FANCY PANTS [MUSTARD SALLY]

Mustard and grey. They're just beautiful together. An unusual friendship, but it works. See these jeans? Just $4 from my local op-shop. The tags were still on them. They fit like a glove, and I'm a little proud that I was able to get them for such a great price. Makes the full price skinnies in the shop seem waaaaay overpriced.

With late nights and long, hard days this week... I think we all deserve a break today. And possibly some sunglasses. Plus, I'm so happy to be out of blundstones.

The weather is lovely so far. The perfect autumn day - a cool morning, warm sunshine, a bit of wind and cloud. Can't complain really.

How are you enjoying this beautiful day on this gorgeous long weekend?


Kymmie wears: SKINNY 3/4 JEANS, Thrifted. SINGLET, Thrifted. LONG SLEEVED TOP, Thrifted. SCARF, Myer. EARRINGS, Jag. RING, Port Fairy Craft Market. SANDALS, Target. SATCHEL, Thrifted.

13/52

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

Noah: Never too far behind me, either singing, "helping" or asking questions.

Madison: Look what popped out last night!

Leah: We're so glad you came and spent time with us -
even if the boys were overcrowding you a tad.

My favourite photos from last week were: these beautiful compositions at Rebucado acido and this
delightful headpiece (and beautiful girl) at Lamb Loves Fox.

Linking in with Jodi @ Che and Fidel.
(Did I mention that I just adore this project?)

THE CRAGS (AND EASTER).

One of the most rugged and wild sections of Victoria's coastline can be viewed at The Crags, just 12 kilometres west of Port Fairy. We enjoyed a morning there, but it could also be the perfect ending to a tour of the coastal sights of Great Ocean Road. The views are spectacular, but because we didn't know what to expect, the boys brought their sand buckets (and easter gifts from Nanna and Papa) in the hope of some sand activity and eating.

EAT: SLOW ROASTED NECTARINES WITH YOGHURT, CREAM + BROWN SUGAR.

SERVES 6-8 | PREP 15 MINS | COOKING 120 MINS | VEGETARIAN, GLUTEN-FREE

Roasting fruit: it's so simple, it's evil.

Who on earth thought of it? Roasting anything brings out the best in most foods, and fruit isn't any different. You should try this recipe - it's amazing. It really, really is.

When I make this, I always think of (and thank) my gorgeous friend Kate who shared this simple, yet delicious recipe at Food Club last year. She discovered it in an issue of Country Style magazine, and now it's a regular on our table during the summer months when there is an abundance of stone fruit. Although it's now autumn, how perfect is it to use stone fruits still available in the shops and make a warmer dessert option? Don't stop at nectarines either. We have done this with peaches and plums too. The result is equally delectable.

SNIPPETS FROM THIS WEEK.

This week was full of lovely long walks, scooter rides, visits to the skate park, and the playground. That's because we had visitors of the grandparent kind. My mum and step-dad were shown the sites of Port Fairy and enjoyed spoiling the lads with visits to the ice cream shop, games and fun, pick up and drop offs to school and a cafe lunch.

We were proud to show off our little sea town, and all it offers (although, probably a little too much walking for my step-dad who recently had a spell of operations on his foot).

This week also saw Madison settling into school a little more, making face-time calls to his little best friends at his Melbourne school (gosh, these phone calls are sooo cute to see in action!), and Noah attending his first playgroup. We are making new friends, and that is exciting.

| Stopping to take it all in on one of our daily walks; the ultimate easy meal - haystacks (have you had these before?); among the dust, dirt and cement; skate park time; Nanna enjoys the swings; the scooter is this boy's main means of transport; my step-dad Rog; mum with Noah. |

FANCY PANTS [LAYERING LEFTOVERS]

Leftovers. Like a bunged-together dinner?

Yes... sort of. You see we are in the middle of renovating. The worst part, actually. The bit where you live on top of each other in two small rooms, while the rest of the house is basically unliveable.

Fights? There might have been some.

Need of space? Definitely.

12/52

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

Madison: I love your profile, that perfect face. I could stare at it all day.

Noah: That button nose and smile; I never tire of looking at your adorable face

(even if you do have helmet hair).

Linking in with Jodi @ Che and Fidel.

WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING...

Each evening around the time I go to bed, I check in on my sleeping children. Extra kisses are laid on their smooth baby cheeks, their warm breath on my face, a stroke on their little button noses, and a sigh and declaration about how much I adore them - especially Noah, my youngest. He receives extra attention. My husband usually laughs after I fuss (because it's stated out loud), and then responds by saying that I love him so much more when he's asleep.

