life and the memoirs

what a great day!

2010-05-13T21:47:00.006+10:00

Today I attended a Student Industry Day. Total focus of the day was on making your move on the media industry. More particularly making it as a journalist.

We were fortunate to attend workshops fronted by journalism experts. Among those presenting were journalists, freelance journalists, reporters, investigative reporters and editors. My did I enjoy the day. Today confirmed my passion and drive to forge a career as a freelance writer/journalist.

I've got some serious planning to do, to navigate my path to success. Feeling totally inspired to knock on doors to gain some practical experience.

Today reinforced for me it's about time I jump onto twitter and started tweeting! I've got to get connected with current social media tools.

I can't explain how I love reading and listening to news and current affairs. It's a big part of who I am. I'm buzzing tonight after such an inspiring day!

Garance Dore

2010-05-10T13:56:00.001+10:00

Not so long ago I was introduced to Garance Dore, one of the world's most renowned fashion illustrator's, photographer's and blogger's. Garance is self taught.

I'm a huge fan of Garance's blog.

Recently I was fortunate to view an exclusive art exhibition collaborated by Westfield with Garance Doré and seven iconic Australian designers.

In celebration of winter fashion, Garance Dore was commissioned to create seven illustrations inspired by the winter wardrobes of Arthur Galan, Bettina Liano, Country Road, Gorman, Leona Edmiston, Thurley & Zimmermann.

The illustrations were just amazing. I am in love with this French lady's work.

Here is the link to a little film titled 'A Month In Fashion' on Garance's blog. (You'll need to scroll down the page a little to find the link). Here Garance share snippets from fashion weeks in New York, Milan and Paris. Hope you enjoy it as much I did. What a life!

living a busy life

2010-05-09T20:24:00.007+10:00

It's been more than 3 long weeks since I last wrote here.

I'm realising it takes alot of organisation, excellent time management skills in conjunction with perseverance to keep a blog going.

For lots of reasons I've been absent, in a nut shell I've been focused on other things. Very busy doing other things. I've been distracted by other things.

But I am somewhat surprised by the fact I have really missed writing here. More than I would have ever expected.

I'm hoping I can manage to turn over a new leaf and post here more frequently. Hoping I can get my act together. Hoping tomorrow is the day I get myself and my life in order so that I can write here again.

My goal, to write here 3 times a week. I'll be giving it a red hot go!

To those of you who are regular bloggers what is your secret to never dropping the blogging ball? Are you willing to share a tip or two?

How do you manage to keep blogging without fail when I'm sure your life is just as busy as mine. I'm sure it's not without all the little dramas which always seem to pop up just when you think life is running to schedule.

It seems I don't cope well when I hit a bump. Or when the unexpected happens. Or when I just get busy juggling lots of balls.

cooler days and new technology

2010-04-15T11:09:00.004+10:00

We have almost reached the end of week one of term two. Already! I am constantly amazed at just how fast the day, the week, the month, the season seem to pass. Is this a sign that I am getting older? I remember as a child I never realised time passing by.

As I write the heater is on. I'm feeling the cold, the change of temperature seems quite dramatic. Autumn has definitely arrived in Melbourne. Cool nights and days are now part of our daily weather forecast. Currently a rather fresh 15 degrees. The time has come to pull out our winter jackets and boots. Time to rug up. I do enjoy the fact the winter allows us to enjoy lots of soups and stews. I find them quite easy to prepare and very healthy! It won't be too long before I am piling the groceries into one of these.

picture from Sunrise

This morning whilst watching a breakfast program I caught a glimpse of a story on new high tech shopping trolleys known as the 'smart trolley'. Smart trolleys are currently being trialled. The smart trolley comes complete with a GPS navigation system, who ever would have thought this possible?

The trolley has the capacity to track details of shoppers' movements in different aisles which in turn will trigger an appropriate ad. It has the capacity for the shopper to scan items whilst shopping, providing pricing information and a tally of the shop. It also provides meal ideas and ingredients required.

These trolleys are expected to be in Melbourne by July. What do you think? Will you find the ads annoying? Will the ads cause you to purchase impulsively? I'm still processing the fact that this technology is available and will soon be part of our shopping experience.

good old fashioned fun

2010-04-06T16:45:00.003+10:00

In Melbourne we are enjoying the second week of the school holidays. In this house we tend to actively live and breathe technology in our lives, so playing noughts and crosses with the boys brought a happy smile to my face today. The joy of such a simple game kept them happily engaged and playing so nicely together. It was nice to put the DS away, it was nice to have the Wii turned off, it was nice to have the TV turned off. Good old fashioned fun, can't beat it! The challenge is to enjoy more days like this.

hello there

2010-04-03T21:35:00.007+11:00

Lately I've really missed being able to dedicate some of my time to blogging. I've simply been too busy! I know it isn't a great reason to have been kept away but other things have needed my focus and attention.

The most pressing of which have been two uni assessments which were due for submission on Friday. A learning log worth 10% and an essay worth 15%. I spent literally hours, many late nights and lots of coffees working on these. Maybe it's because this is my first semester back at uni after a very long 18 years but I'm finding getting but into the study routine and mindset is taking me a little while to get used to again. Possibly longer than I had anticipated. I'm also finding the unit is a little intense with its philosophy content but I am enjoying the challenge and am eagerly awaiting my results.

Good Friday we continued with what has become a family tradition, we enjoyed a lovely day out at the Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt at Werribee Park. All proceeds from the day go to the Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal. Collectively the boys gathered in excess of 250 small solid eggs. Just in case you are wondering, they definitely don't eat them all! Much to their disappoint I'm sure. We share them amongst family and friends. The enjoyment is in the collecting, the anticipation of how many eggs they'll manage to collect. The event has become a nice way to enjoy family time on Good Friday and in doing so we are supporting charity.

Best wishes to you all for a very Happy Easter.

mother's instinct

2010-03-22T21:35:00.005+11:00

I need to write about this incident that occurred yesterday, Sunday afternoon, in the hope that I'll feel a little better about what happened. Not being selfish just working through this.

My beautiful seven year old little man was invited to a school friend's eighth birthday party. They have known each other since they started three year old kindergarten, many years ago. Kids love the opportunity to attend a birthday party. Mine are no different.

So excited was Master Seven when he pulled the party invite from his school satchel. Reading the details I immediately started thinking, this party is not aged appropriate - 'timezone'. I'm standing there reading the invitation and as eager as can be he is asking if he can go. I can't remember my exact reply but it was along the lines of needing to check mum and dad's work rosters. We both work some crazy hours at times and both the occasional weekend. He was happy with my response.

For the next few days, the party invitation kept popping into my head. Occasionally he'd mention it. I chatted to another parent who felt the same. I eventually made the decision (although my gut was clearly not hundred per cent happy with it) that he could attend in my presence. I was reluctant on the idea but he was so keen to join his friends.

Sunday arrived and we drove the 30 minutes or so to a part of Melbourne I am less than familiar with. Eventually finding our way to 'timezone'. Oh, I've just realised I haven't explained 'timezone', arcade type games and the laserquest games. It was a two hour party. I stayed on site with other parents.

The kids all seemed to be having fun, enjoying themselves. Master Seven particularly enjoying the ten pin bowling. With only about 30 minutes to go until the conclusion of the party it was time to play the laserquest game. I felt uncomfortable. I couldn't join him as he entered the dark room to play the laserquest game, at which point he was smacked on the head with a laser gun, in the dark. Me on the outside and unaware of his injury. I'm not sure exactly how long he was in there, about ten minutes at a guess. He came out white as a ghost, blood on his forehead. I'm not good around blood, immediately feeling faint and nausea. Some parents with much stronger stomachs than mine were brilliant in attending to him. Calming him, cleaning his wound and applying some band aids.

Not long after the incident we left, the party was over. Master Seven carrying a decent gash to his forehead. Driving away I decided we needed to see a doctor, I needed a doctor to have a look. He needed to give his opinion. To avoid hours in the emergency department at a public hospital I decided we'd head to a private hospital's emergency department. It was busy, it was Sunday night, about 6.30pm. We waited and we waited, as you do in an emergency department of a hospital. Master Seven was highly spirited, although thirsty and hungry. Following the nothing to eat or drink before seeing the doctor rule. 'Dad' came to join us. His presence instantly lifted my spirits. He was here to support us and be with us. What a difference it made having him there. He is so much better and stronger than I in his ability to cope with a variety of situations. Master Seven chatted and fired endless questions, as only he can, until after close to two hours of waiting we were called to the cubicle. Finally a doctor was going to have a look at this gash.

