Where have I been?

It's has been a long break between now and my last blog.  I'm not going to make any excuses.  I have been doing a lot of living and not much documenting.  The reason I started this blog was to write down things that interested me and maybe someone out there would find it helpful in some way.

There were some days I would sit down and start writing and then I'd read back a few lines and it was basically the same thing as my previous posts.  The last few months have consisted of more de-cluttering, packing things away in boxes etc.  I can finally say that phase of my life is over.  It's all done.  It took a long time, however there were so many things that needed to go.  From furniture, to clothing, make up and the odd bric a brac stuff that I had been carrying around from one move to another.

This also consisted of clearing things out of my personal life. For a long time I was surrounded by people who were just fuelling negativity.  I have never been a negative person, but I found myself  sucked into it and I felt unmotivated, uninspired and I began questioning myself just a bit too much.

So those people had to go and things are now better.  I have one more stage to complete, but that's at the end of the year.  Now I am concentrating mainly on my kids and their needs.  I've joined my son's school committee which has been interesting to say the least.  It's amazing what you learn about education, budgets and other mother's.  I have enjoyed raising money and participating in events.  It does take up a bit of time but it's a great distraction for me from my every day chores.

I have also spent a lot of my time with my son at home doing educational projects.  Everything from learning the alphabet, how to draw, write his name, paint pictures and build train tracks.  My daughter has just started taking an interest in drawing so we have had a lot of artwork hanging in our home.

       One of my son's portraits of his father. Loving the punk look he's given him.



I find this extra time has been very beneficial and I see great improvement.  I wanted my son to be ready for school next year.  I have noticed that they put a lot of pressure on small children to be at certain levels, but at this age I think they should be allowed to be kids too.  It seems to be very competetive and cut throat.  I have mentioned this already in my previous blog. I'm also hearing a lot about how they want children to "conform"

I'm going to be honest.  I hate that word.  I am very much a non conformist in many ways.  In school I didn't "conform" to peer pressure, I also didn't "conform" to society pressure.  I lived my life my way, mistakes and all and I learnt a lot more than if I had just done what everyone else did.  I have been judged because of this.  Actually I'm still judged, but I think a person should not lose their individuality to be someone else's dream or ideal.  We are all different and unique and that should be praised and applauded.  Not pushed to the side and made to feel like it is wrong.

I see already that my son is the type of child who thinks outside the square and I know he may face judgement as he gets older.  But that's what I'm here for.  To teach him that there is nothing wrong with having a bigger imagination, a different way of doing things.  This may just be the thing that brings you to a form of greatness or gives you the ultimate happiness.  It may also be the thing that saves your life, that gets you out of sticky situations or just gives you a bit of an edge.

A road less travelled is sometimes not an easy path to take.  But life isn't easy at the best of times.

So as you can see its mostly been the same old stuff.  I didn't want to bore you all with the same stories.   We have had my son's 5th Birthday. (Gosh he's already 5) Its a cold Winter, quite colder than what we have been used to. Everyone is sick including me.  Yes I've finally caught a virus.  Normally I'm immune but no, this time it's knocked me out. I'm hoping I will recover quickly because no one has time to be sick!

In between commitees, kids, household chores, birthdays, a few social outings and cleaning up I've found a bit of time to think about my vision board and what I want on it.  So I will be collecting all my little bits and pieces and putting that together.  I have quite a few plans I want to execute in the next few years. I'm looking forward to that.  I feel like one chapter is closing and a new adventure is beginning.

I leave you with this today:

Diversity may be the hardest thing for a society to live with and the hardest thing for a society to live without.  William Sloane Coffin Jnr

Homework and the kids.

I think I blinked and my daughter turned 2 .  Just like that she is no longer a baby.  But with this has come the terrible two's. The tantrums, the persistance and no doesn't mean no in her world.  No just means "O.K I will stop for 2 seconds and do it again.  Then I will see how long it takes to wear mummy out"

Boy has she been wearing me out.  I remember my son being a willful child at that age, but usually you could distract him with something and he would sit and watch a movie or play a game.  He would then be quiet for about an hour.  But with my daughter there are no distractions. She just zooms through everything she wants to do.  She is fast and very rarely walks. Any time I open a gate or door of any kind I have to be ready to sprint after her.  (Future marathon runner over here)

My son on the other hand is almost 5!!  (July).  I  don't know where that time went either.  It's true when they say the time with your children goes very fast.  I'm going to try and stop blinking maybe that will slow the process.

He is now at Kindergarten and absolutely loving it.  It's a different world to day care.  More learning a little bit more structure and a change of environment.  At his particular Kinder they let children negotiate their own friendships and battles as well as watching them develop.  They guide the children and give them tools for the life skills they will need in future and they also tell us parents what they feel would be beneficial to each and every child.

I appreciate that.  It's always good to hear a different perspective or a new way of dealing with certain situations.  These people have a degree in childcare so they may have learnt something that would be paramount for me to use with my child.  Some people may not like this but for me it's great.  There is never a book that can teach you exactly how to bring up your child.  ( yes there are plenty of parenting books)  But sometimes these books do not apply to your child.  Some might say then your doing it wrong.  I say your doing your best.  I think spending time with your child teaches you tolerance and understanding. You really need to sit down and work with them.

