Grateful for Time Out

It's not often I get out, well without kids anyway.

I'm sure I've mentioned before we do not have family locally to share the love, so we rely a lot on some very good friends, who help us out.  But as you can imagine we don't like to abuse that friendship, and keep childminding to a minimum / necessity.

Luckily for me I recently won a giveaway at diminishing lucy.

I won a double pass to see The Help and the book too.  The best part about this is even though I rarely get to the cinema I had said to my husband that I really wanted to see this movie.

 [source]

So you can imagine my delight when I received an email from Lucy advising me I was a winner.

Best news ever!

So I asked a good friend from my mothers group who I just knew would love this movie.  

We had a lovely night out, without anyone hanging off our sides, demanding our assistance, it was bliss.

A night out with a good friend, seeing a good movie, this is what I am grateful for this week.

I'm linking up with Jody from Lemon Rhodes who is guest hosting Maxabella's grateful linkup.

What are you grateful for?

Cheers

Mandy

Fancy some Triple Choc Banana Cupcakes?

I'm linking up with the Anderson Crew for Embrace the Camera, it's a great way to ensure that you are present in your families daily lives.

Recipe

60g Butter
2 Cups SR Flour
1/4 Cup Coco Powder
1/2 Cup Caster Sugar
1/2 Cup Milk
2 Eggs
2 Ripe Bananas
1/2 Cup Dark Choc Bits
1/2 Cup White Choc Bits

Sift the flour into a bowl, then mix the caster sugar and coco powder in.

Melt the butter, then add the milk and the eggs and mix together before mixing with the dry ingredients.

In a separate bowl mash the bananas, then add this to the cake mixture also.  Mix lightly.

Finally add the choc bits and mix, then add to cupcake cases and cook in moderate oven (160-180C) the lower of the two if fan forced.

-x-

We're enjoying a bit of a break from our regular routine due to school holidays.  I needed a break.  Slow mornings are such a blessing.

Earlier this year my daughter kept chanting that I was a 'no mum'.  She's moved on from this, but more recently she has in many different ways been begging for my attention.  I realised all she wants is for me to stop.  Stop this hectic life and acknowledge and love her in this moment.

So today I decided this is what I needed to do. 

The weather has been very ordinary and yesterday and today have been home days.  I took the kids to the supermarket yesterday and let them hire a movie each.  Lulu asked me to watch it with her, but I didn't have time yesterday, I had to go to work, so this morning, we got up, had breakfast, and plonked ourselves on the couch all snuggled, all four of us, and watched the movie.

Then after lunch we baked.

We made Triple Choc Banana Cupcakes.  Always a favourite in our home.  I made sure I put the baby to bed before we began.  Then we got stuck into it.  Lulu decided she wanted pink cupcakes, so we made up the recipe (excluding the coco powder), and divided the mixture in half.  Then Tom added his coco powder and Lulu added her pink food dye.

Then each child filled their own cupcake cases reading for cooking.

They took it in turns of mixing, below Tom is adding the wet ingredients.

Of course when it comes to the Choc bits, it's a case of some for the recipe, a little pile for Lulu and a little pile for Tom, below Tom is shooting down a couple, just to keep him going!

 

And because they couldn't have done it without me, I'm a strong believer in embracing the camera, we quickly took a photo of us girls enjoying our own company, oh and the baby he woke up at just the right time.

It's funny how they opt to have different colours and then consider them theirs, like you need to ask permission to try one of their ones.

Zander, shoved the first one in as quickly as possible for fear he might run out of time for a second.  Trust me, his mouth is full!

Today was a good day.  A simple day, a reminder that life doesn't need to be over complicated.  Sure I work, we have stuff that just has to be done, but I need to ensure that I balance it, and not get too hooked up on the crap that can wait till later, because my kids are not always going to be this little, next year Lulu will be off to school and then all I will have is weekends and school holidays.

Life is simple if you let it be, it's just sometimes I forget.

Cheers


Mandy.

10 Things You DIDN'T WANT TO KNOW about Me!

OK, I love learning stuff about people, you know that Random stuff that truly makes up who you are. 

The stuff that sets you apart.  And it doesn't have to be big, life changing things, I really believe it's the little things that add up to be big things.

