Alice Becomes

Farewell Friends

2011-12-12T16:50:00.000+11:00

farewell alice...may your hearts desires manifest!

Alice Becomes is going to take a leave of absence from today. Not sure if and when we will be back in the New Year. There has been plenty of change going on in the "real" lives of Nic and Gill, and we are both unclear as to whether there will be time for Alice in 2012, or if she will be changing format.

We'll keep you posted!

Wishing all of our Bloggy friends a fantastic Christmas, New Year and summer season. May 2012 bring you all that your heart desires!

Nic xo

And the winners are...

2011-12-10T20:08:00.000+11:00

Congratulations! Happy Summer Days!

I am announcing the winners of the four gift cards a little bit later than anticipated today, it seems life and Christmas parties got in the way. Alas, here I am with the names of the four lucky people who have a gift card in our Happy Summer Giveaway....

Winner of the $150 Rebel Sport Gift Card is:

Silver Threads of Happiness

Winner of the $50 Rebel Sport Gift Card is:

Moments with Me and Mine

And the two winners of the $50 Kmart Gift Cards are:

Amy and Multiple Mum

Congratulations to the four winners and thank you very much to all those who entered and left their lovely thoughts and comments...it sounds like everyone is in for a fun and happy summer.

Nic xo

PS, Silver Threads of Happiness, Moments with Me and Mine, Amy and Multiple Mum...check your inbox!

Second Last Day for Happy Summer Giveaway!

2011-12-08T13:28:00.000+11:00

Want to win one of Four Gift Cards? They will come in handy for Christmas. Today is the second last day for you to enter the Happy Summer Giveaway. Follow the links and make sure you leave a comment. 25 entrants so far...the odds look pretty good!

I will being drawing the winners @ 12.30pm (WA time) on Friday 9th at random, and notifying those who have won via email.

It could be you....

Nic xo

Happy Summer Giveaway

Happy Summer Giveaway

2011-12-01T12:33:00.000+11:00

this summer, I'll be spending a lot of time at the beach

How exciting, the first of December, the first day of Summer and the countdown to the Jolly Fat Man paying a visit. So the silly season is now well and truly upon us. I look at my calender for December and it is filled with festive fun. As you know, I have been a participating blogger for Mum's United. It has been a great way for me to actively reflect upon how we eat and get active as a family. Being the season of indulgence, I can see just how easy it is going to be to slip back into some bad habits. A bit of thought and a bit of planning together with lots of nourishing beach time will help see us through the festive month.

I have four Gift Cards to Giveaway, just in time for Christmas. First up is a $100 Gift Card for Rebel Sport, second is a $50 Gift Card for Rebel Sport, and thirdly I have 2 x $50 Gift Cards for K-Mart, all kindly given to me by the crew at Mums United.

What I'd like you to do is to post a comment and tell me how you are going to keep the balance between moderation and indulgence this festive season by keeping your family active. And, what will you spend your Gift Card on?

This Giveaway is open to Australian Residents only and will be drawn on Friday 9th December 2011.

Good luck,

Nic xo

The new mother on the block

2011-11-28T01:20:00.001+11:00

I've been finding it hard to get over to Alice recently. She has been in my thoughts. I have blog posts jotted down on scrap paper. But there's been a lot of change for our little family over the last few months and I haven't found my rhythm yet.

I do like change. I like new. A good thing, as new is unfolding all over me. I'm the new mum on the block. I've joined a new playgroup. I've started a new job. I've spent November on a new writing journey.

I'm spending a lot of time finding my new feet and I like the fit so far, but keeping up with blogging is proving difficult.

Movement comes naturally to me. My children weren't planned and before the boys were born, life was about travel and study. I lived in many, many new homes in many new cities and new countries over a ten year period. Then, the boys were born. Still we moved from house to house. My gut is telling me it's time to settle. To learn to settle. I'm ready to settle.

M1 will begin kindy in 2012 and last Friday was our Orientation Day. I listened to the kindy teacher speak and I knew that I want my boys to be able to stay at the same school. For as long as possible. This means sticking to the same house, or at the very least, the same city.

I'm learning what it's like to be a (part time) working mum. I'm learning what it's like to balance the things I love doing with my friends, family and work.

Blogging is about sharing bits and pieces of our lives with others and at the moment I'm not sure where to start.

I'll be keeping you posted. As much as I can. I just need to find my new way.

Gill x

photo by Eugenio Recuenco

DRAMA and the FIRE in Margaret River

2011-11-25T20:39:00.000+11:00

photo from Augusta Margaret River Times

OMG! What a couple of days it has been in Margaret River!

It's all a bit surreal at the moment. Ash is starting to fall out of the sky following a south west breeze. The fire is deemed to be better controlled now, and contained for the most part. If you've been following the news, then you would know that Margaret River, in particular the areas of Prevelly and Gnarabup have just been hit by the worst fire devastation ever. What makes the situation worse, is that the fire appears to have been caused by DEC controlled burning, that got out of control.

