Glammamumma

Respect! The Moneyless Man Mark Boyle

2010-11-19T12:26:00.001-08:00

It all began with the famous Gandhi quote - "Be the Change You Want to See in The World"

In my seemingly never ending quest to find a delicate balance between functional style & environmental awareness, I came across a fabulous story about Mark Boyle, the ex-Economics major who has shunned capitalism and embarked on a moneyless life... no job, no income, no spending... and he seems to have this complete Nirvana that he assures the world is far better than his old income and the trappings it came with.

Mark found his caravan that he lives in on Freecycle for nothing. He grows his own food. He creates his own energy and heating from renewable sources such as beeswax candles and timber from the adjoining woods. He bathes in a river and makes his morning tea from nettles. He rides his bike into town, where he Skilltrades- offering his skills (be it labouring, consulting, whatever) in exchange for oats or grains.
It's a fascinating story! A little too "Deliverance" for what I have in mind, but certainly food for thought when it comes to the idea of being able to effectively live for free!

In the mean time, I still stick to what I know and doing my own little bit. Mark even says himself on everyone living like him tomorrow "It would be a catastrophe, we are too addicted to both it (money) and cheap energy, and have managed to build an entire global infrastructure around the abundance of both." however if we all do small things, we are able to make a big impact.

Personally, I don't think I am able to be as drastic as Mark... I do still love to purchase things, but I will continue to be consciously vegetarian, growing or swapping with my neighbours where I can. I will keep refashioning clothing & other items around the home, swapping or giving away things I no longer need or want to someone who could use it. Making environmentally (and physically friendly) decisions on what products I use around the home or on my body, with an effort to use companies or businesses with the same global-impact ethic.

Post your comments and ideas here for your ways of living that little bit more nomadic & reducing your consuming habits, I would love to hear your ideas and opinions!

See HERE for the ABC story on Mark Boyle, the Moneyless Man.

Felt Food - How to make it!

2010-11-09T16:58:00.000-08:00

I have officially dusted off my sewing machine now, and have recently been whipping up Felt Food for my little Miss!!! Being your typical 4-year old girl, she loves nothing more than having picnics, teaparties and feeding her "babies". So rather than offer her (messy) real food, I needed an alternative. And unfortunately, plastic-store bought food is not cheap!

So I discovered (or should I say, rediscovered, from my childhood!), FELT FOOD! It looked amazing when I saw some recently on Etsy... and I thought it couldn't be too hard! So I purchased a range of craft felt from Spotlight and set to work!

I simply made a circle template from a plate and cut it into quarters, cutting two sheets of beige felt to make the base. I machine stiched the base, then cut a small slice into one side to fold the felt inside out and stuffed with flat batting. Then from a smaller diametre version of the template, cut some red felt with a "dollopy" look to make the sauce. I hand stiched the sauce to the base to cover up the restiching of the base from the revering/stuffing earlier.

The toppings I just freehand stiched on the machine to make capsicum, cheese, olives and pepperoni.

The great thing with the pizza toppings is that she can "make" her own pizzas! The base/tomato sauce is stiched on, but everything else is loose, so she can add or remove toppings as she pleases!

My second felt food effort was a donut!

Similarly, I used beige felt and made a small round template. I machine stiched the circle then cut a small nick into one side to reverse the felt and stuff it with flat batting.

Then I cut a peice of pink felt and hand stiched the little seed beads onto it. Then I hand stiched the pink felt onto the beige base. Voila!

I am always on the lookout for more ideas, and here at One Crafty Place they have an awesome Felt Food Tutorial Round Up! I am stocking up on felt as we speak!

Bottom line is though... my daughter LOVES them, and I am quite taken by them too! They are so cute and fun to play with... and I have the added pleasure of seeing something I created being loved and used!

DIY Face and Body At Home

2010-11-08T16:39:00.000-08:00

Ok, we have established the hair DIY. Next comes face and body at home!

I often think, we are so blessed to have indoor plumbing in this day and age... a real luxury in itself for so many people past and present! So surely, we can find ways to pamper at home? I much prefer it anyway... I have set myself up pretty well to ensure I have all the elements required for a relaxing day spa (or in my case, evening!).

It's not hard and not expensive. In fact, one of my favourite tried and true treatments is made of items in your own pantry! Then of course there are store bought products. But I just want to touch here on the importance of not using products containing certain additives.

Personally, I have an aversion to anything containing Parabens and SLS (Sodium Laurel Sulphate). I found this out purely by accident! I had an awful rash on my skin after having my children, it was brownish where my skin wasn't exposed to sun, but was white where my skin was exposed! The doctors assumed psoraisis or a fungal skin rash. It seemed to get worse as the weather and humidity rose.

One day, I met a mother of a luekemia patient. She explained her son had a similar reaction when exposed to chemicals - chemical overload. I couldn't believe it, it seemed so simple! Long story short, I managed to get rid of my skin condition purely by watching what I put on my skin, so I have been seeking products that do not contain Parabens or SLS. In fact, Parabens have been linked to Breast Cancer of all things too, all the more reason to avoid them! But, as with anything, when you try to avoid it, you learn it is EVERYWHERE!!! I recommend reading this article from the FDA about Parabens to learn more about what they are and why to consider steering clear.