I am learning a lot about my children as they grow.  Their different personalities, the way they tackle situations and just the funny things they say. Words that you didn't even realise they knew how to pronounce.  I am enjoying their affection and the "I love you mummy".  Sometimes when I think things are just out of control my children remind me that through it all they are here and they are here to stay.  Their love is unconditional, without prejudice and no matter how bad my day is they are there to greet me with their hugs and their smiles. ( and they are still going to drive me nuts)

Also I have noticed my son bringing home a lot of  homework.  Now I didn't think this would start happening until he was at school. However, every week he comes home with a project we are to do together.  I'm not sure how I feel about this.  I don't know how parents who work long hours have time for the homework.  It's not like it's a couple of sentences either.  You have to attach photos, ( so then you go and print them out at a store which takes time), then you have to attach or draw pictures, build objects, glue things, and write essays. This at the age of 4!!!

Learning has become competetive at this age.  Or was it always like this and I just didn't know.  I'm always for children working at their own pace but it seems to me everyone has very high expectations for children at this stage in their lives. And if children don't meet these expectations then they are given labels.

My son went through a stage where he wasn't interested in mainstream learning.  He loves technology, science and thinks outside the square.  He also is not a conformist and likes to be the leader in play.  But 6 months later there he was drawing pictures playing with other kids and broadening his interests.  Although technology and science is still his number one and he still likes to lead, he is learning to fit into every day life with other children.  And this is what I thought going to school was for.

I think it is important to notice if their are major issues awry, but I think just let them be kids for a while.  There is so much going on in this world that it would be nice to not have any pressure on them.  Homework should be once every 2 weeks.  They have plenty of time to be bombarded with this stuff in their teenage years.

It's all a learning curve for me too.  No matter how much you think you know everything, really you don't.  When I was on my own I had a lot of preconceived ideas about how being a mother should be.  I was very much mistaken.  I was an Auntie for many years before I became a parent and I thought that prepared me.  But really your never prepared and the way it actually is, well let's just say it isn't anything like I imagined.

I am not complaining by all means.  All I will say is I have become much less judgemental of other parents. And I thank God for my two munchkins because they are my greatest teachers of life.  But they are also the two little human beings who keep me grounded, focussed, strong and ready to take on anything that comes my way.

Even the homework!!!


I leave you with this today:


It's not only children who grow, Parents do too. As much as we watch to see what our children do with their lives.  They are watching us to see what we do with ours.  I can tell my children to reach for the sun, but all I can do is reach for it myself.  Joyce Maynard

Autumn Favourites

Autumn has finally arrived in Australia. It is my favourite season next to Winter.  Call me crazy but it is true.

I feel excited as I know the cooler weather will be arriving soon.  We are still in the early weeks so  the Summer heat is still lingering.  I usually have to wait till mid April before I can really feel the cool crisp air.  However this year's Summer was not too bad. There was not an abundance of 40 degree celcius days which made me very happy.  I cannot stand the heat.  Everything melts and I start to hyperventilate as the air becomes thick.  I am slightly claustrophobic and this contributes to my anxiety in hot weather.  I think as I get older it gets worse. 

I love Autumn, leaves falling and sunny days with cool breezy winds.  When the trees are dropping their leaves it reminds me of a snake shedding it's skin.   Everything is renewed, brand new, ready to begin an adventure not yet planned.  I truly feel the New Year starts at this time.

With the change in season comes the change in clothing, make up, skincare, food.  Meals are still light but become a little bit more robust.  Make up becomes a touch darker, with earthier colours present.  Lipsticks become more mattified with mauve, berry and dark brown coming into play. I love wearing a smokey eye and rosy reddish blush.  Out go the pinks and lilacs and in come the rich deep shades.

                                   My favourite lipstick colours for Autumn

                Deep brown, reddish and mauve blushes perfect for this weather

Skin care moves up to more moisturising products .  Clothing includes a scarf and a jumper.  Boots slowly start to make their presence and home decor becomes neutral and warmer.  Candles can finally be lit and I love the smell of Jasmine wafting through the air.

 My favourite ankle, biker style boots, perfect for the cool days and comfortable!!

I love having eggs on toast on these Autumn mornings, I enjoy walking along the beach when I know I'm not going to burn from the hot sun.  I love sitting in a cafe in the early evening enjoying my Chai Latte and watching the world go by.  I revel in taking my kids out to run in the fresh air.  Nature to me always looks so much more interesting this time of year.

                                        Enjoying a Chai latte at my favourite cafe

                                  Delicious Brunch of Eggs, Toast, Bacon and tomatoes

Photographs come up beautifully with all the burnt browns, greens and golds.  I almost feel that I am in some kind of a time warp.  The smells take me back to my childhood in the 70's and I remember the many photographs taken jumping in fallen leaves and posing against giant trees.  Back then even the decor was the colour of Autumn.

My Brother and I during our childhood in the early 80's.  Just one of the many photographs taken in Autumn.  I still remember where this was taken.  Footscray Park near the Racecource in Melbourne.

As the days become cooler and the nights become darker I know that just around the corner Winter is coming and then my excitement really grows.  Autumn for me represents time standing still, family dinners, lots of laughter and long baths.  Indoor sports and board games. These days it's reading to my kids and singing songs.

Oh and out comes the cake. There is always cake and banana bread and raisin toast.

