Down in the Shed

I have moved

2011-11-19T13:46:00.000+11:00

I have moved to a new home for blogging, please come and visit me :

Ginger Can Sew

Iris

2011-09-07T19:15:00.000+10:00

I learnt something this week...I have an interest in natural and herbal remedy's and have collected a small number of books on these subjects. I've not actually made any of the concoctions from these books as they usually have a range of wide and varied ingredient list - usually containing something a little out of the ordinary. I have been slowly adding to my collection of medicinal herbs in the garden with a view to collecting the varied ingredients over time. Things like chamomile flowers and dill seeds are fairly commonplace. I have become an expert in weed identification as things like Chickweed and Dandelion and nettle (as long as they have not been sprayed) are common ingredients.
One ingredient that comes up frequently is Orris root and I wasn't really sure what it was. Whilst reading a Jackie French gardening book (The Best of Jackie French) this week I discovered that it was the root of a specific type of Iris. Our yard is full of Iris - although I don't think we have that particular variety - Pity.

The recipe was for potpourri and it mentioned that Iris have an amazing scent. So today while I was weeding the front garden bed I stopped to smell the Iris... and it's true - they do smell lovely!

I mulched all our vegie beds today with some Lucerne mulch - after much research this seems to be a good all round mulch for both vegies and Roses - both of which we have a lot right now. Everything that I planted in the past few weeks is going brilliantly - although I have noticed more evidence of snail and slug attack since the weather has started to warm up. I am going to try the 'beer' method of trapping them. Apparently if you submerge a small container at ground level filled with a small amount of beer the snails and slugs fall in and die!

All of my seedlings have emerged except the Coriander - even the apparently difficult to grow Parsley has come up!

Now to keep them healthy until the threat of frost is gone!

Afternoon Tea and Friands

2011-08-30T14:44:00.001+10:00

Blueberry and Lemon Friands and Moroccan Mint Tea

Still on the topic of tea, my favourite time of the day (apart from first thing in the morning before anyone else is awake) is in the afternoon when both children are asleep - if only for 15 minutes - at the same time. It doesn't happen everyday but it is blissful when it does.

I like to sit in the sun on our deck and have a cup of tea and look through a book, perhaps write a little bit.

My book of the moment is this beautiful coffee table book:

If you like Vege gardening then this is a gorgeous and inspirational book.

The friands were a result of my spontaneous purchase of the day - a Friand tin. I really like friands as an alternative to muffins - they are something different and a bit lighter. I know that you can cook them in a muffin tin as well but I wanted the real cafe-like experience. Blueberry and Lemon is my favourite combination.

On that note... the big boy is awake. That was my 15 mins!

baby B at 4and a half months

How does my garden grow?

2011-08-29T14:17:00.000+10:00

Spring is definitely starting - although I am trying not to get too complacent and am expecting it to get cold again before it finally warms up. I have been busy planting things that I can, trying to get on top of the weeds and mulching. We bought a worm farm a week or so ago and it will be a while before we see the benefits but it is great to be able to feed vegie scraps to something!
I got out in the garden this morning and took some pics because it it a lovely day. I have a number of things on the windowsill germinating away. The standout winners have been the lettuce which sprouted after just 2 days. Still waiting for most of the rest but I have Tomatos, Zucchini, Cucumber, Capsicum, Basil, Coriander, Parsley, Kale and a few other random things in so they will be ready to plant out after the frosts.

Lettuce Seedlings

I resurrected my pea trellis yesterday and moved it to a different part of the garden. I have never had much luck getting the seedlings to take before now so we will see how it goes in this new position.

Pea Ti-Pi

Freshly planted Pea Seedings

The garden is starting to brim over with flowers in anticipation of spring. We have a lot of Iris in our beds and they tend to make up the majority of our flowers but I do scatter some Pansy and viola around the place to fill in holes here and there. I need to plant some more bulbs but that can be a job for next year.

A Lonely Pansy - Blueberry in the foreground.

I bought a blueberry a few weeks ago and I'm not really sure where I want it to live so I am going to keep it in a pot for now until I decide. If it goes OK in the pot I might just leave it there. I also want to get a small patio lime. I planted some Mustard greens just for something different. By the time my rocket seeds sprout and the cut and come again lettuce gets going we should be right for salad season!
I was very excited this morning to see my Rhubarb crown had sprouted!

Mustard Greens with Curry plant in the foreground

We have a number of fruit trees in our garden, an old derelict Apricot which we never get many fruit from, a peach which has never fruited, an abundant plum and a Granny Smith apple which always gets coddling moth. I am going to try and combat the coddling moth this year and I have a few ideas up my sleeve.

Apricot

Peach

Plum

And last of all my favourite - the Jonquils.

Jonquil

on Mindfulness...

2011-08-28T19:35:00.000+10:00

Source

"Drink your tea slowly and reverently, as if it is the axis on which the

world earth revolves - slowly, evenly, without rushing toward the

future. Live the actual moment. Only this moment is life."

Mindfulness can infuse everything we do, even if we tend toward doing.

Thich Nhat Hanh

A little getaway...

2011-08-21T09:10:00.000+10:00

Chubby Baby Love

2011-08-10T09:44:00.000+10:00

I didn't really understand the concept of chubby baby love before Baby B. You know some times when you hear people say things like "Look at those chubby legs... I could just eat them!". I just didn't get it. Perhaps H boy wasn't all that chubby?

Well Baby B is a different kettle of fish! He has these gorgeous rolls of baby fat on his legs and tummy - combine that with his beautiful soft baby skin and I could just eat him right up.

He is being exceptionally cute lately - all smiles and giggles and he is a very chatty baby.

I am really trying to make the most of this time with him - trying to live in the moment. I read a book once called "The Gift of an Ordinary Day" by Katrina Kennison about appreciating the everyday and remembering those moments that may not seem so special at the time but come together to form all the wonderful memories that make up a life lived. I think that is what is so special about blogs - they allow you to capture some of those ordinary everyday moments.

Knitting frustration

2011-08-09T09:14:00.000+10:00

A little while ago I decided that I needed some fingerless mittens - so I went looking on ravelry for a pattern I liked. Knitting a pair of fingerless mitts is probably stretching my knitting skills a little - thus the title of this blog post!

I chose the Cupcake Mitts pattern because I thought they looked cute. I am actually quite surprised to find that it isn't at all difficult to knit on double pointed needles. I remember a time a little while back my husband saying to me "when you start knitting on more than 2 needles I'll know you have a problem" (problem/habit/addiction...). I guess I'm there now!

They are challenging to knit - I am learning a lot - including how easy it is to mis-read a pattern! But incredibly satisfying at the same time because they come together so fast.

How did the jelly cakes go you ask? Well not as good looking as the ones from yesterdays picture but they definitely taste good. I think I let the jelly set for too long.

Cooking away the day

2011-08-08T13:26:00.000+10:00

I have noticed that I cook a whole lot more now that I have a toddler. It seems to be the only thing that keeps him entertained for more than 15 minutes.

I absolutely dread rainy days where we are stuck at home - especially when he is being challenging and I am tired!

We went to the National Dinosaur Museum this morning for a look and that managed to entertain him for around an hour - after 4 laps of the exhibits. It was nice to go and have a look but I think it is better suited to school age children.

This afternoon we are going to have a go at making these yummy looking Jelly Cakes:


Source

I love sweet things that are easy to freeze - it means that you can cook up a largish batch and have some now and some in the freezer for those times when you need something different - or to pack to take on a picnic.
With only 4 weeks till spring (excited much!!!) I can see a lot of picnics in our future!!!

Ressurection of this blog

2011-08-08T08:20:00.000+10:00

I have decided to resurrect this blog as I want a space to be able to write about our upcoming renovations as well as everyday things about the hose and family goings on.

I thought that it would also be a good place to journal about the things I am doing in the garden at different times of the year so as to serve as a reminder for upcoming years of things that I need to do.

I have been starting to get a good grip on the garden recently. It seems strange that it has taken me this long to get the hang of but I am finally beginning to understand the flow of planting and being able to plan for the amount of plants that I need to yield the right amount of food for our family.

A good example is the one zucchini that I managed to grow last year. I was dissapointed when bugs ate the other 3 plants but then the one plant we had managed to grow provided us with exactly the right amount of produce. We probably only eat 3 - 4 zucchini per week and the plant seemed to give us this.

I know that you can do things like canning but I'm not really into that. I don't mind making jams etc from excess fruit but I don't really like to eat canned things so it is better if we only have the amount that we need.

I have some plans for the next few months that I am putting into place slowly.

LAst week I bought bought some Onion, spring onion, lettuce, silverbeet, asparagus, rhubarb and seed potatoes.

I planted the Onions, spring onions, silverbeet and lettuce on Saturday morning - right before a full day of rain so they were watered in nicely. Earlier that week I had spent some time preparing the beds with some compost, dynamic lifter and wetting agent.

The last round of spring onions were so rewarding and I am looking forward to having that again. Hopefully the onions will be the same.

I have the seed potatoes out getting some light to help with the sprouting and I will plant them next weekend.

I also put some radish seeds out - I know you are meant to grow radish from seed but I have not had much luck before now.

More to come with plans for the garden...

Michelle Bridges 12 Week Challenge

2010-01-31T20:18:00.000+11:00

Well until today I had never heard of this - but someone pointed me in the direction on facebook and I have spent the day unable to get it out of my head.

It kind of seems just what I need right now. A little bit of direction, a lot of encouragement and a bit of fun thrown in for good measure.

I love Michelle Bridges - her training style, her energy - so I thought this would be perfect.

I am just going to set myself a small goal - I want it to be entirely achieveable and to be able to really get back into the swing of exercising regularly. But I'll talk about that a bit down the track I think.

I have set up another blog - Watch Mummy Run because at the end of this 12 week challenge - that is what I want him to be able to do - Watch his mummy run and cheer her on from the sidelines (or from in his pram!).

I will blog about the challenge in that blog I think.

Wish me luck!

Good Intentions

2010-01-18T20:18:00.000+11:00

I had intentions of writing a nice long post - because it has been a while. Except that I just got back froma walk and then I did some spur of the moment strength work out the front and as I sat down with the best of intentions - I suddenly got tired.

I think I am going to reattempt to do the 500km thing - I was doing it last year - aiming to 'travel' 500km - through walking, running, cycling etc.

So aI guss I want to post some details and that on here but I'm just not up to it tonight.

I also think that I am going to do a half marathon some time in the next 6 months - possibly the Canberra Half - but that is not a huge event - I need something with some atmosphere - so possibly something in Sydney.

I need to work out a training schedule and build it up slowly. All I know at this stage is that it will be before August - mainly because we are most likely going to start thinking about having another Baby at the end of the year.

Why go and get all fit again and then have another one? Well I didn't cope that well with pregnancy last time - I had some hip and lower back problems etc. When I fell pregnant lst time I was the fittest I have ever been - so essentially I would like to get back to that again.

It will also give me a good base for staying fit during the pregnancy- something I wasn't able to do last time as muchas I would have liked.

So I need to get myself focussed and stay there.

I'm thinking of taking this back to my Fitness Ambition blog - just because it feels more appropriate there.

Many thoughts - must go and think!

At the end of our week

2010-01-10T10:32:00.000+11:00

And so wraps up the first week of Childcare for Action Man and work for me. We have both had a surprisingly great week. I think the key to that being that I have been super organised and Mark and I have worked together as a team to get things like dinner and the cleaning organised.

It just makes life so much easier to have a great partner in crime - especially when there is a baby involved.

When the house is a bit of a mess I feel out of control and I didn't really want to cope with feeling like that as well as working and getting us where we needed to be on time. Those three days of the week when I work are going to be a bit of a write off I think because once we get home, get dinner done, clean up from dinner and make lunches for the next day, there isn't much more I feel like doing apart from sitting down on the couch.

Part of the daily routine is getting all of the clothes and bags and bits and pieces ready for the next day before we go to bed. That way there is no rushing around in the morning and we can focus on eating a good breakfast and getting ourselves ready for the next day, I like having this calmness to the morning.

Action man had a great week at childcare and seems to love it. He loves playing with the other kids and the carers there just seem so brilliant. There wasn't even any tears! Having him at the childcare centre that is located in the grounds of my work just makes it that much easier. It means less stress for me because I know he is right there and it takes less than ten minutes for me to get there if need be. I am glad that we waited until now - when he is 11 months old - to start at childcare. It would have been much harder when he was younger.

I had a brilliant week at work and have just slotted back in right where I left off. I haven't really forgotten anything at all which is great!

