However, at the bottom of my reciepts I found a handwritten quote with “type and Print” written on it. This is from a few years ago and I have NEVER typed or printed it out. But I am going to blog it because it is beautiful. I hope you resinate with it as I have.

‘The hungry spirit is a rebel with a cause. If you want to know the meaning of your life, you are going to have to design a higher purpose for it. The spirit within is hungry and you must feed it something more than mere exsistance for it to flourish. Believing in something and acting on that belief will nourish your soul. Contribute to the world and contribute to your own spiritual growth at the same time’.

anthea paul, girlosophy

]]> http://www.mintcoaching.com/2011/08/have-you-found-anything-wonderful-lately/feed/ 0 http://www.mintcoaching.com/2011/07/school-holiday-project-sweet-shop-open/ http://www.mintcoaching.com/2011/07/school-holiday-project-sweet-shop-open/#comments Tue, 26 Jul 2011 02:10:01 +0000 katieg http://www.mintcoaching.com/?p=962
Read the full article.]]> Well, Tex’s pop up Sweet Shop was  definitely a success. We covered costs, put a little in the kitty and will be donating $150 to the school in Samoa.

Thank you to everyone who came along and supported us it was a lot of work but lots of fun and definitely worth it.

I have bunting just for these occasions.

final touches.

open for business

how could you resist?

First customers.

The musk stick I made for myself was ‘this long’.

Rush hour.

There was a sausage sizzle too.

mmm coconut ice.

Thanks again everyone. What do you think, shall we make it an annual event?

See you tomorrow.

mint patties, these are VERY rich be warned.

put it on a stick, dip it in water, dip it in sprinkles. Even a 4 year old can makes these.

.

“I made this for myself” says Tex.

Making sherbet is FUN!

More fun.

Lots of helpers.

See you tomorrow, sweeties.

Banana pops – you will be able to afford these ones. Fudge – not much fudge because I have pre-sold some and we are not making anymore as we are not up for the stirring so soon. Sesame-seed brittle, like the peanut brittle looks like spew but doesn’t taste like it thank heavens. Mint Patties – we are half way through these so there are no photos yet.

take a bowl of bananas.

put them on a stick (always makes things taste better).

Spruce them up a little.

lots of stirring.

three of us for 20 minutes, oh our arms.

sesame-seed brittle.

YUM!

Lots of stiring.

Waiting for it to set.

To answer this question, I had to consider what these so called “Super Mum’s” are doing to get it so right? Some Mum’s seem to effortlessly juggle kids, house and even work, while continuing to look fresh and fantastic!  Very annoying! Most of these people however, who seemingly look in control, are also struggling with this busy over-scheduled world. Everyone has their moments when they feel overwhelmed! The big difference being, these efficient Mum’s do it well because they have made a choice to tackle household jobs in a certain way. Keeping their life simple! Putting systems, or routines, in place to enable them to do the things they see as important. Even ignoring jobs they deem to be unnecessary. These habits help reduce stress levels and make life easier. Giving you back some precious time to do the things you want to!

It is important to point out that organising your life is never “one-size-fits-all”. Everyone is different. It is necessary to prioritise what is important and find routines that best suit you! If you are serious about making changes then initially start by picking just one area of your life to tackle, like for example, dinnertime. Once you feel confident and successful, then you can move onto other challenges.

Firstly, spend sometime reflecting on how you would like to see dinnertime. This includes preparation time. Really imagine but be realistic. (That hired-help image just isn’t practical for most of us!) Now write down what looked and felt so good. Your emotional response is very important!  Lastly, read the ideas below and think about changes you could make or ideas that may be practical for you. I do know a few lucky women who have partners that do this task, but these ideas could be practical for anyone.

As the old saying goes, ‘Better to have shining children than a shining saucepan’…Now that’s food for thought!

Here are some meal and food ideas so you can help keep life simple too.

• Mealtimes are a non-negotiable for most of us so think nutritious but simple!
• For the freshest produce when shopping, stick to the perimeter of the supermarket. (Fresh fruit and veg, freezer and meat sections.) This way you will avoid buying excess processed items.
• Alternatively, use delivery services like Aussie Farmers to deliver staples like milk, bread, meat and fruit and vegetables. This saves so much time and the produce is great quality.
• Don’t forget frozen vegetables. These are very convenient when you are in a hurry.
• Organise your favourite recipes into a file or scrapbook.
• Make a list of all the meals you make and have this on hand for when you can’t decide.
• Ask your best friends the easiest meal they make for their family and use it.
• If your week is particularly busy, make a menu and delegate to other family members their part in preparing the meals. My children are really fantastic at peeling vegetables or setting the table!
• Always have a few fast backup meals organised for emergencies.
• Mmmmm, my favourite, left-over’s! Cook double and freeze half for the next week. (An oldie but a goodie!)
• Frozen portions of bolognaise sauce are a great base to many meals, e.g. taco’s, lasagne, shepherd’s pie, or just with noodles.
• Plan a BBQ. This usually involves making a salad and in our house, like most, the men cook!
• Invest in a slow cooker for winter and when you walk through the door at the end of the day, it’s as if a friend has just dropped off dinner for you!
• Have a set menu for certain nights of the week, like a Roast every Monday and Spaghetti Bolognaise every Tuesday etc, this makes food shopping so much easier too.
• Juice all your left over fruit and veg at the end of the week for a delicious drink that empties your fridge space and uses up food that may otherwise go to waste.
• Look at your bench tops. Is this restricting you from being more efficient because items are hard to access, (e.g. chopping boards, knives, bowls) appliances awkward to get to, workspace cluttered?
• Consider how much food maybe going to waste in your household. Could you buy less or look more carefully at portion sizes you serve your family? Waste equals $$$
• Wanting a Sioux chef? Well drag out your food processor. These whiz, chop, grate, mix, blend and puree. Have it on your bench for easy use!
• Remember, no child has ever died from Weetbix, fruit and yogurt for dinner. (Rarely of course!)
• Finally, when your children ask “What’s for dinner, Mum?” answer smiling, “Ask your Father!!!!” (‘M’ is for Mummy not Maid!)

By Ruth Macaulay.

Oh and that BIG long fat one is Tex’s and it has gone!

Tex and I have a project for the school holidays. We are creating a pop up Sweet Shop! Think along the lines of musk sticks, candy hearts, fudge, marshmallow pops, mint patties, peanut brittle, cup cakes and more. If it is sweet we are making it, along with the signs, decorations, packaging etc. Tex will be manning the stall apparently he doesn’t need help (not sure about this considering I have to count the money in his money box each day) there could be a few bargains or really expensive items.

Proceeds will be going to Tex and a school in Samoa. So come support a 6-year-old entrepreneur on Sunday 24 July 2pm-4pm, for more details check my facebook page ( see link on this page).