Mid afternoon yesterday, Hoges was evacuated from his place of work at Cape Mentelle, a couple of kilometers down the road from our house. As the winds picked up speed and the day grew hotter, we looked at each other and decided that YES, we should probably load up the car with our essential possessions. So we put on ABC kids for the boys and walked around the house getting together important documents, change of clothes, toiletries, sleeping bags, a few books and toys for the boys and laptops, iphones and chargers for us. We filled an esky with food and drinks and paid close attention to the radio which was broadcasting rolling coverage on ABC of updates.

At 2.30pm we noticed a lot more action in the sky. Water bomber planes were flying more frequently and closer to home. I decided to call the Winebar to tell them I wouldn't be coming into work that night, the boys were getting anxious, especially Mini Hoges. And I was getting a gnawing feeling in my gut that said we would need to leave our home soon. On the radio we learnt that up to 20 houses had been destroyed by fire in the Gnarabup, Prevelly township. We have friends that live down there, a mere 7 minute drive away, and we felt sad and anxious for them.

I felt grateful at this time for our iphones and facebook. This seemed to be the best way, along with the ABC radio to get current updates. Our local newspaper, the Augusta Margaret River Times kept everyone up to date with regular posts from FESA and DEC as to what was happening and where. Having this local information really helped. A couple of friends from nearby town Cowaramup (about 15km North of Margs) called and told us they'd heard the local hospital had been evacuated and that we should probably get out of town and spend the night with them. Right after that call, Hoges and I each received this text message:

State Alert Message

Bushfire EMERGENCY WARNING

You will be impacted by fire

go to www.fesa.wa.gov.au or call 1300657209

This was then followed 5 minutes later with a visit from a neighbour up the road who said the road blocks were only 1 km from our house. That's when we decided to leave our house. Hoges and Junior ran around the house turning off all the power points, shutting all the doors and ensuring that our house was left in the best possible way, considering we are surrounded by trees. We'd put the sprinklers on for a good hour, and Junior had enjoyed watering the decking out the back, all the while questioning us about why we were letting him waste water. Our immediate neighbour stopped by just as we were getting in the car to say he'd just received a phone call on the land line with the notice to evacuate, and he knew we only had mobiles no land line. As we left our driveway, we saw every other family (about 5) in our culdersac packing their car.

We decided that the safest place for us was at the Margaret River Lawn Bowls club, where Hoges is a member. The club is situated in prime position, right in the centre of the Glouster Park Sportsgrounds. Which, happened to be directly behind the major evacuation centre where all the families from Prevelly and Gnarabup had been sheltering since Wednesday. The Lawn Bowls Club also happens to be adjacent to the Command Center that has been set up for all the Firefighters, Police and Emergency workers. We felt safe. The wind was still howling, and we could see a thick plume of smoke beginnning to billow up into the sky from the direction of the Light Industrial Area, and some of Margaret Rivers Iconic Wineries - Xanandu, Redgate, Voyager and Leeuwin Estate. The water bomber planes started to circle the North East region of Wallcliffe Road. We listen on the radio and kept on watching facebook as news and photos began to flow in. We were nervous.

However, just as soon as the sky darkened it changed again. Our boys decided to get out their water guns to cool off, just as the wind changed direction. And the fire proceeded to move further south and miss town altogether. A huge sigh of relief. We didn't go back to our home unitl after 9pm. And by that stage, all of our neighbours had come home too. As the sun went down, firetrucks and rescue workers returned to the command center to mark the end of their 12 hour shift. We were there to watch over the fence and offer our thanks and congratulations to their Hero efforts. Upon seeing this, we knew it was safe to go home.

So Friday brings a new day. The weather has cooled off significantly and the breeze has died down. There are clouds in the sky and there had even been some rain in the most northern parts of the region. The news that has come through has been sad. Whilst there have been no lives lost, at least 20 people have lost their homes. 9 chalets have been destroyed and the historic Wallcliffe House has also been ravaged by fire, this is a building of great significance to the Margaret River history. The community of Prevelly and Gnarabup have been allowed to go back and see the devastation. The EMERGENCY WARNING has been lifted to a Watch and Alert level. It is smokey and ashy. Saturday will bring another new day...

It's a strange feeling to be living on the doorstep of a natural disaster. We know the worst is over, but there is still a hesitance. All it takes is the wind to pick up strongly again and embers to fly about. For now we will leave our car packed with the essential items.

There are a few things I'd like to make mention of and be grateful for:

Today, is Junior Hoges' 4th birthday. We've tried to make it as special for him as we could amongst the kaos and drama that has unfolded over the past 2 days
the volunteer firefighters of this community have worked a MAMOUTH effort and all deserve medals of bravery
the firefighters and rescue workers who came down to help also need to be thanked (all 400 of them)
our hearts go out to those who have lost their homes (we are yet to find out if it is anyone we directly know) however we have started gathering items from our home to donate
technology is amazing, if we did not have our iphones and radio, we would not have been as kept up to date and informed as we have
the Augusta Margaret River Times needs to be applauded for their 24 hour coverage and posting on Facebook of the Fire.
And lastly, I am TRULY GRATEFUL that no lives were lost in such a devastating and fast moving fire.

