How to... 8 Tips on How to Write a Will (Sp)

Meet me. Reigning Queen of Procrastination. Ruler of putting boring things off. Chief Executive Delayer. 

I am organised at work, getting organised at home (hello school notes!), and this year, 2015, is the  year of Lexi getting everything else in line. Tax. Super. Holidays. And a Will. 

Sounds pretty exciting, right? I know. Sigh. Not exciting. But things that need to be checked off. And the chief reason I delay most of these tasks? I feel intimidated by them.

So today I am sharing eight tips on how to write a will, so we can cross that one off the list ASAP!

But first - why do you even need a Will? A Will will (ha, see what I did there) ensure that your assets are distributed the way you want when you die - and saves a lot of ugly family arguments in the aftermath. Because you won't be there - your will will be the document that conveys your wishes. 

It's important - if you don't have a Will, the courts will potentially decide who and where your assets are going. Plus your money and assets could go to bills and taxes, instead of your loved ones. 

This is something I have been putting off because it feels a bit morbid talking about it, and I haven't wanted to think about it, but heck. Let's do this.

1. When should I write a Will? As early as possible - life hands us turns and twists, so it's good to have something written down - which can always be updated later on.

2. Write a list: Start by writing down a list - or a few lists including:
- Any assets you have
- Gifts you want to give
- People you want to include
- Any charities you would like to include
- Who you'd like to be the executor of your estate

You might add to this list later on - so take your time, and discuss it with your partner or spouse. 

3. Which assets? Here's my big problem. I don't really have any exciting assets unless you count my vintage teacup collection - however I don't think anyone else feels the same way I do about it. But when you're thinking about your Will you should definitely include:
- Physical assets such as houses, property, jewellery, teacup collections
- Financial assets e.g. savings, shares etc
- Heirlooms or sentimental pieces - again with the vintage teacup collection

4. Be picky about your executor: Choose someone with the least to inherit, someone who can be the most objective. The executor should be someone who is going to outlive you, someone younger. 

5. Chat with your family: Find out who wants what. Who really loves my vintage teacup collection? Who loves my vintage hat collection? Er, no one? Surely some people feel an affinity with some things, so it's good to find out what they love - lack of discussion can spark feuding. Ugly. 

6. Be specific: Name people, but include date of birth, relationship to you, and address - add as much detail into your Will as possible to avoid any doubt/discrepancies. 

7. Regularly Update: You should keep your Will updated - definitely if you have a new child, get divorced, retired etc - you want it current and relevant.

8. Harness an expert: Seek legal advice to ensure your Will is solid and complies with state and territory legislation. They'll also be able to provide tips, or remind you of things you haven't included.  Avoid free Wills because they may not be compliant and your Will may be rendered invalid - and your wishes may not be carried out. It could mean it takes longer for your loved ones to be given what you wished, and legal costs will be taken out of the assets. Plus sometimes "free" wills come with hidden clauses charging fees and taking a percentage as payment for executing your will. 




This post is sponsored by Firths - The Compensation Lawyers

Getting School Ready (sp)

Faber Castell Single Hole Pencil Sharpener: keep them en pointe this year!
Document Wallet Printed (A4): perfect for notes and readers
Staedtler Norris Club Coloured Pencils: get them colouring within the lines (or outside!)
Studymate MegaMonster Premium Scrapbook: make lunches more exciting by keeping a scrapbook

I can barely believe the school holidays are almost over. Gasp! I love school holidays, it's relaxed. There's no school lunches, no morning rush, no fossicking through the laundry searching for clean uniforms. It's living the dream. Ha! Particularly when I am on holidays from work too. 

But these holidays I've decided to use the time to get a bit organised. When the kids got sent home last week of term with a list of stationery requirements for the year ahead - I sighed. It felt like forever away. But fast-forward and we're just a few weeks off being back in the grind, so together with Officeworks, I'm sharing my top tips on how to get your child school-ready. 

1. Talk about it: Don't go into the cone of silence, talk about school. Talk about what it's going to be like (particularly if they haven't started school), talk about teachers, about friends, maybe even talk about playground politics (because heck, we have SO been there). We talk about the year that has been - and what a big year it was - recognise this, and then talk about all the opportunities that lie ahead. Communicating allays fears and helps their growing minds. 

