Do I Really Wanna Blog?

Sunday Session

2012-01-28T20:27:00.000+10:00

New rules - there are no rules!
On Sundays I play music on my blog.

Old or new or in between.

Related or not.

But always songs I love!

Here are my picks for this week.

You can play along by linking up below.

Can't wait to hear your picks.

Happy Sunday!

For this week's Sunday Session I have chosen a year and the year is 2000.
Which just happens to be the year I met my husband.
These two songs are totally different and yet I love them equally.

Do you think ATC hoped to be the next ABBA?
And did those boys actually sing anything??

Ella is awesome.
She is currently making more great music with her brother Jesse in a band called The Verses.
Have a listen HERE.

Wet Wet Wet

2012-01-27T18:00:00.003+10:00

What's worse than the first week back at school?
A wet first week back at school, that's what!

It's been raining pretty much non-stop for days.
The rivers are rising.
The ground is soggy.
Everything in the house feels damp.

And doing the school drop off and pick up is a nightmare in this weather.
Because to be honest, 'drowned rat' is not my best look.
I'm thinking some of these might help...

PS I never wear a LBD to school!

But then again, it wouldn't really.

Because it's getting in and out of the car that's the issue. *
It's not just me, it's two kids, three umbrellas, school bags, school hats...
And how are you supposed to strap the kids in with an umbrella?
I manage to get wet every single time!
I know everyone has this problem.
I just wish someone would come up with a solution.
Like a giant umbrella that opens up from the roof of the car.
Yeah, that would work.

Wouldn't it?

* Yes, we live approximately 400m from the school, and yes, I drive when it rains.

Happy Straya Day

2012-01-26T09:05:00.000+10:00

I was lamenting the fact (I lament a lot!) that I never celebrate Australia Day.
I never feel that nationalistic pride that makes me want to do something special.
And then I read this on Facebook.
I was nodding my head and chuckling so much that I realized...
I'm a damn good Aussie after all.
And it's not really Stray'an to celebrate Australia Day anyway, is it?
So anyhow...have a read, a chuckle...and ava good Australia Day!

You know you're Australian if:
* You believe that stubbies can be either drunk or worn.
* You're liable to burst out laughing whenever you hear of Americans "rooting" for something.
* You pronounce Melbourne as 'Mel-bin'. You believe the 'L' in the word 'Australia' is optional.
* You can translate: 'Dazza and Shazza played Acca Dacca on the way to Maccas.'
* You believe it makes perfect sense for a nation to decorate its highways with large fibreglass bananas, prawns and sheep.
* You call your best friend 'a total bastard' but someone you really, truly despise is just 'a bit of a bastard'.
* You think 'Woolloomooloo' is a perfectly reasonable name for a place.
* You're secretly proud of our killer wildlife.
* You believe it makes sense for a country to have a $1 coin that's twice as big as its $2 coin.
* You understand that 'Wagga Wagga' can be abbreviated to 'Wagga' but 'Woy Woy' can't be called 'Woy'.
* You believe that cooked-down axle grease makes a good breakfast spread. You've also squeezed it through Vita Wheats to make little Vegemite worms.
* You believe all famous Kiwis are actually Australian, until they stuff up, at which point they again become Kiwis.
* Beetroot with your hamburger...of course.
* You know that certain words must, by law, be shouted out during any rendition of the Angels' song 'Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again' And "Living next door to Alice".
* You believe that the confectionery known as the Wagon Wheel has become smaller with every passing year.
* You believe that every important discovery in the world was made by an Australian but then sold off to the Yanks for a pittance.
* You believe that the more you shorten someone's name the more you like them.
* Whatever your linguistic skills, you find yourself able to order takeaway fluently in every Asian language.
* You understand that 'excuse me' can sound rude, While 'scuse me' is always polite.
* You know what it's like to swallow a fly, on occasion via your nose.
* You know it's not summer until the steering wheel is too hot to handle and a seat belt buckle becomes a pretty good branding iron.
* Your biggest family argument over the summer concerned the rules for beach cricket.
* You shake your head in horror when companies try to market what they call 'Anzac cookies'.
* You still think of Kylie as 'that girl off Neighbours'.
* When working on a bar, you understand male customers will feel the need to offer an excuse whenever they order low-alcohol beer.
* You know how to abbreviate every word, all of which usually end in -o: arvo, combo, garbo, kero, metho, milko, muso, rego, servo, smoko, speedo, righto, goodo etc.
* You know that there is a universal place called "woop woop" located in the middle of nowhere...no matter where you actually are.
* You know that none of us actually drink Fosters beer, because it tastes like shit. But we let the world think we do. Because we can.
* You have some time in your life slept with Aeroguard on in the summer. Maybe even as perfume.
* You've only ever used the words - tops, ripper, sick, mad, rad, sweet - to mean good. And then you place 'bloody' in front of it when you REALLY mean it.
* You know that the barbecue is a political arena; the person holding the tongs is always the boss and usually a man. And the women make the salad.
* You say 'no worries' quite often, whether you realise it or not.
* You understand what no wucking furries means.
* You've drank your tea/coffee/milo through a Tim Tam.
* You own a Bond's chesty. In several different colours.
* You know that roo meat tastes pretty good, But not as good as barra. Or a meat pie.
* You know that some people pronounce Australia like "Straya" and that's ok.
* And you will forward this list to other Australians, here and overseas, realising that only they will understand

And one more thing.
Is Australia Day really Australia Day without Sam Kekovich?

PS I just remembered I don't like pav...or lamingtons! Perhaps I'm not a damn good Aussie...???

Polly - First Day Back at School

2012-01-24T20:49:00.000+10:00

I've made up my own Polly Dolly Challenge theme this week

and it's...you guessed it...

first day back at school

Today was the first day back at school for my 7 year old boy, in Year 2
and my Miss 4 who started kindy...again...
And I'm not going to tell you how it went because I don't want to talk about it!
Yes, it was that bad.

So instead, I'm going to dream of a perfect world
where I cheerily stride, with a sunny smile upon my face
holding my children's hands, one on each side
and drop them at their classrooms
with a breezy kiss
a cuddle
and an "I love you".
And they smile happily back and wave goodbye
then disappear without a worry in the world.
Needless to say, it is not raining!

That is not my world, but it is Polly's world.
So come away with me and dream.
For who else but Polly could get away with wearing a $1500 dress to school drop off?

If you want to dress your own Polly
click on Polyvore, sign up, create a set and have fun!

Polly - First Day Back at School by doireallywannablog featuring pearl stud earrings

Antonio Marras floral print dress
£1,019 - farfetch.com

Rocket Dog wedge heels
$40 - dsw.com

Nine west handbag
£70 - debenhams.com

Marc by marc jacobs watch
$200 - saksfifthavenue.com

J.Crew pearl stud earrings
$50 - jcrew.com

Antique diamond ring
georgianjewelry.com

Linda Farrow Luxe cat eye sunglasses
£290 - brownsfashion.com

ORMONDE JAYNE Ormonde Woman (Parfum, 50ml)
£184 - harrods.com

Doh!

2012-01-23T13:39:00.000+10:00

OK everyone, this ought to make you laugh! This is what being nervous does to me...

School starts tomorrow. My boy will be in Year 2 and my little girl will be starting kindy...again. We tried last year and she wasn't ready. It was the worst day ever, for her and me, and I'm so nervous about doing it all again tomorrow!

So anyway, this morning I realized there were some last minute school things I needed to get (oh yeah, I always leave things to the very last minute!) so I got the reluctant kids in the car and drove to Big W. We picked up the few things we needed then went to the supermarket. Miss4 always sits in the trolley, not in the kiddie seat, in the actual trolley. And as we had a large list I hung the Big W bag on the trolley instead of putting it in so there would be more room. I never do this (this is important info...you'll see....).

We did the grocery shop without any major incidents...tick!
We got back to the car, unpacked the groceries & strapped the kids in...tick!
We came home, unpacked the groceries, I get changed to go down to the treadmill thinking about the new things I'd bought for the kids...THE NEW THINGS FOR THE KIDS!!!!!
I didn't put them in the car, I left them hanging on the trolley...because I never hang bags on the trolley...CROSS!

So what do I do?
I panic.
I'm talking full on panic stations.
I'm yelling to the kids to get back in the car, don't worry about shoes, I'm madly changing back into my 'shopping clothes'.
The kids are running around wondering what the hell I'm talking about.
I yell to them to just get in the car, I grab the car keys, shut the door and realize....I didn't get the house keys!!!... CROSS!

Thankfully we live a 2 minute drive from Big W.
But I'm panicking so much I can barely drive down the driveway.
By the way, did you know if you try to reverse downhill in drive, the car turns itself off?
No? I didn't either until today....DOH!

The whole 2 minutes I'm praying "Please God let the bag still be there" the whole time imagining someone had taken it as a nice little freebie.
But guess what? It was still there, hanging on the trolley...YES!.....TICK!!!

And we were still locked out of the house.

Thankfully, again, my husband works 4 minutes from home, so we drove to the police office (where he works). Once I park I realize I have no idea where his office is. I never go to his work. Thankfully (for the 3rd time) someone was in the carpark. I didn't know who he was, we don't do much work socializing. So I asked if he could tell me if Hubba was inside. He said he was. I quickly told him who I was because clearly he had no idea. He introduced himself as Bruce, shook my hand and led me to my husband's desk. Who got one hellava fright when I stepped into his office because, like I said, I never go to his work. Anyway, I discover Bruce is the new boss and inspector...oh yeah, way to meet the new boss!! Then I hastily grab the key and get back to the kids in the car...(Oh, you're not supposed to leave kids alone in the car? Not even even at a police office? Oh, especially at a police office....gotcha!) and hightail it back home where I can get back to the business of being nervous about tomorrow.

So what was I about to do?
Oh yes, the treadmill.....and breathe......

Sunday Session

2012-01-21T20:38:00.000+10:00

New rules - there are no rules!
On Sundays I play music on my blog.

Old or new or in between.

Related or not.

But always songs I love!

Here are my picks for this week.

You can play along by linking up below.

Can't wait to hear your picks.

Happy Sunday!

I've been treadmilling like a mad thing every day.
Yep, that's every single day this year so far.
But I wouldn't do it if I didn't have my music.
The music makes me do it!
And this week I've picked my favourite sing-a-long track.
Boy do I belt this one out as I'm tread tread treading.
It's an oldie, but I still love it.

