A working Mother's Chatter

Panic stations please

2012-01-30T01:11:00.000-08:00

Because today I received my acceptance letter (email actually!) to begin my Masters.

I am beside myself with excitement coupled with panic, oh. my. goodness. How am I going to manage everything, have I bitten off more than I can chew?

Ive been contemplating this degree for over 2 years, and finally I'm here, about to begin, to change my qualifications, to forge a new career path for myself. Its going to take me a while, I refuse to push myself and to resent the study, I want to stay excited, I want to learn and continue to desire that want.

Its the year of the dragon my friends, what an exciting start to the year so far.

Snapshots

2012-01-27T23:01:00.000-08:00

Because I can't think of enough to put in just one post, here are a few little snapshots of our life this week.

1. Pork Belly...We had a BBQ at a friends house on Australia Day Eve. She made Pork Belly which is one of my most favourite favourite things, I'm drooling at the thought of how good it was and is. I'm going to put my hand to it tonight...fingers crossed my attempt is equally as drool worthy.

2. I do solemnly swear my undying love for Florence and the Machine, on repeat here at the moment and on the music front, wasn't Goyte "Somebody that I used to know" as No 1 in the JJJ hottest 100 so predictable, although I cannot deny it is a fabulous song.

3. I have finished my current book listed in my side bar - for anyone that takes any notice(!!) Di Morrissey 'The Plantation" Di Morrissey in my opinion as I am sure you have heard me voice before, is like an Australia Danielle Steel. Her story lines are predictable, but even so the books manage to suck you in and you want to know the finish. She combines it with some nice research, and some lovely descriptions of various parts of Australia. I guess the bottom line is this, if you don't mind a bit of Dannielle Steel with an Australian flavour, give Di a go, my mother in law passes her books onto me (with some Dannielle too!!) which is why I keep reading them, they don't make me sigh at the end, but I do find myself wanting to know what happens next regularly.

4. Morning sickness has kicked in, honestly I should be over the worst of it now, and I was feeling just a little smug that I had got through the first 12 weeks without too much of a hitch, but bang, there is is in waves, usually in the afternoon as the power hour begins, it leaves as fast at it comes but it certainly knocks the wind out of me for a little bit of time.

5. We celebrated our 7th Wedding anniversary last weekend with a lovely Thai lunch and plans for an afternoon movie, only to find the movie was cancelled because the projector was cancelled. (Very disappointed that I missed out on an afternoon with Jude Law and Robert Downey Jnr - my two get out of jail cards all at once, oh my!) So we did what any sleep deprived parents would do...took the opportunity to buy the boys new beds. Its been on our to do list for some time, but to get the two of us, in a shop, when it is actually open, without children so we can make an educated choice instead of feeling frazzled and choosing whatever is nearby is a feat in itself. New beds are now on their way and we are hoping the boys love them and never want to come near our bed again. I must admit their beds aren't fantastic so we really have ourselves to blame here.

6. Beautiful new summer sandals thanks to the Witchery sale. Watermelon colour and ready to put a smile on my face.

7. Lastly interest in our home at last with the prospect of a sale before the week is out, now that is something to be excited about, fingers crossed for us everyone.

Things I wish were fat free:

2012-01-23T02:00:00.000-08:00

And heck, calorie free too: (honestly why is all the good stuff laden?)

1. Macaroni cheese - my ultimate comfort food, I could eat it every day, I'm passing my love onto my boys, just so I have an excuse to make it and eat it often.

2. Chocolate - I'm not the type of person who has to have chocolate everyday, in fact I don't do chocolate ice cream or milkshakes, but there are some times when only chocolate will do, especially a packet of mint slice. I cannot open the packet and leave any behind. Ever. My thighs do not appreciate this.

3. Cheese and Pate platters and dips and crackers too, my ultimate Friday night dinner, I'm like a vacuum consuming every last morsel in sight. Hello arteries.

4. Potato chips - There are so many wonderful varieties (note I don't do anything that is sour cream flavoured, or light and tangy blergh) but other than those, no chip is safe in my sight. I am a chip monster.

5. Cream - cream in pasta, cream in potato bake, cream in cooking in general, I love love love creamy flavours but sadly my dimples are telling me there is no room for more.

What are your vice's? I know I have missed many. Sometimes being healthy is truly the pits.

This week I'm loving

2012-01-20T16:27:00.000-08:00

I'm sticking with Sambag for a moment here, because I cannot get enough of every little thing they do.

You see recently at work, OHS has stepped up its game (that's occupational health and safety if you didn't already know) and we have been told it is sensible shoes all the way, that's no stiletto's, no open toes, nothing that might cause us to trip or fall. Now for a girl of 5ft who has a cupboard full of stilettos, this was some devastating news. Sure I rock a good flat too, but this means two things.

1: I have a whole lot of pants that will now need to be hemmed.

2. My collection of work wear type sensible shoes is lacking.

Step in Sambag. For you are the sensible shoes heaven.

Would you look at these babies:

Not too high, closed in toe and oh so pretty.

And they come in black and stone and leopard patent, oh my.

Come hither sensible wedges, no one said they couldn't be pretty.

And for my next trick

2012-01-18T01:05:00.000-08:00

Its an exciting news day today my friends, because life for me is going to change yet again.

House on market...................................Check
Job interview.........................................Check
Scholarship for post graduate studies.......Check
Baby no 3 on the way............................Check

Yes you read that right, in a surprising twist there is another little bambino on the way, arriving around the 31st July.

Oh my how life is going to change this year, my mind boggles to think about it and to say Im feeling a little bit nervous would be more than an understatement. No 3 has been a discussion for quite some time, more so on DD's behalf than mine, and I just haven't really been able to make up my mind, so we opened it up to the heavens and let fate have it's way and here we are.

Its taken me a while to get used to the idea, I must admit, especially when I have finally taken some steps career wise for me and am starting to get a bit of my own life back, but Im ok with curve balls, my life has been full of them, and what could be more wonderful than another little person to love with all my heart?

Oh and PS, some good snail mail today - I got a scholarship to assist with my Post Grad studies. Its a good day people.

Ha, I knew she couldn't do it all the time.

2012-01-14T12:07:00.000-08:00

Wear heels that is, and that is Posh I'm talking about, Victoria Beckham, the woman who totters dangerously along in her sky high heels with children in tow. Here is the proof....

One thing I know about is running after children, and in particular boys. My boys are wild and woolly, my boys are the reason I can still wear short, shorts. My boys do not allow me the luxury to totter after them in heels and while I do not have 100 nannies, security guards and a super fit soccer husband to help me out, I have still, all this time shaken my head at Mrs Beckham and I must admit been a little bit awe inspired, honestly how does she do it?

But she doesn't, she owns flats. She wears them, in public. It seems even the fashionista mummy can't do heels all the time, and I in all my daggy glory can now feel I am a little bit closer to fashionista than I thought I was!

2012, you are going ok.

2012-01-13T00:42:00.000-08:00

Well I knew 2012 was going to be a time for moving forward but quite so soon, well now that is a surprise.

So I gots me a job interview. For a job that I never dreamed I would be in a position to apply for, let alone be offered an interview. I am on cloud 9. Now I don't hold high hopes for actually getting the job, but Ill do my best, and I'm just so excited to be considered. Yay me.

On another note, our start to the year in regards to our healthy eating is going well. Although we did pop out for a sneaky dinner tonight because we have open homes tomorrow and the house is spotless, definitely not wanting to mess it all up!! I made these delicious pikelets the other day as a great snack for the boys and I. Give them a try, on their own or with some sugar free jam. Healthy and delicious, recipe found here:

1 1/2 cups self-raising flour, sifted

2 tablespoons caster sugar

1 egg, lightly beaten

300ml buttermilk

1/2 cup (140g) apple puree

20g butter, melted

1. Combine flour and sugar in a bowl. Make a well in the centre. Whisk egg and buttermilk together in a jug. Add egg mixture to flour mixture. Whisk until smooth. Stir in puree.

2. Heat a large frying pan over medium heat. Brush base with butter. Using tablespoons of batter at a time, cook in batches for 2 to 3 minutes or until small bubbles start to form on the surface of pikelets. Carefully turn over. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, or until cooked through. Transfer to a wire rack to cool. Store in an airtight container.

New Year, New Family

2012-01-07T16:48:00.000-08:00

I haven't really done a New Years Resolution post this year, we always have goals as a family but this year we feel like our life begins on hold just a little bit while we wait for our home to sell. Once we move onto our next adventure we will have a clearer focus on what it is we want to achieve. So often our goals have included work that we want to do to this home, that this year, the main thing I can come up with is a great family holiday, which is on our list every year. We certainly achieved that in 2011 with a fantastic week in Byron Bay, and DD and I were lucky to have a fabulous trip to USA. Two wonderful breaks, I do feel blessed.

However, one thing I am determined to do in 2012 is to clean up our family act. Life for us is beyond busy, we both work, DD also coaches Rugby which takes up most of the year (I'm not kidding.....they have already started some light pre-season training), DD is also studying, and I have enrolled to study in 2012. I volunteer for a local committee which involves grants to help young people transition from school to work in whatever shape or form that may be, and on top of that, we have children...lets not forget the bambino's who also have activities to attend and attention to be provided too!!

Unfortunately I feel that we too often take the easy road. We are guilty of letting our kids watch too much TV, of not getting out and actually having fun together, we eat too much takeaway and reach too easily for convenience. And while I admit, to keep us all sane, taking the easy road is not always a bad thing, I think we need to at least try to improve our lifestyle somewhat.

For a little while now I have been really starting to take notice of what the boys put in their mouths, I strongly believe that there are far too many additives in food, and I really want to stand up and take more notice, to take more control over their little diets where additives are concerned, to provide wholesome but still delicious food, snacks, meals for the boys and for DD and I.

I want to cut the crap. It really isn't that hard to whip up an easy dinner - even cheese on toast. DD and I are both competent in the kitchen, there really is no need to reach for the phone so often when we are both tired and lazy. I need to cook and freeze more, I need to increase my repertoire of fast meals. When we eat well we feel good about ourselves. I want to have that feeling all the time rather than some of the time.

I think we need to commit ourselves to more physical activity. We both have gym memberships and yes they do get used, but I think we could squeeze a little bit more out of ourselves. On top of that, we can include activities with the boys that are fun, swimming, kicking a ball around, visiting a local attraction. These all use up energy and while we are no couch potato's, I feel like we are missing out somehow.

Yes it all starts here, 2012 is the year of clean living for the Polly household. I'm looking forward to the challenge.

Couch Potato

2012-01-03T18:50:00.000-08:00

I am sitting on the couch, in the middle of the day...seriously people actually get to do this? The boys are in daycare today and I'm not due back at work til Monday and thus my little couch potato interlude.

I have episodes of Big Love to watch and some yummy food to eat and I am lapping up every last minute of not watching the Wiggles and not having to tend to my chickens.

Ive been to the gym, my jobs are done, my house is clean. Life is good people, life is good. I can't actually remember the last time I had a little bit of time out, that is without illness or a bucket load of jobs to do and so, I'm lapping it up. Please don't come too fast 5pm, this little bit of me time is way overdue.

Get me outta here

2012-01-02T14:51:00.000-08:00

Well New Years wasn't the blast I thought it would be. We took a day trip to a nearby town to visit friends and by the time we got home we were all a little exhausted, flopping on the couch I realised that I probably wasn't going to make our planned BBQ....sorry friends.

Probably a good thing, the next down I went down hill faster than you can imagine, aches, pains and barely able to keep my eyes open, my wonderful husband took over the children duties for the day so that I could rest.

Yesterday was slightly better, my wonderful mum, even though she was unwell herself came and watched over the boys for me while I dragged myself to the Dr, and then she went and bought me a few essentials. (Thank you Ma, I often marvel at you, raising 4 children mostly by yourself and wonder how you coped when the chips were down for you.)

Today my crazy kids are beside themselves, stuck at home for the last couple of days, if we don't get out of here soon things are going to get ugly. Think I best pack us all up and find some way to wear us all out, perhaps a swim is on the cards. And hopefully I get through this day alive.

Awww Shucks

2012-01-02T01:52:00.000-08:00

The lovely Samantha from Style at Home has been kind enough to pass this award onto me:

Liebster is a German word meaning "dearest" and the award is given to bloggers with fewer than 200 followers. The award has a few stipulations:

1. Thank the giver and link back to the blogger who gave it you.

2. Reveal your five blogger picks and let them know by leaving a comment on their blog.

3. Copy and paste the award on your blog.

4. Hope that people you have sent the award to forward it on to their favourite bloggers

Samantha has the most lovely style and her decor ideas make me swoon on a regular basis. Thank you Samantha for your beautiful blog and for this lovely award.

So it seems that most of the blogs I follow have more than 200 followers - popular bunch aren't you, so for those of you that do not - Amy, Shalini (although I am sure you do have more than 200!) Mrs Redhead, and the Hot Park Mama's I think of you off the top of my head and this award is for you. xx (PS sorry I'm unwell and lazy tonight)

The Novel in the Viola by Natasha Solomon.

