Give it away

Give it away

Are you in lockdown due to Covid -19 once again? The Delta variant is causing a lot of extra stress for most of the world at the moment.

Perhaps it is time to de-clutter your home?

There are so many unexpected benefits to donating things to charity.

Just sorting through unused items that you don’t use or need anymore is a task that could be a welcome distraction during the lockdown.

Benefits of giving to charity include:

  1. You will feel lighter somehow. Most people will feel creative and more cheerful and energetic in an orderly environment.
  2. You can help other people in need. There are many people doing it tough so giving something meaningful to those who have less than you can be rewarding.
  3. You will feel more in control somehow. Tidying up and re-homing items that are unused or gathering dust gives you the willpower to take control of other important things in your life.
  4. You are contributing in some small way to the environment. By re-cycling useful items, you are reducing waste
  5. You are helping create employment for others. Some people will make a living in renovating older items, and of course, Goodwill stores employ people too.

Not only are you creating a tidier space at home with less to clean, but sometimes it is only a matter of taking extra furniture out of a home that can make it look more luxurious.

Of course, nobody should get rid of things that bring value to their life.

Even minimalists keep some sentimental items in their life… they just keep less than others.

Take the time to de-clutter every cupboard in your home.

You might find that you have an abundance of cutlery, crockery, and clothes that you never use.

Why not give them to a good home instead?

Charity shops are always in need of good-quality items, so put them on one side to donate when lockdown is over.

You will enjoy the refreshing feeling of less-cluttered cupboards, bedrooms, and living areas.

Soon, you will notice countless other things that can be reduced in your home.

Before you know it, you will have made significant progress in your journey towards a more simplified life too!

©2021 gentlelifehacks.com|e-propertymatters.com| Author| Kathryn

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The less you own, the less owns you

The less you own, the less owns you

Do you ever feel like you are running from one task to another?

Are you multi-tasking to get things done and constantly in catch-up mode, mobile phone in hand, and answering email after email, and then suddenly it is time to feed the family and catch up on laundry?

The bigger the home you have, the more you might fill it!

Minimalism is owning fewer possessions.

It is intentionally owning less and removing their distraction so that you can focus on less.

It values relationships, experiences, and is food for the soul. It lets us see what we already have and reminds us to be grateful.

It is freedom from modern mania. It slows us down and offers us the freedom to disengage by only keeping the essentials.

What is a minimalist lifestyle?

It means living with things you really need. It means removing anything that distracts us from living with intentionality and freedom.

Minimalist living is the opposite of boring. It removes mundane activities that take away from spending time with our loved ones.

Once we rid ourselves of the unnecessary, we are able to decide what will define our lives.

Some might travel, some might learn new skills, and others will find themselves more involved in their families’ lives than ever before.

During the past 2 years, “travel” has been off the table for most of us, so perhaps it is a time to reduce the clutter and find ourselves.

Freedom from clutter

Becoming minimalist frees us to live a bigger life with a more passionate pursuit of our greatest purpose and goals.

It will also make you feel better, believe it or not. Read more here

What about all the sentimental things you feel you cannot give up, you might ask?

Remember,” less” is not the same as “none.”

Nobody should get rid of things that bring value to their life.

Most minimalists keep some sentimental items in their life… they just keep less than others.

Sometimes it is only a matter of taking extra furniture out of a home that makes it look more luxurious.

Many might miss the joy of minimalism because they are afraid to begin.

They fear if they “minimize” an item from their home, they might need it again. 

We need less than we think

Begin by simply reducing the excess things that you own in your home.

For example, reduce the things you do have. If you have an oversupply of linen, get rid of half.

Take the time to declutter every cupboard in your home.

You might find that you have an abundance of cutlery, crockery, and clothes that you never use.

Why not give them to a good home instead? Charity shops are always in need of these good quality items.

Once you take that first step, you will start to experience the benefits of minimalism.

You will enjoy the refreshing feeling of less-cluttered cupboards, bedrooms, and living areas.

Soon, you will notice countless other things that can be reduced in your home.

