fancy pants

Is there anything better than visiting a wonderful friend who also happens to live at the beach? After week two of renovating, I'm really, really tired. And a day at the beach was so nice and relaxing for the little lads and me.

So, sans makeup, and a change of clothes for the kids (how can a child not get wet at the beach, no matter how cold it is?), we were off.

And yes, the weather was miserable. We ate lukewarm chips in the rain while being blown away by the cold wind. But note to self: if you run around enough, you actually can warm up a bit. And that's just what the boys did.

We retreated to The Beach House where my friend lives and sipped on creamy hot chocolate, and chatted while encouraging my two year old to dodge the many guitars in the house. (A little like the challenge that lies at our place.)

But the day was a wonderful success. On the way home, I had two boys snoring quietly in the back seat. In fact the trip was so quiet, I did ponder on having a little nap myself...

And look. See? I'm having a little nanna nap while snapping this photograph.

That's how tired I am.

Now, I'm off to pack up my entire kitchen so we can take out all the old cupboard carcasses. But exciting moment. This means the new ones goes in this week!

Did you have an excuse to get dressed up this week? Or did you just get out of your trackies? Either is enough reason to join up for Fancy Pants!

Why don't you linky up your Fancy Pants post below (yes, you need to have a photo in an outfit!) and add a link back to me in your post. You can also include the button below. Then pop over to visit other bloggers who are dressing up this week.

Kymmie wears: TUNIC, Witchery. PONTE PANTS, Witchery. SKIVVY, Capture. VEST, Closet. SCARF, Yarra Glen Nursery Cafe. FLATS, Target. RING, Diva ($3). EARRINGS, Yarra Glen Nursery Cafe.

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And see this gorgeous girl? She totally cracks me up!

this saturday i'm grateful for... dust

During the second week of renovating, plus the usual Other Stuff We Do, this week has been as busy as ever. This week, I'm ever so grateful for...

1. Sleep. When the mornings are early and the nights are long (oh, so very long), climbing into my warm bed every night has been bliss. And I do long for more hours in there.
2. Perspective. I so love to observe the swinging of a pendulum, and am super proud that I like to sit around the middle. I find out society is constantly swinging to extremes, and it's good to find middle (healthy) ground.
3. Dust. Although there is far too much of this living at our place right now (we're renovating our kitchen). I'm still grateful because it means constant progress and the day drawing closer to our new kitchen. (And a dishwasher!)

Happy Grateful Day. What are you grateful for?

Why don't you visit the divine Maxabella Loves... for many more gratefuls.

COOKING WITHOUT A KITCHEN.

If meals are hard to plan in a fully contained kitchen, removing the oven/stovetop makes things even that much more difficult.

I must confess that I'm so glad my hubby purchased a thermomix for me for mother's day. It's kind of awesome: like a food processor, steamer, blender, dough mixer and stove all in one.

With a little bit of planning, I've been able to make super nutricious meals for my family, all the while minimising on take out (which is so tempting when you're renovating!)

And my head was held up the most when I made the following for dinner: potato and leek soup, spaghetti bolognaise and white chocolate mousse for dessert. My five year triumphantly claimed after each course, "Mum, that was just so yummy!"

Now, that rarely happens in this houshold, but there was a dinner hat trick here this week. And it made mummy very happy.

How about you? Did you do some menu planning this week to keep you organised? Or have you tried something completely new this week?

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when i remember motherhood was my choice

When the days are hard and super long, it's good to remind myself that I chose motherhood.

I wondered for the longest time if I should do it. And at 34, I decided I really, really did. Nothing like waiting for the last minute, right?

And I'm so blessed that I was able to have two perfectly healthy munchkins to add to our lives.

But on a day when the bedroom cupboard is broken open, sunscreen, eye drops, panadol and nasal drops are all emptied onto the bedroom carpet, toys are littered everywhere, the bedroom lamp (and globe) broken, the cot pulled apart (slat by slat), this is when it reminds me the most. (And the sunscreen wiped through the comb was a nice touch too.)

On other days when my son has fallen off the verandah, banged his head, re-opened his forehead wound from last week, thrown my kitchen accessories between the floorboards to the grass below (did I mention we're renoving right now?), I really find it challenging.

