Op Shop Day 2010

I recently hosted an Op-Shop Day. So basically the idea is this, we swap our crap for more crap. Simple hey? Grab a group of your nearest and dearest and get them to bring a bag or 10 of their clothing, books, shoes and toys that they would otherwise take to the op shop. Let the rummage begin! After everyone has grabbed what they like, bag up the leftovers and send it to the op shop. Your mates win, the op shop wins and the environment wins. We all got new threads for ourselves, our partners and our kids.

We got to see friends from all over Perth and chat and sip chilled tea from Wildflower Botanicals. It was a great day had by all.

Here are some pictures from the day.

Inspired? Host your own...and show me your pictures.

Hulbert Street Sustainability Fiesta

Last weekend we were at the Hulbert Stret Sustainability Fiesta. A great community event held in Fremantle, WA. The whole street shuts down for the weekend to support and display all things eco, green and good for the earth.

Residents of the street sell their pre-loved goods and a few outside marketeers display too. Karri Tree Lane were there with their funky cloth nappies, baby carriers and sling, stainless steel drink bottles and ELK clothing.

There was Scarlet Eve with washable cloth pads and lunette cups. This is a great little business. Also a great way to decrease landfill but using cloth menstrual products.

As well as raw food (personally I like my food cooked, but hey whatever floats your boat) green smoothies. great organic coffee, curry, pizza and dead animal in bun.

There were drummers and singers and buskers galore! It made for a great vibe to the event.

Here are some happy snaps, taken with my phone, not my usual quality.

A Sweet Treat

My children have asked me for lots of things, a pet snake, a swimming pool, a puppy. Today I granted them one wish. A snake...no just kidding. The number one thing on my list of things not to feed my children. Doughnuts. I can hear you tsk tsk-ing on your computer chairs. But wait hear me out. I cooked them in a small amount of oil and the recipe has a small amount of sugar and butter. Anyways here is the recipe

4 tsp dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water
1 cup warm milk
3 Tbsp caster sugar
100g melted butter
4 1/4 cups plain flour
3 eggs
oil for cooking
caster sugar and cinnamon for dusting

Yeast, water, milk and 1 Tbsp sugar in a bowl, mix and set aside until frothy. (10 minutes or so)

Add butter, flour, eggs and remaining sugar to the mix and gently mix with a butter knife. Mix until a sticky dough forms. Add a little more flour if it is a bit too sticky. You want it coming away from the bowl and but still soft. Cover bowl and leave to rise for 1 hour (or doubled in size)

Knead on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic. Roll out dough to 1cm thick. Use some sort of round cutter, I used a cup. If you have the correct tools for this go for it. I do not. The original recipe says to let them rise again, I didnt. This was not for any reason other than I misread the recipe and had three children hanging off me. So the point is, you don't need to let them rest again. After cutting out I poked a hole through the middle with my finger and stretched it out

In a high sided pot heat about 5mm of oil, this can be vegetable oil, sunflower out, peanut oil whatever you have that has a high smoking point. Not Olive Oil. Wait until oil is very hot and gently place the doughnuts in the oil.

Have some tongs handy and when dark brown turn. Place on paper towl when both sides are done. Then toss in cinnamon sugar. Eat.

Let me know how yours go...