So anyway, I needed to totally throw most of my accumulated beauty products out and opt for more natural choices for my skin, basically starting over. Your beauty regimen daily is basically three steps... Cleanse, Tone, Moisturise. At least twice a week, I like to have a scrub as well (face and body), and once a week I have a soothing body mask, followed by a bath soak & face mask. Sounds expensive? Well, it isn't!!!

For cleansing, a simple soap can be ideal (depending on your skin, of course!), I highly recommend goats milk soap and the delicious cleansers from Aussie brand, Moo Goo. Their delicious soaps and moisturisers are staples in my home now. You can buy them either online or from health food stores like Go Vita.

You can also make a simple home recipe for cleanser from natural yogurt & honey! As simple as a teaspoon of Greek-style yogurt and a dab of honey, apply to your face and rinse off! Ta-dah!

For toning, I LOVE Sukin's organic toner (in fact, I love the entire Sukin range!). The smell is just divine, and I feel like my face is purified and refreshed immediately. However, a homemade option for a toner using Witch Hazel & cucumber juice, is just as refreshing and toning! Simply grate the cucumber to juice, (a teaspoon is enough) and a teaspoon of Witch Hazel. Apply with cotton buds.

Moisturiser options are everywhere, and it can be so confusing to find one that best suits your skin and needs. For me personally, I have quite oily skin, so I prefer to use either light sorbolene with some lavender, or a little aloe vera straight from my garden!

When it comes to masks and scrubs, I have also bought Sukin's facial mask and scrub. But another paraben/SLS free scrub I love is from the Yes To ranges. The scrubby-grainy bits are so fine and soft, with a great smell... afterward my skin feels so soft and buttery!

However, I made a fabulous home scrub & mask that gives just as great a feeling for next to nothing. As simple as a teaspoon of pure icing sugar (or superfine castor sugar) & a teaspoon of honey (Manuka honey is a bit better for skin, but if you haven't got it on hand, regular honey is fine)... stir into a paste, wet your face and apply. Rinse off with a warm face washer. Immediately, stir a teaspoon of Bi-Carbonate Soda into half a teaspoon of water, to make a thick paste. Apply all over face and leave to dry for 5-10 minutes. Rinse off, to the softest, silkiest skin ever!

I have made big batches of this recipe to use all over my body, with FABULOUS results. I start with a dry body-brushing (ideal for cellulite!) in the bathroom using The Body Shop Cactus Body Brush. Followed by the sugar & honey scrub recipe above, I rinse off in the shower and rather than apply the Bi-Carb, I dissolve half a cup full into a bathtub with a tablespoon of powdered skim milk. Then I pop into the bath with either a good book or a glass of Cabernet Merlot (or both!) for half an hour of bliss!

If you prefer, the Body Shop Milk Bath is a great alternative to my homemade option. The scent is lush, and a little tub goes a long way.

Another great, refreshing bath soak is green tea! As simple as popping a few teabags into your bathtub for a refreshing, anioxidant soak!

Body moisturising is just as important as your face and on occasion, I do like to use self-tanners. Avoiding Parabens & SLS daily also helps to keep your tan looking fresh and new as well! One of the best paraben-free fake tanners I found is the Fake Bake range. A little bit more time consuming than the spray-and-gon instant tanners, it is best used if you are putting it on before bed and not washing it off till the morning.

Another brand of paraben-free sunless tan I like is Johnson's Holiday Skin, although I find the smell a bit overbearing. The colour comes out nice, not too dark, and the moisturising is great.

For all body moisturising, daily I prefer sorbolene, but after a silky soak in the bath, the Body Shop Manoi Oil. It is an excellent massage oil too, if your partner is so inclined!

The wonderful massagers from the Body Shop are also staples in my home... On occasion I pay the kids 50c to give Mummy or Daddy a massage!!!

So there you have it, some great ideas for pampering at home that cost next to nothing... who said being stylish & pampered was expensive???

Saving Money & Time - DIY Professional Hair & Body

2010-11-07T19:59:00.000-08:00

I admit, I am a HUGE fan of pampering. You name it, I will try it. I love getting manicures, pedicures, spray tans, cuts, colours, foils, facials... I mean, who doesn't?!

But of course, with mothering, comes the "Letting Go" phases... Sometimes, its incidental things, like giving up your acrylic nails because you just can't seem to get nappy poop smell off your cuticles, no matter how hard you try. Or spray tanning, because your breast feeding daughter's mouth looks like she has been kissing Doritos.

But as you let go of one thing here, one thing there... it's not long before you feel like a crumpled old sandwich wrapper (and you possibly look like one too, from the No-Iron periods!) and feel the need to get out there and Glamourize yourself!

In saying this, it costs a lot of money to get all this pampering done. And I am not one for wastage or negligent money spending! So I have compiled for you, my fellow Glammamummas, ways to be both gorgeous AND thrifty... without looking like you have snipped your hair with a bowl on your head!

HAIR

Of course, we have all tried to Home Dye. Some have succeeded. Many have failed. But myself, I find sometimes I prefer my home-dyed tresses compared to the hairdresser's. I have been home dyeing LONG before children came along, and although I have no formal hairdressing qualifications, I have been successfully going from black to blonde, to red, to pink, to chestnut and more, with few issues. There are some tricks you need to know to be truly Home dye confident.

