You've Come A Long Way, Baby.

Meet Sarah. This is my sister's friend {and therefore my friend}. We all used to play netball together. Sarah is one of the most beautiful people I've ever met, inside and out. She's also an amazing singer. The last time I heard her sing live was in a small piano bar... and now she has just released her first music video.



When I eventually get all skinny and hot, I am heading straight to the hairdressers and getting my hair done like Sarah's. Love. Love. Love. Love. xx

Hello Monday.

Hello!

How are you? How was your weekend?

We had a lovely weekend. Hubby was off from work... which we love, of course.

My weekend began with a dash of pampering. I had my facial and then went and had my nails done. Luxury!

And then I spent the rest of the weekend spring cleaning. My house looks and smells fantabulous at the moment. I'm sure by tonight it will look like I did nothing, but the point is that I know it was clean. That's what is important.

The downside of getting lots done at home was that Miss Lacey didn't get to explore and get out as much as she would have liked to. I have promised many fun days ahead. I'm sure she doesn't understand, but I will follow through.

I'm all set for Operation: Fat Mum Slim. Let me know if you want to join the challenge. We can all look hot together.

So, how was your weekend?

Operation: Fat Mum Slim

When I mentioned last week that I was ready to kick my butt to the curb and get set on the path to a healthier me, it made a lot of people come out of the closest. I had comments and emails, and even texts of support. I also had a fair few of you that wanted to jump on the bandwagon and lose weight too.

I thought it would be 'fun', or at least motivating to do a little six week challenge. We could check in here each Monday to chat about our weight losses, or goals achieved {for those that don't want to lose weight but want to get healthier}. We could also set new goals for the week ahead.

Keen? I knew you would be.

And as a reward for all your efforts during the six weeks I will get my Lil Sis Jen, who is the resident butt kicker around here {she's a qualified Physical Education teacher... so she kicks butt well} to randomly select a participant to win a little package that I'll put together. She'll pick the winner at the end of the six weeks. All you have to do to qualify is check in each week. Easy.

So the challenge will start on Monday 31st of August and will finish on October 12th. {which is 3 days before my wedding anniversary... perfect!}

Are you in? Great. Just leave a comment below with your name and your goal{s} for the week.

You don't have to be a blogger or a Mum, or even Fat. Just exchange any of the words in the title to suit you. Not a Fat Mum Slim. Change it to Operation: Lazy Sod Unlazy... whatever. I need to stop rambling because I'm probably going to confuse the bejeezus out of you all.

Feel free to use the image above if you want to put it on your blog.

My goals for the week ahead are:
♥ Exercise 4 times
♥ Stay away from Diet Coke
♥ Break up with chocolate

Wishing you all the best. xx

Blog Meme.

Liss over at Frills In The Hills created a pretty cool Blog Meme. It's interesting reading what's inside other blogger's minds... and I thought I might let you into mine... if only for a mere moment.




How did you come up with the name of your blog?
I actually started a blog, before I even knew what they were, in about 2005 titled Fat Girl Slim. I started writing about losing weight and my life before I got married. Last year I decided to start a blog and Fat Mum Slim was the natural next title for me.

What was the first blog you followed?
The first blog I ever subscribed to was my friend Zoe's FruityBeauty. I didn't have Fat Mum Slim then so I would just get an email each time she made a post. The first blog I followed when I had my own was Skylark and Son. It's still one of my favourites to this day.

What's the latest blog you followed?
Ooh that's a hard one. Let me think. I think it might be Print A Day which I found through Decor8.

What blog do you follow that surprises you doesn't have more followers?
My friend from school has just started a blog and I think she will have a flurry of followers soon. It's quite good. It's The Fruitloop Diaries.

The blog you adore the style of?
I have lots of favourites. I wish I could write as beautifully as Sheye Rosemeyer. She's made me cry, laugh, fall in love... she really takes me on a journey through her blog.

The blog you visit first thing in the morning?
I just read whoever has updated the latest. I have my very favourites on my blog list and then more on my followers. My blog list actually got deleted when I changed the design and I can't remember who was on the list. I've been trying to rack my brain and remember them.

The blog you go to for a laugh?
Dooce makes me laugh/snort/cackle. Frocks and Frou Frou always makes me smile too. I like her style {in fashion and writing}.

