THIS SATURDAY I'M GRATEFUL FOR... I LOVE YOU'S.

 

It's not much. It's just the best three words on the whole of this planet. Whether they are whispered or shouted out loud, they hold more meaning than any other.

This week my two year old, Noah, told me he loved me.

Yes, he did.

Words cannot describe how beautiful the moment was, and how beautiful each time he says it in the future will be.

"I love Mummy," is actually how he says it. I don't even care that it's in the third person. He looks into my eyes with his own melty big chocolate brown ones and means it with all his heart.

Words cannot describe how grateful I am for those wonderful words. They lift my heart and take me to another place.

What are you grateful for this week?

BECAUSE STYLE IS SUBJECTIVE...

Kids have their very own style from a very young age, don't you think?

Madison, who is five years old prefers skinny jeans over any other cut. He's into shoulder-length messy hair and surfer chokers around his neck. He's been nicknamed The Little Surfer at swimming school.

Noah, who is two years old prefers a thrown on look. He'd rather mix and match odd items rather than wear the outfits that go together. If the weather is freezing, he'll wear shorts. If it's hot outside, he'll put on his warm trackies. There is no compromise when I try to assist, because he wants to do it All by misef.

Mr Independent.

A lot can be learnt from their little natures by how they do the little things.

Like putting on their clothes.

What do you see when your children dress themselves?

FIVE WAYS TO CONSUME LESS.

Buying Nothing New (BNN) was something I thought about for the good part of a year before plunging in. I'd read about it on other blogs like here, here, here and here. I studied the guidelines and gave it a good, long, hard look.

When I decided I was going to do this, I almost wussed out. I wondered if I could really, truly do it. But being a girl who loves a challenge, I gulped and said I would.

Out. Loud.

I told my husband. I shared the news with friends. I shocked my family. I wrote about it on my blog. (The last point sort of cements it for me. Nothing like writing something down, huh?)

And here we are, three months down the track. Still doing this. And we're okay. We're not suffering or miserable. We're definitely not missing out.

In fact, not only are we happy, I'm so glad I did this.

It's been a reality check about what we really need in our lives. It's been a pleasure to learn that we're already not massive consumers. We already recycle, compost, have an organic vegetable garden and preserve. I bake treats from scratch, and don't think we're excessive in the Want Department.

But I'm learning along the way. This journey is continuous and it takes some adjusting. I'm tweaking here and there, and testing the boundaries. In fact, each time a new scenario arrives, I do a double-take. Here's a little about what I've learnt so far...

NO-BRAINERS 

• Make up. Purchasing just one bottle of the stuff in December would have really helped. It's going to be a looooong make-up free year. I'm already using lipstick as blush (as I ran out) and using lip liners that I've not used since 1998 (because, guess what? I'm running out of them too). And mixing powder with moisturiser. It's amazing how you can improvise when pushed.
  
• School uniforms. Second-hand uniforms were passed onto my son from a neighbour-friend in January. It really helped us out, and apart from the odd item, we've done extremely well in this regard. Mind you, we're coming up to winter uniforms and the second-hand uniforms in the uniform shop are all out...
• Clothes for me. I've been strong and just don't enter shops that sells new clothes. I've been tempted, but know I will loose all resolve if it's pay day and Witchery is close by.
• Toys. The toys in our house have been purchased by Other People. Gifts for birthdays, Christmas, and spoilings from those jolly grandparents. We just don't buy our kids toys. And they still seem to have plenty.

NO COMPROMISE

• Kids' shoes. My lads both see a podiatrist. Frequently. They have orthodics for their flat feet and knocked knees. I won't put pre-worn, non-supportive, second-hand shoes on their feet. For all the consuming in China.
• Haircuts. Because I'm not going to attempt to cut hair. I've lived through my mother's haircuts. (Sorry, Mum!)
• Gifts. I can't sew and I'm not sure how much a six year old would dig receiving edibles for their birthday. I'm still working on this one, but haven't found the perfect gift idea that requires no BNN. I've seen what second-hand stores have by way of toys, and I'm not keen to pass them off as a cool new kids' gifts.