Before you know it, you will have made significant progress in your journey towards a more simplified life. 

Food for thought?

©2021 gentlelifehacks.com|e-propertymatters.com| Author| Kathryn

“Health-full” honey bees

Is honey good for us? Raw honey has been enjoyed thoughout history and has always been known for its health benefits and medical uses. It has a source of antioxidants with compounds known as polyphenols which may play a role in preventing heart disease. Phytonutrients...

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Try something different

Try something different

Simplicity is the highest form of complexity

When we first went into lockdown, we decided to try ordering ready-made fresh food online.

Our Millenial children had already tried My Food Bag and still love it, so we decided to give it a go too!

Our findings

From the first delivery of our first box of 5 meals, we were astounded at the simple yet brilliant way of bringing beautiful produce, healthy recipes and delicious flavours together at home.

Each night we would lay out the simple ingredients for our fresh choice healthy meals which were approximately 450 calories each, with reduced carbohydrates.

We learnt how to use herbs and spices to enhance the flavours and how to enjoy foods that we would not have thought of.

From making cauliflower rice to eating Bok choy raw in a salad, the journey was remarkable.

Not only were the meals reduced carbs, but they contained no refined carbs or sugars and were naturally low in both gluten and dairy.

Each recipe only took minutes to prepare and we were astonished at the variety of spices and sauces like fish oil, red wine vinegar, and things like pearl couscous and soba noodles that we had forgotten about.

We started re-discovering how much we had enjoyed them in the past.

The recipes were easy to follow, and there is a compact recipe file holder that you can buy from them if you like to hold all of your new recipes.

Variety is the spice of life

I have to say that in conclusion, it was a great way of learning new ways of cooking and unlearning the old ways.

We no longer eat potatoes and choose to eat more fish and chicken rather than red meat.

We are also now conscious of what goodness is derived from each food source and continue to enjoy learning.

The only negative aspect that we found along the way, was that when we went out to eat in restaurants, we sometimes found the menu’s lacking, due to the great variety and choice of food that we had enjoyed while subscribing to My Food Bag.

Go on and try the “Greek-style Lentil Mezze” or “Creamy leek and spinach pie” – the choice is huge, and over the last 8 months or so, I don’t think we have had a repeat.

So 10 out of 10 to My Food Bag!

 

“One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.” 

 

©2021 gentlelifehacks.com|e-propertymatters.com| Author| Kathryn

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Is Red wine good for you?

Is Red wine good for you?

To have or to have not

After a tough day, I often look forward to a relaxing glass of Pinot Noir.

Recently though, after a health scare, my partner gave up alcohol almost entirely, apart from the odd glass of wine.

So it made me think whether I was now tasked with the difficult job of drinking for both of us!

We are told that everything in moderation is okay, so I figured that the odd glass of red should be okay, but it seems there are definite pros and cons associated with an enjoyable glass of wine.

Pros of Red Wine

Red wine is considered to be one of the healthiest alcoholic drinks that you can consume. Here are some of the benefits researched if drunk in moderation.

  • Could reduce the risk of heart disease.
  • Reduces signs of aging – Scientists claim that Resveratrol, which exists in the skin of red grapes and gives the fruit its colour, could stop brain cells from breaking down as we get older.
  •  Good for our skin- Organic red wines especially are filled with flavonoid, resveratrol, and tannin and are considered components good for the skin.
  • Improves brain function – While drinking excessive amounts of red wine will definitely not help your mental processes, if you drink in moderation, you are less likely to have symptoms of mental illnesses.
  • A natural sunscreen – Red wine is full of amino acids that contribute to the protection of your skin from the harmful rays of the sun. These amino acids also help boost skin renewal which makes your skin want to fight off the sun rays that cause damage. Sunscreen is always recommended though.
  • Enhanced mental health- Pinot Noir which is rich in resveratrol, has been associated with decreases in metabolic syndrome, improved cholesterol levels, and even enhanced mental health.

