I see you

This is the end.....but I'm only a click away!

2011-08-23T20:02:00.000+10:00

Hello lovelies! I know I have been a bit quite here and I have no excuses but............

I am leaving.

I have decided to cease writing this blog, I don't know if it will be forever or for a week , but it is done. I have moved 'house' and am now completely at Inspired Kate . This used to be my other blog but it is now my only blog. I have tried to make it a bit grown up with facebook and twitter etc. It is a work in progress and any advice is more than welcome.

Thank you for following me here and I promise some high excitement if you come with me to Inspired Kate

Things I want to tell my children

2011-07-04T21:00:00.000+10:00

Photo taken by me of my ~~two kids~~ Madam & Mr

I'm not sure why but I have been thinking lately about things I want my kids to know.....not the usual I want you too know you were planned and not a lack of contraception and drunk night creation sort of thing....but real things...just like....

After 9pm at night and four bottles of red (or white) no one gives a hoot that you spent $100 on a bottle of wine.....so please don't be that pretentious shit who gets drunk and quotes to all and sundry how much the bottle cost and who made it. At that time of night as long as it's wine it's good.

You will get your heart broken. There will be one person who hurts you more than anyone else and this will be the person you will be convinced you can't live without. You can live without them, you do live without them. You move on, grow up then hear that they are thirty something living with their parents still and you will be so happy they broke your heart.

Don't disregard blue cheese, or any cheese for that matter, that smells a little weird (unless it does because you left it in the fridge for months on end!). Appreciate it and love it....it is good believe me.

Lead don't follow. Do what you believe in, wear what you believe be conscious in you life! Please don't follow, be a sheep or just do things, hang out with people because it is trendy. No one will respect you and in hindsight you will not respect yourself. An interesting existence is much better than a beige one.

Always have enough in the cupboard and fridge to make a platter. Platters are everything. A bottle of wine and a platter makes the world a better place and will make everyone that visits your home happier. Olives, cheese, crackers, etc.......even if you are down to your last cent make sure you have it and it's decent quality.

Opposites attract. It's fact. You can be the exact polar opposite of someone and that person will become the person you laugh, cry, fight, make up, drink, party, live and cr?eate babies with. If you look at someone and think 'I don't want to wake up without you' then no matter how different you are that person will be the love of your life.

Whether you love boys and/or girls, save the world or something else, have babies or not, are tall/short curvy,teeny - as long as you are happy and fabulous and nice to people.....the world will be better for having you in it.

A man and his dog

2011-06-23T15:16:00.002+10:00

The Mr and his bulldog George.

I would love you to check out more of my photos over at my other blog
Inspired Kate.

Soul Food

2011-06-22T22:14:00.000+10:00

Sometimes it's hard to accept things...sometimes it's even harder to accept things and people are changing or have changed. I think I'm tired. I'm tired of justifying why the old doesn't have to be maintained, why new people can bring fantastic experiences, why growing up doesn't have to be boring and why I'm no longer willing to 'do the right thing'.

I guess I just figure now things change, people change, lives change. My dad has always said that you should concentrate on people that give you 'soul food'

....so for the Mr, the Madam and the new bean I think

I'm going to keep trying to do that.

...surround us with soul food.

What gives you soul food?

Can you help a mother out?

2011-06-06T09:55:00.002+10:00

My friend Nicole of Ellabella prints fame is running an auction on facebook on Friday June 24th from 12 noon. The proceeds from the auction go to the lady in the picture, her name is Jen, she is a friend of Nicole's.

Jen has been diagnosed with bowel and liver cancer and as it stands has a 5% survival rate. There is treatment that could improve her odds and quality of life and that is what Nicole would like to raise money for. Jen also has a little boy and like any mum would like to be around as long as possible to see him do all the things that little boys do!

So how can you help a mother out?

* Come over to Ellabella Prints facebook page and click like then you can check out all the fab offers and products that are coming in thick and fast for the auction. Items so far include everything from notebooks to photography sessions, advertising to kids clothes.

* You could also help spread the word - facebook, blogs, twitter - auctions are best when you have to fight for it - so let everyone in.

* If you have any talents or products to donate - contact Nicole on the page.

* BID, BID, BID!

As always, thank you for reading this , thank you if you even direct just one person to Ellabella Prints auction it would be a great help to benefit a Mum, a friend, that really needs a bit of hope now.

* Have a look at Jen's blog Keeping My Clogs Firmly On!*

Why girls don't run the world

2011-06-02T06:50:00.001+10:00

This video is phenomenal - there is not really much more I can say apart from please watch it!
A big thank you to MamaBake for putting it on facebook this morning.

Adding a little bit of happy...

2011-05-30T07:51:00.001+10:00

I read Danielle's blog Sometimes Sweet ALOT! She is such an inspiring lady - who turned me into a quinoa lover. One of my favourite things about her blog are the guests she has. I have found so many fantastic, unique blogs all through these guests. Today (or yesterday depending on time zones) the guest is Lauren from Busy Bee who has a bit of a link up going with the topic being .....what are you going to do this week to add to the quality of your life?

I thought it was such a great list of goals to make. So instead of writing another shopping list, bills to be paid list, cleaning to do list I thought I would do this......

Three things to add to the quality of my life this week!

1. I will not put myself in the position of being with people that share their negative energy and bitch all the time. If it means not answering the phone and declining a few invites I am just hoping that positive breeds positive.

2. I will take more photos......intentionally not just photos of the Madam but actual photos of beautiful things I see. Photo's to blog about. Hopefully I get my holga lens this week which would help with this.

3. Laugh....laugh as much as possible. Every time I feel the tears coming, the anger welling or the frustration spilling I will laugh.

What are you doing this week to add a little bit of happy?

That ad.......

2011-05-29T16:40:00.001+10:00

I noticed today that social media , a la twitter, etc was buzzing a bit with comments about an advertisement that is running in support of the governments proposed carbon tax. Many comments seem to dislike the ad, the tax and the fact that Cate Blanchett is supporting it. The main issue seems to be that as she is a woman of sufficient wealth a carbon tax will not really impact on her day to day living.

I will be blatantly honest - I have not made up my mind. I am not usually a fence sitter, in fact I detest fence sitting, but I honestly can't say whether I am entirely convinced about the introduction of a carbon tax or not. I feel that many areas need to be taken into consideration before it is introduced as more and more families are struggling with existing in day to day life as it is.

But....

I am in support of our democracy. I believe in free speech and an informed society. So whilst I still need to concrete my carbon tax opinion I do fully support this advertisement. We all have the right to say what we believe, what we support why on earth can't Cate Blanchett?

Here is the ad....I would love to know what you think x

I'm Grateful

2011-05-28T11:40:00.000+10:00

Picture found here

Oh I have been a slack tart and haven't joined in with the Saturday 'I'm Grateful' with Maxabella for a while but now I'm back.

This week , like most weeks, has had it's ups and downs but here is what I'm grateful for (in no particular order)

* Growing up in a generation where Oprah was a major influence. I am a huge Oprah fan and last night watching the finale I realised how privileged we are to be inspired by such a great woman.

* Ginger & Ginger beer......this pregnant girls new best friends!

* Being part of the blogger/twitter community....need a question answered, looking for advice it is brilliant!

* My parents for graciously saying yes when the Madam wants to go to their place.....which means I can catch up on a lot of things!

* Mezza Italiana By Zoe Boccabella One of the best books I have read in a long time.

Apart from that I am also really grateful I get to wake up every morning.....it's always a good start!

Pregnancy, Sex & Sleep

2011-05-27T07:49:00.000+10:00

A photo I took a while ago of all the things I love and can't have at the moment.

I promise I will not spend the rest of the year just blogging about pregnancy....it's a great topic although I know it is not in most people's list of 'top 10 things to read about!'. Seeing as this is my second time and it's been five years since the Madam was born it's actually a little entertaining all the things I ~~blocked out~~ forgot happened at this stage.

* Trying to find a balance between maintaining a sex life and pregnancy induced narcolepsy is hard but apparently quite entertaining. I don't usually require much sleep but now I sit or lay down and I am out like a light - apparently never to wake no matter what offer the Mr puts to me! Which is painful in more ways than one because hormones mean i want it all the time but he's to bloody fussy about me being awake!

* The amount of people that say to me 'ooohhh five year age difference, that will be hard.....I wouldn't do that if I was you' or ' it will be okay at least the Madam will be at school so you wont have two at once'........well actually I tried but I couldn't get the age difference any closer because the Mr is a stubborn &*^% and I would actually like my kids to like each other at least for the first few weeks so I'm not that fussed if they both realise they have to exist together.

* The amount of people that ask 'Do you know what your having?'....at the moment it resembles something the size of a kidney bean and a cross between an alien and a tadpole so go figure?

* I forgot how yummy lemons are and have consumed far too many so now my mouth looks like a ducks butt.

* I also forgot how lovely it is to wake up feeling hungover but not having a big night out to show for it.

* I forgot how much I forget stuff during pregnancy which is much easier this time around because I have the Madam. Now when i leave the house she stands at the door and says verbatim ' Mum do you have your keys, your phone, your purse, your visa and your kid!'. I have a tendency to forget one or all of these.