The blog you go to live vicariously or get inspiration from and why?
I follow about 300 blogs... which I never have time to read. I find many blogs inspiring. I often see people 'borrowing' concepts as a whole from other blogs {and I've had that happen to me too} and it kinda {actually really} sucks. I think it's fine to take ideas from here and there, remixing them with your own unique ideas... but copying just isn't cool. It takes a lot of brain power to come up with new ideas. It's also important to link to creators as well.

Which blog did you get this from?
Miss Liss.

Flowerful Friday.

Hello!

I hope you've had a lovely week. I have, thank you very much for asking {which you did, right?}

The weather has been so warm, and Spring-like. I've seen lots of pink cherry blossom about which I've never noticed before. I don't know how I missed it. It's beautiful. For some silly reason I thought it only bloomed in Japan. I clearly need to travel more... at least beyond the NSW/QLD border which is where we mostly travel to.

We've cranked up the BBQ most nights this week which feels even more like Spring, or even Summer, though it's still Winter. Who would have thought with this beautiful warm weather?

Lacey started off the week rocky with a few sleepless nights, but I think that was due to a runny nose and a seemingly sore throat. I'm amazed because this time I bombarded her with vitamin C and tissue salts and it didn't last for more than 48 hours. Usually her colds last a week or so. Tissue salts and vitamin C are my new friends.

Operation: Fat Mum Slim is going well, so far. Thank you for all your support. To see that so many people believed in me... it made me so happy. Thank you so much.

I hope you all have a lovely weekend. I'm off for a facial tomorrow. If you're in need of a good facial, and you're in Sydney, I have the perfect lady for you. Email me for details. She gives the best earlobe massage. Don't dis it until you've tried it.

Anyways enough blabbering... have a lovely weekend. I'll see you on Monday {when I'll have a lovely little giveaway for you}. xx

Cherry Blossom Photo via Shaded Memories.

Oh, Lovely Package.

{click to enlarge}

A Lovely Package exchange was organised over at Oh, Hello Friend. I love getting mail and I love pretty packaging so I jumped straight in.


I was teamed with the lovely Kyla Roma. So I gathered a few beautiful things from local stores, and artists and wrapped them up all pretty and nice... and then sent them on their pretty little way to Canada.


I don't want to ruin Kyla's surprise... so I won't show you what was inside until they have arrived safely on her doorstep.


It was so much fun. I can't wait to do it all again. I just wish I had more time to spend on wrapping and such. Next time! I think there will be a Christmas swap. Yay. xx

Answers For Your Questions.

Quite often I get emails asking all sorts of questions. It dawned on me recently that perhaps I should answer some of them here... because perhaps others have been wondering the same things. Perhaps not. But I'll take the leap.

Emma asked: One thing I have been wondering as I have the problem myself, what do you do with all your magazines when you have read them? Do you store them? They all seem too pretty to throw away or pass on to someone else....but I just don't know the best way to store them!

Thanks for asking Emma. As you know I do love magazines. They can take over the house if I'm not careful... and let's be honest, there have been times that I haven't been careful and they have been a little out of control. I play favourites with my magazines. There are some I keep, there are some I toss {recycle} pretty much straight after I read them. Some get passed on to my Ma. I keep Real Living and Donna Hay magazines and store them in my bookcase. Those are the magazines that I refer back to for recipes and for interiors.

My favourite magazine, Frankie, used to get stored. But now I tear out the pages and make envelopes out of the beautiful pages for my etsy store.

And all the others? I mark pages of interest when reading them. I tear out the ones I want to keep. I keep recipes in one folder, fashion in another, stories of interest in another and so on and so forth.

And that's about it. I would love to be able to store more magazines... but we don't have room and they can look a little messy. Thanks again Emma.

Nicole asked: My sister is pregnant and having a "Nothing fits me, everything maternity is daggy" etc moment.....Do you have any good maternity wear sites I could suggest for her?

You're a very kind sister Nicole! When I was pregnant, I was obsessed with finding great maternity clothes. I wanted to find the perfect dress to wear everywhere. We had a few weddings to go to too when I was in the later months of being pregnant. I got this black dress below from FillyBoo. It was perfect because I could dress is up with a pair of wedges for the wedding and then make it a little more casual for the day with a cardigan and a pair of flats.

I loved eBay too. I found some great basics for everyday wear by searching for Old Navy and GAP. I bought a truckload of singlets that lasted me through my pregnancy for about $4 each brand new. Have a look there.

Other shops I liked were Sweet Lily Maternity, Queen Bee and One On The Way.

I hope that helps a little.

