Rest In Peace:: JD Salinger

"I love to write, and I assure you I write regularly. But I write for myself and I want to be left absolutely alone to do it."

Dinosaur Bags & Runch

The Doctor's dino infatuation is in full swing. He was telling me about his woes in life. Such as the fact that he didn't have a box to store his ever-growing collection of dinosaurs. I offered to make him a bag, which, if you're a long-time reader, you'll know - big mistake-io. Firstly, I am so slow at sewing, and he's already been asking why I haven't made it yet. Why haven't I made it yet? Because I am in the midst of stitching myself a badge that reads: Slow Stitcher. But I'm so slow I haven't even started on that yet. I have a backlog people.

So I'd better be popping Tiny into bed and get stitching because the small-big boy will be asking, no doubt, once again.

And here's where my lunch comes in. Fresh bread toasted with dijon (oh dijon how I love thee, let me count the ways!) and ham. Over-sized salad with Dutch carrots. I've only just cottoned on to how great the Dutchies are. Big carrots, we are O-V-E-R!

Tiny likes to runch with me. This year, we'll runch together. It's part of my 2010 plan. No more skipping lunch.

And now I'll just wait for my sisters to pay me out about the lunch post. Yep, you're right. I. Have. Nothing. To. Tell. You.

PS - Georgie Love has a super giveaway. Get over there!

PPS - I think the way I wrote my post about Where I'm At may have been a little inadvertently deceptive. I am back to goal weight, but it was starting to creep again, my muffin top was rising. Hence the huge salad above.

The Return Of Preschool:: And Late Bloomers

Yesterday was Wednesday. It was the first day back at pre-school for the Doctor and there's me all stupid and misty-eyed. I don't know why - I was totes prepped for returning to pre-school. We've had a stupidly boring holiday period, I had mama guilt for how utterly boring things were (especially when surfing around to see everyone else's beautiful, bountiful holiday pics), and there's my little big guy. Totally happy to be back with his little mates.

Misty-eyed mama. It's the name of my new blog where I will document my daily doses of mama guilt.

Or not.

We started yesterday with a special breakfast to commemorate the big day. The Doctor requested pikelets (how cute is that?) and fresh orange juice. Too easy.

And today is day two. I can't wait to see him and hear about his day. Yesterday it was all about digging to the bottom of the sandpit. It was only a half day too so it was ok. But the Doctor warned me with:

"Mum you'll be ok today you will miss me a bit, but tomorrow is a whole day and you will miss me even more." I think he even chimed in, "But you'll be ok."

Misty-eyed Mama.

By the way, I've been a late bloomer when it comes to Mad Men. I heard everyone banging on about it, thought it sounded cool but our SBS reception is so poor I never tuned in. So I've hired the DVDs. Got to say, am loving it - but if I was a 50s housewife, I would surely flunk. Get my shoes dear. Get your own damn shoes.

Awesome Australians!

Sally Seltmann - delicious voice, lyrical miracles

the effervescent Maggie Beer (image via)

Grace Cossington-Smith - under-rated Australian artist

Margaret Olley (who I used to bump into doing her fruit and veg shopping)

Abbie Cornish - loved her in Somersault, Candy, adored to the power of adored her in Bright Star

Michelle Jank - ethereal, beautiful, creative goddess

Here are just a few of my favourite Australian women - creative geniuses. I'd like to be at least just a teaspoon of each of these. I like to marvel at amazing women. Even if they're not famous faces.

Happy Australia Day!

The Doctor woke at the crack of dawn, as only the Doctor would do, to tell us he was ready to go to the beach. And to get up. I bought another half an hour and then got up, fed the smalls and then finally sent the Doctor in to rustle up Matt.

We headed to the beach. With six billion other people. But it was ok. We had our own little spot on the sand and built our own Dino-world. The Doctor has been well and truly into trains right up until about NOW! And now he's starting to go dino mad. Which is seriously a blessing because there is only so much automotive joy I can muster.

This afternoon we've BBQed, eaten lamingtons, listened to Triple J's countdown. We've also hung out the washing. And made fresh beds. Cracking good day.

We also watched Perfume. Cracking good movie. Watched it?

Sore Neck. Sore Back.

Well we carved up the dance floor at my friend's wedding. I now have a sore neck and sore back to prove it. Thankfully no sore head. Next time I'll have to work in some pre-dance stretches.

