Grateful for 52 Weeks of Grateful

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I'm being totally serious when I say that I am truly grateful for Maxabella Loves Grateful link up.

On the 2 year anniversary of her grateful posts, she has been recording her gratitude for longer than I've been blogging.

But it was this very 'link party' that got me all twitchy and busting to blog.  I loved reading those posts, the ones full of love, happiness and gratitude.

It got me thinking about my own life and what I have to be grateful for.

And then I couldn't resist any longer so I joined in.

It was my fifth post actually and it was short and sharp as I still found my bloggy feet.

Sure I've missed some link up's along the way, but it is a way of life now, to stop and reflect.

I now understand the necessity it is to be grateful, the fullfillment you receive in life from doing so.

So whilst I'm grateful for my family, for health, for friends, for a good life, I'm grateful for this link up and what it has taught me about gratitude.

What are you grateful for?

Cheers

Mandy

The Nutcracker On Ice : Giveaway

It's so timely that we be venturing out to all these events on ice!  It's bloody freezing around these parts.

Lulu and I are so looking forward to heading out, for a ladies night.  Just the two of us!

The Nutcracker On Ice, is the work of the Imperial Ice Stars and they will be performing at The Arts Centre Melbourne from Wednesday 25th to Sunday 29th July.

"breathtaking high-speed leaps and throws, awe-inspiring acrobatics, coupled with the most graceful and sublime ice dance, never will you see such complex, and daring manoeuvres on the ice"

This is the stuff that dreams are made of. 

Lulu is in her first year of Acrobatics. 

She has just mastered the cartwheel.

She is no doubt a long way off anything like this, she may always be a long way off. 

But there is nothing like being given the opportunity to Think Big! Dream Big!

I want her to think that anything is possible.

..

Would you like the opportunity to see The Nutcracker on Ice? 

I have a double pass valued at $158 to give away.

This giveaway is for Wednesday 25th July at 7.30pm 

To enter, simply like this blog on Facebook and leave a comment on this post telling me why you'd like to win.

Giveaway Details:
Giveaway Closes Wednesday July 6th at Midnight
Tickets are not transferable
Winner will be picked by the man of the house and decision is final
Open to anyone that can attend the performance the above date


Alternatively you can purchase tickets through The Arts Centre Melbourne : 1300 182 183

Good luck


Mandy

I'm not the Mother I thought I'd be!

[source]

Like any woman anticipating life as a mother, I had expectations.

You know the, 'my children will ....... my children won't .........' expectations.

And then I had babies.

Three to be exact.

My expectations of the mother I thought I would be are all but gone.

I thought I'd restrict TV time.

I thought I'd make all their meals from scratch.

I thought I'd avoid take out.

I thought  I'd be in charge.

But in reality you can never predict the life you will lead as a mother.

It's a journey you share in, one that can only be determined by the two of you (or the tribe, if that's the case).

Six and a half years on, my TV is running hot.  It's often the only way I can get my children to sit still.  Trying to entertain them for a full day is hard. 

There are a lot of hours in the day. 

My kids don't go without, I provide activities, I try and provide stimulation, but I am OK with the fact that they will need (I will need them) to pull up a bean bag and chill out. 

Further more my kids are in love with the Wii, their DSi and the iPad.  I just didn't anticipate that I'd go there, especially with my 2 year old.  But I have learn't that this is simply the way the world is moving. 

They want to be like their peers and own a Wii.  I'm sure there will be plenty of things I won't let my kids do 'just because everyone else does' but for the most part you just want them to feel normal, like everyone else.

As for my youngest, I know he is too young, I put it down to the pitfalls of number 3.  He is a stubbon little bugger and simply wants to do what his big brother and sister do.  I am amazed every time I watch him navigate his way around the Wii or iPad.

As for food, really it's about control, I've tried to control my children, dictate what they will and won't eat.  But it get's you no where.  Tears, anger, stress, is all I get. 

Again, I do have limitations, I don't feed my kids junk food all the time, but I do surprise myself at the amount of rubbish they can consume. 

They are snackers, biscuits would have to be the highest consumed food in our home. It's a constant battle to offer healthy alternatives, you win some you lose some.  I try for middle ground but I'm no saint.

