A Virtual Girls Night In.

The kids will {hopefully} be rugged up in bed and you've put the long day behind you. You don your most comfy pyjamas and pour yourself a glass of your favourite wine {or whatever it is that tickles your fancy} and join us for a Virtual Girls Night In.

That's right! There's no make-up. No picking outfits. You don't even have to brush your teeth or do your hair. Each year the Cancer Council holds a Girls Night In where women all over Australia invite their nearest and dearest over for a night at home with the girls. It got me thinking... and I thought {dangerous, I know!}... wouldn't it be fun to have a virtual girls night in? A night where women all over Australia {and the world if you please} get together online for just half an hour to chat and raise a little money?

So on September 8 {it's a Wednesday so won't interfere with your real social life} at 8pm {until 8:30pm} pour yourself a glass of something you love and meet us online. We can unite on Twitter, or Facebook or even on our very own Girls Night In page. Donate a little money or a lot, it's up to you!

Join me! I'd love to have your company. x

Visit here to donate a few dollars or RSVP.

{image}

Guest Post: Craft With Paperklip.

It is so exciting to be over here on Chantelle's fabulous blog. Thank you for having me. I am Mel from Paperklip and craft is a big part of my life. It is a business and a pleasure for me. I have put together a little how-to-do on making a colourful and cheap pencil cup and how-to pretty up your pencils - using Japanese washi tape. You could try this with your kids.

♥ Step One
Remove the label and paint a 400ml tin can twice with some basic white acrylic (pinch this from the kids' supplies, you won't need much). The acrylic primes the tin and two coats assures the finish won't look patchy.

♥ Step Two
Using strips of Japanese tape stick them evenly and vertically around your can. You could also go around horizontally. Fold the ends over the edge of the can and trim off. Japanese tape can also be written on - so that you can label each owner's tin or the contents.

♥ Step Three
Do the same for your pencil. Cut small strips long enough to wrap around your pencil. So easy.

Japanese paper tape is available from Pretty Tape on Etsy. An easy alternative could be to glue strips of used magazines onto your tin. Choose a selection of rainbow coloured pictures for a similar effect.

A huge thank you to Melinda of Paperklip for sharing this super cute idea with us! It's so sweet. xx

Pretty & Nice.

Hubby had me in hysterics over the weekend. Not only had he thrown away my beaters {because he never saw me use them!} but he accused me {in jest} of bleeding money.

I made cupcakes. Yummy passionfruit and coconut cupcakes. And as I was setting them up to photograph with the fancy bunting and little flags I realised I had a one man audience... Hubby. I looked at him with his puzzled look on his face and smirked, "What?"

"Are you serious?" he ribbed, "Did you buy all that stuff... just for this?"

"Well... it is all very pretty... and it looks nice... and well... yes. I did."

He shook his head and laughed. I finished setting up in a state of hysterics. The way Hubby says things has me bending over in side splitting laughter.

Besides he should be grateful. I baked scrumptious cupcakes. And I even took the seeds of the passionfruit out for him because the man doesn't like seeds. See how wonderful I am? Wife of the year material.

And mother of the year too. I offered Lacey a cupcake and with one swift lick she decided, "I can't like it!"

So what's a mum to do? Whip up chocolate icing instead. That's what I did, much to her utter delight.

175g butter, at room temp

1 cup caster sugar

3 eggs

1 1/3 cups self raising flour

2/3 cup shredded coconut

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 cup sour cream

Icing

3 large passionfruits, halved

1 cup icing sugar

125g butter, at room temp

♥ Preheat oven to 170 degrees Celsius.

♥ Line a tin or lay out cupcake papers.

♥ Place all ingredients in a bowl. Mix until combined.

♥ Pour into tin, or into cupcake papers.

♥ Cook in tin for 45-50 mins or cupcakes for around 15 minutes.

♥ Allow to cool.

♥ Combine passionfruit, icing sugar & butter to make icing. Ice cake or cupcakes.

I actually bought all that 'stuff' and made these cupcakes to celebrate the little life of SuperPrincess Ava, a beautiful girl gone too soon. xx

Dancing In The Rain.

I'm a little deep today, aren't I? Here's a little quote for the week. I hope your day is going dancingly. xx

Guest Post: Smitten.