* How emotional I am. I actually , in the past, have been known to be so unemotional I earnt the nickname 'the ice queen'. Pregnancy makes up for the rest of my life it seems. The last Oprah episodes may well send me into therapy....who knew Stevie Wonder could make me cry?????

* Did I mention that I want to have sex all the time but keep falling asleep???

Must go have a nanna nap.

Our next force of nature

2011-05-24T11:43:00.000+10:00

Well yes I have been away again for a while. I don't know know why but sometimes life just takes over. The Mr returns to working away again in three weeks so we have been making the most of hanging out together and doing some work on the garden before he goes. I hate this time anticipating that he is going to leave (he does come back for a few days every fortnight) but then we drive each other crazy when we actually have to live together again!

My other distraction from blogging is that I am pregnant! I know, the Mr , it seemed had spent the last four years telling all and sundry how 'we are just having one that's enough!'. Then out of the blue last year decided to want another baby - which was totally cool with me as I always wanted another. We having been trying for a while, longer than others and not as long as some, and now I am nine weeks. I am due on Christmas Day.......I keep telling people that's because the Mr has a God complex.

I have had some health issue during and after I had the madam so as soon as we started trying I cut down and cut out as much of the unhealthy aspects of my life as I could. I also have ~~stalked~~ followed Nat Kringodouis for a long time. Nat is a wealth of information on all things fertility and good for you and I really do credit all the information she gives on her cleanse, blog and twitter with us having baby #2 on the way. I had some health issues when I was pregnant with Madam and as I am 'rubenesque' (is that the word?) I have really had to get my health organised and reading everything Nat writes has been so much help.

Anyway......

I am hoping now I may have my mojo back and be blogging more. I always read every ones I have just been lately feeling like I have nothing overly interesting to say...but hopefully my writers block has shifted!

Please don't worry I will not be doing anything that resembles a pregnancy photo shoot as when I am pregnant it is often mistaken for elephantitis ...I am not one of the cute pregnant girls! Here is the first photo of our next force of nature....

Monday Morning Tunes

2011-04-11T09:11:00.000+10:00

Why I didn't want to be the last one at the party!

2011-04-01T08:48:00.001+11:00

This picture from this fab site

I'm a housewife/stay at home mum....on that part in forms where you tick what you do for a living I tick that square that says 'home duties'. I have been ticking that box for almost five years now and I love it. I actually love what I do. Sure the hours are extensive, the pay is crappy (unless you count sex as payment for a job well done as according to the Mr!) and the Christmas party is questionable but it is a a great job.

It has taken me a while to be comfortable with it, I'm not always sure I am, but I'm getting there. See I was and , contrary to common belief, am a feminist. I am a full on, lefty, hippy, "femo nazi" (yes someone actually used those words on me) and I am a housewife. It's taken me a while to figure out how to combine everything into one role, into my life, but I think it comes down to one thing.....

I do what I do because I love it...not because of circumstance, other people, influence or anything else. I am lucky enough to have a partner that supports me ( and is still my favourite person to hang with) being at home with the madam and that also allows me to pursue a few 'creative' avenues at the same time.

I also try (yes try being the word!) to approach it in a similar way that I would any daily job. Sure I have a fair amount of flexibility and I am not the most organised person but I have certain things to check of my list, goals to achieve and timeline to (yes try) stick to.

For a good ten years of my life I partied. I partied hard. It was a fantastic time with fantastic people. Yes...the 'what happened in Vegas stays in Vegas' rule applies to that time of my life. I don't regret a second of it and yes at time I do miss it. When I'm am up at odd hours with a sick four year old, trying to figure out how to pay the bills and planning weekend birthday parties/menus I do sometimes think that getting all dressed up and going out to mainline cocktails with dirty names and meet lovely men who look so much better after said cocktails would be good but....

A friend, who also happens to be a very smart friend, once said to me 'you never want to be the last one at the party trying to drink the dregs out of the champagne bottle'. So I changed it up. I never had plans to be in a relationship, I actually did not think I could have children and I was never going to be a stay at home mum but I went with the flow of things and this is where I am. Change is good . It's been six years since I met the Mr, four and a half since I had the Madam. don't get me wrong....I still love to party it just takes a different form these days. Instead of holding up a bar and paying way too much for drinks it's usually wine and platters on the veranda or a BIG night out if babysitters allow. The one thing is, if you are open to it, change can often bring different people into your life and my social circle now has a fairly eclectic range of people and I hope that continues.

I know it's not everyone's cup of tea, I know everyone's different and I think it's just human nature to have an opinion about how others live and/or work. I also don't think because you are a stay at home mum, a housewife or work from home you are immediately 'under the thumb', repressed or have lost all chance of 'having a life'....if it works for you then that's all that matters.

What I do works for me, it works for my family....I'm not one for hanging onto the past, I don't feel the need to relive my late teens/early twenties...the memories make me smile but now the wine is so much better!

The newest addition.....

2011-03-28T07:04:00.001+11:00

This weekend has seen us add a new addition to the family......to join the mildly neurotic but

lovely Karma the wonderdog (staffy x) we now have George of the jungle (American bulldog).

He is small, but only for now, as he will soon enough tower over Karma. We are hoping that they will be 'good friends' as oppose to the weird sniff and squash relationship they have initiated at the moment.

I can now, with a small amount of experience, say that having a male dog is kinda of like when the man in your life has 'man flu' ....enough said :)

A peek.....

2011-03-22T21:00:00.002+11:00

I would really love to see this

I just watched this and this in the last two weeks and highly reccomend both!

I really hope I can one day be as cool as this lovely lady.

My new favourite recipe

The boy who loves boys and that makes me love him even more.

Picture from here.

This week......I will do it....in a minute

2011-03-21T21:21:00.001+11:00

This week, this week I intend to......fark how many times do I say that! The only thing worse than being a procrastinator is being a disorganised procrastinator.....but I will get there in the end!! I was inspired to write this by the wonderful Vic who has a link up here.

My fabulous intentions for this week are:

1. Write the post to join in with Vic's linky this ~~morning afternoon~~ evening.

2. Cook 40 Portuguese custard tarts and get Madam to have a basic understanding of Harmony Day that doesn't involve me getting a phonecall from kindy about her unusual interpretation of said harmony day.

3. Attempt to find outfits for a cocktail hens night and a formal wedding - I may have to have wine involved in this.

4. Organise the play room.

5. Hand out my new business cards ( I have decided to do medium/angel card readings from home) and hope that someone calls!

6. Go on an op shop expedition with my friend....I'm on the hunt for a 'vintage' doll house.

7. Work on plans for our house, garden, life, etc.

8. Get the guts up to make an email submission to show some of my photos in a local art gallery show.

9. Get rid of the mouse that just moved in.

10. Get ready for the new puppy that arrives Saturday morning.....a 7 week old American Bulldog we will call George.

So what are you up to this week? Come over to Vic's place and join in.....

This is my soundtrack now.....

A thousand words

2011-03-14T19:21:00.000+11:00

Sometimes a picture says a thousand things I can't...........

Sing it Saturday

2011-03-12T10:13:00.000+11:00

We now have an i-pod dock in the kitchen.....Jack Johnson is one of my all time favourite people in the world and listening to him when I cook Saturday morning breakfast is beautiful......enjoy Belle xxxxx

Guess who's back.....

2011-03-10T21:09:00.001+11:00

I'm back. I'm sorry for my extended absence but I have dealt with it all and am so happy to be back blogging. I had a bit of and extended break from this , twitter & face book .....had a bit of an online and life cleanse and now I am back...I hope you are all fabulous and I actually really missed blogging. Even I'm surprised at how much this is part of my life and it is definitely is something I will never again apologise for or justify.

Here are some photo's of the last few weeks...........

* To all those who left lovely comments and supported me with the last post - you rock my socks *

Do I stop or do I keep going?

2011-02-05T17:24:00.000+11:00

Hello lovelies, I am sorry for being away so long...apparently I own a lot of crap that takes a long time to unpack.

Now for a question...you know how I love my questions.....

I have just found out that a member of the mr's family has given a former family member (who i am not friends with) 'online directions ' to my blog and Twitter . It seems as though both have been 'stalking' my blog and Twitter and then repeating everything I have written....the good, bad and the ugly.

Now I know I am leaving myself wide open by having a blog and Twitter and I know if I didn't want people to know it I shouldn't have written it ...but.... Apart from a betrayal of supposed friendship/family I am really a bit pissed that they are repeating word for word everything I type! I am usually careful about who I share my blog/Twitter with and I know it's open and online but it's just a pain when the wrong person finds it.

So what do I do .....do I scrap my blog and Twitter ? Or do I say a big FUCK YOU to both of those people and keep on going?

Before

2011-01-25T08:00:00.000+11:00

This is the before photos of the house we are moving into Friday. The Mr, my Dad , the cousin and my baby brother in law have attacked it and I will try and get some photo's tomorrow to show the difference in two weeks.

Tour Down the street

2011-01-23T09:55:00.000+11:00

Yesterday my friend and I took the Madam to The Tour Down Under Stage 5. It is literally at the end of my street which works well. I have taken her every year...not that I am that into cycling but it is a great South Australian event with a great vibe.

This year I did notice, probably because I had said friend with me, a significant increase in rather hot foreign fellas wandering around ....which of course is a good way to start the day!

