I love food.

I have always liked dining out, although it never happens much these days - unless you count McDonalds or Subway or Dome.

It would be nice and really fun to be one of those real foodies. You know the ones that dine out alot or cook this awesome gourmet food at home. To experience many differents foods or same ingredients cooked in different ways. To know all the food lingo. Just to bask in the wonder and beauty of the culinary arts!!

To be on MasterChef or My Kitchen Rules. Seriously! Those guys have the BEST job, don't ya think!?!

Ahhh...

Just a moment while I dream for a little bit...

Food...glorious food!!!

ALAS! I am not an extragant foodie.

Nevertheless, I DO love food.

I am just not a lover of cooking or being in the kitchen for hours.

I am a simple meal creator. And try to be as healthy as I can.

I get a real buzz out of the end result, especially if it has been quick, easy, and looks darn good. And of course, tastes delicious as well!

I love plating up! I reckon I would be an awesome 'Food Presenting Artist'. To have someone else prepare and cook all the foods and then leave it to me to plate it all up and make the dish shine would be such a fascinating and enjoyable job hey!?!

Anyway, I have digressed...

Simple.

Quick.

Yummy.

That's me.

I have a variety of main meal dishes that I rotate around weekly, occasionally adding in a different dish that I found in a recipe book, magazine, or online on a blog or website somewhere - just to mix it up abit. I find it hard to stray from what I know works - but I am getting better!

I thought I would share one of our favourite dishes we like to eat in our household.

Whenever, we go to a pub or some restaurant, I pretty much always order Chicken Parmigiana or whatever chicken dish is on offer. I rarely ever veer away from chicken. I am not sure why. I mean - I love chicken- so, Go Figure, I'd pick chicken. I guess though, I am not really good with change, particularly in the food area. In a way, I am probably afraid that I would have paid good money for something new and if I didn't like it, would have wasted good money when I could have ordered the chicken dish that I know I would have liked.

Holy heck, I am coming off sounding like some complex fusspot aren't I!?! Pffft.

Well, onto the recipe share.

Low and behold, it's...

[drumroll please]

CHICKEN PARMIGIANA

Anna's style

This recipe serves two (possible four) so if you have more people, obviously get the amount of ingredients applicable to your situation.

I use two chicken breasts and kind of butterfly them open to make them less thick and bulky so they cook through quicker.

[In this particular photo, I had sliced off a couple of edges to cook for Sprout]

I pour water into a pan (to come up about 3cms) and sprinkle some chicken stock powder in it for flavour. Bring it to a light boil and then place the chicken in to just cook through. Turn it over to cook through the other side as well.

When it looks not too pink inside, transfer the pieces of chicken to an oven proof dish.

You would have realised by now that I don't crumb the chicken. I don't find it necessary to do so. Plus it's healthier this way.

Spread diced tomatoes over the cooked chicken breasts - I use a can of organic diced tomatoes but you could chop up fresh ones or even put tomato slices over the chicken if you like. Whatever tickles ya fancy :-)

Spread over grated cheddar or mozzerella cheese.

Place in a moderate oven for about 20mins or enough to melt and slightly golden up the cheese.

Serve with a salad OR bake some chips in the oven and serve as a side dish with some vegies of your choice.

It can be quite a large portion size, depending on the size of the chicken breasts, so you might want to half each piece if you desire less. I tend to serve up the whole piece as my hubby usually comes home famished after a days work on the farm doing sheepwork or what-have-you, and just wants to sit down to a good hearty meal. And this dish, pretty much does the trick :-)

So there you have it.

Let's Eat!

With Sprinkles of Sunshine...

Anna



There is an old phrase that I am sure we have all heard...

TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

And it is still true!

When we put our heads together - ideas are born. When we link hands - the load is shared. If we come together - CHANGE CAN HAPPEN!

When seeing today's prompt, my mind automatically flicked to the many causes and charities out there that are formed with the idea of making a difference. But in order to do that, they need the help and good will of everyone one else TOGETHER - including you and me - to give their cause a chance.

I thought I would mention a few causes that have caught my attention lately that I would love to contribute to and hopefully maybe spur you in their direction too.

