Hot Chocolates and Happy Days.

Good morning...



I'm writing as quickly as my hands will let me and then I'm heading out for a walk down at the beach, although I'm not sure I'll even know it's there because it's so dark. I'll hear it though. And I'll see the drunks from the night before braving the chilly water and dancing on the sand. They're always there.

After a string of busy weeks and weekends, I'm looking forward to a quiet weekend. I've planned a self-date for Sunday. I've booked GaGa {grandma} for the whole day, and Hubby is at work. GaGa is Lacey's favourite person so they'll both be happy to be together. I plan on sifting through every email in my inbox, and getting lots of things done that have been on my to-do list for far too long. I also plan on grabbing a delicious hot chocolate from the cafe and sipping at my leisure {without worrying about a little person knocking it over, or asking for drink}.

What do you plan to do this weekend?

I better run before I run out of time to fit a walk in before work. Have a lovely day, and a relaxing weekend. I'll see you on Monday.

Don't forget to get your camera out for Point & Shoot. If you don't know what I'm talking about just grab your camera and take a photo of part of your weekend. Come back on Monday and share it with us. Super easy, and super fun.

Until then lovelies. xx

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Mascara Mayhem.

My mascara has mysteriously disappeared. At one stage it felt like I had about six on the go, and now I have none. I think a little person may be stashing them away somewhere where a mama person can't find them.

I need to buy myself a new one, and pronto. But first, I thought I'd consult the people in the know, you guys. There are so many out there, and my head spins in circles {it's a sight, trust me} when gazing at all the different wands and their lash extending promises.

So, which mascara do you use? Why do you love it?

My lashes thank you in advance. x

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Maeve Magazine.

What a busy, busy week I've got on my hands. This Saturday the first ever Maeve magazine is hitting inboxes all over the world. I have a little column in it. I'm not sure if I can reveal the name of my column yet, but it's super cute... and I can't wait to see how it has all come together. {I sent off two articles and a truckload of photos for the girls to select one of each from... so I'm even anxiously awaiting what Lou & Kate have picked}.

The magazine is free so pop over and subscribe, and then when you wake on Saturday you'll have a treat to read. xx

{image via maeve}

Looking On The Bright Side.

I don't know if you've ever noticed, but I'm a little bit addicted to sun flare in photos. I think that nothing adds magic to a picture quite like sun flare does. Nothing.

Here are a few photos I found this week with that little bit of magic. Enjoy. xx

{all images via weheartit}

Pretend.

Last night we played pretend, as we boarded a handmade boat to no where. Our imaginations filled the wind in it's sails and away we traveled to the land of laughter and giggles.

You're in the water, I yelled out to you although you were still within my reach, the sharks will nibble your toes.

You leapt back into the boat, and into my arms... and on we sailed as Dadda watched with a sneaky smile across his face.

Mama's gone crazy, he whispered to you, loud enough for me to hear.

I'm going out, I called as I swam through the shark infested waters, looking back to watch your face filled with wonder.

You waited patiently for my return, with make believe concern. I hurried back to the boat with a passenger I saved from the snappy alligators and hungry sharks... your friend Lulu the shaggy teddy.

Eventually the moon came up and lit the inky sky, and you grew weary from all the play. Sleep time beckoned.... and could no longer be ignored.

We disassembled the boat, and wished the sharks farewell. We kissed and squeezed the life out of Lulu. We headed down to the land of nod... until another adventure wakens.

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Frock Love.

I've just discovered this stylish little hidey hole filled with beautiful dresses, Mod Cloth, via Ish and Chi.


There are virtual racks and racks of stunning dresses... and I'm in love. Above are a few of my favourites, and I still haven't managed to see them all. Ah, I'm in frock love.

Flourless Chocolate Cake.

Okay. So I am kinda sucking at the no-sugar thing. I was really, really good for three days... and then kinda good for the rest of the month and then this past weekend... well... not-so-good.

This cake though, is worth breaking the rules for. We had friends over and one of them was gluten intolerant, so I loved taking on the challenge of creating a gluten free menu. This cake was on the menu for dessert. The recipe is from Kidspot.

I've made it twice now in as many weeks for friends, and it's a real hit. It's crunchy on the top, and perfectly dense in the middle.

