More Than A Mummy

Top Ten Valentine's Day Gifts I Didn't Get

2012-02-15T09:00:00.000+11:00

After celebrating 13 Valentine's Days together, Grant and I no longer feel the need to exchange gifts. So for our 14th Valentine's Day, Grant worked late and I watched Fringe. No biggie, it doesn't bother me. We're in the process of moving house, so any grand gestures would only cut into our packing time or just make more work by needing to find a box to store a new present.

That said, a girl can always dream.... These were my top ten fantasy gifts for Valentine's Day:

Chanel Mademoiselle Perfume

Natalie Imbruglia for Kailis Pearl Ring

Pink Peonies

All Sewn Up

A Weekend Away at Wolgan Valley Resort

Kate Spade Helena Bag in Natural

A Day at the Spa

Vidal Sasson Hair Brush Dryer

This Beautiful Life

Givenchy Hydra Sparkling Cheek & Lip Balm

So, tell me! What Valentine's Day pressies did you get, real or imagined?!

My Latest Obsession: Fringe

2012-02-13T13:41:00.001+11:00

I watched The X-Files qutie a bit when I was in high school. I loved that show, until it got too out there. Loved the guy that could set himself on fire, not so keen about all the alien goings on.

This week, I may have discovered my latest obsession: Fringe. It's an American show that explores 'fringe' science. From the first episode, I was hooked. And the best thing is that they're already finished season 4, so I have so many eps to catch up on, instead of waiting not-so-patiently for the new season. Dexter, True Blood, I'm talking to you.

Fringe is the better version of X-Files for many reasons: better storylines, interesting characters. And Joshua Jackson. I never saw anything remotely attractive about David Duchovny as Mulder. Joshua Jackson, however, is quite a delight.

So, if you're in the mood for a new show to get into, may I suggest Fringe? I'm pretty sure you'll think it's awesome.

Book Love: How to Be a Woman

2012-02-09T14:28:00.000+11:00

When this book was first released, it seemed to be everywhere. And I can admit that the cover didn't appeal to me. I think it seemed too bleak and serious. So I didn't buy it.

Earlier this year, I read an article in a women's magazine about overeating. It was utterly compelling. At the bottom, they revealed that it was an excerpt from this very book. I went straight to my computer and ordered a copy.

I cannot rave about this book enough. It is brilliant and funny and intelligent and moving. It is one of the best books on feminism that I've ever read. It should be compulsive reading for every high school student in Australia.

Now I have a massive girl crush on Caitlin Moran. Massive.

She's awesome, she is exactly what feminism needs to encourage young women to embrace the cause. She is honest, refreshingly so. She shares stories and statistics that make you want to write a letter to Oprah and get her on board. One of the things I adored about the book is that it's funny as well as provocative. There were plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, it was a surprisingly enjoyable read. I almost didn't want it to end.

So I urge you to read this book. Heck, buy five copies and give them to your friends. You won't regret it! And then we can start stalking Caitlin en masse to get her to write another book!

Karl Lagerfeld is a Bit Too Narrow Minded...

2012-02-07T15:11:00.001+11:00

Karl Lagerfeld is a brilliant designer - no doubt. But the man is a bit of a goon.

He's just come out saying that Adele has a divine voice but that she's a bit too fat.

If I had heard this quote a few years ago, I would have been so upset for Adele, feeling sorry that her weight is again becoming fodder for tabloids. And in a way, I still feel a bit sad for her. But mostly, I feel sorry for Karl.

I can't imagine living in such a small world where your idea of beauty is restricted to someone's dress size.

What about her smile, her skin, her hair, her eyes? What about who she is as a person? She's an absolute stunner, not even counting that talent.

How about someone's beauty being determined by their character?

I'll never forget at uni, what seems like many years ago, we were sitting in our tutorial discussing the qualities that make a good teacher. We had to fill in a survey and rank the qualities that we felt were crucial for a person to be an exceptional teacher. One of the qualities was beauty. When the time came to share our answers, everyone person in the class, except for one guy, said that they felt beauty was completely irrelevant when it came to teaching. Then the tutor asked the only guy who'd answered that beauty was an important quality for a teacher to possess to explain his answer. The guy sat there and talked about his idea of beauty - not the physical aspect of it but the beauty of a person who is kind and thoughtful and honest. He spoke so articulately and in such a lovely manner that by the time he stopped talking, we were all looking at him with stars in our eyes. I immediately started thinking of friends that I'd love to introduce this guy to (keep in mind that I didn't even know his name!).

Since then, everytime I describe someone as beautiful - that's the criteria I measure them by. Are they a beautiful person? Or just a beautiful face, or body, or size....

And Karl, I hate to break it to you but you don't fit my idea of beauty. So there.

Top Ten Books on My Wishlist

2012-02-01T11:04:00.003+11:00

So, since we're moving house in the next month (OMG, trying not to freak out about moving all our stuff), I've been unable to buy books. I guess that money IS better spent on beds, tables and carpets, after all! Here are the books that I'm looking at longingly through the computer screen!

How to Cook - Mrs Beeton

Saving Cee Cee Honeycutt - Beth Hoffman

I Got This - Jennifer Hudson

I love Kawaii - Charuca

I Married You for Happiness - Lily Tuck

Joy The Baker Cookbook - Joy Wilson

CelebraTORI - Tori Spelling

Perfectly Imperfect Home - Deborah Needleman

Papercraft - R. Klanten

Free Falling - Nicola Moriarty

Lovely Things: Lotta Magazine

2012-01-31T10:00:00.000+11:00

Lotta Magazine is a brand new magazine for kids. It has no ads and it's got TONS of adorable ideas that inspire creativity and guarantee that kids are using their brains for more than just video games.

It's actually designed for primary school aged children, but I plan on modifying some of the activites and crafts so that my littlies can enjoy it.

I think it's an awesome resource for parents and teachers and I adore the fact that it's scheduled to be released to coincide with school holidays (genuis, sheer genius!).

Just to be clear - this is in NO WAY a sponsored post. I just discovered Lotta on the net a few weeks ago and ordered a copy for myself. Since I loved it so much, I wanted to share it with y'all. You're welcome!

A Black Dog Day

2012-01-30T07:00:00.000+11:00

I can feel these days coming on. They build up over a week or two and my mood gradually gets more apathetic and dark. And to those people who say depression isn't real and that we need to snap out of it can go and get f**ked.

If I can 'catch' the depressive feelings coming on, then I try to stave them off. Exercise helps, but I'll employ just about any of the tools in my basket - shopping, food, reading. After awhile though, the gestures feel hollow - nothing helps. Those are the times when I just sit back and let it wash over me.

It sounds bizarre but when I get this bad, I actually start to feel better, because it forces me to get going and make changes. Like see the doctor and get another script for anti-depressants. Or taking time out to have some quiet.

It sucks, it really does. I can't get rid of that insipid little voice that tells me I have no right to feel this way - I have a husband who loves me, two adorable kids, a home, a great network of friends. But still, the cloud hovers over my head and no amount of sunshiney affirmations will get rid of it.

So, this week I'm going back to my doctor for another script. I'm scheduling in some time at the gym.

Book Love: MWF Seeking BFF

2012-01-27T11:53:00.001+11:00

Something about the title of this book compelled me to order it (plus, I liked the cover).

It's the story of Rachel Bertsche's 1 year search for a new best friend. She's recently moved from New York to Chicago and although she's loving her life as a newlywed, she's desperately missing the BFF's that she left behind.

Rachel sets herself a challenge of 52 friend dates in one year in a quest to find her new best friend.

I loved this book. It's more than just amusing anecdotes about meeting people and trying to form a connection, she goes into the research about why friends are so important to our wellbeing - our mental health, our physical health (those stats really surprised me) and our overall sense of happiness.

I'm consider myself very lucky to have wonderful friends but this book made me realise just how important friendships are, and it reaffirmed the need to put more effort and energy into my friendships.

It's the kind of book that I'd recommend to everyone. It's fun, light, very readable and lovely.

Wishing, Wishing...

2012-01-20T14:34:00.001+11:00

I'll never forget the first time I saw some of the amazing art from Mark Ryden.

It was from his Anima Mundi collection and I was spellbound from the get go.

I love what he does. The cutesy combined with violence and gore.

Last year, I was lucky enough to nab one of his prints (thanks Kaz!) and I can't wait to frame it and hang it in the new house.

But now I see this book.

Pinxit (from the latin 'painted by').

A collection of Mark Ryden's exhibitions.... Ahhhhhhh. If only.

Alas, the approximate cost of $965.00 makes it somewhat unattainable for me!

Book Love: It's Not Me, It's You

2012-01-19T14:17:00.002+11:00

This book should be a crucial element in the argument that Mommy/Mummy bloggers/writers can, indeed, be funny. Some of the stories that Stefanie Wilder-Taylor shares are so outrageous and hilarious that I can't help wondering if they're fiction.

One of the great things about this book is that it's not all funny-Mummy stories. In fact, there are so few mentions of her children that I almost forgot she's a Mum of 3. The book is basically a collection of highly amusing anecdotes from her childhood and adolescence. And her reluctance to go out and get a proper job as an adult.

She's the kind of woman who's had some adventures, she's not afraid to speak her mind and she's just got a sharp wit. I really want to hang out with her and absorb some of her cool.

So, if you're looking for a light, funny read. Grab a copy, it won't disappoint!

Top Ten Reasons I'm Feeling the Love Today

2012-01-18T11:15:00.000+11:00

1. Today Is Not Yesterday

Yesterday sucked. But I'm moving on to a new day.

2. Cancellations

Mikey has been booked in to see a developmental paediatrician since last year. Our appointment was scheduled for late March but yesterday we got a call that they'd had a cancellation and they could fit us in this afternoon. Yippee!

3. Gorgeous Orange Roses

A treat from my Mum. She's so adorable that she buys me flowers that match my house! Gotta love that!

4. We're Getting Closer to Moving

Since we bought a place last year, it's felt as though the move will be just out of reach. But it's getting closer! I'm choosing NOT to focus on the whole packing thing and just concentrate on having more space for my books.

5. Dexter

I'm almost finished Season 6 and I'm loving it even more than ever. Michae C. Hall - I seriously heart you.

6. Zinio

Ahhhh, so many magazines. So easy to download, so easy to subscribe. For a magazine addict like me, this app is bliss.

7. Fun times Ahead

In the next few days I'll be catching up with some of my fave peeps. Can't wait

8. New Books

Just about all of my books are being stored at my parents while our place has been on the market. So what's a girl to do? Order more books of course!

9. The Pool

It's become my sanity saver this year. A nice swim in the morning puts me in the right frame of mind to deal with whatever the day throws at me.

10. Bon Iver

I'm a little late to this party, I'm afraid. My sister has been trying to get me to listen for ages. I finally downloaded the album and I'm in love.

A Balanced Break

2012-01-16T13:28:00.002+11:00

Ricky's at Noosa. The passionfuit sorbet alone is worth the flight!

Think of something awesome: a family holiday in sunny Noosa. With your lovely parents there to help out with the kidlets. Eating out at amazing restaurants with food that will blow your mindhole. Going to the beach and it being so perfect you almost can't believe it. Managing to nab a front table at the surf club so you can people watch and ocean stare while you munch on a veggie burger. Getting quality time with your Mum to chat about everything and nothing. And even getting a date night with Hubsy at the end of the trip, where you can sit and imagine that this year will be the best year of your lives.

Then think of something un-awesome: like the flight home. Where you're wedged between your two kids. One of whom is a little angel. The other one is nearly sprouting horns. She kicks and screams and scratches. People stare and the flight attendant threatens that the plane will have to return to the gate and the flight will be cancelled if your daughter doesn't calm down. You sit in your seat, with silent tears running down your face, wishing that you had driven instead of flying.... You get home with 3 full suitcases and make a head start on the washing. Ten minutes after putting on a load, you smell burning. Open the washing machine and smoke floods out. The clothes smell like a fire and the motor in your washer is blown.

I guess it's all about balance!

Top Ten Fun Things to do in Sydney with Your Kids

2012-01-11T08:00:00.000+11:00

Play centres. A necessary evil of parenting. They're lifesavers on rainy, cold days and blessings in the scorching heat. The rest of the time, they're noisy, germ-infested sources of anxiety (or is that just me?).

Here are my top ten choices for fun things to do in Sydney with your kids, that won't send you batty!

Bills in Queen St and a Book Browse Afterwards at Lesley McKays

What's better than Bills for breakfast? Buying new books afterwards! This is the best way to start a Sunday! The food is delish and the restaurant is kid-friendly, especially if you can get a spot outside in the courtyard. And the bookshop has a GREAT selection of kids books.

Taronga Zoo

Sure, you may need a second mortgage to afford the entry fee. But Taronga Zoo is aweome, so worth it! The shows are great and the location is sublime. Also? If you buy your tickets beforehand online, you can save up to 15% and avoid the crowds in the process. Winning! It's one of those must-do things for families in Sydney. And I promise, if you pack enough sunscreen, water and wipes it can be a fun day out! Just be prepared to be nagged on the way out to buy a toy!

The Beach

Call me un-Australian but I'm not much of a Bondi Beach fan. I love Manly, Palm Beach, Avoca and squillions of others but I just can't muster any love for Bondi. That said, a day at the beach with the kids, although exhausting, is guaranteed to bring smiles all round. And there's the added benefit of swimming and frolicking wearing them out which means they'll sleep like logs that night. BONUS!

Yum Cha

My kids love it when we go to yum cha. Thank goodness because a life without pork buns is no life at all, is it? It's great because it's always a crazy atmosphere - it's so noisy and hectic that no-one flinches if kids throw a tantrum. Plus, with all the excitement of new food arriving on the table every few minutes, the kids never get bored.

Day Trip to Kinokuniya

My kids love this bookshop. Mainly because there's a great area for them to spread out with all their potential purchases. When I worked in a bookshop, I loathed parents that let their kids touch all the books but now I realise that kids like to check out all their options before selecting the book they'll take home. At least, my kids do! And if you manage to convince another adult to brave the trip with you, you might just be able to sneak away for some browsing of your own!