2. Involve them: When you're getting prepped for school - you might just want to knock it all over by yourself (we all know that's quicker), but by involving your child, you can make them feel like the captain of their school-ship. I let my kids have input into things like lunch boxes, school shoes (but they have to be fitted properly), and a couple of key rings on a school bag helps them feel like they're personalising their kit!

3. Sleep isn't for the weak: While I could sleep for the week, my kids love to stay up late in the holidays, and they love to get up early too. Sigh. A couple of weeks before school goes back, start that nice routine again so that they are getting enough rest. I also wind down activities in this period too so they're not so tired from running about everywhere. We stay home and have quiet days, playing board games and soaking up the together-ness. Children love routine, and love to know what's happening next, so if you can set this up early, it should help to make things easier.

4. Cut corners: I'm not usually one for cutting corners, but if you can outsource something. Outsource it. Officeworks has a free School List Service that allows you to submit your list at your local store - and their team members will pick and pack on your behalf for free. They'll even call or SMS you when it's ready to collect. 

5. Start a scrapbook: School lunches get so. darn. boring. Start a scrapbook with lunch ideas so you're never stuck for fresh, nutritious ideas. (I love this Studymate MegaMonster scrapbook for just 88cents!)

Officeworks has also just launched a new app for growing minds - suitable for both primary and secondary students, that's fun and educational. Check it out! 

It would be remiss not to mention Officeworks support for The Smith Family's Back to School Appeal - aimed at helping 638,000 disadvantaged Australian children succeed at school. You can buy a donation stationery card in store, or go online and help provide a child with their school needs. 

Are you ready to get back to school? 

My New Arm Party - You're Invited (Sp)

I am pretty excited because I got a new watch. You might think this is a bit old-fashioned. That's fine with me, but it's part of my master plan. 

To spend less time looking at my phone, and more time being in the moment. 

I'm pretty chuffed with it. It's already changed my life a little bit, because I wear it when I am walking instead of carrying my phone. I can be in the here and now, and quick glance at the face - and I know the time (and the date too, which is ace because it always slips my mind). 

2015 is going to be my year of organisation. Watch me go (pun intended). 

I had been looking for a watch for a while. I perused what was on offer on OzSale (loads of great pieces!), and found this Kenneth Cole classic men's watch. The cogs started going - this could potentially shift my mind, and then I couldn't wait for its arrival. 

It's chunky, black and I love what it brings to my arm party. And given OzSale offers designer fashion at discounted retail prices of up to 80% off - it means I got my watch for next to nix. 

Shop OzSale now. 

This one time I had a new car: 6 tips if you're in a car accident (sp)

Have I ever told you about the time I was driving our new car? This was some years ago now, but we'd had said car for a few months. I was pretty stoked. I've never owned my own car, so the elation was off the charts. When Matt and I met, fell in love, had babies, married (yes in that order) we got a new car. That we shared. I was thrilled. 

It was exciting times my friends. It really was. Nothing beats that fresh new car smell. Not even that fake new car smell you can buy at the supermarket.

Anyway, I was driving to a supermarket (not to purchase the fake new car smell) and thinking how we had had the new car for almost a year (when does a new car become a not new car?), and how in that time there had been no bingles. I was happy. 

And then a car ran up the back of me. 

Seriously. She ran up the back of my car because she wasn't looking. She was looking at other cars. GAH! 

So I began thinking - because I thought about our pristine car not having a bingle, did my thoughts make it happen?

I was pretty bummed. But everyone was ok. And that was good.

Then I realised I didn't really know what to do. 

Here are some tips on what to do if you're in a car accident: 

1. Ensure no one is injured. If someone is injured - even if it's suspected, call an Ambulance.

2. Exchange details with the other driver - ensure you get name, phone number, address, licence number. If the car is not registered in the driver's name - try and get all the details of the registered owner too.

3. And if they won't give them to you? Make sure you get down their plates, the make and model of the car, colour etc. 

4. Not all accidents need to be reported to the police. Call the police if: someone is injured, a driver did not stop and give their details, a vehicle was towed away.

5. Gather details. It's important to get any witnesses names and contact details, just in case you need to call on them. 

6. Seek legal advice. If in doubt, seek legal advice. Firths The Compensation Lawyers can help you navigate through this difficult time.



This post is sponsored by Firths The Compensation Lawyers. 

Cholesterol Happy Brownies (Sp)

Matt got told a few months ago that his cholesterol levels were not good. Not good at all. 

