30th Birthday Destination # 2

Somewhere alot closer and cheaper than Thailand is Noosa on the sunny Sunshine Coast in QLD.


Noosa is so lovely. I adore every holiday I've had up there. Except dealing with the tropical monsoons in the month of January.


We have a holiday house up there which my parents frequent often. What I love about Noosa is that it is far away enough from Sydney to feel like a holiday, but not too long on a plane which is great with little kids.


If we go to Noosa for my 30th, another bonus is that I can ask friends to join us. Accommodation is super cheap in the winter months up there, and 2 of my best friends turn 30 right before I do so we could make a real celebration of it if they joined us.


Here are some reasons why I love Noosa and why it's a contender for my big 3-0!

Amazing restaurants to choose from. The 2 photos above are of my favourite place to dine, Sails on Hastings Street.

Gorgeous beaches, friendly locals, so many activities to keep yourself occupied...

Gustos is my favourite restaurant in Noosaville (the River). This place is amazing, very kid friendly.

The famous Eumundi Markets are a short drive away. Great stalls, lovely locals, amazing food and lots of fun.

I know some people might think this is odd, but I like the idea of having a good mall nearby for supplies. Noosa Civic is a quick car trip and you can stock up on food, booze and emergency toy supplies if necessary.

Lake McKenzie, located on Fraser Island, is a long but FUN 4WD away. The whole family went there once and it was amazing. Fresh lakes, white sand, but lots of headaches from the bumping in the 4WD. Not for everyone, but lots of fun indeed.

I've been twice before but I'd go again and again. Australia Zoo is a GREAT place for kids. Very educational and entertaining. Not a cheap day out, but lots of fun.

Flashback Friday.

Madonna - The Power of Goodbye


Here is today's flashback. One of my favourite Madonna songs. I loved this section of her career. The music was different to anything she had ever done.


Happy Friday everyone,


xx

30th Birthday Destinations

I'm turning the dirty 30 in August. I can't believe it, 30! And I want it to be special. I've had some sub-par birthdays in the past and hopefully this year will be stellar!

We went away to Bali for James's 30th last year and it was amazing. Private villa, staff, drivers, the whole experience was a dream. Except for me getting sick at the end of the trip, major bzzt.

By the time August rolls around, I will have a 3 yr old toddler and a 5 month old newborn to accompany us wherever we decide to go. James and I have been discussing going away somewhere, but we cannot decide.

Here is the 1st place we have talked about. A dear friend from school got married here about 12 months ago and said it was DEVINE!

Trisara

This is the standard view from most of the villas. Sheesh!

I could see myself celebrating here!

This is the main pool area, not too shabby!



Floating pontoon out in the ocean

Massages here? Where do I sign up?

Best of all, they have a complimentaty kids club which looks fantastic! They take the kids outdoors to the beach and pool too.

This place is a little on the high end of our budget so we would only go for a few nights with a stopover in Bangkok or Singapore. I'm not sure about how Abi would go eating local food though. And I've heard of many people getting "thai tummy" (diarrhea and tummy upsets) from the local food and water. So this destination does have some risks.



Breech Baby

I had my 32+ week appointment with my Ob/Gyn this morning and everything looks great. Baby is of small to average size, with a strong heartbeat and chubby cheeks. Nor! Look at that little face! I cried watching the 4D scan this morning, the baby starting to look so REAL!

Baby is still in the breech position. Little peanut has changed from breech to transverse to breech in the last 4 weeks. 2 weeks ago baby was complete breech which is head up and feet down low, kicking my bladder all the time. Now baby is frank breech which means the feet are up high next to the head and arms.

My iron levels are very low too so off I went to buy some iron supplements. I have to be careful about having low iron levels because of my negative blood type. I'm sure after a week or so, my iron levels will increase. This does explain though, why I've been feeling so tired!

I'm hoping baby will turn before my next appointment in 2 weeks. If not, then an elective c-section it will be. I did have my dreams set on a successful VBAC but at the end of the day, it's not how the baby is born, but that the baby is born safely.

