Well, Hark the Herald Angels! What a Week...

This week has been one of many firsts for our little family. From shopping for E's first Christmas Tree, to swims at South Bank and playing in the sprinkler, to crawling from one end of the house to the other (yes, all of us at some stage), this week has been one of great significance in our young family's life.

It started off like many others - very early and filled with endless cups of coffee from the cafe recently opened in our neighbourhood.

We decided to use this time before Christmas to do all the chores I didn't manage to get done while Teach was at work (read: forgot because lazybones here watched to many re-runs of Grey's Anatomy).

First stop: Christmas Tree! I really wanted to get into the spirit of our family Christmas, which to me means, a fabulous tree (if budget allows for it) and decorations to deck the halls.

Teach always had a real tree growing up and wanted to continue the same tradition for E, so we made our way to Hawkins to select one of their finest. Ok, maybe it wasn't their finest (how do you say 'Ka-Ching' in Tree?) but it's fine enough for our place. 

It's not the size but what you do with it that matters.

The decorations are sadly lacking, but it's the thought that counts, isn't it?

You might have noticed summer really stepped up to the plate after several days of faux winter weather this week. To celebrate (and escape our hot box) we packed the beach bag and took E to South Bank for a splash in Streets Beach. It's one of my favourite spots in Brisbane because it's close to the city, shops, cafes, galleries and other attractions, but most importantly, it's free.

E had a ball! It was one big bath tub to him. Splashing, kicking and playing. He would've stayed there for hours if the rain clouds didn't loom large and threaten to destroy our lovely afternoon.

Loving the water at Streets Beach

Inspired by his obvious love of the water, we decided to set up a sprinkler in the back garden and play under the hose like we did as kids. E was a bit shocked at this cold wet stuff splashing him in the face at first, but loved it eventually. The blow-up ball Teach was given as a Secret Santa gift came in very handy for our "pool party."

A boy always needs a ball.

Then yesterday, our little man, who has been trying to crawl for several weeks finally took off on all fours. Slowly but surely, he let one knee follow the other and crawled from Teach to me along the hallway (maybe 2m long) without looking back. It was the proudest moment of our lives!

Not wanting to finish there, a few hours later with a belly full of Mum's brilliant super-charged Boob Juice, he attempted the stairs. With Teach behind him, he went from one step to the next and climbed all the way to the top. We cheered and cheered. Once at the top, his little eyes smiled at me as if to say, 'Ta Dah! Look at me Mum,'. We couldn't stop laughing and applauding his little adventure. That reminds me, I really must buy child-proof gates for the stairs.


It's moments like these when you realise that for all the late nights, crying tantrums and pooy bums (mine and E's), you wouldn't change being a parent for anything in the world.


Merry Christmas to all.
x Sian

Blonde Ambitions

I'd prefer not to compare myself to Li-Lo, but in this instance, I have to.

I must apologise for not writing this week. I was all prepared to submit witty stories each day thanks to Teach being on leave and sharing the caring load, but on Tuesday my world turned upside down. I experienced a personal tradegy like no other emotional turmoil I've ever been through.

Ok, so it wasn't really a personal tradegy and I shouldn't compare this incident to one, but it certainly feels like it. Hear me out.

My hair - which has taken me a little more than 3 years to get where I wanted it - was died blonde. I'm not referring to a light blonde rinse that freshened up my old colour. I'm talking trashy, white/yellow blonde from root to tip. Think Lindsay-Lohan-Skank-Blonde and you're .01% close to I look right now!

I don't know what came over me. Getting my hair done once every 3 to 4 months is a highlight of my year (pun intended). Several hours to myself to have someone fuss over me with free lattes and the latest selection of womens magazine in easy reach while they work their magic and make me somewhat human - who wouldn't love that?

But for some, gold-only-knows reason, I didn't just get 'the usual' this time around. Instead, I told my delightful Hairdresser Kim* to give me an all over blonde colour like Reese Witherspoon or Gwyneth Paltrow.

I wanted a little more pizzazz for Summer and thought an overall colour could be just what I needed. I was so excited to swan home to my two favourite men, in manner of Grace Kelly, and have them 'Wowed' off their feet.

Well, off their feet they were...in laughter at my ridiculous yellow hair that makes me look like I'd got my finger stuck in a light socket and my hair changed in shock.

Even as I write this I am mortified by the memory of the whole experience, because what I haven't admitted to you, is that all of this is my fault. I wish I could pass the buck and rant and rave about my hairdresser not listening to me. But no. I went back to have it fixed....and made it worse!

Here is the whole truthful story...so help me God.

I sat down with Kim and asked for an all over colour. This part you know. However instead of just getting a full head of foils (like I should've) I said, 'What if we just went blonde all over? Would that be OK?' Kim was quick to tell me it would look great because of my skin tone. 'I wouldn't tell you to do it if I didn't think it would look bad,' she comforted. You'd think the warning bells would've gone off then, but alas, I let her go.

Some time later, Kim washed my hair and sat me back down in the chair in front of the mirror. I swear my roots could have played the Yellow Brick Road in Wizard of Oz. I freaked out and the look on my face said it all. Kim was on to me immediately.

'Why don't we put a polish over it and calm it down a little, so it's not soooo blonde?' she suggested. 'Ok, that would be great.'

As the polish was applied I physically felt my stomach retract from my throat to its intended position. I was calming down and felt confident Kim knew what she was doing.

My hair ended up being a slightly dirty colour with blonde roots. Think dirty dish water with the lemon soap suds left. Overall it was a nothing colour. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't good. Definitley not a colour I wanted for Summer, but I went home and reviewed the damage in the mirror - like every woman does after a visit to the hairdresser.

That gut wrenching feeling of disbelief and anxiety returned.  I had to do something to remedy this distaster. I felt sick. The next day I rang Kim and explained my disappointment. Bless her, she got me back in straight away to fix the problem.

I said, "It's just not what I had in mind. I'm happy with blonde hair, but I feel like this is closer to light brown. Maybe we could just bring it up a little?'

Kim suggested putting half a head of foils all over my head with the blonde colour she normally uses on my hair. 'I wont add any lowlights because it's already in there. I'll just add in the blondest one of your two blondes.'

'Sure' I replied. Then there was a little knock on the door in my mind. Little Sian opened the door and whispered in my ear, 'Won't that be too blonde? Don't you just want a few little highlights scattered across the front half?'

"It'll be fine. She knows what she's doing,' I replied, pushing her back out the door and slamming it behind her.

A little over two hours later, as Kim was blasting my hair dry, I could feel the tears starting to fill my eyes. 'Do not cry. Just get home,' I consoled myself.

I knew instantly I'd done the wrong thing and should not have returned to the hair dresser emotional, anxious and upset. Why didn't I listen to Teach and wait a week or two until I got use to the new colour and then decide if I wanted to have it changed back? I might have been in a better position to explain what I needed or was looking for instead of just assuming Kim and Little Sian were communicating on the same wave length.

