collect it at finishing time? Around here someone will visit you during the sale and ask if they can pick up anything you haven’t sold at the end of it. This is a great option if your purpose is to get rid of stuff.
10. Get the kids involved. Help them clean out their toys, sort out the clothes or books and if they’re old enough they can have their own stand to run.
11. Have cold drinks on sale. This can be a simple and effective way of making a few extra $$, buying a couple of boxes of soft drink cans or bottles of water and keeping them in an esky for yourself or thirsty visitors. I’m not suggesting you turn it into a food stall though, but I know when I go garage sale to garage sale I’m always appreciative of a cold drink along the way.
12. Don’t plan anything else for the weekend. Believe it or not it’s exhausting work and the early starts and hard work aren’t conducive to turning around and running off to birthday parties or sporting events. Plan nothing for the rest of the weekend to allow everyone to recover.

And now it’s time to take my own advice and pick a weekend to have our own garage sale and start getting things together.

This is a guest post from my Hubby following requests for his fried rice recipe. He goes by the name “Redbeard” at his blog Pages of Ponderings, which is rarely, if ever, updated .

Reading Kin’s “Monday Menu Plan” today I noticed she’s dobbed me in for fried rice (again).

I also note she’s talking about me typing up the recipe for said fried rice…..

Well, I have just one thing to say about that idea…..

SOD THAT!

She’s seen how fast I type, I’d be here all flipping month!

It took me less than a minute to find the recipe on Taste.com.au here saves me a whole lot of work….

A couple of comments though. My favourite fried rice came from a Chinese takeaway in Maroochydore, First Ave, down opposite KFC. If they’re still there go and get the Special Fried Rice, it used to be an absolute winner. Of course, it’s been somewhere between five and ten years since I ate there (Kin, correct me if I’m wrong, I’m sure you will…. It would be around six years, so you’re spot on the money) so it’s probably totally different now but it’s worth the try.

Anywho, Terry (yeah that was his name, Chinese as they come though) would put chicken, BBQ pork, prawns and maybe beef (not sure on that one) into his special fried rice and it was just spectacular. I’ve never tried it in this recipe but I reckon it would be equally good, just keep the overall meat quantity the same with whatever you use.

You’ll also see the recipe on the web page quotes this as being enough to keep the hungry hordes happy. Well it sure is, we’ve got a fairly large electric fry pan in which I do this recipe and it’s almost too much. If your fry pan or wok is not real big seriously think about cooking this in two halves. The four serves would be a fair pig-out for big people.

The peanut oil is just for cooking so if you have a problem with peanuts, replace them with a good vege oil, something with a high smoke point cos you want a lot of heat when cooking this.

The basil leaves certainly do add something so they are worth the extra expense to get fresh but dried is almost as good, use a good tablespoon in place. Fried shallots also add something special, they come in a screw top jar from the Asian section in both Woolies and Coles (just in case you were wondering).

Add the beaten egg to the rice and get it mixing. The egg coats the rice and makes it break up.

Before I found this recipe my fried rice was always gluggy and bland. Go for all the extra flavour in this one, we love it, I hope you will too.

Cheers

Redbeard

Ok, I did more than pass. Two credits for me thank you (70%) for my two subjects last semester.

I was more than a little worried with one drama after another for Torts. I’m sure I was about ten centimetres away from a complete mental collapse, what with being expected to complete part two of an assignment without the results or feedback on part one, as well as covering material that hadn’t been covered in class, and according to our schedule should have been covered in a lecture the Friday before the final assignment was due (on the following Tuesday), however due to the lecturers illness that lecture was canceled but the material was still assessed.

I have so many complaints I don’t really know where to start, but a credit is still a good mark despite all that. In my previous degrees I would have been happy with credits in my best subjects.

I’m not sure what’s happening with uni this year. I’m supposed to be enrolling in Constitutional Law and Administration I and Property Law in Equity I for the first semester, then the follow on subjects in the second semester. I have applied to transfer to a university in Queensland, tragically negating my need to flit off to Sydney twice a year, but  saving thousands of dollars a year in the process. That is of course, assuming I get into the Queensland university I’ve applied for, and assuming I do it so I can start in March.

I hate not knowing what lies ahead, but I’m hopeful that in the next few weeks I’ll have a better idea of what we’ll be doing for the year, and be able to settle myself down and focus on getting through the next part of my degree.

Another week of frugal eating here at Kin’s Home, with an added adult into the mix for extra fun. So I scoured my cheap recipe books and pulled off some more dazzling economic gymnastics (as well as some shrewed reduced meat buying) to bring you this week’s menu plan. I hope you enjoy!

Monday: Penne Arrabiata According to the book I have this recipe in, it works out at $1.81 a serve, or $7.24 for the meal. I am confident I can do it cheaper than that by using Home Brand pasta and tinned tomato, as well as stock cubes rather than liquid stock.We are picking people up from the airport around dinner time, so a quick easy meal is a necessity, and I think I can probably get this one on the table for under $5.