Less than 8 weeks till my little baby is here. I'm starting to get so excited. I was talking to my sister on the phone this morning and we are going to plan a baby shower. I didn't have one with Abigail, because I lived in Singapore so I figure this time around, I'd love to see all my friends before the birth and for them to see me, all big and glowing. Also, with the house renovations, we are so busy and haven't had much of a social life lately, I'd like to see everyone before the big move too.

Ok, I'm off to find my Baby Bjorn carrier and give it a clean and then perhaps take an afternoon nap. James is on his flight home to us. No more waking up with my arms around a pillow, now I can cuddle the real thing.

30 Facts About Me

I've only just discovered helloowl's blog, but I highly recommend it.

I love this idea of a post, so have borrowed it, but slimmed the list down to 30 since I'm turning the dirty 30 in August this year.

Here we go.

1. My name is Samantha but everyone calls me Sam/Sammy. Only Samantha if I'm in trouble or at an appoinment of some sort.

2. I'm 29 and a typical Virgo. Germ-a-phob, neat freak, perfectionist, stress head.

3. I have 2 sisters and brother. I am the 2nd eldest.

4. I have been with my husband since high school. We met when I was 10 years old. Starting dating at 13. Got engaged at 20. Married at 25.

5. I had Abigail when I was 26. She was born in Singapore. It was very hard having a child overseas but I coped really well. I'll be 29 when I have my 2nd bub, due in 8 weeks.

6. I'd love to have more kids. 3 would be great. If finances permitted, I'd love 4.

7. I am determined to live overseas again. I'd love to live in the UK, Asia or the USA.

8. I have travelled alot but seem to be drawn back to the same places. I'd love to visit Sweden, Denmark, Korea, Alaska, Mexico and Russia. I like to visit big cities as well as small towns.

9. I played some sort of sport my whole life till I finished school. My favourites were swimming, softball, hockey and tennis.

10. I've been skiing since I was a wee one. I've skiied nearly every year of my life which has taken me to resorts in Japan, Canada and the USA. I'd love to ski Argentina and the French and Swiss Alps.

11. I used to wear alot of colour, but now I wear black mostly. Sometimes grey and white.

12. I like to collect things, like handbags, shoes and vinyl toys like these. I would have over 40 pairs of trainers and hundreds of vinyl toys.

13. Music is a passion of mine. I love every genre. I've been to some huge festivals overseas like Fuji Rock Festival and Summersonic Festival in Japan, the Love Parade in Germany and many festivals in Australia too. I'd love to attend Coachella Festival, Burning Man, Glastonbury, Roskilde, Austin City Limits, SXSW, Falls Festival, and Sonar Festival.

14. Films are another hobby. Embarrassingly, I can quote lines from my favourite movies. I have memorised such stupid lines and my siblings and I quote them all the time. We find it hilarious.

15. I have a large family and we are very close. We push eachother's buttons at times, but we never go to bed after an argument. Best to get it all out, and be honest. Then apologise and move on. I don't like holding grudges, but often do.

16. In another life, I would have liked to have been a pilot, a vet, or a lawyer.

17. I like the finer things in life sometimes and I'm not ashamed to admit it. Although, I do know the best things in life are free. Like smiles and cuddles and kisses and holding hands. Nawwww

18. I've had many best friends, most have come and gone in my life. As a result, I now find myself with a handful of close friends, but not a huge amount. Quality over quantity I say.

19. My favourite thing in the world, besides my family, is a fresh breeze. I think this stems from living in Singapore where it was disgustingly muggy every day with no breeze. The first thing I do when I get off a plane is inhale the fresh air like a mad woman. I love storms and wild winds too.

20. I like getting out and trying new things. I often seek out new markets, playgrounds, beaches and restaurants to try.

21. When my kids start primary school, I'd love to do some community work with the elderly or needy. My mother has been doing this for 20 years and it's very honerable and lovely.

22. Because I come from a large family, I sometimes struggle to be alone. In fact, I don't like isolation at all. I have learned to cope with this, because my husband will always have to travel for work, but it's still very hard. My mind races. Night time is the worst. I find myself thinking about bats and spiders and ghosts and Lord Voldemort from Harry Potter. This makes me laugh, even typing it. Harry Potter, really?

