Raise Money for your school through SCHOOLBUY

A good friend of ours and his brother has come up with an idea that I think is quite brillant. SchoolBuy is a new website that sends a percentage of your purchase as a donation to the school of your choice. You can purchase a range of goods from Ipads from Apple and photos from Snapfish to Croc Shoes and Roses from Roses Only. Its really an awesome idea and a great way to support your school or a school in need. The reason why I keep mentioning a school in need is because there are a lot of schools out in lower economic areas who could really do with some donations. If  you don't have children or your kids/grandkids go to a large school and has a really great P&C or Social Club Comittee then you might consider donating some of your purchases to schools in lower economic areas or even Schools for Specific Purposes - Special Education.  I am a school teacher and I work in a SSP school (schools for specific purposes) and we are a small school with students from all different financial backgrounds some extra funds our way would always be appreciated. However there a many SSP schools that would also love your donations, so keep this in mind when you are nominating a school.

 SchoolBuy is partnered with over 300+ outlline stores and there are literally millions of products to choose from. Basically when you think of buying something online, head over to SchoolBuy. Every purchase you make will generate a donation. So don't just buy it, SchoolBuy it!

Pina Colada Mountains

I had a hard time working out what kind of name I should give this recipe, but I decided on the above name, purely because of how the dessert looked. If you can think of a better name, I would love to hear it!
I thought of this recipe because my kids love an ice block called SMOOZE, have you heard of it? Its fairly popular here in Australia, although I wouldn't say everyone household has them in their freezers. Basically its an ice block that looks like a mini sunny boy and is primarily made of coconut milk. No artificial flavourts, colours or preservatives. They are a good snack to have. Anyway, my kiddies were asking for them and I didn't have any on hand, so I figured I would make some of my own. So I went to my trusty food storage pantry and got me some coconut cream and canned pineapple and this is what I did.

Ingredients
1 tin of coconut cream - full or light its up to you
1 tin of pineapple - can be rings, chunks or crushed in natural juice

Method

Pour tin of cream into ice cube trays and freeze
Pour pineapple into a zip lock bag with some of juice and freeze.
Put rest of juic in fridge.

Once items in freezer are frozen take out and allow to thaw for about 10-15mins.
Add to blender or food processor with rest of juice and blend until smooth. Scoop out into bowls and enjoy! ( you can also add a scoop or two of ice-cream)

Best thing about this dessert is you can add any kind of fresh or canned fruit that marrys well with coconut. If you don't want to wait for items to freeze you can easily add ice to your blender so you can a better texture, but I think it works better for the items to be frozen.

Pantry items
Tin coconut cream
Tin pineapple

The Great Recipe Exchange Link Up / Blog Hop

I am sure a lot of us are familiar with recipe exchanges and have got a fair few over the years via e-mail. Well, I was thinking about this and thought, maybe I should do a linky, where we can exchange our favourite recipes  each week and others can see what recipe you have to share. I think its a great way share the creativity, and everyone loves a good recipe or two.

What do you have to do?

Well this is a link up or blog hop for bloggers who share recipes on their blogs. It doesn't have to be a recent recipe, just one that you would like to share. Please follow my blog and Facebook page if you don't already. Please follow some of the blogs that are listed and leave some comment love. We love comments, even if you just say, thanks for the recipe. A comment like this makes our day!! Please write a clear description of the recipe only, no giveaways or competitions please.

The linky will be up for 1 week. I will add the link up/blog hop each week so you can add a new recipe each week.  Thanks and have fun:)

Still Curious about Costco? Part 2

So it seems you are all still curious about Costco and as promised here is my second installment. I was told that sales for the opening day reached $1.3M! How amazing is that? I drove past Costco late Saturday afternoon as I was returning home from a women's conference at Home Bush and the traffic was pretty congested and the foot paths were crowded with poeple and their full trollies. The only upsetting site was Costco trollies scattered up and down Parramatta road as far the Silverwater Rd intersection:( Anyhoo, lets get back to what's hot at Costco. I would also love to hear from anyone who has actually been to the store. I have talked to many friends, but I think reader would love some comments from those who have been to the Sydney store and what purchased.  Personally, I will be going if not this week, then next for sure.

