Because parents need to drink too...

Once upon a time, I was a social butterfly.  I wanted to know where to go, what band was playing and what the drinks were like.  Now, I am happy to sit down for half an hour and have a cold drink at a pub.  What is important to me now is that wherever we go, it has to be child friendly.  The Boat at Mindarie Marina is fantastic on a Sunday afternoon.  There is live music in the courtyard, a cold champers and beer for me and the husband and a kids entertainment area for our little man.  Richard and I sit close by and watch Liam play with the vast array of toys while we can catch our breath for an hour or so.  As long as we have a cold drink and some crisps to munch on ready for Liam, he is super happy.

Times have changed, but we just love it! 

Creating my winter look, courtesy of ASOS

As much as I love living in Perth and enjoying the very chilled lifestyle, I do miss my two former homes - London and Sydney.  I miss the buzz.  The endless amounts of things to see, eat and do.  Most of all I miss the shopping.  Especially in London.  Back then I had time to wander.  Now, not not so much.  But, I can get all my favourite UK designers and high street stores at the click of a mouse button.  Fantastic for a frantic mummy like me.  And of course I want to look good at the playground!

Bring on Autumn/Winter 2011.  Here are some picks I'll definitely be purchasing.  Free delivery anywhere in the world too!

My Best Things In Life

* Best Day Of My Life
I have two.  Marrying my amazing husband.  I cried when we rehearsed our vows, but I couldn't stop smiling on the day itself.  Overall, I felt so proud to be his wife.  And lucky. 

Taking Liam home from hospital was such a beautiful moment.  I remember eating hot eggs and drinking a sweet cup of tea at 6am on a Sunday morning when the midwife told me we were going home that day.  I remember bursting into tears.  I couldn't ever imagine feeling happier.

* Best Role Model
My mum.  Without a doubt.  I just love her so much.

* Best Indulgence
Verve Cliquot Champagne.  Pedicures.  Massages. 

* Best Style Icon
I absolutely adore whatever Louise Redknapp wears.  She is cool, yet classic.

* Best Holiday Destination
It would have to be Madrid.  Sun, late dining, afternoon siestas, shopping and dancing till 6am.  I cried when I left.  What an amazing weekend.

* Best Way To Unwind
Champagne and a good book on the couch.

* Best Drink
As much as I love champagne, I wouldn't say no to a very nice, chilled Cosmo.  Sweet.

* Best Film
Oh.  A toss between 'Life Is Beautiful' and 'Greencard'.  Still my favourite movies after all this time.

* Best Exercise
Walking with the Ipod.  The world is so much more fun with a permanent soundtrack in your ears.  And getting exercise is just a big bonus.

* Best Book
'Recipes For A Perfect Marriage' by Kate Kerrigan.  It made me cry on public transport.

* Best TV Programme
I still love Shameless.  The Street is another fantastic series.  There are just too many to list.

* Best Album
I could not go past 'Grace' by Jeff Buckley.  Candles, wine, a hot bath and Jeff will always make me feel better about the world.

* Best Thing In Life
My husband and my son.  I could not be prouder or more in love with them everyday.



x

Prada Baby

On Friday morning a work colleague asked me if I wanted to go to Prada in our lunchbreak.  I had walked past the new store on Hay Street many times, admiring its gleaming surfaces and beautiful handbags, but I had resigned myself to the fact that there was never any reason for me to go into Prada.  Prada doesn't sell banana's or baby wipes or any of the other toddler items I spend my lunch break rushing around for.  So, I admired it from afar and respected its beauty.

My friend picked out some sunglasses.  We admired the gorgeous bags and wallets and marvelled at the Sales Assistants, calling us Maam, with their perfect red lipstick and matching nails. 

We wandered upstairs.  Exquisite clothes and shoes.  And then I spied them.  Pink and black ballerina flats with a patent black bow.  $550.  I sighed.  Such perfection, such quality.  I smelt them.  I touched them gently.  I even stroked them.  And I put them back on the shelf again.

I can't justify spending that kind of money on myself.  Yes, I'd have pretty feet and I'd probably get a few admiring glances, but I wear a pair of patent blue shoes that I picked up in London for 20 pounds a few years ago and they are just as nice as Prada ballerinas.

Maybe one day I might treat myself to something from Prada.  In the meantime, I'm happy to know I got my little taste.

A clean house is a sign of a wasted life...

Personally, I think not.

I've always prided myself on having a clean house.  I come from a long line of Nazi Cleaners.  My mum's house is so clean you could eat your dinner off the floor.  Ok, maybe I am not that fastidious, but there is something about a clean house I love.

Which is why I am admitting defeat.  After trying to be superwoman for too long and failing dismally, because really what is the point, we are getting a cleaner.  Who also irons.  I think I am in love with her already.

She was recommended by a lovely colleague of mine at work and I am so very excited about her coming to clean our house once a fortnight.  I am even more excited about coming home to a clean house after she has done her bit.  It will be like having a cleaning fairy. 

Which means I can concentrate on spending more time with my family, playing with Liam, cooking, gardening and generally not feeling so bloody dog tired on a Sunday night.