If you have anything you want to ask me just email me, or leave it in the comments. Obviously I'm an expert on absolutely nothing but I'm an open book... so ask away. It can be anything from what soap I use to what my thoughts are regarding Einstein's Relativity Theory {except don't ask me that because you'll just get a blank stare in return}. x

Today I ...

Inspired by Jill's blog. She sees something each day, she draws it and she sends it to someone. Today I drew something I did and then I'll probably not send it someone I know. But it was fun doodling away.

I hope everyone had a lovely day today. xx

{one thing}

What is one thing that made you smile today?

Me? Well Frankie Magazine is out today, and that always makes me smile. I probably won't get time to read it until the weekend... but just knowing it's there waiting for me... ahh bliss!

And this morning, all your comments and support made me smile. I didn't expect such a wonderful supportive response. I am so grateful and ready to start shifting the weight. Thank you. xx

Image: DJ Bass

Everyday Everybody: Amelia.

It's time again to get to know another reader of Fat Mum Slim with the Everyday Everybody interview series.

Today it's Amelia's turn. Amelia blogs over at My World. Pop over and have a look. But of course hang around here a little longer to read her interview first.

What kind of driver are you? I like to think that I am a safe driver

What was the first gig you went to? I think that it was either "Powder Finger" (when they were not that well known) or possibly "Greenday"

What's the best meal you've ever eaten? There has been so many, most recently would be a local Indian restaurant in Perth.

Were you in a school play? No! But I did do drama as a subject at school in year 10.

Which cartoon character most resembles you? A friend used to call me speedy gonzales because I did lots of cross country running and she could'nt catch me!

What's your cure for a hangover? It's been a while since I've had one; although I remember if I vomited, I felt much better!! (sorry that's really disgusting)

What are you looking forward to? We are going on Holiday to sydney this year- to visit our family and friends. Ishan will get to play with his cousins.

Do you talk to yourself? No I don't!

Why did you last cry? I was cutting onions. Before that I cried when I watched "Christian the Lion Reunion" (I cry every time I watch it)

Do you think anyone fancies you at the moment? Hopefully my husband!

If you would like to be part of the Everyday Everybody series please email me at fatmumslim@hotmail.com

In Full Swing.

Hubby, Lacey and I joined friends for a backyard BBQ over the weekend. Our friend that hosted the BBQ is super snap happy, and never misses a moment to get the camera out. It's quite handy because without her we probably wouldn't have any photos of Lacey's Christening. For that I am grateful.

In this day and age though, we have Facebook. Facebook is the age of uploaded photos and tagging. If you're not quick off the mark, photos of yourself, which are yet to be seen {and approved} by oneself, can be shared with everyone. It scares me. I hate having my photo taken. Especially at the moment.

I avoid the camera at any time, but now with Facebook I'm even a little more wary. As our friend, who I'll call Lu {because that's her name}, removed her camera from her case I immediately got my defenses up. I hid. I got busy.

Lu just wanted a photo. I, did not. She begged. She pleaded. I denied her. I walked away. I put my hand up to the camera. You're not a celebrity, you know: Lu said.

I know, I know... but I REALLY don't want my photo taken, please: I pleaded back.

Lu is persistent. More persistent than me. In the end I gave in. Probably because she's sweet, she makes me laugh, she's one of the nicest people I know, I like her and she said kind things. Things like: We don't care what you look like, we love you for you. And I know when Lu says something, she means it. She doesn't talk BS.

So I let her take a photo.

And I don't like it. It has nothing to do with photography skills and everything to do with me.

Whilst I see the sunny side of pretty much everything in life, I do not look on the bright side when it comes to my weight.

The original purpose of starting this blog was to journal my journey of losing my baby weight {and the rest}. Losing the weight wasn't as easy as I had hoped. I don't lose weight easily as it is, but teamed with sleep deprivation, returning to work and general busy-ness {and life} it just didn't happen.

And now I am getting some sleep {I refuse to be cocky about sleep again, lesson learnt there} I really need to make it a priority. It's not going to be easy, I know. But being this fat isn't easy either. I am ready to put Operation: Fat Mum Slim into full swing.

And so this is where I am now. I'm putting it out there, warts and all. This is the start of something new, and hopefully something beautiful. xx

Sweet, Sweet Slumber.

Remember how I used to be sleep deprived?



If you do... sit still for second whilst I give everyone else a run-down on the how much sleep I wasn't getting.