It is no surprise to anyone who reads my blog that I am smitten with words.
I love them. The swirl around in my head, lead me to fantasy and I become dreamy.

Last night the words I heard slapped me straight in the face and I didn't like them at all. I cried and I certainly wasn't proud of my actions.

Miss L has a task at school where she is to write a speech about our family.
She wrote a beautiful speech don't get me wrong.

I enjoyed listening to her describe her adorable Dad, his routines{work, sleep and wake times} I agreed with her that Mr. Kypo makes the best milkshakes on the weekend and he was the best dad !Then it came to me.

She described that I own two kindys and in the holidays she likes to come and work at one of them. Mmm.. that is true but my ego was screaming for more.

I continued to listen attentively about her little brother who she described can be annoying, crazy at times and her admiration of his talent for guitar and expressing he wants to play guitar in his dads band.

My ego was still screaming out banging on the inside of my body wanting voice to let it out.

I attempted silencing it whilst she beautifully concluded her speech. I praised her. I reflected and then there was no more silencing it.

I shamefully said, 'Is that what I do?'

She looked at me confused.

'Work in our two kindys?'

You wrote all these things about Dad, Master N and I me ' I work.'

Damn it. I became my mother. I was manipulating her.

I quickly tried back peddling telling her that she wrote a great speech and it was a wonderful description of her family! Knowing I made her feel guilty and I felt ashamed.

My ego still felt it needed more.

I was thinking of all the words she didn't say and she knew it.

I sent both babes in to clean their teeth. They crawled into my bed laying either side of me kissing me good night.

Miss L then told me she felt guilty. I wanted to kill my ego for winning.

I mentioned there was no need, I am fine and she did a beautiful job.

Master N obviously sensed my egos want to be recognized expressing beautiful words to me.
Both babes went to bed & Mr. Kypo came in.

I was crying
He lifted the covers and embraced me, 'Are you ok?'

'No!' I told Mr.Kypo I listened to Miss L's speech. I recited her words.

Mr. Kypo looked at me, 'Babe, she said your the best mum in the world.'

No she didn't. I recited now word for word what she said about him.

I then expressed to him. I am always there, I cook hot breakfasts, I exhaust myself making sure all their schedules, notes etc are done.

Mr. Kypo looked onto my eyes as I wiped my tears.

She said, 'You're the best mum. I know she read her speech to me 3 times this afternoon.'

We kissed.

I thought.

Did she say that? Did I miss it? Am I ruled by my ego?

Whether she said it or not it really doesn't matter. I work, I work very hard.

I am her mum and I catch her when she falls. That is irreplaceable and that will never change.
Sometimes words can hurt. Words can love. Words can pull you out of your ego driven mind and place you in the present moment making you re-look and take in the beautiful moment.

This guest post was written by Belinda of Cupcakes, Frocks & Pink. Thanks for sharing your beautiful words and life with us. And remember... you're the best mum in the world. That's a pretty darn lovely thing to say. x

Point & Shoot: Believe.

I recently purchased something online {I'll show you this particular something next week} and it came with this sweet little quote. I bought my Big Sis a pack of these quotes years ago, but to receive one randomly was ever so heart-warming. After a few hard weeks of roller coaster type emotions/days it was just what I needed to remind myself to take each day at a time... and remember that each day is a new day. I know that's super simple... but sometimes we {I} need a little nudge to remind us {me}.

My weekend was boringly filled with work-type stuff, but thankfully I could do that work-type stuff from the comfort of home with my little family.

How was your weekend? What were your days filled with?

Guest Post: These Hands.

These hands used to be so tiny you could hardly wrap them around my little finger.

How these hands have grown. I love holding your hands. When we go to school each day even though it's logistically difficult with three of you, I hold all your hands as we cross the road. It helps me know you're safe.

I love our little code when we hold hands. You know when I squeeze your hands twice I'm saying 'I love you'. You smile up at me when I do it. Sometimes you do it with no notice and it fills me with joy and pride.

There will come a time where you'll feel too 'big' to be to hold my hand. I'm aware of this, so for now I savour every day you hold my hand. Keep holding my hand, I'll keep squeezing them, promise.

Our lovely guest poster today is Liss from Frills in the Hills. Liss is quite possibly the nicest person I've ever met. She's super sweet and you can feel the love in her presence. I'm lucky that blogging brought us together as friends. ♥

{image}

Guest Post: Fairies In The Garden.

