Sentimental Summer ~ Let's Go Camping

We celebrated being Australia this Australia Day.  Did you?  What did you get up to?

We kinda celebrated the night before if I'm honest about it.

The kids really want to go camping.  But we are a bit under prepared.  Our tent, won't fit all five of us in, it was a pre-kids tent, if you know what I mean.  And at this time of the year trying to book a camp site for one night in a nice location, e.g. the beach is pretty much impossible and expensive.

So we opted for the next best thing.

We went camping Australia Day Eve, in the backyard.  We pitched our tent, Rod set up the camp fire, the kids pulled out their camping chairs and we relaxed.

OK so we did still manage to have the modern day necessities, we had our radio playing through our outdoor speakers which provided a little bit of atmosphere, but we did spend the evening sitting around the camp fire enjoying each others company.

We opted to put the little fella to be in his own room (mostly because we don't have room for him in the tent, but partly because he's not going to remember anyway).

The kids toasted marshmallows

The kids also had some fun with sparklers

I tried to play with my camera taking night photos.  (I'm a professional photographer wanna be, but am a looong way off the mark!)

And around 11ish, we put water on the fire, turned the lights out and crawled into our sleeping bags in the tent.

Our kids already have camping beds, this allows us to go places without having to expect people to have to provide them with a bed, they BYO.  And we pulled out the old trusty blow up.

Zander woke at about 6.30 so Rod went and got him and he did have a bit more sleep, wedged in the middle!

It was relaxing and it was fun.  The kids had the best time.  I highly recommend this as a great family activity.  It's a bit of a staycation in a sense.  

I did a quick tidy up before we got underway that evening so the next day when we got up and wandered into the house it was nice and tidy and refreshing.

Now it's up to you.  What have you been doing to create a Sentimental Summer?  Did you do anything exciting for Australia Day?  On the day, or perhaps like us you celebrated the night before?

Link up your post below, all we want you to do is include a photo of yourself in the post because all too often we forget to get in front of the camera.  Come on you do it!  

Cheers

Mandy.

Food Patrol 90 Day Challenge: Forward Planning

This post is coming to you a day early.

I'm flying out to Sydney this afternoon for work.  This will be my biggest challenge yet.

I'll be in a conference all day Monday and Tuesday, as well as going out for dinner too.

But the reality of it all is, this is real life, this is what happens.

So how will I deal with this?

I will pack my shakes and bars.

I'll have a shake for breakfast rather than go down to the restaurant.

I'll opt to have a Food Patrol Snack Bar for morning and afternoon tea rather than the sweet options that will no doubt be on offer.

I'll do my best to try and drink plenty of water.

As for lunch and dinner I'll opt for the most healthy option, and then remember to not over do it and stick to a reasonable portion.

But for now let's focus on the week that has been.

I have stuck to the 'Bulls Eye' Recipes out of the Food Patol Cook Book.

This week I've lost 0.5kg

Starting weight:   67.8kg
End wk 1:           63.4kg
End wk 2:           62.9kg
End wk 3:           62.4kg

So my weight loss to date is: 5.4kg

I also forgot to share my measurements with you at week 2, but I've decided, I'll wait until I go back to the gym at the end of the 90 day challenge, I don't want to over do it.

Exercise is my greatest battle now.  But I'll just keep chugging along, in a weeks time my daughter starts school and routine will resume.  I'm going to try and get out and about 4 times a week, run / walk / something.

Cheers

Mandy

This little Lady is 6 and about to embark on a New Adventure

This month Lulu turned 6.  Yeap, I can not believe it, I've been a mother for 6 years.  

She is not a real toy kinda kid, her time is taken up mostly crafting.

And when she's not at the desk crafting (creating all sorts of mess).  Shes in the water.

She'd be in a pool from daylight to dusk if it were available.

And as this photo portrays, she's a bit of a smarty pants, she has loads of character!

