Recipe: Slow Cooker Lamb Shanks

The weather is winterish and I thought perfect time for Lamb Shanks.   So here is the recipe I use, have done for years.

When I stumbled across this recipe it was a 'stove top' recipe.  I have manipulated it to suit myself.  I love the slow cooker for meat recipes, to achieve that fall off the bone taste.

Ingredients:

6 lamb shanks

6 tbsp rosemary (I pull leaves from the stem)

2 chopped onions

Zest and juice from one orange

1/2 bottle of Red Wine

1 cup beef stock or 1 stock cube and 1 cup water

Salt and Pepper

Method:

Add all ingredients into slow cooker.

Cook on low in slow cooker for 6-8 hours (preferably 8).  

Turn shanks occasionally.

Additional: Before serving remove some of the juice and thicken on the stove top. I tend to add a little gravox but you could also use corn flour.

Serve with mash potato and green beans.

Note: You can brown the shanks and onions on the stove top prior to cooking in the slow cooker.  I cannot be bothered with this as I am a 'lazy cook'.  If I am going to cook in the slow cooker I pretty much want it to do it all with no additional mess. 

Hot Tip: Buy your lamb shank 'Frenched'  it means that the butcher (or supermarket) will have cut all the crap meat/fat away and leave you with a groomed piece of meat.  Often it looks like there is less to it, which I guess there is, but a frenched lamb shank is much nicer than a plain one.  Just saying.

Enjoy


Mandy

What's not to love about Abigail?

Who is Abigail?

What! You don't know!

I feel in love with Abigail when I attended the Digital Parents Conference last month.  Abigail is a beautiful creation courtesy of Hallmark.

She is a soft, lush bunny that can talk.  Better known as an Interactive Story Buddy, she is designed to encourage the love of books in children.

Simply read the book that comes with her and as you read particular sentences in the book, through voice activation Abigail will join in the story.

Her voice is delightful and her words, kind and thoughtful.





We were fortunate enough to be given an Abigail to review.  That said we already knew that we loved her as we'd purchased her as a gift for a special friend.  But sure enough that special friend had already received her from another loved one.

Upon the news that we were going to be sent Abigail to review, I exchanged the gifted one for Cooper, who is another Interactive Story Buddy, more suitable for little boys.

Queue two extremely happy children

I'm a bit of a sucker for anything story book.  Anything that will encourage my children to want to read.  Thankfully they are keen as mustard and as a result love their new buddies very very much.

What really caught my eye was how affordable they are.  The initial bunny comes with a story book and extra books are on par with regular books, if not cheaper.  Win!

But here is the best bit.  Not only did we get to review Abigail, the lovely folk at Hallmark have kindly given us a second Abigail to giveaway.

To enter:

Simply 'like' A Little Space like Home on Facebook
And leave a message on this post telling me why you'd like to win
Extra entry if you share this on Facebook or Twitter, please leave a separate comment to advise

Details:
Open to Australian Residents Only
Winner will be chosen by Rodney (Man of the house)
Giveaway Closes Midnight Monday 7th May 2012

Good luck


Mandy




Hosted by Three Lil Princesses

How Target taught me to be Fashion Savvy

I had a great time at the Bloggers Brunch.  

It's official, I learnt a lot about fashion.  Thanks Target!

I mean I know I'm no fashionista.  I'm a bit of a Plain Jane to be honest.  

My 'uniform' is Jeans, Singlet / Long Sleeve Top and Cardigan.

Yeap, I have an array of Cardigans, all the colours of the rainbow and then some.

I tried to snaz it up a bit this last year and embraced the maxi dress.

That was a massive development for me.

Does this sound familiar?  Or am I on my own?

Anyway, I'm really motivated to shake my wardrobe up.  I've just got to find a budget.

Targets Golden Rules when Shopping:

I learnt loads about my body shape and what suits.

I'd love to:

Purchase a good quality pair of black pants

Invest in some print tops

Find a good pair of wedges

-x-

Not too unreasonable?

I learnt that I need to be more adventurous and take the time to really look.  I found some great tops that I would not have given a second look if I was wandering through the store myself.

Why is that?

Maybe because I'm never alone, maybe because I can't concentrate.