Not only was this bad news for him, it was bad news for me. Firstly, you don't want high cholesterol. Secondly - I need to bake. 

I looked up what I could do to help him get his cholesterol in check. He started exercising at least five times a week. He reviewed what he was eating. We feel like we've got this stuff figured!

But baking? How could I still bake when Matt was fighting bad cholesterol?

Enter Flora Pro-Activ. The good news? I've switched it in instead of butter, so I can still bake, and Matt can still enjoy my baking! Hoorah!   

This is a super simple no-fail brownie recipe that I love. And because you've been so good dear reader, I am willing to share!

Lexi's No-Fail Double-Choc Double-Happiness Brownies

180g Flora Pro-Activ, melted

3/4 cup cocoa

1 1/2 cups castor sugar (or brown, whatever takes your fancy)

a teaspoon of good quality vanilla extract

4 eggs, lightly beaten

100g sifted plain flour

3/4 teaspoon baking powder

1 cup of chocolate, chopped

small pinch of salt

Preheat oven to 160C. Line a brownie tray with baking paper. 

Mix Flora Pro-Activ and cocoa in a large bowl. Once combined add sugar, vanilla and eggs. Stir through remaining ingredients. Pour into prepared tin and bake for 25-30 minutes until quite firm, but moist (I like mine a bit gooey, so I take them out a little early - when the top is quite firm). Allow to cool in tin and cut into squares. Dust with a little icing sugar. Serve with a strong coffee. All will be well.

What is cholesterol? Even if you think 'Oh I am too young to have high cholesterol!' - you should get it checked. Click over to learn the difference between 'good' and 'bad' cholesterol.  

* This is a sponsored post. Very occasionally I will do sponsored posts - when they resonate with me, because maybe they'll resonate with you too. This is my honest opinion which is why I can blog openly about it.  I wanted to share. 

Get In My Bedroom. Come to Scandinavia

Matt and I gave our bedroom a Summer make-over, Scandi style! You can read more about it over at the Adairs blog. 

I was pretty excited to have the opportunity to dream up My Perfect Escape. My destination escapes the stifling heat, and gives our space a new feel. It's fresh as a lemon! 

Don't just take my word for it though. Even our kitten (Happy - see top picture, exploring) is into it. 

If you're looking for some new boudoir inspiration, I implore you to check out Adairs ever evolving range. There are some really beautiful pieces - it's actually hard to choose. 

Anyway - what are you still doing here? Get over here and read about my complete bedroom make-over. Eradicating dust bunnies and freshening up spaces since… well since a little while ago. 



* Adairs gifted me a selection of bed linen as part of this bedroom make-over. I chose all the pieces. I wasn't paid. I love the product. I wanted to share. 

Four Ways With Three Sussan Pieces + A Giveaway (Sponsored)

 This post is sponsored by Sussan

(top left: I added a necklace, head scarf, oversized sunnies, and some casual sneaks for a modern twist on a 50s bird; top right: I call this Librarian Chic - a vintage coat I snaffled from the markets, some beads, arm party, head scarf bright shoes, et voila! Now where's my Dewey system?!)


We all know I LOVE colour in my wardrobe. And that I LOVE to dress up. I don't know if I blogged about it, but I've pretty well evicted every piece of black clothing from my wardrobe. It does nothing for me. Unless it's my black jeans, but everything else? Charity.

Why? Because black washes me out. I'm a fair skinned lass. And my own private psychology is that colour lifts me. I love colour. I love wearing colour. I think it's fun.

Every morning when I dress, I celebrate colour, print, pattern, and texture. Not with balloons, cake and champagne, but by banging them all together in my outfits. Most days at least.

Sometimes it might not work - but heck, I have fun trying.

So the challenge this week? Create four different looks with three key pieces. The new Summer collection from Sussan lends itself perfectly to this challenge - and my mandatory - colour. High voltage! Really, it wasn't a challenge, it was more of a blast (except now my neighbours are wondering why Matt is taking my photo so many times in so many outfits on one day. Weirdo alert). 

this is what I'd wear on a casual day in the office - throw on some heels and bright lips - and out the door I go!

The knit: Colour, comfort and I'm there. Add a spot. BOOM!

The jean: Cropped and cute to boot. The spots tip me over the edge and give me a cute attack!

The shirt: A relaxed shirt that can go work to weekend.

going from work to meet with friends for dinner? a soft chambray shirt is made more feminine with some razzle dazzle, and the cropped pants get an evening twist with a heel.