Sometimes she can really push the boundaries, but she is a little light in my heart.  I'm going to make sure I keep her close to my heart at all times, my only daughter.  That's a special bond no one can take away.

Here's to the beginning of a whole new chapter, my 6 year old starts school in one week, I can't even imagine.  But boy are we excited.

Mandy.

Grateful for Kindness

[source]

To me that pretty much sums up how I feel.  I'm the kind of person that will make eye contact and smile, especially if I see you on a regular basis.  And I'm taken a back by people that don't feel that way inclined too.

Kindness is a little like Karma, I believe that if you are kind to others, you'll find kindness in return.

For example tonight, Lulu had made a little something crafty (not much) but a gesture for one of her friends.  It was actually a gesture in return to her kindness.  We decided to ride our bikes around to her house to drop off the small craft.

This was our first, non-training wheel, on the road, bike ride.  Just the two of us!  Anyhoo.....

We made it there safely, rang the door bell and wandered in.

The first comment made was "Liv you wanna jump in the spa?  Mandy do you wanna drink?"

So we stayed half an hour and the girls played (in the spa) and I got some time out with adult conversation.

Only half an hour before having to get home to cook dinner, but enough.  A break from the grueling schedule of 'I'm bored, I don't know what to do now' routine that is school holidays.

I love that kind of kindness, the welcoming of someone regardless of who else is there and what else is going on.

My girlfriend said 'If we're home, our door is always open'. I sooo love that and an attitude I like to adopt too.

The older I get the more attune I am to being kind to others, making that little extra effort, putting the thoughts and feelings of others before yourself. Probably not something I did enough of when I was in my 20's, or even more so when I was younger than that.

So this week I'm grateful for the small acts of kindness, especially from my girlfriend today.  It's the small things, the simple things that turn out to be the big things!

What are you grateful for this week?  

I'm linking up with Maxabella loves over at Kidspot for 52 Weeks of grateful.

Cheers


Mandy.

HLS [WK 3] Writing your Family's Mission Statement.

I am so glad that Deb allowed 2 weeks to link up our Mission Statements.

Writing a mission statement is no easy task and every time I tackled it, or attempted to, I found myself pondering work scenarios.

Finally I went back to my values and what I believed in and jotted down some random sentences.

Eventually I put together what I believed worked, and represented who I am and what it is I want our family to achieve.  

Given this is a 'Family Mission Statement'  I felt that I should at least consult my husband!  So I read him what I'd put together and asked if he thought I should change it in anyway.  He was content with what I'd come up with and agreed that it sums us up.

So below is our Mission Statement, Our Family Motto.

Cheers

Mandy

Australia Day Pavlova with a difference.

Want to make something Aussie Aussie Aussie, for Australia Day.

Can't go Pavlova.  And this one has a little twist......... as opposed to passionfruit pulp (gag).

When it comes to cooking I used to throw myself into cooking projects that involved loads of ingredients and time.  

But with three kids either:

- wanting to help

- wanting to eat it (right there and then), or 

- just being major distractions

cooking fancy recipes has somewhat fallen off my radar.

As a result I like to refer to myself as a 'lazy chef'  I mean, I cook / bake, but I like to do it with the most ease known to man.

This recipe is NOT ABOUT COOKING.  It's simply about BUILDING.

Ingredients:

Pre made Pavlova

1 x Can of Caramel Top and Fill

2 x Bananas

1 sm cream (or if you're super lazy buy a can of the whipped cream that you just spray on!)

Take the Pavlova out of the box.  I do not make Pavlova, there are some things that are just not worth the effort when they can be purchased and this my friend is one of them.

Open your caramel and lightly spread over the top of the Pavlova.

Slice your bananas and spread over the top of the caramel, (don't put too close to the edge, I've had them slide off before.  Keep a rim, a bit like a pizza.)

Then whip the cream and spread over the top.

I do like to garnish mine with a flake, but you can honestly use whatever you prefer!