The doctor was just lovely. He did an excellent job at making Master Seven and I feel comfortable. His opinion, glue the affected area, cover with some medical strips and clear glad wrap like covering, keep dry for five days, no sport, no swimming and come back Friday morning for a reassessment. My main concern the scaring, the long term scar that could potentially be an unwanted reminder of what happened. The doctor's advice to give it a year and half to heal at which time if we aren't happy a plastic surgeon can be consulted. Time will tell. I know Vitamin E does wonders when it comes to repairing scars, I'll be applying it rigorously.

A number of things have left a bad taste in my mouth in relation to this incident. My instinct was that he shouldn't attend this party. As far as I understand it was a somewhat deliberate 'accident'. The mother of the other child hasn't approached me about the incident. I need to accept people are different and don't think the same as I would in this situation. I'm just hoping he isn't left with a nasty and obvious scar.

What a lesson this has taught me, next time if my mother's instinct tells me no, not suitable or not age appropriate I'm standing up to what I believe in, regardless of other parent influences and opinions and the demands of my children.

What a day! What a way to finish off the weekend.

Thanks for reading and (listening) to my story :)

ecru

2010-03-18T22:13:00.003+11:00

I learnt a new word today, a word I don't think I had ever heard of before. In my late thirties and still learning new words, how exciting!

My new word for the day 'ecru' the shade greyish-pale yellow or a light greyish-yellowish brown.

It is often used to describe such fabrics as silk and linen in their unbleached state. 'Ecru' comes from the French word écru, which means literally 'raw' or 'unbleached'.

In the 1930s and before, 'ecru' was considered to be the same colour as the colour beige but since the 1950s 'ecru' and beige have been regarded as two different colours.

Am I the only one who learnt the meaning of a new word today?

mother's guilt

2010-03-17T20:24:00.007+11:00

Mother's guilt has swept over me this evening. Tomorrow it will have passed (I'm hoping). 2010 is the first year both my boys are at school. Both boys came home this afternoon with their 'parent helper' notice for term 2. Here is my issue. A small one at that but significant to the point it has bothered me this evening.

I'm one of those mums who likes to contribute to the school community. While they attended kindergarten for four years I had my stint on the parent committee. Personally I feel I get alot out of my involvement in contributing to the kindergarten and school communities, my assistance in some small way contributes to the bigger picture. The boys love mum being there to help.

Since starting uni again only 3 weeks ago, I've quickly realised and accepted the fact I can't be a yes person to everything these days, that is if I want to study, do well and pass. Already life is busy, family commitments, work commitments, writing commitments and now study. The time has come in my life where I need to think before I say yes. In the past I willingly said yes to plenty and along the way caused myself and the family unnecessary stress. Had I considered more thoughtfully what I was saying yes to, life at times could have been less stressful for us all I'm sure.

I've allowed myself to accept that from now on I will on occasion say no to a coffee with friends, no to a night out and no to some of the requests for parent help at the school. I've said yes to cutting fruit for the preps morning tea. I've said yes to contributing and assisting with the compiling of the school yearbook. I can't say yes to being a parent helper in both the boys grades. Even if it is only once a week, once a fortnight or once a month. Time moves fast these days, the week moves fast, the term is over before we know it.

Tonight I've made the somewhat hard call of saying no to helping in my big boy's grade 2 class for term 2. I'm feeling uncomfortable with my decision. I feel I am letting him down. But I realise I can't do it. I feel it is fair that I offer to assist with my younger boy's class, this is his first year at school. I did the same for my oldest when he was in prep. I always feel such a need to treat them equally, this decision is a first for me. An occasion where I am giving to one and not the other. I know I'll be asked why aren't I helping in the grade 2 class. This mum isn't superwoman and can't say yes to everything these days, I am sure left feeling guilty with my decision.

farm day

2010-03-16T12:41:00.006+11:00

May last year we enjoyed our first 'Farm Day' experience. Farm Day is when a farming family hosts a city family for a day. Farm Day is a fantastic opportunity, for children who live in the city and are so insulated from country life to enjoy first hand farming experiences.

Last year our family had the absolute pleasure of spending the day with a farming family who own a wool and cereal farm in Western Victoria. They were an absolute delight to spend time with. Lovely people, so very welcoming. We came home with home grown vegetables, beautiful homemade chutneys and relishes and a couple of bags of sheep bones and fleece for show and tell at school!

Registration for Farm Day 2010 (29th and 30th May)is about to open any day. For more information and to register your interest in participating click here.

I am so impressed by the concept of Farm Day. The day is such a rewarding experience and a tremendous success. What an amazing opportunity for city kids, to absorb real hands on farming experiences. An opportunity for them to develop a greater understanding of the day-to-day life of a farming family. To experience first hand how other kids live.

We can't wait to learn details of the family we'll be visiting this year.

cadbury family picnic and easter egg hunts

2010-03-15T21:42:00.006+11:00

I was about to tell you about the Cadbury Family Picnic and Easter Egg Hunts to be held on Good Friday, thinking you might like to take the family, but unfortunately I've just discovered this event is already sold out! It sure is popular.

Fortunately I ordered our tickets a week or so ago. For those of you unfamiliar with the the Cadbury Family Picnic and Easter Egg Hunts at the magnificent Werribee Park, 30 minutes from the centre of Melbourne, this wonderful event raises much needed funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.

This event is becoming a family tradition for us each year. It's how we spend our Good Friday. We enjoy family time and a picnic in the grounds of the beautiful Werribee Park . The boys take part in Easter egg hunts. Racing against a timer, with Cadbury bags in hand they fill their bags as quickly as they can with small solid eggs scattered across the lawn. Last year I recall they collected in excess of 300 solid Easter eggs!!

I apologise I didn't post about this gem of an event earlier. It's definitely worth making a mental note that this event is held annually on Good Friday. Lots of fun and magic for chocolate lovers! And it's all for a very good cause!

all the reading that comes with study

2010-03-15T11:00:00.004+11:00

I'm about to head into week 3 of my uni studies. Week 3 of 13 weeks, time is certainly moving fast. I'm living a new learning journey. Becoming accustomed to the world and requirements of online learning. Connecting with students all over the globe, literally, from an island off the Northern Territory to New York City and many places in between.

I've 'survived' the first two weeks and managed to submit two small assessments, each worth 5%, on time! Now eagerly anticipating my first grades. I'm still coming to terms with the amount of reading that is required of my. I'm enjoying being a 'student' again, I'm using my mind. Challenging myself. I'm feeling alot of personal satisfaction.

Our life has always been a constant juggle between family and work commitments. Now study is part of the mix and time for 'me' to pursue my own interests. There's a little voice inside my head encouraging me. So far, we are all coping and adjusting to this 'new' life remarkably well, early days, but off to a very good start.

I need to become far more self disciplined though in terms of my bedtime. My goal, when the clock strikes 11pm switch the computer off!

new music to my ears

2010-03-14T22:25:00.007+11:00

Friday the 12th of March 2010 had been marked in my diary for months. I waited ever so patiently for this day to arrive. Like an excited teenager, I couldn't wait for Angus and Julia Stone to release their new album Down the Way.

Finally the 12th of March was here, by lunchtime I had purchased the album through iTunes and was playing it LOUD on my iPod. Technology today! I've barely stopped playing it since. I'm a huge fan, enjoying this new album SO MUCH!!

What can I say, other than you must treat yourself to this new album. Click here for a listen. I guarantee you won't be disappointed.

back to uni for me

2010-03-07T20:10:00.004+11:00

Where have I been this week? Can someone please slow time down just a little for me, please? It's now March, Autumn and I'm back at Uni. It's now my time, with both the boys at school. Time for me to pursue my dreams. I'm back at Uni after 18 years. Yes 18 years ago I completed my first degree, a Bachelor of Arts at RMIT.

This week I started my first unit towards a Bachelor of Communication (Journalism) degree. Studying from the comfort of home through Open Universities Australia. My first unit an 'introduction to university learning' will help me refocus on university learning. It'll help me understand the expectations and requirements of university learning and teach me plenty about online learning. Already I'm being introduced to students all over Australia and overseas. A diverse variety of backgrounds, ages and area of study. It's really interesting to learn about people and their reasons to take on university study. The majority, like myself, are feeling a little overwhelmed this week, I'm sure in time we'll ease into this new way of life and focus. It's only week 1, so new to us. You know what, when I completed my first degree, all those years ago, the internet did not exist!! Can you believe that?? I hand wrote all my essays and spent hours at the library. My oh my how times and technology have changed in such a relative short time.

