Old Year's Resolution

I don't do New Year's resolutions. It sets me up for failure, and I'm not signing up for that.

So today I went and exercised my little hiney off. Well. I did go for a really big walk, that turned into an intermittent walk, that ousted the crankies, and the filthies, and made me come home with a sore hip but a brighter attitude.

Exercise is really good, huh?!

I have been struggling to find a place to walk around here. I don't really enjoy walking in our neighbourhood. But tonight I found an oval in our neighbourhood. I thought, yes, I will do 5 laps of this oval, and I wound up doing 10.

I got a headstart on resolutions and I like it.

Sayonara 2011. I hope 2012 is bountiful of blessings, brightness and bold new moves.

Happy New Year my beautiful friends. x

A Wee Tiny Post:: A Real Piss-take

I am not proud to tell you that twice in two weeks I have inadvertently rubbed Tiny's urine on my face.

Tiny has a wee fascination with the toilet. Of course I madly deter it, and implore that the toilet is not to be toyed with. But as with most things, Tiny ignores me.

When Tiny was particularly peeved (pun not intended) for some reason or another, she went and pee'd all over the bathroom floor. I walked in a bit later and was greeted with the pungent whiff of an old man's urinal. Oh boy. I cracked open the disinfectant and a hot mop and went to work. Moments later, I could STILL smell that unmistakeable stench. Like super strong. And I couldn't figure out where it was coming from. So I did what any normal person would do, jumped into the shower. Maybe the urine stench had been transferred to my skin?!

I got out of the shower, grabbed a towel, dried my face and OH MY GOODNESS - WEE! That Tiny had wee'd on the towel, and then it was hung up, unbeknownst I went and wiped it all over me. I quickly got back into the shower, piping hotwater and scrubbed my face like it was nobody's business.

Filth.

Today we were getting ready to go to Puss In Boots, and Tiny was again messing about in the bathroom. Last night she was mincing toilet paper in the toilet, up to her elbows in toilet water (filth). Nevertheless, she was in there, I went to check on her, she had washed her hands, her hair was a little wet, but off we went to the movies.

During Puss In Boots Tiny felt a bit scared, climbed onto my lap and I was savouring her warm little body nestled into me. I was mkaing the most of her wanting to be close to me, because that Tiny, she is so unpredictable. I was rubbing my face into her usually sweet smelling hair, and whoa. That instantly recogniseable whiff of wee. Oh man. I sat there thinking about the fact that her hair was wet, that there was water all over the bathroom floor, and foolishly I had thought she had washed her hair in the basin. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong.

That girl had styled her hair with the acrid and germy toilet water. Can you imagine sitting in a darkened cinema thinking about what has now been transferred onto your face, and in tune with the uber stank of wee in your baby's hair?

Friends. It's not pretty.
It's filth.

I've once again implored that the toilet is not a play-thing, a wash-thing, or any other thing other than for wees and poos. No.

We've sanitised Tiny with a L'Occitane Lavender Bath and blitzed her hair.

I am just hoping that wee contains some kind of anti-ageing properties despite its pungent whiff. I can not wait to get into a steaming hot shower and wash that wee right outta my pores.

What Are You Up To?

I am a bit sporadic right now. I'm in holiday mode, and counted today that I only have 9 days left until I go back to work. Actually, I felt quite teary about it. I love being at home with my babies! I love being on holidays! I wish my life was one big holiday.

So. Remember a couple of years ago I admitted under duress that I *gulp* like jigsaw puzzles?

Well look what Santa brought Matt and I! Caravaggio! Puzzle. Awesome sauce!

We've been hanging on the couch, reading, watching DVDs, cuddling, puzzling.

The smalls and I are heading to see Puss In Boots this afternoon. Seen it? Loved it? Do tell!

Having Consumed My Body Weight In Chocolate

Whoa!

It's the flip side of Christmas!

Did you have a good time? Was it chaos or calm?

Ours was fabulous. A very cruisy morning - with the smalls discovering what Santa brought them, and then opening a few presents at home. I do believe by about 9am the Doctor had declared that it was his "best ever Christmas". We then made our way to my sister's home where my parents are staying. So good. So, so good.