So I'm not the mother I expected to be, however I'm comfortable (most the time) with the mother I've become.

Are you the mother you expected to be?

What's the one thing you never thought you'd do as a mother?

Mandy

PM's Olympic Challenge :: Racquetball

In line with the PM's Olympic Challenge I had to schedule a sporting activity for Lulu, but it was raining.

Not wanting to get the hair wet.... no seriously not wanting to get sick again, after just recovering from a virus, our scheduled bike ride was out.

Thinking quick I googled our local gym and established they have a squash court.

So to the gym we went.

Lulu tried her hand at Racquetball, persisting on court for half an hour.

It was interesting.

Lulu struggled, and being a perfectionist, was not impressed.

There were comments like "that was the stupidest shot ever"  "so dumb"  "bad"  and lots of foot stomping.

It's hard to explain to a 6 year old that they need to allow room between their body and the racquet.

To get through the session with some success, I served the ball and she'd try and hit the return.

Of course I was 'playing nice'.

We had a big chat about how you can't expect to be an expert the first time you try something.  The fact that the athletes going to the Olympics had practiced and practiced for years to be as good as they were.

I kept reinforcing that I thought she was doing a good job, and at times found myself singing "keep trying, keep trying, don't give up, never give up" - Yo Gabba Gabba.

Despite the fact that for the majority of the session she was frustrated, she was actually really pleased we went, really happy she got to try something new.

And that's another half hour added to her PM's Olympic Challenge Time Card.

Cheers

Mandy.

Grateful for Friday

This week I am simply grateful for Friday.

I have had a virus for over a week now and just couldn't seem to shake that thing.

I was having nanna naps every single day and I still felt tired.

But suddenly Friday I woke and it was a new day.

So I rocked this Friday people.

I grocery shopped in record time

I did 3 - 4 loads of washing

I baked a loaf of bread

I made some fresh pasta

I whipped up a cheesecake (but in the name of honesty will admit it was from a packet mix, what ev's)

In between all of this I also tidied the house, vaccumed, ran the kids to dancing and back, attended assembly.

Even had some friends over for dinner on a whim.

Yeap I rocked this day!

And now my chores are done and this weekend I will relax.

Well not quite.

I've got the kinder working bee on Sunday.

Lucky I'll be working with friends and we'll be smiling.

Hope you have a great weekend.

What are you grateful for?

Linking up with Maxabella Loves over at Village Voices for 52 Weeks of Grateful.

Cheers

Mandy

PM's Olympic Challenge

Apparently the Prime Minister has set a challenge!!

My daughter is very competitive, so when she got the call, she was all 'I'm so doing this mum, sooooo doing this'

Anyhoo, what is the PM's Olympic Challenge?

The Prime Minister’s Olympic Challenge is a sporting challenge, based on accumulated activity time and the number of sports children undertake and it is open to all Australian primary school-aged children.

Lulu is registered through her school.  She has the form to fill out each week and then at the end the teachers will enter the data onto the website.

If this sounds of interest to you, check out the website.

Fortunately Lulu is quite active.  She participates in Jazz/Tap/Ballet Class, Swimming Class and Acrobatic's Class and these all count toward her activities.

At school she does PE and is currently invovled in a program called PNP which helps develop their gross motor skills.

Beyond this?

Obviously the challenge is designed to push you to try more sporting activities than you usually would.  Lulu and I have discussed trying a different activity each weekend.  Perhaps a couple of different things over the school holidays too.

A half hour Walk

A half hour Run  ~ I know she is capable of this following on from the school fun run where she ran solid for an hour.

A half hour Bike Ride

A Swimming session down at our local indoor pool.

A 'have a try' session of indoor Archery ~ After watching Brave, Lulu is desparate to try her hand at Archery.  We talked about how it is in fact an Olympic sport and therefore would be perfect for the PM's Challenge.  Fortunately for us we have a local indoor centre which offers 'come have a try' sessions for 1 hour for adults and children.  This will definitely be a highlight.

A half hour hit of Tennis ~ We have a local skate park which also houses a brick wall for single player tennis.  This will probably be better than trying to hit the ball to Lulu across court.

A half hour of Netball ball skills ~ Also next to the skate park are the netball courts.  Lulu is too young to play netball and of course you need a team.  But we can head down there and practise some ball skills along with practise shooting some goals.