It's on days like this I remember my mantra and repeat it over and over again, "I chose to have children. I really wanted this. This is what I really wanted."

And then I see this face. Because it really, really is what I wanted.

fancy pants

Nothing like a five start experience to get all dressed up for. A French restaurant in east Melbourne, and it was divine!

I even took time to do my make up properly, even with a child asking questions about my make up routine, while the other took liberties in helping himself to lip gloss (what is it with his obsession with it?). All because a night out with the girls is a rare thing.

So, after I said goodbye to a screaming two year old, while the five year old happily waved mummy goodbye, while daddy said, 'quickly, just go', off I went.

And after I had listened to some ABC Classical music to unwind from the stress of my departure, I was relaxed enough to think, tonight is going to be great.

And it was. The three of us met at Embrasse at 7pm, and chatted through entree and main course up until 10:30pm, and then went to Brunetti's for dessert and chatted until after midnight. We squeezed in many more hours of conversation than the time, and I could tell we might have kept going except our cars would have been locked up in the carpark!

I don't mean to brag, but the company was pretty sensational. How blessed am I to have girls like that in my life?

Did you have an excuse to get dressed up this week? Or did you just get out of your trackies? Either is enough reason to join up for Fancy Pants!

Why don't you linky up your Fancy Pants post below (yes, you need to have a photo in an outfit!) and add a link back to me in your post. You can also include the button below. Then pop over to visit other bloggers who are dressing up this week.

Kymmie wears: DRESS, Ishka. PONTIE PANTS, Witchery. PONCHO, (I wish I could tell you, but there is no label on it, but it was such a bargain - purchased at a shop in Healesville!). BOOTIES, Miss Shop. RING, Diva ($3). EARRINGS, Equip ($3 for 3 pairs).



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And see this gorgeous girl? She totally cracks me up!

this saturday i'm grateful for... kitchen floors

From one mad project to to another. What a contrast in weeks! From last week where I wore ridiculous amounts of makeup and sat around all day, to wearing none at all and working like a man*. It's been a rollercoaster. And this week I am grateful for...

1. Kitchen floors. It's been four and a half years in the planning, but this week we decided the kitchen renovations need to commence. After all, the cabinet maker is hard at work making our cupboards. No pressure or anything. And when ripping up the 70's lino (I know, classy!), we discovered booras had eaten most of our lovely kouri pine floorboards. So it all had to go. We've had no floor for most of the week. Now our new harwood floor is in (and our house is warm again).
2. Warm showers. When wood shavings move into your underwear and dust takes over your hair and nostrils, a warm shower at the end of every hard working day is just bliss.
3. Five star service. When two lovely friends of mine and I went out to dinner this week, we treated ourselves to a little French Five Star Restaurant. To say it was a gestational experience was an understatement. And the service was amazing. No sooner than our napkins were accidentally dropped were they being re-folded and placed on the table, a mini table broom for the clean ups between meals, and coats being placed back on our backs as we left. Regular customer service will never be the same again.

Happy grateful day. What are you grateful for?

The sweet Beth from BabyMac is babysitting Gratefuls this weekend. Pop on over and say hi, and then share what you are grateful for.

*You know what I mean: a hard-working one.

WHEN I MADE A PROMISE TO MY MOTHER.

At around the same time as Brooke Shields was setting a new fashion for eyebrows, I was fascinated with my mother's make up routine.

One particularly memorable day, I sat on my mother's waterbed watching every detail.

"Mum, whach'ya doing?"

"I'm plucking my eyebrows."

"Why?"

"Well, in my younger days, I plucked them so much that they didn't grow back. What little I now have, I need to shape. I really regret plucking them so much."

"Oh."

"But you needn't touch your eyebrows as they are PERFECT. So promise me, NEVER EVER pluck your eyebrows."

"Okay, I promise."

You know what? I kept that promise right up until the ripe age of 29. That is, until the week before my wedding when my matron of honour and I had a conversation that went a little bit like this...

"So, as part of your pre-wedding beauty routine, are you going to do something with those eyebrows?"

"Um... what's wrong with them?"

"You've got hair growing in the middle, and they're really thick and unruly."

