a day in the life of us

if i'm not here, i'm over at instagram

2012-01-26T13:30:00.000+11:00

Instagram is one cool place to be. After joining almost a year ago, after a techy friend recommended it, it's now going off. And more and more people are discovering the joy of the great big photo share.

That, of course, means that projects are becoming more fun, which keeps me visiting throughout the day on my iPhone.

Like FatMumSlim's Photo a day challenge. Such beautiful photographs, and a different theme to photograph each day.

I love the simplicity of a square photo, and the amazing things you can do with it. Sucker for a good photograph? Yep, that's me.

Here's where you can find me: [kymmie_adayinthelifeofus]

Are you on Instagram?

eat [drink]: home-made lemonade

2012-01-25T13:30:00.000+11:00

So, with the weather topping 38 degrees (celcius for my American friends), my sweet friend Brenda and I thought it would be a great idea to have a picnic at a gorgeous park.

The best park I've ever been to, in fact. It has a flying fox, merry go round, maze, bridge with music notes that you can play by stepping on them, a sandpit, cool slides... seriously, the best park. Ever.

And what best to take on a picnic than fresh, icy home-made lemonade. So easy, so simple and so yummy!

INGREDIENTS
2 thick skinned lemons, quartered
100g icing sugar (I used brown sugar as I had no icing sugar in the house!)
1 litre/4 cups icy cold water

METHOD
1 Place icing sugar and lemons in a blender and chop until the lemon resembles chunky pieces.
2 Add half the water and pulse 5 times.
3 Add remaining water and pulse another 5 times.
4 Pour the lemonade through a strainer directly into glasses filled with ice. Serve immediately.

What I love about this lemonade is that it's tart, not too sweet. And really, really lemony.

And perfect for this summer heatwave, don't you think?

Enjoy!

you can never get enough of what you don't need to make you happy

2012-01-24T15:16:00.000+11:00

Image from we heart it

So, I'm not buying anything new this year. No visiting pretty home shops, clothes shops in shopping centres, boutiques in shopping strips, franchises in shopping arcades. I'm resisting buying anything new.

For a whole year.

This is because I want to lighten my global footprint. Promote conscientious consumption. Pay off some bills. Save for a house extension. Teach my kids that it's good to be happy with what we have. Live within our earning capacity. Teach myself self-restraint.

Don't get me wrong, I don't have a spending addiction. Goodness knows, there just isn't enough money to go around when there are kids in the equation, a home mortgage, investments, and me having a part-time job. I'm the queen of purchasing 'the bargain', and tend to stock up at the end of the two major seasons - hot and cold.

Besides, we don't really need anything. But we sure want a lot. But that's where Buying Nothing New (BNN) comes in.

Okay, so I can't really count the first week of January. You see, I hadn't had a chance to buy the things I actually needed and couldn't live without for a whole year. So, there was a bit of a visit to Ikea after the New Year came in. Plus I needed some bathers and a laundry hamper (trust me, you cannot buy those things second-hand)*. Besides I had a gift voucher I needed to use.

Which gets me thinking, does it sort of undo the BNN mentality when you're 'stocking up'? And what about gift vouchers that were given to me at Christmas time and will expire before this year is out? Oh, the quandries...

Anyhow, I'm now on a roll. In fact, it doesn't really feel like anything different to the usual, seeing we:

Hardly ever eat out.
Don't visit shopping centres very often.
Make most of our special treats from scratch.

Christmas has the lads loaded up with clothes and summer needs like boogie boards, bathers and tshirts. A few of my friends (and I) have had our annual clothes cull and we've done a bit of swapsies in the clothes department (one girl's trash, another girl's treasure), and so my winter wardrobe is stocked.

But one of the biggest things that has changed for me is my incoming emails. Turns out I'm on a lot of mailing lists. And if I'm not buying any shoes, clothes, linen, or home stuff - then why bother with the emails? Besides, I don't wish to be tempted. It's scary how many things I was subscribed to. I didn't think it was much until I started unsubscribing. Wowsers. The past five years has me signed up to some serious junk mail. But I'm cleansing, and it feels good.

And this is the beginning. I'm sure I'll post about this again, just a few more times this year. But it's a good start and I'm positive it will lead us (and our bank balance) to a good place.

Have you tried Buying Nothing New? Do you think it's bad for me to spend my gift vouchers before they expire? Any suggestions if you've done this before?

*Things I bought in the first week of January included Ikea $60 (vase, jug, step ladder, hooks), Freedom $100 (laundry hamper), bathers $60.

sh*t girls on diets say

2012-01-23T09:18:00.001+11:00

Girls say the funniest stuff. And there are some hilarious versions on YouTube of what girls say (and don't say).

Here's the latest (and funniest): sh*t girls on diets say.

How many of these things have you said?

I confess that I'll probably be saying some of these things in the next few weeks. Christmas was very cruel.

(And yes, it's a great link. You're welcome.)

fancy pants

2012-01-22T17:28:00.000+11:00

All I have to ask is, why I have to wear long pants and a sleeved top in the middle of summer?

Bring on Summer (Part Two),I say!

Thanks for stopping by.

Kymmie wears: PANTS, KNIT & SINGLET, Witchery. SANDALS, Target. NECKLACE, Diva.

eat: macadamia, spinach & lemon pesto pasta, salad with sprinkles, and the most amazing dressing

2012-01-17T22:39:00.000+11:00

Smug is the word I'd use after tonight's dinner.

While my five year old asked for fourths and fifths and my two year old kept asking for more 'fasta', my husband told me he had enjoyed a most superb dinner (yes, sometimes he talks like he lives in the 19th Century - God bless my man).

I can tell you, this doesn't happen around here often. And when it does, I want to break out in song Sister Maria style and do a happy jig.

And not only was it enjoyed by all, everything I made for dinner was picked mere moments before eating. Organic and oh-so-good-for-you.

Here tonight, we ate macadamia, spinach and lemon pesto pasta. (And no, I didn't make the pasta from scratch - I'm just not that dedicated.)

INGREDIENTS
2 cloves garlic
1 cup macadamias, roasted
200g baby spinach or rocket
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 cup vegetable stock
2 tbsp lemon rind
500g penne pasta

METHOD
1 Place garlic and macadamias in a food processor. Process until finely chopped.
2 Add spinach, oil, lemon juice and stock. Process until almost smooth.
3 Cook pasta until al dente. Drain pasta and leave a little water in the saucepan.
4 Return drained penne to the saucepan and add pesto and lemon rind. Toss over low heat until well combined. Serve immediately with parmesan and cracked pepper.

This makes oodles (great cold for lunches the next day), and the lemon in it rocks. Not everyone is a fan of The Lemon, but this family loves it!

While this was a simple home grown lettuce, tomato and cucumber salad, I did use this amazing dressing (thanks Lana @ Mamamia!).

INGREDIENTS
2/3 cup oil
1/3 cup brown vinegar
1/3 cup soft brown sugar
5 tbs whole egg mayonnaise (use S&W please – they don’t use cage eggs)
5 cloves of crushed garlic
3 tsps mild english mustard

METHOD
1 Shake it up with some salt and pepper.

This makes heaps. But I found that if you store the leftovers in the fridge, it will get used up for more salads. Or as a spread on crusty toasted bread, or as a dip. Seriously, it's that good.

As well as the awesome dressing, I made a salad sprinkle. I used to buy it a few years' back, but when it became unavailable, I thought it was easy enough to make myself.

INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup sesame seed
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
Soy sauce or tamari

METHOD
1 Dry roast sunflower seeds on a teflon coated frypan until golden. Add sesame seeds.
2 When both are lightly toasted, add a few dashes of soy sauce or tamari to the fry pan. Stir until the liquid has evaporated.
3 Store in a glass jar, or use immediately on your salad. Or both.

I usually make a bunch of this and store it for all the salads we have. It goes with everything, lasts well, adds lots of flavour, and makes a simple salad delish.

So, there you have it. All of this picked, cleaned, cooked and eaten within the hour. And happy boys. All of them.

Did I mention how smug I am?

So... what's cooking at your place this summer?

5 days 5 ways [the mini]

2012-01-09T22:32:00.001+11:00

I just want to be this girl. One who lives in headscarves and owns second-hand bohemian clothes, wears a nose ring, and only eats organic, vegan food. One who throws on clothes that don't go, and has an attitude to match. You know, carefree and a bit careless.

In fact, on the inside I'm such a hippie. We're mostly vegan at home, and our veggie patch is organic, but I don't have a nose ring, and look and feel corporate so much of the time. And the responsibility... how I long to be set free of it sometimes.

Wouldn't it be lovely to live just outside of Byron Bay on a large piece of land? Not work full time, just enough to pay the essential bills. There'd be less costs, because life would be more simple. No need to purchase food, or suits for work. Just have the most simplest of possessions, mostly the clothes on our backs, and perhaps a small mortgage. Or even no debt at all.

Sigh.

But then I know that wouldn't satisfy me either. I'd be longing for the city and a good job. I'd get bored of The Simple Life and look for a project or three. I'd be thinking there was more to life than working on the land.

I'm so divided at times - such a split personality. But at least I can dream and dream, and perhaps even live it for a while.

Or at least dress that way in the meantime.

Is there a part of you that isn't what you seem? Do you find yourself dressing like the inner you sometimes? Do you have dreams of a different life (for a while anyway?)

Thanks for stopping by! (Perhaps we should do another one of these 5 days 5 ways things again soon?)

Kymmie wears: MINI SKIRT, Cotton On. TEE, JeansWest. SCARF, Valleygirl. SANDALS, Target. NECKLACES, Diva.

5 days 5 ways [the mini]

2012-01-08T21:19:00.000+11:00

Neutral palettes one of my favourite things. Lots of light colours thrown together. Kind of like block colours, but a much softer kind.

Some might say it's a bit dull, but I love it. Light blues, light greys, camel... it works for me.

And a thrown together look is fun too. Sometimes it's not what you think will work, but then you look at it differently. Because it's the relaxed look you're going for after all.

Do you find that sometimes by just throwing something on that it works, when you might not have thought so beforehand? Do you experiment with lots of similar colours?

Thanks for stopping by (and we'll see you tomorrow)!

Kymmie wears: MINI SKIRT, Cotton On. SHIRT, Cotton On. BOOTIES, Miss Shop (Myer). RING, Diva.

5 days 5 ways [the mini]

2012-01-07T14:34:00.000+11:00

There are days when a mini is just inappropriate. Like when you're running around after 30 kids under four when leading out at Kids' Church.

Which I might or might not have done sometime today.

BUT with tights, a comfy top and flat shoes, it's workable. One can bend over, pick up kids, jump around, even pick up a two year old and race to the bathroom (that would be for my toilet training lad).

The colours are even kid friendly. So kid friendly, in fact, that I'm not even going to change for this afternoon's kids birthday party at the park.

What's not to love about that?

Do you have an outfit that is so comfortable, you just live in it? Do you wear your gym tights as leggings? (Not that I did that today at all... because, naturally *wink*.)

Thanks for stopping by (and we'll see you tomorrow)!

Kymmie wears: MINI SKIRT, Cotton On. SINGLET, JeansWest. LEGGINGS, Track n' Field. SANDALS, Target. BANGLE & EARRINGS, Equip.

this saturday i'm grateful for... new beginnings

2012-01-06T23:41:00.000+11:00

It's a new year, and the first week of Gratefuls! I'm so excited to be back and reflecting on all that is good in my life. I'm so grateful for grateful Saturdays, that this is my very first thing to list for the year!

New beginnings. Another year to start anew; to get off on the right foot. It's an exciting time. And while we could wipe our slate clean any time of the day, week, month or year, there's something nice about doing it from the very beginning.
Sunshine. Consistent warm days for a whole week? Check. Time to sit out in the sunshine? Check. In fact, I think Melbourne finally received the memo I sent it last year. And not that I'm encouraging sending your skin cells into trauma, but it's been so lovely to have a healthy glow that comes from just 10 minutes in the sunshine each day. (And probably the first tan I've ever had in Melbourne.)
The whole gang. Christmas time usually brings the girls home at the same time, and after they were on the other side of the world last Christmas, we were all home together this year. To top it off, it was five days with all of us together, while Kelly (the eldest) stayed on for another week. I felt I didn't have to leave the house for an amazing holiday, as the holiday had come home to us.

Happy Grateful Day. What are you grateful for?

There's something so exciting going on this week at Maxabella Loves... Grateful is going national! So pop on over, because this is the last time Bronwyn is hosting her very own baby. A new beginning for Gratefuls!

5 days 5 ways [the mini]

2012-01-05T22:18:00.002+11:00

Aaah, the afternoon with sunshine. How I'm loving it!

Spent a few hours with my Madison while Noah was in his room (I'd say sleeping, but I could hear him running around on the floorboards). Apart from the odd popping in to remind him that he should be sleeping, it was so cool to hang out with my big lad, seeing that our days at home are numbered. He starts school in three weeks!

We lazed around on the grass while I read, and while he nagged me about playing hide and seek (which we did), and then chasie (which we also did).

But what excited me the most today was finishing a book. Not only one actual book, but the sixth book in under two months. How utterly divine. I've fallen in love with books all over again, and it's just bliss. (I'm posting about the reading experience a little more later on next week if you're wondering about the books on The Pile...)

And because it's No Makeup Don't Go Anywhere But Clean The House Friday, we spent the morning culling toys and clothes (it's been a big day). So comfy clothes were a must. This top cost $12 from Target a couple of years back, and I loved it so much I bought another one in a different colour. Trust me, that's a big deal, because I'm not that kind of girl. The big batwings were perfect for breastfeeding Noah, and it was baggy enough to hide that lovely wobbly belly. Aah, the joys of motherhood!

And can you tell, I didn't even do my hair today. Yep, keeping it real.

Have you had a chance to enjoy some reading? Is it something you've rediscovered, or is it something you never get a chance to do?