STRUGGLING WITH...

• Books. We're a big book reading house. Steve found an awesome second-hand store and purchase 7 books for the price of one new one. He's still buzzing about that, and it will hopefully will keep him in books for the next... er, month. Seriously.
• Dining out. Although we hardly ever do it, I don't want to rule it out. There are times when it's just me and the little lads, and I want to treat them to a babycinno every now and then, noodles or some hot chips. A rare treat is okay, isn't it?
  
• iTunes. Downloading songs, shows and apps. Oh how I'm really missing just downloading a song I've fallen in love with.
• Shampoo & conditioner. I want to do the bi-carb soda and lemon water thing, but have you seen the lads I live with? Long. Curly. Ringlets. I don't think it's going to happen.
• Dishwasher tablets. What to do? A dishwasher is still such a treat in this house after handwashing for more than 10 years. I want to consume less, but how do you do anything less than the best. So Finish it is. Plus my dishwasher is a Miele, and I want to look after it since it looks after me, you know?

That's about what I've learnt so far. But as I said, it's a learning curve that I'm on. I tell you!

How about you? Have you taken on the BNN challenge? If you have, do you have any suggestions?

WHAT HE SAID NEXT...

"Now... I am SUPAMAN!"

[The goggles are a nice touch.]

EAT: LENTIL, SNOWPEA + HALOUMI SALAD

SERVES 6-8 | PREP 10 MINS | COOKING 10 MINS | VEGETARIAN, GLUTEN FREE

When my friend Alicia told me about this salad, she described in such a luscious way, I knew I had to try it. And I'm so glad I did. I memorized the recipe (and double-checked with her), and tried it the following week. It's one of those salads where I literally cannot stop eating it. It's that good.

FANCY PANTS [YOUR SEASON]

When you realise that the season is actually in your colours, then you need to go with it.

Autumn, here we come.

WHAT'S IN YOUR LUNCHBOX?

I can't help it. I'm a Wannabe Peeping Tom. Have been for a long time.

Always the curious type, I often wonder what people's houses look like, what's in their handbags, what's in their wardrobes, and now my latest craze: lunchboxes.

You see, this year I've just started this official gig at being a school mum. I've been packing lunches on and off for five years, but now it's every. single. school. day.

Each school morning, I may often be seen dreaming in La La Land while packing my childrens' lunchboxes, wondering what my friends put in their kids' lunchboxes. And because it's now bordering on obsession, I'm going to let you take a sneak peek into mine. (Because I'm dying to see what you put in yours.)

Because I know you're just like me and interested in that sort of thing.

Right?

Kiwi fruit & blueberries | Vegan cream cheese, Sanitarium smoked deli slice & salad sourdough roll |

D'lights in BBQ | Sugar-free afghan biscuit | Chocolate square

Frozen Sanitarium Up & Go in Choc Ice | Vegan cream cheese, tomato and vegemite bagel |

Oat, pecan & manuka honey snack bar | Wholemeal macadamia spinach & lemon pesto pasta |
Apple slices

 Grapes | Tuna, cheese, tomato & organic mayo wrap |

Banana cake mini muffin | Rice snacks in BBQ

Banana | Gluten-free chocolate & almond torte |
Wholemeal sandwich thins with assorted fillings |
Bagelbites with babybel cheese | Dried dates, sultanas & apricots

Grapes | Egg & lettuce bagel | Celebration lemon cupcake | Mini-wheats in blackcurrant

I love my nude lunchboxes from Tupperware. And even thought they're like $30 each, there's a lifetime warranty which means if a lid breaks or chips, hello new part. For the whole of its lunchbox life. Worth every penny I say. I love their sections, but there needs to be little Tupperware tubs that go inside of the sections so I can put in yoghurt and dips.