"Oh, really? I hadn't noticed. Plus I've never touched them. I promised my Mum."

"Let's make an appointment IMMEDIATELY."

And so we did. As a result, my forehead and eye area was burning hot and red for a whole day. It was horrible. (But I did have lovely eyebrows for my Big Day.) Since then... well, I think I've waxed my brows two more times.

Meh.

But there's nothing like an impending film shoot that gets me worried about a whole bunch of things that I never normally care about. 

Should I wax my eyebrows? Should I colour my hair? Should I get my teeth whitened? Should I lose 18 kilograms?

See? Totally ridiculous.

While I didn't do the other things, I did have my eyebrows waxed. It didn't hurt as much as the first (or second) time. And they actually looked a little awesome (if you don't mind me saying so).

How about you? Have you had a little beauty care lately, or tried something entirely different this week?

Why don't you join in? All you have to do is follow me, add your Try Something New post below and add a link back to me in your post. You can also include the lovely button (below). Then pop over to visit other bloggers who have done something new this week.

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seven signs that your child loves you...

I know my children love me, but this came in my email box not long ago and was just what I needed to hear... again. And it was encouragement to remember that there is more to look forward to in the future. 

1. Your newborn stares into your eyes — he's actually working hard to memorise your face. He doesn't understand anything else about the world, but he knows you're important.

2. Your baby thinks about you even when you're not around. Between eight and 12 months old, he'll start to scrunch his face and look around when you leave the room — and he'll smile when you return.

3. Your toddler throws wicked tantrums. Nope, those screaming fits don't mean he's stopped loving you. He couldn't show he was so hurt and angry if he didn't trust you so deeply.

4. Your toddler runs to you for comfort when he falls down or feels sad. Children this age may not truly understand the meaning of "I love you," but their actions speak louder than words.

5. Your preschooler gives you a flower picked from the garden, a finger-painted heart, a sparkly stone or another gift.

6. Your preschooler wants your approval. He'll start to be more cooperative around the house and he'll look for chances to impress. "Look at me!" will become a catchphrase.

7. Your school-age child trusts you with secrets, such as his first crush or his most embarrassing moment. You're his confidante, even if he shies away from your hugs in public.

This article came from here.

How does your child tell you that s/he loves you?

10 THINGS I REMEMBERED ABOUT FILMING BUT HAD FORGOTTEN.

So, the second series of the television program I host was filmed last week. And there were a whole bunch of things I had forgotten about, which I wanted to remember and share with you...

1. There's no such thing as packing light. Hosting a thirteen part series means lots of outfit changes and a lot of stuff to take to the studio.
2. Things take time. I arrived on the set at 12:45pm on Wednesday thinking I was running very late. But not to fear, the set wasn't finished yet (and filming started after 4:30pm). We kept going until around 9:30pm.
3. It's all about the socks. Because every speck and dirt grain comes up on the camera, the set design staff kicked off their shoes every time they had to hop onto the set.
4. It's cold. To stop the underarm sweat and forehead glow, preferable filming time is in winter. And, thanks to technology, studio lights are not as hot as they use to be. Shame for me who spent most of my time freezing (but at least I wasn't sweating or shining).
5. Smiling really hurts after a while. Every line to the camera is said smiling. And cheeks really ache after eight hours or so of filming.
6. Producers have many talents. As well as sorting out the content, the guests, the set, they also can be seen to put on a little makup and powder as well.
7. It's easy to become a diva. Not that I was actually hard to get along with, I can see why constant time in this industry, you might become a little big-headed. You see, priming the 'talent' is part of every filming staff's job. So compliments all throughout the day so you feel confident, and you excel beyond you ever might imagine. (Luckily, my lads keep me grounded!).
8. There is a Voice Of God. Seriously. While we were a staff or two down on set, the tv producer in a sound room still had a presence. It's a big speaker called the Voice of God. And yes, it's kind of funny, because he sees everything too.
9. There isn't much to a set. Really, there isn't. Can you see the roll of carpet, and the junk behind it? There really are lots of tricks and the camera really does lie.
10. Microphones can go in the funniest of places. Let's just leave it there, shall we?

Microphoning up...

Thanks for stopping by!