It’s her birthday in a few short weeks.

She still believes in fairies and I know that sadly, that this belief won’t last much longer.

So when she asked me if we could have a birthday party where she and her friends could all dress up as fairies and run in a beautiful garden, I nodded cheerfully.

Secretly though, my heart sank.

We don’t have a garden. Well not one where little girls decked out in their finest garb could run through, and imagine that maybe fairies would be hiding under the snowdrops.

I am not a baker either. Well not a good one.

And how could I entertain these gorgeous girls and have a party they would never forget?

I wanted this to be perfect for my little girl. Because in some ways it is the last one that will be like this. The last one unfettered by the cares that will beset them when they start primary school. The popularity contests, the need to be cool, the need to keep up with everyone else.

Right now, it’s all about wings and slippers and wishing she could fly.

And I slept that night with a heavy heart wishing I had a solution.

Sometimes when things seem insurmountable, wishes come true. I was offered a beautiful garden for the would-be fairies to celebrate in. A beautiful friend sent me recipes showing me how to bake a butterfly cakes and create delicious little finger foods for the children. And I found magical, simple games they can play on the day.

Sometimes wishes do come true.

Today we've been blessed with the beautiful words of Sarah of Ah, The Possibilities. Pop over and check out her beautiful blog. Thanks for visiting Sarah. After reading your beautiful post I am feel filled with a little more hope, and a little more wonder. Thank you. x

Guest Post: 10 Things I Love Right Now.

Danielle from Hello Owl is our lovely guest poster today. She's sharing her list of things she loves at the moment. Thanks for popping over and sharing Danielle. xx


1. Who needs to spend endless amounts of money on real flowers when you can make these super cute no sew flowers. Don't they just look adorable. I really need to make some of these for my home.

2. The most adorable anniversary gift ever. I think my girls and I may just have to use this one for fathers day.

3. If your just started to sew or want a quick project this simple baby blanket is definitely for you.

4. Have you discovered Made By Joel yet? Why don't you start here with his personalized matching game for the kids.

5. If you love shoes as much as me you will need some of these shoe clips for your next big event.

6. Am I the last person on the planet to discover reusable cupcake wrappers? Seriously cute.

7. This amazing handmade clock is going on my christmas list.

8. I'm so in love with Graham's beautiful nursery. It's still number #1 on my inspiration list.

9. I seriously can't get enough of mom stories.

and last but not least..

10. Maddi E an amazing photographer from Utah Country. She loves coffee, road trips and her photos always make me smile.

Guest Post: Flicking The Switch.

Chantelle asked me recently, an interesting question, which really got my mind pondering.

She asked me this: "When & how did you decide it was time to lose weight? Was it as easy as flicking a switch?"


This decision did not come out of the blue.

It was something that had been niggling at my brain for months.

Don't get me wrong. For most of my teenage and adult life I have been aware of the ever increasing need to "shift some weight".

But being aware of the need, and actually making the choice to act, were very far apart. Miles and miles apart.

Until one day, over the Christmas break of 2007, it hit me, square between the eyes, that my weight was, quite simply, holding me back. Stifling my potential. Smothering my worth, as a mother, as a lover, as a friend, as a woman. The weight was putting a dark cloud of sadness over my whole life.

How could I let my weight impact my life so dramatically?

How could I continually short change myself and my family?

Weren't we all worth so much more than that?

All of a sudden, I knew that I was eternally tired of making excuses of why I couldn't lose weight, and for feeling so utterly restrained because of my weight.

Feeling ashamed and lethargic and miserable about my body had become harder than finally doing something about it.

I liken this to doing the dishes. The thought of doing the dishes is much much worse than the actual doing of the dishes. Once you get stuck into those dishes, it is occasionally boring, but nowhere near as awful as you anticipated. Just get on with it and enjoy the view. Relish in the satisfaction of it being done.

Choosing to lose weight, for me, was the same. The thought of it, and the lack of action, was actually worse, and more debilitating that the shift to actually tackling my weight problem.

And with that, I also realised that time would pass regardless.

I could either look back over a year or be proud to be weighing less and feeling immeasurably better.

Or, I could look back with regret, and wish that the year had been the one in which I lost weight instead of gaining it.