Nude Food Movers do cool Smash lunchboxes too, with their cool whole apple sections and individual tubs. The best. But their skin is too tight for my preppie to take off, there are too many lids and they break, and their removable sections get lost. I've been a little disappointed. But that's okay. They more than make up with their accessories. You see they do cool ice puks (above) and skins (below) to keep the lunch cool. Top idea! Now, if only I could combine my favourite bits of both brands into the Best Lunchbox Ever! I've now combined the Tupperware with the Smash accessories (the skin fits the Tupperware much better), and I'm almost content.

So there you have it. My name is Kymmie and I'm a lunchbox perve.

How do you do kids' lunchboxes? What lunchboxes do you use? Have you found the perfect one?

THE VIEW FROM WHERE I LAY.

... was great. My favourite men playing in the sand, wading in the water, and doing some fishing.

We'd spent most of our three-week holiday sick, and as well as feeling awful, I was sick of staring at the walls at home. So we headed to Lakes Entrance for a few days.

It's amazing what some sun and a new environment can do for one's mental state.

Four days later we were back at home. We were less sick, but a whole lot less miserable.

There was swimming at the holiday park's pool. Fish and chips at the marina. Ice cream. And a whole lot of rest.

Already, I'm dreaming of our next trip away. Because it was that good.

When was your last quick escape?

EAT: OAT, PECAN + MANUKA HONEY SNACK BARS

MAKES 24 | PREP 10 MINS | COOKING 20 MINS | VEGETARIAN, GLUTEN FREE

I found this recipe the other day and thought it was just perfect to add to the lunchbox repertoire. Nice and healthy, sugar free, and even vegan. And easy. Especially easy.

Turns out I'm a sucker for a trail bar.

ONCE UPON A TIME...

... there was a boy who wore a crazy hat. And he lived happily ever after.

The End.

WHY MOTHERS ARE CLUCKY WHEN THEIR BABIES TURN TWO.

This post is all about my two year old, Noah.

And those big brown eyes...

Those baby curls...

Those rosy red cheeks...

Those long lashes...

That squishy nose...

Those chubby toes...

The funny conversations...

Or just this....

It melts my heart.

(And makes me a little clucky to do it all over again.) But calm down, Mum. It's not going to happen.

Just sayin'.

How about you? Do you get clucky when you observe the loveliness of your youngest one?

FANCY PANTS [SEEING RED]

Why hello there! I'm coming to you all freshened up from my holidays! Well, it was a few days away, but what a difference it makes to your mental health.

THE FUNNIEST THING I EVER DID READ.

Not meaning to brag, but what the hell. I'm bragging.

I am friends with some of the best people.

One of those people is Maybe Melody or Holly Go Bite Me or Paperclip Castle. (She goes by a few names, she does. But that's because she does so many different things.)

Anyhow I was visiting her blog the other night, because it's been a while. And let's just say, I'm so glad I had tissues. Because her blog is so funny, I was crying with laughter.

You see, she's that good.

And then I wondered about the new music she's doing, because she's that talented. And well, I had another giggle there too. Click below...

Then there's this song too. Which I just love.

And see the top photo? Well, that's she. And she makes jewellery too. Really good stuff.

Not only is she creative, funny, gorgeous, a wee bit tall, AND a whole bunch musical, but I totally love her. She is awesomeness (yes, that's a word).

Aren't you glad I shared my friend with you?

That's okay. You're totally welcome.

THE SCHOOL LEARNING CURVE. FOR PARENTS.

We're into week six of my eldest child's first year of school. And what a learning curve it's been.

