It's a meme started by Fat Mum Slim, and it's a lot of fun.
Here is what January looked like for me.
If you're not already you can follow me on instagram.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Can you take a photo?
Have you been joining in with #JANphotoaday?
It's a meme started by Fat Mum Slim, and it's a lot of fun.
Here is what January looked like for me.
If you're not already you can follow me on instagram.
It's a meme started by Fat Mum Slim, and it's a lot of fun.
Here is what January looked like for me.
If you're not already you can follow me on instagram.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Back To School Survival Kit
There are some of you who will be new to the "school parent" thing this year, and there are some of you who are not...
This is still relevant.
I'm no old hat at this school mum caper, Bluey starting year one this year, but there are things I am good at and things I'm not. The parenting thing? I go alright.
While you're out madly rushing about picking up the shit you've forgotten to grab, school socks, they need school socks! Take a moment in the craziness for yourself.
This is my back to school survival kit:
1. Comfort food. It can be some chocolate, it can be cake, it can be some Maccas on your way home from the school drop off, it just has to be really really naughty food. The food you feel good eating, and not so good after.
2. A clean house. Yes, that's right! No, you are not spending the first day back to school cleaning, get that out of the way the day before. I like to rally the troops up and give them a job or room to do and lectures of how if we all pitch in then I will make them some popcorn and let them watch a movie or something. My kids are really competitive, they get it from me, and so I will get them to race me in cleaning up their respective rooms while I do a couple of rooms. If they whine I tell them they're cleaning the toilet or shovelling the chook poo out the back or something.
3. Trashy TV. Just something stupid, I like reality TV for this seeing as Jerry is no longer getting his Springer on. Pick something you love, or love to hate and crank that shit for 6 hours with your feet up. Moving is not required today.
4. Twitter. I mean who are you going to give running commentary to about how cleaning the toilet yesterday was useless after the food you've been eating all day, or how trashy TV just isn't what it used to be?
5. Celebration drinks. Now, this is up to you how you want to celebrate. I still have a little one at home, but I am indulging in a cocktail or two this morning because six weeks with shit house weather is fucking hard man, and it's almost nap time.
Do you have a back to school survival kit?
This is still relevant.
I'm no old hat at this school mum caper, Bluey starting year one this year, but there are things I am good at and things I'm not. The parenting thing? I go alright.
While you're out madly rushing about picking up the shit you've forgotten to grab, school socks, they need school socks! Take a moment in the craziness for yourself.
This is my back to school survival kit:
1. Comfort food. It can be some chocolate, it can be cake, it can be some Maccas on your way home from the school drop off, it just has to be really really naughty food. The food you feel good eating, and not so good after.
2. A clean house. Yes, that's right! No, you are not spending the first day back to school cleaning, get that out of the way the day before. I like to rally the troops up and give them a job or room to do and lectures of how if we all pitch in then I will make them some popcorn and let them watch a movie or something. My kids are really competitive, they get it from me, and so I will get them to race me in cleaning up their respective rooms while I do a couple of rooms. If they whine I tell them they're cleaning the toilet or shovelling the chook poo out the back or something.
3. Trashy TV. Just something stupid, I like reality TV for this seeing as Jerry is no longer getting his Springer on. Pick something you love, or love to hate and crank that shit for 6 hours with your feet up. Moving is not required today.
4. Twitter. I mean who are you going to give running commentary to about how cleaning the toilet yesterday was useless after the food you've been eating all day, or how trashy TV just isn't what it used to be?
5. Celebration drinks. Now, this is up to you how you want to celebrate. I still have a little one at home, but I am indulging in a cocktail or two this morning because six weeks with shit house weather is fucking hard man, and it's almost nap time.
Do you have a back to school survival kit?
Thursday, January 26, 2012
A Blog.
You close your eyes.
Focus.
Sometimes, it all comes to you at once and you just know what you should be doing.
Other times the push is a struggle, you're not really sure, you just know you want it to happen.
Either way you push, and a new life is born.
A blog is created.
What made you start a blog?
I think for everyone when you first start blogging you feel surrounded by idols. There are so many blogs you're jumping all over, they have you excited and wanting more more more. You will never be short of idols, although they may shift.
As time goes on you find that you are establishing yourself with your peers. Equals, in regards to content, the age of your blog, your simply you share the same interests. Later this becomes about people with similar statistics as you, the same kind of reach. These guys can be both the people holding you up when you need it, and those tearing you down. You're in direct competition, and sometimes this can have everyone going crazy like a 80% off Jimmy Choo's sale. It's not that they want to upset you, but they see a prize and they want it for themselves. Hey, I'd pull some hair!
Time goes on still and eventually after a lot of persistence, writing, letting your readers know you, and getting out there to know your readers you find yourself being the idol to some. They are big scary shoes, but you do appreciate seeing that some of your hard work is starting to pay off, that you are starting to inspire.
This, is where blogging starts. It's not about numbers, it's about people.
It's about writing, because you have something to say and a keyboard in your hands, not money.
It's about connecting with people because it's just more fucking easy than having to get the kids dressed, all their shit together to go and meet someone somewhere and spend all that time screaming at your kids to stop trying to eat little Jimmy's foot, and to please remember to go to the toilet, not in your pants, which is a useless plea because they always go in their pants. Or having to clean your house, buy something delicious and turn the oven, that you never use, on for a few minutes before your guest arrives so it smells like you baked the something delicious when really you struggle not to burn water. You can sit here typing away talking about how you've just baked a triple layer cake looking perfect when really you're eating something you've just picked up from Cake Biz in your underpants with the holes in them.
Recently it occurred to me that you're only as "big" as you appear to be.
Often, with so many idols to look up to, sometimes they won't be as established as your own blog, sometimes they won't have as big of numbers, but it doesn't mean you can't learn from them, that they won't have something that inspires you, or has you addicted like a whore to crack.
Some of the blogs I love are just that. Small. *shrugs*
Sometimes they're crazy big, a place I know I will never reach, and I'm ok with that.
Both can equally be my crack.
But where am I on this scale?
I often ponder this.
I am finding more and more that everyone has their assumption about where other blogs are.
