French Toast

Mothers Day is coming up and i love French Toast for Breakfast.

 Its one of those decadent things i rarely get around to for myself.  

My kids aren't keen on it really which is good, they help cut and cook and then i don't have to share :)

French Toast for Mum

Ingredients

4 Slice Bread

1/3 cup Milk

1 Egg

1/4 teaspoon Mixed Spice (Cinnamon,Nutmeg, All Spice)

1/4 teaspoon Brown Sugar

35g Butter

Banana, Maple Syrup or Honey to serve

Method

Cut your bread slices using cookie cutters or just trim off the crusts if you don't want shapes.

In a small bowl mix up with a fork your Egg, Milk, Spice and Sugar.

Dip each piece of bread in the egg mixture to completely coat, allowing excess to drain. Repeat with all the pieces of bread and resting them on a plate

Melt the butter in a frying pan over medium heat until foaming. Cook the bread in batches, for 2 to 3 minutes each side or until golden.

Transfer to a plate. Cover them to keep warm.

Serve with some sliced Banana sprinkled with spice and some Honey or Maple Syrup

Bel x 

Some Days are Better than Others - Wordless Wednesday

http://mumstakefive.blogspot.com.au/  Taronga Zoo 16042013

I guess we all have days like these

Bel  x

Linking for Wordless Wednesday:

National Dinosaur Museum Canberra

Looking for something different to do with the kids.  

Canberra has "The National Dinosaur Museum"

Its not the biggest of museums, only really one big room but it is great value for money and the kids LOVE it. A good way to spend a couple of hours.

There are lots of Dinosaurs inside and out and there is lots for them to interact with, sit on and touch.  

You get an activity page upon entry with questions to answer and at the end the explorers get a certificate and a tiny fossil to keep.  

There is even somewhere to park the Grandparents

Downstairs has an activity room which has lots puzzles in various sizes, a rock collection for you to explore and investigate and movies, maps and colour-ins to enjoy.

Outside has a great walk around path which was great for posing for photos with.

We found it very reasonably priced. Lovely staff who are proactive with little visitors. Lots of tours and information about and i loved the fact they could touch and hold so much. 

In the Canberra Region soon - Have kids that love Dinosaurs it is worth the visit.

http://www.nationaldinosaurmuseum.com.au/

Something for others - Wordless Wednesday

“I've come to believe that each of us has a personal calling that's as unique as a fingerprint — and that the best way to succeed is to discover what you love and then find a way to offer it to others in the form of service, working hard, and also allowing the energy of the universe to lead you.”   Oprah 

Afghan Biscuits

Afghan Biscuits not sure why they are called that and there is plenty of theories but none of that matters what does matter is the biscuit itself and here is my version of the recipe.

about 15 biscuits pending on your size :)

Biscuit Ingredients
200g Butter soft
1/2 cup Castor Sugar
1 1/4cups Plain Flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon Chia seeds (optional)
1/4 cup Cocoa
2 cups Cornflakes

Biscuit Method
Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Sift in the flour, baking powder and cocoa.
Mix in well then fold in the cornflakes and chia seeds.
Spoon onto baking paper covered trays and press tops down with back of spoon.
(I usually use my hands instead of a spoon much faster and then just use two fingers to flatten them down)


Chocolate Icing Ingredients
200g Dark Chocolate
1/2 cup Cream
25g Butter
Walnuts (traditionally they had a piece of walnut placed on top but optional)

Icing Method
Break the Chocolate into a small bowl then add the cream and butter.
Microwave on medium power for 1-2 mins until chocolate has melted. Stir every 20 seconds.
Beat until thick and then ice your biscuits finishing with the Walnut.

Bel x 

Linking with Jess for IBOT

Time Management - A work in progress

By Nic.

Time Management - A work in progress!

I never knew how truly valuable minutes of the day were until I felt they were running away from me. Things weren't getting done or going to plan.

Well this is what I have learnt so far:

Firstly, time management is something that is learned and unfortunately does take time to master and for this you will need patience and to be gentle on yourself.

