tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65128487182936687762024-03-21T17:01:15.307+11:00All Things MumA mummy blog about sewing, cooking, crafting and family life with my four gorgeous children..~ Kim ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17341653362616566495noreply@blogger.comBlogger368125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512848718293668776.post-4885612355758489092022-01-06T16:41:00.000+11:002022-01-06T16:41:06.883+11:00Twenty-twenty Too<p> <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhlT-McQdbZcrE4k1DxtRhQQYFYyCBEAnSVIlrpjYvujPRTYJN0NxQgtvvTF84Bo7cFuPQHSmKa-Dc8Oy-SvVwNx-clU70jOomSHW3w9uxcpyVsLP-X3i67M6AKSDpMJ40K1Fdd9HEJtnzrjeNTE1K7wtH_20GJeFc9Eqyj_1USLZrbmkGUkx4-5cQFXw=s1440" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1086" data-original-width="1440" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhlT-McQdbZcrE4k1DxtRhQQYFYyCBEAnSVIlrpjYvujPRTYJN0NxQgtvvTF84Bo7cFuPQHSmKa-Dc8Oy-SvVwNx-clU70jOomSHW3w9uxcpyVsLP-X3i67M6AKSDpMJ40K1Fdd9HEJtnzrjeNTE1K7wtH_20GJeFc9Eqyj_1USLZrbmkGUkx4-5cQFXw=w320-h241" title="Fireworks view from my balcony" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fireworks view from my balcony</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy New Year! It's been a long time between posts. I hope you've all been well so far whereever you are reading from. I hope that this year brings better conditions for everyone.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Last year was challening to say the very least. I dealt with all the perks of getting a new job as well as interesting issues with my team. Hubby also got a promotion and so here were at both working from home. Last year saw home schooling struggles as well as my sister getting Covid of the Delta kind. It wasn't fun at all and it was huge shock. It was scary and everything in between as she wasn't vaccinated. I prayed to Mother Mary that all would be well and my prayers were answered. Thank God for that. It was also new to me having to be a support person, like for real. I mean, people talk about it like it's just a normal thing but you also have to be strong and positive. For some I guess it doesn't come naturally but I think I got better as the days went on. You have to be a good listener and more importantly you need the time and be available, which I was. Actually I still continue this day to be her main support person and I am ok with that.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjoVF82byGgGIRDM7fvfh9_LfngfJCrFmhsKlMWg1o5eXG57iXZ1XQS6VLUyDt4LxaXtGQjQKQJqpufaRGGFhsKBvce0bSyau94BqLQvj_1IQ6SVU0s6E4-231WFj556hNMQUKpbdrr6Zg_0TMPjFEsD9ks1iQfLwuCNg5gd5BOy1CFFujbHxL_pgFsUw=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjoVF82byGgGIRDM7fvfh9_LfngfJCrFmhsKlMWg1o5eXG57iXZ1XQS6VLUyDt4LxaXtGQjQKQJqpufaRGGFhsKBvce0bSyau94BqLQvj_1IQ6SVU0s6E4-231WFj556hNMQUKpbdrr6Zg_0TMPjFEsD9ks1iQfLwuCNg5gd5BOy1CFFujbHxL_pgFsUw=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rolled oats with lsa and apple</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Since we've been in lockdown in Sydney from August it meant lots of time at home doing things we normally don't make time for. For me that meant baking and cooking new dishes. Suffice it to say that I put on some weight during Winter and now I have to figure out how to lose a few so I can fit into my old clothes again. lol. Do you know what I mean? It is hard but small steps lead to these changes. Although, don't get me wrong, eating delicious home-made meals was terrific. Spending time at home wasn't actually too bad but after a while the novelty does wear off. I did some trending things like re-organising my pantry and linen cupboard. I also bought some pots to report the swiss-cheese plants for the lounge and bathroom. I am happy to report they are still thriving and in fact, three of them have already sprouted a new leaf ! That is amazing considering how badly I garden. </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi3ly8_WQSLOxQHtWmdgnu07FYV6MAayAHIABzFxKFI5p4tNdWx4p-qR2RUm7l5fckgTJGuBt1yXFXPjulfJG3tNTY_m_b5uNlBxBaZJ68gJA3j1MI2LtpJDm2M48ml7YkV7JFTOLGB6LPvOIFm9WoKltPaj1z3AvBJpWfpt38nCj7fdqXV2jfHz2NSFg=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi3ly8_WQSLOxQHtWmdgnu07FYV6MAayAHIABzFxKFI5p4tNdWx4p-qR2RUm7l5fckgTJGuBt1yXFXPjulfJG3tNTY_m_b5uNlBxBaZJ68gJA3j1MI2LtpJDm2M48ml7YkV7JFTOLGB6LPvOIFm9WoKltPaj1z3AvBJpWfpt38nCj7fdqXV2jfHz2NSFg=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Divine Mercy colours</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I did go for short walks when we were allowed to. Yes, it was a bit like being in jail for a few months. We had terrible restrictions like when we could go grocery shopping (one person per household), masks to be worn outside, masks to be worn while exercising, you could only meet with one other friend etc. So when lockdowns were lifted around Nov we were all stocked. But the damage was done. Businesses had gone broke from having to pay rent and no customers coming in. It was truly very sad and continues to be a sad state here. These days we are now learning to live with covid. Omicron is widespread and today I learned we had 34, 994 cases just in my state. It's not a lot compared to the US and UK but still higher than we've ever had to experience.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiP5x4HyYXxHsWsXndLuZvhMkB4wevUS1ntn4cbFuXwGlHfcKJkpMWBJ6hXdeM8Y4tSlrnP3twKHKWLpfDU9VpqMkWbFHfGB9DqyKAL-glpIWU4J7ec4Loha7O_otvl446AK31Ne9kyMGGzAsFrAgAk_JnrjFlW3yu9muKO9oFLpzA9RwM3Vx17TqHi3Q=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiP5x4HyYXxHsWsXndLuZvhMkB4wevUS1ntn4cbFuXwGlHfcKJkpMWBJ6hXdeM8Y4tSlrnP3twKHKWLpfDU9VpqMkWbFHfGB9DqyKAL-glpIWU4J7ec4Loha7O_otvl446AK31Ne9kyMGGzAsFrAgAk_JnrjFlW3yu9muKO9oFLpzA9RwM3Vx17TqHi3Q=s320" width="240" /></a></div>Christmas was the first celebration we had after the lockdown where we had all family members gathered together. It was a hot day and I made tiramisu. We had a jumping castle with a pool on the bottom for the little kids. Everyone enjoyed themselves and I was exhausted!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJ3EBuRdG82DM5UkFCGeFTH5mTbd_hTQmIKiAcDFLb9BhrtSlxUCSRkno79qJcdj5mE7GxCL5ELS7vvGwEfUYz7sC6ie-hwdN0bgyBKXMf1ZH4yBehf6i-ULS2gsdREen0t_or59fBVWtOZRR8D4djdG58RFzlH64qFdVR1I7EhHNCQn-cBMlG2u2ExQ=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJ3EBuRdG82DM5UkFCGeFTH5mTbd_hTQmIKiAcDFLb9BhrtSlxUCSRkno79qJcdj5mE7GxCL5ELS7vvGwEfUYz7sC6ie-hwdN0bgyBKXMf1ZH4yBehf6i-ULS2gsdREen0t_or59fBVWtOZRR8D4djdG58RFzlH64qFdVR1I7EhHNCQn-cBMlG2u2ExQ=s320" width="240" /></a></div><p>Remember these little morsels of deliciousness? Well I had the recipe so I made them for my in-laws side. They were delicious and I still have a box of Japanese flying fish roe and I've no idea what to do with them. Make these until we run out I guess. My sisters decided not to do anything for Christmas as we had too many cases rising. At least I got to hang out with mum the other day at the Royal National Park in Audley. It was a good day, even if I did get sunburnt.</p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5ySVHWwOmcYVbSRTJVepOopYQTnuIwpZJWGnS5_QEHsYNT27qWny6cH_Candv98yWIESKP1TKtnKZNQtZ7Bgh29fUWa90rLsavvQp6hmlVbUlqiQ7Gd-Mx8ix17BCjL_ejb5PLQKSVOOewfxUxdpaoBO40PikRBABDBWfbSZ86_uK0bMPypnVhUZc9A=s1920" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5ySVHWwOmcYVbSRTJVepOopYQTnuIwpZJWGnS5_QEHsYNT27qWny6cH_Candv98yWIESKP1TKtnKZNQtZ7Bgh29fUWa90rLsavvQp6hmlVbUlqiQ7Gd-Mx8ix17BCjL_ejb5PLQKSVOOewfxUxdpaoBO40PikRBABDBWfbSZ86_uK0bMPypnVhUZc9A=s320" width="180" /></a></div><p>This is after we came back from the Seafood market. They do a 36hr trading marathon before Christmas and it's a tradition that we go and buy prawns and oysters. We went for a walk to get ice- cream at Darling Harbour. It's a lovely place and I haven't been for such a long time. It's actually nice when it isn't crowded and we check out the new architecture.</p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgxg-OP131pLSV9NDAdrBB1PZ0d_bkrK6a3WbeX_qAEts6uIzScMNoSmy_ZkDz0UnS4afbkD8UQJ_dEMcczROAVG9P0YpG2_iOarr1Nv_jl2V0g_EIh74zDDsj8eAxnbgLb_PRrtWdbJyDAQu9mnJkYUydpH4aTqb-qOhaciSHIJXTtIqrkkkH7-qY-FA=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgxg-OP131pLSV9NDAdrBB1PZ0d_bkrK6a3WbeX_qAEts6uIzScMNoSmy_ZkDz0UnS4afbkD8UQJ_dEMcczROAVG9P0YpG2_iOarr1Nv_jl2V0g_EIh74zDDsj8eAxnbgLb_PRrtWdbJyDAQu9mnJkYUydpH4aTqb-qOhaciSHIJXTtIqrkkkH7-qY-FA=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My Christmas tree theme was white and gold this year. I just wanted it to be simple. I even put up lights around the walls and we watched Home Alone.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I made some simple goals this year. Spend quality time with my family. Listen to Father Mike Schmidt on his famous Bible in a Year podcast. Be nice to everyone even if they are mean to me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I pray that we all have a much better year and thanks for reading.</div><p></p>~ Kim ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17341653362616566495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512848718293668776.post-44488498678342912992020-12-21T16:34:00.003+11:002020-12-21T16:34:45.957+11:00The year that was COVID.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1th7A3tCXAsMV34H02dazsBp6YfTwtICzqW9s_H-gcZ5owgpizDbluKPw4dioV8Smd74ZV908v553BH1h7QzwrHIMs471e8dQB_O3VpT0BCIzKSs0CKD3hoMW5erTmjfs2SGDuPdH0kgX/s1920/IMG_6702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1th7A3tCXAsMV34H02dazsBp6YfTwtICzqW9s_H-gcZ5owgpizDbluKPw4dioV8Smd74ZV908v553BH1h7QzwrHIMs471e8dQB_O3VpT0BCIzKSs0CKD3hoMW5erTmjfs2SGDuPdH0kgX/s320/IMG_6702.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <br /><div style="text-align: justify;">During COVID we bought a house. It was obvious to me that while everyone was working or being homeschooled our current house did not provide enough space for all of us to live together in harmony. Well, not by my standards anyway. We had been looking for a while and I was really patient. We ended up buying this double story (two stories also below) with enough stairs that would make up for the gym membership cancellation.</div><p></p><p>The boys are still sharing and the girls each get a room so all in all, we're doing pretty well. We had to get some new furniture and we're pretty settled in right now. I've just needed to use my daughter's walk in robe for my extra kitchen and hobby stuff. There's nowhere else I can store them right now. I guess I could move them all under the basement. Hmm, maybe I will.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoeAdzOt6iPkc4N72IbcE74tv-tU9E9HO2iElQ8sXNy8c0n6pLDFeB8XrHPcqAd7mKbmWm8sYKjqqWd1JyC6975y_eVU2eKDthOpElBnubRw9EN1s7E4Pmd_7UH7M106xlb7TbMVxy2NLz/s2048/IMG_6860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoeAdzOt6iPkc4N72IbcE74tv-tU9E9HO2iElQ8sXNy8c0n6pLDFeB8XrHPcqAd7mKbmWm8sYKjqqWd1JyC6975y_eVU2eKDthOpElBnubRw9EN1s7E4Pmd_7UH7M106xlb7TbMVxy2NLz/s320/IMG_6860.JPG" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpYnRcZjKfLI5-ByQvRZJDnrRGDCwFmXMDmNeHEkK4JI_-O3IF0yX90IOL9tD5WsEnj09jybWhDJdAofdN2Q7HtEa3_u90oNSKdDNb3-7_ftc8lNObGSf38QdgXtnsXA5WYlIOERodKKuf/s1920/IMG_6867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpYnRcZjKfLI5-ByQvRZJDnrRGDCwFmXMDmNeHEkK4JI_-O3IF0yX90IOL9tD5WsEnj09jybWhDJdAofdN2Q7HtEa3_u90oNSKdDNb3-7_ftc8lNObGSf38QdgXtnsXA5WYlIOERodKKuf/s320/IMG_6867.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div><br />Amongst the lockdowns and restrictions we've managed to have attend hubby's niece's wedding (max 150ppl) and most recently a big birthday bash for two young niece and nephews. It is so nice to hang out and celebrate with family again. I missed it alot and I'm not sure what Christmas holds because up in the Northern beaches, there's an outbreak of that dreaded virus. Just when NSW was cleared for many weeks and restrictions were easing, it looks tentative. We are meant to restrict visitors to 10ppl and who knows what this means for Christmas Day.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl9IauKvah_aipL6RnAJwStyVgp90eDFH0-NXMLGck1sXVVZa-eXlqCKA6HAec6lKQXNSinc3AGGiyMUnNVK7OKXSdjdfvs5Ebs9345gSd9SSFuP5jLfN0Rjld4kNrWOM-HTwisqZxJ7rz/s2048/IMG_6673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl9IauKvah_aipL6RnAJwStyVgp90eDFH0-NXMLGck1sXVVZa-eXlqCKA6HAec6lKQXNSinc3AGGiyMUnNVK7OKXSdjdfvs5Ebs9345gSd9SSFuP5jLfN0Rjld4kNrWOM-HTwisqZxJ7rz/s320/IMG_6673.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I don't know why I made zucchini slice but I did. I ate most of it. My kids don't eat it so I had it for lunch and snacks. Thankfully this was a small tray. I won't be making it again any time soon.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYosU4xwuSRruSsSuhvsNkvnhveR3-NadxiHSyy6npzr97_IjxLEtvwnMdvCbFdEG6ytcmTxiTgC8Mc0I9sjCa_z12rnVkCDAcPgKvBampkWdkhVCK9F1THYT5vtKEWG0hpvQ5IVKeavHd/s2048/IMG_5975.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYosU4xwuSRruSsSuhvsNkvnhveR3-NadxiHSyy6npzr97_IjxLEtvwnMdvCbFdEG6ytcmTxiTgC8Mc0I9sjCa_z12rnVkCDAcPgKvBampkWdkhVCK9F1THYT5vtKEWG0hpvQ5IVKeavHd/s320/IMG_5975.JPG" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Whilst whiling away the hours at home I got onto the Home Edit series. It seemed pretty good. Plus, this was before we moved so I was getting ready to make my new place spectacular. I now have a double door fridge so the space is quite narrow. I am not sold on buying some clear containers to hold my items but I did buy one of those green fridge mats so that the veggies and fruit stay fresher for longer. It's doing ok so far. I bought some wire baskets from Kmart for my linen cabinet. I think everyone else is doing the same thing because most things were out of stock. I was patient and got some in the store a few months later.</div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYFZPq-KFmCwL3MxuhdAj-MODkdmF83cWkQycZpW3XnZLxhz9T54ny-u5KNy5ejAZFKk3EYo1txybdwtWY_Srni2OSvXA1EJPWOWX5uTO44lOGDoeHpdbaAQdx9MrWFgBXD-iy2ECzwcK_/s2048/IMG_6546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYFZPq-KFmCwL3MxuhdAj-MODkdmF83cWkQycZpW3XnZLxhz9T54ny-u5KNy5ejAZFKk3EYo1txybdwtWY_Srni2OSvXA1EJPWOWX5uTO44lOGDoeHpdbaAQdx9MrWFgBXD-iy2ECzwcK_/s320/IMG_6546.JPG" /></a></div>Spring season means Jacaranda trees bloom their pretty lavender flowers. This is my neighbours front yard. I'm glad I do not have trees except two in my green hut at the back.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6dksnVUNcxLrL1PZzVU1RQMIrksAanTLZUikkV3grGtMACWBrsGPB6pa0lc9dsHzI_ZwyLEzBxrJ9rNim6tUjveqmeWU2cS2S5vKNruiRc4Z35lgMIONNMegratUoDI4rl7X7xPIUhuXf/s2048/IMG_6265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6dksnVUNcxLrL1PZzVU1RQMIrksAanTLZUikkV3grGtMACWBrsGPB6pa0lc9dsHzI_ZwyLEzBxrJ9rNim6tUjveqmeWU2cS2S5vKNruiRc4Z35lgMIONNMegratUoDI4rl7X7xPIUhuXf/s320/IMG_6265.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The beautiful fresh roses at the wedding reception.</div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So we've been working from home and I really like it. Some days I find it hard to concentrate and I get distracted but other days it's really good. I am in the office right now until hubby gets the wifi to work all the way from the lounge to here. I just use the sim in my laptop so I can go anywhere. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm feeling really blessed. I have all that I need and I am so very thankful to the Lord who has helped me in all his ways. I really hope that we can celebrate Christmas with everyone and that all those who are sick get better soon.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Take care and stay safe everyone.</div><p></p>~ Kim ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17341653362616566495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512848718293668776.post-24344343640800611752020-04-08T14:15:00.001+10:002020-04-08T14:15:06.030+10:00Isolation - the Covid -19 edition<br />
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Hello from down under. We are all in some sort of isolation/quarantine here too.</div>
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The cases in Australia are not as bad as Europe. I think also because it's just too bloody far to get all the way down here, lol. Plus it's the end of summer and we have not hit flu season yet. So end of March we were told to work from home. Most of us were quite excited but then school also decided to encourage parents to keep their children at home. Let me tell you it's been <i>tough</i>! To say the least. Oh my, I could never be a teacher. But as the week went on, we all got a bit more use to it and we've had to make some sacrifices (like not getting a lot of work done).</div>