I get a lot from work I have decided - it is an impotant part of my psyche. Although I miss him a lot while I am there I feel like there is a little part of me back - the bit where I get to be the intelligent, clever girl who know things about physics and radiation and is making a difference in the world. Even though I still consider being a mum my first and most important job - it is nice to have this other side.

Just the routine that my job enforces onto us is something I enjoy - I think I like the structure.

Yesterday I disted off the bike and had a go for the first time since I broke my arm back in May 2008. I was a bit wobbly to start off but soon got the feel for it again and ended up going out for about 12km. Felt great straight afterwards but my legs ached all day yesterday from using muscles that haven't seen work in a while.

I think I am going to make it a regulaer weekend activity though!

Hope you all had a great week as well!

raggy goes to childcare

2010-01-04T07:29:00.000+11:00

This is the small cuddle toy that my little one has taken a liking to and we have 3 of them that we rotate so that they all wear evenly and in case one gets lost.

He only has it when he goes don to sleep and then the raggy bear lives in his bed all day - waiting for the next sleep. He is a very sleepy bear!

On Wednesday raggy bear is going along to childcare with the Action man and so he needed a name tag.

I found these old sew on tags with our last name on them in his grandma's sewing box after she died and I kept them thinking they may just come in handy. And so they have!

Only problem is that now I want more quaint sew in tags - I only have a limited supply!!!

99 things

2010-01-02T22:16:00.000+11:00

At a time when people are reflecting...... this was a bit o' fun...

Things you've already done: bold
Things you want (or might want) to do: italicize
Things you haven't done and don't want to - leave in plain font

1. Started your own blog.

2. Slept under the stars.

3. Played in a band.

4. Visited Hawaii.

5. Watched a meteor shower.

6. Given more than you can afford to charity.

7. Been to Disneyland/world.

8. Climbed a mountain. Does Kosioscuko count?

9. Held a praying mantis.

10. Sang a solo.

11. Bungee jumped.

12. Visited Paris.

13. Watched a lightning storm at sea.

14. Taught yourself an art/craft from scratch.

15. Adopted a child.

16. Had food poisoning.

17. Let someone else take the credit.

18. Grown your own vegetables.

19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France.

20. Slept on an overnight train. -

21. Had a pillow fight.

22. Hitch hiked.

23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill.

24. Built a snow fort

25. Held a lamb.

26. Gone skinny dipping.

27. Run a marathon. Does Half a marathon count?

28. Ridden a gondola in Venice. -

29. Seen a total eclipse.

30. Watched a sunrise or sunset.

31. Hit a home run.

32. Been on a cruise.

33. Seen Niagara Falls in person

34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors.

35. Seen an Amish community

36. Taught yourself a new language.

37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied. - I don't ask for much.

38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person

39. Gone rock climbing.

40. Seen Michelangelo's David in person.

41. Sung Karaoke.

42. Rode a camel.

43. Bought a stranger a meal in a restaurant.
44. Been on an African safari.

45. Walked on a beach by moonlight.

46. Been transported in an ambulance.

47. Done something illegal. - ahem

48. Gone deep sea fishing.

49. Seen the Sistine chapel in person.

50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

51. Gone scuba diving or snorkelling. -Loved it

52. Kissed in the rain.

53. Played in the mud.

54. Gone to a drive-in theatre.

55. Been in a movie. Does a TV ad count?

56. Visited the Great Wall of China

57. Started a business

58. Taken a martial arts class

59. Visited Russia

60. Served at a soup kitchen

61. Sold Girl Scout cookies. -

62. Gone whale watching. We didn't see any whales

63. Received flowers for no reason.

64. Donated blood.

65. Gone sky diving.

66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp.

67. Bounced a cheque.

68. Flown in a helicopter.

69. Kept a favorite childhood toy.

70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial.

71. Eaten caviar - over-rated.

72. Pieced a quilt.

73. Stood in Times Square.

74. Been on TV. see above - TV ad

75. Been fired from a job.

76. Seen the Changing of the Guard in London.

77. Broken a bone. - Only a small fracture.

78. Been on a speeding motorcycle.

79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person.

80. Published a book. - but let's just start by writing it shall we?

81. Visited the Vatican.

82. Bought a brand new car.

83. Walked in Jerusalem.

84. Had your picture in the newspaper.

85. Read the entire Bible. - almost

86. Visited the White House.

87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating.

88. Listened to Tibetan monks chanting, in person.

89. Saved someone’s life.

90. Sat on a jury.

91. Met someone famous.
92. Joined a book club.

93. Lost a loved one.

94. Had a baby.

95. Seen the Alamo in person.

96. Baked Bread

97. Been involved in a law suit.

98. Owned a cell phone.

99. Been stung by a bee.

What about you?

patta-a-cake patta-a-cake

2010-01-02T20:17:00.001+11:00

bakers man,
Bake me a cake a fast as you can!

Since getting my new toy for christmas I have been making mental notes of things to cook that I haven't been able to due to substandard equipment.

A sponge cake was on that list of things. So this afternoon I whipped one up to see how it would go.

The mixing part was easy enough, however the recipie said to cook it for 15 minutes - after 15 minutes I still had a rather soft looking cake so back into the furnace it went. Another 10 minutes went by.......

I got it out to be on the safe side and it promptly sunk in the middle on the top.

It is a little dense but quite tasty with Raspberry jam and whipped cream in the middle for after dinner.

In the recipie book I used there are another two spone recipies - I am going to try all of them.

I just wish I had caught a picture of my two boys with their piggly fingers in the whipped cream middle when I wasn't looking....

Beautiful Blogger Awards

2010-01-02T10:14:00.000+11:00

I was tagged by Liz to participate in this meme...however being away from my computer in the calming world free of technology (YES! There is only a basic TV which is analogue and we listen to records...you remember those big black plastic things that play music!).

So here are my answers:

1. I love making lists and notes. I would probably write at least two lists a day and leave them scattered all over the place on scraps of paper.

2. Since having a baby, my favourite time of day is when he goes down for a nap and I get the opportunity to do something for myself on my own terms.

3. I have a great desire to be in control of situations - I have only learnt this since having a baby and learning that sometimes control doesn't matter and it is good to just let go.

4. I have lost all of the pregnancy weight I gained through breastfeeding and daily walks - I have done very little consistent exercise and have n ot dieted at all since having him. I weigh the same now as I did right before I fell pregnant.

5. We use cloth nappies on the little Actionman the majority of the time.

6. I am currently undertaking a Certificat IV in breastfeeding education and will be qualified as a Breastfeeding counsellor by the end of the year.

7. My priorities and understanding of life have changed entirely since having a baby and I couldn't be happier with where I am at right now.

I think that by now most people have been tagged.

However I will tag Kristy and Rene

We do like to be beside the seaside...

2010-01-01T20:23:00.000+11:00

Hello Poppets! We are just back from our few days away at the beach and feeling all relaxed and rejuvenated and ready and raring to get into this new year.

We have a big week coming up - I am returning to work on Wednesday and the little one is starting at Childcare 3 days per week. He is at the childcare centre which is at my work so he wont be very far away if I need a fix.

Here is a few happy snaps for you!

2009-12-31T09:35:00.001+11:00

hello! Are you well? We are! We are at our beach house enjoying long lovely walks along the beach and through the bush. We are enjoying the peacefulness of our quiet little enclave by the ocean where all we do each day is walk, play, eat simple food, read and sew a little.
We have built sandcastles, watched giant ships come in, found treasure and eaten ice cream.

I just wanted to stop in quickly and write about a few of the things I want for the coming year.

2009 has been an amazing year for our family with many more highs than lows - AND I think it deserves a post of it's own when I get back to a real computer.

For the coming year:

- to continue learning to be more present and live more simply.
- to live an even more handmade lifestyle
- to eat high quality locally produced and purchased foods.
- to learn how to make my own bread and to do so each week.
- to fall into a daily rhythm of life that encourages learning for Harris.
- to continue to evolve my blog
- to learn a new skill each month.
- to continue living the natural parenting lifestyle.

I think that should keep us busy !

What Are your plans for thecoming year? I'd love to hear about them...

I think those

Off to the Beach we go!

2009-12-26T20:26:00.000+11:00

We are off to the beach for a few days of R & R before I start back at work....see you when we get back!

Our Christmas day..

2009-12-25T16:01:00.002+11:00

and we're not done yet.....

My LIttle Reindeer

2009-12-24T18:23:00.001+11:00

Have a happy and Safe Christmas Everyone!!!

I have sewed and sewed and sewed this week and I still have more to do. The christmas present making I undertook was more complex than I anticipated - but they are done and I can't wait to share my creations with you all. It will have to wait until tomorrow however as the intended recipient pokes her nose in here occasionally!

I am so looking forward to our first christmas as a family of 3!

The little Action man doesn't really know whats going on and why on earth there is a tree inside our house!

I am going to go and charge up the camera batteries so I can capture all of the fun for him!

Hope Santa is nice to you all xo!

Trust

2009-12-22T18:48:00.000+11:00

If I was to ever get a tattoo - which is unlikely because I am not really a fan of self inflicted pain. This is exactly what I would get.

A constant daily reminder to simply trust myself, trust in my ability to achieve, to parent, to cope, and to live the aw I hope to.

Simply to trust in my knowledge and especiall in my intuition.

Everything I need to achieve what I want in life - be it being a great wife, friend, mother, daughter, employee, weight loss etc - it is all within myself.

I just need to trust myself. I may get a bracelet with those letters on it. Just as a reminder.

My Child is the best - No Really.

2009-12-20T20:35:00.000+11:00

I am VERY conscious of the comparisons that go on between children and I strive (oh how I strive) to remind myself daily that my child is my child and different from every other child in his strengths and weaknesses.

This is one of the things that I feel most strongly about and I believe that it is SO important for him to grow up knowing that he does not need to compare himself to anyone else in any way.

Something I have said from the beginning is that I want Action man to have the greatest amount of self confidence and belief in himself andhis abilities. I want him to feel supported to go out and get whatever it is in life he may want and to dream big in the process. I wan "No Limits" to be our family motto.

This great article was published in the Opinion Pages of the Sydney Morning Herald Yesterday. It really hits the mark about how we should think of our kids.

Parent trap: disappointment comes with the territory

December 19, 2009 Adele Horin

'Tis the season to … rank the kids. The Higher School Certificate marks are out and the high achievers' lists are published. The university entrance scores are known, determining with decimal-point precision a child's future direction, at least in the short term. Whether 'tis the season to be jolly depends in some households on how the kids have rated: better or worse than expected, better or worse than their peers, their cousins, their father's boss's daughter?

In a country that elevates teenage sporting stars to hero status, it is good to see the brainiacs on the front page, and whole pages of fine print devoted to academic high flyers.

But when the evanescent moment has passed, let's get some perspective on how we rank our kids. A lot of parents will be feeling disappointed with their child's results. Disappointment comes with the parenting territory. Parents may be crazy about their kids. But often they are their child's worst critics.

They notice the weaknesses in their children and overlook the strengths. They worry about poor grades and overlook kind hearts. When it comes to ranking the kids, our set of criteria is too narrow.

It's the guilty secret of parents that they cannot help but compare and contrast their children with the others, and all too often find their own wanting.

If their children are sporty, parents worry they don't study enough; if their children are academic, parents worry they don't play sport. If the children are gregarious, parents wish they'd read more; if they always have their head in a book, parents want them to be more sociable. Just about every parent worries their child spends too much time in front of a computer screen enjoying themselves when they should be studying/sleeping/exercising.

There is always a new opportunity to worry that a child is lagging in some department and in need of improvement. Even children with talent are compared to the protege, and can end up feeling a failure.

It's a perilous journey parents take between neglect and encouragement. Be lackadaisical about study, be of the school that maintains the system puts children under too much pressure and the HSC is over-rated, and children will be hampered, possibly for life, by a poor work ethic and an embarrassing HSC mark. Be a nag and parents can forget to enjoy their children for who they are.

Most new parents with tiny babies will tell you they just want their children to be happy. But before long, a worm of desire wiggles into parents' hearts - for the child to be the greatest, the best, the first, to shine for others as he or she shines for them. Sensible parents know it is pathetic to bask in the reflected glories of the child but they accept the congratulations, anyway.

Competitive parenting starts in the mothers' group when it is impossible not to notice which infant sits up first, walks first, talks first. Later parents notice who reads and writes first. How well I remember my nights at a particular house when I was part of a babysitting co-op. Surrounded by mind-expanding puzzles, clever board games, and tomes on the Ancient Greeks, the children expounded in the sweetest way on everything from the wonders of the milky way to the evolution of a post-communist society. I exaggerate a little, but I'm sure the eight-year-old was reading Anna Karenina when mine was working his way through the Goosebumps series. I always left feeling in awe and inadequate.