So anyway, Gemma at My Big Nutshell, asked me to join in this game and here I am.

10 Things you didn't want to know about me:

1/ In 98 I lived in England and worked as a live in Nanny.  I so wish we had facebook, twitter, skype and all that jazz back then.  It was great experience, but I lived in a tiny country village and having access to these wonderful things we have now would have rocked my world.  Such is life.

2/ I can't stand people chewing on icy pole sticks, or clothing for that matter.  I'm actually getting goose bumps over my body as I type, just thinking about it is freaking me out.  Back when I worked full time, a couple of my lovely friends Mel and Amanda used to wind me up.  I remember them coming back from lunch one day just chewing on their sticks, wanting to chat with me, knowing it would drive me crazy.

3/ So leading on from this, I have a dry sense of humour, hence why I have quality friends like above.  I'm a bit of smart arse, but that is OK, I don't mind a smart arse in return.  There's not much a person can say to offend me.

[source]

4/ I'm cold, like in temperature, I am always bloody cold, it has to be over 30C for me to truly enjoy the warmth.  I'm currently really struggling because my children don't share that gene.  No matter how much I ask them (or try and force them) to rug up they ignore me and go along in tee's and no shoes!  Freaking me out people, freaking me out.

5/ I wish I was a full time stay at home mum.  OK I know I probably could be if I wanted to bad enough.  But we wouldn't be able to afford our mortgage or our bills or food, I could opt for an easier lifestyle but that is not likely to happen, so off to work I go three nights a week *sigh

6/ I have a DSLR and don't know how to use it.  I did a short course through Rotary, but often because I'm too bloody scared of missing the moment with my kids I still opt for Auto.  I'm very angry with myself for this and want to be awesome like some of the other mum photogrpahers in the blogging scene.  I'm adicted to photos always have been always will be.  I guess it's just time.

7/ I have contemplated what it would be like to have another person in our family.  Yeap said it.  But in all seriousiness I don't think we could do it.  I don't think my hubby could come home from a hard days work to look after 4 children, we can't afford the upsize. Blah blah..... and despite the fact I've thought about it, I do feel like my family is complete.

8/ When I was growing up I always wanted to be on Young Talent Time.  That was my dream, I'd have given anything to be on that show.  Now at the time I blamed the fact that I was a country girl for not being able to reach my dreams, but the reality of it all is, I can't sing to save myself.

9/ I am introverted, like seriously introverted, stick me in a room full of people and I freak out.  I'm good at faking it though and will put on a brave face and pretend to be all cool with it.  I like people to hold my hand through new expeiences.  That said, I won't miss out on something if no one will hold my hand, I force myself to take action.  I'm not introverted when sitting in front of the computer though!

10/ I don't like to wear my hair out unless I've straightened it.  If I let it dry all natural, it is like an afro.  No shampoo is going to fix this. *sigh again [and sorry, no I won't post a photo of this]

So anyway, that's a little random barrel of crap you didn't care to know, but now you do!

So in the spirit of this post, I'm passing this onto another 5 bloggers in the hope they'll join in:

Natasha from Little Love: Home of the Small

Marianne from Back in G Town

Shar from Mum on the Run

Jen from Lovely Living

Kerryn from Porter Reporter


Cheers


Mandy

The Post Pregnancy Body Debate

I'm ranting tonight, about post pregnancy bodies.

Well maybe not so much post pregnancy bodies, but the bloody losers that constantly feel the need to judge the crap out of other new mothers.

And whilst a celebrity puts themselves out there, and they know they will be judged, I still think it's bullshit, that they would be targeted only weeks after giving birth to their baby.

I'm talking in particular about Mel B from the Spice Girls.  

 [source]

We're watching XFactor at the moment, the kids are addicted, and given I was a Spice Girl fan in my day I'm quite enjoying Mel B being on the judging panel.

She was pregnant throughout the audition process and looked fabulous.  

Since then she has given birth to her baby and progressed straight onto the live shows only a couple of weeks later.

Last week the judges did a performance, they all looked great.  Yet it appears some people felt the need to bag the absolute crap out of Mel B.  