But no! I'm now lost. Lost in a haze of confusion, emotional hell and self-loathing. Oh, and let's not forget bright YELLOW hair! Aaaaargh!!!

Instead of telling tales about how much fun Teach, E and I had shopping for our first family Christmas Tree on Monday, I've spent the last two days trying to find a way to reverse time and get my old hair back, avoiding mirrors and swearing at myself.

Photos around the house are not helping me come to terms with my new hair either. All I'm doing is mourning the loss of something so young and beautiful that ended before it's time.'Why God, WHY?'

I've since put a call out on Facebook to ask if anyone can recommend a colourist to fix my hair, plus a friend has dropped over her bottle of Silver Saver (aka purple shampoo) to help me in the interim, but it's not immediate enough. You'd think I'd learn my lesson and not rush into any more decisions or colours, but I can't help it. I must fix it now! 


Can anyone help me?

* Name changed

Teapots

 
How darling is this picture?

I usually have a thing for Tea Cups & Saucers. I've been collecting them for a few years and often receive a beautiful set for a birthday or Chrissie present (thanks Mum) and display them in a cabinet. But, when I saw this image on my new favourite website (finally found it!!) it sparked my interest in collecting and decorating with Teapots.


What do you collect?

How To Be A Domestic God-Awful-Mess

What do Nigella Lawson, a White Chocolate, Coconut & Raspberry slice and I have in common? Other than we were all in my kitchen at the one time (one of Nigella's books that is, not the fabulous woman herself), absolutely nothing!

This mind-blowing discovery dawned on me last week when I was elbow deep in melted butter, white chocolate and descicated coconut, holding E in one hand while trying to pour the mixture into a slice pan with the other. As I attempted to spread it evenly across the pan, backwards and almost upside down, the mixture dripped down my arm and across the stylish pages of Nigella's classic cookbook How to be a Domestic Goddess.

'Sorry love.' I kept saying to her as more and more mixture fell on the book instead of the pan. 'It's all I can manage I'm afraid.'

I was working hard to create the tasty treat for our weekly Mother's Group get together, but I should have known when moths flew out of the open (and very old) Self-Raising Flour bag that my attempt to emulate Ms Lawson and wow all the other Yummy Mummy's with my home made decadent slice would not be a success.

It started a few hours earlier when I'd finally decided I'd attempt to make something. The slice seemed like the easiest option because I had most of the ingredients in the cupboard, sans white chocolate, but I knew I could duck into Coles quickly on the way home from taking Teach to school and have it ready for the 11.30am catch up. Easy.


After waking E from his comfy car slumber to race in and buy said chocolate, then wrestling him back in the car seat - all while singing 'Doin' It' by the lovely Justine Clarke so he'd grin along with me and forget I was pulling him from pillar to post - we arrived home with just enough time to get the ingredients mixed, in the pan, baked, then out the door again. Ok...Go!

I don't know what came over me or why I was so determined to make something. Anything. I wanted it to be interesting, a little different, yet completely delicious and satisfying. If the ladies uttered the words 'Bloody Marvellous' I wouldn't have been disappointed. But baking only makes me crumble under the pressure.

My last two attempts at baking desserts were miserable. I left the kitchen leaving a trail of nutt-meggy baking powder fluff in my wake. One cake sunk so much in the middle it could have passed as my Year Nine Geography Volcano Experiment.

This time though, I read the recipe several times before I started. I had everything pre-measured, weighed and ready on the kitchen counter, E was happily playing with his new truck in the living room and Nigella by my side.

'You can do this.' I said to myself. Hang on. What page number was it on again? D'oh!

After what felt like an eternity looking for the recipe (which was starting to induce a skin-of-the-teeth panic in me), my preparation went out the window when E decided he must sit between my legs, play with my toes and whinge if I moved my feet. The butter had melted so much in the microwave it was now boiling and the white chocolate had formed into a hard sludge in the pan. Bugger. Poo. Wee. 

Why can't I ever bake anything? 

I picked E up off the floor and was determined to start again. 11.30am start time be damned. I was NOT going to let a five step recipe beat me.

COME ON!

I managed to scrape all the ingredients together again, get it in the pan and bake it before we had to haul ourselves across town. The thought of showering and dressing up for the occassion had me spinning too, but we got there in the end.

E and I arrived dazzling, fresh faced, smiling and slice in hand. Eventually.

'Hi Sian. Hi E. Wow, did you bake that?' Our host asked. 'It looks lovely.'

'Thank you, yes.' I replied and looked down to see the gladwrap had started to melt over the still-warm slice. 

Not thinking, I had just picked up the original baking pan, wrapped it up and ran to the car. I didn't even put the slice on a serving plate. SHIT!

I asked our host for a dish to serve up the slice and walked away from the kitchen thinking, 'That'll do Donkey. That'll do.'

Our little Crawler

He's up on all fours then crash! He'll get up on his knees then fall forward on to his face. Splat! He'll use his arms to push himself around in circles and backwards across the floor.

But yesterday, E put it together and moved his little knee forward under his belly as if to move forward then... Boom! Belly dive straight into the carpet. Yes our little man is learning how to crawl and we're very excited. (Though I'm somewhat nervous because our house is a jungle gym waiting to be explored.)

E is nine months old today, so Happy (sort of) Birthday to our beautiful boy.

Brisbane's Hot Coffee Spots

A fix from Jamie's Espresso Bar

In anticipation of my brother's arrival from Melbourne last week, I decided to update my knowledge of Brisbane's coffee scene. Let's just say in the 15 years he's lived in Australia's coffee capital he never misses an opportunity to declare he's yet to find a half-decent Long Macchiato in "your town" to stir his little sis.

This time I was prepared to prove to him once and for all that Brisbane knows coffee. Plus, any excuse I have to get back on my old stomping ground of inner-city cafes and I'm there with more than bells on.

I started off slowly and took him to the usual, trustworthy coffee spots (intelligent) locals have come to know and love.  We buzzed from Campos Coffee (Fortitude Valley), to Flamingo Cafe (Fortitude Valley), then down the laneway to Brew (Brisbane City).

The down-to-earth aesthetic of each venue had him feeling at home, but it was the obvious respect the staff had for their jobs, the coffee and the brewing process that won him over. Now can you see what I was working with?

Unfortunately we didn't get a chance to try out the new PUK Espresso (Kangaroo Point), but we did make time to drop by The Rabbit Hole Ideation Cafe (West End) before he jumped on his flight home.

Love, love, love it! It's cosy, quaint, groovy and down right funk-tastic! If I still worked in the area Rabbit Hole would definitley be my daily go-to place for my early morning, mid-morning and afternoon caffeine fix.

Got family and friends visiting for Christmas or just sick of your local cafe serving sewage water as coffee? Here are a few more must-visit hot coffee spots I highly recommend:

Jamie's Espresso Bar (Robertson Street, Fortitude Valley): One of Brisbane's original hole-in-the-wall coffee spots. Pick up a great cuppa to enjoy as you walk around the James Street fashion precinct.