It was such a beautiful, memorable afternoon. The bride was a knock-out and looked so glamorous. It's so funny to think back the fifteen years or so we've been friends and remember how horse crazy she was at school. And our days working at McDonald's together (we were super naughty and used to get separated on our shifts together we talked too much!). We had late night slumber parties and used to ring up randoms from the phone book and ask if their fridge was running. Wildly funny stuff. Trust me. It was!

Being part of their wedding was such an honour. I managed to take some nice shots - though damn fool, I didn't realise my batts were dying.

Such a happy, happy day. x

PS - Just drew the winner of the Le Creuset baking dishes - it's number 40 - Little Eagle. If you're wondering how I came to number 40 - I had to take out two Australian commenters! Congratulations Little Eagle please email me your address.

Where I Am At

I promised I'd talk about WW. So here it is. During my pregnancy with the Doctor I gained 20 kilos. Because I'm tall, most people wouldn't believe it, but trust me, after that initial weight loss post-birth, I was still towing around that extra weight (20 kilos is 80 sticks of butter - that's how I always think of it) and I knew all about it. So I went to WW and lost that weight and felt inherently better about the world, and myself. I even became a lifetime member (and have since had to use that card - which details my goal weight - as ID - how humiliating!).
Happy Mama, happy baby.

After Tiny, I had managed the same weight gain, and took a little longer to will myself to that place where I was ready to tackle the weight loss. I am not a huge exercise fan, and always struggle to get myself into a routine that includes exercising. Pre-babies I used to walk. And walk. And walk. I walked everywhere. We lived in the city, so it was perfect to just meander through all the back streets, most weekends I'd probably clock up about 3-4 hours of pure walking.

So pre-Christmas I went back to Weight Watchers. I have a real sweet tooth, in fact a whole mouth of sweet teeth, which is my downfall. I also comfort eat. Boredom. Loneliness. These are my triggers. This past month I have been eating and justifying it with 'but it's Christmas' (because as we all know food eaten on Christmas day is points free). Ahem. Given that Christmas is well and truly over, so is my sweet binge. I am back into walking and will resume my salad days with a vengeance.

For me it's about setting up those healthy habits for myself and our family, even if I need some reminders. I am setting an example for the way my children eat. And I always think about my poor body having to carry around weight that is the result of my sweet teeth. There. Now I've said it.

And of course, there's nothing like a piece of dust for lunch... Is there?

Hawt or Hot?

Today is the day we go to the wedding. Wipe that sweat from your brow. I found a babysitter. I said wipe that sweat from your brow. I bought my dress. Why haven't you wiped that sweat from your brow? Oh it's because it's too darn hot. Yep right. Roger that.

I found a babysitter via here. Pop in your post code and away you go. Giddy up. PHEW!

Here's a pic from Matt and I and our date night. We are really hitting the high notes on our dates this month. Probably not so good for the bank balance, but good for us, yes uh-huh. I may or may not have had a few sherbets under my belt at this stage.

Three dates in as many weeks is a terrific way to start the year.

I've also re-ignited my walking. Pre-Christmas I went back to Weight Watchers as my weight was ever so slowly creeping back up the scales after a lengthy go at comfort eating. I'll talk more about this over the weekend.

Anyway friends, have a tops weekend, I salute you.

Since you refuse to wipe your brow, how about these sweat bands?

PS - US and Canadian friends, last chance to enter le giveaway to win Le Creuset.

Pants Off Friday

Hamish and Andy celebrate Friday with pants off. It's funny. But not nearly as funny as this. Found via the ever-inspiring Swiss Miss.

Babysitter Shortage

I am madly, madly looking for a babysitter. Stop your snickering, it's no easy task. My usual cache of babysitters are either away, or already busy - seriously, this is peak babysitting period - make your holidays some other times sisters.

Along the way I have had some suggestions, and they have been helpful, though still not helpful enough to secure a babysitter. How do you screen your babysitters?

I have also been enlightened with a new agency that holds a kind of 'meet and greet' night - you go along and have a few bevvies and meet a whole range of potential babysitters. You take all their details home and then you can contact the ones you clicked with. Pretty cool idea huh? They're self-titled the 'speed dating service for parents and babysitters'.

Check out Meet a Sitter here.

It's a pretty neat-o idea, however it still doesn't problem solve the fact that I don't have a babysitter and going through an agency will cost around $130 for four hours. That's ridiculous... Isn't it?

