10 things to do these holidays

Holidays are still going strong (but not strong enough when they're nearly over - well a couple of weeks to go). Maybe you're flagging and you need some inspiration. Wave the white flag my friend, I have ideas to get you through. I do! 

1. Penguins of Madagascar: I know the audience is divided but both Matt and I loved this movie. And that's the main thing. Wink. Wink. Ok the kids loved it too - so it's a full house - adults and kids both rated it. And Benedict Cumberbatch is a voice in it. That's always a good thing. 

2. Uno wars: We lie in bed in the morning and play Uno. Endless rounds of it. And then we play it at night too. And pretty well we play it all day. And all afternoon. And just all the time. What's not to love?

3. Hide and seek in the park: We love going to a small park and playing good, old-fashioned hide and seek. Seriously it's so fun, gets the bodies moving, and the feeling of play can't be beat. Obviously I have older children, so if you've got smaller children - use your noggin and do this in a fenced space where you can keep an eye on them. But you already knew that.

4. Flip out: I'd heard so much about it, and I finally took the smalls to Flip Out this week. It's a massive warehouse space full of trampolines. I paid for an hour for each of the smalls - and they jumped until they could jump no more. But oh man, they were so, so happy. 

5. Art Gallery visit: There's a great pop art exhibition at the AGNSW at the moment. I wanted to see it, and Matt and I thought the bright colours and content would appeal to the smalls, so we met up with my sister and niece and made a day out of it. 

6. Go Gramping! We were lucky enough to go gramping recently on Cockatoo Island as guests of Aeroguard. What is gramping? Camping with grandparents! It's a great way to spend time together, and help bonds grow. We loved this experience - the kids hadn't been camping before (I know, I know!) - and there's a recent study that shows there's a growing concern about development of life skills with 42% of Aussie parents believing their children are missing out on important life lessons by not spending enough time with grandparents, this is a great fix! We explored the island, BBQ'ed for breakfast, lunch and dinner, watched the boats (and world go by) and slept side by side in tents. It was so much fun and good for the soul. 

7. Roadtrip: If you can't go on a holiday - go on a road trip. We've been exploring up at Palm Beach (HELLO HEAVENLY HAMBURGERS!),  but it doesn't have to be anywhere fancy. Drive to another suburb or a small town and go exploring! 

8. Playdates: Honestly one of the best things to do with kids is organising a play date. They're happy. You're happy. The whole world is happy. 

9. Museums: Being a tourist in your own town is a good thing to do. Check out the museums, go look at the botanic gardens, it can create awesome conversations and memorable days out with your smalls. 

10. Drawing wars: We sit at the dining table with huge sheets of paper and draw. And collaborate. And we spend long periods of time doing this together. It's fun to do after dinner too - it can last for as long or as little as you like, and requires very little drawing skill. Seriously - I am proof of this! 

Got any extra inspiration to get everyone through the holidays?

Hitting the road

It's almost the holidays - I can almost taste them. Zoooweee mama! I am tired! I am sure everyone's tired. I always think it's odd how crazy tired I get at the end of the year, why now? I guess because it's all coming to the pointy end of the year, it's a sprint to get to the end, and it's a sprint carrying weights - end of year events, Christmas parties, shopping, thinking; survival of the fittest. 

Thankfully. Mercifully, the kids are now on holidays. 

And I am holiday dreaming. 

Roadtrip! Roadtrip! Roadtrip! I can hear the chanting in the back of my head. 

Yes. A few days trips are on the cards. Up to the northern beaches early in the morning for a dip, a play in the sand, a coffee with the waves crashing in the background. Yes. That's for me. Avoid the crowds, avoid the sun, and we're back home before most people have left their front door. 

A drive down south to visit my sister. Yes. To explore rock pools. Paddle in the shallows. Walking and chatting on the beach. Letting the ocean breeze ruffle our hair, the salt blow on our skin. I can taste it. 

Perhaps a day trip to visit a friend on the Central Coast and explore somewhere I've never been before. Blasting out some tunes as we discover new places and spaces. 