Cons of Red Wine

  • Could disrupt your sleep and leave you feeling a little more tired than usual.
  • The calories contained in the wine might add centimeters to your waist if you are regularly drinking too much red wine or any alcohol for that matter.
  •  Could over-stress you, even though it might seem relaxing –  A moderate intake of alcohol should not trigger adrenal fatigue, but alcohol has been shown to increase cortisol levels. If you’ve had a tough day and it helps calm you down, then it seems okay to have a glass.
  • Increases cancer risk – Studies have shown evidence that cancer risk may rise when people drink more than one drink per day, but the increase is modest. The study found that heavy drinkers were most at risk.
  •  If you have existing health issues it could make them worse.

Red face when drinking red wine

If you are prone to getting a flushed face when drinking red wine you are not alone –Scientists estimate that there are at least 540 million people worldwide with an ALDH2 deficiency.

Read more here

Red nose from red wine

“Red nose”  or “drinkers nose” is apparently not from drinking too much red wine.

There is a misconception that if you drink too much wine you will get a  “drinker’s nose” or “alcohol nose” which is actually known as rhinophyma, a side effect of rosacea.

Read more about Rosacea here

Well, I guess it is a personal choice and should be an equally informed one. Everything should be taken in moderation, so that is certainly a key factor to continuing to enjoy a nice glass of red wine.

©2021 gentlelifehacks.com|e-propertymatters.com| Author| Kathryn

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Is Goat’s cheese better for you than cow’s cheese?

Is Goat’s cheese better for you than cow’s cheese?

Which is better? Goats cheese or cows cheese?

I have always been wary of goats, mainly because I was attacked by one many years ago. The kind owner of the mean goat told me that “Pearl” was not attacking me but merely being friendly.

I learnt how to jump a fence that day, and remember quite clearly the tattered remains of my chewed cardigan! Pearl the goat had very sharp teeth!

Goats cheese and it’s nutritional benefits

As with other cheeses, goats cheese nutritional content will vary depending on the processing method used during the ageing or curing process.

Goats cheese contains Vitamin AVitamin B2, Calcium, Phosphorus, Copper and Iron, and is a good source of Selenium, Magnesium and Niacin (vitamin B3) so is good for healthy bones.

It also has healthy fats and contains more medium-chain fatty acids than cows’ milk, which are known to be more rapidly broken down and absorbed by the body and less likely to be stored as fat.

Another fat found in goats milk is known to contain capic acid which is a medium chain fatty acid that is recognised for possessing anti bacterial and anti -inflammatory properties.

Goats milk also contains Probiotics which are good for promoting digestive health and boosting immunity.

It is naturally lower in lactose which causes symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating and gas.

Goats milk also has lower levels of A1 casein which is a protein that causes sensitivity in some people and inflammation in the gut.

It has more A2 casein, a protein that is known to be less allergenic and less inflammatory than the A1 variety. Read more here about A2 milk

Goats feta and cheeses are delicious and offer a very pleasant alternative.

It is nutritious and packed with vitamins, minerals and healthy fats and is probably a better choice if you have an intolerance to cows milk.

Recipes with Goats cheese

Here are a few links to some delicious goat cheese recipes

Jamie Oliver’s tasty recipe

Owning a pet goat is quite common overseas it seems. When travelling through Germany following the Rally, we had to climb many hills to get a good view of the race, and we came across some very friendly goats.

I remember thinking that the goats cheese we ate later that evening in the little paved streets of the town of Trier was so very tasty!

Interesting facts about goats

They are foragers not grazers and have four stomachs. Their lifespan is about the same as a dog’s lifespan. On average they have 2 young a year and can recognise their kid by the sound of its unique cry, and not by sight.

They are very good climbers and are known to even climb trees. They also do not do well when left just on their own.

They need a friend as they get depressed it seems if they are on their own. So the owner of Pearl the goat who ate my cardigan was right. Pearl was just being friendly!

©2021 gentlelifehacks.com|e-propertymatters.com| Author| Kathryn

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Good, bad or ugly?

Good, bad or ugly?

Have you ever wondered about which indoor plants are good and which are bad according to Feng Shui ?