2011-12-29T18:36:00.000-08:00

If I had written my top 5 books for 2011, this week rather than 2 weeks ago, this would have been there. I read a review for this book in a magazine and wrote it down at some point to my long list. During my last visit to the library there it was, all ready for me. Boxing day saw me exhausted, so I curled up in bed and decided this book and I had a date. Well it turned out to be one of those, I'm not getting out of bed til we are done type dates.....this book was lovely.

In the spring of 1938 Elise Landau arrives at Tyneford, the great house on the bay. A bright young thing from Vienna forced to become a parlour-maid, she knows nothing about England, except that she won`t like it. As servants polish silver and serve drinks on the lawn, Elise wears her mother`s pearls beneath her uniform, and causes outrage by dancing with a boy called Kit. But war is coming and the world is changing. And Elise must change with it.

At Tyneford she learns that you can be more than one person, and that you can love more than once.

Again, I found myself enthralled in a little bit of history, (I think I have a problem here..) and you hear me use the word lovely, not a word that seems to go with books too often, but it was just that. Beautiful characters (give or take one or two), beautiful story, beautiful scenery. When I finished I hugged this book to me and sighed, yes it really was that lovely.

A great big 5 out of 5 for me and a shining star for 2011. Here's hoping 2012 brings me more beautiful and lovely stories to read, a gal needs them from time to time.

This is how Christmas dressing should go.....

2011-12-27T17:21:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve.....bring on the bodycon

Christmas Day.....a little bit of room for all that yumminess.

Boxing Day......could someone please roll me to the TV?

I hope that you all had a wonderful Christmas, ate too much and had lots of laughs. xx

Thankyou.

2011-12-21T16:00:00.000-08:00

To you all, for taking the time to read my blog this year. The fact is blog writing is for the most part, is very egotistical. We write about what we want, what we like, how we feel. We don't always think or care for that matter if you want to hear it, but we want you to read it anyway and when you all keep coming back, we feel validated that what we say must be a little bit interesting right?

This year I have gained some lovely loyal readers, not hundreds, but enough. I have had a few wonderful readers who have been with me since the start and it is always a really wonderful feeling to see that you have taken the time to not only read my ramblings but to comment also.

And so I thank you all for your time. In this busy world, I thank you for not skipping over my posts and for caring enough to leave me comments. Because they truly are appreciated and enjoyed.

Merry Christmas Friends.

This week Im loving......

2011-12-21T03:15:00.000-08:00

Yes I know, its been a while since I have shared a weekly love, there have been plenty, but the days get away and next thing you know its another week.

So this week I am loving this most beautiful tote by Sambag

There are 3 reasons why this tote is a winner in my books:

1. I love pale blue anything, it is so fresh and so pretty, I can't help but be drawn to it whenever I see it.
2. I love Ballet. Its true, I studied ballet til around 18, I still love to dance and I still love to leap around when I can. Those ballet shoes remind me of my first great love.
3. Its a tote, it fits stuff, lots of stuff and I'm a fan of room, bags with room, houses with room, cars with room. I hate to be confined and unless I'm clutching it up, a tote is a little bit of bag heaven to me.

Honestly the whole Sambag site is a joy to peruse, and no I'm not being paid by Sambag (Now that would be a dream come true!!) But this particular bag is a little piece of prettiness that I just can't pass by.

My top 5 books for 2011

2011-12-19T02:26:00.000-08:00

I'm stealing this idea from Shalini, hope that is ok Shalini. (BTW you should definitely check out her very funny blog).

I haven't read as many books as I hoped this year, between one thing and another I just don't seem to get as much time as I would like to sit down and read for hours at a time (hours at a time, did I do that once?) and to be honest I think my list has been a little lacking, too much trash and not enough engrossment (OK so much of the trash engrosses because its easy but I don't put it down with the worlds biggest sigh of satisfaction), some I have blogged about and some I never quite got around too, so let me share my top 5 of 2011:

1. Infidel by Ayaan Hirsi Ali: To steal my own words "This book made me feel lucky. To be grateful to have a family that loves me, that has taught me to be independent and that respects the choices I make. That has allowed me to be me. Because the fact is that in this world, not all of us have that luxury". This really is a great autobiography. Power to the people.

2. Sarah's Key by Tatiana De Rosenay: I absolutely could not put this down. In fact this is my number 1 choice for 2011, it was done in a day, I was not to be disturbed and neglected my family for which I still do not apologise. Devastating, gripping, tragic. Read it.

3. Five Quarters of the Orange by Joanne Harris: I read a review of this book, on another blog (I'm sorry that I can't remember who it was) I put it on my to read list and found it in my local library. To whoever wrote that review, thank you. I love discovering books I may never have known about and this was fantastic.

4. Golden Earrings by Belinda Alexandra: Now Belinda Alexandra is good chick lit. Ive read it all and every single time its better than good. If you want something that is an easy read but a damn good one too, Belinda Alexandra is your girl. She loves a little bit of history and because I am a loud and proud history geek, I love her for.

5. The Boelyn Inheritance by Phillipa Gregory: Noticing a pattern here? I'm slightly drawn to anything that has anything to do with history. In fact 4 out of my top 5 are historical fiction and even Infidel has a small amount of history to it - albeit its recent but its there! I love Tudor history and I loved The other Boleyn girl. I had heard the Boelyn Inheritance wasn't quite as good, but I disagree - I found it equally as intriguing. Phillipa Gregory has written lots and lots of great historical fiction and is a good place to start if you are a little bit interested.

And there you have it, my list. Id love to say there were classics and that every book was a 6 out of 5 but it seems its not to be this year, still I think my top 5 is relatively solid and definitely worth a try.

So tell me have you had any memorable reads this year or even a top 5?

Ahhhh thats better

2011-12-18T13:26:00.000-08:00

I'm fixed again, back to my lovely self.

Yay!!

Meanwhile life is slightly crazy with open homes, an early Christmas for my side of the family this weekend just gone and trying to get organised for the real Christmas day. Making lists of gifts yet to buy (and thankfully that list is almost complete), planning our menu - which I'm keeping simple this year and on top of all that, trying to keep my house in "I'm the worlds most perfect housewife and mother" state until Wednesday at which time open homes are closed for this year and best case scenario our house will be sold...I'm not holding my breath!!

Honestly who would try to sell a house at Christmas? Only the crazy people I'm guessing.

Sad

2011-12-16T21:11:00.000-08:00

My blog...it looks a little sad, it was so pretty and now is not.

Never fear, I have contacted the wonderful designers at Bloggy Blog Designs and my fingers are crossed that it will be fixed up soon.

Please don't be put off by my illness...Im still here, battling through!!

And thats the way we Wiggle around here.

2011-12-15T02:08:00.000-08:00

In this house, we love a little bit of Wiggles time. Those famous four skivvy wearing lads can turn a bad day good in a matter of minutes and for this we think they are dandy.

So imagine how excited DD and I were when we found out some great Aussie bands had decided to cover a few Wiggles classics. You see those bambino superstars have been around for 20 years. 20 years of Wiggling, and still millions of toddling fans - that really is amazing. So a tribute is most definitely in order.

This one is good listening, even mummy and daddy love it (in fact mummy and daddy like it a little more than they care to admit) but the bonus points go to the boys, who think it is quite possibly the best album ever made.

This is a particular favourite, its on repeat some days not only driving us insane but saving our sanity too. Long live the Wiggles - well at least while its saving the day in this house!

You.

2011-12-12T02:23:00.000-08:00

A question popped into my mind today, I don't know why but it really made me think. What do I want people to think of me? I mean really. Of course we want people to think we are uber cool, stylish, amazing, fabulous yaddi yaddi ya, but honestly if push came to shove, how would I like to be described.

For me, I just want people to think of me as kind, thoughtful and a person who has respect for myself, others and my world. I'm certainly no angel and I'm not always thoughtful but I try and I hope that someone out there will recognise me for those things.

Do I really deep in my heart think I am those things? I think I am getting there. I haven't always respected myself as I get older I learn more and more to be at peace with myself and to take care of me. The more I do this, the more I can respect myself both emotionally and physically. And like I said, while I try to be thoughtful, it doesn't come naturally. I learnt growing up to be independent, to protect myself and to build walls and when that happens you tend to put yourself first without realising it. So the walls have to come down and after building them tall and strong, it takes a little bit of work to get them down again.

Kind? You know, I like to think I am, even though my DD told me I was rude to the drive thru chick last night (sorry drive thru chick, hungry lady with crying kids in the back of the car...and DD she was rude to me first - you know it) so OK maybe some days at some moments I may be a little short...and some but mostly yes I'm winning this battle.

So tell me, apart from being absolutely fabulous. How do you hope people see you?

Christmas mischief makers....

2011-12-10T02:20:00.000-08:00

Our preschool did a fundraiser this year, so I took advantage of the Christmas cheer, look what these two little mischief makers made of that.

There were lollipops.......

There were baubles......

There were lots of laughs

And a little bit of perfection - but you know I'm biased!

Well well well

2011-12-08T03:00:00.000-08:00

Remember this post. I got all gung ho and excited about making some changes in my life. I half filled in forms, I talked excitedly about ideas....and then you never heard from me again right?

OK I can officially report that I filled those darn uni forms in and I hit the send application button. Plus I applied for a scholarship too...impressive huh?

The truth is, my brain spins with ideas, and I talk incessantly about what I want to do, and it all sounds great, and I know I am on a winner but the fact is If there was a competition for procrastinating, I would win it - hands down. I have great admiration for those of you out there, who say you are going to do something and then do it. because for me somewhere between I'm going to do this and actually doing it, something happens, I get lost, busy, caught up in something else, and much of the time my ideas don't amount to much more than talk.

However, occasionally I can pull a rabbit out of a hat and carry through. Case in hand - I now have a university application floating around in cyberspace waiting to be approved.

Now just how I intend to manage this study with work, my boys, my husband's extra curricular activities, my husbands study (yes he is doing uni too) I really cannot comprehend. But I guess I will find away. Because that is another thing about me, once I start something I'm actually pretty good at finishing it..(.in fact my mother constantly reminds me of the race I ran when in Kindy - yes that is the one where I was a lap behind all the other kids and completely humiliated but I still finished that race - I guess these short stubby legs of mine were never going to make me an athlete.)

So fingers crossed, please not only for a successful application for managing study and life in general. I think Ill need all the luck I can get.

How I stay fit

2011-12-05T01:23:00.000-08:00

You think I'm going to tell you what a gym junkie I am don't you. That will teach you to be presumptuous, no I'm certain that the secret to my fitness (well my make believe fitness anyway) is my children.

I have the EA Sports Active personal training program for our PlayStation 3. Its great sure, but my 4 year old likes to remind me every other day that I have not done my exercise for the day....Every. Other. Day. He asks me so much and laments about how healthy I might not be that I feel guilty, and harassed, and stressed, maybe my 4 year old is right? maybe if I don't exercise today It will take a day off my lifespan. And as I reach for a sneaky bowl of ice cream, his little voice enters my mind. Mum you have to do your exercises, mum you just won't be healthy if you don't do your exercises, mum, mum, mum (um where did I put my gym pass....this kid is worse than a killer personal trainer)

And Flynn, well he contributes too, surely his getting out of bed 20 times a night contributes. All that squatting and lifting, if he keeps it up I'm going to have big guns and buns of steel. And his sudden need to break out in dance and his inability to accept no for an answer to everyone else who trys to avoid participating, means we break out in a sweat at some random times of the day

So I ask myself, I'm paying for a gym membership why? All I need is my drill Sargent 4 year old and my hard to settle 2 year old and Ive got my fitness all sewn up!!

and this is where I live.....for now.

2011-12-03T01:36:00.000-08:00

Well we did it, our home is on the market at last, now we just need to keep our fingers crossed and hope that it sells quickly. While I am relishing and loving having a spotless home, with two little boys its hard work.

And so I thought I would share a few snaps.

This is my kitchen (this is where the whipping up of cupcakes occurs!!) The kitchen is what sold me on this house 8 years ago. DD and I were very newly engaged and finding it hard to find a house, the market was insane, houses were selling before they even made it on the market, we were feeling desperate and thinking we would never find ourselves a home. Imagine our surprise to walk in and find this. We were instantly in love and made an offer on that first inspection.

This is our main living space. The kitchen, living and dining are all open plan, so I can be in the kitchen preparing meals and still watch a little TV or chat to the boys while they play. This is where the kids hang out, when not outside jumping up a storm on their trampoline or riding bikes, and see that corner of our lounge? That is where I sit and blog, in fact I'm here right now...Hi!!

This shows you the entrance to our home and our formal living room, which like most formal living spaces doesn't get used often, but it is a little haven for me from time to time and I'm glad it is there when I need it!. I love the floorboards, another selling point for us all those years ago.

