Frocktober 2014:: Day 23 - Fitness MotherFrockers (Little Tienda)

Recognise this frock? Cast your mind back to last year. Or click here.

It's a good one. Hand embroidered, beautiful for a hot day. And today it served me well to do The Bay Walk/Run. 

That's right motherfrockers, I exercise in a frock! 

It's from Little Tienda. And I have to tell you a story about Little Tienda. Emily (who is the awesome behind LT) has generously, incredibly, feverishly been working behind the scenes to help me reach my goal. 

How do you thank someone that has gone without, so that I hit my target and together we give ovarian cancer a swift kick up the brass razoo?

I don't think I ever can. But I can tell everyone how brilliant she is. How bright. How she's kept the pep in my step, the sparkle in my arkle. She has kept me on the straight and narrow, even when I thought I couldn't do it. Even when I started thinking I would have to revise my goal.

Emily works super hard - and Little Tienda is testament to her brilliance. Please shop with Little Tienda. This month she's generously donating 10% from EVERY SINGLE SALE to my PottyMouth Ovarian Cancer Ass-Kicking fund. She is incredible. I am humbled. 

Buy something for yourself (I've got this and it's GREAT with jeans and shorts; this clutch is totally on my wish list)! Buy a Christmas gift (Tiny has this and it's unbelievably cute). I don't care what you buy, but buy something because the woman is not only supporting me, but Little Tienda supports Mexican artisans too. 

Emily is amazing. Emily is the type of person you want on your team. 

And you know what? Emily and I have never even met IRL. 

I can feel a margarita coming on. 

I'm So Dog Tired. Please. Hold Me.

How did I end the weekend even more tired than when it began?

Friday night we went to The School. I got home late. 

Saturday night Matt got home from work looking sicker than any dog I've ever seen, and went straight to bed. I sat up by myself, and when I finally went to bed he woke up. It was one of *those* restless nights. Then Tiny came in. Then I took Tiny back to her bed. Then Matt tossed and turned. He was hotter than a volcano. In temperature. I lay awake. Then I finally fell asleep. Then Tiny came in. And so on and so forth. Repeat. 

I finally fell back into a deep sleep at 6:08am - when really, I could have just gotten up, but I was soooo doggone pooped. 

Then I ran around, and went to work. I didn't eat lunch, I just kept going and going. 

Man. Totes pooped. 

Two good things I did today? Made pikelets for my babes in the morning. And made Gourmet Girlfriend's haloumi and spinach gozleme for a crazy late lunch. 

What was good about your weekend? 

PS - I have a giveaway coming up this week! Stay tuned. 

Biennale of Sydney:: Cockatoo Island

On Father's Day we got up early, breakfasted and headed out to catch a ferry over to Cockatoo Island. Much (well deserved) ado has been made about the Biennale, we were keen to get up close and personal with it ourselves, and so our Sunday art adventure began.

Sydney blasted out a cracker of a day, and the Biennale itself did not disappoint. Particularly given the interactive nature of the show. It's clever, witty and fun. Each of us enjoyed the art - as well as the backdrop of Cockatoo Island.

Highlights included finding those two statues at the top of this post. I know. Real life little statues. So cute I took them home.

On the ferry back I chanced upon meeting Tony from Well Spotted. Tony and I have been conversing via the interwebz since 1975. Or for five years. We've never met in real life. But as chance would have it, we were seated next to each other on the ferry. I recognised his Well Spotted t-shirt and thought "Cool, that guy is wearing a Well Spotted tee". Then looked at Instagram and saw that he had messaged me that he too was at the same exhibit just minutes after me. "Hey... Are you Tony?" And so life goes. Shazam social media!

Check out the Biennale if you get the chance (finishes September 16). It's a fun day for bigs and smalls.

So. It's Wednesday. I Am Ready To Talk. Sort Of. (Also Known As the Most Vague Blog Post Ever)

It is true. It is Wednesday.

Life is a funny thing. Isn't it?

When you think one thing will go one way, it goes the other. When you expect something, it will turn itself on its head - anything to not happen.

I am not going to lie. Life, these last few months, has been... Interesting. It's been a difficult and sometimes tumultuous ride. A ride that I have thought - hellz bellz, I want it to stop.

You know, I know, Sydney sucks me dry. I struggle with it. On one hand, I really love it. It's a beautiful city that offers so much. And on the flipside, it's like a bad friend that takes and takes and what does it give me? Expensive living costs.

Are you lost? Yes. Me too. Is this cryptic? Gosh. I hope not. There's nothing I loathe more than cryptic blog posts.

But all I really want to share is this, this is your take-away from this blogging session:
just when you think the chips are down - you can turn the beat around.

Well I Do Like This

Right now I have some things I am big loving.

This song I have loved for a long time. The song and I are madly rekindling our love for one another.