A lot of the time, it's way off the mark. At least in my case.
How important are those numbers though, when people see you as something else entirely?
Listen to your blogging peers, whether they be those looking up to you, those sitting in the same carriage as you on this ride, or those you are chasing dreamily.
It's important to hear what they say, how they see you, and use that to help benefit you.
Chances are you're short changing yourself.
What made you start your blog?
Focus.
Sometimes, it all comes to you at once and you just know what you should be doing.
Other times the push is a struggle, you're not really sure, you just know you want it to happen.
Either way you push, and a new life is born.
A blog is created.
What made you start a blog?
 |
| Image from here |
I think for everyone when you first start blogging you feel surrounded by idols. There are so many blogs you're jumping all over, they have you excited and wanting more more more. You will never be short of idols, although they may shift.
As time goes on you find that you are establishing yourself with your peers. Equals, in regards to content, the age of your blog, your simply you share the same interests. Later this becomes about people with similar statistics as you, the same kind of reach. These guys can be both the people holding you up when you need it, and those tearing you down. You're in direct competition, and sometimes this can have everyone going crazy like a 80% off Jimmy Choo's sale. It's not that they want to upset you, but they see a prize and they want it for themselves. Hey, I'd pull some hair!
Time goes on still and eventually after a lot of persistence, writing, letting your readers know you, and getting out there to know your readers you find yourself being the idol to some. They are big scary shoes, but you do appreciate seeing that some of your hard work is starting to pay off, that you are starting to inspire.
This, is where blogging starts. It's not about numbers, it's about people.
It's about writing, because you have something to say and a keyboard in your hands, not money.
It's about connecting with people because it's just more fucking easy than having to get the kids dressed, all their shit together to go and meet someone somewhere and spend all that time screaming at your kids to stop trying to eat little Jimmy's foot, and to please remember to go to the toilet, not in your pants, which is a useless plea because they always go in their pants. Or having to clean your house, buy something delicious and turn the oven, that you never use, on for a few minutes before your guest arrives so it smells like you baked the something delicious when really you struggle not to burn water. You can sit here typing away talking about how you've just baked a triple layer cake looking perfect when really you're eating something you've just picked up from Cake Biz in your underpants with the holes in them.
Recently it occurred to me that you're only as "big" as you appear to be.
Often, with so many idols to look up to, sometimes they won't be as established as your own blog, sometimes they won't have as big of numbers, but it doesn't mean you can't learn from them, that they won't have something that inspires you, or has you addicted like a whore to crack.
Some of the blogs I love are just that. Small. *shrugs*
Sometimes they're crazy big, a place I know I will never reach, and I'm ok with that.
Both can equally be my crack.
But where am I on this scale?
I often ponder this.
I am finding more and more that everyone has their assumption about where other blogs are.
A lot of the time, it's way off the mark. At least in my case.
How important are those numbers though, when people see you as something else entirely?
Listen to your blogging peers, whether they be those looking up to you, those sitting in the same carriage as you on this ride, or those you are chasing dreamily.
It's important to hear what they say, how they see you, and use that to help benefit you.
Chances are you're short changing yourself.
What made you start your blog?
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Awkward
Sometimes I wonder if we all feel the way I'm feeling on the inside.
Lost and confused but with this burning curiosity for life.
I am a passionate soul, sometimes I am completely ignorant to everything and everyone around me. My mind is on a mission, it is following a thread, unravelling it's messy maze. Sometimes I am stopped at a big messy tangle.
Tangles. They're beautiful aren't they? They're not much fun to be in, but they're pretty to watch. Like a a messy dance of disaster.
I used to be loud, a real extrovert. The life of the party some would say. I still am if you get to know me well enough.
I was loud because I didn't want people to see through the layers of armour. See the hurt and scared girl in there.
I stopped being loud when I became a mother. I was soft, softly spoken to my children, patient, kind. Soft also meant that I had a lot of shit thrown my way. Many knives taken to the back, and sometimes to the face. I stopped standing up for myself and instead enjoyed the corner in the room. I wasn't a push over per say. If I didn't want to do something, I wouldn't, but the problem was I feel so indifferently to most things that I would just do what would make someone else happy, and sometimes it would cause me a great deal of pain.
It's easy to get overwhelmed when you're an observer. Most of the time there is far too much happening in the one place, your attention is scattered, and you cannot focus, much less feel involved and part of the fun.
I miss being the life of the party. I cannot switch off my observing side.
I like that I'm not the centre of attention, but I miss feeling part of the fun. I miss feeling part of something. Someone people seek out, or notice when they're not in the room.
Do you ever feel like a wallflower? Do you deflect attention with an iron clad suit?
Do you know how to answer my riddle?
Lost and confused but with this burning curiosity for life.
I am a passionate soul, sometimes I am completely ignorant to everything and everyone around me. My mind is on a mission, it is following a thread, unravelling it's messy maze. Sometimes I am stopped at a big messy tangle.
Tangles. They're beautiful aren't they? They're not much fun to be in, but they're pretty to watch. Like a a messy dance of disaster.
I used to be loud, a real extrovert. The life of the party some would say. I still am if you get to know me well enough.
I was loud because I didn't want people to see through the layers of armour. See the hurt and scared girl in there.
I stopped being loud when I became a mother. I was soft, softly spoken to my children, patient, kind. Soft also meant that I had a lot of shit thrown my way. Many knives taken to the back, and sometimes to the face. I stopped standing up for myself and instead enjoyed the corner in the room. I wasn't a push over per say. If I didn't want to do something, I wouldn't, but the problem was I feel so indifferently to most things that I would just do what would make someone else happy, and sometimes it would cause me a great deal of pain.
It's easy to get overwhelmed when you're an observer. Most of the time there is far too much happening in the one place, your attention is scattered, and you cannot focus, much less feel involved and part of the fun.
I miss being the life of the party. I cannot switch off my observing side.
I like that I'm not the centre of attention, but I miss feeling part of the fun. I miss feeling part of something. Someone people seek out, or notice when they're not in the room.
Do you ever feel like a wallflower? Do you deflect attention with an iron clad suit?