And in the meantime, we're going to go cruising for Christmas lights. Kerb crawling to see the biggest, brightest suburban displays. Those homes lit up with kitsch lights, the oversized Santas parachuting from rooftops, the reindeers grazing on dried out lawns, and the snowmen sizzling in 30 degree heat. We crank up the carols, and Matt, the smalls and I chat about who creates these electrical artworks. 

I can not wait to get on the road these holidays, and make memories. 

This post was brought to you by 2015 Ford Cars. 

Travelling? Tips On How To Nail Your Luggage Woes

Remember when I told you how crummy I am at packing? When we went away at Easter I packed so many woolly pieces, thoroughly convinced it was going to be chilly - and instead it wasn't. I ended up wearing a couple of t-shirts and jeans the entire time, and ignoring the warmer pieces. 

Told you I sucked.

Which is why I've asked three awesome women to share their Holy Grail of packing tips with us today.

Jennifer Loiselle - Australian born, UK based handmade accessories designer:

1. I’m a horrific over-packer (think 6 pairs of shoes for a one week holiday) so I’ve recently learnt to lay everything I intend to take and halve it. Definitely pack light – it also means you can fill up your suitcase with holiday purchases on the way back!

2. Ziplock bags – I’m obsessed with them. All make-up, shampoos, sunblock, goes into these and means that I avoid any messy accidents.

3. Travelling with my 5 year old daughter recently in China who became quite ill has made me realise that I need to bring any medication I can with me. She had a very high temperature and the language barrier made it difficult to communicate what we needed which meant a very expensive trip to an American clinic!

Jasmin Lethbridge - Hair Stylist from Desmond and Molly Jones: 

1. Only take your fave outfits that you know you look awesome in... I always create and pack outfits that I never wear normally and end up lugging them everywhere and suprise suprise they never get worn!! The same jeans can easily be worn 4/5 days in a row. 

2. Check the shoe situation. I always get caught out with wrong shoes i.e summer shoes and it'll rain..cold tootsies not good! 

3. Pack any creams/oils in a ziplock bag. Have had a science experiment happen in my toiletries bag before!

4. Get a medication box with all of the partitions to keep your jewels in.

Extra tip! If any beloved stuffed toys/blankets are coming along make sure first thing packed. No explanation needed!

Founder of toxin-free beauty e-tailer Nourished Life, Irene Falcone:

1. Get into layering with your favourite clothing staples – try Bamboo clothing, which is virtually wrinkle free and can be layered for extra warmth or warn along. The Bamboo is a great breathable fabric so perfect for all seasons.

2. Leave the bulky skin care products at home and pack the multipurpose basics! Think facial wipes, which generally come in an easy travel pack and can save you plenty of time (Wot Not do a great wipe that works as a cleanser, toner, exfoliated and eye makeup remover in 1). Also look at investing in an “Everything Balm” if you’re going somewhere cold - The Egyptian Magic is the perfect multipurpose balm which can be used for hydrating and protection for your entire body.

3. Pack the Coco-Lyte dried coconut sachets which you can add to water anywhere for an instant energy and hydration boost without having to carry around bottles of water.
  

Traveller's Blues: Bad Packing

It is well recognised, right around the world that I am a really, really bad packer. 

Like really bad. 

Not just 'Oh no I forgot my slip' bad. I am woeful

I either pack way too much, not the right things, or all of the above.

My case in point - our Christmas trip to Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula. This resulted in me wearing my father-in-law's knitted jumpers all holidays.

I packed mine, and both the Doctor's and Tiny's suitcases on a 36 degree night in Sydney. And there was me - laying it all out - and any other temperature was completely unimaginable because that heat. My goodness. The heat was all I could think of. 

So skimpy, summery, barely anything there clothing it was. 

And then we landed in Melbourne. It was grey.  Cold. Raining. 

You can only imagine my delight. And the kids. 

We spent almost one and a half days hunting the shops looking for anything vaguely wintery - to no avail. 

This was high summer baby, there's not a track pant or fleecy jumper to be had.