And as I'm on a bit of a health kick, no I did not sample my efforts this weekend, but everyone was licking their lips and there is none left so I'm tipping it's a winner.

Cheers

Mandy.

Getting organised for school with Bright Star Kids

Lulu is starting school this year and it's time to get organised.

Uniforms - Check

Shoes - Check

Name labels - Check

I love to be organised and everything have it's place, that said I do love me a little label. 

Fortunately I was given the opportunity to product review the 'School Starter Pack' from Bright Star Kids. It's got a great combination of stick on and iron on labels.

I loved the variety of sizes included in the pack, especially the tiny little ones.  I don't know how many times I've tried to but name labels on drink bottles and because of the size they simply peel off.

 Image: Bright Star Kids

Bright Star Kids advise that their labels are also:


# Dishwasher
# Microwave
# Steriliser, and
# Freezer

which is pretty important, especially if you're organised and like to pre-plan lunches and freeze them in advance.

I also love the fact that you can make them as personal as your individual child.  I mean, Lulu, as she is my only girl I label her stuff with her full name. 

With the boys, I will label with our family name, so that I don't need to change the labels over when Thomas out grows and hands down to Zander.

Image: Bright Stars

I'm loving our new labels for kids.  If you're interested in ordering labels for your kids belongs you can do so via Bright Star Kids too.

Cheers


Mandy.


Disclosure:  I was given a school starter pack for this review as per my disclosure statement.

Sentimental Summer ~ Backyard Fun

What sentimental memories have we been creating this week?

Last weekend was pretty much about family.  Firstly my parents and two youngest brothers came down to stay for the weekend.  They live approx. 3 hours away on a farm, so it's unfortunate we don't get to see them more.  That said we always manage to have a nice time when we get together.

Given they don't get down too often, I invited my brother and cousin over for a BBQ as a bit of an impromptu get together.

There is 21 - 22 years difference between me and my youngest brothers.  Often people ask me if it's weird to have such younger siblings.  But it's not weird when it's all you know.  

They were a great joy to our family when they came along, it was great to have some littlies to love and now, they are great value for my own kids.    And I'm sure in time to come.... you know, the cycle will repeat itself.

So now it's over to you.  What have you been up to this week?  

Why not share what you've been up to and link up to Sentimental Summer, all we really want to do is encourage you to make sure you step away from behind the camera and include a photo with you in it.  So one day you'll have something to reflect back on.

Go for it, link up below.

Cheers

Mandy.

Food Patrol 90 Day Challenge: Week 2, the ups and downs of it.

This week was OK

I never expected to have a loss like the week before, I just knew I needed to keep it ticking over.

And I did, just.

I had a loss of 0.5kg.

So initially I was 67.8kg, after last week I was 63.4kg and this week, I weighed in at 62.9.

There were aspects of this week that were good and aspects of this week I need to improve on.

I have not eaten any junk, such as chocolate, deep fried food, ice cream etc, so I'm very proud of that. I'm not even craving it, which was always my let down last year in my attempts to get healthy.

I did get to the gym once. I only spent 40 minutes on the treadmill though and would like to improve on my exercise efforts.  This week I'm going to attempt to go three times (Wed / Thurs / Fri).

And my biggest struggle this week has been eating six meals a day.  There are no real excuses that are good enough.  But school holidays and working around the kids is definitely my greatest challenge.  I have found time has gotten away on me and I have missed some meals.

 I made this delish salad this week, you can find the recipe here 
I did however try to avoid too much of the Feta Cheese!

So today, I'm getting organised for the week ahead.  I'm going to make a big salad that will last me a couple of days.  Then at least I only have to add the meat on the day.

Organised is definitely the key.

I have found however the Food Patrol snack bars have been my saviour when I've been out and about.

This week I want to lose another kilo.  I will weigh in on Sunday, as I have am flying interstate for work for two days.

