Things I learned this week including that 'vinyl' is back

It's December. I've been dreading mad December for ages and yet here it is, quiet as a lamb. Organised, social, calm little December. How did that happen?

Well, I'm not hosting any Christmas parties this year. I'm just showing up to a few with a cake under my arm and a wine under my belt. Festivities are infinitely easier to just show up to rather than to host.

I've learned a few other gems this week...

1. Vinyl tablecloths have come a long way since the seventies, baby. I'm loving the fact that 2.5 metres of fabric from Me Too Please, with a splice of rik rak sewn around the bottom  has resulted in wipe-clean, chic heaven. Perfect for both messy Tsunamis and messy mums and dads after a couple of wines at the BBQ. While I was there, I also grabbed a few 1/4 metres of various oilclothes to make some matching bunting to increase my Summer delicioiusness. The bag in the picture above could also serve as inspiration for the more gifted sewers amongst us...

2. Tea Tree Oil took the itch straight out of my1000 mosquito bites. I love you Tea Tree Oil!

3. Jasper Jones is easily the best book I've read all year.

4. We can never know why things are the way they are... unless we ask. My 'dud post' turned out to be a technology glitch and I felt like a total moron. But then, as Madame Marielle pointed out so beautifully "Isn't that a relief? It's like when a guy doesn't call, and it turns out he actually left his phone in a cab..."

5. Wishlist makes online 'if only' shopping really easy.

Did you learn anything new to share this week? And what's the best book you've read this year?

[Image of pretty oilcloth tote from Jane's Teawagon]

Things I learned this week including that all a boy really needs is a spider

Happy 'less than a month until Christmas' to you! We did Santa letters this week and amazingly the Tsunamis couldn't think of more than 157 things to ask for this year. Their letters were each only 11 pages long. It's a Christmas Miracle.

Aside from learning that my children are as materialistic and greedy as ever, I also learned:

1. The best game in the world for little boys is catching ants and flinging them onto Golden Orb or St Andrew's spiderwebs and watching the 'pet spider' sort out his dinner. To be honest, it's also the best game in the world for little boys' mothers too - I have lost HOURS this week alone....

2. My life is not complete without a personalised wooden stamp from Love to Create. And, as it says on the box, it would "make a fantastic wedding gift" if the wedding couple had already moved into their 'forever' home because what exactly do you do with an address stamp for an address you no longer need to stamp?

3. RikRak Studio is not only the place to go for a showcase of the Beautiful and the Handmade, she is also having an AMAZING Happy Holidays giveaway that you would be nuts to miss out on... NUTS. Get over there! No wait, finish reading my post first and then get over there...!

4. I don't know how I've existed up until now without this perfect bedside lamp...

5. I hate my new "Grateful" banner but I'm too lazy to change it right now.

How was your week? Did you learn anything new to share with the group today?

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Edited on Saturday:

I changed my button. I don't know why I didn't like the old button, but I like the new one a lot. Sorry for any trouble for those lovelies who had the banner button in their sidebar... love you! x

[Image by Sarah Rosiee]

Things I learned this week including that hipsters are hysterical

This was the week where I wasn't retrenched then I sort of was and then I sort of wasn't and then I definitely wasn't. What a rush.

I've learned a few things along the way...

1. Laughter really is the best remedy. Check out Unhappy Hipsters to see why I still have a smile on my face despite the dreadful week I've had... they are so funny (even though they clearly don't get the joke!).

2. Also keeping me smiling is the resillience of children. Maxi-Taxi's "Battleaxe Fairies" made me realise that whatever happens, self-belief and creativity will get our kids through most things. Just like they've seen their parents through the worst from time to time.

3. Change is good, change is appreciated... but sometimes it sucks the very life out of you.

4. I know it's 'back', I know it can look good, but I just can't like wallpaper.

5. Eating four pieces of a chocolate, maple syrup, kit kat and marshmallow Christening cake is not very condusive to weight loss. The scary thing is, I don't think I really learned this. I think I will probably do the same again next time I encounter the same oozing, lucious, sticky sweetness... darn!

How was your week? Did you learn anything new to share?

[Image by Crisobal Palma via Unhappy Hipsters]

Things I learned this week including that cupcakes can bake themselves

Happy Friyay! Another week, another... week. I overnighted in Adelaide on Sunday night for a shoot on Monday, collapsed exhausted on Tuesday following major work announcements, spent Wednesday night laughing at a home BBQ with my soon-to-be-ex colleagues and spent Thursday night baking into the wee small hours. Hello working Mum. Here's what I learned along the way...

1. When asked to bake something for a school event, you will be up until waaaaaay past your bedtime (8pm) (not really) (8.30pm) putting  together a sweet batch of 24 cupcakes with smiley faces only to find that most people just bring in store-bought stuff on a paper plate. Sigh.

2. People harshly judge mothers who travel for business.

3. There is this really fantastic site called Creative Muslims that brings together Muslim artists, graphic designers, photographers, etc. What I love about it is that it's been a great way for me to get to know a completely different (and, for whatever reason, controversial) culture and religion and appreciate the way that religion works in a lifestyle quite similar to my own. Finding a common platform to start is a great way to appreciate another culture.

4.  Blog Years: For every minute you spend in the Blogosphere, 25 minutes will have elapsed back on Planet Earth.

5. Drugwars is still around and is just as addictive as ever. Have you ever played it? I spent hours at work in the UK with my trade finance colleagues* lost in drug running. Play if you dare - you might not come back out again for many, many months.