And to celebrate the coming of colour (and Summer) Sussan and I are giving away one x $100 Sussan gift card. 

To enter - visit Sussan, leave a comment and tell me what your favourite piece is and why - and BOOM! You're in. One winner will be drawn at random. 

Please ensure you leave your name AND email address. Must be an Aussie (sorry everyone else). Entries open Monday 12th August at 10:30am, and close Sunday 18th August at 11:59pm. 

ENTRIES CLOSED - MARGIE RAHMANN, YOU ARE THE WINNER! EMAIL ME (lexipmm (at) gmail (dot) com to claim your prize!! We will have your Sussan gift card sent out to you.

Roadtripping:: Sponsored

This post is sponsored by Tyreright

A couple of months ago I mentioned to Matt that I thought my tyres needed checking. We're both not 'car' people, and so I left it a little longer, and then I mentioned again that our tyres needed checking. I asked my Dad about it, and then I left it for a bit longer. I went on this merry-go-round for longer than I should have, and I totally know how dangerous bad tyres are. They kept slipping when I was on an incline, and yes. I should have known better. 

Bad. I know. 

I've always thought I should learn to be more of a 'car girl', but it doesn't really interest me, and you can't make yourself be interested in things you're just not interested in. I've heard of courses you can do - but when do I fit that in?

I looked at our tyres, kicked our tyres, and then quietly filed it again in my mind - thinking sheesh, another massive bill we're going to have this month. Sigh. 

And then I got an email offering me the chance to try Tyreright. I'll be honest, I ummed and ahhed about it, and thought 'no' I won't do it, because I'm not into cars. Then I thought about the times I've been loaned cars to roadtest and thought how much I enjoyed them, and thought, well maybe I can give another view on this. But I wasn't accepting the challenge just yet. 

For me, when I accept a sponsored post, I want to feel a connection with whoever/whatever I am writing about. I still didn't accept despite the offer of new tyres. 

Having admitted already that I know very little about cars - I went onto Tyreright's website, and had a poke around. As someone that's not into cars - it was easy. Seriously. Last time I had our tyres changed, I had to ask for help because I don't know where to find all the details to figure out which tyres you need. 

With the Tyreright site, all you have to do is enter your car make and model, et voila! It will suggest tyres for you based on your priorities. You input what qualities are most important to you - et voila! It will narrow down the selections for you. 

Still, I thought, I want to talk to someone about tyres (so they can laugh at my lack of understanding and knowledge? No, no, just for piece of mind). The website has a live chat function. I was dubious, but started a conversation. 

I am someone who hates doing the car stuff because you hear the stories about mechanics and the like taking female customers for the proverbial ride, and being completely ripped off. So this anonymous chat felt like I could extract even more information, while still holding my cards to my chest. 

Jack - the guy I chatted to, was so helpful - sending me links to images showing what I should look for if I thought my tyres needed replacing, then suggesting tyres for me. It was accessible, easy, and I could do it all from the comfort of the couch.

Finally I relented and accepted the post. Our tyres needed changing, we had our seven hour roadtrip looming, and I wanted our car to be ready for the sometimes prickly school holiday traffic. 

I booked it all in online (it took me less than five minutes), chose my tyres, selected a time that suited me, turned up on the day - and within half an hour our tyres were fitted and I drove away - all in the space of my lunchbreak. They even offered to check my tyre pressure every six weeks if I visited them first thing in the morning. 

If cars are not your thing, and the ease and convenience of booking in for a tyre change online, and having the job done in under an hour appeals, then I'd happily recommend Tyreright.

If you're a PottyMouthMama reader (and we all know you are *cough*) there's a special code to receive 5% off your tyre purchase. PottyMouthMama. Now I am making all your tyre dreams come true! 

Disclosure:: This is a sponsored post.  Not being a car buff, I reviewed this experience honestly and highly recommend it, it was easy and quick. Honesty is the best policy!

Winter Bedroom Makeover With Adairs

This is a sponsored post

Matt and I talk a lot about our bed. It's the source of marital unrest. No. Not that. 

It's the blankets. And the layers. And the sheets. Particularly in Winter. 

At the start of the Winter season I declared that we were on the hunt for a Winter weight quilt. Matt looked at me blankly. I don't think he realised there were different weights for quilts - and that our regular quilt was not going to cut the mustard this Winter. Particularly if we were to get through the big cold without major tussles in the sack. 