So overall not a great loss this week, but I now believe I'll be running that slow and steady wins the race pace.  It's not a competition as to who can do loss it the quickest, it's about losing it and maintaining it over the 90 days.  I'm only up to day 15.

Wish me luck.

Mandy

Grateful for Family

 [source]

OK, I'm back into it, I love my grateful posts and toward the end of last year I was getting a little slack, well, that and I had so much other stuff I want to share.

Anyhoo....

Today I'm reminded how grateful I am for family.  I've got my parents and youngest two brothers here this weekend.

Today one of my other brothers and my cousin are going to join us for a BBQ lunch.  I love when I've got a houseful of people who have come together to spend time with us.

That's probably because it ties in with my values, you know, family, connection!

I also love to host people at my home, it's lovely to make an effort, to make a meal for others.  I'm going to try Jody's Roast Baby Beet and Carrot Salad which just sounds divine.

I'm also heading out tonight to check out a movie with my mum, something I do so rarely.  Whooo hoooo.

So anyway, what are you grateful for this weekend?

Why not head over to Kidspot and see what everyone else is grateful for too.

Cheers

Mandy

 

Holiday Fun - Making T-Shirt Transfers

Holidays, I love them, the lack of routine is a pleasure.  Time off, allows us to catch up on some of 'those things' we never seem to find the time to do, Projects.

But then, when you have three children, there is a hiccup in this 'pottering around' plan.  It goes something like "I'm bored, I don't know what to do, I haven't got anyone to play with"

I'm am the director of fun, or so it seems, although sometimes, from my perspective it's more hard work than fun.  Creating activities for the kids, or idea's for them to stimulate their own thinking.  Especially when, sometimes they work faster than I do, I'm left endlessly chasing my tail.  Do you know that feeling?

Last weekend I wanted a bit of home time, but to avoid 'the boreds' I had to come up with something that would use up time, just not mine.

We decided it was time for another piece of creative clothing.  We went to Office works and purchased a packet of Iron on Transfers.  I purchased a packet for 'light colour transfers'.  Then we went to K-mart and picked up a couple of cheap plain tee's.

OK, I know, we left the house, but I wasn't too bothered by that.  Upon our return the kids had to spend some time deciding what it is they wanted on their T-Shirt.

Lulu is extremely creative and arty, so of course she wanted to create her own picture.

Tom, well he can be creative, if he's in the mood, but on this day he decided a colour in would be more appropriate.  I think the rationale for this was due to his new passion for Mario Brothers and his busting desire to have a Mario T-Shirt.

What steps did we take:

• The kids coloured / drew their pictures
• I scanned them into the computer
• I copied the .jpg image into Word
• And then printed the images onto a peace of transfer paper
• I cut the pictures out
• I heated the iron and laid out the tee
• I followed the instructions to transfer the iron on picture

*Note: The reason I transferred the image to word, is, the kids had writing on their images.  It's important to flip the picture so it's back to front, thus ensuring when you iron it on the writing presents the right way around.

The kids are more than excited with their new T-Shirts and with pit stops along the way, I managed to drag this out for the majority of the day. (Without too much work on my behalf).

The transfer packet came with 5 sheets enclosed.  I used one.  I paid approx. $20, which works out at $4 a sheet.  Given the T-Shirts only cost me $4, total activity = $6 a T-Shirt.  And I already have half the tools needed to pull this activity out during the winter months.

Would you let you kid get around in their own designer Tee, or do you prefer to stick to brand names?  I love the sense of ownership the kids get from these sorts of things, and in honesty, I think they look pretty cute.

Cheers


Mandy.

Sea Stars and the Summer by the Sea Festival

When it's school holidays I like to organise a few play dates and meet ups in the park. 

They're free.

I like to check what's on at Bunnings and Office Works, because, they have kids craft activities.

They're free.

I will peruse council websites to see if they are running any kids programs for the holidays. (Will Travel)

Often, they're free.