If you are interested in seeing more, please click on the links to the Augusta Margaret River Times Facebook and also Margaret River local tour operator and volunteer fire fighter and photographer Sean Blocksidge has taken some AMAZING in action photos and posted them on facebook.

Nic xo

PS, don't forget the giveaway I am running...

Snack Attack and a $100 Coles Myer Giftcard Giveaway!

2011-11-21T13:20:00.002+11:00

fruit, the best healthy snack of all

I am about 6 weeks into my challenge for Mums United, and so far I am feeling pretty good. It hasn't been too hard to make small changes to our eating habits, and certainly with the warmer weather, we have found it easier to get outside and start moving. In fact, I have just had to pop the purple lady in for a service because I have been riding her so much, and just this morning I noticed that the gears and brakes were feeling a bit sluggish.

Switching to low fat milk, margarine and dairy products has been relatively easy. Although, I decided to can the margarine idea and go without altogether or use organic local olive oil instead. The main eating area I do find challenging is snacks. It is easy to go to the supermarket and buy a whole range of ready made, packaged snacks like muesli bars, biscuits and crackers, however, many of these items are still high in saturated fats. And whilst they might be convenient and a healthier option to crisps, I feel guilty about the packaging element too.

So I am on a mission to get some great ideas for healthy snacks for myself and the kids lunchboxes. I need more variety. Obviously fruit is the first choice, but I need more ideas.

The Giveaway: To help you purchase the ingredients you require to make your Healthy Snack, I have a $100 Coles Myer Gift Card to giveaway courtesy of Mum's United.

Your mission: Write a post about your best favourite healthy snack, including a photo and recipe. Make sure your are a Friend of Alice, and hit the join this site button. Link up your post to the Snack Attack Linky below. The Snack Attack Linky and Giveway closes on Monday 28 November 2011. The Giveway is for Australian entrants only. The winner will be drawn at random and notified by email.

Good luck,
Nic xo

PS. Stay tuned for more Giftcard giveaways over the next coming weeks!

Culture and Community

2011-11-17T16:02:00.000+11:00

Community and Culture, striving towards the same goals

I have just spent the last two hours running an induction and orientation for new staff at the Wine Bar. It's a process that involves a lot of talking and explanation, but most importantly, develops a culture of high standards and positivity, with a "can do attitude".

As I sit here at the bar window eating my angel hair pasta, 15 Harley's rumble past, on their way to their annual muster. They are a community and they share a culture of motorcycles, leather jackets and freedom on the open road. 1500 of them will descend on Margaret River this weekend.

Last summer when I conducted training and orientation it was different. There were more European staff and from a more professional background. And so the training had to be tailored in that way. The community that developed was one of individualism. Whilst the staff worked together well as a team, they generally did not socialise outside of work hours.

This year, we have a mix of English, Canadian and Australian employees. We're all from the Commonwealth, so already, there is a sense of community and comrade. Many have worked together in previous establishments, and so there is already a culture of socialising together after work. What this does though, is create an air of familiarity and sometimes casualness. Not such a bad thing, but it has meant I have had to reinforce with more vigour the culture of our working environment vs the culture and community of drinking together.

Lines have had to be drawn. And standards have to be met. Work is work. You can't mix work and play at work, otherwise cracks start to show.

Thinking about community and culture though, it's interesting to see how many communities we belong to in our lives and how it can be easy to blur the lines between cultures.

I am part of the school community, the local junior cricket community, the broader Margaret River community, the blogging community and extended sub communities from that too. The more I look into it, the more groups I see, and yet the cultures are just as varied and unique as you and me.

Think about your community, how many do you belong to and what constitutes the differences and similarities in their cultures. It's a beautiful thing, the community we live in.

Nic xo

image source

Surrender to the Blender

2011-11-16T14:27:00.002+11:00

blueberry and strawberry smoothie, a great blender surrender!

I love my kitchen appliances. In winter, its the slow cooker that becomes my favourite, tenderising meats and casseroles into lovely comfort food. In summer, the blender gets a great workout. Especially now that bananas have become so much more affordable.

Smoothies and granitas are a fantastic way to get a vitamin hit. Jam packed full of flavour, they make a delicious breakfast or afternoon treat. And really, you can blend anything you want the possibilities are endless...

My top five blends:

Banana, natural yoghurt, walnuts, honey and nutmeg
Watermelon, orange, mint and ice
Blueberries, strawberries, honey, natural yoghurt, vanilla icecream
Cucumber, kiwi, mint, apple juice and ice
Mango, peaches, coconut milk and cardamon

I like to add things to my smoothies for an extra boost. Some of my favourites include egg, spirualina powder, flax seed oil, oat bran, vodka (for an adults only granita), Milo or chocolate powder, coconut shavings, any ground nuts, muesli, even weetbix.