23. I love fashion but don't have the figure to wear anything remotely trendy. I dress quite conservatively and boringly. I don't follow trends although I have a huge wardrobe of clothes. Lots of double ups of my favourite pieces.

24. I love theme parks and rollercoasters and waterslides. I hope my kids do too.

25. I struggle to have just 1 of anything. See points 12 and 22. I have bottles and bottles of perfume, 4 pairs of sunglasses, 3 pairs of specs, 3 ipods, 2 diaries, 4 cameras. I think I find it hard to stick to one thing.

26. If I ever won lotto, I would take my whole family and friends to Sir Richard Branson's private island, Necker.

27. I would also pay off all my loans, as well as my siblings loans. I would buy them all a house and new cars too.

28. My favourite animals in the world are sharks, dolphins, whales, penguins... I love being near the ocean. It calms me.

29. I don't drink alcohol much anymore, I think I got it all out my system in my 20's. When I do drink, I like champagne, vodka, rum and beer. I'd rather drink a beer than a wine.

30. I wonder if this list is boring. I probably come across like a nutcase.

Musical Saturday

4 nights down, 4 nights to go, till husband is home. We skyped for an hour this morning which was fantastic. Abigail got all shy seeing herself on the computer screen, but loved chatting to her Daddy.

When James is away on business, we don't get the chance to talk very much because he is so busy. Even though today is a weekend, he has no down time. Instead, he is acting as a local guide of Singapore for his American co-workers as most of them have never left the USA and since we lived in Singapore for 2 years, we know lots of little secret spots off the tourist track.

I'm feeling very musical today. The weather is quite rubbish in Sydney. Muggy and rain showers. I've been enjoying having some quiet time this week and have managed a few naps here and there, and Abi is sleeping really well too. We both slept in till 10am this morning which was bliss.

Here are some of my picks for today.



Friendly Fires - Skeleton Boy
This song is amazing. I saw them live in 2009 and they were fantastic.



Grizzly Bear - Two Weeks (Fred Falke Remix)
I love this band, they are super cute. This remix makes me happy. The original is superb also.



Caribou - Odessa
This song is utter perfection. They are touring next month and are playing at Playground Weekender Festival. I would love to attend, the lineup is awesome. I'll be 9 months pregnant though, is that too far along to waddle around at a festival?




Lamb - Gorecki
Amazing band. They are also playing at PWF next month. This song is sheer perfection.



Sasha - Expander
One of my all time favourite DJ's. He is playing at Good Vibrations Festival next month. I've seen him several times, and he always delivers. This song reminds me of graduating from high school and schoolies week.




Counting Crows - Colourblind
One of my favourite love songs. It appears on the soundtrack for 'Cruel Intentions' which was a fantastic soundtrack.

Flashback Friday.

U2 - Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own (Live)


My first Friday Flashback of 2011 is dedicated to everyone.

Everyone out there who needs to hear this. You don't have to go it alone.

From the flood victims of QLD, NSW and VIC, to Lori of RRSAHM, and anyone else who is having a bad moment this week.

I've had my moments this week but no tears. I haven't let myself struggle without James here. I have to pick myself up and be strong for Abigail and myself.

Happy Friday everyone,

xx

Bullet Post Update

• James left yesterday for a quick trip to Singapore and Malaysia. He is away for 9 days, which isn't too bad. But I'm almost 8 months pregnant and having my little freakouts without him is hard. And don't worry, they are just stupid freakouts. About the baby. And the labour.

Where husband is staying in KL. The same hotel we stayed at 2 years ago when Abi was 9 months old.

• My younger sister is staying with me for a few days which is so great. I gave her a key so she can come and go as she pleases, it's nice having that extra bit of help with Abi. Considering that bending over is becoming a chore.

• My Mum is up at our holiday house in Noosa this week, on her own. The floods are close, but she isn't too worried. Neither am I. But knowing she is up there, so close to such devastation has really irked me.

• Every day I have to make decisions about the new house. My brain is on overload. I still haven't bought much for the new baby, not that I need to buy much. But I can't nest at all, when I don't know where we will be living in 8 weeks! If we aren't in the new house, it's ok. The hospital is a 5 minute drive from the apartment where we live right now, as opposed to a 30 minute drive from the new house.