What are your favourite things at this time?  Or maybe this is not your favourite season. In any case there is always something for everyone.  Until next time:

"There is a harmony In autumn, and a lustre in its sky,
Which through the summer is not heard or seen,
As if it could not be, as if it had not been!"

Percy Bysshe Shelley

New Year's Resolutions

It's February...ah...where did January go???  I had such a busy month my head is still trying to catch up with the rest of my body.  I had quite a few things going on and I seemed to have spent a considerable amount of time cooking and entertaining.  Not that I am not always concocting a recipe of some sort, but I seem to have been spending some extra time in the kitchen.

My Deconstructed Cabbage with Turkey mince and Cucumber Salad. I saw someone make something similar in a video, but I changed it to my liking.  


I have also been spending extra time sorting clothes, old crockery and anything that reminds me of yesteryear.  As in my previous blog this is the year of change.  So everything that is tied to something that is of no use to me is either being donated or thrown out.

New Year's resolutions seem to have evolved in to long term goals or plans.  I find that if you say to yourself I am going to do this or that but you don't give yourself a plan or a time limit you won't follow through. You have to literally promise yourself you will do what you set out to achieve!

 I work best when I know I can commit to something. For example; After the birth of my daughter I decided I would quit smoking permanently.  I didn't smoke through either of my pregnancies but the first time round I was not ready to give up completely.  The second time round it was hard, even though I only considered myself a social smoker, it was surprising how strong the cravings were.  But I pushed through.  I was busy with my baby, I was hungry all the time and I quit drinking  coffee. Whenever I had a nicotine urge I would eat roasted almonds.  This helped me quite a bit and finally after about six months the urge for smoking was gone.  Two and a half years on and I can say I have no desire to light one up.

My body is loving me for it!.  Although that extra 10 kilos still hasn't shifted!

My resolutions for this year were to bring back positivity in my life, start readying myself for some new challenges and to re-organize the whole house so it functions efficiently. 

I have been studying and watching a lot of organization videos and have implemented what I have learnt.  I still have a way to go but I've given myself the whole year and I'm ticking things off as I go. I'm tackling our spare room next which holds the bulk of clothes that won't fit into our wardrobes.

Alejandra Costello has some fantastic organizational tips.  I have watched quite a few of her videos on You Tube.  She has some great DIY projects too and if your on a budget she gives you some great options. Type in Alejandra Home organizing on youtube. Check her out, she is worth watching




My last resolution for this year is to start preparing myself to go back to work.  I have spent the last few years at home with my children and although I loved having this time with them, I'm eager to go and do what I love best.  I believe in order for me to be the best I can be, I need to work and find a happy balance for myself, my partner and my kids. Life seems to go in cycles which last a few years at a time.  Each cycle gives you new experiences, memories and lessons.

So this year along with cleaning up and sorting out I will also be doing a couple of refresher courses to ready myself for the job I want to do.

I am really looking forward to this.  I cannot believe how much I missed the daily grind of getting up, driving through traffic and having somewhere I had to be at a certain time.  We always complain how we wish we didn't have to work and could win the lotto.  In my case I found Motherhood was the hardest of all jobs so going back to anything else will be a piece of cake now.

I love my kids dearly, but the time has come for us to all do a bit of our own thing.  My son is in Kindergaten, my daughter started a couple of days day care.  They are happy and thriving and I love seeing them change and develop into little people with big personalities.

To help me with my  planning, I have bought myself a diary and some notebooks.  I like to have things written down, even though I know my phone can hold everything in it and is designed to be used for organization, I still prefer to write things down.

 My Diary for the year.  Bought from Kikki-K stationary supplier. Simple and a bit colourful. I like happy stationary.    They have everything you need for work, office or home.  Have a look at their website.  www.kikki-k.com


I'm not a person who needs a hundred affirmations pinned to  my wall.  Most of it is in my head.  If I come across a quote now and then that stays with me I will share with others.  I don't like reading self help books.  However I do like listening to people's experiences, watching how to videos and implementing some of my own pizazz (if that's how you spell it).   Hopefully everything I have set out to do will happen.  No scrap the hopefully it will happen!!!!

Sorry it has taken me so long to write again!  I should have put that down as one of my resolutions to write more often!!!

I hope wherever you are in the world you are enjoying 2015 so far.  I am determined to make this a fantastic year.  See you in my next blog post.


Quote of the day:   Although no one can go back and make a brand  new start,  Anyone can start from NOW and make a brand new ending.

2015 The Year Of Change.

Let me just start by saying Happy New Year.  I seem to have skipped the blogging for Xmas and the holidays.  But 2014 for me was a bit of an uninspiring year.  I think my life comes and goes in  a few yearly blocks.  You have a period of time where things happen and they keep happening and then it stops and a new cycle starts.  The last few years for me were a bit of a battle.  I was battling with myself and things that I needed to accept.  I battled with overwhelming negativity which quite frankly I am not used to and was beginning to be swallowed by. I battled with certain people who for reasons even I don't understand just simply wouldn't get off my case and leave me be.   I simply just felt like I was climbing a mountain with heaviness and no peak in sight.  I was just sick of it all.  I just felt BLAH.  I didn't like it.  It wasn't me.  I usually didn't allow this type of behaviour to get to me.  I really hated it.

