The Truth About Mummy — Blessed are the cracked – for they let in the light.

Choosing new glasses – it no longer needs to be a complete pain in the butt. {OPSM ACCUFIT review}

by Caz on March 27, 2013 · 12 comments

I have been wearing glasses since mid-way through high school. That might surprise you, as you’ve probably never seen me wear them, but let me share with you today that indeed I do. These eyes of mine don’t look to good and I need glasses, or contacts, to see my way through each and every day. Over the past few years I’ve been pretty dependent on my contacts, because little people and glasses can be a real pain in the butt, as any mum who wears them will tell you. Having your glasses pulled off gets old pretty quickly and I have silently thanked God for contacts since my biggest pink was about three months old. But now my girls are getting older I’ve started choosing to wear my glasses a little more.

A few weeks ago OPSM approached me to review their new ACCUFIT fitting system and I couldn’t resist the chance to check out some new frames and see if their new system actually made choosing the right frames easier. First up I had my eyes tested for vision and health. I’ve been doing this at OPSM every two years for so long now I almost feel like I could administer the assessment – give or take a degree to two! Although it wasn’t my regular optometrist she listened carefully and explained everything exceptionally well. The health part of the assessment used a new process called an ultra wide digital retinal scan. It basically took a picture of the inside of my eye and thankfully proved from that perspective my eyes are looking just fine. The scan pictures were amazing. Did you know the inside of your eye resembles outer space? Well according to the scan results mine do.

And then I headed out to choose a pair of frames and see out how ACCUFIT works. It’s a three-part process which is designed to make choosing glasses more precise, informative and enjoyable. The end results should be better frames, better lenses and a better fit. The part of ACCUFIT I liked best was choosing the frames. In the past I’ve always struggled to see the frames on my face (without my prescription glasses on) and to remember what they actually looked like on so I can compare. ACCUFIT photographs you wearing the frames and allows you to see four pictures of yourself in different frames so you can choose the ones you like best. From there it’s just a process of elimination until you come up with winning pair of glasses. Unlike me I suggest you smile for the camera to avoid having them look like mug shots, but seriously how good is it to be able to compare and choose while being able to see all of the options in picture form in front of you? Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy.

ACCUFIT also help you choose the best lens type and is very helpful for explaining what all those coatings and thickness measurements really mean In the past I’ve always felt I simply had to go with what the sales assistant recommended – because frankly I had no idea what they were talking about. And finally it uses sensors to get precise measurements that makes sure your glasses fit perfectly.

Just for fun here I am in both my old (left) and new (right) frames. To be honest I like them both, but ACCUFIT certainly made the process of choosing the new ones a thousand times easier. I am a fully converted fan of OPSM’s new ACCUFIT system.

Do you wear glasses? What do you find works best when picking out new frames?

I’d like to thanks the staff at Ballarat Bridge Mall OPSM for their service and support in writing this post. They couldn’t have been more helpful and considerate. DISCLAIMER: I received a free pair of fully fitted glasses and an eye health test from OPSM for the purpose of writing this review.

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The wannabe photographer gets a new lens.

by Caz on March 25, 2013 · 25 comments

My new camera lens arrived this afternoon. It took me all of about five minutes to click it on and start searching for things to snap at. It does fabulous Bokeh – which makes me very happy. It also captures details remarkably well for a $200 lens. That makes me happy too. This is what my new lens can do…….

Linking this post with My Little Drummer Boy’s Wordless Wednesday.

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Summer Fire Ready: Is your neighbourhood in your fire plan?

by Caz on March 19, 2013 · 5 comments

This is a sponsored post for Nuffnang

Being a Country Victorian girl I’ve grown up being very aware of the threat of bushfires during our dry summer months. When I was a kid, way back in the 1970s, my Dad was the Communications Officer for our local branch of the Country Fire Authority. Summer days were regularly interrupted by the sound of the fire phone and wireless. Within minutes he would come charging in from the paddocks or shed ready to start notifying the volunteer crews and searching for access roads for the fire engines on his huge wall maps. The energy and urgency involved let me know very early on just how important fire awareness is.