The MCA and Ice Cream

My kids LOVE the Museum of Contemporary Art. And why not? It's got some amazing artwork in there. I never expected them to like it as much as they do, but I'm so glad! It's a great way to spend an afternoon. And you can get ice-cream in the Rocks afterwards!

Catch a Train to the Botannic Gardens

For Mikey, half the fun of any day out is getting there, especially if we do something really fun like catch public transport! We like to catch a train from Epping Station because it's all new and futuristic. We love to take the kids to the Botannic Gardens for a picnic and let them run around with a ball. It's not an expensive day out and the kids always have a great time.

Do the Sydney Cityseeing Tour in a Double-Decker Red Bus

Sure, it's kitsch and touristy. But the kids LOVE it. We did it in spring on a perfect warm day. For someone like me, with zero sense of spatial orientation, it was a great way to get more understanding of the layout of the city. The kids thought it was the most fun ever! Just remember your hat and sunscreen!

Lindt Cafe and Darling Harbour Park

Start the morning with a milkshake from the Lindt cafe (yummmmm) and then make your way over to Darling Harbour Park. It's amazing. It can get a little crowded, especially on weekends, so we tend to this day out when Grant has a day off during the week.

Walk Over the Harbour Bridge

My kids love the Bridge. It's very exciting to walk across such a big bridge, the kids were almost reverent! Again, it's kinda touristy but if you can't play tourist in your own city every now and then, what the point?

My Latest Obsession....

2012-01-09T09:00:00.000+11:00

This is what started it all..... OPI Blue My Mind

Blue nail polish.

Beauty-wise, it's about as crazy as I get.

I've always been traditional about my nails. Never veering from nudes, pinks and reds.

But then I saw a navy OPI polish on Pinterest and I'm hooked.

I've already bought two shades:

No Room for the Blues:

Dating a Royal:

** Just so we're clear - I didn't take a photo of my self-manicure. If you saw how bad I am at polishing my own nails, you might mistake me for a monkey.

Top Ten Reasons I Need my Glasses

2012-01-04T12:54:00.005+11:00

Alas, these chic glasses are not mine...

I wear my glasses almost all the time now. There was a time, however, before I'd admitted to myself that I had a problem that I used to squint my way through every day, unable to see much more than a couple of metres in front of where I was going.

Here are the reasons that I finally went and got my eyes checked:

Recording the Wrong Show on Foxtel Because You Can't Read the Menu Properly

First-world problem, right?! Still it's pretty frustrating when you thought you were taping DC Cupcakes and you end up with Millionaire Matchmaker....

Stopping Total Strangers in Carparks because You Think They're Your Friends

I was on my way out to dinner with a friend and her new man. After I'd parked my car and was making my way towards the restaurant, a blue car drove past me. I flagged it down, ran towards it and started recounting a funny story from that day. It wasn't until I reached out to lean into the car for a hello kiss that I realised these people are not my friends. I backed away, tried to laugh it off and explain that they looked exactly like my friends. They were a few years younger than me and looked considerably spooked.

Mistaking a Pile of Boxes on the Side of the Road for a Llama, Waiting to Cross Over

This was one of my worst mistakes. It was a pile of brown boxes. And I honestly thought it was a llama waiting for a stop in the traffic to cross the road. Please don't judge. My eyesight really is terrible! And I have a vivid imagination.

Insulting Your Female Friend AND a Strange Man at the Movies

The All-Stars indulged me with a trip to the movies several years ago so that we could see Orlando Bloom's latest flick. It was Kingdom of Heaven. A bitter disappointment because it was a very blah movie and there were an abundance of sheep throughout. One of our friends, let's call her B-Ho, was getting snacks and we'd saved her a spot. I should inform you that B-Ho is a tall, statuesque and stunning woman. The All-Stars were more than a little baffled when I started calling out to a large, much older man walking into the cinema. I was signalling him over to sit with us. Yup, I thought he was B-Ho. When B-Ho finally made it into her seat and the other All-Stars pointed out who I'd mistaken her for, she was not impressed....

Not Being Able to Read Road Signs and Getting Completely Lost

This has happened far more times than I care to admit. Thank goodness for sat-nav. Another valuable lesson learned? Always, always, get dressed before driving your sister and her boyfriend to the airport. There's nothing worse than getting lost on your way home and not being able to get out and ask for directions because you're wearing your PJs.

Braking for Leaves and Sticks - Thinking They're Animals

In my defence, my parents live on acreage, so it's quite common to see bunnies, horses, peacocks and other wildlife wandering around the place. But I frequently mistake leaves, bark and sticks for lizards, mice and possums.

Getting Confused in Movies because You Can't See that the Baddie is a Different Actor to the Goodie

Action movies are the worst. Unless it's Brad Pitt or George Clooney, they all look the same to me.

Accidentally Snubbing Friends at the Shops Because You Don't Recognise Them

Thankfully, most of my friends know how bad I am (and don't even take advantage of it!) but I've had a few outraged, "Why didn't you say hello to me yesterday? I was waving at you for five minutes?!"

Oops!

Leading on a Young Man at the Cricket, Thinking He's Your Boyfriend

Grant used to play cricket all the time. Being the dutiful girlfriend I was, about once a year I'd go and watch him play. This particular time, I drove there, found myself a prime position under a shady tree and proceeded to wave and blow kisses to the guy who was bowling. I'd cheer when he got someone out, I was very, very supportive. His teammates seemed to be very congratulatory about this, which I found rather strange as I'd met them several times and they'd seen me before. It wasn't until my phone started ringing during an innings that I noticed something was amiss. The caller ID was Grant. I actually answered the phone, "If you're calling me, who is kicking arse against Northern Districts right now?". Not only was I watching the wrong guy, I was watching the wrong sodding game!

Squinting All the Time and Getting Wrinkles

I am so going to need botox!

squinting all the time - i'm gonna need botox

Swimming with Sharks

2012-01-02T14:06:00.000+11:00

This is the pool at my gym....

Sometimes I wish I could shut my brain off, really I do.

This morning I got up early and drove to the gym for a nice, quiet swim.

It all started so beautifully, the water was refreshing, the sun was streaming through the windows. It was so peaceful that I contemplated getting up early every day, just to enjoy the time to myself doing something I love.

And then into my brain pops an image I saw in an ad last night. An ad for the movie Deep Blue Sea. Maybe you remember it? It's where they genetically modified sharks and then the sharks go ka-razy and start killing everyone in the research facility.

That's right. I'm afraid of killer-sharks coming to get me while I swim laps in the gym pool.

Sad? Yes. Ridiculous? Of course. But what can I do? Those images are seared into my brain.

The worst was a few years ago while we were on a family holiday in Noosa. Someone bet me $500 that I was too chicken to swim from our house to the other side of the river. After about half an hour of wringing my hands I dived into the river and started swimming. I wasn't in the water for more than a minute before my memory started showing every shark movie I've ever seen.

I've never swum so fast in my whole life. I got to the other side and sat there relieved, until I realised that I had to swim the whole way back.

And for the record, I never got my $500 - the bet-ter decided it was reward enough that I conquered my fear. Later that week, I was horrified to hear on the radio that there had been several sightings of a BULL SHARK in the river. Yup. I kinda-almost swam with a bull shark (shut up, I told you I was prone to exaggeration!).

The only thing that made me feel safer this morning was the old codger in the lane next to me - I figured that the shark would pick him off first. I mean sure, I'd be a tastier, less stringy meal but I'd also be more of a challenge to catch, right?

Part of me wonders if I really should swim with sharks (in the safety of a cage, of course) to see if I can overcome this insane fear. But another part of me remembers the scene in Jaws where the shark rips apart the cage.....

2011 Things I Know for Sure

2011-12-31T15:07:00.002+11:00

Anti-depressants Saved my Life

At times, I can be prone to exaggeration. But not this time. This year, anti-depressants saved my life.

Don't Take it Personally

If someone is a little distant, a little cold, a little insane, don't let it get to you too much. They're probably going through something serious and can't quite get to you. Try to hold out a bit longer and just be there for them, from a distance.

By the Same Token: If Someone Treats You Like Crap; It's Time to Say Buh-Bye

Yay! We're not in high school anymore - bound by routines and proximity! If there's somebody toxic in your life, just let them go. No need for dramatic farewells or explosive recriminations. Just let them go. And, exhale.

Friendship Is the Shizzle

I've said it before and I'll say it again. I have the most awesome friends in the world. From the All-Stars to my gal-pals from high school, to the special peeps I've gathered along the way (former neighbours, primary school chums, university survivors). Hanging out with my peeps keeps me sane, happy. After hanging out with them, I want to read a gazillion books, lose weight, travel the world and be the best me I can be, just so that I can keep up with their awesome brilliance. Love, love, LOVE my friends.

Diets DO Work

Of course they do! If you're going to reduce the amount of food you eat then you will lose weight. And that's the basic premise of most diets, right? What doesn't work is thinking that you can cut out sugar, carbs, fat, diary and fibre and still maintain your sanity. That's why people think diets don't work - because they turn you into a boring yet maniacal freak. I guess it's just about finding a balance between living a normal life and eating the right kind of food (in the right amount) more often than not.

Don't Put Your House on the Market Just Before Christmas

Not only will you get no offers because everyone is getting ready for the holidays, but you will have to keep your house ridiculously clean at all times.

Don't Put Things Off Until Tomorrow

Because the very second that you look at your not-so-tidy kitchen and think "I'll get it done in the morning" is the very second your child will get a case of the midnight vomits. Leaving you with a night without sleep, a visit to the doctor in the morning, load upon load of washing to do and a kitchen that needs tidying.

Never, Ever Leave a Brand-New Tub of Sudocream Where Your Toddler Can Reach It

Because at 10pm one night, that toddler will give it to their younger sibling to play with. And you will come upon this:

Family is Everything

I think this one's pretty obvious. But nothing in this world can bring me to a place of happiness like playing with Mikey and Lucy. Nothing brings me peace like watching them sleep. Spending time with my Mum, my sisters, my Dad and brother makes me feel relaxed and excited at the same time. And my time with Grant is all the more special because it's so rare!

Be Grateful

Because it's pretty hard to feel sorry for yourself and lament all the things you don't have when you're focused on all the wonderful things that you do have.

Book Love: You'll Be Sorry When I'm Dead

2011-12-30T08:30:00.000+11:00

I'm a little ashamed to admit that before this week, my knowledge of one Miss Marieke Hardy was limited to reading her columns in Frankie magazine. They always gave me a giggle and I thought she seemed like a charming gal with a big brain, acerbic wit and pretty face to match.

When she released a book several months ago it was my intention to buy and read it. But then I'd see a new hardback cookbook and the choice was made. Lucky for me, an intuitive friend gave it to me for Christmas (thank you, dearie!).

I started reading it last night and couldn't stop. It's laugh-out-loud funny. It's interesting and exciting. Girlfriend has done some crazy shizzle and it's highly amusing. To be perfectly honest, I do feel a little cooler just for having read it - and that's saying a lot for a SAHM with a penchant for tracksuit pants and Hall & Oats.

Some of the stories had me aghast in wide-eyed wonder at her bravery, honesty and oddity. She talks about her friendships with reverence and describes all their bizarre doings with such affection and amazement that you can't help but wish you'd been friends with her back in the day. One of my favourite stories from the book was where she basically stalks Joey Dee from Young Talent Time and then goes to his house for a playdate! Hilarious. And I now feel that we're kindred spirits because I too had a crush on Joey Dee that bordered on obsession.

It's a great book. I'm so glad I got the opportunity to read it. Now I've just got to hope that she releases another one soon!

Why The Sales Were a Bitter Disappointment

2011-12-27T12:18:00.002+11:00

Despite being an admitted shopaholic, I've never gone to the big Boxing Day sales. Just watching the footage of all those people crammed into department stores makes me feel claustrophobic. I'd much rather shop from the safety of my dining room table, where the service is efficient and I don't have to contend with loud music that makes me feel old and daggy.

Now, my Mama didn't raise no fool. I get that it makes more sense to buy things when they're on sale. More money means more ~~security, savings,~~ money to buy pretty things. But some of the crap that I've seen in the big sales has left me feeling cold. Like, freezing cold.

I understand that this is the prime opportunity for stores to clear all their unsold stock. But there's a reason it didn't sell the first time around (it's really, really ugly). What surprises me is that some people will fork out money for something, just because it's cheap. Never mind that they wouldn't pay for it at full price in a million years. But because it's suddenly 30-40% off, it becomes the must-have item that they've been searching for. Ew.

Yesterday I had to pop into a few shops. After elbowing out the competition to see what was available, I left feeling bereft. I had money to spend. But there was no way I was parting with my dollars for the crud that these stores had laid out. Just because it was cheaper didn't mean it was nice or interesting or useful. As I watched people clamour all over things that they wouldn't normally look twice at, I couldn't help but long for the days of full priced stock.

Now I can't wait for the sales to be over so that all the shops put out the nice stock again.

Is it me? Am I doing it wrong? Do you shop the sales?

Thank You and Merry Christmas!

2011-12-21T14:20:00.002+11:00

Thank you to every dear one of you that reads this blog!

I hope that everyone enjoys a spectacular Christmas and Holiday season!

Here's to 2012 being the most awesome year ever!

Ultimate Secret Santa

2011-12-09T09:00:00.000+11:00

Like most people, my favourite part of Christmas is the dinner. And I'm not just talking about the food (though my Mum's cauliflower and broccoli gratin is out of this world'). I'm talking about the family sitting around the table - laughing, telling stories, sharing memories from our childhood. Before you vomit into your lap, it's not a saccharine, cheesy, TV movie kind of set-up. There's usually some fart jokes and sharing of everyone's most embarrasing moments.

But sitting with the people I love and reflecting on how truly blessed we all are to have each other, to live in this beautiful country, to have homes and fresh air and freedom is what makes Christmas my favourite holiday of the year.

