LastMinute.Com Would Be So Proud

Last week I had a hit of genius. Matt and I have had Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros on high, high, ridiculously high rotation ever since I first discovered this truly addictive tune way back here. I listen to it to go walking. Over and over. I play it when washing up. Over and over. Matt and I sing it in the car. We are totally (well I am) out of tune, but no matter. Even the Doctor digs it.

I am a dedicated follower of Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros. There now. I've said it. No rehab for me.

I'm even more totes excited because one of my friends in LA has seen them play a few times over Summer and said they're just as golden in real life. This is good news.

So hence I went, stitching madly on my large piece of remnant linen. I've loved watching Kirsty's red work. So I tried my hand at it. I am getting more and more confident with stitching. Nothing can hold me back peeps! I love the look of red on linen.

However, in the well-loved style of mondegreens, I've mistakenly put what I thought were the lyrics, instead of what are really the lyrics. Let's call that poetic licence. Ahem.

And just as I had started working on making it into - you guessed it - a cush - Matt piped up and said to me, "Oh you know what I would really love for Christmas? A cushion for my chair." I smirked. As only PottyMouthMama knows what's in front of the sewing machine being madly stitched up lastminute.com style.

Dear Blogger, I am seriously about to head butt you. You know why, I don't need to explain, just look at my image. AGAIN!

A New Family Member

Don't get your knickers in a knot, I'm not up the McDuff. Not even close.

Today we welcomed Ned into our fold. The wonderfully talented and uber generous Jess from Teddy Bear's Wednesday made the Doctor a new teddy. He is divine. Beyond divine. He is incredibly beautiful. The Doctor, without doubt, loves him. Ned is a ted we will all treasure for many, many years and love to love.

Jess makes such loveable, huggable, heirloom-able bears - check them out and snaffle one for yourself.

I May Be Sporting A Wee Hangover

So instead of banging on about anything, I'm going to send you off to other people. I'm tucked up under a quilt, sipping on lemonade, a box of tissues keeping me company. I'm sad like that.

Looking for an international man of mystery? Nan has some spectacular insights into French lurve.

Feel like a weekend trip to Tasmania? Fancy a seat on the fanciest red tractor? Go visit Michelle. She's been checking out the auctions.

Pip has a genius feline in her presence. As well as a piece in The Age (for some reason I can't link but definitely worth a read! - click over here).

Cindy's asking the big question - Why Do You Blog? My answer - because it's like my online diary, I am bollocks at keeping a written journal; and because I love to write.

And last of all, I'm sending you off to listen to some music. Put your feet up toots, sit back and enjoy one of my all time favourite songs. Have I shared this before?

Ahem. Image is yet another shameless hint for Matt. Pink Schwinn makes me go schawing!

The Never Ending Story: My Secret Quest For Rocky

Hello Party People - it's me coming at ya straight from Party Central. Only one more sleep friends! One more sleep until we're the proud parents of a very talkative, very imaginative, very funny four year old. Up there - we're proud parents of a minute old baby. Lucky for you friends you can only see a thin sliver of me.

Speaking of sleeping - both of ours are sound asleep. Last night was a fiasco that I was not keen to repeat. Tiny rudely interrupted my Masterchef viewing by vomiting all over me. Bon appetit people!

Matt and I are madly wrapping presents. Well Matt's wrapping. I'm blowing up balloons, placing party blowers about the house and streamers too. Some of the Doctor's birthday wishes granted!

One particular birthday wish however is not going to be granted. The Doctor has been asking for Rocky (TTTE afficionados need no intro, but if you do, see here!) for six months. Six months is a long time in anyone's books. Particularly a little person. But guess what?! Rocky is no longer being made.

Unfortunately for us, Rocky was amongst three things on the Doctor's list. Ouch. I don't remember ever being scarred by anything that I didn't get for my birthday - so we're hoping the Doctor won't notice. Or need any expensive counselling.

I had hoped to finish the Doctor's scarf in time for his birthday, but I am really a slow knitter. Matt thinks I might have it finished by next birthday (thanks for the confidence boost toots), as for the cushion, it's coming along. But slowly too.

