A little Space like Home

A Celebrity Friend

2013-05-23T12:04:00.000+10:00

Listening to Babymac on my way to work this morning and she got me thinking.

Whilst she talked about what Celebrities you'd pay to email, I started to wonder and ask you, Have you ever thought you could be friends with a celebrity?

I'm talking, forget they're famous and it's probably not going to happen, but who do you think you'd get on with, two peas in a pod, all that.

Here are 3 Celebrities I'd love to hang out ~

[source]

Tori Spelling

I was not really ever a fan of Tori on 90210 but these days she is rocking on a whole other level. She has a website http://torispelling.com/ and is right onto twitter, instagram and pinterest. We'd be able to hang out and talk for hours on that alone.

Tori believes in being creative in everything she does and given my mind is constantly ticking over with ideas, I could imagine us hanging out, kids running wild around the backyard whilst we are up to our elbows in craft supplies and tools. I'm sure we'd have a hoot of a time.

[source]

Bethany Frankel

I don't ordinarily watch the housewives of whatever, but I have stumbled across Bethany a few times. I may have caught a random one or two episodes of Bethany Ever After and have seen her on Ellen as well.

I don't mind her. I have no doubt she'd be good value and a lot of fun.

Plus, she's very business savvy and that is a trait in someone that is appealing. When you have your own desires to success it's always good to align yourself with like minded people.

[source]

Gwyneth Paltrow

There's just something about Gwyneth. Maybe the fact that she stepped away from her acting career to spend time with her family. I admire this as I sit in my corporate chair and wish I was at home with my family.

Maybe it's her ability to move from one success to another with her website. Maybe it's her good will. Whatever it is all those strengths that I do admire makes me think that whilst we are worlds apart, maybe we have a few things in common.

Maybe just maybe if we hung out, no strings attached we'd be friends.

Go on, now it's your turn, who do you reckon you could be friends with?

Cheers

Mandy

5 Things :: That Scare Me

2013-05-22T09:52:00.000+10:00

[source]

I wish I could say I'm scared of nothing, but that would be a lie.

5 Things that Scare Me ~

Loneliness scares the absolute crap out of me. I like a bit of time to myself, but I like it to be a conscious choice. It's one of the reasons I had three children. I wanted to create an environment where if we had no one else at least we had each other. There's always something happening in a family of five!

I break out into a cold sweat when I see a big spider. Perhaps even when I see a medium one. I'm always worried they're going to get me. On one occasion Rod lost a huntsman in my car. I told him he had to find it and kill it or I'd never be able to drive the car again. Fair to say the frugal side of him managed to find it.

There's the obvious one, death. And I'm talking about anyone in my family. I couldn't bare to imagine what it would be like to lose one of my family members. And it scares the crap out of me to imagine my children growing up without me. Unfortunately many families are dealt these cards. Selfishly I'll say hopefully that's never me.

I'm scared of failure. When I commit to something I like to see it through, because I can't handle the thought of not succeeding. And sometimes I wonder if I don't take on challenges in life that I should because I'm afraid of failing. And deep down that's failure in itself isn't it. :(

Finally I'm scared of being surrounded by people I don't know. I push myself through this one, as scared as it makes me feel, because deep down I know it won't kill me. However, my poor husband often gets dragged along to social occasions, my someone that is there if I need, so I'm not left feeling like a scotty no friends. I hate being introverted. Once I know all those people in the room I'm OK. But until then I could almost vomit at the thought!

What are you scared of? Or do you live a fearless existence?

Mandy

Live your Life on Purpose

2013-05-21T08:39:00.001+10:00

Purpose.

I wonder what that word means to me, almost every day.

Why are we here, getting up, routines, what is our purpose?

What is it we set out to achieve?

Is it about self satisfaction?

Is it about our contribution to others?

Often, I have no bloody idea.

Getting up each and everyday, setting out to achieve what I have to and hoping like hell I might even find a minute or two to achieve a little something more.

