CUTE ATTACK!

My little Doctor is so excited about school. Both days of this weekend he's worn his school uniform. We went out and about with a little school boy. Man he is giving me all sorts of cute attacks. He's so proud! He loads his backpack up with his drink bottle and Lego paraphernalia and off he goes.

By the end of this week I will have a Kindy Kid in my house. Amazing.

One thing about the uniform - did they really need to choose those white shirts? For one thing - pristine white for a small child - good luck to me and my love affair with Napisan. Secondly, ironing - I only iron about once a quarter. Have you seen the Stubbies SunSmart school tees with 50+ UPF protection and have neat little airvents under the arms, not to mention: they-don't-need-ironing?? BRILLIANT! Who do I need to brainwash at school to get them to switch?

Dialling It Up

Matt got a new iPhone and I can't even connect the darn thing. It's only giving the option of Emergency calls. A surefire way to keep the bill low, but a surefire way to keep my blood pressure high.

On the flipside: I think I could text message blindfolded too. A cinch. I am a crazy good SMSer. Though that's not really something you put on your CV. Is it?

Via: Online IT Degree

And Three Years Later

I am still hair flipping with hilarity when something crummy happens. The only problem with this is, my hair is a little short to hair flip.

Ladies, if you have a problem too, maybe you can try this too?

Stuff Kids Do

My kids do so much stuff that I would never do. Like drink toilet water.

But it's other stuff too.

Like hold a big snake.

Hunter Valley Gardens gave me a family pass to visit during the school holidays. We went up last weekend and had a blast. I will write more about it over the weekend. It's a beautiful place to spend time. I felt like Marie Antoinette taking a turn in the garden. I imagine if you were a child it would be magical - it was magical for me.

So Tiny, the Doctor, the snake and the woman in camo? At the Hunter Valley Gardens as part of the school holiday activities, there was a reptile show. At the end you could hold the snake. I wasn't so fussed on the idea myself, however the smalls were first in line. They really were.

It's Almost That Time

Tiny had her first day at preschool this week. Actually it was only three hours to be precise. She loved it. And so did we, because for the first time in a long time she went to bed at 6pm and stayed in bed until 6:30am the next morning.

Hello preschool. Where have you been for the last year?

And then the following days? A struggle to get her to bed.

The Doctor starts school next week. I'm an emotional wreck. Up and down. He on the other hand, a cool customer.

Anyway, have you seen Tangled? I haven't. But the kids and Matt have. Word on the street was it was great.

Makeover

The good news is: I HAD A MAKEOVER! I got new glasses, and man, I am such a fox. I might need to get my brows groomed, but no matter, what do you think of my new specs?

But in other news, PottyMouthMama is three years old. Three years of me banging on about random stuff and things. But you like stuff and things, right?

So it's about time I gave this here baby a bit of a makeover. What would you like to see on PottyMouthMama?

PS - Happy Australia Day!

My Life Is A Toilet (And Other Untruths)

Tonight I walked into the bathroom to spy Tiny taking a drink from a cup. Given I know she struggles with the tap, I asked her where the water was from (hoping like mad she'd say the full bathtub).

"Toilet."

Egads! My Tiny little blue eyed girl is drinking toilet water.

And then Matt piped in with: "The only other animal I know that drinks water from the toilet is a cat."

Awesome. She's in good company.

It ain't San Pellegrino. Or Evian. Or even Mount Franklin.

Crazy Dancing

Rihanna. Ahh Rihanna. You give me such joy. I love crazy dancing and imagine wedging my bubble butt into some acid brights like yours. I could wiggle it baby. (And people could say "Who's that crazy chick?")

I think I'm well and truly overdue for some crazy dancing. Like dancing on table tops kind of dancing. Like showing some whipper snappers how it's done kind of dancing.

Sometimes I need that.

Anyone in?

