Author: Jade Goulding
Phantom crying and other things that keep us awake – 10 Hints for sleeping better
I’ve spent a good part of the last 3 years in a bit of a zombie state. Having small children leads to inevitable periods of sleep deprivation, unless you’re one of those lucky people to have a live in nanny and the kids at the other end of the house.
The thing I find a bit annoying is when people say “Well you should just sleep when the kids are sleeping”. I don’t know about others, but this is actually very difficult for me.
For one, if they sleep in the day, you usually have to carry on with other normal life tasks like eating, going to the toilet, or maybe even housework. For two, its not actually that easy to instantly fall asleep. I lie there, day or night, with racing thoughts about which child is going to wake soon, or the things I need to do, or just stupid things like what I said to so & so last week. And then there’s the phantom crying… any little noise that resembles the pitch of one of my babies cry, alerts me out of slumber right away. And sometimes, I even hear them crying when they aren’t. This is a great hinderance for restful nights.
I’ve discovered a few tricks that help me get to sleep quicker, they are no substitute for a full unbroken nights sleep, but I think it helps:
1. Himalayan Salt – A few granules under the tongue. Apparently its the minerals in the salt that help relax you.
2. Magnesium – A glass of magnesium drink will relax your muscles and nervous system.
3. Do more exercise. It’s really true that it helps you sleep better.
4. Actually counting sheep – I just count backwards from 100. Sometimes I get a bit distracted with other thoughts, but if you can focus, it usually works.
5. Having a bath or a shower generally does help. You feel refreshed after the day’s activities, and its nicer sleeping without old sweat all over you. (A common Brisbane state of being)
6. Maca! Having a cup of hot cacao and maca before bed is just delightful. Its soothing and delicious, and has loads of health benefits.
7. Hanky Panky… thats all I’ll say about that
8. Fresh clean lovely sheets!
9. A pretty far out suggestion, and not very common, NEVER have children! I couldn’t do this, and its too late anyway.
10. Sleep Rescue Remedy. Its great. Get it from the chemist.
Feel free to share your ways into the land of Nod, I think lots of people have this same trouble. And with that.. goodnight.
Super Easy Mushroom & Green Bits Risotto
This is the easiest risotto ever, and the things I love about it are, is that it doesn’t turn out all gluggy, because its baked in the oven, and its so quick! No standing around spooning ladles of stock into the pan.
Please note. If you start following my recipes, they are often “around about”. I’m a creative type of cook for the most part, and often don’t measure. I go by feeling. I am however attempting to document what I do.
So heres the recipe:
SUPER EASY MUSHROOM & GREEN BITS RISOTTO
375g chopped mushrooms
3 cups beef stock (or whatever stock you like)
100ml white wine
Butter
2-3 sticks celery
2-3 spring onions
2 cups arborio rice
handful fresh oregano
Condiments: (I love extra bits to put in your food. Particularly lemon. You can add things to your taste, and its just delicious fun.
fresh chopped chives
parmesan
lemon wedges
chilli infused olive oil
To make this especially easy, use a pan that you can use on the stove and then put straight in the oven.
Heat the oven at 180 degrees.
Cook mushrooms in butter in the pan on the stove. Put them in a bowl, set aside.
Cook chopped celery and spring onion in the pan. Put mushrooms back in. Add rice, add a bit more butter if you like, then add the stock. The liquid should just cover the contents. Mix in the handful of fresh oregano, some salt and pepper, put the lid on and put it in the oven. Bake for 25mins or until the rice is cooked. Serve with the list of condiments. Mmm enjoy!
Stop complaining about what’s not there!
I’m setting myself a challenge this week.
The challenge is to stop complaining. Its not that I complain a lot, but I think if you let your guard down, your glasses get foggy, and you can get lazy in your gratitude.
We are in a time of having just had our second gorgeous baby, and not getting the desired amount of sleep. It’s very much a time that can be stressful, and your patience get short when you’re so tired. But I don’t want to wish it all away. My babies don’t stay babies for long, and I try to enjoy every moment.. even the 2 year old tantrums, and constant bodily fluid to deal with.
If you are always looking for the current time to end, you miss out on what this part of the journey holds for you. We get caught up in the amazing ‘destination’, and we miss the scenery on the way to the place we actually never get to.
We can often look at the gaps, the ‘glass half empty’, and what others have that we don’t. But a quick change of perspective can turn your day around. Look for the things that are making you happy, there’s always something to be grateful for!
Start blessing what’s in your hands at this time, and stop cursing for what you don’t even have!
I’m a dag and I don’t care!
For a number of reasons today.
I’m eating lunch alone, which is a toasted tuna & spinach sandwich and a chocolate frappe…pretty close to a fish milkshake once it’s in my belly…
I’m propped up awkwardly in a corner couch, 7 months pregnant and pretty uncomfortable reading a cool magazine.
my outfit consists of a faded retro stretchy dress, too small really, only being worn for maternity variety, tights, sandals on unpedicured feet, ratty hair and unkept eyebrows.
To add to this, my surrounding environment is made up of boutique everything shops, fashionista waif beauties, and BMWs.
To finish lunch I have awful heartburn and have just consumed half a pack of quickeze. Total dag dag dag!
But man, this time is MINE! I’m pondering creative projects, planning meals for mums I know need some help, enjoying the quiet, being saddened by peoples need for pretense, and praying for my beautiful family.
I’m not going to lie, I also dream of being thinner, more stylish with nicer hair and hooves, to own or sell designer things, and maybe one day have a car upgrade, but I am learning to be content as I waiver in and out of confidence.
thefolksylife 