The Rising Costs of Fresh Fruit & Veg

Oh what a beautiful morning... 

I don't think anyone hasn't been gob-smacked by the cost of bananas.

But $4 for a small capsicum? My youngest sister came to the conclusion its time to "drink more wine. It's cheaper, tastes better, and I look fantastic after a few!" after pondering if hers was a Magic capsicum. She decided it must be for such an insulting, exorbitant price. 

Most likely, this is the fall out from the crop poisonings last August which destroyed millions of tomato, capsicum, eggplant and other such produce when water was contaminated by unknown saboteurs. Another poisoning attempt was recently made on strawberry produces but thankfully that was stopped due to increased security against possible attacks.

Why are people at war with the farmers? It's not like farmers are the ones dictating prices at the supermarket and, from what I understand, they barely make enough profit to make ends meet themselves. Bananas for $15 per kilo ~ and I am positive the sellers would barely get a quarter that price. Especially know we have bought bananas for $4-$5 per kilo at the markets here in Bundy. 

It's been a tough year for our fruit and veg ~ hasn't it. There's been floods and cyclones, locusts and mice, and some parts of the country have had droughts for the past 10 years only to get washed away in the first year offering some opportunity to grow. Potato farmers striking, crops being poisoned, petrol/oil costs increasing and supermarkets bringing prices "down down, prices are down" ~ just not so much on the fresh, Australian grown goods.

What would life be like if we all had to buy locally. If the cost of transporting produce became so unreasonable that primary producers could not get their goods to buyers? Do you know how grow fruit and vegetables for your family if necessary? Can you milk a cow (if you had one), slaughter a chook, make yogurt or cheese, or savoury shapes? Imagine the cost of food doubled in September . . . and stayed at those prices for the next 12 months. Would you be able to afford your shopping habits as a consequence of economics ~ if you could afford to continue shopping the same way?

We've made our own bed... 

Making the Bed 

In light of that above, we have started to build our 'temporary' vegetable beds here. Mind you, the climate in Bundaberg is a mighty site different to that of freezing Ballarat. In fact, the veggie growing season appears to be coming to an end for the main bulk of crops. Things we plant now will be harvestable (if that is a word) around November and December with not a lot of the summer gardening we are used to - but I think we should be able to produce enough to freeze, pickle or preserve for the hot, wet, humid months to come.

We do already have basil, chives, oregano and parsley growing in a herb pot, plus some lettuce, strawberries and mulberry in other pots. We are about to fill a third pot (the old laundry sink actually) with some snow peas, wombok, coriander, mint and mustard greens. And, having met some wonderful local home growers, we've got ginger and yakon rhizomes to plant in next month.

The Laundry Tub ~ ready for herbs... 

Looking at Gardenate ~ there are quite a few of our favourite vegetables which can be planted over the next 4-6 weeks.  Vegetables like beetroot, celery, carrots, potatoes, onions, beans, lettuce, cucumber, pumpkin and radish. We can also start seed trays of leeks, capsicum, chilli, melons, cabbage, tomatoes and lots of different herbs.

Aside from building a raised garden bed and the laundry sink, we also have two concrete tubs and the inside barrel of a washing machine to use for growing produce in. Along with a few big pots and tubs, we hope to be able to share and exchange with others for things we don't have ~ like eggs. Oh we do miss our fresh laid googie eggs.

Miss my gerls...

Most of the manual work at the moment is being done by Husband, with a lot of advice, guidance and directions from moi! Our financial outlay so far has been zip and we hope to continue that way. Thanks to friendly local Freecyclers, we've also got some fresh, organic seaweed fertiliser - a wonderful surprise and a huge money saver.

We will be sharing the progress and hope to be able to get lots of personal tips from successful vegetable growers around the country. Saving money at the shopping end will mean more available to get rid of this debt and buy ourselves our own home here - ideally close to the high school SmallBoy will be attending for the next five years. Loving our new environment and already feeling part of a lovely community. *cheers*

Until tomorrow ~ keep that wallet closed (unless of course you want to contribute to our Spare Change Jar or Treasure Chest). All the little pennies add up and help us in more ways than you can imagine :D

You still get colds in Queensland

The flora of  Eucalyptus ~ stunning and natural  

Achoo ~ 'scuse me ~ gotta a lurgy...

