Day 4 - something you wore

Do I post a photo of what I wore today? Heck no!!!!
Second last day of swimming lessons, muggy day swimming and lazing around at the pools = no chance of showing the world me in my bathers - no, no, no.

So here is something I ONCE wore (about 41 years ago)



This lovely 'vintage' number was tucked away with some other precious mementos that Mum has kept over the years. I'm wishing she had brought it out when Miss 11 was a baby though.

Love that my Mum keeps some things. She's certainly not a hoarder, but the precious and meaningful items she stores carefully away.
I'm the opposite - if I don't need it, use it or love it - out it goes. I've had times where I regret letting something go (like a whole storage box of sewing patterns - grrr, kicking myself for that).
Never mind.
Glad that Mum kept this one.

Day 4 - Letterbox

When I saw that today's theme was 'Letterbox/mailbox' I was a bit down... I seriously have the most dull, boring letterbox out and truly didn't want to post a photo of it for all the world to see.
I pondered what to post then popped over to Mum & Dad's for a visit. There it was



My parent's letterbox.
It's been out the front of their home for 41 years. I remember being little and getting excited whenever the postie (mailman) came - maybe he had a letter for ME!!
I remember waiting by it to get picked up for sports and getting dropped off next to it late at night after a teenage night out with friends.
I've sent cards to it, checked it for Mum & Dad whenever they've gone away.
My Great Grandfather wrote many letters delivered to it in his beautiful spidery handwriting. My 87 year old Grandma still sends letters to it.

This is my favourite letterbox - it's home.

Xx

Photo a day challenge

I've been rather slack on the blogging lately, but super busy in real life!
Will post some pics of what has been occupying me later.

I'm slightly addicted to Instagram and was inspired to do the January photo a day challenge (I think it was originally set by a blogger, but I discovered it on Instagram). A themed pic every day posted to Instagram or your blog or whatever else you like! For those of my friends on Instagram, I apologise for the doubling up.....
Here goes,

Day 1 - a photo of me, no make up, dripping wet at the pools, with my beloved pulling faces next to me!



Day 2 - breakfast, now I was a little late with this one, so here's a photo of the breakfast dishes.....



Day 3 - something I adore. This was tricky. Do I post hubby? My bible? Jesus? Chocolate? Hmmmm. Then, these 2 were playing so nicely and laughing together after swimming lessons today that it was obvious - they are my blessings and I adore them.


Xx

A gorgeous link

Ok, nothing too profound at all today and this post is really only for the likes of Kat, Em, Tammi, Peach, Bron and maybe Stace (although I know she hates quilting!)
I'm on my iPad and linking up with you is difficult to say the least, but seeing as you are all in my real world I'm sure you won't mind!

Check out this awesome calendar......

(Oh and if you are feeling particularly generous, I'd love one thank you very much!!)
Ha ha.

Xx

New picnic blanket

Remember my post when I said I'm not really known for my crafting ability?  Well that didn't actually mean that I can't craft....
I was on a picnic last year and saw a funky blanket made from cut up old jeans and thought I'd give it a go. A few pairs of old jeans that were destined for the op shop....


Chopped up and mixed with some cute apple fabric...




Bordered with a lovely bright green....


(A fuzzy kind of photo - wanting a new iPhone much.....?)
All completed and ready for picnic-ing on.




And that's just what we did yesterday.  Chicken, salad and hot chips down the beachfront on a beautiful sunny Spring day to make the most of the school holidays - LOVE.




For my first attempt at quilting I have to say that I am rather proud of myself!

Relax, don't do it!

Yes I did just title my blog post after an old Frankie goes to Hollywood song......
However, I have good reason to. As I write (on my iPhone) I am soaking in the bath in the kids bathroom.



Ikea tea candles everywhere (and NO my legs are NOT hairy - it's just the dodgy candlelit photo!!).
I got home from work to an overcooked dinner as I had the oven up too high, half my craft projects on the lounge room floor and a list in my head of a million unfinished 'things' that I think I simply have to do.
I flicked through my blog reader while the kids were doing the dishes and came across no less than 4 blogs about homeschooling and a gorgeous post by Em (ok, so I can't link on my phone - meh). All of these posts reminding me that it is actually OK to run a bath, soak in it and just relax.....! Aaaaah.

No the kids bathroom is not sparkly shiny clean, yes I can actually smell the dirty clothes in the basket next to me (and I washed yesterday - go figure) and yes, that is a bottle of dog shampoo behind my pretty candles.....



So what?
I'm relaxed.
The 'to-do' list will still be there tomorrow. And that's when I'll deal with it!

Xx

Beans, beans, the musical fruit.....

Breakfast time in our home is sometimes a bit of a pain... Hubby wants a full tummy to go off to work (and despite my complete aversion to white bread he still insists on it) preferring a cooked brekky to my favourite of homemade muesli and my own yoghurt with fresh fruit. Mr 13 will eat 2 bowls or more of Vita-Brits and top up on them throughout the day, while little Miss fussy 11 is a lot harder to please - her tastes vary from day to day.

I find that if I menu plan for breakfast along with the rest of the meals it's a lot smoother in the mornings.
I've wanted to try a Tana Ramsey recipe for Baked Beans for ages and a friend mentioned doing them in the slow cooker - sold!!
I googled a bit then made up my own variation.



In they went overnight and we woke up to delicious baked beans for brekky - a million times better than tinned ones, and I know exactly what's in it!



Served on toasted English muffins (yes I know, white bread.. Sigh) with a little grated cheese.
Best brekky for a chilly morning.

Now the bad news...
How do I put this?

Beans make you fart.
A lot.

And we took another drive up to check out the country town we will be moving to if the bank says yes. An hour and a half in the car with a farting family made for an interesting day trip I must say!

Good for a giggle I guess...

X