A friend of mine once remarked that her son’s new girlfriend had left an obnoxious plant by her front door called “mother- in-laws tongue” as a belated Christmas gift.

I laughed when I heard her describe the relationship she had with her son’s new girlfriend –  obviously somebody that she did not approve of.

Personally, I thought she was rather a nice girl, as she was quirky and bubbly, and so I happened to say so which did not go down well.

To make amends for my unwanted observation, I told my friend that she should not judge her too quickly, as the plant that was gifted was actually considered to be one of the good feng shui plants to have in a home.

Good Feng Shui Indoor Plants

There are a few of them too.

“Mother-in-laws tongue” (also known as snake plant) is considered to have protective energies, whereas, a Jade succulent or a Bonsai tree is considered to promote good money habits.

An Areca Palm and a Boston Fern are for air purifying, and they need bright indirect light to flourish indoors.

The Areca Palm is considered to have the ability to not just filter the air around, but also to add moisture to the surroundings, while absorbing all the toxins, leaving the air clean and fresh.

Read more here about air purifying indoor plants and here for caring for a Bonsai tree

The Bad plants for indoor Feng Shui

The bad ones are the spiky plants like Cacti which are considered as draining you of your personal energy.

Any dying or bedraggled plants are thought to cultivate “draining of energy”, so re-plant them outside or say goodbye to them.

Feng Shui for living areas

When looking to re-decorate a living space, one of the first things to do is to consider painting the walls.

Colours that incorporate power and happiness are considered in oranges and reds of the fire element, so are great for brightening up a lounge suite, as cushions.

The earth element with its yellow and brown tones is considered to improve relationships.

Then reduce clutter so that you are able to move freely throughout the space.

Read more here about Feng Shui design tips for your living room.

Feng Shui is definitely a very interesting subject when re-decorating a home.

Surely most of us would like to achieve everything that we desire in the way of comfort, happiness and creativity.

There are some very interesting theories associated with the 5 elements of Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water.

Read more here

So next time somebody gifts you a pot plant, and whether you think it is ugly or not, perhaps consider the meaning within.

In this case, my friend should have been delighted that this new person loved her son enough to want to choose a plant that is considered a lovely gift to symbolise persistence and happiness.

©2021 gentlelifehacks.com|e-propertymatters.com| Author| Kathryn

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Everyone has bad days. Some days are just worse than others! When we communicate with others it is important to feel that you are heard. How often do you feel that people talk over you? It happens in shops, especially as you get older, or with people who are too busy...

Understanding Dementia

Wendy was only 58 when she was diagnosed with dementia. This brave lady has written a book about her disease. I was listening to Radio NZ this morning and heard an interview with Wendy who spoke of her life now. She seemed to normalise the disease. A disease that has...

Bad sugar

There has been plenty of research done that tells us that a diet high in sugar is bad for our health. High cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, inflammation are just a few health risks associated with consuming too much sugar. Not...

More rainbows please

Symbols of hope They say a rainbow is a symbol of hope. Rainbows are supposed to be a positive sign. They can bring a smile to the saddest person and lighten most people's moods. After my husband died I used to look out for them as I wondered about the belief in...

Create a “laugh alot” garden for kids

Remember those days of 'Lock down' which must have been incredibly hard on many people, but especially so if you were cooped up indoors with no space to play. Easy projects to keep the kids busy don’t always come to mind, but there are some that are clear winners....

Virus or bacterial infection?

With the spread of Omnicron, one of the variants of Covid-19, it is hard not to put every sniffle or tummy ache down to having the virus. This is essentially because, even though most of us who have been able to be vaccinated, have done so, most countries are having...

Mangoes are the fruit of eternal love

Who doesn't love a mango? I remember as a child eating mangoes in Africa - we would clean the stone and draw faces on it making it look like a hairy face! Later in Australia, we loved eating them and would include them in salads and puddings. The Mango is the...

Is Hashimotos Thyroiditis incurable?

 So you have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis? I was also diagnosed after many years of feeling unwell. At first, in Australia, I was tested for Ross River disease, and then the doctor sent me off to a Heart Surgeon who organised an angiogram for my heart, after I failed some...