These days I think we all understand the seriousness of the summer fire threat. We’re well-educated on the importance of preparing our properties, knowing our triggers and assessing danger levels. We also have some great support from technology with the Fire Ready App and CFA Facebook Page. Living with the summer fire threat is simply becoming a part of everyday life in Australia for most Country Victorian families.

But have you ever given any thought to how your community might react on a serious fire thread day? Do you know if your neighbours are Fire Ready? What about the people who live down the end of your road you haven’t met yet? It’s a common fact that Australian communities come together beautifully to support each other after disaster has struck – but what about during and before? Have you got a list of people you could call on to help if needs be? And do you know who else in your direct community might need a hand from you? Being aware of more than just your own fire plan, and cultivating some knowledge of supportive networks, could make life on a Code Red day a much less stressful experience.

Do you even know if your community has a Neighbourhood Safe Place? Many don’t and if they do it’s really only a place of last resort – for when all other plans have failed. We’re talking a football ground or other similar open area which may have few facilities and limited room. It might a good move to find out exactly what the options are for your own community and keep in the back of your mind that Neighbourhood Safe Places should not make up part of your actual fire plan.

Summer is fading now. The grass around here has already lost it dull brown colour and it beginning to green up. Luckily we had only one major grass fire in our area this year – but even that claimed ten properties. In a few more weeks the fire threat period will be gone and we’ll be back to mowing lawns and weeding gardens. This, I think is a great time to evaluate how your summer fire plan worked and how you could improve on it for next year. Maybe you could add some information about your local area. Highlight people who have information or skills you might need and other s that might need some information or skills from you. Being Fire Ready saves lives!
cfa.vic.gov.au

-          CFA social media such as Facebook and Twitter: @CFA_Updates
-          FireReady App
-          Emergency broadcasters: ABC Local Radio, commercial radio and designated community radio stations
-          SKY NEWS television
-          Victorian Bushfire Information Line: 1800 240 667

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The Best of the Bunch ….. Celebrating Autumn Review & Giveaway {Congratulations:Jennifer, kelly, Marleisa, Toni, Sue, Fiona, Sara, Sandy, Suzy, Stacey, Natalie, Janine, Rachel, Naqvi, Leen, Penny, Anjanete, Claire and Michelle}

by Caz on March 16, 2013 · 257 comments

Well I think it’s time to buckle up for a brand new Best of the Bunch Review & Giveaway. If you read here regularly you’ll already know that I select what I think are the highlights from the products I’ve been sent to review over the past few months and, along with the companies involved, give you a chance to win them. It’s simple really, just read through the reviews and choose a favourite before heading down to the bottom of the page to enter the giveaway. Leave a comment telling me which one you like the most and why you’d like to win it to be in the running. After reading all of the answers I’ll select the winners in early May and email them with the good news. Could it be any easier? Okay, let’s get started: (PS: If have products you’d like consider for a Best of the Bunch review please email me with some details.)

First up let’s have a look at the new L’Oreal Nude Magique BB cream foundation. Marketed as ‘the first of it kind to contain intelligent pigments which magically adjust to your skin tone, instantly creating a highly-moisturised, perfectly nude complexion’, I was pretty keen to give it a go when it arrived. (Well they do make it sound amazing!) At first look, when I squeezed some out, it had a really different white grainish appearance which was a little off-putting. But once I applied some I was pretty impressed with the results. It was smooth, light to wear and looked very natural on. I’ve been using it solidly for about three weeks now and have to say it’s meeting my expectations and I will definitely keep using it. I also love that is has a built-in SPF factor and found it worked beautifully during the heat wave that hit us in early March. Retailing for $26.95 it’s not a huge burden on the cash stash either. I’m really enjoy L’Oreal products at the moment. Their autumn colour collection could have been made with me in mind – simple beautiful! {Giveaway = 10 tubes of Nude Magique BB cream for 10 readers with a total value of $269.50}