And our boudoir. We had always intended to lay new carpet, but it was on a long list of "want to do's" and so we never got to it, oh well, it leaves something for someone else to do!!

Our lovely backyard. We did all the paving down the back, well not we, we paid someone and it has been a brilliant addition, the boys love riding their bikes around and my husband's precious grass is not ruined by the trampoline!

And that is our special space, our family home. I hope someone loves it as much as we do.

And a little bit more birthday joy.

2011-11-30T01:08:00.000-08:00

This time it was of the Elmo kind.

I whipped these little babies up for mothers group today....who can't resist a little bit of Elmo?

Well now Happy Birthday little guy

2011-11-27T01:46:00.000-08:00

2 years old, my baby is no longer.....my little guy with the sweetest cheeks that I can't help but kiss and with the cheekiest of smiles, usually right before some cheeky behaviour is about to occur.

My big 2 year old thinks that his big brother Ollie is the greatest person on this earth, and when he wakes most days the first thing is asks is "where's Ollie?". He more often than not has a ball in his hand, because in his little world, a ball is the singular greatest invention this world has ever seen, followed closely by a trampoline. This little guy stands at the back door every day asking for "the day" because for him, a sunny day means fun and adventure.

My little 2 year old loves to tuck himself under my arm and watch Iggle and Daisy, and like his mummy is a little slow to start the day and doesn't wake up in the greatest mood either (oops, mum trait) but once he gets going life is a laugh a minute for himself and for us too.

A big happy second birthday Flynny Pops. We hope you had a sunshiny day.

I have the hands of an old lady

2011-11-23T02:49:00.000-08:00

Because they have been in a bucket of soap and water for about a week now......Ive been busy scrubbing everything in sight, because we have finally decided to put our little house on the market.

Let me tell you, the preparation is not much fun. Sugar soaping walls and scrubbing cupboards and honestly I thought I was a bit of a clean freak, fraid I had myself pegged for something I wasn't. I cannot believe how much muck comes off those babies.

Speaking of babies, I feel a little sad to be saying goodbye. This is the first home DD and I bought together, we were newly engaged and were making plans a plenty. We walked into this house and new it belonged to us, it threw our plans into disarray because we were meaning to buy an investment property, instead we found us a home, with a heart and all.

First came our oldest son Dougal...what, you didn't know I had a son called Dougal? our little Cairn Terrier was our test run, and he is still here and kicking so it seems we must be doing something OK.

I got dressed for our wedding here, my bridesmaids and I danced around our kitchen music blaring, glasses filled, it was a good day, the first of many as a married gal.

And I'm pretty sure we may have conceived at least one of our boys here........but I know for sure we brought both our boys home to this house. Tiny little baby boys, to a home with warmth and love.

We have cooked feasts, drank too much, BBQ'd, built trampolines and swing sets, kicked balls, and run under the sprinkler, we have created a home with love, fun and lots of laughs. But the time feels right.

Our next step? truth be told we don't have one other than rent a while and enjoy life. (Oh and save some $$$, that will be nice!)

When we first bought this house the previous owner wished us to love this house as much as she had, I can only hope the same for the next owners. This house has something special, it is a place that needs to be loved and to have love within its four walls.

Wish us luck for a speedy sale and for special new owners.

This week Im loving......

2011-11-20T02:18:00.000-08:00

Look at that baby. Ive been wanting to invest in a bike for quite some time, and now that I have heard that they are putting a shower and a bike rack at my new office, specifically for those of the cycling inclined, I think it might be time to find something a little bit lovely to ride to work each day.

I do love a great bike ride and I love it even better when my bike is a little bit pretty, its a girl thing I'm sure. So what do you think Santa, will this little lovely fit down my chimney?

Cure by Alcohol

2011-11-16T01:44:00.000-08:00

DD walked in the door tonight and I walked out, I needed to go for a drive, there are some days like it I guess. I plugged in my Ipod, turned it up as loud as I could bear and drove directly to the bottle shop. Music therapy and alcohol was the only cure for my day.

My youngest child today has driven me to the drink........how will I survive the teenage years if I can't even get through one day?

Fact is I'm not the worlds biggest drinker so a drive to the bottle shop really is a sign that I may be walking on the dark side.....and I don't usually drown my sorrows with alcohol, I usually leave that up to retail therapy. But tonight, sitting here with my Monteiths, I have calmed, I have laughed off my day and am enjoying my drink, enough to knock back ice cream and that really, truly means the drink has cured my day.

Is it wrong to say I couldn't be happier to be going to work tomorrow?!

Things that irritate me....

2011-11-13T01:50:00.000-08:00

I have my cranky pants on tonight, I have no idea what has irked me so, but my mood is of the horrible kind and what better time to put down a few little things that make me eye roll.

1. Bra straps. Unless you are wearing your underwear to be seen, which I have no problem with, tuck those straps away, and if your dress is strapless, wear a strapless bra, seriously.

2. Kids- when I put you to bed, stay there, don't get up a thousand times, don't try to just tell me something or ask me for a drink, stay in bed PLEASE. (I say this as I have put Flynn to bed maybe 10 times already and the steam is pouring from every orifice).

3. Being late. I hate to be late, just ask my husband - he is always late and this is one thing that makes us argue. I like to be on time, I like other people to be on time, I value your time as much as I value my own, I repeat - be on time.

4. People reading over my shoulders, wait til I'm finished then you can have it as long as you like.

5. Stains, what a waste of a good piece of clothing. Poo to stains.

6. People who get married. get a lot of money for it and it doesn't even last a year, yes KK that might be you I am talking about. Getting married is a gift and a joy, it should not be taken advantage of. It is hard work, so get your hands dirty.

I might sign off now...because I think I could go on and on and on and I can here those little footsteps down the hallway - and yes that is the hiss of steam you can hear.

Five Quarters of The Orange by Joanne Harris.

2011-11-12T01:25:00.000-08:00

This has been my latest read and it was a good one, somewhere on a blog out there a I read a review and thought it sounded interesting and finally got around to reading it, so what is it all about you ask?

Set in a small village near Angers on the Loire, it deals with the fortunes of a widow and her three children, Cassis, Reine-Claude and Framboise, against the background of the German Occupation. With no father and only their harsh and overworked mother to care for them, the three children inhabit a strange and brutal world in which adults are a different race, and which works according to a completely different set of moral values. Into this circle comes Tomas Leibnitz, a German soldier who secretly befriends the three children and leads them step-by-step into a world of betrayal, blackmail and lies.

Page turner? absolutely, I wanted more and more and even more, I wanted answers, I wanted to know. You see this book twists and turns like a fast flowing river with no end. Some moments are thrilling, others confusing and some moments? Just a little tormented. I struggled to bond with the child but bonded easily with the adult version. Confused? I just don't want to give anything away. So you will have to read it yourself to find out.

What I will tell you is this book was a really great read and a big four out of five from me.

look at these two

2011-11-09T01:56:00.000-08:00

Are they not the cutest things you have ever seen?

Hope you are having a super week.

This week Im loving......

2011-11-08T01:39:00.000-08:00

Frankie Hearts Fashion is one of my favourite fashion blogs. When I am in a fashion funk, a little bit of Frankie's always pulls me out. And now the lovely Nicole has launched Shop Frankie's, with lots and lots and lots of delicious things to feast your eyes on, of the fashionable kind that is.

And she ships internationally.....yes I am dribbling with excitement, you better believe it. By the way, Nicole has no idea Ive written this post - well she will soon but there are no secret handshakes going on here, I just love seeing a girl turning what she loves into a career.

Lots of luck Frankie, even though I just know you will not need it.

My week that was.....

2011-11-04T00:05:00.000-07:00

It all started on Sunday night, DD shivering so badly that it was rocking the bed and waking me up at all hours..how rude, I have to say it didn't end well and my poor partner in crime found himself on the toilet with bucket in hand. Its been a nasty nasty bug that has turned this house and this city upside down, Ollie had it twice, yes twice in one week.

So obviously DD was not cool for work on Monday, works in a family business doesn't he, meaning his mum who usually has my babies while I work, had to go to work, meaning I couldn't work...drat. I mean it drat drat drat, I like work. Managed to get in for an hour for a meeting I really wanted to keep, forged a fantastic partnership, came home to the germs.

Moving on to Tuesday, my boss notices a small red mark on my eye, that would be a burst blood vessel wouldn't it. Called my optometrist and he told me to wear sunglasses so I didn't scare anyone - thanks for the advice. Turns out it spreads and my eye is a very beautiful shade of red, maybe the sunglasses advice was warranted. Meanwhile its Melbourne cup day - the race that stops a nation (horses for all you not in the know) I have to brag and say I have a really good knack for picking a winner. Did it again yeehaa, that's a tidy $50 in my pocket, thanks and double thanks.

Meanwhile DD is recovered from his bug but his tooth is playing havoc, his mouth is swollen so with my red eye and his swollen mouth we are a very attractive pair. On top of this I feel myself going downhill fast....thank goodness I never listen to the Dr and finish my antibiotics chug chug chug, Ill beat this damn thing.

In all this I managed to find myself a perfect summer midi skirt, pretty blue with a little ruffle, I'm in love. What else can one do when all else is falling apart but shop?

New car anyone? Why not, we ordered ours and it arrives next week...um how do we pay for that again? We are moving into family planning territory not quite minivan but SUV, I'm not sure how I'm going to drive the big tank around.

And then on Thursday I wore my newest pair of shoes to work. Well the thing is when I bought them I was wearing stockings which mean my feet slid in with ease, seems without socks its not quite so easy and damn those shoes need to stretch, but I will not be beaten, they will go on with ease and they will be comfortable. Honestly they are so tight I got DD to run me out my ballet flats on the way to pick Flynn up from daycare.....

And this brings us to Friday, lovely Friday, no work but lots to do, swimming lessons and today a preschool orientation, kids fighting all day, I have no idea when that started but I am over it all ready - kids fight? Who knew!

Ill be damned if I don't get these kids in bed early tonight, its been one hell of a week and I have a some coach potato action coming my way.

Nearly a Mrs

2011-11-03T01:42:00.000-07:00

In just two days, an incredible young lady will be making her way down the aisle to marry the man of her dreams. Yes Miss Amy, that's you I am talking about.

Getting married is such a special part of your life, but to know and feel that this is absolutely right makes it even better. Every time Amy posts about her family you just know that it is meant to be, there is so much love for her little guy (incidentally a Flynn too) and her beau, it oozes from her words and thoughts.

And so from a married woman to a nearly married woman, I thought it would be nice to pass on some words to you - and please I also encourage all my married readers to do the same for a really wonderful person.

And so Amy, I sit here and wonder what I should tell you? I'm sure you don't need advice, but its nice to think that I can pass some words on, so here it goes.

Always make time for fun. As a family, as a couple and by yourself as well. When life is most stressful, throw caution to the wind, as silly as it sounds, sometimes it really is the perfect antidote.

While you will grow together as a couple, don't lose sight of yourself, of your dreams and your interests. Its OK to keep a little bit of you, that's what drew Mick to you in the first place. We get so tied up in being a family, in being a mum, in being a wife, someones we forget to be me.

Marriage is hard work, but like anything, the more you put into it, the more you will get out of it. Some days you will love each other, but not like each other and that is OK too because as long as you have that love, tomorrow will always be a better day and you will be back to being crazy in love.

Your wedding day is hectic, it is all about you, everyone wants to wish you well, tell you how wonderful you look, tell you how happy they are for you, it really is a special day and possibly the only time you can let it be all about you without feeling bad about that!! But once the formalities are over, grab yourself and your groom a drink and sneak off into the dark somewhere for 10 minutes. Kiss, cuddle, relish the moment, relish each other, for that 10 minutes let it just be about you both and no one else.

I wish you both so much joy and happiness in your life together which I know has already started but will now officially bond you both. May you grow old together and in 50 years time still find the joy and love in each other together.

And lastly, a little bird told me...OK the bird herself has been pasting it all over her blog....I heard there are plans of a honeymoon bambino, so I send you all the baby dust in the world and look forward to an announcement in oh..about 3 months time?

Happy Wedding Day Amy - to you, to the love of your life and to the love of both your lives. xx

Good weekend?

2011-10-29T03:43:00.000-07:00

I hope you are all having delightful ones. We have spent the afternoon and evening celebrating our little newphew's 1st birthday. He had a rocky start to the world being born 8 weeks early. But has come through with flying colours and is now happy and most importantly healthy.

He and Flynny pops had a wonderful time together, they don't see each other often but when they do it is obvious that even at this very young age, they have a very special bond. Perhaps they knew each other in a past life? My husband thinks I'm loony but the way their faces light up when they see each other is just beautiful and I look forward to watching their friendship develop.