Whats your favourite combo to mix in the blender?

Nic xo

The Naked Man in the room

2011-11-15T02:58:00.001+11:00

not my drawing
image by Ryan Woodward

I tried something new on Saturday night. A naked man was involved. Nothing kinky, nothing sordid. Just a nude stranger, a bald man and a room full of women. A bucket or two of wine was supplied to help sooth the nerves. The stranger dropped his sarong. We picked up our charcoal and began.

I went to a Hen's Party on Saturday night. We began early in the evening. Cucumber sandwiches, sweets and bubbles in the park. Night fell and we made our way to our next stop: Subiaco. A Life Drawing Class....

I laughed when I heard the plan for the evening. It sounded like fun but I knew I would struggle. I am not an artist. I don't draw. Unless you count the bunny rabbits and dinosaurs I draw for my long suffering boys. I don't draw dogs, cats, goats or horses. Well, I do, it's just that no matter which animal I set out to draw, the finished product always looks like the same odd, lopsided animal, usually a pudgy looking wolf with triangles for ears. I find Rabbits and Dinos more distinctive.

I knew the Hen and a good deal of her flock would wield magic with their charcoal...I lived with a couple of the girls in my uni days and I had seen enough to know they would be able to draw a naked man that looked like...a naked man. But, I decided not to worry, I knew we would have a laugh and if I really struggled I could perhaps work the old Rabbit or Dinosaur into the picture.

I enjoyed the class. So much. I wasn't expecting to learn about drawing, but the Instructor started speaking to us of lines and shapes and positive and negative space and I was intrigued. I picked up my charcoal and drew, for the first time ever, without doubt in my mind. I walked around the room and marveled at the other girls' drawings. There was music and laughing and wine but there was also concentration and small moments of solitude. I'm not about to reveal a piece of art to you. I didn't produce a masterpiece but I found drawing lines on a page meditative and calming....I had an absolute blast.

When was the last time you tried something new? Did you love it or hate it?!

Gill xo

What Makes your Heart Sing?

2011-11-11T12:53:00.000+11:00

Happy Friday to you all!
This weekend, do what makes you smile.
Live, laugh and love LOTS!

What makes your heart sing?

Nic xo

image source

Testosterone Surges

2011-11-10T00:50:00.001+11:00

mini hoges @ 6 months of age

This little man is about to become four in a couple of weeks. For me I see this as a land mark age. An age of significance. Its the age where your child is supposed to follow instruction compliantly, get dressed without fuss and exit the years of toddler hood. Whilst there are some mothers who may grieve the loss of their babies growing into children, I absolutely relish in this development.

Now because I have a son four years senior than my current four year old to be, I remember the challenge of the weeks leading up to turning 4. There is an almighty testosterone surge which is characterised by excessive tiredness and unexplained day time naps, the need to eat constantly, irrational argumentativeness and stubbornness and an unusual amount of requests for mummy and extra cuddles (which of course, mummy does not mind one bit, for she knows that cuddles will soon become few and far between).

Having lived this once before, I am far more tolerant and understanding of these temporary changes. I know that behind these hormonal disruptions, there is a darling little boy so full of energy waiting to come out and play.

How do you deal with those developmental and hormonal changes in your children?

Nic xo

Role Models for children

2011-11-09T10:52:00.002+11:00

image by getty images

Shane Warne announced yesterday that he would be coming out of retirement and joining in the summer series of Big Bash League games, the Twenty Twenty matches.

Whilst I am not that interested in Shane Warned myself, I am excited for Junior Hoges. As serious junior cricketer who has a passion for spinners, Junior will get to watch one of the greatest Australian Cricketers of all time and learn a thing or too.

Mind you, I don't think that Shane Warne is a great role model for my son. Fortunately for Junior, he is still young enough not to get caught up in all the celebratory gossip and hooha that has become Warney. And he has plenty of other good sport folk out there to talk about, and aspire to, like Adam Gilchrest, Michael Clarke and Ricky Ponting.

One of the reasons Warney decided to come out of retirement was so that his children could watch him play and get an appreciation of what his life is about. So he's doing it for his kids, awwe that's nice....perhaps he is a changed man after all.

Who do you think would make great role models for your children? And don't you think Warney looks like Spock?

Nic xo

Sometimes, all you gotta do is ask

2011-11-08T12:58:00.000+11:00

the universe has a funny way of helping you find clarity

Yesterday, I awoke after one of the best nights sleep I'd had in a long time. And with a distinct sense of clarity and purpose. Perhaps it had been the invigorating bike ride home from work on Sunday. The clouds opened up and poured on me. It was well and truly raining cats and dogs. In fact, it even hailed on me. I rode the purple lady up the hill, I couldn't look forward as the rain was so heavy. I laughed, deep belly laughs all the way home. It was such a release, to be in the rain, riding my bike and laughing my head off. The passers by in cars must have thought I looked like a crazy woman. All I knew was that I felt so light and free and calm. When the rain paused for a moment, I looked up to the sky and glimpsed the tiniest blue patch amongst all the heavy clouds. I thanked the Universe for this special, invigorating and cleansing moment and asked for guidance with moving forward with my goal.