Bounce back from illness

Ask anybody who has been ill and I am sure that they will agree, it can sometimes be hard to bounce back from illness, without following some simple rules. Stay hydrated Eat well Rest often Keep pain under control Keep moving Have a positive attitude Be kind to...

Herbs and health benefits

Herbs provide a lot of goodness to our diets  and this is often ignored by many of us in this busy world of ours. If we can improve our lifestyle by growing a little herb garden, then isn't it something worth considering ? You don't need a lot of space to create your...

Be positive and hold on tight!

Trying to stay positive is not always easy. Most of us know at least one person who seems to always see the bright side of life. And it is also true to say that we all know someone who leaves us feeling drained or sad. After undergoing some worrying health issues, I...

Eating right as a teenager

When you are a teenager it is very important to eat a healthy diet. This will help you with skin infections like acne and help you develop strong healthy bones. Of course you can have a little treat every now and then, but too much could cause serious problems for you...

Teenagers who are stressed and anxious

When you are a teenager, there are many things that can cause stress. Most teens don't really like to talk about it so will mostly struggle with their anxiety on their own. Teenagers are known for getting far less sleep than the recommended amount of sleep we require...

Avoiding acne as a teen

Ask any teenager- acne is no fun! If you understand what causes acne then you can try and manage it with ease. When your skin follicles become blocked with oil or dead skin cells, then acne appears. It can be common for teens, but older people in their fifties can...

Business Lingo- Cars NOT Cows!

The Big Move- 1995 Emigrating to a land at the bottom of the world was exciting if not different. There were many things other than acclimatising to the cold to get used to, but also trying to understand the quick speech and odd sayings of my new country was a...

Asbestos hazard

When buying a house it is always advisable to employ a licensed building inspector to provide information on the building condition. Knowing what to budget for in respect of any repairs required in the coming years makes a lot of sense! Finding Asbestos in a home can...

Fighting to stay healthy

Shock medical diagnosis Hearing a shocking medical diagnosis is always going to be stressful. I know how I felt when we were told that my husband had only two months to live. Our world collapsed.  Shock made it difficult to breathe. What were we to do? How would we...

Don’t make selling harder by over-pricing

Buying and selling real estate is not an exact science. Real Estate salespeople are required to comply with the current legislation, and in New Zealand, for instance they need to abide by their professional client and conduct rules. Rule 10 is very important as...

Who’s your perfect match then?

Have you ever wondered who the right partner is for you? If you are single and unattached how interesting would it be if you could find the perfect match for you? Many people who have been in a relationship for a while are often shocked at how many connecting things...

When the real estate market changes

For many years, it is fair to say that Real Estate agents have been operating in a "sellers market". Post "Covid-19", what will the Real Estate market look like? There are many thoughts on this. Obviously it will be changed. There could be job losses, and more...

Make your home a “healthy home”?

Staying healthy requires not only eating the correct food and exercising the right amount, but also by making sure that we live in a healthy home environment. Everybody wants to live in a healthy home, but sometimes sadly, it is not possible for many people. However,...

House too small now?

When is the right time to upsize? Wondering if you need to upsize as your toddlers suddenly become"tweens"? Or perhaps it is when they start to bring their friends home as teenagers? It is good knowing where they are and if they feel that they can entertain friends at...

When is the right time to sell?

For many years, it is fair to say that Real Estate agents have been operating in a “sellers market”. Post “Covid-19”, what will the Real Estate market look like? There have been many thoughts on this. One thing is for sure though- it will be a different world once we...

The things kids say!

1940's -As an "Evacuee" duirng the 2nd World War I had learned two new words that day. I was an inquisitive six year old evacuee in Wales, and in the care of my foster Aunt Florrie. “What does ‘severe’ mean Aunty?” I queried. “It means ‘harsh’ or ‘really bad’ she...

Elephants of Etosha

An occasional grunt or yap of a foraging jackal punctured the surrounding silence. It was early evening and the air was oppressive as we sat mesmerised, taut with the expectation of what we would see of this promised show.  Two floodlights directed from our camp lit...