They actually go through our town five times but the Madam only lasted for the first two so we made our way home and had a few beverages whilst we watched the rest of the race from here.

Hope you all had a fantastic weekend x

Meet my friend............

2011-01-22T19:05:00.000+11:00

Image from here

I would just like you all to meet a friend of mine Nicole. She has started this blog called Peas in a Pod. It will be fabulous because she is fabulous. She is a wife, mum to three and an all round super woman with talents and businesses coming out the proverbial wahzoo!

Truth be told the last time I saw Nicole was when we were about fifteen (I think!) - we were friends since primary school and did the drift apart thing. But now, due too the wonders of ~~stalkbook~~ facebook we have reconnected. Funny enough if looks like we have both ended up doing quite similiar things with our lives - except trust me I am Robin to her Batman mum/business skills! Once I have unpacked from the move I promise to post some photos that will prove the years that we have known each other!

So I would love it if you pop in to her blog, say hello, follow...........it will so be worth it.

Now I must work on getting her on twitter cause that is where the cool kids hang!

Out of the mouth of babes

2011-01-21T14:24:00.002+11:00

As most of you know my darling daughter is four going on forty - it seems the more words she learns the more 'OH MY GOD!' moments I have. So I thought I would share a few with you....

* This morning when council man knocks on the door at 8am to tell me they will be in my front yard all day...

Madam: "I'm not allowed to open the fly door but I can talk to you through here...who are you? Do you like my dress?

Him: "Good girl for not opening the door ...is Mummy home?"

Madam: " Yes she is hiding getting her trackies on so you don't see her knickers...she said shit too"

Him : uncontrollable laughter.

* Last night when we went on a late run to the shop there was a baby left in a car that members of the public were trying to get out as it was far too hot. Along with another mum the Madam and I went asking if anyone knew who the parents were in all the shops.

Me: "Does anyone own the black car with the baby inside?'

Madam: " Have you lost the baby that came out your vagina?"

* On returning from my parents house after I have packed most of

the stuff up for the move - and yes whilst

my parents were still here.

'Mum the house looks so tidy...see you can do it!"

Just a few of the recent gems from my darling daughter.......

and yet she looks like butter wouldn't melt.

This is part of FYBF currently hosted at Wanderlust.

* Just a note as I know a few have asked - yes I went to the shop yesterday and yes in hot weather a baby was locked in a car - due to the quick thinking of a couple of lovely council blokes and an off duty police lady the baby was removed and is okay - the parents came back and promptly sorted by police, ambos and locals *

She & Him

2011-01-21T09:32:00.000+11:00

She & Him - Don't Look Back from Merge Records on Vimeo.

Sorry I have been a bit slack here - a bit wrapped up in the big move which hopefully should be completed sometime next week! But here is my new favourite song/filmclip .......even when you think it may not be your cup of tea trust me it stays in your head!

I'm Grateful for....

2011-01-15T09:43:00.000+11:00

This week I am grateful for........

1. Being Australian...I think we are the best country with a phenomenal community. This week proved that whether you are face to face or online no matter your colour, religion, race we look after each other.

2. The opportunity to have adventures and to still be able to 'see' the adventure in life.

3. Having a Mr and a Madam that can frustrate and make me laugh at the same time.

4. Being part of the blogging & twitter 'crew' - I not only learn a lot from everyone but get the opportunity to chat with some extraordinary people (in 140 characters or less!)

5. The reminder that it's best to follow your heart, be authentic and that a healthy respect for Mother Nature is always required.

This is my first time linking up with Maxabella's Saturday I'm grateful for....come and join xx

A little bit of beautiful..

2011-01-15T08:35:00.000+11:00

My Favourite Things from kidswithcrayons on Vimeo.

I am a bit in love with Vimeo you can find the moat beautiful, creative films, shorts, whatever you want to call them. This is my latest favourite.

What we can do....

2011-01-13T09:03:00.003+11:00

As most of you will know there are many Australians in pretty dire need of some assistance at the moment. Queensland has been hit with the biggest floods I hope I will ever see in my lifetime. Approximately 75% of Queensland is flood ravaged. Anyway... I am sure you have all heard the news and seen the photos so I just thought I would put up some links if you would like to help.

If you are in South Australia have a look here The Queensland Toy Appeal has been launched and it's a great idea to help out so many children who now have lost not only what they had but also what they probably just received for Christmas.

If you are one of those fabulously talented crafty people please go and check out Handmade Help. You can donate things that you have made or , if your not so crafty like me, purchase something made me

As always if you need more information or would like to donate go to The Australian Red Cross

This clean up will take a long time but this is not a state problem - it is a natural disaster that requires a human solution. I have donated, am packing up toys as we speak and am looking to purchase from Handmade Help so I promise I am trying to do my bit as well.

In other news......

A few days ago I posted about a fellow blogger Lori from Random Ramblings Of a Stay At Home Mum. Just to up date....Lori's husband Tony did pass away after being in ICU for a few days. You can read what she so bravely wrote here. If you would like to read more or to donate pop into Wanderlust....the linky to donate is there as well as the link to light a candle.

Lori will now be raising her two children so I'm sure any financial assistance or even a comment sending some good vibes her way will be appreciated.

Thank you xxx Stay safe xx

** Tommorrrow Lori must say goodbye to her husband so there is a virtual moment of silence if you would like to pay your respects - on twitter the hashtag is #lovetolori - so no blog tommorrow - read here for the lovely post about it x

Because sometimes all you can say is......

2011-01-11T13:27:00.000+11:00

A sign language version of Cee Lo Greens song - Fuck You

Life Lesson..

2011-01-10T08:22:00.000+11:00

I think I found this via Marvellous Kiddo a long time ago...

if I'm wrong let me know!

What happens when you turn away....

2011-01-08T18:21:00.000+11:00

I am trying to be a little more disciplined this year with my writing and photography which means for small amounts of time the Madam may do some things on her own....whereas I thought she was colouring in or using building blocks she was actually doing this......

The madam decides to take that nickname literally and do her own make up - with my old make up.

Stool + agile young child = bathroom terrorist

Or..for something different takes her lunch onto my bed whilst 'just borrowing my ipad' and somewhow figures out how to watch ABC on it.

I would say if finances allowed a nanny would be useful but I'm thinking maybe a bouncer???

* If you haven't and would like to please pop in on Wanderlust and support Lori! Thank you*

Linking up for Lori

2011-01-07T11:10:00.000+11:00

Lori from Random Ramblings of a stay at home mum wrote this last night. Basically - her husband is in ICU fighting for his life. I have never met Lori but I have read her blog for a long time. This is something you would never wish on anyone.

Lori and Tony have two small children and Tony is the main breadwinner of the family. Any way you look at it financially this is going to be difficult. So, as bloggers do, lets look after one of our own......

Today there is a very special edition of Flog yo blog Friday (which Lori usually hosts) over at Wanderlust

* You can go over and link up for Lori - spread the word & show some love.

* There is a widget thing to donate money to help them out - whether is be $5 or $500 - ever single dollar counts.

* Please send all your good vibes, pray, whatever you do for Lori.

Thank you lovelies xxxx

The Top Six....

2011-01-06T15:23:00.000+11:00

I love to watch a good film - yes I still call them films! The weird - and occasionally stick my head in the oven frustrating thing - is we very rarely agree on TV or film - we actually have completely different taste. He arrived home yesterday from his stint away working so I thought seeing as I again have no control over the viewing in our house (at least till he is asleep!) here are my all time top six (yes six just to be different!) films......

To Kill a Mockingbird - my all time favourite. I saw it first in highschool after Sister Pat (yes I am a good Catholic schoolgirl!) had us read the novel of the same name by Harper Lee. Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch stood for everything I ever wanted to be. For me it was one of those life altering films that i could and have watched over and over again.

Reality Bites - I was in high school when this came out. In the midst of the nineties where I was surrounded by the life and death of Kurt Cobain and the grunge music scene, being inspired by Kathleen Hanna and thinking that boys who had goatees and quoted dead philosophers were it and a bit. This movie was kinda Hollywood but kind cool. Ethan Hawke, Janeane Garofolo, Winona Ryder...loved it.

Beuno Vista Social Club - This one is a doco that is about when Ry Cooder and a couple of other people went to Havana in Cuba. They found and brought together some of the greatest musicians in Cuba, that had performed at the original Beuno Vista Social Club, and created an amazing story. They got together and once again performed, released music and toured. It is a really cool doco with a fantastic soundtrack. A guy I used to work with recommended it too me - he used to smoke A LOT of weed - so for someone with relatively impaired judgement it was a good choice.

Vicky Cristina Barcelona - This is a Woody Allen film -although I am a massive Woody Allen fan - this seems to be one of the less neurotic ones. My friend told me to watch this. One day we want to go to Mexico together - for the rumoured end of the world party in 2012. She said I would love this film....all I have to say to you is Javier Bardem.....the man is a GOD!

The Constant Gardener - this is brilliant. I am not actually a big fan of Ralph Fiennes but this is such a good movie I almost loved him. Rachael Weisz is magnificent. A story about love, betrayal, Africa and belief!

Almost Famous - I love seventies rock, I love Billy Crudup & Kate Hudson in fact I just love this entire movie. Based on Cameron Crowe's experiences touring with great bands - this makes you want to be a groupie - or at least that's what it did to me!