The next song is not one I have on the treadmill play list, it's a bit too slow.
But for some reason 'In Too Deep' reminds me of this one.
Another of my favourite tunes from the 90s.
I guess it helps that I met and had a little chat with Dazza after we saw him play at a pub in Brisbane many moons ago. He was so nice.

New Look

2012-01-19T09:16:00.001+10:00

"Do I Really Wanna Blog?"
People have been saying it all over the blogoshpere at the moment.
It's like a malaise has hit and many of us have been affected.
I know I have.
I've been doubting for months whether in fact I do really wanna blog anymore?
I'm not posting as often.
I'm not linking as much.
I'm not reading many blogs any more.
My personal blogging community has changed and evolved and I'm still coming to terms with that.
I guess I'm grieving the loss of some bloggers I felt connected to that have given up or gone away.
So I stopped posting...for a bit. Not just here but on all my blogs. (Look right, you'll see them all!)
But I kept thinking about it.
I kept coming back.
And I realized that I was doing it for the wrong reasons.
I was blogging just for comments.
And when not many or none came, I felt like a failure.
Unloved.
And that has always been an issue for me.
I've needed constant approval ever since I was a child.
I'm not that confident in myself or my own abilities.
So when people pat me on the back, I light up.
And when I feel invisible, I run and hide.
Until I feel brave enough to face the world again.

Well guess what?
I'm feeling brave again.
I'm going to try to forget about the comments and just be me.
I'll post what I want, when I want, about whatever I want.
Love me or leave me...what you get here is me.
Because in the end, that's all I can be.

I've given my blog a brand new look.
It's a fresh new start.
Hope you like it and thank you so much for being here.
I love having you around.

Bye Sam

2012-01-18T19:42:00.003+10:00

Today on Facebook I read the shock news that Sam is being replaced by Greg,
who Sam replaced in the first place.
Yes, of course, I'm talking about the Wiggles.

This is not good.
I like Sam, better than Greg!
We saw them not long ago, Miss 4 and I, for their big birthday concert.
We both loved the show...and Sam.

This evening I tried to explain the replacement to Miss 4.
Oh, the questions a 4 year old asks as she tries to get her head around the whole thing.

"But where is he going to live now?"
"He will still drive the big red car though, won't he?"
"Are all the other Wiggles leaving?"

And she has been saying over and over again...

"I'm sad that Sam is leaving."
"I'm very sad the Sam is leaving."
"I'm very very very very very very sad that Sam is leaving."

Know what Miss 4?

I am too.

Bye Sam.

Polly in Raffia!

2012-01-17T12:18:00.000+10:00

I have a confession to make.
I have come to the realization that I cannot live without Polly.
The Polly Dolly Challenge that is.
Created by the very clever and talented Dani from Danimezza.

But as there was no challenge set for this week,
I decided to put the call out to Twitter.
I tweeted...

I feel the need, the need for a Polly Dolly Challenge. I can't pick a theme myself because there is no challenge in that.Can someone throw a theme, a colour, a fashion trend my way? Please? Pretty Polly please???

That was two tweets because clearly it is more than 140 characters!

I got one response, only one, but boy was it a good one.
@traceyb65 said raffia

Polly needed to know what Tracey's favourite colour was.
She discovered it was purple and her favourite stone is turquoise.
So off Polly went and whipped up this gorgeous set.
Raffia hat, raffia shoes, raffia bag and a raffia collar on the trench.
It's all very neutral on the outside, but underneath it's a burst of colour!
It would be divine for a wedding, or going out to dinner, in blustery weather.
Don't you think?

Polly in Raffia by doireallywannablog featuring bangles jewelry

Missoni M knit dress
$480 - stylebop.com

Burberry Prorsum waterproof trench coat
$2,815 - mytheresa.com

Charlotte Olympia platform pumps
$895 - nordstrom.com

Friis Company bangles jewelry
€12 - welikefashion.com

Turquoise ring
£125 - astleyclarke.com

Helen kaminski hat
$275 - saksfifthavenue.com

Victoria'S Secret Fragrance Mist
$12 - victoriassecret.com

Jimmy Choo Natural Glitter Raffia Capri Tote
€600 - montaignemarket.com

Kenneth Jay Lane Turquoise Embellished Collar
$6,543 - asos.com

Tennis Anyone?

2012-01-16T21:33:00.000+10:00

I hate sport.
No, really.
I really.hate.sport!
I don't like to watch it on TV.
And I definitely do not like to play.
I have been sucked into playing touch and indoor netball in the past.
And I hated it!
Just before the team went on the field/court I would always say,
"Don't give me the ball!"
If someone throws a ball at me I'm more likely to hide my face in my hands rather than try to catch it.
I'd say,
"I'll defend."
Ha, yeah right!
I'm 5'2" on the outside and a 6' big chicken on the inside!!
So, like I said...I hate sport!

Except for tennis.
I love tennis!

Tennis has always been a part of my life.
I know tennis.
I get tennis.
I love tennis.

I remember as a very small child, going to Mass on a Sunday morning then going to the tennis courts nextdoor to watch Dad play in the local fixtures. He was pretty good!

I remember as a primary school age child, my Saturday mornings were filled with tennis coaching. I didn't have individual coaching, it was with a group of kids, including my younger brother. The coach was a distant cousin of my Dad's. He was very nice but I think I did his head in trying to work out whether I should play left or right handed. I am a leftie, but I naturally picked up the racquet with my right hand. For a while I served right and played left. Now I play right, but my backhand is my best shot...because I add my left hand.

I also remember playing with my team on a Sunday. Mum was the manager. My brother was also in the team. We played in tennis competitions in our small country town. And the only two trophies I have ever won in my entire life are tennis trophies. Both for doubles, both for runner up.

Me and my brother, with our trophies!

I remember during my high school years having a massive crush on Stefan Edburg. It was so serious that I would wear blue & yellow (his Swedish colours) and cheer for Sweden rather than Australia in the Davis Cup!

I haven't played tennis for years. But it's the only sport I do like to play.
I'm not great at it. But I do enjoy it.

When we walk to school and walk right past the tennis coaching in action I secretly hope that one day both of my kids will want to play tennis.

Right now I'm watching Australian Open. And I'm relishing in it.
I'm watching Anastasia Rodionova and Caroline Wozniacki.
It looks like the Aussie might not win this one.
But tennis is the winner for me!

Tennis anyone?

PS This is my 700th post! A round of applause, please?

Sunday Session

2012-01-14T21:13:00.000+10:00

New rules - there are no rules!
On Sundays I play music on my blog.

Old or new or in between.

Related or not.

But always songs I love!

Here are my picks for this week.

You can play along by linking up below.

Can't wait to hear your picks.

Happy Sunday!

Last Sunday Elvis Presley would have been 77, if he'd still been alive.
If I'd been on the ball, I would have dedicated last week's Sunday Session to Elvis.
But I am this week, a week late, but you know what they say about being late!

I've always loved Elvis. I'm not a mad fan, I don't have collections of Elvis paraphernalia.
But one day I would love to have all of his movies. I love his movies!! I think I have seen all of them.

The ones in Hawaii are my favouites...or any with a wedding...oh ok, any that he sings in is my favourite.
Yep! That's ALL of them!!

So, today's songs are all about Elvis.

The Cube

2012-01-13T08:45:00.000+10:00

Can you do the cube?

Rubik's cube, that is.

I can!

I don't use instructions, and I didn't memorize the instructions.

I worked it out all by myself.

And I'm not sure how, really.

I can't quite believe that I could, now that my brain power is significantly diminished, being post 40 and all.

I just remember sitting with it for hours and hours while I watched TV as a teen.

Until, bingo, I cracked the code!

I can still do it now, usually in under 5 minutes. Definitely in under 10 minutes.

I can't imagine sitting with anything for so long now, trying to solve the mystery.

Have you lost patience?

Have you lost brain power??

Do you have a sneaky talent that no one knows about???

Wordless Thursday

2012-01-12T07:57:00.002+10:00

I know I'm a day late but...

on this day...

12 months ago...

Linking up today with

Trish @

My Little Drummer Boys

2012 The Year of Fit and Healthy

2012-01-09T15:40:00.000+10:00

By now you probably know I got a treadmill for Christmas. If you don't, where have you been??
My goal for 2012 is to get fit and healthy.
Hopefully this will involve shedding ~~quite~~ a few kilos, too, but that is not my primary goal.
I need to move more to stop my poor old arthritic body stiffening up.
And as Mum had a heart attack in her early 60s, I want to make sure I keep my heart as healthy as I can.
Sooooo....
I'm going to get on the treadmill every day.
Yep.
Every.Single.Day.
Unless I'm not here, because it's a little difficult to pack in my suitcase.
But if I'm home, which is pretty much all the time, I'm hopping on that treadmill!
I'll heading down to the gym, aka the garage, turning the music up real loud,
and I'll be walking, or maybe even ~~running~~ jogging if the mood takes me.
I'm aiming for 3 - 5kms a day. In either one or two sessions.
So far so good.
I've been on every day since New Year's Day.
That's an awesome record for me!
I'm not following any particular diet, or counting calories.
But I am trying to eliminate sugar, cut down on bread and wheat products and eat less salt.
The foods I will be eating mostly (because let's face it, I'm no angel when it comes to diets) are -

Vegetables

Fruit

Salads & herbs

Mushrooms

Meat

Seafood

Dairy, NO low fat, whole dairy full fat

Eggs

Nuts & seeds

Beans & lentils

Rice

How good does all that food look!?
No processed junk anywhere!
Delicious!!

I'll be trying to drink less of this, but I'm not real confident that will be achieved!

Anyhow...
In an effort to help me stay on track and stick to my goals I created a Facebook Group called

Eat Well & Move!

Click on the link to check us out.

We're an awesome bunch.

No, really!!

And JOIN us!

Let's make...

Let's do it!!

Sunday Session

2012-01-08T07:45:00.000+10:00

New rules - there are no rules!
On Sundays I play music on my blog.

Old or new or in between.

Related or not.

But always songs I love!

Here are my picks for this week.

You can play along by linking up below.

Can't wait to hear your picks.

Happy Sunday!

This week's Sunday Session is inspired by a hairstyle.

Yep, you read right...a hairstyle.

I've just been watching 'Ghost'.

I hadn't seen it for so long, I love that movie, don't you?

And it got me thinking about Demi Moore's haircut.

It was awesome at the time, 1990 that is.

And there was also a blonde version.

Chynna Phillips from Wilson Phillips...same year, 1990.