Thanks for all the birthday tips yesterday, we're going for a home-stylie party, very simple, but high on fun. So I'm armed with all these insider tips. Merci beaucoup to you!

Anyway, must head off to bed because I know someone small who is going to wake up at the crack of dawn for present opening. I know this because he told me before he trotted off to bed. At least I get a heads up, right?

Sunrises & Sunsets

Lately, the Doctor has taken to waking up around 5:30am. I'm not the best morning person, I try, I really do, but really I think I am just a big grump. If only I were a morning person, things would be sweet. I wouldn't detest seeing so many sunrises. Or just the crack of sunlight stealing through the curtains at least (between my half-open eyes when I'm feigning sleep and telling the Doctor to go back to bed - ne'ermind, never works).

Would someone tell that kid to go back to bed already?

Since when is it even legal to be awake that early?

Are you feeling my morning grumpiness yet?

But sunsets? Sunsets are a different kettle of fish. I can get with a sunsets. Is there anything more spectacular, or even more different from night to night? How many shades can the sky shift in a matter of minutes?

This weekend? I hear you ask.

It's all been a whirlwind of preparation and celebrating Matt's birthday. Breakfast out and about. That Bill Granger sure is one clever boy. Sweetcorn fritters, scrambled eggs, bacon.. Sunrise drink anyone? Mmm.

The Doctor's birthday in three sleeps. You've no idea of the countdown. Or do you?

Lesson Learnt: Reading Can Make Me Sick

Mother's Day and my charming, thoughtful husband presents me with a new book. A book written by someone around our age. I ask him about it and he's surprised I've not seen reviews. He's seen it reviewed all around the traps, but me, nope, but I'm interested. I like reading things that are by our generation's writers. Jonathon Safran Foer's 'Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close' is absolutely in my top reads. You dream a dream, the dream comes true, that must be an amazing feeling.

I got stuck into reading 'Wetlands' by Charlotte Roche.

If you've read it, please tell me - tell me someone else has read it. I need a support group.

After a few pages I asked Matt if he'd read any of it. Nope. I was a little shocked, I must say. But I kept reading, intrigued.

I'm no prude, but my wordy, it very nearly made me faint this morning with its graphic detail. I wish I was kidding (I still feel a little off-colour now), but all of a sudden I felt that tell-tale nausea, started seeing stars, sweating, and had to sit down very quickly. My lips drained of any colour, I hoped Matt would magically reappear from work and take care of the smalls while I convalesced.

The graphic nature of the book - well my dear husband had no clue! My children had to fend for themselves while I sat on the cool of the tiles. I've never had my stomach turned by any reading matter. Even now I don't know if I can go back to it.

You can read the Times review here. The Australian review here. Or another here.

Have you ever had an adverse effects to reading?

Birthdays On The Rise

Matt's birthday is in just nine sleeps. Egads. I am not even close to being organised. I hate last minute birthday shopping. I like to get things months in advance so that I have time to forget what I've bought. I love choosing things that I think the recipient will lurve. But yikes. Matt's birthday. I had good intentions. Such good intentions.

I was going to make him a cushion (apparently it's all about the cushion for me at the moment, but what else can you make a man when you're a novice stitcher?!). I'd better get my skates on and start a-stitching otherwise this cushion train is about to depart. Initially I had thought I'd use some of the doilies I bought, but then I took a long hard look at myself and thought - what type of man wants a doily cushion? Probably not my man is the answer to that one folks. Matt + doilies is a little bit weird methinks. But Matt plus linen and stitching = ace of base.

Luckily for me, one of my good friends gave me this gorgeous Japanese embroidery book yesterday. Jam packed full of beautiful images and ideas. I would be hard-pressed to walk away from this book unenthused for embroidery. So this weekend imagine me stitching in secret. Commando rolling while couching, it's going to be a hard task, but I think I'm up to it. If all else fails it will just have to be one of those un-secret birthday presents.

Yo Yo Yo It's Mother's Day

Well not yet, but Sunday it will be. And just by the skin of my teeth, I got to the post office on time and posted off my Mum's present (the Doctor and I crafted together for the card).

