Photo of the Day!

I wish I could think of ideas like this xx A

Lets not forget Amy Winehouse!

Its been a sad week, Amy Winehouse was very talented regardless what a lot of people thought of her, this is my little tribute to her and her great music, You can relax now Amy xx A

Have a Beautiful Weekend!

Hello My Gorgeous Ladies,

Wasn't Natalie Wood the ultimate Hollywood Beauty? there was something so striking about her features made all the more intriguing by her tragic death. 

What are you all up to this weekend? we are still............ painting!!!! its such a big job, but it is looking fabulous now so its worth the trouble. The only problem is I keep finding things I want to renew now all over the house, its never ending. 

Also this weekend I am interviewing staff, I don't like this job at all but its got to desperate measures now, so I have to do it urgh!

Other than that its going to be relaxing, especially as there is a severe weather warning out at the moment so its not really fun to go anywhere, so I think I will find some inside fun with my kiddies, finish sorting my office and maybe even pin some more pins.

But whatever you choose to do, have a safe and beautiful weekend wont you? and here are some fun things I have found this week for you to browse through xx A

More Beautiful People

Some gorgeous Dreamy whites

Oh and don't forget Turquoise

How to create "wide awake eyes"

Painting by her kisses

A beautiful song by Adele

Quote Of The Day

:-)

Photo of the Day!

This is so beautiful don't you think??

This picture is from an article called "The Rescuing Hug". The article details the first week of life of a set of twins. Each were in their respective incubators and one was not expected to live. A hospital nurse fought against the hospital rules and placed the babies in one incubator. When they were placed together, the healthier of the two, threw an arm over her sister in an endearing embrace. The smaller baby's heart stabilized and temperature rose to normal.

Motherhood - How To Enjoy Your Children More!

Hello Gorgeous girls,

I am sure I am not the only one that wonders sometimes "why  it is all so hard/" sometimes just waking up and getting breakfast for everyone seems like a challenge. I saw an episode on Doctor Phil once where he talked about the importance of family traditions, and it was something I admit, had never crossed my mind, but ever since I have made a conscious effort to do little things that have turned into small traditions around our house, and you wouldn't believe how important these little things become to the little ones in the household and how much you start to look forward to them too.

These are some examples of our household traditions:

• Friday night pizza or fish and chips with a yummy dessert
• Nightly bedtime story
• Roasting marshmallows on the first cold night of the season
• Attending service at your place of worship, especially around Easter or Christmas time
• Easter egg Hunt
• Stir up Sunday - Traditional Christmas Pudding making Day is the third Sunday of November, My kiddies love it and its the start of Christmas for us.
• A birthday Zoo visit.
• Making the birthday cake of their choice (or trying to anyhow) check out the Essential Kids Birthday Cakes 2011 (Australian Womens Weekly)

Parenting really can be more fun than frustrating. Don't think so? These four tips may just change your mind. Enjoy your children more! By Barbara Gibson

Enjoy Your Children More - Four Tips

1. Slow Down

Rushing back and forth to meetings, practices, play-dates and other activities can keep you away from places that build and strengthen your relationship (and enjoyment) of your child. What places?

• Your child's bedside where you can share a silly story at bedtime or listen to him share the best/worst parts of today or what she is looking forward to tomorrow; or even watch your child sleep and dream.
• The kitchen where you can prepare a meal or bake cupcakes together.
• The kitchen table where you can play a game or share a craft project.
• The garage where you can share the experience of building something together.
• The garden where you can plant and tend fruit, flowers or vegetables

2. Listen

It isn't just on television that kids say the darnedest things. When we really listen to our kids we hear that they are funny, wise, insightful, compassionate, silly....what will you learn about your kids today?

Rituals and traditions help keep family relationships grounded; in fact, they are among the ties that bind. Sharing special times with loved ones creates warm feelings that we can rely on during the rocky times. Traditions don't have to be all consuming. You can keep them simple and still have fun.