Thanks for stopping by (and we'll see you again tomorrow)!

Kymmie wears: MINI SKIRT, Cotton On. OVERSIZED TOP, Target. THONGS, BigW. SUNGLASSES, Ishka. NECKLACE, Gift (thanks Trish!). PERSONALISED RING, Tildys. Madison wears: TSHIRT, Gumboots. SKINNY JEANS, Pumpkin Patch. THONGS, Target.

5 days 5 ways [the mini]

2012-01-05T21:59:00.001+11:00

It's high time we did another one of these, don't you think?

Especially since we're all relaxed after Chrissy, the weather is absolutely perfect, and I'm feeling kind of inspired by re-shopping my wardrobe. (And seeing there'll be a whole year to enjoy the very same clothes, because I'm not buying anything new), I may as well get into the swing of things in January!

If you missed the last 5 days 5 ways posts, they are here. So far, we've done the white tee, and the maxi dress. Now we can add the mini to the list.

I decided that black was a winter staple and so have been wearing it sparingly. I'm loving the injection of colour that is all around me, flowers and our budding fruits definitely spurring me on.

It also good to stretch oneself with colours and mixing it up. I'm such a two-colour person - so safe! But not anymore. I'm trying to try more things that I wouldn't normally try together. And so far, it's been working (fingers crossed!).

Of course, I'm sporting the oversized glasses because I'm oh so tired from the Christmas/New Years week. Do you still feel like you're recovering too?

Are you brave enough to wear a mini in this fabulous weather? What do you wear with yours?

Thanks for stopping by (and we'll see you tomorrow)!

Kymmie wears: MINI SKIRT, Cotton On. SINGLET, Giordano. OVERSIZED PULLOVER KNIT, Witchery. SHOES, Target. SUNGLASSES, Ishka. HOOP EARRINGS, Equip. NECKLACES (from shortest to longest), Sportsgirl, Gift from Morocco (thanks Kell!), Gift (thanks Rach!). PERSONALISED RING, Tildys.

fancy pants - happy new year!

2012-01-01T12:35:00.004+11:00

Happy New Year!

It's finally 2012! What are your new year's resolutions? Are you giving them a miss, or starting absolutely fresh with a new approach?

Me? Well, I already have my truck license, but it's high time I obtained my boat license seeing we've had one for two years now. Hubby and I have decided our motorbike license would be cool too. Hubby used to own a motorcycle, but I think being a little on the wild side back in his day, he lost it along the way. He's calmed down now, and so it's time to consider being Temporary Australians for a bit.

I'm not buying anything new this year thanks so the inspirational Coo from And then there were four. I'm so impressed that she went a whole year without buying one single new thing. And after giving it a bit of thought (actually months, and months of 'can I do this?'), I'm biting the bullet. I've limited it to just what I buy for me and the lads seeing hubby doesn't want to buy second hand clothes. But seeing he already buys nothing all year anyhow, and lately has been purchasing second hand books (the only other things he buys), we figured it's a pretty good compromise.

Plus, as well as that, I'm going to just be me. Which isn't much of a change, but I'm making an attempt to be more honest with myself; about what I can achieve in a day; who I am as a person (the real version); and not to be ashamed of my passions and beliefs.

Actually, in real life I'm pretty honest about the latter. But here on my blog, not as much.

There is a lot I don't share here, and perhaps I might be brave enough to say what I really think on matters (not that I didn't before, but I just avoided the matter altogether). So perhaps this year, you might hear a more honest, more opinionated me.

Enough with the resolutions already. How did you bring in the new year?

We headed to Mornington with our bathers and lads, ate chips and toasted sandwiches at a nearby park, swam at the foreshore, and ate ice cream.

The boys got to christen their new bathers and boogie boards...

... while I got to watch them...

On our way home, we looked at the last of the Christmas lights, until Madison declared that he absolutely could not keep his eyes open anymore.

We were home by 11:30pm. Just enough time to get ready for bed, have a celebration drink and kiss just before the fireworks went off.

A perfect evening, in my books!

Kymmie wears: SINGLET, Witchery. SKIRT, Witchery. HEELS, Zu. NECKLACES, Diva. Noah wears: SHIRT, Polo. SHORTS, Sprout. Hubby wears: SHIRT/JEANS, Tarocash. Swimmers by Milkshake.

fancy pants - the merry christmas edition!

2011-12-25T14:04:00.001+11:00

Santa's Little Helpers! Has it really been 20 days since I last blogged?

Oh my.

Perhaps I can blame being lost under all the unwrapped Christmas presents? (But I can't because I only bought them all two days ago.)

Perhaps I can blame being the victim of the worst kind of trolling? (But I can't because not many people really know I exist over here in this quiet little corner of mine.)

Perhaps I can blame not having a tripod for my camera? (Well, perhaps not, because I didn't even get one for Christmas.)

At least my ironing board has not made redundant.

What I can really blame is that I fell in love with reading books all over again. I became a marathon reader for the first time since I've had two children under three. And instead of blogging, I've read five books in 3 weeks. It's been divine.

And I can also blame Life: Cooking. Working. Mumming. Gymming. Houseworking. Maintaining.

Just normal busy.

I've missed blogging, but there hasn't been that incessant need to share. Perhaps because it would have only been about the books I was reading all the ridiculous amount of work I've been doing.

And to blog about that might have been boring.

But what really is worth blogging about is that today is Christmas. And it's the time to be thankful for so much in our lives. For those we love, for having things like food and water, a comfortable home, and for the most inspirational person to walk this planet, who was born today.

I hope you take a moment to think about all that is good in your life.

Oh, and a Merry Christmas to you!

Kymmie wears: DRESS, Bardot. WEDGES, Nine West. BANGLES, Target. BRACELET, Gift. SANTA HAT, The Reject Shop.

all about food club. not the rules. just guidelines.

2011-12-05T16:16:00.000+11:00

Here it is. Everything you want to know about Food Club.

There's been a few questions about Food Club. And not being the secretive kind of keep-it-to-myself sort of person, here is what we do. They're not rules, so much as guidelines...

There are eight of us, and we meet approximately once a month to six weekly at one of our homes (we take turns so that we all host it once a year).
It's always held on a weeknight around 7:30pm (after the kids go to bed) until late. Some of us have husbands who work away at some time, so we usually try to host a night when we are husbandless. (Also, if another fellow foodie isn't hosting, but hasn't got anyone to look after the kids, they usually bring their kids in the pjs and put them to bed in the hostess' house.)
Everyone makes one dish, and one foodie makes drinks instead of a dish (usually it's a fancy drink). There is always ample food.
We choose a theme for each night. So far, we've done these themes: summer, autumn, spring, summer, comfort food, all things pizza (even dessert pizzas!), Donna Hay Vs. Nigella Lawson (four of us made Donna Hay dishes, the other four made Nigella Lawson dishes - we had to guess who was who!), Thai, Food from the 50s (we dressed up), 70s/Fondue night (we dressed up), all things Jamie Oliver, English Wedding banquet (on the same night as the royal wedding - and we dressed up in our old bridesmaids gear!), Christmas in July, Traditional Christmas and Food For Gifts (our most recent one).
Usually the next theme, date and host is decided on a Food Club night, and if someone has something they want to try that fits the theme, they can designate that dish on the night of deciding. The host keeps a list of who is going to bring what, and usually the emails are sent to every fellow foodie, so we know what is left to bring. Then it's first in, best dressed for filling in the rest of the menu. Usually at our meals consists of entrees/nibbles, two savouries/mains (four of the girls are vegetarian, so usually there is a vegetarian dish and a meat dish), a hot dish, a salad, drinks, two desserts. As I said, PLENTY OF FOOD! The host usually sets the table all pretty and provides some water and another drink of their choice.
The best bit is that after every meal, when planning the next Food Club night, we send the recipe of what we made to each foodie so they can add it to their repoirtoire. At our first Christmas, Melanie (our fellow foodie) compiled all our first years' worth of recipes into a cook book. I use that little cookbook a lot! Also, for Christmas and Christmas in July we have organised Kris Kringles. The first one was a $10 food tool, and the second one was a $20 cookbook. Our last one we made a dish for the table, and then that dish in a packaged gift size to gift to another foodie. We put names in a hat, and that is who we gave it to! So you can see the ideas are endless! And so much fun.

Each of us are in Food Club for different reasons. Some girls have families who don't like trying new things and they long to try lots of new recipes, some just love to cook and try new things, some aren't good cooks and they want to learn more, some are trying to add to their limited repoirtoire! I'm in it because I love to cook and eat. Because, seriously...

We have one of our foodies who is like our mum. She is the BEST cook, and she always teaches us something new. Last week she showed us some christmas gift wrapping ideas. She's super creative!

When we first started Food Club, not one of us knew everyone in it. Because it was a combination of two mother's group friends, book club friends, mothers whose children go to the same school, sisters, and friends from different groups. I knew three other Food Club members before, but met the other four through Food Club. I think we are all very different and have a diverse age group - but that's what makes it so much fun!

Oh, and if you want to see more Food Club posts here on this blog, go here (just remember, that the top post will be this one, so keep scrolling down).
So... when will you start your local Food Club? I'm so looking forward to hearing if you pull it off!

eat: caramelised onion & feta quiche

2011-11-23T13:30:00.000+11:00

You know those recipes that you just love and never tire of? This is one of those recipes for me. And because of hubby's egg intolerance, this is one I whip up on nights when he is away, and for guests too. I get asked for this recipe a lot. So, here it is - posted with love.

INGREDIENTS
1 sheet shortcrust pastry, thawed (Or make your own mixing 1 cup plain flour, 1/4 cup oil, 1/4 cup cold water and salt. Mix, knead and roll.)
1 tbsp oil
2 onions, sliced
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup feta, crumbled
1/4 cup semi sundried tomatoes, sliced
1/4 basil, shredded
3 eggs
1/2 cup cream
1/2 tsp dijon mustard
seasonings to taste
1/4 cup parmesan, grated

METHOD
1 Ease pastry into quiche dish. Trim edges. Pierce with a fork, line with foil and bake blind in moderate oven for 10-15 minutes.
2 Heat oil in a frypan. Saute onion with sugar and vinegar until onion is tender and caramelised.
3 Top pastry with caramelised onions, feta, tomatoes and basil. Whisk together eggs, cream, mustard and seasonings in a bowl. Pour over filling. Sprinkle with parmesan.
4 Bake in moderate oven for 30-35 minutes or until filling is firm. Serve warm or cold with salad and crusty bread (I serve this with cheese & herb damper with mustard honey butter).
5 To reheat. Cover with foil and bake in moderate oven for 10-15 minutes.

my bedroom, my sanctuary

2011-11-22T13:30:00.000+11:00

I love this room. Besides the kitchen, this is where I spent most of my time. Of course, it's usually in my favourite state - in the Land of Zzzzs.

I love the buttermilk walls, the pale yellow ceiling, the white ceiling rose, and austrian blinds.

The timber skirtings and window, are just so decadent, and the space is totally uncluttered.

We had carpet laid in the bedrooms, which gave the bedrooms such warmth. While I love floorboards, it just wasn't the same.

And because I just like to lie on the floor, we put in a thicker underlay too. Plus it feels so velvety under our feet.

Friends often giggle that we still sleep in a double bed, but I don't mind at all.

Besides, there's more excuse for a cuddle in a smaller bed!

I love this room.

if it ain't broke, don't fix it

2011-11-21T13:30:00.000+11:00

Once upon a time, a very long time ago (before children), my third drawer was the home to all things pretty - tea towels, spare candles, tea lights, matches (to light forementioned pretty candles), napkin rings, and other table accessories.

These days my third drawer (actually now located across a large top drawer next to the cutlery), is full of useful things, like tools.

And batteries. And tape. And string.

Because barely a few days pass by when we don't pull out the tools and fix something.

Whether it be a torn sleeve, cover or page of a book, a broken toy, or some new batteries (which we seem to always need more of).

So we always have a spare (or five) of each sized battery.

The boys have their favourite toys, so I can't seem too ignore the constant fixing that needs to be done.

Plus, they keep asking!

Besides, I don't really mind. It keeps the lads very busy. Especially in the 'fixing' part as well as the enjoying of the toy. Or book. Or whatever it is that needs to be fixed.

Plus, what boy doesn't enjoy finding how the insides work of a thing that makes noise, or plays music?

Do you find that there is a constant need for fixing at your place?

fancy pants

2011-11-20T13:30:00.000+11:00

Hello Six Weeks Before Christmas And I'm Exhausted Already feeling.

It's begun: looming work deadlines, end of year functions, rehearsals for big events, the actual big events...

And I'm tired.

Can you tell? I haven't posted a Fancy Pants post for another two weeks, and I've been scheduling all my weekly posts. I miss my regular bloggers and visit when I can, but it's sporadic to say the least.

There's no time for a hair cut, an eyebrow wax (which I've decided I would like to do regularly now), and Christmas shopping.

Haven't. Even. Started.

Which works against everything I stand for. I like to live life stress-free as I don't do that well under pressure. I'm not gonna lie. Some people thrive on it. Not me.

My favourite Christmas was two years ago, when I had a six month old, a three year old, Christmas was at my place, I had my homemade cards finished by October, written in by November, and Christmas shopping complete by early December.

Utter bliss!

Instead, I'm sitting here, with work deadlines around my ears, working late nights, and just dreaming about putting up my Christmas tree - but thinking I can only do it once the jobs are all done.

Are you ready for Christmas? Do you thrive on last minute madness, or love to be organised in advance?

Why don't you join up with 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 button below. Then pop over to visit other bloggers who are dressing up this week.

Thanks for stopping by!