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Our local church - Our Lady of Lebanon Harris Park, has posted parishioner photos in the pews to get ready for Easter. It's going to be really strange this year not having the traditional huge masses and being able to celebrate with family. We've been 'attending' mass online on Sunday mornings.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic9w3T1xOQ-drZqPJQgJiwUUF9TLRq_CQGV-8FDiUnRgwxeIS8uHT7X0UCHWcgEOaoLn60Mudgm-O_MxiCr4dE_V9W56DKwsqmMhZUSyBA0OisEIQOp4ON-nbEDUiNRFZ2Z4ouQTytNAMK/s1600/IMG_4177+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="976" data-original-width="911" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic9w3T1xOQ-drZqPJQgJiwUUF9TLRq_CQGV-8FDiUnRgwxeIS8uHT7X0UCHWcgEOaoLn60Mudgm-O_MxiCr4dE_V9W56DKwsqmMhZUSyBA0OisEIQOp4ON-nbEDUiNRFZ2Z4ouQTytNAMK/s320/IMG_4177+%25281%2529.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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Along with other 'isolation' activities include having to use box colour as my black roots were growing out. I was quite sceptical and nervous but it actually worked out really well. See, no black roots! It looks blended too. I used Light Brown L'oreal Preference and my sister in law mashed it in for me. I am very pleased and it was quite cheap considering that at the hairdresser it would normally cost me an exorbitant amount.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg84xg8_xGeiVOPMjP8HRRuZd37Df12rr1-KHFl4DD1Tb9JwG5RODnbB82MdKloeAT2puDogXti1hm0zo2yEiE1dLHjhpRN3H4QvSGnaXf95ERoA7UQfrtEKkcTNo4VAHdjmhrAi9c1U9mU/s1600/pasta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg84xg8_xGeiVOPMjP8HRRuZd37Df12rr1-KHFl4DD1Tb9JwG5RODnbB82MdKloeAT2puDogXti1hm0zo2yEiE1dLHjhpRN3H4QvSGnaXf95ERoA7UQfrtEKkcTNo4VAHdjmhrAi9c1U9mU/s320/pasta.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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My manager was giving this pasta machine away and I jumped at the offer. We've been making spaghetti and linguine. Next I think there is a penne attachment but that would be good too. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghpetmGqll42A_A_QY9cgakt-ts8GuHJ9xbqDimuZqado4ozmHKO15Ds1toUiVCTkp622wVdE0kdBEl5tWttfohIQT05Kq7vfGyU6IrVG5vVEVWukDufYKsJsZQM5DtOTOcIp00u5ORUYj/s1600/659B0C4C-4472-40DB-B672-48FE2D061802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghpetmGqll42A_A_QY9cgakt-ts8GuHJ9xbqDimuZqado4ozmHKO15Ds1toUiVCTkp622wVdE0kdBEl5tWttfohIQT05Kq7vfGyU6IrVG5vVEVWukDufYKsJsZQM5DtOTOcIp00u5ORUYj/s320/659B0C4C-4472-40DB-B672-48FE2D061802.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Finally coriander is growing. My daughter planted the seeds a few weeks ago and we have been having some rain lately. She really likes coriander so I am very pleased as every single coriander plant I bought home have died. We also planted some parsley but they are starting to go yellow. Oooops. Any ideas.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEN_zyvYXIm1-_XW2sOv0-AtkCyiT02sMFCF6NYqFrp8S-HcdZermCae2jPv9DLAb3fwmUmC1Bc_svvGTMi0-LQ7njpkPvZNua5MM6ye-5RU_bPbv72BaWjaUO7lL2GKliN1MvRepmmsn7/s1600/IMG_4174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEN_zyvYXIm1-_XW2sOv0-AtkCyiT02sMFCF6NYqFrp8S-HcdZermCae2jPv9DLAb3fwmUmC1Bc_svvGTMi0-LQ7njpkPvZNua5MM6ye-5RU_bPbv72BaWjaUO7lL2GKliN1MvRepmmsn7/s320/IMG_4174.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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We have been doing some art activities too. This is finger paint with a bit of water and dish soap. We used some sort of painters tape and the girls and I did this in an hour. It was fun and it certainly looks nice.<br />
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I wish you all a safe and Happy Easter break. Stay safe.</div>
<br />~ Kim ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17341653362616566495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512848718293668776.post-24305686364010213002019-06-23T08:19:00.004+10:002019-06-23T08:19:58.786+10:00Hi there! A Catch up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBQaYNC7BODnB2gsgo57zJxKuyZdWVFJJrYyya9M3DuyycilObpPpcGQZcPN0Iy8s9lNQNBVRNIFBtfKevVnihOM-T3qIj30oVFQj0vynJoI1hl2tSog5d9BN2KYPSoTXEZy-gxLyp3qWG/s1600/EA088E44-220F-4EDF-B0BE-432C34B3E779.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBQaYNC7BODnB2gsgo57zJxKuyZdWVFJJrYyya9M3DuyycilObpPpcGQZcPN0Iy8s9lNQNBVRNIFBtfKevVnihOM-T3qIj30oVFQj0vynJoI1hl2tSog5d9BN2KYPSoTXEZy-gxLyp3qWG/s320/EA088E44-220F-4EDF-B0BE-432C34B3E779.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Hello readers. I thought I might pop in again and let you know how life has been faring. I know it's been a while. My daughter recently celebrated her First Holy Communion and so the preparation leading up to that has been a bit stressful. In the end everything was perfect! We held it at a restaurant near by and the guys there were so accommodating and the food was fantastic. Most importantly she received the sacrament and it was such a blessing to have my family and my husbands family there to celebrate. Even if my sister kept calling it a Christening (haa ha, they are not religious)</div>
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p.s I had my first cousin from <i><span style="color: blue;">Tina and Co</span></i> to organise the dessert table. How beautiful is it? I got the invitations from Zazzle and used the same floral colours. It's just gorgeous.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXm-RXdowcdcii2FP_t_GbiLJddIikWP2q8YWU5nf3VyCSQ53q-Qhy_jOXJ3fwZOuOjIDsq4tRy679_LTlHVXJflxHukTfm35P0O20OwbiCiugKZOanUl1jTB11tXP8KLhL2g_sy4Ohl6H/s1600/A51FC642-B170-4699-A08C-ADC81E2C0425-862-000000A3C2AB70A6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1000" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXm-RXdowcdcii2FP_t_GbiLJddIikWP2q8YWU5nf3VyCSQ53q-Qhy_jOXJ3fwZOuOjIDsq4tRy679_LTlHVXJflxHukTfm35P0O20OwbiCiugKZOanUl1jTB11tXP8KLhL2g_sy4Ohl6H/s320/A51FC642-B170-4699-A08C-ADC81E2C0425-862-000000A3C2AB70A6.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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This was the photo set up at school and the gown is also from school but parents pay to hire it and then we had to dry clean it before returning it. She had another dress on for the party.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOj43IAoddep-nk-oT3dmk28muTurljFZYOum1ShbHqjIEJnyBFaFE4FG8OzV9DshKutn5q0QR7ti3B8f4HGhyDbSwaos_E-PQUDE-M8ArB3WlCVQ4KSJd1VLtke0-0Vkh5UcdbaU9waOg/s1600/3503A6E0-151E-4038-ACEF-7EAC57351937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOj43IAoddep-nk-oT3dmk28muTurljFZYOum1ShbHqjIEJnyBFaFE4FG8OzV9DshKutn5q0QR7ti3B8f4HGhyDbSwaos_E-PQUDE-M8ArB3WlCVQ4KSJd1VLtke0-0Vkh5UcdbaU9waOg/s320/3503A6E0-151E-4038-ACEF-7EAC57351937.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We recently discovered Mr Chen's Prawn Har Gow. Oh my, so good!! I could eat a whole box on my own! My steamer broke/burned so I had to buy a new one. I just put it over my deep pan on the stove but I tend to forget to check on the water. I should really put on my timer!</div>
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Been addicted to organic vanilla yoghurt with these gold kiwi's. The skin is very smooth so no furry bits but I've been having a small bowl as my dessert/snack for after gym sessions or after dinner at home.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ80BcSatNkZiDs7J8OmQPEp7_2x3q0is3fstsl0bVQHiUyOMpYEu745zQZXTozq7ip-noQYZmIAYWdzlehPf8_3weYJVrgMrcXUrIAFRVwv34wg5idlHAzjHtVeHdPnz0xxvexKHNcrRy/s1600/6D59E61B-9BEB-42F5-95D7-E749AE5DA970.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ80BcSatNkZiDs7J8OmQPEp7_2x3q0is3fstsl0bVQHiUyOMpYEu745zQZXTozq7ip-noQYZmIAYWdzlehPf8_3weYJVrgMrcXUrIAFRVwv34wg5idlHAzjHtVeHdPnz0xxvexKHNcrRy/s320/6D59E61B-9BEB-42F5-95D7-E749AE5DA970.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Plus the very occassional Big Mac, because you need to balance your life and cutting out all carbs and my favourite foods just makes me upset. And it was really good! No fries or sugary coke with it though. That being said I still try to make my lunches for work.<br />
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This is my heart rate after climbing the steep incline on the way home. I feel so good when I conquer it on my bike. It's a really good work out. It's so good to cycle to work even now that it's Winter. I drop the kids at the bus stop and then I get my bluetooth earbuds in. Then it's like "See ya later kiddos!" and off I go. So much better than having to drive and park the car and walk and sit in traffic. Oh yeah, you are the traffic when you are driving.</div>
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Anyway, work has just been really overwhelming at times. Thankfully I have a great colleague of mine who has mentored me in the last few months. He's really helping me learn and keep me on track with some things. I still fall and fail but it's all good learning. I wish there were more people like him. I'm paying it forward and helping mentor a new starter at work too. It really makes a big difference.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Kp6SF6P_338sD45UMdgIQ0HUUDg9wWddXMDp3EWoomLiZ2aSdaMmtuZgjlzLphbPcSfonOGfrmUI7D-kILNJMv6b3Udx9opz3eCfHrzTAHRnQL5tqRGpW1aqDlbFsjibD71PreFLMWw7/s1600/calendar.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="660" data-original-width="1465" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Kp6SF6P_338sD45UMdgIQ0HUUDg9wWddXMDp3EWoomLiZ2aSdaMmtuZgjlzLphbPcSfonOGfrmUI7D-kILNJMv6b3Udx9opz3eCfHrzTAHRnQL5tqRGpW1aqDlbFsjibD71PreFLMWw7/s320/calendar.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Tools - I'm back onto <span style="color: #c27ba0;">Google Calendar</span>! I forgot about it for a while but started using it again. It helps me schedule in tasks and see my month at a glance.</div>
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I also still love <span style="color: #6aa84f;">Evernote</span> to remember everything for me. Especially school notices.</div>
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Anyway, hope you enjoyed the catch up. School holidays next week. Wooo hoooo! I get three days off in the week so I'm going to have fun, learn and find my balance. I guess I should also clean my house.</div>
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Hope you are finding your balance too! Stay healthy!</div>
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~ Kim ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17341653362616566495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512848718293668776.post-46101881421692786432019-03-12T14:31:00.002+11:002019-03-12T14:31:22.491+11:00Back to School/Work Life<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arrived home in a sweat</td></tr>
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Hello everyone. We're back in full swing both at school and work. It certainly feels a little strange to me but I'm finding my rhythm for this year. Did I mention that the kids are taking the school bus? Prob not but yeah, I walk them up to the bus stop and then I'm literally on my bike on the way to work.</div>
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It takes me like 12mins to get to work and it's great. The school bus is pretty much the same. This morning I was sweating a lot and so I had my big towel with me and I had a shower. It felt really good. Since the weather is still warm I sweat on the way home too. There's a big hill and my heart rate reaches about 155bpm as I'm off my seat. The rest is down and hilly. So much harder than my old route by the riverside, which I miss.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sesame Salmon Salad bowl</td></tr>
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I met up with an old colleague and we went to a sushi restaurant. I had this sesame salmon bowl for lunch. Oh my it's sooooo good! I could have it every day. If you're ever in Parramatta, try Alpha Sushi. It's a small place on Philip St but food is great. I must take the kids. They would love it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The reason why I go to the gym</td></tr>
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My friend went to Costco and got me a box of Ghirardelli brownie mixes. Oh my gosh, yum!!! I made them for a birthday. They were a bit overdone on the edges because I failed to start my timer (d'oh!) but quite fudgy on the inside. This was 3 packets which is roughly 72 slices or something. Next smaller batch was one bag and made 16 fattish brownies. I made them fudgier and kept an eye on the timer. </div>
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Speaking of summer, we also have wet weather due to how humid it gets. So, naturally we get pelted with rain for a day. You know it actually cleared up 20minutes after this onslaught, as if nothing ever happened. How very peculiar.<br />
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Hope you are all going well. Me, I've not enough time to relax so I try to make some time for some self-care. That's a word we don't use often.<br />
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Self - Care</div>
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Look after yourself, because it could be too late by the time you realise you need it. I'm saying this because a colleague had a minor heart attack over the weekend by everyon's surprise and shock. He was really fit and was in good shape. Or so it seemed. Well, he's had to have some surgery (I'm guessing to remove a blockage) and he'll be on rest for a few weeks before he returns.</div>
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So my friends, see the doctor and get yourself checked out.</div>
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It's the season of Lent so I'm trying to do extra works of charity and take some time to do the things that Jesus wants us to do. Be more kind, stop saying negative and hurtful things. No more gossiping etc. Going to mass an extra day of the week. Going to confession again. Praying for those who are sick. </div>
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I hope you can do the same.</div>
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God bless.</div>
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<br />~ Kim ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17341653362616566495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512848718293668776.post-16012866703548837482019-01-10T14:53:00.001+11:002019-01-10T14:53:54.202+11:00Learning from experiences<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNrxTI6LNV33O7TmHhgipdhr2n_UalJAfFQIMxwMJj8Ouw07lBPpaaBVMOg3dxhB1Neck3cxKb8EXBs4fCenM7fjYEFywjW31facrEUsDn_GZD2fFUQcLH0VV5j4IlLrPdPmD9MTcKqRL7/s1600/guess.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="474" data-original-width="914" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNrxTI6LNV33O7TmHhgipdhr2n_UalJAfFQIMxwMJj8Ouw07lBPpaaBVMOg3dxhB1Neck3cxKb8EXBs4fCenM7fjYEFywjW31facrEUsDn_GZD2fFUQcLH0VV5j4IlLrPdPmD9MTcKqRL7/s320/guess.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I feel the need to share with you lessons learned during my end of year shopping season. As with the coming of Christmas we all can get caught up in the frenzy of shopping like mad and buying all sorts of things. Some things we will keep and other things we buy them and think to ourselves that "oh I'll just return it if it doesn't fit.' </div>
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Well, a big <span style="color: red;">caveat emptor</span> - let the buyer beware! (I learned this phrase in high school Commerce) </div>
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you may have a big surprise when there's a hiccup on a return. So I bought a shirt from Guess on boxing day thinking I could return it if it didn't fit my hubby. I checked the terms and conditions of the website and it meant that I had to return it within 7 days, as it was a sale item. So, off I went with my receipt three days later to the store. It wasn't an issue. I put in my pin for the same credit card I used and when she asked if I wanted the receipt, I said no because we were in a rush and I could see the paper ran out on the device. I had a niggly feeling after I left but anyway I checked my bank app a few days later and could see the charge on my card but not as a credit. My heart skipped a beat and my hubby said, just give it a few days as it was a different bank. I could not sleep that night and I actually was in tears in bed wondering why I did not just get the receipt.</div>
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Anyway, a week later it was still the same.We confirmed with the bank that it was indeed a charge not a credit. So now we were stuck with being billed twice for an item we do not own.</div>