3. Follow Your Child's Lead


Sure the buck stops with you, but you don't have to be in charge all the time. Open yourself up to all sorts of possibilities by following your child in a floor game, listening to music of your child's choosing, throwing the ball around, hitting the nail salon, or whatever your child likes to do. Chances are when you reach out to your child, your child will reach back.


4. Be Consistent and Clear in Your Expectations


We all (usually) do better when we know what is expected of us. Children are no exception. Be sure your expectations are age appropriate and your limits are for things that really matter. If the behavior doesn't conflict with your values, is not unsafe, or is just an annoyance, ignore it...let's face it, everyone has a habit that can be considered annoying. Even parents!




I thought these four points were fabulous and the most simple of ideas also, the things that take you back to your own childhood experiences. Sometimes it does all feel a bit too hard to fit these things in but once you do you wouldnt regret it


xx A

Video of the Day - The Ship Song Project!

Hi Everyone,

This is so iconic and  fabulously Australian which makes me love it even more. Headed by Neil Finn  and others (originally by Nick Cave and the bad seeds) at the Sydney Opera House do you have a piece of home that you adore, that is wherever you live in the world? I would love to hear some of your experiences xx A

The Mommy Diaries - Deal with Stress like he does!

Hi Girls,

Work this week seems to have taken a toll on me, why is it so hard to make things seem easy?

I googled all types of stress relief to see what I could find to help and I am so so sure some of you feel like this also, so read on and I hope you guys can get something out of this also 

xx A

Sweat It Out

Throwing yourself on the sofa with a glass of wine when the kids have finally gone to bed might seem like the go-to solution to a bad day, or any day for that matter but think like a guy and go for a run instead. "Not only does exercise dissipate the amount of adrenaline in the body, but it also releases endorphins" (the body's natural happy pills) says psychologist Suzy Green of the Positive Psychology Institute.

Be Selfish

If you are anything like me you sometimes feel like you're drowning with work and need some "me" time? I (we) need to just take it and not feel guilty. Men tend to create strong boundaries and don't try to do everything at once, says psychologist Rachel Upperton from Master Your Mind. If they feel they need time out, they'll take it. Forget your worries and organise some (guilt-free) "you" time, Go to the Day Spa (unfortunately this is my work), retail therapy is amazing (even just looking) or just meet some friends for a coffee, whatever relaxes you is good.

Get A Hobby 

If men are stressed in one aspect of their lives, they usually have another aspect they can turn to, whether it's golf, music or building useless objects in the shed. And it's usually something they are good at. "Men don't put all their eggs in one basket," explains Upperton. Having a hobby that you're good at not only boosts your self-esteem, it also gives you a sense of control and competence during those stressful times.Ha ha hence why I have become a blogger, it actually relaxes me.

Laugh At Yourself

"Men are better able to take the piss out of themselves, which is really empowering," says Upperton. "It allows them to step back and look at things objectively." Plus, a joke with the boys at the pub creates a stress-relieving distraction. So, if you're feeling under the pump, try learning to relax a little (easy for me to say) and don't laugh those of you who know me! The key is to not take things too personally. Another bonus, laughing releases the same feelgood endorphins as exercise.

And something they can learn from us...Research shows that when stress strikes, instead of suppressing it, women are twice as likely as men to reach out to others to lighten the load. We can thank our reproductive hormones for this trait and it's a good one to have. "Instead of talking about their stress, men tend to keep it bottled up, which can lead to a distorted view of the stress," Upperton explains. So remember, when it comes to stress and anxiety – it's better out than in.

Happy Monday!