MY LIST OF CAUSES

Foundation 18 - Cate Bolt

This organisation aims to improve the quality of life of orphaned & underpriveleged children; providing education and a safe environment in which to learn and grow. It was established by a remarkable Australian woman - humanitarian and conservationist, Cate Bolt.

They have an Etsy shop!

All proceeds of the shop go entirely towards running their orphanage in Indonesia & towards education outreach programs ensuring Third World children receive an education.

For more information on Foundation 18

SHOP

This organisation runs an additional campaign which supports this cause also, which is called...

The Giving Bowl - Cate Bolt

This is an international campaign for incidental altruism.

They also have an Etsy shop which sells beautiful manually felted wool bowls. The concept behind the shop is simply to buy a bowl, throw in your loose spare change each day and when it's full - donate to a worthy cause. But this is only one option - they would also be great for keys, jewellery, storage for any crafty knick knacks, etc, etc.

Each bowl purchase also benefits disadvantaged children in Indonesia.

For more information on The Giving Bowl

FACEBOOK

SHOP

But it doesn't stop there.

Cate's 8 year old daughter also runs an Etsy shop to support a cause called...

Planet You

All money raised through this store goes to funding microloans so women in developing countries can start or grow their own business.

For more information on Planet You

SHOP

I saw an ad for this next cause and was instantly intrigued so just HAD to look it up...

5cent - YGAP

YGAP is a not-for-profit organisation aiming to redefine how people contribute to change.

5cent is a creative fundraising initiative where they are seeking your spare change. On its own, 5 cents doesn't hold much value BUT with 150million dollars worth in circulation, collectively they can create lasting change. And this organisation is aiming to change the lives of people living in disadvantaged communities, both in Australia and abroad.

Go here to sign up

For more information on YGAP

Have you seen the movie Taken starring Liam Neeson. It is a compelling, somewhat disturbing, story based around human trafficking and forced prostitution. If you are a father, or just a parent full stop really, this movie would stir something in you for sure! Well, it did for hubby and I.

It got me thinking of times when I was in school and at church, where people came and talked about these issues and the causes that were out there to stop these events from happening or to save some of these girls (and boys) from slavery.

Here is one...

The A21 Campaign

Targeting Human Trafficking.

Abolishing Injustice in the 21st Century.

Their aim is to Prevent, Protect, Prosecute, and Partner in order to combat this very serious injustice to many humans.

{Source}

For more information on The A21 Campaign

Visit their blog

These are all causes that I have tagged and favourited and aim to get more involved in and contribute to. So you will most likely hear more about some or all of these at a later date. I shall keep you posted!

One last thing...

I got a parcel in the mail today from my dear family in Tassie. One of the things Mum had popped in there was a magazine she thought I'd be interested in. She thought RIGHT! I flipped to a page and this popped out at me...





na-ture [ney-cher]

The natural world as it exists without human beings or civilisation.

The elements of the natural world, as mountains, trees, animals, or rivers.

{http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/nature?s=t}

Let's take a peek into the world of nature...

The universe, with all its phenomena.

We are surrounded by such beauty!



Today was all about LOOKING OUT at the world around me and seeing what my life is filled with.

We all got up this morning and rushed around getting dressed and ready to go to town. We had decided that we would go to church today. We haven't been for over 2 years now and thought, since we live closer to town, we should start finding some place we would like to attend more regularly. It has always been about travel issues which is slightly easier now being closer so we will see how we go.

Whilst getting dressed, Sprout came to me like this...

I had no idea what I was going to post about for today.

But then I kept seeing red things throughout my day and started snapping!

The cup Sprout has her hot chocolate or juice in every morning.



Today, I found comfort in knowing we have friends who are willing and want to hang out with us.

This afternoon, the boss' wife and kids came around. The kids all scooted off outside to play and us ladies just chatted, ate turkish bread and dukkah, and did some crochet. It was very comforting and relaxing.

Later on in the evening, the other boss' wife arrived and after 'the boys' knocked off work they rocked up as well. Hubby lit a fire in our spit-fire tub and we sat around chatting and eating again, each with our beverage of choice.