What's yours? x

P.S. This is the best scene from Reality Bites x

Inspired Kate

2011-01-04T08:13:00.001+11:00

Late last year I started a photography series I called 'Things I want my daughter to know'. So as you do I started another blog to be the home of my photography ideas. It is called Inspired Kate and I would love it if you popped in for a visit and let me know what you think x

New Year, new photos....

2011-01-03T09:12:00.000+11:00

It's a new year and I am wee my pants excited about 2011 - so many ideas, my camera is back and the world is full of possiblities. Here is a couple of my new photos until later.......x

Yes I am a ....resolution maker

2010-12-31T08:18:00.001+11:00

I love making new years resolutions. I am such a geek, but there is something about January first that makes me feel indestructible , makes me feel like anything is possible and I can really rock the world. So here is my list for 2011...

(2010 was pretty much a shocker so we won't

talk about my list for that year)

1. Get organized with everything

2. Get my blog going so well I actually have some lovely sponsor and maybe a few more readers

3. Have my photography business up and running

4. Become A LOT greener at home ( not the color but enviro friendly)

5. Knit something other than a scarf

6. Sew something other than a pin cushion

7. Instead of talking about doing things and then talking myself out of it - do all those things!

(I'm hoping that this covers the usual suspects of - get healthier, exercise, etc.)

Thank you all for hanging out with me through 2010 and I can't wait to go through 2011 with all of you.

The Cottage

2010-12-30T14:03:00.000+11:00

Kitchen from The Happy Home

Girls bedroom from here

Bathroom from A Cup Of Jo

In about four weeks we will be moving into a little cottage that needs ~~a shitload~~ possibly a bit of work. So some of my blog for the next ~~five years~~ twelve months will probably be about our first renovation job.

My parents have bought it so we will be renting from them. I am hoping we can make it beautiful enough that they leave it to me and not a cat home! (I'm kinda joking as I know they are reading this but only kinda.)

My Dad & Billy Thorpe

2010-12-29T16:12:00.000+11:00

This is my Dad.

My Dad is one of two ( the other being the Mr) of the smartest men in the universe. He has the capabilities to do anything and usually does. He also LOVES music.

My Dad is a little OCD when he likes something, he really likes it. Sometimes that makes him a little questionable (yes I am talking about Richard Clapton Dad!)

At the moment he loves the Billy Thorpe album Tangier ,

which luckily, I also love.

My parents gave me a great appreciation for Australian music and for that I will always be grateful.

The fact that Mum bought him this album so we don't have to listen to Richard Clapton and AC/DC for a little while , I will also be grateful xxx

Five photos, five facts

2010-12-28T10:08:00.000+11:00

Five facts:

* I work better under pressure.

* I love to make and create things I just don't seem to have any definable talent to do so.

* My least favourite household chore is hanging out washing

* I love vintage white dishes

* My favourite book and movie is To Kill a Mockingbird

This was the brainchild of Pip over at Meet me at Mike's ...wont you join us????

Just a little message.....

2010-12-23T18:02:00.000+11:00

Have a great holiday season....

whatever you get up to....

stay safe and I'll be back next week xx

What our days are made of....

2010-12-17T09:36:00.000+11:00

A tea party with a giraffe, visits to my parents, walking to the park, collecting eggs from my parents sociopathic chickens, drawings penguins, summer storms and Christmas....that's what my days are made of....how about you?

A bit of Christmas Spirit - Flash mob style!

2010-12-15T12:35:00.000+11:00

My Happy List

2010-12-14T18:22:00.000+11:00

This time of year I think can be a catch 22 - I sometimes feel inadequate and not 'too Christmasy' and sometimes I think it is a happy, wonderful time of year that is fantastic - I read this and thought I would join in and make a happy list. Sometimes it is really easy to get caught up in the drama and forget what actually puts a smile on your face.

Happy List

* The Mr - he drives me crazy and makes me want to pull my hair out but I love the way he stands by what he says (even if he is wrong!) and how he is still my favourite person to hang out with.

* The Madam - she is a mini Mr and the coolest kid I know - and she is the only person in the world who thinks I am a good dancer.

* Chai lattes - what's not to love

* My friend who works in catering - she brought me creamed spinach in truffle oil - I don't know if it's healthy or not but it tasted sooooo goood!

* Oprah - I love her , I think she is great.

* Mangoes - my favourite thing about summer.

* Moving house - I am excited about our new adventure.

* Margaret Cho - I have only just discovered here but I think she is fabulous.

* New Year - a time of inspiration, the only time of the year I feel a 100% convinced I WILL complete all my new years resolutions...I WILL

* Blogs....need I say more.

Tattooed ladies & an outspoken 4 year old

2010-12-07T12:09:00.000+11:00

Image from here

You know how you get to that point where you think you are doing okay as a parent. The madam is four now so she is goes to the toilet herself, feeds herself, mostly sleeps well, is a fairly nice kid so I probably became a little complacent.

Yesterday changed all that....

It was pay day, and as usual the pay didn't go in until five, so it was a late dash to the shops. I had one grumpy four year old in tow so I tried to make it as quick and painless as possible. I even pulled the bribery - ' If you are good I'll buy...' card - yes it was not a classy parent day.

Now to understand what happened next you probably need to know a bit about us. The Mr has tattoos, my sister is tattooed, my friends have tattoos, my brother & sister in laws are tattooed, we have tattoo art in our house - I have taken the Madam to numerous tattoo parlours in search of someone to do one for me. She is surrounded my tattooed people, hippies, conservative what have you!

She walks down the supermarket and spots a stunning girl who is covered head to toe in tattoos with long dreads and proceeds to say at top volume,

" What did you draw on yourself? Girls shouldn't have tattoos just Daddy's"

Needless to say I apologised and tore out of there at top speed with the Madam still at full volume now going

" Mum I knew she was a girl cause she had big boobies like you"

Yes I followed that situation up with a lecture about inappropriate behaviour, everyones right to look how they want and why on earth did she think it was so strange when everyone we know has tattoos....

Then I remembered apart from the fact it was just 'one of those moments we had also recently seen the reigning conservative female in our lives - now I know why those visits are few and far between.

* My lesson: Don't take her shopping after 4pm, if I don't want her to say something she will say it, she takes everything in so try and override the negative with SO MUCH more cool things*

My list.........cause I've been naughty

2010-12-06T09:31:00.000+11:00

image from here

I don't know why but for some reason lately the words aren't flowing - I can think it I just can't put it on the screen. Apparently the photo's aren't flowing either as my beloved Nikon died so now I'm looking for a repair man . But I have constantly been reading every one's blogs and as always am inspired by all that is around me in blogworld......

So instead of writing, as such , I thought I'd list some things that have happened.....

* The Mr is still away for work and comes home on a fortnightly basis - so while his away I have been trying to catch up with some friends! (Maybe he needs a few more jobs away so I can maintain my social life hahaha)

* Summer has hit Adelaide....and yes as much as I am trying I am on the verge of whingeing about the heat....but I am enjoying the balmy (tropical for Adelaide) mornings...and mangoes...there is always mangoes.

* Ruby Gloom is soooooooo my favourite kids program, when I grow up I want to be just like her!

* The madam is almost finished Montessori school for the year....I think I will cry it has been such a beautiful inclusion in her (and my ) life!

* I am finding I know who my wonderful friends are and they are brilliant people - whether we can sit and have a wine or can only twitter/email due to distance you rock!

* I am over unethical psychics/medium/clairvoyant wannabes freaking people out for self serving purposes. You have a gift to share NOT to scare the crap out of people for your own purposes. (I am a medium so I can say this with experience).

* We are moving in the New Year. Only 20 minutes away. But I love moving and new beginnings....I am so excited....we will be in an old cottage that we will redo vintage style.(any ideas let me know!)

* Mangoes .... did I mention them?I love them.

* I love that Kathleen Hanna was/is such a great feminist role model, even years after I discovered her in highschool. I hope the madam is as inspired by great women like her.

* Green smoothies in the morning...best thing for breakfast.

Maybe this will keep the flow going.........

Inspired Kate

2010-11-22T18:09:00.001+11:00

I have started a new blog/photo project and would love it if you would come and have a look. I am hoping this will be the start of something new for me - my possible career as an artist/photographer/writer.

Any advice, opinions, feedback is all appreciated as you know

I am starting to live and die by my blogworld :)

http://www.inspiredkate.blogspot.com/

Are we still having this conversation??????

2010-11-22T13:46:00.000+11:00

Image from here

Gay marriage and same sex parenting have been a couple of hot topics for longer than I'd like to know. They have been covered on two particularly fabulous blogs here Woogsworld and Mammamia.

I just don't get it. I have never actually seen the big deal about whether a man and a man get married or a child has two mums. I am not being naive or particularly left wing when I say this but I do not understand why this is such a big deal. I always think if two people love each other and want to - then get married, if you want to have children and you can love them and provide for them - do it!

I know far too many straight people that have been married and divorce, they cheat on each other, they stay married and hate each other, they basically suck at being married. Or they could be like me and be the straight couple that have no real interest in getting married . There are many great straight couples that have wonderful marriages but I'm sure if you asked them why their marriage works it would not be because one has a penis and the other a vagina.