Consider This Fair Warning

Tonight Colin's destiny will be decided. You have until 9pm to bid on this beautiful bear, handmade by the very talented Jess of Teddy Bear's Wednesday. Colin is impeccably made, with amazing attention to detail. Heirloom quality peeps. AMAZING!

And if you weren't already across it, Georgie Love is generously donating 15% of profits for January to Queensland Flood Relief.

All you internetters, go forth and feel good about purchasing. And give everyone a high five while you're there.

EDIT:: CRIKEY! Jess has just alerted me to the fact the auction closes tomorrow night at 9pm (that's Monday for anyone stuck in a time warp a la PMM!).

Blackberry or Apple...?

I've had a woefully hectic week, but of course, I need comic relief when I am drowning in meetings, deadlines and copy. One of my colleagues shared this with me. I'm sharing with you. I love the Two Ronnies. It may be an unnatural love, but I still love them. I even mentioned them in my wedding speech.

MirKerr Makes Me Purr

First of all, forgive me for the ridiculous title of this post. But peeps, it's true. I love this girl. She's a natural beauty. She grew up in a town not far from mine own town. She's a country girl. Us country girls have got to thigh slap together.

She marries Orlando Bloom. Hot. Hot squared when they make a baby. When baby is born = hot cubed.

And then she releases this image as the first of her wee bebe on her blog.

Helloooo Miranda Kerr. Mother and child.


I had a mini-argument with the gals at work about this image. I loved it. They didn't. I think it's delightfully natural. MirKerr looks so at ease. So blissful. And I think it removes some stigma about breastfeeding publically. The gals at work didn't dig on seeing her boobie. I don't find boobies offensive. I love this image. So natural.

Happy Babymoon Miranda and Orlando - and welcome beautiful Flynn.

Street Photographer: Vivien Maier

I saw this a few weeks ago and thought I should share it. A young real estate agent bought some old negatives at an auction and unwittingly stumbled upon an unknown street photographer with amazing talent. He did some research and discovered she was a nanny, who, on her days off, walked the streets of Chicago taking photos.

Now he's started a blog sharing her prolific body of work. Pretty awe-inspiring!

If you like The Sartorialist then you'll love this.

Baking & Writing

Are you looking for other ways to help? Gosh I just keep coming across some of the most amazing things. People are so clever. Baked relief? Amazing

And check out the good folk over at Authors for Queensland. If you love writing, reading or are just a word nerd, then this is the place for you. Check it out homegirls!

Belated Birthdays...

Before Christmas our Tiny girl celebrated her third birthday. This is heinously late because I've been totes snowed under. But we celebrated our wee girl's day. She opened her pink scooter, loved her new jewellery, books, and anything to do with fairies.

I fought the mother-guilt-monster because I had to work. But I snuck away a little early to join our little family for a special dinner all four of us.

She's feisty, she's spirited, and she sure has stamina. I called her a firework the other day, then someone asked her star sign, and I said Saggitarius. The woman's reply - well no wonder, she's a fire sign. I don't know much about star signs, but I am pretty certain that my baby girl is a firework.

Art 4 Heart

While I was off visiting Flossy-P, I read about Art 4 Heart.

Yet another remarkable way to help people affected by the Queensland floods - bid on one (or as many as you like, dear) artworks! It's really that simple!

So many brilliant artists, so many brilliant pieces to buy.

Beci Orpin

Nicole Tattersall

Flossy-P

Beth-Emily (who organised it!)

Benconservato

Catherine Campbell

and many more!

What's that? You like art and you have a heart? Well what are you doing here? Click over there and bid on your favourites!

Something Sweet

Sometimes you need to be whisked off to another place. Even just for a few brief moments. Just for something sweet. Or something inspiring. Or perhaps both? I'll take you. Hold my hand, I promise it won't take long! Unless we get talking, then it could take longer. I do like to talk.