THIS SATURDAY I'M GRATEFUL FOR... CONCEALER

There's nothing like being so glad this week is over. And although I am soooo very late at sharing my gratefuls, it's still worth remembering all I have to be grateful for this week.

1. Concealer. With two and a half days of recording "My Story: His Story," the second of a thirteen part series for Hope Channel, concealer was part of my essential beauty routine. (I've never worn concealer in my life until this week.) Especially around the second day when my skin reacted ever not so nicely to the heavy studio makeup. Oh, and hello? Bags under my eyes? Be gone!
2. No stitches. The second day into filming hubby called me and told me not to panic. Why? Because two year old Noah had a fall and split his head open. But "don't panic". We might not need stitches. But definitely not panicking. Sort of. Not really. Okay, a little.
3. Happy smiling faces. There is nothing better than arriving home happy, but exhausted and seeing the joyous look of those whom you love. While Noah was a big shy at first, my five year old held me for ages and said, "Mummy, I missed you. I missed you very much." And there's nothing better than that kind of love. (Plus, I missed them too.)

What are you grateful for? For more wonderful gratefuls, visit the divine Maxabella Loves...

fancy pants

Sometimes it's good to go with the city you live in and just wear black. It's a staple, it's the Melbourne uniform. And it's just plain warm and cozy. Oh, and did I mention easy?

And see this scarf? Isn't it gorgeous! Made by the bubbly and extremely talented Brenda over at Mira Narnie who I also had the pleasure to meet in real life last school holidays, and who I get to hang out with again next week (along with the lovely Cate). Complete with kids. It's going to be a wild ride!

I love this scarf and it makes a wonderful head scarf too.

And this ring? Another $3 cheapy from Diva. Seriously, why would you pay full price for dress jewellery when they have $3 sales?

Do you resign to Melbourne Blacks on the odd occasion? Have you had someone make you something that you just love?

Why don't you linky up your Fancy Pants post below (yes, you need to have a photo in an outfit!) and add a link back to me in your post. You can also include the button below. Then pop over to visit other bloggers who are dressing up this week.

Kymmie wears: SINGLET, JeansWest. PONTIE PANTS, Witchery. KNIT, Witchery. BOOTS, Wittner. SCARF, Mira Narnie. RING, Diva.

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this saturday i'm grateful for... sunshine through my windows

 It's been cold, it's been raining, and winter has set in. While I struggle to keep my moods less grey than the sky, I'm so grateful for...

1. Sunshine through my windows. What is better than lying on a comfortable sofa, surrounded by pillows, your favourite little people, and the sun on your face, in the cozy warmth of your own home (when it's absolutely freezing outside)?
2. Cancelled flights. My best friend called last Saturday morning to ask what I was doing that night. It just so happened her husband's flight with Tiger Airlines had been cancelled from Adelaide to Melbourne, and so he was driving himself and the three big boys instead. It just so happens that he was exhausted from his lack of sleep, and there was some room for her and her two babies to squeeze in too. So, while most people were cursing Tiger for their cancelled flights, I was ever so thankful to the airline to have my best friend visit for a brief 16 hours before she and her family drove back home to Adelaide.
3. Harmonicas. While most people might put them up with the sound of a recorder, last night my boys had two of Daddy's harmonicas and danced and played while Dad played the guitar. It was just a moment I will never forget of their pyjama cuteness while singing and 'playing music with Daddy'.

What are you grateful for today?

you tube and my family

I really want this guy to be my father of my babies.

Oh wait. He already is.

There's been a bit of curiosity about my hubby here, and I thought I'd formally introduce you to him. He's got long hair, he plays the guitar like no-one else I know, I love the way his mind works. He's so smart, yet so sensitive. Oh, and he writes his own songs.

I love him.

And now you've heard him sing, you know why I just had to marry him. He swooned me. It just took, er, eight years or so.

And see this girl on the right? That's one of my gorgeous fairy step-daughters, Kell and her BFF Stef. They're both hilarious. This below, is a teaser of their YouTube reality show...

My family is taking over YouTube.

fancy pants

 

There's nothing better than getting back into the usual program. Here we are after four weeks of day-to-day stuff, it's good to get all Fancy Pants once more.

