Avocado, coconut cream and cucumber goodness!

You know how sometimes you stumble across a recipe and love it so much that you automatically make it over and over until you know it off by heart and then it becomes one of your go-to dishes?  You very nearly run the risk of overdosing yourself and your family on it. Well this is one such recipe but to date, none of us are sick of it.  My Mum found this delicious chilled soup in a recent issue of NZ House & Garden magazine which is always an inspirational read.  It is very, very simple so go ahead and give it a try. In fact why not encourage your children to make it?

What’s your go-to recipe at the moment?

Until next time…

Image courtesy junkee.com

No one is perfect. Infidelity, separation and divorce happen every single day worldwide – across all communities, religions and cultures for a multitude of reasons.

And so to Barnaby Joyce. Apparently his marriage was finished well before he took up with his new partner. Perhaps he and his wife had fallen out of love over a long period of time. Only they know. Of course it doesn’t make infidelity something to cheer about but it is very often the symptom of a failing marriage/relationship rather than the cause (for both men and women). Barnaby has now said that the failure of his marriage is his greatest regret. Personally, I believe him, which to my mind makes it even more torturous for them all.

However, I do think we need to keep his views (and ours) on marriage (and Marriage Equality) separate from the situation he now finds himself in.

For those bleating about hypocrisy consider this. Barnaby, as many have implied (both in mainstream and especially social media), wasn’t spouting forth continually about family values. The breakdown of his marriage just happened to collide with the debate on Marriage Equality. So his stance on marriage was asked of him in the context of the Marriage Equality debate. It was asked of all our elected representatives. Barnaby wasn’t walking around the streets proselytising about the sanctity of marriage. He had no choice but to comment. Given what he was going through at the time he (don’t forget he DID publicly announce his separation in early December) would probably have preferred to stick pins in his eyes than make comment, but of course he had to. And despite knowing the turmoil going on in his personal life, he struck true to his beliefs even though they were failing him at the very same time. In an odd way I kind of admire him for that, so have sympathy for him.

Conversely though, I will find it hard to ever forgive him for abstaining on the Marriage Equality vote ~ but that’s not the issue here.

For those who complain that he should have told his electorate about his separation and subsequent affair before the by-election, he didn’t need to and personally I don’t believe he was required to do so. It was already very well known around the water coolers of the electorate. Indeed rumours had abounded for months and months that his wife had thrown him (and his belongings) out on the street and he was living with his sister. A woman (supposedly one of his daughters) had apparently driven one of the National Party campaign Utes around town exhorting people not to vote for him. Whether the last two are true or not, or despite them, the people of Tamworth still chose to elect him.

Our elected representatives are a reflection of us. Throughout communities across Australia, each and every day, mistakes are made, and failures are common, but on the whole we support each other through tough times. When relationships split or crumble, again, on the whole, we do our best not to take sides. Why should politicians (or any person in the public eye) be treated any differently? They are not Gods and have very real human foibles just like the rest of us. And just like us, some have a good moral compass whilst some appear not to have one at all. To expect them to be somehow greater than us is not only wishful thinking but also somewhat naïve. This is not to say that we can’t continue to set the bar high but it needs to be realistic and set at the same level for everyone.

Which is why I believe Cathy McGowan and Richard di Natale’s proposed politician/staffer sex ban is quite possibly the most idiotic thing I’ve ever heard come out of a politician’s mouth. How on earth would that be policed? What would the penalty be? Would it only apply to those discovered to be having an extramarital affair or also for a bit of nooky in the wee hours after a long parliamentary session between two consenting single adults or those in a relationship but not married? I wonder how the myriads of politicians who have come before Barnaby (who have had affairs or whose relationships have failed ~ some with higher profiles than others) feel about all this? Oh, and those currently in a similar situation.

Don’t forget the hypocrisy of the media too. Those who have known about this should have (if they were true to their ‘sacred’ journalistic principles) reported it over 6-12 months ago. I find it truly incongruous that they are hiding behind those very principles to defend their decision to only now hit publish. Maybe they stayed silent because they actually realised that it wasn’t newsworthy or in anyone’s interest to know the detail. Certainly many of Barnaby’s colleagues on both sides of the Chamber have said as much. But of course now that it’s become salacious (thanks to the ambulance-chasing journalists at the Daily Mail Telegraph) everyone’s pursuing the ratings or clicks and they’re splashing it all over their front pages and the airwaves, camping outside the wife’s home and taking photos of a pregnant woman. Such nauseating inconsistency.