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I went to the store today and spoke to a lady there. She checked the till that was used for the transaction and I was praying to God to help. She had to go and talk to someone I think as she said she would be back and then when she came back she said she could refund me both amounts to which I was incredibly relieved and thankful. She gave me my receipt which showed the refund.</div>
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So the lesson learned is to KEEP THE BLOODY RECEIPT if they ask you if you want a copy. Yes, print the darn copy and take a photo of it. Don't worry about the trees. Read the return terms and conditions. Thank yourself later for having done so. </div>
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Phew, stress gone, for now.</div>
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The other night I decided to make some muffins so they kids would have snacks to eat at home. The light ones are banana (my kids actually don't eat them much) and the others are White Wings Triple Choc. I even found enough containers for them and I felt like taking a snap for properity!<br />
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On a food note, I am in love with all things teriyaki. Especially salmon. I found this on my Instagram stories from Leah Itsines. I saved it but realised most of the stir fries I use the same ingredients minus the honey. Otherwise I get the Masterfoods Teriyaki marinade.<br />
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Life changing change that happened during the holidays, I folded my clothes and the kids clothes. We watched the new tv show on Netflix by <a href="https://konmari.com/" target="_blank">Marie Kondo</a>. She's a Japanese consultant who specialises in tidying up. She has a method of folding called KonMari and when I re-folded my shirts I was amazed at how much space I had left over! We then did my eldest daughter's drawers and the boys tall boy. It was truly life changing, well for me anyway. I've told my friend at work about it and she's getting onto it too. There's heaps of Youtube videos for you to check out.</div>
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She also talks about only keeping items that spark joy. She's right. I keep so many old outdated clothes in my closet and only wear them a handful of times. I have started to declutter and this year I aim to live a lot more less cluttered.</div>
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I just wish the rest of house-hold cleaning was just as easy. Do you also struggle with this?</div>
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<br />~ Kim ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17341653362616566495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512848718293668776.post-2412407901214836052019-01-07T14:00:00.001+11:002019-01-07T14:00:49.270+11:00Happy New Year! 2019<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lights at mums</td></tr>
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Happy New Year my Internet friends! Man, I think 2018 just, like, tried to kill me. Lol Is anyone with me on this? It was tough. There were many changes and challenges and I hope 2019 will go a bit easier on me. The kids finished up school a week earlier than the public schools so they had to fend for themselves for a few days at home.</div>
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Christmas was lovely and finally the hot summer kicked in down here. I mean we had above 30 degrees Celsius most of the time. We had a few storms and a few areas had power outages which lasted a few days! I don't think I could survive a power outage. So much food though. The weight that I lost at the end of the year came back and found me! Ha ha ha.</div>
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We took the kids to midnight mass. Hubby is really getting into all things catholic. It actually starts at 11pm but we got there by 10.30pm for seating. The kids did so well considering how late it was and waiting for mass to start. At least they got to sleep in on Christmas morning. They get to open a present each, we don't go overboard as they know Christmas is about Jesus. Plus, they know they are spoilt for choice when it comes to presents and they don't ask for much at all.</div>
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I took the kids to Coogee beach. Not really sure why as I was searching up on good family friendly beaches. We got there around 11.15am and miraculously got parking as some guy was coming back from his run and moved his car from the hill. I am sure that everyone else had to suffer a few rounds of driving just to get parking on this hot day.</div>
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I will say that my drink trolley was very handy. We could just roll it everywhere with us and keep cold water bottles and soft drink with ice bricks in it. The waves were pretty big at Coogee and I lost my hat in the surf. When I say lost, I mean it came off during a big wave, I looked for it in the water and saw that some guy ahead of us had it pop up in front of him like a present from the ocean. He was with a two other friends. I was going to get it but he was further up and I thought he lost it in another wave but when as he was leaving I saw him tucking it down into his shorts. There was no way I was going to ask him for my new hat back but I was pretty bummed that afternoon. If you see a guy with a white nike (silver logo) it may be it. He already had another dark hat with him that day.</div>
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Anyway, to get away from the waves I thought we might try the controversial "women's only" pools there. It's called <a href="http://www.randwick.nsw.gov.au/facilities-and-recreation/beaches-and-coast/ocean-pools/mcivers-ladies-baths" target="_blank">McIver's Ladies baths</a> and it use to be free but now it's a $2 fee. So I had to pay for my kids as well. Boy, was it not worth my time. We waited 15mins in the line just to get in, once we got in there were ladies laying down everywhere and the water was ice cold. Also, since it's private and for women only there were some bare naked ladies, which made my son was very uncomfortable so we stayed for about 10mins and then left. I totally do not recommend it. Really, unless you like that kind of stuff. There was nowhere to sit and hang out either.</div>
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My sister asked if we wanted to go to Cronulla beach but I said the waves were too high. Plus, we went to the local pools the day before. The Friday though I said why not try Bundeena. It's in the Royal National Park, Audley. I read that it was a nice quiet beach and thought it's gotta be better than Coogee. We all met up at mums and decided we would just meet each other there since we all have gps. I had to get my kids some breakfast on the way anyway so about an hour later we made it. We parked in the nearby streets and I had no idea what to expect. We rolled down together with my trolley and our assorted beach stuff and found the beach, Jibbon beach to be exact.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg16tIDrS-DQtoExf4UeIPvrZiuUwLxeYa_Ihjh9e0J-e8wd1nOn-R7pS44AhxufDFbQViTfmTYeS57wWve7zvHFPavSz-cdwVcogd-nD9oEdCsT_2WK9wcpBqPoMIcJvq0zpHB-X6kgv0B/s1600/jibbon+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg16tIDrS-DQtoExf4UeIPvrZiuUwLxeYa_Ihjh9e0J-e8wd1nOn-R7pS44AhxufDFbQViTfmTYeS57wWve7zvHFPavSz-cdwVcogd-nD9oEdCsT_2WK9wcpBqPoMIcJvq0zpHB-X6kgv0B/s320/jibbon+-+Copy.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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The sand was hot but soft and there was a bit of seaweed in places. We found a spot to put up our tents for shade and got ready to enjoy the beach. Gosh I love these tents. They are roomy, easy to put up and pack away. I got mine first from Big W and then my sister got one for mum too (the right one). That's mum in my tent (left) and my other sister in the other. I had to move mine around in the afternoon for maximum shade. We also had a beach umbrella and my sand free mat. It's pretty cool. I got it from Wish. You can actually sit on it and then when you shake it, all the sand falls through so you don't carry the beach home with you. </div>
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The only downside to Jibbon beach is no toilets are nearby. You have to walk over to Horderns beach (another popular family beach) for them. It's about a 6ish minutes walk and I'm sure my head got sunburnt from walking there and back because Miss 9 doesn't want to go in the bushes.</div>
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We used up the last Hello Fresh meal we received from subscribing. You can get a free trial if you know someone who has a voucher to mail it to you. This is the lovely jacket potatoes. So good. My eldest daughter has been taking an interest in cooking since we were getting the meal packages. The food is actually very yummy but doesn't feed my family of 6, hence we stopped getting it. Plus it's expensive too.</div>
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So I'm back at work now but we'll be going on a Royal Carribean south pacific cruise on the 24th Jan for 8 nights. I cannot wait!!! I was a bit worried that we'd be 'holidayed' out by then but I doubt it. It's a new adventure for us and the kids will hopefully have a blast. I heard there's so much food so I'm a bit scared about eating and putting on even more kilos but I think if I be smart about it I'll eat within a range which doesn't require my husband rolling me out of the dining hall.<br />
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If you have any cruise tips I'd love to hear about it.<br />
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Oh, 2019 is going to be my SWEAT year! I signed up to Kayla's SWEAT app and I'm finding it very useful as I can do the workouts at home and at the gym. I find the best place to workout at home is not the lounge, it's in my bedroom. There's my radio, air-con and my K-mart bench seat! It's awesome.Time for me to shine!</div>
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<br />~ Kim ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17341653362616566495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512848718293668776.post-6271130084273920852018-11-01T15:56:00.003+11:002018-11-01T16:12:22.689+11:00The journey so far<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBYvAOcDXhx760DDFVsuAP31MvP_71qwIAWTzKfyeRsAEUPHBP9MR7rQlzG2oLazpXOqcVTAbS4ndQzMCTJGPoo1bh4N0QV3tzRM6rvBmKdDNkTyw935JfoapN-djjZNIKaCSrrgE68EOg/s1600/profile_Nov.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBYvAOcDXhx760DDFVsuAP31MvP_71qwIAWTzKfyeRsAEUPHBP9MR7rQlzG2oLazpXOqcVTAbS4ndQzMCTJGPoo1bh4N0QV3tzRM6rvBmKdDNkTyw935JfoapN-djjZNIKaCSrrgE68EOg/s320/profile_Nov.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Hello everyone! I've reached the end of the 12week transformation journey. I don't like the word *diet* so I'm calling it a <i>transformation journey</i>. My motto is "It's not about the destination, it's all about the journey".<br />
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So how do I feel? Well, I feel pretty good. I wanted this to be sustainable and close to the reality of my life. I stopped drinking shakes and eating protein bars probably after a few months in. That's not to say that doing these things will not work for you. I mean, they were working for me but I felt that I wanted to just adjust what I was eating and wanted to eat things that were not processed and did not include too many *other* ingredients. It's not easy I will say honestly. It requires planning which I kind of sucked at. Sometimes the e-mails from BodyTrim would go straight to my spam folder so I never got to see them and I was relying on myself for motivation and advice.<br />
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I would speak to others who were on their own transformation journeys. Some were on Michelle Bridges 12 week thing, some were eating pre-packed foods like youfoodz, my sister was working with a trainer and on a strict calorific deficit diet so I asked them all how it was going. What was working and what was not. It was interesting. In the end, it's a bit like calorie counting.<br />
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Just eat less calories and you'll start to lose weight.</div>
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So did I lose weight? I'm actually not very sure. I weigh about 62kgs now. I think I started around 63kgs? So I probably did. My dress and pants feel less tight when I wear them. My scales at home is quite temperamental. You move it around on the floor and you'll get different readings depending on how wonky the floor is, lol.<br />
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So, I have been eating smaller meals and I found this to be slimming my waistline. I also started drinking more green tea and I think it's helping too. This is me (above) in the bike garage. I'm still biking to and from work so that also helps keep me fit. I go to the gym twice a week and I play basketball on Sundays. I think if I took up more exercise I would probably get more fit and lose more weight. But, ladies, listen... do not judge yourselves by the number on that scale!!! We are not just numbers and we should value ourselves for who we are! </div>
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Let's not get obsessed with how much we weigh. Let's try and feel better about who we are.</div>
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I'm just going to keep going with smaller healthy meals such as a protein with greens and see if it makes a difference to my waistline. Hubby said he noticed my belly going down so that is a bonus!</div>
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My daughter turned 9 recently and she really wanted a fairy cake. I feel like I have mentioned this before. Anyway, here it is again. Yes, I ate mud cake and I enjoyed it. Let's not deprive ourselves. Have a slice and move on. It's the best thing to do.<br />
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This is my favourite Lebanese sweet. The rolls on the outside are called Lady's fingers. Not really sure who came up with that name. They probably looked down while they were rolling the pastries and went with it. Yeah, I don't know but it's a pastry filled with ricotta! Yummy! The triangles are pretty much the same. We had this for her birthday and pretty much everyone took a piece.</div>
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We saw the ad for these Egglettes on t.v on a Saturday morning and so when I was at Woolworths these were in the stationary aisle for some strange reason in a free-standing shelf and I said to the girls " Hey look what I found!" and we bought it. $5, cheap. No more peeling hot eggs! You know how messy the kids get when they try to peel eggs. I haven't tried it yet though but looking forward to this. I also found these on Wish as well. How funny!</div>
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Saturdays mornings I craved more 'Oh Sweet Basil' buttermilk pancakes. So yeah, I made them. I kind of prefer making pancakes without eggs because I can taste them but anyway.... next time. These were awesome and always come out so fluffy!<br />
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This is my view from my desk. It's a really pretty corner view. I count my blessings each time I look at my view. I am so thankful for my job, my family, my friends, my life in general. It is all good and I take the bad with it because life is like that. Sometimes the bad stuff just makes us stronger and more appreciative of what we take for granted. We come out better if we see the good things.</div>
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I wish you all good health! Have a great weekend. I'm off to enjoy the summer. At least it's warming up here, finally!!!</div>
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~ Kim ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17341653362616566495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512848718293668776.post-68684524451598290012018-09-18T16:34:00.002+10:002018-09-18T16:34:45.139+10:00Hello Spring!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ2UZ2lIu7E25IqYTi2c953iwIIWtZ513lSZRaYev33QdQlxIvFkpsLDxFAmBzYagJYhGKcHuz7uFD-sAUQWOLnzkWXHXWxtgZiK8fOyr5RG8XOqg_MVte4rXE5h6XCndf_UVbNtQQgHi6/s1600/haymarket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ2UZ2lIu7E25IqYTi2c953iwIIWtZ513lSZRaYev33QdQlxIvFkpsLDxFAmBzYagJYhGKcHuz7uFD-sAUQWOLnzkWXHXWxtgZiK8fOyr5RG8XOqg_MVte4rXE5h6XCndf_UVbNtQQgHi6/s320/haymarket.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Last week I was in the city doing some ITIL training. Urghh it was very dry material. Last time I did probably was around 10 years ago. So some of it at least made sense to me. It involved going to Central and being nice and high in the sky again. I did enjoy being away from the office but I did not enjoy the studying part. The trainer wanted us to study 3hrs per night. Oh my, little does he know the life I live with children! Anyway, I would read my hand-book on the train to and from home and studied for a few hours after dinner, amongst my chores. On the third day we revised and sat the exam after lunch. The pass mark is around 60%, I got 85%. I felt so good after but we were all stressed out right before the exam. I even felt as though I didn't answer all the questions correctly.</div>
