Date Night!

I was super excited last week as I was looking forward to date night on the Friday night, not just any old date night either.

First of all the kids were sleeping over at nana's house, secondly we were going out for dinner and drinks with friends and to top it all off we had decided to stay in a hotel rather than taxi it back and forth. 

In my excitement I got my hair and nails done, it was almost like going to some sort of elaborate event the way I prepared for it, ha. I need to squeeze the most out of these opportunities, mama needs to get out more ;)

Thankfully I can report back that it was a most awesome evening with great company and fabulous food, a moderate amount of alcohol was consumed but not so much that I suffered any sort of hangover...phew. 

My only complaint with these little getaways is that they go too quick, ha.

It was straight back to reality the next day, we had a family birthday party to attend that afternoon. We ended up having to leave early as our son had a meltdown due to being tired, these meltdowns can occur over the most random of things and last awhile...is it a 3 year old thing? He had one on Monday that I swear lasted a good solid 40 mins, I was ready to sell him on the black market! 

Anyways, here are some pics of the fabulous weekend that was.

Our lovely hotel room

Such a great little space

Obligatory selfie with said fresh do & nails :)

Delicious espresso martini, don't mind if I do

Glorious sunrise view from our balcony 

(yes even though I could have slept in, fate would have it I had the worst sleep ever)

A bit of street art in Broadbeach

and a little more

Beautiful orchids at the cafe we went to for brekky

Sunday beach vibes, such a stunning day

Ahh nature, you are awesome

Well there you go, it seems like a distant memory already. Mummy seems to have her cranky pants on today so it must be close to 'that' time of the month...sigh.

I hope you all have a great day.

Undecided...

What am I undecided about...whether to persevere with the blog, give it away altogether or maybe even start a completely new one. A fresh new start...decisions decisions. I feel like any loyal readers (however few they may have been) I have probably lost due to my irregularity of posts...and maybe my content. I don't know how interesting it would be reading about my daily life for others when I don't find it terribly interesting myself! 

Blogging has taken a bit of a back seat of late as I have been busy indulging my other creative interests. I have recently started playing around with watercolours, I am a complete novice and have no idea what I am doing but I have really enjoyed it and gotten some good feedback on Instagram (to which I am totally addicted). 

I still love snail mail and the entire community of creative types it has introduced me to (via Instagram) which inspired me to get in touch with my creative side. I have always been more on the arty farty side (and a bit of a bookworm) but that side of me had been dormant for awhile and I love that it has been awakened. 

So my last post way back when was just before I went to Melbourne for 2 nights. It was great, just what I needed but went way too fast...ha. I was busy catching up with people and attending Unleash Creative (such a fabulous event, for those in Australia if you ever get the chance to go to one you totally should!) so I didn't get as much of a chance to wander around and explore/take photos. I do have some pics of the projects I made at UC and a couple of others to share, plus just some photos in general of what I've been up to lately...

Drinks with girlfriends up at the Q1 bar

What a view, gotta love the GC

On my way to Melbourne

Unleash Creative - Making cute things with Fablefolk

Check out the spread...delicious

How adorable are those little watermelon cupcakes!

Making feathers with Made by Mosey

Cafe art

Getting crafty with paper and the fabulous Papered Thoughts

Push Pop Mousse...need I say more?!

Getting my embroidery on with the fabulous Dandelyne

Coffee...there had to be at least one shot 

Leaving on a jet plane, amazing sunset

Washi tape...totally addictive

Watercolour watermelon by moi

More washi, you can never have enough

Words and watercolour...such a lovely combination

My first ever Totoro, I love him

Ok I will have to leave it there as the kids have gone in to my ensuite and closed the door, never a good sign...they are surely up to no good. Off to assess the damage...

Ciao. 

Solo Trip

As the title suggests, I am off on a solo trip to Melbourne this weekend. It is only for two nights but other than the couple of sleepovers the kids have had with family this will be the first time I have really been away away (yes two aways because I am in a whole other state from them) from the kids. 

I will miss them I am sure but I so need this, I am looking forward to it. I also haven't ever been away by myself before, I have always travelled with my husband and then with the kids when they came along. I won't quite know what to do with myself, peace and quiet. 

I am staying with family while I am there (and my adorable 2yo nephew) so it won't be completely child free, although it is a bit more relaxing when it isn't your child and therefore responsibility. Plus my nephew is way more chilled and placid than my two crazy monkeys that never stop. 

I am going to the all day craft event run by Unleash Creative, such an awesome day and the mentors are great. I have mentioned before that I got in to snail mail/penpalling because of Rin from Papered Thoughts and she will be one of the creative mentors...I am so looking forward to her workshop #fangirl.

It is short and sweet but I am packing a fair bit in, lots to see and do and people to catch up with. I will be taking lots of photos so will come back and share some when I get home. 

Only 2 more sleeps until I go, excited much. ha

Take care.

To blog or not to blog...

That is the question.

Forgive me readers for I have sinned, I confess it has been 5 weeks since my last blog post.