So, inspired by these two very similar haircuts from 1990, I give you this week's Sunday Session...enjoy.
(Oh boy, how I love both of these songs!)

Can We Be Friends?

2012-01-07T16:49:00.001+10:00

"I'm your mother, not your friend."

This is something I've heard many mothers say.
And it has always made we wonder, does that have to be true?

I know that she is still very little, and most of our communication is still in the 'play' phase.
And I also know that once she hits her teens, or tweens even, that things are likely to change, dramatically!
But when my Miss 4 and I were playing in her room this afternoon and I said,
"You're my best friend," her eyes lit up and she said, "Really? Am I really your best friend?"
She has been calling me Best Friend ever since.

We've been through the constantly saying, "I love you," stage. Although she still says it pretty often, which I love!
We're at the constantly asking, "Do you still love me?" stage. Mostly when she's in trouble for something.
And I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if sometime in the future we hit the, "I hate you," stage. I remember saying that many times to my mother.

Yes, I know, there is a significant difference between the role of a parent, and the role of a friend.
But I think it would be lovely if there was always an element of friendship in the relationships I have with both of my children.

They know I can be Cranky Mum, Fun Mum, Silly Mum, Serious Mum, Helpful Mum and Comforting Mum.
Why can't I be Friend Mum as well.
Can't we wear each role like a different hat or set of glasses?

I have a dream for the future that my grown up kids will want to do things with their dear old Mum & Dad.
I'd love to do coffee and go shopping with my daughter.
I'd love to go to a movie or a show with my son.
I've never had that kind of friendship with my parents.
Have you?
Please tell me you can.

Angelic Sleeping 4 Year Old

2012-01-06T22:08:00.002+10:00

As I checked on my sleeping 4 year old baby girl tonight, my heart skipped a beat, as it often does.
I have a million and one thoughts rushing through my head as I gaze at her angelic face.
I wish so many things for her.
I have so many hopes.
I pray that she will come to no harm.
And I wonder...
Did my Grandmother think the same things as she gazed upon my sleeping 4 year old mother?
Did my Great-Grandmother think the same things as she gazed upon my sleeping 4 year old grandmother?
Did my mother think the same things as she gazed up my sleeping 4 year old face?
I'm guessing they probably did.

I'm a Blogger NOT a Writer

2012-01-04T20:48:00.002+10:00

About three years ago I found Twitter.
I loved it, mainly for the instant connections and wonderful people I could 'talk' to while I was home almost all of the time with my two small children.
And it was through Twitter I that I discovered blogs.
I loved reading blogs!
And I wished I could have one of my own, but I my *mother's brain* left me struggling to write a 140 character tweet, let alone a blog!
But one day I bit the bullet.
I decided to give it a go.
And I found I loved it.
At first I did write...a bit.
But now...not so much.
Most of my blog posts are linked to photograpy, music or fashion.
I don't write much anymore...I share.
I've always been an over-sharer.
If you come to my house for a visit, I'll be showing you this, that and everything.
That is why I have a photo blog, a recipe blog, a sewing blog, a fitness blog, a family blog and this little old blog.
Oh....yes...I...do!

And I do feel a bit odd as a blogger because most bloggers are fabulous writers.
I feel a little different, a bit strange.

So if you visit me here, there, or anywhere,
I'm ever so grateful.
Because I do love to share,
and I do love that you care enough to sit through my ramblings.

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-04T07:51:00.002+10:00

If you want words about this photo

please pop over to my other blog...

The Happy Shutterbug

Linking up today with

Trish @

My Little Drummer Boys

To Wake or Not To Wake

2012-01-03T19:53:00.000+10:00

This evening I almost caused World War 3 when I brought up the horrifically tragic story of Matt Golinski.
If you don't know what I'm talking about...here...read this.

I loved watching Matt on Ready Steady Cook.
I was devastated to hear the news about the loss of his entire family.

Tonight, for dinner conversation, I told my husband that I had seen in today's news that it was likely that he would pull through.
Then I made this comment...

"This is probably a horrible thing to say but...would you want to wake up?"

Well, would you?

My husband said something about guilt and whether it was his fault or not.
I don't think guilt would, or should, come into it.
This to me is the most devastaing thing that could possibly happen in life.

I know life is a precious thing.
I'm sure many people do not want to lose Matt as well.
And I do know that people can move on after horrific tragedies.

But I'm just asking you...

Would you want to wake up?

Polly Catch Up

2012-01-02T08:28:00.001+10:00

Dani from Danimezza has been catching up on lost Polly weeks.
This post will see Polly in pyjamas, Bali, New Year's Eve and Black Magic.

Polly's pyjamas are always cute and always comfy.
She still has a favourite teddy bear and loves flicking through the pages of a glossy book before bedtime.

Polly in Pyjamas by doireallywannablog featuring knitted slippers

Polly has dreamed of a holiday in Bali, and thanks to Dani, look...she's there!!
In the perfect outfit for cocktails in the lounge bar by the pool of a 5 star resort.

Polly in Bali by doireallywannablog featuring gold plated earrings

Polly arrived home from her Bali holiday
just in time for New Year's Eve.

Polly on New Year's Eve by doireallywannablog featuring 18k jewelry

And as a New Year treat, Polly is off to the theatre.
She decided to wear black and black only...magic!

Polly's Black Magic by doireallywannablog featuring black handbags

This fun challenge is the brain child of

Danielle from Danimezza...

Click on the button to play along.

Sunday Session

2011-12-31T16:47:00.000+10:00

New rules - there are no rules!
On Sundays I play music on my blog.

Old or new or in between.

Related or not.

But always songs I love!

Here are my picks for this week.

You can play along by linking up below.

Can't wait to hear your picks.

Happy Sunday!

And Happy New Year!

So the Sunday Session is on New Year's Day this week!!!

There were lots of great songs released in 2011.
For this Sunday Session I'm playing a few faves from the year we just farewelled.

Do you have a favourite tune from 2011?

I hope there are no sore heads out there today.
(Hope mine isn't either....wrote this last night!)

Wishing you only wonderful things in 2012.
It's an even year, my favourite kind...so it's gotta be good!!

Twelve Days of Christmas - Replay

2011-12-26T08:01:00.000+10:00

Wiki tells me the the 12 days of Christmas are the days following Christmas Day.
So officially today is the 2nd day of Christmas.
I wrote this post two years ago and I thought I'd give it a re-run to fill this space until I'm back for the new year.

I hope it gives you a giggle......

*Re-run*

It's almost December! Time to break out the Christmas spirit, put up the tree and start singing carols (not sometime in late October as the shops would have you believe). I don't know about you, but I find "The Twelve Days of Christmas" particularly amusing, especially at carols nights when by the twelfth verse it starts to sound something like this:

On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love sent to me
Twelve hmm hmm hmm hmm
Eleven la la la la
Ten da de doo doo
Nine dum de dum dum
Eight *whistle whistle*
Seven something somethings
Six willy wonkas
FIVE GO-OLD RINGS
Four mm mm birds
Three ...ench hens
Two turtle doves
AND A PARTRIDGE IN A PEAR TREEEEEEEEEEEEE

Here's my version for those of us who don't read or hear it quite right. Sing along now...

On the first day of Christmas my true love sent to me
An iPhone for twit-ter-ing.

On the second day of Christmas my true love sent to me
Two purple gloves and
An iPhone for twit-ter-ing.

On the third day of Christmas my true love sent to me
Three Mercedes Benzes
Two purple gloves and
An iPhone for twit-ter-ing.

On the fourth day of Christmas my true love sent to me
Four Cadbury Twirls
Three Mercedes Benzes
Two purple gloves and
An iPhone for twit-ter-ing.

On the fifth day of Christmas my true love sent to me
Five cold gins (and tonics)
Four Cadbury Twirls
Three Mercedes Benzes
Two purple gloves and
An iPhone for twit-ter-ing.

On the sixth day of Christmas my true love sent to me
Six Matisse paintings
Five cold gins (and tonics)
Four Cadbury Twirls
Three Mercedes Benzes
Two purple gloves and
An iPhone for twit-ter-ing.

On the seventh day of Christmas my true love sent to me
Seven long stemmed lilies
Six Matisse paintings
Five cold gins (and tonics)
Four Cadbury Twirls
Three Mercedes Benzes
Two purple gloves and
An iPhone for twit-ter-ing.

On the eighth day of Christmas my true love sent to me
Eight mudslide milkies
Seven long stemmed lilies
Six Matisse paintings
Five cold gins (and tonics)
Four Cadbury Twirls
Three Mercedes Benzes
Two purple gloves and
An iPhone for twit-ter-ing.

On the ninth day of Christmas my true love sent to me
Nine Lady Gagas
Eight mudslide milkies
Seven long stemmed lilies
Six Matisse paintings
Five cold gins (and tonics)
Four Cadbury Twirls
Three Mercedes Benzes
Two purple gloves and
An iPhone for twit-ter-ing.

On the tenth day of Christmas my true love sent to me
Ten Dior earrings
Nine Lady Gagas
Eight mudslide milkies
Seven long stemmed lilies
Six Matisse paintings
Five cold gins (and tonics)
Four Cadbury Twirls
Three Mercedes Benzes
Two purple gloves and
An iPhone for twit-ter-ing.

On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love sent to me
Eleven pure white diamonds
Ten Dior earrings
Nine Lady Gagas
Eight mudslide milkies
Seven long stemmed lilies
Six Matisse paintings
Five cold gins (and tonics)
Four Cadbury Twirls
Three Mercedes Benzes
Two purple gloves and
An iPhone for twit-ter-ing.

On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love sent to me
Twelve rums in tumblers
Eleven pure white diamonds
Ten Dior earrings
Nine Lady Gagas
Eight mudslide milkies
Seven long stemmed lilies
Six Matisse paintings
Five cold gins (and tonics)
Four Cadbury Twirls
Three Mercedes Benzes
Two purple gloves and
An iPhone for twit-ter-ing.

The real words for those of you who have forgotten or never knew in the first place are:

On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love sent to me

Twelve drummers drumming

Eleven pipers piping

Ten lords a-leaping

Nine ladies dancing

Eight maids a-milking

Seven swans a-swimming

Six geese a-laying

Five golden rings

Four calling birds

Three French hens

Two turtle doves

And a partridge in a pear tree!

PS Just what you would do with nine Lady Gagas I do not know.......

Sunday Session

2011-12-25T06:06:00.000+10:00

New rules - there are no rules!
On Sundays I play music on my blog.