Today tonight (whilst not a great news show!) ran a story on how people have been commenting online about Mel B's weight, suggesting she needs to 'loss the weight fast'.

To say this ignited a fire in me is an understatement.

What is it with celebrities and pregnancy.  I mean most (clearly not all) celebrities seem to have their babies and either bounce back or work excessively hard to regain their superstar bodies.

As a result they get crucified for setting unrealistic goals for real mothers.  Everyone is always going on about how it's not obtainable, it's unsafe for new mothers to try and meet this expectation that celebrities present.

Then Mel B (along with the likes of Pink) give birth to their babies, and relax, take their time to look after themselves and enjoy the birth of their child.  Just like the rest of us!

And low and behold they get the shit picked out of them too.

Aren't they setting a good example for everyday mothers? 

Can a celebrity even have a baby without everyone finding flaws of some sort?

I know the celebrity world is a hell of a lot different to my world, probably yours too, but to me it just hones in on the situation mothers are faced with.

We are all trying to do our best, some woman will have babies and drop their weight fast, others wont.  

Some will breast feed, others can't or choose not too.

Some seek support to help care for their babies, others don't want any one else to interfere.

Some new mums are completely sleep deprived, emotional and exhausted.  Others have support that allows them to catch up on their sleep, head to the gym and take time out for themselves.

There is no right or wrong.

We all need to do what is right for us and our family.

I know Mel B is famous, and has put herself out on a public stage and regardless of whether she was pregnant or not people would have found something to complain about.

But I can not stand it when people are quick to knock a new mother down, especially when it is about their post baby body, especially when it is less than a month after they've given birth.  Goodness knows my baby is 18 months old and I'm still battling with those extra kilos.

Serious people, cut mum's a little slack, most of us, are simply doing the best we can.

Simple as that!

Mandy.
 

Book: Frank was a Monster who wanted to Dance

Tommy is a dancer,

who sometimes gets a complex,

which is understandable, 

given he is the only boy.

At the beginning of each dance class the kids sit on the floor in a circle and look through dance books, whist everyone arrives and the teachers organise themselves.

But you see these books, they're all dancing books, and as Tom kindly pointed out "All girls dancing books"

In a bid to take away the pressure of being the only boy, we went an a hunt to find some boy dance books.

'Bellarino Nate' arrived in the post.  It has a lot of word, but it's good story.

[image]

After attending a student ballet performance with his kindergarten class, Nate decides he wants to become a ballet dancer. Despite negative pressure from his brother, Nate persists in his dream until his parents arrange for lessons. When Nate is the only boy in the class, and his brother continues his teasing, Nate's mother takes him to a real ballet in a huge theater, where Nate sees that men can be dancers, too. 

But what has also arrived is our new favourite book 'Frank is a Monster who wanted to Dance'.

This book is a classic, it rhymes, it's funny, and it has all the 'gross boy' necessities, like when his head starts to unzip and his brain falls on the floor and his eye ball pops out and rolls out the door'.

[image]

If you've got a little man that likes to dance this book is certainly worth a look.

Now Tom skips off to dancing with as much enthusiasm as ever, as he has his own dance book.

Cheers

Mandy.

A Scrapbook for Someone Special

I love to scrapbook.

I also think it's a lovely way to make someone feel loved, valued, worthy.

I've used scrap booking in many different forms to give someone a sentimental gift, for the 30th, 50th.

But most recently I've made a scrapbook for someone simply to say, thank you for being such a great friend.

Even though they live interstate, I was skillful enough to rummage through their photos and scan a collection of memorable shots, without them even knowing.

This someone, I know they read my blog, not daily, but adhoc.  So if you're reading this, maybe this post is about you.

And if you're reading this and the baby in the pictures above looks familiar, well you can expect a little parcel from the postman in the next 24 hours.

I was hoping to have this ready for this person's birthday on the weekend, but I was a little behind schedule.

But really, it's not a birthday present anyway, it's a just because present.

I've filled this album with gorgeous shots, not just of this someone, but of photos of them, with all the special someones in their life.  Precious moments caught in time that I hope will remind them of a good life lived so far and the prospects of exciting things to come.