I have two small assessments, each worth 5%, due in next Friday. Week 2 and assessments are due!! OMG I thought, what have I got myself into?? When I'm not working or looking after the family's needs, you'll find me studying these days. Until I'm comfortable with my online learning I may not be able to post here as regularly as I like. I'll be back and definitely not too far away. You know how much I like it here. My aim, to post here once or twice a week. When I need some down time I'll be sure to pop over to your blog.

italian cooking

2010-03-01T19:55:00.005+11:00

I had such a great day today! Still recovering from my virus but well enough to take part in a three hour Italian cooking class. What a great way to spend part of my day. The things I can now do while the children are at school, divine indeed.

Local council is celebrating healthy lifestyle week with an excellent and diverse range of activities for community members to enjoy, at a subsided price! Today's class cost me a mere $5! I jumped at the opportunity to attend this class, so glad I read about it in the local newspaper.

I enjoy cooking and am fortunate to have grown up in a family where my mother and grandmother cooked a large variety of delicious mediterranean dishes. This is where my love of food and cooking came from. Even though I know how to prepare some traditional Italian meals, I'm always keen to learn something new. I enjoy my time in the kitchen and am passionate about preparing healthy meals for the family. I find my biggest challenge these days is time, I'm forever on the look out for quick, easy and healthy meals. Today's class was perfect!

The class was taken by the daughter of a traditional Italian 'cook'. Her knowledge, tips and love of cooking contagious. The class, a very small, intimate and relaxed group of keen cooks. We chatted, we shared, we listened, we asked questions, we watch intently, we finished the class taste testing what had been prepared. Simply delicious, eggplant pasta, an onion frittata and ricotta cannoli.

I enjoyed my time so much today that I've signed up for a three week Italian cooking course. Starting next week. The recipes use seasonal produce, are low cost and easy! I can't wait.

where have i been?

2010-02-28T22:20:00.000+11:00

I've been away from my blog lately. For almost a week actually. I've missed it. It's been calling me, popping into my head frequently. I've been away because I've been feeling average, actually less than average.

It started days ago when my left ear started to feel blocked. Initially I thought blocked with water from my morning shower. Being 'super mum' I thought I could fight the somewhat annoying condition despite it becoming worse as the day and then days went on. I was convinced it would just go away as quickly as it came. Boy was I wrong.

In the middle of suffering from my blocked ear I subjected myself to the swine flu vaccination. I had a pre booked appointment. I had previously reluctantly made the decision to receive the vaccination based on my contact with the public, through my work in retail. People travel extensively these days and often don't share the same level of hygiene care as I personally do. Opinion circulating at the moment is that this winter season could see swine flu more widespread amongst the community. I very bravely dragged myself to the GP. The nurse who administered the injection was lovely, gentle and very aware that I was going to be very sensitive to the jab. It was all over in a matter of seconds, followed by a few jelly beans. I felt well without any side effects for the following days. I wondered whether I'd have a reaction, fortunately not.

But still my left ear remained blocked for days. I continued to think tomorrow it will be ok! After six days with no sign of even a slight improvement I popped into my local health food store and stocked up on some olive leaf extract. Be warned the taste is not pleasant but it is good stuff! I took it regularly last year and I believe consequently enjoyed fine health. Summer rolled around, I didn't top up my supplies and now look at me, unwell, tired and thinking what is wrong with me.

After continuing to suffer a blocked ear for 10 days I finally took myself back to the GP, by this stage my throat was sore, my nose blocked, my voice unrecognisable and my breathing difficult. Following my detailed explanation of how dreadful I'd been feeling the GP simply told me I had a virus!! In other words my body will just have to fight it without the support of antibiotics and plenty of rest.

Only today did I manage to start feeling half normal, slightly decent and inclined to take on the day more enthusiastically.

I'm now on the mend and looking forward to getting back into my routine. Enjoying my days and not struggling so much.

I really did miss time here at my blog. I missed reading your blogs and your comments. It's great to be back! Gee, I have a bit of reading to catch up on.

this week's charity

2010-02-22T13:53:00.003+11:00

Some people are just amazing, so thoughtful, so caring, so generous, so highly spirited, their qualities are contagious, totally inspiring beyond words. Thea over at My Year of Giving has selected Karen and Riley as this week's charity.

Karen and her son are shaving their heads for The Leukaemia Foundation's World's Greatest Shave . Their goal to raise $5,000. I doubt I would have the courage to shave my hair

If you're in a position to support Karen and her son please click on the Karen and Riley link above. Don't you just admire some people and their efforts to support those less fortunate and in need.

free movies

2010-02-18T22:37:00.004+11:00

We subscribe to Foxtel in this house, and have done so for about the last 3 years. Our package is restricted, in that we have a package which includes, the sports channels (I'm out numbered on this one), the kids channels (which have been thoroughly enjoyed), the third package of channels I think are lifestyle channels (which I rarely, if ever watch).

Today I was notified of a special deal, available to us for two weeks. That's right, a FREE treat, for two weeks!! You rarely get something for free these days. Hence my excitement. From February 21st to March 8th, courtesy of the Movie Network Channels we are going to be able to enjoy the very best in uninterrupted movie entertainment. We're going to have access to nine channels dedicated to showing everything from family flix, blockbusters and tearjerkers to exclusive new series and live events.

We've managed to survive without the movie channels up until this time, I'm wondering how we are all going to enjoy these free movies!! I do hope there is no fighting, arguing or crying. In preparation, we'll need to scan the Foxtel program guide to identify which movies are on offer.

I bet this free two week treat is offered to customers in the hope that at the conclusion, customers will sign up for the regular movie package. Regardless of what happens, I do hope we can all stick to our 'guns', respecting and accepting that in this house the movie channels are available, only for a short time! We're going to enjoy the next two weeks, free movies!! I'm so excited on the inside.

I haven't seen a movie for literally ages, months possibly years, unfortunately. Any suggestions? Just one would be great. I'll collate and assess which are high on the priority, must see list!!

'a month of me time' update

2010-02-18T16:11:00.005+11:00

I'm getting so much out of 'a month of me time' that it got me thinking that you might like to register with The Calm Space directly to take part in 'a month of me time' at a time that suits you personally.

You might decide to sign up now, in a week, in a month or in a couple of months. When the time is right for you to receive simple daily actions to nourish your soul please pop over to 'The Calm Space'. In the mean time you may like to subscribe to the site to receive inspiring emails.

It's important to take the time to take better care of yourself. 'The Calm Space' is a great place to start!

is there room for some soup in your day?

2010-02-18T13:52:00.004+11:00

Yesterday while I was scanning my inbox, I'm becoming a speed scanner and speedy at filtering my ever increasing inbox, an email titled 'do you want to try new products before they launch and give your opinion?‏' immediately caught my attention and had me asking what???

Let me fill you in on Soup.

"Soup is for people who love having their say and want to be involved in shaping the future of brands and products. Soup is a place that connects influential and interesting people with forward thinking companies."

That sounds like me I thought to myself. So I had a look around 'Soup', checking out the site and the latest projects. With my interest quickly consumed it wasn't long before I decided to get involved and followed the 3 simple steps to becoming a 'souper'. The steps were quite straightforward, getting to know you, your details, your interests and your world type questions.

It's official, I'm now a fully fledged 'souper', eager and ready to participate, can't wait for details on my first project. As a 'souper' I can now look forward to free access to cool stuff, like products before they launch, samples, and exclusive behind the scene access. I'll get to exchange my opinions and ideas about brands, this is what I am going to enjoy the most!

I didn't mention, it’s completely free with no obligations at all, to join. Are you interested, tempted maybe to give it a go?

Stay tuned for details of my first project.

'a month of me time' update

2010-02-17T23:15:00.004+11:00

Day 7 of 'a month of me time'. Today's tip from The Calm Space simply, light a candle.

A flame can help you focus, a flame can help you breathe, a flame can help you relax. It's also a great aid to meditation and quieting down those hundreds of thoughts running through your busy mind.

I love having a scented candle burning in the house. When I remember to light a candle, it is usually in the evening, when I can enjoy the quieter part of the day. I love how a scented candle fills the room with divine fragrance, instantly transforming the environment. Creating peace and tranquillity, an atmosphere I feel so comfortable in that I can't help but to relax in.

I'm going to buy myself a new scented candle tomorrow. Can you offer me suggestions on your favourite fragrances to fill my home?