You can find the recipe here.

For those that set goals for this month with me {see here}, how are you going. The month is nearly over. Have you reached your goals? It's okay if you didn't. You can be a bit of a failure with me. xx

52 Week Project: Fifteen.

I thought I'd make the most of my television make-up and take a photo today. Here is week fifteen. Don't we look a picture of happiness?

A First For Me.

At 3pm on Friday afternoon I got a call. I was on my way for school pick-ups so I pulled over to the side of the road, and pressed 'answer'.



The call was not one I ever expected, especially not right at that moment. It was a request to see if I would want to appear on the Kerri-anne show. I laughed down the phone line. No way, I immediately responded, I'm way too fat for that. I just wouldn't be comfortable.

I could hear the disappointment in her voice, at my decline of her offer, and as well for the words I used.

Let me think about it for thirty minutes, I asked and hung up the phone.

I then began to completely freak out. I called Hubby, Ma, my sisters, and my friends. I can't even remember what I said... I was too busy freaking out. All I know is that they all talked me into it, and I ended up saying yes.

I continued to freak out all weekend, about everything. What I was going to wear. What I was going to say. How could I make myself look thinner. How was I going to make it through.

I thought about calling up and backing out. I wanted to. I tried on fifteen dresses, bought three and will probably return one. I got my hair done. And I got very little sleep, and it wasn't because of Lacey.

Monday morning arrived and I finally felt excited instead of overwhelmingly nervous. I was excited that it was finally going to be over, and within hours I could finally relax. I was also proud that I was actually going through with it.

I've never had a desire to be famous {unlike my Big Sis}. I like being in the background. I like being in the support crew. I don't watch my wedding video because it makes me cringe, and if I ever I see someone with a video camera I walk in the opposite direction with great speed.

My sisters calmed my nerves as we made the drive to Channel Nine. We laughed the whole way and I didn't feel nervous at all until we drove in the gates. We told the guard at the boom gate who we were and what show we were coming for. He checked his computer and then asked if I was a model. Hysterics ensued from all of us, and then we continued in.

The morning then went past very quickly. Channel Nine is about 97% less glamourous than I thought it would be. The makeup room is tiny. I arrived with hair and makeup done as not to cause any problems. A quick touch up of both and we were shifted to the green room.

Why this is called a green room still has me puzzled. There isn't a squidge of green to be seen. Just people and guests lounging around, waiting. No catering, just an instant coffee machine in the corner {and a helicopter in full view outside}.

We were then moved to the waiting area, which is filled with old props, set pieces, sound crew and lots of bits and pieces. We waited, and waited. It was freezing and the nerves started to return. My legs shook and my heart thumped.

{I was amazed that for a television station they have such mediocre TV's and reception in the green room}

Eventually we were called in, and miked up. I asked if the guy could put the microphone high up because Lacey has a habit of putting her hand down my top, and I feared she'd knock it. You know that will make a really loud bang noise? That's not great for live TV, he informed with a slight edge of frustration to his voice.

I'm on top of it, I assured him, it's just another thing to freak out about.

The room was really small and filled with lots of cameras and TV screens. We tried to stay quiet whilst the guest {Dr. Penny} before us finished her segment about flu vaccines.

I sat down and I totally forgot about my posture {darn it}. Kerri-anne gooed and gaaed over Lacey and her outfit, and is truly the loveliest, loveliest person.

The crew called that we had 30 seconds to go, and Kerri-anne continued to chatter away.

And then we went live. I prayed that Lacey would be good. I gave her a dummy just to be sure she didn't make a scene. And she was an angel. Thankfully.

I tried to stay present and in the moment, for fear that my mouth would work before my brain even had a chance to process. I watched as Professor Catherine Fowler beside me answered her questions with ease, and impatiently wanted my turn to be over.

And before long it passed and it was done. A huge sense of relief came over me, and then pride. I did it. Those that know me well know that being on TV {and live TV for that matter} is so completely out of my comfort zone.

I thanked Kerri-anne, and we then left the set. We were reunited with my excited and supportive sisters who were also bursting with pride for me. You did great, they chimed.

We drove home, and back to normality.

Have you ever been on TV? Is it something you think you could do with ease?