You can get more than just groceries at Costco.

 Kitchen Aid mixer $699

Business Shirts

A great selection of books, especially Cook books that are alot cheaper than RRP.
There is also a great range of all different types of non-grocery items. From top brand clothing to towels, outdoor furniture, toys, camping gear, TVs, cameras, expensive jewelry, kitchen ware, to name but a few things. You can also get your vision checked and purchase glasses and print up your photos. 

Now back to the groceries!!

i purchased one of these from the Melbourne store and it last me almost 12months!

Have you tried a Smooze? My kiddies love these ice blocks. The look like a mini Sunny Boy but they don't have an artificial colours or flavours or preservatives and the main ingredient is coconut milk. At the regular supermarkets they range in price from around $6-$7 down to $4-$5 depending if they are on special or not. As for me, I tend to purchase them on special, but my last trip to Melbourne Costco, I  purchased the box and my kids loved me forever!!  They are a great snack for after school or for dessert especially in summer.

 This is a great bargain! 24 x 250ml poppers for $1/each! I usually only get these on special $3 for 3 which is the same as the price abova, however, they don't often go on special at the supermarkets. I can rely on this price regardless of when I go.

Now lets head to the freezers and fridged goods.

These look so yummy! I would get these for a special occasion or for a party. I have seen these in smaller quantities at specialty fruit markets and they cost a lot more than this price!!

Again, for me, this is a treat! I wouldn't purchase this everytime I go to Costco, at least I don't think I will;) If you are a having a get together with your girl friends, a mothers group, friends for dinner or a special occasion of some sort, these are an affordable addition to your table. These are about the same size as ones I have purchased before at the David Jones food court in Sydney CBD. They're sold for $1.85 each but if you purchase these from Costco they will set you back less than 60c/each! A lot easier than making them for sure!!!

I have a lot more photos to share with you but, I can't stay up late tonight:( I will leave you with a picture of me and VJ who is in charge of the cashiers. He is a lovely man, very friendly and willing to help in anyway he can, I really believe him when he said this. He seems to love his job, and why not? I am sure if you have been already he will be a familar face and if you are yet to go, you will recognise him quickly.

We are holding our refillable drinks in one hand and our creamy chicken bakes in the other!!!

There will be one more instalment with more pictures of things to look out for. I have had fun writing these posts and thanks to all who have read the first instalment and for those who have left comments.

Curious about Costco? Part 1

So are you also curious about Costco?? I was able to attend the preview night last night, and I have to say I was most impressed and so excited about Costco finally coming to Sydney. I love Costco, with a fat capital 'L'. I would consider myself, whether you think it sad or not, a Costco groupie! I almost said, die-hard, however it I truly was die-hard I would have been there at 6am this morning lining up to be one of the first Sydneyites to purchase something at Costco, so I draw my line there. I am not 'die-hard'.

How good was it? I hear you desperately asking. Well, we loved it! I had a good friend come along with me and she surprised me by bringing her beautiful camera and photography skills so that my pictures will look totally professional. It was a non-purchasing night but a great opportunity to taste test some of Costco's offerings from, fresh foods to packaged frozen and dry foods. We taste tested their amazing pizzas that are super massive and only $14.99, move over Pizza Hut and your tinsy winsy (in comparison) Pizza Mias. The toppings are ample and there are a great selection to choose from, my favourite being the margarita.

I will mention at this point, that I have titled this post as Part 1. The pictures in this post are the ones I took on my standard digital camera until the battery died on me!  Part 2 will have heaps more products and better pictures as they are coming from my friend's camera. I am hoping to give everyone a taste of what to expect and my opinion on the product if I taste tested or if I have purchased it already from one of my Melbourne Costco trips.  This way you can plan a little bit ahead and not spend too much time checking everything out.

Some survival tips

Be aware that everything here is bulk size. We Australians have come to accept that small really does mean small, but in American terms, small means medium, medium means large and XL is normal!! You can see this not only in grocery but also in fast food. When you come to Costco, everything is in large or XL or multiples of 6 or 12 are normal. Which for me is great because feeding a family of 6 is big business and I don't like making multiple trips to the supermarket and I especially don't like it if I have to take 4 kids with me. So expect everything to be big!