Do you know how to answer my riddle?
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Hair Dare. Do you dare?
I have been fiddling around with my hair A LOT lately in preparation for "the change" (more to come on that, soon....)
So when I saw Fox In Flats and Hair Romance put out this dare I was all over it.
I took this as a chance to do hairstyles I didn't normally do, and in many cases to try NEW hairstyles entirely.
Left to right:
Day 1 - Five strand braid, I am told this looks like it's just two plaits. It's not. And I am loving it so much it's in my hair again today.
Day 2 - Knotted ponytail, I pulled it to the side, and I'm not sure I got it right, but I like how quick it was to create and how easy it changed a simple ponytail.
Day 3 - Messy Beehive, ok so it wasn't supposed to be messy but my hair is quite hard to tame. I'm not one to tease my hair, but you needed to for this and I liked the result. I will be doing this one again, especially great for those hot summer days.
Day 4 - The Bohemian, this is more my hair style. My hair isn't straight, as you can see, and it was freshly washed that day meaning it wasn't going to be tamed. I threw in a couple of random plaits, and brushed my hair with my fingertips and walla.
Day 5 - The Princess Braid, I ADORE this and it was probably my favourite of all of them. This braid starts midway down my hair and is braided to wrap around my hair pulled to the one side. It's quite tricky and calls for a lot of patience.
Day 6 - Double Topsy Turvy, this takes me back to my childhood. When mum went back to work it left dad to get my sister and I ready for school in the morning. This included our hair, and all he knew what to do was a pony tail, a ballerina bun and a topsy turvy (remember those plastic hooks?). I will admit I was stuck for idea's this day, but I cannot remember the last time I did a topsy turvy.
Day 7 - The Fishtail, I have been wanting to learn how to fishtail since I was a little girl. I have never successfully done it. I actually had my hairdresser BFF fishtail my hair back for my birthday. Usually it falls out half hour later. Like completely unsalvageable falls out. This was the first time I managed to do it right and it's the start of an affair.
Are you taking part in #hairdare ?
I challenge you to try something new in your hair tomorrow!
So when I saw Fox In Flats and Hair Romance put out this dare I was all over it.
I took this as a chance to do hairstyles I didn't normally do, and in many cases to try NEW hairstyles entirely.
Left to right:
Day 1 - Five strand braid, I am told this looks like it's just two plaits. It's not. And I am loving it so much it's in my hair again today.
Day 2 - Knotted ponytail, I pulled it to the side, and I'm not sure I got it right, but I like how quick it was to create and how easy it changed a simple ponytail.
Day 3 - Messy Beehive, ok so it wasn't supposed to be messy but my hair is quite hard to tame. I'm not one to tease my hair, but you needed to for this and I liked the result. I will be doing this one again, especially great for those hot summer days.
Day 4 - The Bohemian, this is more my hair style. My hair isn't straight, as you can see, and it was freshly washed that day meaning it wasn't going to be tamed. I threw in a couple of random plaits, and brushed my hair with my fingertips and walla.
Day 5 - The Princess Braid, I ADORE this and it was probably my favourite of all of them. This braid starts midway down my hair and is braided to wrap around my hair pulled to the one side. It's quite tricky and calls for a lot of patience.
Day 6 - Double Topsy Turvy, this takes me back to my childhood. When mum went back to work it left dad to get my sister and I ready for school in the morning. This included our hair, and all he knew what to do was a pony tail, a ballerina bun and a topsy turvy (remember those plastic hooks?). I will admit I was stuck for idea's this day, but I cannot remember the last time I did a topsy turvy.
Day 7 - The Fishtail, I have been wanting to learn how to fishtail since I was a little girl. I have never successfully done it. I actually had my hairdresser BFF fishtail my hair back for my birthday. Usually it falls out half hour later. Like completely unsalvageable falls out. This was the first time I managed to do it right and it's the start of an affair.
Are you taking part in #hairdare ?
I challenge you to try something new in your hair tomorrow!
Monday, January 23, 2012
School Holiday Survival Tips. The Eighth Edition.
We have finally come to an end of my eight part series School Holiday Survival Tips.
The last activity I want to share with you is a very fun, sometimes messy skill.
Sensory Games.
There are so many ways you can incorporate this, but I am going to share a few specifics that I have found to be a big hit, both with my own children, and others. No playdough here, that's too obvious...
Gelli Baff.
This is not as messy as you think. When we first got some gifted to us I was thinking "Why would I want this shit? I don't live to clean." One very hot day when Bluey was driving me mad I was desperate for some entertainment so I whipped out the box. He was happily amused so I was happy enough with that. Then it came to clean time, which I really couldn't be bothered with so I chucked Bluey in the shower to wash the goo off and left it for later.
When later couldn't be put off any longer I threw in the second part to this box. The dissolving crystals. Wowee! Why did I avoid this child fun activity again?
Anyway, for those of you who haven't had a GelliBaff experience, let me show you it. With added commentary about all this sensory stuff.
Sensory boxes.
Now these are awesome for all ages. Again things collected on your nature walks may be used in this idea. You get a box, it can be plastic, cardboard, whatever you like (we like gift boxes). Now you add things of different textures, a feather, a rock, maybe a pine cone, some corrugated cardboard, cotton balls and the list goes on. Basically anything you have about or anything you come across and think "Hmmm we don't have that in our sensory box".
I like to stick flat objects, like the corrugated cardboard, the cotton balls, glitter textures etc. into the top of the lid so they don't come off and get lost, but I have also kept various cut out shapes of these loose inside the box.
With Greenie we like to open it up and I get him to choose something and we talk about it before putting it back and choosing another object. Sometimes we will make piles of objects we deem to be similar in feel (soft, hard, rough, smooth).
With Bluey I like to blindfold him, place an object in his hands and ask him to describe it to me. He loves this, but it also makes it challenging. After he's described it to me I will ask him to guess what it is.
Slime.
This stuff is MESSY. So unless you're an uber zen, or plain fucking awesome mum this one is for outside.