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The other good thing was being so close to Market City (in the pic) so I got to shop during lunch, which my friend found quite funny!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi33b6cXPgUSV-qFVx72kgvzCur0VHrWT8dbwdXupjfSKkSY207HDuaoGv3CIoYAsqP9q7zCKHnv4CSfEvJM41b91sJY-Ov4BVgqX-g1znjnT4krTmISg7xCU_qOZrj76Nwan0K_0gvUqxf/s1600/mia_bday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi33b6cXPgUSV-qFVx72kgvzCur0VHrWT8dbwdXupjfSKkSY207HDuaoGv3CIoYAsqP9q7zCKHnv4CSfEvJM41b91sJY-Ov4BVgqX-g1znjnT4krTmISg7xCU_qOZrj76Nwan0K_0gvUqxf/s320/mia_bday.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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My first-born turned (16) ahem! 12. She's 12 and quite mature but it means she has no patience for her younger brothers and sisters. Anyway, I got her a cake and these balloons for her birthday. She wanted more presents (who doesn't?) We bought some stuff that was on-sale from Typo. She wears my clothes, shoes and drives me crazy but really she is a great girl. I don't worry that she'll be in with the wrong crowd and wear short skirts etc She's upset that she'll miss out on the first week of school but hey, we're going on a cruise whether she likes it or not.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHU-t0s8TXF1pmUoOEsurjjjulEGGVaXhFKjU30x1LEZ5BlXzZANB-vdgi0JwKDZwavODFxnUYMu0ORK7qwJ85OKgtA7SLoMAy8Q3I8vIuFtYJRqePNh_Mwpbumrx6-cAfw6C1beQnc5dh/s1600/buffet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHU-t0s8TXF1pmUoOEsurjjjulEGGVaXhFKjU30x1LEZ5BlXzZANB-vdgi0JwKDZwavODFxnUYMu0ORK7qwJ85OKgtA7SLoMAy8Q3I8vIuFtYJRqePNh_Mwpbumrx6-cAfw6C1beQnc5dh/s320/buffet.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here they are at the local bowling club having a great time eating at the buffet. Best. Dinner. Ever.</div>
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It was to celebrate our wedding anniversary. The 12yr old purposely tried to look bored. Hubby and I loved the prawns and I particularly enjoyed the choc mousse and trifle. Yumm.</div>
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Did I say I was on a diet? What diet?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibwyVeA-Q80in4iwckSZzUMKZb2Zc1OYfb8Pj9JyKi0ZTPP1zFgFH49qmLWJFLbQ-XWijiAszENUfYWDWNZpdIjknYkMGYzEXxyBQUDCIFnezfud_W8IL7x7Fzyn07qBGqgWjy6JXX1npZ/s1600/bad_knee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibwyVeA-Q80in4iwckSZzUMKZb2Zc1OYfb8Pj9JyKi0ZTPP1zFgFH49qmLWJFLbQ-XWijiAszENUfYWDWNZpdIjknYkMGYzEXxyBQUDCIFnezfud_W8IL7x7Fzyn07qBGqgWjy6JXX1npZ/s320/bad_knee.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Oh, I did my knee. Not badly but it may as well have been since I can't run on it. I wore a knee brace and it wasn't good enough. I tore my medial ligament i.e the inside of the knee. Anyway, I'm seeing a physio, I can't play b'ball, it was painful just to walk for a week but now it's on it's way to recovery. I can start doing lunges and strengthening my knee again. At least I can get on the bike again.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyBUN5DlosqeUW3WHsahewAwui5QqO_CeZRYX-5m8WMMmOtrli3gAkSS72RR2QxsTgti5WVjbeI4yDjpsvy1GHeiW8bs1kpyr5jX940I6ctHLtSwG_6QFCQ_darcgj8blXy6UB4q40os-T/s1600/week6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1035" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyBUN5DlosqeUW3WHsahewAwui5QqO_CeZRYX-5m8WMMmOtrli3gAkSS72RR2QxsTgti5WVjbeI4yDjpsvy1GHeiW8bs1kpyr5jX940I6ctHLtSwG_6QFCQ_darcgj8blXy6UB4q40os-T/s320/week6.jpg" width="206" /></a></div>
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This is me this morning. I'm no longer on the BodyTrim shakes. I tried the vanilla flavoured one but I didn't like it. I was also finding that it was giving me *gas* at work so I decided to stop. I could only do upper body work-outs last week so it prevented me from exercising how I wanted. </div>
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Anyway, I'll keep going with eating smaller meals and adding more veggies to my plate. I'll keep you updated on how things are travelling with it but you know what, I like the way I look and feel and I think at the end of the day, that's what really matters.</div>
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~ Kim ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17341653362616566495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512848718293668776.post-10218002654471401612018-08-22T15:15:00.000+10:002018-08-23T17:13:35.247+10:00Making Healthy changes with BodyTrim<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEG_89fjbL71b1tO_TW731ajqJDT3fOsw0MhTBEBybPA_m4hdvRfzFAkzAVoye5gHhEpv8cihkwRv6MmMXVXjxbhwrp1sLH0UDNY6gNBKPt3rAcX4QXHXzC8fWAFqAFkv2z0sYVPZyu4Cl/s1600/bodytrim_shakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEG_89fjbL71b1tO_TW731ajqJDT3fOsw0MhTBEBybPA_m4hdvRfzFAkzAVoye5gHhEpv8cihkwRv6MmMXVXjxbhwrp1sLH0UDNY6gNBKPt3rAcX4QXHXzC8fWAFqAFkv2z0sYVPZyu4Cl/s320/bodytrim_shakes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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So here's the story of my life: I have been pretty busy working full time and dealing with everyday stresses (insert four primary aged kids here). My weight goes up and down and I try every now and again to 'diet'. I don't follow any particular diet fad but I wish I had enough willpower to change my habits. I wished that I had more time to look after my health and body basically. I seemed to have a bad habit of forever snacking at my desk and it's been affecting my waistline. My low point recently was not being able to fit into an evening dress for a christening. It's just an awful feeling but I got over it after thankfully finding a less fitted dress.</div>
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My general daily cycling to and from work has seemed to assist in keeping extra weight from piling on but my weight loss seems to have stalled. Maybe I have hit a plateau? I've never been big on any fad diets but as they say " A summer body starts in Winter!" so when <a href="https://www.bodytrim.com.au/" target="_blank">Bodytrim</a> asked if I'd like to give their products a go I could not say no. Instead, I said "Why not?" Time for change.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWsO3CaHy5V3KcAFfa4qFdHFV-xIlCQ49snz2Bdl3BnG26uKVdtyAHQGfQdZqDPRuu_37teq8OBmcJl5sabrMP9Lh0cprMkaKgQUtHdrJg7gXCRXhNoRj2O0lwEhr7bbLyQfqfSNlBSKuG/s1600/bodytrim_snacks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWsO3CaHy5V3KcAFfa4qFdHFV-xIlCQ49snz2Bdl3BnG26uKVdtyAHQGfQdZqDPRuu_37teq8OBmcJl5sabrMP9Lh0cprMkaKgQUtHdrJg7gXCRXhNoRj2O0lwEhr7bbLyQfqfSNlBSKuG/s320/bodytrim_snacks.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Body Trim Snacks</td></tr>
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If you purchase one of their meal replacement shakes it comes with a code to get free access to their 12 week on-line weight-loss program. How awesome is that? Anyway, I tried the chocolate meal replacement shake and it tastes pretty good. I am yet to try the vanilla flavoured. I also have some of their snacks: a baked slice, low-carb protein bar, and a chocolate brownie.<br />
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The program is broken up into three phases: Fast Start, Trimsition and Body Trimming.<br />
Fast Start and Trimsition prepares you for the 12 weeks of Body Trimming.<br />
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Admittedly I skipped Fast Start which was the first three days. I wasn't organised in time and I left the powder for the shake at home. Plus, three days of being on shakes didn't sit well with me. I felt like I would be starving but who knows I may try this after I finish the program and start on another one.<br />
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I did start on Trimsition on day 4 which requires me to have two shakes to replace two meals and eat a protein snack for morning and afternoon tea. I found this to be easier to follow and I did notice feeling less bloated. Trimsition is days 4-7.<br />
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Body Trimming is the 12 weeks of the program. This means you have 3 balanced meals and you can replace breakfast with a shake. Plus your morning and afternoon snacks. I am currently on week 2 and I am feeling good and not worried about what snacks and meals I need to bring to work. I try to make home made meals for lunch but due to lack of time I buy lean cuisine or weight watchers to eat.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiACiQ5xavCsicxXjkTVAnZNVGT4N7VU8IOVT6WPiWPMTmiXSUBj2ZyB-vac_e8_wYNMCXRHibfXX8JTyFBWyU_pY4GAwV57637PyQsg8DEM_232Rz_AOvjYtXM3ed5EuVOCgDyP1kXlKSD/s1600/profileofme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="945" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiACiQ5xavCsicxXjkTVAnZNVGT4N7VU8IOVT6WPiWPMTmiXSUBj2ZyB-vac_e8_wYNMCXRHibfXX8JTyFBWyU_pY4GAwV57637PyQsg8DEM_232Rz_AOvjYtXM3ed5EuVOCgDyP1kXlKSD/s320/profileofme.jpg" width="189" /></a></div>
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This is me last week so I was on week 1 of the Body Trimming phase. I have noticed that some of the fat on my sides just below my arms has shrunk and so has my belly. I am taking it a week at a time. Even though everyone says ditch the scales I tend to use my weight as a way to measure if I am losing weight or not. I hover around 62kgs so now I have lost 1kg already and I'm hoping that it continues to drop to my goal weight of 58kgs. If it doesn't I won't be up in arms about it. I believe you should aim to have a healthy lifestyle and not concentrate on how much you weigh.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_b8A6hkzY6Rvw65boyJ9XuMU9Quib_oHXjX3GRAn1EVJicigf87_9IbHtaFJ0ZrjyAeZGhvxL8pPjPJPs77MqbUO_qUrPDBFK0HM6hhwkWVYfs_8SOteJw1T0KOppJBFVy9a7ZQYFC7yY/s1600/chiapudding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_b8A6hkzY6Rvw65boyJ9XuMU9Quib_oHXjX3GRAn1EVJicigf87_9IbHtaFJ0ZrjyAeZGhvxL8pPjPJPs77MqbUO_qUrPDBFK0HM6hhwkWVYfs_8SOteJw1T0KOppJBFVy9a7ZQYFC7yY/s320/chiapudding.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
So part of my plan is to swap out my unhealthy choices with more healthier ones. I've been having chia puddings for breakfast whereas before I was having a breakfast biscuit which is surely loaded with sugar. I've been adding more veggies to my dinner plate and eating a palm-sized portion of meat. I cut out bread and only use stevia in my coffee. That I cannot give up. I need my morning cuppa. I try to promote more fruit and vegetables with family meals and talk to the kids about why we need to eat these foods. They need to understand that processed foods are not good for your body.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtdUuyEW3ITsiEsf900TvUlRUnFYf_XLwian4TBFDSzyve3GLZaZpOyp1rnJetkoSYsXFH5hNLWiCXd7y3xX24ZbE4Wo5dlvJIC_-Q1wSA8GONr8UP6SbWOZ1wYzaMf3uO12HXeIH5eiY0/s1600/theboyandI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtdUuyEW3ITsiEsf900TvUlRUnFYf_XLwian4TBFDSzyve3GLZaZpOyp1rnJetkoSYsXFH5hNLWiCXd7y3xX24ZbE4Wo5dlvJIC_-Q1wSA8GONr8UP6SbWOZ1wYzaMf3uO12HXeIH5eiY0/s320/theboyandI.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I've been cycling to and from work so I think I just need to come up with an exercise plan that is a combination of both weights and some cardio. I have the type of body that responds to a mix of this instead of just doing weights. I haven't made any effort to increase my daily exercise so cycling will have to do for now. They do recommend at least 10,000 steps each day so maybe some lunch time walks will be added to my regime or some squats in the kitchen while making dinner, lol.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm04UJvK80tT7bkIJpBAB3OZNLYWu8Hw9rXe6mPHxCfJc1BiHIB36IGMBVrR76FjULlrBcjqs3VWdjbrbzNNXW3XCZ9-oqmJYtg3DMRrxJiqHdKbqMQTAeuAEVDXkkbt06hTiiJZSHNfh0/s1600/Week1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1015" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm04UJvK80tT7bkIJpBAB3OZNLYWu8Hw9rXe6mPHxCfJc1BiHIB36IGMBVrR76FjULlrBcjqs3VWdjbrbzNNXW3XCZ9-oqmJYtg3DMRrxJiqHdKbqMQTAeuAEVDXkkbt06hTiiJZSHNfh0/s320/Week1.jpg" width="202" /></a></div>
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This is me currently. I am certainly fitting into my pants better and I am pretty happy so far. I'll keep you all updated with my progress. I hope to be able to fit into my dresses again for summer. Just keep trimming!</div>
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"It's about the journey, not the destination!" Stay healthy.</div>
<br />~ Kim ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17341653362616566495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512848718293668776.post-71967227697349776182018-06-14T13:25:00.000+10:002018-06-14T13:25:00.798+10:00Accepting the days<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWwVdJG6dPgVMqaKobA3N4ZdAWJMH6pu-xbJSZ9oamGq5jk6hiCnSIissKok2psBKHpmdu_eZKTxvUTHlIuy6X3q4_JV9hDYnq38wGTfNrWJPotRxFVhML81vLJcVJSjQ3r3nhfRXoNlK0/s1600/neck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWwVdJG6dPgVMqaKobA3N4ZdAWJMH6pu-xbJSZ9oamGq5jk6hiCnSIissKok2psBKHpmdu_eZKTxvUTHlIuy6X3q4_JV9hDYnq38wGTfNrWJPotRxFVhML81vLJcVJSjQ3r3nhfRXoNlK0/s320/neck.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Another year older and I'm beginning to think that with old(er) age comes injuries. I happen to be cleaning all day when my neck started to hurt. I thought it was only mild and could be massaged away but it got progressively worse and the gp said it was a common neck strain. I don't recall doing anything in particular but I bought my pain medication and stayed home. That night was rather uncomfortable and turning in bed was painful. I foolishly went to work the next day thinking that I could bear the pain and discovered that taking codeine during work hours makes for a terribly sleepy experience. Anyway, it seems to be getting better day by day as last night's sleep wasn't as bad and I rode the bike in. I got sick of the stress of having to drop off the kids and then trying to get to the car park only to find out that there are no spots left. </div>
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At least the sun is out and it's not raining. Winter has set in but it's actually not bad... yet.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuQdnaDBRJ5lNhNKfgBnK3aBJahgxUIADiLDGyi0PBny81z6d-1r2QKx21g9ynA-w6Ey60W9otTiyWAbtBYAlk1vVGZfKl_csd8wbfstHN-5UFkn5A62wPuycTeiuGOGsC78G-vFhuOe0v/s1600/bdayboy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuQdnaDBRJ5lNhNKfgBnK3aBJahgxUIADiLDGyi0PBny81z6d-1r2QKx21g9ynA-w6Ey60W9otTiyWAbtBYAlk1vVGZfKl_csd8wbfstHN-5UFkn5A62wPuycTeiuGOGsC78G-vFhuOe0v/s320/bdayboy.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Over the weekend we had our usual bowling birthday get together. I invited all the family and little cousins. He had a blast and so did everyone else. I totally recommend Ten Pin City at Lidcombe. There's a great woodfire pizza cafe and the staff at the bowling club are fantastic. We had the lights off and we were near the end near the bathroom and there are some seating and tables for when we did cake at the end. Yes, I stashed a kitchen knife in my hand bag :O what?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3QYljEMhQtUudcwPJ7M1k1XWGddvIaWETbHUj0nKPRWautkycmIfy4CfSM8OIIZeZlxeXFTWuIpiIf2PQCwBWtURRk3-jcnN6ZPEu7hfWdaK8E1j56FVsla69GfzO4RwAzyGkLY2-BqBm/s1600/pantry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3QYljEMhQtUudcwPJ7M1k1XWGddvIaWETbHUj0nKPRWautkycmIfy4CfSM8OIIZeZlxeXFTWuIpiIf2PQCwBWtURRk3-jcnN6ZPEu7hfWdaK8E1j56FVsla69GfzO4RwAzyGkLY2-BqBm/s320/pantry.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
I had attended some training in the city a few weeks ago. They showed me one of their three snack pantries. I was gobsmacked. I wish I had this at home. The kids would love it. I have pantry-envy!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCwrOrXyUPI_vG5TDozGOy_51QvMUYE9HncCVPeJ92RxvdLZDD4hCwWAp5boJG-FzlTkpNHXwZlR0CTSaBAk8W6cHywlFjYJe71RcqJG2wJyBpWl-3E_eZ1HkZ3F2p8JlWhu11NQgI3t1Y/s1600/platter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCwrOrXyUPI_vG5TDozGOy_51QvMUYE9HncCVPeJ92RxvdLZDD4hCwWAp5boJG-FzlTkpNHXwZlR0CTSaBAk8W6cHywlFjYJe71RcqJG2wJyBpWl-3E_eZ1HkZ3F2p8JlWhu11NQgI3t1Y/s320/platter.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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This was my birthday dinner. We went out and had really nice food. The place was rather empty which is fine for us because the kids are older and a lot more louder and crazier. We managed to finish most of what we ordered but it seems after a few bites you end up feeling already full. Does this happen to you?</div>