I feel like I'm standing at a folk in the road, unsure of what direction to take, hovering.

Filled with self doubt I want someone to come through, sweep me up and make the decisions for me.

But then I'm reminded, I'm all grown up now.

[source]

Do you go out and grab it, live your life on purpose? Or do you trust that the path you are following is your destiny and is that enough?

Mandy

No Fail Apple Tea Cake

2013-05-20T12:40:00.000+10:00

A few weeks ago I had a crack at Apple Muffins and they were so bland the whole family refused to eat them and I don't blame them.

So I headed to Facebook and ask the lovely group of readers there for their hot tips.

Nutmeg and Cinnamon was the conclusive answer.

So I decided to tackle another apple cake with the last of our apple haul from the orchid and I found the worlds easiest and most delicious apple cake.

Seriously, a recipe where most households will have all the ingredients, you whack it all in and mix it up and chuck it in the oven.

Recipe can be found here.

Go on, you can thank me later!

Cheers

Mandy.

17/52

2013-05-18T07:09:00.001+10:00

~ A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013 ~

On location in Canberra (Photo courtesy of Daniela Ferry) At the War Memorial, in the Bunker At the War Memorial, Educational Centre

Easy Mushroom Soup

2013-05-17T09:22:00.002+10:00

I've always been a huge fan of mushroom soup, it's a stand out for me. I recommend you give it a go.

Ingredients

25g butter
1 brown onion diced
1 leek, diced
500g button mushrooms, diced
2 cups of chicken stock
1 cup of cream

Melt butter in a pan, add the onions, leek and the mushrooms, cook until brown but not over done.

Place in a pot with the chicken stock and simmer for 20 minutes.

Blend to a smooth consistency, then stir in the cream.

* As usual I just use my Soup & Co which means I do the browning, put all the ingredients (minus the cream) in the Soup & Co and 25 minutes later it beeps to tell me it's read. Just add cream.

Enjoy

Mandy.

5 Things :: I Love

2013-05-16T09:40:00.000+10:00

I wonder if this is a purposeless post, because if you follow this blog you probably already know what I love.

Now removing the bloody obvious, my family, today I'm talking about 5 things that I love.

5 Things I Love ~

I absolutely adore my camera and the ability to take photos with it. The creative outlet that it allows me is beyond words. I've always taken photos, and have a decent stash of albums from my teenage years.

I love my home. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to build a new home, but in the face of reality I'll forever be grateful for the home I'm in right now. Our first home, a place where we bought our new babies to nurture. It fills my heart with happiness and provides a safe haven when the world gets to hard.

I love to travel. I love the lead up to a getaway, the anticipation. I love the nothingness of a destination, you know, no housework, no day to day grind. I even love the feeling when you get home and reflect through photos. Every destination whether down the road or across the sea offers something worth experiencing.

Following on from this I will admit I love the beach. I've not always been a lover though. It's something I've fallen in love with since I've had children. Now I can't think of anything better than heading down the beach with my family to just hang out and enjoy it's beauty.

Finally I love to entertain. I mean if you love your home what better way to enjoy it than by filling it with family and friends. Sitting out the back in summer whilst the kids play, preparing an array of food to share. The smiles and laughter that usually follow.

I'm a simply girl.

What things do you truly love?

Mandy

* 5 Things :: I love, is the first in a series of posts about me.

Stir-fry Noodles with Chicken and Macadamias

2013-05-14T09:53:00.000+10:00

I've been wanting to get healthy of late and no joke it's as if I have a brick wall blocking my vision. When I think what to cook, what to eat, my mind is blank.

I need inspiration.

So it was a no brainer when the people behind Australian Macadamia Oil offered me a goody basket full of ingredients to make a healthy stir-fry.

What in particular caught my attention was the fact that Macadamia Oil is a healthier option to most other oils.