That's because when this little fellow is awake, on one fine day he might:

1. Squeeze cough lollies into the phone re-charge console in the car.
2. Break the brand new floor sweeper.
3. Take the wrappers off giant chocolate easter bunnies and eat their ears in the supermarket aisle.
4. Hand-ball the greasy towbar, then wipe dirty hands all over clothes and car seat.
5. Fall over four times in the day, blood everywhere.
6. The highlight of today was breaking the glass cover of an ice cream shop - you know, the bit that you look through to choose your flavour. (No ice creams today, but a whopping big bill for Mum).

There might also be the odd tantrum, assertive demands, rude behaviour, loud yelling, and a comment (or four) by a passer-by about how extremely "active" he is, too.

It's true: I love him just as much when he's awake, but sleep brings such sweet relief.

Do you have a child that's full on in their waking hours?

EAT: SWEET CHILLI MANGO TOFU WITH COUSCOUS

SERVES 4 | PREP 10 MINS | COOKING 20 MINS | VEGAN, VEGETARIAN, GLUTEN FREE

This dish reminds me of my single days. My very cool flatmate Art invented this recipe, and I use to love it when it was his night to cook. I hardly make it these days, but while we're renovating, it's easy enough to whip together in a few minutes, and besides, my husband also loves it. He often ask me why I don't make it more often. And now I remember how easy and tasty it is, I'm wondering the same thing!

THIS WEEK IN PICTURES.

This week we have gotten to know our seaside town a little bit more: The people really are as friendly as our first impressions led us to believe, Madison's new school is as beautiful as it looks, there is always something interesting to see, and walking is our new mode of transport. Why drive to the hardware shop, when I can walk? Why drive to the supermarket when my legs are willing and able? I don't wear a pedometer at the moment, but I bet the steps would be impressive.

We also discovered a 'secret' (I'm sure the regulars know about it) walk through park, a skateboard park (how did we miss that?), while the weather - apart from a day of rain - has well and truly spoiled us.

| There's a little chocolate ice cream on your nose; slow roasted nectarines with yoghurt, cream + brown sugar; enjoying the sights and activities at the Port Fairy Folk + Fringe Festival; my junior photographer is doing me out of a job; a quick swim after school - because we can; Madison's new school; holding hands; fatherly love. | 

LETTING THE DUST SETTLE.

I'm sitting amongst a mess of stones, old birds' nests, and rubble. Hovering above me is a wide cloud of dust. A cyclone of bluestone and sandstone lay around our feet. As my fingers tap the keyboard, they find all the dust - as fine as chalk - settling around me, and I'm breathing in a smell of something that was cooked in the fireplace circa 1856.

But wait... I can hear the ocean.

The renovation of our beach cottage has commenced.

FANCY PANTS [THE FOLK FESTIVAL]

There's something about an atmosphere that is surrounded by good music, an onslaught of 40,000 or so people, food stalls, the beach, and fabulous weather that makes you feel good.

Last week was the Port Fairy Folk Festival. The weather was warm (do you remember?) and events like this bring out my inner hippie. While I don't have the nose ring or the dreadlocks, I love that feeling of freedom that comes with roaming around with my favourite men discovering new things: the marionette who sings to didgeridoo music, or the new world band that people are up and dancing to, the one man band, or the kids who are busking with their instruments for the first time. So many places to explore, and so many wonderful things to see.

11/52

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

Madison: Smiling, even when you're sick.

You're the best kind of child to have when vomiting and fevers strike.

Noah: Your energy overflows into everything you do. How can one not be enthused by it?

Linking in with Jodi @ Che and Fidel.

EAT: BIRCHER MUESLI WITH CHIA

SERVES 4-6 | PREP 10 MINS + OVERNIGHT STANDING TIME | VEGETARIAN, GLUTEN FREE

What is your favourite breakfast? Does it provide you with the energy you need all day? Is it complete with fruit and fibre and lots of super foods? Does it taste delicious?

Breakfast is my favourite meal of the day. And to me, this is the perfect breakfast. Full of wonderful things to wake you up: seeds, grains, fruit, nuts and a touch of cinnamon. Kickstart your metabolism and feel fantastic! Also, made the night before, it's so easy to wake up and just eat this on the run (you know - in the car, on the train...). Also it keeps for a few days, so you have no excuse to miss breakfast tomorrow.

Oh, and did I mention that it's low GI? Made with milk instead of juice really helps the dropping sugar levels.

SNIPPETS OF THIS WEEK.

Long service leave has begun, as has the renovating of our beach cottage. It's been hard. While trying to finish all of my work deadlines, packing, planning and whatnot, I've had a sick boy who also was scared of moving schools and was so sad saying goodbye to his friends for two months. It's a long time when you're six! My heart breaks for him, but then I also know that he'll be making new friends at his new school, and will still have his friends back home in Melbourne. He can't see it... yet.

| Lying in the sunshine; Sick and tired boys cuddling near the couch; sunshine through the trees; affectionate biting - that's normal right?; Plenty of planning for the renovations. |