What are your doing to celebrate Mother's Day?

I'll be leaving the recipe for Bills ricotta hotcakes out somewhere very in plain view. Ahem.

A Few Good Things

First up, Jenny of Sublime Stitching fame was Twittering about these ace hoodies that I am big stylie lovin'. Matt's birthday is coming up, and I'm madly looking for a skeleton print hoodie. There's one from HeadHoods and I'm quietly thinking it could be the one.

In the same Tweet, Jenny also mentioned these crazy funny hoodies made from upcycled blow up dolls. Definitely not on Matt's birthday list, but worth a look because they are super clever. Yes?

An interesting piece about eating habits and children.

Have you been hot-footing it to the markets rather than traipsing the supermarche?

I love this song. Always have, always will.

The Aftermath

The handkerchief has been gifted. The wedding is over. I was the last bridesmaid standing. All the others flew the coup. How did it happen? Perhaps my dancing scared them off. I am known to break out a bit of line-dancing and slap leather. Yeeeeehaaaw!

In any event it was a wonderful day. The ceremony so moving. I never cry at weddings, but several times had to fend off the tears. Never fear, I didn't let a tear roll - I didn't want to ruin my make-up.

And now here's the aftermath. The anti-climax if you will.

Though for me it's all about letting the good times roll.

My sister and her family have just moved back to Sydney. How totally and utterly exciting for us. This can only mean good things for me. Let the good times roll sister! Those who thrift together, stay together. Or haggle between one another for the best of the best at the markets, the op shops, oh such fun.

And me. Well I'm enjoying a little downtime. I didn't get a chance to get started on the next handkerchief, so thought I might do something today, as well as juggle some work and of course - be a mama. Then I'll post it over to my friend for when she arrives back in London...

For now, I'm still madly de-cluttering, filling my house with pink carnations (what in tarnation, it's a carnation!), setting up the raddest track alive courtesy of this very generous lady, and trying to move as little as possible because it's so impossibly hot-hot-hot.

PS - The winner of my giveaway is Taccolina. Hit me with your address and I'll promptly clutter your house for you!

Progress Report: Not To Be Sneezed At

Dear Diary,

So I continued on with my wonky little project to hand.

Dear Diary, I had to intermittently take breaks because for some unknown reason, I felt a lot of pressure with this stitchery.. I'm worried she'll think it's too wonky.

But besides some little hearts I want to add - and I mean little as in teeny tiny, I think it's done. Cute? Quaint? Will my friend know how I love her so?

What do you think Diary?

I'm starting another, and I hope to be a little more lucid with this one. I'm thinking of letting go of the uptight me, the one that's worrying, and just go forth and create. I hope this works dear Diary, because otherwise I may have to take stress leave from my embroidery.

Pimp Stitch always has some awesome ideas. Inspirations. Colours. Ideas.. Ahh I can tap that.

In other reports, I have three things that I am sending to Pip. In exchange, she's sending me three things. I hope she likes the three things I have carefully selected for her. I'm doing well with my decluttering. I've already taken two big boxes to the op shop, with plans for more next week. Monday - Post Office.

Anyway diary, I'm feeling weary. Must go brush my hair one hundred times, repaint my fingernails, apply my fake tan with one hand and stare longingly at my Rick Astley posters. A busy day.

xxx

Saturday, Oh Saturday

So I've soon grown tired of enabling comments. If you want to comment, your fame will be instant, you don't have to wait for me to click back in and grant your 15 minutes. I'll just delete John out of my life if he dares poke his head around here again, you hear that John?

I went to a sale today and bought this most fantastic homemade 60s doona cover for my Tiny. Well not for now, but when she has a big girl's bed. I thought it was too cute to pass up. There were actually three (can you imagine having three girls and them each having matching doona covers - how cute!), but I was reserved and only got one. Just sharing the love.

Speaking of Tiny, it's her first birthday in just 10 days. I can't believe it. Oh how quickly that year has rolled around. Now she's commando crawling around the house with a vengeance. That girl is fast. Maybe I should try doing it too as a form of exercise. I'm trying to get my 'Martha' head on for the party, but the catch-cry 'But Daddy I wanted a pony' just keeps playing over and over. Will the little babe get a pony?