Costco is also a great place to shop if you are catering for a party or some celebration where heaps of people need to be fed.

Here are a few survival tips for your trip to Costco.

1.Take a list of the kinds of things you would like to purchase and do your best to stick to it, otherwise you will be shocked at the checkout!

2.Tally the cost of the items as you go, otherwise you will get a SHOCK at the checkouts!!

3.Make sure you can eat what you are purchasing. I am hoping most families will think this through before they impulse purchase because a lot of good food can go to waste.

4.Make sure you can take everything home in your car, and that you have space to stock your items, especially your frozen goods.

5.Take it easy, Costco is here to stay and what you don't get to see, taste, or purchase this time, you can do it next time.

6.Lastly have fun! Its a great day out and be sure to make time for a snack or two at the canteen/tuck shop/cafeteria whatever you want to call it. You can get a great feed for a reasonable amount of money. My favourite has to be the choc-vanilla swirl yoghurt for $2.50, and its really large!!!

A selection of breads that you see at your regular supermarket.

Bananas are still expensive at Costco!!

This is a good price for Broccolini, there were a few bunches in this pack.

Asparagus is $8.49/kg and this is the pack you get. This is a great price! Product of Peru

36 pack of dinner rolls for $5.99. I love these bread rolls. They are great with soups but even better for your little peeps' school lunches. Freezable.

12 pack of 'large' muffins for $9.99

Another of my favourite items. Bagels that a baked fresh daily. 2 pack of 6 for $9.99

Large upside down pineapple cakes and apple pies.

12 pack of variety danishes (large) for $12.99.

Yummy XL birthday cakes.

20 pack of large cupcakes with whipped frosting $19.99.

XL cheesecakes $21.99

Sydney Organic Expo and Green Show 2011 Ticket Giveaway

Did you know that the Organic Expo is returning to Sydney for its 7th year? You know what that means don't you? It means that we are wanting to learn more and more about the world that is Organic and Green. Thanks to the good people of Organic Expo, I will be attending the show this year to review all the goodies available.

 What can one expect from this years show? Well I have been told you can expect to see Kylie Kwong there and she will be whipping up a storm using organic ingredients. Gardening gurus Costa Georgiadis and Jerry Colbey-Williams will be there, and for me, I am hoping to get a pic with Costa!! You can also sample some great beauty products and if you want to learn how to make some beauty treatments of your own using ingredients from your fridge, beauty Chef Carla Oates will be there to guide you along through it all.  There will be lots of taste testing of organic foods and sipping wine, beer and spirits. You will also be able to explore sustainable fashion, homewares and building exhibators and learn how to live a greener life. Kiddies can also have fun with the farmyard animals and pot up some vege seeds to take home.

It sounds like a fun filled day with so much to do. If you want to know more, check out Not Quite Nigella's review on last year's show experience here.

The show is on Sat 6th (10am- 6pm) and Sunday the 7th of August(10am to 5pm), at Hall 3 Sydney Convention and Exhibition centre Darling Harbour .

Tickets are $18 but thanks to Organic Expo,3 FoodMuster readers have the chance to win a double pass. All you have to do is tell me what you would like to change in your life to become greener.

Giveaway will close midnight AEST,Friday 29th July.   Competition is open to Australian residents only but please note that the tickets are  for the Sydney show and entry only(meaning transport to and from expo is not included). 

Want extra entries?

Tweet this giveaway = 1 extra entry

Subscribe to e-mail = 1 extra entry (can only do this once)

You can enter this competition once daily.

Good Luck!!

Courtney:)

**Apologies to those who have had difficulty leaving comments. I have fixed this problem, so now anyone can leave a comment and hence enter the competition:)**

Winners of Joey Design Giveaway

A very big thankyou to everyone who entered the Joey Design giveaway. It was one of my most popular giveaways to date! I am sure the winners will love their prize packs. So here are the winners:

Jaz
Tenille - HelpMum

I will be in touch with you via your e-mails or profile contacts.