You see, its the little things that excite me these days.

The cost of childcare

Let me preface this post by saying that I don't think I could ever put a price on Liam's care.  I love the childcare centre that Liam goes to.  The quality of care is second to none and I totally trust his beautiful educators and how they have his best interests at heart.  Going back to work and having Liam go to childcare was without a doubt the hardest thing I have ever had to do.  What makes it easier for me is knowing that Liam loves his days at childcare and he has thrived and developed under their care.  By going back to work I am a better mother and I derive a huge amount of my self worth and identity through work.

Liam goes to childcare four days per week and on a Tuesday he stays with my mum.  The arrangement works well for my family now and I have a wonderfully supportive husband.

As most families know, childcare does not come cheap.  However, the Australian government will pay 50% of your out of pocket expenses either every quarter, or at tax time.  It is capped at $7000 per child. 

We pay $90 per day for Liam to attend his centre and today I was informed that there will be a price rise and the new daily rate will be $95 per day.  Ok, so its another $20 per week.  I understand that costs rise. 

What I can't seem to understand is why the government can't do this 50% rebate for families on a weekly basis.  Surely that would make sense?  It was after all, one of the reasons I voted for Tony Abbott, in fact pretty much the only reason if I am being honest.  Extra cash flow amongst families would help everyone with the rising cost of living.

Trying to work out the complex nature of the Family Assistance Office and the benefits for which your family is entitled to is a major minefield.  I know women who delay going back to work as they would be working to pay for childcare only.  Surely, in this day and age we could come up with a better childcare system to support women in their quest to return to the workforce.

I'm very lucky that my employer will have a new childcare centre at the bottom of our building that is due for completion at the end of next year and I will be able to take Liam to work with me.  However, I do feel for those families who will need to find extra room in their budget to account for a price rise in childcare.

Anyway, my child's happiness is paramount and I would hate to take Liam out of a centre that he feels secure and happy in, so price rise it will be.

New hair

Those closest to me know that my hair is my thing.  Over the long weekend I didn't get a chance to blowdry it straight or put my irons through it until today because I was just so busy.  It was left to dry naturally and as a result I just chucked it up in a ponytail and dealt with the frizz.

At the moment I am so over my hair.  After I had Liam I was shocked that so much of it fell out and I think now, two years later it has really just recovered.

I bought a voucher for a salon in the city at a discounted price but so did everyone in Perth and the appointments are taking so long to get I don't know whether to wait until August to get it done (too long) or just book another appointment.

Either way, I am going for the big chop and big colour.  I want a creamy, light blonde and a cut based on Gwyneth/Mariella/Victoria.  I'm sure the stylist will just love me when I present all these pictures and tell her to do something 'in between'.

Take Five

I was the kind of kid who...
Was the little mother and taking care of my brothers.  I used to love reading and would constantly daydream...about dancing on a stage, singing in front of a crowd or having my knight in shining armour sweep me away on his horse.

My mother always told me...
Good things happen to good people.  And she is so right.

The biggest lesson I learnt at school was....
To listen.

My first big crush was...
The teenager who lived across the road from me as a 5 year old.  He was called Rowan. 

I earnt my first pay cheque...
Babysitting for the neighbours in my street.  I loved it.

I really hate it...
When people are rude, arrogant and insensitive to others.

I'm very good at...
Striking up a conversation.

The hardest thing I have ever done...
Parenthood/Motherhood.

My proudest moment was...
Becoming a mother and a wife.

I am frightened of...
Fear.  Silly really considering I've worked through quite a bit of it in my lifetime.

My home is...
My haven, my heart, my place I worked so hard for but nothing without my husband and son.

The last book I read was...
Danni Minogue's autobiography.

I really need to start...
Saying no more.

I am happiest when...
Its just me, Richard and Liam.  Always.

I hope I never...
Lose all the things I have worked so hard for.

Life is...
Awesome, scary, beautiful and amazing.

Reaching out

I am taking some time off work this week to recharge before things get crazy busy again and spend some precious time with my bestie visiting from Brissie and our sons.  Today we went to the beach and it was so relaxing....aahhhh.  Liam chased the birds and waded in the water and it was so great to have that quality time with him.

This afternoon I also met with the CEO of the Spiers Centre in my neighbourhood about doing some volunteer work for the centre.  I was really impressed with what they do for the local community.  They get a massive bread delivery every day and have buckets of clothes for adults and kids, so families can come in and get it as they need it.  As I am somewhat limited in terms of free time and any time I do have is spent with my little family, there are probably only a few things I can get involved in.  They have a creche that needs painting and the front garden needs a good weed.  I could also help with pulling their newsletter together and self esteem seminars they give to mothers who may feel isolated, or want to meet new people or get back into the workforce.

It pains me to think there are families out there really struggling, who don't know where their next meal is coming from or need clothing for their kids.

With household living costs on the rise and the GFC hangover still looming, more people need help now more than ever.

This year I would like to donate some of my time to Spiers and I will go back and do Telethon again.  It was so much fun and when you become a mother yourself, there is nothing worse that having a very ill child.  These hospitals need all the support they can get and Telethon is a fantastic charity.