Musings of a mummabee...

Halloween.....I just don't get it.....

2010-10-30T02:39:00.000-07:00

So it's Halloween tomorrow night and the shops have been full to the brim with pumpkins, witches and other scary-ish paraphenalia. I don't know what it is, but I just don't get Halloween at all.....what's the go with it? I know it's huge in Northern America, but I never knew anything about it as a kid, but now it's taking over. Thank goodness we are going to a BBQ tomorrow night so I won't be home for any trick or treaters....lol I'm all for getting into costume at any possible opportunity - I LOVE dressing up, but why would you want to dress up ugly and scary? Hmmm.....oh well, at least it means that we are on the countdown to Christmas, which is my absolute favourite time of year.....I've already started my shopping, half planned my table decoration and mentally decorated my Christmas tree - obsessed much?

Oh my....look what the cat dragged in....

2010-10-20T02:07:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been months dear readers....and I would not be surprised if nobody is reading anymore....I have been inexplicably and inexcusably absent! Ok, not inexcusably - my little boy has been keeping me VERY busy!! I'd forgotten just how much time (and how little sleep) is needed for tackling the demands of a small person. I'd become used to a very independent nearly 4 year old and the newborn/infant phase was a huge shock to my system. However, we are getting back to something like normality, and that means blowing the cobwebs off my poor neglected blog and re-injecting life into it....or so I think at this hour of night anyway.....

That's all for now....no profound thoughts, no witty repartee....but I am back and intend to remain so! Hello to all who are still following and if you do happen to spare a tiny moment to comment, you know I'll love you forever!!

Things that make you go hmmmmm.....

2010-05-02T21:15:00.000-07:00

Well, at least it would be if I could remember all the things that have been happening! We've had our house on the market (yuk!) and had offers accepted and fall through, offers rejected and lots of houses not worth offering on.....it's an incredibly stressful process!

On a brighter note, I am completely besotted with my gorgeous little boy Wesley. He is 6 months old now - yes 6 months (and I have no idea how it went that fast!!). A little ray of sunshine - such a smiley, happy wee thing and his big sister Sophie is totally in love with him too. It's so gorgeous to watch them together. Makes me so thankful that I can stay at home and just be a mum.

I was thinking the other day after someone corrected me for saying, when asked what I do for a job "I'm just a mum"....they said "Just? far out - hardest job in the world.....say you're a mum and people's jaws should drop if they had any idea what you do!!" Apart from being VERY affirming, it did make me think.....often the things that we struggle with are the things we label ourselves with.....so I'm making it my mission to chuck out labels in my life!

Try it - it's really liberating!

Me Time Monday....on Thursday....a few weeks late...oops!

2010-02-24T13:25:00.000-08:00

Oh my, I guess the demands of a newborn are a little more than I remember! Too busy playing and enjoying my gorgeous wee boy (and negotiating with his big sister!) to get online as much as I used to....this will probably be the norm for a while now.....must try and blog more, but feel like I have mush for brains and nothing much to say!

Hopefully one day I'll be that intelligent, insightful woman again, but for now.....haha

Me Time Monday - 25 January

2010-01-24T19:29:00.001-08:00

It's hot and humid and I'm feeling a bit meh....top it off with being very tired from inexplicably waking up almost on the hour every hour last night and today I'm feeling a bit precious. I need a hug!

Me Time Monday - 18 January

2010-01-18T10:51:00.000-08:00

Well, oops gain! Me Time Monday somehow got lost in cyberspace last week.....it was the day before my birthday, and I guess I was distracted - oh well, it's not like a lot happened that day anyway!

Tuesday however, I was woken by my daughter singing Happy Birthday - so cute! And I was spoilt all day long with phone calls, texts and gifts from friends and family - I am so blessed to have all these wonderful people in my life!!

So, now I'm 35 - I don't feel it, I've been told I don't look it - what's a number?

Me Time Monday - 4 January

2010-01-03T13:10:00.000-08:00

Well, Happy New Year!

Here's hoping it's fantastic....I love the feeling at the beginning of the year when it's like a clean slate, full of promise and expectation!

I've written a long list of things to accomplish this year.....we shall see what actually gets done....lol

Hope it's a great year for all in bloggyland!

Oops! "Me Time Monday"....on Tuesday!

2009-12-28T13:04:00.000-08:00

Well I kinda slipped up already.....it's Tuesday, but yesterday (and last week) were kind of hectic.

We had a fabulous Christmas and hope you all did too. We were very spoilt with gifts, ate lots, slept lots and generally loved catching up with friends and family.

I love Christmas and it's my aim this coming year to bring a bit of the magic and special nature of Christmas to every day - celebrate year round!

Me Time Monday - 14 December

2009-12-13T16:03:00.000-08:00

We are officially in the countdown to Christmas mode in this house. Every day my three and a bit year old daughter wakes me up with the question "Is it Christmas yet?"....it's kinda the yuletide version of "are we there yet?" and is repeated with alarming frequency for the rest of her waking hours...I'll be glad for the day when I can say "yes!!". And then it's all over too soon.

Personally, I love the whole festive frenzy - people rushing around the shops with a manic grin on their faces, carols ad nauseum, everything sparkly and bright.....ah, it's Christmas!! The weekend before last hubby and Sophie made a gingerbread house - it's the cutest thing and we've decided to open one present each on Christmas Eve and eat the gingerbread house and sing Christmas carols - it will be the start of our little family tradition.

I'm excited about Wesley's first Christmas too - he's only 7 weeks old, so he won't remember it, but I'll have fun with it all. Have bought him the cutest little bib that says "Mummy's little pudding" and a Santa hat - so adorable!! I'll try and capture a photo when he's awake and not feeding.

Right, well better go - have lots to do while the little man sleeps - see you next Monday!

Alrighty then....I'm coming out of the fog!!

2009-12-13T16:00:00.000-08:00

The last 8 weeks have been a bit of a blur really.....I became a hermit in the last few weeks of my pregnancy and just mooched around at home in a nesting frenzy. Then of course there was the birth of our gorgeous son, and then those first six weeks just flew by in a haze of feeding, not sleeping and wondering how on earth to get through another day with a high energy toddler to cope with!

But, we made it, and now he's starting to sleep, so I can get some semblance of 'me time' back into my life!! Starting with - my poor, neglected blog!!

So, from now on I'm going to try and post once a week - I'll call it 'Me time Monday'....it may not be interesting, and it might not even make sense, but I'm going to try and be accountable.

Wish me luck!

Seriously lost my blogging mojo....

2009-10-10T14:48:00.000-07:00

I've been so busy with being pregnant and nurturing a new life that I've lost my blogging mojo. Hopefully it will come back at some stage, but until then, I'll continue to lurk, occasionally comment and if the mood strikes me - post!

Take care out there in bloggy land!!

Joanne
xx

Sock Monkey

2009-08-12T14:42:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting to make one for ages seeing as they are so expensive in the shops, but hadn't gotten around to it until earlier this week. I think it's pretty good (if I may say so myself and especially because I had to do it all by hand because my sewing machine decided to chuck a tanty!) for a first attempt, and now I want to make more!

Sophie loves it and has carried it round everywhere (and I mean everywhere - it has to sit on the potty when she is on the toilet!!) for the last few days and taken it to bed every night. She told me she loves it like she loves Mummy and Daddy - awwww!

Next I want to make a stripey one for a friend's baby shower - I figure it will be something quite original!! For the baby though, I'll embroider the eyes and nose instead of buttons - safer I think!