As you may have ascertained from the post title, it is due to me losing my mojo for blogging. A bit of uncertainty about whether I want to continue on or not. I have mixed feelings, there have been moments where I have really enjoyed it and it had been a great way to get it out and it will be awesome to be able to come back later on and read about these early years and remember things that I will likely forget.

On the other hand, I feel like no one cares...I'm not really sharing anything that would be of that much interest to others. I have no sage advice or content that is helpful or educational to anyone, just my ramblings...and who really gives a damn about some random mum on the internet sharing every day stuff on a random basis.

I guess what I crave is some sort of interaction with others, some feedback...something that makes me feel like maybe people do care and want to hear about my boring day (ha).

There are times when I have thought about trying harder to grow my blog and make something of it but then I feel as though it is all too hard and I don't know where to start so where would I even begin???

What should I do, if people actually bother to reply I will take it as a sign to keep on trucking.

I mean, who doesn't want to hear stories about my 'threenager' and my little firecracker daughter, my struggle with trying to find a decent part time job that works around having young kids...riveting stuff I tell you.

Speaking of the job front, I got a reply from an agency the other day about a role I'd enquired about that was basically a sorry we can't help you because you don't have any 'recent' experience. F*ck me, does all my previous experience become null and void because I took time off to have a family? It really grinds my gears to think that getting my foot back in the door becomes that much harder now because people are only interested in hiring someone with recent experience. That is so penalising to stay at home mums that chose to take time off to raise their families. It doesn't negate the fact that I am f*cking awesome and would be an asset to any company if they were willing to give me the chance. I have always been a hard worker and done well at my job, I promise I still have a functioning brain and it hasn't turned to mush just because I have been at home. Ahhhh, sorry for the rant...I needed to get that out. I just can't fathom the logic of it, at least see me in person to gauge whether I would be the right person before tossing me aside with a glance at my resume that stops a few years ago, I am not unemployable, I am just a mum.

Anyway, I hope everyone is well...take care.

Computer says no

So I finally heard back from the store to say that the position had been filled and we will keep you in mind...etc etc.

Surprisingly I'm not disappointed, I think there was a part of me that was unsure that it would have been the right fit for me. I was more excited about the idea of getting back to work and it being something that would work in around the kids. I'm more curious as to their reasons (because lets face it, I'm bloody awesome...their loss really). I have a feeling it is a combination of not having worked since having the kids and that my retail experience was back when I left school until my early twenties (so hardly recent). 

Oh well, onwards and upwards. I am trying to be philosophical about it and I figure that the right thing will come along at the right time. I just wish I knew what that was and when it would be, oh to have a crystal ball. 

Ok I best leave it there, I will be leaving shortly to go and do a fitness class with some girlfriends for the first time in a very long time, it's going to hurt...wish me luck! ha

Take care.

Well what do we have here...

Potential news peeps (no I am not pregnant, relax)...I may have a casual job. I don't know for certain yet and it would be on a trial basis to begin with. It is only a couple of shifts a week (which is really all I'm looking for and it works in with the kids), it's in retail which I wouldn't normally look at but it is at one of my favourite shops and I love all their stuff so I would love to work there. 

Really it is just to get me out of the house and back in the 'real world' with other adults and the general public. I wouldn't just be mum anymore if you know what I mean. I am not pinning my hopes on it and if I don't get it and then it wasn't meant to be. Thankfully I am not desperate and if it doesn't happen now I know it will happen eventually. 

I will keep you posted, fingers crossed for me.

That is all for now, as you were ;)

Time flies when you're having fun...or you have kids & then it really flies!

Whoops, as usual here I am again apologising for my absence.

I don't think there's too many of you to let down though so I don't feel too guilty about it, ha. But for those of you that have missed me, I am sorry.

Life has been busy, kids have been a handful. There are days when I question my sanity, why did I decide to become a mother again. We all have those days now and again, it's just that the mothering community tend not to say it out loud and certainly not to others.

I love my kids, they are my world...they just like to send me bat sh*t crazy on a semi-regular basis which makes me reminisce about life before kids. Ahhh, when I could be selfish and irresponsible and spend my disposable income on myself. We made the choice to have kids though, and I was fully aware that life would become about them. I don't regret my decision at all. I think having children is the most rewarding thing I have ever done and the love I feel for them is far greater than anything else.

I sound a bit contradictory I suppose, but I'm just being honest. It is probably the hardest job I have ever had. Raising children is not a walk in the park, they are bloody hard work. But when you teach them something and they get it, gosh you are proud. When they use their manners and say something really sweet to you, you can't help but think...I made that (with the help of hubby of course). Although he'll be the first to tell you that I blame him for all their less sweet attributes, I totally do. ha

I'm not really sure how this post turned in to a bit of a rant, oh hang on a minute...now I know why I am such a cranky b*tch, it's that time of the month (which came a week early and didn't help my dark mood).

I feel like I should try and turn it around and end with something nice, that makes me happy.

I was having cuddles with my son the other day and he turned to me and said 'you smell nice' and that simple compliment made my heart sing.

In closing, they are worth it.

Have a good one.

Manic May

Ok maybe not so much manic as busy...lots on this month. 

Let's not forget the all important Mother's Day (next Sunday for those that need reminding). Sh*t that just reminded me that I haven't booked the cafe for breakfast, must do that tomorrow. 

