What's happened?

Ok. Before anything- I just changed my background. Things were getting a little too pink for me!

I have been so busy bonding with bub and getting my life in order that I haven't been blogging much. Finally, today bub is pretty settled at the moment and I have some time to myself.

So what's been happening? Well two main things besides the obvious.

Firstly, life is really short, you never know when you'd be next. Or who would be next. Recent experiences constantly remind me of this. Love those around you, live everyday to the fullest! No regrets.

Secondly, I am revamping the kitchen. Or should I say my Cooking Style!

Most sauces are in the bin now as I move towards a healthier lifestyle. I'm eliminating certain foods in my diet or trying to keep them to a minimum at least. Like canned food, and preserved stuff. And soy sauce and oyster sauce. And Chinese sauces and things.

So, the pantry is overflowing with spices! And the garden with herbs! Here's whats in my garden:

Parsley, Rosemary, Thyme, Lemon thyme, coriander, mint, chilli plant, spring onion, chives, and more recently marjoram and dill. Welcome to the family!


Here's what's in my kitchen in place of all the packet sauces and supermarket sauces:
Tumeric ground
Fennel ground
Cumin ground
Cloves
Star anise
Cinnamon quils
Cinnamon ground
Nutmeg ground
Paprika ground
Red Hot Chili Powder
Coriander seeds

I still want to add:
Vanilla pods
Some nuts
and..lots of other spices but I haven't had time to think of them!

Spices are good for you. Even one spice, for example tumeric, has 20 benefits already (see http://www.healthdiaries.com/eatthis/20-health-benefits-of-turmeric.html ). I'd rather have that than preservatives and boric acid!

And raw sugar instead of sugar. Sea salt instead of processed salt. And freshly thermomixed juice instead of sugary supermarket 'juices'.

And boiling chicken frames and putting the stock in the freezer rather than buying cubes or readymade supermarket chicken stock.

And buying less snacks although they're on special (very tempting)!

But I wouldn't go as far as substituting TimTams for carob sticks! Or eat lots of seeds and nuts for brekkie.

I still love my chocolate, chips and fried foods.

Some things just cannot be substituted.

Yummmm.....!