This summer, has been no exception.  Whilst perusing the council websites, I stumbled across the Bayside 'Summer by the Sea Festival'.

The Festival is on now and runs until 24th January.  To check out 'what's on' view their guide.

Last Monday we joined in their EnviroKids Activity, which on Monday was focusing on Sea Stars. 

We all met down at the Beaumaris Marine Education Centre at Ricketts Point.  After a brief introduction, we made our way down to the rock pools.  Here the team talked to the kids about the different sea stars that live in the rock pools as well as discussing what they eat, how they live.

Furthermore the kids got to touch and feel, they also learnt the importance of not taking them away from their home.

After spending a good half hour or more out on the rock pools we made our way back to the Education Centre.  Here they reiterate the importance of looking after the life in the sea, engaging the children.  They got to colour in some sea star pictures as well as create their very own sea stars (using play dough) which was then baked hard for them to take home.

This truly was a fabulous activity.  The combination of activities really kept the kids interested the whole time.  They were relaxed around the children and made everyone feel really welcome.

And best of all..... it was free.

....................

We got home and had some lunch and low and behold the girl holla's 'I'm bored'

Thinking of the 'theme of the day'  I grabbed a 1/2 doz pieces of paper and cut them down the middle (turning them into A5 size).  I then stapled them down the side to create a little book.

 I did an image search for some pictures of sea life, including sea stars.

I printed them off and handed the book and printables to Lulu and suggest she create a 'sea life' book.  She could spend time colouring in all the pictures, cutting them out.

Of course she'd have to decide how she wanted to lay it all out and then glue them all in.

She was wrapped with this idea and got to work.  I left her to get creative and an hour or so later I left for work.  It's fair to say that this took up the remainder of the afternoon.

....................

And just in case you're wondering, too much craft activity lying around the house does drive me nuts from time to time.  But thankfully none of my kids are overly sentimental.  I usually leave stuff lying around for a maximum of 5 days and then, when they're not around I dispose of it in the big bin.

Never put your old craft in the kitchen bin, trust me, they'll be sure to find it and tell you it's their prize possession.  Placed in the big bin, out of sight out of mind, they'll never even notice it's gone.

Mean Mummy or Sane Mummy?

Cheers


Mandy.
 
 

Mega Bloks : Product Review

Late last year I was fortunate enough to be invited to the Bloggers Brunch.  

Whilst there I was given some Mega Bloks for me the kids to review.  These weren't the big chunky blocks, but what Mega Bloks refer to as 'Micro Bloks' for bigger children.

I have to be honest and say I was a little hesitant.  You see, we already have Lego.  And because I'm a little anal, I like collections of things.  You know, a tub of this, a tub of that.  DO NOT MIX, is the key.

So anyway, I was kind of thinking how many tubs of different types of blocks do I want to create?  But as it turns out Mega Bloks is totally compatible, so we can eventually add them to our big tub.

Why am I sharing all this with you?  Because as a mother I know I'm always on the look out for a competitive price, and now you can do this, without having to worry about the brand.

We got given a tub of the Micro Bloks, which was 450 pieces of traditional blocks.  Great for the kids to create using their own imagination.

But then something else happened.  Over Christmas, having never really been aware of these Micro Bloks I started to see the huge range that Mega Bloks actually provide.

The kids also received a Smurf Collection.

And to top it off, Thomas purchased from the Halo Collection, which really, he is way to young for it, but it's a team effort with dad, and we'll always have the instructions so he can attempt it again when he's a little older. Plus like I said, I like collections, saves me being stuck with some other random toy sitting around the house!

So whilst I'll honestly say I thought Mega Bloks were just 'baby bloks'  my eyes have been opened.  They have a huge range of brands and styles to entertain kids of all ages.  I'm sure these won't be our last purchases.

Do your kids love building?  Do they like to follow instruction manuals or prefer to use their imagination?

Cheers

Mandy.