That's not to say I don't like presents. Over the years, we've had some doozies and have gone more than a little overboard with gifts. But that's not what makes the day special for me. And I'm sure that this is the case for almost everyone. Except kids. Seriously, my kids make a beeline for Santa whenever we're at the shops and they cannot be restrained.

Then I saw the above ad for The Salvos. Can you imagine having no family dinner on Christmas? No opportunity to just sit around for a few hours, with a full belly and the people you love to just enjoy the moment. To be honest, I can't. I can try, but I can't fully immerse myself in a scenario where my children may not have a nice dinner. It breaks my heart.

That's the drawback of empathy - once you put yourself in someone else's place, someone less fortunate than you, it is impossible to not take some action, no matter how small, to help.

A $10 donation can provide lunch for one person and a $50 donation can provide a family with a hamper.

There's no doubt that times are tough. For everyone. But I can't imagine not being able to put $10 together to help brighten someone's Christmas, or chipping in with others to gather $50 for a family hamper.

So, I urge everyone, to please, please, please do a little something for someone else this Christmas and donate to The Salvos Christmas Lunch

Top Ten Celebrities I Want to Invite to Christmas Dinner

2011-12-07T12:44:00.001+11:00

Ryan Gosling

Bring on the egg-nog! I'm going to get him tipsy and then pounce!

Michelle Williams

I just want to tell her, face-to-face, how much I love her hair.

Emma Stone

I imagine Ms. Stone would be good for a giggle. And then I could ask for her hairdresser's number.

Tori Spelling

I just know if I could get into a room alone with her, Tori and I could my BFF!

Tom Ballard

Every party needs a funnyman and Tom is my man of choice.

Gotye

I like the idea of someone just picking up a guitar and playing ambient music. I think Gotye is the only person who could pull this off without looking wanky.

Stevie Nicks

I want her to teach me her moves. And give me the inside scoop on Fleetwood Mac. And then sing Gypsy to me while I practice my new dance moves.

Beyonce

I could offer sage mothering advice. And ask if I can accompany her on her next tour.

Zoe Foster

Girl crush alert! Who doesn't love Zoe? I'm sure she'd inject some fun and sparkle into any soiree!

Steve Waugh (for Grant)

I can see it now, Grant and Steve huddled in a corner discussing LBWs and slips (FYI, these are cricket terms. I didn't watch Grant play for over a decade and not learn a thing or two).

A Tip of the Hat to you, Mr Murphy

2011-12-06T08:30:00.000+11:00

My sister and I went to the opening night of Graeme Murphy's new ballet, Romeo and Juliet on Friday.

I can't think of enough words to describe how beautiful it was. Madeleine Estoe as Juliet was absolutely stunning. The costumes were amazing and the sets almost stole the show. But nothing could outshine the choreography of Mr. Graeme Murphy. The man is a genius. His work is sublime.

The balcony scene was so lovely that I cried. It's one of the most divine ballets I've ever seen. We're so lucky to have such a brave, talented, creative company in this country.

I get that not everyone is into ballet. But I think everyone should go and see at least one ballet in their lifetime. Just to get an appreciation for the arts. And if there's one ballet that Australians should see, it's this one. Heavenly.

Stevie, Stevie, Stevie

2011-12-05T08:00:00.000+11:00

You know those weeks when it's all a bit too hard? Last week started out like that for me. We put our house on the market and the cleaning and DIY took ahold of us.

Months ago, I purchased tickets to see Stevie Nicks. At the time, I was so excited to see her live. But by Tuesday night, I was struggling to muster the energy to leave the house. I actually contemplated just giving the night a miss and staying home. But Grant rallied and convinced me that we could really do with a fun night out.

I'm so glad I listened to him.

We had dinner beforehand and then made our way to our seats. Dave Stewart (from the Eurythmics) was the opening act and he was amazing. He revved the crowd up and his music was sensational. By the time he'd finished his set, Grant and I were energised and excited.

And them came Stevie. Oh, Stevie. The woman is 63 and she rocks. Her voice was outstanding and her new music was great. We had the best time. I want to be Stevie Nicks. She's beyond cool.

The concert changed my whole outlook and I ended up having an awesome week. I'm so glad that Grant insisted we go because it was one of the most fun nights that I've had in ages.

Coco Chanel Got it Wrong

2011-12-01T13:29:00.001+11:00

Do I need more blush?

Coco Chanel once famously stated that before leaving the house, women should look in the mirror and then take one thing off.

No, Coco. No.

If I were to remove one item of clothing before leaving the house, odds are I'd be walking around with one shoe or no bra.

See, I'm not big on accessorising. I wish I was - I look at stylish women with their belts, scarves, hats, bangles and necklaces and I am fascinated. Outfits always look so much more polished when someone has taken the time and effort to jazz it up with a bit of pretty.

This wouldn't bother me so much if I didn't have a habit of accumulating accessories like they're lucky charms. I am the ultimate impulse buyer - I see something pretty and am compelled to possess it because it might just be the exact item that will transform me from a dag into a diva. Then the time comes to actually wear the item.... Often I'll wear it around my bedroom while getting ready and then decide that I look ridiculous and stash it away in the wardrobe. Never to be seen again.

I'm the same with make-up. I love blush and liquid eyeliner as much as the next girl but when it comes to actually applying it and leave the house, I imagine people pointing and laughing at my Pennywise face. This explains why I always look tired and malnourished.

So I'm going to have to disagree with ol' Coco on this one. I think in my case, it needs to be look in the mirror and for the love of all things holy, PUT SOMETHING ELSE ON!

Talk to me, peeps, are you into accessories? And do you actually wear them?!

Top Ten Gifts I'd Love from Santa

2011-11-30T11:39:00.001+11:00

Coach Madison Patent Lindsey Satchel in Plum

Lost in Austen DVD

The Body Shop Boudoir Sparkler in Pink

Apple iPad 2

Dior Addict in Rose Deshabille

Pretty bike from Jellybean bikes (2012 is the year I'm finally going to learn how to ride!)

Jumpin Jammerz Frosty Dot Onesie

(did you see Ryan Gosling give a pair to Ellen and her audience? The man is a saint!)

Growing Gifts Christmas Chalk Herb Box

Hastings sofa from Domayne

This whole kitchen....

Book Love: People Are Unappealing

2011-11-28T12:37:00.001+11:00

I have a thing for funny people who write essays. It started with Susan Jane Gilman (Hypocrite in a Pouffy White Dress). Then I moved onto the big guns - David Sedaris and David Rakoff. Now I'm on a bit of a bender. There's something about funny Jewish (or otherwise) chicks living in New York that I can't resist. I started with Sloane Crosley (I Was Told There'd be Cake) and Laurie Notaro (It Looked Different on the Model). And now I have a new girl crush - Sara Barron.

Her book is called People are Unappealing: Even Me and it is awesome. So, so funny.

This book is a collection of anecdotes about the weird and frustrating aspects of human nature. It had me in stitches. I was so surprised at how willingly Ms. Barron shares her cringe-worthy stories of humiliation (she wrote The Porn aged 11, due to a lack of accessible erotic material and the misconceptions that she has about sex are priceless). There are plenty of family moments to bring you a giggle but her stories about meeting men through an online dating site are brilliant.

This book is absolutely wonderful. It's dark and funny. You'll probably end up wishing Sara Barron was your BFF, so get in line, after me.

Top Ten Reasons I Love Going to the Ballet

2011-11-23T13:14:00.001+11:00

A couple of weeks ago I was lucky enough to attend the opening night of The Australian Ballet's The Merry Widow. It was absolutely spectacular. Maybe not as technically challenging as some ballets, but it required more performance because it's got comedy, romance and drama. As usual, as the curtain came down, I sat there with tears rolling down my cleavage. It was a true delight.

So here are the top ten reasons that I lurve going to the ballet:

The Costumes

The Australian Ballet never fails to amaze me with their creativity. The colours, the fabrics, the design. It's always amazing and original. The only thing that's ever freaked me out were the rats they had in last year's Nutcracker. I'm never a fan of dancing vermin. I especially love it when they collaborate with designers. I'm going to Romeo and Juliet next month and the costumes were designed by Akira Isogawa. Can't wait!

The Dancing. Duh

Gah, those kids can move. Their feet are exquisite. I love looking at the way they hold their arms. Everything they do looks magic.

Their Bodies

I love that ballet dancers don't have as much of a waif look as they used to. Don't get me wrong; they're still lithe and slim but they look strong. You can see that they're muscular and fit. After all the training and rehearsal they do, I can only imagine how much stamina they all have.

The Stage Design

I am always surprised at how much work goes into making each scene different and special. In Swan Lake, they had these gorgeous doors that opened out onto the lake but inside was the most sumptuous ballroom. And I pretty much wanted to move into the Giselle set permanently.

People Watching

The best way to pass the time before the curtain goes up is to watch everyone else. I love seeing the outfits people wear - my friend Viv and I once accosted this girl who was wearing the most gorgeous dress. We pounced on her, asking where she bought it, and she replied that she'd made it herself. At this point we embarked on a love-fest, telling her that she was destined for great things as a designer... She seemed pleased, if not a little scared. Then you get the Grandma in stripper heels, the shockers in tracksuit pants and thongs. It's a mixed bag and so much fun.

Quality Time with Ma Peeps

I used to take Grant to the ballet with me. He always spent the entire performance nodding off. It wasn't fun for either of us. These days I take my Mum, my sister or my friend Viv. It's so much more fun going with someone who enjoys it as much as I do. A champagne, finger sandwich and ballet pretty much sums up my ideal night out. Yes, I'm a premature Nanna.

The Music

Having an orchestra makes all the difference when you're listening to classical music. Sometimes I get distracted by the musicians and will just concentrate on watching them play. Lovely.

The Awkward Moments

Maybe it's just me but there always seems to be an awkward moment when I go to the ballet. Most recently, I almost walked in on somebody in the bathroom, the old guy sitting next to me got a bit pervy and started mumbling that the ballerina was 'a tease' and the tipsy ladies sitting in front of me had a snooze mid-performance.

The Darkness

I have been known to cry during an episode of Sabrina, The Teenage Witch. And many other ridiculous shows. I cry very, very easily. And not just over sad things. I can cry over anything that I think is beautiful. And since I think ballet is the most beautiful thing on the planet, I always cry. At the ballet, no one needs to see it because it's too dark. Though my muffled sobs have drawn a glance or two!

Grown-Up Night Out

Most of my nights out since having kids involve having dinner with my friends. We talk and laugh and it's always a blast. But variety has never been my strong point. This way, I get to have a special night out and I don't have to go anywhere scary and new (what can I say? I'm a Taurean - we fear change!).

Just listed....

2011-11-22T14:25:00.001+11:00

Did you miss me?

Alas, I wasn't traipsing around the globe for the last couple of weeks.

I was looking for a new home.

Yup, we've decided to move.

I haven't been reading any books. But if I read one more property description telling me that a house is in a highly sought after neighbourhood, I'm going to lose my mind. Or hear that the vendors haven't yet decided on an asking price for their house because they're going to see what kind of offers they get (so you're telling me that if we offer $100 000 then we're in with a chance?!).

Spending all day driving from one open house to another in the heat, with two very bored little toddlers has not been the best way to spend my spring.

But, things are looking up.

I shall keep you posted....

I Hope the Duggars Know That Words Have Power

2011-11-10T13:53:00.000+11:00

So unless you've been living under a rock, you've probably heard about the American family with 19 children and 1 one the way: The Duggars.

This post isn't about villifying them for their choice. It's my understanding that they manage to raise their family using their own resources and I guess if they're able to support themselves then it shouldn't really be anyone else's concern how many children they choose to have. That said, I can't help but wonder how all the children feel about having so many siblings....

What really bothered me about the whole situation was their claim that this is God's work and that God wanted them to have all these babies. On one hand, I have to agree with them that each baby is a miracle. I remember thinking about it when I found out I was pregnant with Mikey and Lucy - I was in awe that humans can create new life. And when you think about it, it's pretty amazing. But what gets me about these This is God's will comments are the implications for other people out there.

Are the Duggars implying that God thinks they'll be better parents than the couple over the road that haven't been able to conceive naturally? That they've been chosen because in some way, they're more deserving of being parents than single men and women or gay people, or older people?

I'm putting on my Pollyanna hat and I'm going to assume that the Duggars didn't intentionally imply that the reason some people can't have children is because God doesn't want them to be parents. I'm sure that they are just very excited and want to express their faith and gratitude. I just wish next time, they'd be a little more conscious of the fact that their words are going out into the world and they can seem insensitive and judgemental.

Top Ten Un-Awesome Things About Motherhood

2011-11-09T15:30:00.003+11:00

Fish fingers. Need I say more?

Lack of sleep

Yeah, yeah, you've heard it all before. I used to think I knew what tired was. That was back in the day when I'd stay up until 3am reading a book. Then I'd go to work and complain about the lack of sleep. Nowdays, I can be almost comatose but a 3am cry of "Mummy" sends me into heart-palpitations and terror of the dreaded night vomit.

Rounding of tummy

I've always been a pear-shaped lass. My reward for putting up with a full derriere and thighs to match was that I had a flat stomach. Alas, those days are gone. But the thighs and butt haven't. I know that I'm to blame for this, because I get inundated every waking moment with photos of celeb mothers who have a flat stomach approximately 3.4 minutes after the baby is born. And those images couldn't be designed to do anything but support and motivate us 'normal Mums' right?!

Toilet training - my floors!

You know it's going to be hard. It's going to take patience. I just hadn't counted on the mopping and the washing being so extreme! We've had it pretty good, Mikey's only had a few accidents here and there. But when he does have an accident, it's like Niagra Falls. Not the funnest part of being a Mum.

Annoying TV

Of course, I would never allow my children to watch television (ahem). But for those times when the tv happens to get turned on while the children are sitting on the couch it almost makes me wish I was one of those annoyingly superior Mothers who never let their precious offspring watch a minute of television because children's programming can be so, so, so bad.

No longer being able to choose your music in the car

The sheer luxury of being able to listen to the radio or, heaven forbid, my own music. I hadn't anticipated that EVERY SINGLE car journey would equate to listening to the most grating, skin-crawling, eardrum splitting music on the planet. And even worse, when a certain Aussie children's show has hired the performers based on their perky looks and cloying sweetness rather than actual, you know, talent.