But as always in my life when faced with adversity, I just wake up one day and bang it's all over!!!  I cannot tell you how much I have been looking forward to 2015.  The new cycle has started.  I have awoken.  I feel positive, inspired, happy and grateful for everything I have and everything I have achieved.  I am excited for what is to come and I just cannot wait to get the ball rolling.

I made some decisions and plans and I look forward to executing them shortly.  I have put behind me all the things that were dragging me down.  My conversations are no longer about why things are happening to me but rather YES let's get started.

I think in life you always have the ups and downs but if your anything like me you know that everything except death is temporary and you are the master of your destiny.  You are the person who needs to make it happen.  Only you can get rid of the rubbish swirling in your mind and only you can fight your demons.

I'm happy to say I'm comfortable where I am and where I'm going.  Yes I'd like to lose that extra 10 kilos but I'm not insecure about it.  It's something that will go in time.  I'm just happy I'm alive!!

What I am most excited about is my future plans.  I won't reveal all now.  As I'm going to need Blog material later, however for me change is in the air and I love it.  I enjoy it when things are going in a good direction, fingers crossed it all goes smoothly.

As for all the negativity which threatened to take me down in 2014, I can truly say that is behind me.  I learnt a valuable lesson last year. A lesson which I really shouldn't of had to learn.  I should have been a better judge of character, but I forgave myself.  We all make mistakes.  I was vulnerable, someone took advantage and left me reeling. It happened at the worst time,  however it probably needed to happen to slap me back into reality.   I needed to get back to being who I really was not this person who was fading away and allowing the bullshit to take over.

I did a lot of soul searching and a hell of a lot of reflecting.  I came to the conclusion that no matter what I do, I have the support of a great family, I do have good friends, I have beautiful children and above all I have my health and I have my strength. (Not to mention most of my teeth).

With that in mind this year is brighter and fuller.  Some people are not as lucky as me. I know what I'm capable of, I know myself at my best and worst, I have things money can't buy and I'm looking ahead at the new adventures coming my way.

2015 is THE YEAR.  I feel it in my bones.  I hope wherever you are and whatever your doing this year brings you luck and happiness.  That this is the beginning of YOUR new cycle.  That this year you will recieve the fruits of your labour, the love of your life, the children you pray for and the strength and courage to move to a new city or new country. To apply for that job, to marry the girl of your dreams and to jump out of that plane.  To eat that cake, to run that marathon, to see the world, to buy that house.

Whatever it is you wish for I hope you achieve it.  No mountain is too high.  You will get there.  Patience and determination will see you through. Life can be excruciatingly painful.  But it's life.  It can also be beautiful.  You are here, live in the moment.  Get out there and do your thing!!

See you at the finish line to collect your rewards.  I'll be the one eating the cake.  (The low fat one of course). xo

“Get going. Move forward. Aim High. Plan a takeoff. Don't just sit on the runway and hope someone will come along and push the airplane. It simply won't happen. Change your attitude and gain some altitude. Believe me, you'll love it up here.”
― Donald Trump

The Freedom to Be

When you see images and pictures of people imprisoned or living in countries where they do not have choices, do you often think how lucky you are to be free and to enjoy your freedom?

But are we really free?  Can we actually say we are free to do as we please always? What is freedom exactly?

I ask these questions as I have been thinking about this lately.  I have always been a bit of a thinker.  I find myself overanalyzing things at times too.  But recently I sat down and thought do we prevent ourselves from doing things because of other people?  What they might think of us?  What society might say?  What our parent's might say?  What we have been told can or cannot be done. Or do we restrict ourselves because of something deep within us?  Because of our own thoughts and fears?

When I was a young girl I had to behave, listen, do as I was told and be prim and proper.  I had to paint an image that I was the good girl and I was.  I remember thinking I couldn't wait to grow up and experience life. There was a part of me just waiting to get out. I wanted to live life. All the good, the bad and the ugly of it.

I also remember when I got to that point I went through a bit of a rebellious stage. I wouldn't call it drastic.  More so I moved out of home and learnt how to be an adult.  I made quite a few mistakes but in the end I have no regrets.  I needed to make those mistakes to learn life lessons.  I was fearless at the time.  Nothing would stop me on my path to enjoying what life was offereing me.  I had freed myself of the shackles of what was expected and did absolutely what I wanted.  Yes people talked and made up rubbish too, but I didn't care because in my mind I was living life and enjoying it all.  Even the bad times gave me lessons.  No one was going to dictate how I should live. I was responsible for myself and my actions.

There were people I had met at this time who wouldn't dare do or try things because they were afraid of what people would say.  I thought at the time that it was sad they couldn't experience their lives because of that fear.  That they could not express themselves.  That really in a place where we had more than basic needs to survive, people were restricting themselves on other levels.

So are we really free to be?  Free to be ourselves.  Do you sit there and think can I breathe?  Am I doing what I want?  Do I live where I want and am I exactly where I want to be?

Some people may be imprisoned physically, But mentally restricted?  I know at one time or another we have all been there or are there.  Trapped by fears, thoughts and what is expected of us.

Trapped by not being able to stand up and take that leap of faith.  Enjoy the food we want to eat or the places we want to go.  Or even say the things we want to say.

I think for some of us being free means having money.  For others it's escaping the suffocation of societies expectations or those of our families. For some it's getting rid of negativity and those who create it and  for others I think freedom means clean drinking water, fresh food, hygiene and health care systems.