Telling someone their valued, or important to you, doesn't have to involve a scrapbook.  It may be as simple as taking them to the movies, dropping around a handful of magazines if they need to put their feet up, or perhaps even a telephone call.

Have you told anyone recently that they are important in your life, and that you value their friendship?

If not go for it, I know it made me feel just as good for making the effort.

Cheers

Mandy.

{Fancy Pants} Spring is in the Air

Here I am, two weeks in a row, who'd have thought!

This week Melbourne truly showed us its capable of pulling out all seasons in one week.  I'll never be able to spring clean my wardrobe!

But Monday was beautiful, a little windy, but at 29C I'm not complaining.

Not knowing how long it will be before we get another warm day like this I just had to pull out my new maxi dress.

One day I might even do a Fancy Pants entry without someone trying to steal the show! lol.  But until then....

These photos were taken at 8.30 in the morning.  Oh what a glorious day! Of course it only lasted one day, at least I made the most of it.

Dress: Jeans West
Cardigan: Unsure = Very old with tags pulled off!

I'm linking up with Kymmie from A Day in the Life of Us for Fancy Pants.

Cheers

Mandy

A Country Wedding

Weddings......... So much to think about, so much to plan.  OK you don't have to be all planning queen if you don't want to, but it's one day, that you'll remember forever, so don't hold it against someone that wants to get it right.

I had an 18 month engagement, so I was conscious not to bore people with my plans.

What I quickly learnt was everyone wanted to know about my plans.  Everyone was honestly interested.

We had a Country Wedding.  Why?  Because we're both from the country.

We now live in Melbourne and did at the time, but we decided we would get married in the town where I grew up.  It's common for a couple to retreat to the brides home town.  There is something lovely about being 'out of town' for your wedding, not only for you, but also for your guests.

Everyone was booked into the motel down the road, everything was accessible.  Given that approximately 80 out of 90 guests were from out of town, everyone had a real 'holiday spirit' about themselves, basically what I'm trying to say is everyone let there hair down!

We were very traditional.  We got married in the local Catholic Church, proceeded to wander around town for some wedding photos and then headed to our reception.

We had a blast, our reception truly was a big party.  We danced with our friends, some we didn't get to see as often any more.  We had fun, we went into the day with a 'we've planned the best we can, now we need to just run with it' attitude.

Random Memories Include -

• I wore a pearl bracelet that belonged to Rodney's Nana, she'd past away but wanted me to wear something of hers, so in a way she was there.
• My friend Daniel arrived in town and when unpacking realised he'd forgot to pack his shoes.  Thankfully Target Country had recently opened in town, so he was able to purchase a cheap pair of black shoes, failing that the motel owner was going to lend him a pair.
• The last song of the night, before the official circle was Hey Ya, by Outkast, I always think of my wedding when I hear that song
• We danced our bridal dance to Aerosmith - Don't want to miss a thing
• My step dad arranged for us to have vintage cars, they were perfect.
• Our wedding was on the last day of Daylight saving so we got an extra night sleep. Bliss
• It was hot, like over 30C hot, in Country Victoria, sweltering

There were some funny moments, like when the MC announced 'The bride and the groom' when we arrived, but instead of announcing 'Rodney and Mandy' announced 'Jason and Mandy'  (Jason is my brother-in-law and the best man).  No one noticed, and the whole room proceeded to cheers to Jason and Mandy!  Um, excuse me, this is not Jerry Springer! lol.

All I wanted when I got married was to have a fun day, with those we love, and know that when I look back on it, I'd smile at the memories.

And I do, I look back on my wedding day, our gorgeous photos and I think 'I wouldn't change a thing'

This post was inspired by Shelley at My Shoebox Life who is about to get married herself.  Congratulations Shelley, I hope  you have the time of your life.

Cheers

Mandy

The things they do and say!

My baby, well he ate his breakfast out of the rubbish bin!  Noice!

I went to have my shower, was getting dressed when he presented in the hallway with a piece of toast I'd thrown out.  'Oh well' I thought, 'his already eating it, whatever'.

Then when I was done in the bathroom I wandered into the Kitchen to find him rummaging through the kitchen bin looking for more goodies.  SERIOUSLY!