The Birds Nest Coffee and Collectables (Montague Street, South Brisbane): Stop here either before or after your day at the Gallery of Modern Art. Talking and walking? If you hit The Joynt you've gone to far.

D&D: Delectable

Dandelion & Driftwood (Gerler Road, Hendra): An adorable cafe for both tea and coffee lovers. It's one to keep up your sleeve for afternoon tea with your ladies.

Clarence Corner Bookshop & Cafe (Stanely Street, Woolloongabba): This is another personal fave. Who could possibly go past coffee and books? Plus you can text them your order, your ETA and it'll be ready for your arrival. If only it was my corner shop.

I recommend you bunker down with a brew here

Bunker (Railway Terrace, Milton): Named after the World War II bunker it now calls home, this cafe is home to the best brew on the West Side.

Do you agree? Please let me know if I've missed the one you love.

Have Prize Will Travel

Three days ago I started drafting a post about the importance of 'Being Optimistic' but found the words were MIA.

I was hoping the post would inspire me to stop dragging my heels on a personal business venture, but no matter how hard I tried or how many times I'd make a cuppa to spark inspiration, the delightful, witty and insightful post did not magically appear. Optimistic, I was not. 

Today, however, is slightly different because optimism found me in the most unlikely situation.

It all started when my mobile rang at 7.30am. The phone number wasn't blocked and I recognised it as a Brisbane number, but who would call me at this hour?

It couldn't be my bank. They appear as BLOCKED. Actually, my brain registers any blocked number as a warning signal that screams DO NOT ANSWER.  

It couldn't be Optus. I remembered to pay my overdue phone bill two days ago, plus they're based in Sydney so the area code doesn't match.

Surely it's not Greenpeace asking for another donation. I'm almost broke people. You should donate cash to me to put an end to this hungry mammal feeding her family on cans of tuna. You know, two birds, one stone. Now bugger off!

It's definitely not Mum because I haven't telepathically asked her to call me yet. I was planning on thinking about her tomorrow night after we both watch Neighbours and before I put E to bed.  She never fails to call within an hour of me thinking 'I haven't spoken to Mum this week.'

Maybe it's the Lotto people? Hang on, I don't play lotto. Oh well, best answer it.

'Hello, Sian speaking.' I said excitedly.

'Hi Sian, It's Bianca here from Peekaboo Magazine.' The cogs in my brain go into overdrive. Bianca from Peekaboo? Nope, nothing.

'You entered a competition for a trip to Fiji,' she started slowly. Did I? Oh, that must of happened the day I spent five hours on the Internet looking for a way to escape a teething, screaming child that never wanted to be put down.

'Yes, I sure did...' I was waiting with breathe that was bated.

'Congratulations. You won!'

I couldn't believe it. 'Really? Wow, thank you so much.'

After several weeks of waiting for the world to open up and swallow me whole, I suddenly felt it's weight lift. My self-imposed gloomy outlook changed instantly.


Teach, E and I have won a five-night holiday at the five-star Outrigger on the Lagoon in Fiji. Prize includes return airport transfers, breakfast each day, two one-hour spa treatments and child care. Fan-bloody-tastic! 

Not only did optimism find me thanks to a very welcomed phone call, but it carried me through the rest of the day and allowed me to get so much else done.

I got to thinking, if something this magical can happen when I least expect it, what else can life bless me with if I am open enough to let it?

My simple change in mindset impacted the rest of my day, week and maybe my month. The more positive energy I put into my day the more finally happened that I'd been waiting for. Talk about a great chain reaction.

So finally, I must say a very big thank you to Peekaboo Magazine and Outrigger on the Lagoon for a wonderful prize. We are greatly appreciative and can't wait to take full advantage of it in 2012.

Yippee!

A Family Trend

Remember the craze of little gold and blue Suns and Moons plastered on everything? It took off in the 90s.

I loved it and got sucked right in. I was known far and wide (as far as my immediate friendship circle) for my addiction to the whimsical icons. From my doona cover, to table lamp, to throw cushions, to floor rugs, to wall clock, to a dinner set for one - plate, side plate, bowl and coffee cup decorated in yellow stars, suns and moons in a dark blue background. I remember sitting down for breakfast in my star covered boxer shorts with my own pretty porcelain. Awwwww.

Tragic? Totes! Therefore I won't go on to shame myself further by admitting I even painted my bedroom blue and yellow on my 19th birthday AND asked Mum to make me sun and star themed curtains for my present. That's tragic!

It seems every few years a new trend comes along to make ordinary people into unreasonable freakazoids addicted to, well, crap - for want of a better description.

Several years ago you couldn't throw a hub cap without it hitting a car covered in frangipani stickers. Oh, how I grew to detest those ridiculous pink, white and yellow stickers parading across the rear window.

Today, however, it seems everyone wants you to know who is in their family. They plaster stick figures of Dad, Mum, oldest daughter Janie, middle child Timmy, youngest brother Billy-Bob and their supply of farm animals over the window to, what exactly, boast that mine is bigger than yours?

It is my belief those family stickers should be replaced with a sign that reads WE HAVE A LOT OF SHIT SO PLEASE FOLLOW ME HOME AND ROB US BLIND. Because, let's face it, no one has any time to do anything these days (or so we keep being told) so why beat around the bush and just state the bleeding obvious. Surely, we'd all be better off.

In fact, why stop there? I think you should add pictures of your surf boards, bicycles, iPhones, iPads, LCD televisions, surround-sound entertainment units, Wii, X-Box, personal gym equipment and your credit card number and expiry date. Now that's interesting.

In an effort to extend its 15 minutes of popularity to 30 minutes, family stickers are now available to add to your everyday items. That's right folks, not only will we learn who is part of your family while we're stuck behind you in traffic, we can read it off your shirt, stationary, mobile devices and kitchen appliances.  Well, thank the Lord! I was so worried I'd forget.


I should go easier on you, shouldn't I? I understand this post is ironic coming from someone who writes a blog (another trend). So, to try and understand why you'd want to graffiti your car with that crap I'm going to put this sticker on my car....

What do you think?

Hey Big Spender!

The EU isn't the only one battening down the hatches in an attempt to save its economy from going belly-up.

Teach and I are tightening our purse strings in preparation for Christmas and our upcoming sojourn to New Zealand.  

We're making the obvious cutbacks such as no meals out; drinking instant coffee at home instead of ordering two delicious take aways from the nearby deli; renting DVDs on $1 Tuesdays - and taking them back before they are overdue and spending another $12 in late fees; eating ALL the food we've got instead of buying more or dumping left overs because it's 'gone bad' (read: it looks icky because we didn't cover it before it went in the fridge); turning off lights when we leave the room; flicking off powerpoints after using the appliance; and we've stopped buying unnecessary extras during our fortnightly grocery shop.