Grab some cornflour and water coloured your choice of colour using food colouring. Slowly pour in the water whilst stirring a little bit at a time. You're aiming for a thick consistency.
This slime can be both a solid and a liquid. Roll it between your hands and you will make a ball. Alternatively punch it with your fist and it will be hard. Hold it in your still hand and it will melt, or do a slow motion punch and it will be wet.
Stress Balls.
How much fun were these?
We've all filled a balloon with rice or flour and pegged it at our mates or spent hours squishing it. But lets think outside the box for a minute. Have you ever made a jelly filled stress ball? What about a chickpea? Maybe cooked spaghetti? Use your imagination, and whatever you have around the house!
The last activity I want to share with you is a very fun, sometimes messy skill.
Sensory Games.
There are so many ways you can incorporate this, but I am going to share a few specifics that I have found to be a big hit, both with my own children, and others. No playdough here, that's too obvious...
Gelli Baff.
This is not as messy as you think. When we first got some gifted to us I was thinking "Why would I want this shit? I don't live to clean." One very hot day when Bluey was driving me mad I was desperate for some entertainment so I whipped out the box. He was happily amused so I was happy enough with that. Then it came to clean time, which I really couldn't be bothered with so I chucked Bluey in the shower to wash the goo off and left it for later.
When later couldn't be put off any longer I threw in the second part to this box. The dissolving crystals. Wowee! Why did I avoid this child fun activity again?
Anyway, for those of you who haven't had a GelliBaff experience, let me show you it. With added commentary about all this sensory stuff.
Sensory boxes.
Now these are awesome for all ages. Again things collected on your nature walks may be used in this idea. You get a box, it can be plastic, cardboard, whatever you like (we like gift boxes). Now you add things of different textures, a feather, a rock, maybe a pine cone, some corrugated cardboard, cotton balls and the list goes on. Basically anything you have about or anything you come across and think "Hmmm we don't have that in our sensory box".
I like to stick flat objects, like the corrugated cardboard, the cotton balls, glitter textures etc. into the top of the lid so they don't come off and get lost, but I have also kept various cut out shapes of these loose inside the box.
With Greenie we like to open it up and I get him to choose something and we talk about it before putting it back and choosing another object. Sometimes we will make piles of objects we deem to be similar in feel (soft, hard, rough, smooth).
With Bluey I like to blindfold him, place an object in his hands and ask him to describe it to me. He loves this, but it also makes it challenging. After he's described it to me I will ask him to guess what it is.
Slime.
This stuff is MESSY. So unless you're an uber zen, or plain fucking awesome mum this one is for outside.
Grab some cornflour and water coloured your choice of colour using food colouring. Slowly pour in the water whilst stirring a little bit at a time. You're aiming for a thick consistency.
This slime can be both a solid and a liquid. Roll it between your hands and you will make a ball. Alternatively punch it with your fist and it will be hard. Hold it in your still hand and it will melt, or do a slow motion punch and it will be wet.
Stress Balls.
How much fun were these?
We've all filled a balloon with rice or flour and pegged it at our mates or spent hours squishing it. But lets think outside the box for a minute. Have you ever made a jelly filled stress ball? What about a chickpea? Maybe cooked spaghetti? Use your imagination, and whatever you have around the house!
Are you stimulating all of your kids senses? What's something you like to do?
Thursday, January 19, 2012
What is "Growing Up" anyway?
 |
| Image found here |
As a child there is nothing more wondrous than watching the life of an adult. So much so that for centuries children have played games in which they pretend to be adults taking on their various roles, whether it be at home or on the work place.
What they don't realise is the adulthood is fraught with many of the same problems as childhood.
The frustration at never being quite grown up enough to do something, the crushing pain at the disapproval or unkind words of those around you,
Some things don't change thought, like your parents telling you what you should do whether it was invited advice or not, and you rebelling against them.
That adults still gossip and bitch like you do in high school.
That you still have no idea what you're doing even though you thought you were ready for this gig.
I'd rather feel this way and have someone else paying the bills!
Do we really ever grow up?
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Can you write?
We interrupt today's regular scheduling for an important announcement.
Can you type?
Do you have a story to tell?
Looking to increase your readership?
Then why not guest post?
I am currently after some guest posts for The Mummy Autobiography.
If you would be able to help me out with sharing a story, please contact me. I will need your post by Friday the 27th of January at the latest.
It can be a story about anything you like, but topics I would love to hear about include "children and school" (pre school, primary, high school or any kind), beauty or fashion posts, or your story of parenthood.
Please do not feel limited by these topics, they are only suggestions!
If you would like to guest post for me but are stuck for a topic, feel free to contact me and I can give you a specific prompt.
Thank you to anyone who is willing to help me out.
 |
| Image credit. |
Can you type?
Do you have a story to tell?
Looking to increase your readership?
Then why not guest post?
I am currently after some guest posts for The Mummy Autobiography.
If you would be able to help me out with sharing a story, please contact me. I will need your post by Friday the 27th of January at the latest.
It can be a story about anything you like, but topics I would love to hear about include "children and school" (pre school, primary, high school or any kind), beauty or fashion posts, or your story of parenthood.
Please do not feel limited by these topics, they are only suggestions!
If you would like to guest post for me but are stuck for a topic, feel free to contact me and I can give you a specific prompt.
Thank you to anyone who is willing to help me out.
Monday, January 16, 2012
School Holiday Survival Tips. The Seventh Edition.
So we're onto the second half of my School Holiday Survival Tips series.
A series I am writing to help YOU, the parent or carer, to stimulate your children, and hopefully bring a bit of peace during the school holidays.
So far I have suggested nature walks, animal safari's, where we live, Space, Science and Craft.
Next up is probably my favourite.
Cooking.
This is something I wish they included more in schools.
Cooking is a non optional part to being a child in this house here. Greenie LOVES to cook. I can’t even go into the kitchen to pour a glass of water without him on my heels screaming “I help! I help!” Bluey is somewhat indifferent. He does it when asked, but has a could care less attitude.
I know lots of grown men that besides from working a barbie they couldn’t cook even the simplest of meals. Mr Black didn’t even know how to make pancakes without a shake bottle until he met me!