Either way I know I need to do something.

I just have to be a little savvy with my finances first so I can justify it.

Watch this space.

Do you have a top fashion tip to share with me?  I'm all ears!

Cheers

Mandy

Mothers Day Gift Guide ~ Don't Buy me Hankies Edition

Do you know what you're getting your Mum for Mothers Day.

I usually ask my Mum what she'd like, she usually has something in mind.  Not this year.

We're going for a 'surprise'.

So without further ado (In no particular order):

My Top 5 Mother Days Gift Ideas

if you're looking for something a little different, AKA ~ Not Hankies

A Bubble Book Bag

Perfect for the Mum who loves to read. A bubble book bag can protect your books when you're on the go, no more wear and tear.  Or as someone once told me, it offers a bit of privacy if your Mum likes to read novels that she rather keep 'under wraps'.

-x-

A Bag2Bag Handbag Organiser

Perfect for the organiser in us, this organiser will ensure you find things in your handbag with ease, and when we decide we need to change handbags altogether, simply transfer your Bag2Bag.  Plus, let's face it, they're stylish.

-x-

A Capture Leopard Print Scarf

For the wanna be Nina Proudman's.  These scarves are pretty funky. I heart scarves... just saying.

-x-

Ubercircles by UberKate

If these aren't the most stylish way to keep your family close to your heart, I don't know what is. I love that you can choose the size and number of circles you add, totally customised to suit you.  One word ~ Devine

-x-

A Candy Jar by The Apothecary Jar Co.

Who is not a sucker for the variety of Candy Jars that are available at the moment.  They make any party look sensational and add for a nice display when not in use.  Perfect for the 'Party Planner' Mum amongst us.

-x-

Now seriously, there is really no excuse for hankies is there? 

Stay tuned as I share with you, what I really want for Mothers Day and other more charitable ideas for those less greedy!

Are you a mother?  What's the best gift you've received?

Cheers


Mandy.

Help Me Sleep

If you didn't know, I work nights.

It means that three times a week, I don't get home till midnight.

I almost always tuck myself into bed as soon as I get home.

Well maybe sometimes I take a quick sneak peak at my emails......

But I need your advice to help me sleep.

If it's not bad enough, the alarm goes off at 6.30am weekdays.

But lately the alarm hasn't even been required.

Zander is causing lots of chaos.

This is why I need your tips to help me sleep.

Often Tom needs to get up around 5ish to go to the loo, at this point I hear "Hi Tom Tom"  and there it is 'Awake'

'Mum, mumma, up, mummmmmm, mumma'

I've tried putting him into bed with me, but I don't really appreciate him walking across my head as he tries to get up and start the day.  There is no rest in that.

Yesterday we decided to finally put into place a temporary measure.

Will it work?

Maybe.... if we had of rolled it out successfully!

We thought, perhaps if we moved Lulu into Tom's room for six months or so and Zander in to Lulu's, then Zander wouldn't stir so early as he'd have no distractions.

But we didn't do the measurements right, Lulu's bed doesn't easily fit into Tom's room.

Failure no. 1.

So now they're shacked up side by side, which is going to drive me batty in all of 24 hours.

Then to get the cot into Lulu's room we needed to disassemble and reassemble.

But somewhere along the line we lost a bolt.  A custom fitting bolt.

Failure no. 2.

Last night Zander slept in the port-a-cot, but clearly this also can't be a long term solution.

Fingers crossed he'll at least sleep past 5am in a room of his own.

Do your kids share a room?  If so what are your tips to help me sleep?  or my kids for that matter!

Working nights and backing it up with a school run in the morning is not my idea of fun people. Waking up before necessary is my idea of a nightmare. #firstworldproblems

Fingers crossed this missing bolt reappears, we were hoping to get another year out of the cot!

I don't think I'll get any sleep if the little man can get in and out of a bed at his own leisure.

Thanking you in advance for your tips and advice.

Mandy.

A Family Fun Day

Trying to make weekends all about family time, we headed off to the Yoplait Family Fun Day.  

Check it out:

I'm linking up with Trish from My Little Drummer Boys for Wordless Wednesday.

Cheers

Mandy.