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I started a little sewing project. I used a clothes hanger to open up my Japanese sewing book because it kept closing on me. I also figured out that you can use Google translate to translate Japanese to English. You take a photo of the text and it comes back with a translation. Yes, I've been hiding under a rock it seems. People, this is life changing!!! This top actually fits. I need to use my serger though and then sew on the binding. Will post it when I am done.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtEfMdGREZbJHpYEfQ6Oi6cYay8mMVFC0WDGMu9FYfvU8-6OlLx4TeHQQC3lMEY5eZ2wqhdjIZLs7OFfVNXnQNKHknbTcFNHGhVa4Kxfl2fOIDlN4-jaJ6n5SRXk7nmDi_VbR_lOEI__0r/s1600/outfit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="958" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtEfMdGREZbJHpYEfQ6Oi6cYay8mMVFC0WDGMu9FYfvU8-6OlLx4TeHQQC3lMEY5eZ2wqhdjIZLs7OFfVNXnQNKHknbTcFNHGhVa4Kxfl2fOIDlN4-jaJ6n5SRXk7nmDi_VbR_lOEI__0r/s320/outfit.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
I ordered this cycling jacket from Wiggle.com. It's a UK based site but came within two weeks. It's what they call a soft-shell jacket. It kept the wind out this morning. I love it. I need it in black I think.<br />
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So that's a wrap for now. Hope you are keeping warm if you're in Winter and I'm jealous of you northern hemisphere-ers. Enjoy the sunshine where ever you are and be kinder to one another.<br />
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XOX~ Kim ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17341653362616566495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512848718293668776.post-51679513890345622672018-04-06T13:33:00.003+10:002018-04-06T13:33:48.314+10:00Post Easter<br />
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Happy Easter everyone and especially the Orthodox who will be celebrating it this weekend! Wow, it always goes so quickly but it's always the best time of the year. We had a really nice Easter and I even got to do a reading at church for Palm Sunday. At least I fit into a nice 'church' dress that I hardly ever wear. I don't have any pictures of it though. It was from Target. </div>
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This year I really was thinking about donuts and got the recipe ready but come Saturday I was like, I have no time or energy for this. I must have done about 4 loads of washing and was exhausted. So I was like, let's just make brownies. So I cheated and got two boxes of triple-choc brownie mix from Aldi and wow, they got eaten up within 5 minutes when dessert was ready. They were really good!!!</div>
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On Monday, as hubby was working, I had a swim day with my sisters and the kids enjoyed themselves thoroughly. The weather was so warm and by afternoon quite hot. We washed up and headed out to a cafe for lunch. I ordered this Mediterranean salad bowl and it was so good. There was haloumi, egg, avoado, yoghurt, zaatar, hummous. mmmmm goodness. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUOF1q5nGHTaui4lmQNM0k55HHlboCOrd92fut5l7AqwUzBg5nz0FGYh0HPYKYdMChNFvz4KqkeT5XG_W2KjUPd2DlAdXdxp8DyjnGK0dqvT2UZqt5hkpgkojwN6AWQMPyziBDLezrAHpF/s1600/Beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUOF1q5nGHTaui4lmQNM0k55HHlboCOrd92fut5l7AqwUzBg5nz0FGYh0HPYKYdMChNFvz4KqkeT5XG_W2KjUPd2DlAdXdxp8DyjnGK0dqvT2UZqt5hkpgkojwN6AWQMPyziBDLezrAHpF/s320/Beach.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdZu42fG_i_GHPlc9OrS5x_dkTqEz-LonQvLbzUNACvifDpUgISxqqh5b3_Ni3DqgY4Pk-FvukAWLYhdzq0yPUGQm6y9pFOp3LrPhqnm-x8DjVnY9mrUVw1qrAvSGUXts_NxFGedQ6Bj-e/s1600/IMG_8989.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdZu42fG_i_GHPlc9OrS5x_dkTqEz-LonQvLbzUNACvifDpUgISxqqh5b3_Ni3DqgY4Pk-FvukAWLYhdzq0yPUGQm6y9pFOp3LrPhqnm-x8DjVnY9mrUVw1qrAvSGUXts_NxFGedQ6Bj-e/s320/IMG_8989.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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So, I can't NOT talk about my bike. It's actually hubby's but now mine because he has another one that is too tall for me. I bought a pannier rack from ebay for $20 and it's awesome! We had to raise the seat post though so when I stop on the bike I have to be on my toes. At first, it was very daunting to me but now I am used to it and it's not a big deal. I've found that if I lower the bike on those ramps at the crossing then I can put more of my foot on the road and balance.</div>
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When I first used the rack though it was a bit time-consuming. I had to balance the bike (it has no leg stand) then put my backpack on it and wrangle with the bungee cord and elastic to secure my bag. It was chewing into my time as I wanted to just get going to work. So short story is I bought two pannier bags for my bike. Yassss!!! Long story about how I ended up with two sets, later.</div>
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The other morning I had a big snafu which was my own fault. As I undid the bungee cord I let it dangle while I wheeled my bike into the garage. I heard something but didn't know what it was. When I checked the bike the bungee had snapped in half and one half was coiled up and snagged inside my cassette! (yes, I know this term!) I was shocked and after hanging my bike up I tried to pull it out but it was <i>really</i> jammed in there. I couldn't pull on the bungee hook either.</div>
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I thought I'll get it out later as I needed to get changed for work anyway. So I went down there with scissors afterward and managed to unwind the cord, which was really jammed and clear the cassette. Phew! Now, only need to get my darn bags so I don't have to fiddle with bungee cords and all.</div>
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So this morning my eldest daughter made sushi for her Japan project. She's in year 6, man how time flies!! Anyway, she was teaching her brother how to make it for lunch. I was in bed wondering what kind of mess they would be leaving me with. Needless to say, it wasn't too bad and the other kids ended up with sushi for lunch as well (made by me). She accidentally broke a glass cup though (we will slowly but surely run out of glass cups) so we spent another 5 mins cleaning that up (and getting school shoes on!)</div>
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What fun. Hope your week is as good as mine!</div>
<br />~ Kim ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17341653362616566495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512848718293668776.post-53566876870137453312018-03-26T14:24:00.001+11:002018-03-26T14:24:32.156+11:00Living the dream<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm so grateful for everything in my life. I try not to take anything for granted. I keep these things in my mind as I focus on staying alive when riding to work. I drop off the kids and jump on my hubby's (now mine) mountain bike and head down towards the riverside where there is a lovely bike path towards work. It's stress-busting and it's always been my dream to ride to work. People should do it more often, but we need more bike-friendly paths.</div>
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I like to think cyclists are generous beings. There is a type of camaraderie among us and we say hello to each other and help each other. I am lucky to have a bike shed, a locker and showers to use in my building. All these things I am eternally grateful for.</div>
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I am also grateful for love. We went to a wedding recently and I took home a few macarons from this ombre tower. So pretty. So pink. So <i>not</i> a fan of macarons. Too sugary. Everyone seems to be catching onto this Instagrammers cake designs (#adikosh123) with the biscuit and gerbera flowers on top. I had a bit and it didn't taste great. The biscuit wasn't nice. It's all for looks.</div>
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But hey, give me lobster any day!!! This was delicious. My eldest girl has a shellfish allergy. She was starved and tried the noodles that the lobster was sitting on. I mean, what's the worst that could happen? I told her to wait 5 minutes. 4 mins later she said her throat was sore. Damn food allergies!!!</div>
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She was so hungry, we gave her all of our fried pigeon (yes, fried bird) I can't tell you how it tasted. Must be like chicken??? She tried some fried rice but even that ended up giving her a sore throat. Asians just have to add prawns to everything! At least there was steam barramundi for her as well and she ate the prawn crackers as they are probably only prawn by name.</div>
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Yesterday was Palm Sunday. Hosanna in the highest! I got to to the first Reading at church in front of a huge crowd. I was a bit nervous but I took my time and it all worked out in the end. It was a windy (as always) and a hot day. The kids had their candles and were well-behaved at church. We had a lovely family afternoon at the grandparents.</div>
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This is me holding my favourite dessert. Chocolate mousse at a Christening. I decided to jump on the short hair bandwagon last year in time for summer. I must have been inspired by the gorgeous <a href="https://www.beautylaunchpad.com/get-look-rose-byrnes-fresh-and-flirty-makeup" target="_blank">Rose Byrne</a>. I think it's a forties thing. I don't think I'm ever going back to long hair. Way too much maintenance. I really like it. What do you think?</div>
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Look what we found by the fence! Hubby told me some kind of cucumber was growing so I went to have a look and said "That's not a cucumber, that's a watermelon!" We peered over to the neighbours front yard and could see a sprawling plant that found it's way to our side. We seem to have the only fruit from the plant itself. A few months ago there was some excavating on that side due to plumbing issues. He must have eaten some watermelon and spat out the seeds. Lo and behold the plant grew and grew. It's only hidden by the knee-high grass as hubby hasn't had time to mow the lawn. He kind of doesn't want to so we can keep hiding the watermelon which is now about the size of my foot!</div>
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Anyway, back to the bike. I bought a pannier rack from e-bay for $21. It came a day later and he installed it on Sunday. I really like it. I can put my bag on it and I use a bungee to secure it down, I only get slightly sweaty now instead of the wet patch on my back I use to get from having my back pack on.</div>
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The only thing is that he had to raise the seat pole a bit so now I have to tiptoe and balance on the bike instead of being able to have both feet flat on the ground. I just need to grow longer legs. Now just waiting for some bike lights to come in and I'll be set. I was thinking about fenders but cannot see how they can attach. I'll need to raise the seat again. No thanks.</div>
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It's Passion Week for us Christians (most of us anyway). I've decided to fast from sugar too. We'll see how that pans out. I was thinking of making choc donuts for Easter Sunday. Hmmmm. Mmm chocolate. Mmmmm donuts. </div>
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Hope you all have a blessed week and a blessed Easter! Thanks for reading.</div>
~ Kim ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17341653362616566495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512848718293668776.post-90609913570667703242018-02-14T09:58:00.001+11:002018-02-14T09:58:21.577+11:00The Gold Coast Holiday<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-jwNxj4U-7y-hfUN1JgSNFwzV3KL5E95UheN4XrSIB7f814i-ACfGQbYnpLiw-8Ixq5mTzl88GCYHtBrhfZfAGrIzuCzM4P3Au-TBhomL7Yif5zUBp4mQ2h1sUbzkZgFPfhEbAqLftEEF/s1600/apartment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-jwNxj4U-7y-hfUN1JgSNFwzV3KL5E95UheN4XrSIB7f814i-ACfGQbYnpLiw-8Ixq5mTzl88GCYHtBrhfZfAGrIzuCzM4P3Au-TBhomL7Yif5zUBp4mQ2h1sUbzkZgFPfhEbAqLftEEF/s320/apartment.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Azzura Greens Resort Apartment</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Let me tell you that this was the first family holiday we have had which included hubby. He normally stays behind (by choice) when I holiday with my sisters and mum. However, this family holiday was so different because we were in another state and he was with us. Plus, it was the first time the kids were on a plane. Yipppeee! I was a bit nervous about all my plans but in the end they worked out perfectly. </span></div>
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Above is the glorious Surfers Paradise. The tallest building in this pic would be Peppers Resort. We <i>did not</i> stay there. We stayed in Hope Island. It was only 7 mins drive to the theme parks and Coles was just a heartbeat away so we loved the location. The 3 bedroom apartment I chose at Azzura Greens was fabulous. So.much.space! Two bedrooms with ensuites, one master bathroom, one single toilet, lovely clean laundry and huge balconies. Air-conditioning! Loved the lay out of the kitchen and lounge area. For six nights it cost us $2,200. I book through booking.com. I always do. This was the cheapest I found with all the amenities we needed. It was also nice and quiet.</div>
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My gosh we were so excited and checking in and out was a breeze. We just had to ask them to top up the toilet paper. We had to buy the extra things ourselves like toiletries. Their pool was kind of small but we enjoyed their hot spa. Mmmmmm. Spaaaaaaaa.</div>
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Here's our family pic in front of MovieWorld. His nephews joined us on the last two days so this was the second time we went to the theme park. We used our free 14 days passes we received when we signed up for our annual Wet n Wild season passes. So every time we went we didn't have to pay for entry. We got our separate passes at Wet n Wild the first day we arrived so that we didn't have to line up later on. It was a real time saver.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wave Pool</td></tr>
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This is Wet and Wild Junior (inside Wet and Wild) Elijah loved playing here while Jacquie liked the pool area. It's all very shallow so really nice. The big kids went with dad to do the rides. I'm not a rides person so I looked after the younger kids. It worked out in the end but I think dad wanted to do a lot more scary rides. He just had to wait for his nephews to arrive. We all got a good sun tan by the end of this holiday.</div>
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This was actually at the boys hotel - Chevron something. There's three of them so this one they stayed in had a wonderful large pool and a separate kids area. I discovered that the water up here is warmer and not icy like the water we have in Sydney. Not sure why. Is it because it's salted? Heated? I don't know but I love it. Wished we hung out at this pool a lot longer but we left after an hour to catch our flight home.</div>
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The kids were totally pooped out in the back seat. It was a long but glorious holiday. We dropped off the keys and made our way to the Virgin Airlines check in. The gate was right in front of the security gates so we bought a bit to eat on the plane as it was dinner time. I suggest you have some ear phones so that you can listen to your own music and free in flight entertainment on the Virgin planes as they don't give them to you like Qantas does.</div>
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This was our view from the balcony. At night it was beautiful when the stars were out. They looked so close and unlike anything I've seen in Sydney. Every day was pretty warm. 30 degrees. I can't fault our holiday really. It was just enough time to relax and unwind. Not sure if we would have got bored if we stayed longer than a week. I will miss you Queensland though. Til next time!<br />