To appease your mind I've since put a lock on that cupboard.

-x-

Driving in the car one morning recently and Lulu says "Tom when you grow up can you build me a house with stairs"

Tom "Sure, um, I'll just have to check how many blocks I've got, or maybe you can just build it yourself"

[source]

Lulu "I can't I'm going to be a swimming teacher when I grow up"

Tom "Well if you're going to be a swimming teacher when I grow up I want to be a dad"

-x-

A few weeks ago Lulu went to a party, I picked her and her little friend Amy up, they were chatting away in the back of the car:

Amy “I don’t want to go home, can I come back to your house for a play?”

Lulu “Yeah sure, but just don’t bother my dad OK.  Because he has been working really really hard and he has a sore back, so whatever you do don’t ask for a piggy back”

-x-

Zander's vocabulary sounds like this:

"see" when he wants you to look at something, and "hey" when he wants something, or thinks he is missing out more the point.

"pease" not always when required and in extra loud vocals "NOooooooooooo"

-x-

My kids crack me up (in the funny way) most days!  They say such funny, sweet things which just need to be captured.  

What seriously funny things have your kids said recently?

Cheers

Mandy

A weekend at the Farm

Zander loves Gran and Pa's farm.

Love

Play

R&R

I'm joining in over at My Little Drummer Boys for Wordless Wednesday (Although I really struggle with the wordless bit).

Cheers

Mandy

Education Programs for Children ~ The New Normal

 [source]

As with any mother I want the best for my children. 

Over the last couple of years I had to make decisions about Lulu's education, and eventually I made the decision to hold her back.  Her birthday is in January and now she will turn six the year she starts school, which means:

# She will be one of the oldest in her class

# She will turn the same age each year as her peers (well most of them)

She doesn't realise at this stage that she could be at school already.  I made the decision when it was time to start 3 year old kinder, so she has never 'repeated' and therefore no questions were asked.

However as all her 'mothers group' friends started school and she did not, I felt there was no harm in continuing to encourage her learning.  She was starting to question the letters of the alphabet and wanting to learn.

So after a little investigation I enrolled her and my son Tom in a reading program. 

The more I think about the job that lies ahead for early learning teachers, the more I realise and accept that my children learning to read will be determined by how much we as parents put in.

I can't even begin to fatham how one teacher, teaches 20+ children to read (or start reading) over the first year at school.

However my mum has questioned my decision to encourage this learning.  She is concerned that they might get bored in the classroom when the group are learning things they already know.

As I talk to more and more mums I'm finding that many children are participating in literacy based pre-school programs.  And it got me thinking, what about those who don't do this?

Suddenly in a society where famillies are busy running around from one activity to the next, are we over doing it? 

Are we putting too much pressure on the remainder of society, who may not be able to provide this extra curricular activity for their children?

I know I need to think about what is right for my children and nuturing their needs, but are programs like these simply widening the learning gap?

I am interested to hear what you think, as I wonder is this the new normal, part of preparing for starting school?


Mandy

It's Tuesday so I'm linking up with Diary of a SAHM

Bioeffectives Product Review

Recently I was sent a couple of products from Bioeffectives to trial. And I wanted to tell you about them.

Bioeffective Gel

Bioeffectives say: Made from Conifer Green Needle Complex, Aloe Vera, Natural Vitamin E and Olive leaf extract, Bio Effective Gel is a natural, pure and effective healing gel perfect for use on minor burns, wounds and sunburn.

Well let me tell you what I know.  It's got a strong smell and is yellow/green in colour, remember it's a gel, not a cream!  But given my daughter is very precious when she hurts herself, she was open to trying this.

She was happy to use it and now calls for the gel every time she's injured herself, and let me tell you, this kid, she's always injuring herself.

I believe in memory keeping, not all memories involve smiles!

Siberian Red - Nature's Superpower

Bioeffectives say: Antioxidants help counter the unwanted effects of free radicals, primarily those involving oxygen, which form during normal metabolism and through external factors such as UV exposure, everyday stresses and ever-increasing pollution.

What I know:  This stuff has the strongest smell you'll ever come across, it smells super concentrated, and seriously smells like it come straight from the forest.