Last week we managed to pop into Calico + Ivy Balmain and say a brief hello to my sister on her first day. Apparently we arrived at just the right time, the lid was lifted on these incredible macarons - colours which remind me of Sofia Coppola's Marie Antoinette. Sweet world! Their taste matched their look. Plus I am sure you could colour match those delicious morsels with many fabrics in the store.

Amazing Communities... & Colin & Raffles... OH MY!

It's already been a week since Toowoomba was hit by flash flooding. A week. It's still so fresh and raw, and for those directly affected, I'm sure doubly painful. Not just for those of Toowoomba, but for everyone affected by the floods. Each day I've spent long periods of time considering the impact of the floods. To be completely honest, I don't think I can even comprehend what it must be like, but I do try.

One of the things I've spoken about before is what I really love about blogging - the sense of community.

If you're looking for a way to help during this time, Toni of Make It Perfect has curated a very impressive list of auctions, giveaways etc that are all contributing to help people affected by the floods.

There are so many awesome crafters/bloggers rallying together to help. To raise awareness and to raise money. Bravo to each of you. Head over to Toni's and check out the list. Amazing.

For example - Teddy Bear's Wednesday - check out my friend Jess' bear, Colin. This bear is destined for great things. He's going to be an heirloom one day (heck he already is!) folks, just look at him. Jess is an incredibly talented crafty lady, and this bear, wow.

Or pop over to Lisa's The Red Thread. She is hosting an amazing raffle, first prize is worth over $1000, and generously Lisa has included 3 runner up prizes. You gotta be in it to win it!

Click on friends and make someone's world a bit brighter!

But please do check out the hive of activity over at Toni's. Well done to everyone involved.

Golden Globes: Michelle Williams

Like Natalie Portman, you never seem to get it wrong. And I just adore your make-up. I haven't even honed in on your beautiful daisy Valentino dress (which, for the record is amazing). You are lovely. Timeless. I just can't get enough of Michelle Williams.

Image via SMH

Golden Globes: Sandra Bullock

Sandra's gone a bit EMO. Sandra, whatever is wrong, it will all work out. You're beautiful, you're talented, you're funny. If you're tempted to listen to some EMO tunes, then change the station. Listen to Richard Mercer instead. Guaranteed to make you laugh. Promise.

Image via SMH

Golden Globes: Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman, you divine creature. Check out how your fiance looks at you. Intensity! PHWOAR! Burning hot!

And your frock. D to the VINE! Amazing. Stunning. Just enchanting. You just never get it wrong.

Image via SMH

Golden Globes: JLo

J-Lo. Your grandma from Florida called. She wants her dress back.

Image via SMH

A Lighter Shade of Grey

Things are feeling very subdued. I feel like everyone's a knocked-back shade of colour because of the floodings, the death, the loss. The widespread violence and unpredictability of nature.

I don't even know what to say at the moment. I can grapple my way through, and tell you that I feel shattered. And as a mum, I just feel incredibly moved by the story of Jordan Rice. It breaks me.

I want to help in bigger ways than just giving money. I want to be a body pushing mud out of the way so someone can restart their life. I want to do someone's washing. I want to give someone a warm bed, so they can feel a little safer, a little more comfortable. I want to help.

How are you feeling?

Like A Noticeboard

I've just been reading about the mixture of tragedy and triumphs throughout the Queensland floods. I feel completely shattered, and can't even imagine how those who have been affected are feeling right now. One million times worse.

I'm going to grow a list of ways you can help during this devastating time. There are so many great ways you can help, and as with the Victorian bushfires, it's going to be a long time 'til recovery.

PLACES TO CHECK OUT TO HELP PEOPLE AFFECTED BY THE QUEENSLAND FLOODS:

Mon Petit Poppet - toy drive

Make It Perfect- updating on Monday with lots of auctions

Chunky Chooky

Yardage Design

Ric Rac

Evaporaid (on this Friday)

Onya Magazine (details of event to be posted today)

Bondville

If you want to link to this post, or know of something that I should add, please let me know! Let's consider this a community pinboard of sorts.