I also know straight parents that regret having their children, leave their children in questionable care, do not really give a damn about their children or their education, rights, experience , etc. I am a straight parent but I do not think , by any stretch of the imagination, my parenting skills came from the fact I like to have sex with a man or that I am in a 'regular couple'.

On the other hand I also am very lucky to know some great couples and single people who are gay. They have great relationships and are wonderful with the children in their lives. Yes, just like with straight people there are gay people that are good and bad parents or good and bad at relationships.

What I am trying to say is how can we, as a society, equate sexual orientation to whether a person is able to be a parent or enter into a marriage? How is it a government's right to stand back and say 'well all we really know about you is you are gay so sorry no child/marriage for you?'.

I am horrified that these issues are still so dominant in our society and I am hoping by the time my daughter is an adult she wont be still writing about this. I am hoping that by the time the Madam is my age our country would have progressed, our world we be more equal and all those people that want to will be married and all those kids that need great parents will have them.

Things I found to share...

2010-11-19T11:47:00.001+11:00

Amazing photography and an inspiring video........Fly from Nearby (plus it made me want to move to Melbourne!)
If you want to redecorate...be warned... it's fabulous.........Ish & Chi
Just beautiful......6.5st
Some great advice I will try and follow
The best posters ever
the funniest dog photo... this would scare the daylights out of me
Garden to table......I can't wait to have a functioning vegie garden in our new house!

Animal Kingdom

2010-11-15T16:48:00.000+11:00

Image from here

The Mr has gone back to work and the madam and I have had a bit of a slack/inside day today. Even though I had a lot of stop starts and a few interruptions I have managed to watch Animal Kingdom. It is brilliant - if you haven't seen it - get it!

I absolutely adore anything Australian but I know just because it is Australian doesn't mean it will be great but this is. Set in Melbourne it is the story of a teenage boy who's mum dies so he has to go live with his Grandma and Uncles. They are involved in a variety of criminal activity so it makes for an interesting lifestyle when you combine that with a city of corrupt police.

The cast include Ben Mendelsohn who I adore. I have seen all of his movies and he never fails to amaze me. He can play a complete asshole and you still want to like him. Sullivan Stapleton is also in this film and as always is fantastic as well as being so nice to look at!

But the stand out has to be Jacki Weaver who shows just how hard it is sometimes to be a mum and how , as a mum, you'll do anything to protect your kids. She completely blew me away.

Anyway, it is out on DVD, so grab a copy or I'll lend you mine but it is a great (grown up) movie - you wont be sorry. If you do see it I would love to know what you think!

Freedom

2010-11-15T09:33:00.002+11:00

This is my new favourite song....I have followed Kid Mac for a while (a good Aussie lad!)....this is his new single......happy Monday xx

Definitely a summer anthem

Genetics is a bitch

2010-11-13T14:57:00.000+11:00

Don't get me wrong - I adore my daughter and believe with all my being that she is capable of doing anything and everything. I think that there are just some things, that strangely enough, repeat themsleves throughout the generations.

I tried sports , I sucked at it, but I loved the socialising. After attending the madam's second soccer game (after doing a soccer workshop as well) I think she is a mamma's girl! Much to my amusement she was much more interested in talking to the boys than chasing the ball....thus the Mr is now taking her to the park for practice sessions.

I think art might be her forte!

One, two...what did you do?

2010-11-10T17:33:00.000+11:00

Okay I have tried about fifteen times to write this post. I know I have a tendencies to over analyse and drrrrrrrrrrawwwwwwww things out so I am trying to make this simple.

How did you, if you did at all, decide how many children to have? Was it just go with the flow or a process? What was your reasoning? Would you do it differently if you could?

I ask because we have decided to stay with the Madam being an only child. The Mr doesn't particularly want to increase the number of small people in our house - and I wont do it if I'm the only one that actually wants another one (to messy).

But.............

I have had numerous people recently comment on this lifestyle decision of ours - both pro only children and pro more kids so I wondered what you all thought.

* Just for the record if any family/friends from my real world read this - we are not trying for another one nor intending to try - it is just a question*

Revolution required

2010-11-09T13:30:00.000+11:00

I found this through Marvellous Kiddo - it is amazing. Dr Ken Robinson talking about why we need to revolutionise our education systems. As an out and proud geek - this gave me great food for thought. He has a few talks so I might post them over the week.

I would love to hear what you all think - what is your approach to education? What is your approach to your kids education?

My 16 year old self

2010-11-05T13:10:00.000+11:00

image from here

A few off you would know by now I have a little addiction to twitter. It's fabulous . You can write all sorts of things and talk to so many different people - for me it's a bit better than face book as it has no one from my family or my immediate life on it - so if you choose to vent there are no 'real life' repercussions. I also like that most of the people I 'follow' seem to be uber cool and intelligent so I am hoping it will rub off on me.....

One of the things going around on twitter is to tweet your sixteen year old self. What would you say to your sixteen year old self? Which got me thinking (yes shock!)

Dear 16 year old Katy,

- Put down the cigarettes. They are evil in a box. Otherwise you will start an addiction that at 31 you still find hard to kick.

- Stop criticising housewives. They are not all 'in the bell jar' - one day you will be one and you will know how bloody hard it is. You can combine feminism, Independence, parenting and being a housewife. So keep your mouth zipped.

- Make the most of every opportunity. Use your fear to spur you on. There is really no need to be scared of everything.

- He is not ' the one' - not even close and by the time you reach 31 and run into him - you will be sooooooo glad.

- Fruit Alexia (very cheap bad wine) is also evil in a cardboard box.

- While we are at it bourbon is bad - just don't ever pick it up.

- Pay way more attention to life - it goes really quickly.

- Pick up a camera and use it - you'll love it.

All my love your much older but not really wiser,

31 year old self.

So what would you say............................

I saw eyes in a window

2010-11-04T09:00:00.000+11:00

WE has a bit of a family day in the city the other day - which is a big call as we live an hour out of it and the Mr has a mild breakdown every time he has to go in but I took a few photos . The one below was just off the main street....I added the text....

This was the Madam and Karma the wonder dog....still don't get why she wakes me at

5am then she goes back to bed.....

The Madam and the son of my friend blowing out candles on her birthday cake....

I hope they stay close as they get older

I started a tumblr - I am still working out how to do it but it's here if you want to have a look

The girl that changed my life

2010-11-02T14:20:00.000+11:00

I won

2010-11-02T11:40:00.000+11:00

Image from here....

A little while ago I went here to read as Gypsy Girls Guide is one of my first and favourite blogs in the whole world. On a whim I entered the giveaway to win a print by Jessica Swift. Now I never win, I have never received anything from blogs but I entered because we will be moving in the new year and we are throwing out the old and in with the new - a complete revamp of our lives - and yes on a tight budget it will be interesting. But I did win. I was so excited to get this in the post because not only is it cool, and it will form the basis to what the Madams new room is decorated like, it kinda made me feel like I was really part of this 'blogworld'......

So thank you Jessica Swift you made my day x

Two very cool people and a water tank photo

2010-10-25T08:39:00.002+11:00

There are numerous things I learn from people around me. My friends, family, random people I come across.....they teach me about life (good and bad), parenting, friendship, existing, etc. Blogging has become a whole other community for me and it has taught me SO MUCH. I started this blog really because the Mr isn't really into d&m (deep and meaningful) conversation and a chance to work on my photography (cause he was getting a bit sick of that too!) but it has taught me a MASSIVE amount of things. I now try a huge amount of food, cooking, drinks that I otherwise would not have known about, I learnt about Montessori schools thus Miss almost 4 goes to one, crafting, photography, art, politics, etc. It still amazes me what you all teach me everyday.

What I'm getting at is I have more links.....see your excited about that aren't you........

A little bit of lana Is a blog by an Aussie mum who started this wonderful company called Aromaplay which has non- toxic, gluten free, wonderfully natural play dough. Which the madam is getting for Christmas. She also has children with food sensitivities and is a passionate advocate for awareness of food issues with kids and is a wellness warrior. Lana is one inspiring lady, I came across her via a face book friend, so if you have a second please jump over and check her out.

Taurus Rising is Kelly's blog. I can't remember what her day job is - I think it is quite fancy with lots of big words - but she is the ultimate in green. I think Kelly was actually the first person to ever follow my blog (and I will always be grateful !)so I have read about her for a long time. She has three kids and wonderful husband and she can use every single part of everything for something! What she does with a duck is incredible. She also has a business called the ethicurean which is reusable and recycled fruit & veg bags. They are brilliant - I actually have a tote bag and a veg bag and the tote is used for most of my shopping (I live in a market/co - op kinda town) and actually doubles as a brilliant handbag - especially when you carry enough stuff around to survive a nuclear attack like I do.

These are just two of the great Aussie mums I have come across whilst blogging and there are so many more out there - if you get a chance have a click over and see what they are about. I would love to hear what discoveries, inspiring people, interesting things you have all found in the blogosphere......

*Neither of these people asked me to write this nor even know about the post yet so it is not a paid advertisement*

Friendship is a funny thing

2010-10-24T14:30:00.001+11:00

Friendship between children seems a little strange to me - I never know whether the Madam is meant to have heaps of friends or just a few - but I am hoping that there are some that she keeps forever. This is the little boy of a friend of mine. He is wonderful.