Oh, those delicious extras. They are the hardest to say no to. You know the ones. The packet of Tim Tams or three you buy to have in the cupboard when girlfriends come over when in fact they magically disappear as you pass through the kitchen on your way to the bathroom / laundry / living room / any other room in the house!

I've also stopped myself from stocking up on products that are supposedly on sale. I tend to get sucked in to buying items with price tags declaring "Buy any 2 for only $5." How could I possibly pass that by? I'll save a bundle! As soon as I know I can get more for less I MUST have it even if I had no intention of buying it.

Teach caught on to my interesting shopping habits during one grocery expedition not long ago. "Why are we buying two 1 litre bottles of white vinegar? We've still got half a bottle in the cupboard which we've had for 12 months."

"But they're on sale, it's an awesome deal," I proudly declare. "I'm saving money!"

"We'll just spend more. Besides we don't need it." He was right. Of course. I put the two bottles of white vinegar back and walked away making every effort not to look behind me. I felt like I was abandoning a cute little puppy that needed a good loving home.

Another trap I'm slowly trying to change is paying up front for a group of classes before I've tried them.

Three months ago I enrolled and paid for E to attend a semester (yes a FULL semester) of Baby Sensory classes. I had every intention of going each week for an hour long class of singing, dancing, games and baby sign language for E to grow and learn.

In seven weeks, we've been to two classes! I really loved those two classes, we did have a great time - not to mention it got us out of the house. But I know in the deep recesses of my mind we're not going back.Why? Pure laziness. Sometimes I even try to fool my brain into thinking we're going and say, "I'm making an effort today." Then all of a sudden I look at the clock, we're 5 minutes late and I think, "Bugger. We can't go now we're already late."


What a brilliant way to save money Sian - good on you! What else can you waste hard earned cash on?

Give me half a chance and I can make money disappear faster than you can say 'Brittney Spears' underpants'.

Unfortunately my Buy-Now-Waste-Later lifestyle isn't foreign to me.

Four years ago I enrolled in French Language at the University of Queensland. I was so excited to have taken the steps to learn the language I'd dreamed of speaking since I was a kid, plus I was off to Paris in six months and wanted to know the basics.

The numbers were limited so I was very lucky to be accepted. Guess how many classes I managed to attend? Go on...

Un.

I made every excuse under the sun about why I couldn't go. Work was extremely busy so I could never make the 6.30pm start time. Traffic along Coronation Drive to St Lucia was horrific so my 10 minute drive always took closer to 45 minutes. And on and on and on....


Maybe I need to put a post-it note in my wallet that reads 'Hey Big Spender' as a reminder of the bigger picture. Unfortunately when I see it I'll be standing at the cash register waiting to pay for something else, I don't need and I won't use.

C'est la vie.

I Love Showers

When the weather in Brisbane gets hot outside, people tend to move inside - unless they are at the beach.

Shopping centres, movie theatres, restaurants, cafes and even cars get busier as people go about their day trying to avoid the heat.

You see, why we want it to be hot, we'd prefer not to have to deal with it, get sweaty or generally feel sticky and icky. It's a love/hate thing.

The majority of Brisban-ites are very well adjusted to dealing with Queensland's sunny, dry (most days) and humid weather. We tend to embrace it, because it's one of the many things we love about this city.

From 5am you'll see runners, cyclists, walkers and general fitness freaks taking to the streets and pathways around town in a bid to get their excercise on before work and the real heat of the day starts close to 8am.

Our buildings, homes, offices and extra-curricular activities (think sport in sheds etc...) are more often than not air-conditioned to keep us cool, and more importantly, sane.

I stay sane during summer with showers. A quick jump in and out of a freezing cold shower is the best way for me to get through the day. I love my showers so much I'd even stand under one at the beach for longer than I was in the ocean. 

I'm not joking. Hear me out. 

We don't live in an air-con'd place so alternative ways to cool down are a necessity, but I don't go overboard. I'm very aware our Lucky Country has only just recently came out of a drought (if we are indeed out of it completely) but you can be guaranteed that if the thermometer reads 30 degrees or more, I'll take great pleasure in a quick 30 second shower at least twice a day... in addition to my morning wash of course.

However, if the temp is really extreme - you know the really abhorrent heat smacking us between Christmas and Valentine's Day - I do exchange every second rinse for a minute of frozen bliss in the deep freeze.

You must to try it! Make sure you don't open the freezer for at least several hours before the scheduled immersion in order to keep it as cold as possible. If you're running out the door and need a quick fix (I tend to do it after I've applied makeup to avoid melting) open the freezer door and let your face, neck and shoulders embrace the cool brillance of modern technology. You'll get instant reprieve from the sun for up to five minutes. It's just enough time to gallop to your car and blast on the air-con without fear of looking like Cruella de Vil's ugly sister.

I learnt my fail safe freezer trick growing up in Townsville. We didn't (and still don't) have air-con in the family home so we had to create ways to beat the heat. Correction: beat the UNBEARABLE heat.

As a good old-fashion Townsville summer tends to hang around longer than an unwanted house guest, my brothers and I came up with more than enough strategies to maintain our cool cat status.

One of our favourite methods was soaking a beach towel in cold water and covering yourself with it in order to sleep at night. The combination of the ceiling fan on full force and the wet towel simulated an air-con'd atmosphere...that is until approximately 2am when the towel was as dry as cardboard and you had to get up and soak it all over again. I still do this as an adult, but I've swapped the towel for a face washer and just place it over my forehead. Try it.

The freezer trick was always useful after we got home from school and needed an immediate refresh. It never failed to satisfy - so much so we'd often hear Mum yelling, "WILL YOU GET OUT OF THAT FREEZER!"

Oh, those were the days.

This year, as E crawls his way towards his first summer, Teach and I are already devising plans to keep our bub cool. Blow up kiddies pool? Check. Baby bath tub? Check. Hose? Check. Buckets? Check. Floaties and super cute baby boardies? Check. Check. But he'll have to wait for the shower. It's ALL mine! 

How Waz Ya Weekend?

Hello. How was your weekend?

Excellent! Sounds delightful.

Mine? Well, E is starting to get up on his haunches in an attempt to start crawling. By the look of his technique I think it'll still be a few weeks away yet, but it won't be long before we'll have to baby-proof the house, re-arrange furniture, books, magazines, kitchen appliances etc... to make it more child friendly. Eeek!

We've also got internal stairs in our place, so the task of setting up child-proof gates at each end will not yield favourable results. I can NEVER work those useless things!

Yes, I'm a fun-size adult, but an adult nonetheless. You'd think I'd learn after the second or third attempt to open the wretched gate (friends of mine have them and I HATE, yes HATE, the sight of them), I could just climb over it instead of standing there fidgeting with the awful, never-bloody-works latch, making a complete fool of myself. Knowing my luck, E will catch me trying to open it one day, pull himself up and flick it open with his tiny little fingers just like he's learnt to turn the television on an off.  Grrrr...