Did you learn anything new to share this week? What do you think of store-bought cupcakes, mums who desert their young families to go away on business, Muslims, Blog Years or drug running...?

* Do remind me to tell you about the time I landed a job in international trade finance while temping as a secretary in London.

PS - Head to Lori's for showcase your amazing blog on Flog Yo Blog Friday...

[Image (and cupcakes - mine looked nothing like this good!) by hello naomi]

Things I learned this week including that enough is enough

You know what, after some 22 posts I thought about killing 'things I learned' this week but I just couldn't pull the trigger. The thing is, I really like my weekly round up and it helps to write down and appreciate the new stuff you come across. So, let the learning continue and please lodge any complaints in the comment box below.

1. When I learned that banks put their interest rates up on the same day they announced MASSIVE profits, I threw up all over my St George the Dragon money box circa 1979. When is enough profit enough? Why do they have to be making billions and billions of dollars scraped together from my $1.50 transaction fees and my 0.25% interest rate rises? Why? Enough is enough. I'm working out what to do about it... I'll, ah... keep you posted.

2. Gimp is an awesome online photo-shop rip off that is really, really good and really, really free.

3. I'm furious that in this age of 'non-gender specifics' and 'give the girl a truck', wonderful mothers still find that they have to write posts about their amazing children like this one from Nerdy Apple Bottom and this one from my mate Woogsworld.  By god, when will we let children express themselves, not their gender!?

4. I'm into Beauty and the Geek... ... ... ... That is all.

5. I learnt that I have a whole lot of thinking to do about myself and my place in the world at Zen Family Habits (via Planning with Kids, thanks Nicole!)

So, hey there, what do you think about banks, gimp, the sexuality of five year olds, Beauty and the Geek or living in 20Zen? 

And did you learn something new to share this week?

PS - Go FLOG YO BLOG with Lori and The Old Spice Guy... now, back to me.

Things I learned this week including that I'm happiest when I'm being creative

Happy Friyay!

As I write this I am looking out my hotel window at the sweep that is Broadbeach, Gold Coast, Queensland. Am I on holidays again, you ask? No I am not.

I am sporting a media pass and covering the V8 Supercars race for my work. Oh, the glamour.

As I race about (pun!) dodging grid girls (fun!), I had ample time to reflect on what I learned during the week that was...

1. A friend asked me on Monday, "Besides your family, what makes you happiest?" and without hesitation I responded that time stands still for me when I'm writing, making and generally being creative. Wherever I am, whatever I'm doing, I would much rather be making something.

2. A 'flimsy' is a quilt top before the batting and backing have been added (thank you Sue at Charlotte's Cottage!)

3. Whenever you see a large group of idle teenagers, one will be plucking away at a guitar. It's best to vacate before they launch into a rendition of Stairway to Heaven because, believe me, it will happen and it will not be pretty.

4. Geocaching is a high-tech version of a scavenger hunt using GPS. There are hunts already preset that you can download here -  it really adds that extra something to a bushwalk. Check out the fabulous Geocache bag and goodies that Emily made over at her fabulous Saltwater Kids site.

5. I knew this already, but bloggers really do seem to be the nicest bunch of people on the planet. What is it about blogging that brings out the best in people? The delicious comments I received on the mermaid party post made the party even better. Generous, warm, inviting and supportive... I don't think the critics know what they're talking about!!

How about you? Did you learn anything new to share this week?

[Image by Kristine May]

Things I learned this week including that there are definitely enough hours in a day

I had a great week this week. LOML and I sent the Tsunamis to their real life destinations and continued our holidays on Monday and Tuesday without them. We agreed that we'd do whatever made us happiest on the Monday... so I sorted through some cupboards. On the Tuesday (following Zia Maria's funeral - vale Zia) we went for a sushi lunch, a magazine read at Borders and a swing in the hammock at home. Bliss.

I learned a few things along the way...

1. Even though I often find myself wishing there were more hours in a day, I've realised this week that I physically couldn't cope with such a thing. Exhausted.


2. The veins in elephant's ears are unique to each one. So their ears are like our fingerprints.

3. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. So I got off my insanity wagon and have changed the way I eat in a radical way. Take that 20 year diet!

4. Christmas is only 75 sleeps away... or at least it was when I saw Louise's post over at Table Tonic and I haven't exactly been keeping track since then. But 75 doesn't seem like many, does it? Panic. I did spot the most luscious Lundby doll's house ever on page 3 in the Axis catalogue. Our dolls are well housed in what can only be described as a doll's neighbourhood, so we won't be purchasing. But there's something about a beautiful doll's house, isn't there?

5. You're never too old for lollipops.

How was your week? Did you learn anything new to share?

PS - Happy birthday to my gorgeous man, who never misses a post and never misses an opportunity to make me feel happy. Every day is a birthday when I'm with you.

[Image: souce unknown. Can you believe it? I would love to find more from whoever created this gem.]

Things I learned this week including that it's possible to be too stylin'

We're off on holiyays this weekend! A whole week of... well... much the same really. But in a fabulously fun and new location (more on this on Sunday). And I don't have to go into the office, so that's well worth celebrating!! Look out for some fabulous guest posts here in Maxabellaland next week, all writing on the theme of 'what my children taught me about myself'. I can't wait.

This week I learned a few things worth noting...