Kymmie wears: TOP, Witchery. SINGLET, Giordano. RELAXED BOOTCUT JEANS, JeansWest. WEDGES, Target. NECKLACE & RING, Diva.

this week i tried something new... hanging at the homey

2011-11-17T13:30:00.000+11:00

It's been lovely coming home from work to these lovely energetic boys. And because we like to 'bank' memories, a new tradition has started in this home.

While I make dinner, we've been doing a little dancing...

... pulling faces...

... and taking photos ...

I love evenings like this. The kids ask me when we are going to do the "Himmy Hake" (Shimmey Shake, thanks Wiggles), because it's the highlight of their day too.

It's what memories are made of.

How do you 'bank' your memories?

when brothers are the best of friends

2011-11-16T13:30:00.000+11:00

The lads get along so well, it surprises me sometimes.

They don't fight often and when they play, it's usually a very happy thing.

And when they're put in their separate beds, this is what we sometimes find when we check in at night.

I'm not unrealistic enough to think this will last forever.

But still, I'm treasuring it. And capturing it, to remind them of how it was.

Now.

eat: cheese & herb damper with mustard honey butter

2011-11-15T13:30:00.000+11:00

It's always wonderful to rediscover a recipe you haven't used for a while. I made this quite a bit when we lived in PNG because I always had the ingredients in the pantry. This damper is an awesome addition to any meal, and the mustard honey butter really makes it.

At our recent Food Club, I found this recipe in my list of old favourites, and thought, why not? You see, the theme was Food For Gifts. We had one for the table to eat, and another packaged up to give as a gift to fellow foodie. It was a fabulous idea (and fabulous inspiration for the lead up to Christmas)!

I made a big one for our meal, and then a mini-version in a basket with a small jar of the mustard honey butter. (I also made savoury muffins with pesto to go in the basket too, but will share those recipes later!).

So, here it is. And it's so easy too.

INGREDIENTS
2 1/2 cups sr flour
2 tsp wholegrain mustard
50g butter
70g tasty cheese, grated
1/3 cup herbs (chives, parsley, dill)
1 cup milk

METHOD
1 Preheat moderate oven. Line baking tray with paper. Process flour, mustard, salt and butter until it resembles fine breadcrumbs. Transfer to large bowl.
2 Stir in cheese and herbs. Make well in centre and add milk and mix with knife until mixture comes together. Add milk if required. Do not over mix or mixture will be tough.
3 Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead until smooth. Shape into disc. Place on baking tray. Using a knife, score lines about 1cm deep on top of damper to divide into 6 or 8. Bake for 30 minutes or until skewer inserted comes out clean.
4 To make mustard honey butter mix 125g softened butter, 2 tbsp wholegrain mustard, 2 tbsp honey until combined.

This platter is delicious served with antipasto ingredients on a giant wooden chopping board. Very rustic. And delicious!

the bmx bandit

2011-11-14T13:30:00.000+11:00

I'm not sure when it happened. But suddenly, one day, my little toddler turned into a real boy.

I don't mean real like Pinocchio, but real as in likes motorbikes, cars and all things testosteroney.

Really, I should have known. His first word was "brmmmm brmmmm".

I guess the writing was on the wall.

Look at him go.

I love my real boy.

when life is blowing bubbles

2011-11-13T15:29:00.001+11:00

Today was the perfect day to make bubbles...

INGREDIENTS
3 tbsp dishwashing liquid
7 tbsp water
1 tbsp sugar

METHOD
1. Mix until the sugar is dissolved. Let it sit for an hour.

It was too sticky a mixture for the inside, so out we went...

... to blow lots and lots of bubbles.

The best things in life are indeed free.

(Or at the least very, very affordable).

it's interesting what you find...

2011-11-11T11:00:00.000+11:00

... in your lounge room when you live with a musician.

And if you don't live with a musician, here's what you might find in this here cute little wooden bowl:

spare batteries for the foot wahwah pedal (yes, that's what it's called)
guitar strings
capos
slides
plectrums
harmonicas
neck brace for the harmonica (what's their proper name?)
CDs with recordings on them...

Oh yes. And that's my candle.

Do you have a messy musician in your house? Or just a person who has little bits and pieces floating around the house?

this week i tried something new... sorted my accessories

2011-11-10T13:30:00.000+11:00

I've been meaning to share this post for over two weeks now. It's shameful that I've left it so long. But seriously, I think life has just gotten in the way of blogging. Even scheduling posts. Yes, life is sad when there's no time to even schedule!

My best friend couldn't come to my birthday do back in September, but instead decided to purchase something she knew I'd love.

You see, I have a few accessories. Not as many clothes, but LOTS of earrings, necklaces, bracelets and scarves. And she found this amazing standing mirror-come-secret-cupboard-with-a-key.

See? You wouldn't know there was anything in this slim-line beauty!

I'm especially loving the key bit, because then little fingers can't break my cute things. (It's been known to happen before, just once or twice... I even have jewellery repair tools for this very purpose...)

Before I had my fancy new secret-hiding-place-mirror, this is how I use to have my things... on the dresser, and very easy access to toddlers and pre-schoolers.

Sure, it looks pretty, but seriously, how can you get all your trinkets out of a box like this?

I'm all for easy access, and colour coodination...

... like this.

It makes my inner OCD very happy.

(Thank you Nine for the cool present!)

eat: zucchini cake with lemon honey drizzle

2011-11-09T21:06:00.000+11:00

In a recent bake-a-thon, I thought I'd try this seeing I had zucchinis that had to be eaten. Sometimes the most disgusting sounding recipes turn out quite moist and tasty. Definitely a more heavy cake, but filling and filled with goodness! I dropped the sugar level and it was still sweet enough (mind you, I'm not eating sugar, so anything 'a bit' sweet is really sweet to me!). I love the drizzle on the top. Made this moist cake even more tasty!

Hubby loves this with cream, but I had mine with cashew cream (recipe to come). Delish!

INGREDIENTS
70g walnuts (I used pecans)
100g dates
210g zucchini, roughly chopped
100g sultanas
2 eggs
110g oil
150g raw sugar
cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
210 self raising flour

METHOD
1 Preheat oven to 170 degrees celcius and lightly grease a cake tin.
2 Place nuts into food processor until finely ground. Set aside.
3 Place dates into food processor until a chunky paste. Add to bowl with nuts.
4 Place zucchini into food processor until finely grated and add to the bowl.
5 Mix into the bowl the remaining ingredients until mixed well.
6 Pour cake mix into prepared tin and place in the oven for 40 minutes or until golden brown.

While still warm, pierce the cake with a skewer and pour a mixture of 1/2 oil (I use grapeseed), lemon peel and juice from one lemon and honey.

fancy pants

2011-11-06T12:00:00.000+11:00

Sticking with my no-black policy, I'm relishing in colour. Because after all, isn't that what spring is all about?

The trees budding, the flowers blooming, the grass the brightest green it's ever going to be?

I just want to blend in with that wonderful, beautiful, natural life.

Unfortunately, my birthday suit, doesn't do anyone any favours, so I've had to add the colour instead of being as natural as a bright coloured rose.

It sure does change one's attitude getting out of the black. It puts a smile on one's face. It makes you play with colour and have a bit of fun.

Have you a no-black policy for spring? Are you making a conscious effort to put on lots of colour?

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 button below. Then pop over to visit other bloggers who are dressing up this week.

Thanks for stopping by!

Kymmie wears: TOP, Witchery. SINGLET, Witchery. PANTS, Poste Fashions. WEDGES, Witchery. NECKLACE, Gift (thank you Kate!).

this week i tried something new: enjoyed some quiet space

2011-11-03T20:52:00.001+11:00

Something amazing happened this week. I had time to myself.

Without the lads.

It was quiet.

Serene even.

I read a little. Lazed around.

There was even some time to play around with my new camera.

Fiddle with the camera settings...

... and just enjoy the space that was truly mine.

Perhaps I appreciate it more because it rarely happens.

Maybe I'd take it for granted if I had this every day.

I was even super happy to see my lads after their well-earned sleep.

Space is the best therapy. Ever.

eat: fruity power bars

2011-11-02T21:50:00.000+11:00

When I posted this picture up on Instagram, I didn't think to put it on my blog. But thanks to the requests from Cherie at A Baby Called Max, and Dannii from Loving Whispers, here's the recipe!

Gluten free, dairy free, sugar-free (well, no granulated sugar!), and yet amazingly tasty! The kids love 'em.

And so easy too. I'm so in love raw recipes right now. Firstly because they're so much more nutricious, and because they're so easy too!

I made this in my thermomix (the best invention ever!), but this can easily be made in your food processor or bar mix (you know, with a bowl). But if you do have a TM, you can see the exact instructions here. But it's really not that hard. And try to stop at just one! (Impossible.)

INGREDIENTS
50g natural almonds
50g raw cashews
150g pitted dates
50g raisins
60g natural puffed wheat (I used rice bubbles)
30g shredded coconut
70g sesame seeds (you could also use poppy seeds for a darker looking bar)
120g honey (I used rice malt syrup which has much less glucose in it)

METHOD

1 Place almonds and cashews into a food processor until finely ground. Set aside.
2 Place dates in food processor and chop until the dates resemble a paste.
3 Return chopped nuts to food processor and add remaining dry ingredients.
4 Add honey and mix until well combined.
5 Press mixture into slice pan and refrigerate for 2 hours until firm.

fancy pants

2011-10-30T12:00:00.000+11:00

Hello! Look who decided to brave the other side of the camera again?

Spring is here in all its glory and I'm excited! I've been getting out any colour other than black and wearing it with bold courage.

Because it was my birthday recently, I thought I could splurge on a new top or two for spring. Turns out I haven't bought anything since the beginning of autumn. It's been a conscious effort, and I'm so proud of myself. In the meantime, I've been making the most of what I have and mixing it to death.

Before children (and when the cash flow was slightly better), I found myself purchasing clothes more frequently, but ever since we've had the two little lads (and lived in some pretty isolated places), I found that I buy a few things in one shopping sitting, and then don't shop again for ages.

Kind of like my husband when I think about it. He won't buy anything for six months, then purchase all of his winter gear in one hit, and when the weather gets warmer, another hit.

Sometimes I put on an outfit and think to myself how long I've been wearing those items, and still can because they've been timeless. Like the necklace I'm wearing. It's six years old. The cutoffs (that use to be jeans). They're four years old. The sunnies? Seven years old.

One word: smug.

When was the last time you bought some clothes? Do you ebb and flow like me, or trickle your purchases throughout the year?

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 button below. Then pop over to visit other bloggers who are dressing up this week.

Thanks for stopping by!

Kymmie wears: TEE, Witchery. CUT-OFF JEANS, JeansWest. WEDGES, Witchery. BANGLE, Go-Lo. WOODEN NECKLACE, Just Jeans. SUNGLASSES, Portmans. BAG, Eb & Ive.

this saturday i'm grateful for... tickles and giggles

2011-10-28T21:57:00.002+11:00

A few weeks' back, I realised that time was zooming by too quickly. Not only was I too busy to stay on top of everything, but I hadn't spent the time getting into the right head space to just enjoy my family.

So, I changed my focus, and there's been lots of playtime at our place recently. Not only have I stopped to smell the roses, I've actually picked them from the garden and put them in vases around the house. And played with the lads too.

So this week, I'm grateful for:

Fresh flowers. They look amazing and the house smells so fresh and new. What's not to love about fresh flowers. Makes me want to throw my pretty-but-not-real flowers around my home in the garbage.
Tickles and giggles. Does anyone tire of hearing the happiness that accompanies a child's giggles when they're bursting for breath from the endless tickling? (Me neither.)
Late nights. Okay, I'm not usually grateful for late nights, but there's been a bit of restless sleeping around these parts with deadlines taking over my dreams during the night (more like nightmares). But with working some big hours this week, it seems I've finished at least one project and put two others into the almost finished marker. So, I'm back in the game and feeling less overwhelmed. Sometimes so sad, but always so very necessary.

What are you grateful for today?

Visit the divine Maxabella Loves... for more lovely gratefuls.

this week i tried something new... swallowing my words

2011-10-27T22:20:00.001+11:00

You don't mean to, but before your baby bump is swelling and you're still in the blissful state of nausea and fatigue, you make promises of how motherhood is going to be for you.

For me, I was never going to lose my cool, never raise my voice, always be considerate of my child's feelings, be patient and kind, and keep the house perfect.

Dreams, really.

Then there are other things you say you'll never do, then find yourself doing them. And saying things like, "I'm never going to put those ugly Crocs on my children's feet. Ever!"

But when the imitations look as good as the real thing and you find them for just $1.99 at Aldi, you might think that they're a good idea.

Besides, they're so easy to put on after years of doing up slippery shoelaces and sandle buckles. And they're light, waterproof, easier to walk in than thongs, and the lads love them.

What can I say?

(Okay then, I might actually learn to like them. )

Have you tried something new this week? It might be as major as eating your words, or as small as changing the route on your morning walk.

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.

beautiful gifts and where to find them...

2011-10-26T14:58:00.000+11:00

With Christmas approaching faster than the speed of time, I remembered how valuable it was when last year, some of my favourite bloggers shared gift ideas that they loved.

I'm the ultimate bad gift buyer, but I've got a secret to share, because I know how busy you are too.

Check these out! I just purchased two of these personalised bookmarks for my son's kinder teachers. Aren't they so cute? And at just $20 (including delivery), they're the perfect teacher's gift.

And perhaps they'd be okay for your local bookworm as a Christmas gift? Or great aunt, or grandpa too?

And how about these adorable spoons? Is there a new baby in your circle?

Or how about a Christmas gift, just for you?

Tildys does all sorts of personalised lovelies and if you get in before the end of October, Tildys will guarantee it arrives before Christmas.

Don't just sit there... visit Tildys for some more beautiful finds!

you know toilet training is going well when...

2011-10-24T21:17:00.001+11:00

Underwear at all times of the day [and night] is absolutely essential.