Meals = not good

Although I have rediscovered the joys of a good veggie mash in the last few years, I've also picked up some rather unpleasant habits. Eating the kids leftovers, needing to carry food everywhere just in case and thus having a handbag full of mushed up saltanas and I've even eaten a soggy biscuit off the floor because it was easier than putting it in the bin. Oh, the shame.

Lack of personal space

Just to be able to sit. Read, eat, watch a show, whatever. As long as I don't have sticky hands being shoved down my top and snotty noses being wiped on my shoulder. It's a simple dream....

Germs

It's par for the course when your oldest starts Kindy that your family will incubate every germ that has ever existed. But coughs and sore throats and headaches and tummy aches are so much worse when they just keep coming. Like an unrelenting army of sickness that clouds your head and makes you want to move far, far away.

No more disposable income

What is it with kid's shoes? Why are they so expensive? They're tiny! And the toys, the books, the clothes, the entertainment. Sure, I've used the kids as an excuse to buy my favourite Disney movies on DVD and hardback picture books that I really don't need. But it's a never ending spending spree. And I have a feeling it's only going to get worse.

Talking in that lame 'grown up' voice

When I used to work in the bookshop, there was this one woman who came in with her daughter every week or so. Her little girl was only about 2 or 3 and the mother used to speak to her in the most annoying voice. I seriously wanted to smack her. "Persephone darling, would you like to read a book about Stranger Danger this week? That's a good girl. You're soooooooo clever". Seriously bitch, get out of my shop. I swore I'd never do it. But lately, I've caught myself a few times and it scares the life out of me.

I wrote this post in the interest of keeping it real (yo, I'm being all gangsta now). In all honesty, motherhood is the best thing that's ever happened to me and I wouldn't change a thing (except for the mucous) but I think the sooner we put a stop to the fairytale that Motherhood is bliss ALL THE TIME the better. Forewarned is forearmed!

Book Love: Make Hey While the Sun Shines

2011-11-03T13:24:00.001+11:00

I'm sorry for the lack of fiction at the moment. We're in the process of looking as potential new houses and my brain doesn't have the fortitude to imagine myself in a totally new environment AND the characters and plot of a new book.

So this week, I have a lovely craft book with lots of pretty pictures. It's a new release, Make Hey While the Sun Shines from Pip Lincolne of Meet Me at Mikes fame. This book is totally scrumptious and reading it made me want to whip out my sewing machine and hot glue gun (yes, I have one) and start getting ready for the craftiest Christmas ever.

Alas, I didn't actually manage to make anything from the book yet, but it's got plenty of post-it notes throughout, with messages like "make this soon!" and "seriously, get off your hiney and make this!".

It's not just a lovely craft book, it's like a love story to the whole indie lifestyle - vintage, pretty, handmade, simple. Even if you're not especially crafty yourself, but have an appreciation for the quaint and quirky, then you can enjoy this book too.

10 Reasons I've Got a Spring in My Step

2011-11-02T08:30:00.000+11:00

This dress from Alannah Hill makes me smile

Feeling like Spring has FINALLY Sprung

I love putting washing on the line and coming back one hour later to find them completely dry. The sunshine, the light, the cuter clothes. And the lack of germs going around Mikey's Kindy is a big bonus!

New Bag from Grant

Last night Grant worked late but when he got home, he'd bought me a GORGEOUS bag that I've been eyeing off for ages. New bags make Jacki happy! As soon as I opened it, I fell straight back to sleep, but it was nice to wake up to this morning!

My Gym

I'm glad I joined the gym I did. It makes a difference when it's such a nice place - I actually feel like going! The pool is great and my trainer is lovely. Let's get physical!

Christmas is coming

I'm not one of those people who dreads the holiday season.... I LOVE IT. My preparations are already underway and I'm very excited already. Woo hoo!

New Friends & Free Books!

Through Muz, I've 'met' Rob. Rob is awesome. So awesome, in fact, that he sent me a big stash of books. Love.

New Season of Dexter starts soon!

Can't wait to see my man, Michael C. Hall. I have a feeling this will be a make-or-break season for the show. Not long to go now!

Daiso Store has Opened!

I haven't been yet but it's on my list. Everything for $2.80 - yeehaw!

So Many Fun Things Coming Up

Stevie Nicks concert, a wedding, catching up with old friends, an engagement party and the onslaught of Christmas catch-ups! Bring it on!

Mikey's Growing Up

He's now toilet trained and sleeping in a 'big boy' bed. I'm having some trouble getting him to actually stay in said bed, since he now realises that he's free to roam about the house at all hours. But still, not changing nappies all the time is quite a joy.

Dress Season

Pear-shapes rejoice! No more need to squish into unflattering pants and jeans. Wear skirts and dresses to your hearts content!

I Vote Yay to Marriage for THE GAYS!

2011-10-31T14:34:00.000+11:00

I'm not normally a fan of kicking someone when they're down and if poll results are anything to go by, then Julia Gillard is on struggle street at the moment. But. There's an issue that concerns me greatly and I was HUGELY surprised at her stance on it.

Gay marriage.

Seriously, WTF?!

I am astounded that in 2011 we are still having this discussion about gay rights. Are you kidding me?! I think it's a national disgrace that we haven't embraced and implemented gay marriage already. That gay men and women aren't afforded the same rights as us straighties is ASTOUNDING. It's not about the bible, or homosexuality being a matter of "choice" - it is about human rights.

Several years ago, at a family dinner, my parents regaled us with tales from their childhoods - the lack of televisions, phones, fridges etc. We were in disbelief that they had lived through the dark ages. I have no doubt that in years to come, Grant and I will sit across the table from Mikey and Lucy and tell them that when they were little, gay people weren't able to get married the way straight people were, and my kids won't believe it. They won't be able to comprehend that in their lifetimes, homosexuality was still an excuse for bigotry and hatred.

And on a lighter note: who doesn't love a wedding?! The more excuses to get dressed up, cry during the vows, dance, sip champers and shop for plush towels and shiny appliances the better, as far as I'm concerned!

I can only hope that the powers that be wake up and realise what the majority of Australians know to be true: that gay people have just as much right to get married as straight people. Seriously peeps, this needs to change NOW.

This Saturday I'm Grateful for Girls Night!

2011-10-29T10:27:00.002+11:00

This week, my Mum took my sisters and I out for a girls night. We got a driver into the city, had dinner at one of the new restaurants at The Star and then went to see Stevie Wonder perform.

It was so much fun. We laughed ourselves silly on the drive in (and I think the driver was highly amused by our antics). We had a yummy dinner and kept our eyes peeled for Leonardo DiCaprio (apparently he'd been there several times already this week). And then we saw Stevie.

He blew my mind. I had been looking forward to it, but I had no idea it would be as awesome as it was. The man practically radiates light - you can almost see the passion that he has for music. It was a great concert - he didn't rely on fancy lights and fireworks because his music speaks for itself. I'm not going to lie, when he played Superstition, we all got our groove on. Including the old guy sitting next to my sister who appeared to be doing some kind of robotic macarena.

It was a great night and gave me a much-needed break from the mundane monotony of taking care of the kids by myself all week. It was such a fun-fun-fun time. Yay for Girls Night!

For more gratitude in your attitude, visit Maxabella Loves

Book Love: Totally Tubular '80s Toys

2011-10-27T13:30:00.002+11:00

Don't you miss the '80s? Just a little bit?

I miss the hair - so fluffy, teased within an inch of its life. And that's just the boy bands.

I miss the shoulder pads (so flattering for the big-bottomed among us), the ever-so-sickly pop music, the gigantic mobile phones, scrunchies, and My Child dolls that didn't cost $400.

This book is like candy to me. It is chock-a-block filled with toys from the '80s. Rainbow Brite, Care Bears, He-Man, Garbage Pail Kids, Voltron. They're all there! Well, except for Sweet Secrets, but I can't really blame him for not including them. I'm not sure if anyone else remembers them except me, dammit.

This book is such a fun retrospective for anyone who grew up listening to NKTOB and Milli Vanilli.

Warning though, you might be tempted to get on eBay after you've finished reading and see if you can reclaim a piece of your childhood. Oh yeah, and there's no Sweet Secrets there either, I checked!

These are Sweet Secrets, in case you were wondering!

I'll Never Listen to Cameron Diaz Again!

2011-10-25T11:38:00.001+11:00

Years ago, I read an interview with Cameron Diaz where she stated that the 30s are the best years of a woman's life - she's independent, knows her mind, isn't afraid to speak up for herself and has a better relationship with her body.

I call bullsh*t.

As a people-pleasing, socially awkward, directionless twenty-something with her fair share of body issues, I read this article like it was gospel and looked forward to this sudden acquisition of wisdom, strength, confidence and peace.

I'm 32 and still waiting. I guess Alain de Botton wasn't kidding when he talks about a change in circumstance not necessarily changing who we are: a momentous but until then overlooked fact was making its first appearance: that I had inadvertently brought myself with me to the island. I guess I'd been expecting (hoping?) for a seismic shift to transform me into the best me I could be.

I'm now only realising that I'm going to have to make those changes consciously. Ain't no fairy godmother gonna come sprinkle fairy dust on me and I'll wake up a new-and-improved person. Dammit.

I might be a little bitter towards ol' Cam, not because her words haven't been true for me but because I secretly think to myself 'Of course you can be all zen and confident. You have time to work on yourself. You don't have kids'. The same has crossed my mind of Oprah....

But I don't want my precious kidlets to be an excuse for me to be stuck in a perennial state of stunted emotional growth. Besides, we all have obstacles to overcome on our path to self-actualisation, right?

I'm not really sure what the purpose of this post is. It feels a wee bit like a tragic Dear Diary entry from my youth. Mostly. I just like the idea of referencing Cameron Diaz and Alain de Botton in the same post!

So, what do you think? What is the best way to become more confident, more independent, more?

Book Love: With My Body

2011-10-20T13:43:00.000+11:00

Nikki Gemmell caused quite a sensation a few years ago, when she tried to publish The Bride Stripped Bare anonymously. It didn't work. She was revealed as the author and the book went on to be a massive bestseller. I read it. And loved it.

With My Body is an incredible book. It starts off as this almost bitter diatribe against the way women are bound and reduced by marriage and motherhood and then it suddenly flashes back to our heroine's experience of childhood. Her lack of love and attention and how she goes about creating it for herself in other ways.

I'm not going to lie, it gets pretty raunchy in places. If you blush easily, and are offended by graphic sex-scenes, this book may not be your cup of tea. But it is seriously good.

I loved this book. From the first page until the last, I didn't want it to be over. It is completely enthralling, so I suggest that you lock yourself away for a few days until you finish reading it, it's not the kind of book you can dip into and out of easily. I finished it in one night because I couldn't bear not knowing how the story would ultimately end.

I am so proud that Nikki Gemmell is an Australian author - the way she writes is amazing. So if you're after a good read, something that will make you think but also spark your interest: you must read this book!

Top Ten Books on My Wishlist Right Now

2011-10-19T12:20:00.001+11:00

Kylie Aphrodite - Goddess Edition

Okay, technically, it isn't just a book. It's like a book and cd package and the pages pop up. WANT WANT WANT!

Golden Book of 365 Stories

This is an old book and it apparently out of print and very hard to get ahold of. But look, it's so cute! I need this book!

Glamour - Making it Modern

My home is in need of a spruce-up and I think this book could be just the inspiration I need!

Half Empty - David Rakoff

I love me a bit of David. And this is his latest.

Countdown Calendars - Design Collective

A little crafty inspiration for me and the kidlets!

Shabby Chic Inspirations - Rachel Ashwell

I love her style so much. I'm not even sure if this book has been released yet. But I want it NOW!

The Arrivals - Meg Mitchell Moore

Gotta love a novel with a super-pretty cover!

Christian Louboutin

Do I really need to explain?!

First Day of the Rest of My Life - Cathy Lamb

I'm in the mood for some uplifting fiction....

Playful Learning - Mariah Bruehl

Those two words are a match made in heaven!

Win-Win-WINNER!

2011-10-18T13:41:00.001+11:00

I'm very happy to announce that the winner of the adorable fawn necklace is Cherie@ABabyCalledMax!

Congrats Cherie! Please drop me an email with your address details and I'll get your little fawn to you ASAP!

This Saturday I'm Grateful for Small Victories

2011-10-15T16:02:00.000+11:00

This week we hit the Jack-Potty!!!!

WARNING, WARNING: This post will be incredibly tedious for non-parents!

So, I've just started getting Mikey onto la potty. He looks so cute in his 'big boy undies' that I can hardly restrain myself from taking photos of his flat little butt!

Sure, we've had an equal number of successes as accidents, but thanks to my Mum and sister, I'm feeling very zen about the whole experience.

So this Saturday, I'm taking time to be grateful for the millions of small victories that take place in the course of every parent's journey: the first smile, the first burp, the first giggle, the first word, the first try of solid foods, the first sleep through the night, the first 'I Love You', the first 'Thank You' (actually all the 'thank you's are pretty awesome!), the first wee and the first poo on the potty. May they continue to come my way!!

For more gratitude in your attitude, visit Maxabella Loves

Book Love: You Can Create an Exceptional Life by Louise Hay

2011-10-13T13:10:00.000+11:00

I may have mentioned previously that I consider myself a reformed new-ager. For awhile there I was very much into Doreen Virtue, crystals, and Adyar bookshop. Though I did draw the line at shamanic chanting.

Anyone who's even remotely had a woo-woo moment will be aware of Louise L. Hay. Girlfriend practically made affirmations and positive thinking part of the everyday vernacular. She's had an extraordinary life - abusive childhood, failed marriages, cancer and subsequent recovery, started her own publishing company, worked with gay men suffering from HIV/AIDS, published millions of books about empowering people and focusing energy and positive thinking and gratitude. And she's in her mid-eighties and showing no signs of slowing down. She's pretty amazing.