I know I've written about it before. I like lots of layers. Matt, not so much. I love snuggling down under a plethora of blankets. Matt is not into it. I like both sheets -  fitted and flat. Matt likes just a fitted and a quilt. I say tomato. He says tomatoe. Potato. Potatoe. Let's call the whole thing off. 

Or should we?

Adairs gave me the opportunity to make over our bedroom. Keen to eliminate any rising tensions in our boudoir, I accepted the challenge. 

This is how it played out:

I know you think I am some kind of nanna, but I defy you! I am truly, madly, deeply enamoured by cotton flannelette sheets. Our house is like living in an igloo, and flannel just makes edging those toes into the depths of the bed so much easier. Flannelette is my friend, and I have convinced Matt that yes, flannelette does very well in our bed (particularly since I am not such a fan of the sweaty electric blanket). 

A brand spanking new quilt. HELLLLLO wool quilt. This. Is. Bliss. Just as light as our regular quilt, but so much warmer - and it's machine-washable. Did I mention how warm this little baby is? We went for a King size so that it drapes over the sides of our queen size bed. This has also reduced the number of bedroom tussles we have - there's no sneaky quilt thief cocooning themselves at night. There's plenty of quilt for everyone! Well the two of us at least. And two squirming bodies in the mornings. And sometimes in the middle of the night. Yawn. 

And just like your favourite t-shirt we opted for this awesome jersey quilt cover - it's super comfortable! The grey marle is a win with both Matt and I (I've never met a man that doesn't love grey marle), and is the perfect muted tone for our Winter bedroom make-over. 

I switched the lamps around in our bedroom, tidied up (heck if only you'd seen the mess of the before shot - actually, let's rethink that, so glad you couldn't make it over to mine), commissioned a family portrait by Tiny, and tossed some fresh tulips in a vase - et voila! Bedroom make-over complete!

If you feel the urge to give your bedroom an overhaul - head over to Adairs right now! The Adairs Massive Mid Year Sale is on, and you can snaffle some very excellent deals.

Are you a massive fan of flannelette sheets? 

School Shoe Shopping

This is a sponsored post

Nothing beats a well fitted pair of shoes. I can testify to this - I have an unusually narrow and long foot, so much so, that when I buy shoes, people question whether I really am a 12. For the record, I am. And when it was time to get fitted for back-to-school shoes, every year it saw my parents talking me to Clarks to get the best fitting shoes. I wore them almost every day of my school life. 

My Mum always taught us that it's better to invest in good quality, well fitted shoes, and it's something that's always stuck with me. It makes sense, doesn't it? Your feet carry the weight of your body, and have the power to make you feel great if your comfortable, or downright cranky if they're not fitted correctly. 

Last week the Doctor and Tiny visited Clarks to get fitted for their new sparkly school shoes. Tiny loves hers so much she wore hers home. 

Clarks gave me the opportunity to interview Brenden Brown, a practicing podiatrist and spokesperson for the Australian Podiatry Council - who filled me in on why well-fitted shoes make a sound investment for small feet (and any feet for that matter). 

PMM: Why is it important to get school shoes fitted?

Brenden Brown: Research from the Clarks back-to-school 2012 report revealed that at any point in time, 41% of Australian children are wearing the wrong size school shoes, contributing to issues such as childhood obesity, clumsiness and back pain.

The average Australian school child spends 82 days of the 200-day school year in ill-fitting
shoes. With over 3.5 million school children in Australia, podiatrists estimate that our kids
are spending 2.3 billion hours in the wrong size school shoes each year.

Blisters, flat feet and cramped toes are not the only consequences of narrow or
unsupportive shoes with more than 3 in 5 surveyed podiatrists stating children who wear
the wrong size shoes are less active at school (from feeing uncoordinated / having sore
feet), and 38% believing ill-fitting shoes contribute towards childhood obesity.

I wore Clark's throughout my school career - Kindy to Year 12. What's
changed since then? (Since that was *gulp* almost 15 years ago.)

BB: Shoes are now designed for both comfort and support. We’re now aware of what’s
required for our children’s school shoes, and they’re designed around the anatomy of the
foot. An example of this would be the fact our feet aren't designed to bend in the middle,
which is why Clarks school shoes are rigid through the middle of the sole, whilst flexible at the toe, allowing the shoe to move with a child's foot

I heard it's a good idea to 'break in' your school shoes before school starts. Why is that?