Even over nappies.

this saturday i'm grateful for... cute little bums

2011-10-21T22:14:00.001+11:00

Spring may (or may not) be the time to lose your blojo, but I think mine disappeared at the exact same time the warm weather arrived. Suddenly, I can dry clothes outside again, and watch my lads in their cubby house, playing in their sandpit, riding their scooters and bikes.

So this week, I'm grateful for:

Cute little bums. Thanks to the warm weather, my lads no longer want to wear clothes, and there is underwear flung around the house in the bid for the coolest undies. Yes, seriously. But just watching the freedom that comes with minimal clothing is just too adorable for words. (Plus, they do have the cutest little bums!)
Spring cleaning. The person who said A clean desk is the sign of a sick mind is no friend of mine. Mess in my house equals stress in my head. And after the gorgeous washing weather, every washable item in my home has returned to its place, and my head is back in the sane order I need in which to survive and function. (My house too!)
Cancelled work trips. When my husband told me he was no longer able to go on a 10-day work trip to the Torres Strait/Treaty Villages of Papua New Guinea, I was so grateful I actually cried. It seems I'm not so happy for my husband to be away so much any more, and I really love to have him at home with us. Who would have thought?

What are you grateful for this week?

Visit Maxabella Loves... for more lovely gratefuls.

time. and wondering where it went.

2011-10-20T23:10:00.000+11:00

It's been awfully quiet here, hasn't it?

It seems like just yesterday when I had Oodles Of Time To Blog to Absolutely No Time At All.

Perhaps it's because of the extra day I'm doing in the office... putting the kids into day care for the first time... breaking the camera (no photos), buying a new one (too many photos)...

... sorting out this no sugar eating thing... toilet training...

... spring cleaning ... de-cluttering ... playing dress ups...

... jumping on the bed...

... and enjoying these moments...

Seems all is good in our little world.

Thanks for asking.

i never want to forget this moment

2011-10-16T22:43:00.000+11:00

fancy pants

2011-10-09T23:02:00.001+11:00

And look whose had a most memorable Fancy Pants day today?

Although it was my birthday a week and a half ago, I wanted to wait until I could hang out with some of the coolest girls I know.

Today while sitting around this table, I couldn't believe how blessed I am. Seriously, the best friends a girl could ask for.

We did brunch at Bella Vedere in the Yarra Valley. Such a delightful place. And the menu looked so good, I really wanted to stay for lunch too.

Melbourne didn't quite give us the best weather, but I don't think the rain dampened our spirits at all.

(Or perhaps that was just me?)

And because it's my birthday edition, I thought I'd share not only what I wore this week, but also the style of some of my beautiful friends (because they all looked so gorgeous)...

After brunch, my two of my oldest friends/bridesmaids (who flew in from interstate to be there) meandered back to my place via another winery.

How amazing was the view?

And it was so lovely to spend the day with friends I've had for... (wait for it) 25 years. In fact, the whole day was mind-blowingly special. One I won't forget for a very long time.

When was the last time you had an excuse to dress up for a special occasion? Do you marvel at your amazing friends and think they're beautiful from the inside all the way out?

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 button below. Then pop over to visit other bloggers who are dressing up this week.

Thanks for stopping by!

Kymmie wears: TEE & KNIT, Witchery. JEANS, Gasp. WEDGES, Nine West. BIG WOODEN OVAL BEAD NECKLACE, Lovisa. RING, Diva. BANGLES & RING, Gifts (thank you Jodi, Sylvia and Tanya)!

fancy pants

2011-10-02T14:33:00.000+11:00

This week it's Fancy Pants: the outback edition. Here were are at Karalundi Aboriginal Education Community (WA), a place where I worked ten years ago, and we're back after a wee visit with our old friends. As for fashion... a few years back my husband and I had a discussion about style that went a bit like this.

Me: I've got clothes for work, clothes for going out, clothes for church, clothes for renovating, and clothes for Karalundi. Yet I've still got nothing to wear.

Hubby: I have the same clothes, wherever I go. Why don't you wear the same clothes no matter where you are?

It got me thinking. Why didn't I wear the same clothes wherever I went. Why did I dress according to where I was going, and forget who I was just because I was in a different place?

So now I make sure I am me wherever I am. At home, at work, in the outback. Practical, but still me.

Here are a few snaps taken today.

This is my friend Kelly, her husband Josh and little fella Cooper. And if you think you've seen Coops before, well that's because he's a baby model and has been published lately! Adorable little guy. Makes me a little clucky...

This is Dana (and her brother Nathaniel in the background). They belong to the most awesome family. Our boys are only 6 weeks apart, so we did our pregnancies together, and now compare notes on our active lads!

Sitting out on the lawn talking the day away is the best way to spend an afternoon at Karalundi.

I just had to take this photograph. So, there is an office chair in the middle of the road. Just sitting there.

There you have it: this week's Fancy Pants in the desert.

Do you change your style according to where you are, or are you the same wherever you go? Do you leave your office chair out on the street, just because?

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 button below. Then pop over to visit other bloggers who are dressing up this week.

Thanks for stopping by!

Kymmie wears: TOP TO TOE, Witchery. NECKLACES & RING, Diva.

this saturday i'm grateful for... my other life

2011-10-01T00:56:00.001+10:00

I have two lives. The first life you know lots about: the work-at-home mum of two energetic lads who lives in the burbs of Melbourne, Australia. She adores her family, dressing up, shopping her wardrobe, baking and discovering new playgrounds.

The other life, which is rarely shown here on my blog, are the things I'm truly passionate about. Like the Indigeneous people of Australia. Which is why the past two days we've been travelling to the Western Desert in Western Australia.

To visit an Indigenous community near Meekatharra.

You see, my husband is the national director for Indigenous ministries for the Seventh-day Adventist Church. And it's my ministry too. Now we have two little extra airfares (ie. the lads), I don't visit with him like I use to, but this weekend we couldn't miss.

You see, this place is special. Not only because I celebrated both my 30th and 40th (yesterday) here, but because it's jam-packed full of amazing memories.

It's a place called Karalundi Aboriginal Education Community. It's an oasis in the desert. This community is based around a boarding school, so there are lots of kids, a caravan park, cafe, mud brick housing, a community store, a farm, an underwater aquefa. It's a dry community (no drugs, alcohol or smoking is allowed here), and it's won WA's tidy town two years' running.

My husband worked here for almost seven years, and I worked here almost three. I'll confess it was the hardest and most incredible thing I've ever had the privilege to experience. When I decided to leave my Sydney job in Public Relations to live in the desert, my friends laughed.

Seriously.

They said, there was no way I could do this.

But I did. And even cried when we left, because I was going to miss it all so much.

So this week, I'm grateful for:

The hard times. I've never been called a F*cking White C#%t so many times in my life, never worked such long hours, had endless knocks on my door at all hours in the morning, never been more homesick, or disliked the person I became at times when living here.
The good times. Reading bedtime stories to homesick students in our spare room double bed*, singing with kids who sang as loud as they could (out of tune) with all their heart, the space in conversations, the storytelling, all the cuddles, and "Miss, can I sit on your lap?", making many life-long friendships.
The memories. The long drive from Perth (eight hours). The wildflowers in spring. The many kangaroos and emus that 'cross the road'. The roadhouses. Reconnecting with people you haven't seen for years. Always knowing two or three people in each town along the way. Having it all feel like it was yesterday when we saw each other last.
The things I learnt. Life is too short not to sit down and connect with people. Lots of families sitting down on the lawn enjoying the sunshine/shade, watching children playing nearby. I remember often being too busy to sit down, but often thinking that I had it all wrong. Turns out I learnt a lot more than what I thought I would.

What are you grateful for? Pop over to the lovely Jody @ Lemon Rhodes who is hosting this week's linky!

* The first photo is of one of the young boys who slept in our spare bed because he was homesick, and here he is, now a Dad. We were so thrilled to bump into him at the Meekatharra service station and meet his partner (also named Kim) and his new little girl!

10 tips for living to 100

2011-09-29T09:09:00.002+10:00

I'm 40 years old today. Happy Birthday to me!

But before we start freaking out about how high that number actually is, I want to say I'm okay with it.

Turning 40 had me wondering why this number is so hard for some people to reach with all the midlife crises and what not. Personally, I am happy that I've come this far, because quite frankly, the alternative sucks.

There's been those fickle moments too. Giving the mirror more time than it deserves, studying the extra lines accumulated over the years. Wrinkles I'm proud of. Part of all the 40 thoughts has been, what does 40 look like these days? Because when I was 20, 40 sure looked old. Women acted mature, had grey hair, wrinkles, wore plaid suits and stockings. (And perms, but that might have just been an 80s thing.)

I don't think I look like that type of 40 year old, I definitely don't think I act 40 (definitely less mature than what I think I should be). But then on other days, I feel every bit my age.

Recently, I discovered my health age (28 years old), and I did a little happy dance because it sounds more like how I feel.

And then I got thinking about that question: how old would you be if you didn't know how old you were?

I think I'd agree with my health age. Mostly. (But loved being 26 - the age of the photo above.)

Sipping drinks from the fountain of youth was such a trivial thing in my younger days, but now I see how serious this beauty business is. No-one living in Hollywood or in the Good Looks Business look older than 30, and it turns out squillions* of dollars are spent attempting to turn back the clock. Plus, when you realise how young 40 is, you realised you want to have another 40. And then some more.

So I want to share some tips for living to 100. Nothing magical, just common sense really. But something I read a while back**, that has stuck in my head (and in my email archives). Lucky you, because you get to benefit too!

Don't retire. Evidence shows that in societies where people stop working abruptly, the incidence of obesity and chronic desease skyrockets after retirement. The alternative? Stay active, grow a vegetable farm, volunteer in your local museum, church or retirement village.
Floss. Every day. This keeps your arteries healthy apparently. All stemming from the reduction of gum disease causing bacteria thought to enter the bloodstream and trigger inflamation of the arteries (the major risk for heart disease). Who knew? Plus, you get to look after your teeth which will need to be extra healthy for all those extra years you plan to live.
Move around. Exercise is the only real fountain of youth that exists. Like the oil change in your car - you don't have to do it, but your car runs better with it. Plus we all know that exercise improves your mood, mental acuity, balance, muscle mass, and bones. All this with your very first session!
Eat a fibre rich meal at breakfast. Not only eating breakfast, but a good one helps to maintain healthy blood sugar levels throughout the day. It also reduces diabetes which is an age accelerator.
Get at least six hours of sleep. Instead of skimping on less sleep to add more hours to your day, sleep more to get more years out of your life. Those who reach 100 made sleep a top priority in their lives!
Consume whole foods, not supplements. Strong evidence suggests that people who have high blood levels of certain nutrients age much better and have a slower rate of cognitive decline. There is no evidence to suggest that of this happens through supplements!
Be less neurotic. Rolling with the punches is going to make you live longer. Less internalising and more focusing on the good stuff! Hanging around positive people sure helps too.
Be a creature of habit. Strict routines are good for us - yay! Same activities, waking and getting up at the same time... it all helps. As we get older we bounce back less from a late night which weakens the immune system leaving you more susceptible to flu viruses or bacterial infections.
Live like a Seventh-day Adventist. Members of this denomination live on average ten years longer than the average American. One of the basic tenants of the religion is that it's important to cherish the body that's on loan from God, which means no smoking, alcohol, or overindulging in sweet treats. Followers typically stick to a vegetarian diet based on fruits, vegetables, beans, and nuts, and get plenty of exercise. They're also very focused on family and community.
Stay connected. Having regular contact with friends and loved ones is key to avoiding depression, which can lead to premature death. Some psychologists even think that one of the benefits elderly folks get from exercise is the strong social interactions that come from walking with a buddy or taking an group exercise class.

There you have it: the not-so-secret ways to live longer.

Have you hit a big number recently? Has it scared you, or have you taken it in your stride? How do you live your life? A minute at a time, or carefully so as to make the moments count for the long haul?

* this isn't an exact amount. More like a guestimation.
** This article was found in the U.S. News & World Report, October 2009. And I've worded it the way I'd say it. Plus it's a much shorter! But if you want the whole article, you can google it, or if you request it, I have a scanned copy to email you.

eat: raspberry, white chocolate & macadamia muffins

2011-09-27T13:30:00.000+10:00

I've been pondering whether I even post this recipe after going sugar free just under two weeks ago. But seeing I baked these muffins before that time, I'm doing it. After all, not all of you have decided to do what I'm doing. (And besides, they really were delicious.)

But if you do want to make these sugar-free, you can replace the sugar for dextrose and use dark bitter chocolate instead of white sweetened chocolate. I'm sure they would taste just as good!

I found this recipe in the RACV magazine (of all places). So fresh and a mixture of my favourite things: macadamias and berries. And is there anything better than a recipe where you just throw it all together and it tastes delectable? Win-win.

INGREDIENTS
2 cups self-raising flour
100g white chocolate buttons
1/2 cup macadamia nuts, roughly chopped
2/3 cup raw caster sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1 egg
125g butter, melted (I use light margarine)
2/3 cup milk (I use light milk)
1 cup frozen raspberries

METHOD
1 Preheat oven to 200 degrees celsius.
2 Combine all ingredients together (except the raspberries) in a large bowl.
3 Gently fold in the raspberries.
4 Grease a twelve muffin baking tin (or use patty pans/muffin cases) and evenly portion out the mixture into the holes.
5 Bake in the oven for 20 minutes or until golden brown, or when a skewer comes out clean when inserted. Sprinkle with a dusting of icing sugar and serve while warm.

cute things kids do

2011-09-26T20:33:00.002+10:00

My five year old son picks me flowers. And it's just the sweetest thing. He comes in after some time in the back yard, usually with a small offering.

This time it was purple flowers. Anything purple. Looks like we have a bit of that colour in our garden at present...