Disclosure:  I was provided with a free tub of Megabloks, as per my disclosure statement.

Sentimental Summer ~ Fun at Scienceworks

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I've always wanted to take the kids to Scienceworks and the like.  Rod has always thought they weren't old enough to appreciate it and it would all be a bit of a waste of money.

Firstly, it is not expensive.  In fact I was surprised just how inexpensive it was.

Secondly, the kids loved it.

We met our good friends, the girls from Little Love: Home of the Small.  Our first stop was 'Explorasaurus' the Dinosaur Exhibition.

Ever wondered what it would be like to see the world through the eyes of a Dinosaur?

Yeap, that is what these two were up to.

 Just hangin' with the Dinosaurs!

 And the standard souvenir shot!

I love this photo, because as the Dinosaur moved and roared, 

Zander squealed with excitement, he loved it.

 I love this photo above of the kids, searching for bones.  

You'd think they'd struck gold, the excitement of it all.

Here they are gaining an insight into how Dinosaurs are camouflaged in the wild. 

They were looking at themselves in the mirror.

Following on from that exhibition we had lunch and spent a bit of time investigating the rest of Scienceworks.

I learnt that although Tom and Lulu are almost the same size (Lulu is 6cm taller), and weigh almost the same weight, Lulu is far more flexible and strong than her little brother.  Clearly time does have some benefit.

There was so much to do, when it was time to leave, (after 4 hours) Lulu was devastated.  She was not done, she had not seen and done everything, so she told me.

So it told her, we'll be back, to see other exhibitions and to show dad how cool Scienceworks really is!

What have you been getting up to over the summer?

Why not join in with the Sentimental Summer link up, simple share a post of what you've been doing this Summer and ensure there is at least one photo with YOU in it.  Cause we're all about creating memories!

Cheers

Mandy

Food Patrol 90 Day Challenge: I'm feeling impressed with myself!

I can hardly believe that for most of 2011 I kept telling myself, "This week I'm going to start my health kick"  and then the next day, by mid morning, I was so hungry, I'd eat crap.

Then of course I'd be so angry and down on myself for not having the will power to even get past day one.

I remember saying it one day and Rod saying, "yeah right, how many times have you said that now"  and that is when I realised I just can't seem to find the motivation to do this alone.

Last Monday I started my 90 day Challenge with the Food Patrol.

Only once, once have I thought I'd really love a chocolate right now.  I was queued up waiting to pay for my petrol, eyeing off all those chocolate bars below the counter.  That is how bad my habits had gotten!

I've not been bothered by the chocolates left over from my birthday in the cupboard, It's not bothered me when I made nuggets and chips for the kids over the weekend.  I can't explain the shift, all I know is I'm extremely grateful for it.

Seriously I just woke up on Monday and started, no ifs or buts.

What is it that I have done:

I took part in the pre-reading

I familiarised myself with the Food Patrol Cook Book and bought the core ingredients

I stocked up on the Food Patrol shakes and bars

I weighed in

And I followed their suggested plan (six meals a day)

What have I not done:

I haven't really exercised (yet)

Week 1's Loss:

4.4kg

Yes, you did read that right, I actually can't believe it myself.  It's pretty much half of the total weight I'd like to loose.  That said, I anticipate this to slow down.  To look in the mirror, I can not notice the loss, but this is because I have not been exercising, and the 'fat loss' as opposed to 'weight loss' is probably going to take a little longer.

But I am high fiveing myself right now, I am stoked, especially because it did not feel like hard work, I feel like I've eaten plenty, and it has all been incredibly healthy, which has to be good for me in more ways than weight loss.

This coming week I'm starting to implement my fitness plan.  It is proving difficult with school holidays, but I'm not going to use that as an excuse.  I've booked the kids into the creche at the Gym twice and I'll try and fit another session in somewhere else throughout the week.  