Hubby and I really really enjoyed this recipe. To be totally honest, I don't think I've ever eaten a Macadamia Nut and I was pleasantly surprised.

I recommend you give this one a go!

Ingredients

400g pkt of hokkien noodles
2-3 tbsps Suncoast Gold Australian Macadamia Oil
250g skinless chicken breast, sliced
4 green onions, sliced
1/2 red capsicum, sliced thinly
2 cups of vegetables diced (I used brocolini, snow peas and carrots)
75g pkt dry roasted unsalted Suncoast Gold Australian Macadamias
Juice of 1 lime
3-4 tbsps sweet chilli sauce
1/2 cup of fresh coriander leaves

Method

Soak the noodles in boiling water for a couple of minutes and then drain.

Heat the wok, add the oil and swirl it around. Add the chicken and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden all over.

Add the onions, capsicum, other vegetables and macadamias and stir-fry for a minute or two. Add the drained noodles and toss well to combine.

Add lime juice and sweet chill sauce and toss again.

Divide between four bowls and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

...

For more recipes visit Suncoast Gold Macadamia Oil.

Enjoy

Mandy

Mine was a Mothers Day Classic

2013-05-13T07:26:00.000+10:00

That right there, is spirit.

I've done a few fun runs now and nothing beats a fun run with friends. Whilst we ran our own race, having people to share the emotion with after the finish line is worth it's weight in gold.

When my gorgeous friend Cass suggested we put a team together I was straight on board. I've talked about how I've bitten off more than I can chew when it comes to running and wanted to go back to square one.

I was happy with my efforts today. Not ecstatic, but definitely happy.

I was slack in the lead up, busyness taking over. But I soldiered on and it was a good feeling to just do it. It sure has been a while.

-x-

Lulu asked me on Saturday if I was excited about tomorrow, being Mothers Day. A little bit like a birthday in her eyes I guess.

They had my presents from the Mothers Day Stall stashed in her bedroom for the last couple of days with an assortment of home made love.

When I walked in the door after lunch I was greeted with a little clue as to where I needed to head to find my gift.

It's always very sweet to see the excitement in the kids faces as they share their love.

-x-

This was the first Mothers Day that I decided to step away from my family and do something for myself.

I was a little unsure at first if it was the right thing to do, but you know what, sometimes we set ourselves such high expectations of what Mothers Day should be like, when the kids don't get the memo and it's a usual day in the office it can sometimes be a little disheartening.

I decided there was nothing wrong with doing something for myself on this day. Spending time with a bunch of lovely ladies, uninterrupted. And then after lunch I got to come home and they were busting with anticipation to see me.

Best of both worlds I think.

I hope you had a great Mothers Day and a little bit of a break from your usual load.

Cheers

Mandy

16/52

2013-05-11T10:41:00.000+10:00

~ A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013 ~
It's May and yet, look at us. We heart the beach at all times of the year.

Grateful for a good Jumping Pillow

2013-05-10T08:37:00.001+10:00

We head away for a long weekend to spend time with family. To spice it up a little and convince the kids and ourselves that we’re on holidays we detour on the way home and stop off at a caravan park for a nights stay.

A night, a week, a caravan park offers my family an escape.

As I peruse the Internet in search of the perfect spot, I search for jumping pillows.

In a tourist town, currently sleeping in low season, we have 7 caravan parks to choose from. The one with the jumping pillow is booked even if it’s the one right on the edge of town.

It’s cathartic, sitting and watching the children play, laughter fills the cool air.

Nowhere to be, nothing to do, but sit and ponder the choices I’ve made that lead me to this point.

I’m pretty grateful.

Right now in the moment, life is pretty sweet.

What are you grateful for this week?

Linking up with Village Voices.

Mandy

Yo Gabba Gabba ~ Giveaway

2013-05-08T08:14:00.000+10:00

Sponsored Post

As a parent I know you'll understand when I say, when it comes to TV characters, you love some and then you hate some.