Or take the time Matt and I went to London in November. I took 23kgs of luggage. But nothing could have prepared me for how grey and bleak London winter is. And so I wore seven layers every day to counter the chill. Why I didn't buy a coat over there, no one will know. But I will never forget stripping off almost all layers once I came inside - because apparently London does heating well too. 

Let's just say packing is certainly not my forte. Insert sad face here >                 <

Fast forward to now and I'm madly trying to pack for a couple of days home. I know it's going to be cold up there. I know it. And yet, my packing is totally random. I find something that feels a bit warm - and I toss it in. When I get to the other end, I'll pull all that stuff out - and once again wonder what happened to my brain - and no doubt everyone will wonder why I look so bizarro. Because nothing I pack actually makes sense.

Therefore I am going to take it upon myself to research packing methods. I am going to learn from the best, and then I am going to come back and share with everyone. The Secret Art of Packing.

Birthdays, Christmas, Signing Off

It's been a wild end of the year, and like most people - there has been way too much on my dance card. 

I am so excited to almost be finished up for the year. SO excited to take some time off with my kids and Matt, and enjoy being together. 

I love Christmas - and although I have totally failed this year in decorating our house (I feel hugely guilty about this), I am almost all ready for Christmas day. I can't wait! 

Presents are wrapped, the smalls are pumped, I have those butterflies buzzing in my tummy. I do love this time of the year. 

So I think this is me signing off for the year. I'm tired and I need a wee break. I'll still be on Instagram, and next year I'm coming back with some fresh new ideas. 

PottyMouthMama will be turning six in January, so I think that's cause for celebration.

Thanks for sticking around these parts - I may be a terrible correspondent, and rarely respond to comments (I am sorry), but I do play on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Don't be a stranger! 

Have a super duper wonderful Christmas - I'll see you on the flip side. 

x

HAPPY FRIDAY!

I've got 5 days of with my family. That's pretty awesome. Mid school holidays, and it's so nice to spend time the four of us at home. Not much to do, nowhere to go, it's actually my idea of bliss. 

School holidays are pretty rad. 

To keep my smalls busy, I've booked them into a MAKE.PLAY workshop at Object Gallery in Surry Hills for tomorrow. I think they'll love playing and talking worms, who wouldn't? 

And while they're doing that Matt and I are going to hang out together in Surry Hills. Squeeee!

I'm getting my haircut. Double squeegee! 

I'm listening to that song above, like it's nobody's business, and this one too. 

Our landlord wants to inspect our house - we've lived here three years and had one inspection and they're calling it a routine check up. HA! Anyway we're kind of freaking out because our house is what I'd classify a grade A pigsty. It's so small and there's nowhere to put anything. Someone. Send help. 

I'm Back:: Post Holidays PottyMouthMama

I am back after a joyous break.

How sweet it was to spend almost two weeks with my small people, and my big husband; two weeks with virtually nothing to do except think about what we'd do for the next meal, and which beach we were going to comb for the teeniest of shells. It was beautiful. It was simple. It was memorable.

If you follow me on Instagram you would have yawned every time I posted a sunrise, or a sunset, but for me, it was the perfect way to mark our days together - and what a gift those skies were!

The Doctor learnt to, and loved boogie boarding, Tiny adored fossicking in the rockpools, together like two goldpanners we'd sit and look for sea treasures. We'd walk the beach looking for those perfectly formed balls of sand that indicate a crab is nearby, we watched the waves roll in together. Matt went for his first surf in 20 years, and me? I got the time I craved so badly with my family, to do pretty well nothing, with no deadlines, nowhere to be, just time spent together. To say it was bliss would be an understatement. 

Now we're back to the grindstone. Our last day of holidays - boo hiss - and we're curled up on the couch watching movies together.

About Holidays. Ah. Sweet Holidays

I think I put a friend into shock the other day when I confessed our little family hasn't been on a holiday since... well since Tiny was a bump in my belly. Yes we've been away to visit my parents, and other small sojourns, but it's been a loooong time since we went away, just us four. 

Happily we're heading coastal for a few nights. Blissful? Yes. Yes. Yes. I can not wait. 