How To Help?

While those of us who are not directly affected by the floods have the luxury of switching off to the Queensland floods, those who are affected - and that's a lot of our fellow Australians are living it every moment.

If you can't help with a monetary donation, all is not lost friends!

Can you craft? Do you have contacts? Even sending a friend of family member a text to say you are thinking of them is SUPPORT (though best to stay off the phone lines unless an emergency)!

Little things can make a difference to someone who is doing it tough.

You can also check out Handmade Helps Out for ideas on how to be involved. You don't have to be crafty for that, either (take this from my own experience).

Handmade Helps Out is now also on Facebook. (The direct link is not available right now, however if you're on Facebook just search for it and join).

image via the Herald Sun.

Operation Angel: Queensland Flood Appeal

Morning peeps!

I am hoping that someone reading this anywhere (UK, US, somewhere in Australia) might have some connexions we can use!

Jacqueline Pascarl of Operation Angel is currently looking for the following:

- gumboots (adult and children's sizes)
- mosquito nets
- mosquito coils
- trucks to deliver said goods

If you know anyone, please comment, or email me, or tweet Jacqueline Pascarl.

Also, if you're crafty, handy with a sewing needle, Pip has re-opened the Handmade Helps Out blog. Get involved if you can. There's nothing like community to break the isolation in these difficult times.

Flood Waters: Frog & Snake

You might know that our Sunshine State, Queensland, is battling against some mighty flooding. The flooding is so widespread, flash flooding terrifying, and the extent of damage is devastating.

If you're in Queensland - we're thinking of you, hoping you are safe.

Information hotline for friends and family: 1300 993 191
You can visit the Australian Red Cross website to register and let family & friends know you are safe.
You can donate via the Australian Red Cross too.
You can donate to the Queensland Flood Relief Appeal here.

Twitter is alive with support and call outs to help Queenslanders. The community spirit is well alive.

Just like these two pictured above. A green frog hitching a ride on a brown snake. Clearly the green frog has not read The Gingerbread Man, hopefully he hops off because the snake gets hungry.

via NineMSN

The Fine Art of Potty Training

A couple of people asked me for toilet/potty training tips. Trust me, I am no expert. I stumble my way through this process, and it's always in hindsight that I go - dang I should have done this, I should have seen that coming and so on.

I'm no pro-pottytrainer.

But my tips are as follows, for anyone who wants to play along with the PottyMouthMama's Potty Training Academy.

1. Wait for Summer. Or at least until the weather is warmer. It's miserable training in Winter. Summer you can get nuded up (well, I leave that to the smalls), and it's not so uncomfortable if accidents happen.

2. Ask them if they need to go to the toilet. Look for visual cues. If you're in tune with your small, you might be surprised with what cues they give that they need to visit the AWESOME POTTY!


3. Undies! Get them to choose some cute undies, or I buy the 10 pack from Target. They're cute, they're cheap, and if there are any epic accidents, it's no big dealio to toss them if you can't face washing them (been there, eeeeep! For some reason a poo in undies is worse than poo in a nappy. Go figure.).


4. Be prepared for accidents. They do happen. And it's no biggie. And don't make the mistake of making a big deal about it. Clean it up and continue on your merry way.


5. Make it fun! Going to the toilet is FUN! Who doesn't love going to the toilet??! Be excited when they do well! Show that you're pleased. Small fry love to please! They love you to praise them and feel proud of them! (Who doesn't?) PRAISE! PRAISE! PRAISE! It's the best thing you'll walk away from this lesson with!


6. Make a star chart. Don't spend any money on a start chart. Grab a texta, a sheet of paper, some sticker stars, or hearts or whatever it is your little person digs, and chart their success. I always have say 3-5 stars and then they get a surprise. Not a big surprise. Like a sheet of their own stickers, or a Freddo Frog, or a Matchbox car, or a hi-bouncer. Something that they're going to dig! And make sure you tell them that it's for being so AWESOME! (You can say all you like about positive reinforcement, but it works for me!)