The tendency to compare is the killjoy of parenting. Try as parents might to disguise pride in a toddler who is first off the mark, or disguise worry about a late-starter, it seeps out. Fortunately parents rarely go as far as Mitsuko Yamada, a Japanese mother who killed a two-year-old girl in a fit of envy after the toddler beat her own daughter to a place in an elite nursery school.

After hearing my complaints about a son who preferred soccer to study, an acquaintance who was a teacher at a tough high school asked me: "Is he sneaking out the window at night to go drinking?" No, he wasn't. "Is he turning up at school every day?" Yes, he was. "Well what are you worrying about?" the teacher said.

Perspective is all. The antics of boys from tough schools may seem of little relevance to a privileged family, such as my own. But as children grow up, stories of middle-class teenagers who sell drugs, drop out of school, are paralysed by depression, are psychotic with anorexia, or travel with a bad crowd are constant reminders that academic ranking is not everything, not nearly the most important thing.

Parents with new babies and syrupy wishes for a happy child are right. Having a clever child is less important than having a happy one. Having a child who tops the ranks means little if he has a mean streak, a big ego or an inability to get on with people.

It takes a long time to see how your children turn out, an older, wiser parent once told me. How we end up rating the kids when we are old, sick and needing them may have little to do with how clever they are and everything to do with the kindness of their heart.

Health Food Guide

2009-12-19T20:06:00.002+11:00

I came across this magazine a while back and didn't realy pay it all that much attention, However, I picked it up again today (helped along by the fact that it came with a goodie bag jam packed with stuff) and I am really pleasantly surprised.

This mag has some really quality information about making healty food choices and helps to steer people away from 'fad' diets. Basically it is about good healthy eating and getting plenty of nutrients to help your body to run properly.

It also has a great dedication to allergy sufferers with many recipies that are gluten free or dairy free included.

The website has heaps of really healthy recipies along with interesting articles and tools to assist with whatever food realted mission you might be on!

I am going to make this awesome sounding porridge for breakfast in the morning! YUM

Sourced from Healthy Foods Guide

This porridge is delicious and diabetic-friendly when made with traditional whole grain oats and yellow box honey.

Divine Apple and Spice porridge

Recipe Information

Portions: 4
Time to make: 15 minutes
Total cost of all ingredients: $3.18 / $0.79 per serve

Low sodium
Recipe by: Jackie Charles
Photography: Louise Lister

First published August 2007

Ingredients

1 large (215g) apple, peeled, cored and finely sliced
1 cup oats
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon mixed spice
1 cup low-fat milk
1 tablespoon honey
1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted

Instructions

Place the apple, oats, cinnamon, mixed spice, milk and 2 cups of water in a large microwave-proof dish. Cook on high (100%) for 8 minutes, stirring every minute, until thick. Set aside for 5 minutes.

Serve drizzled with the honey and slivered almonds.

Nutrition Information

	per serve
Energy	860 kJ (207 Cals)
Protein	7.9g
Fat - saturated	6.9g 1.6g
Carbohydrates - sugars	28.4g 15.1g
Dietary Fibre	3.7g
Sodium	45mg
Calcium	150mg
Iron	2.2mg
* NS: Not specified

Mamamia

2009-12-17T09:36:00.000+11:00

I read a gread book a few weeks back by Mia Freedman - entitled Mamamia (also the title of her eponynmous website).

Since then - in those rare moments that I get a chance to do something entirely unscheduled and unecessary - I pop on over to her blog and have a bit of a look.

I stumbled across this article today What Do Stay at Home Mums do All Day?

It is a great article and so spot on.

I too was one of those people who thought I would have all the time in the world and would be bored silly staying at home all day long. i was so wrong.

There is so much going on that I have poles of sthings on my "To Do" pile that just never get done.

That is mainly because the only realy chance I get to do anything at all is during Action Man's nap times - if I happen to be at home during that time and am not out walking because he refused to go to sleep in the first place and the only chance I will get to have 5 minutes of peace to myself is to go for a walk and then he MIGHT go to sleep and I Might get to have a coffee in peace without him waking up...Phew!

The rest of the time is spent running errands, obtaining some sanity through Mothers group, going to storytime at the library, going to paint and play, visitiing relatives, or simply playing Oh and eating - that takes up a disproportionate amount of time.

I have had to learn to be VERY patient and learnt to tell myself that my things can wait and Action man doesn't know what waith means yet and it is far more important that I spend time with hime than worry about whether or not the Laundry is done .

Bottome line is - finding the balance is hard and giving yourself permission to do the things that give you balance is even harder. As he gets older it get harder and harder because he just wants to be with me, part of what I'm doing, climing on me etc - and I don't want to deprive him of that.

On the topic of books another I have read and thoroughly recommend for it's brutal honesty for anyone who is a mother - but especially for someone who might be about to become a mother is called - The Mask of Motherhood by Susan Maushart. It is the most honest account of all the aspects of pregnancy, birthing, breastfeeding and early motherhood that I have ever come across and I wish that i had the opportunity to read it before I had my boy - I would have felt so much better prepared!

What If?

2009-12-14T10:29:00.000+11:00

what if...

What if I just slowed down and watched the world go by?

Let all of the lovely moments into our lives

and not blink as they pass by.

What if we just sat back and enjoyed the simple things?

Exploring nature, good food, family, friends - and all that they bring.

What if I just didn't need more stuff?
Would I feel less cluttered and not yearn to have...enough?

What if I learnt to just stand still - and be in the moment - live for right now?

I would be OK - I might even be great.

Quietly, quietly - my new found consciousness awaits.

I've never really been one for writing poetry but this came to me this morning and I felt the urge to put pen to paper.

Motherhood has brough me many things but the one thing that stands out is how much my thinking and thought processes have change and continue to change.
It is a little overwhelming at times and I am still working through it.

The one thing I have found to be the most profound is that it is so importnat to have confidence as a parent. To be confident in your choices and to try and not listen to too many experts - especially to not compare yourself and your choices to others.

To let your baby guide you - to let go of control.

This is one of the parts I am trying to work on.

Namaste Yoga

2009-12-12T10:53:00.000+11:00

I have wanted to participate in a yoga class for a while now but it seems as though the ones at the gym are always on at really inconvenient times for us (ie- Dinner Time or Baby bed time).

I was thinking about buying a DVD but unless you can try before you buy, you just never know the quality that you are getting.

So the other day I stumbled across a program on Fox called Namaste Yoga - and it is awesome!

I've only done it a couple of times now but I always feel great afterwards and have found it to be very grounding.

Just like that early morning walk - I find it to be very cleansing and calming.

The program has beautiful settings and music and the narrator has a very calming presence. Each episonde lasts for about 20 mins - which is just the right amount of time.

The other great thing about it is the presenters/instructors all have the most amazing bodies - very lithe and supple - not to mention motivational!

My Creative Space

2009-12-10T20:28:00.000+11:00

I have been tardy in my dedication to My Creative Space this year - hopefullly I can rectfy that next year! I am hastily trying to complete christmas present - I still have much sewing to do!!!

Play along with Kristy HERE!

Why Down in the Shed?

2009-12-10T19:56:00.000+11:00

Hi All,

I've been thinking that some of you might be wondering that Down in the Shed is a strange name for a blog.

Well it is a little - but there are plenty of strangely named blogs out there.

I thought for a long time about a new name and I wanted something that reflected our family and the direction it was headed.

"The Shed" is an important part of our life because that is Mark's little haven, that and I can also see my little one wanting to spend time Down in the Shed with his daddy.

But really a shed is like a metaphor for any place that we go to escape, the home gym, the sewing room, the play room.

So I thought it was apt!

I also have a few ideas floating around in my head for a little project that will involve my blog - but I am still working on prototypes! You will have to stay tuned!!

I was sure I had something else to post about tonight but I can't for the life of me remember what it was.

I hate to admit it...

2009-12-09T09:56:00.000+11:00

but I think that I may just be a morning exerciser. I took the dog out for a walk this morning and ended up running nearly 3km.

When I get out there and into it I just love the crispness of the morning air and the fact that there isn't too many people about just yet.

It really sets me up for the day ahead and gives me focus and energy.

As you can see from my picture above - I have been a busy little santa's elf and wrapping up presents.

We don't actually have a tree because we don't have anywhere to put it that is baby proof and I just know that it would be too tantalising for little baby fingers.

We will probably get one and put it up closer to christmas day - that way there are less days of temptation. I still won't be able to put the presents out though.

I still have a few things to make and I'm really hoping that I can get it all done. Next week is shaping up to be a very busy week so fingers crossed!

Silly me hasn't been taking any pictures of the things I have made - but there are a few double ups so there will be somein the coming week I am sure.

What have I been doing?

2009-12-05T20:23:00.000+11:00

I feel as though I have been really busy this past week BUT I have been doing lots of things that feed the soul and help to organise our lives.

I am trying to learn to be more present in this life, to not wish away the days and to live for now.

the hardest part I find is simply to remind myself to do it!

I have also given up all Caffiene this past week and so far so good. Once again the hardest part is reminding myself why and remembering that I'm not drinking coffee or coke anymore.

I realised that I drink coffee for the experience of drinking a coffee - there is just something different about it to drinking a cup of Tea. Tea is good in it's own right however. So I have had to cast aside my thinking about coffee and if I REALLY want it - I drink a decaf - which isn't all that bad. The biggest challenge will be when next I am feeling stressed out - to not turn to a Can of Coke ( which is what I do).
Mostly I wanted to give it up so that I wasn't modelling that behaviour to Harris - How can I drink it and then tell him that he isn't allowed to.

I have also been doing a fair bit of Sewing this past week, shorts for Harris and today I cut out a dress for me.

I've been doing lots of reading and thinking and contemplating - which I have to say is probably my most favourite thing to do.

All in all it's been a good week -

How about you?

Barefoot Magazine

2009-12-02T03:40:00.000+11:00

I thought I would share this magazine that I have recently found and love.

It is a beautiful collection of Australian articles about parenting and living more 'green' and poetry printed on recycled paper.

At only 5.95 - it's also a bargain!

You can buy it at Borders - or you can subscribe Here!

they also have a Blog

25 Days of Crafting

2009-12-01T18:53:00.000+11:00

I have plenty of christmas sewing to do so I thought I would challenge myself to 25 days of Christmas crafting.

There are garlands and ornaments to be made, and presents to be crafted with love.

So here is the first of many more to come. Interestingly NOT a christmas themed item, but a birthday crown.

With me heading back to work after Christmas I thought I would get a head start on the birthday crafting also.

Layne Beachley on Success

2009-11-30T20:06:00.000+11:00

There is a show on the Business Channel on Foxtel called Switzer which I don't really watch all that often - however, the other day I happened upon a really interesting interview with Layne Beachley on this program and it inspired me.

Essentially Layne was discussing her pathway to success in surfing and business.

I'd love to share a few of her quotes from the transcript with all of you:

Layne on Focus and Determination -

“When I turned 25 I was considered a veteran. But I didn’t win my first world title until I was 26. You know, as women, we do tend to get better with age.”
What took her so long?

“I wasn’t ready,” says Beachley. “I wasn’t ready to win. I was still very distracted. I didn’t give it 110 per cent. Once I started to really focus in on it and take all the other distractions out of my life and make that my number one priority then I won and I stayed there for as long as I did.”

This is something that I have found to be so important - when you want to achieve something you have to focus on it and it alone 100%. You can't be attempting to acieve 6 major goals at one time because you simply don't have the enery to give them all the attention they need. The other important point here is that you really really have to want to achieve the goal you are aiming for - you have to want it with all your heart - only then can you truly focus on you goals.

A friend was relaying a story to me last night about a guy he went on a work trip with who was a marathoner - he routinely declined invites out for post work drinks and that kind of thing because he valued his training so much that it was more important to him - he wanted to get up and go for his 20km in the morning and he wanted to be fresh when he did it. It was more important to him.
That is the mindset you need to achieve your goals.

More from Layne:

Beachley says her support networks have been crucial to her success.

“Even though I’ve been perceived as being an individualist, I’ve always had a team of people around me that have allowed me to maintain my focus and have pushed me in a different direction if it looked like I was falling off the rails; have been honest with me, have been trustworthy; people I’ve respected and also have experienced things that I never have so I could learn from them.”