ALWAYS pick a shade to suit YOU - not a shade that looks good on the skin tone of the model on the box. You can do this PROFESSIONALLY... FOR FREE!!! How??? Many hair salons offer free consultations. You will need to book, and you will need to be equally strong willed. Hairdressers are trained in sales technique just as much as they are in hairdressing! Not only will you get free professional colourist advice, but your free consult can even inspire you a new cut that you hadn't considered.

A professional consult will usually involve discussing your hair type (straight, curly, etc), your face shape, your skin tone, your natural hair colour, your personal style and lifestyle. I visited a wonderful hairdresser who had awards and nominations as a National champion of cutting and colour, and possibly an upcoming International award winner. With her help, I discovered what shades suit me, what to steer clear from and which cuts are best for my face shape and lifestyle. She managed to wrangle an appointment time out of me for the following week (which I am sorry... I cancelled the next day! But you will soon see why)... she was planning a fabulous rich chocolate colour and razored bob. It sounded great and seemed to be just what I needed. It was quoted to be over $250 for a shampoo, colour, treatment, cut, blowdry & a small take-home sample. My husband would kill me!!!

Armed with all the information that she had given me, the following day, I headed to the nearest Priceline and stocked up. A rich chocolate hair dye packet was $12. A TUB of professional-quality, protein enhanced treatment was $32. Some finishing spray for $4.

Then I went to a local lady who hairdressed from home (she is a professional... but a Stay-At-Home Mum running her own salon business)... she charged $18 for the same style cut that I had discussed at the other salon. It looked great! I went home with my wet hair, applied my dye, read a book... popped in the treatment and folded my washing... finally, after rinsing it out I set my blowdryer and straightening tongs to it. VOILA!

When my husband came home, he promptly admired my new look... although having seen the quote in my handbag for $250 looked a little bit bemused and worried... When I told him that all up, I had only spent $66.. AND that the treatment and the spray could be used again, meaning my next cut & dye would only be $30... he was more than impressed!

And the money saved meant I could get a new pair of shoes next time I was out shopping!

Next Post... Body.

10 Items Day in 10 Days - REPOST

2010-10-10T01:54:00.000-07:00

I initially posted this in 2009, and since then although we did detox a lot of stuff... my baaaaad habits die hard!!! So I thought I would re-instate the challenge and repost the original blog!

As a result of my new De-cluttering habit, I have set myself a 10 day Detox of Junk.

What I plan to do is to find 10 things a day for 10 days to chuck. If I'm feeling REALLY adventurous, I shall aim to find 10 things per ROOM per day to clear out!

I have no real master plan of what will go and what will stay. I am planning to just open the door to the room and place 10 things in a bag either for the bin, to place for sale on Ebay (or Trading Post) or give to Charity or Freecycle.

100 things will leave my house guaranteed. And from this Feng Shui cleanse of crappola I shall begin to feel clearer, creating energy, organisation and balance within my life!

Or at least, that is the aim...

Spotty Dress Refashion

2010-10-07T15:42:00.000-07:00

This is a refashion I completed before we moved, but completely forgot about!

I LOVE the simplicity of refashioning ladies baby-doll style tops into dresses for my (then) toddler daughter, Jovi. As she gets bigger, I am making re-adjustments to how I refashion my old tops (or tops I find at charity stores!) but more on that later...

For now I just wanted to share how this one turned out. The original top was a silky ruffled babydoll several sizes too small for me at the time (but that is ANOTHER blog!) I picked it up at Vinnies for around $2. It was as easy as pining the dress to Jovi for size inside out, then running stitches up the sides to bring it in to those points and re-sewing elastic straps on! She LOVES the dress, and although it looks like an expensive party dress, I let her play outside with the dogs & gumboots in it!

The photos show her trendy bob cut I gave her last summer too :-) The joys of a mum who can weild a pair of scissors!

Tried and True.

2010-10-07T15:11:00.000-07:00

This blog is not meant to be a "woe is me" page. I would rather keep it upbeat and show off my craft skills or some great find of late. But, unfortunately, time hasn't allowed for "me" time recently! I feel like I have been living in a crazy, hazy, whirlygig for the last few months. This year, 2010, has been one of the best, worst, happiest, saddest, proudest and humblest (is humblest a word?) years of my life. From dizzying heights and exciting possibilities to bleak outcomes and prognosis... I barely get a chance to sit and reflect. But I can for a moment. So I will.

The year started on a high - we were changing our lives, taking our family back closer to our roots. We had made the decision to uplift from the place we had chosen to be our "forever" home and moved back to a place we never dreamed to go to... but for the closeness to family (distance wise). Having never had a brilliant relationship with my parents, I took the plunge and the opportunity to share my life with them while my children were still young enough to want it but old enough to notice. Not to get into heavy detail, but I realised a while ago, this was not for me. Deep down, my heart belongs where we started from. But, I can say with brute honesty in my heart, at least I tried.