Whilst his appearance on a recent 7.30 Report probably did Barnaby zero favours, there are no winners anywhere here and I think as a community we do ourselves a great disservice by being so hateful and judgemental. Further, making nasty comments about Barnaby’s appearance, the differences in age and how it would have been assessed and reported differently if the roles were reversed are also not helpful – to anyone or any cause.

It’s my view that everyone should just cease and desist and focus on making a more positive and balanced contribution to the Australian political narrative. With the current political climate, it would appear it is very much needed.

Until next time…

A necessity?

Way back in 2001 when I had my son, I considered it an essential bit of kit. How could I not be able to listen to him 24/7? The thought of him stuck all the way down the back of the house was anathema to me. It was definitely more of a security blanket for me than a necessity given his room was actually only three from ours but what the hey, it meant I slept soundly when I could and gave me peace of mind.

And so it came to pass that I managed to catch two amorous teens bonking themselves stupid in my back garden.

One night, as we’d gone to bed we’d heard a party up the road. The duff-duff music was horrendous but being an overtired new Mum, it could have been an armed robbery and I wouldn’t have much cared. The party lasted until about 1am and then I could hear people walking down the road, car doors slamming, drunken “good nights,” and eventual silence.

Just as I was drifting back to sleep, the baby monitor bleeped. “Oh my God, the baby’s awake!” I listened, and rather than an infant cry I heard a deep male voice whisper, “It’s OK, just stay still.” I made it to Angus’ room within a nanosecond, fully expecting to find some horrible creature stealing my baby. Nothing. Angus was dead to the world and everything else was in order.

Never underestimate the joy a sleeping baby will bring you.

Then the silhouette of two bodies appeared (with their backs to the window) grinding up and down in the moonlight. Now, I’m no prude and I’m sure the poor buggers had nowhere else to experiment with the delights of coitus, but I was determined to add “interruptus” to the scenario, such was my desire for Angus to “sleep through”. For any Mum-to-be reading, this will become your single most important objective given you’ll probably only experience 50 hours sleep over a three month period.

I snuck as close to the window as I dared and boomed, “Oi, you two, bugger off!” I genuinely hope that the poor fella’s penis remained intact such was the speed and ferocity with which they tried to disentangle themselves as they fled into the night.

Gently tucking my son in, kissing his forehead I returned to my bed and laughed myself back off into the Land of Nod.

Oh, and of course, my husband slept through the entire thing.

I could also tell you the story of a girlfriend who was having a lunch and offered to show her friend’s husband the new baby.  20 seconds later, broadcast over the baby monitor into the dining room, came the sounds of furtive snogging and whispered conversations about how much they loved each other and their promise to leave their partners within the month ~ but I wouldn’t do that because it would be blabbing.  Sprung indeed.

When were you last sprung? How, what for and what was your excuse?

Until next time…

Image by Laura Dickens

With the blink of an eye, 2018 is almost upon us and more than with any other shifting of the calendar, it has set me to thinking.

Yep, he certainly is.

2017, on so many levels, was revolting.  Political leaders and processes around the world became bitterly disappointing as the year progressed.  Acts of terror continued to increase with the media’s reporting of them very often bordering on outright racism.  In Australia our education system has proven to be broken (think Naplan) and Health and the Arts continue to suffer cruel budgetary cuts. The #metoo campaign has unleashed a (necessary) tsunami of women finally having the courage to come forward and report sexual misconduct but I fear for where it will all end.  As the mother of a son, I worry that we will emasculate the next generation of men unless we are very careful.

Of course there is still much joy in the world but I feel there has been a collective (global) shrugging of shoulders and a bunkering down which finds most people looking after their own needs rather than continuing to seek a way of always helping others. Further, and probably most depressing to me is that no government leader (anywhere in the world) is providing a cogent or compelling narrative on how to progress through the mire. In short we have forgotten how to be compassionate, balanced, intelligent or cohesive and our leaders seemingly display the antithesis of these traits.