1. It is possible to be too stylin'. As much as I eagerly anticipated the launch of Fleur Wood's Food Fashion Friends ( I love all three of these things!) , on closer inspection I found it to be oh-so-very over-styled, forced and pretentious. The thought of sitting down to dinner with those fabulous... ah... well... wankers put me right off my food. Did I miss something? Perhaps it's a diet manual?

2. Finance types really do seem to think that we can predict the future with all this 'forecasting' business they insist on. Scoff, life is too short to plan, my friend, I may live like a gypsy but I don't carry a crystal ball. Sorry, what was that? You're paying me good money to know how to do a budget forecast? Oh. I'm right on top of that, Rose!?

3. I care about the fate of the Bali Nine. I appreciate that drugs kill and what they did was illegal and that they knew the punishment before they committed the crime. I know that. But the thought of these young people being gunned down by a firing squad makes me want to curl up in a ball and weep for the loneliness of a life half lived.

4. I don't like spending nights away from home for work (I almost wrote 'on business' but I didn't want to join Fleur's wanky gang). I sort of knew this already, but here I am in Melbourne, away from my family and I'm missing them so very much. Which is a shame as I know I should appreciate the fact that my job gives me a night away here and there to myself... but indeed when it all comes down to it, the Missing seems to be far more important than the Myself.

5. Under no circumstances should you put more than two Eclipse mints in your mouth at the same time. Danger, I repeat, danger. I can still hardly talk my mouth was that numb. (I notice a few of you heading off to find the Eclipse mints... danger, danger! Oh, does no-one ever listen to me!?)

Did you learn anything new this week? Have you ever been a bit too zealous with the mints and lived to regret it?

[Image of Fleur Wood's Friends Food Fashion via The Kitchen Inc]

Things I learned this week including that I do go on and on and on

Happy Friyay to you you! Last day of Term 3 for all the NSW public school kiddlets, so two weeks of freeeeedom awaits them. During the second week of hols (4 - 10 October), we're off on a family holiday to the beach. I've got a delicious holiday planned for Maxabella loves... too. A week of outstanding writers blogging about "What my children have taught me about myself", all culminating in a fab giveaway on Friday... so stay tuned, I'll remind you throughout next week!!

I've learned a lot this week... but check out number one before you settle in.

1. So hard to find the time to read my massively long posts when there are so many other blogs to visit in the frenzy that is Friday. So in future I'm going to try not to learn so much.

2. Amazingly, it is possible to be funny and stylish at the same time. Who knew? Check out Woogy's abode featured by Louise at Table Tonic. Love your style, Woogy. Love Louise's blog too!

3. And then there were four reminded me that it makes no difference what your carb / protein / fat ratio is, just so long as you keep that kilojoules input less than your output, you'll lose weight. I think the reason people think high-protein diets work is that you're just cutting out an entire food group so you're actually eating less.

4. A good way to help children deal with teasing is to let them know that they can't choose what other people are going to say about them, but they can choose how they are going to let others' make them feel. I actually think this is the sentiment behind the schoolyard chant "sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me". I'm not going to let your silly words hurt me, say them all you like.

5. Whether you work outside the home full-time, part-time or no-time, it's important to remember that this is your life and no-one can tell you how to live it best for you. So if you're stressed out and not coping, have a big think about what you can do to make things better. Ask for help, just say no, switch things up, live on less and make your life the best fit for you and your family it can possibly be.

I hope you had a great week. Did you learn anything to share?

PS - I've started a Saturday Grateful linky, so swing by tomorrow if you'd like to join in.

PPS - Head on over to Lori's for your weekly floggers with other fabulous bloggers.

[Image]

Things I learned this week including that you have to follow the rules

Happy Friyay! How was your week? It's such a cliche but time and time again I find myself wondering how we got to the end so quickly. Apart from the year I spent in a one hour meeting on Monday, this week has flown.

1. So, you may recall that I didn't refrigerate my Hyacinth bulbs and back in May I smugly just stuck them in the ground anyway? Well, they came up and I was very excited (and smug) but then they didn't flower. So, I've learnt my lesson, you have to follow the rules.

2. Mel from From Little Things has come up with a way to make a mundane household chore like hanging out the clothes just a little tiny bit more inspirational. On the subject of inspirational cleaning, am I also the only one who buys top-of-the-range organically birthed cleaning products just to make myself feel better about scrubbing those floors?

3. My "reply" post this week taught me that it's very easy to appear harsher in print than if you said the same things in person. I apologise to Kahli if I upset her in any way, that was certainly not my intention. On reflection, I'm not proud of the personal tone that my argument took. I embrace all honest versions of motherhood and I never wish to be disrespectful or hurtful. I would rather hurt myself. I intend to be gentler with my criticisms in future. You have been warmed. (Sorry about the stupid pun, I can't help myself - I always make stupid jokes when I'm upset.)

4. A helmet-cam video of a transmission tower repair technician enlightened me to the fact that they free-climb a 1,768 foot tower in order to repair its light beacon (to give you an indication of how far up these guys work, the light beacon is there so airplanes won't fly into the tower...). Warning, the video is actually mind numbingly boring, in an interesting kind of way.

5. To write the number '5' correctly we say 'draw his body and his tummy and don't forget his hat'.

6. I really, really like that Dita von Teese.

7. I found a mummy crafty blog out there called Sean the Prawn. Aside from me telling you that it's a really great little blog, you have to check it out on the name alone, right? I just love it!

8. If I'm Still Here is an elaborate practical joke, I've been laughing along with it all for months. Can't wait to see it.