Lacey didn't like sleeping for the first 14 months of her life. She woke almost every 40 minutes at night. I would feed her. Put her back to sleep. Grab 30 minutes of sleep and then get up and do it again. There were nights when she didn't sleep at all. Actually, there were nights when I didn't sleep at all. She slept. Just in my arms as I walked around the house like a crazy zombie lady. I remember one day I went to work with about an hours sleep under my belt. Nice.

For those that do remember... you'll be saying... What? Are you no longer sleep deprived? Fill us in.

And now I am filling you in.

At around the 14 month mark I gave up breastfeeding. Lacey still didn't sleep brilliantly. I thought it would answer all my sleep woes. It didn't. She would wake and it would take up to an hour of getting her back to sleep sometimes. We were all Sssshhhhhh and Pat, Pat, Pat and WHY ON EARTH DID I EVER GIVE UP BREASTFEEDING {i.e. being a human pacifier}?!

And then one night Lacey found a dummy. She found it in her toybox. It was in the toybox because I had lost faith in her every liking them. I tried them. She had one for about 6 seconds whilst we were in hospital and then never really took to them again. From that moment she found the dummy in her toybox... our lives have changed. I mean seriously changed.

I know I'll never catch up on all that sleep I've lost, but I'm really getting there. I am getting over 8 hours sleep a night {if I don't stay up reading blogs, tsk tsk}. She puts herself to sleep. She wakes in the middle of the night and sometimes we quickly put the dummy in, but most of the time she just resettles herself. It's a MIRACLE!

I'd like to say that I implemented some amazing plan that changed things... but I didn't. If I was to write a book about saving your sleep it would be short and go something like this:

My daughter found a dummy in her toybox. We finally got sleep. And we lived happily ever after. The end.


* I started writing this post on Saturday, ironically whilst Lacey slept at night. At midnight I turned off my computer and decided to get some shut eye myself. Well... wouldn't you know it? She woke every hour. And did the same the next night, and then again last night. That'll teach me to get all cocky and write a post about not being sleep deprived!

Yum: Choc Chip Cookie Recipe.

Just for you Bec. Here is the recipe for these delish cookies. xx

Gift List.

The latest challenge over at Blog This is to write a list for your next birthday. My birthday is forever away, but putting together 5 things on my lust-have list was fun. Now I just need to find someone to splurge on me for no-good-reason.

What's on your lust-have list?

Fat Mum Slim, They Are A Changing.

As you may have noticed, things are a little different around here.


I've tweaked and twisted. I've gone near stir crazy figuring out HTML and CSS and BS and ASAP and RSVP. Just kidding. Just HTML and CSS.

There is still a lot to do. So if you're looking at it now and not liking what you see... I am sorry-ish. It will get better. If you look at old posts they will most certainly be all over the shop... when I get time {probably in 2013} I'll fix that up too.

In the meantime I'm off to make pancakes {with banana} for Lacey and I, whilst Hubby sleeps off a night shift.

I hope your weekend is going swimmingly. xx

{Oh, and I'd love some feedback on the changes if you feel up to it. }

No One Cares What You Had For Lunch.

I know that no one is supposed to care what you have for lunch, and it's a sin to blog about it {tsk, tsk Telle - just kidding} but I just have to share.

This sandwich is the BEST SANDWICH ... EVER! You must try it, and not just because it's so extraordinarily good... but because I've failed to convert anyone to at least try it yet. It's not even that out there. It's just healthy, that's all. I want {need} someone else to share in my sandwich excitement.

So it's two pieces of fresh sourdough rye bread, hummus, avocado, free-range chicken, tomato and rocket. So delicious. Go make one and get back to me. Love it like I do?

And because I know you most probably {definitely?} don't have those ingredients on hand... just tell me what you're having for lunch instead.

What's on your plate today?

Flowers For Your Friday.

Hello!

How are you? I feel like we've hardly spoken this week. Do you feel the same? I hope you're all well and happy.

I've had a lovely week. The weather has been beautiful. Spring is in the air... and it's such a nice feeling.

I just realised that I stopped evaluating my week {and asking you to do so too} so I'm bringing it back.

What are are three fabulous things that happened to you this week? Mine are:

1. We had dinner out with friends on Wednesday night. It was at a busy restaurant and we took Lacey with us. It was great to catch up with everyone. Lacey was so well behaved and it was really nice to hear all the compliments about how good she was.

2. Reuniting with my family at the airport. Warm fuzzy feelings all round.

3. I was driving along with the kids one afternoon and we passed a hotted up red sports car. I pointed it out to the kids. Master Nine said: He's definitely having a midlife crisis. Did you see him? He was definitely at least 40! He made me laugh. So cute {and perceptive}.

