10 Foods with a Punch

I found this information online and thought I would share.

These 10 foods pack a nutritious punch with vitamins and minerals, which can help kick your weight loss into gear and fuel your body with the good stuff.

Blueberries

 Loaded with anti-oxidants, phyto flavonoids and vitamin C, berries may help lower your risk of heart disease, cancer and act as an anti-inflammatory. Studies have also shown that blueberries may help with short-term memory loss associated with brain-ageing. The darker the colour, the more anti-oxidants. Best of all, you can enjoy berries all year round as frozen are just as good as fresh.

Extra-lean beef

 A common nutrient deficiency in women is iron. Enjoying extra-lean beef in your diet is a guaranteed iron injection, without excess saturated fat. Iron helps make up haemoglobin, the oxygen-carrier in the blood. Without enough iron, you can suffer from fatigue, poor concentration and even increase your body's susceptibility to colds and infections.

Fresh herbs

 Of the 50 foods highest in anti-oxidants, 13 are fresh herbs and spices. One study at the University of Oslo in Norway found oregano had 42 times more anti-oxidants than apples. One tablespoon of fresh oregano has the same free-radical fighting power as one medium-sized apple.

Legumes

 Legumes, including chickpeas, kidney beans and black beans are low-GI foods which help regulate blood sugar and appetite. Black beans are particularly rich in fibre and nutrients, plus they're almost fat-free. Legumes can aid weight loss as they fill you up on fewer kilojoules and POINTS values than many meat sources of protein.

Oats

 Not only packed with fibre, oats are brimming with protein, good fats and vitamins and minerals. They've been known to help ease the harmful effects of "bad" cholesterol and reduce blood pressure. Buy natural rolled oats (leave the sugar-loaded sachets on the shelf) and cook them in the microwave with skim milk, topped with banana and a drizzle of honey for a super-nutritious breakfast.

Oranges

 Most famously know for their vitamin C, oranges also contain many phytochemicals thought to lower the risk of breast cancer, heart disease, and inflammatory conditions in women. Oranges also contain potassium, good for water balance between cells and assisting with high blood pressure.

Raw nuts

 Each nut contains its own unique profile of phytochemicals, types of fatty acids, and amounts of fibre. Most nuts contain monounsaturated fat, which may help lower "bad" cholesterol. Remember to watch your portions as it's easy to eat too many.

Spinach

 Popeye wasn't right about the iron content of spinach, as the form of iron in spinach is not as absorbable as animal sources. However, he was getting a great daily dose of B vitamin folate. Spinach is one of nature's best sources of folate, which helps prevent birth defects and may lower the risk of heart disease, dementia and even colon cancer.

Tomatoes

 Tomatoes are well known for their high amounts of lycopene, which is considered a potential agent for prevention of some types of cancer. But this tasty fruit also packs other anti-oxidants, too, including betacarotene, vitamin E, and vitamin C. Tomatoes are truly one of nature's superfoods!

Yoghurt

 Our digestive system needs a healthy amount of "good" bacteria in the digestive tract. One way we can assist good bacteria is by boosting probiotic intake. Look for low-fat yoghurt with active cultures such as acidophilus, but keep an eye on the sugar content. Yoghurt is also rich in protein, making it a filling snack.

Good vege salad for summer

Broccoli Salad

My boss a couple of years ago called it the going out salad.  We only got it when we were going out.  Eventually Mrs Boss caved to pressure and would make it at home

Very  simple and easy. 

Ingredients

Broccoli - cut into 1-2cm pieces

Bacon bits - a half a cup or to taste.

1 cup mayo

½ cup sugar

¼ cup vinegar

Mix Mayo, sugar and vinegar separately then put on the other salad ingredients.

Farming Futures --- united we stand

The Live Export Rallies are getting plenty of play.  What a beautiful site were all the trucks honking as they crossed the bridge and all the farming community below.  

Congratulations to the organisers. (Farmers Way Of Life)

Story links have been all over twitter.  This is one from the Herald Sun... Live Export Promotes Animal Welfare

Farming Genius between Laura and Port Pirie

I read this on the NSW DPI site ...  Has anybody seen these or have pictures?

A Country Web reader has written to us to tell us about a fantastic initiative farmers along the Laura to Port Pirie Road are doing - they have signs on their fences identifying the current crop in the field. A great way to spread the word and make a clear link between agriculture/farming and food production.

I would love a photo of one of these farms with the sign identifying the crop.

Do you have a photo we can print in our upcoming edition? Or maybe you know one of these farmers and could ask them to contact me.