9. I found this article on oh dee doh Incorporating Children Into the Decor hi.larious. I pictured children hung neatly on the walls besides the Jackson Pollocks. I don't even recall thinking that an odd thing. Let's face it, these 'showroom' houses must hang their kids up on the walls in order to be so styled and clean. (For the purpose of remaining critical and scathing, we'll just ignore the fact that my home has already 'incorporated' most of these ideas, okay?)

10. The 'bag tag' I bought from Loved (Little Ted Canvas's gorgeous brand) makes a fabulous over sized pendant. I gathered compliments all day when I wore my sweet Alice in Wonderland version (it has Alice and the squirrel on the front and the white rabbit checking his fob on the back). Of course, there was one smarty pants who asked me if I was wearing a handy coaster around my neck, but there's always a comedienne, huh?

How was your week? Did you learn anything new to share?

* PS - Of course I'm flogging over at Lori's. Just a note on this, I have actually tried a few other 'Follows' and while I have met some really wonderful bloggers this way, for the most part I've found they really are just about getting 'follows' which I find a bit meaningless really. Why follow a blog just to get a follower on your own blog? Am I missing something? In contrast, Flog Your Blog Friday has really interesting, thoughtful blogs that I love visiting and being a part of their community. After months of being 'part of the gang' I really feel like we are a little club of Friday (and other day) friends. New company is always welcome and you don't have to **FOLLOW BACK!** unless you really want to. Just saying.

[Image by danger_bird]

Things I learned this week including that you should at least know what you're procrastinating about

My head is spinning from new stuff this week. I've had to cull lots of things too keep it short(ish). Hope you stick with me...

1. The wedding photo booth created by Sasha Souza Events and featured above is easily the cleverest, cutest, covetest thing I've seen all week. Guests could pose in vintage frames surrounded by the wedding photos of the bride and groom's families. Unique and special.


2. “The more you have; the more you have to worry about what you have.” I learned this food for thought on Eastlyn's thoughtful site Wilburn-White News.


3. A fantabulous site for anyone into party planning (me! me!). I could get lost here for days... and did. Please send aesthetically pleasing nibbles immediately.


4. While combating a virus, your white cells create mucus in the lining of your nose; the more active the white cells, the more likely you are to get green snot. So green snot is actually a sign of good health (in a weird, roundabout kind of way). It doesn't mean that a child is more contagious or has an infection. {Ref}


5. You should plant herbs according to whether they are 'Wet and Hungry' (basil, dill, coriander, parsley and chives) or 'Dry and Miserly' (marjoram, oregano, rosemary, thyme, sage and French tarragon). Keep mint on its own in a pot (poor old invasive mint). Feed and water the 'Hungries' regularly and very occasionally for the 'Miserlies'.


6. Some parents are just determined to wallow in their child's lack of discipline. "We tried everything to get X to do Y, but he's too independent / challenging / stubborn / amazing," they say somewhat smugly.  Smug away, people. Feel free to continue to boast that your child is too clever for discipline that works on just about every other child all you like. But don't complain about your child's unruly behaviour when really it's your own inability to set the boundaries and really follow through, okay?*


7. It's not okay to use the 'f' word, but apparently it seems to be okay to be a gloating, smug winner. A poor example of sportsmanship from a top sportswoman, whatever you call it.


8. If you read my post last night, you'll know that I found myself in quite a pickle for not knowing exactly what it was that I was putting off until the last minute. While I'd be kidding myself if I told you I'd learnt not to procrastinate, I can definitely assure you that I've learnt to find out all I can about something before I decide to put it off until the last minute. Thanks for all your support... I managed to pull something out of my ample arse and emailed it off with a laugh last night.

9. Clearly I am very late to this one, but Yarn bombing caught my eye. I'd heard whispers of people decorating the landscape with their crafty stuff, but I didn't know it was a full-on movement called a cute thing like 'yarn bombing' until this week. Go clever clogs!

10. Sourcebottle is the go-to place if you're a journo or researcher and you want to find sources for articles. Life in a Pink Fibro who is actually a journalist who could use such a thing taught me this.

That's it for the week for me. How about you - did you learn anything new this week?

*  My first class of the Positive Parenting Programme (Triple P) going well then. The only thing more irritating than OPC (Other People's Chidlren) are OCP (Other Children's People)...

PS - I'm flogging, yeah flogging, with Lori,  I'm flogging, come join in, for flogging....

Things I learned this week including that I don't function well on my own

This week has been a bit of a battle for me. LOML has been working in Melbourne for the week lapping up the five-star accomodations, five minute walk to work and five hours of blissful solitude every evening... jealous much? Which leaves me holding down the chaos that is Maxabellaland. I called for backup and my Mum and Dad arrived on Wednesday to see us through the rest of the week. Hallelujah!

I learned a few things this week as a result...

1. Single mothers are really amazing. I knew that already, of course, but I learned it all over again this week.

2. I can't sleep when I'm by myself with the children. I lie awake all night, keeping vigil. The burden of responsibility to get them safely through the night almost drives me crazy. Have you heard of the condition called Responsibility Induced Insomnia?

3. If there is anything that needs to be done in the evening, I can't stop going. I can't sit down and think "I'll do that in an hour" and put my feet up. Because all I can think about is doing that in an hour! So I have to get everything done before I can relax, even my nightly shower. Then I can just go 'aaaaaaah' and my on switch can finally be turned off.