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Have you got any good holidays ideas for families?? I'd love to hear about them in the comments.<br />
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<br />~ Kim ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17341653362616566495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512848718293668776.post-20611204497236082112018-01-19T08:50:00.003+11:002018-01-19T08:50:46.579+11:00Happy New Year 2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I may have to span our holidays over to another post but here are some pics so far. Oh and Happy New Year to all! It's been a fantastic break if I must say so myself! Above is the cake I put together during Christmas as my son celebrated his birthday. It's actually a very lazy way to prepare a cake. I bought some Woolworth's cake, smooshed icing all around it with choc sprinkles and added these Star Wars figures on top. It was a bit fancy in real life, lol.<br />
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My sister made these dessert cups for mums place for Christmas dinner. Yummo! In my tummy!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTynNYlrCaYhPY52xtOFP3CExZfS_ePug_b2XEiJ0cE2ipqVcJ186JEV5oR8pii_3HMmwbIA58gP8us3NKqYwnQ03diPYFHjanZPyGGc9OZZz9WwDMiUnwSKFwQPxpg63VgelzWXLSTxGx/s1600/salmon_cup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTynNYlrCaYhPY52xtOFP3CExZfS_ePug_b2XEiJ0cE2ipqVcJ186JEV5oR8pii_3HMmwbIA58gP8us3NKqYwnQ03diPYFHjanZPyGGc9OZZz9WwDMiUnwSKFwQPxpg63VgelzWXLSTxGx/s320/salmon_cup.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salmon Cup</td></tr>
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My sister's infamous salmon avocado bites, now into cups. So delish. I'll share the recipe soon!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj04j3mj9MqGWER0AL9V2ZgjKnUDFku699p_vcwUCoXr3JN6mbeuEF09euR04XSv1BaucsAvhJ-4k7Lr3abhAbOyShz_Uk9TjLsN-valNZ1-Ry_izCV8WDmKHEx5RyRGDcLvW-Nx9oSaQOt/s1600/jumping_castle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj04j3mj9MqGWER0AL9V2ZgjKnUDFku699p_vcwUCoXr3JN6mbeuEF09euR04XSv1BaucsAvhJ-4k7Lr3abhAbOyShz_Uk9TjLsN-valNZ1-Ry_izCV8WDmKHEx5RyRGDcLvW-Nx9oSaQOt/s320/jumping_castle.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Christmas Day also saw this awesome arrival of this jumping castle. Much fun was had by all ages including getting grandmother on it (however she did not jump). Kids had a blast and well worth the money spent on entertainment.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCtftx3yK4bDeZ0a9tRSO1rh2QY_2KTzZZuUWqcpSXDkV8qrKwYb868a2-BPcCOHVssy58Lazo98XREbukK8dvc9vdA15MBZMA9clXfpA5QF-dwB2Ec8hHKT1Idwehz6tz57tzng7uPxhm/s1600/skyline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCtftx3yK4bDeZ0a9tRSO1rh2QY_2KTzZZuUWqcpSXDkV8qrKwYb868a2-BPcCOHVssy58Lazo98XREbukK8dvc9vdA15MBZMA9clXfpA5QF-dwB2Ec8hHKT1Idwehz6tz57tzng7uPxhm/s320/skyline.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surfers Paradise</td></tr>
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We were off to the Gold Coast last week and had the best family holiday. I had booked this a few months in advance and I must say this early planning paid off. Hubby initially wanted to drive but there was no way I was going to sit in the car for 10hours with four loud children in the back! So glad we booked our tickets early and we went with Virgin Airways who provided quality service and value for money.<br />
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More to come!~ Kim ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17341653362616566495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512848718293668776.post-70626949525169689572017-11-27T12:15:00.000+11:002017-11-27T12:15:06.678+11:00That time of the year!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzzDLu00zABArEqzEYh26AJTcLhLyaQ_ltJWI821sAuTCbcukJ2UrIC_Lf_9SjNAbEcXyV7n5YblICmZ990ZuL7P7SMy-pk_ldawZPB8g6wuwQbeALuYA5qBU6jottFUwYgc8xtsdT4ECO/s1600/dancers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzzDLu00zABArEqzEYh26AJTcLhLyaQ_ltJWI821sAuTCbcukJ2UrIC_Lf_9SjNAbEcXyV7n5YblICmZ990ZuL7P7SMy-pk_ldawZPB8g6wuwQbeALuYA5qBU6jottFUwYgc8xtsdT4ECO/s320/dancers.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Dancing Girls</td></tr>
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It's that time of year when there are concerts and parties. This year was the first time I had the girls doing dancing so there was plenty happening and it was new territory for me. At least the costumes were already purchased and all I needed to do was hair and makeup and of course, the drop-offs. Yesterday was concert day and it was a busy day for us. I had to drop them off after church, but not until I got another hair donut as the sock one was not working at all. Then I came back to have lunch at the in-laws. Then after the break, I had to pick them up at 2:15pm and I was already running late. I missed a phone call from the parent helper, who was minding the children, at 2:27pm and I had just made it from the car park upstairs in the club. Apparently, I was the last parent to pick up their kid my girl tells me. Then it was a line up to order pizza and the essential "afternoon coffee" and whilst I was there I could see other mums putting on their girls make-up. I felt like it was an episode of Dance Moms but without all the drama.</div>
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I figured if I don't do it now I wouldn't get a chance so I started doing the basic makeup for the girls. Mind you, we did the bare minimum. I saw other mums use foundation and blush and red lipstick and hair nets. I just did blush and mascara and lipstick. Anyway, I did the buns and got the girls to go to one corner near the green leafy plant and I sprayed the hairspray. Poor plant! At least hair was done. That was the trickiest and longest part for me.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4PQ9NS8D2HurYaRUj8XGlC32PwF9wBOlGA_URvGVAjlOsXaeE6d93wwdRRvn4ID3UlbOlJh-0SmYOwjKGSCUQh1Ft4agaXG0rYzDKfPgstI-fmYyuhcL6nFVqEkkcFtwDsW5962jlGRuw/s1600/bun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1475" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4PQ9NS8D2HurYaRUj8XGlC32PwF9wBOlGA_URvGVAjlOsXaeE6d93wwdRRvn4ID3UlbOlJh-0SmYOwjKGSCUQh1Ft4agaXG0rYzDKfPgstI-fmYyuhcL6nFVqEkkcFtwDsW5962jlGRuw/s320/bun.jpg" width="295" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perfect Hair Bun</td></tr>
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Mia's hair is quite long so I had to research how to put her hair up in a hair bun. I've seen heaps of tutorials for short hair but none for long hair. If you do it the usual way I end up with way too much hair to pin under the bun and it looks terrible. There's this way to do it which comes out perfectly.<br />
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You start off with the hair in a ponytail. Then add the donut (I had a heavy duty one with velcro bits to keep the hair in place). Then wrap the ponytail along the top half of the donut and smooth it out on top. Bring the tail of the hair under it. With two fingers through the middle of the donut pull the tail through so it comes out of the top of the donut. Use this tail to complete the bottom half of the donut and then tuck in the remaining pieces of hair. I pulled the tail through a second time so I didn't need to pin much and some of the hair was just making it over the donut. It looks so good and I was really happy with this method. It's really clean and neat. I used this method when I did Jacquie's hair the second time as Jacquie has shorter hair but it's thick too. Some of it was loose from the bottom but I didn't mind as they had to wear this weird scrunchie made of fake hair anyway so it didn't matter. I couldn't find hair nets at any shops so I didn't bother with adding it but it would have made it better.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisrXW1k_CfHLdcwOs0ryqwWKzWxfC5FBDKl_815XYhXckIxSKw_lYNaUradSGSu12wnVZRGwryZD2DZdBxIrSdWzlE0EHOLOA-lPFlPJXZfJwN93KW9f42-SxJH4vc4Imya-DNdDGOYpu5/s1600/IMG_5049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisrXW1k_CfHLdcwOs0ryqwWKzWxfC5FBDKl_815XYhXckIxSKw_lYNaUradSGSu12wnVZRGwryZD2DZdBxIrSdWzlE0EHOLOA-lPFlPJXZfJwN93KW9f42-SxJH4vc4Imya-DNdDGOYpu5/s320/IMG_5049.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finale</td></tr>
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I took a sneaky pic at the end of the concert as they were closing the curtains. It was so much fun to be there. The venue was fantastic (Rooty Hill RSL) and we weren't in the back, we got the 7th row. Even though hubby arrived just in time (always late, that's us) He enjoyed it alot and the boys found it so much fun. The theme was Wizard of Oz and the dancers were really good. I found it rather emotional for me. I was tearing up in the beginning, seeing all these girls on stage and feeling so proud of them. There were kids who didn't know what to do and just cracked us up. There was a little girl with Down Syndrome and she was doing her own thing and had her back to us. She was so cute and when she was the last one to find her streamers we all cheered for her. It was really beautiful. I'm so glad my whole family got to experience this magical thing. My Kindy boy asked "When is it going to be Eye of the Tiger?" I laughed. He was talking about his own primary concert dance. Oh, so much joy. My heart is full.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvnDXrnpiIAHRRnw2mSmfb0BNxcGM82iAB4nlC1oU22c0znxeqMp7GO3OiLdohheJCQyUvPjHeHc_XPn7SqdELFYdI7ORLW7bbDgmoPcLDHxtLisew1RLlADqgFHVtsnwpR3vOP_uGsqi6/s1600/headunit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="416" data-original-width="720" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvnDXrnpiIAHRRnw2mSmfb0BNxcGM82iAB4nlC1oU22c0znxeqMp7GO3OiLdohheJCQyUvPjHeHc_XPn7SqdELFYdI7ORLW7bbDgmoPcLDHxtLisew1RLlADqgFHVtsnwpR3vOP_uGsqi6/s320/headunit.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
In other news, I bought myself a new stereo (aka head unit) for my car. I had it replaced about a year ago with a spare one but it was kind of crappy and didn't have an option for cd's which an old fart like me still uses. So I found this one at JB Hi-fi and when they had a 30% off sale I had to buy it. It only cost me $118. It has bluetooth, cd player, radio and it has fancy lighting colours! Anyway, to save even more I figured I'd install it myself. I saw this Youtube (my saviour) video that this guy posted and I kind of followed it. I don't have a harness and the guy who installed my last (ahmmm) head unit directly wired it up from the car wiring. He also charged me $60 ($70 cos I had no change) for his services. So basically I followed the colours from the old stereo and replaced them with my new headunit ones. The only issue was, in the end, I had one orange wire that wasn't attached.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivJI6foqeKHXeRMsObxDdEiZ_pRBK06bzdtnQoqZc1P9gTVqYRkDX1PK76Aa5bcKyls60v_zxiB_z66wzyzqeFKPAoqBymRhRHHrFPDiz_ZcCBpinRj5VXdTWKlcabqeHR8PrNyRJ6WgvF/s1600/stereoguts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivJI6foqeKHXeRMsObxDdEiZ_pRBK06bzdtnQoqZc1P9gTVqYRkDX1PK76Aa5bcKyls60v_zxiB_z66wzyzqeFKPAoqBymRhRHHrFPDiz_ZcCBpinRj5VXdTWKlcabqeHR8PrNyRJ6WgvF/s320/stereoguts.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
As it turns out the orange wire is the Illumination (Dimmer) wire. It's for night time. When you turn on your headlights it dims the lighting of your stereo. After searching for this I saw that it was the green/white wire from the car so I did this and it's working now. Awesome!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0dFOp5xrnGDf7LqN_BQqWRzmZ0S4IYrQSO-VbAOmzwLUTFV6wddWvsBJHn-xy3nkiNFqMRQoPfra0X32klPqvdmKJWN0eEl5a8D4G0iIUK_yzaR-NZLpvXHwCZk9NqjYDImB_D9zL-wqm/s1600/toby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0dFOp5xrnGDf7LqN_BQqWRzmZ0S4IYrQSO-VbAOmzwLUTFV6wddWvsBJHn-xy3nkiNFqMRQoPfra0X32klPqvdmKJWN0eEl5a8D4G0iIUK_yzaR-NZLpvXHwCZk9NqjYDImB_D9zL-wqm/s320/toby.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
The Kindergarten boy brought home Toby for the weekend. Poor Toby. His bow tie fell off and had to be re-sewn back on. At least he got to bbq with us. We were so tired after the concert so I uploaded all the pictures and type up some text to go into Toby's book for school. Phew, at least that was all done by bedtime. Then at my desk at work I remembered that I was meant to pack his concert rehearsal clothes and shoes! Ooops. It will just have to go in tomorrow!<br />
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Hope you all have a full and blessed week!~ Kim ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17341653362616566495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512848718293668776.post-63617187992895074312017-10-27T12:15:00.001+11:002017-10-27T12:15:20.465+11:00What to do when you are disappointed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhJPjE_R7pzzOHnJetgXHpq3WA2BPMrQoLDxL9-FPMonxYTFDUHDCrhVjz151i1C10MH3n8uXY2ePYIbhXIvmI5X8Buh49zNc4iz0fTEBnl4uMxw0POOpPpM5CR4QjoQ-WNFeF5yXrI0lM/s1600/Mother+and+baby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="335" data-original-width="439" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhJPjE_R7pzzOHnJetgXHpq3WA2BPMrQoLDxL9-FPMonxYTFDUHDCrhVjz151i1C10MH3n8uXY2ePYIbhXIvmI5X8Buh49zNc4iz0fTEBnl4uMxw0POOpPpM5CR4QjoQ-WNFeF5yXrI0lM/s320/Mother+and+baby.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Hello everyone. This week's been going pretty good. I think I need to remember to focus on the positive things instead of thinking about the negative stuff. I'm loving this painting and I have it on my mobile as my background wallpaper. It was originally painted by Roberto Ferruzzi and called "Madonnina" in 1897. It was somehow re-painted but I think it's really lovely. My friend has the same in a huge frame at her place. It reminds me that we are all like Mary and that our children will always need us. It is a unique relationship that cannot be replicated by a father figure and the opposite is the same. The mother cannot be the 'father'. So I go about my day trying to behave just as caring and kind as I can to everyone. It's not easy and I was disappointed a few times this week. </div>
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A school who would normally provide my St Vincent de Paul Conference Christmas Hampers have decided to raise funds for another charity that they work with. I don't have any problem with this except that I was not notified and when I received the letter I was shocked, surprised and hurt. Anyway, it took a good sleep overnight for me to get over it and write a letter expressing my disappointment and then after a day, they replied saying they would still collect for us but the amount would be smaller. Ok then, disaster averted. I hope. I prayed.</div>
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Second disappointment came from a work colleague who forgot to mention they were going to a meeting and wouldn't be having our usual ritual of getting coffee together. Never mind, I made the coffee and it still tasted good.</div>
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So, as I reflect on this I think: "There could be worse things that could happen to me. Get over it."</div>
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It's been storming overnight and I really feel like this today. It's a wonderful and aromatic beef Vietnamese noodle soup called "Pho" - pronounced "Fer" for all those who are very curious and pronounce it "Fo". Ooh the lovely thin rice noodles, swimming around in a perfectly balanced soup which has star anise and other secret ingredients with either are or cooked beef on top and spring onions. I'm drooling right now. I wish I could make it at home but it never ever turns out the same. I need to track down a recipe for this. There's a guy in Vietnam who makes this in the wee hours of the morning so it's ready for his customers by daylight. All restaurants make their own special recipe so they all taste different. We go to the Lidcombe Catholic Club as they have a restaurant who makes this and it is cheap and delicious (pictured bowl of Pho).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg36IjkqgUWH084vlpL4sjcRs2sKqPoBtSldUoubq4bPs2eFaszsWgVp8kZDWHPgqkrGJhQkKbHp-gtkV_gd3wSnPY40LyvZGuqpeqFWNniCtmDa7Rfungs0R17CgNMGV6Hk0dHFKnjdcWg/s1600/waffles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg36IjkqgUWH084vlpL4sjcRs2sKqPoBtSldUoubq4bPs2eFaszsWgVp8kZDWHPgqkrGJhQkKbHp-gtkV_gd3wSnPY40LyvZGuqpeqFWNniCtmDa7Rfungs0R17CgNMGV6Hk0dHFKnjdcWg/s320/waffles.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I think I'll just stick to something I know. Tomorrow we will have waffles. The kids spread Nutella over theirs. I love mine with Nutella and topped with strawberries and bananas. Mmmmmm. At least I can leave it in the waffle maker (I got from Big W for $15) unlike having to wait near a pan and flip pancakes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaH2uOFTprRsemMF1AGUM-s3LUjkcGVL-H48qIpdqm74pXERzBbjMziiWYkCpLW8RuPsPTrDRlOdw5rfxUeXJcWOkqBggaIY9o1K7Q9stpNwhl767dah3oCs5dUC4iB0HU91SOBgjKMdgl/s1600/darknight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaH2uOFTprRsemMF1AGUM-s3LUjkcGVL-H48qIpdqm74pXERzBbjMziiWYkCpLW8RuPsPTrDRlOdw5rfxUeXJcWOkqBggaIY9o1K7Q9stpNwhl767dah3oCs5dUC4iB0HU91SOBgjKMdgl/s320/darknight.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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This was taken from my bedroom last night at approx. 11pm, right before a huge flash of lighting was in the sky surprised me as I opened my curtain. It's clearing up today and I am really ready for the weekend. I think we'll be doing a bit of shopping, cleaning and enjoying time together. Maybe even try to squeeze in some shorts making??? Who knows what creative juices may flow.</div>