Because I have been on such a run of medication, the last thing I really wanted was another tablet or some syrup which is going to dry out my nose but keep me awake all night. And I am not a fan of the chest rubs which contain petroleum and other nasties. But I do have alternatives, one which I have used since MudGuts was a baby. Because he cant use any additives or chemicals, finding a chest rub free of additives was quite a task 20years ago but there was one and I've stuck with it since I stumbled upon it.

Having touted the Bostitos Eucalyptus Oils for cleaning, freshening and disinfecting, I was asked if I'd like to try another great product. Blow me down (with a good snot into my hanky) if it wasn't our favourite chest rub. Affectionately known as the BearRub, EukyBearub is an Australian owned and made chest rub using the natural properties of eucalyptus, menthol and rosemary to help sooth the aches of a cold or flu and ease the blocked noses of little ones, helping them rest, sleep and get well faster. And I don't think you'd find that statement on the press release or packaging.

I truly find EukyBear to a much better option to put on your little ones chest or back. Even babies can tolerate EukyBear ~ just put a little on their singlet or jumpsuit and you'll notice it is not as over powering or tear-inducing as some others. Plus it doesn't have that burning feeling on the skin some chest rubs have, perfect for the big babies often known as husbands...

Not that I need any incentive to use EukyBearub - now in a non-breakable easy to squeeze tube - the makers have kindly offered a tube of EukyBearub and a cute cuddly Koala which I will be giving away as a prize to a reader and follower of Mands on a Mission. 

Because I have a head cold and am in no condition to think of anything tricky or clever, simply post the following statement (exactly) either in the blog comments below, on the facebook page or via twitter.

I'm going to snuggle up with #EukyBearub when I have a cold ~ Thanks @MandsMission

Each mention gets you an entry and, if you get a friend to follow the blog or facebook (I'd like to include Twitter but it confuses me still and would hate to miss someone by accident) - get your friend to include "my friend (your name) suggested I follow" and you can have an extra entry.

Entries close Sunday 31 July 2011 at 5pm with the winner announced the following week. Every entrant will be listed below so please let me know if you've not seen your name appear within 24hrs of your entry. 

These people are in the running to win a cuddly koala and tube of EukyBearub (total value $40)

1. Kimmie
2. Hells Bells :D
3. IMG (Helen)
4. Jan
5. Sharynne
6. Leimay
7. Leila Matthews
8. 

Don't be a goose ~ get your entry in now :D 

Achievement: Welcome to the dumper bin to take the stuff away...

Would never have thought something like this could make me soooo excited *cheers*

Had problems with the Blogger yesterday - so this is the one that didn't post:

Today we welcome the (extremely much more bigger than we thought) dumper bin with the walk in door thing so we don't need to throw over a 'side' ~ oi vie this is definitely a huge 'gift' and the same price as the one we chose so - that's a bonus. All it needed was a big bow on the side and I would have cried with glee!!

The purpose is more than just to clear up for putting all our stuff in storage ~ this whole purge has been coming over the past ten years and interrupted by surgery. Nay ~ delayed by focussing on health for a few years over monetary rewards. 

Ultimately by sacrificing the need for the "materialistic" reward, Husband and I have grown closer together, more united and stronger for each other, the boys, ourselves. More value to be able to accept, deal with and iform stronger connections to continue this journey together than have the 'best job', with the best façade, weakest outcome.

The Frugalista's 23rd Psalm

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not shop.

For yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of goodies

I shall spend no money,

For surely I have enough STUFF to last me all the days of my life!

Amen.

At long last, those final few little Bonds romper-suits up to 21 years of age are going. May they help another and hold as they have for my two boys. Almost every item with a hole, a tear is going. The fire will help destroy some of the more personal papers but all the papers from the past two decades is going. I found a letter advising me I'd not successfully got a job from way back in the 90s. Took a pic - tossed it out. Lots of documents relating to templates, admin business practices, superseded legislation all to go. 