This is another thing I have learnt along the way - it is absolutley crucial to have a team of people in your life who support you and your goals. They have to validate and believe in your approach as much as you do and not be the one who is derailing you. Does your partner constantly try to get you to eat junk with them or go drinking with them? It's not that they want you to fail - they just dont see how much you value your goals -it is so much easier to ahieve a goal when your support crew is behind you 100%.

She looked to those around her – including four times world champion Wendy Botha and Australian surfing legend and fellow world champion Pam Burridge – for advice.

“I basically became a sponge,” says Beachley. “Anyone I could see that had achieved what I really wanted, I asked for their guidance.

Another really great point - find someone you admire, someone who has achieved what you want to achieve and find out as much as you can about how they did it - then do it better!

Layne continues “If you want to stay ahead of your competition, you have to find ways to reinvent yourself; you have to be willing to improve and you have to be willing to learn and acknowledge that you don’t know it all. There’s always another way to do something.”

So, what is Beachley’s advice to women? What are the words they need?

“I’m worthy. I can, I am. It’s about, firstly, having a really positive attitude, having a goal that you can work towards. It’s really important that you have a goal. Write it down. I stuck it on my mirrors in my bedroom and just looked at that through the toughest times in my life. You’ve got a purpose to get yourself up in the morning, that will give you the motivation to overcome any obstacle you can ever encounter.”

Excerpts taken from Layne Beachley interview on Switzer.http://www.switzer.com.au/small-business/women-in-business/feature/behind-every-great-woman/

Full interview can be seen here.

What is a true treat?

2009-11-29T20:17:00.000+11:00

Interestingly through the process of finding myself again in the haze of new motherhood I am discovereing interesting things about what I truly treasure.

I have found that time and how I use it has become increasingly important to me.

This is mainly because when I do get those precious few moments to myself each day I have to choose wisely how I spend it.

I find myself getting annoyed if Harris falls asleep while we are out because that means the quiet alone time that I get to spend doing things for me are stolen by being out driving or at the shops.

Sometimes I choose to spend the whole of the first hour that he sleeps in the day doing house work - because I know that means I will get the second sleep of the day all to myself and I can spend it looking at things on the internet, reading, sewing, studying or just watching TV.

If I do manage to get out of the house without Harris, I am usually in a rush to get back again (mother guilt!)

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to go out and do something completely indulgent with no agenda - that was to go and just sit at a coffee shop and have a coffee and read a magazine. To not be anxious that he might wake up at any second and spoil my relaxation time - or to simply not be in a rush to finish my coffee because he is squirming in the pram or yelling - was a true treat.

I was amazed that something so simple could fill me up to the brim of relaxation so easily. It made me realise that my prior thinking - of going out for a walk each day and "treating" myself to a coffee and a cake at a coffee shop- wasn't in reality a treat at all. It was more like something I was telling myself I deserved - but I wasn't really able to enjoy it.

I guess what I am trying to say is that I have learnt to savour those things that are truly treats and to give them the level of importance they deserve.

Recarging your batteries is so important when you have a baby - and ideally you would have a lovely husband who gives you the love and supoort you need to be able to achieve this. Luckily I do and I really don't know what I would do with out him!

I am learning every day!

Rumbling along...

2009-11-26T10:13:00.000+11:00

It's funny you know....Shelly posted this post a few days ago and for all the world she could have been talking about me. for that is exactly how I feel. It doesn't really bother me though and that is half the problem. I seem to be happy just ambling along and doing what I can when I can. Although I haven't quite regained the lows of body fat percentage I had before I had Harris, my weight HAS even out back to approximately where it was before Harris and that makes it hard to be motivated. I really should get up and put my work skirt and pants on every day to remind myself that in 6 short weeks I have to wear these clothes again.
But then something stressful happens and its back to the old habits we go again.
I'm sure we will figure it out eventually.

I have been thinking a lot about whether I want to continue to blog because I find it quite a drain on my prescious time alone.

However just this week I have been coming across things here and there and I think to myself - I would like to write a blog about that! and so I think I will try to start blogging again more frequently.

So hopefully you will see me around again a little more often!

Just this past week I commenced a Certificate IV in Breastfeeding Education - the course that you need to complete to become qualified as a breastfeeding counsellor.
At the moment I am really motivated and happy to be learning again. Not studying something seems to leave a bit of a void in my life. I have an incessant need to learn. I am putting the wheels in motion to make a career change in the next few years and I am really excited about it. Unfortunately it will be a slow process, but it does involve lots of study and I am a bit excited about the process as much as I am about the end result. Hopefully - this path will take me to where I have wanted to be all along.

I'll be back soon with more!!!

post signature

Two Weeks to get my act together

2009-11-08T10:25:00.000+11:00

So for the next two weeks I am going to be focussed and pulled together and get into some good habits - all with the purpose of t rying to regain the mental state that I had prior to having a baby.

I was SOOOO into health and fitness back then - it took up all of my mind space. It's time to find that again - simly because I love being in that healthful place!

Why the next two weeks?

for two reasons:
1. Because I need something to focus on
2. Because Mark is going to whyalla in SA for two weeks with work and it will just be me and the little one at home.

What does that mean? It means that I don't have to worry about feeding Mark and I just have to look after myself.

I have made a deal with Mark that when he gets back I get three times per week where he looks after Harris and I get to go running. The key is thatthose are the times when I get to do my me activity - something purely indulgent and just for me.

That is the activity I choose to have for me.

So for the next 12 months I am going to choose events to focus my running towards and get back to the super state of fitness I had pre little one.

First event? 6km Womens and Girls Jogalong at Weston Park on the 6th of December.

post signature

Few and Far Between

2009-11-01T19:12:00.000+11:00

It seems really few and far between posts for me at the moment - but the reality is the computer isn't really a big priority for me anymore and because Harris is into EVERYTHING it is difficult to get on here when he is awake.

I ran into someone from work the other day and she reminded me that it is only 10 weeks or so until I have to return to work. Then I remembered that I was meant to be doing daily exercise in order to improve my endurance for work....hmmmnnn that one got forgotten.

It can be a bit hard to find the balance between everything, going to the gym, keeping the house clean and doing things that enrich my life (not that the gym doesn't enrich my life) and then when we have a week where Harris isn't sleeping well or we go away somewhere (which invariably means Harris doesn't sleep well for the week following) then all of the other stuff tends to get a bit forgotten.

A few weeks back I managed to get the house really tidy and I felt like I was on top of everything but now it feels like it has slipped somewhat.

My goals for this week are:

* To get back on top of the home organisation and tidying.
* To drink 3 Lt of water daily.
* To do the tasks I set for myself each day

oh and I have 10 weeks till I go back to work and presently only one of my work pants fit me and none of my skirts - I need to get my butt into get and lose a few kilos!

I was helping mummy in the garden and....

2009-10-21T17:15:00.000+11:00

well I'll let the pictures speak for themselves...

Day 2 Very Tired

2009-10-20T19:59:00.000+11:00

Broccoli from my Garden.

I am very tired today from my big baby weights training program walk (Read 8.5kg baby in a back carrier up a mountain with a dog) and a weights session at the gym.

I am already feeling the DOMS and I'm thinking I won't be able to lift Harris tomorrow.

We are having evaporative cooling installed tomorrow so no gym for me - but I am planning on doing some gardening and a session on the spin bike!

That's all I can write for now because I am soooo tired (and I have to tidy up before the contactors want to come into my house!)

Fitness Monday

2009-10-19T14:20:00.000+11:00

The Michelle Bridges program is split into Fitness and Toning - alternating each day. Today was Fitness and me being my usual self couldn't help but add to it. I guess I am probably a little fitter than many who would do a program froma book (but probably not much!)

Today's fitness session was a circut of two rounds, consisting of the following - each being 20 reps.

* Fast low step running Rt Leg
* Fast low step running Lt Leg
* Push Ups on Knees
* Freestanding body weight squat (and I just realised I forgot to do this entirely!)
* Standing shoulder Press with light weights
* Static Lunge with support
* Standing biceps curl with light weight

Abs
* Crunches
* Crunch with Right twist
* Crunch with Left twist

I also did 25 minute on the treadmill - 20 mins at 6% incline walking at 6.5min/km and 5 mins or 1 km running.

The great thing about this program is that it is designed to be able to be done either at home or at the gym. So if for whatever reason I am unable to make it to the gym (and with limited Childcare hours that is often the case)I can still get it done at home.

I found out this morning that due to increased membership they are limiting the childcare to 20 places per session - with 2 sessions tunning each morning AND you have to book them in on the morning of the day you want to go. It does make it that little bit harder and if you ask me I think they should just extend the childcare to 2pm. The gym offers a reduced fee membership for "Off Peak" times which allows you to go between 9am and 2pm each weekday. Considering that Childcare is only available between 9am and 12pm it really limits when you are able to go.
Next year I am going to have to change to the more expensive membership so I can go in the morning before work or in the evening (not that that will probably happen because Harris is always mr Grumpy pants in the evening). I might change gyms though - I'll have to wait and see next year.

I got thinking while I was at the gym that perhaps I needed some new gym clothes - my two pairs of leggings were a little threadbare and prone to falling down. I also decided that I needed a new pair of running shoes. When parts of the shoe are falling off it is probably time! So after I was finished at the gym thats what I did!

Now I just have to make sure I keep using it!

And So...

2009-10-18T20:40:00.000+11:00

I come to the sombre realisation that in Two and a half short months I have to return to work...BooHoo...

I am 100% positive that this is going to hit me like a steam roller even though I know it is coming.

So I am begrudgingly going to attempt to be all grown up like and start being super organised and doing things properly and such so that it doesn't come as SUCH a massive shock to me and I lose the plot entirely.

Last week we were confirmed a place at the child care centre which is located on the hospital campus. I cannot tell you what a relief and weight off my shoulders that was! I was secretly stressing about it I am sure. Having Harris at this childcare centre will make it so much easier for both of us.

Once I get back into the swing of it all and Harris is a teensy bit bigger I am hoping to ride my bike to work at least twice per week. We only live 5km from the hospital and I'm hoping to pack us both up and ride up there each day - that may be wishful thinking but I will at least give it a go. Mark can collect harris at 4pm on those days because he finishes work an hour or so earlier than I do.

I am going back to work 3 days per week and I think I will stick to working that until we have finished having kids and they are at school. I think it is a nice balance.

What I want to do before we get to that point though is try and increase my stamina again and start going back to the gym properly. I am going to start scheduling it into my diary and making it part of our day and working the other things that need doing in around that and the general household organisational things. As boring as it may seem, I think it is important that I stop living in the little fairyland of coffee mornings and shopping and start living to somwhat of a schedule again. After all it will be enforced once I head back to work.

Its probably going to be hard and I'm probably not going to like it - but hey thats what life if like sometimes!

A while back I bought the Michelle Bridges book - "Crunch Time" - I'm going to try and follow the training plan in there for the time between now and going back to work - just to increase my fitness and help me to not be so tired at the end of the day.

Having a baby is fun and I love playing with him all day but I think it is time to get down to business again.
My leg is still a little twingy but I'm hoping that some stretching each day will help it along.

So I'll hopefully be updating here a bit more in the coming weeks!

A New and Exciting Venture

2009-10-14T20:20:00.000+11:00

Welcome to Down in the Shed! Watch this space and see it transform into my new and exciting venture (which is still in development at the moment). I am still working on the finer details - like blog design.
But fingers crossed, my latest idea will turn into a reality very soon.....

Hints and tips

2009-10-14T13:05:00.000+11:00

Not much of anything except babycare going on in my world at the moment. As it creeps closer to the time I am planning on returning to work I find myself wanting to spend more time with Harris. I have had a sore leg for the past few weeks which has hampered my desire to get back to running

I thought I would do a post on the things I could and couldn't live without when I first had Harris. I didn't really overbuy but there were things I barely used.

Must have's
-sling/baby carrier - I have a baby bjorn and a baba sling but I could easily have bought a hug-a-bub and used it just as much. (And I just bought and Ergo baby carrier - but they are better for when the baby is bigger)
-Stretchy escape proof wraps- the baby may be small but they are certainly a good escape artist
-reusable cloth breast pads - these were much more comfortable than the disposable ones
-a baby bag that is comfortable, not too heavy when packed and that you love-I have two; a fancy Oroton one that I hardly use and a smaller lighter one that I love!(mine is from H is for Handbag)
- cloth flat nappies for wiping up after baby (Didn't think I would actually use these and they have been invaluable)
- a car seat/capsule
- my walking pram

What I didn't use all that much

- baby oils, powders, shampoos and washes. Babies don't really get dirty and usually have very dry skin, the only products have really used is Weleda nappy rash cream and moogoo moisturizer
- port a cot - we were given one and I haven't used it yet
- snuggle bed

other things
- I did't use our highchair until Harris was 6 months old and am glad I did' t buy one before hten. Hairchairs are possibly the most annoying creation on the planet. They get filthy, snap your fingers off when you are trying to clip them up and are brilliant food hiders - if you can borrow one to figure out what you need in a high chair then do that!)
- I didn't buy Harris a play mat with dangly toys until he was 2 months old and then by the time he was 6 months, he was destroying it so much that I had to pack it away. I would buy second hand You can pick up some great bargains on ebay!).
- cloth nappies would have been difficult for me to manage when Harris was a newborn but now I love using them. Green kids pocket nappies are great as are baby bee hinds.
- don't buy too many newborn nappies in bulk -we had three boxes of 108 and he was out of them before we could use them up.
- don't buy an expensive baby bath - ours from ikea was perfect for 14.95!