With Bluey I started a school holiday program as soon as he started school. I decided that during the school holidays we would focus on a recipe and get him being able to at least recall what he needed and the steps to make it.
First it was pancakes which I had him making all by himself by the end of the two weeks, with me cooking them (he is aware the stove is hot and so he’s too scared to try, I am happy with what he can remember so I’m not pushing that step yet).
Next we did scones. He could remember the steps and needed a little help with remembering the quantities of ingredients.
Then pizza bread, and so on. They got harder and harder, yes, and I realised I needed to adjust my expectation of him being able to remember a whole recipe from cooking it a couple of times in as many weeks, but they are things that when I cook now I call him in and he is happy to help and we play the game of “Ok what do we need? How much do we need? What do I do next?” etc. When he doesn’t remember I encourage him to have a guess, and if he doesn’t get it right I praise him for having a go and remind him of what the answer is.
I chose recipes that we use regularly too, so he wasn't just being exposed to them during the school holidays, but he could help me out during the school terms.
I feel like it’s important for children to learn about where we get everything from. That meat comes from animals, things like rice or flour come from plants just like our fruit and vegetables do. It’s also important for them to learn how to make things without a box, or just buying them from the shop already made.
I don't expect them to be heading off on Master Chef Junior, but I hope that these recipes will end up sticking with them into their adult lives so that they are able to cook simple and healthy food for themselves.
I don't think you yourself need to be a great cook for this. It can be as simple as teaching them how to make a favourite meal of theirs. Even if it is stir through sauces, just getting them to understand the steps, and what you will need (both ingredients and equipment) can be lots of fun for them, and may be the key to getting your fussy eater to want to eat their food.
Do you have a little sous chef in your house?
How important do you feel cooking skills are?
Next up is probably my favourite.
 |
| Image credit. |
Cooking.
This is something I wish they included more in schools.
Cooking is a non optional part to being a child in this house here. Greenie LOVES to cook. I can’t even go into the kitchen to pour a glass of water without him on my heels screaming “I help! I help!” Bluey is somewhat indifferent. He does it when asked, but has a could care less attitude.
I know lots of grown men that besides from working a barbie they couldn’t cook even the simplest of meals. Mr Black didn’t even know how to make pancakes without a shake bottle until he met me!
With Bluey I started a school holiday program as soon as he started school. I decided that during the school holidays we would focus on a recipe and get him being able to at least recall what he needed and the steps to make it.
First it was pancakes which I had him making all by himself by the end of the two weeks, with me cooking them (he is aware the stove is hot and so he’s too scared to try, I am happy with what he can remember so I’m not pushing that step yet).
Next we did scones. He could remember the steps and needed a little help with remembering the quantities of ingredients.
Then pizza bread, and so on. They got harder and harder, yes, and I realised I needed to adjust my expectation of him being able to remember a whole recipe from cooking it a couple of times in as many weeks, but they are things that when I cook now I call him in and he is happy to help and we play the game of “Ok what do we need? How much do we need? What do I do next?” etc. When he doesn’t remember I encourage him to have a guess, and if he doesn’t get it right I praise him for having a go and remind him of what the answer is.
I chose recipes that we use regularly too, so he wasn't just being exposed to them during the school holidays, but he could help me out during the school terms.
I feel like it’s important for children to learn about where we get everything from. That meat comes from animals, things like rice or flour come from plants just like our fruit and vegetables do. It’s also important for them to learn how to make things without a box, or just buying them from the shop already made.
I don't expect them to be heading off on Master Chef Junior, but I hope that these recipes will end up sticking with them into their adult lives so that they are able to cook simple and healthy food for themselves.
I don't think you yourself need to be a great cook for this. It can be as simple as teaching them how to make a favourite meal of theirs. Even if it is stir through sauces, just getting them to understand the steps, and what you will need (both ingredients and equipment) can be lots of fun for them, and may be the key to getting your fussy eater to want to eat their food.
Do you have a little sous chef in your house?
How important do you feel cooking skills are?
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Fat Girl/Skinny Girl
A woman. Similar age to yourself. Bombarded with images, and talk of weight.
She looks in the mirror as she clutches her bulging belly with her hands almost wishing she were in fact pregnant unexpectedly.
Fat.
It's a word that's thrown about a lot.
It's supposed to be an ugly word, a bad word.
But is it really either of those things?
Standing in the dressing room in her dream dress. The sales lady said they only had one size left, an 8 and it fits perfectly. She frowns. All she can see is her thighs jiggling. 'I shouldn't have had dinner last night' she thinks to herself. She puts the dress back on the rack and tells herself she isn't worthy. Not until she loses some weight.
Skinny.
As common as it's juxtaposition.
It's not seen as ugly, but rather as pretty. Ideal.
But is it really?
She finds herself eating in private. She can see what others are thinking, that she isn't attractive. She doesn't have those sexy curves people talk of, but she doesn't have the svelte figure so coveted either. If she could just lose a couple of kilo's she would be pretty. She would be worthy.
Fat.
It looks different on all of us.
What is an ideal weight anyway?
All her friends talk about losing weight. She hadn't noticed they needed to. She finds herself pushing and pulling on parts of her body in the mirror, sucking her tummy in as far as she can. Is this their way of subtly telling me I'm getting too fat?
Skinny.
Bones are noticeable.
It's still not enough.
Dark shadows hang under her eyelids. She is tired. She cannot stop throughout the day because as soon as she does a voice snaps at her from inside her head "You lazy cow. How are you supposed to get rid of those kilo's sitting down? Get off of your fat arse!" So she moves, all day long, she moves.
Fat.
I don't want to be.
When it comes time to sleep she cannot. Her stomach aches with hunger, her body is shaking with weariness. She finds herself sitting in the doorway of the fridge at 2am eating anything she can get her hands on feverishly. She wakes in the morning rushing to the bathroom to rid herself of her stomach's contents.
Skinny.
It's so close now.
Looking in the mirror as she washes her face she realises she doesn't recognise the person staring back at her anymore. She gets dressed for work, her clothes that once hugged her figure now dance from her frame. I'm not quite pretty yet. Just a few more kilo's to go.