We hung out together, ate a beautiful breakfast, then bid everyone adieu and went over to Matt's mum's home. It was a lovely laidback lunch, and really, the whole day was pretty easy - for which I am so grateful.

And Boxing Day, we all shuffled off to Kazbah in Balmain. My goodness, if you've not been there, go! Your tastebuds will thank you.

How about you? How was your Christmas?

And can someone take these chocolates away from me?

As an aside, I am jeans shopping. Could be particularly bad timing given I've eaten my own body weight in chocolate.. Yowsers.

A Really Great Day:: The Day Before The Night Before Christmas

Today was a cracker.

It was my first day of holidays.

We got up early, the Doctor had a haircut, we caught a ferry to Circular Quay. Then we four split up - the Doctor went with Matt to Art of the Brick, and Tiny and I headed over to Sydney Opera House for everyone's favourite dancing mouse, Angelina Ballerina.

Cracker.

Then Tiny and caught the ferry back, she had a hair cut, and we hung out together waiting for the boys to meet up with us.

I had such a blast hanging with my little-big girl, being on the ferry, chatting, so good for the soul. For both of us.

And the Doctor came back, giddy with excitement, having spent quality time with Matt, and doing something together that he really loves. LEGO.

If you have a LEGO fanatic in the house, this show is highly recommended by the Doctor. I booked tickets a couple of weeks ago, and made sure I booked the Stay & Play at the end. I figured the inspiration from the show might as well get a workout straight away!

Of course Angelina Ballerina didn't disappoint either. What a beautiful and enchanting show. Pity they sold those glowing, flashing wand-sword-things that flash in your peripherals and distract from the dancing. But besides that, really beautiful - Tiny told me it was her "BEST EVER".

Last Christmas I Gave You My Heart

The very next day I got an inflatable Santa suit and wore it to work.

And now friends, all my colleagues have until mid-January to recover from me being dressed as Santa for the afternoon. I am on holly-days.

PS - If you are staying in the Hunter Valley, or just driving through, be sure to check out the Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights. Amazeballs.

An Early Christmas Present

I know you need a laugh this time of year. This is funny too. Promise. Scout's honour.

Watch It Immediately

Have you seen Shit Girls Say? If not I demand you watch it immediately. It's funny. Trust me. Stop what you're doing and watch it. Hilaire. Watch back to back episodes. PottyMouthMama wants you to watch it.


There now, don't you feel better? I have watched it repeatedly. So funny.

Also - while you're here, click here and come play on Facebook with me.

Trawling Through Old Folders

I've been delighting in going through old photos on my computer. Relishing in how small  the smalls were, and those chubby little cheeks. Oh MY !

Despite the advantages of digital cameras, it's a shame that I don't print more photos. I really, really love looking at old photos.

I've even, back in the day, started albums, beginning at the time Matt and I met, however, I have only gotten into the first few months of the Doctor's life. Yes. A little behind on that front.

Truth be, I haven't even done our wedding album, and we've been married over six years. Oops.

Do you do albums?

This photo was from the front page of The Daily Telegraph, obviously a few years ago - pre-Tiny, pre-PottyMouthMama. It was some story about how mothers don't spend as much quality time with their children as the dads do, as the mamas are too busy multi-tasking and juggling life.  

Tangent finished.

What are you up to?

So I'll Just Document Everything

The last week has been a bit of a whirlwind, and I've got no big news. Nothing besides, Tiny turning four - which is big news to me, because she's still my baby.

But the Doctor finished Kindergarten on Friday, and that was such a bittersweet day. Proud of him - but overwhelmed. Seriously - where did that year go to, and can I get a refund? I hugged his beautiful teacher goodbye, and felt more than a pang of sadness as I did so. She has been a gentle, nurturing soul, who has led him into his first year of formal education. And so it is, Kindergarten is already over.

Today we had Tiny's Christmas concert - and again, bittersweet. Man that girl slays me. As soon as we locked eyes, she waved, so enthusiastically to me, her enthusiasm broke my little heart into a bazillion pieces. And then she sang her little heart out. Then got bored. Then put her feet up on the seat - and in my head I was saying "No Tiny, put your legs back down, no, no.." Too late. She sat there - albeit for a brief moment - flashing her knickers. One of the Mum's turned and looked at me, with that look - she knew exactly what I was thinking. Thankfully Tiny had her own epiphany and put her legs back down and fixed her skirt. For a moment I had contemplated running up the front to fix her skirt.