BB: We all want the first day back at school to be as trouble free as possible, so giving your kids a chance to break their shoes in beforehand will make sure their growing feet are completely comfortable in their new shoes from day one.

Velcro vs laces. What’s your verdict?

BB: I would always recommend laces if possible, they cradle your children’s feet and allow the school shoe to move and work with the foot. Laces are a good indicator of how well your child’s shoes fit. Clarks has an expert fitting process, called the 10-step Check and one of the stages includes checking that the lacing gap on your child’s shoes should be no wider than the width of you finger (approx.15mm) for a good width fitting. Velcro is a good alternative for children who are unable to fasten their laces.

Is there any good news for people with narrow or wide feet?

BB: Yes, Clarks is your answer! Clarks offers 18 styles, 184 sizes and 6 different width fittings. Recommended by more than nine out of ten (92%) podiatrists for a child with healthy feet, Clarks has trained fitters around the country dedicated to helping you find the perfect fit.

Any tips on how to teach my seven-year-old son how to tie his laces?

BB: Clarks has a great and colourful ‘Learn to Lace’ card which you can pick-up for free instore. The age-old bunny ear technique has worked well with my daughters too.

Any extra tips for back-to-school shopping?

BB: I would recommend that you do it when the children are tired, so that they’re more likely to sit still when being fitted. I would also do it when they’re starting to get a little hungry, so that you can give them a little fun snack to keep them preoccupied during the fitting.

About Clarks 10 Step Check:

Clarks has trained fitters around the country offering advice on the following 10-step expert fitting process:

1) Heel Grip: with the child seated, pull firmly to ensure no heel slip;
2) Width: with the child standing, make sure the shoe shape suits the foot shape.
Feel for excess pressure on the little toe;
3) Depth: make sure there is enough depth. Remember that too many creases
equal too much depth;
4) Length: make sure the child is standing correctly. Feel for the longest toe. There
should be approx. 15mm growing room (the width of your thumb);
5) Arch: make sure the shoe cradles the arch;
6) Toplines: the ankle bone must be clear of the topline. This may not be
necessary if the topline is padded. Make sure the shoe fits neatly against the foot;
7) Back: the shoe must fit snugly around the heel;
8) Instep Bars: ensure enough holes for adjustment or velcro must grip firmly;
9) Walking: the age-old walking test around the shoe store is still a valid method
for reviewing the shoe’s fit If you know what you’re looking for, check to see how
well your child’s walking, if they feel comfortable and make sure there’s no heel
slip;
10) Laces: when fastened correctly, the lacing gap on your child’s shoes should be no wider than the width of you finger (approx.15mm)

Are your smalls ready to head back to school? Are you?

Behind Closed Doors: In My Bedroom

This is a sponsored post.

I love sleep. Being in bed is almost my favourite thing. I don't get enough sleep - therefore I covet it. And it's well-documented that I really love bed linen. It's even in my bio. Obviously sleep and bed linen go hand in hand. I love them both. 

So when Adairs asked me if I'd be interested in reviewing their bed linen - well I could hardly turn them down in the pursuit of a better night's sleep, right?! I even got to peruse their bed linen online and choose what I wanted - hello!

After spending most of my weekend tidying our bedroom, moving furniture (one of my favourite past times) and re-making our bed - this is the end result. I'm pretty chuffed with it - and so is Matt - and that's pretty important given we share the bedroom. 

And before you say - "Hey PottyMouth, you didn't iron the cover" - well let me just inform you that I like a relaxed look in the boudoir. I can assure you nothing matches in our home - and that's the way I like it. An eclectic patchwork of pieces we've found on the side of the road (actually, I've found, and Matt's begrudgingly helped me re-home), and pieces that have been passed on to us - mixed with a few newer pieces here and there. I like linen to look comfortable and lived in. And PS - I don't have time to iron my quilt cover - who does (however I DO iron my pillowcases - I know, go figure).

So the pieces I chose are:

Vintage Washed Linen quilt cover:: oh aye carumba! This Home Republic quilt cover feels and looks like luxury. I am SO in love with this - it's pure linen, lightweight (perfect for Summer), and will last a long time - the more you wash linen, the luminous and softer it becomes. FACT!