Fat.
Skinny.
Is there really a point you're trying to make?
Is there really a place you will get to where you will stop? That you will say you are happy and enough is enough?
Have you ever asked what others see when they look at you? I am pretty certain that anything concerning your weight, big or small will not be the first, or second, or even the third thing from their mouth. And no it's not just because they're being polite.
Have you ever pondered that verbalising how you feel about yourself may affect someones view on themselves? You may be smaller than them and complaining about how you need to lose weight. Or you may be boasting about how you can eat anything you like and not gain a kilo. You may even be larger and talk about chasing your goal of a slim figure, making them feel like they should be chasing it too
Self perception is generated by how valuable we feel to others.
She looks in the mirror as she clutches her bulging belly with her hands almost wishing she were in fact pregnant unexpectedly.
Fat.
It's a word that's thrown about a lot.
It's supposed to be an ugly word, a bad word.
But is it really either of those things?
Standing in the dressing room in her dream dress. The sales lady said they only had one size left, an 8 and it fits perfectly. She frowns. All she can see is her thighs jiggling. 'I shouldn't have had dinner last night' she thinks to herself. She puts the dress back on the rack and tells herself she isn't worthy. Not until she loses some weight.
Skinny.
As common as it's juxtaposition.
It's not seen as ugly, but rather as pretty. Ideal.
But is it really?
She finds herself eating in private. She can see what others are thinking, that she isn't attractive. She doesn't have those sexy curves people talk of, but she doesn't have the svelte figure so coveted either. If she could just lose a couple of kilo's she would be pretty. She would be worthy.
Fat.
It looks different on all of us.
What is an ideal weight anyway?
All her friends talk about losing weight. She hadn't noticed they needed to. She finds herself pushing and pulling on parts of her body in the mirror, sucking her tummy in as far as she can. Is this their way of subtly telling me I'm getting too fat?
Skinny.
Bones are noticeable.
It's still not enough.
Dark shadows hang under her eyelids. She is tired. She cannot stop throughout the day because as soon as she does a voice snaps at her from inside her head "You lazy cow. How are you supposed to get rid of those kilo's sitting down? Get off of your fat arse!" So she moves, all day long, she moves.
Fat.
I don't want to be.
When it comes time to sleep she cannot. Her stomach aches with hunger, her body is shaking with weariness. She finds herself sitting in the doorway of the fridge at 2am eating anything she can get her hands on feverishly. She wakes in the morning rushing to the bathroom to rid herself of her stomach's contents.
Skinny.
It's so close now.
Looking in the mirror as she washes her face she realises she doesn't recognise the person staring back at her anymore. She gets dressed for work, her clothes that once hugged her figure now dance from her frame. I'm not quite pretty yet. Just a few more kilo's to go.
Fat.
Skinny.
Is there really a point you're trying to make?
Is there really a place you will get to where you will stop? That you will say you are happy and enough is enough?
Have you ever asked what others see when they look at you? I am pretty certain that anything concerning your weight, big or small will not be the first, or second, or even the third thing from their mouth. And no it's not just because they're being polite.
Have you ever pondered that verbalising how you feel about yourself may affect someones view on themselves? You may be smaller than them and complaining about how you need to lose weight. Or you may be boasting about how you can eat anything you like and not gain a kilo. You may even be larger and talk about chasing your goal of a slim figure, making them feel like they should be chasing it too
Self perception is generated by how valuable we feel to others.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Winner Time!
Thank you to everyone who entered New Year, New Products Thanks to Maybelline Giveaway.
I had so much fun reading all of the entries, and nodded along with many of the concerns you had all brought up.
It was hard stuff to pick one winner, but it's what needed to be done, so let me just cut straight to that now.
The winner of the Maybelline Pack which includes; 1xVolum' Express OneByOne Mascara in Blackest Black, 1xInstant Age Rewind Eye Eraser Concealer in Medium, 1xColour Sensational The Lip Shine Colour in Luminous Cocoa, 3xColour Sensational Lip Colour in Barely Brown, Rum Riche and Mochachino, 3xSuperStay Lip Liner in Bordeaux, Cappuccino and Brown is ....Gemmie Alliston
Congratulations.
Gemmie you will have until 10pm Thursday 12th of January to email me your postal details.
Thank you again to everyone who entered.
I had so much fun reading all of the entries, and nodded along with many of the concerns you had all brought up.
It was hard stuff to pick one winner, but it's what needed to be done, so let me just cut straight to that now.
The winner of the Maybelline Pack which includes; 1xVolum' Express OneByOne Mascara in Blackest Black, 1xInstant Age Rewind Eye Eraser Concealer in Medium, 1xColour Sensational The Lip Shine Colour in Luminous Cocoa, 3xColour Sensational Lip Colour in Barely Brown, Rum Riche and Mochachino, 3xSuperStay Lip Liner in Bordeaux, Cappuccino and Brown is ....Gemmie Alliston
Congratulations.
Gemmie you will have until 10pm Thursday 12th of January to email me your postal details.
Thank you again to everyone who entered.
Four!
It's Summer!
Oh yeah!
That means sun, salt, and a lot of time outdoors.
I know I've preached about the importance of putting on sunscreen for the loads of benefits, but there is something else important to remember in summer.
Moisturising.
For the most part of my life I've avoided moisturisers. Especially once hitting my teen years and wanting to avoid more pimples. I am yet to hit the point of not having a pimple here and there. So my answer to this when I was younger was to cleanse but skip the moisturising part.
Just over a year ago I started moisturising regularly and it's only highlighted how dull my skin was. I was aging, fast, and moisturising actually hasn't made me break out more than normal.
The lesson? Moisturise. It's important, your skin needs it weather you think it does or not.
Some creams I am loving, in addition to my daily face moisturiser and recommending for you.
Got some really dry skin? QV Face Rescue Gel is a very light, but intensive moisturiser, and i have been draining this baby quickly. I get dry patches on my face, with the constant break outs. I am loving a squirt of this pump action cream that I apply just to those patches.