4. You can't change what you don't acknowledge. Thank you, Dr Phil. After my WMG post a couple of weeks ago, I realised that I needed to take responsibility for how I was feeling and work on doing things to change either the way I felt the situation or the situation itself. I need to know that I'm consistently working towards being the best mother I can be (even if I never actually get there!!!). As a result, I've made a few changes that have had a big impact on this working mother... I'll post about them next week.

5. It's really, really difficult to write a post about birthing experiences and keep it real without going into the gory details. I wanted to keep it short and focus only on the sensation, but some of the comments I received made me realise that I might have sounded like I was idealising the whole thing. One day I'll give you all the details and you'll know that couldn't get any further from the truth!

6. How to make butterscotch from scratch (thanks Dawn). If you're keen to get the recipe, email me.

7. There's a fantastic site called Little Golden Gems that features treasured vintage Golden Books pages. You could click on the pictures for a larger size to print and use for crafting children's cards and what not. The illustration above perfectly sums up my week!

8. A BlackBerry can survive being immersed in water and thrown down a flight of stairs by an experimental two year old. Next week, setting it on fire.

9. At the Gala Day last Saturday, I showed many scary symptoms of the dreaded Soccer Mumdome disease. My ability to screech instructions from the sidelines plus run onto the field to administer a scolding during the match made me very nervous indeed. I'm very happy that Gala Day marked the end of the season. Unfortunately, despite Maxi-Taxi showing a remarkable propensity to skip rather than run during all of his matches, we may still have to front up next season. At the conclusion of his final 2010 match he said "That's the end of it. You won't have to listen to me saying "I don't want to play soccer" until next year now".

10. Vanity is largely over-rated. Nobody cares what you look like except possibly your partner who is bound for life to love you just the way you are anyway because you he knocked you up in the first place.

Happy Friday, everyone! Love youse all!

PS - Of course I'm a self-flogging floggy flogger again today over at Lori's place. I just can't help myself.

[Illustration by Bernice Myers from Golden Gems]

Things I learned this week including that everything has its place

I've had a great week. I'm not even sure why. Sitting on my front verandah having a laugh with a couple of friends on Wednesday morning was near perfect. Happy children exploring the rocks to the side of our house, happy mums enjoying a cuppa, happy chocolate chip cookies munching themselves (seemingly!), happy weather smiling at it all.  Yes, that's why I had such a great week.

Plus, I learned / was reminded of a fair bit of really important stuff. Mostly about the human character.

1. For all my talk last week of rarely wearing makeup, I frocked up for an awards dinner on Friday night and it was great fun (the frocking up, not the actual dinner, that was Dullsville). I learned that dressing up and looking your best is just as much fun as I remembered. Still wouldn't want to have to do it everyday, but everything has its place.

2. There's a fantastic search cheat sheet for Google out there. It really helps to refine your search terms and find what you need more quickly

3. The grass really isn't greener on the other side of the fence. I knew this, of course, but my Working Mother Guilt post really brought it home to me. And it reminded me that when I first went back to working life after having my first baby I felt guilty because I didn't feel guilty... is there no end!? The only solution is to stop focusing on the negative and start loving the beautiful positives. And always be grateful, grateful, grateful.

4. Sometimes what you're looking for is right in front of you all along. Gifts of Serendipity posted up favourite poem of mine from long ago, Max Ehrmann's Desiderata and I was reminded to slow down, reflect and appreciate.

5. Typedrawing is just about the most fascinating thing I've found in weeks. You create pictures with words. If you love typography - as I do - you will love this to pieces.*

6. Fabric bags are my new must have. Look what Piou Piou is up to ... such a fantastic way to store kids' stuff (or any stuff for that matter!)

7. An unexpected, thoughtful gift 'just because' is a wonderful thing indeed.

8. I learned that we really are just born either sunny-side up or down. Imagine a junior burger trying to figure out the motivations for a friend suddenly wanting to play with someone else. Some kids just shrug their shoulders and say 'he's got better toys' (this was Maxi-Taxi's response), other kids worry all day that there is 'something wrong with me' (this was his bestie's response). Are your kids sunny-side up or down?

9. You've got to have band-aids in your first aid kit. They are the world's great placebo treatment. If you run out, buy some more immediately lest you be caught short with a stubbed toe belonging to a child not your own requiring said placebo... and 'what do you mean you don't have a band-aid' ringing in your ears.

10. LOML is quite possibly the kindest, most supportive and handsomemost man in the world.**

How about you? Did you learn anything new this week?

* Thanks to the lovely Kellie at 74 Lime Lane for this and the Google cheat sheet tip!

** Of course I'm cheating here: of course I didn't really just learn that this week. I learned it about a half hour after I met him all those years ago...



Are you flogging? I'm flogging at Lori's... Oh, and while we're on the subject of linkys, don't forget to link up to the August Chronicles. I wanna see your fridge!

Things I learned this week including that I need to own Country

Happy Friyay to you! Friday is my favourite day of the week. Yes, I still have to go to work (although I get to work Fridays from home every fortnight... heeeello clean floors!), but the anticipation of two whole days of whatever we like is enough to make me happy. Like any journey, sometimes the anticipation of the weekend is more exciting than the actual weekend, because in my daydreams there are no whingers, whiners, tantrumers or 'mum can I?'s. Just good old fashioned promise.

And speaking of anticipation... here's my wrap up of the week that was...

1. I need to own Jasper Conran’s new book Country . It just looks like a beautiful record of a country I love. The images are divine (see the one above), it's beautifully written, it's big.