Old or new or in between.

Related or not.

But always songs I love!

Here are my picks for this week.

You can play along by linking up below.

Can't wait to hear your picks.

Happy Sunday!

And Merry Christmas!

So the Sunday Session is on Christmas Day this week...
Last week I promised you some tunes from my new,
and now favourite, Christmas CD of Michael Bublé's.

So here he is...my 3 favourites from...

...it was really hard to narrow them all down to 3!

I'm not sure if any of you will have time to play along today.
But I hope you're all celebrating Christmas just the way you want, with the people you love.

See you next week for the New Year Sunday Session!!

The 52 Week Project - Treadmilling

2011-12-23T22:23:00.000+10:00

Every week I'll be linking with Fiona from @mymummydaze and her "52 Week Project".

She says...

No, this isn’t a diet or exercise regime. It’s not a responsible financial system or an abstinence program. It’s not even a relationship-building sex challenge (although that does sound fun). Although I’m sure I could benefit from all of these year-long challenges, this is much simpler with no great philosophy or life-changing aims underpinning it. It’s a weekly photography self-portrait challenge.

I've got my tread-mill...

I've got my tread-mill!!!!!

My new baby, isn't it beautiful?

AND I've been on it every day for 5 days in a row!

I'm loving it and I'm hoping I can keep it up.

Not so happy that I'll be away for 6 nights over Christmas.

I wish I could fit it into my bag!

Yeah, I'm in the garage.
But this is my view...

As you can see, it's raining and I can still walk!
I'm pretty happy about that!!

I'm linking this post with My Mummy Daze.

Click on the button to join in.

Crazy Christmas

2011-12-23T15:50:00.000+10:00

These days, Christmas has me dreaming of the days when I was a school kid.
All I had to do was walk next door to my Nan's where food, extended family and presents would be waiting.
Or sometimes Christmas would be at our house where we had food, extended family & presents.
And on alternate years the most travel we would have to do would be an hour to my Aunt's in Brisbane.

Now that I'm the grown up, things are a little different.
Thankfully I've never had to be the hostess on Christmas Day.
But I guess my time is coming for that!

Now, Christmas involves lots of buying pressies, lots of wrapping, lots of packing, lots of driving and overnight stays in who knows how many places.

This is our itinerary for this Christmas...

25th - Merry Christmas!! Hopefully Santa has been. We wake at home, open pressies, have breakie, pack the car and drive to the Sunshine Coast (1hour 10mins). Open more pressies, get dressed up for lunch at a resort with some of Hubba's side of the family (first time we've ever done this...pretty excited about it!). Sleep at the in-law's house.

26th - Boxing Day...we're off to the races. It will be the first time with the kids. I had to go shopping today to buy 'good' clothes for my 7 year old boy to wear! At some point on this day I'll need to grocery shop for the next Christmas lunch tomorrow. Sleep at the in-law's again.

27th - Wake up, pack the car, drive to the Gold Coast for my family's Christmas lunch at my little sister's place (she'll be hostess on Christmas before me, she's braver than me!) (1hour 40mins). *Don't forget to take food and drinks!* Open pressies, eat, drink, swim, be merry, and hopefully share some bubbly with sis. Say goodbye to Hubba who has to work at 6am next morning. He drives 2hours 30mins home. Kids & I sleep at my sis's.

28th - Spend the day with sis & her family. Hopefully doing not much. Sleep at sis's place again.

29th - Sis will drive her brood and mine to the family farm (1hour). Sleep at Mum & Dad's.

30th - Catch up with all the farm rellies. Hubba driving down after work. We all sleep at Mum & Dad's again.

31st - Wake up, pack the car, drive home (3hours). Just in time for New Year's Eve because we're doing...nothing!!

So my plea is...tell me your Christmas is just as crazy or crazier.
Please tell me I'm not alone!

Friday Funny - Jack Sparrow

2011-12-23T06:37:00.000+10:00

The fabulous Shelly from Tropical Mum has come up with a brilliant linky idea.
Each Friday she'll post something funny...
an old or new post
a video
a joke
a picture...

And because I haven't quite filled my week with linkies yet...
I'm joining in!

This really tickles my funny bone. There is a longer, funnier version here, but it's not 'clean'.
So I chose this one today, in case little ears are listening.
Gotta love someone who can take the mickey.

Have a funny Friday...in a good way!

Linking this post with Shelly's

Be sure to click on the button for some more giggles.

Polly on Christmas Day

2011-12-22T09:27:00.000+10:00

Dani from Danimezza seems to have abandoned Polly
which makes me sad because the Polyvore Challenge was a creative outlet

that I really looked forward to every week.

So, today I have decided to make up my own theme.
Which is not quite the same because the challenge is trying to make a set out of something I may not have thought of myself.

But anyway, I'm going to be totally predictable and go with Christmas.
Well it is only 3 days away!

This year Polly is having Christmas lunch at a big fancy hotel
(oh wow, just like us!)
and this is what she'll be wearing...
(which is nothing like what I'll be wearing, but as usual is what I wish I could wear!)

**It's okay everyone...she's back! YAY Have linked this post, click on the button on the sidebar to look at some more pretty Christmas Pollys**

Merry Christmas from Polly

Polly on Christmas Day by doireallywannablog featuring platform wedges

The Black Dress

2011-12-20T21:19:00.000+10:00

One blog I love to look at every day is this one...

The Royal Order of Sartorial Splendor

Not surprised?
Didn't think you would be.
Look at 'What I'm reading now' on my sidebar...
When I saw this post I agreed completely.
Kate is definitely gold star material in this dress!

When I saw it, it instantly reminded me of the dress Diana wore on her first public engagement.

She didn't wear it as well as Kate wore hers.
It was off the rack and ill-fitting.
But Diana was so very young, only 19, and hadn't yet found her style.
She sure did find it in the end, though.

Diana will always be my number one fashion icon.

Although, I'm thinking Kate might join her as an equal in first place.

Where I Sew

2011-12-20T09:15:00.001+10:00

Recently I read the lovely Al from Life In A Pink Fibro's posts called 'Where Do You Write?'
I don't write, I sew.
And up until yesterday I was sewing here...

Yes, that's right, it was in the not-yet-renovated-kitchen next to the microwave, the kettle and the toaster!
There wasn't much of a view and it was stinking hot.
But I sewed nine aprons, a Chrismas dress for Miss 4 and countless Christmas coasters, among other things, right there.

My sewing machines have lived and worked in almost every room of this house...apart from the bathroom.
And today they moved again.
Now they live here...

Look at my little 20-something year old Janome.
Isn't it cute?

I don't know why I didn't do this earlier.
It's the corner of our bedroom, which isn't ideal.
But it's a big room, it has lots of windows with lovely views.
And air-conditioning!!

Oh yes, I think my machines and I will be very happy in here...
until I get a real sewing room...one day....

Where do you sew?
Or write?
Or do whatever it is you do?

Sunday Session

2011-12-17T19:44:00.000+10:00

New rules - there are no rules!
On Sundays I play music on my blog.

Old or new or in between.

Related or not.

But always songs I love!

Here are my picks for this week.

You can play along by linking up below.

Can't wait to hear your picks.

Happy Sunday!

I bought Michael Bublé's Christmas CD this week and I SO want to play some of his songs on today's Sunday Session.
But I will hold off until next week...which will be Christmas Day!

So for this week I'm wondering...

Do you have songs that tug at your heartstrings?
Songs that are almost too painful to listen to?

I do.
Quite a few actually.
And they don't just tug, they feel like they're ripping my heart out.
Or, they did, a very long time ago.
But they're still hard to listen to.
Even years...years and years and years...later...
When I hear them and I get all soppy, sappy and emotional.

They all involve boys...
I could tell you the stories that go with the songs, but I don't know if I want to go back there.

Oh, what the hell....

This first song was played at my Year 11 Term Dance. I had a massive crush on a Year 12 boy, who I was quite good friends with. But he was in love with my good friend (our Japanese exchange student) and I didn't know. When she told him to ask me to dance to this song...I ran to the toilets crying. Very sad, but very true.

At the beginning of my second year of college, my very serious boyfriend (of about 9 months) and I were at the new 1st Years' Orientation camp. This song came on. He'd taken me to see the movie twice because he knew I loved it SO much. And when the words, "...and I owe it all to you" came on, he held me and sang it right to my face. I loved that moment. And then a few weeks later he dumped me for one of those new 1st Years!! Do I need to tell you I was heartbroken? I didn't think so.

So anyway, the boy next door (literally) helped me get over that tragedy. He was a bit younger (than my ancient 20 years). He was gorgeous. And he lived NEXT DOOR!! But I think I was a bit too full on for him because he dumped me after a few months. I listened to this song over and over and over. Do I need to tell you I was heartbroken all over again? I didn't think so.

Then in Third Year, I found a boyfriend back in my hometown when I was on my final school teaching prac. (who was also a bit younger, and as weird fate would have it, was a very good friend of my husband at primary school). He inspired me to write a song. Funnily enough, it was very VERY similar to this one. Which I listened to over and over and over again during the week because I only saw him on weekends. I taped myself playing and singing my own song and gave it to him. *Cringe* I don't even know if I have a copy now. It all ended slowly but very badly. I'm definitely not going there.

And a really difficult one to hear is this one, that my best friend (who was my maid of honour)'s boyfriend sang at my first wedding...no need for further explanation, I'm sure.

So it seems I had a bit of boy trouble in my younger years!
Did you?
Thank God I found the right one in the end!!

What songs make you think of old boyfriends?

The 52 Week Project - I Had My Hair Done!

2011-12-17T08:06:00.000+10:00

This week I finally booked myself in to have my hair done!
I only visit the hairdresser once or twice a year.

Now that I have to dye my own greys away most of the time...

...having it done at the salon is a luxury.

I've always loved going to the hairdresser.

I used to go to the cheapest one around.

Not anymore.

I've been going to the best one in town for years now.

It costs an absolute fortune,

but my God, is it worth it!!

So, I thought for this week's photo I'd take a timed self-portrait of my new do.

But when Miss 4 saw what I was doing she wanted in on the fun.

It's probably against the rules, but I loved this one of both of us!
Even if my chin is hideous!!

And then, against the rules again, Miss 4 offered to take one of my hair for me.

I think she did okay!

Like my new do?

I'm linking this post with My Mummy Daze.

Click on the button to join in.