Thanks to Heather for her instructions so very long ago....I finally did it!!

Without further ado, here is the as yet unnamed sock monkey...

Progress on the '34' list - almost done!!

2009-08-09T18:17:00.000-07:00

1. Declutter the house – 1 room per month should be quick enough!! (All done!)
2. Clean out our garage and sell/donate what we don't use (this goes for #1 also). (Done!)
3. Make our bedroom pretty and functional. (Done!)
4. Stick to the budget – create weekly shopping lists/meal plans. (Done every week so far)
5. Plant (and maintain) a garden for and with my daughter. (Done! and she loves it!)
6. Do one activity per term with my daughter (dance, swimming, music etc). (Swim T1, Music T2, Playcentre T3 and 4 - so Done!)
7. Go on date nights with hubby – aim for one per month......this one isn't going so well - we've done 3 this year!
8. Sell our house.
9. Buy a bigger house.
10. Wear nice lingerie under my clothes. (Did so, well until I got pregnant anyway!!)
11. Listen, instead of just hearing, what people say to me. (Trying....)
12. Read 50 books. (Up to 46 so far - nearly there!)
13. Create an artwork.
14. Frame all the pictures and artworks that are waiting to be framed. (Done! and finished the picture wall too!)
15. Socialise more with friends – make an effort! (Have definitely been doing this!!)
16. Start Christmas shopping early in the year. (Almost finished Christmas shopping - only have hubby and Gran to go!)
17. Take a family holiday. (This is in planning stage...)
18. Blog more often. (Oops!)
19. Cut and colour my hair. (Colour is done.....cut I've decided not to do now...)
20. Do something every week that's just for me.
21. Start sewing again. (I've been doing quite a lot of sewing for Sophie)
22. Get to goal weight by the end of the year (that’s 6kg to lose). (This one is on hold until AFTER the baby arrives!!)
23. Exercise one hour, at least 3 times a week. (Same as #22)
24. Sort through my wardrobe – be ruthless! (Done!)
25. Take my daughter to the zoo. (Did and it was awesome!!)
26. Visit my gran every week. (Loving this one!)
27. Spend more time with friends and family – enjoy them! (Yes if Mum isn't busy!)
28. Practice more ARK (acts of random kindness). (Done!)
29. Sort out the garden – make it low maintenance – and then actually maintain it! (Done!)
30. Find a pair of sunglasses that actually suit me. (Done!)
31. Write in my daughter’s journal more often. (Have done so every fortnight so far)
32. Play more and be silly more.
33. See at least 2 movies IN the movie theatre – perhaps with hubby?
34. Try a new recipe at least once a month. (Have tried quite a few new recipes this year, so yes!)

Ups and downs.....

2009-07-30T15:49:00.000-07:00

The downs: Sophie fell into the corner of the deck on Sunday afternoon, split her lip open (top and bottom - no stitches thank God!!), and knocked a tooth back (so far it's staying in).....then developed an infection during the night Monday night and has hardly slept, ate or had much fun all week. She seems to be on the mend a bit now, the antibiotics seem to have kicked in. Spent most of Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights in her bed comforting her and holding her while she cried herself to sleep.....poor bubba! (Thank goodness we forked out on her mattress though - it's really comfortable!!).

The ups: Due to not sleeping much, Sophie is chatting to herself late into the night (read 11/12pm!!). Last night, both hubby and I were exhausted and getting a bit frustrated that she just wouldn't go to sleep.....then we heard her singing.....the alphabet song - a,b, c, d....etc - so, so cute!! I didn't realise that she knew how to sing it and she sang it perfectly - all the letters in the right order and everything!! We were lying there listening to this tiny little voice singing out and both just filled with pride - it's moments like that that make it all worth it!! Then I said to her "Go to sleep Sophie" and she yells out "ok Mummy!".....wish it were that simple!!

The Polyvore Challenge......

2009-07-12T18:53:00.000-07:00

Seen it about on a few friends blogs, so decided I'd jump on the bandwagon.

The challenge is: create an outfit based on jeans, a top and whatever accessories you want to add - what is your twist on this basic outfit? Show your personal style.

My outfit is classy and feminine with just a bit of quirk and sexiness - all that I aspire to.....lol

Jeans etc by mummabee featuring True Religion jeans

In a baking frenzy!

2009-07-05T14:59:00.000-07:00

Have a friend coming over tomorrow, and will be baking carrot/ginger muffins with cream cheese icing and chocolate chip cookies....but the baking bug has hit me big time so I can't wait until tomorrow to get started!

Came across this fantastic recipe for super easy scones recently on a forum I frequent and will be making these today (in a few minutes actually!).

3 cups self raising flour
1 cup cream
1 cup lemonade (must be fizzy - doesn't matter if cold or room temp)

Mix all ingredients together to form a sticky dough. Cut into individual scones and bake at 220 degrees celcius for 10 minutes.

There you go - easy peasy! I'll report back on how yummy they are!! With pics if I can stand the wait!!

Feeling a bit low actually.....

2009-06-30T15:50:00.000-07:00

Just feeling a bit sooky lala and sensitive at the moment, and it doesn't help when you have comments like this given to you:

Re: discipline of a very challenging two and a bit year old "I find that 'X' only really acts up when I don't pay enough attention to her....are you ignoring Sophie a lot more recently?" Yeh, that's helpful....thanks.

Re: toilet training "My eldest was toilet trained at 18 months but of course she was a much loved and wanted child"....oh, so my child not trained at 2 1/2 years is because I don't want her or love her enough....thanks for that.

Re: a present given to someone "Oh that really wasn't necessary....you should have just given me a card....but maybe that would have cost you more"....yeh, yeh, I know you're joking, but that's not nice.

So, after a week of being kicked while I'm down, I'm just going to the bottom of the garden to eat worms.....see you when I get back.

OOPS! and Blog This Challenge #5

2009-06-22T19:27:00.000-07:00

Everyone loves Holidays. Everyone has had a holiday - be it a great big backpacking adventure, a luxury weekend away,a caravan trek as a kid with the family taking in Big Bananas, Big Prawns, Big Pineapples et al, Camping in the neighbours yard under the stars for a few nights. Elaborately planned holidays, impromptu 'let's get out of here' holidays. Blog about a holiday you've had that stands out - adventure, relaxation, family, friends, disaster, hilarious events! Who were you with? Where did you go? What made it so memorable? Share a photo if you want!

Well I guess I've been a bit awol with the blogging challenges, somehow I keep missing out the announcement of the challenge and then forgetting to check....anyway....somehow we are up to challenge #5 and i thought I'd better jump back in!
____________________________________________________________________

This one's an easy one for me - the best holiday I can ever remember is one of the first family trips we went on. We had to get up at midnight and be shifted out to the car, which as a 7 year old is horrendously exciting in itself and then travelled all night to get to our destination, which was the not so nicely named Coffin Bay in South Australia.....lol.

On the surface, this holiday should have been an absolute disaster - miles from anywhere, no entertainment, no tv, rained the whole time, stuck in a little holiday house with my family and not even close to the beach......but it was wonderful. We talked, played games, painted and got time to just 'be' which was exquisite and rarely done! I have no photos from this holiday, except the pictures in my mind, which I often refer to on a rainy day.

Wedding Anniversary update

2009-06-09T15:20:00.000-07:00

Had a lovely lunch on the weekend with hubby, just the two of us! It's been ages since we've been on a 'date'. Lunch at a restaurant by the water, quiet and intimate - lovely food and great conversation....oh, and Tiramisu to die for!! Almost made up for being sick on our actual anniversary!