Time will pass regardless.

It is not, sadly, as easy as flicking a switch.
The switch goes on and off all the time. But at least now, finally,
it is ME that controls the switch, rather than my weight controlling me.

Today's guest post is by the lovely Lucy of Diminishing Lucy. Lucy is a constant inspiration around the interwebs, not only is she the sweetest soul ever... she's lost over 38kg. What a super star. Read more from Lucy here. Thanks for being such an inspiration Lucy. xx

{image}

Guest Post: The Two Of Us.

It has been the two of us, my daughter and I for a long time now. When I was pregnant and I was no longer ever on my own and had a jellybean to keep me company, when she was a tiny little baby needing constant love and attention, and as a now toddler who oscillates between being my koala baby and my fiercely independent little girl.

We are a happy family of three. And in many ways, I'm sure my husband feels the same way. Because he has his own relationship with his daughter, just the two of them. But that's what happens when you start a family instead of having one relationship as partners, you have multiple relationships. We have our married relationship. I have my relationship with Riley. He has his relationship with her. And we have a relationship as parents. As a (mostly) stay at home mother, for the vast majority of my time, it is just the two of us. When she was a baby and breastfeeding, sometimes what felt like continuously, when she started to walk and was unsure on her feet - reaching up to hold my hand to be safe, when she was recovering from the ICU and would cry her hoarse seal-like cry whenever I wasn't holding her, and as a toddler running towards me to kiss all her bumps and bruises better.

Now, all of that is about to change. Our second baby, still just a jellybean, is making their presence known. I'm in my first trimester, so there are hardly any outward changes yet. But I know, my time with just me and my daughter, who I still think of as my baby is time limited. I have only 7 months left where I will only have one child. Before I know it I will be a mother of two, and Riley will have a sibling. And yet again, my life will change forever.

The only way I can describe the way my life changed with Riley, is that she gave birth to me, not the other way around. I still feel that way, more than two years later.

And now, I want to really enjoy this last period of time before everything changes again. Because I know it's not possible that she will get the same amount of undivided attention. That I won't be able to watch every little development with as much focus. That not every photo I take will be of her. And I also know that seeing her as a sibling, as a big sister, will be far more joyful than I can possibly imagine. But still, I want to soak up every cuddle, every smell, every belly laugh, every stamp of the foot, every new word, every moment. Because as much as our little jellybean was desperately hoped for and rejoiced over, I want to treasure all the time I have left with my beautiful baby, just the two of us.

This week I've been blessed with a guest post each day from special bloggers in the Blogosphere. Today's post was written by Zoey of Good Goog. You can read more from here over here. Thanks Zoey {and congrats!}. xx

Point and Shoot: There's A Giraffe In My Kitchen.

My weekend involved: some Spring cleaning, going blonder, tonnes of belly laughs and dreaming about the future.

How was your weekend?

P.S. This sweet giraffe is living in Lacey's doll's house. Isn't he sweet?

Be Kind To Yourself.

I hope you had a lovely weekend. See you tomorrow with your Point + Shoot photo. xx

Phew. Thank The Flowers It's Friday.

Hello. Thank the flowers it's Friday. ♥



It's been quite a week for me, so I'm ever so glad it's the weekend. I hope you are too. I'll be spending the weekend voting for a new Prime Minister {or moreso a party - but you know what I mean}, getting my hair did and Spring cleaning. The toys are taking over...

Have a lovely weekend. Don't forget to get your camera out for Point & Shoot... and I'll see you on the other side. x

PS. I took this photo last weekend. Aren't the flowers so pretty? I have no idea what they are.

My First Ever By Line.

I think I'd heard Carrie on Sex & The City talk about 'By Lines', but I only really knew what they were when I got my very own this week.


Check out my very first By line. My cherry is popped! It's been months of work for the Kidspot team and I, but it's now live. Check out Kidspot's Top 50 Blogs {fifty of our favourite blogs in Australia}. One lucky blogger will win a trip to Dunk Island. Check out the list here and vote for your favourite.

Viv's Pear & Peach Crumble.

It's no secret I have a sweet tooth. I could share pictures and recipes of the roast chicken and vegetables we had last night for dinner, but... yawn... sugar is so much sweeter.