Hi There Girls,

Wasn't  Audrey just adorable? there is something so timeless about her, I always find photos of her fascinating and could look at her for hours x

I hope you had a fabulous weekend whatever you were doing? we had a lovely relaxing one which was just what the Doctor ordered! Its dull and rainy here today but I am still on a mission reorganizing the house mid redecorating, have a gorgeous week , I am looking forward to writing some posts and reading all the fabulous others xx A

Saturday Recipe! Smokey Carrot Hummus

Happy Saturday Ladies

Yum, I love Hummus and this one is totally vegan especially for my oldest friend in the world Joanne, she actually introduced me to Hummus to begin with! This adds a bit of a different dimension to the norm so give it a go and enjoy with some french bread or vegan friendly biscuits or even just simple celery and Lebanese cucumber cut into lengths

xx A

SMOKY CARROT HUMMUS

1 pound carrots, rinsed
3/4 cup cooked garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
3-4 tablespoons olive oil
1 lemon, juiced (about 3-4 tablespoons)
1 tbs sesame seeds
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp paprika
1/2 t cumin
1/4 tsp  chili powder
1/4 tsp sea salt

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Chop carrots into large chunks. Toss in 2 teaspoons olive oil and lightly salt. Roast for about 30 minutes, until carrots are fork-tender. Set aside until cool enough to work with.

Meanwhile, you can get everything else ready. Using either a blender or food processor, add the garbanzo beans, 2 tablespoons olive oil, lemon juice, sesame seeds, garlic, all spices and salt.

Once the carrots have cooled, add them to the blender or food processor. Pulse or blend until combined. Have the olive oil on hand if you need to add more because the consistency is too thick.

Garnish with paprika or fresh parsley. Serve with crackers, bread or tortilla chips. Spread on a sandwich. Enjoy!

This Smoky Carrot Hummus recipe is part of the March Seasonal Food Guide

Photo of the Day!

Sparklers!

Have an Amazing Weekend!

Doesn't this just make you want to smile?

Hello Ladies, what has been going on in your busy lives this week? Busy is the word, I have spent the morning at the children's hospital with a new beautiful baby with a cleft , its very rewarding to be able to give knowledge to someone in need. We are redecorating the house at the moment and the Salon is soooo short staffed, I am in the middle of advertising as we speak x school goes back next week, so there for activities resume also. As for the weekend, I have no idea what I am doing.What are you doing?  Here are some fabulous things to browse through and whatever it may be that you choose to do, make it an amazing 

xxA

Harry Potter retold by Cats (no spoilers)

Clarence-bears-and-cleftpals

Wrong Turn Happy Feet the broken penguin

My Baby/Work Balance

Winter at the Beach

Mojomade

Quote Of The Day

This can make you think and think about what is important xA

Thursday Style Shout Out!

Hello Lovelies

I found this site of fabulous fabrics of all styles and colours...... wow, you can even design and print your own! I didn't know where to stop, I am most definitely going to order some to get made into cushions for around our home. I am so lucky to have four upholsterers in the family, one who specialises in cushions.

I love this, so charming!

So retro!

Cutesy

Au Naturelle

I am such a lover of foxes

for some reason this reminds me of Paris

My babies would love this one

For my Beach house (I wish)

Toooo many to choose from have a great day xxA

via Spoonflower

Aw Look At That Chandelier

I love this look... its so fresh via House of Turquoise
What gorgeous rooms, makes me want to restyle x A

Whats your baby name?

This must always be a "hot" topic, because I was just reading a A Cup of Jo and Joanna's Motherhood Monday back in April was also about baby names.

Whats in a Baby name? why did you choose the name you chose?? it's funny how we are all so opinionated when it comes to a name, it has to be spelt the right way, nobody can copy it (God forbid), and its always the secret that most of us guard with our life.

We have all known a terrible child with a certain name and say " ooh i couldn't name my baby that cause that child in daycare was called that and he wasn't nice" or " it reminds me of such in suchs  name and she's annoying etc etc

I think I made the ultimate boo boo the other day at work when i unthoughtfully blurted out to a client that people shouldn't use weird spellings for their baby names, the name in question just so happened to be the chosen baby name and spelling of my very pregnant staff member oops sorry Beck! that's almost as bad as the "when are you due?" deadly drop yourself in it question, when the person isn't even expecting! Anyway who says who is right and who is wrong, its a personal choice and each choice is personal to the person who chooses it.

Anyway I think she forgave me, I learnt my lesson and ate humble pie, and it definitely called  for an extra special baby shower gift don't you think?