To keep myself moving forward, I decided this year to start one of my businesses up. So far, so good! I am so immensely proud of what I am achieving in a relatively short period of time! It is an online Lingerie store, I have a few plans for it down the track, but for now, it is doing quite nicely and I am learning so much: It can have it's downs, but the ups are fantastic. The pride I get from seeing something I set out to do being accepted and revered by peers is indescribable. It may not be Fredericks of Hollywood, but at least, I can say with brute honesty in my heart, at least I tried!

Dad was diagnosed with Stage IV bowel cancer about a month ago. It has not been easy. The big, powerful, sometimes scary man whom most of my own grievances with myself stem from, so weak (yet not wanting to show it!) in so much pain, with such a bleak outlook... His years of grudge holding and negativity are taking their toll. Friends he vocally and publicly shamed and shunned are now wanting to make amends... to which his pride will not back down. I sat one sunset and told him to "forgive and forget"... to which he argued was a sign of weakness and pity. I cannot change him. I can however, change my own attitudes and behaviours to not reflect his. And if at times, I don't manage to show humility or grace, I can say with brute honesty in my heart, at least I tried!

We are now planning to return to where we were living prior to our move. We weighed up the pros and cons and it came out above and beyond being on top, for the moment. It means I can continue my studies without issue, we will plan a space for my mum to stay for extended periods in the future. My in laws bought a Winnebago, so they need a destination to travel to! I can return with fresh eyes, a new outlook and a positive slant to the future for my kids, my family, myself. Nothing is over until it's over, and no matter how hard a situation gets, I know I have the power to change what I can and accept what I cannot - but in the mean time, I can say with brute honesty in my heart, at least I tried!

Trying out Vegetarianism?

2010-07-08T16:47:00.001-07:00

I can say we are now 90% Vego in this house, over the last few years slowly cutting out meat most nights for dinner. In fact, I rarely buy meat anymore, if we have it in the freezer, it's only because we won it at the meat raffles!

But anyway, for those of you considering trying more vegetarian meals, Sanitarium (the makers of Weetbix & the Vegie Delights range) have a great book you can get for free with some great recipes and excellent, easy tips on healthy eating in general and vegetarian meals.

Mine arrived and I wish I had it when we were first detoxing meat!

http://www.sanitarium.com.au/nutrition/health-and-happiness-cookbook

I have to say too... Vegie Delights meat-free hot dogs are THE BOMB!!! My kids won't eat proper frankfurts anymore, they love the vegie ones so much!

I'm Not Dead Yet!!!

2010-05-20T13:53:00.000-07:00

I know, I know, it has been an awful long time between blogs!

There is a good reason for it though - firstly, The Move. Our entire house was packed and stored a week before Christmas, with the four of us taking a roadtrip between Townsville and Sydney. We stopped in on the Gold Coast for the mandatory theme park visit, caught up with some old friends over a few drinks and BBQ, even organised baby sitting so Hubby and I could spend an evening eating a hot meal cooked by a stranger at a table not resplendent with lego, crayons and Dora colouring in!

Upon arriving at my parent's house, the rush of Christmas hit! Family and friends who hadn't seen us in years since we first moved away wanted to catch up with us or meet our complete family. We spent several days in a blur, making sure we saw as many people as possible in a short amount of time.

Then the unfortunate part about the last 6 months - hubby had to return to our home to complete work. Until June. I was left living with the 2 kids, 2 dogs and my 2 parents. But that's another blog.

Fast forward to three weeks ago, I have moved myself and the babies to our new house, with only 10 more sleeps until hubby joins us again, to pick up where we left off.

It also means I have been reunited with modern comforts - WiFi broadband, my sewing machine, personal space... plus a few new editions, such as my iPhone, a direct pay off from one of my latest entrepreneurial adventures!

I now have more time to dedicate to things I love and the life I want to live, and therefore I blog again!!!

Ahhh, it's good to be back!

Relaxing is Busy Work!

2009-09-26T17:59:00.000-07:00

About 2 weeks ago, my husband and I decided we needed to take the kids camping... before we had children, we didn't flinch at the idea of nothing more than a tent, a pair of swimmers and a few beers to get us through a weekend. But like all things in life, this changes when kids are involved.

Now initially, I was hesitant... I have not only become accustomed to my own bed and toilet, but that packing to go camping with a 5 year old and a 3 year old (and a man-child!) requires the tactical skill and preparation climbers of Everest would apply to a summit ascent. Tent. Swimmers. Spf 30+. Insect Repellant. Wind up LED torches. Changes of underwear. Sanitary gel. Cutlery. Breakfast Cereals. You get the idea. And every time you remember one thing, you realise you better add another...

So with the car packed to the hilt, we took off to one of Australia's most beautiful spots, the Whitsundays, to stay at Airlie Beach. Ok, ok, I will admit... we cheated a little. We stayed at the wonderfully fitted-out Big4 Adventure Whitsunday: We'd stayed there before (in their Deluxe Cabins) and the facilities were fantastic. So frankly, the only part I could say that we were "roughing it" was by sleeping in a tent!

It was brilliant! No TV, no radio, just the stars, eachother's company, the bare necessities and a kilo bag of fresh prawns for lunch by the pool!