I hope you had lots of lovely moments this week.

I am going to leave you with a photo from our weekend up the coast. Lacey spotted the garden gnome within moments of being let free in the backyard and he was instantly her new friend. She spents days cuddling him. Talking to him. Carrying him around. Love at first sight. xx

Flower Print: KristyBee

{love}: MixTape Zine.

Just a general community notice to let you know the new MixTape Zine is out. They only print a limited number of copies... so get it before it runs out. It's my new love. I just ordered mine and can't wait for it to arrive.

Afternoon Delight.

A little sweetness for your afternoon {or whatever time it is where you are}. xx

I Can't Live Without ...

Pop over to Amanda's Blog to see what I Can't Live Without. xx

Everyday Everybody: Jessica.

Next up on the list to be interviewed was Jessica. Jessica and I have a fair bit in common. She's a newish Mama and she is also a Nanny. She is lucky enough to take Isobel along to work with her, just like me.

Read more about Jessica and her adventures over on her blog.

Who did you last buy a present for? Hannah - the little girl I look after. It was a gorgeous snow globe. It lasted 2 days before hitting concrete!

Where did you last take photos? I took about 100 photos of my daughter Isobel in a tutu! Thank god for digital cameras!

What's the most expensive item of clothing you own? Does my wedding dress count? That cost me more than I would like to recall. Amazing that the most expensive dress I will ever own is ‘preserved’ in a tomb like box. Never to be worn by me again!

Have you ever saved somebody's life? Definitely not! I am the clumsiest person alive – I am sure I have endangered some lives but not saved any yet!

How often do you get takeaway food delivered home? At the moment about once a fortnight. I have just started nannying two days a week with my little one in tow... one of those nights inevitably ends up Take Away!

Who are you always pleased to see? My hubby and Isobel when I wake up in the morning. I am usually wedged between them - we call it a mummy sandwich!

Who was your last phone call made to and why? My sister…to ask her to house sit for us.

Are you happy with your life at present? Absolutely, yes! I love every aspect of my life right now and wouldn’t change a thing. That is a very special position to be in and I feel very blessed.

Have you told a lie today? Yes! Just a little white lie.... but if I tell you….

What do you love the smell of? Baby! Especially baby head... it is a sweet caramel smell. I love it so much that I went on a quest to see if I could buy baby scent in a bottle... and you would never guess, there is a shop in St Kilda that sells it! They also sell 'freshly cut grass' and lots more.

Thanks Jess. Oh, and I too know the joys of a smashed snow globe. Lacey has smashed two... and it's certainly a glitter frenzy. That liquid doesn't smell as pretty as it looks either. Ewww.

If anyone else would like to be interviewed in the Everyday Everybody series... please just email me at fatmumslim@hotmail.com

Home Again, Home Again, Jiggety Jig.

I'm just popping in quickly to let you know that Hubby and Lacey arrived home last night safely and happily. Lacey had a grin from ear to ear when she saw me. I think I was the same. xx

Image by Linda Yvonne.

Ate. Cooked. Bought.

Over the weekend ...

I ate ... very well, and didn't have to do any cooking. My parents-in-law just built a beautiful new deck that is almost as big as our lounge and dining rooms combined. We sat out there and ate a BBQ lunch. It was so relaxing.

I cooked ... nothing. at. all. On Friday night a girlfriend and I ordered takeaway. We sat up late eating chinese and munching on gourmet chocolate. Very naughty.

I bought ... warm sourdough bread from Iggy's bakery. It's delicious.

What did you get up to over the weekend? xx

Home Sweet Home.

I've always loved airports. I'm not a plane fanatic, and I don't particularly love flying... but I love the emotion of it all. People arriving. People departing. People crying. People smiling. I could just observe it all day.

The other week I was at the International Airport waiting to pick up a friend. I saw one guy, around my age, arrive through the gates. I think he must have been from the States. His Mum went running for him as soon as he passed over the red line... and she just started crying. The guy was overwhelmed that he was home, and that his mother was crying. I just loved it. It made me all excited that in less than six months that will be me welcoming my sister home.

Yesterday I had tears of my own at the airport. I was a mess. Hubby has been away for most of the week visiting his parents. I was anxious before he left. I just miss him when he's away. I miss talking to him, laughing with him and just his warm presence. On Saturday Lacey and I flew up to join him and have a little break of our own. She was a dream on the flight up. She was absolutely perfect.