So far he's learnt that school is every. single. day. And it goes for a loooong time. Each day we must wear a uniform, pack our bags, brush our teeth, and even put a comb through our hair. There's no time for ABC 4 Kids, and we must eat our breakfast quickly. Every day there is something special happening: PMP programs, French, Art, Library, Sport, Life Education, Cooking. But most of all, we have to remember to be on time, keep quiet when sitting on the mat, hold hands when we go anywhere within the school, put our hands up before talking, ask before going to the toilet, learn the name of our Grade 5 buddy, remember to pack library books and readers... oh, and learn how to read and write.

No wonder my little lad is tired by Tuesday.

While I'm not wanting to take away the huge things my five year old has undertaken in the past few weeks, it's no wonder I'm tired by Tuesday.

The amount of mail that comes home in my child's backpack is enormous. The help required is never-ending. Help at the tuck shop? Support the cooking program? Join the school council? Help read in class (after the required three-day literacy and numeracy training)? Photocopy the school newsletter? Support the maths-a-thon? Bring an egg (or two) for the easter raffle? Attend the teacher/parent meet BBQ? Participate in the school working bee?*

Oh my.

Not that I'm complaining. But I confess I'm w-aaay behind the eight-ball. Hang on. I'm not even sure where the eight-ball is.

So far I've missed the most important assembly for the year, crazy hair day (a fundraiser), and The Teddy Bear's Picnic.

I was feeling like a very bad mummy indeed, because I thought I had read all the memos, the newsletters, the school website, and yet I still managed to miss so much.

Until I spoke to another mum. (At the aforementioned assembly which we happened to stumble upon because we were late to school that day.) Her words will be tattooed inside my brain for years to come:

"In my first daughter's first year of school, I almost had a nervous breakdown. There was so much to learn. And that was just me."

You cannot understand the relief I felt after hearing that.

Not that I was expecting to just drop my kids off and have them babysat by teachers who I have an immense new respect for. I want to be involved in my son's education. I want to be part of the school community.

I just didn't know how involved I needed to be.

It's a massive lesson for my son and I. And while my son will adjust in no time, I suspect it might just take me all year to get into the swing of things.

On the up-side, at least I'm good at packing lunches.

How did you survive your eldest child's first year of school? Did you breeze through, or struggle like me?

* I promise, I'm not exaggerating. Not even a little bit. All this - plus the things I missed - in just five weeks of school. And that's just prep. If my son was in Grade 3, there would also be the Stephanie Alexander cooking program, interschool sports, and the chook program. I'm sure I've missed some things seeing my child is actually not in Grade 3. But I'm taking notes for later.

FANCY PANTS [SUMMER LOVING]

Well, it's high time we got ourselves all fancy again. It's been like, since St Valentine came to town since I last was all dressed up.

It seems like forever ago.

THIS SATURDAY I'M GRATEFUL FOR... GUITARS

There are guitars everywhere I look in my house. Acoustic, electric, bass guitars. Even a ukelele. Not to mention the amplifiers, speakers, fancy foot pedals, guitar strings, wrappers, music stands, sheet music, music books. Lots of music books.

You name it, we own it.

That because Hubby is a guitarist. But you guessed that already, right?

And if I could think about the millions of things that I don't like about tripping over guitars all around my house, I could also think of a million other things that I absolutely love.

Like the fact that my house is full of live music. Full of musicians. Full of wannabe guitarists (me).

And actual guitarists (everyone else but me).

Both my step-daughters play the guitar. Kelly is now learning the piano and the ukelele while Leah is a natural on the drums and acoustic guitar.

And because of that continual exposure to so much live music, the little lads are interested too. Madison can play a few chords and sing some songs. Noah has caught the bug too.

He was seen yesterday carrying around Daddy's ukelele and singing some tunes.

Over and over again.

So precious.

What are you grateful for today?

TODAY IS A GOOD DAY TO...

Make pancakes.

Plan next week's menu.

Bottle some garden produce.

Update the family wall calendar. 

Pay some bills.

Clean out a drawer (or two).

 Prepare dinner with a friend.

I love days like this.

What are you planning to do today?