Love, bubs and life on our little farm

I was tagged by the very talented Alicia at The Red Deer (warning her cupcakes are amazing and very very tempting!)

8 Things I'm Looking Forward To:
1. Saturday date night dinner with Jase - its dijon crumbed lamb rack and potato bake this week -yum!
2. The long weekend (this coming weekend) so that we can start the paving of our laundry garden.
3. My spa day that I have booked with mum for our Mothers day get together (complete with private room in the bath house, robes, slippers, drinks and food and facials, pedicures and massages!).
4. My upcoming horse comps - a dressage comp and a Hunter trial, challenging and so fun!
5. Starting our house extensions in the next few months.
6. Elka's first birthday and her party in June.
7. Getting to wear all my gorgeous winter boots and outfits since it is getting cold now.
8. My massage and facial at Pure Indulgence that I booked for the end of May.

8 Things I did yesterday
1. Took my cat to the vet for a tooth operation.
2. Spent way too much on the groceries stocking up just in case.
3. Put Elka's hair in pigtails for the first time ever.
4. Cooked ham, pineapple and cheese crepes for dinner - yum!
5. Put the horses heavy night rugs on for the first time this year - its getting cold!
6. Went to the library to get some mags and trashy books to read.
7. Laughed with Jase over seeing a funny story of an old uni friend in the papers here
8. Scrubbed the kitchen splash back tiles with a toothbrush

8 Things I Wish I could do
1. Sew clothes like my mum (or the people on Project Runway!).
2. Relax and rest - I cant sit still
3. Have enough time to publish some new scientific papers - I have the work ready to go but no time to tidy it into publications.
4. Curl my hair decently.
5. Get back to reading better quality books rather than light chick lit.
6. Get Sam (the horse) to competition standard but I barely have time to keep Spech fit and trained.
7. Finish the ironing and not have the basket fill back up straight away!
8. Not be a grumpy cow when I am tired

8 Shows I Watch
1. Americas Next Top Model
2. Gruen Transfer
3. Stylista
4. Project Runway
5. Hills
6. Gossip Girl
7. The News
8. The Footy (NRL)

I am feeling too lazy to tag people this morning (and Elka is trying to play with cat food so I need to go) so feel free to consider yourself tagged if you are reading this and answer it for yourself :)
xxo

I am watching this swine influenza with all the interest you would expect of a scientist that works in public health. I work in the govermment labs and am therefore right at the coalface. As of this afternoon, our state government launched its Pandemic Plan. Things are looking fairly serious. It seems it is only a matter of time until our (being Australia's) first positive cases are confirmed.

From a personal perspective, Jase and I have always been fairly prepared for a flu pandemic - its been long overdue and we have discussed it a great length. We have stockpiled food, bought long life milk, have our own chickens, our own water supply and plans to stay home and enjoy the space and fresh air that a semi-rural location gives us. We are more serious about it these days as we have a little one with a vunerable immune system to protect.

Tomorrow I go grocery shopping and I am buying up bigger than normal and stocking up on ethanol handwashes, gloves and if there are any left, masks. We have no plans to go anywhere over the long weekend (we have paving to do at home to keep us busy!). If we get a confirmed case in SE QLD then I will not be putting Elka in daycare until i can see that it is contained - I have warned my work of this already. Hopefully my parents will help mind her so that I can still get into the labs (unless it gets nasty in which case I wont be making the trip into the city, work or no work!)

Do I sound like I am going a little overboard? You are probably thinking so. Fair enough too possibly. But sometimes a little too much scientific knowledge is a curse - knowing what happened with the last swine flu pandemic (it killed more people last century then all the world wars combined) makes me uneasy too. Fourtunately, this flu does not seem to have a very high mortality rate - Mexico's statistics are not an accurate reflection of the proportion of fatalities to cases yet as so many non-fatal cases are going unreported as yet.

Well I am having a quiet week at home - hope you have a good one too xoxox

You might remember (or may well not!) that I metioned that I am painting our bedroom and that I had a colour disaster and hated it. Here is the post.

Well I have completed the second round of painting and I am very happy now! The room is warm, cosy and beautifully feminine. It is so romantic and decadent in there now.

I am ready to share some photos although they dont do the colour or the atmosphere justice.

These are the original "Befores" - the plain apricot/cream that we have as the base colour in the house and the past owners terrible attempt at a textured feature wall.



This is the first colour choice - the Tiffany blue - in real life this paint colour was a lot brighter and stronger (it really did match my Tiffany blue jewellery boxes). As I mentioned previously, it made the room feel very cold and the light was blue tinged and very hard. It was meant to be painted on all the walls, not just as a feature wall as shown but I stopped since I didnt like it.


And finally - the finished room - it was a horrible room to paint as it has large windows, built in cupboards, a walk in robe and a wall air conditioner - SO much cutting in! So it took awhile but was well worth it. I love it.