She had such a great time on our break, running around like a toddler should, that we decided that she would love an extra night there... so I would fly home and she would fly home later on with Hubby {which happens to be tonight}.

I was so cool with it all. I've been apart from her for a night before, and I knew she'd have the best time. But as we neared the airport I grew anxious. As we walked through the doors into the airport I was sure I was going to vomit. I checked-in and told the attendant that I was no longer taking my daughter with me. I choked back tears just telling her that, not to mention the rather large lump in my throat.

When it came time to board, I was gone. G-0-n-e. Tears. Sobbing. Ugly crying. We said our goodbyes and I boarded the plane. I cried a little more. I arrived back in Sydney. Saw my Ma. Cried a little more. Talked to my sister on Skype. Cried a little more. And she cried with me.

I know she's absolutely fine. I just miss her. I miss my Husband. When Lacey is at my Ma's, I know she's only ten minutes away.

I know one thing for sure. Home is where the heart is. It doesn't matter where we are, when I'm with my little family... I'm home. I can't wait to be home sweet home again. xx

Flowers For Your Thursday/Friday.

I have a busy couple of days ahead so I am going to sign off today and wish you a wonderful weekend. I hope it's a happy one for you and yours. xx

Beautiful print by Kitty Rogers

Teen Angst.

Flickr Photo

I caught a bit of The View the other day and Whoopi was talking about teenagers. She asked the panel (and I guess viewers) if they'd like to be a teen again.

It got my mind whirling around and thinking back to my own teenage years. Would I want to go back as my own teenage self and be that person again? Would I want to be a teenager now, in 2009?

I wouldn't. I did have a good childhood but I just wasn't comfortable in my skin... at all. I have loved my twenties so much more. I've figured myself out a bit more, and love being my older self much better.

What about you? Would you go back, if you could?

{one thing}

What is one thing that made you smile today?

Me? As I was driving to work this morning my favourite song came on. It's by Kate Miller Heidke and it just made me smile. It's a lovely way to start the day. xx

Pancake ring available from Icecream Candy

Everyday Everybody: Danielle.

Danielle is next up in the Everyday Everybody interview series. Danielle is 37 weeks pregnant, and blogs about life, pregnancy and loves on her blog.

Here is a little more about her:



Have you ever worn a wig?
Yes, I have a few friends who do Drag Shows and I always have to play with them, plus I go to a lot of over the top fancy dress parties... such is life lol.

What's your favourite pasta dish?
Lasagna, easy.

What's under your bed?
An Ikea under-bed storage box filled with shoes and handbags and nothing else. I'm very sensitive to dust so our bedroom has to be clutter free, especially under the bed so I can vacuum easily.

What's your greatest fear?
Losing loved ones, not like at the shops or anything, I just don't want anyone I love to die. I always say "I love you" and mean it when I talk to them. Surprisingly my answer isn't birth...

What embarrasses you?
Not much. I used to manage Adult Shops so nothing "personal" really bothers me. That said, I hate being caught by surprise, I'm a planner and when things change and I can't fix things I get embarrassed. Yes, I'm a control freak.

Which household item are you about to run out of?
Nothing, thanks to my nesting habits everything is over stocked. Control. Freak. Hello. lol.

Did your parents smack you?
Hmm, I remember once or twice and after that threatening was enough to make me succumb.

Why did you last cry?
I always care too much about my friends, their relationships and the paths they choose to follow. I like to think I'm very supportive but sometimes when they do things I disagree with it can become an internal struggle. A lot of that has been happening lately and thanks to my extra bout of hormones left me a wreck.

Do you envy anybody you know?
I envy pieces of everybody. My sister who's traveling across Europe for a few months. My Mum & Dads marriage. My friends careers. People who own their own home (I'm a renter til we find our dream house). People with strength and stand up for their own. People who are size 10-14 lol.

How do you indulge yourself?
ohh let me count the ways... my most exxy indulgence is getting my hair done. I consider it an investment as I feel great for weeks both inside and out. I'm so vain about my hair lol. Otherwise a nice hot bath with oils, a face mask and a magazine can change my whole outlook. If I'm out and about, had a crappy day and I'm really short on cash I grab a can of Deep Spring Lemon & Lime soft drink for $1.


Wishing you all the best for your birth and meeting your little one. I'll be stalking you over the coming weeks to hear the exciting news!

If you would like to be part of the Everyday Everybody interview series... just email me at fatmumslim@hotmail.com and I will send you off the questions. xx

Small Fry.