'a month of me time' update

2010-02-16T23:16:00.004+11:00

Today's update, day 6 'a month of me time'.

When Karen's email came through I instantly felt a strong curiosity, what inspiring words of wisdom will Karen direct to me today. As I began reading I began to smile. Day 6 is all about coffee, my indulgence, a true love in my life. There was a time it was almost an addiction which I needed to curb and curb it I have. In the past, I drank it so heavily as a matter of habit, there has been many a day when I have felt so physically exhausted I've turned to my companion to see ME through the day.

The message from Karen at The Calm Space .

Life is too short to drink bad coffee (or instant coffee).
Make your morning cuppa an event.
Brew freshly ground coffee to perfection.
Drink it in a beautiful cup or mug.

'The Calm Space' also encourages you to stop in at your favourite cafe. This is something I do after the morning school drop off. The local cafe sells the best coffee around, in these parts.

If you're a tea drinker, invest in a nice teapot, use loose-leaf tea (apparently, tea drinkers can taste the difference) and drink out of a beautiful china cup.

Remember to simply breathe, be aware of your surroundings. Really taste what you are drinking. Savour and appreciate every sip.

Relishing your morning (or afternoon) cup is taking time for ME.

These days I try very hard to stick to 1 to 2 cups of coffee each day. Tell me, are you an over indulgent coffee drinker? How many cups do you sip on each day? When you order your coffee, what do you order? My order is a skinny weak latte with one sugar please :)

'a month of me time' update

2010-02-15T22:35:00.009+11:00

Today is day 5 of 'a month of me time'. For 30 days, I'm concentrating on me, as simple as this may sound and even seem. What a total inspiration Karen Wallace and The Calm Space is.

Karen, I'm finding your 'simple daily actions to nourish my soul' truly amazing. Each action does seem quite simple on the surface, it seems easy enough to achieve. This is definitely not the case for me. I'm finding myself making a concentrated effort to sustain these actions as part of my 'new' daily routine, where I actually take time for me. I love how 'a month of me time' is forcing me to focus my attention on me and how I carry about my daily business and actions.

I'm ever so slowly accepting the fact that taking time to stop, means I am taking time for me.

The focus for day 4, take time to just sit, to just sit and simply be.

Forget about that never ending to do list. Forget about anything else you think you 'should' be doing.

A simple message, a simple action, take 5 minutes for you each day.

Sit. Breathe. Relax.

The focus for day 5, fill your home with fresh flowers, there is nothing nicer.

Don't wait for a special occasion or for someone to buy you flowers. Go out and treat yourself to a small bunch or a single bloom. I love having a vase of fresh flowers in the house. They change the room completely with their delightful appearance and scent.

Ladies, Karen's message is very clear, simply take time for you each day! You owe it to yourself and those around you, to find pockets of tranquility in your busy world.

Ladies a very big thank you for leaving such encouraging and motivating comments against my 'a month of me time' posts :)

cherish you! challenge

2010-02-15T21:24:00.006+11:00

I have to share this with you, quickly tonight before the clock strikes midnight! Before time runs out. I'm sorry about the short notice.

Karen Wallace over at The Calm Space is running for the first time, the FREE, 5 day, 'Cherish You! Challenge'. It starts tomorrow, Tuesday 16th February. You'll need to register before Tuesday in your time zone to be in!

If you're feeling a little unloved, unappreciated or under cherished why don't you take part in the 'Cherish You! Challenge'. The challenge is all about learning to love yourself one step at a time. Over 5 days the 'Cherish You! Challenge' will challenge you with 5 small, simple steps towards a life where your cup is overflowing with love, appreciation and caring.

Please click here for full details.

It's FREE. It's only 5 days. You could learn something, you could learn alot. Your life could improve a little, your life could improve alot. What have you got to lose?

I'd love to hear if you decide to take the Cherish You! Challenge .

this week's charity

2010-02-15T20:41:00.003+11:00

It's Monday again! I really like Monday. I feel so good when I wake on Monday morning.

Why? I hear my lovely new 'followers' question. Firstly, a very warm welcome and thank you for taking the time to read 'life and the memoirs'. I hope you enjoy your time here.

Now back to why each Monday in the year 2010 is shaping up to be such a fabulous start to my week. 7 weeks ago I stumbled across Thea and her brilliant idea and blog My Year of Giving. Thea has committed to donating $5 to a worthy cause or charity every week for this whole year. Each Monday Thea posts her cause or charity choice for the week. I simply follow her lead and match her $5 donation. So simple and so easy!

$5 may not seem much, but it definitely goes along way in helping to make a difference to someone's life, someone who is in desperate need of help or support.

This week a friend of Thea's on Twitter suggested Hug For Hearts™ which coincides with Valentine's Day. Hug For Hearts™ is supporting the Heart Foundation, Australia's leading heart health Charity.

If you're in a position to support this week's charity please click here .

You can expect me to post 'this week's charity' details each and every Monday! Stay tuned :)

'a month of me time' update

2010-02-13T00:26:00.000+11:00

Today is day 3 of a 'month of me time'. For the next 30 days, I'm concentrating on me, as simple as this may sound and even seem.

Each evening Karen Wallace, Founder and Editor of The Calm Space, forwards me an email, detailing a tip to nourish my soul. This is so inspiring. A gentle reminder to guide me ever so slowly. To support and help me refocus on me!

The focus for day 1, taking time to drink water! Drinking water is vital to our health and vitality, getting through a busy day requires plenty of both.

Friday night I was feeling so inspired, I drank a litre of water. I need to consistently remind myself to drink water, and lots of it! Naturally I don't crave water nor do I often suffer extreme thirst.

The focus for day 2, listen to good music!

Following in my father's footsteps, I love a variety of music. Great music can inspire, uplift, motivate and even calm.

When I'm home I often have music playing in the background. Before going to sleep I enjoy a relaxing CD which does a great job in assisting me to unwind and switch off from my day and my thoughts.

The focus for day 3, book a check-up with the Doctor! What a great reminder. Taking care of our health and physical well being is taking time of ME.

These tips are a fabulous reminder on how I can take time out for me. How I can start to look after me!

Are these 3 tips part of your day already? Do they come naturally or like me do you need to refocus your attention and actions, to shift your focus more towards yourself?

life is busy

2010-02-13T00:06:00.006+11:00

A very short post from me today. I'm still here, I'm not going anywhere. This end of the week is always 'busy' over at our place, particularly with me working a couple of late nights along with a few hours spread across the weekend. Once we factor in precious family time, it's Sunday night before we know it and we're planning for another week! In Victoria, term one will finish in just six weeks, holidays are around the corner yet again! Short term this one, eights weeks.

What's on the agenda this weekend? For me, I simply can't wait to enjoy some much longed for cooler weather. It's going to be bliss. Oh and a mini sleep in, just what I need and I'll be reading the weekend newspapers over a coffee or two and working.

I'll be posting over the weekend, at some stage. You know how much I'm loving this blogging thing. I'll be sure to fill you in on the beginning of 'a month of me time!'

Until then, enjoy your days :)

tomorrow, day 1, a month of me time!

2010-02-10T22:20:00.007+11:00

We are well and truly into the swing of 2010. Christmas and the extended summer holidays seem such along time ago now. School has started, I'm mum to primary school aged children, for goodness sake! It's now time to invest time into ME! For the past 7 years the majority of my life has focused on my adorable family, I now have approximately 30 hours a week for ME! Some of the time I'll use domestically, some of the time I'll work, some of the time I'll study, some of the time I'll socialise and some of the time I'll use simply for myself, writing, reading, relaxing, simply enjoying time out and my own company.

Now, I tend to get a little carried away at times surfing the net, losing myself in endless snippets of information, news, blogs, the list goes on and on. Today I found a site at the most perfect time and stage of my life. The timing couldn't have been more spot on! I found "The Calm Space".

"The Calm Space is an online magazine that is like a virtual day-spa for your senses… decadent, informative, relaxing. A real no-mobile-phones-allowed kind of escape where you can chill for a minute or an hour and emerge refreshed and ready to face anything your day throws at you!

It’s a rare woman who doesn’t succumb to chaos and madness at some stage during her busy week. Whatever your particular life situation, and no matter how your day is going, you will find respite within "the calm space".

"The Calm Space" is not just about chilling out! It also focuses on taking action, moving out of stress and chaos, and moving towards a happier, calmer life."

The blurb above instantly captured my attention, I was hooked immediately! Wanting to read more and more.

How divine that I should find "the calm space", talk about excellent timing! Now is the time for ME, time to indulge myself!