Well when it comes to love, in our home, it has to be Yo Gabba Gabba.

I bloody love that show. It's so full of energy, sweet wholesome messages, I even introduced them to the ladies [sans kids] at work, lol, I'm serious!

So I was a tad excited when I heard they were coming out to Australia.

This June they are headed our way in their tour 'Yo Gabba Gabba LIVE Get the Sillies Out'. The sillies are crazy little creatures that live inside of us and need to be shaken out! DJ Lance Rock and the gorgeous characters from Yo Gabba Gabba will be calling fans to get ready to jump, shake and shimmy.

Tell me you're not excited.

The show will also feature a guest band in each city and dancey dance guest performances from a range of Australian personalities.

What does this mean, well in 2011 dancey dance guests included members of Powderfinger, Sneaky Sound System and Spiderbait, so I'm sure it will be impressive.

VIP Meet DJ Lance Rock tickets and all other general show tickets are now on sale.

You can purchase tickets here.

But better still I have a GIVEAWAY.

WIN A FAMILY PASS FOR 4 PEOPLE TO SEE YO GABBA GABBA LIVE IN MELBOURNE

Prize is a PREMIUM FAMILY PASS to see this live show, worth $200.

· Show time: 4:30 PM

· Show date: SATURDAY 8 JUNE 2013

· Venue: PALAIS THEATRE, ST KILDA MELBOURNE

To enter simply tell me why you'd like to win. Winner will be selected by the man of the house.

Open to Australian Residents Only (Keep in mind ticket is only for this performance so please make sure you're available to attend).

Giveaway closes 22 May @ midnight.
Winner has 5 days from announcement to claim their prize.

Good luck

Mandy

Disney-Pixar Fun Zone hits the V8

2013-05-06T10:23:00.001+10:00

Sponsored Post

In 2011 & 2012 Disney launched a Pixar Cars Truck Tour. It was so popular it is back again, but this time it's been supercharged.

It includes 4 worlds of entertainment including Toy Story, Finding Nemo, Monsters University and of Course Cars.

The Pixar Fun Zone will complete a national tour in 2013 appearing at selected V8 Supercar events.

I'm really looking forward to taking my kids through the Monsters University Maze. Whilst the movie hasn't been released yet, I know the kids will love the giant maze which is covered in illustrations of characters from the Monsters University film.

And when they're all tuckered out, families can immerse themselves in an underwater world inside the Finding Nemo 3D Movie Dome, complete with leading edge 3D technology! Love it!

For more information about Disney-Pixar Fun Zone visit the website

Sat 4 and Sun 6 May
V8 Supercars Chill Perth 360
Thu 16 to Sun 19 May
Southbank, Brisbane (free event)
Sat 15 and Sun 16 June
V8 Supercars Skycity Triple Crown, Darwin
Fri 5 and Sun 6 July
V8 Supercars Sucrogen Townsville 400
Sat 27 and Sun 28 July
V8 Supercars Coates Hire Ipswich 360

Sat 14 and Sun 15 September
V8 Supercars Sandown 500
Fri 11 to Sun 13 October
V8 Supercars Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000
Fri 25 to Sun 27 October
V8 Supercars ARMOR ALL Gold Coast 600
Sat 23 to Sat 24 November
V8 Supercars Phillip Island 360
Fri 6 to Sun 8 December
V8 Supercars Sydney 500

I look forward to taking our kids along to this event. I know they'll adore all the Disney-Pixar features and I think they'll get a real buzz out of the V8's too. I know they thought it was awesome when Rod went for a spin around Sandown before Christmas.

Cheers

Mandy.

15/52

2013-05-04T09:26:00.002+10:00

~ A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013 ~

When it comes to practicing my photography, I have the best models ever!

Full of Grateful

2013-05-03T06:20:00.000+10:00

This week I'm so grateful for all of those small things.