Okay, I hate to rabbit on about ENJO, because I know I do, but frankly I am in love with their body care range. The simplicity of the ENJO Daily Face Offs and Body Gloves astounds me to this day – and I’ve been using them for a good while now. I genuinely notice the difference when I cleanse my face with them – my skin feels fabulous. Something about those fibres is truly magic when in comes to human skin. And it’s so simple too. You don’t need a collection of potions and lotion or a three-step process – just water. Because I am such a fan ENJO have kindly provided a beautiful Head to Toe Glow Pack for me to giveaway. It’s one of ENJO’s current Autumn promotions and contains a Body Glove, Body Mini, a set of Daily Face Offs (7), a Face Glove, 2 method moisturising body washes, an ENJO toiletries bag and a bonus limited edition pink body petite. Thank-you ENJO, I want to win this one myself! {GIVEAWAY: one Head to Toe Glow Pack valued at $189}

Nit Free For Me is a brand new business that has only recently hit the market. Developed by one of our very own Australian mums it was born out of concern regarding the level of chemicals involved in lice treatments. Nit Free For me is a totally natural preventive spray designed to keep those infernal nits and lice from taking up residence in your kid’s hair. We’ve been through the nit drama twice in our house now and frankly if a spray a day keeps them away I’m in boots and all! Nit Free For Me coats the hair follicle with pure essential oils, making the hair an uninhabitable place for nits and lice. And then of course there is no need for those nasty head lice treatments. There’s a formula for boys and a formula for girls. Both smell great and kids enjoy having their own “styling spray” that stops lice infestations, but doesn’t smell like bug spray! You can “Like” Nit Free For Me on Facebook to place orders. Nit Free For me retails for $9.95 for 150ml, (plus shipping.) {Giveaway: 1 boys bottles and 1 girls bottle for two readers – with a total value of $19.90}

Disney Mobile Games Smashes Into the App Store with the 3D Physics Puzzler Toy Story: Smash It! Inspired by the original Disney•Pixar animated classic “Toy Story,” Toy Story: Smash It! lets players blast bricks, bounce balls and beat rainy day boredom alongside Andy’s most beloved toys.

Good old Toy Story. Along with most of the western world this family has loved Woody, Jess, Buzz and the rest of the gang. We own all three DVDs and have watched them all a gazillion times. Its simple, good, clean, happy family fun – and that’s something this family loves. Recently Disney Mobile Games released a new Toy Story game app called Smash It . The kids get to team up with Buzz Lightyear through four imaginative episodes and over 60 levels, to knock down aliens and stop the evil Zurg! With lovely bright graphics and sounds and controls similar to Angry Birds it’s bound to provide hours of entertainment. (All depending on your own screen time rules of course!) Smash It is available from itunes (iSO) or the Google Play Store (Android) for .99c. To celebrate the release Disney Mobile have provided me with two awesome Toy Story packs to giveaway. {Giveaway: one canvas art poster (30 x 50cm), one two pack of figures, one airport adventures 5 figures gift pack and a DVD copy of Toy Story 3 with total value of $76.96 each or $153.92}

We’ve had a set of pink Mega Bloks in our playroom for a long time now. Construction toys are great value for money, even when you have a house full of girls! They get dragged out regularly and are one of those toys I’m happy to spend money on (with add-on sets) as I know they’ll get used well after the initial hype of newness has passed away. Mega Bloks have recently teamed up with Barbie and in a very serendipitous move I was asked if we’d review what they’ve created (Mega Bloks Barbie Build n Style). Serendipitous because my middle pink had only days before requested them for her birthday! Because I don’t want to ruin the surprise she hasn’t played with them yet but I can tell you she will be over the moon. The mini Barbie dolls have enough tiny gear (clothes, shoes, hair, accessories, pets, bags) to keep things in Mega Blok Barbie world happy for a long long time. There are also various sets available at various price points. I find ‘collection toys’ a good idea now the girls are getting a little older. Our playroom is well equipped and I prefer to buy add ons rather than new toys for birthday and Christmas so we don’t become overrun! On that note her birthday present will include a new plastic box for her to keep her collection in – so there is no excess for me finding them all over the house! {GIVEAWAY = One Mega Blok Barbie Mansion with dolls $99.99}

Australia, January 2013: Barbie®, ballet and pink shoes – these are a few of every little girl’s favourite things! On March 6, 2013, the world’s most popular doll will launch her new movie, Barbie™ in the Pink Shoes.