Tuesday: Roast Pork Roll. I picked up a large (3kg) roast pork at the shops last week reduced for $45 to $22. As we will have an extra couple of people for dinner (I believe we’re up to 5 adults and 3 kids) I’ll cook the roast on Tuesday and have sandwich meat and leftovers for other recipes later on in the week. When you have a lot of mouths to feed, and you can snaffle reduced roasts, they can be a very economical way to feed a lot of people.

Wednesday: Fried Rice. Over the years Hubby and I have refined our fried rice recipe. I may have to get him to type it up and share with you one day. One of the things we’ve found that gives it some extra taste is using roast pork instead of bacon for flavour. Yum! This will also use some of the leftovers from Tuesday night.

Thursday: Meatloaf. Some meatloaf recipe’s I’ve found call for half and half beef mince and sausage mince. I picked up some sausage mince for 80c for 500g last week, so combining that with the $1 mince I got the week before, I plan on making 2 loaves for the total meat component of $1.80.

Friday: Fish and Chips. Yeah, it’s a cop out, but the kids love it, and by Friday I’m over cooking anyway. Frozen fish can be an economical way to go, as can frozen chips if you get them on special. Otherwise a $3 serve from the local shops is usually enough for us, and gives us the feeling of take away without the cost.

Saturday: Tomato Macaroni Cheese. An old family favourite and guaranteed winner. Again, much cheaper using home brand products.

Sunday: With all this yummy food there is still bound to be some leftovers. Either meatloaf, macaroni cheese or some roast pork. Roast pork toasted sandwiches sounds like a winner.

What’s on your menu plan this week? Do you have a menu plan? If not, check out my How to Menu Plan post and then head over to Orgnaizing Junkie and post your menu and see what everyone else is eating this week.

If you’ve been paying attention at all for the last two weeks, you’ll know that Israel has been attacking and invading the Gaza Strip, allegedly in response to Hamas fire into Israel.

I don’t pretend to understand all the ins and outs of this situation. I don’t pretend to think I can do anything.

But I will not sit here and say nothing.

I am horrified by what I am seeing and hearing on television. What I read in news reports online.  Horrified. Sickened.

Every day I think that it will be the end. Someone will see sense. The Israeli’s will pull back and this will just become another nightmare for the residents of Israel and Palestine to live with.

But it gets worse.

Tonight I read this on the ABC. For those of you who don’t want to click over, this is some of the parts that horrify me.

The UN report said that “according to several testimonies, on January 4, Israeli foot soldiers evacuated approximately 110 Palestinians into a single-residence house in Zeitun (half of whom were children) warning them to stay indoors. Twenty-four hours later, Israeli forces shelled the home repeatedly, killing approximately 30.”

Followed by this:

Israeli military spokeswoman Avital Leibovich said: “From initial checking, we don’t have knowledge of this incident. We started an inquiry but we still don’t know about it.”

This one also got me, from the same article:

UNRWA, the main UN agency in Gaza which provides food aid to half the territory’s 1.5 million people, said it had suspended its operations after tank shells hit a UN-flagged humanitarian convoy on Thursday, killing at least one person.

Like I said, I don’t know the answer, I don’t pretend to begin to understand the history, the issues. But the killing needs to stop. Human decency needs to reign. In the end these are not Israeli’s and Palestinians, Jews and Muslims. They are people. Mothers. Fathers. Children. Grandparents.

People need food. They need water. They need shelter.

People are being denied this things.

It needs to stop.

The killing needs to stop.

For one reason or another (children and uni) my craft activities have been next to zero for the last couple of years. Determined this year to change that, I have set myself a challenge of giving all handmade gifts for Christmas this year to non-immediate family members. This includes, parents, siblings, friends, neighbours and teachers.

I’ve been pondering this for a while, almost six months actually. I’ve been coming up with ideas. Brainstorming. Trying not to get too excited about it.

But after Christmas I’m even more excited than ever.

And today, after finding this fantastic list of 100 tutorials that Frogdancer pointed me to, well, let’s just say my imagination has run away with me, and I’ve been drooling over tutorials for the last couple of hours.

So I decided that I’m going to do it. I need to learn to sew to make M&M’s school uniform, so I may as well transfer those skills to making Christmas presents (despite a mother and mother-in-law who could sew for Australia, I managed to get out of sewing for myself until now. I can sew enough to survive, but have never got much beyond that, I think I just need practice). Combined with some of my other crafty endeavors, I think I’ll be able to come up with a wide variety of presents that will be useful to the recipients, and it fulfills my other plan of making myself make time to create, craft and relax.

So the next step was to make a list of the guinea pigs lucky recipients of my creative endeavors. I came up with 17. So if I work on completing 2 a month I should be done well in advance and probably have some time for other projects as well.

My next step is to carry looking through the list of tutorials (see how I justify wasting spending my time?) and get some ideas for various people.

As it turns out, I pulled out my cross stitch last week, and found some partially completed small pictures that I bought as a set of three. I’ve nearly finished the second one now, so once  they’re done that will be one present already completed.

Now I just need to figure out what to do for the other 16…