We visited the wonderful Airlie markets, but apart from that, we spent most of our weekend lazing about the pool, jumping together on the jumping pillow, putt putt golf and BBQs.

The kids loved the novelty of sleeping in a tent, I enjoyed the simplicity of it all and my husband enjoyed the manliness of it all (Saying "I took the wife and kids camping" sounds more masculine than "we stayed at a day spa" ROFL!) and I actually look forward to the next time we get to do it!

I Heart Shoes #2

2009-09-06T20:39:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I have a particular pair of Ebay shoes I bought that weren't EXACTLY what I had in mind when they arrived. They fit great, but the colour is wrong... so I was wondering "What Can I Do?"

Well, thank you to an inspirational blog post I stumbled upon from talented Ashley at Make It and Love It, I am now planning to Mod Podge them!

Here are the cute, cute, CUTE mod podged shoes Ashley whipped up (the tutorial is here )... stay tuned for my version of them in the next day or so!

Adorable little sunhat from a skirt!

2009-09-03T17:16:00.000-07:00

Here is my latest Re-Fashion addition: A skirt I have owned for a long time: 2 sizes too big for me but I have always loved the sweet little pattern on it.

So last night, I took the scissors to it and whipped up this little sunhat from it for my daughter: She LOVES hats and living here in the tropics it is a MUST have!

Here she is looking as adorable as ever!

Considering I'm still quite brushing up on my sewing and pattern making skills, I am quite proud of how it turned out.

Let me know what you think!

I Heart Shoes!

2009-09-03T06:09:00.000-07:00

First of all I just need to clear this up: YES I did sign up to 6 months of no clothes buying and only re-fashioning... HOWEVER! This pledge rules out shoes! Hoorah, I cheer!

Which brings me to my next points: Firstly, that I have had to paint my nails in the Oh-So-Now shade of Velvet Black - but not so much for the fashionability but out of necessity: Those super hot black lace-covered-4-inch-hidden-ball-platform heels I scored (on sale!) for the July Townsville Cup Race Day were a size too small, and while I managed to squeeze my hoof into them (and look damn good on the day!), my poor toes bear the war wounds and reminder of too much champers, too little arch support. Not to go into detail, but Velvet Black was the only shade available to cover the bruising.

Now, any sane person would cut their losses and chuck the culprits of such hideous digit-mangling... but you see not only did I get the super hot black lace-covered-4-inch-hidden-ball-platform heels... but I also got the super hot LEOPARD print covered-4-inch-hidden-ball-platform heels - in the same size. And let me tell you BOTH these pairs of shoes look damn fine! So apologies to my poor tootsies (but a coup for my legs!) I will not be discarding these babies just yet...

Here they are so you can see the little Devils in Disguise!

Now on the other hand, I must put my "Mum" hat on now and consider my daughter's needs: You see, she wears orthotics. Myself being such a complete and utter fashion victim gawks at the hideous choice of footwear available to children, particularly little girls, who wear orthotics. While I myself will condone wearing outrageously inappropriate, ill fitting and outrageously uncomfortable footwear for myself, sensibility often gets the better of me when I am coveting children's shoes. Therefore, my poor daughter endures wearing practical, sensible (read: BORING) footwear. While she doesn't complain, I'm sure she notes the disdain in my voice when I tell her that the only options with a cute sundress is either her Dora sneakers or velcro "German-Tourist" sandals.

Until now!!! I have stumbled apon this gorgeous, snappy little range from Yunginz shoes! Check out the adorable range on their website! Now, where's my Visa???

And Here It Is... From Top to Dress...

2009-09-01T20:21:00.000-07:00

WHAT IS RE-FASHION you ask??? Re-Fashioning is the taking of an item of clothing and creating a new item from it: It's hip, it's fashionable, it's environmentally savvy and anti-affluenza!

So my 6 month pledge began yesterday and before I put myself to bed I vowed to be finished of my 1st Refashion: An ex-baby-doll cami top of mine into a funky, sweet sunshine-yellow summer dress for my daugher Jovi.

Here is the "Before" shot of the cami:
and here it is refashioned and rebirthed as a cute little sundress for my Princess! I made the straps elasticized and even added a little vintagey bow with some leftover bits on the right strap. Here she is striking her "model" poses for you all:

Of note: I do need to re-align the straps on the front further inward, but in the mean time Miss was happy to wear her new pretty dress with a Bonds underneath!
Can't wait to refashion my next project...

My FIRST official Re-Fashion!

2009-09-01T15:45:00.000-07:00

I officially signed up to Wardrobe Refashion for a 6 month pledge of not buying any new clothing, rather refashioning what I already have on hand or from Op-shop buys.

Having worked so many years in Fashion Retail, I have seen first hand how subtly fashion recycles itself - not often completely, but in a newer updated way: We're currently seeing a "Grunge Revival"and I remember vividly the original grunge look de-jour: Flanny shirt, Kurt Cobain or Soundgarden tee, ripped jeans, crochet skull cap and Doc Marten's boots. We've recently seen a sway to romanticism in lacy old vintage dresses and cute tan leather belts. Even New Wave Punk was re-injected this season with a modern twist on everything from hair to leather-ette leggings and Debbie-Harry-esque Animal print (one of my all-time loves!)...