The M.I.A. song above is one of my faves. M.I.A. is one of those artists I love to love. She's cool. She's uber achingly cool. Bone crunchingly cool.

I am also loving:

- more walking in my life. Even if it is just to the bus stop and back.

- polka dot cookies. Can't stop at one.

- having my Mum stay for the weekend - we miss you Mum!

- the weekend is on the approach.

- romance

What's ace in your world?

Yes, I Know, I Know

I've been posting lots of clips lately. But I think I have the flu (sore throat, headache, achey back, hot then cold - or I could be Katy Perry?). So forgive me peeps!

But of course if you're not a member of GetUp! then you jolly well should be. Shake those banks back into submission. Shake 'em like a Polaroid picture.

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?

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.

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!

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!

Random Acts of Kindness

Tiny and I went to make an appointment today for her vaccinations (what a treat!) and on our way out an elderly woman made comment that 'you're lucky to be at that end of life'.

I am. We are.

It's made me really think about the importance of things and it was a particularly apt comment after such an uneventful weekend. That small comment that she may have thought was a flyaway sentence has stuck with me, in a good way. I am grateful.

That is random act of kindness number one.

Random act of kindness number two - I received a surprise parcel in the mail. I love mail. I love surprises. I love books. And I love vintage. This combines many of my favourite things. This book is ace to the power of ace. I never knew it existed. Now it's my bed time reading. Thank you kind friends! (One thing, one of the smalls has taken off with the card, and now I can't for the life of me find it. Once I do, I will email you - eep!). So thoughtful, and I am really, super touched - you're the bomb.

Now it's my turn to bestow a random act of kindness on someone. Look out world!

Old School Skating

We went on a leisurely Sunday afternoon walk. We like to do that. I threw a chicken in the oven (that I had stuffed after gagging, I hate touching raw chicken, and stuffing them for that matter - enter the squeams!) and then we walked. The Doctor had a minor meltdown as he couldn't find his helmet, and in our house no helmet equals no racers. So he had to walk.

This may have been fortuitous because just down the road was a pile of rubbish. And you know what that means in our language. Good times. The Doctor and I rummaged 'til our hearts were content. Matt, of course, stood back. Because he's too cool to be seen going through other people's junk. Me? No way Jose. I'm in there. I'll show you tomorrow what I found - not today because today I am too lazy to take a photo. But the Doctor triumphed over his helmet downfall. He scored this old school skateboard (here he is rad dawging), check out the handle that helps him steer the deck, and gain a little confidence, le old school way.

The thing I particularly loved about our work, besides the rubbish of course, was a couple of ginger cats coming out to say hi to the smalls. We've met one of these cats on a previous walk before. But yesterday, not only did ol' Ginger run out, his mate did too. The smalls were in cattie heaven.

Att: Boozehounds Re: Tipples

Dear Boozehounds,

It has come to my attention that while I've been enjoying a quiet tipple or two, I've neglected to give you le scoop de la scoop.

Yesterday afternoon, while cruising the aisles of our local bottle-o, I discovered this beauty. Those labels, beguiling. Sublime vintage flower seed packets. I couldn't go past them. This label wooed me. You know dear reader, oh how I love a good vintage something or another - and this, this is divine to the power of divine.

And then I noticed it's name. The Four O'Clock Chardonnay. Oh how it mocks me!

For realz, check out this new organic wine. Ten points for beauty! And it's not a bad drop either (trust me, I have the almost empty bottle to prove it).

Baying for Blood

Last night my sister and I went into the city. We were buoyed by excitement of what's to come - the Young Blood Designers Market. And then we turned up and a bazillion people were standing outside the Powerhouse Museum and we made two more.

The security guard was turning people away because they had too many people inside - and they told all of us standing there that there was not a chance we were going to get in unless we'd pre-paid for our tickets. Ho-hum.

So my sister and I stood there for what kind of seemed like a long time. We ummed and ahhed. We could chance it and beg to get in, or make the most of having our husband's babysit, so we hit the high road and went off to Ariel. There's no mistaking it, we know how to party.

The long and the short of it, as soon as we got home we pre-purchased our tickets for today and rolled up today and rolled straight in. It was worth it, so many great young designers in one small space. But take my advice, if you want to go next time, buy your ticket in advance.

Boombastic Is Back

Brilliant news to the max. Boombastic is back.

Last night, once the smalls were in bed, I started doing a wee tidy up. I put away a few things, as Mamas are prone to do, and while putting away some coasters, I opened a b(e)arly (sic) used drawer and who should I find? Teddy Boombastic up to tricks and teddy yoga in the drawer. Check him out.

So I popped him into bed with the Doctor (who was fast asleep) with a tag that read:

Hello Doctor,

I am happy to be back from my beary cold holiday.