Barbie movies and little girls seem to have an invisible magnetic force that attract them together – no matter what you do to stop it. Something about that sweet-natured, kind and unthinkably beautiful girl seems to suck them in at first glance. Having said that I’m not one of those who believe all little people will develop negative self-images from playing with, or watching, Barbie. Personally I prefer to think that as long as parents take some responsibility for educating their little people with wisdom and balance their childhood love of all things pink and pretty is just fine. (She says as she trips and falls on her face while getting down off her soapbox). This new addition to the Barbie movie franchise follows the expected pattern of the good ballerina facing off against the evil Snow Queen, amidst some classical ballet background. Any ballet loving little person is going to LOVE IT. {Giveaway = 5 copies for 5 readers valued at $149.75 or $29.95 each.}

Feel like winning one of these great products? The prizes are valued at a massive $883.00 and there will be an entire 21 winners – that’s really spreading the Autumn love! Simply follow the 4 steps below to enter:

In the comments below tell me which product is your favourite and why you’d like to win it. The twenty-one most creative answers will win. (You may not win your favourite – but I’ll do my best.)
If you are nice enough to share this giveaway on facebook or twitter please feel free to leave a second entry comment.
Follow The Truth About Mummy in any way you like (facebook, twitter, feed, email or Pinterest.)
Please leave an email address that you check regularly – as giveaways are redrawn if you don’t respond within 5 days.
Good luck and I hope you love these products as much as I do.

Giveaway is open until Midnight on 3oth April 2013 and has a total value of approx $883.00.
No entries will be accepted after this time.
All decision are final.
(Check the T&C tab for full T&C).
Disclaimer: All opinions are my own. I received trial products to complete reviews for this giveaway – no financial incentive was offered or accepted for any items.

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Watching The Block – it’s an emotional business.

by Caz on March 13, 2013 · 4 comments

Do you watch The Block? Well as you may have guessed I do and I love it. Yep – Channel Nine has got me hook line and sinker. I’ve watched every season so far and have become all consumingly involved in the current season. Does that make me sound like some kind of shallow reality TV ditts? Well I guess if the shoe fits!

It’s been an interesting ride watching the current season. I’ve been reading along on facebook and twitter after the shows air and have been blown away by the level of emotional response all of the drama is evoking in people – including me. The Block’s production team is doing an amazing job and must have a fabulous grasp on human nature (or a crack-a-jack psychologist on team).

I’ll fess up now, I’m totally team Phil and Amity. I also love Mark and Duncan/Dale – but their outrageous style doesn’t really work for me. I’m kinda fond of Dan and Dani too. They’re so down to earth and normal and I want to believe their hearts are in the right place. But then there is Josh and Jenna. Love Jenna’s design style, when she chooses to actually use it, but …………………… no I’ll just leave it at that. If you watch the show you’ll already know just how annoying those two can be. But in both Josh and Jenna’s and Dan and Dani’s defence they are young and very inexperienced in the great game of life. I don’t think they understand what a PR nightmare they’ve created for themselves over the past couple of weeks.

I also wonder just how much that fabulous production team has had to do with how the couples are perceived? Sure, it makes for highly engaging television and excellent ratings, but you have to keep in mind these are real people with real lives. Just saying you know.

At the end of most shows I have to confess I’m often left feeling pretty darn indignant and very tempted to vent. Which really surprises me, it’s not my style to get so worked up at my TV …………. again well-played production team. I have to remind myself to take a step back because it’s just and show that’s meant for entertainment.

Personally I’m hoping Phil and Amity’s auction rocks the roof of the Sydney auction scene so I can ride a huge wave of vicarious vindication and feel all is well with the reality tv world again. But who knows what will happen. Like most of those I’ve seen commenting on social media I believe you reap what you sow – but I also know that those seeds often take a very long time to sprout and grow and that justice is not necessarily a big part of reality TV.

Are you a block head? Do you get caught up in the emotional of the show? What keeps you coming back to watch?

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The homebody versus the adventurer {and an awesome Target Home sale}

by Caz on March 11, 2013 · 6 comments

A sponsored post for Target

This little black duck of a blog writer is a seriously studious homebody. Home – even the word sounds soft and comforting to my ears. Love it. It’s my favourite place to be and the thing, outside of my little pink people, I spend most of my money on. Finding a new treasures to make my home more beautiful, comfy or practical gives me such a ridiculously happy buzz. (Simple things – as they say.)