• Watching the floods on the news is so sad and disturbing. Those poor people. Especially those towns that have been flooded twice. Imagine losing everything. Being emotional and hormonal right now doesn't help. I cried watching Sky News yesterday. I'm praying for mother nature to give QLD a break, very soon!

Image from Dave Hunt of AAP.

• I have this anxious feeling resting over me right now. 2011 has started and it's just been full on from the get-go. I know things WON'T settle down too much once we move into the new house, because, UM, I will have a newborn to take care of. Which is so exciting. But I have this strange feeling that things are going to be hectic for the next 8 weeks.

• And then I remind myself, I am healthy and alive and well. And in the scheme of things, that's all that matters. Life does not put things in front of you that you cannot handle.

Currently - The December / NY Edition

Oops, I am a week late, but have only just returned home to Sydney and have a spare minute to catch up on the bloggy world.


Current Book (s): I just started reading Russell Brand's 'My Booky Wook 2' which is a little slow. I am reading lots of online stories about successful VBACs (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean Section) and also tap/vanity/toilet brochures for the new house. Oh joy.

Current Playlist: The Christmas Carols were on high rotation in December but I also listened to these oldies:

• F*ck You - Cee-Lo Green. A little crude but fun.
• No One's Gonna Love You - Cee-Lo Green. Great cover of this Band of Horses song.
• Love Lost - The Temper Trap. Very summery.
• Man On the Moon - R.E.M. A great song for a road trip.
• Babylon - David Gray. This song is utter bliss. Such a talented artist.
• Eyes Without A Face - Billy Idol. What an icon. Love this song.
• Papillon - Editors. Intense lyrics from this band, highlight song from their latest album.
• Blue Blood - Foals. Great band, they are playing at Laneway Festival in a few weeks.

Current Shame - Inducing Guilty Pleasure: Spending hours on the sofa watching the cricket, providing my own personal commentary for said cricket.


Current Colour: White for walls at the new house. Chrome for tapware and mixers in the bathroom showrooms which I frequent every few days now. Brown for my slight tan after a week at the beach house.


Current Drink: Drinking 2-3 litres of water every day. Have gone off drinking milk, blergh. Also drinking fresh juices and cranberry juice with lots of ice.

Current Food: Plain foods, nothing too spicy as it triggers my heartburn which is like fire in my chest!


Current Favourite Show: Gossip Girl, Arrested Development, 30 Rock.

Current Wish list: A nanny to help me through those afternoons when I'm exhausted and Abigail wants to play/ride her scooter/dance and jump on the bed.


Current Needs: To resurrect the day nap / nanna nap. I am starting to feel tired every afternoon, after completing things for the house renovation, running around after a toddler and packing Christmas gifts in storage as we have NO space for anything in the apartment!

Current Triumphs: Making a few big decisions at the house this week has made a difference. Although I'm not convinced we will be in the new house before baby is born. *tear*


Current Bane(s) of my Existence: Heartburn. It's terrible Muriel. I am drinking Gaviscon like a mad woman!


Current Celebrity Crush: Roger Federer. Seriously, this man is a god of some sort.

Current Indulgence: Eating splices for dessert on hot days. Flavoured mineral water. Fresh juices.

Current #1 Blessing: Abigail is being so wonderful with all the house renovations. We spend countless hours at the house, giving tradies our ideas, then we spend even more time at boring showrooms and tile shops, choosing accessories. She is very patient and I'm so lucky she is behaving herself. Also having my husband prepare most meals in the house now as the smell of food really puts me off. I'm super blessed!


Current Slang or Saying: "You nink!" James, Abigail and I ALL say this to eachother, it's affectionate and silly at the same time. Nink is a derivative of Ninky Nonk, a character from In the Night Garden. That show drives me crazy!

Current Outfit: I've been living in Gap Maternity singlets, birkenstock thongs, fedora hat, loose linen pants, harem pants and Peter Alexander nighties.


Current Excitement: Where to begin? I am 31 weeks pregnant now. When has that time gone? Baby is coming very soon. Watching Abigail ask more questions about the baby. She calls the baby through my tummy on the "special tummy telephone" and talks to it. It's very cute.