I didn't get my camera out over the weekend because I was too nervous to function. My sister took these from the green room this morning. I know you'll forgive me and I'll definitely make up for it next week.

I'd love to see you what you've come up with for Point + Shoot, and the great thing is that I have time to check out every one's entries today. Yipppeee! xx

Today, Tomorrow, Forever.

Good morning. I've got a lot on my plate today, and have all weekend... so I'll be back later to share my Point & Shoot... so hold on to yours until then.


I hope you had the loveliest of weekends. See you soon. xx

I Say Hello...

Hello. Hello. Hello.

It's Friday my friends, the day before the weekend... and in Australia it just happens to be a long weekend. Joy.

What are your plans? I'm booked in for a facial, to get my hair blonder and we're entertaining friends too. Of course, we'll be up early on Sunday for Dawn Service, as we do every year. Would it be rude to take my camera and take a few photos? I'd probably need the flash anyway, and I'm not down with that. I might leave it at home.

Although it's a holiday on Monday, I'll still be here... so pop by and bring your Point and Shoot. I look forward to seeing what you saw over the weekend.

And if you're stuck for things to see yourself, here are a few things that might take your fancy.

* Lovely, gooey first photos of Mums & Bub ♥...

* This little family moved house, and left their many memories behind...

* Drew got rad hair, Heidi got bad hair...

* Liss started doing what she does for the Sydney Film Festival...

Ciao for now. xx

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A Practical Parent.

I was asked earlier this year to be interviewed for Practical Parenting magazine for a feature they were doing on child care options. They were interested in my life as a Mummy Nanny.

After getting the okay from my employer I was interviewed, and the next part was having a photo done. It's hard to get the kids all together in the one photo, so we finally found a 10 minute window where we'd all be in the same place, just before the sun went down.

We set up the camera on self-timer, on a chair in the backyard. The first photo the camera slipped and we all leant to the side to attempt to get into the shot. The next the dog stood right in front of the camera, which had us all in hysterics. Eventually we got a photo.

You can read more in the current Practical Parenting magazine about my day-to-day life as a Mummy Nanny, and how I juggle five kids.

And for those that asked, here is the little camera that Lacey has. It seems pretty durable, and the photo quality isn't brilliant... but man does she have fun taking photos with it. It's Fisher and Price... and like everything, I don't like paying full price so I bought it on eBay.

I hope you're all having a lovely Thursday. I feel so out of the loop at the moment... not having time to visit all your blogs and catch up on what you've been up to.

If you feel up to it, and want to quickly share... in a paragraph what's happening in your life at the moment? Update me on you. Please. xx

Feel Good.

I stumbled across an email that I got way back in the year 2000 {did we even have email back then?}. I'd printed it out and kept it in my little box of things that make my happy. It was one of those group emails that get sent round and round and round, so it's more than likely you've had it in your inbox at some stage too. It's a list of things that make you feel good. I've found some pretty pictures to go with a few of my favourites...

falling in love

hearing your favourite song on the radio

getting mail

milkshakes

bubblebaths

swinging on swings

laughing so hard your face hurts

pretty painted nails

having someone play with your hair

friends

What makes you feel good?

{all images via here}

Everyday Everybody: Naomi.

Welcome back to another dose of Everyday Everybody where today we get to know a little bit more about the beautiful Naomi from The Kitten and The Bear.

What embarrasses you?
Well, not much embarrasses me. Because of the area in which I work (healthcare) I've learnt to become pretty ok with all bodily functions. Also being married has made me comfortable with all the embarrassing things about everyday life. I would have to say though the one thing that does embarrass me is when I feel like I've done or said something that I shouldn't have. Like when I've said something out of line where I know I was too forward or mean, that kind of thing will haunt me for a long time, and make my face burn with shame.

Have you ever been camping?

The last time I went camping was in my last year of school, and it was compulsory. I got food poisoning from eating coleslaw sandwiches, and to this day coleslaw is not my friend. I'm much more interested in "glamping" now. A fond memory of my last experience of camping is that it was in an amazing location, Kai Iwi Lakes up in the North of NZ, and one day walking in the lake, which was transparent and crystal. I saw a tiny, bright green frog swimming around. He was so beautiful, and I scooped him up into my hands and had a moment with him before he jumped off and continued his life. It was amazing.