Don't forget to check out JOEY DESIGN for that special gift,super adorable stickers,reward stickers, magnets, pin back buttons, and other cute goodies! Support Aussie HandMade:)

Are you Craftsie?

I have been wanting to post this for sometime now. I know a lot of poeple out there who are either artise or craftsie or both. I love to be creative both in the kitchen with cooking and when I can, I love to create crafty things. My passions lie with jewelery of any kind and making super cute hair clips. I love colour and l love to see things that I would love to be able to pick up and eat!!! Yes, I am serious! Most of all I like finding new craft and art businesses and blogs that create amazing things and share them with as many people as I can. I like things that are,quirky, unique, colourful, creative, practical, non-practical, just good to look at, to lust over, or to desire! So I would like to extend an invitation to you all. Please add a link to your blog where you post about your craftsie stuff! The post can contain a link to wherever you sell your goods or if you want to cross-promote other artists that you like or if you have a current giveaway for a handmade item. Think of this link up as a free advertising for your blog or business (or a friend's) if you have one. I run an Etsy store with my craftsie creations, so please take a look at my CascadeBead Studio Etsy Store, the button is to the right.

There is only a few rules to this link up, don't cringe, I am not big on rules either but rules do make the world go round!

1. I would appreciate a follow. I will return a follow however you choose follow me, but please comment and let me know how you have followed me.

2. Please follow a couple of the links and share the comment love.

3. I reserve the right to delete any links that are not craft and art related.

4. Link up will last for a whole month. I will create a new link up each month, so be sure to come back.

Joey Designs Giveaway

Back in May I had by daughters birthday party and I wanted to put something different in the goody bags for the girls to take home. I love stickers, my daughter loves and her friends love them too! So I thought, stickers were the answer. However, as is my nature, I didn't want any old stickers. I wanted something unique and memorable, so I headed to one of my favourite crafty places, ETSY.com, of course. Here I disovered the wonderful talent of Danielle Miles, who owns and runs JOEY DESIGNS. I instantly fell in love with her cute and unique designs and illustrations. I HAD to have these stickers and I also asked her to make up some rainbow stickers and peace signs, which she did with no hesitation.  I asked Danielle a few questions so we can get to know her a little better.

Tell us a little about yourself.
I  live in Queensland next to the beach and have lived in the same place all my life. This is probably why I love the sea so much - after school, I went to Uni to study Environmental and Marine science which landed me a full time job at an Aquarium. In the few spare minutes of my day I am frantically designing, cutting out and packaging stickers and buttons. I have a children's book waiting to be published at the moment as well. I'm married to a wonderful man who supports my work... and who bought me my new button machine! I also have a Jack Russell who is a tad mischievous, but we love him.

What/who is your inspiration?
The beach is my inspiration. If I have an artist block, going to the beach helps me think and clear my mind. I'm a bit biased, but my husband is an inspiration to me as well. He is always helping me with new ideas for designs.

How long have you been creating?

I have been creating ever since I held my first paint brush... my first ever painting at school was a red and blue house. I still remember it to this day! When I first discovered felt pens on crisp, white paper I started designing my own cartoons. In the last 5 years, I have merged into the world of digital art and printing. I'm proud of myself to have come this far as it's all natural talent.

What would you like to be doing in 5 years?

In about 5 years, I hope to have children. I also hope that I am able to expand my etsy shop into a full time job. I may have to invest in a die cut machine... I don't know whether my fingers can handle another 5 years of hand-cutting!

Favourite Quote.

I don't really have a favourite quote but I do like, as my hubby puts it... 'just keep stickering!'

Danielle's shop has a selection of stickers, magnets, pin backs, cards, and gift tags. I have two great mystery packs of her stickers and buttons to giveaway to two lucky readers. All you have to do is go to her STORE and state in your comment on this blog, what items you like best in her store. Make sure you leave a way for me to be able to contact you, otherwise you might miss out!