Two of my favourite things.

When I set up this blog in 2009 (first post here), my intention was to give myself a vehicle to write about my passions.  I never really thought about garnering an audience or monetising the blog.  I loved (and still do) being author, editor and publisher. Blogging at that time was still relatively new and a very interesting phenomenon to be a part of, but I simply wanted a place where I could babble on about helping kids (and parents) to find wonder in all they did.  To write about the importance of staying connected to nature and the outdoors.  To show parents how easy (and important) it is to allow their children to experience huge slabs of free play.  I wanted to encourage less structure in their lives and more spontaneous fun.  Also back in 2009, some friends and I set up the #playoutdoors hashtag which is still going strong today.  It has become a place where people share tips and advice on the benefits of being outside including keeping a balance between technology and real life.  It is tremendously satisfying to see it still in play (forgive the pun).

Whilst I will always be addicted to nature and outdoors and will continue to occasionally write about it, my children are now 15 and 16 and would rather stick pins in their eyes than make a daisy chain or a leaf stencil.  I am knee deep in the world of teens and all the bewildering issues that come with it.  I am also suffering from a severe case of Trumpitis so I find myself wanting to write about other things.  The mundanity and idiocy of everyday life, politics, travel, the relentlessness of parenting and sometimes, how boring as f**k everyday life can be and how we are all a bit too scared to admit to being bored.  Boredom can be good ~ from it great creativity can ensue.

Photography will feature and I will try really hard to tackle and temper some weighty issues with humour.  I will continue to look for joy and wonder in all that I do.  I found it briefly when discovering that the new Doctor Who will be played by Jodie Whittaker ~ happy days.  My language will become more colourful but my photos and food recipes will make it worth it.

Forget 42, love is always the answer.

So there you have it.  You are hereby warned that this is my new normal.  I hope you’ll continue to stay with me ~ it will be such fun I promise…

Have your passions shifted recently?  What are you doing to keep up?

Until next time…

Bhavana’s outdoor setting

Recently I had the absolute pleasure of visiting Bhavana Organic Farm & Cooking School.  Nestled in the hinterland of the Byron Shire in northern NSW, it is so much more than just a cooking school.  The place kind of hugs you when you arrive and provides a day of inspiration, inclusion and love.  I know that sounds corny but it is so very true.  The owners gently show people how to foster a simple and authentic understanding of food and its significance to wellbeing and health. As they say, “Whole foods provide not only our living energy, but are the healing source for so many facets of our life. We believe there is a natural pharmacy in every nurtured garden, and a little knowledge and willingness to learn, provide the ingredients for creating physical health, emotional wellbeing and longevity of life.”  Their vegetable patch is stuffed to overflowing with stunning seasonal produce and their Mt Isa hens are much more than just chooks ~ they are happy, cheeky creatures who rule the joint.  The setting alone is enough to make you feel restored and meditative.  It is a special place.

Byron Shire NSW

During the day  we learned how to prepare some dishes that were not only delicious but genuinely good for you, particularly your gut. The chef, who I like to call “Official Head of Inspiration”, Jo Rushton is a delight and I can’t wait for the Bhavana cookbook which is sure to come.

I really encourage you to check out their website, but meantime I thought I’d share one of Jo’s salads. Its main ingredient is flat-leaf parsley. Whilst very simple, it packs a punch as it is full of antioxidants, a natural diuretic, assists with digestion and is also said to have antibacterial properties.  Personally I’ve always loved the stuff and add it to almost everything.  Jo’s salad relies on nothing more than parsley (6 cups chopped), capers (3tbs), shallots (8 thinly sliced), lemon juice (4tbs) and olive oil (6tbs).  I haven’t been able to resist adding a few more things but I also love the simplicity of Jo’s version.

Here are some more images from the day.

Roasted beef marrow. Not the best looking but I love them.

Here chook, chook, chook!

Chemical-free, organic cabbage as big as my head

Borage

What’s your favourite salad?  Wanna share?

Until next time…

This is not a sponsored post.