Today I remember. In particular I remember my Grandmother and Grandfather and their pride in what they fought for.

It is a bittersweet day for me as my Grandmother marched proudly in the parade and then had a fatal stroke later that day. It made me sad that a day that was so important to my Grandparents became one that represented even more loss. It is now part of what I reflect on.

May everyone appreciate the wonderful important day that is Anzac Day. xoxo

Today's post is about walking and its something both Elka and I are doing :)

In the last two days, walking has just clicked for Elka... she was doing steps up to four at a time between objects or towards me. But now she just ups and walks - across rooms, between rooms - everywhere! Its an amazing thing to watch and the sound of her little footsteps slapping along on the tiles still surprises me! Apparently I starting walking at 10 months too.

I on the other hand am doing the Story Bridge Climb today. WIth my Dad and Brother as part of Dad's 60th birthday present. We are going on the twilight climb so that we can appreciate the beauty of the city in the setting sun and then as all the lights come on. I am really looking forward to it. Dad and my brother however are quite nervous as they dont like heights! I am sure they will love it once they get going- Brisbane is a truly stunning city. My biggest problem is what to wear that wont look dorky for going out for dinner afterwards!

Am loving this blog As Seen In Not that I probably need help finding cute things to buy ;) how dangerous!

My latest purchase that I am loving - black skinny straight leg Forever New jeans (picture 4) - perfect for winter. I just wish it was cool enough to wear jeans here yet! I am still just wearing cropped versions so far!

Anyone bought something they are loving for winter?

Hot

Going on the Storey Bridge Climb with my Dad for his 60th

Elka walking really well and being a general cutie

America's Next Top Model Cycle 12 - loving it currently!

The new colour of our bedroom - its deep and romantic (photos to come)

Organising our house extensions and planning to have them done by xmas

Our landscaping and paving that we are currently doing - looks great!


Not

Having to miss work due to Elka having a mild but contagious virus

The vet coming to check the bump that has developed on Spech's knee

Potentially missing the X-country training day this weekend if the bump is something to worry about.

The pile of ironing that I dont think I can ignore anymore.

Not being able to save up enough of my "spending" money to buy that Witchery cardigan (there are too many other pretty things that always distract me in the meanwhile!)

Just a litte fashion gripe..

Why are just about all white T-shirts so sheer? I hate having to wear a singlet underneath so everyone can't see the intricate details of my bra..

Every time I fall in love with a gorgeous elegant white top, I notice how sheer the fabric is. In the Queensland humidity wearing multiple layers can overheat you in no time so sometimes it would be nice to just put a white T on as the one layer. I am always buying them in the hope that I will find the perfect one! I dont demand total non-see through - I just dont want it to be obviously sheer.

So anyway shopping the other day, and I did find a nice cut t-shirt in a better fabric and I snapped it up. When the shop assistant scanned it, he said $5 please. Sweet! Another to add to my collection in the search for the holy grail of white t-shirts!

Anyone have a brand of T that they love?

My little one is double figures now!!!

Its been a busy month - Elka has started walking- wobbly steps that are increasingly becoming more controlled and she can do up to four at a time now. She loves to stand unsupported and bop around dancing.

She is still eating and sleeping well - 12 hours a night still. She is eating more grown up food now - like chicken pieces and spag bol. She has started having toast in the morning and likes crackers to snack on. She has had a month of sickness, poor baby. We have been to the doctor for an ear infection and for a viral rash so far. I am looking forward to her immunity picking up so she doesnt have every lurgy that is going around daycare...

She is very vocal now - still wont really say Dad though! But loves to chatter on about Mum. She is big on pointing - both at us and and at photos of us. She can pick us out of photos if you ask her to. She tries to sing Baa Baa black sheep - its so cute listening to her sing away. She also just "sings" along in a high pitched voice which is adorable. She has learnt to make that Indian waa-waa noise with her hand over mouth which cracks me up as she looks so pleased with the sound she makes. She loves to wave and point at everything and everyone. She feeds me her finger food and laughs when I eat it.

Her play is becoming much more sophisticated - she understands so much more now. If I ask her to put a block in her storage box she will. She also puts things into her little purse and then takes them back out again. Her favourite toys at the moment are books and her walkers. She is starting to cry when something gets taken off her. She has also discovered how to open drawers and cupboards and does this endlessly if allowed. She has a cute habit of doing 360's on the floor on her bum, she is getting very fast! She plays crawling chaseys and likes being chased and tickled.

I laugh all day - she is great entertainment and good company with her chatting, singing and listening. It only gets more fun!

Its my hubby's birthday today - he is two months younger than me, so for 2 months I have a toy boy ;). Though really with his earning capacity in his job he really is my sugar daddy that keeps both me and my horses in shoes LOL

So anyway I spoiled him as is appropriate for a birthday boy. He got to pick up his new shiny (well was!) mountain bike - the beginning of his new hobby. I am a big fan of active sporty hobbies - anything that helps combat his executive tummy expansion is good.