Aren't little people so special. Their innocence and joy in the world? Just last night a friend sent me a message to tell me that her little girl - a special friend of Ollie's had told her in all seriousness that when she grows up she hopes to be a horse. I relayed this to Ollie. "OK" he says, as if being a horse when you grow up is the most normal thing in the world. "And when I grow up mum, I will be a Dr, a Dr who looks after horses".

Happy Weekend everyone, I hope that you are sharing lots of special little moments that make you all smiley.

This week Im loving......

2011-10-25T20:27:00.000-07:00

My new wallet. Isn't it lovely. Witchery never fails to disappoint me, there is always something to make me smile.

The fact is I had my eye firmly on something of the Mimco kind, that is until I spied this lovely little bit of leather. It has ample space for cards....of which I have way too many and generous room for change as well.

Every time I look at it a sigh a little satisfied sigh. Oh how leather goods make me smile.

Confession

2011-10-21T16:04:00.000-07:00

I have a confession to make.

I am a Four Weddings junky. I watch them all, Australian, American and UK and I love them all, but I have started to notice a few little differences between brides across the world.

Let me break it down:

Ill start with you USA brides. Now you little American princesses sure know how to do cake, and I can testify to this after attending our friends wedding in Vegas, the cake was INCREDIBLE. Every single USA episode leaves me me with dribble marks down the front of my shirt, and not only do you do cake but desserts as well, oh my. The American brides are as sweet as apple pie. Always lots of nice things to say, and polite in their criticism. You girls always seem to make the most of every wedding and this I love, good for you USA brides, your enthusiasm and hospitality is why I love your country so and am busting to get back there.

UK brides you sure know how to impress us with your venues. Even weddings held at pubs seem grand. In fact when I was in England, my husband kind of got tired of my asking what I thought each old building was, and finally replied with "Polly, in England buildings are just old". The other thing I love about your weddings are the hats. Oh my how I wish we did hats here down under, with our sunshine you would think it would be mandatory but alas it is not so. Your criticism is always polite but frank, UK four wedding brides do not beat around the bush with their comments but somehow they manage to do it in some kind of polite way? (Someone please teach me how!!!)

Alright Aussie brides it is your turn.....Bitches. The whole lot of you, you tell it how it is and don't bother with the niceties. I know we Aussies pride ourselves on our frankness, but girls, its a wedding day, the most special day of our lives, go a little bit easy. What we do well is tans and sunshine, they are always a plenty, we love a drink and a dance and more often than not things get messy, The Aussie weddings always look like a party and there is always some stamp of individuality. Our weddings are far more simple than our counterparts in the USA and UK but there is always plenty of happiness and laughter - at least from the bride of the moment, (remember what I said at the start - the other three are always bitches.)

Yes I do love the wedding trash and I love that you all bring me something different and there really is no winner for me, just keep on getting married and putting it on TV, and Ill continue to be a happy lady - and yes I have to say there might just be a little of that Aussie frankness from my couch, but at least its not televised for the world to see!

All packed up and nowhere to go

2011-10-20T03:40:00.000-07:00

So we were supposed to be in Sydney about now, my poor little Flynny pops was booked in for surgery. We have known this day was coming for quite some time so to think it would finally be here and then evidently over was a good feeling.

That is until he woke up with snot...and lots of it (ewww right?!) The thing is Sydney is not just down the road, for us it is a 6 hour car trip, not including stops, its a long day in the car with two very active little boys, seriously, Flynn spent the best part of our last car trip pegging a ball at my head - (and there will be a post soon about getting a bigger car). So to know that Flynn being unwell may jeopardise his chances for surgery meant that we could drive all the way to Sydney, only to have the procedure cancelled.

It was a risk we were really not up for. And so we made the call, after plenty of phone call tooing and froing, a quick trip to our GP for advice and more phone calls, the surgery was cancelled and so too was our trip away.

Not before Id turned myself inside out getting us all packed up and ready to go, not so happy about that. Not so happy that I won't get any sneaky shopping in either. And not so happy that we now have to wait til March for the operation.

After alot of time away from the boys in my life however I am glad to be having a weekend at home which now includes absolutely no plans - that's something that doesn't happen often. Bliss, there is sunshine afoot and I'm planning lots of hanging on the outside with the testosterone.

One Day by David Nicholls

2011-10-15T15:28:00.000-07:00

This was my book club book. As we boarded a plane for our girls weekend, my friend and fellow book club participant said to me, I'm a bit disappointed, by the end of the trip she had taken back what she said.

And so I started it with trepidation. I liked the idea of what the book offered,

15th July 1988. Emma Morley and Dexter Mayhew meet for the first time on the night of their graduation. Tomorrow they must go their separate ways.

So where will they be on this one day next year? And the year after that? And every year which follows?

One Day is a funny/sad love story spanning twenty years, a book about growing up – how we change, how we stay the same...

It has been 13 years since I left uni, surely there would be much I could relate to. It seems that way, no matter what age. Last weekend I sat in a cafe engrossed in my coffee and book when an older man looked at me and smiled as he left. "You will love that book" he said and that's when I realised I was maybe onto something special. A book that captures an older man, a thirty something mum and to ice the cake, a work colleague 10 years younger than me not long after uni again reaffirmed his comments, "I've just finished and I loved it"

The conversation with my workmate was interesting, I mentioned to her that I found the beginning a little slow but now that I was into the middle I was loving every moment, she mentioned she had found the opposite, she loved the beginning but didn't relate as much to the second half. The joy of just leaving uni, still warm for her now a distant memory for me.

Oh and its been made a movie too - always the sign of a good story right?

I could not recommend this book more, It is a worthy read and can obviously be recommend to all, and that my friends in my own book is a winner.

Kick off your Sunday shoes

2011-10-14T04:37:00.000-07:00

Well I did something tonight, I didn't think I would do.......I went to the remake of Footloose. I went with baited breath, Ive loved Kevin Bacon since I was a little girl, Was I going to walk out disgusted, should I really set myself up to fail? Hell yeah, if there is dancing to be found in a movie, how bad can it be (sorry Kevin)?

And the answer is actually not too bad at all. I was more than happy with the remake. I felt like respect was paid to the original, my toes still tapped and I really really wanted to get up and dance my way out of the cinema. In fact I may have skipped just a little but shh don't tell anyone.

Even more joyful was a few old classics from the original, I mean really could there be any better song to learn to dance to than 'Lets hear it for the boy"? I whispered with excitement to my husband that it used to be my favourite song and I even remembered the dance moves I had made up to it, all those years ago, well hey I got to give DD something to laugh at right?

I hear people calling Hollywood lazy with all these remakes, but if its going to happen, this is the way to do it, its a wonderful tribute to the original, and tactfully brought to the here and now. I still want to dance my pants off all the way throughout the movie and I still love Kevin.

Daylight Savings

2011-10-13T01:53:00.000-07:00

You either love it or hate it right. Me? I'm a lover, that extra bit of sunshine means my boys can stay outside and play while I'm doing the clean up for the day and preparing dinner (which half of the week, being those days that I work is more than hectic), and outside play means lots of running and jumping and wrestling, which means the boys are worn out...which means bedtime is a breeze.

Oh yes there is always plenty of room for love when it means opportunities to wear my kids out, its a mothers prerogative right?

But its not just the wearing out of the children that I love, its eating outside, BBQ's and family togetherness, sounds silly right? Those last few hours of the day during daylight savings means we can all get outside and have some fun, for some reason life just seems to slow down a little when there is just a little more daylight to enjoy.

And now all we need are some hotter than hot days so we can get our swim on too.

This week Im loving....

2011-10-07T15:05:00.000-07:00

Its been a while my friends and there have been plenty of loves that I have been negligent in blogging about. But here is my newest and greatest love:

Red skinny jeans. I am in looovvve my friends, and rather than wishing and hoping, I actually have a pair in my hot little hands, ready for the wearing.

Now I know that they say if you have seen the trend before you should leave it behind and it is true in my days of teen angst I sported green jeans with passion but the fact is, I still love coloured jeans, especially of the red kind.

Now to flog the life out of them, I do love a new love....(and I don't mind mentioning that Emerald jeans are coming a close second.....be ready!)

Wow

2011-10-04T20:07:00.000-07:00

That one really knocked me for six, just when I thought I was on the mend it all fell apart, and I mean really. fell. apart. Picture me waking up feeling achy and thinking that I was possibly just tired, getting on with my day and then at lunch time calling DD to tell him I needed the Dr...like 5 minutes ago.

Cut to me, in the Dr's surgery, curled up in a ball on the couch, tears, shaking, and looking well frankly not very pretty at all. A quick observation found that I had not only a respiratory infection but tonsillitis too - just to shake things up a little bit. And to add to the mix a girls weekend in two days time that had been planned for a year, I really really did not want to miss out.

I manage to keep myself up til DD finished work and then passed out, sweating, crying and generally just feeling very very sorry for myself. The next morning still feeling worse than death I'm sure, I realised crap, the cleaner is coming today and my house looks like a bomb site. I really want that cleaner to come, I really can't get myself out of bed and really don't want to hear a vacuum but I REALLY want that cleaner to come (the logic...really I think DD was ready to kill me himself)

I dragged myself to mums and got my clean house (again the logic?? but honestly at least I didn't have to do it) and then dragged myself home again, pink fluffy dressing gown and all, and praying that there was no freaking disaster on the way. The dressing gown is UGLY. But I love it, DD bought it for me on the day we were engaged, its sacred and I will wear it til it falls apart.

The next day was d day, I was supposed to be leaving on a jet plane, I wanted to leave on a jet plane, I had no idea if I was possibly going to be able to get on that damn plane. The gods were smiling, I woke up feeling somewhat OK, and I managed to drag my sorry bum onto the plane, phew, crisis averted. And as the weekend continued I managed to pull myself together and enjoy some much coveted time with some of my favourite girls. And some shopping, and possibly the best meal I have ever had. Girls weekend = huge success.

So I'm back, yet again, and feeling alive and nearly back to normal, but honestly I think that is my quota for the decade. Illness please leave me be.

Cough Cough Cough

2011-09-26T03:14:00.001-07:00

Damn season change, Im feeling like death warmed up...................

and on that note Im going to pass out.

Be right back.

MIA...

2011-09-21T03:12:00.000-07:00

Hello Lovelies, please excuse me for disappearing, I took the liberty of enjoying this glorious spring weather by sunning myself at the beach for a few days with my family. I may have even gone from ghostly white to lily - a step up for my skin tone!

What a fun trip away, we dashed up to Dream World for the day which incorporates Wiggles World - in my opinion a ghastly rip off, but the my two gorgeous boys loved it. Flynn cuddled up to Henry the Octopus and Wags the Dog, smiled his cute little dimply smile and professed his love. He cuddled and cuddled til I thought we may have to leave him behind, who would have thought? I guess we will be OK with the Santa shots this year.

And my Ollie boy, how proud I am of him. Our last attempt at a beach holiday was a serious fail. Ollie hated the beach and wouldn't go near the water, and so my dream of sunning myself while DD and Ollie built sandcastles quickly fell apart, this time around was a different story, we frolicked and splashed and swam and built sandcastles (Ollie did once call out to my nanny aka my baby sister not to go too far out as she would die, but apart from that his confidence has grown more than I could have possibly anticipated). We now officially all LOVE the beach and my dreams are rebuilding themselves - oh yes those are the ones where DD entertains the kids and I sun myself with a good book.

PS brilliant, I repeat brilliant idea to take baby sister on holidays with us, we had a wedding to attend so the children were cared for with no worry on my behalf. A little glimpse of life with a nanny...WOW!

And now we are home, not away for long enough but enough for us to all feel refreshed and rejuvenated. I must admit I now realise I must have been excruciating to be around I was so wound up its a wonder I didn't spin and bark like a clockwork dog. I resolve to try and relax a little bit more, to take a little bit more time for me, to not get so stressed and wound up that my family don't really like me that much but don't have the heart to say.......(thanks family xx)

And my plans - well Ive spoken/emailed the course coordinator re study and he has encouraged me to apply, so things are looking peachy. And that little idea for a regular blog entry....Ill tell you about that soon.

Hope you are all happy, relaxed, chilled. I am and I'm certainly trying to stay that way.

Taking fate into my own hands.

2011-09-10T04:34:00.000-07:00

Ive been thinking its time. I have a mind full of ideas which I continue to push back, and then keep wondering why. I would like to do some further study, I have a unique idea for a business venture which I think could work and I'm really feeling a little stale in my current role. No time like the present right?

So I have half started filling out the forms to begin uni again. I'm nervous - not about the course because I am 100% confident that I will enjoy it and that I will succeed. I am more nervous about fitting it all in, about finding time for family and myself and wondering if I do study again, does this become my me time? (I freaking hope not but time will tell?)

And my little business venture, its something I have been sitting on for a couple of years now, I'm not sure what is holding me back but I'm going to start putting the feelers out - watch this space!

Oh and while I'm feeling all empowered and confident, I have a fun little idea for a regular blog entry, I hope that you might like it and want to play along...watch this space yet again.