Wedding Anniversary!

2009-06-02T17:09:00.000-07:00

5 years today.....some days it feels like forever (in a good way) and in some ways it seems like we are always discovering something new about each other. Love you babe!

We were supposed to be going out to dinner tonight with Mum and Dad babysitting and I've been looking forward to it all week, but wouldn't you know it, this morning I wake up sick as the proverbial dog - must be a growth spurt in the bubba.....argh!

Will have to postpone it until the weekend and have a long leisurely lunch and maybe trawl some baby shops if I can convince hubby....lol

The 5th anniversary is traditionally wood, so I've bought him an olive tree and a gorgeous big terracotta pot to put it in until we move to a bigger house (this year hopefully!!). He's been wanting one for ages, and despite asking a million questions over the last few weeks, I hope he hasn't guessed what it is and is surprised!!

When I grow up.....

2009-05-26T14:03:00.000-07:00

Blogged Challenge #1!

I've recently joined a blog ring, to help keep my blog fresh and (hopefully!) interesting!

The first challenge is:

Challenge 1: When I grow up.A ballerina? A vet? An astronaut? As a small child, what did you dream of becoming? Tell your story, on your own blog, in words, pictures or a combination. The choice is yours. As long or short as you like.

Funny, I was just thinking about this the other day. Watching my daughter grow up and wondering who she will turn out to be got me thinking about my childhood and the careers I was so sure I would hold when I 'grew up' (still got some of that to do really....).

First I wanted to be a ballerina, but stumpy little thighs and general lack of coordination scuppered that one. But I tried really, really hard to look the part, and I did love my ballet lessons!

Then it was air hostess, (I'm sure there's a more PC name for them now, but meh), but again, my general stumpiness prevented that one. To this day I have travel reaching the overhead bins!!

The final and most long-held dream in career terms was vet. I love animals and still do, but I hate needles and anything to do with blood (and still do!), so that one was sunk as well.

I guess as a child I really wanted to do something I love, but when I actually started working I fell into a career and learned to love it. However, I do think that underlying all of those things was a theme - to entertain, nurture and make a difference, and I think my 'career' now, of stay at home mummy is the epitome of all those things and what's more, I love it!

The pay in monetary terms is pretty bad, but the joy I get from seeing my daughter's face and hearing her little giggles, watching her learn new things and delighting in the world around her - priceless!

Mother's Day

2009-05-12T14:25:00.000-07:00

Had a lovely Mother's Day.....hard to believe that next year I'll be a Mum of 2!

Having had a test run on Saturday with a 9am sleep in and then woken up with toast in bed (thanks hubby!), Sunday I was greeted by a sleepy little girl saying "Happy Birthday.......Happy Mother's Day Mummy" (with much prompting....lol) and presents!

We went out for breakfast, which was lovely, except that I was really in the mood for pancakes and they didn't serve them! Oh well, a fresh fruit salad and toast had to make do....haha.

Then we spent time with my gran and my parents - it's amazing to have 4 generations of females in our family to celebrate such occcasions with! Then in the afternoon I went shopping with my mum, sans child - a rare treat! We browsed, chatted and had coffee together - priceless! Ok, I also did some shopping.....but that was just a bonus.

All in all a lovely day spent with the people I love the most in the whole world - my family!!

On a side note though - it's suprising the number of cafes that DON'T serve pancakes - what, is it difficult? Or are they a casualty of the whole low carb lifestyle.....either way I think it's a silly idea!!

I'm kind of sick of the whole 'let's dictate how people eat' thing.....quite frankly I think there is a lack of personal discipline in eating and it is unfair for those who are able to control what and how they eat!!

Bring back the pancakes!! Ok, off my soap box now.....Hope you all had a lovely Mother's Day and spoiled your mothers - they are very, very special women!!

Another goal....well on the way!

2009-05-06T15:13:00.000-07:00

I also set myself a goal to read 34 books this year (because I'm 34!) and so far I'm up to 22 - I think I'll make it! (Now I'm thinking 50 as a medium sized goal and maybe even aiming to double the original goal by December 31....we shall see!)

I've been interviewed!

2009-04-30T18:26:00.000-07:00

Chantelle from fat.mum.slim interviewed me for her everyday everybody series and it's up on her blog now!

Quite exciting really, and I had to think hard about some of the answers!

Go and check it out if you wanna!

Advice to my younger self.....

2009-04-22T13:17:00.000-07:00

I had the most fascinating and eye-opening conversation with an old school friend yesterday, in which I discovered some very interesting things about our relationship back then which would have been very different if we knew the things we know about each other and the world in general now, and whilst lying awake last night, I was thinking - what advice would I give my younger self?

If you can put aside the obvious time travel restrictions and the serious creepiness of facing 'yourself' at a different time in your life......think with me......what would you say?

To my 10 year old self: "I know that moving to New Zealand from Australia seems like the end of the world, but you WILL cope, and you will make some fantastic friends who you will still be friends with in 20+ years (and that's not old you little smart alec!!)"

To my 15 year old self: "Live a little - study isn't all there is, the world is a big place and you need to learn world smarts as well as book smarts. And that boy does like you, be brave!"

To my 20 year old self: "Okay, enough with the living - slow down and smell the roses! You are burning the candle at both ends and the sides and you are going to crash!! Take one thing at a time and solve it, don't try to be everything to everybody - you can't please everyone!! Oh, and your body is fantastic - don't put yourself down - you won't be this skinny for a long time!!"

To my 30 year old self: "Being single is ok for now, the right man is coming along all in good time. Take time to be you. Get back to what matters - family and friends - reconnect yourself"

I'm only 34, but that seems like good advice for my younger self at those stages - now to find out how to time travel!!

The project is revealed!!

2009-04-21T18:30:00.001-07:00

The project I alluded to a while back.....can now be revealed.

Drum roll please........my new (additional) blog!

Go check it out if you want to!

Raining.....

2009-04-19T17:58:00.000-07:00

It's raining today, and normally I'm not a huge fan of rain, particularly when stuck indoors with a very active toddler, but today I'm grateful. I'm in a stay in comfy clothes inside, just relaxing with a cup of soup kind of mood and thankfully Sophie is happy to play with her new train set while I tuck into my new book.

It's the small things that make me happy! She's happy, I'm happy, the garden is soaking up the lovely rain - the world is a lovely place today!!

The egg hunt!

2009-04-13T14:27:00.000-07:00

Sophie had been ill last week (gastro - yuk!) and thus I wasn't sure how she would go with her first ever Easter egg hunt, but I thought I'd give it a go anyway. Daddy distracted her while I raced around the yard putting eggs and little bunnies out for her to find.

She was a bit confused at first, but quickly got the hang of it and was racing around squealing with delight every time she found something - saying "look, look, look!" and then naming the colour of the object. It was very cute.

My mother-in-law had sent her an Easter basket for the collection of Easter eggs and Sophie's eggs are stored in this as we eke them out so there is not too much crazy sugar high behaviour!! There was quite a haul!

I think she was pleased with the outcome of the hunt!

Ticked another item off the list!

2009-04-11T21:34:00.000-07:00

Today, I did #5 - planted a garden with my daughter. It was so much fun. We dug out the old garden from a half barrel, then went to the garden centre and I gave her pretty much free rein to choose her own plants. I think she did a lovely job too - the colours all coordinate nicely. I also planted baby carrot seeds, and lemon thyme for a sensory experience, and bought a cute little green watering can. She is so proud to water her little garden, and I think it will be a lovely thing for her over the next little while to watch the seedlings come up and then eat the carrots!