Thanks to fashionistas like the Olsen twins, Ruby Rose and Agyness Deyn putting together amazing outfits with Op-shop finds, combined with the current global financial climate and an awareness of the impact of clothing production on the environment... Recycled Chic is back!

So today, I donned my (recycled!) seamstress hat and refashioned an old, sunshine-yellow, baby-doll style cotton dobby camisole of mine that no longer fit (or flattered!) into a cute little sundress (complete with vintage bow!) for my daughter! The result was GORGEOUS... but what was more fantastic was the pride I felt that I had created something so adorable and wearable for my daughter out of something I would have otherwise discarded.

It is just the outlet I have been searching for - a chance to recreate stylish items for myself and my family while decluttering at the same time! I have saved over $30 in creating a new dress for my daughter rather than buying one and I have rekindled my confidence!

Cheerio Slice

2009-08-31T21:54:00.001-07:00

Searching for a recipe for an easy to make slice that my son will eat, that is healthy and preferably nut-free to take to school was virtually impossible! I had tried nearly EVERY slice recipe known to man... until I found THIS combination:

3 Cups of Cheerio cereal (this is my son's favourite... you could also use Honey Smacks or Nutri Grain)
1/2 Cup Sugar (I like brown, but you could use white, raw or caster depending on your taste).
1/2 Cup Honey
1/2 Cup Esker's Free Nut Butter (like peanut butter - but without peanuts! EXCELLENT if your school is a nut-free zone)... you'll find this in the health isle of Coles and is also stocked at many health food stores.

Line a lamington tray with baking paper or set out 12 patty tins.
Boil the sugar and honey in a large saucepan.
Remove from heat and stir in Free Nut butter.
Add Cheerios and combine. Spoon into tray or patty tins and chill for 20 mins.
If tray is used, slice into squares once set.

The Problem With Auto-Timers

2009-08-27T21:16:00.000-07:00

My family just doesn't GET them. I have an album full of photos of the four of us... even the six of us (when the Fur Babies are with us) but usually only two of us actually LOOKING at the camera - and it's not always Hubby and I!

And we will usually give it three tries before everyone either gives up, throws a tantrum, walks away from the shot or begins licking a part of their bodies unsuitable for a family portrait.

But they still make great pics... I think I remember most the fun we were having trying to GET the shot and although still failing miserably with the end result, having a blast doing it!

I picture myself in that moment, counting the seconds down, reminding the kids to look at the camera, saying "cheese!"... and the memories attached to that day: walking on the beach collecting driftwood, singing along to the Temptations in the car, seeing a shooting star that night after a long day in the yard.

Again, proof that life IS sometimes all about the journey, not the destination...

Dear Blog...

2009-08-12T04:52:00.001-07:00

I am so sorry I have neglected you for so long... I intended to write to you often, but as usual, my hectic life has gotten the better of me. Even though I have slowed down!

Today, I cried. Because I realised I am still within my chrysalis. I have changed - but only just. The best is still yet to come. I must remember that it is with baby steps we learn to walk, to stride, to run, to leap and fly... but baby steps first. I have left my job and I am spending more time at home. I bake. I clean. I fold laundry... I've even started making the bed of a morning again!

Weekends are lazy, with the guitar on the day bed, kids barefoot in the grass. I don't miss the money and I have gained more time with my loved ones... perhaps that's why I don't visit you as often as I should: I am too wrapped up in living my life than blogging it at the moment!

Balance is the key - and it will come. Then I shall write to you more... First I still need to continue to cleanse, heal and grow. Recycle more, buy less and love who I have rather than what things I do not.

x Nic.

Arrrt and Life in Progress...

2009-03-30T17:39:00.000-07:00

I usually have a million things going on at once: I love my life, but between kids, hubby, uni, work and household I rarely get time for my passions - writing, art & design.

But I did manage to take some time out over the last few days and as I am starting a series of works focusing on image, fragility of self efficacy and esteem, consummerist behaviour to image and why advertising is so convincing... it's early days so far, but I hope to have a full exhibition ready in a few weeks! Yay!

Which brings me back to my life - for ages I thought *this* was what I wanted. But things change. I've changed. Our regular Sunday jaunts to the Markets of a morning to buy fresh fruit, veg and yummy homemade preserves, get free face painting for the kids and admire the stallholders wares... has me inspired. Possibly why I am now spending more time in my studio either typing up essays on poetry (and enjoying it!) or creating my new peices of art.

To the point that we feel a tree-change coming on! Next week, a visit to my parents' in country NSW is the start of the planning process for the next stage of our life. Acres. Chooks. Thai fisherman pants. I'll still make my Sunday Baked Egg brunch, but the most enjoyable part would be my parents joining their grandchildren, my nephew playing with his cousins and my children learning the value of extended family.

When someone tells you something...

2009-02-28T14:04:00.000-08:00

Sometimes life gives you lemons. Some make lemonade. Others make margaritas.

I think for me, I buy a few kilos of prawns and a carton of Coronas. No point wasting those lemons.

But unlike the lemonade and margaritas, I need to add to my own input to my lemons, and rather than have the lemons as the primary ingredient, they become a condiment: A little addition to something great on it's own without the lemons.

Anyway.

