Merry Xmas

As you can see, my children don't do Santa photos. This is Abi's 3rd consecutive year of crying while having her photo with Santa. And I love it. It's hilarious isn't it. The things we do for... tradition? Why do we do this? To show our kids all the weird things we used to make them do? Either way, it's a quick way to blow $50... on Santa photos at my local shopping mall.


The big day is almost upon us. I wish you all a very Merry Xmas and safe holiday season. If you are driving anywhere, please drive safely. And slowly.


I hope you spend this festive holiday with your loved ones, as I will be.


Tomorrow is Christmas Eve, my favourite day of the festive holiday. The 25th December is just so manic and crazy, that I like the quietness that Christmas Eve holds. We watch National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation and sit around the tree and reflect on the year and all our blessings. I am heading to Woolworths at 7AM tomorrow morning to buy food and champagne, wish me luck.


I am hosting a Christmas breakfast and having my in-laws over for croissants, fruit, champagne and gifts.


Then we are heading to my Mum's house up the road for our traditional lunch with family. Mum is planning something special this year and has kept a tight lip about it. I'm sure it will be spectacular as always. My brother is up from Canberra and I look forward to spending quality time with him.


THEN, we are heading to my in-laws house house for a hot dinner, long conversations, playing with puppies and laughter.


Boxing Day, we are doing it all over again. My aunty and uncle are coming to my Mum's place for more festivities. And my inlaws host an annual Boxing Day BBQ too so we will stop in there for more holiday goodness.


I would like to thank every person who read this little blog, left a comment or sent an email/tweet. I promise to be back, bigger and bolder than ever in 2012.


xx Sam xx

Puppy Love

Meet Ziggy, the latest member of my in-laws family. My inlaws have 3 gorgeous daschunds.

Oscar who is the old man on campus at age 16. Ruby is 1 years old and she is crazy & hyper. She doesn't like anyone really, which is pretty typical of daschunds.  Then here is Ziggy, who is 8 weeks old. His coat is so soft, he whimpers like a baby and he fits in the palm of your hand.

James and I discussed getting a dog this year, but felt that a new baby was enough for 2011. Maybe next year, when we can commit the time to train and nurture a new pet like we want to. And we need to agree on which kind of breed to get. James wants a German Shepherd. I want a Labrador or Beagle.

So until then, I get to indulge all my puppy wishes onto Ziggy.

Shake It Out

Last week, I jumped onto ticketmaster as soon as the ticket presale started and it paid off, because I have front row seats to see Florence and the Machine in May 2012. I cannot wait. If you listen to one song this week, make sure it's this one.


It's always darkest before the dawn. So true Flo, so true.

Carol Time

I love me a good carol. A good Christmas album. These are the current favourite Christmas CD's on repeat in our festival house at the moment.

She & Him - A Very She & Him Christmas

I love Zooey Deschanel. A have a girl crush, you can read about it here. This Christmas album is gorgeous. Zooey's voice is hypnotic. Sip a few eggnogs, and enjoy some classic favourites with a modern spin. I highly recommend this.

Christmas with the Chipmunks

My husband used to LOVE the chipmunks when he was a small. Now Abi loves the latest mod chipmunks too, so the chipmunks live on in our house! I put this on for James yesterday and he was thrilled. Me on the other hand, I need to skull a few glasses of Christmas sherry before I can handle this album. The things you do for love. Listening to Chipmunks singing Silver Bells. The kids will love it though.

Mariah Carey - Merry Christmas

A classic album. This is always on high rotation at my house, my Mum's, my in-law's place. Yes, Mariah Carey is annoying. But damn, she can really belt out a Christmas tune.

Glee The Music - The Christmas Album Volumes 1 & 2

I like Glee. I'm not a total Gleek, but I do enjoy some of the songs they cover. Both Christmas CD's are fun and easy to listen to. I find some festive albums get a little holier than thou and become overkill. These CD's are great background music for the lead up to Christmas.

Sweet Sacks

I just purchased these for the kids. I can't wait to fill them on Christmas Eve with lots of cute little treats. You can purchase them from Cocoon Couture.

Turning Page

This song is stunning. Yesterday while driving around, doing the Christmas shopping, I found myself crying my heart out when this came on my ipod.


It features on The Twilight Saga - Breaking Dawn Part 1 soundtrack which is where I discovered this gem of a tune.


Happy listening, or sad in my case.


xx

Marcel The Shell

If you only watch one youtube vid this week, make sure it's this one.

Totally cute and adorable and sweet and quirky and brilliant. Naomi at Rockstar Diaries is a fan too.

Endless Summer

Finally the warm weather is here. A welcome change, from that "in between" spring weather when you still need a jacket and jeans.