Discuss.

Beautiful

Last night was super supreme. Well it did start with a few hiccups (Le BunBun went for le snip and it took one hour of waiting to finally take him home from le vet, which meant that I came home snappy, manically jumping in the shower and getting dressed, slapping on some make-up and getting the smalls sorted). Other than that, Matt and I were free as two love birds.

We had a couple of beverages at the Opera Bar (which coincidentally is KERAZY busy), bumped in to an old friend, then skipped off to catch the divine sounds of Brian Campeau (to who we were so compelled we snaffled his CD then fought about who had to carry it all night).

Joanna Newsom was positively dreamy and ridiculously cute wooing the audience (we didn't actually need wooing, we were already hers). It was her birthday so the whole audience sand 'Happy Birthday', it was fun, it was mesmerising, and she is even better in real life. She wore the most awesome killer heels and a beautiful dress. What a knock out.


In fact, I can't stop listening to her music now (and Brian's). What music are you listening to right now? I mean, right this very second.

This Might Make My Head Hurt

Nicole 'Sunscreen' Kidman with Keith singing a duet for Simon Baker at G'day Australia which coincidentally is funded by tax payers.

Next time, maybe we can all chip in for a choreographer to guide Nicole through some dance moves that are more akin with SYTYCD rather than your local RSL dancing around a handbag. Waddaya say?

Personally, I would prefer Nicole to ressurect her BMX bike.

PS - And Keith can we get some karaoke style words bouncing across a screen? Thangyouverymudge.

Image via

Date Night:: Joanna Newsom

Matt and I are hitting the town tonight (but not the tiles) and heading to see Joanna Newsom at the Opera House. I am very much looking forward to seeing the girl play the harp. It's so romantic. If I had even one singular musical bone in my body, I would love to play the harp. Alas, much to my parent's disgust, at the age of 9 I squandered my piano lessons, after 6 weeks or was it 6 months?? It felt like months, but did I really sit through that many lessons playing that same damn song in D minor? I can't remember. I still can't read music. I ditched those lessons. I hated practising and I hated that I couldn't read music. I can feel the 9 year old angst right now.

Anyway, it's date night. How much angst can that breed? Not much. Not much at all.

Summer, Where For Art Thou?

Just kidding hot stinky days, I don't miss you. I'm enjoying these rather cool overcast grey, grey days. Bring on le rain I say! Ban the humidity too. Yes, let's call for a ban on humidity because it ain't no friend of me (or my hair for that matter).

I wonder what you're up to in this weather. It's perfect for:

- snuggling
- watching movies
- tea! tea! tea!
- baking
- ironing (er! pretend I never typed that)
- listening to music and doodling

Every time I hear the Sydney Festival ad on tv I squeal into the room so fast I am definitely faster than a racing car. Without doubt. Why do I run for the ad? Because of this beautiful song. The Middle East had me at hello.

Pretty Things

Thank you for everyone who voted in the polls. The decision has been made, and it wasn't easy. I am a hopeless decision maker, and throwing it open made it even more difficult. But I do thank you for helping me, because I was swayed by the voters - and thanks for those who said try again - I didn't. Well I did see yet another dress that tore at my heart strings, and if I had an endlessly replenished wallet, I would buy all three. Alas, I will have to wait until I win lotto (must be my turn soon, yes?). Eating is overrated anyway, right kids?? Right?! The Doctor even told me a couple of times to just buy them all (probably hoping that it would end the boredom of being in frock shops).

I sometimes read/look at The Selby. Though sometimes not, because let's face it, I could get lost over there for hours looking at all those beautiful homes. Sometimes I just need to get offline and get real. It's true. Shocking but true. All those gorgeous couples with gorgeous houses. And what always strikes me is: how do people meet?

I think I've posted previously how Matt and I met. Actually, yes, yes I did, and here's the link here if you feel like tripping down memory lane.

How did you meet your lover?

Today the Doctor and I have been doodling together. Sometimes we free-style it, sometimes we're inspired by stickers and then we draw scenery to go with them.

I've also been:

- washing the bed linen

- burning pine nuts

- grocery shopping

- listening to Parallel Lions

- watched Beautiful Kate

Please feel free to inspire me.