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Have a safe one!</div>
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<br />~ Kim ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17341653362616566495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512848718293668776.post-48703123231248855292017-10-24T12:01:00.000+11:002017-10-24T12:01:29.200+11:00Spring in the air<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKaQBqL6UAdKJXlQZK77jhRPy_HtxIAVhUZ4E3m_FmgsR03G8fW57dJ_bNqsCa3UT8Z7pmMcqEfxW1C6z5IWpkLlk3oF1-QnT0qeZlEW0cP1Ha9zPnr1RC9re3eTBI1n0RYRqQm3qYvHO4/s1600/Bundt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKaQBqL6UAdKJXlQZK77jhRPy_HtxIAVhUZ4E3m_FmgsR03G8fW57dJ_bNqsCa3UT8Z7pmMcqEfxW1C6z5IWpkLlk3oF1-QnT0qeZlEW0cP1Ha9zPnr1RC9re3eTBI1n0RYRqQm3qYvHO4/s320/Bundt.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We celebrated a birthday in October and I made this <a href="https://www.donnahay.com.au/recipes/lemon-and-yoghurt-cake" target="_blank">lemon yoghurt</a> bundt from Donna Hay. It was beautiful and came out really well the first time. I enjoyed it so much I made it again.<br />
<i>However, </i>the second time I kinda winged it with the ingredients I had at home. I didn't have enough lemons and the icing wasn't as thick as I used different measurements. Still it was lovely but although a bit dry after a few days in the fridge. Anyway, it's a great recipe if you stick to the measurements! I love how it doesn't use any butter, just flour, oil and eggs.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEmgfDzmqgrvuZur02TVWhCyOFrZU2BkSAdUS9h0TCEbc8LwFhevUlkn4pJKn3M-8k0jEIRS-DdVO8sDf266UtuWP9e8yNmzpsBEV6huvHH4zGYbHJgeAyfaGq8cpxxoJ9Hweo6Qool9s2/s1600/Kidtopia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEmgfDzmqgrvuZur02TVWhCyOFrZU2BkSAdUS9h0TCEbc8LwFhevUlkn4pJKn3M-8k0jEIRS-DdVO8sDf266UtuWP9e8yNmzpsBEV6huvHH4zGYbHJgeAyfaGq8cpxxoJ9Hweo6Qool9s2/s320/Kidtopia.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
During the holidays we all went to Kidtopia. Kids had fun. We thought were weren't going to be on time for the Pokemon hunt but they were just about to leave when we arrived. Kids had fun but I was disappointed that we didn't get to keep those Pokeballs *insert sad face* Food was expensive but we got free face painting from Essential Kids which was so awesome! The Qantas Assure arena was ok. Although to get freebies you needed to download and sign-up to their Frequent Flyer program. So a few weeks later I get the card but I don't know how as it's a paid program and I don't recall ever giving them my bank details.<br />
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Anyway, we didn't pay for rides and it was sprinkling a little. We are in Spring down here and the weather goes up and down. One day hot and one day cold. I got the kids to participate in the fun and free sport activities like shooting a netball hoop and got a few free water bottles out of it as part of the "Make Healthy Normal' stand. You know you can never have too many and they're pretty sturdy ones too. There was a Silent disco and some stage shows but we missed out on the ones we wanted to see. I liked having the music around though. It gave the place a good vibe.<br />
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Kids got tired and bored after lunch and wanted to go home so we stayed a little bit longer and then went home. I don't think I would pay for it next year. I don't think it was worth it for my kids. I'm sure everyone else may have enjoyed it and getting the tickets early is much better.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXfSwvJd8AhBLlXKE2sT3hsU83DTyk87g3TB4fhRJeTWGDjP2sjS0j7J4laaly_spPrBf36pZG_HEvK9v8NsON9YVUQWLewP7cs0f4GtBx-9HAYOCr1uVTqeb5YCK7RFynIH4e06MktUpn/s1600/IMG_4748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXfSwvJd8AhBLlXKE2sT3hsU83DTyk87g3TB4fhRJeTWGDjP2sjS0j7J4laaly_spPrBf36pZG_HEvK9v8NsON9YVUQWLewP7cs0f4GtBx-9HAYOCr1uVTqeb5YCK7RFynIH4e06MktUpn/s320/IMG_4748.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We met up with school friends on the weekend and flew kites in the park. It was nice. I don't normally have time to do this stuff but sometimes you just gotta make time. You know??<br />
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<br />~ Kim ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17341653362616566495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512848718293668776.post-27704898057176116462017-09-08T09:38:00.001+10:002017-09-08T16:19:55.228+10:00Next round of school holidays<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpt2V5bMvYviafWGiGJw4yv0teXTYE9zjJQKNm0n3537QeGXY35wi9-vpkqit19m-yiM5spoisr7pMi6FOS9vaSvGDergeE9dL0ng3FCnFa3xEaSKy1E4MmjO4o1AWGeGH2rblHRSa519I/s1600/Kid1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="396" data-original-width="497" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpt2V5bMvYviafWGiGJw4yv0teXTYE9zjJQKNm0n3537QeGXY35wi9-vpkqit19m-yiM5spoisr7pMi6FOS9vaSvGDergeE9dL0ng3FCnFa3xEaSKy1E4MmjO4o1AWGeGH2rblHRSa519I/s320/Kid1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman ms" , sans-serif;">Well, there's two weeks left of school. That's 16 days away, but who's counting?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman ms" , sans-serif;">I've been getting e-mails about the Kidtopia Festival and I decided to bite the bullet and buy tickets for the kids because, well, they're going to nag me about doing <i>something, anything! </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman ms" , sans-serif;">Right now tickets are on sale for only $10 per kid and $15 for an adult so that's good value. I did not buy ride tickets though. My kids are not into rides and it's pricey for me, even at the discounted $25 unlimited per child. We may just do a few rides on the day depending on how we feel.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiShREZLe8S3fFAwJBA3IuneC2FA-kJexRkUYWVySecOeUjOzW-kiBi27sn9fqlxsIrG0p44e1fK7Zlspj0GiZ8oycpWlApbf6o68xyCjrHLKc4Ctq-06SuMjv7KgM3T9R0u16G00yTqRNK/s1600/Kid2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="304" data-original-width="495" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiShREZLe8S3fFAwJBA3IuneC2FA-kJexRkUYWVySecOeUjOzW-kiBi27sn9fqlxsIrG0p44e1fK7Zlspj0GiZ8oycpWlApbf6o68xyCjrHLKc4Ctq-06SuMjv7KgM3T9R0u16G00yTqRNK/s320/Kid2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Code Camp</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman ms" , sans-serif;">Kidtopia is held over three days in October (6-8) and is jam packed with fun. There's live music, theatre, circus and fabulous food. There's Masterclasses as well if that is your fancy. There's Littletopia for the littlies. Free face painting. There's market stalls and if you want to finish the day off with a movie you can do that as well. See the full-list here: <a href="http://kidtopiafestival.com.au/whats-on/" target="_blank">http://kidtopiafestival.com.au/whats-on/</a> </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHNJAtbFhZ3tQdXUQec_R7-Ila_EIXjd0YSXa2iheIeoipdG24aSdS-CtDoOsJF_y9xWXvmvbeRJVTncMi244P9F-0NrR03fZ6Q3adgep7a2c3i4v10ncusC5oRvK-G9yCB0PmRpifgrZK/s1600/Kid3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="299" data-original-width="487" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHNJAtbFhZ3tQdXUQec_R7-Ila_EIXjd0YSXa2iheIeoipdG24aSdS-CtDoOsJF_y9xWXvmvbeRJVTncMi244P9F-0NrR03fZ6Q3adgep7a2c3i4v10ncusC5oRvK-G9yCB0PmRpifgrZK/s320/Kid3.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hip Hop with Base 181</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman ms" , sans-serif;">Granted I have not been to one before so it will be quite an experience and I hope it's going to be a lot of fun. Now that the kids are older I don't need to worry about changing nappies and running off to catch stray kids.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPtDKeXoT3aRPGG1KQciHSKAGu_4sBZpFCEv6yK__q42tLpfOxyXpgjGrH-BUu1QN8M_5vdjlAOvPuSW6VTpJioNVoPTrhcSxyyytiHASA-HyXg-AN8QkzR0tlFwAMWFO1Nc_hjdcPTHF0/s1600/Kid4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="379" data-original-width="605" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPtDKeXoT3aRPGG1KQciHSKAGu_4sBZpFCEv6yK__q42tLpfOxyXpgjGrH-BUu1QN8M_5vdjlAOvPuSW6VTpJioNVoPTrhcSxyyytiHASA-HyXg-AN8QkzR0tlFwAMWFO1Nc_hjdcPTHF0/s320/Kid4.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ferris Wheel</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman ms" , sans-serif;">So at least that's one thing ticked off my list. I can breathe a bit easier knowing they'll have something to do. If there's anything else out there that you can suggest please leave them in the comments.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "lucida calligraphy" , sans-serif;">Catch ya later!</span><br />
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~ Kim ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17341653362616566495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512848718293668776.post-38954016824008174532017-08-07T14:50:00.000+10:002017-08-07T14:50:48.458+10:00Winning Moves Game Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMFSoQND1JwoI4dMY2B_gv0IiuliFOYfcMA_6k27Mz4X8MPVLv5vnrdQ1J0X-fWlb0x9CLaSI3GEjujd_BRb-cqVBvAdfBDvIfPdGMWsZ_SnbeRKElqO7OWhMirRBZ68FQtq-mmDgZQxuz/s1600/Kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMFSoQND1JwoI4dMY2B_gv0IiuliFOYfcMA_6k27Mz4X8MPVLv5vnrdQ1J0X-fWlb0x9CLaSI3GEjujd_BRb-cqVBvAdfBDvIfPdGMWsZ_SnbeRKElqO7OWhMirRBZ68FQtq-mmDgZQxuz/s320/Kids.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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During the holidays we were invited to the Winning Moves Head Quarters to try out some new games they have ready to hit the shelves for kids. It was a rainy day but we got there in time and we were all excited to start playing! We usually like to play Monopoly or Connect 4 at home but we were in the mood for something new.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtBRn0mQsye4-3Nd9MKTwPJGSYVjq5jX99bz_lrYLYwh867nal-uMLCnR3aBdVkSfnzf8NK7iWQOnW8oo5P6ent5IFrFoP8bHmR0rqR22FDRP0k7KBldGlzFto2T-3umfV_7rq9ZYD7QK9/s1600/Mia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtBRn0mQsye4-3Nd9MKTwPJGSYVjq5jX99bz_lrYLYwh867nal-uMLCnR3aBdVkSfnzf8NK7iWQOnW8oo5P6ent5IFrFoP8bHmR0rqR22FDRP0k7KBldGlzFto2T-3umfV_7rq9ZYD7QK9/s320/Mia.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is Mia playing the Crazy Cubes game. Crazy Cubes come in two different styles - <a href="https://winningmoves.com.au/shop/disney-princess-top-trumps-match/" target="_blank">Disney Princesses</a> or <a href="https://winningmoves.com.au/shop/marvel-top-trumps-match/" target="_blank">Marvel Avengers</a> (shown below). The aim of the game was to be the first to match 5 cubes in a row on your side whilst knocking out the cube affecting your opponent. This was fun for Elijah too and he won one game. The great thing is that this also folds up into a small compartment and can be easily transported to different places. It will even fit in a nappy bag or tote bag!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkn-v9hoogYb-3jvbhgoXZZrttLZp9qwGvSf3RjC5MZHVLewqKawCkY6VKhykzA0w_pkW0mm6DmuwUXZ4ch3PMDCMR-KN2fsCqabj2EoVw2YjWx84FUHOAepkH1WZKEVz0aDz-mCNLKrWA/s1600/Elijah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkn-v9hoogYb-3jvbhgoXZZrttLZp9qwGvSf3RjC5MZHVLewqKawCkY6VKhykzA0w_pkW0mm6DmuwUXZ4ch3PMDCMR-KN2fsCqabj2EoVw2YjWx84FUHOAepkH1WZKEVz0aDz-mCNLKrWA/s320/Elijah.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN00Moy80Vbk_bEvaFX8cB-7xmaFR92cpqHRw16ksE4xELogQ0lH2YU6fd5A_EQKaMwV3cCM6dzd1IMVOyA68BTTBIfdu1r57OggiDThptlH11sDFQKWIDqtfrRpkkep7lODN78Vq4NHbN/s1600/magic_cube.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN00Moy80Vbk_bEvaFX8cB-7xmaFR92cpqHRw16ksE4xELogQ0lH2YU6fd5A_EQKaMwV3cCM6dzd1IMVOyA68BTTBIfdu1r57OggiDThptlH11sDFQKWIDqtfrRpkkep7lODN78Vq4NHbN/s320/magic_cube.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marvel Match</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-HWFAGiPOWz5IKXcWEkkBad3DRoWmq98Sh5ywiyv8OEEZmTKSbplOX-Ov3DaONWMsY6-u_ldAZOiAPWUkKzuAY9EIPWRLqf0xXW_cqbPTU09dSzWgLqF3Oh0V1kyrj6-jI_69FZtMt-sJ/s1600/toptrumps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-HWFAGiPOWz5IKXcWEkkBad3DRoWmq98Sh5ywiyv8OEEZmTKSbplOX-Ov3DaONWMsY6-u_ldAZOiAPWUkKzuAY9EIPWRLqf0xXW_cqbPTU09dSzWgLqF3Oh0V1kyrj6-jI_69FZtMt-sJ/s320/toptrumps.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We also received some Top Trump Cards to take home and I found they are really fun to play as a family (yes, even during breakfast!). We got the <a href="https://winningmoves.com.au/top-trumps/" target="_blank">Top Trumps</a> Animals cards so all the questions are related to Animals. I'm not sure what the rules are but we just take turns asking the questions as there are five on each card and the answers are on the back. There's plenty of variety here when it comes to Top Trump Cards. I think my eldest boy and even the adults will enjoy the Star Wars set. I would really like the Space set. I remember playing a board game about planets when I was younger. There's even Minions, Harry Potter, The Earth, Transformers and Australia!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6IxdY3BBXbDM9FnSX3V-VgmV8cQcwPn_dYV5jRy4FLQgCi5QvoSauIP-10B-64U9RHvl1LKtYpuQrYod1tDSgPmDm01TfsvShkb_4_8Jw2L2NyKfwugvLmQlQLMyDSUIo6sG9nUnRegqy/s1600/TTStar.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="414" data-original-width="626" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6IxdY3BBXbDM9FnSX3V-VgmV8cQcwPn_dYV5jRy4FLQgCi5QvoSauIP-10B-64U9RHvl1LKtYpuQrYod1tDSgPmDm01TfsvShkb_4_8Jw2L2NyKfwugvLmQlQLMyDSUIo6sG9nUnRegqy/s320/TTStar.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'm sure they would be a terrific stocking filler come Christmas time or even a cool birthday present. They are also really portable and you could have them in your handbag ready to deflect some quarrelling or just plain boredom busting!</div>
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We had a fun time checking out their new games and I'm sure parents will really enjoy spending some quality time with their kids and get them off those darn ipads! They're really budget friendly as well and suited for all ages so worth every penny in my opinion. Hope you check them out at the shops next time.</div>
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Cheerio, Kim~ Kim ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17341653362616566495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512848718293668776.post-41566374055466313112017-07-10T11:25:00.000+10:002017-07-10T11:25:23.838+10:00Way out West Festival - Jul 12-15<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhQQimvkRjjXHhxOpe9z4Z52NJXpgjMknEpyexGIyMEHneFQIbj7d9BbrX8mX_AM-BIXuTeUA3niVUVLpL8PxtBsjOxqWN6ESV3CKMF5u0ucZxcEntgNAUvJjdNgXlgL3-edMXSS-hdCSg/s1600/WOW1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="244" data-original-width="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhQQimvkRjjXHhxOpe9z4Z52NJXpgjMknEpyexGIyMEHneFQIbj7d9BbrX8mX_AM-BIXuTeUA3niVUVLpL8PxtBsjOxqWN6ESV3CKMF5u0ucZxcEntgNAUvJjdNgXlgL3-edMXSS-hdCSg/s1600/WOW1.JPG" /></a></div>
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<i>Every </i>school holidays I wrack my brain trying to come up with activities for the children to do that is 1: Preferably close to home, 2: Is inclusive of the various age groups of my kids 3: Is fun and 4: Isn't going to break the bank. So when I found out about the <a href="https://www.wayoutwestfestival.com.au/" target="_blank">Way out West Festival</a> in Casula Powerhouse, which ticked all my boxes, I was so happy!<br />
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What is the Way out West Festival, you ask? It began in 2011 as a contemporary festival for children which is based on showcasing the Performance and Arts. Over the four days in July there will be an array of theatre, dance, early childhood activities, music, film and hands-on activities at the Casula Powerhouse Liverpool. To me, it just sounds like a fun-filled adventure for the family.</div>