Giveaway ends midnight Sunday 17th July AEST. I will post winners here on my blog so please check back. If I am unable to contact a winner within 3 days of posting winners, I will have redraw another winner. I will use random.org to select a winner.  Giveaway is open worldwide. GOOD LUCK!

Food and Wine Show Sydney 2011

What a show! Wow, this year was so amazing and I would have to say at least 10 times better than last year! Last year I had my baby son with me, which was a bit of a challenge, mainly because I found it had to manoevure his pram in and out the crowds and unfortunately some people weren't willing to giveway to parents with prams which was sad. This year, I came with my 10 year old daughter who is developing a foodie persona like her mum!! There was no prams required, so hitting the crowds to just a matter of waddling like a duck or penguin and getting through at a slow and steady pace!!

So what did I buy? Well I did only take a certain amount of money which I didn't want to go over, even though I did :P! Hey we are talking about food here. For some women its beauty products, for others its designer brands. For me, my weakness is food and finding great products to share with others. Before I start, I do want to appologise for not taking pictures. I was so excited when I arrived and how many exhitors there were and once I started talking to people I didn't think about getting my camera out.
[Note to self, arrive at show with camera in hand so I don't forget to take pictures!]

I have taken pictures of the products that I purchased, so you know what they look like. For products that I highly recommend, but didn't purchase I will provide a link for you to check them out.

One of the first companies I was so happy to see was a company that I discovered for the first time at the Melbourne Food and Wine show. Careme Fine Pastry, I am so in love!! I have never heard of pastry in different flavours and readily available. The owner, Claire Wood was there to talk about her wonderful product. Visually you want to envelop your best tasty fillings as soon as possible, but to then have a taste, you 'know' you have to use this pastry! I really wanted to purchase the pastry then and there, but unfortunately I wasn't going home straight after the show, and was concerned about how it would last until I got home. However, I do know where I can get the pastry from now and if you want to know too, here is the website link, CAREME PASTRY.  My two favourite products were sour cream puff pastry and vanilla bean shortcrust pastry. I can't wait to make my favourite, custard tart with the vanilla bean shortcrust. If you are entertaining and want your guests to have a lasting impression of your pie, sweet or savory, then Careme pastry is your best choice.

Sour cream puff pastry

Vanilla Bean shortcrust pastry

I then discovered a company by the name of Lakelands Olives. They are a biodynmaic organic olive oil business.  I was most impressed with their Lemon oil and Mandarin oil. This oil was amazing and the flavour of Mandarin so strong that I felt like I had eaten one! 
I was told that the flavour is so impressive becasue they use the whole fruit, skin and all also also because they use the cold press method. I am not 100% sure but I think they maybe at the Organic Expo in Sydney held in 6th and 7th August. Otherwise, check out their website, LAKELANDS

Sharing the same store with Lakelands, I learned about PUKARA ESTATE. They also had olive oils, but the most impressive products for me, were their vingears. Have you ever heard of Guava Vinegar?? I had never thought that a product like this would be possible, and taste so good!! The flavour is so amazing and as soon as my tastebuds got excited, my mind was considering all the ways I could use the vinegar in my cooking.  They also have fig vinegar, blackcurrant, and vanilla cinnamon to name but a few. But my heart was with the Guava vinegar and this was what I purchase.

If you are tempted to try this vinegar, here is their website, PUKARA.

My favourite purchase of the day was one I had waited 1 year for! I discovered these knives at last year's show and my mum ended up purchasing one and has sung its praises all year. These knives are at a bargain price of 50% off the normal retail price, so worth the wait!. I purchased the Titan 21 which is a titanium knive that needs sharpening at least once every 18months or so. Its is light weight which is such a welcome change to what I have been using. The knive that I currently use is good, but I need to sharpen it at least every second day in the week. So I am so happy I have a sharp knife that I don't have to worry about sharpening as often anymore.  For more details here is the website, FOREVERKNIVES.