We have so much to keep us going.  The best part of this challenge I think will be the 1:1 time Lulu will get with either myself or her dad.  

Is your family participating in the PM's Olympic Challenge?

Do we really need an excuse to get out and have some fun?

Cheers


Mandy.

Plant a Tree Day 2012

Last year Rod and I took the kids along to 'Plant a Tree Day'.

I always believed / hoped that when I had children, I'd teach and show them how to give.  Whether it be time or money, I want them to think beyond themselves and help make a difference.

And if I'm totally honest about it, this is only something that I have consciously thought about since I became an adult, I was probably a pretty selfish child, from lack of knowledge if nothing else.

We had so much fun last year, we hope to participate every year.

National Plant a Tree Day for 2012 is July 29.

That said not all sites run planting days on this date.  

This is such a great opportunity to give back to your community, as well as teach your children about nature.  Since participating in this event last year Lulu has become very conscious about the environment.  

More recently she joined the 'garden club' at school and gives up her lunch break each Monday to help water and weed the gardens within the school.

If this is something you think you'd like to participate in, why not check out what planting days are happening near you.

Find out more at the National Tree Day Website

Cheers

Mandy


This is not a sponsored post, just something we enjoy and believe in as a family.

A Winters Day in the City

Yesterday we headed into the city to see a preview of the new Disney movie Brave.

I drag Rod along for the ride because quite frankly I wasn't feel THAT brave to tackle the city with the three kids... on my own.

Even with the two of us we managed to lose Zander with the first 10 minutes of letting him out of the pram.  That kid is turning into a bloody maniac.  We found him some time later in another function room running a massive church service!

We'd heared that the new movie Brave was in fact a little scary and therefore were a little hesitant.  I forewarned the children that it wasn't real, so they had nothing to worry about.  And they were not worried.

They really enjoyed the movie and can't wait to see it again.

Check out the Movie Trailer for yourself ~

I enjoyed the movie, I loved the story line and questioned my daughter at the end what she thought the moral of the story was.  She wasn't sure (she's only 6) so I explained, she needed to always listen to what her mother says because she is always right! 

OK there might be a lesson in there for mothers too, but Lulu doesn't need to worry herself about that.

Our adventure didn't stop there.  We headed off into Melbourne Central to get some lunch and take a wonder.

Lulu was totally in love with all the beautiful cake displays and macaroons.  She was desperate for a little 'afternoon tea'.  In the end we settled for a stop off at the Old Lolly Shop.  

But it wasn't long before both the boys were exhausted.  Zans even managed to fall asleep with his Chuppa Chup firmly in his mouth.   I managed to prize it out!

All in all we had a good day.  We didn't get out and about the town as it was wet and cold, but I guess, that's winter for you.  But watching Disney's Brave at the Cinema and wandering around Melbourne Central sure was a great way to spend a rainy Sunday.

What did you get up to this weekend?  Anything exciting?

Cheers

Mandy.

Christmas Shopping goes online with Target

I can't tell you how excited I am by the prospect of being able to shop online for Christmas.

In the early years I got away with shopping with the kids in tow and they were none the wiser.

These days, not so much.

Target already have their Toy Sale Catalogue available to preview, the sale begins 21st June.  

Too Easy!

I know I've harped on about it before, but shopping in the midyear toy sales means you're totally organised for the coming Christmas.

Plus you have loads of time to pay it off.  Remember those times you'd sigh after the Christmas holidays about how broke you were.  Well now there are no excuses.

If there's something in the Target Toy Sale you'd really like to buy for someone special then listen up.

I've got a $50 Target Gift Card to give away.

All you need to do is:

Like Target on Facebook

Like A Little Space like Home on Facebook

and

Leave a message on this post telling me why you'd like to win.

Open to Australian Residents Only

Closes Friday 22nd June at Midnight

Man of the House will pick the winner

Decision is final.

Cheers

Mandy

Hosted by Three Lil Princesses

[HLS] WK 22-24 Declutter

Week 22: Declutter your Stuff

Week 23: Declutter your Wardrobe

Week 24: Clutter Prevention

[Source]

I’m the queen of decluttering, and I blame everyone else in my house for the clutter.  Oh except for my desk that is all me!