68.4

2011-12-16T09:33:00.000+10:00

That's the number that has been causing me grief lately.
That's the number that stares back at me on my scales every day.
That's the number I hate.

There has been a lot of talk lately about body weight, in particular...post-baby body weight.
If you haven't read this...you must!

But really, there is always a lot of talk about women's body weight.
Post-baby, pre-baby, menopausal...whatever.
From the age of probably about 10, I remember being very self-conscious about my body.

I've always hated tight clothing, because I don't want anyone to see my form.
I've always hated my lily-white skin, because in Queensland...brown is always 'in'.
I've always hated my double chin, even when it was half the size it is now.

I've always been extremely hard on myself.

Why?
I don't really know.
A combination of many factors I suppose.
Women are very complex creatures and I'm guessing many women feel exactly the same way I do.

It is unreasonable to feel this way.
And I know I know that because...

...my husband constantly tells me I'm beautiful

...I've never been happy with the number on the scales, even when it was 52

...I complain a lot about it but never actually do anything about it

The truth is I eat too much and I don't move enough.

Even as I sit here typing this I'm snacking on cheese & tomato crackers...

it's only 9am and I've already had egg on toast for breakfast 2 hours ago.

I love food, I find it really difficult to eat less.

And the no-moving thing is a problem for a number of reasons...

...I have arthritis, the less I move the stiffer I become

...my mum had a heart attack last year at 52 years of age

...I want to be fitter and healthier so I can be more active with my 2 small children

So for those reasons, I'm getting a treadmill for Christmas.

But I will openly admit that I am hoping for weight loss as well as getting fitter and healthier.

I am just not happy with how heavy I am.

But, as I have never been happy with my weight

(apart from a very brief period when I didn't eat due to stress)

I'm worried that I may never happy with my body.

Even with others telling me to go easier on myself, I find it very difficult to do.
And that saddens me greatly.

See...it's just one big vicious cycle!

Friday Funny - Love Actually

2011-12-16T08:15:00.000+10:00

The fabulous Shelly from Tropical Mum has come up with a brilliant linky idea.
Each Friday she'll post something funny...
an old or new post
a video
a joke
a picture...

And because I haven't quite filled my week with linkies yet...
I'm joining in!

This week I've picked my very favourite scene from one of my very favourite movies.
It makes me laugh every.single.time!
Oh yes, Hugh...I want more...more....more!!

Unfortunately, you'll have to click on the link because embedding has been disabled.

But here's something to look at before you do.

Scrummy!!

http://youtu.be/W6ooDdKBykc

Have a funny Friday...in a good way!

Linking this post with Shelly's

Be sure to click on the button for some more giggles.

Duran Duran

2011-12-14T20:10:00.003+10:00

I was going to ask this question on Twitter tonight but I need way more than 140 characters.
So I'm asking you...here...

Should I buy tickets to see Duran Duran?

To explain a little further...

1. I was never a huge Duran Duran fan, I like them, but I was more enamoured with Howard Jones and Nik Kershaw at the time.

2. My husband wasn't a big fan either. I don't know if he could even name one of their songs.

3. I love going to big concerts, I've been to quite a few!

4. My husband has never been to one...not one!

5. When I told him about it he said he wants to go and make it a weekend getaway in Brisbane for us. I was shocked. He constantly surprises me.

6. Tickets are $99.90 or $159.90.

7. They go on sale tomorrow.

Do I buy tickets, or not?
I keep changing my mind every minute.
What do you think??

Then

They were pretty cute!
John Taylor was my favourite (on the right).

Now

Not bad ~~I am not going to say 'for old guys~~'.
Now he's on the left.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-12-13T21:32:00.001+10:00

If you want words about this photo

please pop over to my other blog...

The Happy Shutterbug

Linking up today with

Trish @

My Little Drummer Boys

Another Giveaway

2011-12-12T08:17:00.001+10:00

I'm having another giveaway!

But it's over on this blog this time.

If you want one of these...

...go check it out.

Sunday Session

2011-12-10T22:10:00.000+10:00

New rules - there are no rules!
On Sundays I play music on my blog.

Old or new or in between.

Related or not.

But always songs I love!

Here are my picks for this week.

You can play along by linking up below.

Can't wait to hear your picks.

Happy Sunday!

This week's Sunday Session is featuring crooners that make me swoon.

Oh my, do did I have crushes on these scrummy singers!!

Did you ever have a major crush on a singer?

The 52 Week Project - I'm Ready!

2011-12-10T18:48:00.001+10:00

My teeny tiny feet!

See that brand new iPod?
And see those band new shoes??
That means I am totally ready for my

brand new treadmill!!

And I can't wait.

I'm linking this post with My Mummy Daze.

Click on the button to join in.

And the Winner Is........

2011-12-09T18:57:00.001+10:00

If you entered my Christmas Giveaway I hope you're crossing your fingers...and toes...and eyes....

Drum roll please......

The winner is

TRISH!!

I had a new winner-picking method this time.
There were 10 commenters.
So I asked Hubba to pick a number from 1 - 10 inclusive.
He picked #6.

So Trish, thanks for entering.
And you can thank my Hubba for picking number 6! :)

Your prize will be on its way ASAP.

Friday Funny - Michael Bublé

2011-12-08T19:16:00.001+10:00

The fabulous Shelly from Tropical Mum has come up with a brilliant linky idea.

Each Friday she'll post something funny...

an old or new post

a video

a joke

a picture...

And because I haven't quite filled my week with linkies yet...
I'm joining in!

I lurve Michael Bublé!!
I love his voice.
I love his songs.
And I love his sense of humour!
I saw this yesterday and the cynic in me wants to say it was all planned.
But it made me giggle anyway.

(Mild language warning - if you have small ears around!)

Hope it made you giggle,too.
Have a funny Friday...in a good way!

Linking this post with Shelly's

Be sure to click on the button for some more giggles.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-12-07T07:28:00.001+10:00

If you want words about this photo

please pop over to my other blog...

The Happy Shutterbug

Linking up today with

Trish @

My Little Drummer Boys

Christmas Giveaway

2011-12-06T07:04:00.001+10:00

Lately I've been a busy little bee and have been madly making Christmas gifts for my Made It shop

If you haven't visited recently click on the button above to pop over and have a look.
While you're there, pick your favourite coasters or baubles...
...and you could win them!

The coasters would be a great Secret Santa gift.
Or attach them to a bottle of wine like I did for my son's teacher's present.

So pop over...
pick your favourite...
pop back and let me know which one you picked in the comments.

Also, you don't have to but...
I would love it if you tweeted or shared this post on Twitter or Facebook...
or both! :)

Competition closes this Friday night (9/12/11) at 7pm AESNDRT (Australian Eastern Standard Non-Daylight REAL Time).
So there's plenty of time for me to post the prize to the winner before Christmas.

Happy online window shopping and...

Good Luck!!

Oh Christmas Tree

2011-12-05T08:06:00.001+10:00

As a follow on from my post last week,
"Thinking of a Theme"
today's post is our almost finished Christmas tree...
I was hoping to have an angel on the top this year, to fit the theme.
But I haven't found one yet!
And I couldn't wait another moment to put this post up because there are only 20 days until Christmas and I'm dying to see everyone's tree.

So, here it is, so far.
Our "Wings & Bling" Christmas tree.

I'll update again when the angel is discovered!

I'm posting photos of my favourite ornaments every day until Christmas on my photo blog...

The Happy Shutterbug.

I'd love it if you popped over to take a peek.

If you have a gorgeous tree that you would like to show off,

please, please, please

link up below.

And just for your listening pleasure...enjoy!

Sunday Session

2011-12-03T16:12:00.001+10:00

New rules - there are no rules!
On Sundays I play music on my blog.

Old or new or in between.

Related or not.

But always songs I love!

Here are my picks for this week.

You can play along by linking up below.

Can't wait to hear your picks.

Happy Sunday!

Last week I had an Australian Idol winner.
This week I have the X Factor winner.
Did you watch?
I kinda did. When it wasn't a Junior Masterchef (which I watched with the kids) night.
I didn't vote, never do.
But I was happy with the winner.
I think Reece Mastin is an amazing young talent.
What do you think of his winner's song?
It is Number 1 on the Aria singles chart this week.
I think it's very catchy, but has some dodgy lyrics.

And just for fun I just looked up the number one single in Australia when Reece was born,
November 1994.
It's Silverchair!
How about that? Another amazing young talent.

The 52 Week Project - Christmas Tree

2011-12-03T07:51:00.001+10:00

I know I've missed a couple of weeks.

I ran out of ways of taking a photo of myself!

But someone missed it (hi Lib!) so I'm back at it this week.

The past week has been all about the Christmas Tree for me.

It's been up for a week.

I'm putting a photo a day of Christmas ornaments on my

Happy Shutterbug

blog.

And as soon as a find an angel for the top of the tree

I'll be posting a pic of our tree with a linky so I can see everyone's gorgeous trees.

So, here is me, with our tree...without the angel.

I'm linking this post with My Mummy Daze.

Click on the button to join in.

Friday Funny - Georgie's Buns

2011-12-02T07:54:00.001+10:00

The fabulous Shelly from Tropical Mum has come up with a brilliant linky idea.
Each Friday she'll post something funny...
an old or new post
a video
a joke
a picture...

And because I haven't quite filled my week with linkies yet...
I'm joining in!

I'm a big fan of Today. I love Karl, and I love the way Lisa & Georgie react to the things he says.
Like this...

Sadly I hardly ever get to watch it anymore because the TV is always on ABC2.

Have a funny Friday...in a good way!

Linking this post with Shelly's

Be sure to click on the button for some more giggles.

Polly in Navy Stripes

2011-12-01T18:43:00.001+10:00

Dani from Danimezza has Polly in navy stripes this week.

Polly has been invited to a garden party and has chosen this to wear.

Polly in Navy Stripes by doireallywannablog featuring a bangle bracelet

This fun challenge is the brain child of

Danielle from Danimezza...

Click on the button to play along.

Motel Womens Ariel Stripe Sundress - Navy/White: Amazon.co.uk:...
£32 - amazon.co.uk

Miu Miu white high heels
$475 - bluefly.com

Coccinelle leather shoulder bag
£185 - johnlewis.com

Bangle bracelet
$30 - topshop.com

Isharya flower ring
€110 - pret-a-beaute.com

Tarina Tarantino heart necklace
$113 - tarinatarantino.com

Heather Huey floppy straw hat
$218 - idontlikemondays.us

Aubin & Wills round sunglasses
£298 - aubinandwills.com

Lola Cosmetics High Shine Lip Gloss
$18 - zappos.com

Marc Jacobs Lola Eau De Parfum 100ml
£63 - harveynichols.com

• Mixed Garden Wheat Bundle -- 3LB Extra Large Wheat Bundle
curiouscountrycreations.com

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-30T07:14:00.001+10:00

If you want words about this photo

please pop over to my other blog...