So when I saw that she'd co-written a book with Cheryl Richardson called You Can Create an Exceptional Life, I succumbed to old habits (they die hard, you know) and nabbed myself a copy.

It's not what I was expecting, I guess I was secretly hoping for a list of to-dos that would guarantee a life of peace, meditation, prosperity, health, love, perfect hair and a wardrobe to rival Rachel Bilson. But no. It was more a collection of recounts of meetings between the two women where they discuss the big issues in what makes life better - being in-the-moment, framing our experiences in positive ways, getting rest, self-care, meditation. Hmmmmm.

I actually enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. I frequently found myself realising that I need to start putting more energy into my own life. My own happiness. My own wellbeing. I didn't give me a list of things I need to do, it reminded me of the feelings that I should be trying to create in my life.

Reading this book made me feel calm and excited at the same time. Of course, it isn't for everyone - cynics and sceptics probably won't like it. But that's okay (see how zen I'm being?!), if this book is right for you, it'll appeal to you and you'll love it.

And don't forget to enter my giveaway for a cute spring necklace!

Top Ten Celebrity Mums I Want to Have a Play-date With!

2011-10-12T07:40:00.000+11:00

After seeing this pic of Angelina and Gwen Stefani having a play-date with their impossibly good-looking children, I couldn't help but ponder which celebs I'd most like to have a play-date with. Of course, I'd have an agenda of 'borrowing' their stylists and wardrobes. Or pinching their nannies for a few hours. But mostly, I'd love to chat to them - to find out what their experience of motherhood is like. So here are my top ten choices for celebrity Mums that I wanna have a play-date with!

Angelina

I just want to see her in action with all those kids! I cannot imagine life with so many littlies, even if she does get help!

Gwyneth

I have a big ol' crush on Gwyneth and I think I'd spend the entire afternoon staring at her hair and skin and legs. And then I could ask her to make me dinner.

Pink

I'd LOVE to know how this ultimate rock chick is handling motherhood. I imagine she's taking it all in her stride, with a healthy dose of good humour. Imagine the lullabies she could rock!

Nicole Ritchie

I know a lot of people aren't a fan of Ms. Ritchie but I am. I think the way she's transformed herself is pretty damn cool. I'd love to get her take on everything - motherhood, career, fashion. And then I'd ask her to give me a pair of her sunnies.

Jessica Rowe

Again, I suspect I'd want to sit at her feet, basking in her gorgeous glory. She's smart and funny and awesome.

Tori Spelling

Tori, I love you. Our kids are very similar in age and I think they could get along quite well, leaving Tori and I to dish on 90210 gossip.

Gwen Stefani

I'd probably start by throwing myself at her feet, asking her to divulge the name and phone number of her personal trainer. Those abs! Then I'd spend the afternoon trying to plump her up with cakes.

Chris Bath

I've loved Chris for years. She seems so down to earth and likeable. And that photo: DAMN!

Victoria Beckham

She's much funnier and warmer in real life than her persona suggests, or so I've heard. I think we could have a lovely afternoon tea while the children play outside with our husbands....

Deborah-Lee Furness

I love that she's a warrior-Mum, fighting for better adoption laws. And we could share stories about how lucky we are to be married to the two hottest men on the planet.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot. My eleventh choice:

TINA FEY!

Talk to me peeps, which celebrity Mama would you most like to have a play-date with?

And don't forget to enter my giveaway for a gorgeous necklace!

Please note: this post was written from a place of love and sisterhood - not judgement or competition. If you feel that's not the case, email me and we can discuss! Please don't write nasty comments.o

Giveaway Time! Yay!

2011-10-10T12:41:00.000+11:00

Don't you just love spring?

I think it's my favourite season.

And to celebrate Spring Part 2 (the cold snap we had last week pushed us back into winter temporarily), I'm giving my lovely readers the chance to win this gorgeous fawn necklace from Bam Bam Creative.

I have one and it's so cute. Everytime I wear it, people comment on it, so I know it's a keeper!

For a chance to win one of your very own, please leave a comment below telling me your favourite word.

And for the record, mine's whimsy.

This Saturday I'm Grateful for My Peeps

2011-10-08T10:54:00.001+11:00

Are you sick of me going on about how much I love the people in my life? And how grateful I am to have the best family and friends in the world?

Maybe I should win an Oscar award so that it can be televised around the world that I love my peeps!

In the past week alone, I've had big fun with the All-Stars (my bookish biatches), a park playdate with my oldest gal pal: Shan, a dinner date with the most wonderful man on the planet: Muz (well, he's tied with Grant!), a family dinner that rocked and I've got a date-night planned with Grant for next week.

These people bring out the best in me and (in the words of Jack Nicholson in As Good as it Gets) they make me want to be a better person. It might get old to read about it, but I'll never get bored of being thankful that I have some truly amazing people in my life.

For more gratitude in your attitude, visit Maxabella Loves

Disneystrology - Friday Frivolity

2011-10-07T11:41:00.000+11:00

Just quietly, I kinda love astrology.

I know, I know. But you've got to admit that it's fun to read all about who you really are, and then picking the parts that you agree with and discarding the bits you don't like. For example, as a Taurean, I agree that I can be hedonistic and prefer luxury and sensuality over anything cheap. But stubborn? Moi? Nah, those astrologers are full of it!

And then I found a book where your birth date matches you to a Disney character.

Love it!

Of course it's complete faff, but who doesn't need some frivolity every now and then?!

So, according to the science whizzers at Disneystrology, my character is Georgette. A poodle from Oliver and Company I know, I haven't heard of it either!). Apparently I'm meticulous and perceptive. OMG - It's like they know the REAL me (insert sarcasm font here!)

So, if you want to know your corresponding Disney character, leave me a comment with your birthday and I shall reveal all...

Book Love: Zumbo (aka Food Porn)

2011-10-06T13:54:00.002+11:00

Are you a lover of food porn?

Let's face it, the chance of me actually cooking anything out of this book is pretty unlikely. I really don't have much need to make a croquembouche for my kids. But I didn't buy this book as an instructional guide.

I bought it for the food porn.

It's a gorgeously sumptuous book. Hardback, of course. And it's thick, heavy.

It's the kind of book that I will leaf through, looking at the pictures. Reading the recipes and thinking to myself, one day....

I make no apologies for my love of cook books. I adore them. Especially the pictorial hardback ones with thick pages. They feed my soul, in a way.

So if you're a daring patissier-in-the-making or you're like me and just enjoy pretty pictures of scrummy food, then grab yourself a copy of this book. It's delightful. And fat-free!

Top Ten Favourite Screen Kisses

2011-10-05T13:55:00.000+11:00

Ahhhh, sweet romance.

When your days and nights are occupied with toddlers, there can be quite a lack of heart-fluttering, breath quickening, sigh inducing romance. Luckily, we have movies and television to step in....

Here are ten of my favourite on-screen kisses:

Anne and Gilbert - Anne of Green Gables

Anne and Gilbert finally get together. God, I love this movie. Might be time to get it out again.

Elizabeth and Mr Darcy - Pride and Prejudice

There is definitely a theme of building up to the big kiss in this list. But seriously, how she didn't jump his bones after he tells her how 'ardently he admires and loves' her, I'll never know!

Jason Segel and Russell Brand - Fundraiser Event

I love both these men.

Troy and Lelaina - Reality Bites

I loved this movie as a teenager. And it's such a grrrr kiss. Chemistry plus!

Berg and Irene - Two Guys and a Girl

Revisiting the whole friends who become lovers theme certainly isn't new. And I cannot find a pic of their kiss but she did a very cool snake manoeuvre which I love.

Marshall and Lilly Get back together - How I Met Your Mother

Oh, the passion, the lust. So sweet. I wanna be friends with them!

Captain and Maria - The Sound of Music

Oh yeah! This movie helped shape my notions of love and romance. Now anything less than a glasshouse, while wearing a gorgeous floaty dress just feels meh.

Holly and Paul - Breakfast at Tiffany's

Normally kissing in the rain seems like a whole lotta waste. But these two make it look lovely. Oh Audrey!

Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling - MTV Movie Awards

I think this was the year they won the award for, you got it, best kiss. Damn.

Kate Middleton and Prince William - Royal Wedding

By far the most chaste kiss of the list. But when I saw them kiss during the telecast, it gave me butterflies. Lovely.

So tell me, what on screen kiss gets your motor going?!

Collections

2011-10-03T15:18:00.003+11:00

Rubber duckie, anyone?

I've never been much of a collector.

I do, however, love to see what other people collect.

This may have started in primary school, when the girl sitting next to me decided that she was going to start collecting pencil tips. You know, like when a pencil breaks off and you have to sharpen it so that you can use it. Well, she'd keep the broken-off tip.

She stored them in a clear plastic jar and before long, she had this really pretty ornament on her desk, filled with tiny remnants of broken coloured pencils. I suspect that she went around at lunchtime, snapping everyone's pencils and stealing the tip.

I never really had the patience and dedication to start a collection of anything (though my husband would probably argue that I have quite a nice book collection to keep me occupied). I'm more concerned with the practicalites of a collection: where on earth do you store it all? What's the point of it - are you going to use it or just look at it? And pretty please, can I play with it?

I quietly admire people that collect things - from the extravagant (like Faberge eggs) to the quirky (vintage fawns) to the nostalgic (original 1980s Rainbow Brite dolls).

I saw on Hoarders recently a man who had many collections. Too many. The problem was that he didn't take care of his collections - he was just accumulating them for the sake of having more stuff. His house was filled with things that might have actually been beautiful and valuable but because there was so much excess, it was hard to tell what was junk and what was special.

I like the idea of starting a collection. I love pretty things. I just don't think I'd be able to restrict myself to buying only one kind of treat for myself; if I started a collection of kitsch salt'n'pepper shakers then I might have to stop buying handbags. And my house barely has enough room to store all my kids' toys, let alone me contributing to the clutter with my potential stash of designer sneakers or Royal Wedding memorabilia!

I think for the time being, I'll just have to trawl through Pinterest, looking for gorgeously curated pictures of collections I can only dream about replicating.... It's cheaper and clutter-free!

Talk to me peeps, do you have any collections? And can I see pics of them?!

This Saturday I'm Grateful for A Solitary Swim

2011-10-01T13:05:00.002+10:00

I'm not the kind of girl who's happy to bare all in a swimming costume. I'd be quite happy to wear a muumuu at the beach.

But my gym has a pool. A lovely, calm, enticing pool.

This week I had some rather nasty injections in my feet and exercise with any kind of impact has been painful.

So I decided to take the plunge, so to speak, and go for a swim at the gym.

It was bliss. There was an aqua aerobics class going on at the other end, but no one paid me the slightest attention.

I just plodded along with my goggles on and my mind in a state of near-emptiness.

I tell you, I might just have found my exercise of choice.

FINALLY!

For more gratitude in your attitude, please visit Lemon Rhodes

Book Love: My Fair Lazy

2011-09-29T12:37:00.001+10:00

I've never made a secret of my love for Jen Lancaster. I may have even written her a few fanmails over the years (yes, I am that much of a dag).

She is one of the funniest women writers out there. Seriously, she makes me laugh out loud in every book. I honestly believe that we could be best friends, if only she'd respond to my emails, agree to meet me and not get freaked out by my girl-crush that is now bordering on obsession.

Her latest collection of anecdotes is all about Jen trying to culture-up, after she realises that 95% of her conversation revolves around reality tv. She devises a plan to broaden her horizons that involves going to the theatre, the ballet and taking wine-and-cheese classes. And it's all in preparation for a fancy author event where she hopes to meet the literati and dazzle them with her insight and intelligence.

To be perfectly clear, this is not my favourite of Jen's books, I prefer Bitter is the New Black and Bright Lights, Big Ass, but it's still funny and lots of fun. Especially for those among us with a fear that we're turning into the intellectual amoeba of the animal kingdom.

Weighing In on the Immunisation Debate

2011-09-27T13:25:00.000+10:00

For me, it was a no-brainer to have my children immunised. It's like deciding to install a car seat or safety locks on the bathroom cabinets - you just do it automatically for their safety and well-being.

All this nonsense about immunisations causing autism makes me crazy.

That s**t has been disproved over and over again but we still get these morons spouting on about the conspiracy of pharmaceutical companies. If you saw the 60 Minutes report a few months ago, you'll know what I'm talking about.

The thing I don't understand is, if you truly believe that having your child immunised may result in them developing autism and you're trying to protect them from that, why are you prepared to risk them contracting measles or polio or whooping cough?! You can die from contracting those diseases!

I know it's not much of an option, but let's just say that immunising your child could increase their chance of developing autism (I KNOW it doesn't but just stick with me here) and not immunising your child increases their chance of getting whooping cough. I know which one I'd rather deal with - austism. I cannot imagine watching a poor little baby suffer through something as awful as whooping cough, knowing that I could have prevented it. Surely the risk of autism is better than the risk of death?!

Over the weekend, our house became infected with Rotavirus. It's part of the immunisation schedule that babies recieve the vaccine at two and four months and by the time they're 3 they've developed sufficient antibodies to cope with further infections. It is basically really, really nasty gastro. Nasty.

Because both Mikey and Lucy have been immunised, their reactions were much milder than mine. I basically wanted to die. But even in that horrible state, all I could think of was how grateful I am that my babies are protected against getting as sick as me. If they hadn't had that vaccine, there is no doubt in my mind that they'd be in hospital.

For some reason, people who are against immunisation seem to be completely unwilling to listen to any point of view that does not support their theories. But I can only hope that with time, and even more scientific proof, they will change their minds and protect the wellbeing of their children.

I would just like to clarify that there has been no scientifically proven research that demonstrates causality between immunisation and autism. And that both my children are fully immunised and I might have to bop you on the nose if you tell me that you don't 'believe' in immunisations.

Book Love: The Language of Flowers

2011-09-22T12:57:00.000+10:00

You've probably seen reviews for this book everywhere. Heck, its even got the Australian Women's Weekly 'great read' sticker seal of approval. Totally deserved, by the way.

This book is wonderful. I could not put it down (which explains the dark rings under my eyes and why I came downstairs this morning to a sink full of unwashed dishes).

