Sick season is here

Miss Lumpy has been sick - snotty, sneezey and conjunctivitisy.
So looking for alternative safe ways to help keep her comfortable and get well quickly (yes I am using honey and cinnamon!!!). When this morning Homemade Mumma posted this link (link) to a vicks disc.

So after work i grabbed some eucalyptus, tea tree and peppermint oils.

Most people are aware of the benefits of eucalyptus and the antibacterial properties of Tea tree, Not many people know the many uses of peppermint (peppermint )

Respiratory Problems: The menthol in peppermint oil helps clear the respiratory tract. It is an effective expectorant and therefore provides instantaneous, though temporary, relief in numerous respiratory problems including nasal congestion, sinusitis, asthma, bronchitis, cold and cough. Mixed with a carrier oil and rubbed on the chest, it helps break through nasal and respiratory congestion.

I put mine in the oven to get them ready for tonights shower, 150 degrees for 25 minutes... (also I didn;t use paper cups as I didn't want to waste money or paper, I do suggest using silicon ones) i used a lot of drops!!!

Daisy Hill Koala Centre

Today we decided on a bbq picnic somehwere kind of local. We went to the Koala centre at Daisy Hill (info here). We packed our bbq picnic and portable small gas stove and off we went. The Koala centre is free, It has the centre with a few koalas and some information (great for kids that are able to read). It has picnic ground (plenty of table and some bbqs - which are free but need wood and the plate we had was really not great). There is also some bush walks which leave from the day use area. I have to say this was really a great day out and cost next to nothing.

We had an uninvited guest! Lumpy Loved it "hello bird"

We decided to do teh Tree discovery trail (800mts return) Up hill and some stairs but a very easy walk with a 2 year old who did over half teh walking herself)

Lumpy discovered an ants nest. So of course we let her stop and explore her find.

My world in one photo.

Daddy took his hat off and lumps made a nest in it!!!! <3 <3 Bless her.

Notice an extra head!

Toilet paper roll crafts

I have found a few toilet paper roll craft ideas that I really want to try. I have run out of rolls to make the DINOSAUR roll. SO I used some cardboard and made a roll!

The body glued onto cardboard

the body in a roll

2 arms and a leg

Finished Dinosaur!

Very easy activity, I had to do all the work, but Lumpy enjoyed watching and naming all the body parts of dinosaur.






Dorothy template found here

Daddy daughter play

As you know I'm a shift worker, which involves weekend work. I have worked the last few weekends (or part of) So daddy and Lumpy have undertaken some adventures - Her first ferry ride in the city, Heading to Roma Street Parklands and riding the train around the grounds and the one which was daddy's favourite - going to Hoyts jrn to see Angelina Ballerina!

Sitting inside teh ferry crossing the river

Enjoying Lunch after the ferry ride

Yay up on top!

crackers!

Anyone who knows Lumpy knows that she LOVES "kickies" (water crackers/saos/any cracker). So I thought I would make my own. I found a recipe when looking for my arrowroot recipe.
Cracker recipe can be found here!

We only had white flour and they worked out well. Make sure you prick them before baking.
They have passed the Lumpy test.

I think you could do a garlic and parmesan version for a different taste!

ADDIT- while i was rolling out the ough Lumpy was singing "row row row row row"

Soap crayons

With all this horrible wet weather we have had. I have had to find things to do and make that are low cost and indoor. I wanted something different and fun for both Lumpy and I.

An amazing friend gave me a great book Small fry play (Susie Cameron & Katrina Crook, Written by Sue Cant). It has a recipe for soap crayons - I thought I would give it a crack.

1 cup of soap flakes to 1 tablespoon hot water (I grated my own!)
Mix until paste like add food dye
put it in a mould for 2 days.

can be used as soap or a crayon - Lumpy colours in the tiles in the bath room. She then also uses a washer to erase it!

I really enjoyed making them. The more time that passes the more "set" the crayons become.

1 cup of soap flakes

a chunky paste (i got impatient!)

In the mould ready to set.

not too bright but visable

easily removed!

Give it a go! they really are quick to make and make bath time fun and easy - plus your tiles get cleaned!

i LOVE this

I know this is not an adventure. But this is so true.

http://www.flickspire.com/m/RecipeSecrets/LifeIsLikeCoffee#.T1QWgOywmk4.facebook