After some deliberating earlier this year, we've enrolled Tiny into a community preschool that's closer to home and to the Doctor's school. It was a hard decision, but I am so excited by this change, though sad to leave our KU, I have such a great feeling about the new preschool, already feel part of the community - which is a big deal for me, since I work, and I didn't feel that so much at the current place. A change is as good as a holiday, right? 

Today the Doctor told me he either wants to be a DJ or a spy when he grows up.

Tiny got all the birds hanging on our Christmas tree, and first made a nest out of dropped pine needles. Then reassembled them on the tree together.

I have started wrapping our Christmas presents. But I ran out of wrapping paper. This poses a problem when wrapping presents.

And lastly, I had my eyebrows done, and since they are so dark, I thought I looked a bit Frida Kahlo-ish. So I stuck some flowers on my head and went with it.

How are you holding up? Are you all shopped out? Is it a wrap? Will you be eating for the rest of the month?

Office Politics

I found this somewhere, can't remember where, because my friends I have CHRISTMAS FOG BRAIN.

But I had to share it with you. Your office Christmas party may well be a distant and fuzzy memory, but just in case, here it is, your guide for your work party.

Christmas Gift Ideas: Tricky + Dreamy

This is the last of my inspiration for Christmas gift buying. Here are some of my favourite things that I just don't think you can go wrong with. Ho ho ho and let's rev it up moving forward to Christmas. Shall we?

Inoui scarves in a plethora of colours and designs - so soft, and so beautiful - Calico and Ivy $95 (Or check out the amazing Sophie Digard pieces - divine!)

Bal D'Afrique Eau de Parfum - Mecca Cosmetica $158 (50ml)

Elke Blastodia earrings - Off the Runway $150

Cire Trudon Moroccan Mint Tea Room Spray - Kleins Perfumery $199

Handmade leather key strap - Third Drawer Down $50

Put the Love in the Coconut beach towel - Gorman + Castle Collab $79

This rad table and chairs (people I'm thinking big!) - via Heather Nette King on eBay starting at $500

My work life would look a heck of a lot more sexy with these Inka notebooks - Inky Co $19.95

Matt already thinks I have an unnatural love for bringing home lamps - but I promise I'd stop if I had this toadstool - Down to the Woods $180

I know they're for the smalls, but I think I'd have hours of fun with these Miller Goodman blocks - Kido Store $70

Super cool vintage posters - Galerie Montmartre $60

And that my friends, brings me to a close of my Christmas gift ideas. I am fresh out of ideas. I hope you've already finished your Christmas shopping, and if you haven't (like me) I hope this works as inspiration.

This Is 4

Yesterday my darling Tiny turned four. I guess she's not Tiny anymore, but she will always be my wee babe. She swam into this world, a baby mermaid, four years ago.

We enjoyed the day home together. I took the day off - last year I was at work - and it pained me greatly to be away from her on her birthday. So we hung out yesterday. Ate a lazy breakfast. I took the Doctor to school for his last day of Kindergarten. We went out for morning tea. Perused a bookshop. And ended the day by going to our local Chinese restaurant - just the four of us.

We came home, and because of my 'Je suis la fatigue' (Dad, that was for you), I hadn't mustered the energy to make a cake.

Sorry Tiny.

But we did have a Freddo icecream cake and the smalls had a hoot finding Freddo heads, managing to go through three rounds of cake before I said 'Enough my little friends!'.

Today I will make up for my non-cake baking by making her: a pink, and purple, and blue cake - by popular demand. My stomach is turning at the idea of all that food colouring.

 To my wee babe - I'm ever grateful that you're in our lives. You are funny, clever, cuddly, smart and oh-so-cute. You're a dancer, a mermaid, a puppy, a catty, a princess - you are the bomb Tiny. I loved one, two and three, and I know four is going to be super.

Why Being A Jerk At Work Is Not Cool.

Are you a jerk at work?
Are you a turd burger that doesn't let people merge in traffic?
Do you push in in front of people in lines?

If so, I implore you to stop it right now.