And showing him how grateful I am for his little gifts, I put them in little vases so we all can enjoy them.

What cute things do your kids do for you?

fancy pants

2011-09-25T12:13:00.000+10:00

I blame the weather on the fact that I'm still wearing black. It was only 15 degrees today, and admit I was hoping to wear more colour.

You see, I've been totally inspired by Felicity @ Gifts of Seredipity (who, ironically, was inspired by me) to take some gorgeous snaps of her wardrobe. So much colour, and so much spring inside. I love taking a peek into other people's wardrobes, and looking at her collection, I'm dying to wear bright clothes for warmer weather! (I just don't think Melbourne has gotten that memo yet.)

And look who's up to his usual tricks! Madison kept timing his bike ride to come around around the same time as the camera takes it's timer shots. He's getting it just right now!

I confess since buying these pontie pants, whether one should wear them on their own, or always under something? I've leant towards treating them like tights rather than pants, because I've seen some scary looking, er, jeggings out there (and didn't want to be scarying anyone). But as for the quandry, I've always worn long tops or tunics worn over them. They've been such an amazing winter staple, and I've definitely gotten my money's worth out of them. And is there anything better than an elastic waist?

Perhaps the weather will get warmer and I won't have to keep pondering this while wearing a pair of shorts.

At the moment I'm so in love with this violet eye shimmer with no dark eyeshadow. I definitely don't look as tired. Which reminds me, when am I going to start reducing my sleep debt? My youngest lad is almost two and a half... (sixteen more years to go?)

Did you ponder how to wear tights during the cold weather (or was it just me)?

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 button below. Then pop over to visit other bloggers who are dressing up this week.

Thanks for stopping by!

Kymmie wears: TUNIC & PONTIE PANTS, Witchery. BLAZER, Ojay. WEDGES, Nine West. SCARF, Myer. RING, Diva. Madison wears: TSHIRT, Piping Hot.

See this girl? She's so awesome!

this week i tried something new... stopped eating sugar

2011-09-22T22:46:00.001+10:00

It was my mum's birthday last week, and I had the perfect gift for her. You see, she loves sugar. And she'll be the first to admit that's she a sugarholic. (Or is that chocoholic?) Either way, she's a sweet tooth.

But no, I didn't buy her chocolate. In fact I was thinking of a book called The Sweet Poison Quit Plan. I knew she would love it. In fact, I was so interested in it, I wanted a copy too.

So I read it. In two sittings. I couldn't put it down. It was so interesting.

One tends to shut off when you hear for the millionth time that too much sugar is bad for you. But I'd never considered it poisonous. My motto is 'everything in moderation'. But most people don't know what moderation is. Turns out I don't either, as I eat far too much sugar.

So after reading the book, I decided right then and there I was going to try this theory. So, cold turkey, I stopped eating sugar that day.

It was a challenge, because it's hidden everywhere - even in my soy milk.

By the end of the first day I had a whopping headache. Sugar withdrawal apparently (it was mentioned in the book).

On the second day, nothing could stop my hunger. I was famished.

But by third day my stomach was no longer bloated, and I had no desire to eat sugar. Plus I realised that I felt fuller quicker. My body was no longer blocking my hunger signals (yes, sugar does that).

The fourth day had my skin looking clearer than it has for a very long time.

By the fifth day I noticed an obvious reduction in the cellulite on my legs (yes, instant results!).

And without trying, I have lost two kilograms. I haven't changed a thing. Except cut out sugar.

Here are some facts from the book:

Sugar was once such a rare resource that nature decided we didn’t need an off-switch – in other words, we can keep eating sugar without feeling full.
In the space of 150 years, we have gone from eating no added sugar to more than a kilogram a week.
You would need to run 7 km every day of your life just to not put on weight as a result of eating that much sugar.
Two decades ago 1 in 14 adult Australians were obese; that figure is now 1 in 5.
The ‘natural’ sugar in one glass of unsweetened fruit juice per day for a year is enough to add just over 2.5kg your waistline.
The more sugar we eat, the more we want. Food manufacturers exploit our sugar addiction by lacing it through ‘non-sweet’ products, such as bread, sauces, soups and cereals.

Today, I made a chocolate and almond flourless cake which I reduced the sugar to half a cup. After just one slice, guess what? I had a headache. (Too much sugar!) I also didn't enjoy it one bit. This has been a reality check, and I because of this book, I'm onto something. And I couldn't recommend the book higher.

Could you go cold turkey and not eat any sugar?

Have you tried something new this week? It might be as major as cutting out a whole item of food in your pantry, or as small as eating a smaller slice of cake.

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.

5 days 5 ways [the maxi dress]

2011-09-22T13:00:00.000+10:00

It's the last day of the five day challenge.

And things I've learned about maxi dresses this week?

A maxi dress is two pieces in one. It's a dress, it's a skirt. AND there's not bulgy bits cutting your middle in half. Don't buy a maxi skirt when a whole dress will do both.
Black is more forgiving. I can't say that I washed this dress every night like the last challenge. Did you notice? (Me neither.)
The Challenge? I could wear this maxi dress all month because it goes with everything in my wardrobe. Don't dare me, I might just do it.
The more basic the cut, the more versatile. Do I need to say anymore?
There is nothing that doesn't go with black. Even navy blue and dark brown. I love to break the rules.
You don't need a big wardrobe. Key items are more important. I really don't have many clothes, but what I have, I wear a LOT. Just goes to show that we can use all of our clothes more when we put some thought into it (not too much though otherwise it's hard work!)

Any other thoughts you might like to add? Now for those of you doing a 'behind the scenes' 5 day challenge, how did you go?

Do you have a maxi dress you can wear over and over again? Will you buy one this season?

Thanks for joining my second 5 day challenge! I have really enjoyed this one, and can't wait until the next one! Now, what to do next...?

Kymmie wears: MAXI DRESS, JayJays. TEE, JeansWest. BRACELET, made by Sammi. CUFF, Gift (thanks sis and Ria!). SCARF, Warren Glen Nursery Giftshop. FLATS, Target.

5 days 5 ways [the maxi dress]

2011-09-21T13:46:00.000+10:00

What do you do when you have to take the kids to the pool, and it's freezing outside? (And you know you have to wear a thin cotton singlet maxi dress?)

Layers. Lots of them.

Plus, I didn't want to look too dressy for the aquatic centre. But I wanted to be warm. Really, warm.

After swimming classes and lunch, I dropped Madison off to kinder and Noah off home to bed. Then I headed to the office to work.

Yes, dressed like this. No make up, pool hair, but incredibly warm and comfy.

Do you dress nice things down or dress up casual items in your wardobe?

Thanks for stopping by!

Kymmie wears: MAXI DRESS, JayJays. LONG SLEEVED TEE, Giordano. PATTERNED TEE, JeansWest. DENIM JACKET, Roxy. PONTIE PANTS, Witchery. FLATS, Target. RING, Diva.

5 days 5 ways [the maxi dress]

2011-09-20T14:28:00.000+10:00

So, you've gotten a two-for-one deal today, because the maximum temperature in Melbourne ended up being 28 degrees (!!!). Yet it's still spring, so the mornings are still Oh So Cold. I started with this...

And by 3pm today, this is what I wore...

Of course, by the time I finished work, picked up the kids, dropped off our overdue DVDs, picked up some tomatoes for dinner (we made pizza!), I looked like this again.

As you do in Melbourne.

Do you layer for the extremes in weather conditions? (Or is that just what people who live in Melbourne do?)

Thanks for stopping by!

Kymmie wears: MAXI DRESS, JayJays. CARDIGAN, Glassons. BELT, JeansWest ($2.99 baby!). ESPADRILLES, Neo (some spanish brand). NECKLACE, That lovely jewellery shop in Lorne. RING, Diva.

5 days 5 ways [the maxi dress]

2011-09-19T11:04:00.000+10:00

So, do I look untouchable in this, or just unfriendly? Probably the latter. I was in a hurry to take these pictures, and the angles are all wrong!

Anyhow, you get the drift (plus you know I'm a nice person, right?).

Besides, the tribal accessories rock! My favourite combo...

And bed hair. Third day without a wash. It does exactly what I tell it to by then!

Lots of chunky wrist accessories...

And a choker I just love!

It feels wrong to be in my suburban back yard in this getup. I'd rather be patting lions on an African Safari.

Speaking of Africa, the black and white bangle is from there (I even think the white panels are made from ivory). A gift from my very first boyfriend's brother while he was on his African adventures, a very loooong time ago. In fact, it was my very first bangle. I love that it has a story to tell after all these years. And it reminds me of a time I spent with the most awesome family.

Do you have a thing for safari type accessories? Have you ever been to Africa? Do you remember your first piece of jewellery?

Thanks for stopping by!

Kymmie wears: MAXI DRESS, JayJays. SHOES, Colarado. CHOKER, Subiaco Markets. BANGLES, (on right wrist), Equip, Diva Just Jeans Gift from Africa (thanks Brett!), Kuranda Markets.

5 days 5 ways [the maxi dress]

2011-09-18T14:50:00.001+10:00

I didn't mean to start another five day challenge so quickly after the last one, but with the warm spring weather we've been having, I wanted to wear this dress. And thought, why not wear it a lot this week?

Dress? You ask. It looks a lot like a skirt. But it's a maxi dress. And I'm going to try to make it different every day for the next five days.

This one was bought for $20 at JayJays. I have to say that when I walk into this store these days I know it's not marketed at my age group (and the fact that the website has a GIRLS' and guys' section surely doesn't help), but the well priced clothing still keeps me going there.

While I was taking these photographs yesterday, Madison wanted to join in. (We have a little bit of one-on-one fun while Daddy is away and Noah has his daytime sleep.)

He's such a cheeky boy. Everytime I set up the timer, he made sure he was nearby on his bike, or just in the vicinity to share with us his beautiful smile. Gosh, I love this lad.

It was such a sunshiney warm day that after Kids' Church, we packed a picnic and headed to a new park/playground. Because, is there anything better than discovering a new playground? I know lots of mums who don't like playgrounds, but this mum sure does! After all, what is better than having fun together, seeing your kids smiling, making the most of a beautiful day, getting out their 'wiggles', or pushing them on a swing? (And if there's time, I jump on the swing too.)

I did swap the wedges for thongs though ;)

How would you wear this dress? And how are you enjoying this beautiful sunshine?

Thanks for stopping by!

Kymmie wears: MAXI DRESS, JayJays. TOP, Witchery. WEDGES, Nine West. EARRINGS, Eb & Ive. BANGLES, (on right wrist), Equip, Diva. Madison wears: SHIRT, Cotton On Kids. SINGLET, Bonds. JEANS, Gumboots. SNEAKERS, Nike.

See this girl? She's so awesome!

this saturday i'm grateful for... school choices

2011-09-16T21:16:00.001+10:00

So, if you ever wondered what it was like to be in my head, this week you might have wanted to get out. Pronto.

You see, I'm a big researcher. And when it comes to those important decisions, I just can't seem to make up my mind.

And the latest of [in]decisions? It's schools. The choice. The pondering. The prospectuses. The application forms.

Yet all this indecision has me grateful. Can you believe it? (Something good had to come out of it, I guess...)

So this week, I'm grateful for:

Options. How is it that I have at least six schools to choose from? And all within close proximity to our house? Private and public.
Good reputation. When deciding which school to send my son, I've been looking at their reputation. (And would you believe it, they're all good?)
Uniforms. The past few weeks my five year old son has been obsessed (yes, obsessed) with what he wears to kinder. It has to be skinny jeans, baseball cap (on backwards, of course), and a cool top. (Criteria? A top with a picture or writing on it.) He even has new sneakers which he hardly takes off. The minute he is at kinder he is comparing notes with his little boy friends ("Do you think this top is cool? Yeah, your top is cool!" I do not lie). He refuses to wear his kinder shirt (not compulsory) and have his hair any shorter than shoulder length. If I can find one good thing about my boy starting school next year, it's that he won't be too cool for school. He will look like everyone else - in school uniform. I'm sure the lack of school uniforms in America is connected to their First Amendment, but I really like the compulsory school uniform thing we have here in Australia. Really. I do.

What are you grateful for this week?

This week the insanely adorable Brenda from Mira Narnie is hosting Maxabella's gratefuls. So head on over and join in this wonderful positive tradition.

Happy grateful day!

our week in words

2011-09-16T10:05:00.000+10:00

Just a few things we talked about this week at our place*. What did you talk about?

*One of my favourite places to visit is Life in a Pink Fibro. Allison has started doing this, and I love it so much, I'm doing it too.

this week i tried something new... relaxed the rules

2011-09-15T22:17:00.000+10:00

There are so many things I've done in the past two weeks that could be considered new, and different. Even, unusual.

Like last week's White Tee Challenge. Where I wore the same tee for five days, five different ways (don't worry, I washed it every night). It was lots of fun and great way to shop one's own wardrobe. I'm a big believer in using what you have, rather than buying new stuff. Because despite thinking you have nothing to wear, you know it's not true.

Or perhaps completing the Global Corporate Challenge last week. I've stopped wearing a pedometer after four months of my tight fitting clothes looking a little strange with that pedometer bump protruding out of my middle regions. I kind of miss reporting my steps each day, but I'm satisfied in knowing that I do on average 12,047 steps each day without even trying. (I think I can thank those energetic lads of mine.)

Some other step trivia includes:

My personal best step count was 23,394 (yes, that was a very busy day).
I walked 856km in four months.
In my organisation, I was fourth ranking.

Not too bad for an amateur walker.

But this week's Something New happened just tonight.

Would it suprise you that I'm a stickler for The Rules?

Like when we were renovating, we had no kitchen benches, no sink, no oven and no stovetop. My husband casually mentioned the words "takeaway" and "tv dinners" while the kitchen was being finished.

It sent me into a flurry.

Of course, most people could think of worse things, but it certainly is hard for me to get my head around it.

