The Light Fantastic

It would seem that we picked the only fine weather window of the entire weekend to soak up the luminous wonder of Vivid. An incredible spectacle of light, art, imagination and sound. This event is fast becoming a well loved tradition for our little family. This year, we walked the brilliant stretch from The Opera House around to the Overseas Passenger Terminal. Stopping to admire, touch and in the case of the giant glowing hopscotch... jump on! A magical atmosphere for young and old. I love this city. 

Shutter Love

Ever so gradually, I am making subtle changes to beautify our home. There are so many major ones that I'm itching to undertake. But they require lots of time and lots of money. So while the complete overhauls of kitchen/bathroom/backyard are on hold, the joy is being found in small things. Like floor rugs or lounge cushions or ottomans or shutters. My latest love around the house are the brand new shutters that replaced the ghastly blind/curtain combo which previously existed in our lounge room. It's amazing I left them there for so long, though I was waiting for the right time and the right replacement. And with only two windows in our tiny terrace, it seemed only fitting to give one of them the lovely makeover it deserves. I'm as happy as larry with these beauties and hopefully their guarantee to stand the test of time can live up to the wear and tear of a household of boys. Next on the wish list... the perfect mirror to compliment the shutters.

Philadelphia Freedom & Giveaway

There are moments in life when I have to pinch myself, real hard. Because at times, I wouldn't believe the experience before me, without a short sharp shock to the senses. Today, standing in Louise Fulton Keats' lounge room, I felt so privileged for the wonderful opportunity I was participating in. Louise is the granddaughter of cookbook legend (and one of my cooking idols) Margaret Fulton. Louise, a talented cook and author of the beautiful children's book 'My Grandma's Kitchen', opened her home to myself, my boys and a collection of other lucky bloggers. Then, went on to share some absolutely divine recipes, using one of my baking favourites, Philadelphia cream cheese. Oh, this invite had my name written all over it.

Louise's passion for good food and healthy options when it comes to preparing snacks and meals for children, is so very evident in the recipes she shared with us. All amazingly simple, yet exceptionally tasty and filled with the kind of ingredients we can happily gobble more of... without the guilt. Sonia from Love, Life & Hiccups offered up two of her gorgeous boys as assistants in the preparation of carrot cupcakes, which was a treat to watch. In fact, the whole morning was a treat for the kidlets, who were welcomed with open arms and made to feel so at home the entire time we were there.

My personal highlights for the day though, firstly, meeting the incredible Margaret Fulton herself. My, I was just a wee bit in awe of this lovely lady. We even shared a hug and a couple of photos that I will treasure forever. With Louise, her Mum and her grandma present, it felt quite the family affair. Secondly, tasting a piece of Margaret's mouthwatering Bistro Cheesecake, also created a lifelong memory for me. So spectacular, it needs to be seen and tried to be believed. And finally, meeting a special group of friendly, funny, inspiring women. Such an enriching morning to be a part of and I am ever so grateful to Louise and Kraft Philadelphia for the invitation and making it all possible.

But the most exciting part I've left to the end. I have five Philadelphia prize packs to offer five of my delightful followers. Each contains a copy of 'Simply Heaven Volume 2... another 75 reasons to use Philadelphia' AND a $7.00 Woolworths gift card... which just so happens to be enough for two philly products.

To win one of the five packs:

• Please leave a comment on this post sharing your favourite recipe/use for Philly cream cheese or related Philadelphia products
• The five best will be chosen by yours truly to win a pack
• Offer available to new and old followers
• Only Australian residents may enter... apologies to my overseas contingent
• Winners will be drawn and announced on Friday 30th December

I also took home some Philadelphia goodies; 'Simply Heaven Vol 2... another 75 reasons to use Philadelphia' AND a signed personalised copy of 'My Grandma's Kitchen' by Louise Fulton Keats, for my boys. I cannot. wait. to sink my teeth into some of those delightful recipes from both books and no doubt share them right here. Thank you Louise, Peta, Margaret and everyone involved with today.

Christmas Cheer Giveaway

So the weather around here is nothing short of abysmal. Quite the disappointment for a Summer loving gal like myself. Cold and muggy, never a good combo. Dampness everywhere. Soggy, limp towels that don't get the chance to dry between uses. Nothing nicer than a warm, crisp towel. Normally one of the benefits of the hot season. Not here... not now... not this Summer. I get the distinct feeling I may need to become accustomed to such dreary occurrences during the months ahead. Maybe I'm wrong. I hope so.