All of this is in sharp contrast to my Nature Boy. He sees home as a place to rest your head before heading off on a new adventure and would be entirely happy to live in a shed or tent. This has always been a source of some tension in our relationship. I want to renovate and buy lovely things. He wants to plant a gum tree and go camping. Learning the art of compromise has been one of the big challenges of our life together and has taught us to make a point of appreciating differences.

Luckily for me I’m also a great believer in sales and finding treasures for less than their worth. Much of my furniture is restored/upcycled, bought on ebay or purchased from awesome shops for a really good prices. (I have also inherited some beautiful old wooden pieces from my family too – lucky me.)

But this still doesn’t always keep the peace. You see Nature Boy firmly believes it’s a waste of money to replace anything that isn’t broken. Point in case our pre-children fridge is over 18 years old, missing a few door shelves and way to small for a family of five. But his theory is that it works so why replace it? I’m still working on winning this little battle!

Lucky for me Target have started their massive Home Sale. Oh yes indeedy! So last Thursday, after dropping little miss four off at kinder, I headed off for some uninterrupted bargain home wares hunting. How I loved seeing those isles of matching fluffy towels, checking out the sparkling new appliances and running my hands over the cosy soft cushions. I came home with an awesome Bellini toaster that was reduced from $89.00 to $44.50. ( And guess what – our old one is still working!!) As well as six of these kitsch little love heart mugs which were $2.00 each. I desperately wanted to take advantage of the 25% off cushions too – but ran out of arm space. Back for another trip before the sale ends on the 20th of March I think.

You can check out these and heaps more ’home’ bargains, either at your local Target or at Target’s Online Store. Do you love your home? Or, like my Nature Boy, is it just a place return to before you head off out again? What makes a home a home to you?

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Not sleeping ….. it’s not so much fun (& a word about ipads)

by Caz on March 6, 2013 · 14 comments

Sleep and I have always had a rocky relationship. Even as a child I struggled. I can vividly remember waking up and night crying for mum to come because I just couldn’t sleep. (This may explain why I’m the youngest child in my family!!) My doctor tells me that when it comes down to it there are two types of people in the world. Those who sleep well and those who don’t. No prizes for guessing which category I fall into.

The sleepless years with babies and toddler were a nightmare for me. On the odd chance they did sleep I didn’t, so I went for years on end without regular restorative sleep. As you can imagine I was heaps of fun to be around and married to – just ask Nature Boy. Things are much much better these days but still every few month I’ll fall back into a pattern of waking up at two, three or four am to start my day. It’s not great – but because I know it will pass I’ve kind of learned to live with it. I get a lot of housework done and washing folded – and even write the odd blog post.

But then a few weeks ago something horrible happened. My body totally forgot how to sleep. Yes seriously!! I’d go to bed at my usual time and follow my normal pattern of reading until my eyes refuse to stay open any longer - but now they refused to close. I’d be wide awake reading until four or five in the morning, before dipping into a light sleep and waking again at six am. It was frightening having this happen night after night. Strangely my body seemed to keep functioning and I didn’t feel all that bad. I visited my GP just to check I wasn’t in danger of damaging my body with the lack of sleep and she assured me it would pass but couldn’t really provide any answers or help.

The sleeplessness continued. Then one night as I was laying in bed, having just turned off my google e-reader, I had a light bulb moment. What if reading on my tablet was keeping me awake. Could it be? I jumped up and consulted Dr Google. Sure enough an article had just been published on an American paper about ipads, tablets and phones stopping some people sleeping. It so happens that the back lighting on these devices fools the body into thinking it’s daylight and stops the production of Melatonin – the substance in the body that makes you sleepy and the eyes heavy. A had a quick fiddle with my tablet at that point and found it had a night-time setting which flips the backing to black and the writing to white - wish I’d known about that! (E-readers like Kindle don’t use back lighting so don’t have the same effect). I couldn’t wait to test out my theory and so the very next night I went to bed with an old-fashioned paper book . I was asleep before I’d finished a page. Problems solved – at least until the next time my insomnia strikes.