I couldn't do anything yesterday morning until I sent an email to a friend of a friend who had once offered to lend me her portable massage chair. It was like a scratch I couldn't itch. As soon as I had the children fed and dressed for school, I found the email address and typed ferociously outlining my plan and asking my question, can I please borrow your chair for a month?

I had a reply by the end of the day, Yes. Another conversation during the day with another friend has secured me the help of designing a logo for my business.

Sometimes, all you gotta do is ask. Finding the right question to ask though is not always easy. It takes trust and surrendering your thoughts and ideas to really let the answers begin to show. And sometimes you just need to let all loose and laugh like a crazy woman.

Do you find it easy to ask for help when you need it?

Nic xo

image source

What's in your NaNoWriMo trunk?

2011-11-07T01:54:00.002+11:00

Occasionally, a few random events occur and life slots together nicely.

I've been hitting the second hand vintage stores recently. We ~~need~~ would like a few extra bits and bobs for the new house. Cruising the nearby furniture stores is Ultimate Organisation Procrastination. I feel like I am doing something. I am checking out writing bureaus when I should be unpacking the last few boxes. It's like buying notebooks instead of writing. Or cleaning your room when you have a uni assignment. We all have our own tricks for delaying the inevitable.

Then, I discovered the above trunk. It's a metal lined Pine Sea Chest. It was love at first sight. But the final selling point, for me, was the original labels. The passenger name and voyage details are still visible (just) on the lid and side. The trunk, made sometime in the 1880s, came here on a sea voyage from HONG KONG in the 1940s and belonged to a N.PULLEN.

With these little snippets of information and a touch of imagination, there is a story behind this trunk.

As I write, the trunk is holding my linen and acting as a lounge room coffee table. But it has somehow also weaved it's way into my NaNoWriMo story line. I signed up for NaNo on a whim. I didn't have a plot, a character or a single theme.

But on November 1st, National Novel Writing Month kicked off and I found myself writing about the trunk. A few days in and a story is evolving. I guess that is the beauty of NaNoWriMo. It helps people to unlock the stories from their vaults.

Or trunks.

Where have you found unexpected inspiration?

Gill x

The only Hurdle is your self

2011-11-06T17:26:00.000+11:00

underwater hurdle, by bruce mozert 1930 @ boing boing

What a couple of weeks it has been. Gorgeous Spring weather, Queen's Birthdays, Melbourne Cup and visitors. I haven't blogged as much as I normally do. I've been busy. And I've had no or inspiration to write. Actually that's not true. I've had plenty to write about, I just haven't had the motivation to get to it. I've been living in my head a bit too much...again.

And then I read something so eloquently honest that resonates so clearly, it sends waves of empowerment right through me.

When it comes to following your dreams, Karen, at The Rhythm Method has a little 'doubt girl' inside her mind, trying to sabotage her desires and goals. I have one too, except I call mine 'interfering ego'. And, rather than running from my dreams, 'interfering ego' hurls me at them a thousand miles and hour, then just when I think I am about to reach it, 'interfering ego' steps in like an underwater hurdle, and sends me crashing down to the ocean floor.

I've been following a dream for twelve years. It has evolved and changed a bit over the years, but the essence of the dream is the same. Essentially, I want to work as a Wellness Therapist or Coach, incorporating the Massage and Bodywork that I do with general everyday wellness advice and assistance combined with writing. Sounds pretty straight forward doesn't it. And you know, I've made several attempts to achieve this dream over the past twleve years or so, but I let other things step in the way...children, going back to uni, working in hopsitality, money and the 'Interfering Ego'.

This week I've found myself at a real low point, as it often happens when you don't fulfill your dreams and passions. I've had enough of my work at the Winebar. Let's face it, working around all that booze and rich food really doesn't constitute good wellbeing. And sure, I am helping ot make people feel good, but its false and fake good, and all it does is help to keep my Ego in a place of comfort - people like coming to wine and dine when I am managing the place, I am good fun and give off a welcoming energy. However, this is all at a cost. 18 months ago, I came back to work in hospitality because I needed the extra income and knew that the socialness of the job would create some good opportunities for networking. And it has. It's not all negative though. I've had the opportunity to write wine reviews for the local paper, which has been confidence boosting - although I'd rather be writing about ways to prevent RSI through massage and stretching.

So where does this get me, and what is the point of all my ramblings here on a Sunday? Well, my gratitude towards Karen for writing her piece on dreams last week has really spurred me along. Three days away from the Winebar and some intense mediations,affirmations, dreams and lot's of flower essences has revved me up to write a business plan. And set some important goals, which are helping to get me through the shifts at the Winebar. As much as I want to just quit and run, I have to be sensible in order for my dreams and goals to be achieved. My vison board has pride of place again above my desk. The writing of my business plan has so far been easy and free flowing (and this has never happened before, it's alwasy been so hard to get out of my head). I feel lighter for knowing that I am being the best I can be and working towards achieving my dream.