We have known him since he was born - there is almost 2 years difference between the kids. He is wild and funny and adores the Madam. She tells people he will be her husband but feigns indifference when he is around...........you never know

(all photo's published with permission from his mum)

Sunday love links

2010-10-24T12:09:00.000+11:00

Well I have actually woke up today feeling a little inspired (or motivated you pick) so I am went off to take some new photos today - but first here is a list of my favourite things this week (in no particular order)......

Vic has made an absolutely stunning quilt - check it out here - this mama can do anything with all the amazing pieces she collects.

Tralalere! Have a look it will just make you happy

I think I would love to go to The School Of Life

I'm thinking about making these as the Madams birthday falls this week (so Halloween week)

I would love to try to cook a recipe from here - just have to decide which one

Enjoy these hopefully I will be back as soon as I have edited with a few more photos and a bucket load of inspiration!

Amazing

2010-10-22T12:36:00.000+11:00

TRAILER " WOMEN ARE HEROES" from SOCIAL ANIMALS on Vimeo.

A change of routine.......

2010-10-19T21:52:00.000+11:00

I changed up our day to day routine and followed a bit of a different path.....

and there it was .......a little inspiration

Thank you for restoring my self esteem, making me a better mum & twitter!

2010-10-14T18:35:00.000+11:00

I must first of all say a huge thank you to those who left a comment on my last post (and on twitter). I actually had my moment with a few of the 'ladies' I wrote about (from the little bit "different" group) today. I kept all the comments running in my head and it actually helped. I just sat back, took it all in and walked away without that feeling of just having my self esteem smashed. So thank you my lovelies.

Last night I was reading Hayley's blog The Trousse. Hayley also has a blog and online store The Little Pinwheel. I have followed Hayley's writing for a little while - she is one of those people I think would be uber cool in real life. But is writing posts about being a raw mum - you know those moments that work or don't work, etc. When she wrote this I absolutely thought it was brilliant. Now I am a stay at home mum of one and the madam does get my attention but it usually is divided between her and the Mr, or phone calls, emails, mopping, life etc. So now I am working on 40 mins - 40 mins of undivided attention. 40 mins that lets her know that I love and respect her. That she can be whoever with me and I will always be there.

The Mr has been away for a week and I have been on a bit of a purge - one garage sale and a mini skip - plus my sister who would through out everything if I let her (I am grateful for her help though). My money is on that he gets back and doesn't even notice anything is gone.

With him not here though I have finally worked out the world of twitter - and Emily is right as she writes here - it is actually pretty cool - so the new black! So come and chat to us x

Friendships, bitchfest or is it just life?

2010-10-11T11:29:00.000+11:00

Cartoon from here

I am finding more and more that I trust the wrong people. Especially the wrong women. I have a great group of friends who I adore and they are great - I met most of them through one friend who I have known for about 25 years. We all have our moments and go in and out of each others lives but in the end we are all there, straight up, no bullshit with each other. We drive each other crazy, have a fantastic time together, drink wine & tea, and everything we say we say it from the heart as the truth and live with the result. The interesting thing is they are all probably 5 to 20 years older than me (I'm 31).

I am finding though another group of women have come into my life, mainly through the common thread of having a small child and family connection, they are younger than me. I don't know what it is but it seems to be a really different way of socialising. You can say what you like , just don't say it to the person you are talking about. Parenting skills are criticised even when some of them (one couple particularly) are brilliant parents. Fence sitting on every issue, problem, query is a full time occupation. Unfortunately I feel like I have maybe been a little to honest about life in general with this group and now it is being used against me.

I know it all sounds so second grade.................

I am not without my faults I know that. I can be way to over protective of the Mr & Madam, I have been a complete bitch and been called on it. I do try to not say anything that I would never say to someones face. The worst thing is in these situations I am kind of a once bitten forever shy person.

So my question is.....

How do you know when to trust someone? Is honesty the best policy with all friendships or just some?

This weekend.....

2010-10-10T22:55:00.000+11:00

This weekend involved....
- The park
- A garage sale where I sold some stuff and gained an earless rabbit
- The dog karma
- Cups of tea at Mum & dad's
- A good night with my girls xx

My love, My links

2010-10-07T17:39:00.001+11:00

One of the things I absolutely adore about blogging is learning from others. I swear I have learnt more about parenting, photography, feminism, vintage and life in general in the year and a bit I have been blogging than I did before.

Anyway here is my latest hits......

Blue Milk...........the blog that gave me the idea for sending the Madam too a Montessori pre school and reignited my feminist side.

Aurajoon.......beautiful photos AND they are having a baby which is always cool!

Sometimes Sweet...... A wonderful blog with another soon to be mama, stunning tattoos & please follow the link and vote for Brians dress it is fab!

Merry May Handmade....The best post about the top 20 most influential albums (mmmm an idea!)

Sarah Wilson....a great post by the beautiful Nat & it is also one of those blogs that makes you want to run and mainline spinach so you can be just as super healthy as Sarah Wilson is!

Here is my new favourite band with my absolute new favourite song! Enjoy x

Happy Snaps

2010-10-05T16:06:00.000+11:00

I am back with 'normal' internet access - after many phone calls I now have internet restored and have made a new bestie in the Phillipines. So as I get my posts up to dates here are some new photos.....

Finding the rhythm

2010-10-02T07:52:00.001+10:00

I can be uptight,I admit that, but it wasn't always so. I used to be cruisy, go with the flow, even if I was down to my last cent I would have a smile on my face and be off having adventures all the time. As I have gotten older I have certainly become way more uptight, way more highly strung. I know with having children, a relationship, it might be expected that this happens.

So I am working on finding my flow again, on finding my rhythm , can it be out there? I don't want the old me , just a new version of me, the updated model.

The mr has work away for a while so it is a good opportunity for a bit of work on 'me'. I will miss him terribly but I am kind of looking forward to it. The madam and I can eat what we want ( with no mr it's usually fruit & salad) I can catch up with a few friends and do a lot of work I had sidelined for a while.

So my question is for all you wonderfully chilled out, self confident lovelies out there , how do you find your rythmn?

* the blog posts might be a little weird as I have lost Internet access on my computer until next week so am blogging from my iPad which I am still trying to figure out , the iPad was a very unexpected present from the mr, he thinks it will keep me out of trouble while he is away*

Positively inspiring people

2010-10-01T21:23:00.000+10:00

Elizabeth Gilbert on nurturing creativity | Video on TED.com

Show me your tunes & I'll show you mine!

2010-09-24T13:44:00.004+10:00

Image from here

Music makes up a huge part of my life. I can't sing and I definitely can not play but I love to listen. I have it in the car, in the house, on the computer, on my ipod - I love it. Since I was a child I have probably invested just as much in earphones as I have on books - I love it when I am on my own and put the earphones in.

In a past life, before the Mr & Madam, I used to go and see bands all the time. I don't think anything quite compares to that first time when you see a singer/band live and it is in some dodgy venue and you just know they will be huge and that this is a once in a lifetime chance.

But....

Now that I am a domestic goddess (stop laughing!) my musical experience is a pair of earphones and an ipod more than a band and a pub. I am thinking that I need some new music though so I am proposing a swap. I have never hosted one but I will give it a go.

If you want to take part just comment - I will leave it open until next Tuesday. If there is a mass of people I can just give everyone a partner - if there is just one other well then it is just you and me! Nothing flash but if you want to put some new music (maybe 10 songs?) on a CD and post it too someone else - how does that sound? A good ol' mix tape (or mix CD as such!)I guess it might cost about $4.00 all up with CD & postage.

I figure a change is as good as a holiday.....maybe the songs inspire you , make you laugh, make you reminisce, whatever floats your boat - maybe it will float another person's boat too!

Leave a comment and I'll figure the rest out......

The Mr, The Madam & a small b-b-q

2010-09-23T08:24:00.004+10:00

I have managed to acquire yest another monkey cold so the blogging has been slack lately - my apologies. Today I am still a bit ick but determined to kick it so I am back. I am not sure what the universal truth in it all is but every time I start some sort of health kick, new plan, I get sick....ew.

Anyway back to my project positive....

If you have read this blog for a while you'll know that the Mr and the Madam have a bit of a wild history. When she was born he didn't cope very well, for many reasons, but now we are all systems go. She is just a mini version of him, it is actually kind of freaky how much like him she is. When they do get to spend some time together it is very cool , not just for them but for me, she just idolises her Dad and he adores her - they both hate my camera so I have to sneak photo's.

Seeing their relationship develop has been fantastic - they cooked her first barbecue together the other night after a 'Dad & daughter' shopping day so that is where these photos were taken.....definitely a positive.....

Fabulous Boys

2010-09-17T20:36:00.002+10:00

Oh my! By pure luck of the draw I caught this show The Fabulous Beekman Boys it is well dare I say....fabulous! Boys who love boys running a goat farm - it is a clean, green farming show! On ABC 2 at 6pm.