A Smile

On Sunday I worked, not something that would put a smile on my face.

When I was driving home, I got caught in a thunder storm, at times I could barely see out my window.

Again, a smile on my face, not so much.

But then as I got closer to home, the rain stopped.

Despite the doom and gloom of the clouds, the most magnificent rainbow appeared.

That put a smile on my face.

Trust me when I say you just had to be there (much better in real life!)

It was a double rainbow, clear as can be.

I felt like a child driving toward it, wondering....

Where does it start and where does it end?

As I got closer and closer to home, I felt myself wanting to chase it.

I felt myself even daydreaming of the end, reaching my back yard, like some good omen, that I was seeking out.

As I reached my home, the reality set in that, no, the rainbow was not going to land in my yard.

But it did not matter.

It had left me with a smile on my face, a warmth in my heart to be grateful for this day.

I pulled up in the garage and as I opened the door the children were so happy to see me.

I called for them to come out, into the cool day, to see something that was so wonderful.

They agreed, it was some rainbow.

Tom quietly observed it.

Zander screamed enthusiastically as he stomped through the puddles in our driveway.

And Lulu, who is dealing with some separation anxiety at the moment, simply hung onto my waist happy to have me home.

Mandy xo.

HLS [WK16] - Slowing Down

 [source]

Slowing down, keeping it simply, a challenge I've been battling for more than a year now.

I've already started to prioritise what it is I need to do each day vs what I want to do.

I understand and accept that there is a difference and I can't afford to drop what needs to be done.

The consequence are just not worth it in the end.

I've been recording my list of three.

What do I need to achieve tomorrow, to successfully get through the day?

At this point in my life it usually looks something like:

1/ Bathroom

2/ Washing

3/ Edit Photos

So I'll attend to the chores in priority and as you can see I do slot things I love in there too, it's not all doom and gloom.

But more importantly I've decided some things have to give.

You know the good old saying about nothing will ever change if you keep doing what you're doing. Yeap I get that.

I have made some changes.

I have pulled Zander out of swimming for the next two terms. It's cold, neiher of us are over enthusiastic, he is confident in the water and by term 4, fingers crossed will be able to join in an independent swimming class.

But for now it means one less morning of running around, one more day at home.

I am actioning everything that needs to be done, before dinner / work, allowing this time to be strictly about the kids.

Lulu needs dedicated time to focus on her homework, and Tom is demanding some time too. Juggling this is time consuming and when we have a list of other things we want to achieve before bed its nothing more than frustrating.

Freeing up this time for them makes the whole process far more enjoyable and streamlined.

These are a few of the small changes I've implemented in the last week.

But they do make a difference. More time at home, makes a difference.

I love being at home, I love when it's calm.

And I'm continuing to work on my new motto:

Weekdays are for chores ~ Weekends are for living.

I'm linking up with Deb over at Home Life Simplified for the Simplify your Life Challenge.  Why not drop over and see how everyone else is tracking too.

Cheers

Mandy

War Horse - Review and Giveaway

I'm trying really hard to separate our weekdays from our weekends.

Make sense?

One of the best ways to really do this is to relax with a great movie.

Last Saturday night we stayed in and watch War Horse.




Both Rod and I had mixed emotions about this one.

It had a really really slow start.

After about 10 minutes we were almost going to switched it off.

But with nothing better to do, we hung in there.

Glad we did.  Overall it was a really good movie. 

Well besides the slow start of course.

I am a sucker for a war movie, I get emotional every time, thinking about people going off to fight at war. I can't ever truly begin to imagine the fear that they would have experienced, or the sense of hopelessness that is present as a bunch of men run into a field of death.

Breaks my heart.

But this movie is something more than that, it's about the relationship between a boy and horse, a relationship that no one else can compare.

The horse is extraordinary, a sixth sense if you will to find his way home (to his owner).

A great movie, well worth a watch.

Caution: There is one scene in this movie that I found really graphic.  It's powerful, but to some, animal activists, it might be too overwhelming to watch.

I've got 2 copies of War Horse to giveaway.

To enter simply leave a message telling me why you'd like to win.

Open to Australian Residents Only

Giveaway closes Saturday 28th April at midnight.