I've been busily shopping at every opportunity for the past couple of weeks. Finding pretty nik naks and useful doodads for family and friends... and the odd little something for yours truly. Since my blogoversary giveaway, I've been keen to run another and realised I have the perfect opportunity right now. Spreading a spot of Christmas cheer to the lovely followers of Mama of 2 boys... once more for 2011. With that brainwave, two packs have been created. Each containing a handful of items similar (or the same in some cases) as purchases made this festive season. I seriously LOVE this giveaway business. (I also love when a selection of favourite stores have pre-Christmas sales... thanking you Kikki K, My House and Typo).

Pack 1 - Bugs, butterflies & blooms purse; Pretty pink flowers magnet; Kikki K Today/Tomorrow post it notes; Kikki K strawberry ballpoint pen; Calvin Klein 15ml 'Forbidden Euphoria' Eau de Parfum spray... this actually came free with a few fragrances I purchased as Chrissy presents... and it smells so lovely, I thought it would be perfect with these other girly treats.

Pack 2 - 2012 Typo desk calendar 'Paris'; Typo 'Keep calm...' magnet; My House Set of 3 Christmas tea towels (personally I can never have too many of these); Kikki K Recipe Adhesive Notes... absolutely fabulous for marking the pages of all those favourite recipes, to ensure they won't be forgotten. Simple but clever idea and they come in so handy.

      Terms & Conditions:

• All followers new and old who leave a comment on this post will go in the running to win one of the two packs (previous winners are still eligible to enter)
• Only available to Australian residents (sorry my overseas followers)
• Entries close next Sunday 18th December at 5pm. Two winners will be drawn and announced in Sunday's post. 

Festive Spirit

It has taken me longer than usual to get into the swing of Christmas. By Monday of this week, I was wondering if I would even find my spirit for the festive season in 2011. The mere thought of the standard maniacal rush towards December 25, induces a flood of anxiety and mild panic to my senses. All very overwhelming. Quite a number of factors contributing to this over all feeling. But on Monday, I dug deep and decided it was time to get over myself and make Christmas the memorable, magical, special time my family deserves.

With 'Felix the mini tornado' screeching around, there is no way the tree will be put up this year. Climbing on, dragging down, pushing over, biting ferociously, eating defiantly, destroying happily... anything in his path. The idea of a 1.5 metre tree loaded with baubles and trinkets and a string of pretty lights, sends my mind into a tail spin. Way too tempting for a certain stocky 17 month old. So to make up for the lack of tradition in tree form, Angus and I set to dotting the house with various other twinkly, sparkly, shiny decorations. Including my biggest effort... 29 metres of mulit-coloured fairy lights, strewn (high out of reach) around the living room. Quite the wonderland by night. And now, I think I'm finally getting into the spirit of the season.

We did have one incident with a brand new Lightning McQueen snow globe and a pair of 'almost' four year old, persistently disobedient, butter fingers. Shame I didn't get a photo before it met it's ultimate demise... but no use crying over spilt and shattered snow globe.

Loving that my new key holder/notice board bird cage (Typo) can double as a bauble holder too!

Ottoman Love

Living in a narrow terrace, it's no surprise we're rather limited for space. So it's important to be discerning with the space we do have. Utilisation is the key and I seem to have only just realised this recently. Last week I finally farewelled a decidedly bulky, ugly, inefficient and somewhat hazardous book shelf. One that lived with us in four different places, for over ten years. And with Scott as it's saviour, it hung on for dear life, until now. For the past two years, the lack of storage space for the toys has bothered me. Strewn from one end of the house to the other, they literally started taking control of our living quarters. Very uncomfortable and extremely frustrating.

I studied and searched for the best possible solution for two areas in our living room. Then when I stumbled across storage ottomans, I knew they would be perfect. And they are. Not only do they house a huge proportion of the toys, but also double as casual seating (of which we were also lacking in our living area). Angus thinks they are THE best things since sliced bread and has requested a number of times to sleep on the larger one at night. Being the same length as him, I'm sure he believes it was custom made just to suit his lanky little body. Whilst they weren't custom made for Angus, I did make the selection of colour and texture with the boys in mind. Dark, dark and dark. I would have loved to go with some of the gorgeous shades and patterns available, but in the end they needed to be practical, with 2 boys diving and jumping up on them day in, day out. I went with a lovely deep, rich brown colour, made from a hardy fabric. The cushions also deisgned for plenty of use (and just so happened to be on sale). Generally the cushions end up on the floor as part of a major work of forts and cubby houses anyway. 

So the ugly old book shelf and a rickety old coffee table that used to reside under the stairs, flanked in toys, made way for the ottomans. Ending up on the street, ready for the bi-annual council clean-up. Though to my pleasant surprise, not long after I left them there, a young couple pulled up and loaded them both into the back of their ute. One woman's trash and all that.