After reading some summery posts by Corinne from The Daze of my Life, Kristi from Giggles Down Under and Emily from The Beetle Shack, I've been inspired to post about the upcoming summer season.


I love summer...

Late night dips in the pool, the first ocean swim, bbqs with family and friends, fish and chips, sunsets, drinking a really cold beer, the smell of fresh cut grass, sunscreen, beach hair, wearing thongs or even better, barefoot, maxi dresses, watching the cricket over the xmas break, wrapping xmas presents, big storms, starting a new year with a fresh perspective and hope.


And I've found my theme song for the summer, check it out below.

Currently - The October '11 Edition

Current Book
Various cookbooks from Donna Hay and Bill Granger. I am looking forward to buying some ebooks for the kindle to read over the summer break.


Current Playlist

Florence and the Machine - Ceremonials. Holy Moly, this album is brilliant. I highly recommend it. I cried listening to a few tracks, I really connected with so many lyrics penned on this album.

M83 - Hurry Up, We're Dreaming. I have been waiting patiently for this album and finally it is here! This is great music to drive to, clean the house to, just general awesomeness.

Beyonce - 4. You've got to hand it to this girl, she can sing. And dance. And her catchy songs get in your head. Abi and I put this on in the car and turn it UP! Stand out tracks are 'Countdown' and 'Run The World'.

The Weeknd - Thursday. This music isn't for everyone, but I love every single track from this album. The language and lyrics are a little controversial so this is 'Adults Only' and not car friendly at all. Let's just say, I feel a little bit cooler for having this on my ipod.


Current Colour
Green for avocados. Pink for watermelon. White for lightning. Yellow for sunshine.


Current Drink
Water. Coke Zero.


Current Food
Fresh fruit. Gelato. Salad. BBQs. Ice-blocks.


Current New Favourite Show
An Idiot Abroad. Do yourself a favour, watch a clip here. Thank me later. This show is hilarious. And annoying. And brilliant. I am biased though, being a huge Ricky Gervais fan.

Current Wish List
A magic elf to appear and do all my Christmas shopping for me. And wrap and write on cards too.


Current Triumphs
Not many triumphant moments for me in October. I have lost my willpower to ban sugar and have been drinking coffee like a mad woman too.


Current Abigail
Still loving her swimming lessons. We went to the family beach house on the weekend and she went straight into the pool, no worries. She swam and ran and dived and jumped. James and I were stoked. She also loves to help with housework by folding laundry, putting things in the sink/dishwasher and I even caught her CLEANING HER TOILET last week with a toilet brush. She loves to sing Katy Perry and the Tangled soundtrack which she quotes daily. She is very excited about all the Christmas movies coming to the cinemas including Happy Feet 2, Winnie the Pooh and Alvin and Chipmunks, 'Chipwrecked'.

Current Edward
This boy can EAT! Which is a lovely change from the struggle I had with Abi as a baby. Ted eats an avocado every day, plus weetbix, fruit, cruskits, pasta, meat, anything we feed him. He hasn't turned down a meal yet! We are still breastfeeding, 8 months on. I'm so proud and humbled by the experience. He is saying Dada, Mama, Nanna, Bubba, and makes animal noises too. And today, he mastered clapping!

Current Celeb Crush
Kirsten Dunst. I've always loved her work in film. She steers clear from the spotlight of Hollywood and I love that about her. Her latest movie, Melancholia, is receiving amazing reviews. I hope to drag James to the movies to see it.

Current #1 Blessing
My husband has been been a real tower to lean on lately. I've had some rough days these past few weeks and he has offered a shoulder to cry on and an open heart to listen. 2011 has been a truly testing year for us both. I can honestly say I am very much looking forward to 2012 rolling in.


Current Excitement
Abi got accepted into a fantastic new Kindy for next year. She has never been to preschool, daycare or kindy. So this is a HUGE change for her, and me. I am excited for her to make new friends. And for Ted and me to have some 1-on-1 time together for 2 days every week.


Current App
Speaking of lovely husbands, James bought me the new iPhone 4S. And it's a fantastic little gadget. I have been playing an annoying little game called "Early Bird" which I had to play every day until I finished every level. Cut The Rope, Instagram, Shazam, Pkt Weather and Twitter have also been on open on my phone all month.

7 Billion Inhabitants

The world's population is expected to hit seven billion in the next few weeks.


After growing very slowly for most of human history, the number of people on Earth has more than doubled in the last 50 years.


And me? I am 4,544,406,922nd person alive on planet earth. Pretty impressive isn't it. To find out your special number, click here.

Thursday

6:30am
Woken up with James sitting on my feet as he sits on the end of the bed and ties his trainers and leaves for the gym. Roll over and snooze.