I can't wait for our simple little holiday. I might be crazy, but I don't even mind if it rains (but please not the whole time) for some of it, because we're planning on board games, puzzles, exploring rock pools, eating, sleeping and drawing. Oh and I'll pack my embroidery stuff because I can. 

I can't wait to skip town and head out of here, car packed heavily - as it only is when going on a family road trip. 

We're A Black School Shoe Down

We are back in the throes of school life. Back, arms flailing, struggling for breath, amidst the white sea ponies, the flurry of water, gasping for breath, we're back. Dramatic? Moi? Of course I am.

But that's how it feels. Out of my control, a disconnect because I'm at work - and yet -  we're cast back to the frenzy and almost Draconian routine that school life entails. 

It makes me sad to my stomach just thinking about it.

So the Doctor started Year Two today, and Tiny, well she's beside herself excited - next week she starts Kindergarten and she can barely contain her excitement. It's beyond cute, and so *almost* contagious. That girl is thrilled to be amidst all the learning. She was a little disappointed not to be starting today. 

But it's good news that she's not starting today. Why? Well not just to drag out my sadness and guilt, but because we're a black shoe down. 

Last week she got her shoes fitted. This week we can only find one shoe. This is going to be interesting.

Matt and I have both turned her room completely upside down searching for that lone, lurking Mary-Jane - to no avail. 

It's no surprise we can't find it. Her room is an overwhelming mess. Piles and piles of clothes, Lego for me to tread on at midnight, and dolls clothes. Not to mention the leaning tower of books. And the pencils tipped out on her bed. 

I overheard Tiny proclaim to her cousin during the holidays - when asked why her room was such a mess: "Because I like it that way!"

Let's hope that lone shoe turns up in the next few days. Otherwise she's going to be Hopalong Cassidy meets Tiny the Pegleg. 

image  - Walk to School 1954 by Willy Ronis

Movies You Should Watch. Yes. You Should. And One You Shouldn't.

There has only been one bad film I have (barely) watched of late and that was Ted. I can't even blame Matt for this film choice - I saw the trailer and thought it looked hilarious, but, well, turns out they jammed all the funny stuff into the ads, and the rest was unfunny gaff. Don't borrow it.

The worst thing was I forgot to return it to the DVD store the next day (yes, I still do that) and had to pay a late fine. Matt kindly told me that I was just merely doing a civil duty by ensuring no one else could hire it.

Sorry Marky Mark - Ted was totally wrong dot com. DO NOT WATCH!

Now that I have that off my chest, here are some films you might just want to check out:
1. Les Miserables:: I've said it once and I'll say it again, I love Les Mis. And this didn't fail. Though I was wary of Amanda Seyfried (am I the only person that didn't rave about Mama Mia?) she has the voice of a songbird. And Anne Hathaway - yowser. Plus I have a crush on Eddie Redmayne. I give it: 4/5

2. Wreck-It Ralph:: We took the smalls to see this, and it's safe to say - the whole family loved it. The outtake? It's a bitch to be a glitch. Sarah Silverman is AWESOME! I give it 4/5. 

3. Hysteria (on DVD):: I adore Maggie Gyllenhaal, and she does not disappoint in this - with Hugh Dancy (phwoar). Literally a laugh out loud film, you must watch it. It gives the history of the vibrator in a hysterical story. I give it 4.5/5. I loved it that much. 

4. The Intouchables:: Whoa Nelly. This is one of those films that will have you laughing, crying and re-evaluating your life. Watch it, love it, and then watch it all over again. I loved this life affirming movie SO much. I give it 5/5. 

Have you watched any good films of late? 

Home Is A Salve

Going home this weekend was exactly the tonic I needed.


To hit that open road and get the hell out of Sydney.


The world knows I needed it. I felt lighter getting out of this city. To escape the traffic, the crowds, the noise. I could list endlessly why I needed to get out of Sydney. I'm no longer in love with this city. I feel like it's over between us.


It's not you Sydney. It's me. Actually Sydney - it is you. You've changed. And I don't think I like you anymore.