For me Freedom is you being you. Or should I say me being me. Whether you are accepted or not that's one thing, but, you may just find you are appreciated.  Admired even.  At the end of the day who cares!  As long as in your mind you are happy and you are doing the things you enjoy.

As long as you can breathe and you know that you can walk with your head held high.

So are you free?  Is there such a thing as pure freedom?  That's something only you can answer to yourself.

Yes we are limited by the law obviously.  Commonsense will tell us right from wrong.  But Freedom is something you give to yourself if your surroundings gives you everything else.

Happy Monday.

What's in my MAKEUP Bag

As I promised a few blog posts ago, here is the make up bag reveal.  Yes it's pink. It was given to me by a friend and I quite like the design.  Usually on any given day I have at least a lipgloss and powder in my bag for touch ups.  However sometimes I need more then that.  I know that I probably carry more in this little bag than most people.  But then again I have had an affinity with make up for many years going back to early teenage hood when I would save my lunch money and buy Avon.  Yes it's true!!!

I don't really know who I take after in that department as my mother only wears lipstick and that's when she goes out.  I wear make up even when I don't go out.  Call me obsessed.  Call me crazy.  But that's just me.  It's a bit like a hobby and a passion all rolled into one.  Plus it's a very normal habit for me.  It's like brushing my teeth. 

So without further ado here we go:

The first thing I have in my make up bag is this small palette by Elf Cosmetics.  It has 16 mini eyeshadows, 8 mini lipsticks, and good sized Blushes and bronzers.  Very handy to have if you need touch ups but also if your running late for work or you just can't finish your make up look at home this is perfect.  I bought it for about $8.00 on a website called Iherb.  Elf products are sold in K-mart however they do not stock the whole range.  The pigmentation on the eyeshadows are very good considering the price.  Highly recommended.  It is called the Beach Beauty night palette.

I don't know about you guys but I never leave without a powder compact.  For the last 3 years my trusty Chanel compact did the trick but this one is just as good by Australis.  Gets rid of all the shiny spots.  In my case the T Zone of my face.  Affordable and Australian.

This has been my favourite blush for a long while.  It's number 190 Coral by Rimmel.  It is not too matt but not too shimmery.  It's a great satin finish.  This is a must have in my bag and is a different colour to the one in the Elf palette which is more of a pink colour.

I am currently in love with this highlighter.  It's the body shop Shimmer waves in Coral.  Gives a gorgeous glow to your cheeks.  Perfect on tanned skin and for the coming Summer months.  I highly recommend this product.  I have many other highlighters but this is the one I carry with me.

During the day at times with my Oily T-zone my make up tends to fade around my nose and chin.  I take this concealer with me for touch ups but also if I've had a particularly hard night and I have to go out afterward and I can't go home this is fabulous.  It's the Rimmel Wake me Up concealer. This concealer covers dark circles but gives you a bright undertone.  It's also good at covering up spots.

I have with me 2 lipliners from Jordana, 1 black eyeliner from Inglot an eyeliner in Brown by Stila and a NYX wonder pencil which has a multipurpose use.  It covers spots, can fix up makeup mistakes, is great for the lower waterline to make your eyes pop.  Also good if you want to highlight certain areas of your face.  Depending on which make up look for the day I grab one of these pencils for a touch up.

I know 6 lipsticks.  However they are in different shades and do well to go with any make up look I have.   3 are from Rimmel in the colours, 210 Coral in Gold, Lipstick 32, Lipstick07.  I have one by NYX in Indian Pink.  Wet n Wild Pink Sugar and Ulta3 Nude kisses.  These are great wearable, affordable lipsticks for any occasion.  Suits most skin tones too.

I have a deluxe sample size Tarte Mascara which perfectly fits in this bag.  It's a good mascara, gets the job done.

I have this really gorgeous lipgloss from Colette.  There is no name of the shade on here but it's a very nice consistency.  It's not too sticky, has enough colour to be won on it's own and as the packaging suggests it shines bright.

My other lipgloss is by Dior.  It came in a box set with other glosses so I can't tell you the name of this either.  But this is perfect on a nude lip or any pinky lipstick shades.

Finally I have my mini makeup brushes.  One is from Thin Lizzy which I use for blushing, contouring and sometimes powdering.  The rest are from Eco Tools and I use for the eye area.  These are great.  Small, compact and fit perfectly.  Up until a few years ago all I used was a blush brush and sponge applicators.  But I have since broadened my knowledge on make up application.



So that's it everyone.  I know it's more than the average person but that's how I roll.

I leave you with this today:

Make up purchased as follows:

Elf and Physicians formula.  Instore and K-Mart and Priceline or www.iherb.com
Rimmel and Australis:  Instore at Priceline or www.priceline.com.au
Inglot:  Inglot store
Body Shop shimmer waves:  Body shop Australia
Jordana Products:  Can be bought at your local $2.00 store or Cheap as Chips.  Try online at www.cherryculture.com

The pursuit of happiness

Recently I have been thinking about this.  Happiness.  What is it?  How do you define it?  Is it attainable?  Can you find your happiness in this lifetime?  Do we know what this is?

A couple of days ago I went through such a high and such a low in just one day, that I felt like I had some kind of split personality.  I received a call in the morning from a friend who informed me that after many years and many attempts she had finally fallen pregnant.  I screamed from utter joy as I know how much she has wanted this and it absolutely was the best news I'd heard in a long time.