Here is our efforts:

Happy Happy Easter everyone!!

2009-04-10T20:10:00.001-07:00

I am currently snacking on a hot cross bun, fresh out of the oven, that I didn't even lift a finger to make - thanks hubby! Yummy! Daughter is asleep on the couch, so I thought I'd do a quick post to wish everyone a happy Easter, and then get started on my new book.

I hope everyone is having a safe and family happy easter, not indulging in too many chocolate eggs!

In our local town, we have a Jazz festival, so might check that out tomorrow...

And I will post photos next week of Sophie's easter egg hunt in the backyard - too cute!

Major progress on the 34. List!

2009-03-23T12:49:00.001-07:00

1. Declutter the house – 1 room per month should be quick enough!! (Only the office to go!)
2. Clean out our garage and sell/donate what we don't use (this goes for #1 also). (Done!)
3. Make our bedroom pretty and functional.
4. Stick to the budget – create weekly shopping lists/meal plans. (Done every week so far)
5. Plant (and maintain) a garden for and with my daughter.
6. Do one activity per term with my daughter (dance, swimming, music etc). (Swim Term 1)
7. Go on date nights with hubby – aim for one per month.
8. Sell our house.
9. Buy a bigger house.
10. Wear nice lingerie under my clothes. (Have been doing so - matching even!)
11. Listen, instead of just hearing, what people say to me. (Trying....)
12. Read 50 books. (Up to 17 so far)
13. Create an artwork.
14. Frame all the pictures and artworks that are waiting to be framed.
15. Socialise more with friends – make an effort! (Have definitely been doing this!!)
16. Start Christmas shopping early in the year.
17. Take a family holiday.
18. Blog more often. (Oops!)
19. Cut and colour my hair. (Colour is done.....cut I've decided not to do now...)
20. Do something every week that's just for me.
21. Start sewing again. (I made one skirt for me and a toy for Sophie)
22. Get to goal weight by the end of the year (that’s 6kg to lose). (1kg to go!)
23. Exercise one hour, at least 3 times a week. (Yes, well.....)
24. Sort through my wardrobe – be ruthless! (Done!)
25. Take my daughter to the zoo. (Did and it was awesome!!)
26. Visit my gran every week. (Loving this one!)
27. Spend more time with friends and family – enjoy them! (Yes if Mum isn't busy!)
28. Practice more ARK (acts of random kindness).
29. Sort out the garden – make it low maintenance – and then actually maintain it!
30. Find a pair of sunglasses that actually suit me.
31. Write in my daughter’s journal more often. (Have done so every fortnight so far)
32. Play more and be silly more.
33. See at least 2 movies IN the movie theatre – perhaps with hubby?
34. Try a new recipe at least once a month. (Have tried 3 new recipes this year, so yes!)

Seven

2009-03-05T16:25:00.000-08:00

I was tagged by Katy of MamaKat and Katy of Wife.Mummy.Me for this one!

The Rules:

1. List these rules on your blog.

2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog.

3. Tell 7 unspectacular quirks about you.

4. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.

5.Link the person who tagged you.

6.Leave a comment for each blogger.

It could be nice if you post a personal photo with this post.

Ok.....

7 facts about myself:
1. I was adopted age 18 months and I'm spectacularly grateful!
2. I'm short - not Oompa Loompa short, but pretty short nonetheless.
3. I am a proud South Australian, even though I haven't lived there since I was 10.
4. I love to read....really love to read!!
5. I love dogs - even those supposedly ugly Chinese Hairless ones.
6. I am suprisingly careful with money now, I wasn't always this way!
7. I always wanted to be an air hostess, but I was too short.

7 unspectacular quirks:
1. I have a thing about firemen - always have....
2. I have very small hands - my wedding ring is an H 1/2.
3. I am a spelling nazi (or so I've been told....)
4. I arrange my books by colour of spine.
5. I love vegemite - won't travel without it.
6. I still have my favourite childhood toy - Ellie the Elephant.
7. I don't eat fish, unless I really, really have to.

My 7 people to tag:
1. Kylie
2. Kir
3. Andrea
4. Simone
5. Heather
6. Kristy
7. Charlene

Well, well, well....

2009-02-28T23:12:00.000-08:00

I'm supposed to be blogging more often, but just lately a huge project (which cannot yet be revealed) is taking up a whole lot of my time and energy and I keep forgetting to come in here.

As soon as I can tell you more I will, until then, I will be quite absent-ish!

The thrift finds.....

2009-02-02T11:27:00.000-08:00

1. This gorgeous sleeveless blouse with ruffle detail. It's super thin so it's nice and cool and the detail gives it that certain something I think! I've been looking for something like this for ages! ($2.50). I also bought the bangles to go with it, but I'm not sure on those.....($2.00). I think I will put an extra button on the bottom though, as post baby belly really shouldn't be bared anymore!!

Closeup of the bangles - they have a graduated colour from white through to a dark blue:

2. Now, this is just beautiful.....so incredibly soft and just slightly fluffy. I was attracted to the flower detail on the front and the gorgeous muted colour. It has 3/4 sleeves and is quite light, so perfect for that in-between weather that we get so much of here. It also has a nice wide boat neck to show off those collarbones....lol. (Priced at $3.00, then discovered storewide 50% off sale! Yay me!). I am happy with it....really! I just look somewhat pensive, still trying to work out this self-timer thing - I have zero patience!!

And, just because I can.....my cute little princess decided she wanted to 'pose'.....sorry it's out of focus, but it was on self-timer and it snapped when she was moving, and then she decided she didn't want to stay still any more anyway.....lol.

If I were a boy....

2009-01-31T16:24:00.000-08:00

I was tagged by Kylie for this one.....a curious little test indeed!

1. Put your iTunes or Windows Media Player or Ipod on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your next answer.
Check shuffle is on again...
3. You must write that song name down no matter how outrageous it sounds!
4. Tag friends who might enjoy doing the game as well as the person you got the note from

IF SOMEONE SAYS, “IS THIS OKAY” YOU SAY?
'Does anybody really know what time it is?' (Chicago)

WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
'I hope you Dance' (Ronan Keating) - quite true really!

WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
'Never going to leave your side' (Daniel Bedingfield) - well, fidelity is important!

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE’S PURPOSE?
'Make me Smile' (Chicago)

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
'My Love' (Justin Timberlake)

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
'Irresistible' (Jessica Simpson) - uh huh...

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT OFTEN?
'Gotta get thru this' (Daniel Bedingfield)

WHAT IS 2+2?
'Run' (Leona Lewis) - yeh I never was good at maths....lol

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
'Days go by' (Lifehouse)

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
'Only Human' (Jason Mraz)....well true!

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
'Let me entertain you' (Robbie Williams)

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
'Lovestoned' (Justin Timberlake)

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
'Save the last dance' (Michael Buble)

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
'Say you, say me' (Lionel Richie)

WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
'Single Ladies (Put a ring on it)' (Beyonce) - pmsl...

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
'Angels' (Robbie Williams)

WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
'Home' (Michael Buble) - spooky!

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
'In the air tonight' (Phil Collins)

WHAT’S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN?
'If you're not the one' (Daniel Bedingfield)

HOW WILL YOU DIE?
'If you leave me now' (Chicago)

WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET?
'Apologize' (Timbaland/One Republic)

WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?
'Rock and roll all night' (Poison) - well their outfits do at least!

WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?
'Father and Son' (Boyzone) - it does!

WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED?
'Lucky' (Jason Mraz)

WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST?
'Let him fly' (Jessica Simpson)

DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU?
'Safe in my heart' (Foreigner)

IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?
'I can't stop loving you' (Keith Urban)

WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW?
'Bleeding Love' (Leona Lewis)

WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?
'If I were a boy' (Beyonce)

Yes! Found it!

2009-01-29T18:21:00.000-08:00

The perfect skirt - the right length, gorgeous fabric, some colour for my wardrobe.....and a great price!! It was reduced from $99 to $30 (which I thought was a bargain), and then when I got to the checkout, the lady said....that will be $22 - we are having a % off sale today! Score!!

Anyway, it's just divine, 100% silk and so floaty....sorry for the crappy photo, couldn't be bothered hauling out the tripod today....I've got some great thrift finds to show you too, but they can wait until next week I think.....can you? Tee hee...

Without further ado, here is the aforementioned (gosh I love that word...) skirt:

Progress.....

2009-01-22T12:04:00.000-08:00

I'm making progress on a few items on my "34" list....particularly in the areas of decluttering and selling off stuff! Unfortunately this is combined with a complete lack of progress on the buying new house front, the market is very depressed here, and it doesn't look at all likely for this year.

However, I have (inspired by a friend) started a 'vision board' where I put pictures of things I want to achieve - houses, bedroom looks, wardrobe looks etc to inspire me to continue to put positivity into my universe - counter the negative that can come from not getting what I want immediately - hey I am generation X!!

We have our very first playdate at our house today, S and I have been attending our coffee group weekly since she was a few weeks old, and we have been to quite a few playdates at other people's houses, but this is our first one at our house - I don't know who is more excited - me or her!! Should be fun....

Bliss....

2009-01-18T11:08:00.000-08:00

Last night I had a long soak in the bath, for nearly an hour (and if you are a parent, you'll know how rare this is!!).....smothered in luscious bubbles courtesy of a Lush Ma Bar. Candles, solitude and a warm bath....with the only interruption being my husband bringing me a Magnum Mini....and asking if there was anything else I needed.....Could my evening have been any better? I think not.

Rebranding.....

2009-01-12T17:35:00.000-08:00

Well I've decided to rebrand my blog.....my nickname for a long time at work was "mummabee" because I was always mothering someone (mothering? smothering? LOL). And seeing as my thrifting efforts have been, well let's face it, few and far between and not likely to get any less sporadic, I've decided to re title and refocus my blog in the hope that it will spur me to blog more often. So now you are going to be subjected to all kinds of randomness - fitness, fatness, fashion, findings, fabric and allsorts of fabulousness! We'll see how it all goes - hope you'll stay along for the ride.

34 Things I'd like to achieve this year.....

2009-01-08T17:05:00.001-08:00

Jumping on the bandwagon of lists, which it's no secret I love wholeheartedly....I have decided to post on my blog the list of things I want to accomplish this year. I will be 34 in a few days, so I decided that was a nice number of things to do.

Disclaimer: this is not a New Year's resolution list - I don't believe in making them (and besides if I do, I don't keep them and they end up snowballing....). I plan to do the occasional post to update on things that are accomplished.

Without further ado, here is the list:

1. Declutter the house – 1 room per month should be quick enough!!
2. Clean out our garage and sell/donate what we don't use (this goes for #1 also).
3. Make our bedroom pretty and functional.
4. Stick to the budget – create weekly shopping lists/meal plans.
5. Plant (and maintain) a garden for and with my daughter.
6. Do one activity per term with my daughter (dance, swimming, music etc).
7. Go on date nights with hubby – aim for one per month.
8. Sell our house.
9. Buy a bigger house.
10. Wear nice lingerie under my clothes.
11. Listen, instead of just hearing, what people say to me.
12. Read 50 books.
13. Create an artwork.
14. Frame all the pictures and artworks that are waiting to be framed.
15. Socialise more with friends – make an effort!
16. Start Christmas shopping early in the year.
17. Take a family holiday.
18. Blog more often.
19. Cut and colour my hair.
20. Do something every week that's just for me.
21. Start sewing again.
22. Get to goal weight by the end of the year (that’s 6kg to lose).
23. Exercise one hour, at least 3 times a week.
24. Sort through my wardrobe – be ruthless!
25. Take my daughter to the zoo.
26. Visit my gran every week.
27. Spend more time with friends and family – enjoy them!
28. Practice more ARK (acts of random kindness).
29. Sort out the garden – make it low maintenance – and then actually maintain it!
30. Find a pair of sunglasses that actually suit me.
31. Write in my daughter’s journal more often.
32. Play more and be silly more.
33. See at least 2 movies IN the movie theatre – perhaps with hubby?
34. Try a new recipe at least once a month.

Excitement!

2008-12-29T12:19:00.000-08:00

Received this gorgeous cardi?/top from a friend. I have borrowed it on numerous occasions to wear to parties etc and it was no secret how much I loved it. Gorgeous, lovely person that she is, she decided that I would get so much more wear out of it than she would and gifted it to me!!! Yay me! (and yay her!!).

Anyway, here it is.....the pic doesn't capture how sparkly and gorgeous it is. Wore it to a party on Christmas Eve and got so many comments - I feel pretty, oh so pretty! LOL

Sorry about the really tragic pose too.....

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-22T11:32:00.001-08:00

Well I'm going to be awol for a little while, so I just wanted to get in and wish you all a Merry Christmas!!

Got the parents-in-law with us for a few days, which means my voice at least will get a rest (read: I won't get a word in edgewise with the mother-in-law!! LOL) It will be full on, but fun. S is getting into the Christmas spirit, (and the presents!) and I think this year will be an absolute blast. Lots of precious memories!

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and get very spoiled with lots of lovely presents!!

Eat, drink and be happy!

Did I mention I love Christmas?

2008-12-10T17:14:00.003-08:00

I really, really do - it's my favourite time of year. I love these......(I make them every year)....

And this - too adorable!!

Kudos to our local cafe!!!

2008-12-09T16:06:00.000-08:00

Popped into our local cafe after taking little S to an orthopaedic appointment at the hospital. We were in there for 3 hours and as part of that she had to have an x-ray of her hips and I had to pin her down (screaming - her not me....I was trying not to cry!).

It wasn't the most pleasant experience and she will have to have further tests, so I thought I'd do something nice for both of us and take us to lunch at the cafe. I ordered the ricotta and vegetable stack and it was very, very good and asked to see the 'Children's Menu' for S.

Now, this is a topic close to my heart - both hubby and I are foodies and do not feed her chicken nuggets, deep fried anything and assorted other food paraphenalia that is considered fun for children...so I must say I was dreading it. I chose the 'Kids Lunchbox' which sounded ok.

Ok? Did I say ok? Flippin' fantastic more like it!!!! I wish I'd taken a picture of it. Simple, edible food presented in an imaginative way, in a cute retro Bananas and Pajamas lunchbox. A ham and cheese sandwich (on grain bread +1 point for that!!), segments of orange, some grapes, a little juice box and a cute little retro melamine tumbler with just a few little chips in (the flat ones that don't have so much fat in them.....and they seemed more baked than deep fried to +1 point for that).