Current Mood: Excited about the baby. Nervous about the labour. Anxious about the house renovations. Sad that I'll be single parenting again next week as James jets off to Singapore and Malaysia for business.


Current Link:

• Zodee - for all my swimwear and bra needs
• Bebe - gorgeous things for babies
• Kidostore - more gorgeous kidlet things

Merry Christmas

image

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and safe New Year.

Drive safely, take care of yourself and your loved ones.

Thanks for stopping in at Good Mum Hunting, I appreciate every single comment.

xx

Last few days...

New House Renovations -  Have knocked down walls

The ensuite in the master bedroom. This was a small bathroom + small walk in robe, now it will be 1 large bathroom with double shower and double vanity.

Abi enjoying custard at the McKinnon family Christmas dinner last weekend

McKinnon / Robinson family sitting around the unique decorative tree with toy decorations

Abi with her Aunty Weezie at the Sydney Aquarium on Friday. We had a great day although the aquarium itself was a bit of a letdown. Wildlife World next door is much better in my opinion.

Rainbow on the M2 last Sunday. It was a double rainbow. I managed to control myself, unlike this guy.

Abi looks REALLY sleepy in this photo. This was taken at the David Jones window display at the city store today.

Lux Xmas Wish List

Michael Kors Chronograph watch. I have this in black already, but the yellow is CUTE!

1 week's vacation here in Bora Bora

Holga 120FN Camera

Louis Vuitton Denim 'Sunlight' Tote

Ray Ban :Ladies Specs



Flashback Friday.

Gorillaz - Clint Eastwood

Last night the Gorillaz played in Sydney and I didn't go. Tickets weren't that expensive, but until last week, I thought I would be going to U2 this week already and didn't want to commit to 2 shows in 1 week.

Well, I didn't go to U2 and I'm kicking myself that I didn't go last night. Some friends on facebook said it was the best show they have ever seen, best live band setup, best this, best that.

Needless to say, I'm upset but I'll get over it.

This song is one of my favourites. Their clips are always brilliant. I'm stunned that Damon Albarn was so talented and successful with Blur and then managed to start another band who became just as, if not more, successful.

Single Parenting again

As I type this, James is boarding his flight to Singapore.

I desperately wanted to go with him on this trip for many reasons. To finish my Christmas shopping, to stuff myself full of dumplings, catch up with old friends and most of all, to take Abigail back to her birth place.

But Singapore being strict with their medical system, restrict entry into the country for pregnant women past 28 weeks pregnancy. This is to stop tourists and locals of neighbouring Malaysia/Indonesia/Thailand who used to cross the border to give birth and receive the amazing level of medical care which is prevalent all over Singapore.

Although I am only 27 weeks, I didn't want to risk arriving in Singapore and being turned around at customs!

James travels to Singapore often and I'm sure there will be an opportunity to go next year after the baby is born. I would love to take Abi back to see some of her old friends and try the local cuisine and see the sights.

My favourite mall in Singapore is The Paragon. Designer labels everywhere, but also quirky shops and a whole level dedicated to Children's shops. The basement level is a huge foodcourt with a massive Din Tai Fung outlet. We used to eat here at least twice a week, stuffing ourselves with pork buns and dumplings.

We had a whirlwind weekend of Christmas shopping, a progress inspection at the new house and yesterday, my inlaws had their family Christmas lunch because most of my inlaws will be away on the 25th December. I envoked an early slumber last night by stuffing myself full of turkey, roast vegetables and apple sauce. The meal was delicious. I actually like that I have another 2 weeks to prepare my belly again before another big meal on Christmas Day.

Abigail was an absolute gem as we shopped all day Saturday. We spent a few hours in the new Sydney Westfields which wasn't too busy. I did get tired quite easily as I'm starting to carry a big bump and required little pit-stops every few minutes. We took her to the park in Pyrmont just before sunset so she could run around and play. I will miss that amazing park when we move to the suburbs. But our own yard with play equipment is much more fun and convenient!

Tomorrow my Mum is coming into the city to stay with me for a few nights which will be a blessing! It will help curb the lonliness and we plan to Christmas shop and enjoy this one-on-one time with eachother. I can't wait!

Flashback Friday.