I'm excitedly anticipating "A Month of Me Time", a free e-course which is aimed at inspiring ME to take better care of MYSELF! Each day for the next 30 days I shall receive an email on the importance of taking a little time for MYSELF! I'll receive simple daily actions to nourish MY soul.

I can't wait to be inspired to take better care of MYSELF! If I'm honest with myself, myself has been slightly neglected, this is not good for any member of our family, least of all myself.

Little steps commence tomorrow. No more running on empty! Now is the time for ME! Tomorrow is day 1, the beginning. I'm certain I was meant to find the calm space today.

I'll share my simple daily actions with you. You may even feel inspired to join yourself!

writer's block

2010-02-09T23:05:00.004+11:00

With my thinking cap stuck firmly on my head tonight, I have struggled to blog. I've struggled to write. I've struggled to get the words out. That's ok, it's just a small case of writer's block.

I'm so easily distracted by reading many inspiring blogs, I have a hundred thoughts racing around my head, please slow down in there so I can catch my breath. My head is feeling full, a good full but still full, full of ideas, creativity and a strong desire to achieve, something great.

It's been another hot day in Melbourne, my energy is zapped, the heat and I don't always have a happy and comfortable relationship. I think it's a sign that I call it a night, it's time for me to enjoy a good night's sleep. I'll wake feeling refreshed and energised.

Do you ever suffer writer's block? How do you manage the moments of what am I going to write about today? How do you manage the moments of trying to find the right words to tell your story, to share your thoughts? I love writing, but occasionally a block forms and I simply can't get the words out.

pandora

2010-02-08T22:10:00.011+11:00

I've recently become aware of Pandora, Pandora Jewellery. I've discovered and learnt of the latest craze, the making and wearing of Pandora charm bracelets! Pandora is fast becoming an amazing fashion statement. Pandora design and sell gorgeous charms, bracelets, necklaces, ear rings and rings, the difficulty is in selecting which design to purchase.

It's so easy to get started on designing your own unique Pandora charm bracelet! Just pick a bracelet and then choose from a wide array of beads, charms. With a simple twisting motion, you can "string" beads, charms on your bracelet! A Pandora bracelet will be unique to you depending on the beads, charms you select.

I'm contemplating the purchase of a Pandora charm bracelet but I can't decide on a leather or silver bracelet. Any suggestions?

For more information and inspiration on the Pandora range click here . Truly beautiful.

this week's charity

2010-02-08T18:01:00.004+11:00

Monday again! Monday has taken on a new meaning for me this year, Monday is the day I check in on Thea's My Year of Giving blog to learn which charity we are donating to for the week.

Week 6 already and this week's charity is "Cate's Cause" An Appeal Against Homelessness .

"Cate's Cause" an Appeal against Homelessness is a management account of Community Enterprise Foundation™ (Bendigo and Adelaide Bank's philanthropic arm. The Community Enterprise Foundation™ has launched “Cate’s Cause” an Appeal against Homelessness in partnership with 4 Walls Ltd. 4 Walls Ltd is a Not For Profit community housing organisation that delivers a diverse range of social, community, resettlement, affordable housing and housing related services to individuals and families in Queensland.

This Appeal is inspired by a Queensland family, Cate and Rick Bolt and their nine children who encountered severe financial difficulty which resulted in them losing their home. They fell into arrears in their rent payments and were hit with large unexpected medical bills.

The Bolt family have now received assistance. Cate is now dedicated to addressing the issue of homelessness in Australia. Every night more than 100,000 Australians sleep in sheds, tents, parks, garages, caravans, shelters and on the street. Funds from this Appeal will support programs that will help individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness with housing & housing related assistance.

Here's to helping make a difference.

tooth fairy

2010-02-07T23:40:00.003+11:00

While preparing dinner this evening, my big boy (7 years old) casually states "another tooth has fallen out Mum!" I immediately think blood. Fortunately there isn't any insight. He brings his tiny baby tooth over to show me, so small, almost grain like, how did he eat so well with teeth so small, I ponder. He collects the 'tooth fairy' container from the kitchen and hurry's it to his room for the tooth fairy to collect after dark. He contemplates how much the tooth fairy will leave him in exchange for his precious tooth. I suggest possibly a gold coin - $1 or maybe even $2. She might even leave some silver coins tonight, it all depends on what she has in her wallet.

How much does the tooth fairy leave at your house in exchange for a tiny, precious baby tooth?

my favourite time of the day

2010-02-03T22:16:00.008+11:00

Not sure how or why this thought popped into my head tonight, I started thinking about my favourite time of the day.

What spurred this on? The reality of being back at school for only two days! It's the marathon race which starts at 3.30pm sharp each weekday, often a fast, hurried, exhausting event that makes me think the evenings, at around 8pm top the list for my favourite time of the day.

The after school crazies, tiredness, munchies, homework, dinner preparation, shower, reader, lights out, culminate to the relieve which is felt when I close the bedroom doors on two little boys and walk down the hall to put the kettle on.

The house is now quite, only faint snores can be heard behind closed doors, oh it's time for me to relax and enjoy a quite evening. Reflecting, we did it again, we will do it again tomorrow night and the next night and the next night, but for now I'll enjoy this time, my favourite time of the day, is this time of night.

There was a time when I was early to bed, I'm slowly becoming a night owl of sorts. Simply spending time doing the things I enjoy, while two little boys dream. I accomplish alot this time of night. I love my days but the evenings are so peaceful, the stillness of the night I can feel from inside.

If you're a mum with children at school, you may relate to how I am feeling. What is your favourite time of the day?

off to school we go, everyday!

2010-02-02T22:30:00.003+11:00

Today was the day I have at times longed for, thought would never come, the day on the calendar I thought in 2010 that seemed liked years away! 2010!

Today was the day the youngest member of the family left the nest to start his school journey. He was excited, without a tear in his eye. I was left feeling slightly overwhelmed at the realisation that this is it!! Off to school we go, everyday! No more occasional care, no more kindergarten, no more child care. No more one on one time or being by my side.

I'm no longer a Mum with a child at school and a pre schooler. He is definitely ready for this new and exciting adventure, as for me, give me a week or so, possibly a little longer to become accustomed to this new phrase of life. Fortunately I have a few distractions while they are off enjoying their school day.

I look back now on the first 5 years, realising just how far this little being has come. From baby, to toddler to pre school to school. Each age and stage of development has been different, a learning experience for us all. No manual to refer to. Wow! we have come along way, in only 5 years. What lies ahead we don't know, but we're always going to be here guiding, supporting, caring and loving unconditionally.

this week's charity

2010-02-01T23:13:00.004+11:00

For those of you who are new to my blog welcome!

I joined the incredibly inspirational Thea at My Year of Giving earlier this year in supporting her brilliant idea to donate $5 each week, for this entire year, to a different charity.

All I do, you are more than welcome to do the same, is visit My Year of Giving on a Monday for details of Thea's charity of the week. Yes it is that easy! $5 may not seem like much but I am certain that it helps to make a difference to someone in need.

We are now into Week 5 of 'My Year of Giving' with Thea selecting Beyond Blue as this week's charity. Many of us have known a family member or someone very close to us to be affected by depression.

We usually make a $5 donation but the Beyond Blue website
only accepts minimum donations of $10, so $10 it is this week. All for a very good cause!

'My Year of Giving' is a great start to my week, knowing I have helped someone or a community in a small way, makes me feel wonderful!

beautiful blogger award

2010-02-01T20:41:00.003+11:00

How shocked was I to receive the 'Beautiful Blogger Award' from Kelly over at Kellansapansa thanks Kelly! Wow this blogging thing is getting serious now!!

The challenge, a tough one at that, to list 7 INTERESTING things about moi. Definition of 'interesting' - 'to excite the attention of'!! Righto then, here I go at giving this list my best!

1. As a Year 12 Media Studies student (in 1989) I interviewed Bert Newton over the telephone for an assignment on the history of radio. Recorded onto a cassette tape! Do you remember those?? Don't own a cassette player these days, so can't replay the interview!

2. My teeth required orthodontic treatment for 6 years! I loved the bus trip into Collins Street and lunch with my Mum following the appointment. I can still remember the agony of having my braces tighten. The end result after all the pain, pretty good looking teeth!

3. I was a flower girl in a family friends wedding when I was close to 5 years old.

4. My parents always took the family on a driving holiday during the May school holidays. Back in my day, the school year was divided into 3 terms. My parents loved driving 3 kids around country Victoria and New South Wales in the Autumn...??