Going home, feeling my way through familiar spaces, slowing down, feeling the grass underfoot. I got to spend quality time with my babies. Although it's a bittersweet thing, this slowing down. Because when you slow down, you get to know what you miss out on. Everything must be photographed, documented, because who knows when you'll get to do it again? And then by documenting everything, you miss out on being in that very moment.  It's almost a paradox. 


It's most definitely bittersweet - and the only cure is to book in more holidays to look forward to. I'm looking forward to the June school holidays. Busting out of the city again to enjoy more time with my parents and my wee babes, and more time for living. 


Tiny clung on to me this morning as I was about to walk out the door to work. She didn't want me to go. I didn't want to go.


That wasn't bittersweet. It was just bitter. 

Listen Up Lego Afficionados:: School Holiday Guaranteed Boredom Busters

If you're looking for something for your smalls to do these holidays, I've got some hot diggety ideas for you. Mamas - let me be of service! 


First up - if you're in Sydney - check out the school holiday menu at the Castle Hill Powerhouse Discovery Centre. Holy cow they've got some ace activities on offer - the Doctor is booked in for the LEGO Master Builder course - a full-day, hands-on, fun workshop that aims to stimulate creativity while developing teamwork and problem solving skills. The kids are in teams and together they work to build houses, castles and towers of strength using LEGO. Suitable for 6–8 year olds. $60/$55 Powerhouse members. Kids can bring their own lunch, or order their healthy lunch pack. Bookings essential as numbers for the workshop are limited to 12. 


Call 02 9762 1300 to make bookings. 


But even if your smalls aren't into LEGO be sure to check out what's on offer - because there is so much goodness going on over there, make farm animal peg pals, as well as a whole bunch of make-and-do activities, mini workshops including liquid nitrogen (YES! LOVE!), junk jewellery making. I could go on - but see for yourself all the fun and learning that's to be had (it's fun learning, so it's extra good). Go here now!


And for LEGO afficionados nationally - well you've got to listen up because the school holidays are the perfect time for the kidlets to get their LEGO on. Hot diggety! 


LEGO Australia, in conjunction with Toyworld stores are searching for the nation's best LEGO builder in 2012 for the National LEGO Building Competition - entries are open until April 30th. 

The kidlets are encouraged to use their creativity and construction skills to build the LEGO model of their dreams for the chance to win the grand prize of a family trip to LEGOLAND in California. Like this doesn't have the Doctor's name written all over it!

It's easy to enter - children just have to take two identical colour printed photos of their creation to a participating Toyworld store to obtain the official entry form. 

Visit Toyworld for details. 

image of someone else's LEGO awesomeness via Oddee 

We're On Holidays. And We Have Gold Fever.

We visited Nundle this morning to check out all that was a-happening as part of their annual Go for Gold Chinese Festival. 


Once we arrived in Nundle we took the smalls straight to go gold-panning. They had a hoot sifting through the soil, and both struck it big, and got to bring their gold home. Once that was over the Doctor said he wanted to go home... Hmm. 


We meandered through the crowds, ate sausage sandwiches, went to the Nundle Woollen Mill, watched the Chinese dragon performers - which was pretty rad, went to my favourite Odgers & McClelland and stocked up on boiled lollies (I have a sweet tooth, yikes!) and my favourite beech nail brushes - random combo I know, but this is the general store - and the curation of goods is inspiring and so aesthetically pleasing! I never knew I loved brooms so much.


Ah the country air. I can not get enough. 


I definitely do not want to come home. 

Kids Night Out

This post is sponsored by Nuffnang.

If you’re looking for activities for the kids these holidays, check out the free outdoor cinema at Sydney Olympic Park.   We went on Saturday night, and it’s fun – we can vouch for that. We kicked back with other picnicking families and enjoyed each other’s company, on a clean, green patch of grass, under a perfect blue sky, and waited until it darkened enough to watch Cars 2.


The smalls loved the laid-back vibe, hanging out with other smalls, and the novelty of lying under the star-strewn sky and watching a movie. It was pretty special curling up with those little wiggly bodies and enjoying this first with them.

The Doctor finished the night with his: “This was my best night ever.”