My besty from school, Viv, is quite the little chef. Well, actually she was a cook in the Navy, so she actually is quite the little cook. And everything she makes is delicious. We used to take turns cooking for each other, and every time she'd cook a meal, I couldn't wait to run home and try and whip up something similar for Hubby. It never was quite the same...

This pear & peach crumble is one of Viv's creations... and we have it a few times a year. It's delicious, and now that I've counted the Weight Watcher's points for it too, it's not too bad on the hips. You can use fresh fruit if you like. I've used tinned because that's what Viv does, and it means no work at all.

Put 2 large tins of peach & pear slices in an oven-proof dish. Top with crumble {mix 1/2 cup oats, 1/2 cup plain flour, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, a dash of cinnamon. Rub mix with 2 tablespoons low-fat margarine or butter}.

Cook for 30 minutes until topping is brown. It serves 6 and is 3.5 points each.

Top with low-fat ice-cream or cream. Enjoy. x

Silly Games.

I like lentils, sprouts and mung beans, but I really am no hippy. I do like to think that I'm intune with the Universe though.

I don't even know when our relationship started, the Universe and I. We may have had a fleeting fling in my youth, and then reunited in my early twenties. I think Oprah might have something to do with it. She may have introduced the two of us.

It's a rocky relationship. One of love: "You're the best!" and one of hate: "Why can't you look after me!" But mostly love, and gentle understanding.

Sometimes the Universe speaks in whispers, hinting at you to do something, be something... and then if we ignore it, the whispers get louder and louder until they can no longer be ignored. And sometimes it's just darn confusing, and I don't know if the Universe is playing any part in life at all.

I meet with a Personal Trainer at my local cafe to talk about my weight and future sessions. I don't really enjoy talking about my weight at cafes, amongst people. It's not my idea of fun, but I'm eager to tackle this and live my best life. And if talking about my weight amongst yummy food and trendy people is part of the process, I'll do it.

I order a water and we talk for what seems like forever and I forget that there are even people around us. The waitress appears and offers us complimentary brownies on a plate. I laugh, and decline her offer. I wonder to myself, Are you trying to trick me Universe?

Less than a week later I arrive at my first training session. The weather went from perfect the day before, to miserable and pathetic the next. But of course, exercise shall go on. I'm nervous. I've trained before. I've never loved the training whilst doing it, but loved the feeling after walking away, and home to a cold shower.

We meet at a small undercover hut, in the middle of a park, at seven in the morning, on a rainy and miserable morning.

And we're not alone. Around thirty other people have gathered too. Not to exercise. Nope. They gather to breakfast. So in this small hut, in the middle of the park, surrounded by ducks {eek, me no likey} I jump, and lunge, and bend, and lift whilst people look on. Bacon and eggs are cooking on their small bar-be-que. I feel like the entertainment. They munch away on their bacon and egg breakfast watching me...

And when I can gather my breath, I laugh. And then I wonder, Universe... are you playing games with me?

Leave A Trail.

Last week Rowe sent me a few of these to brighten my week. I'd seen them around, but didn't know exactly where they came from, nor which talented soul was responsible for them. A little bit of googling, and I discovered they belong to one very talented woman who blogs over at The Notebook Doodles.

What's your favourite piece of the interwebs at the moments? Is it a shop? A Blog? A website? Please share. Oh yes, please do. x

Tea Party For Two.

{Cake bunting from KikiLaRu}

Over the weekend I spent some time doing a little bit of tea party dreaming. Ava's annual Tea Party is coming up, to celebrate the too short life of Ava the Super Princess. For those that don't know, little Ava sadly went to Heaven in February 2007. Her mama, the super talented Sheye, and friends have started a sweet tradition to celebrate the life of Ava and to support the cause Paradise Kids. {You can read all the details here}.

I've gathered up a little bunting, some cute cupcake cases, and pastel coloured goodies. I've got some Ah Tissue pom poms at the ready, and my camera battery is charged ready to shoot. I just need to find the most perfectly perfect spotted tea set {don't tell Hubby, he'll tell you three tea sets already is plenty} and we're on our way.

I hope you'll join us by having a Tea Party of your own. If you don't have all things pretty and fancy, it doesn't matter. Just take a little time out {any time this month, but particularly on Ava's birthday August 22} and be glad, give thanks and cherish what is. xx

Point & Shoot: Sunny Days Kite Flying.