5. 'Aussie Farmers Direct' deliver milk, bread, cheese, fruit and veg to our front door a number of times a week. So glad the milkman is back!!

FYI "AUSSIE FARMERS DIRECT IS A FREE HOME DELIVERY SERVICE PROVIDING 100% AUSTRALIAN MADE AND OWNED FRESH PRODUCTS"

6. I've been working part time in retail for 4 years, administration role. It's been a great outlet for me while my boys were of pre school age, but now they are both at school the focus is moving onto ME!

7. I learnt French at school for years and would not be able to speak a sentence if my life depended on it! Sad :(

My job is done! I shall now pass the 'Beautiful Blogger Award' to these 2 very INTERESTING bloggers.

Sarah Elizabeth at Sarah Elizabth
Victoria at 13mimosa

Have fun and I look forward to reading your lists :)

tagged! 25 random things about me!

2010-01-31T14:47:00.007+11:00

I've been tagged!

Tagged by Kelly over at Kellyansapansa to share '25 random things about me!'

Here I go!

1. I am left handed.
2. My Mum was born in Egypt, my Dad Australia.
3. My sister is 2 years younger than me, my brother 5 years younger, that makes me the eldest!
4. I passed my driver’s licence test on my second attempt. I can’t even remember how I managed to fail the first time but I did!
5. I unfortunately can’t swim, something I’m not proud of but I have never been able to get it!
6. I knew my Great Grandmother.
7. My mail is delivered to a post office box.
8. I own lots and lots of cookbooks, yes I’m addicted!
9. I have a subscription to the great food mag “SFI, Super Food Ideas”, yes I like to cook and need inspiration to satisfy the family.
10. I love spending time in the garden but lately have been neglecting it a little, it sure is time to get out there again!
11. I worked for the largest oil company in the world for 11 years.
12. I love eating out at a ‘nice’ restaurant.
13. I’ve always wanted to study Journalism, and now I am! I love news and newspapers.
14. I recently started writing for a monthly community newspaper and love it!
15. My goal is to get paid to work from home, writing.
16. I am fairly terrible at all things mathematical.
17. I’ve got my eye on a new camera, a digital SLR, the Canon EOS, saving my dollars for this one at the moment.
18. I drive a 4WD.
19. Family and friends are very important to me. I love the opportunity to spend time with both.
20. At the moment I’m reading Mia Freedmans’s ‘Mama Mia’
21. I got an iPhone in December and love it! I text and email a lot!
22. I take multivitamins and see a Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner for all my ‘alternative’ therapy needs.
23. I’m a fan of ‘My Friend the Chocolate Cake’, I hear you asking who are they? They are a brilliant musical group based in Melbourne. Their music has an emphasis on piano and violin. Their acoustic style quite unique.
24. My dear friend Emma over at ‘Starting in Sweden’ introduced me to ‘Loobylu’ and the amazing world that is ‘blogging’, thanks Emma!
25. I created ‘life and the memoirs’ in October 2009, it took me until the 13th of December 2009 to ‘go live’ with my first post!

26. I had to add a number 26! My ‘baby’ starts school tomorrow, oh my :)

I'd like to tag the following bloggers to come up with a '25 random things about me!' list. I can guarantee it's not as scary as it might first seem :)

Engracia at "Lynwood Musings"
Thea at "My Year of Giving"
Amanda at "Homely One"

Hope you have fun compiling your list!

working towards a deadline

2010-01-28T12:15:00.006+11:00

I'm totally focused today on completing my stories for a community newspaper I've recently started writing for, my deadline tomorrow!

I'm relishing in the opportunity. Invaluable practical experience as I undertake completing a second degree, Bachelor of Communication (Journalism). This time around I'm studying from the comfort of home with the many distractions of my young family. I completed my first degree almost 20 years ago, the internet did not exist! I did not have a computer. I hand wrote all my essays. I can hardly remember the days before access to the internet, google, office and home computers. And now blogging! How times have changed.

I'll be back once I've hit the 'sent' button! That might be tomorrow.

living australian 2010

2010-01-26T10:29:00.010+11:00

I recently became aware of AussieVault by the Australia Day Council of New South Wales.

The Australia Day Council of New South Wales is giving all Australians an opportunity to take part in new and exciting year long campaigns, a social history hub for all things Australian.

'AussieVault' is a chance to be part of history, an opportunity to share your thoughts on our nation's journey through various creative and meaningful campaigns.

'AussieVault' recently ran an online photographic campaign 'Living Australian 2010'. 1111 photographs were submitted across four categories, 'my heroes', 'my landscape', 'my life' and 'my sports'. To view these impressive images depicting 'Living Australian' click here.

Although the competition is closed, you can still participate in the 'Living Australian' campaign and share how you are' Living Australian'.

The winner 'Leap of Faith' by Kerryn Leworthy shown in this post.

Kerryn's photo for me, recalls my many happy memories as a child playing in the backyard under the garden hose and sprinkler with my siblings. Long before the days of 3A water restrictions.

Kerryn explains "This photo was taken in our backyard in November 2009. Due to high level water restrictions here in Queensland my five year old son had never played with a garden hose. We took advantage of relaxed water restrictions on this sweltering day and let the kids loose with the hose for fifteen minutes of fun. This image of my son Connor leaping into the blue plastic paddling pool toward his siblings conjures up many memories of the hours I spent with my sisters under the hose and sprinkler as children. To think of my own children never experiencing such pure, simple fun is unthinkable!"

The 1111 images picture the true Aussie spirit and way of life, enjoy! Happy Australia Day!

kindred spirits

2010-01-25T22:31:00.011+11:00

Since starting this blog in December I have 'meet' many kindred spirits. Kindred spirit, "someone who feels and thinks the way you do".

I am connecting with people all over Australia, in fact the world. What an amazing opportunity and experience presented to me. I find it ever so interesting, and enjoy reading the posts of blogs I have chosen to 'follow'. Catching up on the latest blog posts is fast becoming both an essential and regular part of my day. I look forward to reading the latest posts and anticipate what the 'blogger' will have chosen to write about today.

Blogging is opening up the world around me. It's inspiring to share information and experiences, the good and the bad. Blogs I follow are written by women, women who in general possess and nurture a love of writing, reading, crafting, sewing, photography, cooking, gardening, family, a love of life. Women desire conversation and support, blogging provides this. The encouragement to post comes from knowing 'someone' will read my words, they may relate, they may connect, they may find it interesting, they may leave a comment.

For me blogging provides a space to reflect, to write, to connect, to learn, to be inspired and motivated to achieve my goals. In a sense it provides a journey of self discovery, incredible support from 'kindred spirits' and a great knowledge, awareness and appreciation of the world in which we interface.

Thank you 'kindred spirits' and new 'blogging friends' for sharing and being part of this journey with me.

What inspired you to create your blog and what is your inspiration to continue?

happy mail exchange

2010-01-25T16:48:00.002+11:00

Recently I found fat mum slim the great blog written by Chantelle. Today Chantelle had an idea, to organise a Happy Mail Exchange.

Happy Mail Exchange is going to be an exchanging of goodies in the mail. If you like getting mail, and sending lovely things, this is for you. You'll be given a random person to send some goodies off to, in return you'll get some goodies from a random person.

If you'd like to play along go to fat mum slim for further details and to sign up. You can live anywhere in the world to join in. Great idea! Should be lots of fun too!

this week's charity

2010-01-25T16:19:00.005+11:00

Last week I introduced you to My Year of Giving the brilliant idea of Thea Smith, to donate $5 each week to a different charity.

This week's charity is Angel Flight. Living in Melbourne I had not heard of Angel Flight, a charity that co-ordinates non-emergency flights to help country people trying to deal with bad health, poor finances and daunting distance. All flights are free and may involve patients travelling to medical facilities anywhere in Australia.

I'm finding My Year of Giving is a great way to start my week. Knowing that in some small way I have helped make a difference to someone in need is very satisfying.

a day out

2010-01-22T15:44:00.005+11:00

School holidays almost over, where did the last 6 weeks go? We made the most of our Friday by visiting the Collingwood Children's Farm in Abbotsford. What a great day! Walking around, feeding and patting the animals followed by a lovely lunch at The Farm Cafe.

I highly recommend those in Melbourne take a visit. It's hard to believe you are only 5km from the centre of Melbourne. It's a magnificent not-for-profit community resource.

australia day

2010-01-21T15:43:00.004+11:00

How do you plan to celebrate Australia Day next Tuesday? Do you follow an annual tradition amongst the company of family and friends? Do you see our Australia Day Public Holiday as a bonus of a long weekend in January, an opportunity to get out of town for a couple of days? Will you participate in the Australia Day People's March, will you watch the Australia Day Fireworks display or will you attend one of the other officially organised Australia Day events?