The Happy Shutterbug

Linking up today with

Trish @

My Little Drummer Boys

Thinking of a Theme.....

2011-11-28T07:12:00.000+10:00

I love to have a theme for decorating the Christmas tree.
Some years the theme is just-throw-on-whatever-I-have.
Two years ago I wrote a post about my recent themes. You can see that HERE.
Last year I wrote another post about our tree....s. And added a linky. You can see that HERE.

So this year I was pondering what theme to go with...and it hit me.

This year the tree will be decked out in...

WINGS & BLING

Wings on angels & fairies, birds & butterflies.
And bling for anything that shimmers & sparkles, glistens & glitters.

We put the tree up yesterday but it's not quite finished yet.
I need to buy some more angels & fairies.
More sparkles, more glitter.
And a big angel for the top of the tree.
The star is being replaced this year!

Here it is at Phase One...

I'll be updating and adding the linky so I can see all of your gorgeous trees soon!

Is yours up yet?

Sunday Session

2011-11-26T19:06:00.000+10:00

New rules - there are no rules!
On Sundays I play music on my blog.

Old or new or in between.

Related or not.

But always songs I love!

Here are my picks for this week.

You can play along by linking up below.

Can't wait to hear your picks.

Happy Sunday!

I've been a fan of Guy Sebastian since he first appeared on our television in Australian Idol.
We share our birthdays...that's gotta make him a good guy (see what I did there?)...right?
Here is his latest toon and I love it already!

And if you're from my era, just seeing the title of Guy's new song has to make you think of this oldie.

This song has a special memory for me.
When I was young, just 20 years old, I was driving home to the farm for the weekend after a week at college in Brisbane.
My little Gemini overheated just past the half way mark in my hour long drive.
This was in the days before mobile phones...I know, what did we do without them??
We I pulled up at a tiny town with nothing but a couple of houses, a shop, and a pay phone...that's what!
Thankfully I had 20c (I think that's all it used to cost for a local call in 1988) in my wallet because it was often empty!
I called Mum, got back into my car, and this song came on.
I couldn't help but smile.

Polly is taking a Drive

2011-11-24T11:21:00.001+10:00

Dani from Danimezza has Polly taking a drive this week.

Polly is off on a driving date with her handsome husband this week.

They've hired a fancy schmancy car and are taking a drive to a gorgeous little restaurant in the mountains with a view of the ocean.

If they get carried away and have too many wines, they may even stay the night...

...I'm sure Grandma wouldn't mind babysitting!

Polly taking a Drive by doireallywannablog featuring leather wedge sandals

This fun challenge is the brain child of

Danielle from Danimezza...

Click on the button to play along.

Alice Olivia shirts blouse
£188 - austique.co.uk

Preen a line skirt
£260 - farfetch.com

Paloma Barceló leather wedge sandals
$315 - net-a-porter.com

Mulberry genuine leather handbag
$1,170 - stylebop.com

Chanel metal bangle
$1,100 - monamoore.com

Morra Designs gold disc earrings
$95 - calypsostbarth.com

Chan Luu beaded ring
$215 - calypsostbarth.com

Crumpet
£198 - matchesfashion.com

Roberto Cavalli tortoise sunglasses
£299 - profilebrighton.co.uk

Dior Diorshow Black Out Mascara
$25 - lordandtaylor.com

Yves Saint Laurent YSL Cinema EDP Perfume Spray: Amazon.co.uk: Beauty
£26 - amazon.co.uk

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-22T21:47:00.001+10:00

If you want words about this photo

please pop over to my other blog...

The Happy Shutterbug

Linking up today with

Trish @

My Little Drummer Boys

Finished!

2011-11-21T19:30:00.001+10:00

Well, it's been a little over 8 years since we bought this house.
When we moved in the kitchen and bathroom were the first things we were going to renovate.
Because they were, not just old, unloved for a very, very long time!
There were cigarette burns on the kitchen cupboard doors.
The lino in the bathroom had a big hole in it.
The bathroom mirror had black spots all over it, it was hard to know which spots were on your face and which were the mirror!

Today, just hours ago, the bathroom reno was finished!!
Can you tell I'm a wee bit excited?
I can't believe it.
I look and stare and grin every time I walk past.
It's all done.
Finished. Finito. Fin.

And my extremely clever husband did the whole lot all by himself.
He taught himself as he went along.
Everything.All.By.Himself!
He truly is amazing.

We went from this...

Beautiful, no?

To this...

Beautiful? YES!

I'm so proud of my clever, amazing husband.
Just no one mention the word kitchen for awhile.

Sunday Session

2011-11-19T18:12:00.001+10:00

New rules - there are no rules!
On Sundays I play music on my blog.

Old or new or in between.

Related or not.

But always songs I love!

Here are my picks for this week.

You can play along by linking up below.

Can't wait to hear your picks.

Happy Sunday!

I had no inspiration this week so I returned to my favourites on You Tube and found this one.
I cannot tell you how much I loved this song when I was in high school.
It was 1984 and it reminds me of summer...friends...and crushes!!
One was Hubba's cousin...shhhhhh...don't tell him!
I still love this song.
Love love love it....

So if I have an oldie, I have to go with a newbie, right?
I know this one has played on some Sunday Sessions already.
But it's so darn catchy!
My Miss 4 sings, "She's got the moves cha cha, she's got the moves cha cha, she's got the mooo-oooo-ooo-ooo-ooo-ooo-ooo-oooo-ves cha cha."
It's No.3 on this week's Aria singles chart.

Funerals

2011-11-18T22:01:00.001+10:00

This has been a very difficult post to write.
I've started numerous times...
typed something...
didn't like it...
walked away.

So, I'm trying again.
This time I'm attempting to set my mind and fingers free and just see what comes out.

Funerals.
I've never liked them.
But who does, right?

I haven't been to many.
In fact I have only been to five in my 43 years.
And one memorial service.

Growing up in a farming community, my parents were always attending funerals,
or so it seemed to my childhood self.
We never went.
We always stayed with Nan,
or were at school.
I didn't even go to my Great Grandfather's funeral.
We called him Pampa and he died when I was around 11 I think,
I'm not even sure.
We were given the option to go, my brother and sister and I,
but I didn't want to.

Funerals in a farming community are part of life.
There are always deaths.
Just as there are always births.

And my parents must have attended a hundred funerals.
We were always sheltered.

I've never been good with death,
or funerals,
who is?

During high school a few friends or aquaintances were killed.
I sobbed myself silly every time.
Whether they were close friends, or not.
And then my very close high school friend died.
Her name was Sheryl.
She was so lovely.
She lived with her English family in Australia for some years and moved quite a lot.
I didn't know her long.
And then her parents decided to move back to England.
We wrote letters.
I still remember her letter saying how much she loved David Bowie's new song, 'Red Shoes'.
It was called 'Let's Dance' here.
Then one afternoon I got a phone call from a 'tough' girl at school to say she had died.
I thought she was kidding.
I was often picked on at school.
But surely this was too horrid to be a joke.
I ran to the dairy (where Mum was milking the cows)
and sobbing told her about the phone call.
She came home with me and called someone (I can't remember who)
and discovered it was true.
Sheryl had been grounded by her parents.
She decided to knot sheets together, just as you see in movies,
and climb from her second storey bedroom window.
She fell.
She died.
I cried for days.
The church in town had a memorial service for her because of course we couldn't attend her funeral...
in England.

And that was my first funeral that wasn't a funeral but was close enough.

I sobbed...and sobbed and sobbed and sobbed.
It was embarrassing really, but I couldn't stop.

That was almost 30 years ago, but nothing has changed.

The next funeral I went to was the lovely mother of a dear college friend.
She died way too young of cancer.
She left three beautiful daughters and an adoring husband.
My friend named her first born after her.
And she is the most beautiful girl I have ever seen.
She died after my friend's engagement, but before her wedding.
I went to her funeral with our group of college friends.
And I sobbed...and sobbed and sobbed and sobbed.
I couldn't stop.

That was almost 20 years ago, but nothing has changed.

More recently I lost all of my three remaining grandparents
and my dear uncle who we grew up next door to on the farm.
All within five years.
Two of those funerals were a week apart.
I'm not good with funerals.
I sob.
Not quitely.
Loudly.
To the point where people start to stare.
And I'm not one to draw attention to myself.

So why all this talk of funerals?

One day this week I awoke to the news that someone I worked with had passed away overnight.
He had cancer, he was very unwell, we knew it was coming.
But it doesn't stop the shock when you actually hear the news.
I had quite a bit to do with his family many years ago.
I was not at all close since I resigned from my teaching job eight years ago.

But that doesn't stop the shock when you hear the news.

I cried, as I do every time I hear of someone dying.
Close or not.

And then I thought,
"I should probably go to the funeral."

But...I'm not good with funerals.

I read the email from the school principal.
She said that many teachers would be attending the funeral and relief teachers would be called in.
I was expecting the call.
I was hoping for the call.
I got the call.
"Yes, I could work on Monday."

I can't go to the funeral, I'm working.
I'm working so that others who worked with him more recently can attend.

But really...

I'm not good with funerals.

Friday Funny - My Blackberry Is Not Working

2011-11-18T17:44:00.001+10:00

The fabulous Shelly from Tropical Mum has come up with a brilliant linky idea.
Each Friday she'll post something funny...
an old or new post
a video
a joke
a picture...

And because I haven't quite filled my week with linkies yet...
I'm joining in!

Today I worked for 3 hours (that's my kinda working day!)
When I arrived the class was watching the Year 7 Variety Show.
So I had to sit with the class and watch it 'til the end, a good 30 mins or so (that's my kinda teaching!!)
As with many school kids' skits, some were fabulous...some not so much.
Here is one they did that I had a chuckle at (there were funnier ones but I can't find them on You Tube).
They did remove any references to dongles....you'll see....

Have a funny Friday...in a good way!

Linking this post with Shelly's

Be sure to click on the button for some more giggles.

Purple Polly

2011-11-17T10:28:00.001+10:00

Dani from Danimezza has Polly in purple this week.