Sparkle & Shine

We were unintentionally swept up in a wave of Christmas today. Our local Westfield saw the arrival of none other than Saint Nic himself. Plus a grand parade of festive characters. Singing, dancing and all kinds of glitz and glamour. It was actually quite impressive for a shopping centre effort. As expected, the display attracted hundreds upon hundreds of squealing, jumping, hyperactive children, which of course was how we were drawn to the action. Angus was enthralled. It seems he no longer holds an unnatural fear of the man in red, as he fidgeted and questioned "where is Santa Mama... when is he getting here?" 

Felix, on the other hand, was not so taken with the fanfare. Even though he was contributing to the noise with his trademark screech, it ended up turning into more of a cry, then a wail, then a full blown meltdown. A combination of tiredness and crowds and Santa's helpers with their high pitched voices, will do that to a 16 month old. For me, it was anything but relaxing, as I juggled Felix on my hip, while keeping an eagle eye on Angus constantly. He tried valiantly to duck and weave his way to a position up the front on the red carpet. It was nice to see the Christmas spirit alive and well at our local, even if it seems like we just celebrated Christmas and it's a good 7 weeks away and I am totally not. even. close. to being ready for it.

Could have kicked myself that I didn't have the camera on me, for the ample photo opportunities. Next time. Instead a pretty picture of a farewell gift I received from some lovely work friends yesterday. What a beautiful bunch they are to organise such loveliness. Unfortunately as hard as I tried, I couldn't do justice to the gorgeous pendant with my amateur photography skills. But it sparkles and shines in the flesh and I'll treasure it always.

Blogoversary & Thank You giveaway

One year ago today, Mama of 2 boys was born. 8 posts penned in the first week and not another word written for the next 9 weeks. Probably a good thing, as those early posts are quite cringeworthy different to the posts since I resumed blogging regularly in January this year. But for me, that is what my blog is all about... evolution. I kicked it off at a time when I desperately needed to express my thoughts, feed my hunger for writing and most importantly, begin recording a keepsake for my two wild and wonderful boys. 

As is the case with so many ventures in life, I had no idea I would discover the world I did. Blogging has opened my eyes to a galaxy of beautiful, funny, intelligent, kind, caring, clever, talented women. All I can feel is privileged to be a part of it all. Not only do I have a space where my ramblings and precious memories can reside, I also have an incredible collection of individuals, who seem to understand where I'm coming from. After all, so many of you have been there or are there or plan to go there someday. You have enriched and inspired me. 

On that note, I would like to offer up my first ever giveaway. The blogging world is such a generous one and this is something I have looked forward to doing for a long time. But thought the 1st anniversary would be a good time to start. So I have 3 packs, each represents a bundle of things that I love. What better way to show my gratitude to you lovely followers out there, for your support and friendship.

Pack 1 - Heart of the home: I do enjoy baking a tasty sweet treat. So this bunch contains all things kitchen. A set of babushka nesting cups (which just so happen to also be measuring cups)... too cute; A heart shaped set of 3 sauce and dip bowls in basic white porcelain... I like these treasures very much; A floral print cooking apron... so pretty! And of course... a Women's Weekly 'delicious desserts' cookbook... some ridiculously delicious recipes in this one, 70 of them in fact!

Pack 2 - For the love of stationery: I've always been a stationery hoarder, simply cannot. have. enough. So this lot delivers a Kikki K black cube note pad, with a Kikki K white pen for doodling... very groovy; A Typo stamp set... because stamps are so much fun (hopefully that's not just my opinion!?); And a Typo note book and spotty pen... I adore red, black and white... together or alone, but this notebook and pen satisfies on all counts.

Pack 3 - Have fun and relax: I think this collection might just be my personal favourite. Filled with items that make me feel good. A pack of 2 Kikki K candles... lime blossom & lime coconut... lovely! More coconut, in the form of an Evodia fragrance roll-on... I LOVE coconut scented anything and it reminds me of the freshness of the beach... double bonus; iTunes $20 gift card... I am a music lover and a self confessed iTunes addict... couldn't help but share that joy around; Summer scarf in what looks like red and white, but is actually coral and white... I'm a big fan of the scarf; And a cheeky red, card holder... purely because I thought it was rather nice, I bought one for myself and I believe you can never have too many purses, wallets or cardholders in the rotation.

I really gained much enjoyment in finding these bits and pieces to put together for you delightful followers out there and I'm very excited to be running this little thank you giveaway. Just a few Terms and Conditions:

• Thank you giveaway will run until next Monday 14th November.
• All followers (new and old) who leave a comment on this post will be in the running.
• Only residents of Australia may enter... big apologies to my lovely overseas contingent.
• 3 winners will be chosen at random and announced on the evening of Monday 14th.