2. There’s a villa in Northern Umbria called Villa Capanne and I really, really want to go there. I just know I would be very happy there.


3. MultipleMum taught me that, not surprisingly, there’s a site dedicated to Mary watching. I'd forgotten how super-stylish and proper Mary was until zooming through this site.


4. If you promise something and you don't do the promise, you break the love (so true, Maxi-Taxi!)


5. One of the best ‘treats’ for little people is plain potato chips. They have potato, salt and oil. That’s it.


6. How to reupholster a recliner in a step-by-step fashion that I think even I can follow. This is important because we have the world’s ugliest beige recliner that was LOML’s grandfather’s. Getting it professionally reupholstered would be a bit ridiculous as the chair is older than myself, but it’s just so comfy! Wish me luck.


7. My new favourite ‘activities for kidlettes’ site is Kiddley and I'm also very impressed with Planning with Kids.


8. Natalie Bassingthwaighte has called her first-born Harper Rain. Ho hum. I find this ‘unique names’ approach is all a bit samey-samey, really. Bit irritating, actually.


9. After a 40 year pattern of women waiting to give birth until after 30 (a pattern I contributed to), Australian women are beginning to have their babies in their 20s again. I think this is great news.


10. From Polkadotbug*, a step-by-step tutorial on how to make a reversible dress for little girls. How handy is this? You're out and about, they spill, you turn the dress over, they're good to go!

Did you learn anything special this week?

PS - You know you want a flogging... go on now... head on over to Lori's for FYBF.
PPS - Today I'm also linking up with New Friend Friday at Trendy Treehouse!


* Looks like an old blog as there are no updates this year... but the tutorial rocks so I'm sad she's closed up shop!

Things I learned this week including that you can write on bunting!

1. The letterbox is exciting again! Have you heard of postcrossing? You sign up and mail out a postcard and then you get one back from a random person somewhere in the world. Thanks to the lovely Shannon at Happiness Is, my first postcard is soon to be sent to a lass in Finland... I wonder where my return card will come from?

2. A serger is a specialty sewing machine that makes the same type of finished edge that you see in store-bought clothing. It uses 3-4 threads at one time. (Thanks Chris at Pick Up Some Creativity!)

3. Charlie Sheen is the highest paid TV actor working today. $1.25 million per each episode of that awful Three and a Half Men. Mind boggling. In what other industry could you earn big bucks when you're not even remotely talented in your chosen profession?

4. I've mentioned before that I can't stand adult style clothes on little kids. This week I learned that I may be the only one who feels this way. Apparently more and more labels are designing "cool" fash for the preschool set.  The idea of children being 'on-trend fashionistas' makes my upper lip curl.

5. I can cry and cry over a little girl I've never met. Thinking about the life of little Keisha has had me in tears this week. I respect and admire the way the community she lived in has come forth with an outpouring of grief at her disappearance. The release of 200 balloons to guide her home pulls at my heart. But where were they all when she was living in apparently appalling conditions at home with her apparently drugged up family? Where were they then?

6. You can get blackboard fabric. How much fun is that? See the great image above that I nicked from Modern June's etsy page? The possibilities are endless.

7. Neither a borrower nor a lender be.

8. More than any other generation before or potentially after them (Gen Y seem to have learned from the choices of Gen X), Gen X women are more likely to remain childless.  The Anti-Mullerian Hormone test can safely estimate the number of viable eggs a woman still has. I learned this from a colleague who is desperate to conceive at the age of 42 after 'putting off' having children with the partner she has been with since she was 27 in order to 'focus on my career'. Sigh.

9. Holding your wee in can cause long-term health problems. I wish I could tell you that I learned this one from a colleague, but rather I have been researching it because I have a really bizarre tendency to 'hold on' rather than just get up and go to the loo. So engrossed, or just so lazy? Either way, I've got to stop holding on!

10. Bloggers are quite possibly the most friendly, supportive and non-judgemental group of people in the world. After my breastfeeding share, I received the most amazing comments and emails and I really feel that you have all helped me find peace and be able to close the book on this part of my life. Thank you.

Did you also learn anything special this week? And while you're thinking about that, do you feel the need for a flogging? Head over to Lori's blog and flog your own!

Things I learned this week including how much I love a wedding (budget)

1. Winter is the perfect time for a swim. Going with my kids don't melt theme, on the first day of August we allowed them to strip off to their undies and wade into the (it has to be said) rather icy waters at Greenwell Point on Sunday. Swinging from the mangroves, wading knee deep to catch tiny crabs, the Tsunamis and their cousin were embracing their kidhood with a relish that made my heart sing.

2. A simple car game makes the journey go-'round. We played '500 points if you spot a yellow car' and the Tsunamis were quiet and happy for at least 50kms. Hardly any fights (luckily none of them can count past about 25 so we pretty much had the floor).

3. And frankly, there just aren't enough yellow cars on the road these days. Whatever happened to colour*, folks?

4. The fabulous Dawn over at Beat Until Fluffy taught me how to make Sweet Potato Cookies. I'm yet to bake them, but any treat incorporating hidden vegetables is a treat indeed.

5. Modern Family is my new best show. It never fails to crack me up. Now, I'm a bit nervous at how much I can relate to these crazy characters, but they're entertaining just the same.