So, rather than write, I’ve been knitting myself stupid ~ my children are now the proud owners of scarves that look like something Mrs Weasley might have made Ron and I’ve been taking photos of everything within a 5 kilometre radius during our daily morning walks. I’ve also been cooking some sensational meals thanks to the team at Feather and Bone.  I’ve been doing nothing extraordinary.  Just trying to find a little wonder in each day and build upon the tapestry of small moments that become our lives whether we are aware of it or not.  I am also trying very hard (and failing) to shake a serious dose of Trumphitis.

When I find my mojo I will write some more.  Until then, welcome to the month of May via some of my images.

Meet Blossom and Kipper, my favourite walking companions.

Spotted regularly on our morning walks, Hibertia scandans, a lovely Australian native.

Hibertia seed pod, so pretty!

The makings of a Cassoulet for Mothers Day. It was simply delicious.

The road to our farm…

Such bounty from just six seed potatoes.

The perfect love heart from nature.

The best birthday present ever! Quack.

Re-reading Anne of Green Gables after watching Anne with an E on netflix. Fab series!

A pretty escapee

We farewelled our gap student Carys (at left) who has returned home. I will miss her very much.

A quick visit to Melbourne found me at a Serotonin Eatery devouring this super healthy lunch.

Bought a painting. $$$, so now eating baked beans for the rest of our lives to pay for it.

Such pork goodness! A rolled, stuffed loin courtesy of Feather and Bone.

Home grown parsnips courtesy of Georgie Neal.

The view out my office window for much of late May.

Oh my. Some of my favourite things on one plate.

So there you have it.  Nothing exciting.  All a bit mundane really.  But each moment made my heart happy and content.

Here’s to a June overflowing with words.  And if you’re looking for a special gift, consider my book.  Available internationally at all good bookstores or online.

Caro and Co

Until next time…

Snagglepuss

Just like Snagglepuss (the whimsical pink mountain lion in the Hanna-Barbera cartoon of the early 60s), my teenage daughter has suddenly decided to “Exit, stage left!”

Packed with her are the chatty conversations we used to have about her day, struggling together over a science assignment at the kitchen table or throwing a ball around the back garden. No more walking the dogs together, planning sleepovers with friends or watching Harry Potter or Twilight for the 70-bazillionth time. Shopping with me now fills her with crushing boredom, so it appears I’ve lost my willing helper. And forget snuggling together in bed early on a Sunday morning.

Instead I find myself being dragged into a vortex of super skinny jeans, low-fat everything, Victoria’s Secret potions, Boost juices, hideous high-rotation radio stations, push-up bras, endless discussions about boys and their habits, inconsistency, and the deep mystery that is Snapchat.

Homework is done in the privacy of her room rather than at the kitchen table. I hate this.

There are requests for leg-waxing, suggestions that she now be allowed to go to parties with boys, endless wardrobe changes and rare outbursts of temper so fierce they scare our cat.

The eye roll has made an unwelcome appearance, along with expressions of incredulity should I dare to offer advice on what she might wear to watch her older brother play rugby on a Saturday morning (another new-found passion).

Gotta love a gaggle of teens right?

I appear to have been superseded as a credible source of information. Instead, a boy, whom my daughter is actually yet to meet, but ‘chats’ to via text (for hours on end) is now of far more interest and educational opportunity than anything I might have to offer.

When similar shifts began to happen with my son I felt inexorably sad and wrote about it for Sunday Life magazine.  You can find that article here.

But none of this bewilders me with my daughter. In fact it makes me very happy. Because I remember it so well of myself. You see, I’ve been to this gig, I’ve read the book, seen the movie and came out of the theatre in one piece. So will my daughter.

Such treasures within!

She has reached the stage in a young girl’s life when everything is so full of promise and opportunity that they will often find themselves spontaneously wriggling with excitement. Everything seems wondrous, new and shiny again. It’s like going to the local milk bar to find that it has been restocked, not with more boring staples, but rather with row after row of exotic baubles, lollies, treasures and a few new tantalising foreign objects. Although, at the moment, the last person she wants to share these with is me.