We all have dreams we want to pursue, and we all have a little doubt or an Ego that wants to pull us back, but I know if we continue to run from our dreams all the time, we will never reach that happy place.

The only real hurdle in life is your self...you can be all that you want to be!

Nic xo

Dessert for Breakfast?

2011-11-03T01:12:00.001+11:00

rice pudding for breakfast, yummo!

I love to eat dessert for breakfast. Sometimes it could be a piece of chocolate cake with my espresso, or a scoop of trifle with my morning earl grey. The problem with eating dessert for breakfast though, is that they are often quite high in sugar, and chocolate!

One of my favourite desserts that I posted about here is Apple Crumble. Served warm or cold with a big scoop of vanilla yoghurt makes for a tasty and nutricious breakfast.

My new favourite dessert breakfast though, is this really easy rice pudding.

1/3 cup short grain rice
2 cups of low fat milk
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon grated orange rind
1/4 cup chopped dried apple
1/4 cup sultanas
Sprinkle of nutmeg

Preheat oven to 160. In a 4 cup pie dish, mix all ingredients except the spice. Sprinkle nutmeg on top and bake for 1-1 1/2 hours until the rice has absorbed most of the liquid. Serve hot or cold.

I served this for breakfast cold with some stewed rhubarb and vanilla yoghurt. And the boys loved it too.

Do you sometimes eat dessert for breakfast? Whats your favourite?

Nic xo

image sourced here

Where the Fairies Play

2011-11-02T20:42:00.000+11:00

With the sun shining, and bees buzzing, we took a drive East. We followed a road that led to a Glen along Rosa's path, to a favorite place with many treasures.

Gravel tracks and soaring gums, a farm of many delights. Geese and chickens came down to greet, the emu stared us down. The friendly birds of blue with songs so sweet guided us to a special place, where the fairies play.

Don't you just love spring?

Nic xo

It's The End Of The World As We Know It (and I Feel Fine...)

2011-10-31T01:04:00.000+11:00

In 2005, MM and I drove across the southern coast of Spain with another four of our friends. It was sweet. Our days were spent driving along beautiful coast lines, our evenings were filled with BBQ seafood dinners and Amaretto Sours. Somehow I became the main Communicator on the trip. Not because I could speak Spanish but because I was the one who didn't mind looking like a foreign fool. With my pocket Spanish Dictionary, lots of dramatic gesturing and the odd friendly smile thrown in, I could communicate the bare necessities: 6 beds for 2 nights please, 6 beers please, where is the toilet please etc

A couple of weeks into our trip, on one overcast morning, we were bickering about our next destination. We were getting on each others' nerves. Many, many days spent stuffed inside a Spanish tin can car will do that to even the tightest group of buddies. Somehow, I'm still not quite sure how, we ended up in Gibraltar, a British Territory. It's known for its Big Rock and this landmark appealed to the blokes in our group. I had about as much interest in seeing the Big Rock, as I did in the Big Banana, Giant Ram or the Big Cheese. (Whether interested or not, I have somehow managed to see all of these Big Things).

Anyway, we have a photograph of the 6 of us sitting on The Rock Of Gibraltar. Looking very pissed off, yes, but still, together.

As we made our way down from The Rock, we found a little plaque of Gibraltar's history. We perked up a little as we read. The ancient Greeks had believed that Gibraltar was the end of the world. Here we were, the 6 of us, standing at the tip of Gibraltar, the very same point the ancient Greeks had stood. We understood why they had felt they were staring at the world's end. Through the overcast sky, we could just make out a vague outline in the distance. It could have been anything. We knew it was Morocco. But we imagined the bravery of the explorers, who hundreds of years before us, ventured from this very same spot, not knowing Africa lay before them. For all they knew, they could find themselves falling off the edge of the world. We imagined how they felt when instead they found themselves in Morocco, a whole new world, full of new colours and tastes and smells. It may as well have been the end of the world for them, I am sure. The end of the world as they knew it. Even now, England to Morocco is Scampi and Chips to Tagines. It's still a whole new experience.

I guess that is what makes a journey so exciting. Whether you know where you are going or whether you stumble upon something by chance. Study and travel were the paths I chose in my early twenties. Life was made up of small but progressive changes and these led me to where I am today.

Motherhood, though? Well, that's been like sailing off the edge of the world. The girl who chose to wing it through Spain seems a long way a way. It's definitely been the end of the world as I knew it. But the exploration has been worth it.

What's been your "end of the world as you know it" moment? I don't think it's reduced to Parenthood!

Gill xo

P.S Isn't this a great song??

Skip to the Loo My Darling

2011-10-27T13:39:00.000+11:00

heart rate raising fun for everyone!