I do love purple.
Almost as much as I love pink!
And I know it's early and that Christmas is still 38 (yep, that's all!) days away.
But I saw the purple Christmas tree and couldn't resist!!
This week Polly is at a purple pre-Christmas party.

Purple Polly by doireallywannablog featuring yellow gold earrings

Purple shift dress
£25 - houseoffraser.co.uk

Charles by Charles David platform stiletto heels
$150 - heels.com

Clutch hand bag
$1,495 - matthewwilliamson.com

Lulu Frost antique rhinestone jewelry
$250 - charmandchain.com

Frangos vintage looking ring
$98 - charmandchain.com

Yellow gold earrings
$2,200 - alexisbittar.com

Wall Purple
lancome-usa.com

American Furniture Warehouse -- Virtual Store -- Mallory Plum Velvet...
afwonline.com

Vases | Crystal & Glass Vases | Large Flower Vases | John Lewis
£45 - johnlewis.com

Side table HAVANA - Side Tables - Maisons du Monde
maisonsdumonde.com

Purple Callas Large Poster | Flower Murals | Photo Wallpaper
£30 - wallpapermurals.co.uk

This fun challenge is the brain child of

Danielle from Danimezza...

Click on the button to play along.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-16T06:52:00.001+10:00

If you want words about this photo

please pop over to my other blog...

The Happy Shutterbug

Linking up today with

Trish @ My Little Drummer Boys

Polly at the Gym

2011-11-15T16:43:00.001+10:00

Dani from Danimezza has Polly at the gym this week.

As much as I do not like to exercise, many moons ago I was something of a gym junkie.
I was hooked and I loved it.
I felt fit and healthy.

I'm hoping one day that will happen again...one day...

But for now, here's Polly and her 80s inspired gym outfit.
(I don't know about you, but there was a time in the 80s when everything in my wardrobe was pink and grey!)

Polly at the Gym by doireallywannablog featuring grey hoodies

Adidas by Stella McCartney animal print tank top
$90 - net-a-porter.com

Slouchy tee
$39 - jackwills.com

Roxy grey hoody
£23 - debenhams.com

Adidas by Stella McCartney shorts
$60 - net-a-porter.com

Cropped capri pants
£20 - decathlon.co.uk

Nike green shoes
$105 - nike.com

American Apparel zipper bag
$48 - americanapparel.net

Bobble 1000 ml Bottle Magenta
€15 - welikefashion.com

This fun challenge is the brain child of

Danielle from Danimezza...

Click on the button to play along.

Sunday Session

2011-11-13T07:00:00.000+10:00

New rules - there are no rules!
On Sundays I play music on my blog.

Old or new or in between.

Related or not.

But always songs I love!

Here are my picks for this week.

You can play along by linking up below.

Can't wait to hear your picks.

Happy Sunday!

This week my Miss 4 and I heard this song in the supermarket.
I was singing along and she was doing some mean trolley dancing.
I can't believe I haven't played ABBA on the Sunday Session yet!

Were you an ABBA fan?
It was the 70s, I was in primary school.
My friends and I were massive ABBA fans.
I had a blue ABBA t-shirt.
I desperately wanted knee high ABBA socks, but sadly never got any.
I had posters, a scrapbook, collected bubble gum cards.
Oh....those were the days.

So, let's play another one...

My teacher in primary school changed the words to that one for our school camp to...
"I love food, I do, I do, I do, I do, I do."
We thought it was hilarious!

Just one more, huh?
Why not...

The last one is my favourite.
Although it is hard to a a single favourite.
We had all their albums.
My whole family loved ABBA.

Do you have an ABBA favourite??
Please tell me you love them, too.
Pleeeeeeaaase.

The 52 Week Project - Shopping

2011-11-12T08:14:00.001+10:00

Every week I'll be linking with @mymummydaze and her "52 Week Project".

She says...

No, this isn’t a diet or exercise regime. It’s not a responsible financial system or an abstinence program. It’s not even a relationship-building sex challenge (although that does sound fun). Although I’m sure I could benefit from all of these year-long challenges, this is much simpler with no great philosophy or life-changing aims underpinning it. It’s a weekly photography self-portrait challenge.

Today I realized I hadn't taken a photo of myself for The 52 Week Project yet this week!
So just before we saw 'The Smurfs' at Sunshine Plaza, I snapped this.
As you can see, I was a wee bit embarrassed taking a photo of myself in public.
So it was the one and only photo I took!

How embarrassment

I'm linking this post with My Mummy Daze.

Click on the button to join in.

Friday Funny - Halloween

2011-11-11T06:59:00.001+10:00

The fabulous Shelly from Tropical Mum has come up with a brilliant linky idea.
Each Friday she'll post something funny...
an old or new post
a video
a joke
a picture...

And because I haven't quite filled my week with linkies yet...
I'm joining in!

My much younger cousin put this on Facebook during the week.
He said, "Watch till the end..worth it trust me!"
At first I was watching thinking....oh, that's mean, poor kids.
But I waited 'til the end, just like my cousin said.
And OMG...did I laugh!

Have a funny Friday...in a good way!

Linking this post with Shelly's

Be sure to click on the button for some more giggles.

Almost Over

2011-11-09T15:29:00.000+10:00

Well, the wait is almost over.
I've known since the beginning of the year that the ex-friend is moving to the other side of the world.
I knew it was sometime in November and I've been dying for the day that I don't have to see her face at school...every fricken day.
Not just see her face, walk right by her, watch her laugh and be included in the group of mums.
While all I've felt is exclusion.
All my fault.
After I stuffed up the friendship I was paranoid about who knew, what people were saying, who was talking about me behind my back.
It's highly likely that no one actually was.
But I couldn't bear to be around her, or anyone she assocciated with...which was pretty much everyone in the school mum circle.
For the same reason I killed anyone on Facebook that was also friends with her.
And I blocked her and her new bff.

I read all of this back and I just want to slap myself.
I'm 43 for God's sake, not 3!!
But it's all too much.
I've tried to pretend she means nothing to me and paint a smile on my face.
But seeing her almost every day still cuts to the core...two and a half years later!

Then this afternoon as I braved the mass of mums,
I overheard the teacher in my son's classroom reminding the children to bring something for a farewell morning tea for her daughter (in the other Year 1 class) this Friday.
And as she was saying this, the ex-friend was getting a big squishy goodbye hug from a mum I have tried to befriend, but failed to.
I kept my sunglasses on and glared at the world from the inside.

This was the news I was waiting for.
This Friday is the last day I'll have to see her.
I thought I'd be elated.

But the minute I stepped through my back door...

...I cried.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-09T06:08:00.000+10:00

If you want words about this photo

please pop over to my other blog...

The Happy Shutterbug

Linking up today with

Trish @ My Little Drummer Boys

I Do Not Heart My Body

2011-11-07T18:17:00.000+10:00

I've been reading a few 'I Heart My Body' posts in the blogosphere lately.
I do understand that this idea is supposed to be a positive thing.
But for me, I just feel worse every time I see or read one.

It is not my intention for one second to offend anyone who has written one of these posts.
I completely admire every one of them.

There is just no way that I would write one myself.
And that is because I do not heart my body.
I'm not happy with it.
I'm not proud of it.
I don't like it.
I don't.
And I'm not going to pretend that I do.

Yeah, it's an issue for me.
But we all have issues, don't we?
I've had it for most of my life.
Even when I was much thinner and fitter than I am now.

There have been brief reprieves from my body image issue.
Parents, friends, boyfriends, husbands have all played a part in it.
But I accept total responsibility for how I feel and how I look.

My lack of love for my body is not helped by the fact that I've put on 10kg since my children were born.
Nor by the fact that everywhere I turn the media is telling me I should look like Miranda Kerr or Kate Middleton, to name but two.

I hate that there are so many things I wish I could wear, but I simply cannot because I feel way too fat in them.
I hate that I won't get in the pool any more to swim with my kids because I feel hideous in togs.

I do believe that the 'I Heart My Body' link is trying to make a change in the way women feel.
And it does have a positive effect on a lot of women, and that is wonderful.
But sadly I don't feel at all positive about my body.
I don't think it's good to hate my body.
But I'm not going to try to love it, either.

I just wish there was less emphasis on women's bodies.
Good or bad.

I wish everyone cared less.

I wonder if women who lived in more modest times had body image issues?
I wonder if women who live in cultures which require them to cover up have body image issues?

All I know is I have these issues, and many, many women I know have them also.

And I realize that all I need to do is eat less ~~and probably drink less~~ and move more.
It's not rocket science.
But for now I feel fat and uncomfortable and you won't be seeing me in my underwear any time soon.
No, make that...ever.

This is NOT me.

Sunday Session

2011-11-06T07:55:00.000+10:00

New rules - there are no rules!
On Sundays I play music on my blog.

Old or new or in between.

Related or not.

But always songs I love!

Here are my picks for this week.

You can play along by linking up below.

Can't wait to hear your picks.

Happy Sunday!

This week I'm back to an oldie and newbie.

How's this for an oldie?

Takes me straight back to high school!

And here's the newbie.

I can't get this out of my head at the moment. Love it!

The 52 Week Project - Hair

2011-11-05T09:36:00.000+10:00

Every week I'll be linking with @mymummydaze and her "52 Week Project".

She says...

No, this isn’t a diet or exercise regime. It’s not a responsible financial system or an abstinence program. It’s not even a relationship-building sex challenge (although that does sound fun). Although I’m sure I could benefit from all of these year-long challenges, this is much simpler with no great philosophy or life-changing aims underpinning it. It’s a weekly photography self-portrait challenge.

I've always loved my long hair. Until it started going grey on me, now it's not so popular.
But here it is all freshly dyed and de-greyed!

I'm linking this post with My Mummy Daze.

Click on the button to join in.

Cygnets

2011-11-05T08:36:00.002+10:00

From this...

Taken 3/09/11

...to this...

Taken 4/11/11

...in just 2 short months.

And we think our kids grow up fast!!

Friday Funny - Laugh

2011-11-04T13:52:00.000+10:00

The fabulous Shelly from Tropical Mum has come up with a brilliant linky idea.
Each Friday she'll post something funny...
an old or new post
a video
a joke
a picture...

And because I haven't quite filled my week with linkies yet...
I'm joining in!

I saw this on Facebook during the week and it made me laugh.
Mostly because I need this advice more than anyone.
Being laughed at is something I don't take well.
I need to get over myself.

Have a funny Friday...in a good way!