Over the past week - I've had some amazing horoscope predictions ~ each one finding a way to result in something better or more appropriate than the previous. My favourites were:

SCORPIO (29 April NZ/Australia) ~ As much as the Moon may want you to focus on your personal life today Jupiter and Mars, the planets of luck and of passion, drive and ambition have other ideas. Jupiter and Mars begin their first alignment in your work sector since 1975 and it comes just when with one last push you're going to achieve the breakthrough that you have been so close to since this time last month. This time, with one last push you'll be on your way, with nothing holding you back.

SCORPIO (07 May NZ/Australia) ~ When it comes to your financial situation or your money game keep your ear to the ground, listening to your instincts and your intuitive responses, especially when it comes to a better understanding of the past. It’s the Moon’s alignment with the South Node in your financial sector, just 2 weeks before the Sun is due to arrive, that will be giving you a chance to clear the air and get things up to speed before moving on.

But I do like todays offering ~ I read it as still showing we are taking the better option offering a better gain in the future, it's been rather interesting: 

SCORPIO (09 May NZ/Australia) ~ With Mars leaving your work sector in 2 days time and Venus and Mercury in a week from today, there is a new sense of urgency kicking in, especially now any roadblocks are behind you or you at least know what you're dealing with. Continue to work within your capabilities, without playing the superhero, working smarter rather than harder. Look for ways you can accomplish what you need to, with your available resources.

Can you see it follows the softly, slowly My Cheeky Monkey approach we've used over the recovery only this time it has a defined deadline or action date of 30 June/1 July.

And you if you need to take a moment and enjoy a full on belly laugh ~ have a look at the link below. Its a YouTube link but the best animal maaster interaction with the dog's 'voice' exactly as you could imagine a dog talking - laughing still and I've watched it a dozen times :D
http://www.youtube.com/user/klaatu42?blend=6&ob=5#p/c/0/nGeKSiCQkPw

Winners are grinners

And thanks to Bosisto's, we are pleased to have three lucky winners of the Bosisto's Eucalyptus Packs. Drawn today using our family friendly methods ~ a giant pack of cards with a name assigned to each card.  Conducted in the confines of our loungeroom under strict family conditions & principles ~ three winners were pulled from the pack of over 20 entries.  :D

 

The first card drawn ~ Serendipity Kimmie

  

The second card drawn ~ Perfectly Feline Carina

 

The third card drawn ~ Scather

  

All winners have been sent a message advising them of their win.  All three have won a Bosisto's Pack containing a can of eucalyptus oil, eucalyptus spray and the new eucalyptus washing powder ~ which is a total winner and leaves clothes clean, fresh and free of nasty chemicals.

I need to say a HUGE thank you to the manufacturers of Bosisto's ~ I am thrilled to have been able to have such a wonderful prize sponsored by an Australian made and owned business. Again - no money has been exchanged but I cannot encourage readers strongly enough to at least try the new laundry powder and know it is a truly Australian product AND it allows you to use the grey water from your machines on your garden. 

Way before its time, natural and effective. Bosisto's has products which have won me - let them win you too!!

Wordless Wednesday ~ Weather Wise

In recognition of an amazing seven days of weather ~

  

   

   

   

Wordless Wednesday here, here and here.

Wordless Wednesday ~ Last week he fell...

  

   

  

 

 

 

Wordless Wednesday here, here and here.

   

A Green Giveaway

While parked across the road, I made it look like a toy!

I promised a giveaway - and here it is. The added bonus it is a product I love to use and believe in encouraging others to use themselves. It should be in every Australian home cleaning kit.

I've been using eucalyptus oil as part of our cleaning kit for years now ~ even sharing my recipe with readers back last year in the post, Mystical Vinegar Fairies...  Eucalyptus oil is brilliant added to a carrier oil, even baby oil and rubbed on the body for muscle aches and pain relief, and added to the bath for a good old relieving soak.

Another product I like is the Bosistos eucalyptus spray ~ especially when winters' colds have taken hold. Spraying the bedroom not only helps clear the blocked nose, it also disinfects and freshens up the sickies room without disturbing sleep. It's easy to spray on the pillow, doona and mattress plus I recently found it kills off bed mites. That might explain why I've never seen any in our homes over the years.