Why, fast food means minimal nutritional dinners for my kids, money we didn't need to spend (um, did you just read we were renovating our kitchen?), and setting a precedent. TV dinners means eating in front of the telly, which means we don't eat around the dining table, talk or bond as a family. We don't think about the food we are absorbing, we don't communicate in any way, and we get into bad habits.

After all, we spent my teenage years around the dining room table. We'd groan, we'd complain, because we really just wanted to watch TV.

"It's good for us as a family", my mother would say. "Besides, when else do we talk?"

She was right. Because I really do have lots of great memories sitting around the dining room table.

Like teasing our step dad, or laughing at fart jokes (I have brothers), we'd complain about the weird vegetarian thing that mum had just dished up, and we did lots of learning and discussing there too.

Now it's me making multiple requests for the kids to come to the table, rounding up the husband, and warding off comments about the "iffy" meal.

So, why am I scared about TV dinners? After all I loved them so much when I was growing up. When we stayed at our grandparents over the Christmas break, they even had trays we could use to eat out breakfast while enjoying commercial cartoons (we never had this sort of TV in Darwin).

Now, the kitchen renovation is over. Apart from tiling and painting, I've had a functioning kitchen for more than a month. And the whole time we had take out just once, and never had a TV dinner.

But tonight, I was working, making calls. Hubby is away, the kids were ratty, and In The Night Garden was on.

It must have been a moment of weakness when I heard myself self say: "C'mon kids. Let's eat our haystacks in front of the telly".

You cannot imagine the whoops of excitement.

And I know I've just put a rod in my back which is enough to know I'm going to be very sorry later on.

What happens in your family when you relax the rules?

Have you tried some new this week? It might be as simple as eating dinner in front of the television, or changing your routine or mindset.

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.

when he said mumma...

2011-09-14T14:16:00.001+10:00

I cried.

You see, there's been some problems with Noah's learning and development. On his second birthday he hardly spoke a word. To say we'd been slightly concerned is an understatement. But a recent visit with the Maternal Child and Health Nurse had me close to freaking out. Because I had another appointment the next month. To investigate further.

The prognosis was slightly better, but we visited a hearing clinic to make sure his hearing was okay. And at the next Maternal appointment has me holding a referral to an Occupational Therapist (because the Maternal Child Health Nurse won't be seeing him again until he's four).

So here I am. Hoping. Praying. Waiting. Teaching. And everytime he gestured at an item, I said it.

"Ball."

"Baw."

"Yes, that's right. Ball"

But then he never said it again.

It didn't make much sense. He crawled at six months, walked at 11 months, and is as bright as a spark. Just not in the area of communication. He pointed and said, "Eh" for pretty much everything.

Not long ago he was looking for me in the house, and was getting stressed. So he pulled out of the laundry basket the dress I wore the day before and took it to show to his Daddy.

"Eh?"

Doesn't that show some initiative? Doesn't that mean he knows who I am?

Apparently not. He didn't look me in the eye enough. He didn't build blocks. He had no interest in sitting long enough to listen to a story. He didn't say enough words.

But then weeks later he said, "Choo choo" when he saw Thomas on the TV. He suddenly became interested in the bedtime ritual (books!). Then he said, "Doggy" and "Woof Woof". Finally, he said those magic words: "Mumma".

And slowly it's developed. The word formation. The repeating of words. The volunteering of them, even.

"Bekpas." He says as he points to his cereal bowl yesterday.

"Yes, breakfast."

"PackPack."

"Yes, Makka Pakka."

It's early days, but with each word that is added to his small repoirtoire, there is a celebration that happens in my heart (and prayer of thanks). Which recently has been every. single. day.

Have you ever worried about your child's progress? What did you do about it?

eat: neiman-marcus cookies

2011-09-12T15:00:00.004+10:00

Two years ago a friend forwarded me some junk email that I actually read. So glad I did, because the email contained this recipe. Often with an unknown source, recipes like this could be a total waste of ingredients, but this one is definitely not. In fact, it's so good, I feel badly for not paying for the recipe. (You can read the story below.)

Last week when I had some friend's children over for the day, we did some baking. These cookies (I personally like to call them biscuits, but it's an American recipe) are delicious, and turn out perfectly every time. Definitely worth sharing with you!

INGREDIENTS

5 cups rolled oats
2 cups butter (I use light margarine)
2 cups brown sugar
2 cups white sugar

4 eggs

2 tsp vanilla

4 cups plain flour

680g chocolate chips
1 tsp salt

2 tsp baking powder

2 tsp bicarbonate of soda

500g cooking chocolate, grated

3 cups chopped nuts (optional)

METHOD
1 Blend oats in a blender to a fine powder.

2 Cream thebutter and both sugars.

3 Add eggs and vanilla, mix together with flour, oatmeal, salt, baking powder, and bicarbonate of soda. Add chocolate chips, grated chocolate and nuts.

4 Roll into balls, and place two inches apart on a baking tray covered with baking paper. Bake for 10 minutes at 180 degrees celcius.

Recipe may be halved as this makes heaps. [The above quantities make 112 cookies.]

And here's the story...

If you don't already know, Neiman-Marcus is a very expensive boutique department store in Dallas, USA.

My daughter and I had just finished lunch at a Neiman-Marcus Cafe, and because both of us are such biscuit lovers, we decided totry the Neiman-Marcus cookie. It was so excellent that I asked if theywould give me the recipe. The waitress said with a small frown, "I'm afraid not, but you can buy the recipe."

I asked how much, and she responded, "Only two fifty. It's a great deal".

I agreed to that, and told her to add it to my bill.

Thirty days later, I received my Visa statement, and the charge from Neiman-Marcus was $285. I looked at it again, and I remembered I had only spent $9.95 for two sandwiches and about $20 for a scarf. At the bottom of the statement, it said, "Cookie Recipe: $250". That was outrageous!

I called Neiman's accounting department and told them the waitress had said it was "two fifty", which clearly does not mean "two hundred and fifty dollars" by any reasonable interpretation of the phrase. Neiman-Marcus refused to budge. They would not refund my money because according to them, "What the waitress told you is not our problem. You have already seen the recipe. We absolutely will not refund your money.

I explained to the Accounting Department lady the criminal statutes which govern fraud in the state of Texas. I threatened to report them tothe Better Business Bureau and The Texas Attorney General's office. Iwas basically told, "Do what you want. Don't bother trying to get any of your money back".

I told her that I was going to see to it that every cookie lover in the world with an e-mail account gets a $250 cookie recipe from Neiman-Marcus for free.

So here it is! Please pass it on to everyone you can possibly think of. I paid $250 for this, and I don't want Neiman-Marcus to EVER make another penny from this recipe!

fancy pants

2011-09-11T10:21:00.000+10:00

After wearing a tee shirt all week (see the one piece, 5 days, 5 ways challenge for all the low down), I'm so relieved that the weather held out from freezing point until yesterday. I'm rugged up and cozy. Because it was freezing outside and raining (no Melbourne, thank you).

I love this coat. It's cotton and linen and ever so soft. When my mum and step dad visited in winter last year we had this amazing outing at a divine place called Sassafrass where I discovered what is now my favourite little boutique. Now, I know what you're thinking - boutique sounds expensive. But no, this one isn't. And it thrills my soul just a little bit! And because the clothes are a little bit different from what's happening in most of the chain stores, it's like my very own little secret.

In fact, it was so affordable, my mum coaxed me into buying not one coat, but two. And that other coat is pictured here.) Seriously, the best buys ever!

Come to think of it, it's been a while between visits. Perhaps I should make a plan to go by there again soon...

Now I'm weighing up the odds.

Do you have a shop that's like your little secret, and it sells things are that suit you perfectly?

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.

Thanks for stopping by!

Kymmie wears: JACKET, For TwentyOne. JEANS, JeansWest. BOOTIES, Miss Shop. RING, Diva. EARRINGS, Diva.

See this girl? She's awesome too!

O

this saturday i'm grateful for... the word "no"

2011-09-09T23:25:00.004+10:00

So glad you've popped over here from Maxabella Loves... I'm one honoured chickie who is super excited to host this week for Bron who's having a little blogiday.

Now, if you were here in real life, you could join in on the gobbling up that's been going on nearby here, because it's Food Club weekend! We made (and ate) lots of scrumptious finger food, and because you couldn't physically be here, I'm bringing the food to you.

And so apart from Food Club (which is always at the top of my list), I'm especially grateful for...

The word "no". It must be Open Season - that time of year where lots of important volunteer jobs need to be filled for 2012. In the past week, there have been far too many requests come this way. While I'm so flattered, I find it hard to say "no". Firstly, because I know that that person has to ask a few Someone Elses before someone accepts, Secondly, I'm one enthusiastic energy bunny, but mostly because I like to please. But Hubby (who is the world's greatest reality check) has helped me to discover a new word. And you know what? Saying "no" is easier than I thought it would be. (And gets better with practice.)
Eva Cassidy. When one of my closest friends visited last weekend she came loaded with a gift (because it may or may not be someone's birthday soon). It was an Eva Cassidy CD which I've pretty much played over and over this week. Because, it might just be the best CD ever! It gives me voice envy like never before and I might put in a request to the fairy godmother if I could be naturally, er "blessed" with vocal chords like hers (she grants three wishes, right?).
Fuel. As I headed home from Food Club tonight, I noticed the fuel light in hubby's car was on. Now you see I was rushing to get home because I was late for a very important date (um, gratefuls!). I promptly called hubby to ask how long the light had been on to which he replied, "a very long time". And you wouldn't believe it. As I pulled into the driveway at home the car started to chug, making me extra grateful that I'm not on the side of a dark road waiting in the freezing cold and rain for roadside assistance right now. (Plus, I'd rather be home reading your gratefuls!)

Happy Grateful Day.
What are you grateful for this week?

Join in with Maxabella loves (and me).

Add your Grateful post to the list below (and please, we love you, but it really does matter that your post is one about being grateful, not just a random), and pretty-please add a link back to the list. Then pop over to visit other bloggers who are spreading a little sunshine...

our week in words

2011-09-09T18:00:00.000+10:00

five days five ways [the white tee]

2011-09-09T16:00:00.000+10:00

So, today is the last day of the one item, five days, five ways challenge. And what better way to finish than with some black and white essentials?

I feel a bit relieved this whole challenge is over (for instance, I can go back to wearing nil makeup all week), but funnily enough now I have enough ideas to do another five day challenge with the same tee. Of course, I can say this bravely in the safety of knowing I'm not doing this same item again. But this challenge has made me think hard about what I could do to give this top a different look each day without the same old, same old.

Also, it was a great way to recycle my wardrobe and think outside the square.

It wasn't even too bad washing the tee every night. I only went out once with a semi-damp top. And thankfully, it was a warm day.

But - hurrah - we did it!

What do you think? Worth doing again? Soon?

Kymmie wears: TEE, Witchery. SINGLET, Giordano. BLAZER, Ojay. PANTS, Ojay. BOOTIES, Miss Shop. NECKLACE, Koolaman Designs. RING, Eb & Ive. FACE, The works (even concealer).

5 days 5 ways [the white tee]

2011-09-08T14:36:00.003+10:00

While this all white look is so fresh, crisp and all the rage this spring, it's not for the fainthearted. Or for anyone who puts their scraps in the compost bin, or refills their tomato sauce bottle, or who might be a bit clumsy, or works with dirt, or has children...

Most people, actually.

Because when I took out the scraps and refilled the tomato sauce bottle (yes, I was doing those things in this outfit), I was kind of On Edge. You know, worried about all that leftover food or bright red getting on my Cricket Whites.

Because last time I wore an all white suit (before I had children, obviously), it was at a friend's special 'do. Hor'devours in the garden, formal dinner by the ocean, that sort of thing. By the first round of canopes, I had red grape juice on my sleeve, and bright green pesto on my light pink blousy top. And when soup was served, I leaned over for the salt, and put my whole sleeve in it. (Did I mention it was pumpkin?)

I was a class act that day.

So, as a result, this look is not entirely for me. (Heck. I didn't even wear white on my wedding day.)

But I'm giving it a shot and have napi-san ready to go at, say, around 9.25am.

Anyhow, who cares about how much washing I'll have by mid-morning when the day is this beautiful? Happy Spring Thursday!

Will you brave the all white look this season?

Thanks for stopping by!

Kymmie wears: TEE, Witchery. LINEN PANTS, Giordano. WEDGES, Roc. BANGLE, (on left wrist), Equip. FLOWER RING, Diva. FACE, Tinted Moisturiser/Mascara/Blush/Lip gloss (three days in a row. Miracle!)

5 days 5 ways [the white tee]

2011-09-07T13:55:00.001+10:00

Don't you just love Melbourne to bring on the different seasons all for this week's 5 days 5 ways?

Shorts one day and jeans and jackets the next. I don't know which way is up... but one thing is for sure: I'm warmer today than I was yesterday (thanks to the cool change and hail)! The day started with so much sunshine and potential...

Today we have back-to-back appointments including two potential schools for Madison (yikes!).

Do you get dressed in the morning only to find that you've got the weather wrong?

Thanks for stopping by!

Kymmie wears: TEE, Witchery. SINGLET, Giordano. JACKET, Witchery. FLARE JEANS, JeansWest. BOOTIES, Miss Shop. SCARF, Myer. BRACELETS, (on left wrist), Assorted companies (including JustJeans, some boutique in Kuranda, Qld, and United Against Malaria fundraiser). BANGLE (on right wrist), JustJeans. EARRINGS, Jag. BAG, Eb & Ive. FACE, Tinted Moisturiser/Mascara/Blush/Lip gloss (yes, I made an effort again today!)

5 days 5 ways [the white tee]

2011-09-06T10:31:00.000+10:00

Here we are, day two and I've gotten some feedback on what you would wear with a white tee. What a relief! I'm on the right track according to you girls. And I confess, am very relieved!