I’m a minimalist. 

I’m obsessed with systems.

Things require a purpose, a need.

When Deb started focusing on Clutter around the home I had to laugh.  I’m always onto it, always doing the ‘declutter’. 

I just take so bloody long to do it.

I sort an area – aka toys.  I determine what needs to be binned, what can be passed on and what I’d like to eBay.

The thing with eBay is this; I think it’s great to recoup some of our money by reselling.  However if there are already 50 million of the same item listed, unless it’s almost free, it’s really not worth the hassle.

Last August I embarked on a sell 100 things challenge.  I set it myself, following the lead of Kylie Ofiu who is selling 1000 things.  I knew that would be a little too ambitious for me.

I wanted to complete this task before the year was out.  I sold 32 items in the first month, and then life got in the way and it dwindled.  But despite the fact that I didn’t meet my deadline I’m determined to meet the goal of ‘sell 100 things’.

I’m getting there.  I’ve sold 16 more items since then worth another $200+.  And as I previously mentioned I’m getting rid of the baby stuff, regardless of whether the little man has outgrown them or not.  He is not interested, following the lead of his older siblings, so I’m decluttering and moving forward and it feels great!

I’m also getting great joy out of the passing of goods onto friends that are expecting.  A good balance between recouping money and paying it forward is called ‘karma’.

Then of course there is the whole declutter your wardrobe business.  Again something that is always happening at my place.  I’ve been through all the kids gear and just dealt with it.  You know, just be ruthless, sensible but ruthless, if you can.  E.g. Zander does not need 20+ pairs of shorts next summer, a combination of hand me downs from his brother and other family and friends. 

Ridiculous

It’s the only word to describe that situation.  I passed on half.  It was the only sensible thing to do.  There are kids who will need shorts and we will still have an abundance, and then ...... keeping in tune with the declutter business; I’ll even be able to close his draws.  Win-Win.

And then there is me.

I’ve got jeans I don’t wear because they’ve dated and I feel daggy.  My husband would tell you there is nothing wrong with them and I should suck it up.

But there is something to be said for feeling good.

I’ve recently purchased some new jeans (on sale) and as they go in, those daggy things need to come out.

When it’s all said and done, I’m doing an OK job riding our home of clutter.

Like laundry and meals it’s a chore that keeps going round full circle.

Moving forward it’s all about keeping it that way.

Do we need it?

Do we want it?

Is there a better alternative?

Often asking these three questions tells me what I need to know.

How’s your home looking?  Are you minimalist or a hoarder?  Perhaps just somewhere in between like me!

If you can’t do it alone, why not check out Deb’s 52 weeks to simplify your life.

Cheers

Mandy

Days of our Lives

I've talked before about how I had big expectations for my life, a need for purpose.

Unsure exactly what that purpose is!

Accepting that in fact, we all grow up and live life, we all participate in the day to day, has not always been easy.

What is our purpose?

I'm now starting to realise that we all have a map of our lives, that starts when we are born and ends when we die.  The road in between is different for every single one of us. 

Some will follow the path from A to Z.

Some will wonder off the road and down the dirt track.

But regardless we all have a life to LIVE.

My life, in this given moment is of a wife and mother, first and foremost.  Sometimes... often, there is not much time for anything else.

I've finally come to the realisation that I need to travel the road set out for me and be grateful.  Because whilst I'll always be a mother and that is a priority, that will never change, the extent in which it consumes me will.

And in reality being a mother is most certainly one of my many dreams.

The rest..... only time will tell.

Cheers


Mandy.

Product Review: Food for Thought

Sponsored [Product Review] Post

This month my product reviews have had a bit of a Food Theme to them.

I was given the opportunity to road test two of the new McCormick All Natural Recipe Creations.  These are a variety of Herb and Spice mixes designed to create delicious meals with convenience.

 
I whipped up the Peri Peri Chicken and the Beef Scallopine.

Oh my lord!  Rod and I are without doubt in love with the Peri Peri Chicken.  There is seriously no other words to describe it.

Using the recipe on the back of the packet I created the meal efficiently.  Not only do they tell you how to cook the chicken, McCormick provide recommendations for the whole meal.