This next product, was a real no brainer for me. If you have been following my blog for a while now, you know that I am passionate about food storage. You may also know that I am trying to update or modernise the concept of some foods that can be stored in your food storage long or short term. I am always looking at great products that can deliver a taste sensation but also be stored well. I am also becoming a bit braver in making Indian cuisine. I really like indian food but the books I have read and the shows I have watched have intimidated me a little. It looked like a lot of processes, and having the right ingredients to make sure your food tasted its best. So I figured I would only enjoy Indian when I was eating out. Since then, I have befriended some work colleagues who are from India or regions of India and have worked hard to convince me not to be scared of Indian cooking. When I found the stall, Mudgeeraba Spices and Curry Blends, I knew it was meant to be!! I was even more excited when I was handed a sample of their butter chicken made from their butter chicken spice blend. It was so delicious and I never knew there was a spice blend for butter chicken. I have only ever used a sauce mix from the supermarkets. I enquired about a good curry mix that was not too hot, so my kids could enjoy it. The vegtable curry blend was the answer and the smell was sensational. No artifical colours, flavours or preservatives and with a shelf life of at least 12 months and each jar that I purchased would make up to 30kg plus of meat curries, I was sold!! Teh two jars I purchased caressed 300g of spice blends and cost $35 for the two jars. Check out their website for more info, MUDGEERABA SPICES

 I found the show was embrassing a mulitcultral flavour and this made me happy, because I think there are some amazing products out there that we can embrace in flavour and technique. I love researching different cultural cusines and adapting these to my everday cooking.  I discovered a new brand I had not seen before. Kuhne, with two dots above the u!! Kuhne have quality german products like mustards and a beautiful savoury cream for potato salads( the name has stepped out of my memory for the moment!) but they are just gorgeous and worth a try when you see them in your IGA supermarket.

When my mum returned from a trip to Indonesia some 15 or so years ago, she bought back something with her that I will be forever greatful for, Kecap Manis! What an amazing sauce! Kecap Manis is a sweet soy, so its thicker than normal soya sauce and has a sweet flavour. Its perfect for marinades, sauces, fried rice, to add to omelettes, to stirfries, there is many applications and I can guarantee, once you buy one bottle, you will keep buying. It will become a staple for your asian cooking. I purchased this bottle, as I know the brand and at $2.50, it was a bargain. I also like that the bottle was plastic and squeezeable. I have had bottles in the past that are glass, and you stand for ages waiting for the sauce to come out.



I chatted for a long time with Craig Lyon's wife Karen from Passion of Tahiti. The Bora Bora vanilla pods are to die for! If you like vanilla then you have to swing by their website and check out the beans they have on offer. The Bora Bora beans have a nice length but they are so plump and juicy and have an amazing width that I have not seen with a vanilla bean before. The aroma is mesmerizing. I have been told that some well known chefs are super excited about Craig's vanilla beans, so be sure to check them out. Be sure to take a look at the vanilla bean powder which is 100% vanilla seeds with no additivies or anything added like a paste has. The, product, however,  that has captured me more than anything else, even though I rave about the other ones, this particular product, really has captured me. It's the cold pressed vanilla extract that is not made with any alcohol at all! Never heard of such a thing until now! If you have ever purchased a good quality extract, when you smell it, it has a nice vanilla smell, but the alcohol does cut through and distrupts the vanilla note. Also if you ever accidently add too much extract to a frosting or cream, you will get a taste of the alcohol, which I really don't like. With cold pressed vanilla, there is no chance of this! Its all vanilla!  I can rave on about it all day, but I won't!! Pop on over to the website and see for yourself. The site is under a little bit of construction but I was told that purchasing would be ready as soon as possible, but you can contact Craig vie the e-mail address on the site with any queries.

Well as you can tell I had a great time. I enjoyed talking to people and learning more about their products and business and I am so happy to pass this onto you guys. Can't wait to see what is install for next year. I also hope I can work a bit with some of these businesses to bring some more amazing products to your kitchens.

How to survive groccery Shopping with 4 kiddies in tow!!

So you are like me hey, crazy enough to go to the supermarket with all 4 kids in tow! If you aren't but contemplating it then here is the advise you have been seeking! DO NOT DO IT!! Hahaha!! No seriously, this is a serious post, well somewhat! I do have some good tips because I have done this more than once. I have also taken 3 kiddies and the same tips can be applied, but if you are struggling with just 2 or 1, then you need help because you are a whoose!!! No, again, just kidding.

