Upcycling clothes!!

We're on a really tight budget this year for clothes. So I've been looking for every idea that I can find to save us money.

Just my luck that this morning I received an email in my inbox directing me to this link on how to make short sleeved shirts into long sleeved shirts! I've put this on my todo list.

I decided to use this as inspiration and lengthen some pants of the kids so that they will last another season.

Here is a pic of DS in his pants

 

Front view

  

Back view

 

Close up front view

 

Close up back view

I'm hoping to do some for DD tonight so watch this space!!

Day at the Zoo!

We set out very early to get to the zoo. It took us a car, 2 trains and a boat to get there! Once we were there we went on the skyline, and then made a beeline for the giraffes. Soph made us laugh when she said that the giraffes had a kennel.

We then had a look at the elephants, and the baby (so cute!) while we were waiting for the seal show. The kids thought the seals were so clever as they did their tricks.

We then made our way down to the farmyard animals, where the kids patted some goats. They thought it was incredibly funny that one of the goats was eating its food while standing in the trough!!

While we were there they had a petting zoo section, and they had a guinea pig, a bunny and a blue tongue lizard. Soph would happily pat the lizard, but wouldn't go anywhere near the others! When we left she was upset because she was going to miss the lizard.

We went to watch a bird show, where Lachy very quickly decided he'd have a snooze. The poor kid fell asleep standing up.

We then went back to look at the elephants. The baby was just beautiful playing with his mummy. This picture doesn't show just how little he is, but I thought it was one of the cutest!

 The kids were so good, even though it was such a long day we barely had any fights and they were relatively happy.

The day was a long day for both the kids, and Soph crashed on the ferry on the way home.

It was a wonderful day. So long though, we left about 5:30ish, wasn't home again til about 8. So don't think we'll be doing it again anytime soon!!

Zucchini Slice and Ham and Cheese Muffins

I have been busy feeding the freezer again.

I made three dozen ham and cheese muffins.

 

And three dozen zucchini slice muffins.

 

They are just so easy to make, and it's great to know that I have some food in the freezer if we need it. This week I am hoping to cook meatloaf and sweet potato coconut curry soup.

My wonderful kids

As much as they drive me up the wall sometimes. They really are great kids. For the most part they usually get along. In one of the photos Soph is sitting playing with Lachy's hair. So cute.

 

 

Cob Loaf Dip Recipe

Taken from Simple Savings website, but I have altered it.

1 packet of frozen spinach - defrost and squeeze out as much water as possible.
1 packet of french onion soup mix
1 tub of sour cream
1 tub of cream cheese

Chuck all in a bowl except for french onion soup mix. I find it mixes easier if you leave the cream cheese at room temp for a while. Mix together. Add french onion soup - I find I only use about 1/3-1/2 of the packet, which is why I add it last, so that I can taste test!!

Then you rip out the middle of the cob loaf (keep the bread!) Then I put the cob loaf in the oven for about 20-30 mins (without the dip). Then I cheat and put the dip into the microwave and then put it in the cob and serve.

I find I usually need to get a couple of bread rolls or a packet of jatz or similar to have enough for the dip.

Hope that helps!!

Feed the Freezer Challenge: Spaghetti Bolognaise

Just finished putting my spaghetti bolognaise into the freezer. 7 meals in one cookup. Was very pleased! Only used 1kg of mince and some lentils to bulk it out. Next time I'll also use some carrot and zucchini, maybe another onion.

My next recipes on the agenda are meatloaf, zucchini slice, chicken soup, then snacks like muffins, slices etc, and some sandwhiches for lunches.

Freezer Cooking Challenge

Decided that I am also going to do a challenge of making at least 1 meal a week where we have extra to feed the freezer for those nights where we can't be bothered to cook.

Think this week we might try porcupines or spaghetti bolognaise.

Savings Challenge

I have decided that we are going to try and implement 1 new savings tip each week for the next 12 months.

This week - I am going to buy foamies for our handwash etc. I have found a seller on ebay that sells 5 x 250ml foamies for $17.50 including postage.

Hoping that I'll use them for handwash, face cleanser, might ask hubby to try sorborlene in a foamie for shaving to see if that works.

You dilute the liquid soap (be it shampoo, handwash, facewash etc) 1 part to 4 parts water.

So I'm hoping in the long run it'll save a lot of money.

Homemade Christmas 2009

I decided that a mostly homemade christmas was in order this year due to both of us not working. It turned out great! I didn't have time to make gifts for everyone, but it sure saved a lot.

I made these gorgeous bunnies for the kids (who after pressing their tummies a few times, told me they were broken because they didn't do anything! though now they love them)



My sister is starting at uni next year, so I decided to make her a Little Mermaid folder cover which I am extremely pleased with.




I made a cob loaf dip (which was a massive hit!) and some royals bikkie xmas puddings and some mint slice reindeer. They were so easy, and look great.



I also got the kids to draw on fabric with fabric pens ($5 in Kmart - not permanent until they are ironed - great for kids), and made them into bookmarks for all the adults, and these were very much appreciated. Forgot to take photos of them though!!

I'm so glad that all my homemade gifts went well. It saved us a lot of money, and we have decided that next year we will be doing a homemade gift year.