That all I can think of for now!

Sunday Saunter

2009-09-27T08:56:00.000+10:00

Gypsy Love

1. Gypsy Collage, 2. Gypsy Dancer, 3. gypsy wagon, 4. Dasha at the KHAMORO World Gypsy Festival 2006, 5. Gypsy Fortune Teller, 6. Gypsy (roma tigan rrom tzigane) (Roman / Romania), 7. Gypsy caravan, 8. gypsy girls PUSHKAR, 9. An old gypsy caravan - 4013 Views to date ??

Love the Colours and the spice....

Thinking about running

2009-09-26T20:54:00.000+10:00

I've been doing a lot of thinking the past few weeks - about running and fitness and exactly what I want to do with that aspect of my life - now that it is not my priority.

I think that I do want to continue to have running as part of my life and that I need to work on making it part of my routine again.

I realise that I am going to have to make a concerted effort to get back to the mindset of regular training.

I need some points in the future to work towards and measure progress against.

Every month here in Canberra there is an organised run called the Women's and girls Jogalong. It is 6km and run through a big park kind of near my place. I was thinking of making this run a little goal to complete each month - to measure my progress against.

I do need a bigger goal at some point in the future but I also think that to get to where I want to be - I need to take small steps.

It is very appealing - now I just need to do something about it!

Harris on the box

2009-09-17T19:38:00.001+10:00

Funny!

Harris on the box

2009-09-17T19:38:00.000+10:00

Funny!

post signature

Centered and Grounded

2009-09-14T20:13:00.000+10:00

Hello ! I'm back - for how long - who know's! But anyway...

Yesterday I did the Canberra Times Fun Run, which is a 10km course down one of the main roads through Canberra, past parliament house and finishing up in the park that runs alongside Lake Burleigh Griffin.

For the first time ever I really wasn't in it to race myself or anyone else or the clock. I probably walked at least a 1/3 rd of the course. But - I hadn't trained and I knew I wasn't fit enough to run 10km.

However - Yesterday was 7months to the day that Harris wass born.

I spent a good portion of the run congratulating myself for even entering and for being able to run the parts that I did run. Afterall - it has been about 18 months since I have run much more than 5km.

I think yesterday was good for me because it was a bit of a turning point for me - doing the fun run yesterday made me realise that I have done what I didn't think I would be able to do. I had a baby and came out the otherside unscathed. I can still do the things I did before I had the baby. Sure - Harris makes my wants come second because he is my priority - but slowly but surely I have learnt to fit in what I want to do around him.

My whole focus on life has changed and the things that used to take up so much of my mental energy are not so important to me anymore.

He has made me centered and grounded - having hime has shown me what is truly important in life - having him has taught me to have much more respect for what my body is capable of - and to have more respect for how I look. In all honesty - I simply cannot believe that I ever criticised my body before.

I realised doing the run yesterday that before now I really wasn't ready to get back into running - to begin to do something that is purley for me. I did enjoy running yesterday and I remembered that I do enjoy running as an activity. It is empowering and makes you feel free.

so - here's to getting back into running aver the next year or so. I can't wait to be running fit again and to actually enjoy being out there!

Sunday Saunter (on a monday)

2009-09-14T06:30:00.000+10:00

Spring Green

1. SCK0000710ba It's not easy being green, 2. Beautiful Weed, 3. Madagascar Orb Weaving Spider, 4. Verde, 5. Spring Green, 6. Spring Green Petunias, 7. Spring greens, 8. Spring Greens!!, 9. Spring Means Green and HOPE has Arrived!

Home Made Baby Toys

2009-09-11T12:47:00.000+10:00

One thing I have noticed since having my own little one is that you can never have too many toys. They do seem to get bored with the same toys over and over again. The only problem with that is that toys can be expensive!

Simple home made shakers using pasta and craft supplies and cheap plastic containers are perfect to keep things interesting for the little monkey!

To make these, all I did was take some clear plastic screw top containers purchased at a $2 shop and filled them with different sounding objects.

In this picture, the first contains some metallic bells, the second contains some puff pom poms and sequins for a very small soft sound and the third contains an assortment of macaroni, buttons and novelty buttons in different animal shapes - to give the baby something to search for in the jar.

To make it safe for baby to play with, I affixed the jar lid using some 2 part epoxy glue on the inside of the screw top lid - that way the lid can't be pryed open by little hands.

These toys are probably appropriate from 3 months upwards - however once your baby learns that jar's such as these can be opened it is probably best that they are used under supervision - just incase they manage to get past the glue!

This is Harris's very first attempt at painting - he actually wanted to eat the paint brish more than paint with it - and it was rather messy - but fun all the same!

What a busy Week!

2009-09-10T16:05:00.000+10:00

Play School - The Show is coming to Canberra!

The Ever Popular Television Show! Live in Concert.
Featuring Two Presenters plus the toys from the popular television show.
This show is full of active participation.
Play School, which celebrates its 42nd birthday this year, has featured some of Australia’s leading actors as presenters over the years.
These popular Play School live shows are specially designed to delight pre-schoolers and parents alike.
Each show features 40 minutes of songs, games and stories with many of the well-loved toys plus along with two past or present presenters from the television series.
The roars of approval heard whenever they appear on stage attest to the ongoing popularity of Big Ted, Little Ted, Jemima and Humpty
.As with the television program, everything in the concerts is carefully paced especially for children.
There are songs to move to, as well as quiet times to just watch and listen.
The familiarity of the material totally engages the young audience for the 40-minute duration of the concerts
Audience numbers are limited per session so those children
can see and hear the show easily, and move about safely.

Friday 27th November 2009
Yarralumla
Albert Hall
Commonwealth ave Yarralumla
All Tickets *$13.20
Adults at Children's prices. Infants under 12 months on the day of the concert are free

BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL
Phone Kids Promotions on 1300 788 028
or Book Online

We are going along! It should be a whole lot of fun for the bubs!

Not a whole lot of crafting going on this week - we have been busy doing boring chore type activities.

I took Harris for his first swing ride at the park this morning - he seemed to really enjoy himself!

Baby Shorts and Escapism

2009-09-07T16:57:00.000+10:00

These are the little shorts I have made for Harris this summer, all made from refashioned jersey shirts and pillowcases.

Below is a sequence of an attempted escape in progress - luckily it was foiled by mummy.

Cheeky little nappy butt!

Wardrobe Refashion Attempt #1

2009-09-06T20:49:00.000+10:00

Here is what I started out with:

And this is how it ended up:

I'm not entirely impressed but it's not too bad for a first attempt. Unfortunately - although it looks wearable - it's not really. The shoulder straps keep falling down and the under arm piece is a llittle too high cut for my comfort. However - I don;t mind the pattern and I think I will have another go at it with some adjustments.

Sunday Saunter

2009-09-06T10:17:00.000+10:00

As I was sauntering around the blogs for this week I caught a glance of the lovely Smaggle donning a sweet vintagey looking pinafore - and it got me all inspired. Here are some favourites:

1. Retro Smix Jumper, 2. Citrus Pinafore, 3. Prairie Studies Pinafore, 4. Little Pinafores, 5. Vintage McCalls Pattern 2925 Boho Pinafore and Apron, Little House on The Prairie, 6. Choco-Blue Pinafore Dress, 7. pinafores, 8. Nasta Pinafore Dress, 9. pinafore and flats

What's inspriing you this Sunday?

Handmade Home Beach Blanket

2009-09-04T12:17:00.000+10:00

harris play mat 002
Originally uploaded by Andjx2009

I just finished zipping up this lovely blanket made from recycled sheets and pillowcases so that Harris and I have something to sit on outside so we can enjoy the coming warmth of Spring.

It was a fairly easy project, however, my machine really couldn't cope with the bulk of fabric in the blanket and I don't think I'll be making another one anytime soon (The arm on my sewing machine is quite short).

The blanket can be found in the oh so lovely book "Handmade Home" by Amanda Blake Soule - the eternally inspiring lady who is fast becoming my mentor for natural parenting. Her blog Soule Mama is here.

I have decided that I have serious issues with Bias binding and that we are not friends.

The hardest part was actually keeping the baby on the blanket once we got outside. He isn't really one for staying in the one spot for too long and thinks that grass is tasty.

What you makin' Mama?

2009-09-04T07:30:00.000+10:00

I can help? No really I can!

In progress is a nice picnic blanket - made entirely from thrifted fabric and as given as a project in the book by Amanda Blake Soule - Handmade Home.

It is a lovely book with lots of family friendly projects based on aiming to use the things you have.

In reality right now I am procastinating from making the bias tape for the outside of thie rug.

Ho Hum... off I go

Summer Skirts

2009-09-03T11:37:00.000+10:00

Here is a few pics of the skirts I have made for this coming summer. Super easy to make - no pattern required - just some pretty fabric. I have another 4 or 5 lined up to make - so that should see me through.

Delicate Delicate New Life of Spring

2009-09-03T06:41:00.000+10:00

Sometimes I wish I knew how to make pictures bigger on blogger so that it did them justice a bit better.

Yesterday I wore a skirt and a tank top all day and the maximum temperature was only 16 - but to me that was plenty warm enough to stop wallowing in the depths of winter clothing.

What can I say - the warmer months make me happy!

Below is a pic of my latest haul from the Salvo's. Looking at it now I have actually already used most of it to make shorts for the baby for summer. I'll post a pic later on. I often flick through the vintage patterns at the salvo's just to see what might happen to pop out at me. This one did the other day - I thought it had a nice sillhouete. If anything - it will make a nice summer frock to throw over swimmers at the beach.

Smashing Smock!

2009-09-02T12:42:00.000+10:00

This top is the smock project from the Anna Maria Horner Book - Seams to Me.

I made no alterations to this one - except for adding some ties so that I could nip the top in a little at the waist. However if I make it again, I think that I w ould like to take some fabric off the arm sleeve edge and just bring it in to expose my shoulders a bit more.

I am a size 12 and made the Medium in the book and it fits quite well.

I just used plain cotton fabric with no stretch.

I am by no means an accomplished sewer and I found this project easy - but I did have to study the instructions very thoroughly.

I will most likely make it again - next time I am going to make it in all the same fabric rather than the contrast.

Wardrobe refashion

2009-09-01T07:58:00.000+10:00

Eeek! I have have taken the pledge to commit to wardrobe refashioning for the next 2months!!

From over here. The pledge goes like this:

" I pledge that I shall refashion, renovate, recycle preloved items for myself for the term of the contract. I pledge that I shall create and craft items of clothing for myself with my own hands in fabric yarn or other medium for the term of my contract. "

I do need to make one caveat though - at some time in the next couple of months I am going to need to go out and buy some plain white singlet tops and t-shirts. Being pregnant all last summer has left me with very little in the way of top half coverings and as I practically live in singlets and t-shirts when it is warmer - I can't get by without buying just a few.

I figured that I was pretty much doing this at the moment anyway - so why not take the challenge. That and I need to live simply and be thrifty for the next few months. I enjoy the concept and idea of it - but have been too lazy to do anything about it up till now.

Last week I made 4 skirts and I have plans for another 4. Yesterday I cut off a pair of old cargo pants into shorts and found a really nice pair of black shorts at Vinnies.

I'm ready to see just how creative I can be - AND - I really like the environmental aspects of a challenge like this. I absolutely hate the throwaway nature of our society and clothes sold in the shops now are so expensive considering they are made in China by people who may be living below the poverty line.

When I do come to buying those singlets I need, I'm going to do some research into a brand that is made in Australia I think.

I'll post a pic of my thrifting and sewing later on.

Blog Fatigue

2009-08-28T16:52:00.000+10:00

I think I have blog fatigue....I'm sure it's a diagnosable condition by now.