How will spend your Australia Day this year?

music to my ears

2010-01-20T11:17:00.005+11:00

This morning while checking out Engracia's blog Lynwood Musings I was introduced to the ever talented brother-sister duo Angus and Julia Stone. My immediate reaction upon hearing their acoustic tones, "where have I been!" How is it that I had never heard their music previously!!

The dynamic duo hail from Sydney's Northern Beaches. Angus and Julia released their debut album A Book Like This in September 2007. Their music is acoustic, folk, alternative, music to my ears. Have a listen here.

I'm now a fan and can't wait for their new album Down The Way to be released in March. I'll be updating my iPod today!

I'm interested, am I the only one who hadn't heard the music of Angus and Julia Stone before??

'stumped'

2010-01-19T14:12:00.006+11:00

I've planned to stay in this afternoon, to cook dinner and something sweet. The boys continue to complete the 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle 'Stumped'. The illustration of Australian Artist Max Mannix.

Max is a self taught Artist, who left his home in a small country town at the age of 16 and went on to spend 20 years in the Australian outback working in mustering camps, shearing sheds, droving and fencing.

His vivid paintings depict life in the Australian outback, as he experienced first hand. Max "knows" every character he paints, he is totally inspired by his experiences and years in the Australian outback. Every painting has a story.

His paintings have a unique personality. What a wonderful illustration for the boys to be 'working' with. The colour and detail are so real, so unique, so Australian.

my year of giving

2010-01-18T12:13:00.003+11:00

I have mentioned previously I am a novice blogger. Literally spending hours of late checking out blogs. I guess you could say I am slightly addicted to blogging at the moment. While clicking away, reading with interest many blogs I stumbled across My Year of Giving the brilliant and totally inspiring idea of Thea Smith.

Earlier this month while watching the Today show and a segment on Jane McGrath Day at the cricket Thea had an absolutely brilliant idea! Her idea, to donate $5 every week to a different charity for this entire year. What an awesome idea!

You know when things happen and you just feel it was meant to be, I feel this way about how I just happened to find Thea and her brilliant idea. It was meant to be. I immediately joined Thea in her pledge to donate $5 every week to a different charity. I love the idea. We live a fortunate life, it feels good to support those less fortunate, those needing some support. What is $5 a week? To me $5 a week is one less coffee I indulge in during my week, plus some small change.

Three weeks into January and Thea and instigated donations to the McGrath Foundation, St Vincent de Paul (supporting Cate Bolt and her family) and today the Australian Red Cross (supporting the Haiti Earthquake Appeal).

$5 a week isn't much, it is however better than nothing, every single dollar counts. Each Monday Thea announces her charity for the week on the blog My Year of Giving she has created to track this totally inspiring idea.

Does anyone feel inclined to join us? Collectively we can make a difference.

Well done Thea!

nuturing friendship

2010-01-15T11:25:00.006+11:00

During the week a girlfriend of many years and I arranged to catch up for dinner and a chat. Women seem to do this more than men. Women generally like to talk, about whatever is on their mind at the time. We couldn't recall the last time we'd caught up like this, although we had spoken regularly over the phone. We hadn't seen each other since at least mid October, so long ago now it seems. Having known each other for more than 20 years we are able to connect easily, regardless of time. Time doesn't alter the quality or nature of our friendship. How often are you able to catch up with special friends?

We live our lives, knowing the other is only a phone call away, when the other needs to vent or simply someone to share 'news' of the day with. Having such a fine friend is very special and something to treasure, never to be taken for granted.

We enjoyed a delicious meal at Santorini in Glenferrie Road Hawthorn. Our waiter Julian, a visitor from France, here in Melbourne for a short time, spending time to improve his English. A Frenchman in a Greek restaurant, now that's something I hadn't experienced before. A a true Frenchman, oh so charming and handsome, with such a delightful accent.

a lovely letter

2010-01-14T13:01:00.004+11:00

In only 17 days our 'baby' shall be starting school. He'll be leaving my side to spend the most part of his day without me. He will be joining his big brother so the transition for him hopefully will be a comfortable one. It is the start of a new phase in our lives, one I wished at times couldn't come soon enough but now I'm not so sure. The pre school years are over for us. How did we get to this point in what seems less than the actual 5 years? I remember vividly a mid wife walking us to our room from the birthing suite, he was simply so beautiful and still is.

Today he received a letter from his Prep teacher, how nice. Reminding him he will soon be starting school. Mrs A wrote she is looking forward to seeing him again and hearing the stories of how he spent his holidays. There will be a tub in the classroom with his name on it and a hook to hang up his school bag.

Life for us will 'change' on Monday the 1st of February 2010, too precious are the days and weeks ahead.

here comes the rain

2010-01-12T16:21:00.004+11:00

With rain and cooler days ahead I decided to bake this afternoon, my Best Ever Banana Bread. The fruit bowl was looking very limp after the heat, this is a great way to use up those ripe and browning bananas. This would have to be one of my easiest recipes, I guarantee all will enjoy!

Ingredients
2 ripe bananas
2 tablespoons golden syrup
3/4 cup sugar
1 egg
1 cup self raising flour
pinch of salt

Method
Heat oven to 180 C.
Grease and line the base of a loaf pan.

In a medium bowl, mash bananas then add golden syrup. Add sugar and stir in. Add egg, sifted flour and salt and lightly mix until well combined.
Pour into loaf pan and for 30 minutes or until a skewer is inserted into the middle and comes out clean.

Allow to cool in tin for 10 minutes, then turn onto wire rack to cool.
Enjoy it warm straight from the oven or lightly grill and enjoy with butter melting on top.

Tip: It's a great one for the school lunch box!
You can make variations to this by throwing in a handful of chopped dates just before pouring into tin to bake or you can add choc chips to make a choc banana bread.

Delicious!

hot and bothered

2010-01-11T16:04:00.004+11:00

Approaching 4pm in Melbourne, the temperature has reached the forecasted 43 degrees! Going outside is like walking into a hot house, stiffling, every breath you take is a hot one. It doesn't feel 'natural' to be so hot. The air con is on, after awhile it seems ineffective, that's until we step outside and quickly realise it is actually cooler inside.

Our dear old border collie who lives outside, never venturing indoors, needed to escape the heat, she found the perfect spot to rest, the cool kitchen floor. She's even managed to nod off occasionally, I wish I could.

We haven't done much with our day, other than eat, drink and relax - what else can one do on a day like today? Relief in the form of a cool change isn't expected immediately, we'll keep on doing as we are until then.

totally inspired

2010-01-10T21:55:00.005+11:00

I finally resisted the temptation to purchase Stephanie Alexander's Kitchen Garden Companion. I've had my eye on this book with its cloth cover since it hit stores towards the end of last year. A book sale justified to myself the time was right for me to purchase the book I had spent months drooling over. I'm enjoying flicking the pages, making a note of recipes I'd like to try. They all look so good!

This beautiful book provides loads of information on how to plant, grow and harvest 70 plus vegetables, fruits and herbs. The pages transform fresh produce into appetising meals, over 250 recipes to admire and motivate.

I'm feeling totally inspired to get out into the garden to start planting our own harvest. This will have to wait for a cool change to reach us. Tomorrow our city is expecting a very hot, hot 43 degrees!! I'm looking forward to an anticipated cool change, expected to reach us by the middle of the week. Tomorrow we'll be taking it easy, indoors.

HatchMatchDispatch

2010-01-09T22:22:00.004+11:00

I remember vaguely when 'we' became aware of Facebook (I think it was around the start of 2007). Facebook has become the phenomenal social networking utility allowing 'us' to connect and share with people in our lives. Millions of people all over the world are using Facebook daily to keep in touch. I'm not a user but it seems 'everyone' else around me is. It's how 'they' communicate.

I was interested to read today that on Monday a new social networking website will be launched. HatchMatchDispatch shall allow the posting of birth, engagement, marriage, death and funeral notices. Users will be able to send their congratulations or condolences and at the same time purchase and send flowers or a gift. Traditionally a print classified ad has been placed in the daily newspaper for notices of this kind. We placed a classified when our children were born. I remember is was relatively expensive for the few lines - $100 plus I recall.