Thanks for your help : )

Allison Priest | Project Coordinator | Rural Women’s Network
NSW Department of Primary Industries | 161 Kite Street | Locked Bag 21 | Orange 2800
T: 02 6391 3620 | F: 02 6391 3543 | E: allison.priest@dpi.nsw.gov.au
W: www.industry.nsw.gov.au | www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/rwn
Twitter: http://twitter.com/NSW_RWN  Blog: http://nswruralwomensnetwork.wordpress.com

When STUPIDITY stikes ... Thanks JB

This is the funniest and best article I have come across. I salute :)

What is even more amusing is the comments below where someone starts blaming AMERICA.

When stupidity strikes blame the weatherman

What is your favourite weather site or app?

I love being an AUSSIE

Please don't drink or eat while reading.  I also recommend going to the toilet first.  Maybe even going to get a tissue to dry the tears of laughter.  

I love being an AUSSIE

Farming Perceptions

It really worries me that the current perception of farmer is they are an 'uncaring lot' when it comes to flora and fauna.   

A lot of this attitude is highlighted in the Live Export debate something which I won't tackle in this post as that topic is riddled with 50 shades of grey ;)

What many people in society don't realise is that FARMERS rely on having good healthy flora and fauna.  For the future of their business, their family, their flora and fauna, and their environment.

Farmers are family people who need to live in harmony with animals and the environment.  

Farmers need to be outdoors enjoying the beauty that nature offers.  

Farmers need to do whatever we can to help feed the world, without food we all will wither.

Farmers know we have to do the best job possible to make sure the environment is intact for future generations. 

Farmers make decisions daily to keep the environment in balance.

If we don't look after our animals (or any part of the environment) then we will not be able to sell our stock and this will result in many issues which are all dependent on each other.  

And YES the word profit is going to come up. 


If we don't care for our animals (and environment)... the animals will be not be in the best possible condition meaning the farming business will not make a profit need to improve the quality of care and to support the family.  Profit means that a business can survive and improve the quality of what they do and the way they do it.  Profit and good animal welfare go hand in hand.  Good animal welfare and a good healthy, balanced environment.  Animals in poor condition make less profit which impacts on welfare. 


I could name a doesn't different examples of environmental care by farmers. 

I don't know a farmer who can walk past an animal suffering and ignore it.  AND when I say suffering I am talking not just human factors but natural suffering as well should be taken into account.

Many of the farms around my area recently been involved in 50/50 funding projects to fence off swamps and dams which have endanger trees around them to protect.  


Sometimes what annoys me the most is the people that are making remarks in social media have not been to many farms at all.  Maybe the government bring in a law on enforced conscription to farms AND I don't mean hobby farmers.  Would this help close the city-country divide.  Would this bring city folk back to their roots so that they start to remember the process of life.

Farmers are the original 'greenies'  we are the countries first line of defense for the environment.

If someone thinks that a farming method is wrong then rather than BAN it outright we should be...

• investing money in research and development for new methods
• educating farmers on better methods.
• adjusting laws to make if easier and cheaper to access 'greener' methods.

I am in no way saying that all Farmers do the right thing by their farm.  Like in ALL PARTS of society some are ignorant or cruel.  These people need educating or exit the industry.

OKAY enough waffle from me, I need to head out and do some work :) see you all on the flips side

10 Best Healing Spices and Herbs

An interesting find on facebook this article was... using nature to help and not just modern medicines.

10 Best Healing Spices and Herbs By Sumitra Nair, Team iDiva 

Turmeric
This golden spice, used in almost every meal in India is very valuable. "It is a very powerful healer. It prevents growth of cancer cells and thus can prevent cancer," says Mumbai-based nutritionist Naini Setalvad. Its anti-inflammatory properties reduces swelling caused due to pain. "It also said to prevent alzhiemers and said to reduce severity of pain caused due to arthritis," says Mumbai-based nutritionist Maithili Pashtekar. This spice also acts as an antioxidant that helps lower cholesterol.

Cinnamon
Often used in coffees and other desserts, cinnamon is said to have the ability to reduce blood sugar levels. "This spice contains antioxidants that help lowering levels of bad cholesterol," says Naini. More good news for women- including this spice in your diet will also ensure less painful cycles.

Ginger
Good ol' ginger candy has always been an instant cure to motion sickness or has curbed a feeling of nausea. The spice does more than that. "It improves your digestive process and prevents stomach disorders like flatulence," says Naini. It is also said to regularize blood flow, thus maintaining your blood pressure.

Basil
Holy basil or tulsi is said to be a great de-stressor as it "reduces levels of serotonin," Maithili says. Try a tea made of basil leaves and ginger for relief from indigestion, headaches and fever. Chewing on leaves of basil could also reduce symptoms of bronchitis and asthma.