I was floating on a cloud truly happy for her.  Then as I was getting ready for bed in the late hours of that same day news came through to me that a dear friend had passed away.  Just like that. Gone in an instant.  My day had gone from elation to heartbreak.

Death has been a very big part of my life.  I have attended funerals since I was a 10 year old child. I think my parent's wanted my brother and myself to learn from an early age not to fear death or a person who has died.  We were always told it's God's plan and everyone has their destiny.  But no matter how many times you hear of a death or how many funerals you attend, there are just some that shock you and you cannot understand why they had to go before their time.

I will not dwell on this part but the last few days has made me think a lot about what is it that we want in life?.  My friend I believe knew what happiness was.  It was his beloved wife, warm weather, a cold beer, Rhythm and Blues, his family, his friends, his pugs and the beach.  For him it was simple.  You wake up in the morning, you get out and you enjoy life.  Every moment and every day counts and he did not waste a minute feeling sorry for himself.  He is to me now an inspiration.  Someone I will never forget.  He will be that beacon of light guiding us all through our dark times.

For me happiness is my children.  I love life and all it has to offer but until my children came along there was always something missing.

Happiness is also that quiet time in the evening when I can drink my tea and have some me time.

Happiness is a long hot shower on a cold day.  A catch up with friends over a meal or a drink.

Happiness is the snow, cold winter days and some hot chocolate.

Happiness is my late father's Fish broth, hot and spicy with some warm bread.

Happiness is standing in a book shop and finding the next great novel I will read

Happiness is watching talented people doing talented things.

Happiness is the Art Gallery and pictures that tell a thousand words.

Happiness are my memories of my childhood and all my adventures.

Happiness is hearing my children laugh and call out "Mummy"

Happiness is of new things  yet to come and what lies ahead.

What is your happiness?  Have you found it?  Or are you still looking for it?

Whatever the situation your in always remember you are here for a reason.  No matter what that reason is you have been given a chance to experience life and all it has to offer.

It's your choice.  But ultimately there is always light at the end of the tunnel.  Let me know what your happiness is.  Write me a comment below.  I have had problems with this blog and comments but I think now this may be ok so give it a go.

I dedicate this Blog to my friend B.O.  To a life cut too short.  To a person that always made us laugh with his comical satire and unforgettable one liner's.  And to the only person who could call you Fat and get away with it.  The greatest stirrer and debater of them all.  Forever in our hearts and missed dearly by everyone who knew him.

I leave you with this today:

"CARPE DIEM" Seize the day. Happiness is by choice, not by chance.

The Pressure's of Motherhood and other things.

I didn't think I'd become a Mother.  Not because I didn't want to, but just because my life didn't seem to be going in that direction.  I had a couple of failed long term relationships behind me, I was way into my late 30's, and I thought it just wasn't going to happen.  I wasn't upset by this. I had my niece and nephew who I spent enormous amounts of time with.  I accepted that maybe this wasn't going to be my path in life and I was content and didn't feel I had missed out on anything.  My life was full and busy and I was looking forward to whatever the future held for me.

Well, when you least expect it your life just does one big turnaround.  Within a matter of 6 years, I have managed to snag myself a partner,  give birth to two kids, move to another state and have my life turned upside down.  I surprised many people with this including myself!  I have had some incredible high's but also some very bad lows.  In this time I also lost my father, lost a few friendships and saw some things in people that I thought was reserved for my past.  I also have learnt a lot about myself.

It took me about 3 years to realize I wasn't the same person as I was before.  At a drop of a hat I could be anywhere.  Just grab my keys, my purse and away I'd go.  Any party, any event, anything wasn't too much.  I could stay up till all hours and I would vary rarely say no to anything.  I enjoyed my freedom, enjoyed being out of the house I was never a homebody.

These days it's not as easy to just go on a whim.  Firstly organizing babysitting is difficult for me.  My only support network ( which is mainly my mum ) lives in another state.  So I sometimes ask my children's Godparent's who are always willing to help out as best as they can. But I don't ask all the time.  I have also discovered that when you have small children under 4 like I do, people tend to not invite you to as many things as when your single and always available.  It's like you now belong to this other club where children's parties and get togethers are the only place reserved for you.

In saying this I also find that when I am out without my children, I am constantly thinking about them.  I find it hard to relax as they are always on my mind and I'm always looking at my watch.  Whereas before I didn't care when I came home.  It's a catch 22 all round.

I feel guilty when I leave my kids and I'm not with them.  I made a conscious decision not to work until they started school so I could be with them as much as I can while I can.  I spent my whole life from the age of 15 onwards working so really it was a big step for me. But I gave up my career and at first I enjoyed it.  Yes it was tiring, and it took me a while to get the hang of it, but my first year or two was good.

But then I started to feel stifled, claustrophobic and a little bit depressed.  I started to resent comments like " Oh your a stay at home mum lucky you"  like I did nothing all day. I resented some of the higher then though attitudes I received from other Mother's who were working and acted like they were somehow more Superior than me.  When really I would think that all mother's would understand each other and empathize with each other's situation's.  Some people would even go so far as to say I wasn't contributing, that I just did nothing but paint my nails and watch soapies, that my partner was the hard worker.  The poor person who had to work all day, while I just twiddled my thumbs.  (Yeah right ).  When in reality it was quite the opposite.

