Tag Archives: HOME

SPRING CLEAN // Natural Favourites

I am not going to lie, I kinda love cleaning. I’m serious. There is something utterly satisfying about it all. When you stand back and it’s all shinny and such. Damn it feels good.

I spent the last week cleaning our new home head to toe. Yes, week. It is never till I reflect that I realise how I am maybe a little OCD when it comes to cleaning. But hey, I guess it isn’t the worst habit to have.

I always have the best intentions of making my own cleaning products, but never seem to find the time. New years resolution at mid year. There are so many great natural cleaning products available now, which is right up my alley. If I am spending hours cleaning, I don’t want to be breathing all the crap that is put in most products.

So here are a few of my favourite natural cleaning items.

ECO STORE CREAM CLEANSER //  How can something that cleans so well, Smells so good and is free of all the nasties not be my favourite.

CLOVE OIL // I am never without it. This magical oil does wonders. Pop a couple of drops in hot water, and use to wipe down walls, ceilings and so on. Cleans, Smells amazing and helps keep that pesky mould at bay.

MIELE S5211 // Okay not really natural, But bloody amazing. Changed my life. Truly. The suction on this puppy is like no other. I would never go back. Ever.

TOOTHBRUSH // The essential tool. Recycled more than natural. Corners, Cracks, all those places that grime up and you can’t get to, this guy will. Thank goodness for toothbrushes.

Happy spring cleaning.

Until next time.BlackbirdBLOG signature

Moving House

We are moving house.

To put what this means into some sort of context. The husband and I, Well this is the longest we have stayed anywhere since 2007. And when we move, We would have been here just under a year. But this time it is not by our own wanderlust. The owners are selling.

So in the days before we go I am focusing on what I love about our little concrete corner. But also the things I will not miss, making it easier for me to part ways.

1  //  I will miss the open sky above us.

2  //  I will not, however, miss the crazy steps that lead to our house.

3  //  I will miss the sunshine in the trees and the birds that visit them.

4  //  I will not miss the dark corners. Even though they are sometimes quite beautiful.

5  //  I will miss the odd but wonderful built in storage that displayed our things.

6  //  I will miss the height of our ceilings that allowed me to giant plants.

7  //  I will not, ever, miss cooking only with a two top element and a convection oven.

So begins the hunt. It is bittersweet. This place is our home now, The first time we have really felt we have had a home. But I do love fresh starts, new spaces and a bit of re-decorating of course.

Until next time.BlackbirdBLOG signature

MAKE IT // Winter Soup

This is one of my all time favourite winter soups, The recipe is from a dear friend of mine. It is amazingly simple, delicious and pretty darn good for you too.

INGREDIENTS //

Half a head of Cauliflower
A big bunch of silver beet
( I also added a bag of spinach that I needed to use up )
One white onion
4 cloves of garlic
Three potatoes
Oil
Salt and Pepper
Veggie Stock
Turmeric Powder
Curry Powder
Garam Masala Powder
Water

Chuck a tablespoon of oil in a soup pot and throw in the chopped onion and garlic. Sautee those suckers. Roughly chop up the cauliflower, silver beet and potatoes, chuck them in as well. Mix everything in and add the veggie stock, and the spices…..I usually put a tablespoon of curry powder and a teaspoon of the others….Then pour the water in until everything is nearly covered. Let is simmer away until everything is cooked. Using a ‘wizz stick” get all those lumps out. Season that sucker and add more of the spices if needed. Serve with unsweetened yoghurt and chopped coriander. YUM.

Until next time.

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M A K E I T // dot wall DIY

We, like most, live in a rental. So I am always looking for temporary and affordable options to make the place our own. I have been obsessed over the spotted wall for a while now, and finally got around to doing it. It is one of the easiest, and pretty cheap DIYS.

YOU WILL NEED //

 A pack of quik stik dots, colour of your choice : I got mine from Warehouse Stationary
Blue-tack

Personally I like the more random patterned effect  and spaced out. So I just got on a ladder and started blue-tacking my dots to the wall! You can do it however works for you. Simple, easy, affordable and easily removed!

Perfect.

Until next time.

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