Meanwhile, the Doctor and I have been getting into a bit of Christmas crafting with salt dough. Such fun!

Speeding Into Christmas: Making Paper

I did try and post this yesterday but my connection went haywire.

Take two.

I'm into making my own paper. Well not entirely. I bought a roll of brown paper at the newsagent. I painted it with speed stripes in aqua. They're wonky in a wholesome John Olsen sort of way. Rothko might even be proud.

So now I'm wrapping like a maniac to get everything posted to Perth on time.

However, on the subject of (w)rapping. Did anyone catch 'Aussie Battlers' last night on ABC? It was great. Modern day poets. I've been practising my own:

'Some days your breath smells so bad

They can smell it all the way over in Baghdad'

What do you think? For reals. My MC name could be PottyMouthMama. Battling in an amphitheatre near you.

A New Babe: Birthday

I've been a little absent these last few days. Pre-typing posts so when I do get back to my 'puter, I can just hit post and be done. Poof! It's there. The beauty of desktop publishing.

So. My sister had a new baby this week. Great excitement. Great, great excitement. I get to meet the new little one today. I have butterflies just thinking about her. A new fresh baby girl. Sweet!

I've been trying to stitch a few things up for the new wee one. Well I've only done one singlet. One measly singlet, but it's made with much, much love. It's almost visible that love (along with a few wonky stitches). What little gal doesn't like a cruiser with ribbons from the handlebars. I know this big girl would love one (hint for Matt: 30th birthday fast on the approach - six months to go - layby NOW!!).

Back to the baby. Pre my own babies I used to be so, so frightened of holding babies. They are so delicate. Do you remember holding a newborn in your arms?

I always marvel at the tiny fingernails. The fragility and the miracle that is a baby. About the little heart inside that boom-boom-booms all by itself. Isn't that incredible?

Clucky much?

Hap-Hap Hooooray! I'm Happy Today!

the Doctor - Christmas 2007 - eyeing off the gingerbread house

Did you know that there are only 48 sleeps 'til Christmas? I've been looking at the new Inside Out - inspiration ahoy!
The feeling of Christmas coming makes me HAPPY!

I love Christmas.

Being with family. Eating too much. Love. Presents. Love. Eating too much. That heat. Oh that glorious heat that inspires water fights. Did I mention how much I love water fights? Just a little. Ok a whole lot. I know we're in drought, but one small water fight - most of the water lands on the plants, don't be mad. It's all in good fun. I even like the car trips.

I am happy that it's almost Christmas. I'd better get onto my gifting pronto.

It Was Never Going To Be Breakneck Speeds

But I thought, hey I can embroider a singlet without fabric stabiliser. It will just be a little slower, but I can dig it.

So I dove head first. I started this little singlet for part of a wee babe's Christmas present. This was Friday night. This is how much I stitched that night. And I didn't go back. Without fabric stabiliser, this was one wonky, slooooow stitch. It was more like a torturous exercise than a joy. I usually think stitching is a joy. This was tedious wonky-tonk to a tee.

As a quick aside, he's kind of like a German schnauzer.. Don't you think?

But I do need the stabiliser, no matter if he's German or Herman. Arthur or Martha. No matter his name, he needs stabiliser. I need stabiliser. The world needs stabilising.

So here's the audience participation. If you've used stabiliser before, in particular for a singlet - what kind do you get? Tell me my friends. Point me in the right direction.

This Is... My Favourite Kitchen Tool

I find kitchen tools and gadgets pretty exciting to look at. In fact, just thinking about it warms the cockles of my heart. All those brand spanking new wooden spoons, bowl scrapers, brand new shiny whisks, oh gosh, can you feel the love tonight?! The potential that all those tools hold - well it could even warm the sub-cockles of my heart. But the truth is, I don't really buy the gadgets, I just like looking.

But I do hold a special place in my heart for the OXO Apple Divider. Perfect for busy mamas on the hop.