Unfortunately my baby boy has had a bad fever for the past few days and taken the opportunity to live each day in a wonderful I-Only-Want-To-Be-Held-By-Mother mood. So I'm afraid this post comes to you with a serving of deep fried Energy Levels, a super sized cup of Can I Give a Damn and a delicious side order of Get What You're Given and Like It - a meal Teach is not fond of at all...I wonder why?!

To make it up to you, please enjoy this visual feast I have lovingly...cough...prepared.

Tea cup in a frame...Adorable.

Clever framing.

Yummy

This would make great wallpaper for E's room.

It's no longer Winter, but I could really go a hug mug of goodness right now!

In Other News: Anyone who previously subscribed to receive emails when this blog was titled 'Be Lost in Thought' will need to resubscribe to 'This Beautiful Life'. My apologies for any inconvenience.

Best,
Sian x

All Aboard the Workforce Express!

I've been on maternity leave since December last year, even though E wasn't due until February. I decided to take off early in order to wind down from work, have Christmas at home with family and enjoy the last few weeks of my pregnancy at home nesting. 

While the year is almost up. It feels like it has gone by in the blink of an eye.

When E first arrived I would sit with him and think, 'Imagine the day when you'll sit up by yourself.'

Then I would say to Teach, 'Just wait until he's crawling around, we won't know what hit us.'

Now, I'm thinking (and somewhat pleading to the heavens), 'Where's my baby gone? He's such a little man now,' and he's only 8 months old.

Being able to stay at home and care for E in his first year has been incredible, for him and me. We've definitley had our moments of desperation, exhaustion and frustration (especially on my behalf) but I wouldn't change our time together for anything. I'm very grateful that Teach and I have been able to afford the luxury of me not working...until now.

Yep, the time has come for me to haul my tired arse back to the work force, but it goes with a degree of anxiety and confusion because it's taken me a good part of the year to forget Career Girl Sian and comfortably settle into Mumma mode. How do I mix-it-up and do both? 

Yesterday, I joined the other Yummy Mummys at our weekly Mothers Group catch up. A majority of us are passengers on the Workforce Express boat so the conversation consisted of many personal questions such as: Would you recommend Child Care or Family Day Care? Should I look for vacancies in a centre near home or work? What sort of standards are we searching for? What is a good benchmark to compare child care centres? What is the average cost for one child per week? Does anyone know of a centre that is happy for you to use cloth nappies?

The one burning question I had, that I didn't voice was, how the hell will I cope not looking after E each day?


It was incomprehensible to me one year ago that I could survive as a Stay-at-Home Mum. I thought I would  'lose myself' in Motherly duties and go a bit batty (more so than usual that is). But it seems the opposite is true.

I love being the main carer for E during the day. We play adorable little games that no-one else knows. We sing songs together that no-one else knows (Ok, I sing and he just nods along). We go to the park, to weekly Baby Sensory classes, Mother's Group and on shopping expeditions.

I know his little idiosyncrasies and he knows mine - maybe better than Teach? Yes, we have our moments like many others do, but I sincerely cherish this time we've had together and I know I will miss it - I completely understand now what people mean when they say 'This time goes so fast'. Fast? It's bloody lightning speed and I'm holding on for dear life!!

Needless to say, SJP's new movie I Don't Know How She Does It is very timely. I might need to organise a Mother's Group catch up at a Babes in Arms session to watch, listen and learn what to do and what not to do.    

If you have any tips on how to cope with this transition, I'd love to hear it.

What A Novel Idea

My weekend started splendidly, with a long overdue cup of tea in bed, an old copy of The Devil Wears Prada and silence... Pure bliss!

Teach took E for a walk to pick up the weekend papers and coffee, spend some time together and give Mumma her down time. It was exactly what the Doctor ordered.

The time to myself inspired me to get a little creative and start researching a few projects I've had filed in my head under 'Maybe One Day' for a long time. So I wrote a list of everything I'd like to do or at least get started in the next year, closed my eyes and let my index finger land on one...the one I would start today.

Guess what it is?

An Annual Tradition

It’s no secret I’m a lover of the longer days, balmy nights, time at the beach and BBQs on the deck that are synonymous with summer, but I have one other summer ritual I take great pride in each year and that is packing (read: dump in a large garbage bag and hide in cupboard) my old smelly jumpers, trackies and bed socks away for vibrant frocks,  plenty of arm candy and a must-never-take-off pair of dancing shoes! 

Yep, I usually go on a spring cleaning frenzy and make space for summer. I say usually because I haven’t been able to perform this magical ceremony for the past two years.

Presents for Baby

A close friend of mine is expecting her first child in January. I'm soooooooooooo excited for her because I can completely relate to where she's at during this magical time....besides that, I know her and her husband will adore being parents.

Since we discovered she had a bun in the oven, I've been racking my brain trying to decide on the perfect gift to welcome Baby to the world, but I'd also like to acknowledge this beautiful time for the new parents. Dilemma. Do I get something personal for my friend, a gift for Mum and Dad or a trinket for the new bub? Perhaps all of the above?

Sleep Training: One Tired Parent's Diary - Part Two

Well it seems our endeavour to teach E how to self-settle during the night has ended before it really began...

I'm not sure if it was my initial resistance (covered by cocky confidence), levels of anxiety or desire to sleep and 'deal with it later' that overcame me, but I woke up today vowing to find another solution. Anything must be better than hearing my darling boy cry. In short, I gave up.

Sleep Training: One Tired Parent's Diary

After more than four months of E's constant night waking - ranging from every 4 hours to every hour - Teach and I have decided to try and teach E to self-settle during the night.

Self-settling is also referred to as Controlled Crying (CC), Crying it Out (CIO), Sleep Training (ST) and Controlled Comforting (again CC). No matter what you want to call it, it's a controversial subject. Many wise women before me *cough* have prepared papers on the pros and cons of CC, some declaring it causes psychological harm on the child and instils a sense of abandonment. Others say allowing a baby to cry and fall asleep on their own (without being fed, rocked, nursed etc...) will not harm them in and infact could teach children resilience.

Havagdwkend

A cute conversation I had with my three year-old niece about her dog named Chai...

Me: What type of dog do you have?

Her: Chai.

Me: Yeah, Chai is his name, but can you tell me what type of dog he is?

Her: A little one.

Me: He is little, isn't he? Do you know if he is a terrior, a maltease or maybe a poodle?

Her: Chai. Chai!! [Now looking at me as if to say, 'Get it?!'] He's my puppy. He's little.

Me: He sure is.

How can I possibly argue with that logic? Have a great weekend y'all.

x Sian

My Summer Essentials

The balmy weather I enjoyed in Townsville last week has me counting down to summer in Brisbane; the long hot days, time at the beach with my beautiful boys, jugs of cold Sangria and picnics in the park. Pure bliss!

In an attempt to hurry my favourite season along, here is a quick wrap up of the things I'm looking forward to this summer. It never hurts to daydream...

A new summer outfit

A treat for my feet!