One thing I've already learnt is to wash the tee earlier in the night instead of wearing it until I go to bed. It was still a little damp this morning, but thank goodness it's linen. It dries quicker than a heavy cotton. The other thing I've learnt is to take a photograph early in the morning when I'm fresh, instead of the end of the day when I'm buggered.

Off to the pool for the lads' swimming classes, then to kinder...

Do you layer your tees?

Thanks for stopping by!

Kymmie wears: TEE, Witchery. STRIPED TOP, JeansWest. JEANS (I cut them off last year when the knee wore out), JeansWest. SHOES, Rivers. FLOWER BROOCH, Equip. CUFF (on left wrist), Jag.CUFF (on right wrist), Bali. FACE, Mascara/Blush/Lip gloss (yes, I made more of an effort today.)

5 days 5 ways [the white tee]

2011-09-05T21:04:00.000+10:00

So, here it is! The tee that's going to be thrashed to the core this week. Poor thing. I already feel for it's nightly wash, spin dry and hang out, all before it has to do it all over again.

For the next five days.

But you can be glad that at least I'm washing it, right?

Especially after a day like today. I'm doing a barter type system with a friend. I look after her kids once a week while she works, and vice versa. Today, it was my turn. And the four kidlets and I had a ball. We cooked raspberry, white chocolate and macadamia muffins, Marcus Neiman Cookies, and packed a picnic. We visited one of Madison's playgrounds and spent much of the sunny afternoon there.

Want to know more about the tee?

When I bought it, it was a hard choice. From my favourite shop of the moment, they had a few to choose from. But this one with its loose weave and pleated shoulders won out. I figured that it was conventional enough to wear out or in, and with most things. There were some tees they had that were just tight (too limiting), or sleeveless (I wanted sleeves), or had too much detail (I wanted plain-ish).

The test will be, is it durable? And will I really want to wear it again after this week's overkill? What would you wear with this white tee?

Thanks for stopping by!

Kymmie wears: TEE, Witchery. SKIRT, Witchery. NECKLACE, Eb & Ive. CUFF, Diva. FACE, Nothing (but you can tell, can't you?).

fancy pants

2011-09-04T08:32:00.000+10:00

You know those days where it's not really about dressing up, but more about just throwing something on because you've got to take you (or your kids) to the doctor? Well, that was my exact morning this morning. Not much thought was put into what I threw on before walking out the door.

This is what I wore to walk my two year old to the family surgery down the road. Seems we have a case of conjunctivitis. Oh, what joys! Poor little fella is now sleeping off his yucky eyes, and hopefully those eye drops are working their magic so he has his baby browns back (minus the yellow goo).

And after that medical discovery, aren't you just thrilled to have heard all that?

Turns out this is what I ended up wearing all day, and then to the movies last night too. If you haven't seen "Red Dog", I can't recommend it more highly. Such a great Australian movie. I think I smiled all the way through. Such wonderful heart warming true story (and it reminded me of my life living in an Aboriginal Community in the Western Desert!)

Here is my new bag (isn't it the bomb?) thanks to Lizeylou's fabulous giveaway!

And my cheapie (and ever so comfy) shoes from Rivers.

And how about a style challenge this week?

I've decided that this will be the week of five days = five ways! Yes, I'm starting with something, er, extremely difficult - the white tee. Mainly because it's such a spring/summer staple.

Voila. And so starting tomorrow my white tee is going to get a bit of wear. (And washing too!) Let's see what we can do with it.

Did you have to rush somewhere this weekend, or did you get a chance to dress up? And how about this white tee challenge? Up for it?

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, Witchery. CARDIGAN, Glassons. JEANS, JeansWest. SHOES, Rivers. SCARF, Eb & Ive. RING, Diva. BAG, Eb & Ive.

See this girl? She's awesome too!

this saturday i'm grateful for... nut milk

2011-09-02T21:12:00.002+10:00

It's been such a sunshiney week, that it's literally made me happy. Not wanting to work at all, but instead just sit out in the sunshine. It's made me happy (even though I have a crapload of backlog next week). This week I'm grateful for...

Nut milk. I made nut milk today thanks to this gorgeous girl. And as well as a few other culinary delights in the kitchen, I now feel 'at one with Mother Earth'. (Oh, and it tastes really good, earthy even.)
Thanking my maker. Each night my boys are visited by a ghost who spends a lot of time adoring their sleeping faces. Okay, it's really me stalking my children before I go to bed. But still, is there anything better than watching your babies breathing quietly surrounded by their favourite toys (and possibly on the floor), and giving thanks to our maker for them?
I love you's. This week the boys have been a bit sick, and a bit Not Quite Right. That means extra cuddles for mummy and lots of "I love you's". And I love that when they're old enough, they say it first. Fills the cockles of my heart.

What are you grateful for this week? Pop on over to the lovely The Beetle Shack for Maxabella Loves... (just this week) for more lovely gratefuls.

giveaways, winning + pretty things

2011-09-01T22:10:00.001+10:00

When a parcel arrives in the mail addressed to you, how do you react? Do you open it up like a child who has to open it NOW, or you do you savour the moment and make it wait for the right time?

This afternoon I special delivery arrived at my doorstep, and I didn't want to wait.

Because I knew what was inside.

Pretty things.

Thanks to one of my favourite bloggers, Shh... it's Lizeylou. She had her very first giveaway which I WON (what are the chances?)! I was so thrilled because I'd already peeked at Eb & Ive's Facebook page, which led me to their website, which had me falling in love with their lovely bits.

They say that first impressions are lasting:

And inside:

A linen camel bag, a pretty scarf, a funky BIG ring, a gorgeous necklace, earrings to die for, AND some pretty hair clips.

Did I mention they were pretty already?

And because I'd leaned towards the mad, frantic opening which had to be done straight away (as I oohed and aahed), I transferred all my junk to my new handbag, whipped on the earrings, the necklace, and proceeded to show them off to my neighbour as I raced out the door to the next lot of errands.

And I may or may not show them off a little more on Sunday when we get all Fancy Pants round here.

But I really wanted to say was a BIG thank you to Lizeylou for her awesome giveaway, and to Eb & Ive for making the prettiest things.

Have you ever won a giveaway? Were you chuffed to the core?

this week i tried something new... tried to get the black off

2011-08-31T18:30:00.000+10:00

Face painting is awesome. Especially when you want to be Batman.

With glitter.

And it's a cool concept to want to keep it on for as long as possible. No baths, no face cleaning of any sort.

But it wears thin when it rubs onto your clothes, marks your bed sheets and stains your skin. And on the third day, it really doesn't look like anything like it did when it was first done.

So, how to get it off? With makeup remover, of course (if only that worked). Face cream (nope). Baby oil (now we're talking).

And it doesn't quite come off. And so it looks like you've been wearing Mummy's make up over the weekend.

Poor boy. Not so cool now, huh?

(But it does make me wonder if Batman has the same trouble.)

Have you tried some new this week? It might be as simple as removing face paint, or trying a new recipe (even if it didn't work).

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.

look what came early... and blog day

2011-08-31T16:58:00.000+10:00

I love the freaky warm weather we've been having lately. It's tricked all the plants, and our fruit trees are already flowering. Yet spring doesn't start until tomorrow.

Early fruit this year? I sure hope so!

And speaking of spring, isn't it wonderful to discover something new, something special?

Today is Blog Day and is there a better excuse to share the lovely blogs in our lives? Here are a few of the ones I'm loving right now:

Strong Southerly. This girl has style and Good Chair For Monday. I just want to climb into them every week and have a nana nap. I love this girl!
File Under "Miscellanous". If wanting a good giggle, Maybe Melody always has something cleverly written - whether it be a new song, or a funny way of sharing a great story. Even her "About Me" is beautifully written. Plus she's totally gorgeous. And really, really tall.
Agnes' Pages. I've loved this blog for as long as I discovered other blogs were 'out there.' Short posts, gorgeous pictures, and always something to think about.
My New Roots. Foodies, beware. Healthy, gorgeous photographs and beautifully illustrated. Don't visit on an empty stomach! Vegetarian food never looked so good.
The Vegan Stoner. Hilarious food blog. So cute, so easy. And so delish!
Diva Mum. A new blog by Naomi of Seven Cherubs fame. I love it, because I love wearable trinkets too!

Have all your trees started budding before spring? Will you share some blog love for Blog Day today too?

do you think our society values mothers?

2011-08-30T23:03:00.001+10:00

It's happened. I've flipped. And I've decided I've got to say something.

I'm not usually one to go off half cocked, but it's time.

I've heard it and read it over and over again. And I'm tired of it. It's all the talk about how our society doesn't value mothers.

Pardon? Did I hear right?

Perhaps I have spent too much time living in developing countries to feel that we might be misled a tad? Because where we live in Australia, our government pays a bonus sum (no longer in lump sum, damnit) just for having a baby. It now gives us time off work with pay, and if you are on a low income, the government provides a fortnightly top up. For a very long time.

Sure, it's not perfect. But it's something right?

And if that wasn't bad enough...since when did we bother to care about what society said was good for us anyway?

After all, this is the same society that we live in that encourages size zero, and to idolise youth and outer beauty.

Not enough emphasis is placed on emotional intelligence, inside beauty, treating our neighbour the same as how we'd like to be treated, and we just don't seem to respect the elderly like we should. And that is just the beginning.

We spend a lot of our time wishing we were someone else doing something better, or being thinner, had better hair, less wrinkles, less freckles, more money, less cellulite.

What does that say about our society?

From me, you will never hear me utter those words, "Not enough importance is placed on being a mother."

Because as far as I'm concerned, if my kids think that what I'm doing matters and I know what I'm doing is important, then I don't care what anyone else thinks.

How about you?

eat: almond, pine nut, lemon & ricotta cake

2011-08-29T20:50:00.000+10:00

So, here it is. This fabulously lemony, moist treat. And it's recipe even. Seriously fabulous, and tastes amazing! It's even gluten free.

INGREDIENTS
225g whole blanched almonds
50g pine nuts
180g unsalted butter, softened (I use light margarine)
200g caster sugar
3 eggs
finely grated rind and juice of 1 lemon
1/2 tsp baking powder
150g fresh ricotta (I use light ricotta)
pure icing sugar, to dust
strawberries, to serve (optional)

METHOD
1 Preheat oven to 160 degrees or 140 fan. Grease and line base of a 22cm springform pan.
2 Place almonds on a baking tray. Roast for 10 minutes, until lightly toasted. Cool. Process to a meal. Set aside. Process pine nuts. Set aside.
3 Using an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Fold in almond meal and ground pine nuts. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in lemon rind and baking powder. Using a fork, mix ricotta until smooth and light. Add to batter. Add lemon juice and mix to combine.
4 Fill prepared pan and bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour, until a skewer comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a plate (be very careful!). Dust with icing sugar, cut into wedges and serve warm with strawberries.

Recipe from Australian Good Food September 2010.

fancy pants

2011-08-27T21:04:00.000+10:00

Confession: Yes, very slack. No Fancy Pants for two weeks. TWO WEEKS.

Shocking. Mostly because I've been very rarely fancy (thanks to our kitchen renovation) and on the rare occasion I did dress up, there wasn't time to pull out the ironing board. Not to iron. Goodness, no. For the 'photo shoot'. Because I still haven't purchased that tripod I promised myself so very long ago.

Turns out I decided that a dishwasher was far more important than my tripod. (For now, anyway. )

So, instead of leaving you the image of me dragging out my ironing board to our backyard in my heels, let me tell you about this sleeveless dress. My husband's best friend got married two years ago and I bought this dress for his Big Day. It was originally $280, and was on sale by the time I found it. On that particular day, Myer had a half price sale on top of the first discount. By the time I added a Myer gift voucher to it, the dress cost me $40. Gotta love a bargain!

And although it's almost the end of winter, I've only just discovered that this summery little number could have been worn quite warmly all winter. It's made me re-shop my wardrobe all over again.

And see these heels? I had mentioned some time back that they were unfit for wearing. But after an attempt to pass them onto my stylish fairy step daughter, she suggested that I have them stretched. So I did. And gone are the days where I wince when I wear them. I do admit they're still not a heel I could wear all day, but still, at least they're wearable!

So, if you're dying to link up... here's your chance! (Because who knows if I can ever be seen to be reliable ever again!)

Did you get a chance to snap a fancy pants shot this weekend?

Kymmie wears: BLAZER, Ojay. DRESS, Wayne By Wayne Cooper. WOOD AND LEATHER HEELS, Betts. NECKLACE, Koolaman Designs (this has my children's name engraved on it, close up here). RING, Diva ($3!).

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

this saturday i'm grateful for... the simple pleasures

2011-08-26T22:18:00.003+10:00

The sun has been shining, and there's a small sample of spring and what's to come. And because sunny days have been so rare this winter, we headed outdoors lots this week and are so grateful for...

Playgrounds. Is there anything better than watching your offspring running around madly trying every new thing on a playground?
The simple pleasures. Going around and round on a tyre is so much fun. My boys were getting all dreamy as I spun them round on this one (picture above).
Sunshine. It makes us happy. Do I need to say more?

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

our week in words

2011-08-26T21:50:00.002+10:00

Just a few things we talked about this week at our place*.

*One of my favourite places to visit is Life in a Pink Fibro. Allison has started doing this, and I love it so much, I'm doing it too.

this saturday i'm grateful for... yummy things*

2011-08-19T22:19:00.000+10:00

It's been the first week where invitation to 'check out the new kitchen' has begun. Hoards of visitors (well, maybe a few less than that) popped in during the week. And I was ready. Because I'd been christening all my kitchen stuff (like my new oven - oooh, and my first dishwasher, aaah) which results in lots baking and trying out new things! And so this week I am grateful for...