The Peri Peri Chicken was served with steamed rice and a salad consisting of tomato, red onion, fresh coriander and lemon juice.  The combination of flavours was sensational.

We also road tested the Beef Scallopine.  This was also a winner.  The flavour was authentic to that of a quality restaurant.  The best bit, if you follow the simple instructions you can't go wrong.

Both these meals will now be in rotation on our menu plan.  (Although I should mention the Peri Peri Chicken is not for the faint hearted, it has a little kick to it and thus not suitable for our children, I simple crumbed some chicken pieces and cooked them first to accommodate every ones needs).

The McCormick All Natural Recipe Creations are a perfect pantry staple.  Individually packaged in meal quantities you never need to worry about wastage again.  A great way to impress the family or friends with your cooking skills.

For more details on their entire range, visit the McCormick Website

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This month I also tried the Lenard's Chicken 'Signature Fresh Family Roast'. 

Now it's been a long time since I cooked a roast chicken.  I've kind of thrown it in the 'take away' category due to the ease of picking up a pre-cooked chicken from the supermarket.

But I've now been reminded, there is a difference!

The quality is definitely better when you pull a chicken straight from the oven to your dinner table.

The Lenard's Signature Fresh Family Roast comes in a 'no mess' roasting tray.  You just need to apply the baste to the top prior to cooking.  There are two flavours to choose from, we tried 'Lemon Herb'.

The herbs and garnish enclosed in the pack are delicious and best of all with the simple instructions, you can not get this wrong.

For more information on the Lenard's Signature Fresh Family Roast visit their website.

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Cheers

Mandy

Something about boys!

I feel like this year is the year of the boy.

I've had a number of friends who have daughters, recently give birth to boys, and another one expecting.

I love when people don't pine for 'one of each'. 

However sometimes when I hear people talk about only wanting daughters, it leaves me thinking 'what's wrong with boys'

The answer of course is 'absolutely nothing'.

I can't express in words how grateful I am for my boys.  They have so much to offer.  

Sure they can be loud, but it's fine when they're yelling 'I love you mumma'.

Sure they can be active, but that's fine when they are bowling you over with a cuddle.

Sure they can be tough, but you'll find that they've got an emotional side that requires extra care and attention.

Sure they can be dirty, but you'll find they can define themselves and have a sense of style all of their own too.

I wish every mother could experience the joy that comes with a boy.

Cheers

Mandy

Grateful for Our Home

It doesn't matter what is going on in the world if you can walk through your front door and find sanctuary.

I am grateful for the love that is in my home.

My husband and three little people, warm my heart.

There are so many things I love about my home;

You know that feeling, when you go on an awesome holiday, but just can't wait to get home, yeah that!

Snuggling on the couch on movie night.

A BBQ out the back.

Chalk drawings in the driveway.

A freshly weeded garden.

Neighbours.

Music streaming through the outdoor speakers.

Knowing I can drive into my garage on a rainy day.

But most of all I'm eternally grateful for whom I share it with.

I'm linking up with Maxabella Loves for 52 Weeks of Grateful over at Village Voices.

What are you grateful for this week?

Cheers


Mandy.

Day Dreaming........

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I've been doing a lot of day dreaming of late.

I'm dreaming of:

# A home on the land, with wide open spaces

# Sunlight

# Laughter with my children

# Pets

# Time

# Entertaining friends

# Relaxation

# Going to the movies

# Reading books



Do you like to day dream?

Mandy

Giveaway: Disney On Ice

This giveaway is now closed.

The winner is :  WorkingWomenAUS.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A few weeks back we were fortunate enough to have a day out at the Ice House.   

Great Day Out!

A highlight for the kids was meeting Mickey Mouse.

It's fair to say the kids are pretty excited about the up coming Disney On Ice.  We love to participate in fun holiday activities, go and see a show or a movie and this coming holidays Disney On Ice is definitely the highlight.

Taking a step back; I recall several years ago and heading into the big smoke to take Lulu to see Disney On Ice.  The whole experience, the trams, the bright city lights, the arena, they were all fabulous.

I'm looking forward to creating some more fun family memories with Disney On Ice this coming school holidays.

The theme this year is 'Disney On Ice - Let's Celebrate'.  We'll be celebrating Tom's 5th birthday these coming holidays, thanks Disney, perfectly timed.