Would you use this free site to post your 'notice' or would you stick with placing the traditional print classified? Do you think HatchMatchDispatch will take off like Facebook? I'm not sure, but I know I didn't see the phenomenal Facebook would become.

in the trees

2010-01-07T21:55:00.005+11:00

Hanging clothes on the line this morning, enjoying a beautiful sunny morning, listening to the delightful chatter of birds, I looked up into the trees to find a striking lorikeet. The exact subspecies of lorikeet I'm not sure, he was so colourful, maybe he was a rainbow lorikeet? His sound was charming, his feather colours so impressive.

early days

2010-01-06T20:57:00.005+11:00

I haven't long been blogging, less than a month in fact with this post only being my 9th! I'm not crafty like my mother so I won't be able to share with you my sewing and hand made delights. I've spent literally hours jumping from blog to blog reading and viewing the most amazing things many of you are spending your days making. I love your work and only wish I was so inclined to join you. From hand made toys to quilts, it is all so beautiful.

'Life and the memoirs' is place for me to write and reflect on life. I'm one of those people who finds it difficult to relax (probably not a good thing but a fact). I'm a thinker, a reflector, a reader and in some capacity an evolving writer. If you stop by please let me know you did, I'd love to know you visited.

In time I plan to post more photos. Whilst at school, just on 20 years ago, I studied Media Studies as part of my VCE. I loved photography then. I have continued over the years to enjoy photography both as an amateur photographer and as an art form. I'm hoping it won't be too long before I'm in a position to upgrade my camera to a Canon EOS, it's a Digital SLR. I think the Canon EOS will be my SLR camera of choice. I can't wait! For now I'm using a Canon PowerShot A85, it's a fab little camera which has captured some great shots and memories over the years for me.

recycling

2010-01-05T19:41:00.004+11:00

We've spent much of the past 2 days cleaning bedrooms. What a task this has been, one I'm glad to see the end of. On the surface I was aware this was a job needing to be done but once we started chipping away it became quite a project. Literally hours of sorting and more sorting. We've filled many a bag to be donated and collected by Diabetes Australia later this week. Diabetes Australia collects the goods which shall later be sold at a Savers Store. Savers - The Recycle Superstore, there are 6 stores in Melbourne.

All that we have donated is still in very good condition and I'm sure will be enjoyed by its new owner. I like the idea of recycling, it makes sense that someone else use what is still in near perfect condition only outgrown by its current owner. We can now find things with ease and enjoy using what we have.

the joy of being home

2010-01-03T22:42:00.005+11:00

I'm feeling very relieved knowing my work roster has finally reverted to my usual hours following the lead up to Christmas and aftermath of the Boxing Day and Stock Take Sales. There is nothing like working in retail at Christmas time. With a huge sigh of exhaustion I'm looking forward to 3 days off! That's 3 days off in a row!! It must be over a month since I have enjoyed such a luxury. What will I do? Simple. Enjoy being at home with the family. Get the house in order. Cook. Maybe I'll even be inclined to pull out some study or work on my next story for the newspaper. Won't matter what I actually do, I'll be very content to be home!

a new cookbook

2010-01-02T11:11:00.007+11:00

I have a great love for cookbooks. I find it very difficult to resist the temptation of purchasing a book which catches my eye in the bookstore. After reading an editorial about Monica Trapaga (television personality for over 20 years, you may remember her from ABC TV's Playschool or Channel 7's Better Homes and Gardens) recently published She's Leaving Home, I was on the hunt to find this book.

Yesterday I found it! This is no ordinary cookbook. Monica began this book 2 years ago when her 21 year old daughter Lil decided to leave home. It is beautifully illustrated with drawings from artist Meredith Gaston. The presentation is divine. Monica shares her love of food and many treasured family recipes and stories. I can't wait to start cooking from this beautiful book.

2010 around the corner

2009-12-30T22:18:00.005+11:00

Despite the heat tonight (Melbourne reached at least 36 today), I packed away the Christmas tree and decorations. Christmas is over for another year. Our lounge room was looking tired and in need of a tidy up.

I've made a start on my rather long to do list! It's going to take time to work through but it feels good to have started. In my mind our busy life requires me to be well organised. When well organised life seems so much simpler and calmer for us all.

Tomorrow is the 31st of December 2009, New Year's Eve. Doesn't seem like 12 months ago we welcomed in 2009. I remember vividly the NYE of 1999 and the beginning of 2000. 10 years ago tomorrow - we've experienced alot during the past 10 years.

I say we'll be tucked up in bed before the clock strikes midnight tomorrow night. One of my favourite places and ways to welcome in a NY.

Best wishes for a very happy and healthy new year, may 2010 be a great year.

Another year almost over, planning for a new one...

2009-12-28T22:48:00.007+11:00

The boys just before leaving a snack and drink out for Santa and his reindeers. Oh, the excitement in the house on Christmas Eve was full of anticipation. It was bliss, the making of childhood memories.

It's been almost a week since my last post. What a week we have enjoyed with the celebrating of Christmas Day and for me lots of hours of additional work in retail in the lead up to Christmas, followed by the Boxing Day sales followed by a very well known Stock Take Sale. I'm now feeling very tired, physically exhausted. The last couple of weeks have been BIG! It won't be long before life settles back to some form of normality for us. I'll be able to catch up on some sleep and focus on giving our home a much needed 'spring clean'. Things have been a little neglected lately. There are clothes and toys to be sorted, what we have out grown we'll pass on for someone else to enjoy.

I'm already thinking about my to do list for 2010! Have you started planning for the New Year? What do you want to achieve? For me I want to keep it simple, not overly complicated. I'm hoping 2010 will be the year I find time for 'me', doing the things I enjoy for 'myself'. In this house it seems 'Mum' always comes 'second' to everyone else. I literally want to take a walk more frequently (a couple of times a week would be nice) allowing myself to smell the fresh air and enjoy the stroll. I want to cook more, allowing my family to continue to develop their love of good, simple and healthy food. Nothing brings me more pleasure than preparing a meal the family enjoys. I want to read more. I want to pace my study work load so my assessments aren't all left until the last the minute! I want the articles I write for a community newspaper to embrace the readers and the community. 2010 will be the year I develop my writing skills.

For now I'll leave the list at this, a list I can come back to.

Time to enjoy the holidays

2009-12-22T19:24:00.004+11:00

The school and kinder year have come to an end. All so quickly. Where did 2009 go? Master J had a great year in grade 1 and Master L lots of fun in 4 year old kinder. I reflect on the last 12 months in amazement at the year that we have lived.

Why does it seem that as we get 'older' time seems to pass faster than ever? Life for our family is busy. What makes our days so 'busy'? I work, I study, I volunteer at school and kinder, I'm a Mum and try to keep a 'tidy' home with good food to enjoy each day. These are all things I enjoy for lots of reasons. Seeing my children harvest the rewards of me being involved, eating well is very important to me and along the way I'm forming new friendships with other parents in our community. I thrive on being part of a community. A big part of me needs to be kept 'busy' but I do realise the importance of a balanced lifestyle. I am 'goer', switching off in front of the TV is something I rarely do. There is so much to enjoy and learn in this life.

Today we enjoyed a simple day at home. The boys played for hours with some wooden train tracks, portable trains, buildings and emergency vehicles. The joy of hearing them enjoy each others company was a delight. There was the occasional conflict and disagreement in their role play, but all in all they enjoyed the simple pleasure of playing with each other. I'm looking forward to more days like today during the next 6 weeks.

5 More Sleeps

2009-12-20T21:58:00.005+11:00

I've been working some seriously long and crazy hours in retail this week. It seems 'everyone' has now realised Christmas Day is only 5 sleeps away! While the shopping centre has become a congested space, I ponder what Christmas really means. For me Christmas is about spending time with family, the extended family and eating! The tradition of having lunch together continues (we sit down to lunch at about 2pm). We usually don't start on the sweet things until early evening.

My boys now 7 and 5 are right into the swing of enjoying the lead up to Christmas. The anticipation of what Santa will bring. The joy of having a decorated Christmas tree with lights standing in the corner of the lounge room.

It's a very special time of year for those fortunate enough to share with family and friends.

Welcome!

2009-12-13T21:14:00.001+11:00

Today I post my first blog! I've thought about doing this for awhile. Today is the day. Stop by and say hi! I'm looking forward to sharing experiences and opinions along the way.

Life at the moment is hectic but the most joyous time of year. Nothing beats the anticipation of Christmas Day. There is still shopping to be done and many a gift to be wrapped, doesn't matter though because all will be ready by Christmas Eve. Only 12 days to go!