And there you go, Ive told you alot about nothing, but I'm feeling enthused and I hope you are feeling it!!!

It had to happen

2011-09-02T00:14:00.000-07:00

I'm feeling a mite sad today, its silly really but Flynny Pops had a hair cut.

It wasn't his first but it was a good one. We have tried to keep his hair long, he is a bit of a rock star in his own right and we thought he could follow the lead of the likes of Kate Hudson's little Ryder. But the fact is while he has a few very cute little locks, the rest of it is a matted mess. It was his father's idea all along, yes that beer swizzling Rugby mad lout of mine actually wanted some rock star in his life, However besides the matted mess, Flynny pops the he, has been called a she twice in the last two months and therefore we finally conceded that he really did need a good cut.

And so my crazy little redhead has gone from this:

to this:

Even he looks worried!!

I miss those long little locks but I'm hoping there is some truth to the old wives tale that chopping it off will thicken it up, and now my baby actually looks like a little boy, arghh the mummy heart strings, I hate when they are tugged too hard.

A momentous occasion

2011-09-01T03:40:00.000-07:00

My little Flynny pops did his first wee in the potty. Considering Ollie was slow to start with the toilet training, I really wasn't expecting it, but some signs were there so I thought hell why not throw that cute little toosh of yours on some really uncomfortable plastic.

As it turns out, he seems to think its pretty cool, I'm thinking he just wants to be more like his big brother and/or it may possibly be a fluke, but I'm going to take some cred for it anyways, that's a smart kid I have - he must take after his mother!

Hello Spring

2011-08-31T04:07:00.000-07:00

I'm so glad that you are here and it looks as though you have brought some nice weather along with you. At last, because as you know I am well and truly ready to kick winter's butt somewhere, where the sun don't shine.

So the great reveal begins, a little bit of skin, a little bit more and the knowledge that I'm probably going to need to pull out a razor and some fake tan. Sheesh, have I neglected myself that much? My poor husband.

And what does this really mean....shopping, oh yeah baby, a few additions to the wardrobe for some spring summer joy. Summery sandals, and a dress or three - any excuse really.

I'm so glad to have some sunshine on my face. Its been a rough few months and its amazing what a little bit of sunshiny warmth can do.

RIP little Daniel

2011-08-28T02:24:00.000-07:00

One of the most high profile cases in Australia over the last 8 years has been the disappearance of Daniel Morcombe. Daniel was abducted while waiting to catch a bus in December 2003. He was on his way to do some Christmas shopping. His family and friends have always described him as a really great kid and his parents have never ever given up on finding him.

Finally a few weeks ago a man was arrested for Daniel's murder. Finally a breakthrough after all this time, and an area to now start looking for his little remains. This past week, some bones were found and a pair of shoes and today it was confirmed that those bones belonged to little Daniel.

This case has broken the hearts of all Australian's. We have held the hearts of his parents and Daniel in our hearts over the last 8 years, we have walked along side his parents Denise and Bruce Morcombe as they continued to appeal to the public for ANY information that might give a further lead on their little boys disappearance. Finally it has happened. The Morcombe family have closure and all over Australia, our hearts break for this family who have never given up, and never let this country forget that their little boy was missing.

I sit here tonight, Ollie by my side and I hold him tight. I cannot even begin to imagine the pain and anguish that Daniel's parents have suffered and will continue to suffer.

And yet this tragedy has inspired the Morcombe family to dedicate their lives to Child safety. Such good people dealt such terrible cards yet still finding a way to do something positive out of all of this.

Educate your babies, don't delay stranger danger. Love your babies with all your might. And please please please keep the Morcombe family in your thoughts as now put their darling little boy to rest.

Spread your wings Daniel and soar above as all, and finally be in peace.

The Bark Cutters by Nicole Alexander

2011-08-26T03:48:00.000-07:00

Honestly, I found it dull. Ive read alot of these Australian, return to the family farm type stories (seems to be some kind of theme for Australian authors...who knew?!)

THE BARK CUTTERS is an Australian family saga that centres around the family property, Wangallon. Past and present interweave in a story that traces the Gordon family from the arrival of Scottish immigrant Hamish Gordon in Australia in the 1850’s to the life of his great granddaughter, Sarah, in the 1980’s. Full of action, romance, tragedy, family secrets and misunderstandings this novel has a bit of something for everyone but particularly the discerning commercial women’s fiction reader.

I wouldn't exactly call it a saga, really there was nothing sagaish about it. Sure there were a few family secrets but they won't have you jumping out of your chair screaming "what" "no" "surely not". No these family secrets are of the mediocre kind and you may even work them out for yourself.

I guess what I'm saying is read it if you want, but I'm sure you could find better things to waste your time on.

2 out of 5 for the so called saga.

Oh yes it was...

2011-08-22T05:28:00.000-07:00

That good, the wine that is - Billy Kwong Bio dynamic red. I loved it so much I cuddled the bottle. The dinner was amazing too...AMAZING. We ate Pork Belly pancakes. Crispy Skin Duck with organic orange sauce and Billy Kwong fried rice - not a pea or a cocktail prawn in sight. It truly was a birthday to remember.

And you girls are wearing me down by the way, the pressure the pressure to give you an outfit post....!!!.maybe I might just start with those fabulous RayBan's...maybe I said!

Hint Hint

2011-08-16T21:05:00.000-07:00

Nothing like a good ol hint huh? Ive heard along the grapevine these babies are coming my way.

Got to love family and not even the hubs....best not get my hopes up just yet but I'm telling you its looking promising.

In other news, My husband and I love to eat, we have a long list of must have restaurants that we are working are way through and next on our list is Billy Kwong we are both massive Kylie Kwong fans, her recipe book is our most loved and most used. We love her commitment to organic local produce, we love her television show and we love that her recipes are so easy to replicate.

We tried to go when I was pregnant with Flynn, but my blood pressure was so low and I felt so dreadful that we canned it, you see Billy Kwong does not take bookings, you have to turn up just before 6pm and hope that you get a table. I don't think I would have managed to stand for more than 5 minutes let alone feel like eating. Although I possibly could have capitalised on the fainting pregnant woman.....but sadly its not my style!

So anyway this Friday (my birthday incidentally) we are going to line up and try our luck. I'm so super excited, its been so long coming and I couldn't think of any better way to spend my birthday.

Yay me, yay Kylie, Yay Billy.....its going to be a yay kind of day!

Call to Arms

2011-08-14T03:20:00.000-07:00

As Ive complained about often, for 3/4 of the year, I am a rugby widow. I probably do not give my husband enough credit really, he coaches the first grade team and he puts his heart on sole into it. It consumes him, he dwells, worries, takes young boys under his wing and is a leader and friend to his team. He does not get paid, he does it for love not money and he does it damn well. Its a huge commitment to a small part of our local community and many young men benefit from his commitment and knowledge.

I have to admit, it is not all bad, the club do their best to be family friendly, they are welcoming and I have made some of my closest friends through his association with the club.

However there are some days that make me feel extra proud and yesterday was one of them, and not for the reason that you might think.

It was our local derby (and Ill try not to be too excited when I say the last game of the season...) - a huge grudge match (which we won, yay us!!) however we chose this match as our Call to Arms match. What is Call to Arms you ask? One day a year Men's sporting clubs/teams are asked to wear yellow to raise funds and awareness for Cancer in Men. It asks that men go to the Dr regularly and have regular checkups it tells us that if the men in our lives do this that they may save their own lives.

Our guys ditched their usual blue jerseys and wore yellow. And at the end of the day they were auctioned with funds being donated to "Call to Arms". There were 22 ugly yellow offerings to be had, sweaty and muddy from the day's game and a room of approximately 70 men. Those jumpers raised close to $10000. In previous years we have been excited about 2- 3 thousand, but something a little special happened last night. I hope we see it again. And what's better is the opposition have vowed to do the same next year - take that awareness raising campaign.

I am so so proud to be a part of a club that is not afraid to talk about the hard stuff, that will talk about men's issues and that will support a club so near to so many of us. Good for us. I hope the magic continues.

This week Im loving......

2011-08-09T04:28:00.000-07:00

Blue Velvet.

You see at the awards evening the other night, one of the nominees for the young entrepreneur category was wearing a fabulous midnight blue velvet dress, with even more fabulous patent red heels, and now I cannot stop thinking about how much I want a blue velvet dress and red patent heels.

I mean look at Penelope here:

But imagine if she had red shoes.....wowzers.

Or this simple little dress with a little bit of red...

I'm on a hardcore mission my friends and it will involve velvet and it will involve red shoes.

Update on the beads and an exciting event

2011-08-06T20:15:00.000-07:00

I'm keeping them....I bought my friend a darling little photo album that she can stow in her handbag and bring out when bragging about her gorgeous boys, Vintage style, why you say? Well we all quickly pull out our phones these days when wanting to brag, I'm thinking its time to being the photo album back.

Now let me tell you what I got up to last night. I went to a regional awards ceremony that celebrates rural women. It was a fantastic evening. I accompanied my mum as she had been nominated for the Outstanding Family Leadership award.

Mum told me not to get too excited, She mentioned to me that she thought she had just been nominated because they needed to make up numbers. In any case it was a fabulous evening hosted by an incredible woman and with some brilliant musical theatre entertainment. Something so different to the usual social functions we attend and a room full of wonderful women. What more could you ask?

This........My mum won, I just cannot be more proud of her, and I was so honoured to be sitting by her side, she is a wonderful mother and has given love and guidance to us her children but also to so many other kids who needed it over the years, we have had runaways live with us, friends come over to talk through their problems, there is always a random at the Christmas table as my mum will not hear of anyone celebrating Christmas alone, she mentors for a program set up for children at risk and provides pastoral care for medical students. I think nothing of it as its always been the way it is in our home, but her generosity really is remarkable.

I love you mum and I am honoured to be your daughter. You make me be the best person I can be.

If you had all the money in the world.....

2011-08-05T19:25:00.000-07:00

What would you do? (OK so its a dream, I'm not going to get into all the reasons and practicalities as to why this wouldn't work)

Me? Well seeings as you asked, I would follow Summer around the world. I despise Winter, but I live with it, because that's life right?

But if I could pack up and go wherever I wanted, it would be wherever Summer was. A permanent tan, long days living outside, swimming, boating, enjoying the outdoors.

Id own houses in Italy, California (Newport specifically seeings as I'm dreaming), And of course somewhere countryside here in Aussie Land. Maybe I might buy up some property in the Maldives too, it is a summer dream after all.

Id live in Shorts and summery dresses, my boys would have an everlasting supply of boardies, my Husband would have to watch his beloved Rugby from afar, but I'm sure sitting in the sun with beer in hand would suffice - and hey its my dream not his!!

Oh Summer, I miss you, if I can't have my dream could you please just come back to this Great Southern Land soon, please.

Dilemma

2011-08-04T03:37:00.000-07:00

I bought some fabulous beads today and can't wait to wear them, but then I realised I need to send my dear friend Jules a birthday present.....do I part with the fabulous beads and send them to my friend?

I know she will love them and I know they will look great on her, but they are fabulous, and I do love them, but then I do love to give a fabulous gift.....

What to do, what to do.

Perhaps Ill go on a shopping expedition and see what I find for her and keep fingers crossed its something else!

Will the beads stay, or will they go? Ill let you know!

Happy Birthday Mumma.

2011-08-03T04:03:00.000-07:00

It would have been my Grandmother's birthday today. I still sometimes can't believe that she is no longer with us.

I miss her dearly, picking her brains about how to salvage my garden, she always had an encouraging word and a little bit of good advice.

I miss the look on her face when I walked into her view, genuine happiness, and genuine love. I miss taking the boys to visit her, and how she loved to hear our news, no matter how menial it was.

My Grandmother was always so proud of us, and she had no qualms about telling anyone who would listen.

So often I have picked up the phone to ask a question only to remember you are no longer with us. But I still love you Mumma, every day.

Happy Birthday to you, I hope they are throwing you a cracking bash up there in heaven. xxx

Preschool politics

2011-08-02T03:17:00.000-07:00

So it happens that in our town a place in preschool is like gold. If you get one, you covet it, and you don't under any circumstances give it up. I must admit I was a little naive when I decided Ollie would go, I sauntered on in at 9am one January morn, put his name on the list and then waited til August for my acceptance letter.

It arrived, I sent a message to my mothers group to see who else got their letter, only to find I was the lone ranger. Apparently none of us realised that you need to be there with the experienced, worded up mums, (Amy are you paying attention here) and be in the line at some ridiculous hour. So getting Ollie's place was just plain good luck.

So the time came for re-enrolment there were a few different options, but I knew the option I wanted 3 full days was going to go quick. So I wondered just how worded up I needed to be. I found out the gates opened at 8.30am. I opted for an 8am line up and with trepidation approached the line, counting down the line, was I in? Was I out?.....arghhh the stress of it all.