When things started getting on top of me the first thing I did was jump on the computer (when the kids were in bed) and type up what happens in our day and what I would like to happen.

This is my guide for Monday to Friday routines for the day, for me and the kids. I typed it out and printed it up so I can refer to it whenever I need. I can also amend it easily as needed and we all know how quickly babies change their routines!

Now that I know my day, what is involved and where my windows of opportunities are I can plan my appointments better (so they don’t clash with nap times – sleep is my priority at the moment!) and add in the extra’s like: Get Licence renewed.

If you haven’t already got one, then get a planner/diary to write anything new down and have it with you always to refer to.

I love this planner at Kikki-k (it’s currently on sale! Click here to view!)

Each day I write a To Do List in my diary for the next day. This helps me a lot and even if something doesn’t get done I can just write it in the following day and on and on until it finally gets done.

Writing down everything that you know needs to get done. Everything from washing the dog, to checking the mail box. If your day is as busy and interrupted as mine then this will help. When I have a chance I cross the items that get done off, or sit down at the end of the day and mark off what’s been done. This gives me a sense of achievement and I can get organised for the next day.

To make up a routine like this you have to go with what usually happens and then tweak it to what you think should happen. In my case Mister 5 months was having lots of little short naps and this was becoming a problem. Also being so overwhelmed by the lack of time I kept forgetting things on outings. I needed a drastic change! 

Since typing up this routine a few weeks ago things have defiantly improved. 

Most days I don’t follow the routine exactly but having it as a guide helps me know what’s coming up next and where I have time to fit in jobs that have to be done.

Are you good with managing your time?

What works for you?

Nic x

Are you prepared for a breakdown?

By Nic:

Prepare for the unexpected – Don’t get caught without

After taking Miss 2 to the doctor’s I thought I’d duck into the shops on the way home quickly. I bought some milk, bread and something for dinner.  Packed the car, kids buckled in, went  to start the car to go home…… and nothing. Flat battery!

Now when I left the house for the doctors I knew it was going to be an all-round 30 minute trip, but I always prepare for extra time as it’s often needed when you have a baby. Before we left I change the kids nappies, gave them their lunch and off we went.

So I have a flat battery. First thing that goes through my mind is that it’s Miss 2 and Mister 5 mnths nap time now! I had timed it all perfectly so they would sleep at the same time when we got home (having them nap at the same time is my everyday goal). Second thought is that Mister 5 mnths is due for a feed. Third is that they will both need a nappy change very soon.

Usually in this situation I would call my Hubby at work and he would be able to come and jump start the car for me, but not this day, of course this would only happen while he is away. With no family here, no friends within a 40 minute drive away, I quickly got on the phone to the road side assistance company and tearfully asked them to prioritise my required service due to having the kids. Even with that they still told me there could be up to a 90 minute wait. 90 minutes with an over tired sick toddler and a tired and hungry baby. I started to panic,  thinking I didn’t have a bottle for Mister 5 mnths or a nappy for Miss 2!

I calmed down I started to think clearly, I remembered I have a backup for everything in the glove box of my car, I will survive this!

What I have in my ‘just in case of emergency’ kit:

$5 in coins - $10 would be even better, this means if you get stuck without fuel, a phone or anything  you know you could buy, then your covered

4 x nappies (2 of each)

Small pack of baby wipes

*1 packet of pre-made formula

1 clean feeding bottle

1 clean dummy with cover

*Mini snacks for Miss 2 (sultanas, fruit bar & a pack of tiny teddies)

*Small bottle of water

1 thin blanket/wrap

Sunscreen

Also it’s always a good idea to have a first aid kit in your car at all times. Even if it’s just a mini one, in case of a real emergency. I also add to mine antiseptic liquid, Panadol and extra Band-Aids as these are more commonly used by me/us.

Remember to update your kit as the kids requirements change and if you have room a spare pair of clothes and socks for each child never hurt.

*Now you would need to be aware that heat can damage and spoil some of these items so check them or change them if you think this could have happened.

Are you prepared?  Do you take extras of everything when heading out?

Follow my blog with Bloglovin