Who wouldn't love to have the time to sit leisurely beside the fire, seeping a fine Pinot and transcribe all those recipes scrawled on the back of receipts to custom cards in a box like this? That would be the perfect woman, with the perfect meal repertoire, with the perfect table setting and the perfect life.

Well peughh to that. Instead, at dinnertime tonight, I had one boy pulling my jeans leg so that my pants were dangerously close to showcasing my derriere, the other one, fashioning  an 'empty' flour bag on his head, three bubbling pots on the stove, whinges, moans, I NEED TO TASTE IT....MUMMMMMYYYY.... NOOO I WANT PLAIN PASTA....MUMMMMEEEE...WHAT IS THAT? And then a sudden silence, where I turn around and find my 18 month old sculling the dregs of last nights beer bottle, stolen from the recycling bin.
Just another day in paradise.

No Man's an Island

I'm just a little excited to know that this place is only a couple of hours from Hobart. But at prices starting from $1250 a night, I think I'll be admiring it from afar! Wineglass bay is free though and isn't that a slice of heaven?!

House Hunting

So we think we are now in a position to finally take the plunge. It's taken us long enough but hey, slow and steady wins the race... I had my first experience of property anxiety today after viewing a potential home with all key family members in tow. Oh, except for the cat. Although many positive ticks were, well, ticked, I for one was just a little overwhelmed by the enormity of what we are seriously considering to do.
After a playground session and multiple nappy changing (due to yet another bout of gastro) we were brought sharply back down to earth, and after a list of unemotional pro's and con's we asked the most important question of all.  Is this going to be our home?
With us both agreeing that it was not just right, we breathed an interestingly cohesive sigh of relief and warmed to each others synergy.
Now we go back to our budget, work hard on how to save, realise our dream house is but just that and our reality will not be a 4 bedroom, 2 acre, boys room, guest quarters, kitchen garden, perfectly decorated period home with no cracks!
To still wish for something close is still on my radar and hopefully our move to Tasmania will help us find our new home. Wish us luck!

The Sound of Silence

I knew we would find some really pretty nature spots down here in Tassie but I didn't quite believe we would discover such places of peace. We happened upon Lake Sorell at the weekend, quite by accident and played all alone with only a token fly to interrupt us, while we skipped stones and dodged puddles (and wallaby poo) along the forest tracks. The sky was blue, the air crisp and not a breath touched the surface of the millpond lake. It really would have to be the most perfect spot to meditate and really listen to your inner self. That is until the Murnatrims came along and hurled as many stones and rocks into this peaceful setting as possible! Yes, boys will be boys....

Only Smarties have the answer...

I was getting to the stage last week where I really wondered whether Jack would ever be interested in the potty. Almost 3, he showed instant disdain any time I nodded to or even breathed close to the loo. Should I go cold turkey and scar him with toilet trauma or just hang in there and deal with yet another major test of patience? Well miraculously, last Friday night, the potty fairy came to visit and whisked those two notions away. After bathtime I  noticed a wee was imminent and so offered the potty, very casually and never thinking he'd have the slightest interest. To my complete surprise he agreed and after a little coaxing and much enthusiasm the gates opened and the potty was filled. Well no house has ever seen so squealing and hugging. Even our 17 month old got in on the action and applauded his brother. I am proud to say that today, Day 5, we had a totally dry day and none of the 17 changes of clothes I packed for him in his daycare bag were required! Proud as punch I was, as all you Mums can imagine!
So I must give thanks to my partner in crime, the Smartie for being such a wonderful teeny chocolate treat and playing such a major role in bribing encouraging one almost 3 year old in becoming a very grown up boy!

Clever girls

I thought I'd share some of my lovely old (and new) friends who are just terribly clever and deserve a hip hip hooray. So in no favourable order;

My great pal Steph who creatively directs Mokum (yumsky fabrics), and is about to have her first baby (woopeee)

The ridiculously lovely, cleverly creative and very inspiring Tamara Maynes. What this girl can't do with her hands! She has also just appeared in this month's Inside Out, a full spread! Go and treat yourself to some of her gorgeous goodies at The Six Week Boutique

The Polli girls are super, smart, socially conscious and always warm and welcoming. Tess, Maja and Anna, three better ladies you couldn't meet.

And finally, a new creative pal, c/o my sister in London. I will always want to shout out about people who follow their dreams and put their ideas onto paper. Sinead at Ruka Ruka creates original custom made prints for babies, kids and grown ups, and has quite literally done just that!

So ladies, I think you are all Fantabulous and am very happy to have you as friends. Watch out all you others...I may send some glory your way too!

My new job

So I guess I should really share what my new job is right? I am now in week 4 and very happily ticking along at Babes in Arms - a small yet energetic business run by two ex-architects! When Anita couldn't find a baby carrier that really suited her she discovered the ERGObaby carrier in the States, bought it, loved it and realized there was no-one here selling it. So guess what, she thought, ah here's an idea, a small distribution line that can subsidise our income.. well, little did she know how big it would become. Today she now runs the business with her lovely husband Ralph and a dedicated team of almost 10, all from their family home, with 3 little ones under 6 sharing the space! It's cosy but strangely works ok, especially when their 3 year old bakes for us! It's just nice to get my brain ticking in a different direction, regain some income again and get to use a product that is honestly fantastic.
Watch out Mt Everest, here we come!