Virginia over at Mum.Toddler.Babe is having a little giveaway of this cute little cook book. Pop over and have a look. Leave a comment for a chance to win. xx

Recipe of the Moment: Pumpkin Penne.

I am loving this dish at the moment. When I went down the coast for the weekend my cousin cooked it for me, and I loved every last morsel. It's low-fat, delicious, cheap and easy.

Penne with pumpkin, spinach and ricotta

If you're craving a rich pasta sauce, try this dish which uses low-fat ricotta - you'll get that creamy texture without the guilt!

Ingredients (serves 4)
500g peeled pumpkin, cut into 1-2cm cubes
2 tbs olive oil
400g penne
1 leek (white part only), cleaned, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, crushed
150g baby spinach leaves
125g low-fat ricotta

Method
Preheat the oven to 190°C.
Toss pumpkin and 1 tablespoon oil in a bowl and place on a baking tray. Roast for 15 minutes or until tinged golden.
Meanwhile, cook the penne in a large saucepan of boiling, salted water until al dente.
Heat remaining oil in a large frypan over medium-low heat, add leek and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes until soft.
Add garlic and cook for a further minute, then add spinach and remove from heat. Drain pasta and add to pan with leek mixture. Add pumpkin and toss to combine.
Serve sprinkled with ricotta and freshly cracked black pepper.

Enjoy. xx

It's Tuesday & I Can't Wait ...

It's Tuesday, & I Can't Wait... for Spring. I can't wait for BBQ's, salads and walks in the afternoons. It's a great time of year and it's not far away now. I can't wait to kiss these cold mornings away.

What can't you wait for? Play here.
Image: Simple Salad

It's Written In the Sky.

So it must be done. Call Mum. xx

Hair Today.

Well after my last hair disaster I was quite hesitant in getting my hair done again. I didn't want to go through the drama again, and I certainly didn't want to pay good money for something that I didn't love.

I made an appointment with a new hairdresser that seemed a little more affordable. On Saturday I gathered up an armful of new magazines and prepared myself for a relaxing hair colouring session.

And I am happy to report it was a really positive experience. I paid around half the price that I paid Vincie last time to just colour my hair. But this time I got so much more. I got a whole head of colour, a cut, a treatment, a toner and a blow dry. And I got a lovely head massage.

So I'm happy.

And you know what I loved even more. There was no unnecessary chatter. It was lovely to be able to read my magazines without stopping. Heaven.

I'm one happy blond chappy {or chapette}. xx

Hello Sweetness.

Hello... sweetness.

Ok, I know it's terribly cheesy. But I took photos of cupcakes this weekend {Hubby thinks I'm going crazy} and I wanted to use them today. So today... I call you... sweetness.

How was your weekend? On Friday I mentioned that I wanted to avoid the crowds from the City to Surf. When Sunday arrived I thought to myself: Who am I kidding? I can't beat them. I'm gonna join 'em.

Not join 'em, as in run with them {I wasn't feeling quite up for that}. No join 'em, as in cheer them on.

It was such a beautiful day. It always seems to be for City to Surf. The streets were packed with people and cars. Police had blocked off all the roads around our house... so there was nothing really to do but to wander down to the beach.

The problem is... once you're there. You're there for a long time. The race goes for a while and to cross the road is like taking your chance with a human stampede. So we waited until the crowds thinned out and then took our chance. I almost knocked a runner over. Sorry to him. I felt so bad. Anyways... we both survived and I got across the road. Yay.
I'm such a sook when it comes to these sort of things. I get tears every year. I guess I'm just proud. It's so nice to see the runners come in, and cheer them on. I always get goosebumps when the first female runs through to the finish line... and then again when the first child runs past. It's lovely.
We knew a few people running and I managed to give a shout out and a high five to most of them. Spotting a familiar face is quite a mean feat especially since there are thousands and thousands of people involved. We were waiting for one face in particular... my lil sis {aka Aunty Jen Jen}. Lacey was very, very patient.

We spotted her face amongst all the runners. She really sparked up when she saw us, and gave it her all for the last 100m of the race. Go Jen Jen!

It was such a lovely day, and a beautiful weekend. I've run/walked the City to Surf before {twice} and would love to do it again. I'm hoping that next year is the year that I get back into it. It's a 14km race from the City to Bondi Beach... and it's fun. Well... it's fun when you think about it, when you're actually in it - at around the 8km mark, it doesn't seem so fun.

Anyways... I'm keen to hear about your weekend. What was the highlight?