* Great for kids and grown ups alike *

Things she says

2010-09-16T13:20:00.001+10:00

Daily happenings

2010-09-15T10:17:00.000+10:00

Boys I heart

2010-09-13T18:04:00.003+10:00

Peter Krause from Channel 7's Parenthood (picture from here)

Matt King from Spirited on the W channel (picture from here)

Don Hany from Offspring on Channel 10 (picture from here)

Things that happened

2010-09-13T15:51:00.005+10:00

Inspired by this we tried it. Apparently you shouldn't use the raspberries with the goop (Naturals ones) in the middle because when you stick the skewer in it goes everywhere - but we did laugh!

Inspired by this we made the cake for the Mr's birthday. He turned 36 on Saturday - he worked so we didn't have much of a celebration but he did love the cake. The Madam had to put her name on it so Daddy knew she mad it - apparently no claim to fame for me!

I found these beads and an organic gingerbread cookie at my local markets on Saturday - which I am planning on invading with my own business soon!

How was your weekend?

Have a giggle

2010-09-11T15:31:00.001+10:00

Go on give it a go.....give it a go after a couple of drinks.... I couldn't do it either way!

This made me smile

Project Positive: Beach Therapy

2010-09-09T17:34:00.002+10:00

It doesn't matter what is happening in my life - if I just head to the beach everything is okay......

“It’s hard for me to put into words why I like the beach so much. Everything about it is renewing for me, almost like therapy...Beach Therapy.”
- Amy Dykens

Humpcake

2010-09-08T17:30:00.002+10:00

Well I am beside my self with hump day cake making success. Wednesday, being hump day, is usually a sucky day in our house. The Madam is tired from yesterday's school and proceeds to be all type of lunatic! So to actually have both of us working to create a very simple (yet something that has alluded me) butterfly cake I now declare hump day a success.

Maybe project positive is working?

Things that make me happy & only cost a little bit.....

2010-09-07T14:23:00.003+10:00

Daisy Lane Products

Things that make me happy today and may have only cost me a little bit.......

- Sun : Yes it is finally sunny in Adelaide
- My girl: Yes today the Madam was just too excited to go to school, wear something I actually liked AND let me put her hair up!
- Daisy Lane: One of my local shops is stocking a couple of Daisy Lane products! Anyone who loved Holly Hobby will love Daisy Lane and if you want more go to Lark online - but I just had to buy these today.
- The smell of citrus - it screams summer and I love it - now my house smells like oranges!

HIpstamatic arvo

2010-09-06T15:46:00.001+10:00

Just a few photo's from an emergency outing this afternoon - you know the one where you are half way through things at home and suddenly realised you need one thing from the shop and HAVE to go so it is a drop and run outing. Well kind of - at the moment the Madam takes about half an hour to get organised because she has to change, do her hair, find the right jacket and the right handbag .....it takes ages.

But I did think it was a cool opportunity to try out my hipstamatic photo ap - which is my latest application for my i-phone. I actually got it after reading this because I love Stacey's blog Bella Wish and the photo's look great. It is about $2.99 from itunes. I love my big Nikon camera more than anything but sometimes a change is as good as a holiday! Let me know what you think xxx

Jim Morrison & link love

2010-09-05T19:34:00.004+10:00

Image of my rock star love from here

I could write today, being Father's Day and all, about how the Mr is fabulous or about how much my Dad means to me.....but I wont. Not to say both those facts are not true, they are, but I have been meaning to write a 'link' post for a while.
So mu project positive number four is the links I have found and love!

I love finding new blogs, it's kind of like finding new friends, changes your perspective on the world whilst having one common thread - we all have blogs. Sometimes, more often than not, it is also a bit of a 'star struck' moment for me. Quite often if I find something or someone on another blog it's a little it like meeting a rock star - I have seen their photo's, admired their business , tried their recipes, etc. My blog roll is ridiculously long and I always want to follow more.

Anyway......

My some of my favourite links at the moment are.....

Letters to my husband - Christine is writing to her husband Johnathan who is in the end stages of kidney disease. Beautiful, soul tearing, real writing.

Cowboy Bunny - Cool, talented mama - if I was at school I would want to be friends with Jenny.

A beautiful mess - wonderful ideas, creative things and stunning tattoos.

Bleubird Vintage - vintage, babies, lovely people and a lady called Miss James.

My bit on the side

2010-09-04T17:41:00.004+10:00

Positive three image from here

I am positively in love...this makes me happy!

In this incredible Spring of the most atrocious weather I have ever seen I have to say i-phone I love you. I love the way you play the music I love, you allow me to tweet & face book my insane ramblings whilst sitting in the school pick up or waiting for sleeping toddlers to wake so I can avoid 'MUM YOU LEFT ME IN THE CAR AGAIN!'. When my insomnia kicks in you let me play a million different games but most importantly.....and I love you most for this.....if it makes me a bad parent I can be okay with that......

You have a million educational, fun apps that I can you to bribe the madam into doing just about anything!

Now if you would kindly figure out how to clean my house and make me a margarita I will run away with you!

Eggsactly!

2010-09-03T13:04:00.002+10:00

I don't know about you guys but in good ol' Adelaide Spring looks a lot like winter -it is freezing! On cold mornings when the Madam is at school a breakfast like this rocks my world.

Yes I am easily entertained......but grateful!

Project Positive

2010-09-02T21:23:00.003+10:00

Okay I am starting a project of sorts. yay! Your all excited aren't you? I am starting to day the second day of Spring - a day that I spent with my friend, her little boy and my girl. My friend is lovely, she is the sort of person that marches to the beat of a different drum, it was a great day.

I sometimes do get a bit bogged down by the negative. Whether it be circumstances at the time, people around me, life, etc. Sometimes I think I absorb it so much I forget all the good things, good people, the positive.

So.....Project Positive begins......

Because everything I start on a Monday, the first of the month or the first of the season seems not to work out so well - I will start on the second. The second day of September, the second day of spring and I will end it on the second to last day of spring, the second to last day of November.

Everyday I will post a photo showing either what I am grateful for, what makes me happy, what brings positive energy into my world. I am hoping I will learn not to take so much notice of the negative and enjoy life now. I hope you will like it and by all means join in!

Do Fun Stuff

2010-08-31T11:12:00.002+10:00

Sorry, your browser does not support iframes.

All I can say about this is BUY THE ALBUM PLEASE! It is brilliant - aimed at kids perfect for adults. It goes to a great cause - created by a fantastic man! If you want to know more go to Ryan's blog Pacing the Panic Room - he puts into words and pictures what I could never explain. Buy the album available now from itunes and when you buy it rate it!

Go on....I dare you xxxx

Things we have done.....

2010-08-25T18:19:00.001+10:00

Making Pancakes

Making lawn castles (it's a country kid thing!)

Wine (for me!)

Staying out of the rain

Hope your all dry & warm x

Marcel the shell with shoes on

2010-08-22T08:18:00.001+10:00

MARCEL THE SHELL WITH SHOES ON from Dean Fleischer-Camp on Vimeo.

This is brilliant! Enjoy

To view or not to view?

2010-08-20T11:04:00.006+10:00

Phot of Dirty Job's Mike Rowe & Oscar the grouch from here

I came across this on one of my favourite blogs and it got me thinking. What is your approach to television with your kids?

The Mr is a TV freak, he loves it, even if he is not interested in a show he will watch it. We had a black out (electrical not political!) in summer and he nearly gave himself a stroke trying to figure out how to get TV streamed onto his mobile phone. I do like it but I am not quite so obsessive. I love Australian shows and have to admit to my bit of crap TV. Because we can get radio and music channels through our TV I tend to have those on a lot.

As far as madam goes - when she was small her TV was limited to music shows - before she could walk she knew who John Butler was. As she has gotten older her TV has expanded to include the likes of Playschool and Sesame Street and sometimes a few other ABC favourites. Her favourite at the moment is Dirty Jobs. She is a big fan of watching things that are a little different!

She does not, by any means, sit in front of the television all the time. She is an incredibly active, imaginative, chatty little girl who in summer pretty much lives outdoors. I do believe that sometimes, if used properly, television can be used to educate and inspire rather than kill brain cells. Yes I will put my hand up and say I do use it , on occasion, to give me a breather. Sometimes I just need 5 minutes to make a call, read a blog, have a cuppa, etc.

So I am just wondering how do you all use or not use the television with your kids? If you don't let them watch TV what do they do? To view or not to view...that is the question!

The way Political ads should be....

2010-08-19T12:06:00.000+10:00

Lopez Murphy for president - Truth (Upside - Down)

I saw this last night on one of my absolute favourite TV shows - known now, for political purposes as The Gruen Nation - after the Australian election it will be back to The Gruen Transfer.

I wish our political ads were a little more unique and a little less blah

Mind you we do have The Sex Party...this is there ad.......

Just saying hello

2010-08-15T23:44:00.003+10:00

Well it is 11:15pm and I am not quite sure what to do - so when in doubt blog....I guess. It's been one of those weeks where I have wanted so desperately to get on here and write effortlessly some wonderfully witty account of what appears to be my seemingly dysfunctional existence but I couldn't quite find the words. I have wanted to share all the pictures, links and inspirations I have found but didn't quite get there. So here I am closing in on midnight just saying hello.