Nothing exciting has been happening here, just the daily grind, and anything major has been filled with sadness.

But....

I'm grateful that I've had so many wonderful people come into my life. Some have passed through and moved on, just being there when I needed them.

Others are like the bricks and mortar that hold me together.

I'm grateful for the friends that step in without a second thought when you need support.

I'm grateful for laughter.

I'm grateful for ANZAC biscuits, although I might need to have some time out from them, cause they ain't doing me any favours.

I'm grateful that as this post goes live, I'm sitting in the car headed to my brother and sister inlaws house for a few days of quality family time. It's always when we get together that I'm sad the kids don't get to see each other more often. There's a lot of love right there.

I'm looking forward to a fun filled couple of days and for the first time our kids will be old enough to appreciate Canberra. So we'll be squeezing in a bit of tourist activities as well.

What are you grateful for this week? I'm linking up with Village Voices 52 weeks of grateful.

Cheers

Mandy.

Diary of a Comeback Mum

2013-05-02T10:06:00.001+10:00

I used to be fit.

I used to run.

I went in fun runs.

In recent times I couldn't even tell you who that former version of me was.

My heart hasn't been in it, overwhelmed with all that is on my plate.

And sure, I hear the skeptics. 'Excuses, excuses' they say.

And they're right.

I know it's all a matter of priorities and I'm not ashamed to say that motherhood, photography, blogging and crochet have been higher on the agenda.

But more recently it's been nagging at me.

I used to be fit.

I used to love it.

I want it, again.

So I've signed up for the Mothers Day Classic with a handful of friends. Only 4kms. I wonder if that is why I was never successful the first time (always opting for a walk/run scenario instead of a run scenario), jumping straight into a 14km fun run was probably always a case of setting myself up to fail.

So I'm doing it different this time.

April was the month of 50kms.

50kms walk/run in a month.

With Easter and School holidays to kick off the month I was a little slow off the mark, I didn't actually get out and start until the 15th April when the kids went back, but focusing forward I got on with it.

Here's my diary, as I went along:

Mon 15th :: 5.01km [walk]
Tues 16th :: 4.16km [walk]
Fri 19th :: 1.94km [walk] & 2.08 [walk]

Mon 22nd :: 3.22km [walk/run]
* Today I joined in the kids school challenge, where they run/walk around the oval for an hour. I took a few photos and then joined them for the second half. Tom completed 30 laps, can you believe that!

Fri 26th :: 7km [run 3, walk2, run 1, walk1]
* Today's run was my contribution towards Kate's Operation Move. I pledged 5kms and completed 7kms. I feel like I've finally after all this time turned a corner. It was the first time I truly believed I can do this. I kept pushing myself to keep going instead of putting myself down. I really believe this is because I am taking baby steps instead of committing myself beyond what I know is reasonable.

Sun 28th :: 7.23km [walk]

Tues 30th :: 5kms [run/walk]

In total I completed 33.5kms. Not 50!

But the month before I completed none, so 33.5 is a bloody good step forward. I think I could have rocked this had I not started mid month.. stating the obvious.

I'm feeling ready for the mothers day classic, 4kms is very doable and that excites me.

Stay tuned for the next instalment.

Cheers

Mandy.

Giant Granny Squares ~ Crochet Blanket

2013-05-01T08:10:00.000+10:00

I'm heading to Canberra for my Nephew's Holy Communion. He's a special little man who we love dearly. Not only is he our Nephew, he is also our God Son.

I wanted to make something special as part of his gift.

Last time I was in Canberra I was crocheting granny squares and he was very very fascinated. So I thought a blanket made with lots of love was in order.

I know, and I'm sure you know, that crocheting is so back in fashion, right! But I am surrounded by some sceptics. But the thing with crochet, it's all in the colour choice.

I wanted blue, but not typical navy. I opted for this aqua colour as my main colour and incorporated the navy and a couple of shades of grey.