Every sensitive skin, or suffer Eczema? Lush Dream Cream is a delicious deeply hydrating cream that is worth the splurge. It literally saved my sanity when Greenie was younger with his eczema. Best part? It's made from natural ingredients and is vegan!
Looking for that all over body moisturiser to add a little glow to your skin? Dove Body Summerglow is a moisturiser that adds a light colouring to your body in addition to feeding your skin. I love this especially in spring before my body has had the chance to get a bit of colour but when it's warm enough to start baring my pasty white self.
This is a new addition to my skin routine but something many people have sworn by to me. Triology's Certified Organic Rosehip Oil. It's basically a massive boost of lots of good vitamins for your skin. I have steered clear of oils in the past much for the reason I avoided moisturisers, for fear it will just create more breakouts. Surprisingly using this oil I haven't had any more than normal breakouts, and have actually found it helps to clear some areas that were breaking out. I put this on before bed at night as it is a little greasy until it soaks in but it has boosted my skins natural glow and helped with wrinkles which gets a massive thumbs up from me.
Are you moisturising? If so which products are you loving? If not, why not?
Oh yeah!
That means sun, salt, and a lot of time outdoors.
I know I've preached about the importance of putting on sunscreen for the loads of benefits, but there is something else important to remember in summer.
 |
| Image credit. |
For the most part of my life I've avoided moisturisers. Especially once hitting my teen years and wanting to avoid more pimples. I am yet to hit the point of not having a pimple here and there. So my answer to this when I was younger was to cleanse but skip the moisturising part.
Just over a year ago I started moisturising regularly and it's only highlighted how dull my skin was. I was aging, fast, and moisturising actually hasn't made me break out more than normal.
The lesson? Moisturise. It's important, your skin needs it weather you think it does or not.
Some creams I am loving, in addition to my daily face moisturiser and recommending for you.
Got some really dry skin? QV Face Rescue Gel is a very light, but intensive moisturiser, and i have been draining this baby quickly. I get dry patches on my face, with the constant break outs. I am loving a squirt of this pump action cream that I apply just to those patches.
Every sensitive skin, or suffer Eczema? Lush Dream Cream is a delicious deeply hydrating cream that is worth the splurge. It literally saved my sanity when Greenie was younger with his eczema. Best part? It's made from natural ingredients and is vegan!
Looking for that all over body moisturiser to add a little glow to your skin? Dove Body Summerglow is a moisturiser that adds a light colouring to your body in addition to feeding your skin. I love this especially in spring before my body has had the chance to get a bit of colour but when it's warm enough to start baring my pasty white self.
This is a new addition to my skin routine but something many people have sworn by to me. Triology's Certified Organic Rosehip Oil. It's basically a massive boost of lots of good vitamins for your skin. I have steered clear of oils in the past much for the reason I avoided moisturisers, for fear it will just create more breakouts. Surprisingly using this oil I haven't had any more than normal breakouts, and have actually found it helps to clear some areas that were breaking out. I put this on before bed at night as it is a little greasy until it soaks in but it has boosted my skins natural glow and helped with wrinkles which gets a massive thumbs up from me.
Are you moisturising? If so which products are you loving? If not, why not?
Some of these products were sent to me to trial in accorance with my disclosure policy.
Monday, January 9, 2012
School Holiday Survival Tips. The Sixth Edition.
So we're onto the second half of my School Holiday Survival Tips series.
A series I am writing to help YOU, the parent or carer, to stimulate your children, and hopefully bring a bit of peace during the school holidays.
So far I have suggested nature walks, animal safari's, where we live, Space and Science.
This week I'm hitting you with a big one.
Craft.
Now don’t give me that look. You don’t need to be crafty to let your kids craft. All you need is some paper, glue, paints, bibs and bobs, and a whole lot of patience. Or ignorance. Craft time could be the time you catch up on reading and commenting some awesome blogs, like this one.
It’s completely up to you where you do craft. It is a million times easier if you can set it up outside, that way you won’t worry too much about mess. It doesn’t have to be messy though either.
Got a stack of Christmas cards from Christmas? Yeah it would be nice to keep them and in 2 years read back and remember that such and such sent a card, but I’m sure there are better things you could store away. I hand them off to the kids come January. Bluey gets instructions to cut the pictures out, whatever he likes in the picture, but that he has to do the cutting. This helps to develop his fine motor skills with scissor use something that is pretty overlooked in the parenting area. Yes, it is just easier if we cut things out for them, that’s why I’m suggesting this to you, because I am a serial “I will just do the cutting” parent. Greenie still can’t work the open closed aspect of cutting, but it gives him a chance to get a little snipping action. Then we paste collages. Big small, tuck away the left over cut out’s, it doesn’t matter! You’ve wasted a good hour there.
We also like to use the things we’ve collected on our nature walk. Feathers, flowers, leaves…we love to make jungles with an assortment of leaves. I then encourage the kids to tell me a story about their picture. Sometimes I get “This little girl went to the beach for a swim because it was hot” but other times I get wild stories. The fantastic one’s I make Bluey write down so we can remember them forever.
You can make balloon people. You can make caterpillars. You can make anything you dream of, and you know what? So what if you have crap craft skills, your kids will still think whatever you make is totally awesome.
So grab a bucket of glue, a wad of paper and get crafting with your kids!
This week I'm hitting you with a big one.
Craft.
 |
| Image from here. |
Now don’t give me that look. You don’t need to be crafty to let your kids craft. All you need is some paper, glue, paints, bibs and bobs, and a whole lot of patience. Or ignorance. Craft time could be the time you catch up on reading and commenting some awesome blogs, like this one.
It’s completely up to you where you do craft. It is a million times easier if you can set it up outside, that way you won’t worry too much about mess. It doesn’t have to be messy though either.
Got a stack of Christmas cards from Christmas? Yeah it would be nice to keep them and in 2 years read back and remember that such and such sent a card, but I’m sure there are better things you could store away. I hand them off to the kids come January. Bluey gets instructions to cut the pictures out, whatever he likes in the picture, but that he has to do the cutting. This helps to develop his fine motor skills with scissor use something that is pretty overlooked in the parenting area. Yes, it is just easier if we cut things out for them, that’s why I’m suggesting this to you, because I am a serial “I will just do the cutting” parent. Greenie still can’t work the open closed aspect of cutting, but it gives him a chance to get a little snipping action. Then we paste collages. Big small, tuck away the left over cut out’s, it doesn’t matter! You’ve wasted a good hour there.