Linking this post with Shelly's

Be sure to click on the button for some more giggles.

Honeysuckle

2011-11-04T07:44:00.001+10:00

Do you ever get the whiff of a certain scent
and it immediately takes you back
to another place,
another time?

Every morning as we walk to school
I don't just catch a whiff.
My olfactory sense is assaulted by this...

An arbour heavily covered in honeysuckle.
It's overpowering, and every day I'm taken right back to Year 6....

I'm about 11 years old and waiting on the verandah of an old Queenslander in Boonah.
The trellis aound the verandah is totally covered in honeysuckle.
I'm sitting with other children around my age and their parents or teachers.
We are waiting to sit our AMEB piano exam.
I'm a very nervous child, I feel sick in my stomach, every muscle in my body is tense (which makes it difficult for my fingers to play freely on the piano).
My knees are literally knocking.
My very talented piano teacher sits beside me.
She is very calming.
She tells me I can do it.
She tells me I've done all the practice I need.
She tells me I know all the theory.
And then my name is called.
My legs can barely walk for trembling.
But I sit at the beautiful piano.
My fingers move, and only slip up on a couple of notes.
I remember all of the theory questions.
I am finished.
I did it!

And I did alright, too.
I got an A!

But I still get butterflies everytime I smell honeysuckle.

Polly with a Stroller

2011-11-03T11:33:00.001+10:00

Danielle from Danimezza has Polly with a stroller this week.

Polly is past having kids of her own.
But today she is pushing her younger cousin's adorable new baby in the stroller,
giving the new mum an hour or two of alone time to sleep.
Because that's what every new mum needs most!
Polly and her new little cousin are talking a walk through the local shopping centre.
Then they're going to sit in the park for awhile and watch the world go by.

Polly with a Stroller by doireallywannablog featuring stud earrings

This fun challenge is the brain child of

Danielle from Danimezza...

Click on the button to play along.

Summer shift dress
$24 - warehouse.co.uk

Summer wedge sandals
£23 - debenhams.com

Hermes stainless steel watch
$2,700 - usa.hermes.com

1928 Jewelry crystal bangle
$78 - 1928.com

Ranjana Khan stud earrings
$342 - boutique1.com

MICHAEL Michael Kors logo sunglasses
$98 - zappos.com

Dior 'Addict' Ultra Gloss Intimate Bronze 522 One Size
$28 - nordstrom.com

Amazon.com: Graco Alano Stroller, Ally: Baby
$500 - amazon.com

PINK LINING Red Butterflies Mum On The Run Bag
£28 - harrods.com

Penelope Stroller Blanket | Pottery Barn Kids
$39 - potterybarnkids.com

NUK TrendLine Whimsy Orthodontic Bottles - 3 Pack - babyearth.com
$14 - babyearth.com

Thierry Mugler Innocent Non-refillable Spray
$76 - bloomingdales.com

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-02T06:34:00.000+10:00

If you want words about this photo

please pop over to

The Happy Shutterbug

Linking up today with

Trish @ My Little Drummer Boys

A House with a Hundred Rooms

2011-11-01T10:12:00.002+10:00

As I look about our home and despair at the ever increasing clutter,
I once again find myself drifting off into one of my favourite daydreams...

Living in a house with a hundred rooms!

*sigh*
If only....

What?
Buckingham Palace has 775 rooms.
A hundred is nothing! ;)
"What would I with a hundred rooms?" you ask.
Plenty!!
Let's see if I can fill them.
Ready, set, go!

First of all, each family member would have their own personal suite of rooms.
The kids would have their own bedroom, bathroom, playroom, study and media room. (10)
My husband and I would share a bedroom, of course, and have our own bathroom, dressing room and study. (7)
Then there would be several guest suites for the hoards of family and friends that would be dying to visit us in our new mansion.
Each suite would have a bedroom, bathroom and sitting room.
I think 12 guest suites should do (that would accommodate both sides of our family). (36)
A kitchen, larder, cellar (3)
A breakfast room, family room, family dining room (3)
A formal lounge and formal dining room (2)
An outdoor barbecue room (1)
A family media room, a family play/games room (2)
Two sitting rooms (2)
A formal entrance and cloak room (2)
A laundry, three separate toilets (one on each floor) (4)
A sewing room with separate fitting room (2)
A two-storey library with a secret room behind a bookshelf (thanks Sarah for that idea!) (2)
A music room (with a baby grand piano) (1)
A gym (1)
A salon (for my private hairdresser and masseur) (1)
Four huge store rooms (one each) (4)
A viewing room on the roof (to take in the spectacular view) (1)
An indoor swimming pool with sauna and three dressing rooms and bathrooms (8)
A rooftop bar, two change rooms and bathrooms (for the rooftop swimming pool and spa) (5)
An indoor/outdoor garden room (1)
A workshop (1)
A 10 car garage (1)

And that, my friends, is one hundred!

It might look a little like this...

Surely, surely, there would be enough space to put everything away in this place!

Okay, enough daydreaming.
I'm off to tidy some of the clutter.
Wish me luck!!

PS Our current house has 11 rooms. How many does yours have?

PPS And don't ask me how I would manage to clean such a massive house. I'd have a team of housemaids, of course! :D

Jacaranda City

2011-10-30T18:17:00.000+10:00

Around this time last year I went on a 'Jacaranda Stroll' to snap some pics of some of the hundreds of gorgeous jacarandas around our town.
You can see that post here.

I left it a little later in October this year to capture the purple carpet, you'll see what I mean by that in a moment.
I've been out and about for the past week.
October has been very grey this year so there aren't many blue sky shots.
But the jacarandas are so gorgeous it doesn't really matter.
Now that I have a better camera, I hope I have taken some better photographs.

So, without further ado...
here is our town resplendent in purple bloom...

One zoomed view from our front patio

And another one

The neighbour's jacaranda overhanging our backyard

This one is just outside our school

I discovered this last year, a white jacaranda!
This is the only one I have ever seen.

The 'purple carpet' and Miss4 giving you an idea of the size of the tree

Yes, that is my car!

Our local park

A jacaranda lined street

From the top of our multi-storey car park you can see the jacarandas dotted all over the town

Looking from the car park across to our hill.
Yes, my house is in this picture.
No, I'm not telling which one it is.

Behind the car park

And finally, some close-ups

The only other place I've lived that has better jacaradas than our town was Toowoomba.
Oh boy, is it a pretty city in spring!

Sunday Session

2011-10-30T04:30:00.000+10:00

New rules - there are no rules!
On Sundays I play music on my blog.

Old or new or in between.

Related or not.

But always songs I love!

Here are my picks for this week.

You can play along by linking up below.

Can't wait to hear your picks.

Happy Sunday!

On Friday night my husband took me out for dinner and an overnight stay for my birthday at the resort near his parents place...child free! It is really handy having a resort close to your in-laws!
Last time we dined there they didn't have live music and I was wishing they did.
So I was very pleasantly surprised to walk in and see a geee-tar man setting up and warming up.

As we sat sipping cocktails...oh yes we did...we were guessing what kind of music he might play and what he would sound like.

To give you some idea, he looked daggy....really daggy!
He was about our age, but forgot that he wasn't living in the 80s anymore.

Anyhow, I thought he would definitely play some Van Morrison stuff and probably a bit of Eric Clapton.
I said he might sound a bit like Christopher Cross. Or even John Denver, given that he looked quite a bit like him! I've never been a John Denver fan so I didn't have very high expectations.

And guess what?
He sounded like a mix between Christopher Cross and John Denver...and sang Layla!
Full marks for me!

So, with all of that rambling in mind, this week's Sunday Session is inspired by Geeeee-tar Man.
Who we did end up enjoying, it was very nice dinner music.

The 52 Week Project

2011-10-29T06:00:00.000+10:00

It was my birthday on Wednesday and on Thursday at our mums' group, one of my friends gave me a gorgeous bunch of roses from her garden.
Aren't they divine?

I'm linking this post with My Mummy Daze.

Click on the button to join in.

Friday Funny - Giggles

2011-10-28T11:00:00.001+10:00

The fabulous Shelly from Tropical Mum has just come up with a brilliant linky idea.
Each Friday she is going to post something funny...
an old or new post
a video
a joke
a picture...

And because I haven't quite filled my week with linkies yet...I'm only 2 off now I think...
I'm joining in!

I posted this ages ago.
And now I think it's time to give it another run.
This is my now 7 year old boy, when he was 18 months old.
His Dad is showing him the coin trick!

Try not to smile while you're watching this....

Linking this post with Shelly's

Be sure to click on the button for some more giggles.

Psycho!

2011-10-28T06:06:00.000+10:00

Do you ever get the feeling that people are talking about you behind your back?
That they're whispering behind hands or sending DMs about you?
I do.
Yeah, I'm paranoid like that.

I often feel people think I'm...
weird
crazy
a little nutty
PSYCHO!

Well, I'm not.
Okay, I do admit I can be a little nutty, possibly even a little crazy, and I definitely can be weird sometimes.
But I am not psycho.
I hope!
So stop thinking I am.

Oh, you weren't?
Sorry, told you, paranoid.

Someone once told me,
"You'd be surprised how many people are not talking about you.
People have better things to do with their time."

And I'm sure that's true.
Still....

Do you ever get the feeling people are talking about you?
Or is it just me?
Am I really PSYCHO????

Polly the Artist

2011-10-27T10:41:00.000+10:00

Danielle from Danimezza has Polly as an artist this week.

Polly is an artist, too?
Man, she can do everything!!
Here she is all dressed up for the opening of her exhibition in a major city art gallery.

Polly the Artist by doireallywannablog featuring bb dakota coats

This fun challenge is the brain child of

Danielle from Danimezza...

Click on the button to play along.

Lanvin silk shift dress
£265 - flannelsfashion.com

Bb dakota coat
$120 - modcloth.com

Diane von Fürstenberg thick legging
$364 - boutique1.com

Tano hobo handbag
$159 - piperlime.gap.com

Dries Van Noten vintage style jewelry
$405 - mytheresa.com

House of Harlow 1960 leather earrings
$119 - shopthetrendboutique.com

Yellow gold ring
jewelry.1stdibs.com

Franco Sarto Artist Collection Women's Odell Pump | shoemall | free...
$100 - shoemall.com

Wordless Wednesday

2011-10-26T05:59:00.000+10:00

If you want words about this photo

please pop over to

The Happy Shutterbug

Linking up today with

Trish @ My Little Drummer Boys