Yay we won, both myself and one of Ollie's favourite friends lined up together and kept our fingers crossed and 3 full days are ours. Ollie is beside himself with excitement and I too am glad that the heavens shined upon us for once.

My big boy, so much closer to starting school and so excited, how I love this little journey we are on together, how I love watching his thirst to learn increase and the golden little questions that he poses (today he wants to know how the world dances if it doesn't have legs).

But I have learnt, you mark my words - Ill be there with the worded up mummy's next time around and this coming January I will be lined up bright and early for my Flynny pops, I'm not taking any chances!

Somedays life sucks

2011-07-28T03:41:00.000-07:00

I found out not long ago that my good mate from school's wife has brain cancer. a 29 year old lady with two little boys. Devoted to her family. Good people, hard workers, the type that would be the first on your doorstep when times were tough. I have never heard a bad word about these two, not ever. And again I find myself asking why do bad things happen to good people?

Tonight I started a post about how tired I was, how my legs hurt and how I was sick of my little boy's being unwell, but I couldn't finish it. It felt wrong. To know that good people are suffering so terribly makes my woes seem so insignificant.

And so rather than complaining I want to send hope, love, prayers, and a little bit of magic to my friend and his wife. I want to send them strength to survive the here and now, the treatment, the being away from their little boys. I want them to know that there are many many people who are thinking of you both and willing you better. I want to hear that the prognosis is good, because you two good people deserve only happiness.

This week Im loving......

2011-07-25T03:24:00.000-07:00

Hello Ray-Ban Vagabond come place your little cats eye goodness on my face. You see while everyone else is sporting wayfarer's, I find I cannot, as I look completely and utterly stupid, with a capital S. But Vagabond, you my friend fit fine and I love you. Its true.
Yes these little beauties will be my next fabulous purchase, or perhaps I may plant the seed for my birthday next month, because I think you would make a fabulous birthday gift.

Reflection

2011-07-22T05:06:00.000-07:00

Last week my blog pal Amy wrote a post that I haven't really stopped thinking about and Amy not because I enjoyed hearing that you were having a rough time, because it resonated.

The fact is becoming a mum has been my greatest success, my great love, my greatest achievement. I love my boys with more love than I ever imagined I had. However coming home from the hospital with that first little baby in my arms, I really had no idea just how much my world had just turned upside down, I felt elated yes but I also felt more lonely than I had ever felt before in my life. I couldn't describe why, of course I was tired and confused and was hoping that you couldn't give a newborn baby baggage....but that loneliness has never really left me.

I have a life fulfilled, a loving husband, a great (sometimes eclectic, most times crazy) family, a job that provides me satisfaction, and even with children I still manage a pretty decent social life as well. So I wonder, how is it possible that that loneliness sits. Most times dormant, but on occasion it raises it's ugly head and sends me into a spin.

I think part of is also grief. I grieve for my old self before children. The one who could stay up til 2.30am reading and not have to worry about an early morning wake up call. The one who could go to the gym straight after work, who could sit on the couch and watch trash all day Sunday without being invaded by episodes of Dora, who didn't know the meaning of sensible shoes, I grieve my own company.

I honestly feel that only a mum can understand. (Please no offence to those of you who are not mummies, I love you lots and am slightly jealous - all the time!!) Even my ever suffering husband simply doesn't get it.

So Amy, I write this post to you, and to all the other mum's to send you virtual hugs and big high fives. Because sometimes I wonder why something so perfect is so tough as well. xxx

Sarah's Key by Tatiana De Rosnay

2011-07-21T03:36:00.000-07:00

Paris, July 1942: Sarah, a ten-year-old girl, is taken with her parents by the French police as they go door to door arresting Jewish families in the middle of the night. Desperate to protect her younger brother, Sarah locks him in a bedroom cupboard—their secret hiding place—and promises to come back for him as soon as they are released.

Sixty Years Later: Sarah’s story intertwines with that of Julia Jarmond, an American journalist investigating the roundup. In her research, Julia stumbles onto a trail of secrets that link her to Sarah, and to questions about her own future.

I have to begin by telling you that this is the best book I have read this year. I devoured it in a day, I tried to put it down, to catch up on washing and other uninteresting household tasks but every time I looked at it, it said very loudly and very clearly, pick me up, read me.

The story like all stories that involve the holocaust or any reference to the holocaust is a devastating one. The storyline is gripping, tragic and involved. The characters are complicated, both past and present.

Books such as Sarah's key not only provide book lover's with the enormous sigh that completes a wonderful book, it also means that we don't forget, the atrocities that should never have happened and work to make sure that we live in a world dominated by peace and hope that one day, this whole world will be a lover, not a fighter.

A big fat five out of five. If you are looking for an amazing tale, do yourself a favour and make this it.

Three things that have made my jaw drop this week:

2011-07-17T03:53:00.000-07:00

1. So it looks like Posh finally got her little girl (That's Victoria Beckham for the uneducated) and for a moment there I thought she got it so right with the name - Harper only to have it spoiled with the middle name of Seven. Seriously? Harper is the prettiest most adorable name and I don't care how special the number Seven is to you or your husband its just a downright stupid middle name.

2. JLO and Mark Antony - now that one seriously left my mouth open for a good 60 seconds. I know its hard to take JLO seriously sometimes, OK alot of times...all those rumours about all white dressing rooms and 50 thousand white flowers of some kind, the Bennifer chronicles and the whole Puff Daddy debacle but in all honesty I had more faith in these two, they had twins, they got through it and lived to tell the tale, but it appears not and like many other fallen Hollywood couples these two have now added to the statistics.

3. Thermomix. Ok so these are a relatively new addition to the Australian market. I went along to a demonstration today (never one to miss an opportunity with friends remember?) and I am in some seriously love. Is there anything this baby doesn't do? In the space of two hours we were presented with Sorbet - made with home made icing sugar, dip, coleslaw, bread rolls, risotto and the most delicious custard, oh yes I held my bowl up for a second helping. Damn it I want one...but $1900 says it won't be happening anytime soon.

Winter you will kick my butt no longer

2011-07-13T04:11:00.000-07:00

I mean it, you cold old hag, you have messed with this little lady one too many times, and I am now donning my armour and fighting back.

For one: I am determined that I will return to the gym on a regular basis. Believe it or not, I actually enjoy the gym. I need that time out, I need to feel hot and sweaty, I need to have my music cranking and to do funny little dances in between sit ups and squats. For some reason you dirty old thing, you have managed to make me think that it is too cold to go - but I know what you are all about. You want me to have that wintery covering, so that I don't notice you so much - sorry love, but I don't do tuck shop arms, your game is up.

Two: my little boys have had enough. Sorry ice queen, but my boys are not germ incubators, even though you have given it your best shot. From now on my boys are getting dosed up with vitamins and lots and lots of vitamin C. How do you like them apples? And DD and I are dosing up too, just try and stop us.

Three: you thought you could send me broke with your big, huge wintery electricity bills but ha, I went and got myself some solar panels didn't I. Sorry witchy poo, but my last bill was a quarter of what it usually is. A Quarter.

And lastly, that little thing you do that makes me crave greasy fatty fried food is not going to work. Don't you even try. (Well ok maybe once a month or so, but not on a weekly basis ok.)

Snippets

2011-07-12T02:59:00.000-07:00

"I love you mum"
"I love you too Ollie"
"I love you all the time mum"
"I love you all the time too Ollie"
"How much do you love me mum"
"To the moon and back Ollie"
"The moon? How do you do that mum"

Good question Ollie!!!

"What are we doing mum"
"Dad is putting petrol in the car Ollie"
"Why do we need petrol mum"
"We give the car petrol to make it go"
"Why does petrol have wee in it mum"?

Snort.....then it all turned upside down and round and round and then I was telling Ollie that no cars do not need to go to the toilet.

"Could I be a fireman when I am older mum?"
"Sure Ollie you can be whatever you want to be"
"But I don't have a fire-engine mum"
"But you might if you become a fire engine Ollie"
"Hmmm Firemen are too busy mum, I think Ill be an Ambulance man instead"

"Mum, could you please turn off the machine that is making it cold outside?"

Id love to mate, bring on Summer already.

Hope your little joys are entertaining you as much as mine are.

Plastic Fantastic

2011-07-09T16:05:00.000-07:00

This year I have attended no less than 5...yes that is right 5 Tupperware parties. Never one to knock back an invitation that will mean a catch up with the girls, I have said yes over and over again to the plastic fantastic. Now add to this I have knocked back two more Tupperware invitations, it is possible that I could have attended on average one per month this year. ONE A MONTH.

Now don't get me wrong, I am happy to admit that I'm partial to a little bit of plastic organisation in my life, and for the first couple of parties I poured fervently over the catalogue oohing and ahhing as much as the next person, but when it came to number 4 and number 5, it seemed that the novelty had worn off just a little.

What has my life become? a juxtaposition of late night parties and day time plastic parties - and not the type that would go hand in hand with the partying I am afraid. Something has got to give, I'm thinking all of it! Tupperware you might be practical and flip my mind with the idea of a catalogue pantry but for 2011 I think we are done.

And for the record, I didn't book a party to help out a friend's sales. I may have booked a linen party though, who doesn't love bedding?...but that's another story.

Hey Kate

2011-07-07T03:32:00.000-07:00

Or should I say Catherine Duchess of Cambridge. I'm just wondering if you want to send me over a box of your hand-me-downs. Because seriously you are the epitomy of elegance. Ive been watching over a few of the little lovelies you have been sporting on your Canada tour, and seriously - you got it going on.

For a start, you did Canadians proud when you rocked a number from one of the locals - Erdem

And then you went one step further and dressed up in Canadian colours, and still managed to look freaking fabulous. (Lucky you Canadians - Red and White are so freaking hot, try making Green and Gold look chic....not so easy ay?)

Then when I didn't think it could get any better, you step on out in this fabulous fabulous dress and I am in dress awe.

And you know - I am really not a purple fan, but honey, hot dawg...You certainly put the R in Regal.

So what do you think? I mean I know you wear things twice and all, but these have been super public appearances, surely you don't want to be seen in them again? Surely you want to donate them to little old me?

What a Princess. You almost...almost knocked Mary off her great royal pedestal with that little outfit showing.

This week Im loving......

2011-07-04T03:24:00.001-07:00

My slowcooker.

The good old slowcooker and I didn't get off to a very good start. Everything I made dried out and tasted horrible. Then I discovered that slow cookers need to be at least 1/2 ful - lightbulb moment. Stupid me thought Id buy the biggest slowcooker on the market, you know, just in case the Queen and her cavalary turned up, and as it turns out, that big old slow cooker doesn't really cater for meals for two.

Along comes mum with a small, much smaller slowcooker in tow and finally I am learning what the fuss is all about. And I have to tell you when Im walking in the door in a fluster after work, there really is nothing better than knowing that dinner is already done.

Now to test out a few of those previously miserable failures.

Kicking it

2011-07-03T03:36:00.000-07:00

It seems I might be having a mid 30's crisis, because lately I find myself out kicking my heels up more often than not. Out past midnight, high fiving fellow revellers, and feeling far more tolerant of "kids these days". Admittedly its not been for the hell of it, a number of functions and important rugby games (seriously, the local derby is not to be missed!!) have meant that Ive been calling on sleepovers at Mama's rather regularly - and I thank the heavens that Mama is mostly happy to spend precious time with her Grandson's.

And I have to admit, I'm kind of loving it, and kind of remembering what used to draw me out each and every weekend in my younger days. Ive had my camera in tow most evenings and have had lots of little giggles over the "selfies" with whoever is ready and willing, and my check in via face book has left some funny comments on my pub going ways. Side note - got to love letting the world know that you have a life via face book and feeling kind of glad that Iphones and face book where not about to detail my whereabouts 10 years ago.

So what have I missed.......the "What am I going to wear" moment. I'm loving having to actually think about what to put on and I'm loving that my heels are seeing the bright lights. I'm loving dancing with my friends and DD until the early hours, that first moment of each songs where you get excited because it is yet another song that you love. I'm loving the laughs, the sarcasm, the antics and most of all, I'm loving a few new younger friends I have made, simply for being out on a Saturday night.

What have I not missed....well I bet you can guess the big one, hangovers. I'm not a big drinker, but one too many a couple of weeks ago certainly reminded me why I am restrained where alcohol is concerned. I don't miss the tired lethargic Sunday after (and certainly if there were not kids involved and I could sit and watch trash, that might move to the what have I missed...) and panda eyes, so not a pretty look, and even though I clean my face, those panda eyes are a stubborn reminder of a late night out!

My run is over now for a little while, and I'm not unhappy about that, but what I have realised is some things never change, I was once a bit of a party girl and it seems she is still lurking deep in there, slightly more restrained than my younger self, but shes alive, and I like that.

Ollie Ollie

2011-06-30T03:47:00.000-07:00

Flynn has started calling Oliver "Ollie Ollie". As cute as it is, I could not work out why all of a sudden he went from being "Oh va va" to "Ollie Ollie".