I'm not one to take stuff in liquid form, I'm more of a capsule kind of person.  So I didn't know if I'd be able to hand this.  But I didn't mind it at all.  Sure it's not the same as having a fruit juice, I won't kid you, but it's easy to drink on a daily basis.

I also like that it has two sets of dosages, one for daily consumption and the other for sports consumption.  I'm looking forward to incorporating it into my fitness schedule.

Both products have proven to be beneficial in our home.  

Regards

Mandy

Disclosure: I received Bioeffective Gel and Siberian Red complimentary to try, via Brand Meets Blog. No financial payment was offered nor accepted for this post. All opinions expressed are purely my own.

{Fancy Pants} Inaugural Addition

I've been wanting to join in for a while now

But I'm a little self conscious

I've taken photos before

And then thought nah, they're not good enough

But then that's me right? 

So here I am, just as I am, me!

We're heading off to the movies tonight, gold class in fact.

A Christmas present from last year, but this is how long it takes us to get our act together, well, coordinate a babysitter too.

So as I wait for the man of the house to get himself ready, his been shovelling cow manure in the front garden bed! I thought I'd get straight onto my first ever Fancy Pants Entry!

Thanks Lulu for your professional photographer assistance! lol.

Tom Tom, with his beautiful kindness raced over to give me a kiss, mid photo shoot!

Pants: Jay Jays

T-shirt: Target

Cardigan: Target

 

Cheers

Mandy

Have you got your fancy pants on?  Why not join in with Kymmie over at A Day in the Life of Us

Childrens Cancer Month

Sometimes I wonder, with so many charities around these days, will we eventually suffer charity burn out, or is it just a part of human nature that we'll always feel compelled to give?

And then I wonder for those of us that do like to support charities, how do you chose who is worthy?  Aren't all charities worthy?

September is Children's Cancer Month

I think this is such a worthy cause.  As a mother, hearing stories of children suffering from cancer is heart breaking.

Have you heard of the CCIA (Children's Cancer Institute of Australia)?  They are the only independent medical research institute in Australia that is dedicated to causes, preventions and treatment and of course a cure for childhood cancer.

Their Vision: To save the lives of all children with cancer and eliminate their suffering.

[source]

Even though the survival rate of childhood cancer has increased from practical zero in the 60's to over 70% today, it still means that three out of every ten children with cancer do not survive.

CCIA rely on the assistance of people like us, people like me, everyday ordinary people, parents, employers, sporting clubs... everybody.  For some organising an event is a great way to raise money for this cause, for others like myself a simple donation is still very much appreciated.

For more information about the research they are currently doing, or for information on how you can help, check out the Children's Cancer Institute Website

Kind regards

Mandy

Grateful for Fresh Produce

Despite what my husband thinks................. Yes I am grateful for the fresh produce that comes from our back yard.

Our vege patch is slowly taking over our back yard, but that is ok, because we have had yummy stirfry vegetables all week, the only vegetable I've had to buy is brocoli!

Seriously, cauliflower, carrots, snow peas, cabbage, parships, turnips, capsicums, it's all happening here, and we live in the big smoke!

I love that the kids get to get outside with their dad and really get their hands dirty.  

And thankfully it's having a small impact on our budget too!

What are you grateful for this week?

I'm joining in Maxabella's grateful link up with Mira Narnie this week.  

Cheers

Mandy.

What you should probably never ask your Child!

I was sitting on the couch tonight, kicking back (resting, as I've been a bit sick).

The man of the house (dad) was parked on the other couch.

My little man Tom (4) he was standing next to me, and was contemplating sitting next to me, and, well maybe because he was standing closer to me, and maybe because of that I thought he'd pick me, I said................

"Hey come sit with the one you loved the most"

His response "What, what do you mean?"

So I've always been trained in the workplace, when someone doesn't understand, rephrase!  So that is what I did.

I asked him "Who do you love the most, mum or dad?"

"mmmmmmmmmmmmm"  he pondered

Then as he shrugged his shoulders he responded "but...... I love you both"

So we put him out of his state of confusion and said "right answer"  and asked for a high five!