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There is a full program available on the website <a href="https://www.wayoutwestfestival.com.au/2014wowfestival-calendar" target="_blank">here </a>so you can schedule your activities. Some of them you will need to pay for and some are free events. The hard part will be deciding what you want to do. My daughter has asked me about the art lessons and zine making. We may need to make two day trips just to ensure everyone gets covered.</div>
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So, if you're stuck for something to do these school holidays why not head our West! Only one more week of kids at home (gleefully claps hands). I think I'll try to enjoy it while I can before the school business has to kick in. I think it's good to be mindful and be present with our kids so we make good memories for later.<br />
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XOX Ciao for now!~ Kim ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17341653362616566495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512848718293668776.post-77764944153021633782017-07-05T09:07:00.002+10:002017-07-05T09:42:34.019+10:00Holidays and Health<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello everyone! I decided to change my blog theme. I hope it looks okay. I hope you are all enjoying your school holidays. I am partly at work and also spending time with the kids. We're trying to be more active these holidays even though it's mid-Winter here and it's cold most mornings. We've had some warm days and try to make good use of the sunshine. Elijah is scootin' around but I don't have a problem with him. He is <i>very </i>active as most 6yr olds would be!</div>
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I took the kids to the local library and asked the lady if I could donate some books. She hesitated and gave me a look which confused me a little. I took out the books I had and she asked the darndest question "Have they got any holes in them?" I must have given her a strange look because she said "You'd be surprised."<br />
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Anyway, she took my books, which were in near new condition, by the way, and I scuttled down to the children's section. Not long after perusing books and magazines I found them altogether with my eldest reading to them. It was really, really cute. The cuteness did not last, of course, and they got bored. Elijah starting jumping all over those half circle things I think you're only meant to sit on. At least they kind of had fun. I took them upstairs to find some cook books but only came home with two. I think I'll need to revisit my own library of old folders with recipes and scanned cook books.</div>
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I'm still ballin' on Tuesday nights and Sunday afternoons. Mind you I am really feeling old. I am also feeling it in my knees and last night I jarred my ring finger. It's very fat and swollen right now. Hubby is not impressed, lol. Anyway, it's lots of fun and I am improving in my game. I am very happy about that. I also find the social interaction really comforting. The ladies are very supportive and we are always encouraging each other on the court. Some of them I've known and played with in my early twenties so it's good to know we are still playing. I like to think of us as 'legends' ha haa.</div>
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So I think I've mentioned my current addiction to the app Wish. You can get heaps of cool items that you obviously need for a fraction of retail price. I've bought fidget spinners, mobile phone cases, holders, shoes for my daughter and now I found these long 2XU compression tights for just $12! They arrived earlier than expected and I love them!!! Go download it now! You won't regret it!</div>
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We took the kids to Vivid in June. It's an annual winter festival and lights get projected onto buildings in the city in a bad to get people out. Boy, were there a lot of people out. It was okay. We had pancakes at the Rocks with my sisters and mum so that was a good trip out. Kids also enjoyed the train ride.</div>
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Of course each week we have our Sunday mass. We try and get the kids involved as it is a family mass. My son loves to get up on stage when the priest asks for any volunteers or to answer questions. It really helps the children to feel like church is not just an obligation. It should feel like another extension of family life. Like a place that they belong. It really helps my children mature in how they see things in life, especially when they can't understand why there is evil and violence in this world. We try to show them the good they can be a part of because in ten years time they will be a part of shaping this society.</div>
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Woah, that was intense. How about my prawn pasta dish! Yummy huh?<br />
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Anyway, I've got some holiday ideas coming up so keep posted and come back soon!~ Kim ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17341653362616566495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512848718293668776.post-24918172205581619532017-05-30T12:30:00.001+10:002017-05-30T12:30:29.130+10:00Feeling Thankful<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We are finishing the month of Mary with a procession around the block and Mass. It's a devotion to Mary which brings us closer to her son Jesus. At a time when the world is in turmoil and to hear about the Manchester attack on young children was truly heartbreaking. Our Mother Mary has revealed to us that through the power of prayer we can change the hearts of others. This year marks the 100th anniversary of Fatima. If you would like a good read about this powerful event please read here: http://www.fatima.org/essentials/facts/story1.asp<br />
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We attended our annual Church Gala and it was fun. It's lovely to be out without the kids. Lol. We don't do it often. This was at Clarence House in Belmore. It's a lovely venue and I was told it was closing down at the end of the year due to lease issues. There was lots of room on the dance floor and the walls were pretty.<br />
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These napkin rings were a nice touch too.</div>
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They served up a pasta as a starter and it had pine-nuts and cream. It was nice. My kids would have eaten it. I love having anti-pasto at weddings and events like this. Feta, cheese, ham, proscuitto, tabouli.. oh heaven.<br />
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I had the fish while hubby had the lamb shank. It was not bad. A bit dry but still nice. Hubby said the lamb shank was tasteless. The chocolate mousse was also dry but his pannacotta was yum.<br />
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On the weekend I went for a walk to the shopping centre with the kids. I wanted to get them out and it was nice to leave the car at home. The weather is starting to get colder so the more sun now, the better before the doom and gloom.<br />
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This week is going to be a big one for me. I'm doing a birthday party for Elijah who turns 6 and I'll be turning a significant number as well this week. I haven't come to terms with it yet. Since my ankle injury my knee is also getting sore after a game. I'm definately feeling older and I am not comfortable with it yet. My boss told me at least we both do not look our age. Thank God for that, right?<br />
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I haven't decided what I'll be doing but I will surely pamper myself on my day off. Is it wierd to think about sewing?? At least I booked what I needed for his birthday and I know one of this friends will attend from school. At this age he doesn't really play with anyone. He doesn't seem to care if his classmates come or not. He said he's too shy to give them invites. Oh dear.... at least his cousins will come.<br />
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If you have any suggestions for me on birthday ideas please let me know. So far I bought a banner and hired a face painter. The bowling alley will do the table and plates etc. I don't want to go overboard. I'm just looking forward to the pizza. It's delicious.<br />
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Anyway, have a great week.~ Kim ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17341653362616566495noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512848718293668776.post-9240392407250425012017-05-04T10:29:00.001+10:002017-05-04T10:29:27.147+10:00Activities<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I was looking forward to the kids first school break. I needed the break after Easter but didn't take the full two and a half weeks my kids had off. We still ended up doing a really nice bike long bike ride with daddy and a few helpful nephews. There were bike tantrums, but we made it to the Armory and had a wonderful lunch picnic. Since it was a public holiday there was long wait to be seated in the cafe so we got takeaway instead. The food was fresh and tasted pretty good. Then we took the ferry back home. The kids were tired and it was a nice day. I like bike riding but with four kids and varying levels we needed extra help with the younger kids.<br />
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Another outing we took was to a park and they had laid out wreaths in honour of the veterans and soldiers for the ANZACs. The park was pretty cool. They had these automated voice recordings about each separate event that occurred during the time of World War I. It was really moving to hear about it.<br />
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The kids had a bit of a play in the sand and activity area which was good. I really need to get my kids out and about. They tend to spend way too much time on their bums. Do you have this problem as well? I'm finding that the older ones are putting on unnecessary weight around their waistlines. I'm not saying they are fat but they have a sedentary lifestyle at home which I need to change. I'm going to have to start putting them into sports which means I'll be doing more running around in the evenings.<br />
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I did some sewing and was asked to over-lock this satin fabric for my sister -in-law. It's the month of Mary which for Catholics, means we have a devotion to Mary, mother of Christ and she has the statue from church this Friday. All gather at her place to pray the rosary and ask her for her intercession. They place the statue of Mary so she is off the floor and so this satin will be placed on the table and flowers will decorate the base of the statue. I started off overlocking the edges and then realised I could use a rolled hem instead and it would look prettier. It was a lot of fun to see it come out all nice and rolled together. I hope she likes it.<br />
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Someone at school got Class Captain. I think he's more of a class clown but I was so proud and happy for him. Sure he lost the pin on the second day but it was my fault because I don't think I pinned it on properly for him. Thankfully in the morning, his brother asked the office if anyone had handed it in and about half an hour later they called him to the office to pick it up. Awesome.<br />
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Here's a pic taken by my son of me back in the game. My ankle has recovered mostly but my sister says I'll always have ankle issues from now on. Great. When I did my ankle I felt a bit sad because I received two negative comments. One friend frowned about me playing basketball and hubby said I was trying to re-live my youth. It made me question whether this comment was true or not but I realised that it has nothing to do with age or what they think. It's about what basketball gives me: time for myself, physical activity, emotional well-being... etc. So don't let anyone's negative comments make you think twice about giving time for yourself.<br />
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"You deserve it and it benefits others when you are in a positive mind space." Enough said.<br />
<br />~ Kim ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17341653362616566495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6512848718293668776.post-2080816562904175902017-04-06T12:29:00.001+10:002017-04-06T12:29:45.053+10:00Failures and not.so.failures?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hi there. Long time. Things are craaaaazy around here. My basil is going crazy. I thought it died on me but green shoots began to sprout and before I knew it there was still life in my plants and it's taken a whole 'life' on it's own? How crazy but good crazy. I feel like I should be making pesto every day. I don't. But maybe I should find more uses for basil. Actually my oregano and sage have exploded as well. Maybe I should start selling little bunches to my neighbours? Haa haa.</div>
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Finally made Sarah Wilson's Chia and Cacao bliss balls which was in my pantry for a while. I didn't add the whole cup of water this time. Just maybe half a cup so the mixture was thick enough to roll into balls. I gotta say my kids didn't take to them but I have eaten them all this week. Yummm.</div>
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I pledged to eat no meat during Lent so trying to find dinner dishes that require no meat is a bit interesting to say the least. The weather here in Sydney has been up and down so when it's wet and rainy I make curry. When it's sunny I make steamed barramundi. It's also been cooler going into Winter (June) so I like making hearty dishes. Curry is easy though and takes no time at all. Heat up your curry mixture, add coconut milk, fish and vegies and you're done. Serve on rice or noodles. Mmmmm.</div>
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My sister hooked me back into basketball. Sundays are tough because they're Unisex games and the guys are competitive. I got this black eye from the guy accidentally knocking me with his head. People at work think I was wearing eye-liner. Lol. I wonder what those people thought who were interviewing me and staring at my eye? I should have coloured in my other eye to match but I hardly wear eye makeup.</div>
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The thing about basketball is that you should wear the right shoes. I wear my runners. Not good if you're running around like a chicken. I twisted my right ankle during the last 5 minutes of my Unisex, It was game over for me but we still won the game by hitting two three pointers in the last minute. It didn't feel bad after the game but I should have iced it longer when I got home and not had a warm shower. Apparently, warm water makes the blood rush down there. I felt the pain not long after and I was in agony at night. I wanted someone to cut off my leg. That's how bad it was. I wondered how I could sleep through such agony, on my back with my leg up on a pillow but I prayed. I offered up my pain and took two panadols. I eventually did sleep the whole night. Imagine that.</div>
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Anyway, I shall survive. This week of also bad parenting failure... three kids off to school without sport uniforms and wore standard uniform instead. The youngest was a bit upset about being the odd one out. At least, the lost swim cap by 2nd grader was replaced for free! Eldest child I remembered today has sport and so did she. Phew. One more day to go. </div>
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It's the last week of school. No homework! Yessssss.</div>
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Then Passion Week and Easter. I can't wait. </div>
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Only good things to come I believe. Only good. </div>
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Note to myself: Easter dresses and shoes. Check all kids.</div>
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Maybe hire a cleaner....</div>
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~ Kim ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17341653362616566495noreply@blogger.com0