I am happy too, because despite sometimes feeling that she hates me with a passion, when we have them, our conversations are more adult and engaged. With that comes the exciting opportunity to deepen our bond and expand our relationship.

I am reassured, because on the whole, she is still happy and helpful around the home. There are now lots more secrets but she isn’t secretive. She willingly gives me hugs and kisses and continues to ask questions on issues about which she is unsure. She is yet to believe that she can manage by herself. She’s not aggressively testing limits or pushing back on everything. School continues to inspire and engage her. (Too much) makeup and midriff tops only make sporadic appearances and she still appears to have a healthy level of self-worth and sense of place. These last two make my heart sing.

Of course, every girl is different and with some, the rush to get to (and through) the teenage years, can bring with it some risky and bewildering behaviours. I asked Dr Briony Scott, Principal of Wenona, a K-12 girls school in Sydney, to offer some advice on how to help you and your daughter navigate the teenage journey safely…

Briony Scott with some of her younger students

• Be confident in who you are as a parent. Despite your daughter growing up faster than you may have predicted, you know them better than anyone. Be their greatest fan and their strongest advocate. You won’t spoil your daughter by believing in her and supporting her through tough times.

• Go slow on the judgement. No girl wakes up in the morning and thinks to herself, how can I make everyone mad at me today? Everyone wants to do well, wants to be loved, wants to get things right. And your daughter is no different. Adults are not critiqued with anywhere near the level of scrutiny children are, on a regular, even daily basis. To shrug your shoulders and go ‘oh well’, and to offer support and kindness when things don’t go as planned will let them know that you’re there for them.

• Deliberately create memories. This window of time is fleeting and before you know it, your daughter will be leaving home and getting on with their life. While they’re at home, do things that you know they’ll love, and experience these good times with them. Don’t outsource the memories, the adventures, the parenting. Take photos and see life through the eyes of your daughter as she sees and experiences things for the first time.

• Keep your own loves and interests bubbling along.  You are a crucial role model and essential in showing your daughter how to do life well. Rather than being overly invested in her life, or developing a martyr complex as you sacrifice everything for others, invest in you and your relationships. Be happy and enjoy life. Keep being interesting and doing what you love!

Wise words. So, despite knowing there will continue to be frustration, mistakes and occasional emotional outbursts to rival the Real Housewives of Melbourne, I’ll carry on as my daughter’s silent wingman ~ ready to step up or fall back when required and I’ll do everything I can to ensure the self-worth bucket is kept full to overflowing.

Do you have a teen daughter?  Any advice you can give me to keep things on an even keel?

Until next time…

Caro and Co

For ideas and tips on finding wonder in the everyday and getting your kids to unplug, consider buying my new book. You can purchase it via the link in my sidebar above, or at all good bookstores and online and as an e-book. For interview opportunities please contact Jackie Evans on 0407 776 222 or jep.pub@bigpond.net.au

Read on if you have a Harry Potter-mad tween or teen because a funky (and stylish) Potter-themed clothing range has just been released and I have two full sets to give away.

Way back in 1997 (in my early 30s and pre-children) I randomly picked up a copy of JK Rowling’s first book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. From that moment I was totally hooked on Harry Potter and remain so. I struggle to think of a more gifted writer of children’s books of this century. I went on to devour each of the books as they were released and as my children were born, did everything I could to inculcate them with all things Potter. It worked with one, not so much the other. My daughter, now 14 has read each of the books at least four times and I’ve lost count of how many times we’ve watched the movies together.

One happy witch!

Such was my fan girl crush on JK Rowling, I remember dressing my kids as a witch and wizard (what else?) and dragging them in 2005, way too early in the morning, to a bookstore in anticipation of the release of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. Grace, despite a cranky face at being woken so early went on to win the title of The Best Witch of Beecroft. It was a proud mama moment.

A Gryffindor through and through

So I was thrilled when Warner Bros. Consumer Products asked me if they could send me the exclusive Harry Potter apparel range to review. Grace happily played model. What I like about the range is that it is funky without being too commercial looking. Additionally, even if your child isn’t a Harry Potter fan, the clothes can easily be incorporated into their street or sports clothing.