It seems he may have got it from me, because it seems that whenever I ask Ollie to do something, I'm usually asking him more than once.

It goes a little like this......

"Ollie, come get in the bath"

"Ollie...Ollie.....Ollie did you hear me? Ollie come get in the bath"

"OLLIE, OLLIE" (and finally there is movement at the station)

Isn't it funny how conversations that you don't think much about at all (seriously otherwise it would do your head in!!) shape the way a little person thinks, and now I find myself calling Oliver "Ollie Ollie" just by default.

The joys and frustrations...and how they live on the haunt us each and every day!!

Simply Redheads and New Mumma please read here

2011-06-28T03:00:00.000-07:00

Sorry people this is a personal little post for my redheaded friend and New Mumma.

I still cannot post comments on your blog. Please do not think I have deserted you, I have been reading reading but am unable to comment.

xxx

The girl with the dragon tattoo by Steig Larsson

2011-06-27T04:07:00.000-07:00

To say I had high hopes for this book is an understatement. Friends had raved about it, one even mentioned that she woke during the night, just to read a few pages and another told me that she hid away from her family for 2 days, simply because she couldn't put the damn thing down.

I was hankering for something unputdownable...sadly for me, this was not it.

Sure it was a good story, it had meat, its characters had substance. The Journalist whose reputation ends up in tatters after a story backfires, and Lisbeth Sanders who has many problems of her own who contributes to unravelling a dark family history.

and there were moments where I certainly was sucked in but on the whole, not quite so.

I think it is definitely worth reading, and will I read the whole trilogy...OK why not? I'm intrigued to find out more about Lisbeth and it wasn't so bad that I am giving up all together.

But there it is, not quite fabulous, but not too bad either.

A rating? 3.5 out of 5.

Memories

2011-06-23T04:07:00.000-07:00

While cleaning out my cupboard (still not complete..) I came across an old handbag with an old notebook inside. I flicked through it to see if there were any phone numbers, or tidbits that I might need.

What I found was a list. (Its at this moment that I admit that I am a list person....I cannot survive without lists) The list was formed when Ollie was just born, it was formed for my first ever visit from the Community Midwife.

Let me share this list with you:

1. How long should he be awake for?
2. Burping technique?
3. If he falls asleep before I burp him what should I do?
4. Should I be using a nappy rash cream?
5. Expressing, how? when?

Ahhh the trials and tribulations of being a new mum, I must admit I had quite a giggle at myself, wake a sleeping baby to burp, What planet was I on? Burping technique....seriously?

After giggling away, it made me realise just how natural being a mum now feels, and even though I clearly had no idea whatsoever,when I first held that tiny baby in my arms and brought him home, I worked it out. I managed to laugh, cry and fumble my way through those first strange months and managed raise myself a healthy happy little guy - so far. And feeling overly confident, I managed to think I could actually do it again, and that little guy is going ok too.

Being a mum is hard work, we worry, hope we are doing a good job, and ask questions each and everyday. But being a mum is the greatest gift I have ever been given, even if I do forget the nappy rash cream every now and then.

This week Im loving......

2011-06-20T03:22:00.000-07:00

That which I cannot have.....

Feast your eyes bag lovers:

Have you ever seen anything more lovely, Oh Valentino how you make me drool and wish and hope and pray that one day bags like this will grace my shoulder.

I love the contrast of the pretty pink and the studs, Oh I love you studded bag.

Giggles.

2011-06-19T04:06:00.000-07:00

Since the moment Flynn started developing his little personality I suspected he was going to be trouble. His cheeky little smile and constant giggles coupled with a certain look has had me wondering just what he has in store for me.

This evening, his true colours appeared. Oh yes, little Flynny Pops confirmed what I have been thinking by sauntering out of our laundry swinging my bra above his head, laughing his little head off. And it wasn't just any old bra either, oh no that wild little red head of mine has impeccable taste, he chose to swing a little bit of Victoria's Secret high and proud.

Oh lordy, what am I in for?

Time? Where did you go?

2011-06-17T14:32:00.000-07:00

It pains me to say this, but I have not finished reading last month's Madison, this months edition arrived this week, I am half way through a book that If given some time I know I wouldn't be able to put down, I have about 15 books under my bed ready to be read, my Pinterest is brimming with "to do's" and I have about 3 months worth of private practice taped which I can't seem to sit down and watch.

My problem? Time. I seem to have lost it. Between being a ~~sometimes~~ supportive wife of a Rugby coach/Business manager/Uni student, mum, friend, and competently managing my team at work, there seems to be very little left. In fact even while I try to steal a few moments to complain about my lack of time, one very cute little guy is standing at my feet trying to push me away from the computer and get him to do something of his will.

I made a deal with myself sometime ago that when all else failed I would still try to read each day. Its something that I love, costs very little and meant I allowed myself a little me time too. For the most part I have kept my deal, but I'm not sure one page and then passing out really constitutes as a good attempt.....

And the solution, well it is simple really, push my weight around and demand some more time for me. Tell my family I am important too, feel less obligated to my friends, forget the housework and sit for a while sounds like a plan? If only I could find the time to do that?!!

Gone Banana's

2011-06-16T03:48:00.000-07:00

Well my bank account balance might if the prices of banana's don't drop soon. I paid $10 for 6 banana's today...$10 DOLLARS PEOPLE.

I know its no ones fault, and who am I to complain, our whole industry was wiped out which has led to this price hike, in fact really I shouldn't complain at all, I have nothing to complain about, people lost their livelihood, yes I am having a terribly selfish, why me, type moment.

But if my children were not so fussy and were happy to eat everything, I wouldn't need to have this conversation, to lament over expensive banana's, in fact I would have to find other worthy yet pointless things to complain about, and really if I only have pointless complaints to make, then life is OK.

Oh Flynny Pops

2011-06-14T03:25:00.000-07:00

You are cute cute cute, but you are driving my nuts. Why is it that you have this incessant need to pull every last thing out of my cupboards and drawers? And not just pull it out, fling it in every direction. And why is it that the moment I pack it all away, you are right back there again, pulling it all out.

Do you realise my lovely little thing, that you are messing with my compulsive need to have everything in its place (yes I realise that as a mum this may sound slightly mad but there is is, perhaps I am mad?)

Why is it that when you eat your dinner, every last mouthful ends with your spoon or fork thrown back for more, not passed - oh no, flung, sometimes at my head.....but at least you follow it with taa..meaning more - just a little win for mum.

My little Flynny Pops, I do love your zest, but really does it have to be taken out on my Tupperware?

Maybe there really is something in the fiery red head theory.

A little self discovery

2011-06-12T01:41:00.000-07:00

I discovered a little something about myself today, it was at the moment when I yanked off my grey cardigan to try on the three grey cardigans I had brought into the change room with me.....seems I have me a little addiction to grey cardigans, at that moment I did a quick visual of what was sitting at home and added yet another two grey cardigans to my own collection, hardly a life changing moment, but certainly worthy of a little giggle.

And so I set myself a little challenge, no grey cardigan in this shopping expedition. I went back and forth to the change room, stripes, navy, charcoal, pants, dresses, blouses. I tried on a scarf, some shoes, and browsed the leather goods and yet I didn't get the same satisfaction as I did when I first tried on those lovely grey knits.

I was determined that I would not be leaving empty handed so in a last ditch effort I caved just a little. It was a lovely little cardi, fit beautifully and will be the perfect accompaniment to my new black boots, but alas it was grey *sigh* seems this little habit is harder to break than I thought it would be. At least this one was sporting a little bit of leopard print, just a little bit better than plain old grey but so be it, I have to accept that I am a grey cardigan junkie.

I've discovered....

2011-06-07T03:25:00.000-07:00

The joys of home delivery.....and I'm wanting more.

Doing the country living thing means that there are many little luxuries that I don't get on a regular basis, and honestly its not like I live in hicks ville - although my city counterparts may disagree, my town is of a reasonable size, in fact it is considered a city, the shopping is OK, there are restaurants, wineries nearby and I can quickly get myself on a plane to the big city lights and be there in an hour. Its not. that. bad.

But the one thing that this city does not have is home delivered groceries. I have to admit, I really don't mind doing the grocery shopping. Ollie and I go together - its our date afternoon. We chat about our day and he helps me find everything I need. Its actually a very enjoyable part of our week, and I love having a little special something that my oldest baby and I do exclusively together.

That is until I discovered that a business had moved to town that would deliver me my fruit and vegies. Oh my....I am in home delivery heaven. Logging on, picking my fresh produce from the comfort of my couch and receiving that polystyrene box full of goodies for some reason gives me the coolest little buzz. And the best thing is that as much as they can, its sourced locally and fresh fresh fresh.

So come on Supermarkets, get with the times, so that Ollie and I can go for a milkshake instead!

Gadgets of the enjoyable kind

2011-06-05T04:13:00.000-07:00

Husby and I decided that we needed a bit of self gratification this weekend......I mean we deserve it right? We work hard, we contribute to our community, we love our kids. What more reason do we need? And so this little baby is now in my hot little hands:

The Canon DSLR 600D. I have had my father in laws 350D on indefinite loan for some time now, but have been very wary about the wear and tear I was placing on it - I am certain I have ingrained my finger prints into the poor thing, so finally I took the plunge and bought my own DSLR. I have already participated in a couple of photography courses and intend on doing more, I love having a creative outlet.

Next on the list is this little eye opener:

Isn't she lovely? We have been deliberating over a coffee machine for some time now, in fact deliberating is not necessarily the word, obsessing would probably be more like it. You see DD and I do love our coffee in abundance, and while we really do have better things to spend our money on, we decided to throw caution to the wind - crazy kids that we are!!
And so a few little luxury's are added to the Polly home. And now I'm putting stops on spending......lets just see how we cope!!

Science of the toddler kind.

2011-06-02T04:09:00.000-07:00

Lately Ollie is obsessed with why, how, what and when. Everyday is a new and challenging question, Why is there a sky? What do clouds do? How do trees grow? Why do we have bones? How does hair grow? and on and on it goes. And while these questions may not sound challenging, trying to find a way to explain life in whatever way he asks in an honest but understandable way is challenging to say the least.

I have to admit, I love my little guy's curiosity, and discovering the world through the eyes of a 4 year old is certainly giving my plenty of giggles - when my brain is not on overload, trying to feed his little brain with simple explanations for concepts that people have university degrees to understand.

I must admit though his latest knowledge buster is about stinky boots, and when he exclaimed to me yesterday with much excitement that "when he grows up he will have stinky boots like dad" I wondered if maybe I should start on personal hygiene sometime soon.

This week Im loving......

2011-05-31T03:10:00.000-07:00

Toms

These shoes were a discovery on my USA trip. It started with noticing them everywhere, on everyone and me thinking "I got to get me some of those comfy looking shoes" to "Oh my lordy, I got to get me those shoes in every colour"

Where were these nifty little shoes and how did I get my dirty little hands on them?

And then I walked into Sketchers and there they were. A wall full of them in all their colourful glory.

My favourite stripes

Go anywhere do anything, be versatile Olive:

and even a little bit of sparkle:

I tell you I was in shoe love.
and as if I really needed a reason to spend my holiday $$$ on shoes (I had already bought 3 pairs) I discovered something really special about these shoes. Yes what really sold me was when I actually looked at these shoes closely and found that these shoes have a social conscience.

Huh?

Its true, because every time you buy a pair of these shoes Toms give a pair of new shoes to a child in need.

And I have to tell you, this is not a sponsored post, nor have I been contacted by anyone, the fact is by indulging my dirty little habit, I get to do something good in this world and that makes me smile.

Friends

2011-05-25T04:28:00.000-07:00

It seems that I can't leave comments on some of your blogs - mostly those of you who have those little letters that you have to type in. (Don't you love my tech speak)

Apparently it is a known issue to blogger and they are investigating, but I just don't want you all to think I don't love you lots.

Its driving me freaking crazy to not be able to post comments to my beloved blog friends.

Just wanted you to know I still love you all and I am not ignoring you.

Infidel by Ayaan Hirsi Ali

2011-05-25T03:49:00.000-07:00

This book made me feel lucky. To be grateful to have a family that loves me, that has taught me to be independent and that respects the choices I make. That has allowed me to be me. Because the fact is that in this world, not all of us have that luxury.

Ayaan Hirsi Ali has has had what could be called an extraordinary life. Born in Somalia, she has lived through war, genital mutilation and an arranged marriage, and then has been strong enough to walk away from it all.

She has used her life experience to become a politician, an activist, a strong, idealistic woman. Ayaan Hirsi Ali is a woman to be admired, because she had faith in herself, and faith in that which she believed to be right and despite being in true danger she stands tall and speaks out.

This book is a book that gives you strength and I recommend it to you all. 4 out of 5 for this amazing woman.