No one likes a jerk. No one says, wow, I really look up to that jerk. No. No one.
I read an article in Sunday Life a few weeks ago about whether jerks get ahead at work.
My outtake from that - no. They get what they want, but they don't garner respect, no one wants to work with an a$$hole. I know I don't, and I have managed to work with quite a few since beginning my working career. And is the stress of being an ass really worth  it?

Take letting people in in lines of traffic. I think it's more stressful to be an ass and not let people merge, than it is to spread some cheer and welcome someone into the traffic - because being a car length in front of someone is not doing anyone any good. It's not getting you to your destination that much faster, is it? So wave people ahead. Do it. Think of it as your Christmas gift to the punters.

And pushing in in front of people in lines. So. Not. Cool. I stood patiently in line on Monday, and not one but TWO elderly women edged me out of the way so they could take my turn. Seriously? I wasn't about to push them over, but really ladies? I was waiting there patiently, and I let them go - whatevs, but next time you come out in the Christmas peak of shopping, get in line. Unless of course I usher you in front of me, then by all means.

The crux of my argument - no one likes a jerk, and being a jerk is not fun for anyone, including the jerk. So stop being a jerk.


image via here

Stuff

It's the pointy end of the year and it's really starting to hurt.

I ran around all weekend, and on my day off, I think I spent more time in the car than anywhere else. And I've still got shopping to do.

My body even aches!

But onwards I go - and so do you friends, because that's what we do.

Tiny celebrates her fourth birthday on Friday and I can barely believe it's been four years since that little mermaid swam into the world. Probably time for another baby. Matt. Hear that??

The Doctor had his school presentation tonight, and received a citizenship award. Of course I got teary. I was already teary when the Kindy + Year One choir sand 'True Colours'. The Doctor's award tipped me over the edge. Proud.

Did I tell you I shrunk in the wash? Yep. And I dyed my hair red. Hawt or what?

I don't really have much else to report on.

Oh - and yet I do. We got our Christmas tree on the weekend. I spent Saturday afternoon decorating it, a bit baffled the smalls weren't interested in helping, but I kept on humming away with the dazzle and sparkle. That night, after it was looking perfect, the damn thing fell over. Yes. You can only imagine my glee. So I went and bought a proper Christmas tree holder thing. This is an investment my friends, but worth it. The tree is - VERTICAL! Be amazed. Be astounded.

Have you decorated?

So Ridonkulously Funny

I. Can't. Stop. Playing. This. Song.

Getting My Christmas On

I am so excited about Chrismtas this year.

Let's face it. I am excited about Christmas every year.

As the smalls get less small, I think my excitement grows, because the greater the understanding of Christmas.

We bought our tree today from the nice gents at Apex, and the money goes to charity. Win:Win.

We brought it home, and I've been decorating the house ever since. I am in a state of great excitement.

Spare a thought for those doing it tough this Christmas. If you can, pop a little gift under a Wishing Tree for a little person. I know Kmart has them in conjunction with the Salvation Army, and lots of other shopping centres do something similar. I always get my smalls to choose something they'd like, to give to someone their age. Helping someone feel a bit brighter makes Christmas much more special.

And if you're stuck looking for a gift for someone really difficult, or would just like some awesome gift ideas, check out Oxfam. They are always my favourite types of gifts to give.

Christmas Shoppers!

Peeps! I have it on good authority that tomorrow only, Kiehl's is giving online shoppers 15% off anything and everything.

You know how I love beauty products, so I just had to share with you peeps!

Just enter SATURDAY when at the checkout and you'll receive the 15% discount.

Sweet!

Castle VS Gorman:: A Hot Collab

What happens when two ridiculously talented Australian women get together? One heck of a red hot collab.

Check out the brand spanking new Gorman + Castle collaboration. I really, really want that t-shirt. Santa, listen up home boy.

Rachel Castle can do no wrong. Lisa Gorman - nope she can do no wrong either.

Hot. Hot. Hot.

Check it out homegirls.

Get it while it's hot. And it's hot. Oh man. It's super duper roasting hot.

Speaking of girl geniuses. Can't go past Regina Spektor. Or Lana del Rey.