The hoodie was a big hit

My only personal negative is that I wish Rowling hadn’t chosen maroon and yellow for Gryffindor (blurgh) but as a friend said she was probably remembering her own school uniform when the colours were chosen as most school uniforms leave much to be desired, even it would appear, in the wizarding world. I might add my daughter loves the maroon hoodie ~ go figure.

Potter street wear!

The Harry Potter Tween’s apparel range is available exclusively from Big W stores across Australia. They are incredibly reasonably priced. The Harry Potter track pants are $19, the two tees just $15 each and the hoodie only $25.

So, if you have a Potter-mad tween or teen and want the chance to win a full set of this clothing range, simply leave a comment here on my blog telling me which Potter character your kid loves most and why.

Oh and one other thing, the sizing appears small to me. Grace is normally a size 10-12 and the 14 was snug, so head up a couple of sizes when selecting.

Until next time my wizarding friends…

This post is brought to you in partnership with Caro & Co and Warner Bros. Consumer Products.

Terms and Conditions:

Please indicate your preferred size and Warner Bros. Consumer Products will do their best to meet your request.

The competition closes on Friday 17 February, 2017. Comments submitted after this time will not be considered for the giveaway.

This is a game of skill and creativity. Each valid entry will be judged on creativity and originality, not by chance.

The prize will be posted to the winner by Porter Novelli after they have been notified of the address, preferably by email.

The Harry Potter Tween apparel set from Big W has an RRP of $74; prizes are not redeemable for cash and are non-transferable.

Competition is open to Australian residents only. Sorry to my international buddies…

Learning to unplug

Last week I wrote a list of suggested activities you could introduce into your son’s life that might encourage him to more readily unplug. Today I thought I’d do a list for the girls. Only the merest hint of pink I promise.  Many on this list will also be of interest to boys but I know some will more readily resonate with your girls.

It can be almost impossible to tear a teen girl away from her mobile device and social media clan.  Used as the digital form of the local milk bar, shopping centre or school playground, it is now where they choose to define themselves; both emotionally, physically and sometimes spiritually. I encourage you to take some time to read the article by Ethan Rosenberg (a teen himself when written) in Forbes magazine on why kids feel an overwhelming, sometimes compulsive need to stay connected and how he kicked the habit.  A link to the article is below.

Meantime, here are some ideas:

1. Suggest she think of her favourite fragrance and then have a go at making some soy candles using that scent. It’s easier and cheaper than you think. There are some great instructional videos on the Internet like this one.  The video is a bit of a waffle for the first minute but then they get stuck into it.
2. Invest in a basic science kit and let her at it.  Starter kits will cost you around the $40 mark.
3. Suggest she pull something apart and put it back together again. At my daughter’s school, in Year 11, they pull a car apart and put it back together again.  All the girls LOVE this form of learning.  Obviously it doesn’t need to be on such a grand scale in your own home.  Old toasters, cameras or radios will do and are generally easy to find at garage sales or kerbside during council clean ups.
   

   Happy after a walk

4. At least 3-4 times a week, have your daughter take the dog for a walk. Not just around the block. Instead, give her a few poop bags and tell her you don’t want to see her for at least 40 minutes. If you don’t have a dog, have one of her mates come over and together they can head out.  Sadly, I still have to subscribe to the view that it’s safer if girls travel in packs. Hopefully that will change one day.
   

   Time to produce a masterpiece

5. Suggest that she write a book or short story.  If she enjoys drawing, she could also illustrate it.
6. Encourage her to join the local touch footy team.  Not only is it great exercise, she’ll get to meet new people outside her normal social circle or cohort which can be a positive thing.  And if she joins a mixed team, it’s a nice way to meet some boys
7. If she is starting to get into makeup she could have a go at making her own.  Doing so is like a mini lesson in chemistry.  She’ll also learn about some of the nasties that go into most commercial makeups and how to avoid them.  Again, there are many simple instructional videos available on the internet.
8. Invite a friend over, build a fort in the back garden or up small tree.  Then together they could make a pizza and eat it out in the fort which they could also sleep in overnight.
9. Together, set a reading challenge for her that is achievable. It might be one book a week, or a month, or every few days if your daughter is a bookworm. If not, a reward chart might be handy here.  Slowly, slowly will win this race if she’s not a natural reader.
   