Bakey Bakey: Time For A Giveaway

The other night we were driving through the back streets and I spotted a whole cache of treasures thrown out roadside. I reversed the car (such is the power of being the driver). There was a completely ace bar stool that I imagined would be perfect for when I was baking. I thought it would be ideal for the smalls to pull up, sit bench-side, have a stir, have a taste, lick the spoon, lick the bowl. Clearly Matt wasn't feeling it and commanded I drive on. 'Very good, Sir.' What kind of a mean spirited person makes me drive past perfectly good stuff?

Anyway, CSN stores has given me the opportunity to give away something to a lucky US or Canadian reader (do you know that every time someone says 'Canadia' a little Mountie fairy dies?). CSN Stores have over 200 stores where you can pretty well find anything you're looking for, including bar stools.

Given you're in Winter, and we're in Summer, I selected something that will give you a slice of Summer. So keep baking baby! This Le Creuset Stoneware baking dish in Caribbean (get it, get it, Caribbean - summer, get it?!) is something that I would LOVE in my kitchen. I'm imagining a piping hot lasagne, or potato au gratin, or maybe some kind of pudding..

All you have to do to enter is tell me what you'd bake if you won this Le Creuset baking dish (that also happens to come with a bonus baking dish).

For an extra entry you can Tweet or mention it in your blog. I'll draw the winner in a week (Saturday 23rd January).

Sorry folks this is for US and Canadian readers only.

NB: I have not been compensated for this giveaway.

Going To The Polls

I'm going to a girlfriend's wedding next week and I am excited. I'm getting a new dress. The only thing is, I can't decide. So today I am taking my quest worldwide. Which dress? Print or sparkles?

Please excuse my hair. Looks like a wig.Oh and I'm on tip toes to pretend I have heels on. Use your imagination. I'm not wearing plastic stripper heels.

Sorry for the non-quality of photos. Blame the fluoros.

Summer Style Tips:: Tiny de Bouvier

It's been a while since style tips from Tiny. But never fear because she's even fiercer than ever and today's tip is really going to knock you for six. Over to Tiny:

Fashion can be a fickle beast. Weather can be a fickle beast.Who knows when you're going to have to madly dash out of the house and into a torrential downpour? Who really knows? No one, that's who. Not even those darn weathermen can get it right. Not even Ron Burgundy? So play it safe. Nail two fickle beasts with one stylish solution.

Gum boots are mandatory. They're hot in NYC. They're hot inside in Sydney. No need to take them off at the door. In fact, wear them to bed. Wear them on the wrong feet. Tiny de Bouvier does. She swears by it. And if you take them off her, she'll probably give you baby evils.

And plastic animals? If you've got 'em, flaunt 'em.

Love and Happiness:: Tea Salves

WOW! Wow to the power of WOW! Matt and I went on date night. We visited Bambini Wine Room* which is without doubt one of my favourite little night spots to visit for a quiet vino pre-show.

And then we meandered our way to the State Theatre to see the Reverend Al Green.

The Reverend was in the house. What a night. What a mixed bag the crowd was. The best thing? Everyone adored the Reverend. He handed out a lot of red roses. He sang his heart out. An incredible voice. Everyone cheered, stomped, cried 'more! more! more!' - but after what must have been two hours, they didn't come back on stage.

Either Roy or HG was sitting in front. I'm not sure which is which.

When we walked out to catch the train home (why bother with parking the car?) I was walking side by side with the bass player. Matt wouldn't let me follow him into the Hilton for a night cap though. Now everyone should say, Matt, where's the funshine?

Thankfully today we three are happy to play it low key. Tea is the perfect salve for squabbling siblings. Try saying that ten times fast.

For any of my Twitter pals or Facebook friends, I didn't go with the leopard cat suit.. Too hot to handle. Maybe next time?

* Bambini Trust - 185 Elizabeth Street, Sydney. Go for a glass of wine or go next door for dinner. Tell them PottyMouthMama sent you. Actually - don't. That won't get you anywhere.

School Holiday Crisis: Averted!

We're well and truly in the swing of school holidays and the little dude is totes bored. TOTALLY BORED! Thankfully I had the foresight to book some 'intensive' swimming lessons that start tomorrow for the whole week. So that's 1/2 hour for each day taken care of. But what of the rest of the day?

I've been investigating some options around the city. Here's the scoop de la scoop that I WILL share because I am quite good like that. Sometimes. Here we go:

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Australian Museum

6 College Street, Sydney

1. The Dinosaur Show (1-26 January 2010)

Cost: $5 after general Museum entry. Tickets available at the door.