I myself am guilty of being one of those people who thought stay at home mother's had the best of it. This was before I had children and knew anything about rearing them.   But really in my opinion no mother whether working or at home has the best of it.  You are actually doing the best you can.  Your trying to keep the house in order, the kids happy, your partner satisfied and a lot of the time there is nothing left for yourself.  If couple's survive the first 5 year's of their kids lives then your on a winner.  I can see why people split when they have small children.  No sleep and you barely have time to talk to each other.  When you do get some time out, all you want to do is lie down somewhere. We long for 8 hours sleep. Actually 6 hours would be nice right now!!!

Your job as a Mother is all encompassing.  It's 24 hours a day 7 day's a week.  No time off, no sick days, no excuses.

I went through a very hard time at a certain stage.  You always hear about the Super mother's who have everything under control.  Their houses look like museums; spotless perfect.  Dinner is cooked, table ready, they are there to greet their husband's, they entertain their kids, they are always smiling, always happy, life is good, no problems, no issues. no worries. They survive on no sleep, they can do the job of 10 people and nothing is too hard.

I'm beginning to wonder whether or not this is a myth.  Just like the Loch ness monster.  You hear the stories, but are they real??

After going through my dark phase, I turned a corner.  Mainly at the beginning of this year.  A few things had come to a head for me.  It's like I was walking through a fog and had come out the other end.  All of a sudden everything became clear.

What had actually happened is I was trying so hard to be this good, perfect mother, I was so focussed on my children and partner, that I forgot about myself.  I forgot who I was for a little while.  I let certain things slide which I never would have before.  I avoided confrontation with people when previously I would have shut down any negativity coming towards me. I just somehow internalized everything.  It's like staying at home shut me out.  For those that know me would know that this was very unlike me.

I have always been a fighter.  My parent's used to joke that I was born with a fist jutting out.  That as a child I was severely independent and that I would fight for my right's at every turn.  I was protective of my younger brother and my close friends.  I would never allow anyone to belittle me and if people gossiped I didn't care.  I just went on and did what I wanted because really why care about idiots who had nothing better to do but talk about you.  Get a life I used to say.  Meanwhile I was out living mine.

So that person has now come back.  My hiatus is over.  I think with my Father passing away, my second pregnancy soon after ( and not an easy one I might add), certain people's attitude's and behaviour, all affected me as a person and I was too tired to fight back.  All I could focus on was getting through the day.  I could barely keep on top of things.  I just couldn't deal with it all at once.

Motherhood has definitely changed my attitude and thought's to some things and to some people.  I have let go of my resentment.  In it's place is someone who has learnt that everything in life is a learning curve.  That most things are temporary.  We are not going to live forever. I have also learnt that I just don't have time for negativity.  My kids need me as their rock, their role model and just as their mum.

There are different pressure's and ways to deal with them.  My mental toughness has always got me through everything.  I look at my beautiful children and thank God for them every day.  For all the things that have hit me in the last few year's they are my brightness, my light, my love and my life.

These two little human beings that I helped create are reason enough for me to see that life is full of miracle's.  That really if we are un happy or something is not right, not to give into it but to meet it head on and say. "Stuff you"  ( or the other alternative ).

I now do give myself some time out.  I take Zumba classes twice a week which helps relieve some of my stress.  Thursday nights I often go shopping on my own so I can get things done.  Every month I get my nails done and a pedicure. Occasionally I will go out with a girlfriend or two.  I spend as much time as I can hugging and loving my children.  Watching them grow and listening to their voices and funny stories.  My daughter has started walking and is saying words.  She is quite the character.  I see a lot of my independence in her.  She's feisty and tough, but sensitive too. A little mini me that looks like her father.   My son is my little comedian.  He is at that age where everything he says is funny.  But he is so smart, intuitive and thoughtful.  He's my right hand man.

I feel that this blog post has been a little revealing but cathartic for me.  I just wanted to put it out there that not everything is as it seems.  If you see a mother yelling at her child or going crazy in a shopping centre then don't judge.  Alternatively if you see one that looks immaculate, her kids dressed perfect, her face under control don't assume that all is o.k.  Looks can be deceiving.  Just don't feel you know someone just because of the way they look. 

If you are a Mother yourself or you are the other half of the dynamic duo then be kind to yourself.  Be kind to each other.  A cup of tea, a nice word, helping each other out or asking for help may relieve some of the pressure's.

If you are doing it on your own, don't beat yourself up and don't be hard on yourself.  Find a support network, join a group or turn to your friends.

Whatever your situation there is always somewhere you can turn and there is always someone who  can relate to you.

I have now embraced motherhood for everything that it is.  Pressures and all.  It has made me richer as a person, stronger as an individual and I look forward to everything else I need to tackle and embrace as time goes by.

I will be away for about a month spending time with my loved one's in my hometown of Melbourne so I won't be writing until I get back.

Take care peeps.  Hopefully you found some enjoyment or something that strikes a chord with you in this blog post.  At the end of the day we are all human.

Seeya!


In a child's eyes, a mother is a goddess. She can be glorious or terrible, benevolent or filled with wrath, but she commands love either way. I am convinced that this is the greatest power in the universe.”
― N.K. Jemisin, The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms    

What's in MY BAG

Or should I say, what's in THE BAG I share with my kids!!! 