It looks like the Mr and the Madam have both contracted another 'monkey cold thing' so she is asleep on the lounge whilst I sit vigil at the table typing with endless tea in hand. He is asleep, I am assuming quite happily spread out, without me in bed after working another seven day week. We had a wicked (if I do say so myself) dinner with my friend who moved closer to us a few weeks ago....sometimes grown up conversation over dinner (and wine) about vagina's and the merits of animation (flashy word for another f*&^en cartoon movie) versus drama (flashy for crap tv with characters with great shoes) is just what the doctor ordered.

Other happenings this week have been as follows:

* I am still working on my own business idea. Apparently the 3am ideas I come up with are a little difficult to translate but I'm getting there.

* Finding a job that will allow me to work only when the Madam is at school is a lot more difficult than I thought. I actually called a brothel/escort agency the other day who were advertising for a receptionist. The shifts weren't going to work but it was actually the best conversation I have had with a prospective employer - and the most enlightening one I have had in ages!

* I realised I suck at twitter so instead of trying to converse I will just continue to write random things that occur and hope it makes sense to someone in the universe.

* I have also come to the realisation that I think I need to list/chart everything - I am not a good non list/chart person - I am just disorganised.

* I must be grinding my teeth when I sleep - bloody hurts!

* I realised that instead of freaking out about why the Mr and I are not married the things I actually like is that we are engaged. He asked me to spend my life with him - I said yes. He wakes up next to me, comes home to me and I am still here because we totally just want to be. I know a lot of married people are wonderfully in love but let me have this!

* In case you were wondering, which I am sure your not, but I am sitting vigil at the Madams bedside because when she is ill she sleeps in our lounge (a comfort thing and maybe a warmth thing) and she sleep talks , moves and is a restless sleeper. So it is a little easier to be in the room with her than getting up all the time to check on her.

I don't know what this new week will bring but hopefully a little mayhem and maybe a few laughs would be nice...... have a good one x

Things I saw

2010-08-12T15:00:00.001+10:00

A girl & her coat

2010-08-11T07:57:00.001+10:00

You can learn many things from children.
How much patience you have, for instance.
~Franklin P. Jones

The Possibility Of Everything

2010-08-08T20:49:00.002+10:00

I just finished reading this book for the second time. Hope Edelman's The Possibility of Everything is wonderful. I loved it for many reasons but most of all because it could have been me. I have a three year old with boundless energy and a wild imagination, I am quite often raising my daughter whilst the Mr is working, I am quite often looking for alternative answers to the 'alternative' problems (health and otherwise) that I encounter.

This book explains the story of a time when Hope tries to balance everything in her life. She tries to be a mum, a wife, a friend, everything at the same time as trying to keep her sanity. She has a beautiful three year old daughter who has an imaginary friend. The imaginary friend does not seem to be entirely harmless and seems to blur the lines between a child's harmless 'phase' and a mental health issue.

I think because the Madam is the same age that Maya was in the story or of because of my similarities to Hope with my constant need to research and analyse every aspect of parenting but I actually found this book to be quite emotional. I could feel my stomach knot and then my smile come at different times. I know that I would do what hope did and go to the ends of the earth for my girl.

I am yet to read her other books but loved The possibility of everything - it was one of those books you can read in couple of days (yes the washing stacked up!). I did find though it peaked my interest in the amount of detail she put in about different subjects which is why I had to go back and read it again.

I would recommend this to anyone, parent or not, and I would love to hear what you think of it if you have read it!

This is the book trailer.....enjoy

What to do this weekend.....

2010-08-07T15:41:00.002+10:00

Well it is rather on the cold side this weekend, the Mr is working and my parents have taken the madam for today so I thought I might have a bit of an adventure. You know the sort of adventure that you can have with a wine, or cuppa, in hand next to the warmth of the heater and it doesn't cost a cent......

First I would start here because they are such a cool family it makes me want to actually develop the ability to sew more than pin cushion and move to France - and they look like they have the coolest home!

Then I would love to catch up on some talks from here - you know the talks that you only get to see a little bit of or read the explanation before the call of "MUM"....well lacking in Madam today I may indulge.

I may call over and check out the August break photos from Boho Girl - cause you know they are always food for my soul.

Then for a second serve of soul food I will pop in on Susannah Conway

For the grand finale I will take my adventure here great writing, great photography, wonderful family and a rockin album to boot.

Have a good weekend!

Local

2010-08-04T16:55:00.002+10:00

Just a few photos from the local festival/parade - I have no idea what the green man is but it was cool......

Quirky Girl

2010-08-01T15:30:00.002+10:00

When I saw this challenge over at Blog This I thought it was right up my ally. It isn't that I am completely nuts but i do have a few quirks. I never really noticed my quirks until the madam became old enough to mimic me. There is nothing like seeing yourself through a small persons eyes - the good, the bad and the ugly......

I don't know why, how or when it even started but everyday, actually twice a day, I read the toothpaste tube whilst I brush my teeth. I read it all, every time. I am not sure why, especially as after a certain time I know what it says, but I do. It does not make my purchase or use of toothpaste change or change anything but it is a quirky thing I do.

I also put my scissors and any other sharp kitchen instrument anywhere but the second draw. My sister and I had a friend a long time ago who said you should always hide/change the place of things like that because if someone broke in and was looking for a 'tool' that is the first place they would go. every night before I go to bed I check the draw and if I get up to go to the Madam during the night I check it again.

My third but by no means last quirk is socks. I hate them. They hate each other. The washing machine eats them. When my mum comes over she often ends up folding them for me. i don't care if I wear odd socks - no one sees them. the Mr on the other hand thinks he should always have twenty pairs of socks in his draw and it is a crime against civilisation if they are not perfectly matched. So everyday I fold one pair of perfectly matching socks and then I give up look at my odd ones and laugh.

So....what are the quirky things you do? If you are not ready to fess up pop on over to Blog This and check out some other quirky people....I am in rather good company.

Updating my resume

2010-07-30T06:58:00.003+10:00

As you know I am in the midst of pursuing my artistic/money making ventures and looking for possible work. In the last three weeks I have put in probably 25 resumes. I was looking at my cover letter and resume last night - trying to see if I could jazz it up - and something occurred to me - To explain the gap in my employment, from when I left work until now, which is when I have been a SAHM.......I just have an excuse. It goes something like ' As you will see there is a slight gap in my employment history blah,blah,blah'.

I was thinking ( which is always an issue) being a mum is my greatest achievement and also the most difficult thing I have ever done in my life. Maybe I should detail it like I would any other position in my employment record. After all, I have learnt numerous skills and widened my knowledge base immensely during the last four years (I left work when I was pregnant as I worked in a high risk job and had a high risk pregnancy).

Maybe something like this.

Stay at home mother 2006 - current

* Hostage negotiator - successfully negotiated the return of car keys, iPhone, laptop and pet dog.
* Resident cook - I have the ability to cook a wide variety of meals for just one meal time and also the patience to wait out anyone from 3 years old to 35 years old if they wont eat their nutrient laden food.
* Financial wizard - I have the skills to stretch a budget as far as the eye can see as well as actually pay all bills without having money! Who knew?
* Zen master - I am calm in a crisis - including public tantrums, removing children from various barricaded situations, etc.
* Extreme work ethic - Because of my current position I have the ability to work 7 days a week, 365 days a year whilst only sleeping anywhere from 30 minutes to six hours per night.
* Rally Driver _ I posses the ability to drive for hours on end in a rural community in order to get said child to sleep.
* Conflict resolution - I posses the ability to solve conflict between a 3 year old and 35 year old as well as numerous other people. I am not concerned about race, religion, personal issues I have the ability (and the wine) to make them get along.

I don't mean to suggest that those who do not have children are any different to those who do. I am just starting to see that i did not spend the last four years in a fog of mushy food and bad nursery rhymes - I actually have used my skills and knowledge and definitely developed new ones.

There is a CEO position out there for me....don't you think?

A new way of life and a few questions

2010-07-26T07:41:00.003+10:00

I am thinking of a change. I mentioned a while ago that I was looking for work, just a couple of days, to help out financially. I am applying for all part time jobs I can find but it seems they might be a little scarce - or they are not to keen on hiring someone who has had so much time away from the workforce.

So......

I am thinking of starting my own thing. A business that I can use my photography to create small 'art' items like individual prints, fridge magnets, bookmarks and maybe working some of my aromatherapy into the mix.

It is taking a while to get my head around this process. Even though I have had a few photos do quite well in competitions and had a few different people say I should use my photography as a business I kind of feel like I am faking it. I was talking to someone about this and it came up in discussion that if I started a venture that meant my 'full time' job was using my photography, editing and creating 'art pieces' that would make me an independant artist of sorts. I'm just not sure......

Does it have to be on a canvas and hung in a museum to qualify as art? Or can seing a photo that you took on a bookmark that you created be your art? Although there are different mediums, painter, sculptor, digital artist - is the common thread that we are all creators?

I would love to know what you all think as I try really hard to embrace this part of my life to pubically acknowledge my passion and hopefully turn it into some sort of venture!

An artist is a dreamer consenting to dream of the actual world.
George Santayana

* Also if anyone could help me and let me know how you can make buttons for things (ie;sponsers) on the blog that would be great! I have no idea and don't really understand the whole code thing. Thank you *

Afternoon delight

2010-07-24T08:22:00.002+10:00

One of my favourite friends has moved so she is now five minutes from me..... I am excited