You can meet the museum's very own dinosaur, the Muttaburrasaurus puppet, Winny, and her keeper will entertain you in this fun show about the life of dinosaurs

2. Dinosnore Sleepover (15th January 2010)

Cost: Non-members $160 adults, $120 child. Members $130 adult, $100 child. For bookings, call 9320 6225.

Would you like to spend the night sleeping in Australia’s oldest Museum? You can join the Dinosnore sleepover and enjoy a special pizza dinner, fun craft activity, torchlight tour of the Museum and late night DVDs before catching some zzz’s in the Dinosaurs exhibition. NB: Children must be accompanied by an adult.

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Powerhouse Museum

500 Harris Street, Ultimo

(behind Darling Harbour and Chinatown)

Admission: Adults - $10, children (4-15) - $5, under 4 - free

3. The Thriller Experience (4-26 January 2010)

11:00am & 2:00pm

Take to the dance floor and be part of Michael Jackson’s Thriller in the holiday event guaranteed to embarrass and delight all ages. The choreographer will take you through your “zombie” paces as you learn some of the dance moves made famous in the Thriller music video. Definitely not something for me, since I am so unco!

4. Cogs Workshop (4-26 January 2010)

11:00am - 3:00pm

Children can make their own 'go-go gadget' in this cogs workshop a la Inspector Gadget. Suitable for under 8s. -------------------------------
Art Gallery of NSW

Domain Road, Sydney

5. Indian Summer workshop

Check website for dates (under 5s Thursday 14th January; 2-3pm)

Using plants, flowers and animals kids can create an artwork inspired by the maharaja's garden.

$25+

6. Tours for Tots (19 January - let's look at fancy dress; 23 February - let's look at battles and beauties)

2 sessions daily: 10:30am and 1:30pm sharp!

A fun adventure tour through the Gallery’s collection for 3-5 year olds (accompanied by an adult). Hear stories, play games and make your own art.
$15 per child

Bookings essential (limited numbers)

--------------------------------------------

Museum of Contemporary Art

Circular Quay

7. MCA Family Art Day (Sunday 17th January 2010)

Adult $15 /Student $12 /Child under 12 $10

Explore the MCA’s summer season of exhibitions with this fun-filled family event. Participate in hands-on art activities, family-friendly guided tours, performances and competitions.

8. Mad Mondays at the MCA (Monday 25 January 2010)

11:00am-12:30pm

5 – 12 year olds

Join these lively school holiday art-making sessions running every Monday* in January. Have fun exploring the current exhibitions and create your own artworks.

$12 (pre-bookings essential)

9. Kaleidoscopic Fun (Friday 22 January, 10.30am – 3.00pm)

8 – 12 year olds

See the world like Olafur Eliasson and use light, colour and shape to create your own magical kaleidoscopes. All materials and entry into exhibitions included. Bring your own lunch.

$40

Prepaid bookings essential

10. Art Baby (Thursday 28 January, 2.00 – 3.30pm)

Enjoy the MCA’s unique program for parents and carers with babies. Join MCA staff for a guided, one-hour tour, followed by coffee and biscuits in the MCA café.

Prams and front packs welcome.

$15 (babies free)

Bookings essential

---------------------------

Other places to go with smalls...

* Australian National Maritime Museum

* Greenwich Baths

* visit the Royal Botanic Gardens and take a picnic!

* see a movie?

* stuck for inspiration?

What are you up to these holidays? We've been digging in the sand clam looking for treasure.

Date Night

Tomorrow is date night. Matt and I are going to see Al Green as part of the Sydney Festival. I was lucky enough to win a double pass to a show of my choice via Twitter. Big ups to Sydney Festival, it is absolutely one of the best to date - so many brilliant acts, it's difficult to decide what to go to (everything? yes please!).

So tomorrow night Matt, Al Green and I. The Reverend is in the house. Aye aye aye!



And you know what? It's not too late to get tickets (or head to a free show), check out their website for more deets.

Too Hot To Move

My oh my, while our UK and US friends are freezing their little hineys off, we're sweltering the Summer away. Some may have been whining about the strange change in weather, the grey, drizzle and cabin fever (not me! no! no!), so Summer has returned to us with a vengeance. Go outside and sizzle. I feel so hot we could eat tripe for dinner. Mine. Cooked in body. Delicious.