No matter how I'm feeling, jewelled sandals are a great pick me up and perfect for all occassions. These are from Witchery. I think they'll look gorgeous with this Beach Dress. So adorable! Golf clap for Country Road's new summer collection.

Drinks with a view

Brisbane Powerhouse - one of my favourite spots in Brissie.

With my new outfit on, I'll head down to Brisbane Powerhouse for a few vinos with friends. I go for the views of the river and Teach goes for the free live music on Sunday afternoons. We always have a great time because everyone is happy and relaxed, it's a cool atmosphere and the tunes are groovy baby!


Good coffee and fresh food

I heart the big Fig Trees providing shade at the markets.

Nothing beats a saturday morning at the West End Markets located at Davies Park on Montague Street (it's official title is 'Davies Park Market' but locals refer to it as the West End Markets). We take E down there nice and early, enjoy a great coffee, pick up fresh groceries for the week then have a play before its time to head home and put the little man down for his nap.  If you're after a few quirky Chrissie presents too, I highly recommend these markets for vintage finds and one-off pieces. These markets are on all year round, but who wants to leave the house when it's cold out? Not me!!

Picnic in a park

The Jacarandas are in full bloom at New Farm Park - here comes summer!!

The other summer essential I lust-after during winter is a picnic in the park. E is now getting to the age where he can enjoy time outdoors too, so I'm sure we'll be spending lots of time at New Farm Park or Kangaroo Point. Both have spots to grab a coffee and shady trees to allow you to while away the day in peace and quiet. Mmmmm heaven!


What are some of your favourite things to do during summer?

My Five Fave Spots In Townsville

E and I arrived in Townsville, my home town, yesterday to celebrate my parents' 40th wedding annniversary on the weekend.

I left 'The Ville' (as it's commonly called) more than ten years ago and have  no real desire to return. Not out of any dislike for the city, I should add, it's just that it reminds me of my teenage years. Each time I come back I remember the mischief, the late drunken nights, the first dates and the clubbing years. While some of those memories are fantastic, others I'd prefer to leave here, where they belong, not see them again at the shopping centre or in the queue at the pub. Eeek!

This town, in my opinion, is my parents town. Their life is here. I love coming back for a week to see them, but at 18 I knew I'd leave to create a home elsewhere. I did. I have.

All that aside, whenever I venture north of the equator, sorry I mean, to Townsville, these are the five things I always do, because to me they are an essential part of The Ville experience.

1. Have a beer at The Brewery:

Developed in Townsville's historic Post Office Building, this Restaurant/Bar is a great spot for a coldie. The onsite Brew House is visible to all patrons which adds a sense of participation to the brewing process, but it's the seven locally owned and made beers that have the beer connoisseurs coming back for more.  The pub grub isn't bad either, but the bar snacks will satisfy most. I enjoy a pint or two of the Belgian Blonde.

2. Have a BBQ on The Strand:

Arguably the most popular and well known city attraction, the Strand is home to free BBQ areas, a water park (pictured), a surf life saving club, a man-made rockpool and landscaped parklands. Several restaurants and cafes are located on the headlands with gorgeous views to Magnetic Island, but it's the space to have a picnic with friends and the afternoon sea breezes that gets me everytime. 

3. Walk up Castle Hill:

Many locals use Castle Hill as their daily source of exercise, hiking up and down before they go off to work. Once you reach the top stay for a moment to enjoy the panaromic views of the town and nearby islands. Insider's tip: if you plan to walk it, allow approx 1 hour for the return walk and do it either first thing in the morning before the heat of the day (approx 6am) or early evening (approx 6pm) - it could save you from severe dehydration and/or sun stroke. There is a goat track, but everyone generally sticks to the main road.

4. Enjoy dinner at A Touch of Salt:

This waterside venue (pictured above) has been my family's favourite restaurant since it opened several years ago. The menu is simple and elegant, the food is divine and the wine list is second to none. It is so popular that its sister property The Salt Cellar opened a couple of years back to keep demanding foodies fed. It's five stars for this top nosh!!

5. Swim at Balgal Beach:

Balgal Beach is approximately 40 minutes drive north of Townsville past several other beaches that remain well known to locals but hidden gems to visitors. Those keen for a dip in the big blue will have to swim in the netted enclosure during stinger season (October to May) however the laidback atmosphere and refreshing waters will make up for it. I know Teach can't wait to take E here for his first swim in the ocean.

Any other recommendations?
For further information go to Queensland Holidays.

A whale of a time at Cabarita

Each year two of my favourite girlfriends and I catch up for a fun-filled weekend of gossip, shopping and wine tasting half way between Coffs Harbour and Brisbane. Typically this means a weekend in Byron Bay, however this year, we all agreed Byron was too expensive, busy and seriously overrated, so we decided to explore further afield and set up camp at Cabarita. 

Awww...Paradise at Cabarita Beach!

Only 40 minutes drive north of Byron Bay on the Tweed Coast, Cabarita (the original name for the town is Bogangar, an Aboriginal word meaning 'place of many pippies') is a quaint seaside village young (in tourism terms) enough to be a family friendly, affordable destination but still old-fashioned enough to provide its visitors a warm, hospitable retreat. 

Despite our growing displeasure with the Bay, we were slightly anxious to venture away from the comfort of its well known beaches and cafes for a place we’d never heard of, let alone been too. We soon discovered our worries were unfounded.  

My girlfriend Ed had booked a two-bedroom family unit at The Hideaway, a clean low-key hotel located less than a five minute stroll to the beach and the centre of town. The six of us (Ange and her two daughters, Ed, myself and E) settled in to our rooms before getting our feet in the water - we knew if the beach was up to scratch we’d struck gold! 

One foot on the pure white sand had us praising the heavens for this hidden treasure. The beach is everything you’d want and more. Long as far as the eye could see, pristine waters, clean uncluttered sand with hardly any people on it AND lifeguards so you knew you’d be looked after. We made our way to Norries Headland for a few happy snaps before making our way back to the hotel via the main road to double check that our dream find was true. 

I’m proud to say Cabarita has it all. Restaurants, cafes, shops, a surf club, walking tracks and a lookout over the ocean...sound familiar? The rest of the afternoon was very relaxed. E slept while the big-girls shared a bottle of bubbles and the little-girls made arts and crafts by the pool. 

Several other guests at the hotel said Hello as they walked by our patio to the beach and made small talk about the weather. One couple and their four-year old told us they lived in Cabarita but needed a little getaway. The Mum explained, “everything is in walking distance from here and the views are so good you automatically feel like you’re on holiday. We don’t need to go anywhere else.” I couldn’t agree more.  

We’d found paradise - a spot yet to be over populated with holiday makers from all corners of the globe and a beach not spoilt by developers selling its picturesque lifestyle only to destroy it in the process...again, sound familiar? 