Symptoms as follows:

- Lack of desire to blog
- Lack of desire to read other blogs
- Blogging leaves you feeling drained

I'm sure it will pass.

Until then..,... I'm having a Break.

(ahhhhaahah...it DOES exist see link)

Ahhh Spring....

2009-08-23T15:38:00.000+10:00

A bit downhill

2009-08-13T19:18:00.000+10:00

After my big gung ho start to the week, Harris decided that this week he was going to turn into a crying all night baby again - so the early part of this week really suffered.

Sleep deprivation certainly does make like more difficult. Looking at the baby in the picture above - you wouldn't know it. He looks like an angel!

It is his 6 month "half-birthday" today! Can you believe he is six months old already?

So last night was the first night this week that was back to normal (Normal is to only get woken up twice in the night -as compared to 5 times).

I missed my walk on Tuesday - mainly because I was tired I suppose - both from lack of sleep and from the gym session I did on Monday.

But I walked to mothers group yesterday and then went for an 8km walk today with a couple of the girls who also have heavy duty walking prams.

This week when it has been tough, I have had to remind myself that I didn't set out on this challenge to completely regain my fitness to the point where I was running half marathons again by the end - but simply to refocus my mind towards living an active lifestyle again and choosing the active approach rather than being a lazy bones.

It is important to remind yourself on a weekly (or even more frequently) basis about the WHY - What is your original purpose?
What made you set on this path in the first place?
Review of our goals is an important part of staying committed - so too is measuring how you are travelling along your path and ensuring that you are aligned with your original purpose.
Drifting too far in either direction (Where you are either not meeting your original goal pathway OR you are exceeding what you set out to do and in turn pushing yourself too hard and risking burnout) - is a surefire way to the beginnings of self doubt and possible failure!

A rainy day

2009-08-11T08:08:00.000+10:00

I have been pretty focussed on exercise and fitness lately and it is eating into the crafting somewhat. However, I went to the Craft and Quilt fair here in canberra on the weekend and it was awesome to say the least.

I am taliking specifically about the quilt show because it was spectacular!

So - of couse - this has me on the verge of another crafting spree and I am really looking forward to recieving all the packages I have recently purchase from the US of fabric and crafting books and particularly a lovely pattern! (For wihich the fabric in the first picture is promised!)

I am also in the process of redesigning this blog - it is slow because it takes time - but it will get there - so stay tuned!

Monday Monday

2009-08-10T14:25:00.000+10:00

I have started off the week on a good foot with a really nice session at the gym this morning.

I was only going to warm up on the treadmill and then go and do some back strength work, but there was some good music on the ipod so I pumped up the incline on the treadmill and walked for 30 mins and then I did 10 mins on the elliptical.

Then I did some back strength work.

I have decided that I really love feeling the pump from a good workout. The past few weeks have been really good for me in terms of the way I approach exercise mentally.

I used to be quite all or nothing - if I wasn't going to give it 100% with nutrition and 100% with the gym then I wasn't interested in going at all. I had it in my head that it wasn't worth making the effort at all if I wasn't going to give it my all.

Doing this 100 day challenge - and probably more so - setting myself the challenge of completing 500km over the course of the next 80 something days - has been great for helping me to break this thinking pattern. I realised that I was exercising for the purpose of regaining my fitness and feeling generally good - rather than for the purpose of losing weight. Any weight lost is a bonus!

This was the way I approached the half marathon training last year as well and it worked for me that time as well. I think that this is probably the best way for me to approach something like this because I don't value weight loss enough for it to be my primary goal. I think I valuethe challenge of something that is within reach but has an element of difficulty attached to it - so that I feel like I am accomplishing something of value in the process.

I think the trick to achieving a goal (and having the motivation to keep hacking away at it) is to find something that is important to you and that YOU value - rather than what you think you value. Sure I like being smaller than I am right now - but it is not something that I can conrol or that is tangible to me - so it's not very motivating.

It's simple really - find what works for you and make it something that will continue motivating you through the times when you feel like it's not worth it and 'what's the point anyway'.

There is my wisdom for the day!

Once Harris wakes up - I have adog to walk so I can make up my missing 2.5km for this week.

Phew! What a weekend!

2009-08-09T17:18:00.000+10:00

It just seems to have flown by at warp speed!

Just got back from a 4km walk with harris in the pram and this morning I took my niece to an ice skating birthday party and had a bit of a skate myself.

For those who don't know, I did figure skating when I was younger and it is nice to have a skate every now and again to prove to yourself that you haven't forgotten how.

All I could think was that I must have had very strong legs when I was younger because it is hard work!

So I think that counts for at least 1km!

I am really looking forward to getting to the gym in the morning and doing a bit of a weights session! I think that this week I am going to try and do weights before cardio just to change things around a bit.

As for the 100 day challenge - I am still 100% on board and so far I have managed to not relinquish any of my bones. I do need to keep reminding myself of my original goal though of simply being active each day - and not trying to push myself too hard. I need to be able to be active and do something each day without getting too overly tired and grumpy.

Having said that - I am going to try and focus on the diet a bit this week - mainly because we have had a weekend of indulgence and I feel the need to have that nice feeling you get from having a few days of clean eating.

The scales are still annoying me because they are refusing to budge - but on a positive note I am looking to other guides - like what I see in the mirror and how my clothes are fitting me. That and the BF% on my scales is moving downwards - so that makes me happy enough.

I'm looking forward to a week of feeling pumped about weights!

The value of a training partner

2009-08-08T11:17:00.000+10:00

This morning I was meant to go to RPM with Amanda - but we got there and the Canberra powerlifting titles were on at Elite Physique and the groups fitness classes were cancelled. So we did a weights session instead.

Having never really had a training partner as such, it was really nice to be able to have a chat as you were working out and I can really see how it could be very motivating to have someone to train with on a regular basis.

As tehre was no cardio involved - a dog walk is on the cards this afternoon in order to get in the 5km. I will count the weight session towards the couple of Km I need to make up for this week.

Busy Bee

2009-08-07T09:21:00.000+10:00

I've got so much on today that this is just going to be a quick post.

Walk - done! I walked my running route with the GPS tracker to see how far it was - 5.4 km.

The whole drinking 3 Lt of water thing is quite difficult - I didn't manage it yesterday.

Right best be off - we have a craft fair to go to, then some house tidying to do, then cousins coming over, then friends coming over for dinner.

Phew!

Recipe Twist

2009-08-06T13:27:00.000+10:00

A few nights ago I gave Kek's Warm Pumpkin and Green bean salad a go - and I must say - it was pretty nice! (All picture credits to Kek!)

I had some leftover in the fridge and when I went to make my lunch today - it was the easiest quickest thing that stood out to me. I was steaming some zucchini for baby food purposes so I thought I would add that in as well.
Now for some protein and a can of tuna seemed to magically jump into my hand.

I have to say it was a mighty tasty lunch!

So:

1 Serve of Warm Pumpkin and Green Bean salad
1 small tin of tuna in springwater (or some honey soy marinated chicken...)
As much Zucchini as you like (Broccoli would also work well I think)
a dash of Tobasco sauce

Mix all together and serve warm!

There you have one figure friendly lunch!

Now I'm sure you don't want to hear about the blended peaches and rice cereal I made for Harris - but that was tasty too.

Now I must go and attend to drinking 3 lt of water.....

Awake so early

2009-08-06T06:58:00.000+10:00

The little one woke us up quite early today and now he has gone back to bed so I have scoffed down some Oats and sultanas for breakfast and now am doing a blog post so I can get on with getting this house clean later in the day.

Planning a walk today - 5km Bridge to Bridge around Lake Burleigh Griffin. I also want to go to have a look at the National Portrait Gallery for a bit of a look see. ( I didn't manage the walk - it was too cold near the lake and i didn't pack warm enough clothes for Harris)

Later this afternoon I am going to take the dog for a run because I have to get a run in on a Thursday. (Tick!)

I can't go to the gym today because the little one is a bit snuffly and I don't want him to pass it on to any of the other kids at the gym childcare.

I got the new Oxygen magazine yesterday and while I do love Oxygen and think it is probably the best fitness magazine on the market - I also have problems with the fact that the editorial team make absolutely no effort to de-americanize the articles (sorry for any american readers).

I realize that some of the articles used in the Australian version of Oxygen are from the US magazine and understand the rationale behind this - but would it be so difficult to correct the references from Pounds into Kilos - I can convert pound to kilos in my head - but not everyone can do this and I just feel like it marginalises the Australian audience to some degree and comes across as a little lazy.

Just my thoughts...

Have a great day!

2009-08-05T19:19:00.000+10:00

Well today has just been a tough slog mentally from beginning to end. Harris had a rough night and Wednesday is Mothers group day so I can't go to the gym.

Whether I have a good, motivated day or not really seems to be dependant on whether or not I can get some exercise in fairly early on in the day or not.

I had planned on walking to mothers group but it was freezing and after almost getting frostbite in my fingers yesterday, I didn't feel like doing that again today.

I made the fatal error of going to the shops and giving in to a craving for a bought breakfast.

I am glad that my goals for this 100 day challenge aren't about food - but perhaps they should be!

So a good start to the day in the way of food as well as exercise is the key to me having a good day on a whole. I also didn't have much water today. I can really feel the difference. Good thing the Phase 2 mini challenge starts tomorrow!

Exercise for today was an hour on the spin bike - but it was quite interrupted - I was off the bike for probably 2 minutes out of every 10 - so I am only giving myself 3.5km today.

John Brack Tickets Giveaway

2009-08-05T14:44:00.000+10:00

24 April – 9 August 2009
Open daily 10am–5pm and until 9pm every Thursday
The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia
Galleries 17 – 20, Level 3
Admission fees apply

I have 2 tickets to the John Brack exhibition at the Ian Potter Centre - National Gallery of Victoria to giveaway, so if you are in Melbourne this weekend and looking for something to do this might be for you!

The exhibition closes on Sunday (This coming Sunday!) soI need to finalise this before tomorrow so I can get them in the post - so I will choose a winner at random if you leave a comment on this post by midnight tonight.

Good Luck!

Good Morning!

2009-08-04T08:02:00.000+10:00

Well Good Morning!

I just feel like today is going to be one of those lovely days. Harris gave me 6 hours uninterupted sleep last night and it is amazing the difference that it makes to how you feel.

I tried to do a 'weigh in' today but it is difficult because my scales are really erratic - they can range over 2kg when you stand on the three times in a row so I don't take them too seriously. But this mornings number was looking promising - so I will take it more seriously if I get a repeated number over the course of the week.

As today is the second last day of Phase 1 I was thinking yesterday about my measly water intake. I have been trying to carry a water bottle with me at all times but I'm stll not extremely good at remembering to drink the water.
So for Phase 2 I am going to set myself a mini goal of drinking 3 litres of water a day. Not for the entire 100 days - just for the 10 days of phase two. Hopefully that will geet me in enough of a habit to remember to drink at least 2 lt after that.

The plan for today is to go to the gym for 40 mins cardio and some chest and biceps strength work. That should cover my 5km for today.

OK - I have to go and rescue the baby from the floor play mat because he keeps tippit over on top of himself.

ifitness for iphone

2009-08-03T14:34:00.000+10:00

I went searching the itues application store the other day for something I could use to track the weights etc that I do in the gym that might be an alternative to carrying around a notebook and pen. Happily - I found just the thing in the ifitness .

This is a neat little application that not only allows you to easily enter the amount of weight and reps for each exercise, BUT it allows you to create a customisable daily workout schedule, giving you a demonstration of the intended exercise as well as a comprehensive database of exercises to choose to add to your personal workout regimen.

There is also a nifty little countdown feature so you can countdown 60seconds until your next set is due.

It also has the ability to track statistics on a week to week basis.

I think the ifitness application for iphone is great and it was so much easier than toting around a pen and paper - it was all right there as part of the device I use to listen to music at the gym anyway.

92...

2009-08-03T14:29:00.000+10:00

So after me saying that it was way too cold outside today to go walking - it has turned into a stunning day here in Canberra and I WANT to go walking!

Though I have been to the gym today - did 30 mins on the treadmill. Mixed it up with some intervals, some hill walking and some steady state running - did about 3.5km all up and followed it up with some legs.

I think that I have managed to overcome my guilt of leaving Harris in the childcare at the gym. He really likes it there so I needen't be worried.

I think that I will go for a walk with mark and the dog this afternoon to get my weekly total up to 35km.

Right now I have to tear myself away from the blog and go and do some housework while the baby is asleep! *Trudges off to do housework...*

2009-08-03T08:37:00.000+10:00

Testing the new Signature.