   Plating up

10. Encourage her to invite five friends to dinner. She could send out formal invites including a dress code, devise a menu and then cook the meal herself or with her friends, which can be great fun. Suggest that she pay you or your partner to be waiter for the night for the full effect.
11. Pick a craft and master it. I hear knitting is all the rage. Or you could suggest she has a go at something old-fashioned like making an upside down doll. Again, there are instructions on the Internet and also kits you can buy rather than sourcing the individual components of the doll.
    

    So cute!

12. If they have access to a body of water encourage them to spend an afternoon fishing or kayaking.
13. She could start a business venture. Babysitting, a regular lemonade stand, car-washing, dog walking, watering the garden of a neighbour when they go on holidays, selling their soy candles (see No. 1) at a garage sale or flea market are all good options.
    

    Potting up

14. Start a veggie patch.  Research and then design the patch (which doesn’t have to be on a grand scale), choose the seeds or seedlings, plant and tend them and then make something for dinner from the first bounty.
15. Insist that once a month she cleans her room from top to toe.  This includes going through her school bag and her wardrobe.  Have her bag any clothes or shoes that no longer fit and take them to your local charity bin.
    

    An early artwork

16. Start a found collection from nature or simply spend an afternoon indulging in some nature art.

Here’s the Forbes article mentioned above.

What’s your go-to activity to get girls to unplug?

Until next time…

Caro and Co

For more ideas and tips on finding wonder in the everyday and getting your kids to unplug, consider buying my new book. You can purchase it via the link in my sidebar above, or at all good bookstores and online and as an e-book. For interview opportunities please contact Jackie Evans on 0407 776 222 or jep.pub@bigpond.net.au

1. Insisting that my children are my “friends” on social media. I have had to solemnly swear that I will never tag or share anything with them but I figure because their weapons of choice are Snapchat or Instagram, they’ll let the occasional “proud Mama moment” go through to the keeper on Facebook.
   

   Such deliciousness

2. My abiding love of Freckles. Generally made with low quality chocolate and covered in sprinkles, they are the thinking woman’s after dinner treat. Seriously.
3. Relishing difference of opinion.  It’s what keeps us vibrant, engaged and forces us to reflect on the diversity of the world around us.  It matures our brains.  It embeds love deeply into our hearts.  I will continue to refuse to just seek out comfortable, same-same opinion.
4. Licking the dinner plate with my fingers. The art lies in one’s ability to keep the doing of it a secret from others; a skill I’m proud to report that I’ve passed to my daughter. My grandmother is currently turning in her grave.
   

   Such a wicked man…

5. My abhorrence of Donald Trump. I will not sit quietly and contribute to the collective forgetting of the man that he really is.
6. My love of MKR. A heavily scripted and prescriptive reality programme yet I c.a.n.n.o.t stop watching…
   

   Use with caution…

7. My love of the magic to be found in the world. My mother and a sister always accuse me of being too full of imagination; chasing fairies, writing endlessly about dragons and trolls and not concentrating on the real world. Bite me.
8. Insisting that my family sit down each night to share our evening meal. No technology, no TV babbling in the background ~ just discussion. It’s a time I treasure and I will continue to insist upon it.
9. Avoiding bras, shoes and make up at all costs. My friends call me the Mosman Hippy but I’m happy, even if my breasts do sit somewhere down near my belly button.
10. Collecting representations of owls.  Yes, I’m one of ‘those’ collectors. At last count I had about 50. Such beautiful creatures.
    

    I want…

11. Embarrassing my children by stopping and patting every dog and cooing over every baby I come across on the streets of Sydney.
12. My love of Eurovision knows no bounds and it is my mission to convert as many people as I can to this quirky European festival of trashy pop.

What do you refuse to apologise for and why?

Until next time…

Caro and Co

For more ideas and tips on finding wonder in the everyday and getting your kids to unplug, consider buying my new book. You can purchase it via the link in my sidebar above, or at all good bookstores or online and as an e-book. For interview opportunities please contact Jackie Evans on 0407 776 222 or jep.pub@bigpond.net.au