7. If they're not ready, no biggie. In my small career as a Potty Trainer, I have stopped and started the process a number of times. If they're not ready, if it's not clicking - no biggie! Take a break from the Potty Training Academy for a couple of weeks, or even a month, and try again later. Kids learn so quickly, and removing the pressure makes a big difference. You won't feel so angsty, and trust me, they pick up on that!



8. And in hindsight, invest in either a good seat that sits straight on the toilet - as well as a step (or some are all one thing which is pretty tricky) to make them feel safe, or a potty that doesn't mean spillage and slipping and sliding all over the floor. I used a cheap potty both times, and it worked, but it also meant extra cleaning. HMPH! But if you can't squeeze your budget any more for a fancy pants potty - don't worry about it, just keep the Pine O Clean handy.

9. Books! You can pick up some cute books about potty training - either visit a bookstore, trawl online or check out your local library. If kids read about, often they can imagine themselves in that situation. Here are some links to books we like in our household:

• Who's In The Loo? Jeanne Willis & Adrian Reynolds
• On Your Potty! Virginia Miller
• Everyone Poops Taro Gomi
• Big Boys Use The Potty!
• The No Cry Potty Training Solution Elizabeth Pantley (Adult reading)

10. I didn't invest a lot of money in pull-ups either. I think they're a bit of a rort, UNLESS you're going on a roadtrip or long plane trip, then I think they're worth it just for piece of mind.



11. And as for age, it really is whenever you feel they are ready. As I said, I tried a few different times with both my kids. We stopped and started and did it at our own leisure. Don't feel pressured if your child is not ready.


And remember. PottyMouthMama is no expert!

image via

Kanye Tweets

If you know me, you know I love Twitter. A little too much.

For days I've had these songs in my head, so I'm sharing them with you, so you in turn can sing: French fries are the devil. I make awesome decisions in bike stores.

Thanks to my friend Carrie for shedding the light.

Ahh Sleep

Lately I've not been getting enough sleep. I seem to stay up later and later, whereas once I was one of those people who went to bed around 9:30pm, lights out by 10pm. I'm blatantly flouting my own rules and staying up 'til midnight. I miss the sleep. And I am grumpy in the mornings. I hate being grumpy.

Part of the problem is that I've started reading again. I've not been into reading in the last few weeks, but now I've hit my stride and I'm back into the books.

I've finished one and into the next. It's my plan to get through the backlog of books on my bedside before the year is out. It's not a resolution people, it's just a plan.

Sneak Preview: Calico + Ivy

I've been lucky enough to spend some time watching my sister work away tirelessly for months pulling together Sydney's own Calico + Ivy store. It's been a delight to watch, and it's most certainly one of those places you could happily spend at least a couple of hours. It's that beautiful. So much to look at, so many beautiful pieces, and so meticulously curated. It's an inspiration haven.

Even if you're not crafty you'll love the array of hand-made and even vintage pieces that Sarah and Deb have collected. Perhaps I'll become crafty-by-osmosis.

*****

The new Calico + Ivy opens on Monday at 10am.

*****

Calico + Ivy

10 Birchgrove Road

Balmain

P: 02 9555 9909

Mon - Sat 10:00am - 5:00pm

What I Love

Check out this short film about Scott Schuman of The Sartorialist fame. It's inspiring, and I love the behind-the-scenes feel of it. I like the insights he shares, and his view on fashion in the now.

I keep his book on my bedside table and I love flipping through it at night. No matter how many times I see an image, I seem to be able to see something new in it each time.

I took a hiatus from fashion when I had smalls. I didn't fit into my very much loved vintage pieces for a long time. Slowly I'm coming back. My wardrobe is being flipped on its head and I am enjoying fashion once more.