All in all I was terrifically impressed, and S actually ate almost all of it which is a darn sight better than she has been doing all week - so kudos, kudos, kudos to Urban Cafe in Tauranga!!! You rock!

It's official - I'm an accessories junkie.....

2008-12-07T16:31:00.000-08:00

But these two I couldn't resist!!

This gorgeous blue and turqouise paisley scarf - so silky and the colours are just beautiful.....

And this really funky little necklace - just the right length and the beads aren't too big. It's kind of plastic covered in silky thread so they actually look like they are made of silk....hard to describe really, but very cool I think!

These plus a mini Donkey (from Shrek) for little S for the princely and obscenely outrageous (LOL) sum of 60c.....yes, you read it right 60 cents!!! Apparently we discovered this new haunt on Sale Day! Yay us!!!

I might go back and have another look there though - looked like some really unusual treasures might be found with a little time and rummaging!! They even had some boxes of records (vinyls) outside for free - with a cursory glance I saw some amazing covers and my creative juices were starting to itch with some ideas......watch this space.....

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas.....

2008-12-03T17:42:00.001-08:00

Well not really, but I am thoroughly swept up in the Christmas spirit!! Check out the Snow Day site (top left hand corner) to make your own snowflake and put a message out there in the internetiverse (yes that's a real word....in my world!)....LOL

I love Christmas - the trees, the carols, the wonderment of children....I guess I just never really grew up. This year we are having a big ol family Christmas with both sets of parents present (mine and hubbies) and our daughter is old enough to know what's going on and is loving every minute of it too.

Shopping is almost all done....now for the really fun part - the wrapping - yay!!

2008-11-30T18:20:00.000-08:00

A while back I mentioned the huge tiger print scarf that I was going to turn into a halter top.....well I did. I'm not 100% sold on it, it didn't turn out as good as I thought it would - I hate when things look better in my head than on my body.....but it was nice and cool as it was really muggy here on the weekend. What do you think? and be honest!! (My hubby hates it! He reckons the pointy bit at the bottom says "open for business"....lol!) I was wearing it with 3/4 pants, but you can't see that because I'm a shortarse and 3/4 really means 9/10!!

And here's one of my gorgeous daughter and I, just because I can!!

Making a list....

2008-11-27T17:00:00.000-08:00

I saw this on Simone's blog and thought I'd take up the challenge! I think I've done pretty well....there are certainly some things there I'd like to do - like #4, #5, #41 and #56!

Copy the list and highlight all the things you have done.

1. Started your own blog.
2. Slept under the stars.
3. Played in a band.
4. Visited The Great Barrier Reef.
5. Stood under the stars in the outback, the real outback – think Uluru.
6. Given more than you can afford to charity.
7. Been to the Gold Coast’s theme parks – anyone, you take your pick.
8. Climbed a mountain.
9. Held a praying mantis.
10. Sung a solo.
11. Bungee jumped, jumped out of plane, been paragliding or hang-gliding, hot air ballooning – you get the idea, you’ve been hundreds of metres about earth in a seemingly flimsy contraption.
12. Visited Melbourne.
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea.
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch.
15. Had a child. Raised a child. Worked with children.
16. Had food poisoning.
17. Been to the Snowy Mountains. (I’d say climbed Uluru, but the Aboriginal custodians would prefer you didn’t.)
18. Grown your own vegetables.
19. Visited the Brett Whitely studio in Surry Hills, Sydney.
20. Slept on an overnight train or bus.
21. Had a pillow fight.
22. Been backpacking.
23. Taken a mental health day.
24. Been buried in sand with just your head and toes sticking out.
25. Held a possum, kangaroo or koala – or any other native Australian animal.
26. Gone skinny dipping.
27. Been in a fun run.
28. Been on the Blue Mountain cableway.
29. Seen a total eclipse.
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset.
31. Played, or watched, summer cricket.
32. Sailed, kayaked or canoed our beautiful waterways.
33. Seen the Daintree.
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors.
35. Visited an Aboriginal settlement or mission.
36. Learned a new language.
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied.
38. Toured the Sydney Opera House.
39. Tried rock climbing (indoor or outdoor), abseiling or just simple bushwalking. 40. Visit Queensland’s Gallery of Modern Art.
41. Been to the Tamworth Country Music Festival.
42. Sunbaked at Bondi.
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant.
44. Visited Broome.
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight.
46. Been transported in an ambulance.
47. Had your portrait painted.
48. Gone fishing.
49. Seen Tasmania’s old growth forests.
50. Been to the top of Q1, on the Gold Coast.
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkelling.
52. Kissed in the rain.
53. Played in the mud.
54. Gone to a drive-in theatre.
55. Been in a movie.
56. Driven the Great Ocean Road.
57. Started a business.
58. Taken a martial arts class.
59. Visited Norfolk Island.
60. Served at a soup kitchen.
61. Sold Girl Guide biscuits.
62. Gone whale watching.
63. Got flowers for no reason.
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma.
65. Gone jet boating.
66. Visited Port Arthur.
67. Bounced a cheque.
68. Flown in a helicopter.
69. Saved a favourite childhood toy.
70. Visited the Australian War Memorial.
71. Eaten Caviar.
72. Pieced a quilt.
73. Stood in Federation Square.
74. Been on the Murray River.
75. Been fired from a job. (well redundant)
76. Travelled, or climbed, over the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
77. Broken a bone.
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle.
79. Seen the Three Sisters at Echo Point, Katoomba.
80. Published a book.
81. Visited St Mary’s Cathedral, in Sydney.
82. Bought a brand new car.
83. Been to Hermannsburg.
84. Had your picture in the newspaper.
85. Read the entire Bible.
86. Visited Parliament House.
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating.
88. Had chickenpox.
89. Saved someone’s life.
90. Sat on a jury.
91. Met someone famous.
92. Joined a book club.
93. Lost a loved one.
94. Saved a pet.
95. Been to the site of the Eureka Stockade.
96. Swum in The Whitsundays.
97. Been involved in a lawsuit.
98. Owned a mobile phone.
99. Been stung by a bee.
100. Read an entire book in one day.

Not technically a thrifting but.....

2008-11-25T12:15:00.000-08:00

This top I borrowed from a friend a while ago and I love it!! I am on the hunt for something like this. It's a gorgeous, dreamy peachy lace wrap top and it is lovely for dressing up the boring jeans and singlet outfits I unfortunately spend most of my life in!! I should have taken a photo of it when I was wearing a white singlet because it looked much better, but oh well!

I'll let you know (with pictorial evidence of course!) if I find something like this in my travels.....

Awwww....thanks!

2008-11-22T16:23:00.000-08:00

The lovely Chantelle awarded me this lovely little award....and I'm touched! I'll try and follow the rules, but I know that I don't know at least seven other bloggers......oops! So I'll do my best instead....I give this award wholeheartedly and with great delight to:

Kylie at Cool according to Kylie: a great friend and a truly interesting blogger - so creative and amazing!

Sarah at forevayoung vintage: a fossicker and finder of treasures and a very helpful blogger too!

Kathryn at tikiboo: Amazing designs for little girls and boys and a thoroughly lovely person to boot!

Andrea at cat of impossible colour: Dresses like a true lady and always inspires me with her quirky finds and inimitable style.....not to mention the fact that she's writing a book!! (or two!)

So what you have to do now is:

1. Put the award up on your blog

2. Add a link to the person who awarded it to you

3. Nominate at least seven other blogs

4. Add links to these blogs on your blog

5. Leave a message for your nominee on their blog

I am never eating chicken again.....

