Cheerio Slice

Searching for a recipe for an easy to make slice that my son will eat, that is healthy and preferably nut-free to take to school was virtually impossible! I had tried nearly EVERY slice recipe known to man... until I found THIS combination:

3 Cups of Cheerio cereal (this is my son's favourite... you could also use Honey Smacks or Nutri Grain)
1/2 Cup Sugar (I like brown, but you could use white, raw or caster depending on your taste).
1/2 Cup Honey
1/2 Cup Esker's Free Nut Butter (like peanut butter - but without peanuts! EXCELLENT if your school is a nut-free zone)... you'll find this in the health isle of Coles and is also stocked at many health food stores.

Line a lamington tray with baking paper or set out 12 patty tins.
Boil the sugar and honey in a large saucepan.
Remove from heat and stir in Free Nut butter.
Add Cheerios and combine. Spoon into tray or patty tins and chill for 20 mins.
If tray is used, slice into squares once set.

The Problem With Auto-Timers

My family just doesn't GET them. I have an album full of photos of the four of us... even the six of us (when the Fur Babies are with us) but usually only two of us actually LOOKING at the camera - and it's not always Hubby and I!

And we will usually give it three tries before everyone either gives up, throws a tantrum, walks away from the shot or begins licking a part of their bodies unsuitable for a family portrait.

But they still make great pics... I think I remember most the fun we were having trying to GET the shot and although still failing miserably with the end result, having a blast doing it!

I picture myself in that moment, counting the seconds down, reminding the kids to look at the camera, saying "cheese!"... and the memories attached to that day: walking on the beach collecting driftwood, singing along to the Temptations in the car, seeing a shooting star that night after a long day in the yard.

Again, proof that life IS sometimes all about the journey, not the destination...

Dear Blog...

I am so sorry I have neglected you for so long... I intended to write to you often, but as usual, my hectic life has gotten the better of me. Even though I have slowed down!

Today, I cried. Because I realised I am still within my chrysalis. I have changed - but only just. The best is still yet to come. I must remember that it is with baby steps we learn to walk, to stride, to run, to leap and fly... but baby steps first. I have left my job and I am spending more time at home. I bake. I clean. I fold laundry... I've even started making the bed of a morning again!

Weekends are lazy, with the guitar on the day bed, kids barefoot in the grass. I don't miss the money and I have gained more time with my loved ones... perhaps that's why I don't visit you as often as I should: I am too wrapped up in living my life than blogging it at the moment!

Balance is the key - and it will come. Then I shall write to you more... First I still need to continue to cleanse, heal and grow. Recycle more, buy less and love who I have rather than what things I do not.

x Nic.