Unusual visitors

The red salt- packed road ran in a straight line up the Skeleton Coast of Namibia. We had left behind the seal colony at Cape Cross a hundred miles back, where the stench of ammonia was so strong, that it brought tears to our eyes, and cleared the sinuses instantly....

When will Covid end?

Worrying about things outside of our control is not helpful It is only with acceptance that there can be an absence of worry. This applies to most things in life. A virus has turned the world upside down. We cannot escape the media and understandably are feeling a...

Turn bad news into good news

When it seems like the bad news keeps on coming Yesterday I had a much dreaded follow up appointment with the specialist. I was feeling slightly nervous, mainly because of recent experiences, and was certainly not jumping for joy, while I remembered the pain of my...

The Bad Landlord

What price should we put on good health? Am I right in thinking that if you are renting a property, and paying good money each week for the privilege one would expect to live in a healthy home? Landlords have been put on notice after the landlords of a damp, mould...

Crazy world house prices

Buying a home is not for the faint hearted in today's market During the Covid-19 pandemic there has been much said about the shocking increase in property prices around the world. Take Brisbane, Australia for instance- the median house price in September 21 has hit a...

Music soothes the soul

The importance of music Maddie ( aged 11) wrote.... "Music can make a huge difference in peoples lives. I find that music calms me down when I'm mad or when I'm sad. We all need music in our lives as it is important that we think about ourselves every once in awhile....

Tips for a healthier home

Keeping your home healthy is an ongoing process Sometimes we ignore the smaller issues that then become the bigger issues that cause us pain when we get sick or have to pay for extensive remedial work to alleviate further issues. Climate Change is a very real problem...

Healing with food

Living with an Auto immune disease is challenging I know this first hand, as even now, some days I feel like I have been run over and can barely lift my head off the pillow, then other days I am bouncing off the wall. I also suffer at times from waves of anxiety and...

Mindfulness – when the going gets tough

When times are tough When things get tough we often feel anxious and perhaps we might even have issues with sleeping at night. Every time we get stressed, a little part of our brain called the amygdala takes control. The amygdalae defines and regulates our emotions....

The lonely bee hotel

Help our environment with a Bee Hotel During lockdown, Maddie (11) told me that she thought that a good project would be to make a Bee Hotel for the garden. At the time, she was busy re-cycling old glass coffee jars into food storage containers, and we were discussing...

Fighting inflammation with Turmeric

Most people love a curry, but did you know that turmeric is one of the herbs that is known for it's beneficial cancer reducing properties, as well as also having many other health benefits. Turmeric contains curcumin, which is a substance with powerful...

Why children love and need pets

Maddie (11 years) and Lexie (8 years) are cousins in different countries, but since the rolling lockdowns,they talk daily over the internet. They can spend hours showing each other what they are doing every day, whether it is singing, dancing or aerobics, or playing...

Waste not…want not!

When we throw away our unused old clothing, we are creating greenhouse gases which in turn contributes to climate change. Clothing that ends up in landfills around the world is increasing at alarming levels. It is a very important factor in the lives of our children...

Lock down fatigue

Renovating a home is not for the faint hearted Take it from one who knows! But since the beginning of the Covid outbreak and the many" lock down's" around the world, it just became harder. You would think that one would have plenty of time in lock down to do all of...

Mask up and make a difference

Wear a mask .... save a life If somebody who was unknowingly infected with Covid-19 or the recent highly infectious Delta variant, and they sneezed within close proximity to you, the chances are you might get the virus, even if you are vaccinated. What are the chances...

The dark side of chocolate

I was talking to eleven year old Maddie who was eating chocolate over FaceTime the other day. Many countries are still in lockdown due to the Delta variant causing so much havoc. She sent me her research this morning for a blog she wanted to write, as obviously she...

Is stress making you gain weight?

Have you ever wondered why stress causes you to eat more? Stress can cause many unwanted things and we might not notice them all at first. Stress and your emotional, mental  and physical health If you are feeling irritated, or overwhelmed, and have a headache, with a...