Garlic
This condiment lowers your chances of getting cancer. Other than that, according to Naini, "it helps in lowering bad cholesterol and keeping your blood pressure in control." It also has anti viral properties and helps in clearing your sinuses. "It helps to digest iron and protein," says Maithili. Garlic is also a powerful antioxidant that protects your body against damage from free radicals.

Cumin
Cumin powder in water with salt and lemon is probably the best way to curb a diarrhoea attack. "It also acts as a blood purifier and is an excellent remedy for stomach cramps," says Naini. Due to its cooling properties, it is added to most drinks and juices during summer.

Mustard
Mustard seeds is said to curb the growth of cancer cells. "it also has anti inflammatory properties and is said to restore normal sleeping patterns in women with symptoms of menopause," says Maithili. It also reduces severity of asthma and lowers high blood pressure.

Saffron
Saffron is a powerful antioxidant too. "It is said to be an anti-depressant and can cure bladder, liver and kidney disorders," says Naini. A li'l saffron in your tea can relieve you of a cold too. Saffron also has antiseptic and anti inflammatory properties. Rubbing saffron on sore gums can provides relief.

Cardamom
Known as elaichi, this spice is also effective in curing stomach cramps. It is also said to cure other stomach disorders like flatulence and acidity. "It also improves your circulation to your lungs, Maithili says. Boil water and add mint leaves and cardamom to it and have it to cure hiccups, suggests Naini.

Mint
Mint or pudina is known to ease symptoms of the irritable bowel syndrome. It is also known to have anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. Mint oil when rubbed on your forehead soothes headaches too. Mint paste while applied on pimples and acne can cure it.

What is on the fruit and vege we are eating?

I found on a website with not much information.  I am keen to research more on this topic.

One of the advantages of living in the outback is often we have our own vegetable garden.  More and more that is seeming like a great idea.

Does anyone have any good websites about this or researched info for themselves?

Socialisation and Isolation

I did write a pictorial post on this topic ages ago about my experiences.

*** Just some more thoughts ***

When coming out bush people worry about isolation and their social life.  Let’s do some comparisons and look at different situations.

Work Contact ---

Your work social life will go from just seeing them 9 hours a day to 24 hours a day to seven days a week.

Also you will find yourself having work drinks at some stations every night of the week, something which you probably didn’t do on a regular basis in the city, unless you work with a friend. 

Definitely increased contact here J 

Can also be frustrating as often they are not people you would choose to hang out with.  But make the most because these are often interesting people in their own right.

Old Friends and Family Contact ---

On a station unless you have mobile service you will no longer be talking or texting mates everyday.  It will more likely be once a week.   You still most likely will have facebook and internet access it is a good time to start communications like this.

Text and talk will decrease.  As will daily contact with friends and family.

It can make you feel very homesick if you do communicate a lot anyway.  Sometimes it is good just to through yourself into local and station life to avoid this.

Socialisation ---

When I say socialisation I am talking about the stuff that happens with friends not people you live with all the time.

Now if you are person in the city who just goes out every weekend and not on week days then this can remain the same or similar.  But if you are a person who goes out week nights then this will decrease.

Outback social events tend to be bigger and more fun affairs at times.  People are also friendlier which makes it easier to go out and have fun.  Their won’t be opportunities to go clubbing every night of the week but you will be able to go to the pub, rodeos, races, balls and BBQ’s at the neighbours lake.

Outback fun is different to going out in urban areas -- different not less.

Please get scared off by the isolation just remember

that often you social life is not less just different

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Farming parodies

Has anybody been watching all the farming music parodies cruising around all the social media.

I love the fact that in our Year of The Farmer farming is hitting the front.
Fiona Lake has wrote an interesting article on the Peterson Farm Brothers utube sensation I'm farming and I grow it
The Peterson Farm Brothers also have released the Farm Slam Poem on Itunes,  be interesting to see hour much money they earn off this.
Also check out this Dairy Farm song by Lil Fred called Farm It Maybe

I don't know if we are bridging the city-country divide but everyone is being entertained and that will bring people together.

A mate sent a picture of her swag the other morning,

would you like to camp out with that much ice on top?

Tutor Top Ten with Outback Girl

Tutor Top Ten with Outback Girl

TEN "essentials" that I cannot live without:

Laptop

Books

Car

Music

Boots

Hat

Jeans

Family

friends

Photos

NINE words I love are:

Facetious

Perceptive

Gregarious

Idiosyncrasy

Pedantic

Scintillate

optimistic

Conscientious

Prerogative

EIGHT of my coping strategies, in no particular order:

Listen to music

Play a game

Go for a walk

Chat to a friend

Blog

Rant to my online support group

Clean and scrub :)

Read a book

SEVEN things I love about my "every day" life …

Sunday- watching bones and castle while I enjoy the last of the weekend.

