Cool Tricks, Cool Tricks

Check out Lark Made. Based in Melbourne, they make truly cool and fantastic things.

I just ordered some cards from there because I love a good card! Who doesn't.

Here are a few I picked out. I will use some for Father's Day next weekend too. All images via larkmade.com.au

Happy Birthday to Me

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Yes, I'm turning 29 today. The big 29. Almost 30... but not quite.

I feel good today. Not as grumpy as I've been the last few days. Abigail is still as clingy as ever. But today, that's ok. I'm liking all the cuddles and kisses.

I slept in till 8:30am, and Abi slept in till 9:30am which meant I had a nice quiet morning to read birthday emails.

I had lunch with my mother-in-law and gran-in-law up at the local nursery, which was lovely. They have a little indoor cafe with play equipment next to it, so Abi was in heaven. She refused to eat anything for lunch, even TINY TEDDIES, and wanted to slide and run and climb. She is now quietly tucked into bed, drifting off to sleep before we head out to dinner tonight with my siblings at a family restaurant in Baulkham Hills.

Below is a photo from 1987. That's me on the left, my younger sister in the middle then my brother in white. This is how I remember birthdays. Although it wasn't mine, I just remember birthdays were the best thing on the family calender.

My sister and I don't even look possibly related in this photo. And my facial expression is awesome. I hope I look like that tonight at dinner.

xx

Point & Shoot - Fete

Sunday 22nd August 2010

12:30pm

Samuel Gilbert Public School Fete, Castle Hill

Abi loved her $1 soft serve cone and managed to spill most of it on James's sweater. She also demands on wearing her sunglasses wherever we go. She wears them at night, in the car too, saying "it's dark mummy".

Then we strolled over to see the home-made carney rides, above is the "Wild Rider" which was playing an awesomely terrible remix Britney Spears 'Toxic'. The swings were creaking and I thought one of them might come loose at any time. Hence only standing here for about 18 seconds. Haha.

Head over to fatmumslim for more P&S fun.

xx

Weekend Rah Rah.

My weekend flew by. And here is Monday. Go away.

Yesterday, we decided to head to the Samuel Gilbert Public School Fete. I attended this primary school from K-4 and considering the weather was nice, we stopped in for an hr. It was full of Joe Dirt carneys, operating these home made fete rides, lots of junky stalls and average looking food. Why do carneys aka ride operators always play really bad dance music from the 90's? Not even hit songs, just random old songs that you hear and think, I kind-of remember this song!? Oh yeah, it was the CD compilation 100% Hits Volume 3.

It was a real flashback for me to see my old school. The facilities were pretty bad, and only 1 new building had been built since I left in 1991. Abi was a little overwhelmed by all the people and crazy kids running around. We did a lap of the fete then we left.

Saturday, we started our day early and voted which took 40 minutes. It was all worth it when we forked over $2 (awesome value) for a sausage sizzle upon exiting the gates of the public school we voted at. Abi managed to spill tomato sauce down her pants, of course.

We viewed some ordinary houses at open homes and visited by gran-in-law to say hello. All in all, a very quiet and boring weekend.

I am feeling rather down. My Birthday is this week and it's always a letdown. I don't know why. I'm not even looking forward to it.

Abi is going through a really clingy phase at the moment and follows me EVERYWHERE. Into the bathroom, around the kitchen, and demands to sit on my lap whenever I sit down. I hope it is just a phase that will pass soon.

I have renamed today mopey monday. That is all.

xx

Flashback Friday.

Eric Prydz - Pjanoo

This song is only 3 years old, so it's not THAT much of a flashback. But still.

TURN IT UP, spring is almost here!

Dance music reminds me of when I had a TONNE of energy, spent all my money on festival tickets and nightclubs. When I danced till sunrise and had more friends than I can remember! A few friends of mine are heading to Ibiza next year to celebrate their 30th Birthdays. A few of us all turn 30 in the span of 2 weeks. I'm tempted to join them. But thinking and doing are 2 very different things.

Happy Friday. Abi and I are definately dancing to this song today.

xx

The Chop.

Yesterday, on impulse, booked an appointment at Desmond and Molly Jones in Surry Hills and had ALL my hair chopped off.

I've been thinking about it for too long and am sick of tying my long and unkept hair up in a bun every day.

So it's all gone now. It's the shortest my hair has ever been. I'm a little shocked still. Abi seems to like it and said "pretty hair mummy" when she first saw me.

Today, I have it pinned to the side and it's rather cute and pixie like. I'm even considering going shorter next time, we'll see!

Who Is Johnny.

This is hilarious!

I sing this song to Abigail ALL THE TIME, don't ask me why. She loves it. We watched a few minutes of "Short Circuit" when James was away on a business trip recently and she loved Number 5 aka Johnny 5 aka Short Circuit the Robot.

And this filmclip is just out of this world. I had to share it with everyone. I asked for a 2nd opinion just now and my husband said  "Sam, this is by far the worst filmclip of all time!" BINGO!

Take Me Here.