Hotel Royale Cotton Blanket:: Matt and I constantly tussle over bedcovers. I like layers. He doesn't. But a cotton blanket is mandatory in our household - and this one ups the stakes in luxe in high quality cotton. Plus it's oversized so it fits our queen bed generously. It washes well and the charcoal colour is lush! It's probably a little unhealthy just how much I really love this blanket. 

Stella Zig Zag 250tc cotton percale bed sheets:: I'm a little nutty about chevron - and what better way to bring it into the boudoir (they also come in aqua) than with these Mercer + Reid sheets?! You can mix them back with a block colour too to change the look.

Vintage Paris cushion:: Once upon a time Matt and I went to Paris. He spoke French. I did not. I loved this Mercer + Reid cushion for its simple graphic - and love that it works with our whole room.

It feels so good to go to bed! 

The good news for you is that Adairs is offering PottyMouthMama readers 10% off across the site (includes full price and discounted items). The offer is available online only - and valid until January 31, 2013. (Can only be used once per user and can not be used in conjunction with any other offer). Promotion code is MAMA10. 

Powerhouse Museum Meets Sydney Water:: A (Quick) Giveaway

This is a sponsored post
Right now (until November 6) there's an interactive exhibition at the Powerhouse Museum showcasing five new , tap™ bottle designs that were created by artists in collaboration with Sydney Water.

It looks like a fun exhibit, and one that's really hands on. In my book, they're the best kind, when I get to participate and have fun - while learning. Win:Win. Plus it's showcasing the work of local artists - and that in itself is ace.

To get more people drinking tap water, tap™ invited the community to help design their new bottle. Participants were asked to use their bottle designs to show why sustainability is important to them.

From the submissions, the five most popular were selected, as voted by the tap™ Facebook community. These as going in to production as a limited edition series of 2000, and given away to the public via a fortnightly Tappyhour competition on the tap™ Twitter page. The competition is running until Christmas. 

If you'd like to check out the exhibition - I've got 5 double passes + 10 bottles to give away. 

This means that you can visit the exhibition AND be more sustainable by drinking tap water and not buying plastic bottles. It's Win:Win:Win. 

If you'd like to enter, please leave a comment below telling me what's your favourite thing about water.  Think big. Extra points for creativity.

I'll announce the winners on Monday morning at 9am. Tickets will be sent out on Monday night in an overnight bag so I can get you to the altar Powerhouse Museum on time to check out the exhibition before it closes. 

Terms & conditions:

- Entries are open from Friday 2nd November, 8pm until Sunday 4th November, 11:59pm

- Open only to NSW residents (unless you're in town visiting, then by all means enter)

- You must be contactable via email

- There will be five winners. Each winner will receive a double pass to the Powerhouse Museum and two of the limited edition tap bottles. 

Pampering Mums:: A Sponsored Post

This post is sponsored by NuffNang

Last week I had the great opportunity to be pampered. It doesn’t happen very often. Sad but true. As a working mum – and as ANY mum would know, me time is rare time. Big time. So I took the day off work to enjoy some time for myself, enjoy a mani and hang with some other mother bloggers.

It was such a perfect way to steal some time for myself  - with thanks to the new Dettol Touch of Foam – which was lovingly worked in to my mani – FOR THE WIN!

I took some of the Dettol Touch of Foam home to try out with my peeps. It is good. Otherwise I wouldn’t be telling you about it. Promise!

It’s foamy! Super, duper foamy! The luxe foaming formula (enriched with micro-bubbles to deliver moisture to the skin) expands to remove dirt all over, while leaving your hands feeling silky smooth. Not only does it appeal to my smalls, but it appeals to my foam-loving sensibilities too. Clearly I have never grown out of bubble-loving.

Like I said the other day, I am a bit of a vigilante when it comes to having smooth, moisturized hands. I loathe hand washes that make my hands feel like sandpaper.

Plus it kills 99.9% of germs. (The other 0.1% of germs are harmless, can-can dancing, feather wearing germs that are ok to linger on your hands – I’m sure of it.)

The new Dettol Touch of Foam Wash comes in three unique fragrances

•  Jasmine & Almond Dream
•  Rose & Cherry in Bloom (my favourite)
• Wild Berry Bliss

Yep. You can thank me later. 

**Please note:: I am acting like Charlie Chaplin in this video because I lost my voice the day of the mani and the lunch, and I sound like Darth Vader. I do have thoughts on pampering yourself as a mum. I promise, perhaps I can do some charades for you.