7:30am
Wake up to hear Teddy talking through the monitor. Bring him into my bed and we cuddle then Abi comes in, crying, asking for me to put on Disney Junior so she can watch her 'shows'.


8:30am
Repair guy from Fisher and Paykel arrives to fix the double dish drawer. He takes 45 minutes to replace a part while I feed Ted and Abi breakfast.

8:35am
Slice finger open with knife trying to remove stupid child proof cap on baby food. Major ouch.

9:30am
Put Ted down for his morning nap. Abi watches ABC2 while I clean and do washing.


9:40am
Make coffee and consume quickly.


11:45am
Ted wakes from nap and we play and cuddle and laugh.


12:30pm
Unload stuff from my car and bring inside. Boxes, clothes for Ted, etc. I come back to find Ted here, not under his climbing frame but on the floor with his feet under the sofa. EEK! He moves! He crawled, did I miss it? Or he rolled over many times in a row and I missed that too? Damn it.

12:45pm
Feed Ted and Abi lunch. Abi enjoys cruskits with Nutella, Ted has banana porridge and then yoghurt.


2pm
Put Ted down for his afternoon nap. Abi and I play all afternoon, doing puzzles, building cities out of blocks, just enjoying each other's company.


4pm
I give in and let Abi play Mario on the Wii. She can't really play so I end up helping her. Then I end up hijacking the whole thing and playing for another hour! I'm a HUGE Mario Brothers fan from way back. Picture me, getting upset as I lost to Bowser many times. Then I realise the time and turn it off.


5pm
Ted wakes, after a HUGE nap. We play and cuddle and watch Abi dance around to music with her wand, casting spells on us.


6pm
I make Abi's dinner and feed Ted. He has pumpkin with cous cous, avocado and chocolate custard which he doesn't finish but Abi polishes off.


6:45pm
Bathe and dress Ted for bed.


7:15pm
James walks in the door from work. Ted is enjoying his last feed for the day. Abi is asking to play her itouch.


7:30pm
Abi is on the sofa playing Angry Birds. James and I both have a Lean Cuisine for dinner. It's mildly depressing but healthy.


8:30pm
I head to Woolies to buy some essentials. Tomorrow night we are heading to my Mum's for dinner and I am making Lasagne and Rice Pudding for dessert.


9:30pm
Driving home, pull onto my street and a teenager up the road is having a HUGE party. An 18th Birthday perhaps, or an End of Yr 12 party? Either way, it looks pretty fun. Maybe 75 cars I passed, all parked down my road. I drive past slowly and see teenagers making out, getting drunk, dancing in the rain, music pumping, strobe light flashing. I seriously wanted to pull over and go inside and see what a young party looks like again. But remind myself that;
A) I'm a 30 yr old Mum, who would appear ancient to these young kids.
B) I'm wearing leggings, nike trainers, an oversized red flannel shirt that Abi calls the "Jessie Cowgirl" shirt, hair in messy bun, looking a wreck.


10pm
Watch videos and read tributes for Steve Jobs, who passed away today. A true genius, a real inventor, a man who changed the world. Sure, he wasn't perfect, but no-one is.


10:52pm
Hit 'publish' on this post, then head to bed with a bowl of yoghurt and 2 new magazines.


That was my Thursday.

Currently - The September '11 Edition

Current Book
Again, nothing at the moment. But I just bought my husband an Amazon Kindle for Father's Day so I fully intend to borrow it often.


Current Playlist

• Bon Iver - Perth
• Jonsi - Go Do
• Friendly Fires - Hurting
• Nero - Promises
• Bon Iver - I Can't Make You Love Me
• The Jezabels - Endless Summer
• The Jezabels - Mace Spray

Current Colour

Grey for rainy days. Red for the new gym. White for clean sheets on the bed.

Current Drink

Water. Coffee. Milk. Coke Zero. This category will be boring until I finish breastfeeding!!


Current Food
Yoghurt. Museli. Dried fruit and nut mix. Cheese.


Current Favourite Show
The new season of Glee has begun and already drama has erupted. I love Dianna Agron's new haircut.

Curb Your Enthusiasm has finished for another season and it was absolutely brilliant. I actually cried in most of the episodes, they were so funny. The Office has just started again, the new season without Steve Carell. It will be interesting to see if the show tanks without him as the star.


Current Wish List
More motivation to head to the gym every day. Good fortune. Personal training with Michelle Bridges.


Current Triumphs
I joined a gym, haven't stepped foot in a gym since 2007 so it's a pretty big deal for me. And I've lost 2kgs since. Again, not alot, but I'm taking baby steps to be more healthy.