I have been beating my brains out over what to show here.

I have alot of projects on the go but nothing completed to say "Hey! Look what I made!" I thought of showing some of my cooking cos, well, I made it all - it's just all gone now. LOL.

I was about to give up and just show you something that I am 'making' instead.

But I remembered a photo I took the other day of something that I was wearing that I made.

A lovely bracelet.

Probably not that interesting to you but this bracelet is special to me and one of my favourites.

It was the first piece of jewellery I ever made.

And it was made at a make-and-take class at the very first Australian Quilt and Craft Fair I had been to.

It was in Melbourne and I went with my Mum and one of my sisters. It was really fun. Good times - Good Memories.

I would love to make more jewellery one day when I get the time. I have a stash of beads and jewellery clasps and wires and tools etc etc. It will happen one day, just not yet. Too much else on my agenda to try out. I am happy to enjoy the few handmade jewellery items I have made so far.

What have you made lately? Do share!

With Sprinkles of Sunshine...

Anna

It is apparent that...

I have a husband.

I have two children.

I have a home.

I have hobbies.

I have housework.

I have a life to live.

And I definitely wouldn't be able to live without some of these.

And with all that is on this list, there is one thing that I wouldn't be able to live without in order for all these things to co-exist together in harmony.

And that is...

PLANNING!

Every person and family needs it!

Therefore, I would be lost without my planning and recording aids...

My Meal Planner.

It's magnetic and sticks to our fridge for easy reference. I try to cover the whole week which I plan on the Sunday. I only use this for dinner meals at this stage. Breakfast is pretty much set in stone so that would just be repetitive and because we all have different things, there just isn't the space, and lunch is usually leftovers from the day before. I do sometimes list things in the lunch square for hubby's sake so he remembers there may be leftovers in the fridge or if I have prepared something for him that he can have.

But dinner is the meal that I have really needed to plan ahead with better. So this is my method and it has been working a treat. Early in the day, I refer to the planner and get out any frozen items that may need to thaw (or I do this the day before and pop them in the fridge), or do any food prep that may be needed to make the meal quicker to get cooked, plated and on the table (or our laps at this stage - until we get some bar stools. [guffaw]). After each meal I usually rub it out, then Sunday comes around again and I plan again.

It's been a whole lot better on the shopping list and the bill for that matter. I am not just buying things willy nilly and filling up the pantry with lots of things we don't use for ages and ages, if ever. The shopping has become more focused and purpose-driven. I like that :-)

My Diary/Planner.

This is my 'most-used' planning device. It lists birthdays, anniversarys, other special dates to remember, appointments, etc. I also use this to write down all the daily prompts for the Photo A Day challenge I have been doing all year via FatMumSlim. Also the topics for my daily blogging. And anything else I might have on the go. Like, at the moment, for the next month I am doing an online course called 31 Things by Ali Edwards and I have been listing down all the daily topics to remind me what they are and to keep track.

And then there are all the little notes I have posted around the place temporarily. I love list making. And then ticking off all the things on that list. Or if all the things are not done on the list, I love making another list to update and add any new points to it. Sounds abit anal I know, but it's me and I like it. Works for me.

I also use my Reminder and Notes section on my iPhone quite abit. I can set an alarm on any Reminder I put in there so my phone beeps at that time and shows up on my screen. Handy Dandy.

Life is constantly changing and adding/subtracting new and old things to the agenda. Gosh, next year my firstborn will start Kinder. And all the planning and scheduling will happen all over again to suit the new lifestyle. I'm not totally scared yet, just mildly concerned about my little girl heading off into the new world of school. But that is a whole other blog post. Leave that till later.

So what is your main planning aid? Are you an 'on-purpose' planner or do you just take each day as it comes? What can't you live without?

With Sprinkles of Sunshine...

Anna

There are many things I treasure in life.

My husband and kids.

My family and other meaningful people in my life.

Time spent with all these different people.

Time spent with myself doing what I love - crafting, reading, writing - just things that make me relax and rejuvenate me.

These are all things that I cherish and make my life all the more beautiful.