2008-11-20T12:50:00.000-08:00

Well, not for a few months at least!!

Hubby and I had a chicken salad on Wednesday night and thankfully due to molars cutting little S refused to eat it and had yoghurt and pears instead (lucky child!).

I could go into the heinous details, but the short and decidedly less gross version of the story is that both of us were sick as dogs and tag teaming the bathroom all night and got up in the morning like zombies. I couldn't stop crying and begged my Mum to take bubba for the day so we could try and get some sleep. Food poisoning is an evil I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy and I'm still feeling distinctly fragile today. Fortunately it is gloriously sunny here, so little S is happy to play outside with water and sand so I can lie on a lounger and....well, lounge!

I do have some new posts to do which I was planning to do yesterday, but will probably leave to next week if that's alright with you all....

Tag I'm It!

2008-11-16T17:07:00.000-08:00

I was tagged by Kylie, so here goes.....

Six random things about me:

I was adopted, at 18 months old. I have never met my birth mother or father and know very little about them, but plan one day to find out more....

I always thought I would be a vet when I grew up, but a fear of needles and blood put paid to that!!

My favourite time of year is Christmas....it is safe to say I am obsessed with it!!

I had a bad experience with choking on a fishbone when I was nearly 2 years old and to this day struggle to eat fish....I just prefer not to, but I can if I need to be polite!

I have owned 2 cats (a black one called Smookins and a Ginger one imaginatively named Ginger) and 4 dogs (twin Yorkies called Baci and Bijou, an Aussie Terrier called Dolce, and an Aussie Terrier called Murray)

I come from a long line of gardeners, but definitely missed out on this talent - I have actually killed a cacti.....I thought they were supposed to be indestructible!! I have, however, one indoor plant that has miraculously survived my ministrations.....a cyclamen and it flowers regularly and everything!!

Six random things I like:

Vegemite - love the stuff....take it with me if I travel overseas.

Polka dots!

Writing novels in my head.....usually romantic comedy a la Bridget Jones' Diary

Scrapbooking paper....I am a hopeless hoarder, seeing as I hardly ever get time to actually do anything with it!!

The feeling of sand beneath my toes....

Bling! I like sparkles, sequins, things that shine.....must have been a magpie in a former life!!

Six random things I don't like:

Coins in my pocket.....that annoying little clinking sound....

People that ride bikes with their helmets hanging on the handle bars.....oh this really drives me nuts!!!

Litterers......especially just centimeters from a rubbish bin - respect the planet people!!!

People who think that because you have a child, it's an open invitation to make comment on you, your child, your body, your finances.....what the?

Seeing a movie I've been waiting to see for ages because it's been all hyped up, and then being bitterly disappointed.....

Clothing store mirrors that make you look better than you are so you are tricked into buying clothes that actually look hideous and you don't realise until you get home.....

So there you go. A few random things about me. I'm not sure how many people I'm supposed to tag, but I'm definitely tagging the following people anyway:

Chantelle
Sarah
Joanne

Accessories week....

2008-11-04T15:56:00.000-08:00

First of all - two belts, I love belts and these two were gems!! (50c each by the way - score!!).

And then, the cute little polka dot scarf ($1), light, not too long, not too short, just perfect! Actually the ladies in my local (haha....not like I've been doing this long) oppy pointed it out to me - they know I like sparkles, cherries and polka dots - am I that predictable? LOL....bless 'em.

I also picked up a HUGE black and white tiger print silk scarf, that I'm going to turn into a halter top.....let's see how that goes ($3).

Belt 1 - a vintage rainbow woven belt - I had one like this when I was a kid, not sure how I'm going to get away with wearing it now, but I was feeling kinda nostalgic, so into the wardrobe it goes.....

Belt 2.....the sparkles....I'm such a sucker for all things sparkly - I'm sure I was a magpie in a former life!
Are there any things that you are always on the look out for or do you just go shopping and see what takes your fancy?

Thanks and hooray!

2008-10-27T17:19:00.000-07:00

First of all, thanks to Sarah for the tip on using a tripod - I think these photos are a lot better! I'll get better as time goes on. I think it would be great to take photos outside - natural light is always better, but today it is pouring with rain.....sorry for the slightly drunk looking Chrissy Hynde-esque photos, but I am REALLY tired and I need a haircut!!

However, hooray! I have found some primo finds this week:

Item 1: An amazing knit/crochet top. I love the weight of it, it hangs so beautifully and will be very versatile - wear with a singlet underneath in this changeable weather, and then will look really cool over a merino in winter!! Please excuse the photo - my black bra is in the wash and you can see the turquoise one - oops!!$4.99

Closeup of pattern/texture:

Item 2: This skirt I fell in love with immediately - I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE sequins in the daytime and this one I plan to wear with a black singlet (probably a bit more dressy than this one) on Christmas Day - great party wear!! $6.99

Closeup of the fabric and sequin detail - gorgeous!!

Item 3: This skirt is something I've been looking for for ages, a nice, pristine white skirt, good length and gorgeous flower cutout detail and at $3 it was a steal!!

Closeup of the amazingly detailed edging:

So all in all - a great week - have a great one yourself!!

Finally something worth thrifting!!

2008-10-20T21:24:00.000-07:00

The last week or so has been dismal pickings....just nothing inspiring....but today - 2 finds!

1) A gorgeous satin top with a little frill hem and lovely pintucking detail.....I can't resist satin in the daytime!! $2.50...(Still can't for the life of me figure out how to self-time AND look happy!)

and

2) Lovely knit top with softly frilled sleeves and a lovely gold thread throughout....covers my love of soft and feminine and sparkly all in one! $1.50. I'm sorry for the in the mirror photo, the self-timer was giving me the irrits!! This is paired with a cool pair of highwaist vintage jeans a friend thrifted and gave to me!

Being nice to ME!

2008-10-14T17:34:00.001-07:00

Inspired by a friend's post....this week is all about being kind to myself. She pointed out that how you dress affects how you feel. So, my resolution is no more slopping around in my trackpants with scruffy hair and an old top on. Today I am wearing my nice jeans, my new fave cherry necklace and my gorgeous sparkly fitted cardigan. (Sorry about the photo.....I'm still learning about the self-timer feature on my camera!! I'm actually happy - honestly!!)

I've also done my nails (in pink in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month). And you know what? I DO feel better about myself! Thanks Chantelle!!

What little things do you do to treat yourself? What makes you feel good about yourself?

Feeling the lurve.....

2008-10-08T00:40:00.000-07:00

I got a lovely little surprise in my mail today!! A sew it yourself doll kit that I had been eyeing up a few weeks ago....sent by my much loved and appreciated BFF Kylie!! Comes with all you need to make that uber cute doll on the cover, including the gorgeous vintage inspired fabrics!

Thanks so much for caring babe! (Now to wangle some alone time to actually do some sewing....that will be the challenge....lol...).

Now, for you all to enjoy - how cute is this?

Owies....

2008-10-02T23:03:00.000-07:00

Didn't manage to do any op shop trawling this week, due to being laid up at home after surgery on Tuesday. Ever realised how hard it is to relax with a bored toddler in the house? Hopefully I'll be back to tip-top shape soon - I hate being an invalid!!

Meme

2008-10-01T23:40:00.000-07:00

What are the last three things you purchased?
That gorgeous cherry necklace, some pipe cleaners for craft with my daughter and groceries....boring really!