6. Models should not speak. Ever. No good can come of it. Gisele Bundchen's ode to 'it's called labor not holiday' was so irritatingly smug I just want to throw her in her Prada nappy bag and run over her with a Bugaboo Pram. And be warned: she has a new blog.

7. People are so kind and forgiving. We took an extra day on Monday so we could stay with Gran and Pops a bit longer down the coast. I let the school know, I let the daycare know... I forgot to let the after-school care people know and I also forgot about The Slowest Boy in the World who Annabelle collects from after-school care on Mondays. A frantic call from TSBITW's mum at 5pm and the sudden realisation that TSBITW was still at after-school care as dark descended, had me worried that the support chain might be compromised. I needn't have worried, they saw the funny side. How I love them.

8. I love weddings. Now, hear me out. It's not about the big frocks, it's about the big budgets. I don't care what the bride wears, but I do care what stationery she chose and I'm more interested in how she did the tables than her hair (or the groom, for that matter). Check out Snippet and Ink for lashings of creativity.

9. "If you take too long in deciding what to do with your life, you'll find you've done it." -George Bernard Shaw

10. Charlie and Lola are quite possibly the best role models for brothers and sisters everywhere. We adore them in Maxabellaland.

Did you learn anything exciting this week? Was it a good one?

PS - Happy birthday to me, happy birthday to me, I look like a monkey and I'm mum to another three.

* Says she of the dark grey Ford Terror.


[Image from Snippet & Ink]

Things I learned this week including that I wasted years of precious baby time...

It's been a busy week which means that I didn't get time to jot down my learnings like I usually do. Or maybe it was a slow week and I just didn't learn anything? Regardless, I jotted down five and anything else I learned has flown out of my scatterbrain head already. So, enjoy my five for the week that was and I'll try to do better next week!

1. I missed a real opportunity when my babies were tiny. If only they had been better sleepers! Check out what Adele gets up to when Mila is sleeping...

2. How to print on twill tape. Now, I know you're thinking 'why would I need to print on, ah, what's twill tape?' but I'm enamoured by the idea of printing out little message to sew into clothing and things. Pop over to Weekend Vintage to see for yourself.

3. I* can make this fab chicken coop and run courtesy of Costa.

4. Kids don't actually melt when they get wet in the rain. They love it, in fact. And since in this modern age we know that you don't actually catch a cold by being wet and cold, I just went with it and let the Tsunamis and their friends** get wet and mad as we came home from school on Wednesday.

5. You really do say it best when you say nothing at all (thanks Ronan).  During a conference call that I didn't agree with on Thursday, I went into silent mode and said absolutely nothing. After the call I had 3 people phone me back to agree with me. Ah, hello, I didn't say anything!!

Did you learn anything new this week? Scroll, scroll, scroll and click to share your fabulous knowledge!

* Okay, so LOML can make it... or we could potentially pay someone to make it... or we could just think about making it...
** If Sasha or Ben's mums are reading this, Sasha and Ben stayed well and truly under the umbrellas watching the Tsunamis get wet and mad. Promise.



It's FlogYoBlog Friyaaaaay hosted by Lori over at Random Ramblings of a SAHM, thanks Lori...



EDIT: On 1/11 I changed the image that accompanied this post. I had permission from Adele to use her Mila's Daydream image when I posted, but I noticed that she is trying to recall her images so I've taken mine down to respect that. Hope you enjoy the new image if you're late to this post! 


[Image from Desire to Inspire]

Things I learned this week including the existence of sigh macarons

1. There really is no business like show business. Especially at the circus.

2. The 1,2,3 method of disciplining Tsunamis really, really works. I only just acknowledged this. We've been using the method (1 = reminder 2 = warning 3 = consequences) for over a year and just this week I suddenly realised that these days most of the time I don't get past '1'. A reminder of what good behaviour is all about is all it takes.

3. When 1,2,3 fails, there is always 'putting on my cranky pants'. If you're at your wits end and the kids are mental, putting on the cranky pants ("I'm putting them on right now", "no, not the cranky pants", "yes, those cranky pants are coming out of the cupboard and my leg is going...", "nooooo don't put on the cranky pants, Mum!") is a great way to diffuse a mess into humour and it actually really works. Of course, when the cranky pants do go on, mum has to be really, really cranky to make the whole thing work. Those pants are the biz.

4. The number one reason why people are unhappy in their job and don't feel empowered* is because they don't feel heard. Listening and showing that you understand a grievance is all it takes to make people feel better about their jobs, even if you can't fix the actual grievance. I think this is something we can bring to the home front too... Talk to me, I'm here for you and I'm really interested in what you have to say...

5. Macarons are everywhere. Everyone is talking about them, eating them and making wedding cake towers out of them. I had never even heard of a macaron until this week (although, are they the same as the Italian macaroon of which I have eaten ample?) I fear for my 20 year diet...

6. There are some emailing lists out there that you join for life. No matter how many times you hit 'unsubscribe', their little email shows up right on time. Are you listening, BandT magazine???

7. Just-turned-two year olds can leap from the top of a bed onto the floor and land neatly like a gymnast. Thank god.

8. Many people out there really do want to just wallow in their misery. I'm not talking about depression, I'm talking about whinge, whinge, whinge and nothing done to change their situation. Makes me frustrated and heart-broken.

9. It's National Tree Day in Australia on 25 July.

10. Tumblelogging is superfast blogging, a cross between twitter and traditional blogs. Check it out at tumblr**.

Tell me, what did you learn this week??

* I actually hate this word with all my heart and soul and I'm sorry I used it.