Love your bear-st friend,
Boombastic x

This morning the Doctor came in while I was still out to it. He said: 'Mum, this bear has the same eyes as Boombastic.' I open my eyes. Barely conscious. Blink. Blink. 'But dear Doctor, that is Boombastic, the one and the same.' Disbelief by the Doctor, questions, where has he been? Where did you find him? Is this really Boombastic?

I explained away Boombastic's absence by explaining his deep penchant for honey and biscuits, and the fact that Boombastic had gone off in search of honey and a holiday. And maybe mugs of bear. Oh I mean bee-r.

The real explanation - I've no idea why he was shoved into a drawer. But it may have the same explanation as Tiny's dolly's clothes being shoved into a teapot in the cupboard. Tiny does like to do these things.

Boombastic is back people. I'm not going to let him out of my sight.

Think Pink

Some think pink stinks? Me? I think pink is the clink de la clink. Look at it sing. It's sweet and sappy, always snappy. Pink.

Other things I like:

- tea-cake fresh from the oven

- old school stylie Sesame Street - welcome back!

- perfectly brewed cups of tea

- that swimming is over for the holidays

- hugs and wet kisses from my smalls

- the sound of the front door when Matt arrives home

Et tu?

You Don't Know Unless You Ask

Remember when I was writing about good intentions, and the beautiful roses we walk past sometimes? Well today on our walk (this is a constant lately, yes?) Tiny and I happened upon the lady in the garden. So we started chatting. It's nice to chat to elderly people. I think so anyway. They hold such wisdom, experience and knowledge - that seems to come with age. Just last week I got chatting to a 92 year old war veteran who was blinded in Burma - told you I get chatting.

Back to the garden. She told me that she's not much of a rose gardener, but she keeps them going in her father's memory. He was an avid rose grower, and they had over 50 rose bushes one time. Now they're getting old, they're getting black spot, and she's afraid she doesn't really know how to grow them. But to me they still look beautiful, and my goodness, you've never smelt roses this rosey. She pointed out roses that were planted in 1921 and 1922.. I love learning little snippets of history, no matter how small, it paints a picture of people.

I'm enjoying getting out into the sunshine. When it's here. For the most part, I am bunkered down inside. I've been sewing a little, baking a little, sleeping very little, and watching Tiny do the zombie baby walk. It might be Winter but it's not for long.

Things

I've been mixing things up a little here at PottyMouthMama Headquarters. I'm crazy like that.

I'm making dinners the night before (casseroles and curries are my friends, beef vindaloo tonight for tomorrow). This is saving me time (and a serious case of dishpan hands).

I'm trying to tidy up small parts of the house all the time, in an effort to keep it tidy (Mum are you reading this?!).

I'm rewarding the Doctor via a star chart for tidying up his bedroom and packing up his toys.

I've become hooked on Masterchef.

I've found new compact fluorescent light bulbs that don't cast a blue light and make me feel like I'm in one of those anti-shooting up rooms (you know when you're out somewhere and they have that blue light). This is particularly big news for me, because although I use these bulbs, I've been really cranky about them. Welcome me into 2009 with this revelation.

I'm turning 30 in about eight weeks and still haven't completed my list. Better get my skates on, huh?

But before my birthday there is a little someone turning the big four. I can barely believe it. I've spent much of today reminiscing about my firstborn. Taking a walk down memory lane via our photo albums. Those first days with a newborn in my arms. Not to mention the pain and thrill of labour. The struggle to learn how to breastfeed. The incredibly steep learning curve. The fear of coming home with babe in arms. Watching our newborn unfurl as the days went on. And of course, that wonderful newborn smell. My big boy is turning four. I know this may sound strange, but I could always imagine myself with a baby, but I'd never foreseen a small person. Evolving. Developing his own likes. His own dislikes. So my thoughts are turning to the soon-to-be little birthday dude. A mixture of sadness, happiness and great, great joy.

Polka Dot Kerrrazy!

Merde! Blogger is once again at it, rotating my photos. I've tried rectifying the situation, but to no avail, so my friends, turn your head instead.

Today we went to the MCA to see The Mirrored Years by Yayoi Kusama. I was expecting polka dots, and she sure delivered. Spotty mirrors on arrival, spots, spots, spots, and - in my books, you can not fault a good polka dot. The Doctor really dug the mirrored room, and in fact, most of the exhibition (particularly the spotty ultraviolet room - super cool!). We met up with one of my best friends and looked around, enjoyed a chai latte, and then caught the train home.

Fact: The Doctor woke up at 4:30am this morning. Here's cheers to daylight savings ending. Who wakes up at this time by choice? Certainly not me. I'm longing for a sleep in. I've been reminisicing about sleeping in all weekend. These vibes did not rub off on the smalls no matter how many psychic thoughts I put out there.