We looked at this resort, Huvafen Fushi in the Maldives for our honeymoon but chose another one close by.

Still, this resort looks amazing and I'd love to stay here.

From their website:


Underwater spa rooms. Underground wine. Pristine waters below your ocean bungalow's glass floor. Immersed in surreal beauty in a private courtyard onshore. "Rooms" at sea - 68-foot sleek designer yacht or a traditional Maldivian dhoni, fitted with modern indulgences.



Cuisine in the raw. Private dining experiences. A stretch of private beach or 1001 nights boudoir chic. Bespoke cruises. Reef journeys. Floating at infinity's edge. Thousands of bottles in the Maldives' most impressively stocked cave, guided by global chefs. Spa treatments that invite you to come out of your shell - in a Unite Me Crystal Ritual or a Turquoise Explosion.


One of the major wow factor's of this resort is the Spa which boasts the world's first underwater treatment room. Imagine that!


Looking at these photos has DEFINATELY helped me through today.

All images via Huvafen Fushi

Dream House # 6

This French farmhouse style estate is located the heart of Burradoo in the Southern Highlands.

Asking price is 3.9 million. Just under 3 acres of land, this property features a main house, a guest cottage and a gorgeous conservatory overlooking the vast gardens. Built in 1888, I’m sure the house is full of history.

I love the long driveway and room for stables too.

The Romantics.

I love watching movie trailers. Although I don't get to the movies as often as I used, or as often as I'd like to, I love seeing the new upcoming releases and who stars in what.

This movie looks like my mind of movie. It reminds me of 'Rachel Getting Married' starring Anne Hathaway and Rosemarie DeWitt. The cast, the story, the location of the film.

I love Anna Paquin, Malin Åkerman, Adam Brody and Elijah Wood. I'm happy to see Adam Brody acting again after his massive absence after The OC.

I hope I get to the movies to see this.

Flashback Friday.

Chantal Kreviazuk - Feels Like Home

I love this song. It makes me cry though.

I'm staying at my parents house in the Hills District of Sydney at the moment while they are on holidays in Europe. And even though I haven't lived here for 6 years, it's still home to me. It always will be. It's warm and homely and I feel safe here.

I've loved getting out of the city and staying in my old neck of the woods. The same roads I've driven my whole life, the same shops, the same everything.

Happy Friday to everyone, have a great weekend.

xx

Theme Songs - Jem

Here is my TV theme song for today.

I loved Jem so much as a kidlet. I actually wanted to be Jem. I thought she was so beautiful but I knew she was a rebel because she had pink hair.

Music has been a passion of mine practically since birth, so the fact that Jem sang in every episode was very cool.

The Misfits seem cool now though. I love the beauty spot on the blue-haired girl!

Birthday blues

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I'm turning 29 in 2 weeks time.


And I'm so not feeling festive at all. I usually have birthday excitement for weeks, even months, before. But this year, I just feel so flat.


My parents are travelling in Europe at the moment and will miss my Birthday. It might not be a big deal to most people, but my family are super-sticky close and birthdays are a real celebration of family and love in our house. I will miss them dearly on my special day.


The house hunting situation is looking bright this week, 3 new houses in our price range coming onto the market. My agent called me to inform me I could arrange private viewings before they are open to the public, which is what I prefer. More time to look through the house and ask questions. So fingers and legs crossed on the house front.


I'm just blue at the moment. And honestly, I don't have that much to be blue for. I have so much joy in my life. More than I know. Abi and James always remind me of what I have to be thankful for. But some days, I just ponder where I am, on the path of life. And how I will overcome the current challenges in front of me.

Breathe in. Breathe out.

Point & Shoot: North Entrance Beach

Saturday 7th August 2010

Midday

North Entrance Beach, Central Coast

One of my favourite places to sit and watch the waves roll in. The tide was in so there wasn't much sand to walk on, so we sat here and enjoyed the view. This is the beach, directly in front of the beach house. There are no lifeguards or flags so you can't swim here.

Strong rips are always prevalent, and I would never consider swimming here. Abi plays in the sand, collecting shells and rocks. Fisherman have their rods perched in the sand, hoping to make an ocean catch. Dogs frolick in the foam and lovers walk the length of the beach, hand in hand.

Helicopters fly over in the summer, doing their observation and search. Last summer, it was reported that a great white shark had been spotted frequently at this beach, as well as Soldier's Point, which is where we swim!! Eek!

Taken on my iphone, excuse the quality.

Head over to fatmumslim for more P&S fun.

xx

Flashback Friday.

Crowded House - Fall At Your Feet

This is one of my top 3 favourite CH songs. I remember my parents loved Split Ends when I was a kid.

I have fond memories of being driven to Saturday sport and singing along to Crowded House with Dad. My whole family love them too.

This song is raw and romantic at once.

I've been lucky enough to see them perform a few times. I was at the 'Farewell to the World concert on 24th November 1996, on the footsteps of the Sydney Opera House. I went with 2 friends from school. I was in  Yr 9 at school, 15 years old. We sat with 200,000 people and cried our way through their set. It was amazing.