Bjork - Hyperballad (Live on Jools Holland 1996)


My favourite Bjork song of all time. This live version of it is amazing. Bjork is in a league of her own. I think she is often misunderstood and criticised but at the end of the day, she is so talented.


This song is just so magnetic and powerful. Enjoy!


Robyn, a famous Swedish singer recently covered this song at the Polar Music Prize 2010, with Bjork sitting in the front row. Robyn's version is pretty amazing too.

Xmas Gift Ideas - Random & Cool

Lego Digital Camera - $169

Translucent Porcelain Egg Candles - $30

Hairglasses Headband - $20

Lil' Vampire Pacifier - $4.99

Holga 120 TLR - $175

Yoda 4G Mimobot 2.5-Inch - $39.95

King Ken Series II 3.5-Inch - $7.95

Girl Crush

Anne Hathaway. Love her or loathe her. I love her. She is different to other actresses. She doesn't seem to be a show pony or diva or tart it up too much.

Rachel Getting Married is one of my favourite movies. I was stunned after watching it. Hathaway was brilliant in it. Other movies I've enjoyed include Alice in Wonderland, Brokeback Mountain, The Devil Wears Prada and Get Smart. I cannot wait to see her latest movie 'Love and Other Drugs'. Bride Wars was terrible, but Kate Hudson was a train wreck to watch.

She is hosting the 83rd Academy Awards in January next year which was an interesting announcement, I wonder how she will do. That role is usually reserved for much older and respected Hollywood anchors like Billy Crystal, Steve Martin and Whoopi Goldberg.

All images via weheartit.com

Theme Songs - Baywatch

It's embarrassing I know. I was a huge Baywatch fan. The early seasons were the best. This is the intro from Season 3. My husband admitted to having a crush on Erika Eleniak and I know I loved Hobie and Eddie too. Oh the shame!


The theme song is unfortunately awesome though. Some of the episodes were so disgustingly soppy and sad. I remember my sister and I crying in a certain episode with disabled children doing a special olympics event on the beach. That Mitch Buchannon, always doing the best thing for his community!


I have even seen the Baywatch Hawaii Movie, which is just ridiculous to admit. I'm laughing and cringing just thinking about it.

Single Parenting

He is there:

And I am here:

That's our apartment building in the middle of the photo.


James is in Melbourne for a conference and will be home on Thursday. Another week of single parenting. I'm still not used to it. Neither is Abigail. She knows when he is packing and knows his routine. When he is away, she becomes SUPER CLINGY to me. Like, follows me into the toilet, screams if I put a load of washing on, whinges for things she knows she isn't allowed to have, like chocolate and biscuits and chocolate, hehe.


Luckily, she still sleeps well and eats well. But I always struggle. I watch TV in bed till I fall asleep. I triple check the door locks. I don't sleep very well. It's even harder when I'm pregnant because my hormones are out of control and I cry on a whim. I've already had a big cry today.


What can I do? My husband has to travel for work. He always has, he probably always will. Next week he is off to Singapore for a week which will be harder. I have Dr's appointments and things planned. Hopefully my Mum is coming to stay with me in the city and we will hit the shops together and the Aquarium too.


I can't complain too much. I have many friends in WA and their husband's work in mines and on oil rigs. Away for 4 weeks at a time. Home for a week, then off again. And another friend of mine, her fiance is based in Melbourne in the Army but she is here in Sydney. They make it work, but it's tough on them. She said that's the life of an army wife!


Tomorrow, I will force myself to get out of the house to do something. Perhaps the park or playground. Hmmmm

Flashback Friday.

U2 - Stay (Faraway So Close)

I have tickets to U2's 360 Live Show in 2 weeks but can no longer attend. James is off to Singapore for business on the same day so I'm giving the tickets to my sister to sell to friends.

I'm not too bummed as I'll be 27 weeks pregnant and trekking out to Homebush for the night will be hard, especially if it's hot and humid.

I'll keep my happy memories of their show from 2006 and hope that they tour Australia one more time before they retire.

In the meantime, here is today's flashback. One of my ALL TIME favourite U2 songs. This song is brilliant, and I love the acoustic version played in this video.

Happy Friday everyone.

xx