The latest craze Decluttering

Over the last few months I have been going through the house and trying to declutter - having gathered up so much over the years and taking up hobbies and crafts adds to the number of items that are stored away in cupboards under tables in shelving and so on.  I was interested to read about the  Marie Kondos ideas and the fad she has created.  One point she mentions is not to go room by room but by items now that did make sense to me.  As I set out to clean out particular cupboards and some how ended up bogged down on how to sort and what to do with all the variety of items.  So yes item by item makes a lot of sense.  I am not sure how I would go with her folding tecnique's maybe too time consuming or maybe one would get use to it, the idea being that items are folded many times which reduces creasing and then stored upright saving space.  This included underwear, singlets, t-shirts. nightwear as well as jeans which I hang?? But all food for thought.

So I off to get started in the wardrobe but a reminder after you have de-cluttered you need to decide how you are going to dispose of your items.  One needs to be considerate of the charity stores who are only too happy to take items that are of use but unfortunately, some people are using these charities as rubbish dumps.

Some suggestions from me are

1. Take photo's and sell on line just protect your privacy at all times
2. Offer for free to selling groups in your area on a pick up basis only again protect your privacy at all times.
3. Offer to family or friends
4. If you have sufficient to fill your boot consider a boot sale in your area
5. If you have lots of variety consider a garage sale

Happy de-cluttering but remember if you love an item or it brings you joy don't throw it out.

Poke Time. Food for the soul

I have recently been introduced to Poke and it was such a wonderful experience.  The food is very flavorsome, healthy, offering a variety of dishes which can be served in a bowl or a wrap.
The food is served in stations by different people and you can make up your own menu as you go if you want.  First up we had a choice of white rice, black rice, quinoa or noodles.  Next station choice of protein chicken, various types of fish or tofu, then next station the salad bar, then chose from a variety of sauces including sesame oil, wasabi, chilli, olive oil and finished with toppings which included avocado, sesame seeds and more.

I was impressed by the cleanliness and the manner in which the food was stored and served. A truly delicious meal whereby you can have as little or as many ingredients as you wish.

I can see this as becoming extremely popular across all age groups.

Vegetable Soup homemade and very tasty

VEGETABLE SOUP AND NOODLES

INGREDIENTS

Half chopped brown onion skin included

Head off half a celery bunch roughly chopped

One carrot with skin left on sliced 

Handful of fresh parsley

Handful of fresh thyme

METHOD

Placed all the above ingredients into  a pressure cooker and added water to cover about an inch above the vegetables.  Brought to the boil before placing on the lid then cooked in the pressure cooker for 5 minutes.  Left to cool and placed in the refrigerator overnight.

Next day strain the vegetables from the stock and discard. Add half a grated carrot, small can of champignons stems and pieces, handful of curly parsley with stems removed and chopped finely, 1 teaspoon oyster sauce, 1 teaspoon soya sauce.  Cook for 15 minutes on low heat then add 2 serves of egg noodles and cook them as directed, 3 minutes.  Test for taste and add more oyster sauce if required.  I did not add salt as this is in the soya sauce.  Serves 3 to 4.  Let sit for a few minutes after serving as is very hot.   ENJOY