From the first page, I was totally captivated by the story of Victoria - her never fully detailed but clearly tormented upbringing in various foster homes and institutions, her prickly (at times frustrating but also understandably) self-defeating behaviour, and the way that she uses flowers to communicate with the people around her.

As soon as I put this book down, I wanted to start all over again.

It's so refreshing to see that this is the first novel from author Vanessa Diffenbaugh. I feel relieved that publishers are still taking a chance on unknown writers and backing their work. I have a feeling we'll be seeing a lot more of Ms Diffenbaugh after this, too. She's an amazing writer.

It surprised me while reading this book that I was so engrossed in the story, that the suspense had built so gradually but effortlessly. It was truly one of the best books I've read this year.

So, if you can get your hands on a copy, I urge you to read this book!

Best Sentence in the World!

2011-09-21T13:33:00.001+10:00

Thanks Grant!

Yesterday Grant had the day off, so I made the most of such a rare opportunity by going to the gym and then the dentist. Yup, it's sad but true that my me time involves discomfort and being told to 'feel the burn'.

As a result of me taking time out for my wellbeing (ha!) the responsibility of feeding, dressing and entertaining the kidlets fell to Grant. By dinnertime, the kids had worn him down to a defenceless nub.

As I made my way upstairs to organise the kids' wardrobes (aka take everything winter related and put it into bags to be donated and then replace it with new, summery clothes), I heard Mikey start whingeing that he wanted a clock biscuit for dinner instead of chicken and veggies. And so it began....

When I returned downstairs, Grant looked up at me with an expression of pure amazement of his face. By this time the kids had negotiated him out of one and a half clock biscuits and Grant was sitting on the floor with Lucy playing My Little Pony while Mikey ran circles around him and randomly hurled himself into Grant's tummy region (Mikey calls this 'cuddling' - we call it 'assault').

And then my dear, dear husband uttered the perfect phrase: I don't know how you do it all day!

I can't really explain why it's so satisfying to hear those words: is it validation - that he gets how exhausting two mini-humans can be, is it acknowledgement that I don't sit on the couch all day eating chocolate eclairs and watching Beverly Hills 90210 (tempting as that may be), or is it just the (almost) admission that maybe he takes what I do every single day for granted?

Like I said, I'm not sure why but damn, when he said those words, it gave me quite the lift. And so I helped him put the kids to bed.

The thing is, I know he appreciates what I do (just like I appreciate what he does. Some of the stories he tells me about the clowns he deals with on a daily basis make my blood boil.) but hearing him say it just gave me the little pep I needed. I love being a stay-at-home Mum and I wouldn't change a thing. But it's nice when someone else takes notice of how hard it can be at times!

Fuzzy Felt

2011-09-19T13:58:00.003+10:00

On a recent venture into Kinokuniya, I made my way to the cards and gift section. I love that they stock unique cards that you can't find anywhere else.

I also should mention that I'm a card hoarder. I buy them in bulk when I find designs that I like. And then I tuck them away in a box in my wardrobe for those 'just in case' moments where I need an emergency card. The thing is, my pile is ever-growing and I rarely actually use a card from my stock. If someone has a birthday coming up, I use that as the perfect excuse to go shopping for more stationery.

Anyway, I stumbled onto this:

Remember fuzzy felt?! We had it when we were kids and I spent hours creating little scenes and stories. The best thing was, as soon as you got bored you could just scrap it and start all over again.

The story of how fuzzy felt came about is pretty cool:

During the Second World War, Lois Allen agreed to set up a small factory in the grounds of her Buckinghamshire cottage. She enlisted the help of local women whose husbands were away fighting for their country to cut felt gaskets for tanks and other vehicles. Whilst working in the factory, the women also took turns to care for the young children.

Lois soon discovered the entertainment value in the small felt cut-offs from the gaskets. Using the baize back of a table mat, she encouraged the children to create pictures using different shapes - Fuzzy Felt was born.

Fuzzy Felt was first launched in 1950 and has gone on to become one of Britain's all time favourite toys. Its simplicity and creativity has inspired generations of children...

By the way, I got that spiel from the back of the card - see there's always value in a good piece of stationery!

Top Ten Ways I'm Morphing into My Mum

2011-09-14T14:33:00.001+10:00

The older I get, the more often I catch myself doing things that my Mum did when I was little.

Here are the top ten ways that I'm morphing into my Mum.....

The Singing

My Mum has been known to burst into song at various happenings. And if she doesn't know the lyrics, that's okay because she makes them up to suit her purpose. Some of her best have included There's No Business Like Snow Business (this is reserved times when you're stuck on a chairlift during particularly cold blizzards and frostbite is settling in) and Some Day my Prince Will Come (there's a line in there somewhere about biting him on the bum - and I can't explain why). Although it's always been good for a giggle, I never thought I'd do it myself. Until Mikey was born (I've already mentioned that becoming a Mum turned me into Ned Flanders). Now I find myself singing constantly. And I know from the relentless teasing I gave Mum that payback is gonna be a bitch and a half!

Christmas carols

My Mum has been known to play Christmas Carols year round. Kenny G, Johnny Mathis, you name it. There were a few awkward times in high school when we'd invite friends over during the holidays and they'd walk into a house blaring with Walking In a Winter Wonderland (see the above point, we sing this song as Walking Round in Women's Underwear). But I do it too now, mostly it's a bit of Bing Crosby, sometimes it's Michael Buble but more often than not it's the AWESOME Christmas compilation CD made for me by Murray.

Birthdays

Both my Mum and I go a little crazy at birthday times. Especially our own. We have been known to wake family members to ask for our presents.

Housedresses

Yup, my Mum instituted a love of the Humble Housedress in me. She's been wearing them as long as I can remember. We were in Peter Alexander awhile ago and she found a really cute nightie and told me, 'I'd wear that as a housedress'. And when she finds one she likes, she'll get it in every colour. There was one little dress from Esprit that actually felt like it was a member of our family. I'm the same. I have several dresses on high rotation that are NEVER to be worn outside my front door.

Vacuuming

What is it about vacuuming? I know it sounds crazy but I quite enjoy having my floors sucked clean of every little crumb. It's probably the most satisfying of all the household chores. My Mum is a vacuum fiend and she's clearly passed it on to me. Which is not a bad thing with two toddlers in the house!

Making Friends with Shopkeepers

Whenever I was sick and managed to weasel a day off school, Mum would take me with her to do her grocery shopping. I think it was her way of making sure we didn't throw sickies just for the sake of it. Making school seem like the lesser of two evils, so to speak (didn't work). We'd pop into the butcher and within minutes, they'd be deep in conversation about something. And again at the green grocer, the drycleaner, the bakery and the deli. My Mum makes friends everywhere. Alas, I am nowhere near as socially skilled as she, but I do manage to strike up conversations with people behind the counter. The post office ladies all know me by name and the newsagent lady calls out to me whenever I walk past!

Being a LION Mum

I remember growing up that Mum would often say that she could yell at us and go nuts but if anyone else so much as breathed a bad word about her babes, then the gloves would come off. She was fiercely protective. And it made us all feel safe. I am trying to do the same with Mikey and Lucy. If I ever see a kid being nasty to them in the playground, I have to make such an effort to restrain myself from going over and telling the kid how ugly and mean it is!

Wine

I've never really been much of a wine drinker. Til I got pregnant. Wait, that came out wrong! When I was with child all I wanted to do was down a bottle of pinot griggio. Seriously, we'd be out for dinner and Mum's wine would come to the table and before she could take a sip, I'd grab the glass and be sniffing it like it contained magical elixir. Now that I'm able to drink, I am rather partial to a glass of white wine (or three!)

Cooking

I've never really been much of a cooker. I'd much prefer to eat a fine meal than spend hours creating it only to have my family scoff it down in seven minutes. But over the past year, I've started to develop a real appreciation for the peace and almost-trance-like meditation that cooking can bring. I can get completely absorbed in a new recipe and it's always fun tasting the results. My Mum is a wonderful cook. I'll never forget the Christmases when she worked tirelessly to create the most amazing meals. Everyone would be in awe at the presentation and then we'd stuff ourselves silly. My Aunty Chris paid Mum the highest quality one year, telling her 'This is restaurant quality!" We still giggle over that one!

Teariness

So many times over the years, Mum and I will have been watching Oprah or a soppy movie and we'll look over at each other and see tears running down our faces. We're big fans of letting our emotions show. I think it used to freak my brother out to walk into a room and see the two of us howling over an ad for Telstra (and not because of the poor service).

So yes, I'm turning into my Mum. And I'm kinda happy about it. So tell me, are you morphing into your Mum? And is that a good or a bad thing?!

Gaga for Garfish

2011-09-12T13:15:00.000+10:00

My little munchkin man, waiting for his lunch

Yesterday we went to Manly to celebrate Father's Day.

And no, we didn't celebrate a week later to avoid the crowds, the set menus or the obligatory cheesiness of it all (but come to think of it, that's a pretty good idea!).

My parents had been away for the actual day, so we postponed our family get-together.

It was the most lovely day. We got a great table, so Mikey, Lucy and Abi (their cousin) could look at the beach, the ferries, the cars and the dogs walking past. They did colouring, reading and when things got a bit crazy, they played with iphones and itouches.

The food was amazing. I had salt & pepper squid for an entree and a snapper pie for my main. Yum.

The wine flowed, the conversation was great and I even managed to wrangle everyone into a discussion about doing 'Secret Santa' at Christmas this year!

Normally we never eat dessert when we go out as a family because by the end of the meal, the kids start to get ratty and we don't like to push our luck. But since they were all being rather angelic, we decided to give it a go.

I had a honey nougat semi-freddo which was sublime. I can't really remember what anyone else ordered because I was so consumed with the deliciousness on my plate!

After we finished, we all went for a walk along the beach and found some swings for the kidlets to wear themselves out on. Mikey was trying to climb a giant tree and then he snuck off to do a poo. Excellent timing as always, thanks Mikey!

It was one of the best family days we've had all year. Everyone was relaxed and happy to be together. At one point I looked across the table to see everyone smiling, laughing and talking and I felt an overwhelming sense of "how lucky am I?!"

Here are some piccies of our day:

Mikey chowing down on the garlic bread. It was seriously delish.

Lucy dancing with a mouthful of garlic bread - I told you it was yum!

Me with my baby bro, Tim.

Deciding what to order is a BIG deal in my family!

Lucy opens her birthday card from Aunty Sam.

Grant walking Mikey and Lucy to the playground.

My sister, Lou, pushing Lucy on the swing.

My sister's boyfriend, Carl, talking Mikey for a walk to see the big tree.

This Saturday I'm Grateful for My Lil' Lucy

2011-09-10T15:43:00.000+10:00

Yup, girlfriend already loves her mags, just like her Mum!

Yesterday was Lucy's 2nd birthday.

She was born 09/09/09. I'm pretty sure that means life's got something special in store for her.

Of course, when she's having a meltdown, we often joke that we need to turn her upside down and look for the 666.

Everyone always says it, but I really can't believe how quickly the time has gone since she was born. I can hardly remember the first 6 months of her life, they were so fraught with fear and anxiety, combined with disbelief that this cherubic little munchkin was MINE, ALL MINE!

She is a funny little girl, she can be so charismatic and charming and sweet. Then she has a tantrum and we start looking for her horns.

She's very social and loves making friends with new people, especially kids. She's obsessed with Hi 5 and Care Bears. She loves to dance and look at herself in the mirror. She hates having her hair washed but loves playing in the shower.

Her favourite dinner is anything she can eat with her hands and she's partial to a strawberry milkshake.

She's my darling girl and I wouldn't change a thing about her.

So HAPPY BIRTHDAY Lucy!!!

For more gratitude in your attitude, please visit a day in the life and Maxabella Loves

Book Love: My Milk Toof

2011-09-08T14:33:00.001+10:00

This is MY copy. And I'm not sharing.

You know the My Milk Toof blog, right?

If not, go check it out. You'll love it. Unless you have no heart.

When I heard that they were making a book, I was so excited! It went only my Amazon wishlist before it had even been published. The day it was released, I pressed click and shortly thereafter, it arrived on my doorstep.

It is absolutely adorable - charming, sweet, witty.

The photography is great, the styling is sublime. I can only imagine the patience involved in telling these cute little stories.

I'd like to be able to share this book with the kids, but it's my copy and I can't risk them getting vegemite hands all over it or shredding the pages (it turns out that Lucy's a biter).

Maybe when they're older and are vey well-behaved. Or they agree to sit on their hands while I read the story to them and show them the pictures like the librarian does.

I can't imagine anyone not falling in love with this book, unless they're a hard-nosed, no-frills, pseudo-intellectual cynic. In which case, why on earth are you reading this fluffy blog?!

So grab a copy, it's a great gift. But I suspect you'll want to keep it for yourself!

Top Ten Things on My Wishlist

2011-09-07T13:56:00.000+10:00

Peep Toe Miss Cherry Black Wedges

(I'm a size 41, in case you're feeling generous! In which case, my cankles and I salute you!)

Fru Fru pillows from Domayne

Too sweet to not own them in every colour!

Red Poppy bag from Coach

I am developing a major crush on this brand. And Gwyneth has just signed on as an ambassador!

Friends with You Book

I love everything they do...

Paris Scarf from L'avion

So pretty! These were designed by Kerrie Hess and I've decided that I need the whole collection

Closet Braid dress from Modcloth

Such a lovely shade of green and it looks so comfy for summer

Farrah bag from Sambag

It's big, black and shiny. Me want.

Rudolph from Amazon

Yes, I'm already getting into the Christmas spirit. And Rudolph has always been a favourite of mine. I love him.

Darth Vader voice changer from Amazon

Okay, totally juvenile and completely unnecessary. But how much fun would this be? Can you imagine serving breakfast to your kids wearing this?! Hilarious!

Deer Nightie from Peter Alexander

I love deer, they're just too cute. And PA nighties are by far the most comfortable in the world. I need this. I really, really, do.