Christmas Gift Ideas: Teachers

A few peeps asked for ideas for teachers, so I put together a list of ideas with a bit of a budget in mind - because that's the way it is in my house. Hope you find some inspiration ladies to say thank you to some of the most influential people in your children's lives. Teachers.

Give the teacher an apple. Probably the coolest post-it notes ever - Collection of Cool $6.50

One of my ideas this year was a potted geranium in these Gigi pots for our beautiful Kindergarten teacher - Freedom $19.95

When all breaks out in the classroom, remind your teacher to Keep Calm and Carry On - Lark $15.95 (for 4)

I don't think you can beat Lavender Hand cream - L'Occitane $9.95

Fog Linen Work 100% linen pouch - Mr Kitly $19.95

 A beautiful Angel candle - Queen B $19.95

Cute and quirky little nest sparrow - Papier d'Amour $15

Gift your teacher a bright oversized tea cup and they'll be the coolest in the staff room - T2 $28

I'm borrowing this idea from Heather. Cool limited edition tea towel - Salvation Jane $19

If you liked it then you shoulda put a pom pom on it. Man, do I like this cush? YES! - Castle velvet cushion $49

Olivina Honeysuckle Rose Hand & Body Wash 500ml - Saison $22.95 (sale)

What do you think? Straight As? Go to the head of the class? Gold star to PMM? Do tell.

Thanks to Baby Mac for setting me on the straight and narrow.

Here's A Good Reason To Say No To Bullying

My Own Private Letter to Santa

Dear Santa,

About a month or so ago, Ford kindly lent me their brand new Ford Focus Titanium.

Did you know, I've never owned my own car? When Matt and I met, he had a car, and as we fell more and more madly and deeply in love, it became apparent that his car was a gift with purchase. I got the benefits of a car together with a new boyfriend. Win: Win.

Since returning to working in an office, we tend to borrow my MIL's car during the week, so that I can drive, instead of spend 1.5 hours x 2 travelling 24kms. It's a blessing that we are able to borrow her car, but you know Santa, I can't help but feel life would be so much simpler if we had a second car.

When Ford contacted me and asked if I'd like to drive their new car for a week - I very promptly responded that I'd be a fool to turn this opportunity down.

Santa, I'd be pretty chuffed if you popped the zippy new Ford Focus down my chimney. Though we don't have a chimney, so I'm happy for it to be just parked in our driveway. 

Santa, this car is the shiz.

You see, it parks itself, which is an additional gift when you're trying to slip into tiny spaces in say - Surry Hills or Paddington - and you can say: "Look ma, no hands" quite literally as it reverses into that spot.

It has voice recognition. Heated seats (which when I was driving, I put on so Matt felt like he'd wet his pants all of a sudden - naughty Lexi!), a sun roof, which Tiny sampled (above) and a roomy boot. Just look at that boot full of groceries. What a sweet ride! OH! Not to mention the fact that it has a keyless ignition. So you walk up to the car with your keys in your handbag, it senses you're in the vicinity et voila - it opens the doors. And you hop in, you can start your engine. No more rummaging through your handbag - which is BRILLIANT when you have smalls in a busy carpark. Straight in, no stuffing around.

I even boasted to Matt that, for the first time in my life, while driving this car, I felt sporty. Me? Feeling sporty? Holy cow.

I zipped around in that car all week long. Manufacturing reasons why I needed to drive it. Truly. I loved that car so much. I'm still pining for it Santa. In fact, I whizzed and whizzed around in that car, and even after a full week of whizzing, I still had a quarter of a tank of petrol. That baby corners like it's on rails.

Excuse me Santa, but does your sleigh offer that kind of fuel economy? Didn't think so. 

So Santa, what I'm thinking about is the Ford Focus for Christmas. Red Candy.  

Love, 
Lexi

FYI: this is not a sponsored post. Ford lent me the car. I drove it. I loved it. I wrote about it. I'm still pining about it. Santa, bring back my sporty wheels! 

Swoon...

If you're:
a) a Ryan Gosling fan
and
b) an interiors fan

just like me. Then you're going to be loving this.

Apartment Therapy's homage to everybody's favourite hottie, Ryan Gosling - Outfit to Home. Swoon..

Say you're inspired. Say whatever you want. Just be sure to bookmark it.

This one's for you MM.