Good luck.

Mandy




Hosted by Three Lil Princesses

ANZAC Day

Get Printable Here

ANZAC Day is coming up on the 25th of April. 

I struggled last year to explain to Lulu what it was that ANZAC Day represented.  But this year coming to my rescue is a gorgeous printable pack by Tinyme (Formally Mooo).

They've put together a printable card that explains what ANZAC Day represents and why we remember.  It is brilliant because the wording is aimed at children and I know Lulu will understand.

They have also put together a gorgeous poppy craft, with loads of different finished products, perfect for this weekend or on the actual day.

Lulu will be working on her poppies tomorrow whilst I'm at work.  

Then come Wednesday we will pull out the ANZAC Biscuit Recipe Card and get busy baking.

Tinyme have certainly found a way to have fun with the kids whilst taking the time to honour the true meaning of ANZAC Day.  

This is the first of their printables, however feel free to visit the website regularly as they will be loading more kids printables in the future.

Do you do anything special for ANZAC Day?

Cheers

Mandy

Persistence is the Key

Talking about education.......

Today Lulu got an award at assembly.  The awards are called 'Habits of the Mind Awards' and Lulu has been anxiously waiting week in week out for her name to be called.

Today after a tough few weeks, it was her day.

She got an award for 'Persistence'

The best part of the day for me was this comment from Lulu on our way home from school.

"I was so excited today when I got to go up onto the stage, I almost cried.  I was just so proud of myself"

I love this.  I love that the experience (which all the kids get to experience one week or another) means so much to her that it almost bought her to tears.

As a parent you have to ride the lows, but it's just so enjoyable to be able to ride the highs.  Both Rodney and I made sure we were there today to cheer her on.

Good work Lulu.

Cheers

Mandy

Grateful for Education

  [source]

The last few weeks have been a real eye opener for me when it comes to education.

During the school holidays I stumbled across ‘homework’ that had been set for Lulu.  I also then discovered that pretty much no one else in her class had been assigned homework.

Instantly the alarm bells went off.

Upon return to school and chatting to the teacher my fears were confirmed, Lulu is struggling with her work and an Individual Learning Plan has been put together to help her along.

After reassurance from the teacher I felt more at ease with the idea that despite the fact that she is struggling to grasp concepts with reading, it will come and with our help she will be meeting the expected norm in no time.

*Breath*

I am so grateful for many things:

~ Grateful that we are able to educate our children full stop!

~ Grateful that I have confidence in the school I chose for my daughter

~ Grateful that her teacher takes the time to communicate with us as parents

~ Grateful that we have a plan

And finally;

~ I’m really really grateful that my Lulu is enthusiastic.  She wants to learn, she loves school and deep down I know that is half the battle right there.

What are you grateful for this week?

Why not join Maxabella Loves over at Kidspot for 52 Weeks ofGrateful and see what everyone else is grateful for this week.

Cheers

Mandy

Food Patrol 90 Day Challenge: The end is just the begining....

I've officially finished my 90 Day Food Patrol Challenge.

It's been a journey of ups and downs, having the courage to share with you what I looked like, even when I was feeling unhappy with what I saw in myself.

Putting into practice new eating habits to make me a better person.

Eliminating the crap.

For the most part I did lose a little weight each week which was encouraging.

Here is the wrap up:

I can't emphasize enough how happy I am with my weight loss.  I battled to shift even a kilo last year, lacking motivation and the ability to get on with it.  Yes it was really starting to bring me down.

But then I teamed up with Food Patrol and with their guidance and support I did it.  It did not feel hard, it did not feel like a chore, the results were rewarding and motivating.

Losing 8.2kgs and 19cms from around my body.

Below are the comparisons of my before and after shots.  

Here's my two bobs worth, my shape, it's not really changed, I'd love to lose the pear, but I've accepted that it's me.  My clothes fit so much better and that is what is important.

My biggest change has been across my stomach, the before shot is a bloated unhealthy belly. I am now so conscious the effects of bad food has on my stomach.  And I feel like my posture is benefiting too.

Moving forward I've teamed up with an excellent  personal trainer.  He has given me some great tips to tone the areas in my legs as well as improving my posture even more.