10 things I find helps the non-sleepers of the world to sleep:

Exercise - the only night I slept during my tablet reading foray was the day we literally climbed the side of a mountain.
Eating well. I always sleep better when I’m eating fresh food and limiting the processed stuff.
Not stressing over the fact you can’t sleep. It won’t help and certainly won’t get you closer to sleep.
Turning off tablets, laptops and phone at least 30 minutes before you want to fall asleep.
Limiting caffeine. If I go over 2 cups a day I know I’m risking some disturbance to my sleep.
Natural supplements. I’ve been trialling Chillax (based on montmorency cherry juice – which is known to be a source of natural melatonin.) I’m happy with how it works.
Taking a trip to your GP if you are concerned – it will put your mind at ease making it easier to finally fall asleep.
Develop a way to deal with those ’issues’ that tie themselves in knots spinning around in your head at night. For me having a faith that teaches me to let things go helps a lot. With practice and mental training that really works.
Learn some muscle relaxation techniques. Being fully relaxed is really important before sleep.
If all else fails get up and do something that will make your day easier and allow you time to rest. I regularly make the kids school lunches and fold Mt Foldmore around 3.00am. On a really bad night I have been known to clean the entire house!

Do you ever have trouble sleeping? What works for you?

Image credits

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The Beautiful Grampians (wordless Wednesday on Tuesday)

by Caz on March 5, 2013 · 4 comments

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The Grampians, Kermit and getting Unblogged.

by Caz on February 28, 2013 · 10 comments

Busy week round these parts. B.U.S.Y. And just to top it off we’re heading out to the Grampians (Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park) this weekend for Unblogged (the brain child of Clairey Hewitt) in our crazy camper-trailer. It should be awesome – but unfortunately I’ve left it to the last-minute to get organised. And with five of us to feed, clothes and entertain there’ll be a little bit of organising involved. (Note to self – get your butt into gear asap.)

I love the Grampians. I spent many happy teenage years hiking to the pinnacle, camping with youth groups and going to Easter Camps up there. Now it’s time to introduce my kids to this tree filled paradise. I hope they grow up with as many great memories of the place as I have.

But back to the camper-trailer. We’re relatively new to this scene. This will only be our second adventure with Kermit (well it’s green and the kids love the Muppets - so Kermit kind of just fits). Our first test drive was pretty good but this time we’re looking forward to ironing out a few of the bugs and being a little more organised. (Last time the Nature Boy had to sleep on an air bed in the annex!) Kermit is very comfy and family friendly with a mini kitchen, microwave, toaster and heaps of storage for all of our junk – but being a camper-trailer it’s still a little on the rough and tough side of living. In order to turn a good weekend away into a great weekend you have to be prepared. But to know what ‘prepared’ really means you’ve got to get out there and give it a go – if you know what I mean.

Does your family do the camping thing? Have any tips about kids and camping? Do share – I’ve love to hear them. (Or maybe you’d like to come over and do my packing for me

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Reclaiming my make-up bag.

by Caz on February 25, 2013 · 14 comments

This is a sponsored post for Target

Way back when, before three little pink people came and took over my life, I used to be a regular user of beauty products. I have distant memories of waking up in the morning refreshed, after a solid nights sleep, and faffing around in my clean organised bathroom with powders, potions and paints designed to make me look fabulous. I even used to spend quality time actually styling my hair – imagine that!

But over the past eight years things have been very different. When I stumble out of bed in the morning, generally after an interrupted nights sleep, I set straight to work organising the lives of my girls – with little to no thought about how I look. If they’re lucky I’ll have run a brush through my hair before I come out. Such is the life of a mumma to little people!

But there comes a time in every mamma’s life when you have to start thinking about yourself again. To reclaim some time to spend on YOU and remember how it felt to put your own needs and appearance first. Now that my littlest is at kinder for fifteen hours a week that time has come for me. (She says as her emotions flail wildly between ecstatic happy dance and tearful pity-party.) So this week I found myself wandering leisurely around Target’s Beauty Department checking out their Beauty Sale. To be totally honest I’d pretty much forgot it existed – after all it’s on the opposite side of the shop to the kids clothes and toys!