Which household item are you about to run out of?

We just went shopping, but before that: soy sauce.

Who last cooked a meal for you?

My husband, Adam, who is entirely domesticated and a really good cook. He made burritos and homemade tortillas.

When did you last have to borrow money?

About two months ago. I left my card at home and needed money for the train so I borrowed $5 from the receptionist at work.

Can you touch your nose with your tongue?

No. But I can wiggle my ears without touching them. A rare gift.

What did you enjoy on TV yesterday?

To be honest we haven't watched tv for at least a week because we've been watching The O.C on dvd. My husband put me on to it and I'm well and truly addicted.

Have you ever been to a high school reunion?

I haven't but I haven't reached the 10 year mark yet. I think it will be 10 years this year since I finished school and as far as I know, no one has arranged anything. Even if there was one I don't think I'd go.

How do you indulge yourself?

Ok, don't judge, but the way I love to indulge myself is by eating dinner in bed. I LOVE getting home from work, getting into my pjs at 5pm and eating dinner in bed while watching a movie. I feel like a slob and a king at the same time. King Slob. That and a glass of wine.

What was your first job?

My first job was a a checkout girl at Foodtown in West Auckland. I felt so proud in my uniform. That lasted until I became a vegetarian and refused to scan customers' meat products. Then they moved me to the bakery where I buttered garlic bread and vacuumed out the commercial ovens. It got paid $5.60 an hour before tax.

Rubik's Cube.

When I'm asked who I want to come back as in my next life, I'll only have one request: That I please come back looking exactly like Anja Rubik. Isn't she one of the most beautiful beings ever?

Fickle post over. The end.

{images via here}

Just One Thing.

I know the day is only very young, and you may not have had the chance to smile yet... but I'm sure it's bound to happen any moment {is that a smile I see?}... but I am smiling already.

Frankie magazine is out today... and that, my friends, makes my heart sing... la la la la la la. I can't wait to hold that silky copy in my arms and find a moment today to gobble it all up. Oh, the possibilities. ♥

What is one thing that's made you smile today? Or that's going to make you smile?

{artwork by Coulson Macleod}

Through Her Eyes.

I often wonder what it's like to see the world from down there, at little person height. I'm sure there are lots of bottoms and table tops to be seen. Seeing what Lacey sees through her little camera just brings me such happiness. I am in constant fits of laughter. Last week she saw a lot of my Lil Sis's butt. There are about twenty photos of my Lil Sis doing the washing up. Isn't she just the cutest thing ever? Oh, I love her. I love seeing what she sees.

52 Week Project: Fourteen.

My hair is dirty. I have a sore finger. My eyebrows are a tad too dark. I have a pimple on my chin. Welcome to week fourteen. It can only get better.

Pampers Winner.

The winner of the Pamper's nappies is the beautiful Jen. Congratulations to you. Pop me an email and I'll sort it all out for you.

Jumping Dadda Flash.

Good morning. And it is a good morning, isn't it? I know it's Monday and all that jazz, but it's a lovely Monday where I am. What about you?

We had a pretty quiet weekend. Hubby was on morning shift so he was up and at 'em before the sun was up, and Lacey and I had lazy mornings in bed. I know that will shock you, but I slept in. All the way until 6:30am. Crazy, right? I actually intended to get up early and do some things, but I woke to Lacey on both Saturday and Sunday patting my on the shoulder saying: Mama, Mama.

I have to laugh at this photo above I took for Point & Shoot. I was lying on the grass taking photos of Lacey running towards me, when Hubby asked if I could take a photo of him jumping over Lacey. Action shots? Ok.

So I knew I probably had one chance of getting this shot in one jump, and I got it. Hubby came hobbling back to see the photo, and claimed that he'd pinched a nerve in the process. We had to laugh, but he's still in so much pain today. That'll teach him to be a fun Dadda!

How was your weekend? I'd love to have a peek at it. If you've got a blog {don't forget to link back to here}, or Facebook put the link below.

I hope this week turns out to be a good one for everyone. Fingers crossed. xx

Do you own a camera?

Or even a mobile phone with ability to take a photo? Yes? Then I do hope you'll join me in Point & Shoot over the weekend.