-x-

If you feel the way I did last year, I can't recommend this highly enough.  I don't know what it is about this program that worked for me.  

Perhaps the fact that it was not hard.

Maybe it was the lead in to the program that reassured me of my decision.

Or perhaps it was the support that I received from the Food Patrol Team.

I definitely think it had something to do with the fact that I was never hungry and the meals were delicious.

I promise to 'check in' down the track and let you know how I'm going, maintaining my weight and all that.

For more details about Food Patrol visit their website or find them on Facebook.

Cheers

Mandy.

HLS [WK15] - The Time Audit

[source]

Ironically because I have run out of time over the last week or so, only yesterday did I post Week 14 of the Simplify your Life Challenge.

Today I'm looking at Week 15 - The Time Audit

"I'm too busy"

"I don't have enough time"

"If only there were more hours in the day"

"I have more on my to do list than I do time"

These are some of the many words that have left my mouth this year. Over and over again!

Hopefully with my new attack on planning, I will have more time.

I do honestly find that life and it's day to day routines take up most of my time. Then when I want to embrace something a little left of centre, outside of this schedule, everything goes by the wayside.

But I'm slowly starting to accept that that is simply where my life is at right now.

It won't be forever.

Right now I need to accept:

• Washing needs to be done everyday, this includes putting the clothes away.
• Meals won't cook themselves
• I still have to cook meals even though most nights someone will totally reject it.
• I will be tired after working the night before
• Lulu will be tired after school
• Exercise is important and shouldn't be pushed aside
• I am a taxi and getting my children from A-B is important.... to them

When time permits:

• First and foremost I spend time with my family
• I will blog
• I will play with my camera and take photos
• Then I'lI scrapbook
• Sewing is something I'd like to embrace a little more

Deb from Home Life Simplified suggests you set yourself 2-3 items each day in your daily agenda as 'most important'

This will help ensure 'needs' are met and 'wants' are considered when there is reasonable time.

Unfortunately this week has not been a great example for me. Routine has been completely and utterly out the window. After heading away for Easter, we had the back to home blues, mountains of washing and head colds to throw into the mix.

Next week school is back and I can effective roll with my planning and time management. Having reviewed the situation I feel the fog has cleared and I know what I need to do.

Bring on the routine.

Cheers

Mandy.

Linking up for the Simplify your Life Challenge

HLS [WK 14] - Planning, when it doesn't work Change It!

[source]

At the moment, I’m feeling weak.  I’m overwhelmed, which seems to be a reoccurring cycle for me.

I feel like I have too much going on in my schedule when deep down I know if I eliminated all the procrastinating I’d probably have all the time in the world.

When I’m mentally feeling lost, I tend to plonk myself in front of the computer and surf.  Surf Facebook, Twitter.  I could be spending time with my children, attending to things around the home or constructively writing blog posts.  But mentally I don’t have it in me.

Why is this?

I know I’ve lost the ability to sit down and watch TV........ just relax.

I’ve lost the ability to sit down and read a magazine........ just relax.

It seems I don’t know how to have time out.

Over Easter I headed to Country NSW to visit friends, Rod could not come but I didn’t want to let that stop me.  Off I went.  Every single time I visit, not only these friends, but any of our country friends, I come home craving that lifestyle.

We spent most of the weekend chillin’ in the back yard watching the kids play, enjoying each others company.  The neighbours dropped in to say hi.  Simple......simply lovely.

But I know I don’t have to live in the country to have that lifestyle.  The lifestyle I crave is one where as a family we have time out and relax, together.

So without sharing all the boring details, I’m going to make some changes to my planning. 

I don’t want to plan anything during my weekend, other than enjoying life.  OK I know I will need to cook to feed my family but beyond that, weekends need to be about ‘time out’.

To do this I need to stop procrastinating.  I’ve ordered myself a diary and I’m going to use this to plan out my week.  Sunday nights will be about weekly planning.

I need to ask myself, what do I need to achieve this week to relax this coming weekend?

No more running to the supermarket 5 times a week, no more buying takeout because we have no plans for dinner.  No more chaos.