Can you cure Hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism doesn’t have to be permanent Sometimes finding out that you have an auto immune disease can not only be scary, but a relief to eventually find out why you feel so tired, and why you are putting on weight when you are actually eating less. Auto immune...

So what’s your horoscope say today?

Do you check out your daily horoscope? I wonder if there are others like me who will check out their horoscope every now and then, and if they don't like what they read, will find one that they like better? Are you also amazed that when you are reading all about your...

Get on your bike!

Riding a bike through retirement Who would have thought I would ever ride a bike again at my age? Not me that's for sure! My first bicycle was a second-hand Raleigh. Life in then "war torn" Rhodesia, with Sanctions, meant that we could not buy new things, so when I...

Can Pets improve our mental health?

A loyal friend Basil Brush was my beloved friend. He was a hairy, stocky, short little dog with bucked teeth, an underbite, and a tummy that scraped the steps if he could manage them. He had a deep bark for such a little dog and a very weak bladder, which...

The less you own, the less owns you

Do you ever feel like you are running from one task to another? Are you multi-tasking to get things done and constantly in catch-up mode, mobile phone in hand, and answering email after email, and then suddenly it is time to feed the family and catch up on laundry?...

Try something different

Simplicity is the highest form of complexity When we first went into lockdown, we decided to try ordering ready-made fresh food online. Our Millenial children had already tried My Food Bag and still love it, so we decided to give it a go too! Our findings From the...

Is Red wine good for you?

To have or to have not After a tough day, I often look forward to a relaxing glass of Pinot Noir. Recently though, after a health scare, my partner gave up alcohol almost entirely, apart from the odd glass of wine. So it made me think whether I was now tasked with the...

Is Goat’s cheese better for you than cow’s cheese?

Which is better? Goats cheese or cows cheese? I have always been wary of goats, mainly because I was attacked by one many years ago. The kind owner of the mean goat told me that "Pearl" was not attacking me but merely being friendly. I learnt how to jump a fence that...

Good, bad or ugly?

Have you ever wondered about which indoor plants are good and which are bad according to Feng Shui ? A friend of mine once remarked that her son’s new girlfriend had left an obnoxious plant by her front door called “mother- in-laws tongue” as a belated Christmas gift....

Stressed & Angry?

Life is 10% what happens to you and 90 % of how you cope with it. A sense of humour can be an amazing asset when it comes to dealing with stressful situations. It will improve your overall emotional and physical health and will help you to look at things in a...

Is coffee good for us?

There is nothing like the smell of freshly brewed coffee is there? So often we are told that coffee is not good for us, but we continue to drink it and enjoy the different varieties that are offered today. The choice is mind boggling! In fact, it is estimated that...

Kill unkindness with kindness

It doesn't cost anything to be kind By being "the rainbow" in somebody's stormy day is such a lovely way to think about being kind to others. Even a simple smile can go a long way. How often does a good mood do a U turn when your happy greeting is barely acknowledged...

Zoomers and creative writing

Children and creative writing Maddie (aged 11) loves creative writing and has sent me her reasoning as to why it is so good for children. Maddie is from a generation now referred to as "a Zoomer" - Generation Z I love that she is busy in the school holidays being so...

Feeling like a sad bear?

Seasonal affective disorder Sometimes when the days seem dull and the sun forgets to shine for days on end, we can suffer from something called SAD (Seasonal affective disorder). This depressive disorder is linked to the seasons of the year and is more common in...

Greens are good says Maddie

Spinach and Kale are 2 vegetables that are nutrient rich with loads of antioxidants, vitamins, calcium, iron and more. Maddie ( my eleven year old granddaughter) is on school holidays at the moment and has sent me a recipe that she has found for a healthy lifestyle....

Oranges to stay healthy

School holidays have arrived again and there are kids still in lock down in some countries. Maddie, my 11 year old granddaughter has sent me a good healthy recipe for a tasty orange drink. Maddie's healthy Vitamin C drink Recipe Get 6 -8 oranges ( or however many you...