It was a bit of a buzz to discover Bosistos has a laundry powder range ~ EucoFresh ~ using 100% pure eucalyptus oil. Knowing the blue mallee trees used in Bosisto's oil are grown in Victoria and harvested sustainably to allow the root to regenerate after each harvest with no pestisides, weed killers, manufactured fertilisers or irrigation, to discover there was a laundry powder formulated to provide a fresh, clean and green wash.

EucoFresh is a brilliant cleaner, environmentally friendly plus it cleans soils from clothes without being harsh on the materials. It leaves a clean, fresh fragrance of gum trees on towels and sheets ~ and definitely removes the odour of smelly pre-teen boys from school uniforms. If you've nodding, because you know 'that' smell - its well worth using. And you don't get that white powder residue on black uniforms.

Even though the drought is 'officially' over, we've set ourselves up to be water wise and have a grey water system running from the washing machine. The detergents we use need to be low in fillers (that white film or powder sometimes left on the wash), be fine for a septic system and ideally with no bleach or SLS.  Bosisto’s EucoFresh Laundry Powder is grey water friendly, containing no fillers, fertiliser grade phosphate and low sodium levels to ensure it is kind to plants and soil. It is suitable for the septic, so big tick there - and it lets us redirect the water used in the washing machine to the garden to help keep it green and healthy all year round while keeping the water bill down.

The best bit is when you've got tough stains, with a squirt of the eucalyptus spray on the mark, using the EucoFresh powder means you don't end up with a clash of fragrances. The eucalyptus is just so much nicer through the wash over some of those full on fragrant perfumed jobbies. I used one laundry powder that had such a perfume it lasted three washes with un-perfumed soap nuts. Pee-eww!

It's like I've got all I want in the Bosisto's range ~ and it comes from an Australian company, using an indigenous plant to produce, its  grown sustainably and its a natural cleaner, germ killer and antiseptic. SmallBoy is going to do the ‘Beaker Test' over the weekend by putting a teaspoon of our current laundry powder in a glass of water and a teaspoon of EucoFresh in another glass. We've been told EucoFresh should dissolve completely in 5 minutes while the other will still contain insoluble particles.  Can't wait to get the pictures up.

The Giveaway

FGB Natural Products ~ the manufacturer of Bosisto's eucalyptus oil and eucalyptus oil based products ~ has been so very very generous and is offering not one but THREE packs to give away to Mands on a Mission readers. Each pack has a retail value of $25 and contains 3 products of my favourite products - Bosisto's Eucalyptus Oil 200mL, Bosisto's Eucalyptus Spray 200g and Bosisto's Laundry powder 1.5kg, plus a handy hints brochure.

To enter to win one of three Bosisto's Eucalyptus packs:
1. Make sure you are following Mands on a Mission - either the blog or facebook
2. Leave your environmentally friendly cleaning or outdoor tip or hint in a comment on this post
3. For an extra entry - twitter the following message : I entered to win a Bosisto's Pack from @MandsMission ~ follow the blog - http://networkedblogs.com/fSoQ6 - post your hint and you can too

I'll be updating this post to list all entrants daily - so if you don't see your name in the list, please let me know. Make sure you tell friends and family about Mands On A Mission ~ the more we share the more we can learn!!

 

For the next few weeks I want to hear how you use any of the three products to clean and freshen your place. Naturally, I'll be writing about some of my favourite uses of Bosisto's eucalyptus throughout the week. 

Entries close on Friday 15 April and the winners will be listed on Sunday 17 April.

Entry is open to Australian residents who follow Mands on a Mission ~ and I am so not getting paid to write about the Bosisto's product. I really do find it an awesome product and hope to get others using a natural product from an Australian Company. Find Bosisto's products at Coles, Woolworths, BigW, Priceline, independent supermarkets and chemist across the country.

Current Entrants:
Kim Halpin
Kym - Mumma's Mini Me
Trish - two entries for a hint and a tweet
DanniiBeauty - two entries for a hint and a tweet
nellbe
Jan
Kimmie - two entries for a hint and a tweet
Tania
Dannie (a dose of) - a retweet entry
Carina Rimon
Kath Rogers
Me and the Monkeys
Barb
Michelle Payne
Scather - two entries for a hint and a tweet
zkjmum
rkagermann