OK so perhaps we shouldn't have asked the question, we know he loves us both, and we wouldn't have held it against him if he had of picked.  

But what a little winner, this is a little man that is totally in touch with his emotions and is not afraid to share it.

Cheers

Mandy

Table of Plenty - Mini Rice Cake Review

Recently I was sent a box of Mini Rice Cakes for my family to sample.

But what exactly are they?

I'd tell you they are mini rice cakes, that are coated in either chocolate or berry yogurt. 

Table of Plenty say: "The crunchy wholegrain rice cakes are paired with a creamy layer of European chocolate or berry yogurt, to create an all-natural, scrumptious combination. As each mini rice cake is a mere 15 calories, a few rice cakes in the lunch box make for the perfect healthy snack for kids!"

There are a number of things that really stand out about this rice crackers:

• They're a totally natural snack with no preservatives, colours or flavours
• They're gluten free 
• The dark chocolate flavour is also lactose and fructose free

Fortunately Table of Plenty were extremely generous in their samples.  I was able to open a packet of each flavour for the kids to munch on, as well as take a packet of each flavour into my work.

The result was pretty much the same across the board, they were all pretty much enjoyed, however some liked the chocolate and others liked the berry yogurt, no one seemed to love them all.  So I guess it's a personal preference really.  But at least there is variety so you can pick whats best for you.

They come in packets, similar to that of crisps, however I doubt you'd eat the lot in one sitting, (especially children), so I honestly thing you'd get good value for money as you'd get numerous sittings out of them, making them perfect for lunch boxes, after school snacks, or for work.

One of my work colleagues is Gluten Intolerant and she said she'd definitely buy them, give the small range of gluten free products available these were pretty good.

So it's a thumbs up from us, certainly worth a try.

Cheers

Mandy


Disclosure: I received a box of Mini Rice Cake Packets to sample. No financial payment was offered nor accepted for this post. All opinions expressed are purely my own.

Stop Little Problems from becoming Bigger - RUOK Day

Today is National RUOK Day.

What is this you might ask?

It's a simple initiative where the RUOK Team want everyone around the country to ask their family and friends RUOK?

It's a reminder to stay connected, let others know they don't need to feel alone, isolated, nothing is too difficult. It's about maintaining our general health and wellbeing, and of course, helping others to maintain their own self worth too.

I know I alerted you to this day last month when I talked about my own experiences dealing with loved ones suicide, both fatal and non-fatal.

But today I want to say it's more than that. You don't have to wait until you think someone is at risk of taking their own life to ask them if they are OK.

Sometimes people suffer from aniexty, sometimes people have an experience that gets them down, and sometimes people just need an ear to get something off their chest and gain a little perspective.  Either way don't under estimate the power of asking a simple question.

I know since I became a mother I feel more isolated than ever.

I used to get up and go to work, mix with other people, go for drinks after work, all situations that allow me to discuss life, what makes us tick, support one another, without any effort really.

But now, more often than not my days are about taking the kids to and from kinder, and outside of that I'm usually home, with more often than not, no adult company.  When you're tired, having a difficult day, week, it can be stressful and the isolation does nothing to make you feel better.

I take small steps to avoid those situations, I go to the park after kinder, the kids get to run around, and I get to talk to other parents.  We make sure we are doing OK, we discuss what is happening at home and support one another.  Knowing that I have small networks like this goes a long way to making sure I am OK as well as supporting others.

So lets get together and help support a great initiative.  If you think you know someone who might be in trouble, or simply need an ear, why not ask them RUOK?

If you're not sure how to ask, or how to address the situation, visit The RUOK Website for direction.

If you are in need of help, below are a list of people waiting to help you.

NATIONAL CRISIS COUNSELLING SERVICES
Lifeline (24 hours) 13 11 14
Kids Helpline - 24 hours, for young people aged 5 to 25 years 1800 55 1800
MensLine Australia (24 hours) 1300 78 99 78
Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467

Mandy.

Little Love

Sometimes you capture a moment and look back at it and all you can think is 'love'

Today I'm linking up with My Little Drummer Boys for Wordless Wednesday.

Cheers

Mandy

I feel like I'm cheating on someone!

My kids have been at our local swim school since they were babies. 