I worked on a granny square of 19 rounds and then used a single crochet to join them together. Following that I did one full round and a scalloped edge to complete it.

The blanket is abstract and is 3 x 3 squares in size.

I can't wait to give this to my sweet little mate, who we all love so much.

Cheers

Mandy.

A tale of a Dream Home

2013-04-29T07:21:00.001+10:00

In partnership with Stockland

Regardless of the fact that I am not at all dissatisfied in my own home the reality is, I often dream of a new home, one that no one else has ever lived in before.

What would it look like?

How big would it be?

I dream of a home on a big block, with space, space for our home, for the kids to run around.

Space for Rod's veggie garden, for a beautiful outdoor entertaining area.

Oh and how I'd love a pool.

Soure ~ Garden

I dream of a home where everyone has their own room, and I have a walk in wardrobe and en suite.

Source ~ Master :: Bo ys Desk :: Girls Bed :: Wardrobe

A lovely big kitchen, because kitchens always seem to be the hub of a home, where people congregate, a place where I can create family meals and we can sit together and share news of our day. Oh and a butlers pantry, would be so luxurious!

Source ~ Kitchen :: Butlers Pantry

Every house these days needs and office, but imagine if beyond that I could have my own lady room, you know, my own desk, uninterrupted with other peoples bits and pieces. A nice big lounge for reading a book and some bench space for a little sewing or crafting.

Source ~ Office

I could go on and on couldn't I? Mudrooms, gyms......... Wouldn't it be lovely!

There are so many ways to get loads of inspiration when thinking of your dream home, I love to trawl Pinterest and on the odd occasion I've even been spotted checking out all the lovely display homes.

When I see advertisements like the Land release in Truganina and Arbourlea it's fair to say I get a little envious of the families about to embark on their own journey.

But you never ever know what lies around the corner. So I make the most of what I've got in front of me now, I find ways cherish it and call it my own, but in the back of my mind (or on my Pinterest boards, lol) I'll always have an idea of what my dream home would be like.

Have you ever built your own home? What feature makes your house your home?

Cheers

Mandy

Grateful

2013-04-28T08:11:00.000+10:00

It's not that I'm feeling ungrateful.

No not at all.

It's just that its been a sad, hectic, at times stressful week.

With the loss of a friend taken too young, organising a garage sale, on top of work, I've barely had time to stop and think.

And now here I am, wondering where the week went.

So it requires a little more thought, this grateful business.

But if I think about the things that consumed me this week, there is grateful.

I'm grateful that although a friend lost her husband, I know she has the most loving and caring family that will see her through.

I'm grateful that as much as my job is a thorn in my side, it helps pay my mortgage and allow me to breath without too much financial pressure.

I'm grateful that a good friend wanted to join me in my garage sale, meaning that the whole experience was more pleasant, chatting together throughout the day.

I'm grateful that we have good friends who invited us around for a couple of drinks on ANZAC day, goodness knows we needed the distraction.

I'm extremely grateful that all my family are healthy and happy and really have nothing to complain about.

This week whilst just another hectic week, juggling things to get by, will also now rest in the history books as one we'll never forget. I'm sure next week will be another exhausting one, but we'll soldier on, because thats living and we just keep doing the best we can.

What are you grateful for this week?

Linking up with Village Voices for 52 Weeks of Grateful.

Cheers

Mandy.

Mothers Day Shopping

2013-04-24T15:33:00.002+10:00

Are you like me, going out and buying your own Mother's Day Gift.

Until last year, when Lulu started school, no one bought me a gift, and even then I fill in the form and pay the money, lol.

But that's OK, I really just use it as an excuse to buy myself something that hubby would ordinarily try and deem as unnecessary.

This year I'm toying with the idea of tarting up the lounge room with some new cushions and a throw. Our lounge has nothing on it as, until now, little children would simply throw everything on the floor.

But until I can decide, because it's a huge decision you know....... I opted for a little retail therapy.