Tomorrow night we have our friends engagement party, I have no idea what to get them as they already live together so have all the usual house stuff. I might have to peruse pinterest for some inspiration. 

Not next weekend but the following hubby and I are both out, I had already locked him in so I could have a girls night and then he got invited to a bucks party on the same night. Nana to the rescue, the kids will be having their first sleep over there. I hope they are good for her! 

I am also super excited about the 24th of May, there is a crafty event in Brisbane run by Unleash Creative that I will be attending. I cannot wait, it is going to be awesome. If you want to learn more about it check out Unleash Creative

That's all the big things really, but that is more than usual for us.

Oh and guess what I did...you'll never guess so I'll just tell you. I deleted the facebook app off my phone, I know that's not really that big a deal but for a social media addict like myself it was a big step. I still pop on briefly once or twice a day on the laptop but I try not to spend too long on there and have cut back on how much time I spend on there. I used the app a lot because it would flash up with notifications all the time so I was constantly checking it throughout the day. Mind you, my phone is still glued to me because I am obsessed with Instagram. Ahh well, baby steps.

I hope everyone is having a great weekend.

Had a great Easter break

I hope everyone is feeling as refreshed as I am after your Easter break, the extra long weekend was most appreciated here. It was quality time spent with family and friends, what more could you want...oh how about some glorious weather?! It was beautiful all long weekend, there were many trips to the beach.

I caught up with a girlfriend on the Thursday night to see a movie, 'The Other Woman' which was hilarious. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it to others. Plus it is always nice to spend time catching up with friends one on one. Not being interrupted by the kids while your having a conversation is refreshing. I only have a small handful of girlfriends these days but it's quality over quantity for sure. 

Hubby and I had free movie tickets to use as well so went and saw the new Spiderman movie on Saturday while nanna kindly watched the kids for us. Yes I know, I am not a child nor a teenager yet I enjoy marvel comics movies. Actually they showed a preview for the new X-Men movie while we were there, it looks awesome. I don't care if my tastes in movies isn't terribly sophisticated, I like them. ;)

Easter Sunday was busy, we had a BBQ lunch with my sisters and their families over at my sister's house and dinner at my mother-in-laws with hubby's family. Much chocolate was consumed by the kids (even though we tried to stem the flow somewhat), I have managed not to succumb too much. Only a few solid little eggs here and there, it will be sitting in the cupboard tempting me for quite some time though...uh oh. 

Back to reality today though, plus my husband goes to Melbourne early (groan, we are dropping him at the airport in the morning, it's going to be a long day) tomorrow morning for 4 days for work. I have made plans here and there to help keep me busy so it goes faster. I'm sure it will be fine but we will miss him, I think he misses us more though...even though he gets to sleep in, lucky bugger.

Also I thought I would share some photo's just to keep things interesting :)

Don't look too close, these were my Easter egg cookies I made for the kids kindy party

A gorgeous sunrise

This is a storm from a few weeks ago, the clouds reminded me of Armageddon

Mickey Mouse shortbread cookie I made

Penpal goodness, I love being a penpal & making things like this

More goodness, I'm still yet to post this

The Beautiful Byron Bay

Again, with the Lighthouse in the distance

Gorgeous Sunflowers

We heart Burleigh, awesome street art/graffiti

Tallebudgeera Creek, how's the serenity...

Hope everyone had a good one, wishing you all a belated Happy Easter xx

Teeth can kiss my a$$

As you may have gathered from the post title, my daughter is teething at the moment. It doesn't help that she isn't 100% at the moment either. 

Her (and by default, mine) sleep has gone to sh*t, they are really giving her some gip and it is disrupting her sleep. Her previous teeth didn't give her much grief at all but the poor bugger seems to be coping it this time around. I am so tired, I have stopped looking at the clock and counting how many times I get up to resettle her of a night. I just hope it doesn't last much longer, mumma needs a good nights sleep.

Plus my son came home feeling a bit warm from kindy yesterday and was a little out of sorts, so he was in with us last night. I finally had to move him around midnight as I just could not get comfortable on my little sliver of bed. He woke up a couple of hours later and came back in, so I am going to need a few coffees to get through the day. It was a double whammy.

Thankfully today he seems to be better, no more temp...thank goodness. I might try and take them to the library today, get out of the house. I didn't do much yesterday cause I was too tired, I need to suck it up though and try and do more. I just keep waiting for things to improve and get my energy back but we aren't there yet so I just need to deal with it and make the most of it.

I hope everyone else has a great day, whatever you are doing.

Oh hey there April

You sly dog, hasn't this year crept up on us. 

I'm trying to turn a proverbial new leaf so to speak from today. 

A change of mind set if you will, as I mentioned in my last post today kicks off my #100happydays.

Let's not let the fact that mother nature is conspiring against me and my son is home from kindy today unwell. I will not let that hinder my positivity today, I will admit to small bouts of crankiness...but that is beyond my control really, I'm only human. ;)

Here is a little something I whipped up to celebrate.

So wish me luck in my endeavours, I will try and share some of my pics along the way.