Versatile, now there's a word

2011-05-24T03:17:00.000-07:00

And recently I am honoured to have it used about me and my blog. I have the lovely Amy to thank for that honour, you should check out her blog, its no wonder she was awarded this little lovely first.

Of course there is a meme to go with this little honour which means I have to tell you 7 things you don't know about me, but here it is, I can't for the life of me remember what I have told you and what I haven't - so if its all old news, please forgive me.

OK here we go......

1. I went to boarding school, I loved it, I made life long friends and I miss them constantly still, 15 years later.

2. My wardrobe is never without a black cardi, black ballet flats and a black turtle neck. Never.

3. You all know I am an avid reader, when I was little I had a book on my lap at all times, dinner, school, you name it, it was there. It caused me a little bit of trouble to say the least.

4. I love to dance, I don't care where and I don't care who sees me. Ill dance anywhere, anytime.

5. I am an organiser, I spend my life organising my life, yet I never quite feel organised...go figure!!

6. I know all the words to "The Devil went down to Georgia" and I'm not afraid to sing it.

And now I'm supposed to pass this award on, but the truth is I love all the blogs I read, for many varied different reasons so I'm really not so sure who to choose, its a cop out I know but I choose you all, because I enjoy and love all the blogs I read, xx

Raising boys

2011-05-21T03:09:00.000-07:00

Its a stressful thing. And today possibly one of the more stressful moments in Ollie's short little life.

Why is it that the moment you turn your back, the bad stuff happens? And in my case, a mouthful of blood one one little toothy peg in Ollie's little hand.

So how did I handle such a situation? well I flapped, I panicked I cried, I bundled the boys into the car, while Ollie lamented the loss of his tooth rather sadly, no shoes, covered in blood, looking like something, well something that the cat probably wouldn't even bother to drag in frankly.

So I arrive at Emergency still panicking, trying to console my Ollie boy and Flynn in tow with absolutely no idea what the fuss was all about to be told. "its a first tooth, we don't really do anything"

I'm sorry? You don't really do anything? Who the hell are you? This is my baby, my perfect handsome baby and you are telling me he will be missing a tooth indefinitely? Why can't you perform some miracle which will pop his little tooth back in? Why won't you fix my baaaabbbbyyyy? (Alright alright not quite so dramatic, but I did fire maybe an unreasonable amount of questions her way...)

I think she might have gone out back and pressed the crazy, hysterical mother alarm because all of a sudden I was being seen by the Dr in Charge, being reassured and consoling my poor little guy who was still upset about not having a tooth. Bubbles were being blown, jokes being had and while Ollie was still not convinced, the hysterical crazy mother type lady on the other hand was back to her usual cool, calm rational self.

And so we have a hole. Which won't be filled, for about 2 years, a visit from the tooth fairy on the horizon and a little tooth in a specimen jar which the tooth fairy has agreed to leave behind so that Ollie can brag to his friends and remain attached to that little pearly white.

Today I lied.

2011-05-18T04:11:00.000-07:00

Twice actually, and to be honest I don't feel bad about it (well OK maybe a little bit)

First I told a telemarketer who was harassing me about my finances that I was already seeing a financial planner. Hmmm not quite true, I have seen a financial planner, once, and it was only because he was sitting in with my accountant. So I wasn't actually seeing him about my finances, but he was there, so that counts right? In any case it worked and I was off the phone in minutes

Second, I was running my way on through the shopping centre to the supermarket and I saw the photographers from a mile away. The ones that take far too many cheesy photos of your kids and then charge you crazy amounts of money to actually buy anything. You know the ones? Anyway as they approached me I told them I was a photographer, I'm even blushing as I write this. Um I want to be a photographer? I like taking photos, I have a camera and I have participated in courses but that one is a big. fat. juicy. lie. Why couldn't I just say no thanks? Why lie? I hate liars and now I myself am one.

Oops....

Sleeping babies.

2011-05-17T04:12:00.000-07:00

Really, is there anything more precious than a sleeping baby. And no I don't mean in the thank freaking goodness this day is over and you are finally asleep type of way. I honestly mean in the awwww my precious precious little boys, you make my heart melt.

One thing I cannot do, unless I am away from my boys is to go to bed without sitting and watch the pair of them sleep for a moment or two. Their precious little hands curled up, cuddling their blankets. This is my moment of contentment each and every day. My ahhhh life is worth living, my you are my world moment.

Its little moments that help me realise and prioritise. When everything else is falling apart, when I feel like Ill never get my head above water at work, when I look at my laundry and wonder if it will ever be empty, I only need to put my head in on my sleeping babies to know I'm OK, we are OK.

Winter Essentials

2011-05-14T04:48:00.000-07:00

There are 3 things I feel compelled, IE must/need/always purchase each and every winter. I'm not really sure when these habits began but I don't feel any winter satisfaction, if these 3 things are not added to my wardrobe each and every winter.

The first item is a Jacket of some kind, and consider I very recently spent my pennies on this little lovely. I feel that I can tick this off my list.

The second is a new pair of flannelette pyjama's. The fact is I have a ongoing love affair with pyjama's. Particularly those of the flannelette kind, and because my love for them is copious, I wear them often. In fact, if you call by my house past 5pm uninvited, from May through to October, chances are you will find me in my pyjama's. And if I know you well enough, and I invite you over, I hope you will love me enough to know and understand, that I'm not dressing up for you, I'm probably going to be in my flannies.

This winter I have not added to my collection. However my Peter Alexander catalogue keeps turning up in my mailbox and I'm getting itchy...new winter PJ's you will be enveloping my body sooner rather than later.

Lastly, I have a serious addiction that needs feeding ever winter in the form of boots. I love boots. Some might remember me blogging about my boot love here last year. And by the way I'm still loving those first flat black boots. Which brings me to my quandary about what to add to my boot collection this year.

I'm thinking its got to be those black knee length flats. So sensible, so practical, so missing from my wardrobe. Trouble is I'm struggling to find a pair that I love as much as the ones I found last year.And so many lovely booties on offer....oh what to do?

Seems some investigating is in order.

And purchases.....some lovely winter purchases.

Fruity conversations.

2011-05-12T04:08:00.000-07:00

Got to love the honesty of kids. Tonight while grocery shopping Ollie asked me if we could have Fruit Loops. Not sure why or how he might think he was ever going to have that chance in hell. He has never had them in his life and I don't plan to enable that little sugary habit.

In any case I told him that no, he could not have Fruit Loops as they make him silly. Happy enough with that explanation we went on our merry way.

By sheer luck (good or bad?) a lady parked her trolley behind us and what was on top of her trolley...of course, Fruit Loops. Ollie told her very quickly that they would make her silly. The poor lady was in stiches while Ollie continued to explain that they make him silly and the last thing we need is a silly house. (Seriously where does this kid get this stuff?)

So when the day is tough and Ollie lands me with a pearler like this one, to give me the greatest of giggles, all is put back into perspective. Love these special little moments where I can have a laugh at pure honesty and innocence!!

Nothing says winter better

2011-05-10T02:57:00.000-07:00

Than a whole lot of germs, and technically it isn't even winter yet. So we had Ollie boy at Emergency last week for a serious bout of croup, he went down in 10 minutes and gave us all a huge fright. He ended up being admitted but after a shot of adrenalin and some prednizone to boot, my husband tells me he had the whole Emergency room wrapped around his little finger with his cuteness. Poor DD however was sleep deprived and over tired having been the one Ollie boy choose to accompany him on his little adventure. We are pretty certain now that what we thought was asthma is actually very large tonsils so it looks like we will be seeing an ENT in the near future.

Meanwhile Flynny Pops seems to have caught the dreaded lurgy and has been running temps and has the obligatory snot to go with, and as I am not feeling fantastic either we stayed home together and snuggled on the couch today while I caught up on episodes of Fashion Police and The Practice. Aside from feeling like poo it was the perfect lazy day, and its been a long time since my baby boy snuggled up in my arms to snooze. Shame we had to have the germs to go with.

And so there it is in Polly's house, a whole lot of woe is me going on. Lets hope we can get the germs out of our system early on this winter. My fingers are crossed.

This week Im loving......

2011-05-08T04:16:00.000-07:00

In celebration of Mother's Day, this week I'm loving being a mum. OK so I love it everyday, I don't really need to choose to love it this week only, but I'm going to, because I can.

I hope that all you lovelies had a wonderful mothers day. That mum's got spoilt, dad's engaged in spoiling and son's and daughters enjoyed a special moment with your mum.

I have never appreciated my mum more than when I became a mum myself. All those strange decisions that she made, that I didn't like or understand make so much more sense now, and I have so much respect for her, especially because she did alot of the child rearing on her own.

Being a mum is a tough gig, but its the most amazing, rewarding and fun thing that I have had the honour to do. I hope that I can raise my boys to be good one's, with respect for self, others and our earth. To be able to laugh at themselves and to know how to have good honest fun.

And in celebration of mothers day, here are a few photos of my day:

On our way out the door to the Zoo - love the faces on my little guys, almost impossible to get smiles at the same time!

About to have a big smooch!

A bit of handmade love from my Ollie boy and my newest prized possession.

Flynny Pops playing up a storm.

Happy Mothers Day friends, I hope your day has been full of sloppy kisses, big hugs and sunshine. xx

Alright then, just a couple more

2011-05-05T04:41:00.000-07:00

Are you up for it? If not, you may want to click away now. I must add that too many of our photos are incredibly boozy...so Ill just give you a little taste. I have to maintain just a little bit of dignity!!

Happy snap - just off the plane and straight to Hollywood!!

DD fulfills an item on his bucketlist

A plate of Clippers coloured nachos and a brew. Life is good.

Hanging out with little Elvis

Beautiful Newport Beach

And that's about where I will leave it, unless you really want to see happy snaps of DD and I all over California. And so we are recovered, but wow what a fantastic trip. We are already planning the next one.

Honey, Im home

2011-05-03T03:33:00.000-07:00

Hello friends. We are finally home, safe and sound. A little weary, make that a lot. But happy to be here, to have our boys in our arms and glad to have shared such a brilliant trip together.

Yes I have lots of pics..sights, happy snaps and a few boozy moments, and maybe even a pic of myself and little Elvis. (Only in Vegas right?!)

However, I am slack, I blame it on the kids, on being tired, rugby too? and alas I am still to load my pics onto my laptop.

I won't leave you completely empty handed though, I'm not that kind of girl. So here are a few little snaps straight from my IPhone (and thus the not so great quality!!)

One of our most favourite bars in Vegas. The Bar at Times Square Duelling Piano Bar (New York, New York) - and yes we Aussies made our presence known on more than one occasion!!

Sugar Factory Cocktails - fishbowl size!!

Sharing a cocktail at another of our favourite bars at the Cosmopolitan - looking over the strip and its shenanigans!

So cheers my friends. I can't wait to catch up on all your news and keep on sharing ours.

Checking in.

2011-04-22T17:25:00.000-07:00

And, I'm alive....just. Vegas is one crazy place....its been 7 days and I'm well and truly ready to get out of here.

We have been having a great time though, Our first day in LA was great fun, the NBA game met more than our expectations and the Clippers won, added bonus!

Disneyland truly is the place where dreams come true, and Newport Beach, you just may be the prettiest place on this planet.

Vegas, now you know the rules, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas, but maybe I can let you in on a little bit of something something, Too much alcohol?..tick. Late nights? Tick. Shopping? Tick. Wedding? Fan freaking tastic. Catching a show? Tick - well at least I can tick that tonight, we are off to see Holly's Peep Show.

Tomorrow we are out of here, to recover in San Francisco.

I'm missing the boys dreadfully but they are being spoilt by the grandparents and we have been talking every night.

Now I must say this. You Americans are some of the friendliest and helpful people we have ever met. We are amazed by just how nice everyone is.

Your meals.....lordy me oh my, huge!!!! You guys sure know how to serve a plate full of food.

Suffice to say the trip is great. I'm looking forward to catching up with you all, and sharing some pics and stories when I get home.

Unreliable.

2011-04-11T03:55:00.000-07:00

This I am not. In fact, if you ask any of my friends to describe me, this is probably a word they would use....not that fun, not that exciting, not that glamorous. But I guess if your friends are describing you, its a pretty good word for them to use.

BUT, I'm going to be a little bit unreliable with my blog for the next couple of weeks, please don't hold it against me. You see the time has finally arrived for me to be leaving on a jet plane. I do know when Ill be back again, but not that sure when I might have a chance to blog.

I still have much to do, I didn't leave work until late tonight, just trying to tie up a few loose ends before I go, I have to pack the bambino's up and of course plan and pack my simply amazing array of outfits for my trip.

I mentioned at one point that I was going to commit to pack 4 pairs of shoes, not including thongs, not including joggers, not including the shoes I am wearing on the plane. What was I thinking....I can't do it!!

And so my beloved blogging friends, do take care, and if I don't get to you while away, I will look forward to lots of catching up on my return.

xxx

ooooh and I should have a couple of great book reviews, just a little excited about some quality time with my books!