Fall is in the air

Wow I got up this morning to a chilly 42. Time to get working on the fireplace as I don't want to spend all my money on oil for this old farmhouse. It is also time to get the last of the veggies out of the garden and put away for the cold months ahead. I have loved spending time in my garden this year and plan to make it twice the size next year.  I have also decided to have raised beds, so I have lots to do over the winter months.
My pears are almost ready for picking but my lovely dog seems to think they are hers for eating. I hope she leaves some for me. My Mum put pears up every year for us and we would eat them over winter with warm custard and cream. I also think I may make some pear butter as I have never done that before.

For years I wents away from a garden when I lived in the city. Now I wished I had always had pots growing veggies on the porch. You can grow them anywhere and I'm here to help you get started.

Time to get the sewing machine out and make some Christmas projects. I will post pic so you can see how easy it is to make some things.

Less is More

So my thoughts for today are less is more. With everyone trying to save money and living within their budget.  I have gone back to my roots once again. When growing up my Mother mostly brought cotton and wool. Both last longer for sure. My kids have only slept in cotton PJ's, as their skin can breathe.  If you wonder why your kids sweat so much at night, look to see what they are wearing. Just a thought.

Thinking this way I have moved in my kitchen area. Why buy all this stuff that only does one thing, or processed food that only makes up one way. Why not buy less and make more. Putting a well cooked dinner on the table and seeing how everyone loves it, makes you feel better than pulling something out of the freezer and throwing it in the oven. We all buy nice clothes to make our kids look great on the outside, but what about the inside. What about their health and well being. Have you read the labels on some of your food that you eat. There is so much in food that we don't need, do you know what everything is on that label.  Follow me on my journey to eating better, less is more. 

I know when we are working full time jobs and kids are playing sports it is hard to get good food on the table in 30 minutes, but it can be done. I know so many don't make their own mashed potatoes. They use the ones from the box. See below to making your own mashed potatoes.

Buy potatoes (one bag can also let you make roast potatoes, fries, homefries, the list goes on)

Peel about 5 potatoes and boil potatoes until you can push a knife or fork through it easy
Drain water. Be careful you are dealing with boiled water.
Add about 3 tablespoons of butter. ( I use real butter)
1/4 cup of milk and beat.

It takes you about 20 minutes from start to finish and most is cooking time. Once you have the potatoes on the stove top you can be making the rest of your meal.

Just make one change a week. I know lots of people know how to make mashed potatoes, but some don't and this is for you.

Happy cooking, think less is more.