Don't leave me hanging. I don't care if your highlight is that you washed your hair, or heard your favourite song of the radio. I want to hear about it. Don't make me look like I'm talking to myself... because that's the first sign of crazy. And we know I'm not crazy. Don't we?

Flowers For Your Friday.

Hello.

It's Friday. It feels like only yesterday that it was Monday. I love when the weeks fly by. It's been a rather eventful week for me, so I'm glad to see Friday here so soon.

The weekend is already getting jam packed with hair appointments {I'm trying a new salon, wish me luck}, parties, movies and avoiding the City to Surf crowds {which is hard to do in Bondi}.

I hope you have a lovely weekend.

What are your plans?

{one thing}

What is one thing that made you smile today?

Image: wmacphail

Everyday Everybody: Merrill.

Meet the lovely {and obviously stunning} Merrill. Merrill is the lucky next interviewee in the Everyday Everybody series.

Enjoy getting to know more about her. She's currently jetsetting around the world. Lucky ducky. Thanks for playing along. xx

Just email fatmumslim@hotmail.com if you'd like to play along too. x


Have you ever been stung by a bee or wasp?
Yes, too many times to count. Growing up in Sydney with an above ground, 80s style pool meant many a bee sting during the Summer. In fact I have been stung so many times by Bees that I am now allergic to them and carry an Epi Pen to ward off the reaction. Actually I got stung at the Petrol Station once and the attendant laughed at me. What a jerk!

What film scares you most?
It's funny because I actually love Horror films and anything that gives me a fright. But if I had to name one filmed which truly scared me, I'd say The Exorcist. The visual effects are bad enough but I have this theory that things are scarier if they could possibly occur.

Are you happy with where you live?
I love my current suburb and apartment but I'm not going to be happy until I get my feet firmly on American soil. That's my current Goal, 5 years + living in the USA.

What's the biggest risk you've ever taken?
Wow. I think the biggest risk I ever took was probably deciding to keep living. I had an extremely nasty 3 years with depression. It got to the point where I thought I either get better or I die because I couldn't keep doing what I was doing. So one night I just decided that I was going to risk getting better. I didn't know if I would and I wasn't sure how but I did and it was one gamble that paid off.

What was the last thing you borrowed?
I just borrowed the first and second seasons of Sex and The City from my friend Louise. I'm trying to get in the mood for my trip to NYC and it's working! Early SATC is so retro and hilarious. Miranda and Charlotte in particular are bordering on late 80s, early 90s American style, despite the year being 1998! I love it.

What's the nicest thing you've ever received in the post?
Oh I got a gorgeous care package from my friend in L.A. She sent me over all these goodies including Halloween stuff, lollies and a cute handmade card.

Michael Jackson - What do you think?
Honestly I am so sad for him. MJ is in my opinion the ultimate performer. In his heyday he could outsing, outdance and outperform any of these chumps you see on stage now. I think he had a very hard and lonely childhood that messed with his head. I do not believe any of the allegations and I hope that he finds the peace of mind he is so obviously after.

Do you play lotto?
Sometimes. I should play it more. I like scratchies though, I won $100 once off one! My Dad wins the little Lotto every week!

Do you envy anybody you know?
Not really anyone in particular because I'm not sure it's helpful but I do envy certain things about people. Like I envy the 100 million Americans who have citizenship, I envy published authors and I envy people who have pink cars .

What's your all time favourite meal?
Oh man, leave the hardest for last! Can I please have 2? Well my first in fresh Fettucine Boscailola with Garlic Bread and my second is good old Cheeseburgers and Fries.


N.B. This interview was done well before the passing of Michael Jackson.

15. Flower.

I'll have to buy some, I thought, or travel near and far. I opened my eyes and realised what I wanted was in my very own backyard. xx

Project: 26 Things.

8. Bright.

Her future is so bright she has to wear shades.

She wanted to be like Mama. Wearing too big sunglasses that fell off her nose. A little girl, wanting to play big. Delighted with her own set of shades she set off for the afternoon... her future so bright it hurt her Mama's eyes. xx

This is part of the Shift.Org Photographic Project, 26 Things.

13. Childhood Memory.

A pair just like the ones I used to own.

Out on the deck sat four pairs of shoes in the sunshine. Crisp white, freshly laundered, drying as the day wore on. Four pairs of shoes for four happy siblings. Kept clean by a loving mother who showed her love in so many different ways. Perfect little shoes was just one of many. xx

Project: 26 Things.