So what did I find during my wander? Well first off I should tell you I’d totally forgotten how indulgent it feels to mooch around leisurely looking at beauty products. (Nothing like dashing in for 20 seconds to grab what you need and dragging the kids to the checkout before they touch something they shouldn’t!) If you haven’t done it for a while you really should think about giving it a go. Lipsticks, perfume, hand-creams and nail-polishes are awesomely relaxing - especially when you’ve got a little time to spend with them. I did however notice that colours have changed A LOT in the past eight years. So I’m guessing I’ve got some catching up to do. And by the way who knew false eye-lashes were in?

I came home with a collection of little treasures to bolster my dwindling bathroom beauty supplies. Some pretty nude nail polish for my toes and some lovely L’Oreal prouducts. But my favourite is my new Phillips pink hair straightener. Loving how easy it is to use and how quickly it takes me from messy curls to sleek and soft. I love the look of my hair straight – but the process to get there, not so much. This one is so much hotter and quicker than my old mini-straighter. Can’t help but love that!

Does your beauty bag need some reclaiming? What one item would you go out and buy right now if you had the child-free time to do it?

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The Ticking and Whirring house

by Caz on February 22, 2013 · 22 comments

Oh my lord it’s quiet here. You know that still noise when you can hear the clock ticking and the fridge whirring? Yep that. You see all of my little people are off being exactly where they should be and I am home alone. I’ve dropped two at school and one at kinder and returned home to my ticking whirring house. I’ve looked forward to this moment. Through the years of nappies, noises and sleepless nights I often thought silently to myself that this time would come. And today it has.

I’m not sure how I feel yet. I know part of my over emotional being is shedding a tear for an entire time in my life that has passed – never to return. I look at other people’s babies and their deliciousness captures my heart instantly. But deep down I know my time in that world has ended. It’s time to walk forward and embark on life with growing children – one which returns my focus a little more to myself. And that’s exciting.

I’ve missed time alone. When I’m alone my soul restores itself and I feel at harmony with the world. Don’t get me wrong I love being with others (especially my kids) but if it was up to me I’d always have a few hours, every day, of quality alone time. Time to let my thoughts roam free as I potter around my home. To write, read, clean and organise without distraction or interruption. That’s my happy place. That’s where I am right now.

So today is for me. I deserve it. Eight and a half years of parenting babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers has been awesome. Different to what I expected way back then, but nonetheless awesome. I’ve stretched and grown and come to know a type of love you can only ever learn through your children. I’m looking forward to seeing what life holds in store for us all over coming years, but right now I’m enjoying restoring my soul and just being me in my ticking whirring home.

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Perfect Pancakes

by Caz on February 21, 2013 · 2 comments

Pancakes, or flapjacks as I called them as a kid, have become a bit of a ‘thing’ around here. Such a versatile happy food that fits the bill for so many occasions. Yes we love them for breakfast – especially on relaxing Sunday mornings when there are no formal plans interrupting my passion for letting the routine roam free. But they’re also awesome in lunch-boxes, for after school snacks and even for when mummy forgets she has to take a plate thirty minutes before we leave. (Thank-you pancakes you saved the day again!!). I also like to make up batches of them to freeze in wrapped portion sizes. They unfreeze beautifully and can even be zapped in the microwave without damaging their taste or texture. You’ve gotta love that!

So today I’m sharing my favourite pancake recipe. It’s a corker, not only because it works every time, but also because it handles adaptations really well. Wholemeal flour, brown sugar, added fruit – it’s very forgiving for those of us who like to experiment.

Perfect Pancakes

INGREDIENTS

3/4 cup of milk
2 tbls white vinegar
1 cup plain flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp of salt
1 egg – whisked
2tbls butter

METHOD

Pour vinegar into milk and set aside
Mix all dry ingredients in a mixing bowl
Melt butter
Add whisked egg and milk into the butter and stir to combine
Pour wet ingredients into dry and mix well.
Set aside for up to 30 minutes (or how ever long you’ve got before the kids start driving you up the wall while they wait patiently!)
Cook in a hot pan.

EAT

The other thing I love about pancakes that they are so easy to dress up to suit your needs. Devonshire pancakes (jam and whipped cream) are perfect for an easy dessert. The kids love them with fruit faces and Nutella – any old-time of the day. And if you want to go all fancy pants you can attack them with some samon, cream cheese and dill. Perfecto.

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