But the biggest spot in my heart is reserved for this beauty, my (really our) Kitchenaid. She's a beauty. A wonderous thing. A wedding gift from my sisters. We bake cakes together. Biscuits. All manner of things. Together. All hail the Kitchenaid.

Thanks to Sharon at Handmaiden for this great topic close to my heart! For more This Is players, hop over to Three Buttons.

A Finished Project

I'll give you time to pick your jaw up off the floor.

I know. I know. This pillowcase project has been in the works since, oh , forever.. Well at least since early June - and it's not even that large a project, but I have said before, I am a slow stitcher! And my friends, it's now finished. I tossed it aside in favour of pom poms, but I returned today, faithful as ever, and it's ready to be slept on.

It has endured a funny path. It was intended for one of my friends birthdays, but given my hate of measuring things, my transfers went a wee bit wonky (that's the understatement of the year) and I decided I couldn't give it to her. So who in my life deserves a little haphazhard pillowcase? Well, my dear husband had put his hand up for something featuring this swallow, so it's his. And given he's my 'beauty' (and I really do call him that), it was destiny's child - but without Beyonce, Kelly Rowland and that other girl no one knows the name of.

There's one thing complete. Feel proud of me. Raise a glass to me. Something. This is a rare occurence.

Birthdayacapalooca

Greetings! Salutations to the sun! Hola. Or just hi - it's me, the super dooper spoilt one. Just back from my birthday festivities. All birthday-ed out. Suffering from birthday fatigue. It's the sweetest sort of tiredness isn't it?

Early morning phone calls from Perth and Scone. In bed with my two babes and my big man, opening a pile of presents. Well, my little guy was doing most of the opening, I was really more like an innocent bystander while he got great joy from tearing off the paper. A fresh cup of tea in my new tea cup.. Oh sweet love!

We had a full day of fun and shenanigans yesterday. Breakfast at Fratelli Paradiso. Mmm. With my sister (who, oh my goodness, if you're like me you'll fall off your chair, has reaquainted herself with her blog after a two month extended hiatus) and one of my good friends. Breakfast risolata... Almond croissant. Eggs. Upside down muffins. And a missing baby-cino (oh and then there's what everyone else ordered... Kidding!)

Then off to the zoo. Mayhem. Pure mayhem. Never go to Taronga Zoo in the middle of a perfect sunny winter Sunday. Unless you want to park your car forever away and you want to act as a flaneur, rather than animal watching. I hardly saw any animals. Our pram almost got flattened by the train (with my babe in it). But my little man got to feed turkeys, a pig, chickens and see newborn piglets - oh and pat a big fat blue-tongue lizard.

But the new Great Southern Oceans exhibit has just opened - which is really amazing. Well it will be once all the animals are in (hey, wow, some seaweed - wild!).

And there was a pretty new baby gorilla - super cute.

All in all, a beautiful day.

And the presents. Oh the presents. A beautiful necklace from my man-child. A fantastic and much-wanted new bag from my sister ChoccyBangles - amongst other beautiful things. A gorgeous almost-finished quilt from my sister Curious Bunny - amongst other beautiful things. A gift voucher to my favourite day spa, measuring cups and gorgeous earrings. Books. Love. Handmade cards. New PJs. Oh gosh, I am so spoilt it's embarrassing.

Indeed, I am a fortunate soul.

Best Friends

I overheard Noah say to Matt tonight - 'Will you be my best friend tomorrow?' He saw me listening and then giggled, then said that I could be his best friend too. I'm taking mental snapshots of these moments. I know they won't last forever, our little newborn is now three years old.

Today was such a great day. I was lying in bed waiting for Noah to wake up (nb: this rarely ever happens, it's just that he's been resisting bed at night - and even outdoing Matt and I), when he wondered in, tired eyes, dishevelled hair, followed by Bella the dog (they have been pretty well inseparable since we came to housesit).

Last night Matt had blown up balloons. Noah walked out a little dazzled by this combined with the effect of a pile of presents (presents have the same effect on me too). It only took about fifteen minutes for him to get through everything.

We visited a small local zoo, decorated cakes, played with his new trains, chatted and had a beautiful day together.

Mmmm. Birthdays are good.