Book Love: The Pyschopath Test

2011-09-05T13:21:00.001+10:00

I saw the author of this book, Jon Ronson, on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and he was so charming and funny with his intelligence almost radiating through the screen that I decided instantly that I would read his book.

The book starts out with a curious mystery that Ronson has been asked to help solve. As he delves into research about mental health and psychology, he becomes intrigued and decides to embark on a journey that is both interesting and amusing.

He manages to learn about the history of psychology (including some of its major detractors, namely The Church of Scientology) and how the theories that have been employed by the powers that be to try to transform the mentally ill among us into 'normal' people.

It's both scary and insightful and a more than a little bit strange.

The idea that many of our world and business leaders probably have some psychopathic tendencies is pretty alarming. But I think what disturbs me most of all is the bizarre methodologies of psychologists in years gone by. Some of these included LSD trips and psychopaths acting as therapists for one another!

This book will take you on a surprising and interesting journey. You'll laugh, you'll learn and you might just look at the people around you a little bit differently!

Willy Pocket

2011-09-01T13:30:00.000+10:00

With Father's Day fast approaching, it was time for me to face the hoards and brave a trip to Target.

It's time for Grant's annual new undie purchase!

You see, I'm happy to go crazy and shop for fun and frivolous things like books, toys, shoes, kitchen appliances and other gifty items. But when it comes to male undies.... No. Just no.

Also? Grant is very picky about his underpants. They have to be just right.

He's always been a Bonds man and he likes a particular style. (Too much information? Sorry Mum.)

I was alarmed to discover that they no longer make his favourite underpants. Yikes.

It got to the point where if I had to look at any more packages of men's, well, packages with the words bikini briefs emblazoned all over, then I was going to go nutty. Ha! Nutty!!! (Again, sorry Mum.)

After staring at the wall of knickers for what seemed like an eternity, I noticed that many of the undies were exactly the same as Grant's but they simply had a new feature. A little splice of elastic near the groin region.

A willy pocket, if you will.

A little hidey-hole for a penis to slip in and out of, according to urinary needs.

Sheesh.

Compared to women, dudes already have it easy when it comes to relieving their bladders. Just a tiny adjustment of the waistband and they're good to go! And now they need a peek-a-boo hole for their junk?!

I shook my head in bafflement and left the store.

Looks like he's getting socks this year.

Book Love: I Judge You When You Use Poor Grammar

2011-08-31T14:20:00.001+10:00

I'm not going to lie, I constantly correct the spelling errors and grammatical boo-boos that leap out at me from whatever I'm reading - letters, blog posts, books, magazine articles, signs (Supa Centa... really?!).

I know it seems petty, even bitchy, but so often I find myself thinking is it really THAT hard to do a spell check? What bothers me more than anything are the your/you're mistakes and the confusion about when to use there, their or they're. Do people not know the function of an apostrophe?!

That's why this book is perfect for me.

It's a cute little collection of signs that people have collected showing funny grammatical errors. It makes a sport of my little quirk (and also makes me feel so much better knowing I'm not alone!).

What I like about this book is that it doesn't descend into a nasty, mean-spirited, judgemental diatribe about the quality of modern education, it just points out the funny mistakes we all make and the way it disorts meaning.

This book won't appeal to everyone. I read my copy whilst in bed and was chuckling away at almost every page, which aroused Grant's curiousity. When I showed it to him, he was decidedly nonplussed. He thinks I'm a geek.

So, if you're a linguistics nut like me, check this book out!

I'm Ready for the Next Step

2011-08-29T15:15:00.000+10:00

In every life, we have a series of steps that take us to the next level.

I've followed a pretty standard path: school, university, boyfriend, travel (please sir, I want some more), wedding, buying a house and starting a family.

And now I feel like I'm ready to proceed to the next life stage. And if anyone dares suggest I buy some Pajama Jeans, an Ahhh Bra or some electrolysis for my chin then I WILL hurt you.

I'm ready for pet ownership.

I've already found my 'gateway' pet. You know, like how marijuana is meant to be a gateway drug to more serious substances..... Well, this could be my introduction to the world of animal hoarding!

Meet Ginger Lop - all I need now is signoff from the rest of the family!

Grant, I know you'll be reading this.... I'm just asking you to think about it.

This Saturday I'm Grateful for Connection

2011-08-27T15:50:00.001+10:00

You know that moment where you're hanging out with somebody, sharing a story or experience and they grab your arm and exclaim, "Me too!" or you might be on the phone having a chat and the other person will say, "I was just thinking the exact same thing!"

I love those moments. Those times when you feel completely connected to another person.

It can happen when you're sharing a giggle with a longtime friend or bonding with a complete stranger over the rudness of an old biddy who has to rush into the elevator before you've had time to get out (both of which have happened to me this week.)

I love that you can have a relationship with a person and even though you mightnt've seen them for months, as soon as you're in the same room, it's like there's been no distance at all. Or that you can have someone open up to you and share their pain simply because you give them a good vibe (again, both of these have happened to me this week!)

I'm grateful that someone can come into my home and sense that I'm anxious and immediately help me feel better by talking to me and making me see how awesome life is (thanks Mum).

I love that even though we've got facebook and email and iphones aplenty, there's nothing that makes my heart sing quite like being able to look directly into someone's face and see their smile and feel like you're on the same wavelength, even momentarily.

And this Saturday I'm so, so, so grateful that I have so many wonderful people in my life to share such connection with.

For more gratitude in your attitude, visit Maxabella Loves

Book Love: Forgotten

2011-08-24T14:33:00.000+10:00

Please, please, please do not dismiss this book simply because some bookshops classify it as teen fiction. It is so much more than another attempt to recreate Twilight or Tomorrow When the War Began.

It is an ingeniously conceived plot - our hero, London Lane, loses her memory every night. Instead, she has 'memories' of the future - of things yet to happen. She knows the outcome of every action - for herself, her friends and people that she remembers from her future.

I cannot tell you how much I loved reading this book. I read it in one night because I simply could not bear to go to sleep without knowing what would happen to this wonderful character.

This book didn't jump out from the bookshelf at me - what really prompted me to part with my money was the rave review written by one of the staff at Ariel. She wrote that this book is a narrative tour de force masquerading as teenage high school fiction. And she was absolutely right!

To say that I feel lucky not to have missed this little gem of a book is an understatement, so I'm urging everyone to get on board and read it too, it's a delight.

Also? Since I learned about the book from the awesome staff at Ariel, I wouldn't feel right advising you to buy a copy from anywhere else. We need to support the booksellers that bring books like this to our attention: I love Amazon and the Book Depository but they never told me about this book!

So if you're going to buy it online (please do!) then buy it from here

Technology is Making Me a Happier Mum

2011-08-22T14:25:00.000+10:00

Can you imagine trying to blog on this baby?!

I'm not going to get on the defensive about people who smirk at Mummy Bloggers. People are going to think what they want to think on the matter and I'm happy to just leave them to their ignorance.

I've noticed an undercurrent of thought from some people who judge stay-at-home Mums as bored, frumpy housewives who spend all day moaning on the internet about how hard life is. I'm not going to argue that I do spend time online everyday when the kids are asleep, or at night if Grant is working late.

The thing is, I'm very rarely complaining about my life. More often than not, I'm gratefully rejoicing that I get to spend all day with two of the most cherubic little people on the planet. But the internet has made motherhood so much easier for me. I wish I could go back in time and give my Mum a laptop for when she was raising four kidlets.

I can bank online, pay bills online, grocery shop online, shop for clothes, shoes, toys and gifts for my whole family, I can listen to new music, I can make new friends and catch-up with old ones, I can express myself without getting a cramp in my hand from writing in a journal, I can get ideas for fun activities to do with the kids (thank you pinterest!), I can learn new things (for me and the kidlets).

Truly, sometimes I think it's so easy for us to take for granted all the blessings of technology. When my internet is running a little slow or after my laptop died recently, I realised just how much I've grown to rely on technology. And I don't think this is a bad thing. The older generation seems to think we're all wasting our time online but I couldn't disagree more. I don't know what I'd do without my daily fix of 'online time'.

What do you think? Do stay-at-home Mums spend too much time online? Has technology become an addiction for us, or a massive help?

This Saturday I'm Grateful for Spam

2011-08-20T14:16:00.002+10:00

Mmmmmm, spamlicious!

Yech, not that kind of spam!

I'm talking about the inane comments and emails I get from people trying to rip me off.

I've had to delete so many dodgy comments from my blog, offering me the chance to 'buy' facebook friends, try obscure diet pills, and contact a potential Eastern European bride.

This hasn't been the greatest of weeks, but seeing those ridiculous little comments every day brings a smile to my face. I can't really explain why, maybe it's that they're hoping someone will eventually take them up on their offer, maybe they're unaware that their antics never see the light of day on my blog (ha! suckers!) or maybe it's just the funny, flowery, formal language they use to try to sell me sex.

So thank you, random spammers. You've inadvertently brightened my week.

For more gratitude in your attitude, please visit Maxabella Loves

Why I Deserve to be Skinny

2011-08-19T12:59:00.000+10:00

The Power Plate. My new nemesis.

Whenever I drive past a police car and happen to be following the rules of the road and doing the speed limit, I find myself wishing we could have a life rewards system.

Where we could accrue points for doing the right thing and then have those points taken away if we do the wrong thing. Like speeding (but it my defense, I only really ever speed when I'm racing to the post office to see if any of my online orders have arrived).

We could earn points for leaving the house looking stylish: wearing make-up, matching underwear and shoes without rubber soles. But points would be retracted for unflattering, saggy tracksuit pants and crocs.

When you smile at a stranger and use your manners with people working in customer service you're awarded a bonus but when you're rude to wait staff and talk loudly on the phone your points go bye-bye.

Parents with chronically sick children are entitled to a month-long holiday in Tahiti every year and parents who put their children into beauty pageants are forced to eat dirt.

But getting back to ME.

This week I started at the gym. I know! GO ME!

I had a session with a trainer. It was under the guise of getting me 'gym-confident' (their phrase, not mine) but really it was about selling me personal training sessions. I don't mind, clearly I need all the help I can get.

This trainer decided I'd benefit from a session on a power plate. It's basically a giant vibrator. Apparently if you exercise on it your workout is much more beneficial. I'm all for taking short-cuts, especially when it comes to farewelling my booty, but this thing made me feel like I was doing squats inside a paint-shaker.

Also? Since this was meant to be a low-key orientation session, I was not wearing the proper supportive undergarments that a mother of two really should wear whilst performing such energetic feats. Never again.

Since I totally smashed the squats (again, her phrase not mine) PT lady decides I should do alternating lunges. On a giant vibrator. The first ten seconds fly by and I can feel my gym confidence soaring. And then I realise: it's not my confidence that's soaring - it's me.

Yup, I fell. I fell at the gym. Right onto my ass. Actually, I may have bounced a little as I landed.

We both had a giggle, I took a bow in front of the eight other people that witnessed it and then escaped to the change-rooms to get back into my civvies. Then I realised that I'd locked myself out of my locker. I had to return to the front desk and wait for somone to take pity on me and open it.

All in all, it wasn't a great gym session. It started our being a tad uncomfortable, proceeded to a little embarrassing and by the end I just looked like a moron. But I still want to go back.

Surely I deserve to drop a dress size for maintaining my motivation after a session like that?!

Book Love: Petite Anglaise

2011-08-18T08:27:00.000+10:00

Alright, alright. I bought this cover for the book.

But seriously, how cute is it?!

I have to feel a bit sorry for this book. My expectations were so high that they really had nowhere to go but down.

Naturally, I was drawn to this book because it's written by an English blogger living in Paris. Oh yeah, and she's a new Mum. Sounds pretty awesome, right?

The book begins with Petite deciding to write about her experiences as an English woman living the dream in Paris. As she starts her blog, Petite realises that she's really unhappy in her relationship with Mr Frog (who is the father of her daughter, Tadpole). Aside from the fact that we don't learn the names of two of the most important people in the book, I found it really impersonal that she was referring to her boyfriend and daughter this way. I think you can get away with it in a blog because posts are much shorter and not read one after the other, but in book form, I found it incredibly grating.

Her blog becomes successful and she gets quite a massive following, especially from one reader, Jim in Rennes.

Without wanting to give away the entire story, it wasn't the light and sweet Paris love-story that I was hoping for. That's why I feel a bit sorry for the book - clearly my expectations didn't correlate to what I got!

I just found the author a little self-absorbed (though, what can I expect? She's writing a memoir!) for my liking. I kinda wanted to reach through the pages and give her a good talking to.

Maybe this book is the perfect antidote for all the cynics who are over the falling-in-love-in-Paris memoirs out there. She does talk about how awesome the place is, those bits were the saving grace, in my opinion.

I'm not sure how I'd recommend this one. I tell you what, if you liked Elizabeth Gilbert from Eat Pray Love then you'll probably like this too. And just to be clear. I didn't like Elizabeth Gilbert. At all.

Ten Sounds I Could Listen to All Day Long

2011-08-17T07:38:00.000+10:00

Mikey and Lucy laughing. Is there a better sound in this world than the laughter of children?!

(I must confess, however, than I cannot stand the sound of children singing en masse. It's fine when Mikey's singing along to Zigby or Fresh Beats Band but a choir of six year olds belting out Christmas Carols drives fear right into the very heart of me).

The sound of the garage door opening after a long day.

It signals that Grant has arrived home and can distract the kidlets long enough for me to inhale.

Babies, any babies, making those adorable mewing noises they make.

I remember when Lucy was only a few months old and a woman came up to me in the post office to tell me to appreciate the goo-goo gah-gahing that Lucy was doing because they stop doing it before you realise how precious it is. She was absolutely right!

The sound of the vacuum sucking up large bits of stuff

I find it unbelievably satisfying to hear the sounds of all the household debris being sucked into oblivion. Maybe I need a hobby, maybe I'm a neat-freak. But it soothes my soul.

The voice messages my Mum leaves me

One time she sang I Just Called To Say I Love you. Totes made my day!