Yesterday I saw a "sign from God".

My navigationally-challenged husband asking for directions AFTER he'd turned the wrong way. I felt my blood pressure rise. I knew one of my "moments" was on it's way: And the van infront of us was getting it's butt kicked by a snail.

But before I had a chance to let rip: I saw it. The back of the van was graffitied in black permanent marker:

"Take your time. Stressless. U live longer".

Hubby saw it too: His mantra.

I smiled. Hubby caught me smiling. Wow.

Nearly seven years of him saying the exact same thing and it dawns on me, handwritten on a shanty van.

Now where are those lemons??

To DVD or to not DVD?

2009-01-06T12:27:00.000-08:00

When I was a kid, I vividly remember Dad's roadtrips to the Gold Coast: We'd leave at 2am to get up the majority of the Pacific Highway early enough to miss the traffic.

In those days, it was a single lane goat track the majority of the way: Landmarks included (but were not limited to) the Big Banana, the Big Prawn, the Car in the Tree, the Big Clam and Ayer's Rock (well, a replica of it at Leyland Brother's world!).

My sister and I would be camped in the back of the sedan with pillows, books and magazines. As we got older, we were lucky enough to get walkmans. I first molested my ears with New Kids on the Block and Ace of Base, watching the scenery of New South Wales scream past.

My sister and I would fight non-stop.

"She's on MY side"
"That's MY Dolly magazine!!!"
"You can't I-Spy in the car, that's cheating!"

But unless we were using synonyms for trees, sky and road, she had a point.

My dad always had control of the radio. I learnt all the words to Gene Pitney's "Man Who Shot Liberty Valance" and the ocatives required to perform Julio Iglasias' " Me Olvide de Vivir" and Roy Orbison's "Crying"... songs I always swore I hated as they were Dad's music but strangely I find myself downloading more and more onto CDs for myself!

And with the beginning of our own roadtrip looming, I begin to think about the kids, their comfort and entertainment... as well as mine and hubby's sanity!

So off to JB Hi Fi we went to look at Dual Screen DVDs. Never mind we already have a single, working portable DVD player at home. That was purchased when we had one child. It was used once, two years ago, when we first drove from Sydney to Townsville.

On looking in our third store, I explained to hubby that we didn't need new DVDs for our kids. They can read, play with small toys, draw (pencil ONLY in my car thankyou!) and enjoy the ritual of the family road trip.

They must endure Big Mangos, waterfall lookouts and Cassowary spotting. They will come to loathe Linkin Park, Jack Johnson and Pink. We will be able to eventually tune out the whining, bickering and taunting, allowing them to sort it out for themselves. They will learn the art of conversation, playing games like I-Spy and Alphabet.

We will take the single player, but they can share it... and only as a treat if they behave.

New Year, New Me...

2009-01-02T19:19:00.000-08:00

A funny thing happens at New Years... seeing as my birthday rolls around the same time, I often forget about the whole resolution idea and continue to do all the naughty things I always do anyway...

But this year was different. Maybe it's because I'm getting older. Maybe because I'm a mum and I realise I need to grow up and get my act together. It could have something to do with the fact that for the first time in 2 years, my husband is here to celebrate with me and help me out with my grand plans.

You see, this year, I made goals. Not only for the year, but for my life and myself as a person - to become a better one.

I know they're achievable. If I lay the foundations.

It's quite simple really. This year, I want to find balance, peace, happiness, clarity and success. In all aspects of my life. I want to have a sort of Zen-like calmness happening.

I'm getting there... maybe it's the enthusiasm talking, but it's only day 3 of 2009 and I have so far co-ordinated all of my required subjects for 1st semester to co-incide with my childcare arrangements. I have relegated 2 days I can officially work that are also in line with my childcare requirements as well.

This morning I had an epiphany - the realisation that my best friend, who is due to have her baby around the time I am due to return to Uni will be able to watch my kids, should the need arise (in return I will provide care for her little one when needed).

I am practising good time management and doing things immediately, rather than procrastinating. I am taking matters into my own hands and blaming nobody but myself if things don't get done.

I have remerchandised my wardrobe to be sleek, co-ordinated and organised: Cleaning and gardening clothes together, Fitness clothing together, sleepwear, swimwear, daywear, evening.

I am budgeting and strictly adhering to lists, menus and schedules.

But in all this, I am allowing myself to live on a whim for my children. All this organising in the background, while they sleep or are at Kindy or School, means that when I am with them and they have one of their childish desires: to go for a swim, ride bikes, walk the dogs, play cricket in the yard... I can literally drop everything and say "YES!" and do it knowing life will go on around our fun for the moment.

I need to work on the saving money side of things... always my sorest point. I try. Boy do I try. It's not that I buy expensive things everywhere either - it's just that like my husband says, I find bargains - but I find too many of them.

But as my organisational skills improve and my procrastinating ways dissolve, I will utilise Ebay, Trading Post and Freecycle to rid myself of the unnecessary clutter, make some cash and feel more balanced and worthwhile.

Here's to a New Year. May 2009 be the year I see clearly, love deeply and create magic.

Creating Memories...