Sunday came all too soon and it was time to say goodbye. Procrastinating the inevitable, we watched surfers and swimmers take to the water over a coffee before our final walk along the beach. The younger girls collected shells while the rest of us admired the views of a pod of whales playing in the distance, obviously delighted with their holiday destination too. 

E having a little quiet time

Our weekend was all to brief, but we agreed Cabarita would be the destination for our annual catch-ups from now on – just as long as one of us could wrangle a few whales to show up again too!

IN BRIEF:

Cabarita Beach is between Byron Bay (40 mins north) and the Gold Coast (20 mins south). Follow the Cabarita Beach exits from the highway.

The Hideaway is located at 21 Cypress Cresent, Cabarita, NSW. Phone 02 6676 1444

*Cabarita Beach image originally from The Age

A Weapon of Massive Consumption

A good friend of mine has the innate ability to find goods she’s after at ridiculously cheap prices. She usually stumbles across them at the Reduced to Clear stage and walks out with seven new  tops, shorts, cute shoes and change from a $100. But it doesn’t just apply to clothing...

Shopping made easy for men

The school holidays brings a sense of excitment to our lives because it means Teach is on holidays too and he can spend more time with E during the day - when he's at his most playful - and me - who tends to be slightly nicer before exhaustion sets it around 5pm when he usually gets home. Unfortunately, school holidays also means other children and their parents are on holidays too. This brings a sense of fear and trepidation to my life...especially when I have to go shopping!

Inspiration Thursday

The weather has turned from spectacular spring temperatures to miserable dreary memories of winter overnight in Brisbane and I'm struggling to find motivation to complete the most simple of tasks (read: change out of my PJ's).

Things I Heart

Inspired by the stunning Henri Cartier-Bresson exhibition now on at the Queensland Art Gallery (which surprisingly left me feeling quite emotional), I have decided to share with you a few things I heart and am grateful for:

Groovy Manna

For as long as I can remember, I always imagined myself as a groovy Mumma when I grew up. You know the type, where my son's friends would love to come over and hang out because 'You're Mum is, like, totes cool. We can stay up all night and eat ice cream out of the container,' etc... I wouldn't dis their music choices with 'What is this noise anyway?' because I love a little funky doof doof or bang bang music when the occassion calls for it, and I'd have my finger on the pulse of what was happening in society from Twitter, to Facebook, to YouTube, to iPads, to, um, others.... I'd never lose touch of what was happening, because I simply couldn't imagine getting (insert shiver down the spine here)...OLD!

Stop! Spring is telling me something...

Yesterday, as E and I were putting out the washing, something caught my eye. I stopped doing my chores (which was really difficult because I looooove chores...NOT) and noticed the first fabulous sign of spring. 

Happy Father's Day Baby. I'd kill for a cuppa!

In preparation for Father’s Day this Sunday I’ve been trying to plan something special for Teach. I attempted to mark the occasion last year but seeing E (or ‘Grug’ as he was known during the gestational period) wasn’t born yet my efforts were more comical than serious. 

A giggle for your Wednesday...

 

I have to thank my Dad for sending me this fabulous cartoon. Sums up our life nicely I think.

Best,
Sian x

Career Girl or Working Mum?

Unemployment. It has a certain ring to it, doesn’t it? Unfortunately not the ring of cash registers or a flawless 2crt platinum princess cut Tiffany ring, but a ring nonetheless...

5 Signs Of Sleep Deprivation

The online medical dictionary Web MD defines sleep deprivation as: a sufficient lack of restorative sleep over a cumulative period so as to cause physical or psychiatric symptoms and affect routine performances of tasks.

Two Lives

I am a walking contradiction. I came to the realisation on Saturday afternoon as Teach and I sat in front of the television, chowed down on McDonalds and played with E. I heard myself say, 'Now E this is rubbish food, you don't want any of this.' His little eyes watched us closely as we demolished lunch in desperation, not hunger, but desperation to get rid of the evidence that we proactively bought and consumed fast food. It tasted so good, I was disgusted with myself!

Shopping aint what she use to be!

Shopping has always been enjoyable for me. Ever since I earnt my first pay packet, the first thing I do is decide which clothes I have to have then race out and get 'em. It seems money burns a massive hole in my pocket and if I don't spend it immediately it'll vanish. Because of this, clothing became my drug. The more I had, the more I wanted. It was mine, mine, ALL MINE (insert evil laugh here)!

You'd Think I'd Be Use To This By Now...

I must apologise for not posting last week's Bubs in Brissie review. Not even one week old and that column is already behind. It seems as soon as I set myself a task and try to simulate a 'working' life my little man has completely different ideas, ceasing the opportunity to pick up a big shovel and throw it squarely into my well-meaning, somewhat organised routine.

A Baby's Point Of View

Mamamia is a fantastic website featuring stories/columns on everything from relationships, careers, gossip, news, travel, food, parenting and general wellbeing. I love receiving the Daily Update in my Inbox - sometimes more than once - and reading what Mia Freedman and her contributors have to say. 

Today, I found this fantastic story by Richard Glover highlighting several rebuttals to the very popular book Go the _____ to sleep! Richard sheds light on why some tiny tots across Oz can't sleep.

Inspiration for the week...

 

If you're feeling a little sluggish this cold Monday morning, here's a little affirmation to see you through. While this iconic slogan is taken from British WWII propaganda material it is still very relevant today, and one I'm chantting during my morning routine with a grumpy E. Say it with me, 'Keep calm and carry on.' Feel better?

In other news, today is the 1st August, which means the last official month of winter. Yippee!! I guess it's time to start thinking about hitting the gym before summer... Actually, that's a VERY bad idea. I'm off to make another cuppa, lather butter on several crumpets and get under my doona.

Enjoy your week. 

Love, light and laughter.

x S

Image from Made By Girl

Bubs in Brissie: Max Brenner

The smell of decadent chocolate enveloped me as soon as I walked in. E and I had arrived at Max Brenner for our weekly Mother's Group catch up and I knew instantly it would be beyond delicious. The sight of chocolate lining the walls and the smell of belgian waffles made me relax before I could even say Hello to our group.  

It's chocolate heaven at Max Brenner

The divine Max Brenner opened in South Bank last year introducing Brisbane to 'the bald man's' chocolate culture, inviting us to smell, taste, feel and share his love affair with all things coco. Um...OK! You don't have to ask me twice.

Several Mummas had arrived before me and arranged tables at the end of the counter for our get together. Eight of us fit comfortably in the space with our prams nearby and bouncing bubs on our laps. I'm guessing our mid-morning meeting time was a big part of allowing this to happen because I've heard stories of chocolate devotees queuing for hours to worship at the alter of Brenner. I don't blame them.

Without hesitation I lined up too. A Hug Mug (named after its stylish design which allows you to hug it close to you) of dark chocolate was my bevvie of choice. It was simply sensational. I'll admit, I was nervous that drinking a MUG of chocolate would make me sick, but quiet the opposite. I wanted more. Right away, if not sooner!