Sunny days, kite flying, oyster eating, party attending, beer drinking, friend meeting, house cleaning, bacon and egg breakfasting, sleep-ins {oh yes}, eye-brow tending, and much more.



What did your weekend involve?

I Dropped A Ball.

I wish I had exciting things to talk about. Adventures. Stories. Recipes. Life tales. But I don't. I could tell you about the piles of laundry, the floor that's been left unswept, the books that lay unread, magazines taunting me to open them, emails beckoning me to reply, work pleading with me to be done, my camera teasing me to take just a few photos. My face is spotty, my hair is a mess, my wardrobe is looking sad as I wear the same clothes over and over.

I have three diaries going, lists of lists of things I need to do. There aren't enough hours in the day. How do I get more?

So I'm still trying to master this juggling act, and I've dropped some balls. At least I'm still smiling.

I'd love to lay outside and escape it all with a little cloud dreaming. How do you escape the hustle & bustle of life?

If you've got five minutes to waste - you could listen to my interview on ABC radio or read my latest column in MAEVE magazine.

Or you could come and sweep my floors. You decide.

Heaven's Most Beautiful Angel.

In May 2009 Heaven was given the most beautiful angel, Lola Constance Evelyn. Lola's Mama shared her story with me this week over at Kidspot. It's a heartaching read. There will be tears. I sob each time I read it. But I think it's important to remember little Lola and allow her to touch your life.

Thank you Kristalee for sharing Lola's and your story. As always, my heart is with you. xx

{image}

Letter To Lacey: Twenty Eight Months

The television catches your eye and you stop in your tracks. "That's amazing!" you gasp.

You're always describing things as delicious, amazing, beautiful and even gorgeous. I look over to see what has grabbed your attention and it's a man break dancing on TV. Your eyes are glued.

You drop to the floor and try to copy his smooth moves, twisting and turning with much enthusiasm.

One day last week you woke asking for tapping shoes. Tapping shoes? We didn't have tapping shoes, and we'd never even talked about them with you. But you wanted tapping shoes. You tumbled through your shoes trying to find a pair, with no luck. Instead you found your first ever pair of shiny black shoes, and wanted those to be your new dancing shoes. You tried over, and over, and over to squeeze your toes in. Once again, no luck.

The next day you woke again asking for tap shoes, so off we went to find some. "Do you sell tap shoes?" I asked the lady in the store.

"We do, " she smirked and took us over to show us their range.

Before long you had tap shoes on your feet. And you were tapping. Your arms were swinging and your feet were going. It's like you'd been tapping all your life.

Dadda tries to hide your 'tapping' shoes, but you always seem to find them.

I don't know where you get your love of dancing from. You're always doing ballet everywhere you go, showing off to people we know, and even people we don't. You love 'Ballet Friday' and always request the prettiest skirt, to allow you the prettiest twirl.

Dadda and I are certainly not dancers {well let's forget the short stint I did at ballroom dancing}, so we're not sure where this dancing enthusiasm comes from. All I know is, it's pretty darn cute!

We love you Miss Dancing Lacey. xx

One Small Step.

As I walked to my meeting I looked back briefly to the week just gone, and how that would reflect when I stepped on the scales. I wasn't too worried about the number, I knew this was going to be a long, slow journey... and that's how I wanted it to be. But I also knew that if I had put on weight, then the disappointment wouldn't be productive to my journey either.

The first time I ever went to Weight Watchers I lost over 4kg in the first week. I sat in the meeting with a sense of pride, knowing that I might just win the battle {which I eventually did, for a few years}. The leader pulled out a sheet of paper, and announced that I was star member that week for achieving so much. I went bright red, as I always do, and I looked at the ground. All the members around me cheered and clapped.

I wondered if I'd feel that same sense of achievement this time. I stepped on the scales, and I peeked at the numbers. I was 1.1kg down. "That's great," the lady behind the desk cheered.

I nodded. It was. Of course, I wanted to be magically thin already, but that's a mental battle I needed to fight. It wouldn't happen overnight, and it also wouldn't happen without effort either.

The lady could sense my slight disappointment, "It's really great."

I nodded. I knew it was. I was on track. One small step in the right direction, on the journey to a healthier me.