I've add a few new activities to our family fitness play this week. Following on from my post for Mum's United last week, I was inspired by the comments I received. In particular one from Gill who said that her mum used to skip every morning, 1000 times. This took me back to my school yard days, and participating in Jump Rope for Heart. Great fun, think eighties short sport shorts, long socks and piggy tails.

Junior has been jumping rope every morning at school before they get into the days learning. He has loved the fact that I went out and purchased four skippping ropes, one for each family member. Mini Hoges has struggled a bit, as you would expect with a four year old. And Hoges and I have been quite competitive in challenging each other to see who can do a double or triple jump.

Using the skipping rope reminded me of other school yard games I spent hours playing. Elastics. Do your remember this one? England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales. Inside, outside, puppy dog tails. The boys have really been enjoying this game, and it ends up with us all in fits of giggles as they both seem to manage to get themselves tangled up in the elastic.

Hopscotch has also made a permanent feature on our driveway, until the rain came by and washed it away this morning!

What childhood games did you play at school that you could share with your kids to get you all moving together?

Nic xo

image source

Singles Mums doing it for themselves

2011-10-26T11:44:00.002+11:00

Omily Gomp

We are getting to know our new local community and so far, I'm loving it.

As Sunday mornings seem to be a good time for moseying, that's exactly what we did this Sunday gone. We ended up at our local markets. I wasn't sure what to expect. I thought it would be too lucky to have a wonderful market, just a 5 minute walk from our front door.

As it turns out, we are lucky.

There were plenty of wonderful little local discoveries to be made but my favorite on the day? A business created by sisters, a couple of single mothers who are combining their skills to support their families by doing something they love. They operate under the delightful name of Omily Gomp and I fell in love with their products made from re-cycled children's books. Cinderella Bunting, Book Stools made from book ends and beautiful vintage prints.

To be honest, the images on their Madeit store don't do their products justice. I couldn't tear my eyes away from their market stall. I love Children's Books and with so many products produced from vintage story books, it's no wonder I loved their work.

I like what these ladies are making but I love what these ladies are doing. Sisters doing it for themselves.

No quirky question from me today. If you want to check out some cute, re purposed treasures for the kids' room, check out OmilyGomp

Gill xo

Star Gazing and Dream Creating

2011-10-25T03:55:00.002+11:00

the universe watching me watching the universe

Growing up, I often had the sense that we are not alone. I couldn't place my finger on exactly what that sensation was, but it was definitely of sixth sensory nature. I would often spend hours at night time, laying in my bed and gazing up at the stars through the curtains until I fell asleep. My imagination would be running wild with thoughts of other entities - those of an alien nature and those of a more spiritual nature, something was out there. My younger self was certain of it.

One of my strongest thoughts was that our world, the earth, was merely just a fingment of someone else's imagination. That we are someone elses dream. And that our dreams and thoughts were insights into other worlds and universes, other dimensions.

Maybe it is the product of being a child of the eighties, and having a very creative imagination. The movie world certainly helped with Ghostbusters, ET, Star Wars and Back to the Future. And lets not forget the Tanner family and their furry creature Alf. And Fraggle Rock. Imagine what the thought of little creatures living under ground in their own universe did for my imagination!

I have recently learnt that my eldest child is beginning to think about such phenomena as well. At the ripe age of eight, he is beginning to explore his place in the universe and he too wonders if there is something more...I am treasuring the moments we have together talking about a bigger picture. We've been exploring the Solar System and he has developed a fondness for crystals and stones and often talks to me about their powers.

The passing of a loved one earlier in the year has enhanced his thought processes on the more spiritual aspects of life. The enthusiasm he has to believe in something more excites me greatly as I know he will be able to dream and create any life he chooses, and that it is his belief and wonderment that will help get him through life's challenges.

Do you often look to the nights sky and wonder....

Nic xo

Rebel Girl

2011-10-24T02:14:00.000+11:00

do you stop at red lights?

I was driving to work ( Work. Yes, it's weird just typing that) last Thursday, down one of the main roads in Perth and for whatever reason, the traffic lights were out. Cars were edging about carefully, precariously following the car in front. Drivers wondering whether to stop and let the person across turn right. I went along with the crowd obediently. As much as I like the idea of rebelling against authority, I am actually a stickler for rules. But then, suddenly, a non-stickler in the mix! A late for work, impatient driver aggressively lurched his car into oncoming traffic. I gasped in annoyance and shock. The traffic Status Quo was broken. All of a sudden, cars were coming from all directions. No one knew what to do.

My son is forever wondering why we have rules. But why, Mummy? Why do we stop at the red light? Why do we go on the green? My response is usually something along the lines of "living in a society means agreeing to rules that makes our lives safer, easier, fairer, blah, blah, blah".

I don't want my son to blindly follow every rule that comes his way. I'd like him to know that sometimes rules may need to be broken. But I don't want him to be that guy running the red light in a fit of road rage.

There are people who break rules. There are people who follow rules. There are people who are thrown into a fit of chaos when the traffic lights are out. Some people need to be told what to do. We all know what happens when the rules are there are no rules. Lord of the Flies, anyone?