Tasty Hot Chocolate in a heart warming Hug Mug

During the course of the morning, my friends were feasting on Banana Bread served with melted hot chocolate, Banana Praline Crepes served with melted hot chocolate and an Exploding Chocolate Shot, among other things (click here for the menu). They all oo'd and aah'd in the right places boasting that their plate was the best of the bunch. It's definitley not somewhere you want to go if you're keen to regain your post-baby figure but it's well worth a visit for a reward once you've achieved it! 

Child-Friendly Environment - 3 rattles
Again, the mid-morning mid-week venture to MB was more than likely the reason it felt spacious and bub friendly. Now, don't mistake me, I'm sure kids are welcome all the time, but it can get very busy at night so if your tot likes to run around and make noise, the university students who fill the tables and chairs might not approve. Overall, Max Brenner is very relaxed, casual and suitable for families. It offers Babycinos on the menu as proof.

Nursing (Breastfeeding) - 3 rattles
Several of my companions all nursed at the table and no-one battered an eyelid. The cafe's spaciousness allows your party to feel like it has its own space without encroaching on others, so if you choose to nurse here, it shouldn't be a problem.

Parent Room - 2.5 rattles
The parent room is a well hidden secret. Luckily a Mum in our group had been before and informed us it was located in the bottom of the building opposite. Look for a grey door opposite the side entrance of Max Brenner near several ATMs. You will need to get buzzed in (unsure if this is only available during business hours) but the room is very well maintained, clean, and would fit approx 3 to 4 Mums at a time. If you each have a pram then 3 will be a snug fit. Run out of nappies? For $2 you can purchase one from the vending machine. A microwave and Avent bottle steriliser is also available. An adult and toddler toilet is included.

Parking - 2 rattles
There is plenty of underground parking at South Bank or 2 hour paid parking on nearby side streets. If you visit MB during peak times (weekends, public holidays) be prepared to walk. Note, this is more a reflection of carparking at South Bank not Max Brenner. Elevators are available for prams but again, if it's busy, only a few people can comfortably fit in the lift with a pram. The South Bank car parks offer a hand ful of 'Parents with Prams' car parks but get in very early or very late to grab one.

Playground Equipment - Not applicable

Overall Rating - 3 rattles (out of 5).

Max Brenner
Shop 1.1 & 1.2 Stanley Street Plaza South Bank
07 3255 0411
www.maxbrenner.com.au 
Opening Hours:
Mon - Thurs - 8:00am - 11:00pm
Fri - Sat - 8:00am - 12:00 Midnight
Sun - 8:00am - 11:00pm

Darwin or Bust

Our holiday was not going well and we hadn’t even left the airport yet.

Teach, E and I were off to Darwin for five days to celebrate a friends wedding. We’d been looking forward to our little getaway since the couple announced their engagement six months earlier. I’d been to the top end once before and knew what to expect, but for Teach and E this was a new adventure, plus it was our first family holiday.

Yep, it was going to be great. A trip we’d always remember and have fond memories of. The gorgeous weather, pictures of a happy family living it up with friends away from home. Oh, how we’d laugh and share memorable moments when we returned....

Reviews for Brisbane Mummas

As many of you know I joined a Brisbane mothers' group a while back. It's for professional women on maternity leave in 2011 and I'm LOVING it - and not just because I know many of them read this blog!

E and I really look forward to our weekly catch-ups, getting to know other new Mums and their gorgeous tots, sharing our experiences plus having a few old fashion belly laughs for good measure.

Each week we plan to meet in a new cafe, park, movie theatre or sometimes even a member's home in order to get out and about across our lovely city. The coversation almost always turns into one of 'will it be practical for a large group of Mums with Bubs?' 'Can we all fit?' 'Where do we park?' And so on....

This common conundrum got me thinking - why isn't there something online that helps Mums out? There are hundreds (if not thousands) of groups meeting each week somewhere across Brissy and I'm sure they all have the same question, 'Where is the most convenient and baby friendly place to meet?' Even if you're not part of a group, I'm sure you'd like to know more about a cafe, park or shopping centre before carting the baby/kids along only to find you can't fit the pram in, you have to walk miles from your car and it's not child friendly at all!

So I've decided to put my former Tourism PR hat back on and help Brisbane Mums out. Each week I will take it upon myself to visit a new cafe, park, library, movie theatre, gallery, shopping centre etc..., etc... across Brisbane and give it an honest motherly review.

Bubs in Brissie will rate the location's parking options, child-friendly environments, nappy changing facilities/general amenities, playground equipment (if applicable) and most importantly the coffee and cake! I'm sure it'll be bloody hard work but I'm willing to take one for the team in an effort to preserve your sanity.

Now, where should I go first? Where is your favourite spot for an outing?

Check back here on Friday (29 July) for the first "Mummas & The City" review.

Home is where the heart is at 5am

E is waking at 5am these days. He's decided because it's winter and 5am is usually the coldest part of the day, he'd have some fun and make Mumma get up and start her day. He giggles and laughs when I come in to get him in the morning. 'Yay, she's here and out of her warm bed. Woo hoo! That's 27 to E and zero to Mum.'

5am. I haven't had two 5 o'clocks in my day since I was footloose and fancy free. Living the single life with verve, vigor and my good friend Vodka. Oh, I remember those days so well - I think? Girlfriends and I would start the night with a few drinks at my inner-city apartment then walk into the Valley for a dance and one or... cough, two beverages. This was before the days of a 3am lock out when you were allowed back in if you happen to go outside to take a phone call or leave your friend in the loo...I digress.

5am was a respectable hour to be awake back then. It was a badge of honour. Something you'd boast about at 9am on Monday morning when your boss asks why you smell like a brewery and sound like a man. 'Um, I've only had 2 hours sleep,' I'd whisper. My boss, bless her cotton socks, would love this news and load me up with extra work and have me out at meetings with clients to ensure I worked harder than normal. She had just as much fun with me as E does now.

Today, 5am is punishment.  After a night of E waking each hour, 5am is not a badge of honour but more a trumpet call of parenthood. YOU'VE ARRIVED! With eyes falling out of my head and a cup of tea glued to my hand, I try to start the day. I think of Bridget Jones at her Mother's Turkey Curry Buffet and agree, I should have my head in a toilet like other normal people not singing Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes to a five month old... Aaaaargh!

Despite my protesting I can't imagine life any other way. Even if I wasn't a proud Mumma, I'm not sure I'd want to be out late anymore. Who has the energy? More importantly who has the bloody money!! $15 for a glass of wine...tell 'em their dreamin'. Nope, give me a friday night in with my two favourite boys, a big serve of homemade lasagna, a glass of vino (from a bottle that costs less than $15) and I'm the happiest woman in the world.

Yes, I'm a Cancerian. We're a notorious bunch of home bodies but I don't think I'd go out even if I could. Home is my safe haven, my office, my playground, my favourite restaurant, my cafe, my movie theatre and my disco-tecque. Home is where my heart is even at 5am in the morning and I wouldn't change it for the world.