Thursday 26 June 2014

Lucy is ONE!

OMG she is 1! My little angel has turned 1.. I still recall the moment that they put her in my arms and I thought 'what a funny little face' and she did have a funny face and from day one pulled the funniest expressions. She still does really but now they are much more controlled.

She melted my heart on this day last year and she still melts my heart with everything she does. And I never thought I wanted to be a mum but now can't imagine any other way of being.

Her first birthday is spend in the UK, among her British family and friends who don't get the pleasure of seeing her daily and she is going to be spoilt rotten. Its on days like these that I always think how much simpler it would all be if we all lived in the same country. I know both my hubby and Lucy would love it, but I don't think I could give up sunshine and my lifestyle that easily.

I have loved every moment of the last year and could not imagine now life without my Lucy, so I'm looking forward to the next years and the adventures that Mike, Lucy and I will encounter.

Love you my sausage
xx
Day 1
and now 1 year old


walking at 1








Monday 23 June 2014

We are Going on a Holiday!

packed the baby!
This week we are going on a holiday. Not just any little holiday but a long plane journey holiday. I'm really looking forward to going to the UK to see family and friends and to catch up. Most have not met Lucy so it will be a fun holiday with lots to do and see and Lucy will turn 1 while we are there! There's a party already planned for her by her grandparents and I personally can't wait.
Also, though winter only came a week or so ago here in Sydney, I'm ready to go somewhere a little warmer, where the days are longer and my arms get a little bit of sun.

This is our first journey overseas with Lucy and I'm slightly worried... well slightly might be putting it mildly. My little girl is fun and loving and HATES being cooped up! If I don't take her out in the morning and then again in the afternoon, I might as well start pulling my hair out cause she will drive me NUTS! So you can imagine my tribulations at the idea of 22 hours on a plane being confined to an area about the size of her cot. Lets just say I'm worried! we have taken peoples advice and bought new toys and books and downloaded shows on the iPad, but I still worry because I personally just can't imagine it.

As a childless person I still wasn't keen on flying long journeys (just like Lucy I HATE being cooped up and confined... guess she gets it from me!) but I tolerated it with sleeping pills and LOTS of movies. I use to complain if I had a seat next to a child (to be fair, working all year with kids, my holidays were always planned as kid free zones) and now I will be the person that people won't want to sit next to and I won't be blaming them.

The packing has also got more complicated with all the extra debates on what to take and what is not necessary, putting things in the suitcase and then back again. To take the pram or not to? To take a sleeping bag or not bother? amount of nappies, wipes, food, change of clothes....etc etc? the questions continues along with the mess in the house.

So wish us all luck and if you don't hear from me for a bit there is a good excuse, we are on HOLIDAY!



Thursday 19 June 2014

I can Knit!

My gorgeous beanie model
I have been reading all these blogs on knitting and thought, impossible I just don't have time! But then I realised that every night I sit on the couch watching TV and playing candy crush! There has got to be better things for me to do!

So last week I went out bought some knitting needles and some cheap yarn and went on You Tube to see how to knit. Once I watched a video for beginners I realised that I have done this before.  My mum taught me when I was ten and I completely forgot about it but once I had the needles in my hands I realised I actually knew how its done!

first attempt at knitting 
I started with a scarf, it wasn't my best creation but apparently when your starting, a scarf is a great way to practise the basics. Then I found a great blog Fibre Flux, they have great beginner patterns and tutorials. So now I spent my time at craft shops and looking up patterns, at least I am off my candy crush addiction. If you want to learn to knit, I found this website really helpful and the tutorials were really great for beginners, click here for the link.
xx
finished product





Monday 16 June 2014

4 - Vietnamese Pork Roll

This weekend it was ugly and it rained and we were ALL sick. Just a head cold but still not nice, so we spent most of the time indoors on the couch. One outing we did get is to the local bakery. Its one of those cheap and cheerful bakeries that have the BEST croissants EVER and delicious Pork Rolls. If you want 100 thousand calories in one sitting and mouthfuls of flavour, you can't go past these!


Wednesday 11 June 2014

Lucy is on the move

This week Lucy has reached another milestone. She had finally got up the courage and taken her first steps away from the couch and into my arms!

It was a great moment and she was so proud of herself and I just kicked myself for not having my camera ready to take a picture.. Oh well since then we have plenty of pictures of her attempts at walking.

She is such a brave little sausage, not caring that she can't yet walk, she just goes for it and most of the time ends up on her bum. But I applaud her for trying and I'm sure anytime soon she will have the whole process sorted out. I just have to remember to enjoy this time when she is still slow enough for me to walk behind her because I can just imagine that once she perfects it, she won't be walking but running everywhere.