What are the last three songs you downloaded?
I don' t really download music....I'm a bit ancient....

What are the last three places you visited?
Melbourne (my fave city of all!), Auckland, Mt Maunganui

What are your three favourite movies?
Cinema Paradiso, Casablanca, The Notebook

What are your three favourite possessions?
My vanilla lipgloss, my suede chucks and my necklace mannequin.

What three things can you not live without?
My family, loose leaf tea, baths.

What would be your three wishes?
Endless love, peace and prosperity for all.

What three things haven't you done yet?
Fly in a hot air balloon, swim with dolphins, learn to play the guitar.

What are your three favourite dishes?
Chocolate fudge brownie...mmmm...., thai green chicken curry, lemon tart (yes I have a sweet tooth!)

Which three celebrities would you most like to hang out with?
Gwen Stefani - how does she manage to juggle everything and still look so cool!, Robin Williams, the Dalai Lama - I think he's hilarious!

Name three things that freak you out?
Spiders, the thought of being buried alive, horror movies

Name three unusual things you are good at.
Reading really fast, writing with both hands (not at the same time though, I'm not a freak!!), getting toddlers to eat veges!

Which three things are you coveting?
This dress, this necklace and this gorgeous Trelise Cooper number!!.

Aha! A breakthrough....

2008-09-22T18:20:00.000-07:00

Bit of background......My dear hubby has this very strange phobia about preloved/vintage, okay, I'm just going to say it....'second hand' clothes. Which is a problem for me, because it is also combined with his almost fanatical, bordering on Scottish, tightness with money, so I can't buy new stuff because it's too expensive and I can't buy old stuff because it is 'used' and therefore in his mind somehow tainted....argh! Rock and hard place anyone?

Recently, having been tremendously inspired by an old friend Skye and a new friend Andrea....I have decided to do a bit of sneaky thrifting, under the guise of gathering dressup hats, handbags and assorted other bits and bobs for my little princess who is an accessorising guru already at 2.

Today...Day 1 and I think a wonderful find....I love summer and one thing I love about summer is cherries, and I found this gorgeous little cherry necklace....not sure about the necklace part, I think I'll find a little chain to hang it on, but isn't it cute? And it was only $3!

Wordle.....

2008-09-18T21:23:00.000-07:00

Discovered this super cool website - you put in a random (or specific) bunch of text and then press "go" and it makes a word collage for you!

See example here

Then you can press "randomize" and it selects different layouts, colours and fonts! How cool!

Sunshine = bliss!

2008-09-14T13:28:00.000-07:00

I've decided that the weather definitely affects my mood. Last week - rain = grumpy me and stir crazy child, weekend - sunshine = happy me and happy child = wonderful weekend!!

Oh how I love summer - best season of all, I hang out for all the goodness that summer brings - bare legs, floaty fashions, watermelon, icecream by the beach, and just that divine sunkissed feeling that makes you feel blissful and relaxed.

Productive weekend

2008-09-07T17:50:00.000-07:00

Well, I got my spring cleaning mojo on this weekend and actually DID some spring cleaning!! Also weeded the garden and sanded and painted the old dolls cot my Dad made me when I was a little tacker, to get it all ready for my little princess! She loves putting her dolls to 'ni-nighs'....so cute!

After a week of parties and dinners though, I think this week will be a restful week. Of course, that is heavily influenced by the fact that Spring came and went on the weekend - it's persisting down today!!

Oh well....good things don't always last....

Cake making....and eating!!

2008-09-01T21:21:00.001-07:00

It's my daughter's 2nd birthday today and yesterday we made her cake (chocolate of course!!) and today I iced it. Both have been wonderfully calming activities strangely enough.

S is just getting to the stage where she is able to participate in 'helping' Mummy and it is so much fun!!

Now off to get ready for the party tonight!!

2008-08-28T21:19:00.000-07:00

Well today I am full of the joys of spring!! The sun is shining, my daughter is in an angelic mood, and we've just come indoors from sitting on the deck eating icecream - what could be more perfect!

And then I see there is a package at the front door - hazaa! A package I have been waiting for - this divine vintage top I saw on the internet. Fantastic price, friendly trader, super quick service and.....oh so absolutely gorgeous - from its lace trim to its picot fabric, to its gorgeous almost glowing orb buttons. It is absolutely perfect!!!.........for someone so very much smaller than me :( It was advertised as a size 12, which I am, but there is no way on God's green earth that the twins are ever going to fit into that top and my supremely wonderful day has been every so slightly sullied....now my brain is working to figure out how I can wear it anyway, or alter it.....

Anyway, here it is so you can admire it too!
And a close up of those gorgeous orb like buttons.....

Alright....I'm trying to think of a theme.....

2008-08-18T16:34:00.001-07:00

For my blog - I'm not sure I should do a fashion one because my wardrobe is currently limited and boring!!

S's wardrobe would be far more interesting.....maybe I should take a photo of my lunch every day? I'll keep thinking....

I'm just over this blah weather and wishing for some sunshine!!

Should I or shouldn't I?

2008-08-15T19:10:00.000-07:00

Saw this divine dress today, gorgeous leaf green floral print - empire line, linen blend. Just what I've been looking for: trans-seasonal (could wear it as is in summer, with a merino and knee high boots right now!), some colour for my wardrobe, something pretty to wear to S's 2nd birthday party. Cons: doesn't quite fit across the boobs and is just a little baggy across the small of my back.....it was on sale for $69 reduced from $499 and I totally love the fabric.....not sure if I should buy it and hope that the weight I lose in between now and the 2nd of September will make it fit just perfectly or if I would be wasting my money.....I think I'll sit on the idea until Wednesday - if it's still there then I'll decide.

Awww...my baby is growing up!

2008-08-14T18:49:00.000-07:00

Yesterday she got her first bank statement....and opened the envelope all by herself!! Today we went and put the money into said account. It had to be a family occasion, but I did stop myself from taking the camera - wouldn't that have been naf!!

Today we went to the park in the pouring rain - there were no queues for the play equipment and thus, no tantrums - thank God for raingear is all I can say!!

Loving all the new spring fashions out too - will be nice to inject some colour into my wardrobe - I wouldn't bother to show you what I'm wearing today - all black and grey!!

Today's musing.....why is it that the new fashions come out almost a full season ahead of when they are required? And for that matter, why the heck is there Christmas decorations being put up in September??? Well they were last year, probably see them next week.....LOL

2008-08-13T14:43:00.000-07:00

As a 1930s wife, I am
Average

Take the test!

Missed a day....not that anyone will notice!!

2008-08-13T14:01:00.000-07:00

Missed a day because we hosted an emergency coffee group here - chaos with five 2 year olds in a postage stamp sized lounge room, but on the plus side, my lemon syrup cake (with cream!!) was absolutely divine.....should have taken a photo of it for you....oh well!

Musing of the day.....why is it that we classify food as 'bad' and 'good'? I am trying to redefine my relationship with food to set a better example for my daughter, after reading a fantastic book "Perfect Girls, Starving Daughters" by Courtney Martin - a must read for all women!!

New to blogging....

2008-08-11T17:27:00.000-07:00

Alrighty then, here we go. I'm new to this blogging lark, so be gentle!

This will be a place for my general musings and silliness.....

Today I am wondering why it is that escalators are called escalators, even though they go up AND down....hmmmm

Also noticed on my bathroom scales "If you have any questions, please phone...." I have a question - how come I'm not losing any weight just by standing on your scales every morning - riddle me this!!