When Mikey and Lucy say "Love you, Mum"

No explanation needed. Melts my heart every time. It'll be interesting when they become aware of the impact it has. No doubt they'll be asking for toys and treats, followed by a "Love you, Mum". I can only hope that by then I'll be a little stronger!

When I ask Mikey to do something and he says, "Okay Mum"

He has the sweetest, gentlest little voice and honestly, for a long time I had a few doubts about how his speech was progressing. But he's coming along every day, so I cherish every phrase.

Listening to Grant read a story to Mikey and Lucy

It's so great that have both of us read stories to them. We approach books differently and I think it's really important that the kids hear both of us reading aloud. I also think it's critical that children see their parents reading (and enjoying it!) in the development of their own literacy.

The sound of a Message or Email on my iPhone

Yup, it does give me a little spring in my step when I hear that beep beep. It means somebody loves me. Unless it's a stupid mailing list telling me to come and buy something from them....

Waves Crashing on the Beach

Yeah, yeah. I know it's a massive cliche but a holiday somewhere warm and quiet and peaceful would really be nice.

What about you, what are your favourite sounds?

Get Your Nose Out of Miranda Kerr's Boobs!

2011-08-12T15:51:00.000+10:00

Wowza!

Did anyone catch Miranda Kerr on the 7PM Project this week?

She's been doing a promotional visit about the David Jones Spring/Summer Launch and she went onto a 'news' program to talk about it (I don't understand it either - there's all kinds of crazy shizzle going on in the world at the moment and we need to talk to a supermodel about colour blocking?!)

Anyhoo, the conversation invariably turned to her stint in the labour ward and how she managed to get her fantabulous body back so soon after giving birth. And yes, I'm in awe and envy of her amazingly gorgeous body.

Then, the female presenter asked Miranda to ignore the 3 other males on the panel and pretend that this next question (and answer) wouldn't be broadcast to the nation. She asked Miranda how much longer she was planning on breastfeeding for.

WTF?!

How on earth is it anyone's business what Miranda decides to do about breastfeeding? It made me crazy. I know she's been a great advocate and role-model for breastfeeding Mums but this question just reeked of someone trying to create a little controversy. What if Miranda had said that she was giving it up? Or that she was planning on continuing until her baby started school? It's a polarising issue and no doubt any answer other than the one she gave (we'll see how we go) would have caused debate on whether or not she was doing the 'right thing'.

And then it got a little bitchy.....

I thought Miranda seemed a little unnerved by the question and appeared to be trying to draw the conversation to a close but the interviewer then asked her if she was prepared for the sagging boobs that she'd be left with when she stopped breastfeeding.

I think it was meant to be funny but it just came across as nasty. Like, you think you're hot stuff now, but just you wait Honey, you're going to end up saggy and fat like the rest of us.*

We all know that breast is best. Okay? WE KNOW. But I can't stand the way that celebrities are drawn into the discussion and judged by their choices. Because if we're all sitting there, judging Miranda, Sarah Jessica Parker, Nicole Kidman, Victoria Beckham and Angelina Jolie, then odds are we really haven't made much progress in not judging each other for our choices.

What do you think? Am I being too harsh on Nicole Livingstone? I know that Miranda put herself out there when she released photos of herself breastfeeding but does that mean people have the right to put her on the spot? And then attempt to make her afraid of what might happen to her body?

*Not that I think Nicole Livingstone is fat or saggy, it was just the way she made this comment.

Craft Quest

2011-08-11T13:54:00.000+10:00

Alas, all the really cute crafty books appear to be written in Japanese.

Sucks to be me.

You mightn't be aware that I've taken quite a shine to craft lately. Sewing and such. You know, Nanna stuff. I'm still a complete novice and often find myself laughing uproariously at my attempted projects. Seriously, I could start my very own regretsy store!

It has proven to be a wonderful excuse to buy more books (as if I ever need an excuse, it's really more for Hubby's benefit than mine). I need inspiration. And instruction!

Problem is, there's a dearth of good, modern info out there for a newbie like me. Well, that's been my experience, anyway. There are mountains of books available on quilting and sewing but apart from a very select few, most of them are completely dodgy. Like, beyond daggy.

If crafting wants to shed its frumpy, dowdy image and be embraced by modern peeps, it's really going to have to try a little harder.

I keep reading again and again how crafting and other domestic goddessery is making a huge comeback due to these unstable (scary) financial times. But just because we're on the brink of tumbling into another depression, doesn't mean we need to revert back to the days of yore. When people wore curtains as dresses and overalls (or was that just The Sound of Music?)

I purchased a book a few weeks ago about making things using fat quarters. For those not in-the-know, a fat quarter is a measure of fabric (see? I'm learning!). I was hoping to find a few cute little projects that I could whip up for the kids. Alas, there wasn't anything that grabbed my fancy. And let me be completely honest - there was a project on how to make a walker bag. Not a bag to take with you on walks. A BAG YOU CAN HANG ACROSS THE FRONT OF YOUR WALKER.

It brought a tear to my eyes.

I'd like to think that by the time I'm old enough to be doddling around with a walker I'll be using a pair of my granny knickers as a purse.

If you have any suggestions for crafty books that are actually relevant and have patterns for things that are actually cute and pretty, please please let me know!

Salad

2011-08-10T14:31:00.000+10:00

To look at me, you might not know it, but I am quite a salad-lover.

I don't know if it harkens back to my vegetarian days, but there's something almost miraculous about making lettuce seem exciting.

And there's one that I love above all others: the warm pumpkin salad.

It's from our local cafe and it's delish: rocket, parmesan AND fetta (YES!!!), roast pumpkin, caramelised onions. And a dressing that I cannot, for the life of me, determine the ingredients of.

Seriously, I dream about this salad, I make social arrangements at this cafe, just so I can order it.

I've contemplated asking the staff what's in the dressing but the waitresses are a little scary and I'm afraid of them, truth be told. My concern is that I'll incur their wrath and be banished from the cafe forever. Even if I do my nice-lady routine, I suspect they'll still view me as an outsider.

I guess I'll just follow the wise words of a sage: "You don't win friends with salad."*

*Homer Simpson circa 1995

Bad Mummy

2011-08-09T07:28:00.000+10:00

I've never been a fan of people who are self-righteous. And there certainly are some Mums out there with a nasty holier-than-thou attitude. You know them, the mothers who look down on other Mums because their kids don't eat organic nutmeg with every meal. Or who are horrified if you admit that your kids might watch a bit of TV and have icecream as a special treat. The Mums who wear designer outfits to the park and who roll their eyes at Mums in the classic jean-and-sneakers combo.

So in the interests of complete transparency, I have something to get off my chest.

I drive a 4WD. Yup, you can gasp in horror.

We bought it in 2009, when I was pregnant with Lucy. At the time, I was driving a Toyota Corolla. I loved that car - Esther was her name. She was fuel efficient, reliable, safe and cute. But getting Mikey in and out of his car seat with my ever-increasing belly in the way was proving to be quite a challenge.

When we were looking for a new car, the salesman who ultimately sold us Carol (my BIG 4WD) was very quick to point out that it had a DVD player in the back. For the kidlets. He kept saying it with a big, goofy smile plastered all over his smarmy face.

I told him that we wouldn't be using it. After all, I can remember driving with my family to the Gold Coast and snow many many times without a television. All we had was a dodgy cassette player and I-Spy to keep us amused. I thought it would be character-building for Mikey and Lucy to have to learn to entertain themselves on long car trips. And if all else failed, I could pop in an educational CD for them to listen to. No doubt, they'd be speaking fluent French by the time they were two.

Ha. How the mighty are fallen.

At first, it was just on a long trip home from the Blue Mountains. The kids were getting grizzly, so we popped in a Care Bears DVD and enjoyed the most quiet trip we've had since Mikey was born. A few weeks later, driving to Bowral, we wanted to have an adult conversation (not X-rated mind you, just y'know, about world politics or The Bold and The Beautiful. Out came a Hi-5 DVD and again, the sound of silence reigned.

The thing is, I've noticed that it's coming on more and more. Even on short trips.

So, I hereby claim my Bad Mummy status. Thing is, I don't feel too guilty. That thing saved our sanity on the trip to and from the snow and I can't bear the thought of living without it.

So, anyone else out there have a Bad Mummy moment from time to time? Don't leave me hanging ladies!

This Saturday I'm Grateful for The Snow

2011-08-06T10:01:00.001+10:00

Admittedly, there wasn't a huge amount of snow this year at Thredbo.

Enough to ski on, if you're really keen, but I'm a fair-weather skier and only partake if the coverage is thick and the sun is shining.

We only went down for 4 days but it was so much fun.

It was the first time Mikey and Lucy had seen the snow. They were a little hesitant at first but by the time we left, they were into it.

This Saturday, I'm so grateful that we could share our love of the snow with Mikey and Lucy, and that I got a break from normal life and spent some time with my Mum, Grant and the kidlets just relaxing and having fun.

For more gratitude in your attitude, visit Maxabella Loves

Crazy-Ass Gym

2011-08-02T07:30:00.000+10:00

Leotards and legwarmers: a match made in heaven

So, I've decided to re-join the gym. I'm actually a bit excited about getting some time alone with my ipod.

There are several gyms in the area and I've been weighing up my options....

Do I go to the one closest to me, within walking distance, but that has no creche?

Or do I go to the no-frills one, try to avoid the overall dinginess and save my money for new clothes?

Or do I join the brand spanking new, fancy-pants gym that has just opened and has an AMAZING creche, lots of cool facilities but is tres, tres, expensive?

I was leaning very much towards the gym within walking distance but it means I'll need to arrange for someone to watch the kids (like Grant or my Mum or sister). I know what I'm like: if I have to impose on anyone, I'll feel guilty and won't go.

I love the pretty, shiny, new gym. But damn. It's not cheap and I suspect there'll be an abundance of poseurs.

Really, all I want is a place that I'm happy to leave the kids, where they'll have fun and be entertained so I can get my jog (fast-paced huffing walk) on.

Talk to me peeps, where should I sign up to?

My Latest Obsession

2011-07-31T14:30:00.000+10:00

I've been hearing (reading?) people go on and on about how much Pinterest rocks.

Not knowing anything about it, I'd always been a bit, meh.

That is, until I actually went on and discovered for myself just how much Pinterest rocks.

I've installed the app on my phone and Grant told me last night that he thinks I might "have a problem" with it.

As in, I'm addicted.

So please, be sure to let me know your pinterest deets and I'll follow you... I need to feed the addiction!

Why Are You Reading This?

2011-07-28T13:41:00.000+10:00

You may have noticed that I'm blogging less lately.

Truth be told, I almost gave it away entirely but some special people advised against making any rash decisions, telling me that I can just cut back a bit without completely giving it up. (I can be a bit all-or-nothing about big decisions - I figure it's better to make a choice, any choice, and live with the consequences rather than fence sit forever and never move forward).

So, I'll sit down to write something and NOTHING comes to me.

Actually, that's not true, lots of stuff will pop into my head but as soon as it does, I'll dismiss it as boring, irrelevant, silly and a waste of my time and yours.

It's quite the crisis of confidence.

Maybe it's because this blog has no real purpose - it's not instructive (alas, if I were to start posting my crafts, cooking and attempts at home decorating, I fear it would change to a humourous blog!) and it's not a platform for me to sell stuff. I don't generate any income from it that would allow me to buy cool sh*t and then post about it (man, I really wish that was the case!!!) and my posts are far too blah to impress the publishing world and compel them to offer me some kind of book deal (again, dammit!).

And then I read the news - Africa, Norway, child abuse...

Gah. It feels so ridiculous, complaining about first world problems when I have a gorgeous man who loves me, two healthy, happy and utterly adorable children, a family that rocks, friends worth their weight in gold.

Seriously.

Mama just needs to get her groove back.

It's time for a dance. Scissor Sisters, anyone?

Book Love: Anonymums

2011-07-22T13:31:00.001+10:00

I picked this book up at just the right time. It was utterly perfect for what I needed.

It's fun, honest, inspiring and it made me want to be brave and get out of my comfort zone.

3 Mums all meet up for some very honest conversations and they take turns challenging each other to perform tasks that force them to re-evaluate their lives.

It's not a how-to guide for dealing with life as a Mum, but it might just inspire you to reclaim some time and energy back for yourself, to do the things that make you feel like a whole person, not just a Mum.

As these 3 brave Mums (no wonder they chose to remain anonymous!) play their game of Truth and Dare, it made me look at my own life a little closer - what things would I really like to change. What things are making me unhappy and what I can actually do about them.

Because it's nice and short, it was easy to read over a weekend.

It's a book I'd recommend to any Mum in need of a jumpstart!

Hoarders

2011-07-20T14:29:00.000+10:00

I've only just discovered the tv show Hoarders.

It's surprisingly emotive. I find myself wanting to throttle these people that allow their homes to become so disgusting.

I feel like it's the 2011 equivalent to Jerry Springer in the 90s. Remember how everyone would clamber over each other, recounting episodes of the most outrageous guests and their bizarre antics?

The most powerful episode I've seen was a woman whose son had been removed from her care because her home was so unsanitary. In the process of clearing it out, they found several dead cats, along with her false teeth.

I know that hoarding isn't about being lazy and disorganised. I know it's a psychological condition that impels people to keep bring more and more things into their overstuffed homes.But this episode had an impact on me. This mother allowed mental illness to stand between her and her son. She was so stuck that it ruined her life, and deeply impacted the life of her poor little boy.

It makes me so sad to think that she allowed her mental illness to destroy her family.

And it made me proud.

Of myself and all the other Mums out there who stand up and get the help they need. The ones who are brave enough to face the stigma of depression and put the wellbeing of themselves and their family above the narrow-minded opinions of others.

This post is dedicated to my friend, N, who has just recently, and very bravely, stepped out of the PND-closet.

Book Love: Thx Thx Thx

2011-07-14T14:39:00.001+10:00

This book is totally adorable.

The author has written little thank you notes to the everyday things that make life a little bit special.

I love a solid, chunky hardback and this doesn't fail to delight.

At times it's quite obscure and at other times it's funny. But it's always sweet.

A lovely book to get you to look at life a little differently.