Happy Friday.

xx

Dream House # 5

$4.6 million is cool change for this amazing 100 acre property in Bowral.


Features include a set up for horses and cattle, a summerhouse nestled into the superb mature garden setting with cascading water feature to a large lily pond, a clay tennis court and 13 paddocks!

All I can say is wow.

I would have Gatsby parties here. I would play tennis and sip pink lemonade. I would ride horses and grow my own veggies. I would never, ever leave.

 

Currently - The July Edition

Current Book (s): Dr Seuss collection of stories. Getting tongue tied trying to read ‘Fox in Socks’.

Current Playlist: I've been really cranking the 80's for the last few weeks. Here are some of my favourites.

• Q-Feel - Dancing in Heaven (Orbital Bee Bop)
• 38 Special - Second Chance
• Toto - Rosanna
• Kate Bush - Running Up That Hill 
• Simple Minds - Glittering Prize
• 1927 - If I Could
• Womack & Womack - Teardrops
• Mr. Mister - Broken Wings
• Jefferson Starship - Sarah

Current Shame - Inducing Guilty Pleasure: Day naps aka ‘the nanna nap’ Yes, it’s back in fashion because I say so. Winter nanna naps are the best.


Current Colour: Yellow for sunshine. Red for love.


Current Drink: MILK. We drink 6 litres of milk per week in this house. With 2 adults and 1 toddler. And James doesn’t drink milk, it’s ALL ME! Also liking hot water with lemon and honey before bed, yum.

Current Food: Jatz, cruskits, muesli bars, sliced apple, soup for lunch, cornflakes, eggs.


Current Favourite Show: True Blood Season 3 is back. And it is f-a-n-t-a-s-t-i-c. Best season yet. And Mad Men Season 4 just started too. Don Draper is a god.

Current Wish list: Good luck. Good health. Positive vibes. Trip to New Zealand in December. Finding a house this week on domain, please!


Current Needs: Sleep. Lots of it.

Current Triumphs: Abi’s 2nd Party was amazing. Everything went perfectly and she is STILL talking about it, so I know she really enjoyed herself.

Current Bane(s) of my Existence: Browsing for houses on real estate websites. Being harassed by agents trying to sell me dumpy houses. Under powerlines. Without air-conditioning. Ergh.


Current Celebrity Crush: Leonardo DiCaprio. He is looking pretty sexy these days.

Current Indulgence: Just placed an order online ASOS.com which offered 70% during sales. Nabbed 7 pieces of clothing for under $100. Cannot wait for my parcel to arrive!


Current #1 Blessing: Life in general. My family, my parents.


Current Slang or Saying: We’ll find a house soon. I’ve been saying this for so long now.


Current Outfit: Right now? Blue Gap tee. Black Bonds trackies.


Current Excitement: So many exciting things on the horizon for the McKinnon family. Final winter getaway this weekend to the beach house before spring, my Mum’s, best friend J and my birthday ALL in August too.


Current Mood: Happy. Excited. Blessed.


Current Links:
Babycentre Australia – chatting to old friends
Qantas – waiting for specials on flights to New Zealand
Dlisted - for really trashy celeb gossip

Theme Songs.

I'm quite the slave to the idiot box, as my parent's called in during my childhood.

I do love a good TV show.

And even more so, a good theme song.

I even had a playlist on my old ipod called "theme songs" consisting of around 40 classic theme songs. This playlist was a hit and I would often play this at work or at parties. You have to be drunk to listen to TV theme songs though. And even more drunk to sing along to them. At a house warming party a few years ago, a group of friends and I stood around in a circle and we all screamed the words to childhood favourite like Perfect Strangers, Captain Planet, Golden Girls, Full House and Good Times.

Here is my 1st pick. I love this song. And I was quite a fan of the show too. I always loved Jason Bateman. Even with that terrible crew cut. He reminds me of Fido Dido.

Flashback Friday.

Nirvana - Lithium

I am a massive Nirvana fan. Most people my age are. My husband loves them. He lent me his copy of 'Nevermind' when we started dating and that was that. I was hooked.

This is one of my favourite Nirvana songs for sure. I'm turning this one up LOUD today and looking forward to a much quieter weekend with the family.

xx

Girl Crush

Another addition to my girl crush file is Natalie Portman.


While she has only been in a handful of movies that I like, I find her beautiful, engaging and sexy.


Portman has professed an interest in foreign languages since childhood and has studied French, Japanese, German, and Arabic. A vegan and passionate advocate for animal rights and environmental causes, she spends alot of her time dedicated to helping those without voices, like animals and disadvantaged children.


I loved her performance in 'Garden State' so much that it started my own love affair with the band 'The Shins'. And the film 'Closer' is a favourite of both mine and James. She is so utterly stunning in that movie. And she proved she can hold her own against a Hollywood heavyweight like Julia Roberts.


Anywhere But Here, Where The Heart Is are great films too. She stars in an upcoming thriller called Black Swan, where she plays a ballet dancer in the production Swan Lake in New York City.

All images via weheartit