But in this post, I am going to focus on something that I treasure because it is symbolic of a person and all that I hold dear with that person.

It's my wedding ring.

Because I treasure my husband, I treasure this very special item of jewellery because of the meaning it holds.

Of course, in reality, it is just a ring made out of a highly conductive, non-corrosive, malleable piece of valuable metal. So, considering it's worth alot in $$, I wouldn't want to lose it...or my engagement ring.

But the main reason why I wouldn't want to live without it, is because the man I love placed this ring on my finger because he loves me and chose ME to spend the rest of his life with!

It resembles a love that never ends and a bond that can never be broken.

This ring acts as a daily reminder of all that is good and true in my life.

A reminder of an awesome man, my best friend who I call my husband.

Are you over all the mushy mushy?

LOL.

Can't help it. It's the way I feel.

Hubby...I treasure you.

With Sprinkles of Sunshine...

Anna



You know those moments when you feel overwhelmed by amazement at all the goodness that has happened to YOU?

Well, today I had one of those moments. It happens every so often. But all I was doing was sitting on the couch quietly - bubba was peacefully asleep in her highchair (which I had laid back) after she had scoffed down an arrowroot biscuit and zonked it. And Sprout was next to me watching 'her channel'.

It suddenly hit me how blessed I am in my life - a wonderful husband and two gorgeous girls who make my life so utterly beautiful!

There are many special moments that happen in life that add so much more beauty and splendour to it.

Of course, the day I got married held many special moments that I will hold dear to my heart forever.

But there is a special moment in a woman's life that will also never be forgotton and that is...

 {Our little Sprout - September 2008}

{Our little Sparkle - June 2011}

Becoming a Mother!



The girls and I have had the flu the last few days.

But even through the grizzles, snotty noses, coughs and sneezes - there have been moments that have made me smile.

 Sprout being creative with water paints.

Sprout playing outside.

 Unexpected cuddles from my big girl (never tire of those!)

 And watching little Sparkle playing happily outside in the sunshine always puts a smile of my face.

Oh, and gorgeous Bella May sitting in her bed just as Mumma told her to. Everyone loves an obedient dog :-)

So what made you smile today?

With Sprinkles of Sunshine...

Anna



We are very blessed to live in such a beautiful area. Such gorgeous beaches and scenery. Makes getting out and about a whole lot more easier and enjoyable to be surrounded by such beauty.

This is the closest town to where we live and most times, when we all go to town together, we like to take abit of drive and drink all the goodness of the area in.

Today, however, I did not get to see this divine slendour. But we did all get out and about.

Because it's seeding time, Hubby got out and about in the tractor planting more of the crops. While I, braved another trip into town with the kids (due to necessity)!! Now, you know my history - especially this week - with going to town. But today wasn't so bad. It was a shorter, somewhat quicker trip therefore less chance of too many misdemeanours!

So anyway...

I dressed up abit and donned my 'new' op-shoppie shoes and went out and about.

 We dined for lunch in Dome. Sprouts favourite place to eat. And because there was cause to celebrate, being my Mumma's birthday, I decided that I would indulge in a dessert. So I ordered a mango and ricotta log. And it was quite tasty.

 We went shopping (the rest of the fortnight's groceries) and ate icecream. Well, Sprout ate icecream and Sparkle tried to get some but only managed to swipe a few fingers worth of it which she sampled and smacked her lips together, loving it!! LOL!

And back home we came. See, told you, just a quick trip! But it was good.

And while we were out and about, my Mumma and family were celebrating HER day back in Tassie. They had Nan and Pop for lunch and went out and about, wining and dining for dinner!

Oh I wish I was there.

But did I talk to her, you might ask?

Well of course! I caught up with the whole of my goofy, loveable family!

Thank God for Skype!!

Talking to these four is always a highlight of my day.

Mum.

I hope you had an extremely blessed and delightful day as you celebrated half a century of life! LOL!

You are everything I could have asked for in a Mum and I love you much!

Happy Birthday xx

So how was your day my dear readers? Did you get out and about?

With Sprinkles of Sunshine...

Anna