We also like to use the things we’ve collected on our nature walk. Feathers, flowers, leaves…we love to make jungles with an assortment of leaves. I then encourage the kids to tell me a story about their picture. Sometimes I get “This little girl went to the beach for a swim because it was hot” but other times I get wild stories. The fantastic one’s I make Bluey write down so we can remember them forever.
You can make balloon people. You can make caterpillars. You can make anything you dream of, and you know what? So what if you have crap craft skills, your kids will still think whatever you make is totally awesome.
So grab a bucket of glue, a wad of paper and get crafting with your kids!
Saturday, January 7, 2012
2012 is...
I know I took a little break from it, but all good things need a break now and then.
It's a new year and I am BACK and determined to make it ALL year. Do you think I can?
This week the wonderful Maxabella has challenged us to use one word to sum up the year you plan to have in 2012.
Here is what I'm hoping my year can be
What about you? What one word describes the year you're aiming for?
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Pick Up Sticks.
I've written before about how I kept a diary for years and years.
All my teenage angst was recorded.
Was it all dramatics or was there some part of me that was just highly aware of something else? Something...more.
 |
| I loved these as a kid. They only frustrate me now though. Image credit. |
Even with my writing turned to ashes, I can recall specific things I wrote about. Sometimes scary things. It's like my mind doesn't quite work properly. Like it's running on it's own wavelength, and I am observing all the wrong things. Speaking another language.
I understand the need to try to mainstream myself. To push myself to think, or at least understand and empathise with how most people think.
So I build up walls, and make myself a little fort. My way of thinking can come later, and is perhaps why I cannot sleep, because in my waking hours I need to function "normally".
All it takes is one tiny thing, the way someone says the words, or a look I get, or even something not being said and my fort? It comes crashing down.
A pile of sticks.
Is it the world that is dysfunctional?
Or it is me?
Why am I seeing the world in such a different way?
Why can't I just keep things simple?
Monday, January 2, 2012
School Holiday Survival Tips. The Fifth Edition.
So we're halfway through my School Holiday Survival Tips series.
A series I am writing to help YOU, the parent or carer, to stimulate your children, and hopefully bring a bit of peace during the school holidays.
One of Bluey's favourite things is Science Experiments.
I have these cards with loads of idea's for science experiments. Most can be done with things you have around the house. Today I am going to share two of those with you.
Firstly is Bluey's favourite and a regular request around here is what I call potion making.
8 (or more) Clear Plastic Cups
Water
Food ColouringOptional:
Glitter
Confetti
Sequins
Fill 4 of the cups with water. Add red food colouring to one, blue food colouring to another, and yellow food colouring to a third. Leave one with plain water.
Encourage your child to pour some of the various coloured water into the other cups. Encourage them to mix colours and talk about what colours you make by mixing various colours. The clear water acts as a white to lighten colours or make pink.
Your child can then add some glitter, confetti, sequins or anything else "magical" to their potion if they like, or they can leave it plain and drink their potion.
This activity is fantastic. Not only is the pouring of the water helping to train their fine motor skills, their cognitive learning is being stimulated in learning to anticipate which combination of colours will make what. Best part, the food colouring won't stain their clothes, so the most mess you get is some spilt water. We tend to do this outside, but it could be done inside as well.
This is one that Greenie gets involved in, and as the child grows you can make it trickier for them by requesting specific colours. I like to ask for light green (which requires mixing the clear, blue and yellow).
Christmas means a lot of rubbish, especially packaging.
While most people look at the piles of rubbish and ponder how to make it all fit in their bin, I like to look at it and think "What can I use?"
Packaging foam is one of those fantastic things you can play around with! The kids and I decided to do an experiment talking about why things float. I explained to Bluey that not everything sank in water, that if something was lighter than the surface of the water, then it would float on top. It's quite a hard thing to explain, and that's when I felt inspired to conduct this little experiment.
Some foam. It doesn't need to be flat or big pieces, you can play around with whatever you have.
Wooden skewers, toothpicks, or even a stick from your backyard. Just something you can use as a mast.
Pieces of paper cut into triangles for a sail. We had different sizes and colours here, but you can use whatever you have available.
Scissors
Sticky tape
Ruler
Take your piece of foam and cut out your boat shape. I used the corner of the ruler to mark out the shape I wanted, then I used my scissors to cut it.
Tape your sail to the mast.
Stick your mast into your boat, and you're ready to go!
Fill a bucket, paddle pool, pool, sink, anything you like with water and pop the boats in and have a boat race. My kids chased their boats around for an hour blowing wind into the sails.Depending on your child and their skill level get them to do as much of this as possible. Bluey did his completely himself at 5 years old, but Greenie at 2 needed my assistance with the cutting and the taping. The best bit is it doesn't matter if they don't quite get it right or if the boat sinks. You were going to throw the stuff out anyway that you really haven't lost out.
We talked about other materials, like if we used a piece of wood do we think it would still float etc. If I had more materials on hand I would have made a boat out of different bases so we could see for ourselves what would work and what wouldn't, but this was just a spur of the moment idea on a morning the kids were driving me nuts that I threw together in 2 minutes. And that's what makes it fantastic!
We also used this time to talk about the different parts of the boat. The bow, the mast, the sail, that they don't say left or right but rather "port" and "starboard". Your child may not remember, but it's just about providing the situation in which to talk about this stuff. You will be surprised how much they actually take in.
The idea is to be creative. Be ok with them doing something for themselves. Encourage that! It doesn't matter if they make a mistake, they're learning. With things that are hands on I like to do my own (or usually one for Greenie), and do the step with Bluey watching before telling him to have a go. That way I can show him what I am asking him to do both visually and verbally.
Are your kids mad scientists like mine? Do you have any experiments they like to do that you can share with me?
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