My girlfriend and I were fortunate enough to be invited by Brand meets Blog to the opening of the new Sussan Store at Highpoint. Having just had a conversation only a week earlier about how we often struggle with putting outfits together, we headed to Highpoint where the team from Sussan and Marie Claire presented the latest fashions and how to mix and match.

It really is amazing what a difference it makes when you see something on, teamed with the right pieces. My girlfriend saw a shirt on the rack that really didn't catch her fancy, but when she saw it in store fashion parade she loved it.

She bought both tops shown above, which would look fabulous with the skirt or some skinny jeans.

I bought this gorgeous knit jumper, which is a little different for me. I'm the queen of cardigans. But I love the fact that I don't have to find another nice top to go with it.

Sussan's also have a huge range of Jeggings. I'm in love, because I've got a couple of pairs of ankle boots and their jeggings are slim enough in the ankle to rock ankle boots.

I totally fell in love with these grey ones. But I think I'm going to go back and buy the black print too.

Apparently the theme this winter is tactile ~ knits, cord, velvet, anything that gives you a sense of 'touchy feely'.

Big, loose tops, slim fit pants/skirts.

And accessories. Apparently, bigger is better, big jewels, scarves, belts and bags.

And now to finish off, I thought I'd leave you with a few other favourite. The bank account wouldn't allow any more purchases on the night, but seriously, I'm loving some of the winter range. But never fear, Winter will never be my favourite season! Just saying.

Do you look forward to good company, hand crafted gifts, and mothers day stall gifts? Or does hubby head to the shops in a bid to find the perfect give and surprise you?

Cheers

Mandy.

Disclosure: I was invited along to the opening night by Brand meets Blog, I was given a Susan Gift Card for coming along, however all items purchased on the night where paid for by me, because quite frankly I can't help myself, I love this store.

Sadness

2013-04-23T09:24:00.001+10:00

Sadness;

Sadness is emotional pain associated with, or characterized by feelings of disadvantage, loss, despair, helplessness and sorrow. An individual experiencing sadness may become quiet or lethargic, and withdraw themselves from others. Crying is often an indication of sadness. Sadness can be viewed as a temporary lowering of mood, whereas depression is more chronic.

Sadness is what I am feeling at the moment.

Sadness for everything that happened in America

Sadness for another gun shooting there this week

Sadness for China and all those lost in the earthquake

I feel so sad for a good friend who's dad passed, after a long battle with Alzheimer's.

Most of all my heart is sad for an old friend. A father of two young boys who suffered a brain aneurysm on the weekend and whilst he is still with us, is 'not going to make it'.

For his parents, who never imagined they'd bury their own child.

For his wife who will now have to muddle her way through the world on her own.

For his two sons who probably have no idea that their world is being turned completely upside down.

The very first time Rod took me to meet his friends all those years ago, we headed to this couples engagement party. A group of mates that worked together and their partners. We've shared many a celebrations, birthdays, marriages, the arrival of children.

And now as we all fumble our way through our own lives, it's the celebrations that unite us, but this is the first time that sadness has united these mates.

So whilst I'm reminded this week that life is a blessing, that we must grab it with gusto and give it all that we've got, I'll think of those that have and will be taken from us. I'll be grateful for a good life, surrounded by gorgeous people that make me smile, because we never know what lies around the corner.

Mandy.

14/52

2013-04-20T00:32:00.000+10:00

~ A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013 ~

Attitude, too cool for school is the behaviour I'm given when the camera's on hand

When it's under 15 degrees outside a super deep bath will fix everything

Water, whether it's the beach or the bath, there is something about, wet eyelashes, droplets on the cheeks and messy hair. Lulu is the ultimate water baby.

Grateful for Heating

2013-04-19T19:41:00.002+10:00

It's bloody cold today.

It feels like the first day of winter, although it's still Autumn.