Running until January 29th Kids in the Park has a whole menu of activities (more than 50!) to choose from an ace school holiday program catering to all ages (and all free or under $20). If you’re into movies, there’s lots to choose from (The Smurfs, Harry Potter etc) – you can check out the flicks here .

Kids in the Park runs every school holiday at Sydney Olympic Park.

Zootopia

I am SUCKING THE VERY MARROW from this holiday at home. Today we visited the zoo. It was hot. But it was merry. We had such a great time. We got there early, we applied zinc, our hats, and drank water, and we stayed 'til 2ish. We saw so many animals - including the new tigers. My goodness, they are uber cute, and amazing, and wow - they are JUST SO AMAZING.

Why am I yelling?!

Who knows?

But the zoo was great.

We love the bird show. We didn't line up for the seal show - but, funnily enough, the one person that I clicked with in Mother's Group - way back 7 years ago, is one of the seal people zoologist people, and I saw her, in passing, but didn't get to say hi.

Gosh darn, I just knew you'd be enthralled.

Of course, Tiny, the whole way around the zoo kept asking me to take her photo. And who am I to decline?

And Then.

I was planning to write something profound today.

About revelations.

Epiphanies.

About life's little hopes, glories and joys.

About how this New Year is going to be oh-so-much better than the crummy one we just left behind.

Except I've forgotten everything I drafted in my head.

Instead you're going to have to make do with these snaps taken from our last few days. I am still relishing my time at home, on holidays.

A few days ago, I foolishly got sunburnt.
We made a massive sand castle/fortress at Balmoral on New Year's Day, while everyone else was hungover, we enjoyed those first few hours of 2012.
After a sweltering day, we managed to sneak in a swim. Well Matt, the Doctor and Tiny did. I chickened out and thought the water was too cold. Tiny is convinced she can swim. The Doctor is enjoying swimming. He never wants to get out of the water.





How is your Summer faring?

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.

Day 6: Frocktober

We're away from home at the moment, and I have taken the bull by the horns and gotten in a bit of op shopping. I haven't indulged in op shopping for a really long time.

And HELL-O! The Op Shop gods shone down brightly, despite the big chill and the rain, it was a fortuitous meeting of my money and vintage dresses.

All hail the new-to-me dresses. Can't wait to get these babies on in the next week. And you shall have photographic evidence too. I promise.

PS - thank you to every one of my sponsors for Frocktober. Together we've raised $150 for Ovarian Cancer research. High fives!

Tiny Goes To Rio (Tinto)

Yesterday I decided to take the smalls on a last hoorah to celebrate my final-day-of-very-long-weekend-spent-being-very-lazy-at-home.

Hop or Rio? The Doctor voted Rio. Tiny voted Hop. And then she decided on Rio Tinto, and was hell bent on heading to Rio Tinto until we gently explained it wasn't really a destination she'd dig on (boom boom!) unless she wanted to wear a hard hat.

And apparently she did not want to wear a hard hat. Rather, she'd prefer to wear:

3 x skirts

1 x dress

2 x tops

1 x net

Yep. A net. She really wanted to wear this net to the movies.

I am pretty darn liberal when I let my kids choose what they want to wear. But I stood there and started imagining walking into the cinema with this small child with a net on her head. I had to tell Tiny there would be no net wearing today. Save that for when Daddy wants to go out in public. He LOVES it when you wear nets out in public.

And Rio? We really loved Rio. Despite having to sit in the very front row, and damning the critics and their miserly star allocation. We three all loved Rio! And luckily Tiny's vision wasn't obstructed with the net.

A (Really) Long Weekend

Five days at home seems so luxurious.

I've been back working for eight months now, so this time with my little family feels like stolen time. Ultra good for the soul. Perfect for recharding the old batts.

We've hung out together, I've sort of tidied, I've baked (and misread the recipe and inadvertently doubled the butter in the brownie recipe FAILWHALE), we've gone walking, we've played frisbee, we've egg hunted, we've tidied bedrooms, we've chatted, we've cuddled, we've stayed up really late, we've caught up with DVDs, we've curled up on the couch. We've had such a beautiful time.

And we've still got two days up our sleeves. Aye carumba. I am the luckiest girl in the world.