In two weeks, Lucy turns one... OMG the countdown begins!



Friday 6 June 2014

My 10 wet weather activities around Sydney



I have spend many hours trying to work out what to do with kids when it rains. There is only so much indoor activities that you can do at home before cabin fever sets in and you need to GET OUT. So I have compiled a list of activities that I like to do now with Lucy and activities that I have done with other kids that I have looked after here in Sydney. I guess we need the rain, so let it rain and lets stay dry :)
  • Powerhouse museum - I love the Powerhouse! You can get there by bus or the light rail or just drive in. I've never had problems finding a car park. The museum has great exhibitions that will interest the older kids but there is also a lot to do for the young ones. For one there is Wiggles World where all things Wiggles are seen! Also a variety of play stations throughout for little ones to ran around or crawl through. Only $15 for adults and free for under 4s, its a great wet weather day activity. Check out the website Here.
  • Plaster Painting - This activity is for a bit older kids, 3+. It is crafty and messy and can be a lot of fun, especially if you have kids that love craft and you want to take the mess out of the house. It is not the cheapest option but a great way to spend a couple of hours and you take the plaster art work home to show off to everyone!  Here is a link to the one at Fox Studios, but if you Google it, there is one close to everyone.
  • Australian National Museum - The National Museum is great for kids that can walk and appreciate the giant dinosaurs in their skeletal display and the kid section in the end is great for some educational play and activities. Here is a link to the museum to see all the latest exhibitions.
  • Shopping centres - The good old shopping centre needs to get a vote as an activity for when it is horrid outside. Some are better then others at providing fun activities for kiddies. Most will have a show on during school holidays and the really good ones have great play equipment for kids of all ages, my favourites include Top Ryde CityChatswood ChaseBroadway and East gardens.
  • Play dates - Its great if you have friends that have kids the same age as yours and you can just drop over for a coffee and the kids can play for an hour or two with a variety of different toys. There are lots of mummy and nanny networks on Facebook that have been formed just for such a purpose.
  • Coffee shops - Coffee shops that have play equipment or that are child friendly are a great way to spend some time as well, you can have a cup of coffee or tea and your baby can have some babycino. Some are better then others, I loved going to About Life in Rozelle, they had tables at the back with a toy section that kept kids entertained. Have a look at Little Eats for all the child friendly places in your area.
  • Playgroups - Playgroups are great and you can generally find one for each day of the week if your prepared to travel. I have spend many years attending and never regretted it, the kids had fun and I got to tire them out and relax with a cuppa. Some have waiting lists but others you can come along whenever you want. Have a look Here, for one in your area.
  • Library - Also one of my regulars and if you read this Blog you will know that Lucy and I are loving Rhyme Time every week. Look up your local library for all activities offered and get out of the rain.
  • Play Centre - By Play Centres I mean Lollipops Playland and similar centres. They can be pricey but if you have a toddler that can walk they will love it and even better if you con one of your friends with kids to come along as well. You sit and chat while kids play.
  • Movies - If your kids are old enough to enjoy a movie then this is a good way to spend a couple of hours or if you have a really little one you should consider 'mums n bubs' sessions. Most cinemas ran them during the school term and if you time it right you can enjoy a movie while your baby sleeps in the pram or on your lap. Here is the link for the Event cinema website.


I do hope that the above list has been helpful and I am sure I have missed out on activities so will love to hear of any others?

Monday 2 June 2014

My big fat chocolate cookies


Last night after my healthy chicken soup for dinner I got a craving for chocolate and a craving that strong can not be ignored. So I went into my pantry and dug up a few ingredients and came up with these huge chocolate cookies that are crunchy on the outside and soft inside, YUM! Taste gorgeous with a big glass of milk! Enjoy x

Ingredients

2 cups plain flour
1 cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1 egg
1 cup choc chips

Method

  • Preheat oven to 190 degrees C. In a small bowl mix together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and baking powder. Put aside
  • In a larger bowl, using an electric beater, beat the butter and the sugar until creamy. Add the egg and beat for another minute. Gradually throw in your dry ingredients, beating until thick. 
  • Throw in the choc chips and mix with a big spoon.
  • Use your hands and make balls out of the dough and place onto grease proof paper and tray. With the palm of your hand squash the balls making them into disks. 
  • Bake in the oven for 10 minutes and remove. Let them cool on a wire rack and Enjoy!
xx