It's showing right across the country.

Wollongong: 15 - 17 June

WIN Entertainment Centre

Newcastle: 22 - 24 June

Newcastle Entertainment Centre

Brisbane: 28 June - 1 July

Brisbane Entertainment Centre

Melbourne: 4 - 9 July

Hisense Arena, Melbourne & Olympic Park

Sydney: 11 - 16 July

Allphones Arena, Sydney Olympic Park

Adelaide: 19 - 22 July

Adelaide Entertainment Centre

How would you like to go along too? 

Giveaway:

4 Tickets to Disney On Ice  :: Thursday 5th July @ 2.30pm, in Melbourne.

To enter:

Simply leave a message on the blog telling me why you'd like to win.

Details:

Open to anyone who can make it to the event at the designated day and time.

Giveaway closes Friday June 15 at midnight.

Winner will be chosen by the man of the house.

Winner will be announced on our Facebook Page.  Winner has 5 days to redeem their prize.

Good Luck 

Mandy

I've Kinda Quit Running?!?!

 [source]

I think it's fair to say that running can be a bit of a battle ground for the mind.

The desire to do and achieve.

But there is all the dont's and cant's, well for me anyway.

I'm too tired to run

I don't have enough time

I have the kids so it's hard to get to the gym

Tom doesn't like the creche

I have more important things I need to get done

and the list goes on and on and on.

I made the decision to take a step back.  I want running to be something that I enjoy, not something that I endure.  Prior to making the decision to step back I felt like I was on the brink of break down.  Keeping up with three children, a part time job, the home, and squeezing in the gym is hard work.  

My to do list was getting longer and longer, I was getting stressed out and run down.

I was heading to the gym three mornings a week, which by the time I went, came home and prepared to start the day was bordering on lunch time.  My days became too short.

Yes these are all excuses.  I'm not pretending that I couldn't push through this negative vibe I've got going on, but I've decided I don't have the energy to, or more to the point I've got other things I'd rather use that energy on.

So for now, I'm taking a running break.

I don't know how long this will last.  I wonder if I should sign up for a spring fun run to give me some motivation to get back into it sooner rather than later (or not at all).

I do know that I have already lost some of my fitness, I can feel the fat in places it hasn't been for a while and this is very disheartening.

But I have a choice.

Do you think having a break is a good thing, or are you a believer of soldiering on?

Cheers

Mandy

Giveaway: Let's start talking Christmas!

This giveaway has been extended till 29th June.

Sponsored Post

Anyone that reads this blog or knows me IRL knows I like to be organised.  It's my son's birthday in July, his presents are already up in the top of the cupboard ready to go.  Yeap that's me!

So it's about this time of the year I start to think about Christmas.  I know it's ages away, but I like to start my plan of attack.

Next month Big W will hold it's annual toy sale and for me this is the perfect time to get started on the Christmas shopping.

I also really appreciate the opportunity to layby for Christmas, insuring no 'sneaky peaky' action can be had.

I've already started to get some ideas, just check out the Big W Toys Section of their website.

From the top left hand corner, clockwise:

Wild Science Ant Jungle 

Wii Glee Karaoke Revolution Volume 3 and Microphone Bundle 

Nintendo DSi XL Console 

Crayola Creations Secret Diary and Scrapbook Bundle

Deluxe Checkout Supermarket - Bonus Shopping Basket with Play Food

Lego Design Studio 

Lego Duplo Fun With Bricks 4627

Barbie William And Catherine Royal Wedding Giftset

Now it's your turn.  To help you get a head start on the Big W Toy Sale, A Little Space like Home in conjunction with Big W is giving away a $100 gift card for you to spend at the Toy Sale.

To enter:

# Visit the Big W Facebook Page and 'like it'

# Leave a comment below telling me what you'd spend the $100 gift card on

For an additional entry:

# Tweet the competition and leave a separate message advising me you've done this.

Details:

Open to Australian Residents only

Giveaway closes Friday June 15 at midnight.

Winner will be chosen by the man of the house.

Winner will be announced on our Facebook Page.  Winner has 5 days to redeem their prize.

Good Luck 

Mandy

Hosted by Three Lil Princesses