I can't believe this is finally coming together for me, after a year feeling really flat about my health and well being, I'm certain 2012 is going to be different.

Cheers

Mandy

Sienna's Frangipani Annual Gala Dinner

Press Release

I was emailed about this wonderful cause and was more than happy to share it with you.  If you are in Sydney you may be interested in going along to the Sienna's Frangipani Annual Gala Dinner, and if location is an issue, donations are always welcome.

It's being held again on 17 February 2012 at Doltone House, and raises vital funds for CCIA’s research into one of the deadliest childhood cancers, neuroblastoma.

Jack Vidgen, 2011 winner of Australia’s Got Talent performs on the night, as well as local Balmain performer Jessica O'Donoghue (Jack is like one of my kids most favourite acts, after that TV show!)

Channel seven personalities Mark Beretta and Natalie Barr will be hosting the night. Guest speakers will include Peter Overton and Professor Michelle Haber AM, Executive Director of CCIA. 

The annual gala dinner is held in honour of Sienna Hoffmann (pictured below) who lost her battle with neuroblastoma at just two years old. 

Neuroblastoma is the most common cancer in infants, and the biggest cancer killer in children under the age of five years.

The disease has a survival rate of only 40-50 percent.

Tickets cost $130 per person and Lucy Jones, mother of Sienna and organiser of the event, aims to raise $120,000 at the 2012 dinner.

Over the last two years, Lucy has raised $270,000 for CCIA’s neuroblastoma research

More information can be found here

 

Prizes packages Include: 

·         7 night luxury holiday in the Cook Islands for 2 people including flights

·         Beautiful one-off necklace designed by Deborah Windfield Jewellery

·         2 Tickets to the Melbourne Fashion Show and to the L'Oreal VIP after show party

·         2 nights at The Intercontinental Hotel, The Rialto, Melbourne

·         2 nights at The Byron, Byron Bay

·         1 night at Jonah's, Whale Beach

·         2 nights at any Punthill Aparthotels

·         Behind the Scenes tour at Channel 9 newsroom

·         A decade of Grange wine

·         Raymond Weil Ladies watch

·         Estee Lauder  beauty hamper

·         Mothercare pram

·         Jurlique beauty hamper

·         iPad

·         $500 voucher from Hunt Leather/ Longchamp

·         $200 Dining Voucher at Neutral Bay Bar and Dining

·         $150 Dining Voucher from Ormeggio, The Spit

·         $200 Dining Voucher from The Ivy

Background

 

About Sienna Hoffmann

Sienna Hoffmann was a beautiful, fun-loving toddler. She lived in Neutral Bay with her parents, Lucy and Oliver and had a real zest for life. At just nine months of age, she was diagnosed with neuroblastoma. What followed the diagnosis was seven months of grueling front line treatment as she was declared ‘high risk’; her particular type of Neuroblastoma includes the MYCN gene which makes the disease very aggressive and also means a devastatingly low survival rate of below 50 percent. Sienna had six rounds of high dose chemotherapy, surgery, a stem cell transplant and radiotherapy and was declared to be in remission in November 2008. 

In September 2009 all hopes were shattered as a new tumour was found. Surgery followed and more radiotherapy - however whilst undergoing radiotherapy the disease spread elsewhere and in December 2009 the scans were very bad. The disease was in her bone marrow and there were now six new tumours. Despite further chemotherapy, the disease was simply too aggressive. After a brave and tireless battle, she sadly passed away on February 3rd, 2010. Sienna didn’t get to meet her baby brother Jamie, who was born just five days later.  

Sienna loved flowers, and one of her favourite things to do was collect frangipanis from where they had fallen on the ground. It is with this in mind that the annual fundraising dinner has been called ‘Sienna’s Frangipani Charity Gala Dinner’. 

For ticket sales or to donate a prize or money - please email forsienna@gmail.com.