So I am safe in my house, which feels as though it's pretty well a hothouse anyway. I could be breeding some beautiful butterflies in here.

But all I really wanted to say is: Teddy Bear's Wednesday is holding a giveaway. She's drawing the lucky winner tonight. Get yourself over there quick smart to have a chance to win one of her beautifully clever and whimsical creations. That Jess is a smart cookie.

Things and Things

I've been doing some things lately.

Such as:

1. I packed the Christmas decorations away. Funny that no one else wanted to be involved in this, after so much enthusiasm to get them out, no one else wanted to neatly put them away.

2. Tidying up our house which amongst other things means going through my wardrobe and tossing things that I don't wear. Easier said than done. I've only gotten rid of two t-shirts so far.

3. The Doctor and I have been chalk drawing.

4. Writing thank you notes.

5. Avoiding the sun. While I enjoy warm-ish days, super hot days just aren't my thing.

6. Sleeping. Is it just me, or is everyone feeling super tired? I feel as though someone's drained the life out of me.

7. Bright Star. Be still my beating heart. John Keats, Fanny Brawne, Jane Campion. What a stellar mix. This is one film I WILL go back to see again. And again. And again. I'll write more about it tomorrow.

And I have a giveaway coming up later this week for my US readers. So stay tuned!

Do Not Try And Converse With Me...

When I am otherwise occupied. With this:



I may have hypothetically booked tickets to NYC. Just hypothetically of course. Damn it. Unfortunately we got bills to pay. Snore. Yawn. Boo. Hiss.

Things I WILL Do

both images via Habitually Chic

One of my favourite blogs to loose myself in is Habitually Chic. So much inspiration, and though my home does not look like any of those featured, I can dream and become inspired. I mean, check out these closets - positively dreamy! I couldn't possibly pick a favourite (but I am quite enamoured by Julie Janklow's and the delicate wallpaper in Tinsely and Topper Mortimer's wardrobe - love!). So Heather from Habitually Chic posted about things she will do this year. I'm hopping on the bandwagon. Here are ten things I will do in twenty-ten.

1. I will move house in 2010.

2. I will learn something new, or take a class in 2010.

3. I will declutter our house in 2010.

4. I will take a real holiday in 2010.

5. I will do my pelvic floor exercises every day (3 times daily) in 2010.

6. I will pay all my bills on time.

7. I will bring back the groove in the kitchen - new recipes, and lots of old ones for good measure.

8. I will definitely floss every single day.

9. I will read more this year. Not just kids books. Real grown up ones.

10. I will exercise more in 2010.

Some are small things. Some are big. But the most important thing is that I believe all are achievable for this new year, this new decade. I will try. Even if I don't succeed at all of them, I will try!

Palm Beach, Baby

Last week, when I was on the brink of going bananas due to rain and the subsequent cabin fever that had set in, we set to the road and drove up to Palm Beach. I love going to Palm Beach, not only to perve on the grand beach-front houses, but also to soak up that ever-present holiday vibe. As soon as I get to a certain point, I can almost convince myself I am on holidays (even if I'm on my way to a meeting) and that I most certainly should be wearing some whispy piece of Indian cotton and Italian made sandals. Almost darling, but not quite.

So we showed the smalls the beach. It was raining so we stayed in the car. Very tame (and a little lame?). And then drove on to breakfast at the Beach Road Cafe where the smalls refused to have anything other than a hot chocolate. It was raining. It was cold. Matt enjoyed Eggs Benny. I enjoyed my rather large plate of blueberry hotcakes (what's not to love?). We left happy. Ready to adventure.

And my friends, here is where it gets quelle excitemente! Love, Loans and Linen is a small shopfront away from the main stretch of shops. Not far, close enough to walk. And I could have spent a long, long time in there, had it not been for Matt and the Doctor lurking outside. Tiny was handed a bottle of bubbles to keep her occupied, and then took over re-merchandising a small section while I bantered with the lovely owners, and oohed and aahed over the beautiful stock. If you're in this part of the world, drop in, they show local ceramicists (LOVE!), and a beautiful assortment of products (I loved the wish boats and the hot air balloon). Actually I loved it all!

old school image via

I Can't Believe It's Not Butter

A long, long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away I wrote about nail polish/varnish and the chemicals it contains. Such as formaldehyde (remember that stuff from science class where the baby pig was suspended in liquid to preserve it? Or just think of Damien Hirst). Well I think wrote about it. I definitely read lots about it, but I can't find any such post.