So, here a few steps you can follow in preparation to go food shopping.

Step 1 - try to go at night or early in the morning so you can go solo, if this is not an option go to step 2..

Step 2 - see if someone can babysit! Ask anyone! Don't think badly of yourself if you consider the dog a potential babysitter. If this does not work go to step 3.

Step 3 - Take a deep breath, or a few more if you need them and then retreat to the toilet and close the door for a few minutes(lock the door if you have that option, if you don't tell any child that comes close to the door its diahorrea!) to consider your next move. If you pray, now is a good time to ask God for strength!

Step 4 - Make a list of items you need. Its vital that you have a list. It keeps you not only to a budget, but the  kidar (kiddy radar) will pick up any lack of organisation at the supermarket and make it hell for you. Exit the toilet with a skip in your step and herd the kiddies into the car.

Step 5 - upon arrival to the supermarket, before you get out of the car set the ground rules in the best loving mummy voice you can use. Do not ask for:
Toys
Lollies
Magazines etc

And then in a stern but loving tone outline the consequences if they do the wrong thing. However, do tell them that if they are well behaved they may get 'something special'. Now this can be tricky depending on the age of your child. My kids are 10, 8, 5, 3 so I can somewhat get away with saying 'something special'. If your kids are older, don't be taken back when they question what 'something' refers to. You will need to be clear on what you are prepared to purchase. Never be ellaborate. If you do, you are setting the bar too high and you will have to equal or better yourself each time they go with you. Make it simple but something that they will work hard for.

Step 6 - allocate jobs. The eldest can push the trolley, if the toddler will sit in the trolley - total bonus, lucky you!! If not then let them walk holding onto the trolley or holding hands with one of the other kiddies. The kiddies that are walking will be your designated helpers. Make this fun. I have 3 boys so I say something like.
"Dudes, today's mission will be seeking out 6 potatoes and 2 kilos of red apples, do you wish to accpet this mission?" If yes, you have 1 minute in which to complete this mission and time starts now!"

I can't always use this, so I have to be creative on the move and think of something that I know will get them excited about helping me. The key is to make it fun for them.

Now, if you have not stipulated what the 'special something' is the kids will be constantly thinking what their 'something' is and this is where you use this to your advantage. I think it would have to be shopping when mums will say 'no' the most in a short space of time. I think kids being the innocent souls they are, just keep trying in hopes you will either break, or they will actually pick something you can say 'yes' to! If they ask for something straight away that works with you, then use this to make them work for you.  If something doesn't come up straight away and they keep asking what it is. Just say something like, " Its so awesome, I want it to be the best surprise ever" or " try guessing it". With the latter option, again it has to be age appropriate. If your kids are older they could drive you mental with guessing every 3 seconds. So be smart on how you reply. If they get to something mid way and you see that they want it bad, then you've hit the jackpot! Sometimes for me its simple things like Roll-ups because I don't buy them often. Sometimes it can be a lolly, and sometimes it can be something off the planet like strawberries or blueberries! I love those days, but they don't always happen!

So in summary, if you can get away with not taking your kids, this is the most ideal scenario! Kids are great but they seem to love fighting and being abnoxious most when you are in a hurry and need to get the food shopping done!

If they come with you, make it as fun as you can. Make them work for you, don't think this is a terrible thing, you work for them! The least they can do is help you out.

Set the ground rules before you enter the store and remind them of consequences if they break the rules. Most importantly, if necessary make sure you follow through with consequences, this is paramount. You have to be able to remind them the next time you have to take them what happened the last time they were naughty at the supermarket!

Reward the good behaviour, but make sure you make it out that it was your choice on what their reward was, not theirs! If you don't want to feel like you 'have' to purchase something each time you shop as their reward.   Basically at the end of the day, kids love rewards, and are very driven to do good if they know they will be rewarded in some way or another. Reward systems are a mother's best friend!