It was a lovely day. Elka made us laugh alot. It was sunny and the sky was blue for the first time in a week. Happy times :)

Oh and I keep forgetting to share my interview on the lovely Chantelle's blog - Fat Mum Slim . You should definitely read her blog if you dont already - its perfect for reflection. I loved being part of it for just one day!

A totally vapid shallow post updating my winter fashion wishlist.. first posted here

I am still coveting that Witchery stripy cardigan but haven't been shopping near any Witchery stores recently.. I think I might get a chance this week as I might be down the coast at the lovely new Witchery store that has opened at the Mirage..

I still dont have any black ankle boots but instead I have bought these great mary-janes in both tan and black (yep couldn't resist both - but they were on sale so really I was saving money hehehe) and I suspect that they might do instead of more ankle boots. They are perfect for all the winter tights and stockings that I love wearing in winter.


I have bought some great long sleeved tops from Miss Shop - my favourites are a red and white stripy one -very cute with jeans, and a lovely textured top in nude. I got a great pair of black Kenji skinny jeans on massive discount and they have proved to be handy already!

I got a nice black fitted vest the other day. I already bought a grey blazer (and posted about it). I have been wearing my scarves alot - I like how they add something to a simple outfit.

Next on my hit list are some chunky knits, that stripy cardigan and maybe some "different" tops (not sure what yet!). I have some very cute fitted dresses that I am dying to wear with my thick tights and new heels but I am waiting for it to get a bit cooler.

I also need a cute outfit for Elka's first bday party.. hmm has to be functional but pretty...
Thank god I consider shopping a hobby ;)

We are off to stay with the in-laws for most of the weekend on the pretty mid-North Coast.. I am looking forward to seeing them enjoy Elka whilst I enjoy the free time! Unfortunately currently I am sick with one of those colds where I feel like I could crawl into bed for a day or two. Hmm not an option with a 9.5 month old! So a 5 hour car trip it is instead.

We are getting home to have a day and a bit here to get some work done around the place which will be good. Lots to do.. more importantly we need to take the big step and get organised to see an architect about our house extensions...

I wish I liked Easter more but I am an atheist and I dont like chocolate that much! Also I hate having the shops closed for 2 whole days!! But the family time is nice :)

So from this Easter grinch - I hope everyone has happy safe Easter breaks xoxo

Me apparently!

For ages I have been griping on about how much I wanted to paint our bedroom. Its the last room that I haven't repainted from the hideous colours the previous owners used throughout. Its the last as it was the least dire, it was one feature wall done in the suede effect paint that I just dont love (no offence to people that do! It can look great) and a very bodgy paint job that drove me nuts. The colour wasn't too bad - a deep plum but it didnt do much with the rest of the walls that are in the house's main colour of a soft apricot/cream.

I had my heart set on a Tiffany blue room. I thought how romantic without being overtly "girly".
Something like this


Our room is a good size, has both a walk in robe and a wall cupboard, a large window that is almost ceiling to floor and takes up most of a wall so lots of light and is filled with lovely deep timber furniture and a black and white chandelier. Sounds like it should look great - right?!

Hmm well after a morning of painting, I HATE it. Oh the blue is the right shade - I got the colour correct (by getting a stronger blue done in a half strength). but its cold, particularly after the cosiness of the plum and the light flooding in through the window just makes every thing including the pale floortiles look blue tinted.

I want my plum back :( So its back to the paint shop for new paint samples - I am now planning on having my cosy girly room and embracing a dusky rose or mauve colour scheme... in the meanwhile we are waiting to see if the blue grows on us.

Perhaps photos to follow..

My mum has been designing and sewing. She makes her own patterns, buys her fabrics directly from a lady who imports beautiful textiles for craft work and sews with love for her granddaughter. That makes the clothes pretty special. I think she is amazing and very talented.

I have mentioned that she might like to start up an Etsy store but she is not sure that she could sew with the passion that she does for her own family. She has been approached already to sell her designs as patterns for others to sew.

My photos dont so these beautiful clothes justice. The fabrics are so soft and breathe well - perfect for babies. She has two themes - english rose and japanese inspired, more of which is to come. Two themes that I love.


Flower dress. I love the princess bunched sleeves.



The patterns are wonderful together and Elka gets lots of comments when she wears this pant suit. There are pleats in the front of the top which haven't come up in the photo.


Quite unusual fabric and a lovely colour on Elka



Cute party dress - it has both belts on it in the pic - can either use the ribbon or the oversized rose. The bodice is dotted with beads.



So pretty and I love the ribbons on the legs of the knickers.

Every day my boys take themselves for a swim - they normally finish with a roll in the dirt and a gallop to dry off. Fun times for them, not so much for me and keeping them and the rugs clean. oh well horses will be horses!