BUT on the other hand, in today's paper was an article (read more) relating to names that have been refused by the register of Births, Deaths and Marriages in New Zealand because some parents have been becoming "too creative"(to say the least), I mean seriously what do you think of King, Knight, Megatron or 89? I mean each to their own........ come on!

I found  a great website of unique baby names for 2011, every name in the world is there, weird and not so weird, spelt right and spelt wrong, new and old have a look and see what you think?

Photo of the Day!

Some people don't like this but i think its gorgeous xx long live Marilyn

An 8m-tall statue depicting screen icon Marilyn Monroe in her most famous stance has been erected in the windy US city of Chicago.

The Michigan Avenue masterpiece captures a historic scene from 1955 film The Seven Year Itch, in which the screen siren stands over a subway grate, with her white dress blowing up and exposing her legs.

The work is by New Jersey-based artist Seward Johnson, who began assembling the statue on a Monday night in order to have it standing by the weekend. It will remain in the plaza until mid-next year.

Who is coming to dinner?

Hello to you all my lovely ladies
Do you ever ponder the question of who you would have to dinner if you could invite anybody. I must be pretty sad, because this question comes up in my mind often. My latest obsession is JK Rowling, she is definitely number 1 on my dinner party list. I seriously need to pick her brains on how, why, where and exactly when the Harry Potter phenomenon popped into her mind, I mean did it hit her on the head like a sledge hammer or did it take her years of pondering over to put together this amazingly intricate story.

My next two guests are (or were) a couple, Sir Paul and his gorgeous wife Linda McCartney (footnote: these people don't have to be alive, remember its only my imagination). Paul is such an amazingly talented and "nice"man, I would love to discuss music with this legend. Linda on the other hand was the woman behind the magic, she was a wonderful example of how women should be Strong, a dedicated mother, wife, author, cook, photographer, avid animal rights activist and vegetarian..... the list goes on, and they always seemed to be so in love. I cried when Linda died back in 1999, sadly she was taken far before her time.

Don't laugh, my next guest is Prince Charles (yes, don't think I cant hear the snigger's). I don't know why, come on, I just like him. I feel he has been given such a raw deal over the years and would love to have a discussion with him about his life within the spotlight of the Royal Family.

My next has to be my old favourite Bono (my idol), don't you think he would create such a great ambiance around the dinner table? he can be both serious and have a fabulous sense of humour,, he does tireless charity work (mind you politics wouldn't be allowed to be mentioned because he is known to rant). But boy has he been around and must have some fabulous stories to tell.

I think I need to throw an Aussie in the mix, so my latest obsession is Mia Freedman, I seem to be following her everywhere, blog, facebook, twitter, TV, you name it, she is so full of useful information and is such an inspiration, I am absorbing her like a sponge at the mo, plus I think she would really appreciate this group of people too.

Lastly I would invite my hubby, why wouldn't I want to share such an amazing guest list with him, after all we are married, and he has been by my side through every up and down and unconditionally supports everything I do (including my new blogging obsession) He would probably rather clean out his sock drawer though, but its the thought that counts.

So what do you think?

Who would you invite to dinner if you could?? I would love some feedback on this so I am not the only mad person on earth with too much time on my hands.


Oh and PS if someone doesn't show I would replace them with Al Pacino...... just because he is fabulous.

Quote of the Day!

Need I say more??

Aw Look At That! Baby of the week "Harper Seven Beckham"

Daddy's little girl! X VB X http://yfrog.com/klghuxj

Have an OutDoorsy Weekend!

Chandelier from tree. The very perfect OutDoorsy weekend!

Happy Friday My Darlings, What are you up too this weekend? we have been painting the house all week so haven't posted as much as i would like to. Now for the fun part redesigning the rooms and the things in them xx

Have a read through some of my favourite posts - oldies and newies and enjoy some time off xxxx Ange

Friday Fancies

Princes make better godparents than regular folk. Discuss

Linogirl

Farrah Fawcett vs. lee majors on skateboards

Lemon Cream Extreme

Birth Story of the Week: No Limit to Love

BFF forever!

Einstein's Refrigerator: And Other Stories from the Flip Side of History