Just get out your camera and take a photo of a part of your weekend, any part. I just love you sharing part of your life with me. And if your weekend is super boring and consists of you lying on the couch in your PJ's all weekend, then how about taking a self-portrait and sharing it with me instead? Or do both?

After another hectic week here with an unwell little person, as well as the flu making it's way through all the big people in the house too... I'm looking forward to a quiet weekend with not many plans at all, except getting my eyebrows done {it's definitely time!}.

What are your plans for the weekend?

I'll see you all back here on Monday with your evidence of your weekend. I look forward to seeing what you see. xx

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A Few Of My Favourite Things...

I am so snowed under at the moment with lovely, busy things and my heart is so sad that I don't have wonderful things for you to read here. Instead I am sharing a few of my favourite things at the moment {and I promise more substantial reading in the weeks to come}.

I am loving... planning a holiday. It's been years since I planned a holiday, and never in the middle of the year. I'm looking forward to holidaying when it's not Summer, and it's not peak time. I'm looking forward to being a tourist in a town that's not my own. Right now, I'm enjoying dreaming, and researching, and planning.

I am loving... the chill in the air. I can feel Autumn now, and I can even feel Winter on it's way. Yesterday morning when I went for my walk it was a brisk 15 degrees. Still there were men running in just their budgie smugglers and runners. I couldn't help but smile.

I am loving... blonde hair. I've loved having my hair back to it's natural mousey blonde colour, but I am looking forward to going a little bit blonder later this month. I miss it.

I am loving... soup. Any flavour. Any texture. 'Licious, as Lacey would say.

I am loving... crossing things off my to-do list. Last week I was on the verge of a brain explosion {due to having my finger in every pot, being sick and just trying to do it all} when I emailed my girlfriend to let it all out. She told me to write a list and get it out of my head. I did, and I immediately felt so much better. Crossing them off makes me so happy.

What are you loving at the moment?

{all images via weheartit}

One Thing.

{print by love sugar}

What is one thing that made you smile today?

Me? I'm sorry that I'm so predictable {or am I?}, but it's got to be my cute little munchkin. She is just cracking me up all over the place. I love her being two. Love. It. x

Everyday Everybody: Corinne.

Hello there. Meet Corinne. She blogs over at A Day In The Life.

What's your greatest fear? Anything happening to my beautiful girls. I want to wrap them up and keep 'em safe forever. That and being trapped in a room and forced to watch continuous re-runs of Baywatch.

Who was your best friend at school? Sarah - we were both Beatle fanatics and both terrible at Maths.

Have you ever had to make a speech? Besides school and Uni, I have made speeches at Sarah's wedding and at my own wedding. I also made a terrible speech at a friend's 21st that I'm still trying to live down - in my defence, her dad fed me three shots before I got up and spoke.

What's your favourite pasta dish? Any that my husband makes, he makes absolutely fantastic pasta! Oh and the truffled egg pasta at Buon Riccordo in Sydney.

Where is the worst place you've ever slept? At a pub in Warnambool, we were supposed to camp but it was blowing a gale. We paid $20 to sleep in a room that I was sure was haunted, the bed was sooo lumpy and had linen that I don't think had been changed since WWII. Suffice to say we scuttled out of there as soon as the sun broke over the horizon. Another night on the same trip we camped right next to train tracks, we didn't realise how close they were until a very long cargo train went past in the night - I thought we were being bombed.

Whose was the last wedding you attended? A fabulous country wedding of two very good friends. I was heavily pregnant though, so sat on the sidelines and watched all the dancing and rum-drinking. Was an eye-opening experience for a city chick like myself.

What are you looking forward to today? My brother-in-law's 18th birthday dinner. I've known him since he was 5 (which seems like yesterday) so I can't wait to celebrate this milestone with him.

How often do you get your hair cut? Not often enough! I'm attempting to be better about it and go every 3 months at least. I just hate having to sit there and stare at myself in the mirror, I always find a few more wrinkles and chins each time I go.

Have you got any scars? I have one on my knee from when I tripped over on holiday at Dunk Island when I was five.

Who owes you money? Ha! Too many to mention here.

Thanks Corinne. xx

Self Esteem In Children.

I stumbled across this on Tracey Lau's beautiful blog and had to share. I think every fridge should have one stuck on the front as a little reminder. Don't you?