No...I haven't fallen off the face of the earth

2009-08-03T07:51:00.000+10:00

But I guess when you are online so often and then you aren't for a few days it can certainly seem like that.

We went away to our house at the south coast for the weekend and I thought I would have coverage on my mobile - but apparently Vodafone's 3G network isn't all that great.

Never fear - I stuck to the 100 day challenge brief and we went for a big walk on both days.

On saturday we walked around the coast and along the rocks. At one point we passed an older lady who stopped and said to us:
" Do you guys know anything about seals?"

Of course we sad no.

Then she says: " Well there is a seal just around that corner up ahead"

We were like - Okay...didn't really think that seals ventured into Bateman's Bay too frequently.

So we walked around that corner, and the next one, and the next one....there was no seal. I think she might have found some nice mushrooms or something...but no seals.

On Sunday we ventured out for a bush walk - because Mark's mum told us that she had found a Sea eagle's next at one point and that she wanted her ashes scattered there near the nest. Problem was that none of us actually knew where the sea eagles next was. So we ventured out to find it. Happly - we did find what we think is a Sea Eagle nest - so that is one job done. Now we just have to make a time to go down and do the ashes thing.

On the goals front - I really don't understand my body at the moment and I think that it has everything to do with breastfeeding. I haven't lost any weight at all - even though I have gone from doing no activity whatsoever to exercise of some description daily. I think that perhaps I will have to ignore that fact and just keep on doing what I'm doing and hope for the best.

The plan for today is to go to the gym for some Cardio and legs. It's way too cold outside today for walking.

Ahh Friday.....

2009-07-31T08:16:00.000+10:00

Although you would think that most days feel like a Friday to me. Not the case - the simple fact that I have Mark around on the weekends makes such a big difference!

Today I am going to head to the gym for a circut class - normally I would do this class on a Saturday but we are heading to the Coast this weekend for a little dose of warmth.

I honestly don't think this winter has been all that bad so far - it is the next couple of months that really get me down because I don't like wind and August and September are bitterly windy here in Canberra.

I realised after my run yesterday that there is great value in doing exercise that is slightly higher in intensity a few days per week rather than just walking. It was almost as if I could feel the afterburn from going for a run yesterday. That is what revs me up and keeps me motivated - that little afterburn. Today - instead of dreading doing something - I am actually looking forward to it. Not to mention the fact that I am more inclined to eat better when I feel that little afterburn effect.

I measured yesterdays run on google Earth and it turns out it was close to 5km - which I found surprisingly easy. I was umming and ahhing about actually doing the Canberra times fun run - but I am going to go and put my entry in today - that way there is no umming and ahhing anymore.

I am biting the bullet and getting it done.

Didn't want to but I did

2009-07-30T18:08:00.000+10:00

I find that if I dont exercise in the morning that I generally don't feel all that much like exercising at all.

That is what happened today - mainly because it was a disgusting day here in Canberra today and it was just too cold and awful to go outside.

I wanted to take Harris to story time at the Library but I also wanted to go the gym but they kind of clash with each other - so I thought (with excellent intentions) that I would just get on the spin bike when I got home. But I ended up having coffee with a friend and then Harris was asleep and I didn't want to wake him by putting him in the car so I stayed out a lot longer than I expected to.

So by the time I got home I had pretty much talked myself into having the day off - even though I know that is not the pont of the 100 day challenge exercise. Believe me - I was having a big internal fight with myself.

So I offered to walk the dog - knowing that I had really wanted to get a run in at some point today.

I ended up run/walking about 5km which was great.

It so much easier without a pram!

After I was done I felt great and I was glad I had done it. (Which as we all know to be true 99.9% of the time)

98...

2009-07-29T07:53:00.000+10:00

Well I stayed up too late last night fiddling with my blog and now I am all tired and paying for it.

Thus the reason I am blogging in the morning today - I'm getting it out of the way in case I feel the need to have an early night tonight.

We are having a quiet day today. Going to mothers group and then coming home again.

It's at a girls house who lives in the next suburb so I am planning on walking. I'll map it on my phone so I know how far it is - probably about 3km I think.

I'll probably do half an hour on the spin bike today as well while Harris is asleep.

So that equates to 5.5km for the whole day.

Have a nice day all!

If I could walk 500 miles.....

2009-07-28T22:57:00.000+10:00

I have decided to add on to my goals for this 100 day challenge - still keeping it simple - I thought that I did need to make it a little more challenging.

The goal is to "Travel" 500 Kilometers by the end of the 100 days.

That equates to 35 kilometers per week and 5 km per day.

As I don't always walk/run I figured that I need to allocate an arbitrary number to the days that I do cardio that does not translate to a distance or I am unable to measure the distance.

So:

1 Hour of Cardio activity = 5km distance travelled

so for example - a cardio class at the gym is equal to 5km OR 30 mins on the bike or elliptical is equal to 2.5km.

I realised that some days I might physically do more than 5km - especially if I am walking - so I am not limited to only 35 km per week, I am able to bank kilometers - as long as the tally at the end is equal to 500 - thats is all that matters!

I thought of this today while I was out walking - last year when I was training for the half marathon I used to tally the number of kilometers I had run and rode each week and it was like a little game to see if I could better it each week. I thought it might be nice to add a little fun challenge into the mix.

99 bottles of...

2009-07-28T19:44:00.000+10:00

water....days to go... definitely not bottles of beer.

Not that I'm really counting down because I don't necessarily want the 99 days to be over.

Today we walked again. We parked at the AIS rowing shed at the Yarralumla stretch of the lake and walked towards the zoo. My ipod died around the halfway point - I had been out for just over 30 mins so I decided to turn around at that point. I think it was about 6km. I have a GPS tracker on my phone but the phone is the ipod is the phone so they were all dead.

It felt like we were in and out of the car all day tday and it made it a very long day.

Tuesday is swimming day for me and Harris - so right now I am very tired. I take Harris to Aquatots and so far I think it is really great - I can see us going to swimming there for a long time. Its really about water awareness than swimming at this stage. Harris is in the 'Periwinkles' group and they do little songs and activities each week. It is very cute.
Poor little boy - I think he likes swimming but half an hour is a long time for a 5 month old baby in the pool.

So there was a few things I wanted to do on the net tonight but they will have to wait I think because I need an early night! Planning on a more quiet couple of days coming up - I think I am turing into a real homebody - never thought that would happen!

100 day challenge - I'm in

2009-07-27T06:50:00.000+10:00

So that means that it's day 100 right?

I plan to approach this using the K.I.S.S. approach!

I was already committed to 10 weeks - and I still plan to work towards that goal of 0.5kg per week for the next ten weeks.

My goal for the 100 day challenge is simple - be active everyday and blog about it.

So that means go to the gym, do a crcut at home, get on the spin bike, walk the dog, go for a walk to the shops rather than driving etc etc.

I have become lazy by being a stay at home mum and often I find it easier just to sit at home rather than get off my butt and do something.

My focus for the next 100 days is about being active and mindful about my health.

That translates to what I'm eating and drinking as well (.e I need to drink more water each day). But I will stick to the main goal of increased activity for this purpose.

It seems simple I know - but simple is what I need right now.

So what is on the cards for today? I need to go into the Canberra centre to get a few things. I'm going to park at the Museum and walk in rather than park in the city and pay. It's 2.7km each way - so that is a decent walk!

I don't know why that is such a rubbish picture - but you get the idea!

So While Harris has been asleep for the past 45 minutes I have been doing some internet chores, paying bills, ebay purchases etc now he is waking up! Better go!

and now I'm paying

2009-07-26T09:01:00.000+10:00

for the torture I submitted myself to yesterday. I swear that every muscle in my body is hurting right now.

It hurts to pick Harris up!

I think this is one of the reasons I was scared to get back to the gym.

BUT it has to be done if I want to achieve this goal!

I feel so unfit!

2009-07-25T12:09:00.000+10:00

I went to the gym this morning for the first time in ages! I was trying really hard to focus on my self talk being positive - which was a good thing because had I not I may well have walked out!
I did a circut class by oh my goodness did t make me feel unfit! Simple things that before I could do so easily are now really quite difficult!
It made me realise that rebuilding my fitness is something that I really need to do.

Cardio wise I'm not too bad - it's the strength department where I am really lacking.

I should have guessed this because the past few weeks the scale number has been consistently dropping but the % Body Fat figure is not dropping very much at all - which essentially means I am losing muscle to some degree.

So yesterday I dug my spin bike out of the back room so that it now confronts me in my study daily.

I have set myself a goal to attempt to lose just 0.5kg each week for the next ten weeks. I am hoping that I can come a cross a charity ball or some event such as this towards the end of this time so that I have a nice event to look forward to looking great at! The reason I chose 10 weeks is because Harris's swimming term goes for ten weeks - so by the end of that time I hope to be feeling a little leaner in my swimmers than I do now!

I feel like 0.5kg is a really achieveable goal point for me, it's something that I feel like I can tangibly grasp and doesn't feel too difficult in my mind.

As a secondary advantage to this - it means that by the end of the ten weeks I will have lost 5 kg - which will put me around the 69kg point - only 1 kg off my pre pregnancy weight and 1kg off the point I wanted to be at before I went back to work.

I have been reading a lot of motivational blogging over the past week - so keep it up !

Destruct-a-baby strikes...

2009-07-23T16:57:00.000+10:00

Today...my new Real Living magazine arrived in the mail...

Just now I walked back into the lounge to find this:

and what do those innocent eyes say? "What...isn't that why you left it out for me?"

and he can't even crawl yet...eek!

Destruc-a-baby strikes...

2009-07-23T16:46:00.000+10:00

Today...my new Real Living magazine arrived in the mail...

Just now I walked back into the lounge to find this:

and what do those innocent eyes say? "What...isn't that why you left it out for me?"

and he can't even crawl yet...eek!

Struggling with selfishness

2009-07-21T13:29:00.000+10:00

I admit it - I am having a hard time getting back into training - but not for the reasons I thought I would (i.e. lack of motivation) - it is because I feel selfish for dumping Harris in the childcare at the gym and not spending time with him.

Initially I was trying to get him back into a solid routine and I didn't want to go out when I knew it would mess his routine up for sleeping - now I know that I can work around that - especially if I walk to the gym with the pram.

But I just feel so selfish for leaving him there. I don't know where this has come from really because before I got sick last month I had no problem leaving him at the gym creche.

What got me thinking about it really was listening the the wonderful Lia interview both Rae and Michelle Nazaroff for Lindy Olsen at the All Female competition. ( you did a great job Lia).
Listening to Michell Nazaroff talk about managing her baby as well as training got me thinking about it all.

I need to feel OK about giving time to get myself back to where I was before. It is OK to leave him with a carer for a few hours so I can be the best I can be. It is OK for me to want to be the best I can be.

I guess I haven't really done a lot of navel gazing lately - but perhaps I should start again.

Lately I have had a very much "this is good enough" attitude. There has been lots of excuse making going on. Lots of "it doesn't really matter because I actually look OK. I haven't really been feeling bad about the way my body looks but perhaps I have a bit of a hazy view - perhaps I'm not really looking hard and being critical of myself anymore - perhaps that is a good thing?

On a side note I was reading in a parenting magazine about a woman who organises runners to participate in half marathons; fundraising for premature babies and equipment for hospitals etc. I think that this might be something that I would like to participate in. Since having Harris my heart goes out to anyone with a sick baby or child and the doctors who work the miracles to save them. I can't even watch stories about sick cchildren on RPA and shows like that anymore without tearing up. It is something that I have come to feel very strongly about. I need to do some more research though - so watch this space!

the power of banana!

2009-07-13T20:26:00.000+10:00

We recently started giving Harris one meal a day of real food in addition to what he gets from Breast milk.

It has been a funny experience and frustrating at times but at the same time it is fascinating to watch my small boy figure out what he does and doesn't like and introduce him to the world of food.

It's also very interesting to watch his reactions to different food.

Now it is all very bland and simple at the moment - he just has single foods - like mashed pumpkin, or sweet potato, rice cereal, mashed pear, mashed apple, banana and avocado.

I guess it is like the opposite of an elimination diet because you can tell when something has affected him differently.

He's not too picky but he definitely doesn't think too highly of apple!

He likes all the veges though - and loves the rice cereal.

I made an interesting observation about the energy inducing effects of banana - we don't actually give him banana at night any more because it gives him a huge energy zing - whereas on the nights he has the nice low GI carb sources - placid happy baby!

It's fun and I am enjoying it!

Now I just have to start setting him a better example with the food choices I make!

September 13th Here I come

2009-07-12T19:43:00.000+10:00

Fittingly September 13th is Harris's 7month birthday - an appropriate date to recommence my running passion I think.