Only a month ago we were cooling ourselves from 30+ degree temperatures.

Suddenly the change has swept across us and we have no choice but to embrace it.

This time last year, I tried.

I tried really hard to embrace all the things I love and had missed. Like scarves.

But lets be honest, I love sunshine.

I love the heat on my back as I watch the kids play in the waves at the beach.

I love a meal outside.

And singlet tops.

But they are all but gone now, at least for a little while.

So this week I am grateful for my heater. I'm grateful that despite what is happening outside, I can set it to whatever temperature I like.

Whilst my hubby might not always let me set it to the temperature I want to, I know I will not freeze.

I imagine what it must be like to live in places where it is snowing.

Or what it might be like to not have a roof over my head at all, on the cold nights, that would be even tougher than normal.

So I acknowledge that I'm lucky, a good heater keeps me warm.

It's another small thing that makes my house a home, a place where I could lock myself away and retreat from the world, when it gets tough.... or perhaps, just cold.

What are you grateful for this week?

I'm linking up with Village Voices for 52 weeks of Grateful.

Cheers

Mandy

RedBalloon ~ Tour of Melbourne Lane Ways

2013-04-18T07:28:00.000+10:00

Sponsored Post

Last weekend I headed into the heart of Melbourne for a RedBalloon walking tour of Melbourne's lane ways.

I jumped at this opportunity as I always hear of these fabulous things going on in these little nooks and so on, but honestly wouldn't even know where to look.

I learnt about the Bee Project (housing bees on city roof tops) and sampled some of their honey, found out about the world of Zines.

Was absolutely mesmerized by all the beautiful architecture and loved hearing about the history behind it, as well as what Melbourne is doing to protect it moving forward.

I couldn't walk past the Babushka Doll Shop without purchasing a small one for my daughter. I think I might have to purchase the Santa one down the track, simply Divine.

Not being a coffee drinker was very impressed with Ko Ko Black where I had my first ever Chocolate Affogato, OMG people OMG!

But most of all I just appreciated the opportunity to soak in all that atmosphere.

A lifestyle I'm not usually privy too.

I totally adored having a day to myself, spent with a good friend, in a lovely and small tour group. The guide was well equipped with knowledge and was happy to answer plenty of questions.

I now am very motivated to head back into the city without an agenda, to head back to some of the hidden gems I was introduced to and really have another good look around.

READER OFFER

If you'd like to check out any of the Melbourne Tours, RedBalloon have to offer, or any other RedBalloon Experiences, A Little Space like Home in conjunction with RedBalloon would like to offer you a reader discount.

Offer: Spend $129 or more on any RedBalloon experience, and receive $30 off.

To Redeem: Visit www.redballon.com.au and enter the promotional code REDMUM13 at the checkout to receive your discount.

Terms and Conditions: Offer valid until 31/12/13. Promotional Code can only be used once per person. All purchases are subject to RedBalloon T&Cs, for full details see www.redballoon.com.au/help/terms-conditions

Cheers

Mandy.

Disclosure: Thanks to the team at Digital Parents Collective for inviting me to be a part of the RedBalloon Experience Program. As always, all opinions are my own however the experiences are complimentary.

The Swing

2013-04-17T13:44:00.000+10:00

How's the Joy? Wind swept hair as she swings through the breeze on a warm Autumn afternoon.

We don't really have any huge tree's on our property, yet the kids, they've been aching for a swing. So rather than dwell on what we don't have, Rod and Lulu focused on what we can do.

Our biggest tree, it's along the line of the fence so doesn't allow a lot of room, but it allows some, enough.

Wedged between the tree, the fence and the cubby, dangling above the sandpit lies our home made swing.

A rock in the garden plays the pefect role as the step to get up onto the rope, the fence plays the perfect role of the 'kick off board'.

Every single day my kids remind me that life doesn't have to be complicated, that sometimes the most simple of pleasures are the best.

Cheers

Mandy