And usually, I don't snap photographs in the middle of the day (hence the funny legline in the photos), but I had the best surprise today. My best friend from Adelaide called me this morning to see if I was going to be around for the rest of the weekend.

Why, you ask? Well, Tiger Airlines cancelled her husband and son's tickets to Melbourne and so they were driving over for the motor show. She and her two littlest kids (she has five!) decided to come along for the ride and stayed with us last night. The kids have run around the house madly for most of the night, but after they finally went to sleep, we chatted, giggled and laughed until after midnight.

It was a teeny tiny bit of time we had, but it was still so special, and such a great surprise. Nothing like a little home time madness with four little kids having a sleep over, and two friends talking over the top of each other to make sure every moment counted.

We even had time to count my shoes (because she swears I own more than I said I did here) and look at my wardrobe. Yes, we confirmed that I have more clothes than her, but less than she thought I had.

Including these funkadelic shoes. My $60 shoes. Thank you Miss Shop. They're even so comfortable my son likes to wear them around the house. (He's very stylish.)

As for me, I'm just silly most of the time. And then other times I pretend to have intense attitude...

  
... but it doesn't really work.

Have you had a wonderful surprise happen to you recently? Were you super excited?

Why don't you linky up your Fancy Pants post below and add a link back to me in your post. You can also include the button below. Then pop over to visit other bloggers who are dressing up this week.

Kymmie wears: SINGLET/TOP, Witchery. JEANS, JeansWest. BLAZER, Ojay. NECKLACE, Equip. BOOTIES, Miss Shop.






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this saturday i'm grateful for... being grateful

It's been almost four weeks since I was grateful here on a day in the life of us. But that's just the blog. Since starting the grateful Saturdays along with Maxabella Loves... last year, I have found lots of reasons to be joyful and look to the positive.

Why even when not blogging about what I'm grateful for, I'm now in the habit of stopping and reflecting on the good things that have happened this week. And I'm always so grateful for the community that blogging has, and I now have because of you. Thanks Maxabella for this fabulous linky, and I'm so looking forward to being part of this again.

1. Grateful for being being grateful. Does that sound corny? It probably does. But it's the process of being grateful that I love so much. Focusing on the good makes us happier people. There might even be some research to suggest that happier people are healthier too.
2. Celebrating the big five. On Thursday, a day in the life of us celebrated five years of existence. Who'd would have thought that I'd still be doing this after five years? I haven't always nurtured this blog like it deserves, but I've really gotten to like it here. No big celebrations or giveaways. Just a little bit of Aint' That A Bit Spesh to be here in this part of the world for that long.
3. When worlds collide. And because I'm feeling so gushy about you, my bloggy friends, I thought I'd say that even when I'm not blogging, there are little reminders about my Other Life from the virtual world in my, er, real world. Like my first real follower when I decided to make my blog public (thanks Maxabella!), my lads' favourite beanies (pictured above) and a wrap scarf (thanks Tammi!), a leopard print scarf (thanks Brenda!), a beautiful hand-made cushion that sits on our bed (thanks Carol!), DVD giveaways (thanks to Joni and Anya), and this week a new kids DVD and CD (thanks Caz!). I am so grateful for you, and often think of you, even when I'm not sitting in front of my computer.

What are you grateful for? Visit Maxabella Loves... for more wonderful gratefulness.

a day in the life of June

So, here is the last daily post of June. And a few things I learnt this month as a result...

1. Despite how little I feel like I'm achieving, I do a lot.
2. There is more to life than writing down the things you do.
3. I never stop. Ever. Take time to be still. Each day.
4. After pulling out my ironing board every day just to take a photo, it really is time to purchase a proper tripod.
5. I really don't need any more clothes when I can mix up the ones I already have into more than 30 combinations.
6. There are people out there with more shoes than you. And that's okay. Besides, you have wedges. And they take up more than double the size of any ballet flats.
7. Shares in Witchery would be a jolly good idea.
8. More time is spent doing the washing, more than almost anything else.
9. Going to the gym is not an excuse to eat and bake what you want. Even if baking time is spent with the kids. No excuses.
10. Oh, except for those persimmons. Damn it girl, get them off that tree and get cooking!

Thanks for joining me on my journey...