Current Abigail
Abi is now swimming most lessons without ANY floaties at all. She loves to swim but hates her goggles. She loves to dive and jump and chat in the pool with her teacher. Abi is Edward's favourite person and she is a very good little helper with him. Almost every day, she asks to watch the movie 'Tangled'. And her doll of the moment is 'Hazel', a baby Cabbage Patch doll which she pretends to breastfeed and burp.

Current Edward
Teddy, as we call him, loves to eat. His favourites are custard, yoghurt, blueberries, banana, broccoli and pumpkin. He is sleeping through the night and wakes most days at around 7am which is fantastic. His favourite time is bathtime or reading and chewing on books. He said his 1st word, BUBBA, a few weeks ago. And he is almost saying MAMA too. He is 7 months old next week, I cannot believe it.

Current Celeb Crush
Kate Winslet. Mother of 2. Hero. Actress. I love her. And her body? Insane.

Current #1 Blessing
My Mum has been a real support to me over the past few weeks. Yes, she is my best friend and we have a fantastic relationship, but the last few weeks have been a little trying and she has offered verbal and physical support, which without, I would have really struggled. Love you Mama!


Current Excitement
Is it too early to talk about Christmas? Abi is already talking about it, the tree, the "party" at Nanna's house on Christmas Day, going on holidays. I'm excited about James having 2 whole months off from Grad School from November to January.


Current App
OzWeather - to get current and accurate weather updates before I head out with the kids to the park, shops, etc. Nerdy but essential.

Minti Summer Collection

I love finding and buying clothes for my kids. Even more than I love buying clothes for myself. 

One of my favourite brands 'Minti' just released their new summer collection for kids and I love it. I could do some serious damage on the credit card but will try and restrain myself. I have bought things from Minti in the past and the quality is really fantastic which is really important when buying kids clothes. 

Here are some of my favourite items on my wish list:

Minti Girls Relax Cat Playsuit

Minti Girls I Am Awesome Frankie Dress

Minti Baby Peace Owl One Piece

Minti Baby Peace Owl Envelope Tee

Minti Happy Face Comfy Pant

Minti Boys Circus Elephant Tee

Minti Boys Cloud Face Burglar Tee

Minti Boys Rainbow Lips Tee

Minti Boys Hello Friends Burglar Tee

Minti Girls Scoop Rainbow Tee

Minti Girls Heart Hugs Dress

Minti Girls Happy Face Layer Dress

Tangled

Abi and I recently discovered the Disney movie 'Tangled'.


I bought the DVD for her in Woolworths a few months ago when it was released and kept asking her if she wanted to watch it. But stubborn Abi, wanted to watch her usual favourites like Toy Story 3, Beauty and the Beast, Dumbo and The Lion King. Finally, after my sister Louise chimed in how much she would like it, Abi sat down with me and watched it.


And it hasn't left the DVD player since. I can honestly, and almost shamefully say, that Abi watches it nearly every day. She is IN LOVE with this movie. We have the soundtrack on my ipod and on days when I say no to the movie, we listen to the soundtrack on the ipod dock, dancing around the house.


I'm a big kid at heart and love watching the movie too. The songs are adorable and Mandy Moore was the perfect choice as Rapunzel. My sisters and I can sing all the songs from Annie, The Lion King, The Little Mermaid and Aladdin, we like Disney movies in our house, ALOT!


I have no idea how long this obsession might last. Toy Story 3 was the last movie to leave the DVD player, and that was on high rotation for nearly 12 months.


The last song of the movie is probably my favourite. I love Grace Potter from way back and fell in love with this song even more when I found out she co-wrote and sang the song.


Have a fantastic long weekend, and if you need something to dance to, I highly recommend this.

Happy Friday

Wishing you all a very happy Friday. This video should help.

Enjoy!

xx

Weekend

Did some painting in the sunshine on Friday afternoon.

Woke up early on Saturday and headed to Palm Beach.

Found a lovely shady spot and enjoyed the sunshine and fresh breeze.

Abi and James went to the playground and Abi made friends while I fed Ted and we cuddled on the rug.

We devoured some simple cheeseburgers and headed back home.

Detoured on the way and signed up to a new gym in our area, Virgin Active.

James and I both need to change our lifestyles to include alot more exercise.

Am already looking forward to swimming and yoga and pilates.

Am sure I will bump into both my sisters, because they both work out there.

Headed to my niece's 2nd Birthday party yesterday.

Tried to stay cool in the shade with Edward while Abi climbed the playground with her cousins and friends.

Made bacon and egg rolls for dinner and read the papers.

Went to bed early and watched a few episodes of Arrested Development.

Enjoyed every moment of the weekend with my loved ones. This weekend is going to be busy. We are off to a wedding in the Hunter Valley, cannot wait!