I often blame work for my disorganisation. It interferes with my personal life, it drains me emotionally because I’m not happy.  But enough is enough.  I have to let go, I need to stop wasting my energy wishing for something that is not going to be.

Glass half full.................

Mandy

Linking up for the Simplify your Life Challenge

Review & Giveaway: The Muppets DVD

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

Perfectly timed these school holidays we received a copy of The Muppets on DVD.

I don't really remember a lot about the original muppets, I mean, sure I remember Kermit and Miss Piggy, but I don't recall storylines so much.

I personally liked the movie, I appreciated that they linked to the fact that the muppets have been out of action for some time and the point of the movie was their comeback.

We all appreciated the musical aspect of it also.  As the movie started and they broke out into song I knew it was going to maintain the attention of my kids.

Here's what Lulu had to say about it:

Since receiving the DVD my kids have watched it a handful of times.  It served us well in the car as we headed away over Easter.

Do you want to see The Muppets on DVD?

If so leave a comment on this blog post telling me who was / is your favourite character and why?

Competition Ends Midday Thursday 19th April

Open to Australian Residents Only

Winner will be selected by the Man of the House - Rodney

Goodluck

Mandy

A Call to Action ~ Child Sponsorship

 Click Here to help make a difference!

There are a number of different phases in ones life.

My call to social good also has many phases.

I'll admit when I was a child I didn't really care about what was happening in other parts of the world.  It wasn't my problem, I was born here, I deserved to be here, end of story.

But with age grew reason and understanding.

People don't choose to be born into a food crisis.

Mothers don't choose to let their children suffer from malnutrition.

As an adult I have taken stepping stones to where I am today.

I have acknowledged that there is a problem,

But not accepted that I can make a difference.

I have accepted that I can make a difference,

But decided that it was unaffordable for me at the time.

Now, I'm making a change.

I'm embarrassed that it has taken me so long to do what has been in my heart and mind for a good 10 years.

But grateful within myself that I'm doing it now and now is better than not at all.

As I pondered the discussion had with World Vision at the Digital Parents Conference.

As I thought about Eden's journey to Africa over the last week

As I've celebrated Easter with my family and friends, eating lovely meals

I knew that enough was enough, not only did I need to take action I more importantly needed to ensure that my children didn't grow up with the same ignorance I had.

Together with my daughter, we talked about the children that lived in other countries, the fact that some don't have a lot of food, let alone 'treats'.  We looked at some pictures of them and then talked about why we wanted to sponsor a child and what that actually meant.

I've chosen to sponsor a child in the West African Region as this is where the current food crisis is and they desperately need our help.

Lulu chose to sponsor a little girl the same age as herself.  I think this is great as it will really help her to relate to the differences in their lives.

I feel at ease now, but not complacent.  There is still more roles we can play, but this weekend we made a start.

Have you ever had a burning need to make a difference?

Cheers


Mandy

Food Patrol 90 Day Challenge: Almost at the finish line

 [source]

I have one week to go, before I need to measure up!

I know my body shape has changed, my pants hang on my hips and sag at the crutch, it's unattractive to say the least.

But I know if that is the extent of my problems, it's a good thing.

This last week has not been so good.

It's the school holidays, I've not exercised.

We celebrated Easter, with chocolate.

Despite the fact that I was not going to go there I did.

So be it.

Moderation.

But now I have one week to make it all count.

Thanks to all my excuses above I've actually gained weight this week.

I guess it's the reminder as I come off my Food Patrol 90 Day Challenge, I still need to maintain a healthy lifestyle and not fall back into my bad habits.

I think I've got it covered.

There will always be celebrations.  And I will be embracing those wholeheartedly because life is for living.

I will just choose to not live my life like it's one big party.

So this week I weigh: 60.4kg

Starting weight:    67.8kg
End wk 1:            63.4kg
End wk 2:            62.9kg
End wk 3:            62.4kg
End wk 4:            61.8kg

End wk 5:            61.3kg 

End wk 6:            61kg

End wk 7:            61kg

End wk 8:            60.5kg

End wk 9:            59.5kg

End wk 10:          N/A

End wk 11:          60.4kg

Stay with me as I run the course and get this challenge over the line.

I will end this challenge under 60kgs!

Cheers

Mandy