Pine nut, Almond, Lemon and Ricotta cake. This is the second time I've made this amazing cake, but in my new oven, it's so much better. (Recipe here!)
Anzac biscuits. Once again, something I felt I could never make consistently. Turns out I might just be able to blame the old oven (aka The Modern Maid).
Bread. From Scratch. Tonight with the minestrone soup (also made from scratch), I baked bread. Apart from feeling quite like the domestic goddess (which I am - of course), I provided my family with a complete, wholesome, preservative-free, vegetarian meal. Which made me (and their tummies) very happy.

Is it too much to say how much I love food and baking? (Just call me Martha. Or Nigella.)

* Pictured is the Orange Cake I made also this week. By the way, the boy in this photo is pretty yummy too!

What are you grateful for today? Visit Maxabella Loves... for more lovely gratefuls.

our week in words

2011-08-19T22:14:00.000+10:00

Just a few things we talked about this week at our place*.

*One of my favourite places to visit is Life in a Pink Fibro. Allison has started doing this, and I love it so much, I'm doing it too.

eat: rhubarb & berry crumble

2011-08-19T17:17:00.000+10:00

INGREDIENTS
850g rhubarb, trimmed, cleaned, chopped
1 cup caster sugar
1 1/2 cups frozen mixed berries
1 cup self raising flour
125g butter
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup brown sugar
2/3 cup hazelnuts, toasted, chopped coarsely
icing sugar for dusting

METHOD
1 Preheat moderately hot oven (200 degrees celcius).
2 Combine rhubarb and sugar in large fry pan, cook uncovered, stirring gently until sugar melts and rhubarb is tender. Remove from heat. Fold through berries.
3 Place flour in a medium bowl, rub in the butter, stir in cinnamon, brown sugar and hazelnuts.
4 Place the rhubard mixture in a ovenproof dish and sprinkle crumble mixture evenly over the rhubarb.
5 Bake in oven for 20 minutes or until the crumble topping is browned lightly. Dust with icing sugar.

this saturday i'm grateful for... beautiful living spaces

2011-08-12T23:56:00.003+10:00

If loving my new kitchen makes me shallow, then let it be. But I can justify it really. After all, 80% of my waking hours at home are spent in the kitchen, so I want to love the space I'm in. And what isn't there to love about this?

Or this?

Coffee anyone? (I don't actually drink it, but it's for the guests...)

Of course, there's still the dishwasher to be installed, the fridge, the tiles, painting the walls, a big new window...

... but we're definitely getting there. (Don't you love the guitar accessory? Styling by hubby).

So this week, I am grateful for...

Beautiful living spaces. There is nothing more thrilling than a space that one wants to be in. And when the house is peaceful every night around midnight, I look at this space and appreciate every step its taken to get here.
Storage. A huge pantry, wonderful big benches, big drawers. A place for everything, and everything in its place.
My very own sexy plumber. Last week I talked about the cute electrician, but alas, none of this would have happened if my husband didn't get home after work to fix the plumbing (don't worry folks, he's registered), or 10:30pm at night after music practice, and put on his work clothes to varnish the floor. It just so happens he's pretty sexy too. I'm counting my blessings this week.

(Oh, and wondering what this living space looked like before? Look here.)

What are you grateful for? You're welcome to join in over at Maxabella's place too!

the art of patience

2011-08-08T10:26:00.000+10:00

As a child, remember the times when Christmas felt like an eternity away? And when it finally did draw closer, you kept asking your mum over and over about when it was? And then on Christmas eve, you couldn't sleep from the excitement?

Well, as the years go by, you grow up and find out that Father Christmas wasn't real, and the joy of it fades, and then one day you realise that there isn't much that excites you these days.

Today, that feeling is back. I feel like a child again. I'm sitting here at work and really wanting to be at home. Because today, the cabinet maker is at my house installing my brand new kitchen.

And I can't wait!

fancy pants

2011-08-07T09:50:00.001+10:00

The weather has been fine in Melbourne. Sunny days, and even tshirt weather yesterday! Of course, it's been drizzly and cold today, but how nice is a bit of warm weather in August?

The favourite men in my life headed for a drive up to our favourite country spot - Castlemaine (near Daylesford). It was so lovely. A small play at the park, a meander over here, and a quick stop over there. And so relaxing.

As the sun was setting, we thought we would quickly take some snaps. I just love these photographs. I could eat those chubby cheeks.

It was nice to get out of my work boots. I feel like my errands and outings have been in my work gear, and it's just so nice to put on makeup and do my hair. Such a treat these days!

The weather is cooling down again, but I smell spring is just around the corner!

Did you get out of the house this weekend? Any excuse is reason enough 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: BLAZER, Ojay. TEE, Witchery (have I mentioned the fact that I need shares in this shop?). FLARES, Gasp. SHOES, Miss Shop. SCARF, Miss Shop. NECKLACE, Diva ($3!). RINGS, Diva ($3 for 3!). Madison wears: SHIRT/VEST, Pumpkin Patch. JEANS, Levi's. SHOES, Walnut Melbourne. COAT, Pumpkin Patch (on sale!!). Noah wears: SHIRT, Milkshake. VEST, Sprout. JEANS, Pumpkin Patch. SHOES, Gumboots. COAT, Pumpkin Patch (on sale!!).

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

this saturday i'm grateful for... handsome tradies

2011-08-05T22:04:00.002+10:00

When people say they packed everything but the kitchen sink, I now understand why. Because, without it at home, things get out of whack. The whole kitchen centres around the sink and running water. Where else do you peel your vegetables, wash your hands, do the dishes?

During our third week of renovations, we now have no kitchen. Or benches. Nothing. It's all been removed (except for my lovely polished floor!), and my dining room table has become the whole kitchen. So this week I'm super grateful for...

The kitchen sink. And even though it might be another week or so before I have any plumbing in my kitchen, there won't be any taking for granted on running water ever, ever again.
Handsome tradesmen*. Isn't it nice to appreciate something beautiful every now and then? When our electrician and his lovely apprentice started in our kitchen this week, it made me smile and appreciate youth in all its beauty.
Playing the glad game. Call me Pollyanna, but lots of comments have come my way about how positive I've been considering things are a little 'unhinged' at home. Yes, renovating is hard. Yes, it's inconvenient. But just think about how great it will be when it's all finished. A little pain for a whopping gain. So worth it.

What are you grateful for? Join in the gratefulness here.

* I would have posted a picture of the cute electrician, but my stepdaughter said it might be considered stalking. You'll just have to take my word for it.

do my genes look fat in this bum?

2011-08-05T09:12:00.005+10:00

It's Jeans For Genes Day today.

Join in by posting your bum in jeans today, and spread the word like these girls on Facebook - Seven Cherubs, Bigwords, My Shoebox Life and Little Drummer Boys

And please give generously here. I just did.

* It's not disconcerting at all having your bum sprawled across your blog for the world to see. At all. But remember, it's for a very worthy cause. Very worthy.

this week i tried something new... thinking more like a man

2011-08-04T18:20:00.005+10:00

That's it. No more mother guilt, no more apologising, and no more feeling overwhelmed. I'm on a roll, and thinking like a man.

What, you ask? What do you mean when you say that?, you exclaim.

Well, I'm tired of the mother guilt. Tired of juggling. And tired of multi-tasking.

Okay, I'm not completely tired of multi-tasking. There's always room for another part of the brain to be used while the kids are in the bath and I'm cooking dinner (after all work, calls to Western Australia work well as they are two hours behind).

I'm talking about the multi-tasking that goes on in my head.

Perhaps you understand what I mean. The mind that never stops. The body that goes to work, but the head which is thinking about tomorrow's birthday party that you haven't bought a present for yet, the ingredients you need to buy for tonight's dinner with friends, or the phone calls needed for the kitchen renovation. Thinking non-stop about all the things that have nothing to do with work.

And the mother guilt: over that, too.

Besides, what's the point of doing the 'office work' at home when the kids are awake, or not yet at kinder? Long ago, I gave up on the two year old demanding my time to put together the lego he just pulled apart seventeen times already, and then having the five year old asking why you haven't made him breakfast yet while finishing a work report. Seriously, what's the point of trying to do it when they're biting my ankles? And it takes double the time to do half the work.

Now I get out of the house, spend quality time with the lads, and then do the work stuff when the time is right.

And I'm not saying sorry to my child for not playing with them then either. There's time to play and there's time to work. And just because Mummy works from home, doesn't mean that she should apologise for it.

This change of attitude is the result of the ridiculous load of things on my plate lately. The renovating, the filming, work, investments, tax time, plus being a wife and mother. Also, I've been observing the men I work with, and the one who I live with. (For a very long time.) And I watch them travel extensively for business, working one or two projects at a time. Not apologising to anyone. The attitude is this: I'm not thinking about that at the moment, I'll think about it when it's time to.

So, why am I thinking like that? Because for years, this talk and attitude has driven me crazy. Especially when I've wanted to talk more about that Other Matter.

But I've decided to join the bandwagon.

No more guilt, because I'm spending enough time with the kids. And no more thinking about everything at the same time. I'm shelving the things I don't need to think about, and focusing on the bits that are the most important/urgent. It's been a conscious effort.

But this has been the key to my survival the past few weeks. And I'm going to make it something I consciously try to do in the future. A new mindset, in fact.

And so far, it's working.

How about you? Have you changed the way you look at things? Have you had so much on your plate that you have decide to think like a man and stop multi-tasking or apologising?

Why don't you join in? After all it's a great way to cope with stress. 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.

old kitchen, 10 things i dislike about you

2011-08-03T11:18:00.001+10:00

My mother taught me that the word 'hate' is a very strong word. So when I talk about my old kitchen, it's dislike immensely, but never hate.

But it's been made clear on more than one occasion (like here), that I have been looking forward to our kitchen renovation. Very much, in fact.

So, the old gal is leaving the building in five more sleeps (but who's counting, right?). And there's not much I will miss. Like this:

The lino. I think this was the part I was most happy to say goodbye to. It never looked clean, was textured and held every food and sticky drink morsel. And then once it was clean, it still looked grubby. I even used Jif to clean the floor once (yes, on my hands and knees!), and it looked a teeny tiny bit cleaner. For a few moments anyway.

Peekaboo tiles. The kitchen had a quick makeover before we purchased this home. I say quick, because the original tiles have been giving us a sneak preview in the past few months. Two words: not pretty.

Painted benches. As part of that same Lick n' Promise was the painted benchtops. Charming they were.

The contact. You know that sticky stuff that was really trendy in the 70/80s, and it had assorted patterns on it? Well, it lines every one of my cupboard shelves. And it's uber classy with the paint blobs on it.

The slick 70s style. Need I say more? Actually, yes I do. This house is a Victorian, born in 1904. Not 1974.

Brown appliances. The brown Blanco. Mmm, mmm.

Modern Maid. I'm sorry but is there anything modern about this maid? (See above comment.)

Reliable timer. I can't tell you how many dinners have burnt because this bloody thing never went off. It kind of just stopped. Without telling anyone. Thanks Modern Maid.

Sawdust overkill. Everytime we opened up a cutlery drawer, a little sawdust made it's way into the lower one. Nothing like cleaning the drawer and all its contents. All. The. Time.

The constant need for soap. Because the drawers weren't on runners, they got sticky, then the handles would come off. Handy (pun intended).

The pantry. Well, I did have a pantry, a gorgeous hutch my husband made which was placed in the closest proximity to the kitchen (in the dining room). And so obtaining ingredients for a meal or snack would often mean several trips across the kitchen, around the dining room table and then into the small hutch. Oh, and then I would have to take seven things out to get the item I needed. There's plenty of reasons not to cook right there.

No dishwasher. Sadly, for the whole of my married life (that's more than ten years now), I haven't had a dishwasher. And before then when I did have one, I never used it. My fairy step-daughters often joke with me that we are the only family they know that doesn't have a dishwasher. And since my best friend just purchased one, I think they might just be right.

The lighting. I've spent the last four years cooking with just one little fluoro in the middle of my large 12 foot high kitchen. I've basically cooked in the dark. It's amazing I have ten fingers still. And who knows how many snails I missed when cleaning the garden spinach?

Okay, okay...

Perhaps I'm being far too harsh on this kitchen. If these walls could speak, it would have plenty to say. The meals, the memories, the stories, the eras. And, yes when I think more about it, I've made lovely homecooked meals in this kitchen, and watched my boys start solids there too. We've had many a family discussion, talked over the most amazing things, eating home grown produce (possibly gritty) with old and new friends, and spending far longer than planned chatting over a hot cuppa. The kitchen truly is the hub of this home.

But imagine how many more memories are going to be made in my new kitchen?

Plenty, I say.

And I can't wait to start them.

fancy pants junior

2011-08-02T16:51:00.000+10:00

It was overcast, and this little lad just needed to have some photographs taken of him. I've been taking so many lately while the weather has taken a turn for the better, but there certainly haven't been enough posted here of the two-year old cuteness of this fellow.

I love how he insists in wearing a hat. Any hat. While my eldest son always insisted the hat come off, this one is always finding a hat to put on.

Plus, he's inclusive. Whatever he's doing, teddy or ducky come with him. Whether it's sitting in the wheelbarrow, or a horse ride on the handle bars...

... even if it's for an upside down spin...

... or a saunter around the garden. This little fella's activities are just cuteness.

Noah wears: HOODIE, Bonds. LONG SLEEVED TEE, Sprout. TRACK PANTS, Cotton On. BEANIE, La Loon. GUMBOOTS, Rivers.

fancy pants

2011-07-31T10:20:00.004+10:00

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.

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

this saturday i'm grateful for... dust

2011-07-30T23:58:00.001+10:00

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...

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.
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.
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.

this week i tried something new: cooked every meal without an oven or stovetop

2011-07-28T12:09:00.003+10:00

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?

when i remember motherhood was my choice

2011-07-26T16:29:00.000+10:00

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.