Let's face facts here.  I was never a minimalist.  Not for lack of trying. (Believe me I have tried!) I am one of those people who takes everything with me "just in case".  Travelling overseas I would send 2 suitcases of luggage before I even got on a plane myself (with another suitcase and carry on).  I would pick up my luggage at my destination and away I'd go.  Much cheaper then paying for it to go with you.  It wasn't all clothes and stuff for myself.  It included presents for family and friends and also I would leave room for things that I would buy or be given to take back with me.  Usually sending it back again by itself on a ship or plane.

Nowadays they only allow you about 25kgs in check in luggage (depending on which airline) when travelling to other countries. (Economy class) . Seriously my makeup bag weighs that much!!

Anyway let's get back to my everyday bag.  Over the years I have had all sorts of bags.  Bordering a long Medium to Large for work and medium to small for going out.  Usually going out with friends on the weekend in the evening I would only need my keys, money, cards, a face powder for touch ups, a lipstick, mints and my phone.  Sometimes it would include band aides, needle and thread, safety pins, a nail file and some water.

So you can imagine what I would take in my everyday bag.  Going to work I would have my wallet, keys, phone, small can of hairspray, makeup bag, small first aid kit, mints, work diary and everything else I could squash in there.  I went through so many bags over the years. Some couldn't withstand all the crap I had in there and others just were not practical.  I also would get bored and buy a new one now and then.

My bag now is quite large.  When I first had my son I bought a beautiful fashionable and quite expensive baby bag.  I wanted it to be stylish, durable and something that was practical.  Well that didn't work.  The bag was nice but it wasn't big enough and it wasn't durable enough.  I ended up carrying two bags.  Since then I have gone through about 3 bags for him and 2 for my daughter.  The one I have now I'm happy with.  It's actually a travel bag but it fits everything we all need.

This is what I now have in here.  I go through phases so this isn't always the contents of my bag but for now this is it:

These are the things that are always there.  Stuff I cannot live without.  From time to time it varies, including the occasional toy, receipts, books etc. 

 

 

 

Nappies and Wipes.  I do not leave home without these!!  Wipes are also good for cleaning up any little accidental spillages or sticky fingers.  I look forward to the day my kids can do without these completely.  Although I think I will be carrying wipes with me everywhere...They come in handy for an array of disasters!!

 

My make up bag.  I have all sorts of things in here from lipsticks, lipliners, powder, small eyeshadow kit and brushes.  This also varies from time to time.  But no matter what large bag I'm carrying I always have a little makeup bag. O.k maybe not so little. However, this for me is a must.  Especially now when my kids are constantly touching my face and I'm running around all day!! I may do a separate blog post as to what I have in here.  It will take up too much room if I do it now!

 

 

 

 

Water Bottles.  I have one for myself, for my son and my daughter has a smaller one which is not pictured here.  We do not leave the house without water ever.  I don't like my kids drinking soft drink.  I let them have an occasional apple juice but I prefer them to drink water.  They love it so I have no problems there.

Snacks.  Sometimes when I'm on the run, or shopping and I don't have time to stop, I give my kids some healthy snacks.  Fruit bars are their favourites. Great and handy when they are sitting in the shopping trolley or pram.

Sunglasses, Pen and Bibs.  I cannot drive without my sunglasses.  Even in Winter when it's cloudy and glary. I always have a pen with me to write in my notebook, and the bib is for my daughter because when she eats it goes all over her clothes!

 

 

Bottles, keys and purse.  Just like the snacks I don't travel without my daughters bottles.  She enjoys having milk on the road and if I can't get to milk I have her favourite formula mixture in a little pot as you can see in the picture.  My keys and purse are self explanatory.

My phone.  Well for obvious reason's I do not leave home without my phone.  Also comes in handy when my son becomes antsy so I let him play a few games. This keeps him quiet when I'm in line or I we have to wait at banks etc.

My trusty notebook.  I write my ideas, things I need to do, my lists, addresses and everything else I need in one spot.  Also under there I have a large face washer.  It comes in handy when I need to change my daughter's nappy.  I previously used disposable nappy change sheets and sometimes I use handtowels if I have nothing else but the face washer has all sorts of uses!!  Plus I'm not wasting copious amounts of paper. Just above my notebook you can maybe see a small shirt.  I always carry spare clothes for my daughter and occasionally for my son.  You never know when there may be a disaster of some kind and you need a change of clothes.  Actually if I could, I'd bring myself a change of clothes. I somehow never come home quite how I left!

 

 

 

Bottle holder:  This particular bag I have does not hold bottles on the side like most baby bags so I put them in here.  It's insulated so keeps bottles warm or cold.  Fits two bottles and can fit a small container of food.  Very Handy!

 



 

So there you go!  I'm sure some of you mother's can relate to me.  If you can get away with carrying less stuff please let me know how you do it!  Leaving the house takes a good 15 minutes because I have to check if I have everything with me.  Also, leaving any destination to come home is a good 15 minute wait to make sure I've put everything back in the bag to come home!

 

I look forward to the day I can have a nice bag for myself again, with no bottles or nappies flying out of it.

 

I leave you with this today:

 

“There is no way to be a perfect mother, and a million ways to be a good one” - Jill Churchill

 

Until next time SEEYA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!