Two very cool people and a water tank photo

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

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

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

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

A change of routine.......

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!

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?

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?