But here I am again, banging on about nail varnish. And this one's a goodie, so listen up.

butter London is a 3 free company - no formaldehyde; no toluene; no DBP (and never have). I saw them just before Christmas and I have promised myself a date with a bottle of this goodness!

I'm a little infatuated with a few of their colours including:

Primrose Hill Picnic
Rosie Lee
And I definitely need the Horse Power Nail Fertiliser.

I've not yet tried them for myself, but man oh man, those colours look delicious and being 3 free gets my manicured thumbs up.

Butter up babies!

EDIT:: The bad news is...one of my UK friends read a review in the Sunday Times no less, of this lacquer saying it was not that great (though the colours still sing to me!) as it lasts for just a wee second. Sorry folks - though I did warn you I'd not tried it yet!

Body Image: But A Wee Dimple

So Jen Hawkins is doing it. Posing nyoode on the cover of Marie Claire Australia. It's supposed to be a movement to embrace the 'positive body image' campaign. Sorry, I don't buy it. She still looks pretty damn perfect to me.

Feels to me like they're piggy-backing this. But still not getting it.

You can read more about what Jackie Frank, editor of Marie Claire Australia has to say here.

And also makes me think of this viral ad by Dove. Pretty powerful stuff (and shows that with hair, make-up, photographer, lighting and maybe a little soft focus, we all have the power to be a supermodel. For realz.)

Your thoughts?

Here's Something I Prepared Earlier

And guess what, I found my camera. And my ironing mojo (it rolls around as often as the Haley's Comet). And a whole pile of stuff I had hidden in the ironing basket (when I was 'cleaning up' - clearly I use that term loosely).

So here's the thing I prepared earlier.

Since I shook off the shackles of my sewing classes early last year, things are going along well. Slowly, but well. I don't measure anything, I just sew. And the non-measuring thing only really (at the moment) lends itself to me sewing cushions. So pretty soon our home might be abundant with cushions, it is breeding season after all. Once I get my confidence up, I might try a pattern, but for now, I sew with reckless abandon.

This is my pin-k cushion. I am yet to handsew up the side seam. Lucky for me it was pelvic floors and not procrastination at the top of my resolution chart (you can thank Mel at From Little Things for reminding me).

We just watched 'State of Play' (if you haven't seen it, do yourself a favour, if only for Russell's bob. Ok the movie is pretty darn good too). Have you seen any good movies these holidays? The boys are off to see 'The Fantastic Mr Fox' this evening. Feeling more than a wee bit envious. I love Wes Anderson. I love Roald Dahl. And I don't mind a wee bit of fox action either.

It's Called: I Can't Find The Camera

So from now until the point when I locate the camera, I'll be illustrating this here space with images found on the interwebs. This means that:

a) I can't show you some sewing I have so enthusiastically taken part in

b) I can't get too personal

c) I must cruise the interwebs kerb crawling for syootable images to illustrate my incredibly interesting posts.

Now that I have that out of the way, I'd like to ask you some big questions.

What is it you like about PMM?

And what don't you like?

And what do you want more of?

It's been almost two years since PMM was hatched and like all two year olds, it's heading into rocky territory. Some days I find I don't know what to post. So tell me, dear reader, what is it that warms the cockles of your heart.

And while you're thinking about these big questions for twenty-ten, here's some muzak. It will definitely warm the cockles, even the sub-cockles of your heart. Shut UP!

image appropriately titled rock and a hard place.

Papa, Can You Hear Me?

I really hate being disconnected from the internet. It makes me feel anxious. Even if I've got nothing to do, I hate the idea of not being able to switch on. So the past couple of days have seen me in cold sweats, and thinking about heading to the library to log on. Only thing is, the library was closed. More cold sweats, more heart palpitations.

I won't even venture as to how we came to be disconnected. Otherwise it might perpetuate more cold sweats and me turning cross-eyed.

I've been making radical changes here at Chez PMM. I went to Ikea (and braved the oodles of other shoppers) to revolutionise our kitchen with one of these. I put it together myself. Am I proud? Heck yes.

But just in case you've been wondering what my NY resolution will be? Well I'm not a big fan. I usually forget them by the next day. But this one is a keeper: do my pelvic floor exercises three times daily. Now folks, there's something you can not regret.

image via