Mark and Harris will be cheering me on from the sidelines - my simple goal is to complete this even and do it in under 1 hour.

The sub goal is to find that bug that I was talking about in my last post again!

I'm sure it won't be too hard once I get started.

So the plan for this week is simply to run three times!

3km twice
and 5 km once - probably on Sunday.

It sound so small and measly compared to what I was doing before but hey - things aren't the same as they were before and I have to change my thinking to reflect that change.

I also have decided to work on getting the cale weight down to 71kg as well.

There is a bg list of things that I really want to achieve before I go back to work and as each day ticks by the date when I am going back to work gets closer and closer. One of those things was to lose all of the weight I put on while I was pregnant. It is coming off slowly without me trying too hard but I think I may be losing muscle because my body fat percentage isn't really getting any lower.

So while my end goal weight is around 67 kg, for now I am going to focus on 71 and if I want to have a little break once I get to 71 I will. I really need to be back at aroun 25% BF as well but I'm not too worried about that - it will come in time.

It could be the few glass of red wine I have had speaking but I'm excited!

The Bug

2009-07-09T21:00:00.000+10:00

I was out walking today with Harris asleep in the pram and the music from the ipod blaring in my ears - I am positive that is when I accomplish my best thinking.

I was thinking about how motivated I was to train when I was training for the half marathon and what the factors were that contributed to that motivation and I decided that it's "The Bug" that contributes a lot for me.

So what exactly is "the bug" - it's that unexplanable drive and motivation you get when you immerse yourself into a project and you just can't get enough of it - when you are realy looking forward to the outcome or the upcoming event. One of my favourite things in the world is looking forward to an upcoming event and having the excitement build.

In the terms of an athletic event part of that involves the build up events and actions that remind you of the nervous tension and excitement and the reason why you are there doing it in the first place. Those little events that keep the fire alive in side the bug (Perhaps we should call it the firefly).

So I've lost my bug! I realised that this was what I was missing - all those little things that keep me immersed. The gym alone isn't enough.

But when I go out for walks and get these tidbits of inspiation I feel like the bug is there floating around the edges of me.

So I have my event and it's time to try and reignite the bug.

I know I know

2009-07-07T17:26:00.000+10:00

... it has been a long time without blogging for me but to be honest I just haven't really felt like it in the past few weeks.

In the haze of sleep deprivation that has been the highlight of the past month I see to have started to lose my mojo for many things - exercise adn blogging being two of them.

I literally have felt like we have been living in a haze. It doesn't help that we have been sick on and off for the most of the past month.

We seem to all be on the mend now though - I just have to find that motivation again.

I promised one of our extended family members that I would do the Canberra times 10km fun run on the 13th of September.

So what am I doing about it.... just thinking about what I need to do rather than doing it.

I have the hesitation of fear of hard work surrounding me at the moment.

I think I may just need to jump in the deep end.

Balance

2009-06-25T17:43:00.000+10:00

Ahh it has been such a long time since Imanaged to write anything at all here and I feel very out of touch with all things crafty. Intruth we have both been sick with a recurrent cold and then we went on a trip to Brisbane to visit my mum and friends. Now we are back I am feeling the need to reconnect with the balance that crafting adds to my life.

I have been banging holes in walls left rght and centre this past week, finally putting up some pictures that I have had lying around the place for ages.

I have decided that it is time to make this house of ours feel more like a home and after much deliberation, scouring of magazines and contemplation, I have finally decided on a colour scheme and am making progress towards a more homely home.

The high contrast of the black and the white, the neutrality of the chocolate and the zing of the accent colours of the orange and pink.
We have lots of black and white photo's and we already had a painting using the chocolate and pinks - plus I love that I can add in metallic bits and pieces to give it all some richness.

So I will attempt to get back into the crafting and blogging... next stop - My creative space

What you can, When you can

2009-06-04T14:12:00.000+10:00

This week started out well enough but a really bad night with Harris on tuesday night left me in a pudlle of tears by Wednesday morning.

It was probably the worst night we have had since we came home from Hospital and I think he either has another little bug or he is just growing.

So I gave up for the day yesterday and did what I needed to do to preserve sanity. Part of the problem was that I had let a whole lot of things build up and every time I looked around the house I felt like the walls were encroaching in on me.

Harris won't let me put him down long enough to get anything done all in one hit so I end up doing things by halves and then they end up worse than they were to begin with.

mark's sister came over yesterday afternoon and we had a mini cleaning bee and got most of what I wanted to get done, done so I am in a much better head space now.

Now I just need to stay on top of it!

I feel a bit sick today - the gym session this morning was much more difficult than normal and I have a sore throat. Hopefully it doesn't progress into anything bigger.

Sunday, Lazy Sunday

2009-06-01T04:19:00.000+10:00

So the weekend rolls around and it's so nice not having to look after Harris all by myself and to have an extra set of hands to do things around the house.

The problem is I start to feel really relaxed and happy and I don't really feel like eating to a schedule.

I want that to be relaxed as well....

Well relaxation is a state of mind and has nothing to do with what you eat - so I reminded myself today AFTER I had nicely set myself up for disasterous eating.

It all started off well enough, I got up and made a nice egg white omlette and ate the last pear in the fruit bowl.

Then we go to doing stuff, we went to the farmers markets and got the vege for the week.

Once we got home I pottered around for a bit.

THen I started to feel really low and almost sad...I got really grumpy that there was nothing on TV and felt sick of siting around the house all the time. I walked into the kitchen and instead of making myself some nice youghurt and mixing in some protein powder.... I just ate all the carby things I could find in the kitchen - not in binge amounts just a little bit of everything. Vegemite toast, a glass of milo, a handful of dried cranberries, a piece of chocolate, some home made bikkies....

About half an hour afterwards I felt great again...amazing in fact....my head didn't hurt for thinking anymore and I relaxed

What just happened? Easy - I didn't eat when I should have, I restricted carbs in the morning when I shouldn't have and I basically set myself up for a carb up session.

Lesson learn't? Yes

2009-05-30T15:22:00.000+10:00

So tired...

2009-05-29T20:28:00.000+10:00

A combination of Harris's poor sleeping habits and all the exercise has left me drained and exhausted this friday. So drained in fact that it is difficult to string a sentence toghether. I really should be in bed.

Due to a very broken night last night I toned it down a bit today and did a 5km walk in just on an hour. I definitely feel much fitter than I did a few weeks back as the walk was a breeze and I was struggling to get my heart rate up.

Kristy asked me about whether I was still logging my food on Calorie King.

The answer is yes!

Even though I have a pretty good idea of what I need to eat to keep the nutrient balance approximately right for me ( I aim for 40 % Carbs, 40% protein and 20% fat - or there abouts)
- it is surprisingly easy to over do the calories without trying to hard at all. I tend to log my planned food the night before and that achieves two things.
a) it helps me to visualise what I am going to eat the next day - and thus helps me to stick to the planned food.
b) it means I know what calories I am planning to be on for the next day and whether or not I can squeeze in a coffee as a treat or an extra slice of bread here and there to make the day more balanced.

Because I am breastfeeding, my calorie intake is a little higher than it used to be when I was training for the half marathon - I find that if I dont keep it around 1500cal a day that I am verging on the pint of getting too hungry - and I know that overhungryness combined with tiredness is a big risk factor for me wanting to eat poorly. I know that if I have a big calorie dense meal I will feel great energy wise - but that's not so good for the waist line. So I kind of have to keep it in check - and cal king helps with that.

In the mean time... if you happen to see the drool monster (example a in the above pics), I would take cover.....he likes milk..and not the cow kind!

Edit at 4 am....

I had a revelation sometime in the past 6 hours, perhaps while I was struggling to keep my eyes open while feeding Harris.
Even if I have 1 meal that is slightly off plan or a worse choice than it possibly could have been, it will still mean I have had a better day that I would have had I done this:

Gotten up...put off eating breakfast until I knew the local cafes were open.....drive to the cafe/bakery..... eat something along the lines of a chocolate crossoiant, egg and bacon roll or a muffin and wash it down with a coffee..... eat nothing else until 12:30ish and then be starving..... be out in the car running errands with Harris and think "it'll be too hard to make something when I get home because Harris won't let me put him down without crying..... get KFC or Macca's through the drive through...... again not eat anything until dinner.......feel tired and lethargic and not want to cook dinner.....suggest to Mark that we get Turkish Pizza for dinner

OR the alternative

Wake up tired from getting up to Harris all night but know I will feel much better after eating.....make an egg white omlette which takes about 5 minutes and is very tasty...... drive to the lake and go for a 5km walk outdoors...it's cold but the fresh air is lovely......get back to the car and eat an apple and a protein bar...head to fresh food markets to pick up some vege and free range eggs for weekend breakfasts.... head home and eat pre prepped turkey mince and vege with pasta sauce from freezer......chill on the lounge with Harris all afternoon....feel tired and exhausted - not like cooking dinner...suggest we go to a local cafe where I knew I could get something relatively healthy for dinner....find out that it is closed for 3 months for reno's and am a little dissapointed....go to the local vietnamese instead......make a relaively poor choice in the Chicken laksa because feel the need to eat quickly before Harris gets grumpy...go home feeling the need to trawl the cupboards for sweet things due to feeling tired and flat...make a pot of chai tea with a drizzle of honey, have a small handful of dried cranberries and a couple of bikkies that Mark cooked.....go to bed feeling guity about the indulgence and know that there is going to be a spike on the scales in the morning...have the realisation above and start feeling a whole lot better about my day!

I had a good title

2009-05-27T19:28:00.000+10:00

I had a good title earlier on and now it has left my head!

I was reading something last night about goals and it was talking about internal vs external motivation. It asked the question whether you get excited about how great you will feel once you reach your goal point.

It got me thinking - that is so true! AND I realised that I have been so focussed on how hard it will be and how long it will take and how much I need to sacrifice that I had completely forgotten about the whole refocusing thing. Snce I have started thinking about how great I will feel once I get to the other end I have started getting excited about it all again - which is great!

I'm glad I was reminded of that.

The past couple of days have been good. I am getting back into the habit of prioritising the gym and my training and organising the rest of the things around that - or simply turning up slightly late to things like mothers group.

Tonight I got Mark to look after Harris for an hour so I could dye my hair - I realised that I need to do these things for myself occasionally or I start to feel a bit bad and get a bit of low self esteem.

So far so good, I am finding the food plan easy - but I think it is because I am well organised - I just need to keep it that way.

Down in the Shed

I have moved

Iris

Afternoon Tea and Friands

How does my garden grow?

on Mindfulness...

A little getaway...

Chubby Baby Love

Knitting frustration

Cooking away the day

Ressurection of this blog

Michelle Bridges 12 Week Challenge

Good Intentions

At the end of our week

raggy goes to childcare

99 things

patta-a-cake patta-a-cake

Beautiful Blogger Awards

We do like to be beside the seaside...

Off to the Beach we go!

Our Christmas day..

My LIttle Reindeer

Trust

My Child is the best - No Really.

Health Food Guide

Divine Apple and Spice porridge

Recipe Information

Ingredients

Instructions

Nutrition Information

Mamamia

What If?

Namaste Yoga

My Creative Space

Why Down in the Shed?

I hate to admit it...

What have I been doing?

Barefoot Magazine

25 Days of Crafting

Layne Beachley on Success

What is a true treat?

Rumbling along...

Two Weeks to get my act together

Few and Far Between

I was helping mummy in the garden and....

Day 2 Very Tired

Fitness Monday

And So...

A New and Exciting Venture

Hints and tips

Sunday Saunter

Thinking about running

Harris on the box

Harris on the box

Centered and Grounded

Sunday Saunter (on a monday)

Home Made Baby Toys

What a busy Week!

Baby Shorts and Escapism

Wardrobe Refashion Attempt #1

Sunday Saunter

Handmade Home Beach Blanket

What you makin' Mama?

Summer Skirts

Delicate Delicate New Life of Spring

Smashing Smock!

Wardrobe refashion

Blog Fatigue

Ahhh Spring....

A bit downhill

A rainy day

Monday Monday

Phew! What a weekend!

The value of a training partner

Busy Bee

Recipe Twist

Awake so early

John Brack Tickets Giveaway

24 April – 9 August 2009 Open daily 10am–5pm and until 9pm every Thursday The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia Galleries 17 – 20, Level 3Admission fees apply

Good Morning!

24 April – 9 August 2009
Open daily 10am–5pm and until 9pm every Thursday
The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia
Galleries 17 – 20, Level 3
Admission fees apply