Children’s Cancer Institute Australia (CCIA)

Children’s Cancer Institute Australia for Medical Research (CCIA) is the only independent medical research institute in Australia devoted to research into the causes, better treatments, prevention and cure of childhood cancer. Our vision is to save the lives of all children with cancer and eliminate their suffering. Founded in 1976 by a dedicated group of parents and doctors who wanted to do something more in the fight against children’s cancer, CCIA opened its first laboratory in 1984. The Institute, located at the Lowy Cancer Research Centre at the University of New South Wales, now employs over 180 staff and students, including more than 120 scientists. Research at CCIA comprises a multifaceted approach to improving the outcome of childhood cancer sufferers. Our research programs focus on translational research aimed at defining and achieving improved treatment and survival rates for children with cancer. 

CCIA is affiliated with the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and Sydney Children’s Hospital (Randwick).

This is a great cause, diseases like this that affect children are heart breaking and make me grateful each and every day.

Regards

Mandy

My Birthday's been and gone already!

[source]

Last week was my birthday.  Who knew, I'd actually have a nice day. 

What?  I hear you say. 

I've never really gotten over the fact I was born in January. 

I'm guest posting over at Woogsworld today, got my ranty pants on about my usually miserable birthday.  This year was not too bad.

[Aside from the lack of presents.  Are we ever too old for presents?]

You can check out my post here.

Cheers

Mandy.

HLS [WK 2] Define your Personal Values

This week in the Home Life Simplified 52 Week Project we need to Define our Personal Values.

I found this tough.

Understanding values firstly and not confusing them with goals and desires.  Who am I, what do I believe in?

Sometimes I really don't even know.

But then that is the whole point really isn't it.  To stop, take a look at yourself and really start to get an understanding of who it is you really are.

The thing that resonated with me the most is 'values change'  so as I pondered my values for 2012 I felt at ease knowing that these were not necessarily going to be the values I live by for the rest of my life.

But, Yes, they do define me now.

Below is a breakdown as to why these values are so important to me:

Family

I value family, in particularly my family.  They are the world to me.  Until recently I did not want my husband to look for job progression that distanced us from my (extended) family.  Now I've reached a place where my family, the unit under my roof, is most important. Being with them is most important. Now I would go anywhere if I thought it was best for my family.

Health

This is extremely important to me.  Why wouldn't it be really.  If we are all healthy we are in a good place in our life.  We have all suffered illness's of some sort in our lives, (even the little ones) that have seen us lying in a hospital bed.  It's traumatic, stressful, and exhausting.  Being healthy is the core of our being.

In 2011 I started my fitness journey, as I finally understood that I am responsible for not only my own health, but the health of my children.  It is my responsibility to put the right food into their mouths, ensure they are fit.  Sure I'm not about to win a gold medal in parenting, but in my heart I want my kids to be healthy.

Happiness

After a happy day, we lie in bed and think, 'life is good'  so maintaining a sense of happiness is important.  I wouldn't even say I've truly suffered from depression.  But I've had some low days, here and there, over thinking, my mind playing games.  

I know that on most days, I control my happiness.  I'm not always going to like what I see, or what I have to do, but finding a way to seek the positive in things will help me to find happiness.  This is important to me.

Trustworthiness

This is inbuilt in me, wanting to be a trustworthy person and having the confidence that those around me are trustworthy too.  I'll admit it, I've not always been trustworthy.  But I'm not going to reflect on the past, moving forward I want to make sure I get this right, because it's important.

Not only do I want to be trustworthy, I want this value instilled in my children.  The only way I can ensure this is if I live and breath trustworthiness.

Connection

I'll be honest and say that I don't have a lot of friends.  I know loads of people, but the friends that value me, connect with me are few.  Connection is important to me.  It totally ties in with happiness and trustworthiness.  Even when I started this blog, it was in the hope of connecting with others, building connections.

So there you have it.  My top 5 Values for 2012.  I think I've got it right!

What values do you live by?

Cheers


Mandy.