Auto immune diseases

Finding out that you have an auto immune disease can be a quite scary, but by the time I found out, I was actually relieved to at last find out why I was feeling so ill most of the time. Auto immune diseases occur when the immune system, which is the body's defence...

Baby Baby good for you?

Here is a great little tip from Sandy, in Christchurch, NZ, who was advised by her surgeon to use baby shampoo as a make up remover on her eyelids after having surgery. Unlike many expensive products these days that are sold to remove makeup, like Clinque or Lancome,...

Maddie’s raw egg shake

Eleven year old Maddie sent me this quick and easy recipe. She called it a "high in protein" tasty drink. It is refreshing to see somebody so young taking an interest in healing foods. Maddie's simple recipe Use a Blender or Quick shaker Take a cup of milk One banana...

Home and income… really ?

Home and Income Many people these days are looking for ways to reduce their mortgage. What better way than to have a property that can be split into two seperate dwellings. Of course, they have to comply with the building regulations and various council rules and...

Befriend the little birds

A simple life hack from Pat... Here is a life hack or handy tip from my childhood friend, Pat Barber who lives in Maryland, USA. How to keep ants from invading Hummingbird feeders. Hang the feeder on a pole and apply a 3/4 inch collar of Vaseline near the bottom of...

Mokopuna

A drawing by Maddie ( age 11)

Spirulina for smoothies

When my husband was undergoing chemotherapy, one of the super foods that he was recommended to use daily was Spirulina. During his cancer journey, our favourite shops soon became the pharmacies and the many health food shops, while we searched for ways of limiting the...

Cancer and Bicarb of soda

When my husband was diagnosed with cancer we were told that bicarbonate of soda was something we should investigate and get into the habit of using daily. We wanted to try every possible avenue in order to keep him healthy while he underwent the invasive chemotherapy...

Do you miss the world?

Covid-19 has made it a long 16 months so far. Just when it seems things are getting better, there is another outbreak. Like many people, I have decided to wait and get vaccinated before travelling overseas, even though I miss my family so much. Having an auto immune...

Lemons

When my husband was battling cancer, lemons were one fruit that really helped. We used lemon zest in our salads, lemon juice in his smoothies and teas. Lemons are known to have an alkalising effect in the body. While they are acidic, to begin with, they also are...

Buyer’s remorse

So often when we purchase something we have a feeling of remorse soon after. This is no different when you purchase a house, in fact, the remorse and be much worse. Experienced real estate negotiators are keen to get the deal done that day for this reason. They will...

Smart gadgets

Renovating a home is not for the faint hearted Take it from one who knows! Smart wiring, or smart homes are often talked about and the digital natives amongst us know all the tricks. Just listening to some of the things required in our new smart home made my head...

Messy house or hoarder?

Sometimes it is hard to differentiate between hoarding and extreme clutter. Many times in my real estate career, I have come across people who do not see the clutter when they come to sell their homes. It is rude to point it out to them, and sometimes difficult to be...

Houses built from hemp

Some interesting ways of building homes over the years have included products such as Hemp. It has apparently been used globally as a natural building product for thousands of years. Recently a Western Australian couple hand built their three-bedroom home on a...

10 Simple Life Hacks to Stay Healthy and Active

Introduction to Healthy LivingIn today's fast-paced world, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can often feel overwhelming. However, implementing a few simple life hacks can significantly improve your well-being and help you stay active. This blog post explores effective...

10 warning signs to look out for when buying a house

Renovating is not always easy. Even the the tasks that look like they could be simple can turn out to me a mission to finish! Have you ever found a few cracked tiles in the kitchen and thought about replacing them? It is okay if you have spare matching tiles, but what...

A wise old donkey

One day a farmer's donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. Finally he decided the animal was old, and the well needed to be covered up anyway, it just wasn't worth it to retrieve the donkey. He...

Are you a hoarder?

Are you a hoarder? They say you should always "declutter" when selling your home? When I was selling my own home after the death of my husband, I wondered if I was a hoarder! They say that hoarding is often a coping mechanism. Apparently if we are bereaved , or...