Kale Chips, The Moneyless Manifesto

They deem me mad because I will not sell my days for gold; and I deem them mad because they think my days have a price.

Kahlil Gibran

I've just finished mowing the lawn on the most beautiful Spring day - it felt like a privilege - if you know what I mean, with the sun, the view, the birds singing and getting free exercise to boot.

newly mowed

When finished I felt that I deserved a glass of my home made cider (it's really easy), which initially I felt was a failure, but as it has matured it has lost it's over-sweetness, and definitely has an alcoholic kick. Will be making that again for sure.

Kale Chips

Kale in my garden

I must be the last person in the world to try making kale chips - but if you haven't tried, this is for you. I had never grown or eaten kale before this season, but was inspired by my daughter (she who barely cooks anything), who raved over these kale chips that she had cooked!
I don't have a photo of the cooked chips, because we ate them up, but they were light and tasty - and healthy!
The recipe I used said to cook them for 15 - 20 minutes, but I have seen other recipes where they say cook them for 7 minutes. I can vouch for 15 though.

Heat the oven to 190C (375 F).
Rinse 2 bunches of kale and dry (in a tea towel or salad spinner)
Remove the stems and tear the kale into chip sized pieces
Toss with 2 tsp of olive oil, plus minced garlic and flavoured salt to taste.
Spread on a baking sheet.
The recipe said to stir once or twice, until crisp on the edges and slightly brown.  I didn't bother to stir them and they came out fine, but I did have them in  single layer.

A great way to get your kids to eat their greens I would think.

The 12 months of not buying clothes is up!

I slipped twice and once was for an actual slip to make a dress more wearable. The other slip was for an outfit for a fancy dress, which as an entertainer, I felt needed to be appropriate, and although I haven't worn it yet, I knew that if I didn't grab it, I wouldn't find another recycled one as good.
I have made a mental list of what I need, and once I have those items, using the guidelines from Greta Eagan's book "Wear No Evil" to buy ethically and sustainably, I will most likely go back into another 12 months of not buying any clothes. I found it freed me from the addiction, and saved me a lot of time and money. It also made me get creative, which made me happier than just being able to shop.
While shopping at Encore Designer Recycle in Ponsonby last weekend, where there was a market day going on, I snapped this cute pic outside..

Ponsonby (Auckland) street market day

The Moneyless Manifesto

This is the follow-on book to The Moneyless Man by Mark Boyle.
The Moneyless Manifesto was more intense to read, but good all the same. It was interesting to get a picture of where he had gone after his year of living with no money. The quote at the top of the page is one I found in this book.
Loads of information on living sustainably in here, although I do draw the line at using roadkill pelts for clothing.
This book can be found in the Whangarei Library (when I return it). 
I love how you can request books from your local library and they will get them in for you. Good moneyless strategy.

I hope you have found something of interest in your visit to my blog. 
Kia Ora.