2008-12-14T02:19:00.000-08:00

Our day started like any other - I was in my 5 year old son's bed - having been suffocated in the wee hours by both his and my husbands sprawling gangly bodies in 34 degree heat. My daughter (aged 2) wandered the house in her fairy wings and tiara, singing along to Hi-5.

The TV blared, the kettle boiled and the stirrings of our morning began.

Unlike every other morning neither my husband nor I had to work. We were in no hurry.

We lazed about the house, allowing our children to eat bowlfuls of Coco Puffs and plates of raisin toast. We hugged one another and snuck sly kisses. We didn't worry to do the laundry (it will be there tomorrow!) we weren't concerned with the many other chores that could wait a day.

Instead, we loaded the car with towels, swimmers, goggles, potato chips, bottles of water and a book (for me!). We drove to the Rockpool, passing cars as they scurried to the stores to hurry the last of their frantic Christmas shopping, to spend their government bonuses and practice consumerism in the heady fluorescents and airconditioning.

We found a parking space easily and close to the Rockpool. It was virtually deserted. We put on our sunscreen and raced one another to the water. My son showed off his newly-learnt talent of freestyle. My daughter further convinced me of her belief she is bulletproof. My husband smiled and floated beside me in the sun, holding my hand.

We swam for what felt like hours. I managed to sneak out to read a chapter of my book on the grass. When we were all done with paddling and splashing, the family feasted on a shared bag of potato chips.

Once home for lunch, the kids enjoyed mum's own Fairy Bread and homemade milkshakes. The whole family decided to play in the yard with the dogs, as well as a game of mini cricket - Charlie the Beagle being the wicket keeper!

The kids were ready for icecream cones I promptly scooped up for them. Their father and I enjoyed ice-cream topped ice coffees and the Sunday Mail on the lawn.

I ran a cold bath for the kids and the lightening started! We all sat in the main bedroom, cuddling one another and watching the lightening crash and the thunder pound.

When the storm passed, the kids were tucked into bed, kissed and sent to dream of their day with us both.

I smiled, knowing today, I have imprinted a memory for them both. And it cost us nothing.

Out and About when Toilet Training....

2008-10-29T21:23:00.000-07:00

"TOILET!" Demands Miss Two, her eyes light up in anticipation.

"Sure!" I smile, pleased our toilet training is making progress, even on these public outings.

We're in the Customer Lounge of the car dealership, waiting on our 1000kms service to be completed. Should only take half an hour, I'm assured by the Service Advisor. The door to the toilet is only steps away, at the back of the room.

We head in to the toilet, I sit her up on her throne. I stick my head out the door to keep an eye on my son, Mister Five, as he was content "quietly" playing with a few Duplo blocks. May I emphasize "quiet". Quiet meant not as loud or repetitive as usual.

Miss Two looks at me slyly.

"Finish!" she announces. I check. Nothing. Ok, false alarm. We get off, wash hands and meet back in the lounge area with her brother.

"MIIIIIINE!" Miss Two shrieks over a seemingly nondescript blue Duplo block. I wrestle with my choices. Get my son to give her the block, thus she gets her way (but we avoid WW3) and his fragile ego is subjected yet again to the fact his baby sister always gets her way, take the block away so no-one can have it (resulting in me being the "bad guy" and the only recourse by the children being incessant whining and "no fairs" until the item is either returned to be battled over like a chip on a beach by two seagulls or forgotten in my handbag until weeks later) or use the moment to teach the values of sharing and the rules of ownership to both children by giving the block back to Mister Five, allowing Miss Two to ask for it with her manners, and be gracious should Mister Five answer no.

"TOILET!!!!" I hear instead. Miss Two drops the block and races for the door at the back of the room again. Mister Five snatches up the block and returns to his play.

Once again, Miss Two sits on the toilet. I know at home, when she says she needs it, she needs it. I can sense this is one of those "I know there's a toilet here, and I want to see it... I also want to see if when I say jump you ask how high" moments.

After a small while, we're finished again, but with no real performance.

Back into the lounge. My complimentary Cappucino is ice cold, however I have become so accostomed to cold coffees, I regularly drop ice cream into mine at home to get the same effect.

Now there is a Snoopy Head (no body attached) being taunted at one another. I suggest Mister Five ignore the silly head and choose something else from the toy box. I notice more and more customers taking up the Courtesy Bus offer to drop them into town.

I catch up on old Brangelina goss. Lucky for me, I know the outcome, because they're at it again.

I have a list of words I hate.

Mine
No
Give it
Mu-uuum

This time it's a train Mister Two has built (quite cleverly) with some blocks and wheels. Miss Two is claiming ownership.

Once again though, "TOILET!!!" I hesitate. This is visit number three. What if this time she's for real and needs to go? I get up, a weary smile on my face, and march Miss Two off again.

Again nothing.

I wonder how long to go. It's been an hour already and the Service Advisor still hasn't popped in.

"Pack up time!" I cheerfully announce. This is met with groans and protests. I remind them they have plenty of toys at home to go back to play with.

I look at Miss Two. I suggest the toilet one last time before we get back into the car.

Again though, nothing.

We sign for our car and I buckle the children into their seats. Miss Two looks at me, smiles.

"Toilet?" She asks.

Of course.

Another word to add to my most hated list.