Monday- talking to my family

Tuesday- trolling over the latest social media to see what is new

Wednesday- hump day what more can I say

Thursday- enjoying having no lessons and speeding through the work at the end of the week

Friday- finishing the week with fun and looking forward to the weekend

Saturday- wearing the pj's for as long as I want and catching up with friends

SIX of favourite quotes or moments in no particular order:

If you can't be a good example -- then you'll just have to be a horrible  warning. 


Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once.

When choosing between two evils, I always like to try the one I've never tried before.

Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity. 

 “Women who seek to be equal with men lack ambition.”

 “Ever notice how 'What the hell' is always the right answer?”

FIVE things I do everyday, without fail:

read my emails and messages

cruise over facebook and/or twitter

think of my family and friends in their distance homes

dream of not ever having to clean again EVER

enjoy an relaxing afternoon smoko while I recover my energy 

FOUR stores/websites I frequent

www.governessaustralia.com and the blog

www.omnilit.com 

www.gamesarena.com.au

www.ebay.com.au

THREE photos I love: 

TWO decisions I've never regretted

Living in the outback and not heading into town to get a degree.

I love the fact I have travelled across the many states of Australia and don't regret not backpacking across the world as a 19-20 yo.

ONE additional and very important thing you should know about me is …

I love a good road trip with mates and believe that friends and family are everything.

Eat healthy --- Let's have a BROWNIE

The following recipe comes from a lady from the United States.  So I guess you could say it is a traditional American brownie.

First time I tasted it my wisdom teeth were playing up but despite the pain I soldiered through many pieces it was very yummy.

It also brings great memories of the station I was working on at the time.  We had a lot of fun in the paddock.

Brownies

Melt ¾ cup butter and add ¾ cup cocoa and 1 teaspoon vanilla.

Mix in separate dish.

1 tspoon baking powder

½ tspn salt

4 eggs

1 ¼ cup flour

2 cups sugar

Mix altogether

Bake at 180 degrees for 30 -35 minutes.

I love Marilyn

 I love Marilyn Monroe, in her time she has some the greatest quotes to live by.... not bad for someone who was considered a dumb blonde.

Although I do enjoy some of Mae West and Eleanor Roosevelt

    

THEN when I am having a week, day or moment I like to share these.

I am a happy and positive person so in the end this is where my head ends up.

A GOOD mates voice will be in your head at every moment no matter how far from each other you are

Many of my best mates are often a long way from me and miss moments in my life but they are never far from my thoughts....AND with every action I take their voices are in my head either egging me on or yelling at me  :)

            'A GOOD FRIEND TEST!

           This is GOOD...I expect it back too!
           I especially like the last sentence!!!!!!

           A simple friend , when visiting, acts like a guest.
           A real friend opens your refrigerator and helps himself and doesn't feel even the least bit 

                 weird shutting your 'beer/vodka drawer' with her foot!

           A simple friend brings a bottle of wine to your party.
           A real friend comes early to help you cook and stays late to help you clean.

           A simple friend has never seen you cry ..
           A real friend shoulder is soggy from your tears..

           A simple friend hates it when you call after they've gone to bed.
           A real friend asks you why you took so long to call.

           A simple friend seeks to talk with you about your problems.
           A real friend seeks to help you with your problems.

           A simple friend thinks the friendship is over when you have an argument.
           A real friend calls you after you had a fight.

           A simple friend expects you to always be there for them.
           A real friend expects to always be there for you!


           Anon.

One Minute with Outback Girl

I found this on www.bigpictureclasses.com/alie.php, you have just one minute to answer

One Minute with Outback Girl

You have to respond to the following statements in just ONE minute. 

ONE time when I was little, I loved watching the sunset in my cubby with the dogs. 

ONE day I hope to  

ONE movie (or book) is THE SWEETEST THING, I laugh every time I watch the uncut DVD version. 

If I had to create with ONE color for the rest of my life, it would be red BUT just one colour???? I love too many to really want to pick just one.  Life is colour.

ONE of my best strategies for fueling my creativity is to troll social media such as facebook, blogs and twitter.  Connecting people with people is great. 

If I could add ONE hour to my day, I would read and listen to music. 

ONE thing you really need to know about me is I love what I do and am passionate about the outback 

ONE thing I know for sure is laughter, friends and roadtrips are the best.