But anyway, lately I've felt they are not getting enough out of it.  They are not being pushed enough to learn and develop technique.

Given that it costs me a bloody fortune few hundred dollars each term,  I need to know they are getting something out of it.

So last night they went for an assessment at another swim school and I have made the decision to switch.

It's funny really, they way I feel about it.

I feel glad that I've done it because I'm confident that I will see some development in their ability.  I feel glad that they are embracing the change and got a buzz from the new pool.

But, there is another side to me, that feels like I'm a girl about to cheat on her boyfriend!  We are finishing out the term at our existing school, I'm nervous that the kids will tell their current teachers that they are leaving.  I feel nervous that I will have to explain that I think they will be better off somewhere else.

But this is not personal, I love their existing teachers, I'm just not comfortable with the lack of continuity when they are away.  I did send them an email and let them know, and they called me and were really really good about it, which only makes me feel even more guilty!

Ultimately I need to do what I think is right for my kids, but seriously why do these decisions have to be so hard, and why do they have to leave me feeling so bad?

Mandy. xo

What if you won the lotto?

If you won the lotto what would you do?  What is your dream?

Obviously when we talk about winning the lotto we never really know how much that actually is, but lets just say it's enough to pretty much do anything...... multi millionaire kinda stuff, what would you do?

My hubby and I have always had a plan!  I'm a Capricorn, his a Virgo, = 2 x control freaks! 

We need to have a plan, ensure we are on the same page.  OK so we're mildly hopeful.  Or maybe we simply have dreams.

We've both agreed that if we won the lotto, we'd open our own Micro Brewery in the Rutherglen Wine District!  In a nutshell, that's it.

But in more detail, yes there are details.............

We'd buy a big piece of land, and we'd build a big Brewery, with a funky bar, which opens out onto the landscape.  Perfect for 'Day on the Green' kind of action. 

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Then maybe 500m up the paddock / road, we'd build a house, my dream house.  A bedroom each for the kids, a big indoor / outdoor living area, with a pool.  And room for guests. Grass to run around, a swing hanging from the branch of a tree.  A place to dream a little more.

We could live happily in our home, Rod could wander down to his brewery.  He could create and manufacture his own line of beer.  We could stock some of the local wines.  We could in the summer months hold family friendly gigs, that encouraged locals to hang out with friends and relax.

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Oh I'm dreaming about it as I write.

I bought a ticket in a syndicate for last Saturday night, it's the longest ticket I've ever owned, it's over a metre long!  What's with that?  But unfortunately this time, it wasn't meant to be!

And if I ever win, I'd show a little love to my families, I'd love to just randomly help out a handful of friends who I think deserve a bit of a break, and I'd donate something to a handful of different charities too.

So now that I've shared my dream, I'll ask again, what would you do if you won the lotto?

Cheers


Mandy.

9/11 - I remember

10 years ago, I remember.

An ordinary morning on what would never again be an ordinary day.

The alarm went off, usually we'd listen to the beat of the local radio station for a few minutes before getting up to start the day.  But on this day, there were no beats.

I still remember those words John Howard spoke, "We will be there for America, we will support them, on this terrible day"

I sat upright and demanded we both get out of bed immediately and find out what the hell was going on.

And you all know the rest of this story.

This day, 10 years ago is the one day in my lifetime that I can seriously say changed the world forever.  

It still breaks my heart, to think of those people who jumped out of those building rather than burn alive.  It still breaks my heart when the media play recorded voice messages of people ringing their loved ones to say goodbye before they died.

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And now, thousands of soldiers continue, 10 years on to fight the war on terror.  I respect that they are trying to protect us.

However, all I can think about is the families that are losing their loved ones, through loss of life and those who on a daily basis do without a parent, for such long periods of times.

Another blogger recently told me via email how her husband had missed over 10 wedding anniversaries, many kids birthdays and special events.  It bought tears to my eyes.

And finally, I feel ill for those soldiers that come back, wounded physically and wounded mentally, that are expected to get on with a normal life.  Is that really ever possible?

So on this day, I remember, what happened, those lost and those still fighting everyday for what happened on 9/11/2001

Regards

Mandy