De-Gluttoning

I have exciting things planned this year people. Exciting things. I read my friend, Carrie's piece about decluttering that was in Health Smart . It has given me even more impetus to live more simply. Live with less. And I love that idea.

So far I've been going through baby clothes and being ruthless. I've gone through our crockery - and have boxed up some pieces that give me the creeps and I don't use. I've started on the toys. I'm filing like it's nobody's business.

Watch out people, I'm paring back. I'm getting organised. 2011 is going to be the year of declutter. De-lovely. Delightful!

Image via Apartment Therapy - check out this piece on organising drawers. I need all the help I can get.

Fisticuffs

The last few weeks I've been getting into fisticuffs.

Not with Matt. Not with the smalls. Not with anyone I know. It's been fraught with fisticuffs with medical receptionists.

My usual medical practice has been choc-a-block so I've taken almost any appointment I can get. But I'm always greeted with attitude on the phone.

And when I needed another appointment urgently, they couldn't get me in, so I tried another place. And I was greeted with 'tude yet again. It's rife. Attitude is breeding like bacteria in an agar dish.

I managed to sweet talk them into an appointment, got a referral, and then today I went to find the referral and couldn't find it. I'd conveniently filed it away somewhere 'special'.

So I rang the receptionist and asked if she could fax a copy to me (or heck welcome to 2011, you could always email it to me). Her response?

"Did you forget it or leave it at home?"

"Yes, I can't find it in my handbag and need it for this afternoon."

"Fine - well it will cost you $7.50."

And thanks for the inquisition.

Then Matt called me and told me he'd found it. So I rang her back and told her I didn't need it anymore and she hung up on me.

Then Matt called me again and told me he'd found the wrong one. So I rang her again, apologised profusely and said that I did actually need it, to which she responded, "Are you serious?" before hanging up.

Charmed I'm sure.

The thing is, the GPs are almost always charming. Lovely. Charismatic.

Their receptionists? Notsomuch. They're like the door bitches of doctors.

And that receptionist - she still didn't send through the referral.

Do you ever find yourself duking it out to get a doctor's appointment?

image via

PottyMouthMama Does Potty Training Academy 102

In the last couple of months we've found ourselves back at toilet training.

Let this be heard: I hate toilet training. Hate it. It is, without doubt, one of my least favourite bits of parenting. Not that I am particularly into nappies, but toilet training. UGH!

But enough of that.

Tiny is trumping the Toilet Training Academy, star charting her way to success. She's all sorts of awesome.

Sure we've had a few hiccups, but she's come up with the goods. She's ace. She'll be graduating from the Academy very soon with flying colours.

I do have to ask whoever is in charge of designing potties though. What gives? Why did you make it so difficult to transfer contents of potty to the toilet? I never fail to make more of a mess when making this transaction. I could question the fact that I bought a budget potty, but no matter, it's a utilitarian purchase, and given this, it should work? Yes. Tiny has held up her part of the deal, but what about you, dear potty designers of the world?

image via Babble

The Resolution Revolution

What is it about a fresh New Year that inspires some to cast their wishes into the world and turn them into resolutions? Resolutions that are promptly forgotten and all they leave in their wake is guilt.

Guilt. Who needs it?

Not I.

But in the interests of a New Year, I'll start my own habit forming. All over again. Yes, yes, back in the habit. I need all the help I can get, and if it comes in the form of blogging about it to force some discipline and self-control, then that's what it takes.

* More quality time with my family

* Eat better - I'm low in iron and oh-so-tired

* Exercise more (this is going to be so achievable because when you do none, more is easy - the only way is UP!)

* Flossing - yes that old chestnut

Just to be clear, they're not resolutions, they're habits. PottyMouthMama doesn't do NY resolutions.

By the way, Happy New Year. I hope 2011 is Super Duper to the max.

image is of the world's prettiest wall calendar by Poppies for Grace - gosh I love you girls, so clever.