** Although, should you choose to do so I will not be by your side. My life is far too slow for tumblr. I am already struggling with the pace of twitter. They are like trying to have a conversation at a party.

Oh and don't forget to join in The July Chronicles: What's on your fridge? Linky open until 31 July.

Things I learnt this week including how to make a pinwheel

The weather has been grey this week and my mind has gone grey with it (fortunately my hair has not followed suit). Along with the fabulous weather that broke through on Wednesday, here are a few bright sparks from the week that was.

1. Guinea pigs do not like zucchini. At least, the GPs who are currently holidaying with us won't touch the stuff.

2. A pregnant guinea pig looks exactly the same as an unpregnant one. We know this because we started the week babysitting 2 guinea pigs and now we are babysitting 3 guinea pigs.

3. Even a dedicated, super-experienced chocolate devourer like myself found it tough to get through an entire Bill Granger self-saucing chocolate pudding (but don't worry, I punched through to a brilliant ramekin-licking finish). I'll post the recipe on Easy Sunday so you can give it a go yourself... dare you.

4. The brilliant Old Spice - The Man Your Man Could Smell like commercial was shot in one take. Plus that's a CGI fake hand with the Old Spice rising up out of it like a Phoenix... Of course it is! Even the man my man could smell like couldn't produce a can of Old Spice out of thin air. Or could he?

5.  My new gardener (I just love saying that!), tells me that the reason most people don't garden is really because they don't like getting their clothes dirty. He reckons if you just had specific gardening clothes to change into, getting into the garden would be a breeze (I'm sure there was no pun intended). He's right, don't you think? To motivate yourself in all things, you just need the right stuff.

6.  Draw! Pilgrim taught me how to make a pinwheel, which I think is essential knowledge for any mother of youngsters.

7. If you have bed wetters and you're not acquainted with Brolly Sheets, let me introduce you to your new best friend. Now, technically this isn't something I learned this week as we've been using Brolly Sheets for over a year. BUT, at 3am on Monday this week when the pull-up dam was busted, I learned just how much they truly mean to me.

8. Epstein-Barr virus is the virus responsible for glandular fever, but it’s not the actual virus that causes the symptoms of glandular fever, it’s how the immune system responds that makes people sick. If people are exposed to EBV early in life, their immune system doesn't react. It's those of us (I had GF in 1993-1994) who are exposed later in life that suffer. And you can get reactivations, too.

9. We are all creative beings, but convention often strips us of our ability to think, to feel, to be our true self. So often our instinct is to 'correct' our children, when really we should nurture our instinct to 'respect'. Allow your children the freedom to express themselves in the way that feels right to them. If the sky is green in their world and the grass is blue, then that's a rather marvellous world, don't you think?

10. The chicken is the closest living relative of the Tyrannosaurus-Rex. Really.

Did you learn anything new this week?

[Image]

Things I learnt this week including how to ruffle up a skirt

This week I did a four-hour conflict management course at work (these things are entirely necessary when you work for a large corporate).  I started the course thinking that I shied away from conflict, retreating due to my pathological need to please and be liked. That plus my enbarrassing tendency to bawl my eyes out when someone raises their voice at me. But, by the end of the course I realised that I experience "conflict" on an almost daily basis, but I manage it so well that it doesn't feel like conflict. Snaps for me. Here's what else I learnt this week...

1. It is indeed possible to instinctively dislike a child and want to be a little bit mean to them. You will feel bad about yourself, but not as bad as you feel about said child.

2. Sometimes having a night out on a "school night" is the best thing for you even though it's the last thing you feel like doing.

3. There's a tutorial to step you through the lovely summer ruffles skirt pictured here over at Grand Revival Designs.  It's such a detailed tutorial that I actually think I can manage. Now, if I could just figure out how to bring my sewing machine back to life (too many Monster Softies, it seems)...

4. I can indeed limp through the day without diet coke.

5. It's claimed that the Brazilian wax was named for a letter written by Pedro Álvares Cabral on seeing a native Brazilian tribe during his voyage to Brazil in 1500 AD. He said "their private parts were so exposed, so healthy and so hairless, that looking upon them we felt no shame." I am curious as to his knowledge of the 'health' of the 'exposed' private parts he 'looked upon'... Regardless, Brazilian waxes are still waaaay too painful, unnecessary and, gasp, itchy for this gal to make them a regular thing.

6. Orchids are notoriously difficult to grow. I didn't know this because there are three stunning examples of orchids overgrowing in pots in my garden and I've never done a thing to them in almost 3 years.

7. There are over 50,000 white paints and choosing the wrong one could instantly ruin the vibe of your entire home, if not your life. Do you want a neutral, blue, yellow or pink white? Warm or cool? Gloss or semi? Blah or blah? It all makes me want to skip the white, fandango.

8. Etaoin Shrdlu, pronounced "eh-tay-oh-in shird-loo" is believed to be the twelve most common letters in English, in order of most frequently used to least frequently used. I'm not sure why we need to know this.

9. If your child is scared before sleep or during the night, it's comforting for them to know that you'll be popping in to "check" on them. But rather than tell them "Don't worry, I'll come and check on you in five minutes" (instantly setting the spark of "you said there was nothing to worry about so why do you need to check to make sure I'm okay?" in their little heads) tell them "I'll come in every now and then just to remind you that there's nothing to worry about." This has worked really well with the Tsunamis.

10. In all things, to thine own self be true.

What did you learn this week?