Are you a rule breaker? What do you teach your children about rules and why we have them?

Gill xo

image of Bikini Kill found here

The Ultimate Alice

2011-10-21T12:30:00.000+11:00

It's Guest Post Friday again and this week we have Multiple Mum dropping by and sharing her thoughts on Alice. MultipleMum blogs about frugality, green living, parenting, and other musings at And then there were four.She has four children, aged 6 and younger, including a set of boy/girl twins and works outside of the home 3 days a week. There is never a dull moment in her busy and contented life.

the ultimate alice

I watch the United States of Tara. I dig it. I have always been fascinated with Multiple Personality Syndrome (now known as Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)) since I read the story of Sybil last century. Imagine what it would be like to have different ‘people’ inside your own head!? Imagine what it would be like to lead several lives all at once? Exciting and scary all wrapped up in mental.

Toni Colette is spectacular in the role of Tara, with her six ‘alters’. She has the completely bonkable John Corbett as her husband, Max and two fabulous unknown-to-me actors playing her children; ditzy but ever-so-cute Kate and gay and pensive Marshall. It is an entertaining series. A dysfunctional family trying to live the American dream.

One of Tara’s alters is prim and proper and slightly formal. She is organised. She is perfectly groomed. She is autonomous and self-motivated. She is opinionated, bossy and judgemental. She is super girlie. She is Tara’s oldest ‘alter’ and comes to ‘rescue’ Tara when Tara’s life spins out of control.

It is no surprise to me that they named this character ‘Alice’. She *is* the ultimate Alice. The 1950s housewife.

Alices are accomplished. They are creative. The create opportunities and beautiful spaces. They have excellent taste for gorgeous adornments. They have ladylike pastimes such as crochet and needlework. They are family orientated and organised and follow routines.

But they err on the side of perfection. Straight lines and neat boxes. Alices create order.

Alices can induce resentment for mere mortals. They clean your plate before you have finished dinner. They keep their houses tidy, despite having young children just like you. They exercise three times a week, eat a nutritious diet, pamper their husbands, take care of their friends, read nightly stories to their children, complete all their chores and still manage to get to bed before 9.30pm. They are the super Mums and uber wives of yesteryear.

If truth be told, I need a bit more of Alice in me. If I had DID, I would opt to have an alter just like ‘Alice’. Life could be a lot better for my family if I could embrace find my inner Alice. Clean. Organised. Well-presented.

But I rebel against her very nature. The order bothers my chaotic mind. The routine sends me spare with boredom. The structure saps my inspiration. And the perfectly choiffed hair, made up face and pressed dresses are beyond me.

Do you think you can just take the good parts of Alice and discard the rest? Or do you think that Alices are an all or nothing deal?

I'd like to think that I have taken the good parts of Alice...especially those gorgeous fifties dresses! However, I definitely need to take a leaf out of her super organised, super clean and super domesticated book. But then again, I have far too many other interests to tend to...like blogging, brooching and eating out! And maybe the Ultimate Alice is more of a myth than a reality.

Thanks for stopping by Multiple Mum, do come again!

Really ticking me off

2011-10-19T10:49:00.002+11:00

jamie oliver's fish pie, so easy and healthy

Ever since I joined up to the Heart Foundations Mum's United project, I have been seeing the red tick everywhere. I was a bit surprised really, because I didn't realise that a lot of the products I already buy have the Heart Foundation, red tick approval. That's a big tick for me.

Last Monday I launched my new low fat challenge to get the family consuming less saturated fats and get us all moving more.

The week saw us walking to the skatepark and busting out a few tricks on our boards and scooters, bike riding on the Rails to Trails track - there are so many wild flowers out at the moment, beach walking and our new favourite family activity, street cricket, of the 'tip and run' variety of course!

On the food front, it's been easier than I thought. I have not consumed any chocolate since last Mondays' post (unless you include the cocoa in my skinny mocha) and to satisfy those chocolate cravings I have in the evening, I have been having a warm milo made with hot water and a tablespoon of skim milk. The boys and I have been having porridge for breakfast every morning and avocado crackers for morning or afternoon tea.

Fish has made a big comeback to our diet. In fact this weekend I was craving fish like flesh deprived shark. Friday night was the meal for one smoked salmon, poached egg number, Saturday night was homemade fish and chips and salad using red tick lightlycrumbed fish and red tick home style frozen chips, Sunday night I worked and had the half crumb whiting fillet and citrus salad off the menu (delish!) and Monday night I made a fish pie using salmon, scallops, prawns and snapper pieces. I used Jamie Oliver's recipe.

I have used margarine successfully with baking, you can't tell the difference, and I bought a heart tick low fat vintage cheddar, which is going to take a while for me to get used to. I have been spoilt livingin the country and having had access to some amazing full fat triple cream cheeses, but everything in moderation I say!

If you were to open your fridge and pantry right now, how many products would you find that had the Heart Foundations red tick? I had at least 40%, and that was without making a conscious effort to buy red tick products.

Nic xo