Good luck mums and dads, I hope you found this helpful:)

Slow Cooker Cheesey Peasy Risotto

I love risotto! I have developed this love for risotto for the past 5 or so years. I used to order risotto thinking it was going to taste amazing but it was always bland. I think back on those occasions and I wonder now it they used stock to make it or plain water? Whatever was used, it was disappointing. Now that I have tasted good risotto and learnt how to make good risotto, I love it!! The only problem is, if you want to make it, you really have to be in the mood. Why? It takes a long time to make and a lot of patience as you stand over the saucepan, stirring, and stirring, and stirring. Since I am cooking for 4 kids and 2 adults, I make a large amount so, it naturally takes me even longer. I did discover Donna Hays recipe for oven baked risotto, which wasn't too bad, but the real excitement hit when I discovered I could make risotto in the slow cooker!! I actually made a casserole once and added brown rice to it to see what would happen. It was delish of course and this made me think, can I do a risotto? I didn't experiement with it, I was too scared!! But as soon as I heard you can do it in the slow cooker I was in heaven!!! With no recipe or directions, I decided to just do what I thought would make sense. Here is the recipe:

Ingredients
300g bacon diced
1 tsp minced garlic ( I use jar type)
2 cups arborio rice
1/2 cup of parmesan grated or shredded
1 cup frozen peas
4-6 cups of chicken stock ( I use Massel chicken stock powder and make up with water)

** I say 4-6 as I can't remeber how much I used;p As long as the rice is covered generously you should be fine**

Method
1. Heat frying pan on high and add bacon (add oil if you like) and cook through until browned.
2. Lower heat a little and add garlic and stir through.
3. Add rice and stir through in frying pan so most of juice can aborbed.
4. Add ingredients from frying pan into slow cooker and all juices.
5. Add stock
6.Set slowcooker to low for about 5 hours or on high for about 2.5 hours.
7. If you can, stir through a couple of times while cooking and add stock if you think its too dry.
8.About 20mintues before serving add frozen peas and stir through.
9. When rice is tender and there is a good consistency when you stir, not too sloppy and not dry at all its ready. Add the parmesan cheese and stir through.

10. Can splash a bit of balsamic vinegar or add some semi dried tomatoes or fresh pesto.


Taste is sensational! A great recipe for the whole family and is budget friendly.

PANTRY INGREDIENTS
Bacon - can store in freezer
Peas - frozen - could used dried peas though or tin ones (don't like tin myself :P)
Minced garlic  - from the jar
Risotto rice - Arborio

Raspberry Lemonade Icy

It was my daughter who came up with this recipe. We have lemonade trees growing in our backyard. Lemonades are a cross between an orange and a lemon. They look like a lemon but the skin is an orangy yellow and the flavour very much like their name, lemonade.  I got a cute present from my sis-in-law which was the ice-cream cone shaped icy pole holder thingys - what would they be called? My brain isn't working right now, if you know comment below!!! Anyhoo, she wanted to make something yummy so this is what she mixed together:

2 lemonades - removed outer skin and the skin around the fruit so only the juicy pulp went in

1 10 year old handful of frozen raspberries

1 small lemon

1/2 tbsp sugar (more or less to taste)

6 ice cubes and about 50ml of water

Add all to a blender, blend until combined and then add to the icypole holders and freeze until hard.

Soooo delishus and easy to make!

I need your vote please!

I am not one for asking for votes for things, but I entered my first recipe competition and I would really like to win. So if you don't mind spending a moment or two, click on the link and vote for my recipe. I have added a picture of what I made, its a basic white sauce mix that you make from scratch and you can store it in a zip lock back or an air tight container in your fridge for up to 12 months. Its super quick and easy and great staple to have stored in your fridge. 
 I have made this mixture before, but I have to admit, it has a better texture, cooks better and definately tastes better with Lurpak butter. White sauce mix is good for making bechamel sauce, using for a creamy sauce for pasta dishes - especially tuna pasta bake, great for creamy chicken pies, can be used to make chocolate pudding dessert, and heaps more!  Will share some more ideas soon:)

 Thanks in advance for voting for me:)


http://www.lurpak.com.au/lurpakchallenge/recipe/the-best-white-sauce-mix